Bao

*Ribbit, ribbit ribbit... Ribbit ribbit ribbit.*

*Ribbit, ribbit ribbit... Ribbit ribbit ribbit.*

ANYWAYS I WAS GONNA SEND THIS TO ZI BUT HE HAS HIS ASKS CLOSED (probably for the best)

*BIG POOF OF MAGIC AS AN ADULT ZI APPEARS IN A CLOUD OF SMOKE THAT DISSIPATES AFTER HE APPEARS*

....sweet fucking Buddha.

*Bao sees the familiar features of his own face, but slightly different. The man in front of him is definitely older than him, definitely the rough age of 35, as intended(?) but yet he still held Bao’s recognizable features, the longer ears, black sclera, and flat nose. His hair was long like Bao’s, but he had bangs and tied it low and looser.*

*But there was a greener glow to this man’s eye, a variation to his physique that Bao never felt comfortable having, there was a bit more muscle on him. He looked separate from Bao, like Conner Kent instead of Clark Kent.*

*His son still looked like him, even as an adult.*

*He still chose to look like him.*

*He seemed to have maintained the habit of taking Bao’s clothes, he was basically wearing Bao’s clothes but more tailored to fit his style. He had flexible boots on, probably some form of comfortable combat boots, they would be easy to move in. They were dark red, like Baos sandles.*

*He had a more quiet demeanor than Bao usually had, like he was a watcher first, while Bao was forthcoming on most topics and tended to talk more.*

They smelt the same. Exactly the same, in a way that couldn't be faked.

That was Bao's baby.*

You're... So big.

*Slowly, Bao guided little Zi into curling up against a pillow, standing and sitting up from the sofa to face big Zi properly. It was certainly one way to start a morning. Who needed TV when you had living room time travel?*

But it's you. You're really you, aren't you? You're my baby.

*He didn't hesitate to reach out and cup Zi's cheek.*

Oh baba… it’s been ages since I’ve seen you…

And in regard to the clothes, I missed you, it’s been a long time. And you… weren’t using them…

*Adult Zi glanced over to the sofa and saw himself*

*Bao pulled a handkerchief from his sleeve, patiently drying Zi's tears.*

Ages? What have you been doing-

*Ah.

Bao must be dead.

But Zi looked so young - thirty five, more or less. Did that mean... How much time did Bao have left?*

*Big Zi laughs as Bao wipes the tears from his eyes*

It’s been longer than you think Baba, don’t worry about dying just yet. It’s been 93 years since you passed, you lived very long… I… I just age unbelievably slow.

*Big Zi hugs Bao close, he had missed him quite a bit.*

I’m eating well… Me and Xiaobao have been keeping the theatre open and we’ve been performing a lot together too. I only look tired lately, I’m working on a very big production. But I’ve been making sure to take care of myself… well my partner has.

*There’s a fondness inching Zi’s voice as he mentions his ‘Partner’. He eyes soften a bit, he clearly cares about them.*

*Bao tensed from the hug, busying himself with making tea before rejoining his sons on the sofa.*

I didn't get to meet him? How was I supposed to interrogate the kid if you took your sweet time meeting him?

*Bao allowed his own little Zi to snuggle close again, head on his thighs and still fast asleep.*

It's hard to believe this is real. But.. the theatre is still open? Xiaobao is a performer?

And this Rongji. He's good to you? Behaves? He's nothing like...

*Bao didn't finish that sentence. He didn't have to.*

*Big Zi chuckles and smiles, looking at his younger self curled up against Bao like a baby kitten.*

Uncle MK is still very active in the hero world, still alive as ever.

*Big Zi gives a small eye roll as he talks about MK*

Xiaobao is an amazing performer, and Rongji is an amazing playwright.

The theatre is still very alive and bustling with talents, I have your portrait up with an altar there, Rongji and I visit your grave every week.

*Big Zi knows what Bao is asking, he doesn’t need to be reminded of that man*

No, No he’s not like him. He hasn’t laid his hands on me ever. I promise you that.

Besides, I think it would give Uncle MK a heart attack.

*Bao lowered his head, slowly running his fingers through baby Zi's hair and scritching behind his ear.*

I never thought I'd have a grave, let alone a shrine.

Not that I'm happy about the whole dying thing, mind you. But impermanence and all that.

How about your grandparents?

*Big Zi laughs softly at Bao’s question about Jiarong.*

*Bao looked begrudging, pressing a cup of tea into Zi's lap.*

*Zi smiles at Bao, accepting the tea before taking a slow sip, letting the warm pass over him like a comfort he had missed.*

And in regard to Jia, she has told me she held a great pride in you. She spoke at your funeral, said you were the bravest man she’d ever met, the best father she could hope for a child like me, and an amazing creative. I think she sees you as her child instead of me, or at least like a baby brother. *Zi places a gentle hand on Bao’s shoulder, reassuring and comforting.*

Love that.

*Bao groaned, before Zi touched his shoulder. He softened.*

Yeah, well, anyone would be a good parent with you. You're the best kid anyone could ever ask for.

*He looked back at baby Zi, watching him snuggle in even closer with a sleepy sigh.*

I wonder if you remember today. You threw the biggest fit - honestly, my own fault. I've been letting you eat whatever you want and stay up until you're exhausted. You were not happy when I actually cooked vegetables for us instead of more dumplings.

“IVE BEEN HIBERNATING- WHAT?! MK! BAO! Explain!”

Long story short, minor amounts of cannibalism on all sides, I have a cool new tattoo that definitely isn't a brand and Gege has. One arm.

“IVE BEEN HIBERNATING- WHAT?! MK! BAO! Explain!”

ANYWAYS I WAS GONNA SEND THIS TO ZI BUT HE HAS HIS ASKS CLOSED (probably for the best)

*BIG POOF OF MAGIC AS AN ADULT ZI APPEARS IN A CLOUD OF SMOKE THAT DISSIPATES AFTER HE APPEARS*

....sweet fucking Buddha.

*Bao sees the familiar features of his own face, but slightly different. The man in front of him is definitely older than him, definitely the rough age of 35, as intended(?) but yet he still held Bao’s recognizable features, the longer ears, black sclera, and flat nose. His hair was long like Bao’s, but he had bangs and tied it low and looser.*

*But there was a greener glow to this man’s eye, a variation to his physique that Bao never felt comfortable having, there was a bit more muscle on him. He looked separate from Bao, like Conner Kent instead of Clark Kent.*

*His son still looked like him, even as an adult.*

*He still chose to look like him.*

*He seemed to have maintained the habit of taking Bao’s clothes, he was basically wearing Bao’s clothes but more tailored to fit his style. He had flexible boots on, probably some form of comfortable combat boots, they would be easy to move in. They were dark red, like Baos sandles.*

*He had a more quiet demeanor than Bao usually had, like he was a watcher first, while Bao was forthcoming on most topics and tended to talk more.*

They smelt the same. Exactly the same, in a way that couldn't be faked.

That was Bao's baby.*

You're... So big.

*Slowly, Bao guided little Zi into curling up against a pillow, standing and sitting up from the sofa to face big Zi properly. It was certainly one way to start a morning. Who needed TV when you had living room time travel?*

But it's you. You're really you, aren't you? You're my baby.

*He didn't hesitate to reach out and cup Zi's cheek.*

Oh baba… it’s been ages since I’ve seen you…

And in regard to the clothes, I missed you, it’s been a long time. And you… weren’t using them…

*Adult Zi glanced over to the sofa and saw himself*

*Bao pulled a handkerchief from his sleeve, patiently drying Zi's tears.*

Ages? What have you been doing-

*Ah.

Bao must be dead.

But Zi looked so young - thirty five, more or less. Did that mean... How much time did Bao have left?*

*Big Zi laughs as Bao wipes the tears from his eyes*

It’s been longer than you think Baba, don’t worry about dying just yet. It’s been 93 years since you passed, you lived very long… I… I just age unbelievably slow.

*Big Zi hugs Bao close, he had missed him quite a bit.*

I’m eating well… Me and Xiaobao have been keeping the theatre open and we’ve been performing a lot together too. I only look tired lately, I’m working on a very big production. But I’ve been making sure to take care of myself… well my partner has.

*There’s a fondness inching Zi’s voice as he mentions his ‘Partner’. He eyes soften a bit, he clearly cares about them.*

*Bao tensed from the hug, busying himself with making tea before rejoining his sons on the sofa.*

I didn't get to meet him? How was I supposed to interrogate the kid if you took your sweet time meeting him?

*Bao allowed his own little Zi to snuggle close again, head on his thighs and still fast asleep.*

It's hard to believe this is real. But.. the theatre is still open? Xiaobao is a performer?

And this Rongji. He's good to you? Behaves? He's nothing like...

*Bao didn't finish that sentence. He didn't have to.*

*Big Zi chuckles and smiles, looking at his younger self curled up against Bao like a baby kitten.*

Uncle MK is still very active in the hero world, still alive as ever.

*Big Zi gives a small eye roll as he talks about MK*

Xiaobao is an amazing performer, and Rongji is an amazing playwright.

The theatre is still very alive and bustling with talents, I have your portrait up with an altar there, Rongji and I visit your grave every week.

*Big Zi knows what Bao is asking, he doesn’t need to be reminded of that man*

No, No he’s not like him. He hasn’t laid his hands on me ever. I promise you that.

Besides, I think it would give Uncle MK a heart attack.

*Bao lowered his head, slowly running his fingers through baby Zi's hair and scritching behind his ear.*

I never thought I'd have a grave, let alone a shrine.

Not that I'm happy about the whole dying thing, mind you. But impermanence and all that.

How about your grandparents?

*Big Zi laughs softly at Bao’s question about Jiarong.*

*Bao looked begrudging, pressing a cup of tea into Zi's lap.*

ANYWAYS I WAS GONNA SEND THIS TO ZI BUT HE HAS HIS ASKS CLOSED (probably for the best)

*BIG POOF OF MAGIC AS AN ADULT ZI APPEARS IN A CLOUD OF SMOKE THAT DISSIPATES AFTER HE APPEARS*

....sweet fucking Buddha.

*Bao sees the familiar features of his own face, but slightly different. The man in front of him is definitely older than him, definitely the rough age of 35, as intended(?) but yet he still held Bao’s recognizable features, the longer ears, black sclera, and flat nose. His hair was long like Bao’s, but he had bangs and tied it low and looser.*

*But there was a greener glow to this man’s eye, a variation to his physique that Bao never felt comfortable having, there was a bit more muscle on him. He looked separate from Bao, like Conner Kent instead of Clark Kent.*

*His son still looked like him, even as an adult.*

*He still chose to look like him.*

*He seemed to have maintained the habit of taking Bao’s clothes, he was basically wearing Bao’s clothes but more tailored to fit his style. He had flexible boots on, probably some form of comfortable combat boots, they would be easy to move in. They were dark red, like Baos sandles.*

*He had a more quiet demeanor than Bao usually had, like he was a watcher first, while Bao was forthcoming on most topics and tended to talk more.*

They smelt the same. Exactly the same, in a way that couldn't be faked.

That was Bao's baby.*

You're... So big.

*Slowly, Bao guided little Zi into curling up against a pillow, standing and sitting up from the sofa to face big Zi properly. It was certainly one way to start a morning. Who needed TV when you had living room time travel?*

But it's you. You're really you, aren't you? You're my baby.

*He didn't hesitate to reach out and cup Zi's cheek.*

Oh baba… it’s been ages since I’ve seen you…

And in regard to the clothes, I missed you, it’s been a long time. And you… weren’t using them…

*Adult Zi glanced over to the sofa and saw himself*

*Bao pulled a handkerchief from his sleeve, patiently drying Zi's tears.*

Ages? What have you been doing-

*Ah.

Bao must be dead.

But Zi looked so young - thirty five, more or less. Did that mean... How much time did Bao have left?*

*Big Zi laughs as Bao wipes the tears from his eyes*

It’s been longer than you think Baba, don’t worry about dying just yet. It’s been 93 years since you passed, you lived very long… I… I just age unbelievably slow.

*Big Zi hugs Bao close, he had missed him quite a bit.*

I’m eating well… Me and Xiaobao have been keeping the theatre open and we’ve been performing a lot together too. I only look tired lately, I’m working on a very big production. But I’ve been making sure to take care of myself… well my partner has.

*There’s a fondness inching Zi’s voice as he mentions his ‘Partner’. He eyes soften a bit, he clearly cares about them.*

*Bao tensed from the hug, busying himself with making tea before rejoining his sons on the sofa.*

I didn't get to meet him? How was I supposed to interrogate the kid if you took your sweet time meeting him?

*Bao allowed his own little Zi to snuggle close again, head on his thighs and still fast asleep.*

It's hard to believe this is real. But.. the theatre is still open? Xiaobao is a performer?

And this Rongji. He's good to you? Behaves? He's nothing like...

*Bao didn't finish that sentence. He didn't have to.*

*Big Zi chuckles and smiles, looking at his younger self curled up against Bao like a baby kitten.*

Uncle MK is still very active in the hero world, still alive as ever.

*Big Zi gives a small eye roll as he talks about MK*

Xiaobao is an amazing performer, and Rongji is an amazing playwright.

The theatre is still very alive and bustling with talents, I have your portrait up with an altar there, Rongji and I visit your grave every week.

*Big Zi knows what Bao is asking, he doesn’t need to be reminded of that man*

No, No he’s not like him. He hasn’t laid his hands on me ever. I promise you that.

Besides, I think it would give Uncle MK a heart attack.

*Bao lowered his head, slowly running his fingers through baby Zi's hair and scritching behind his ear.*

I never thought I'd have a grave, let alone a shrine.

Not that I'm happy about the whole dying thing, mind you. But impermanence and all that.

How about your grandparents?

ANYWAYS I WAS GONNA SEND THIS TO ZI BUT HE HAS HIS ASKS CLOSED (probably for the best)

*BIG POOF OF MAGIC AS AN ADULT ZI APPEARS IN A CLOUD OF SMOKE THAT DISSIPATES AFTER HE APPEARS*

....sweet fucking Buddha.

*Bao sees the familiar features of his own face, but slightly different. The man in front of him is definitely older than him, definitely the rough age of 35, as intended(?) but yet he still held Bao’s recognizable features, the longer ears, black sclera, and flat nose. His hair was long like Bao’s, but he had bangs and tied it low and looser.*

*But there was a greener glow to this man’s eye, a variation to his physique that Bao never felt comfortable having, there was a bit more muscle on him. He looked separate from Bao, like Conner Kent instead of Clark Kent.*

*His son still looked like him, even as an adult.*

*He still chose to look like him.*

*He seemed to have maintained the habit of taking Bao’s clothes, he was basically wearing Bao’s clothes but more tailored to fit his style. He had flexible boots on, probably some form of comfortable combat boots, they would be easy to move in. They were dark red, like Baos sandles.*

*He had a more quiet demeanor than Bao usually had, like he was a watcher first, while Bao was forthcoming on most topics and tended to talk more.*

They smelt the same. Exactly the same, in a way that couldn't be faked.

That was Bao's baby.*

You're... So big.

*Slowly, Bao guided little Zi into curling up against a pillow, standing and sitting up from the sofa to face big Zi properly. It was certainly one way to start a morning. Who needed TV when you had living room time travel?*

But it's you. You're really you, aren't you? You're my baby.

*He didn't hesitate to reach out and cup Zi's cheek.*

Oh baba… it’s been ages since I’ve seen you…

And in regard to the clothes, I missed you, it’s been a long time. And you… weren’t using them…

*Adult Zi glanced over to the sofa and saw himself*

*Bao pulled a handkerchief from his sleeve, patiently drying Zi's tears.*

Ages? What have you been doing-

*Ah.

Bao must be dead.

But Zi looked so young - thirty five, more or less. Did that mean... How much time did Bao have left?*

*Big Zi laughs as Bao wipes the tears from his eyes*

It’s been longer than you think Baba, don’t worry about dying just yet. It’s been 93 years since you passed, you lived very long… I… I just age unbelievably slow.

*Big Zi hugs Bao close, he had missed him quite a bit.*

I’m eating well… Me and Xiaobao have been keeping the theatre open and we’ve been performing a lot together too. I only look tired lately, I’m working on a very big production. But I’ve been making sure to take care of myself… well my partner has.

*There’s a fondness inching Zi’s voice as he mentions his ‘Partner’. He eyes soften a bit, he clearly cares about them.*

*Bao tensed from the hug, busying himself with making tea before rejoining his sons on the sofa.*

I didn't get to meet him? How was I supposed to interrogate the kid if you took your sweet time meeting him?

*Bao allowed his own little Zi to snuggle close again, head on his thighs and still fast asleep.*

It's hard to believe this is real. But.. the theatre is still open? Xiaobao is a performer?

And this Rongji. He's good to you? Behaves? He's nothing like...

*Bao didn't finish that sentence. He didn't have to.*

ANYWAYS I WAS GONNA SEND THIS TO ZI BUT HE HAS HIS ASKS CLOSED (probably for the best)

*BIG POOF OF MAGIC AS AN ADULT ZI APPEARS IN A CLOUD OF SMOKE THAT DISSIPATES AFTER HE APPEARS*

....sweet fucking Buddha.

*Bao sees the familiar features of his own face, but slightly different. The man in front of him is definitely older than him, definitely the rough age of 35, as intended(?) but yet he still held Bao’s recognizable features, the longer ears, black sclera, and flat nose. His hair was long like Bao’s, but he had bangs and tied it low and looser.*

*But there was a greener glow to this man’s eye, a variation to his physique that Bao never felt comfortable having, there was a bit more muscle on him. He looked separate from Bao, like Conner Kent instead of Clark Kent.*

*His son still looked like him, even as an adult.*

*He still chose to look like him.*

*He seemed to have maintained the habit of taking Bao’s clothes, he was basically wearing Bao’s clothes but more tailored to fit his style. He had flexible boots on, probably some form of comfortable combat boots, they would be easy to move in. They were dark red, like Baos sandles.*

*He had a more quiet demeanor than Bao usually had, like he was a watcher first, while Bao was forthcoming on most topics and tended to talk more.*

They smelt the same. Exactly the same, in a way that couldn't be faked.

That was Bao's baby.*

You're... So big.

*Slowly, Bao guided little Zi into curling up against a pillow, standing and sitting up from the sofa to face big Zi properly. It was certainly one way to start a morning. Who needed TV when you had living room time travel?*

But it's you. You're really you, aren't you? You're my baby.

*He didn't hesitate to reach out and cup Zi's cheek.*

Oh baba… it’s been ages since I’ve seen you…

And in regard to the clothes, I missed you, it’s been a long time. And you… weren’t using them…

*Adult Zi glanced over to the sofa and saw himself*

*Bao pulled a handkerchief from his sleeve, patiently drying Zi's tears.*

Ages? What have you been doing-

*Ah.

Bao must be dead.

But Zi looked so young - thirty five, more or less. Did that mean... How much time did Bao have left?*

ANYWAYS I WAS GONNA SEND THIS TO ZI BUT HE HAS HIS ASKS CLOSED (probably for the best)

*BIG POOF OF MAGIC AS AN ADULT ZI APPEARS IN A CLOUD OF SMOKE THAT DISSIPATES AFTER HE APPEARS*

....sweet fucking Buddha.

*Bao sees the familiar features of his own face, but slightly different. The man in front of him is definitely older than him, definitely the rough age of 35, as intended(?) but yet he still held Bao’s recognizable features, the longer ears, black sclera, and flat nose. His hair was long like Bao’s, but he had bangs and tied it low and looser.*

*But there was a greener glow to this man’s eye, a variation to his physique that Bao never felt comfortable having, there was a bit more muscle on him. He looked separate from Bao, like Conner Kent instead of Clark Kent.*

*His son still looked like him, even as an adult.*

*He still chose to look like him.*

*He seemed to have maintained the habit of taking Bao’s clothes, he was basically wearing Bao’s clothes but more tailored to fit his style. He had flexible boots on, probably some form of comfortable combat boots, they would be easy to move in. They were dark red, like Baos sandles.*

*He had a more quiet demeanor than Bao usually had, like he was a watcher first, while Bao was forthcoming on most topics and tended to talk more.*

They smelt the same. Exactly the same, in a way that couldn't be faked.

That was Bao's baby.*

You're... So big.

*Slowly, Bao guided little Zi into curling up against a pillow, standing and sitting up from the sofa to face big Zi properly. It was certainly one way to start a morning. Who needed TV when you had living room time travel?*

But it's you. You're really you, aren't you? You're my baby.

*He didn't hesitate to reach out and cup Zi's cheek.*

-Màfan

(Ps. I found an old abandoned temple underground, I think it's to the God of Chaos or Something idk bro but ye-)

[OCC: BAOTHAZAR WAZZUP 🙉!!]

You found a what?

I've been discovering modern day clothing. Notice anything new?

NO WAIT PLEASE YOUR SO ADORABLE

I've been discovering modern day clothing. Notice anything new?