#(jay pls)

"..no? This sounds like a trick question, Charlie is that you and if so what did you want me to say." @romanxdrake @pxtitxrosx

635 Words; Adopted AU

“What is that?”

Cole looked up at the sound of Jay’s voice, his grip on Theo tightening slightly. “What’s what?” He asked, playing dumb.

“That bundle in your arms.” Jay stepped forwards, looking at it suspiciously. “It almost looks like—”

Theo gurgled, little hands escaping the confines of the blanket to reach out at Cole.

Jay gaped. “That’s—that’s a baby. How—where—why do you have a baby?”

From where he was standing at Jay’s side, Zane stared. “Why do you have an infant, Cole?”

Cole considered his options. So far, they didn’t know that Theo was an oni. So Cole could tell them a half-truth.

“I found this little one all alone after the oni were defeated.” Cole said, shifting to hold Theo in one arm so he could offer his finger for the little oni to grab onto. “And so I’m taking care of them.”

“Cole,” Zane began, in his I’m-trying-to-let-you-down-gently tone, “That child likely has parents.”

Cole nodded, not really paying attention as he rocked Theo back and forth. “Yeah, probably.”

Zane sighed. “Cole, you cannot keep the child.”

“Sensei said I could take care of them.”

“I’m sorry, he what?” Jay asked incredulously. “You’re telling me. That Sensei Wu. Our teacher. Allowed you to do something that could take your attention away from training?”

Cole considered that. “Well, when you put it like that, I guess it is weird that Wu let me keep Theo.” He turned his attention back to Theo. “Yes, you are a little odd, aren’t you? But you’re a good kind of odd.”

Jay made a noise akin to a squawk. “You already named it?”

Cole ignored Jay, keeping his focus on the little infant happily giggling away in his arms. “Yes, you’re very cute.” He cooed, as Theo wrapped xir little claws around his finger.

“Wait.” Zane said, in sudden realization. “That’s—Cole, put that down, right now.”

“Wha—why?” Cole stiffened, curling protectively around Theo.

“Because that’s an oni, Cole.” Zane stated, as though Theo were some kind of weapon.

Jay shrieked. “An oni?” He jumped forwards. “Put it down put it down put it—”

Cole smacked Jay’s hands away.  “What? No! I’m not putting Theo down, I’m taking care of them!”

Theo, picking up on Cole’s anger, became fussy, flailing xir limbs about wildly and kicking off the blanket. The action was rather adorable, and were it not driven by distress Cole would have cooed at Theo in response.

Cole shot Jay a glare, before returning his attention to Theo, “Hey, hey, it’s okay, you’re okay.” He stood up, continuing to sooth his charge. “You hungry? It’s probably time for food. Let’s go eat.”

“Cole,” Zane said, blocking Cole’s path to the kitchen, “Are you sure about this?”

Cole nodded. “Of course!”

Zane sighed. “And there’s no convincing you otherwise.”

Cole beamed. “Nope!”

Jay frowned. “You can’t possibly be okaying this.”

Zane shrugged. “If Sensei Wu already gave the okay, then there is no stopping it.” He turned back to Cole. “And since you’re so dead set on this, then,” He offered his hand, “Let me help, at least.”

Cole looked at Zane’s hands, then at the squirmy baby oni in his arms. “Sure.” He agreed. “Think you can help me feed this little one?”

Jay made a noise. “Well, don’t come to me if this turns out badly. And no, I’m not helping you either!”

Zane nodded, ignoring Jay. “Of course.” He moved aside so Cole could get to the kitchen, then followed after him, completely disregarding Jay.

Jay watched as his brothers disappeared into the kitchen. He didn’t trust this. He didn’t trust this at all.

And he was certain Kai and Nya would have his back.

truth serum → accepting

Sayori: *hangs herself*