#so instead

---------------------------Azul----------------------------

When it comes to Twisted Wonderland, it would be fair to say you were a fan. And not a casual one at that, you even ended up buying a all too expensive plushie of one of your favorites because you really wanted a physical thing of him. ...this plushie is now your child. You don't make the rules. ...okay technically you DO make the rules here, but the rules say the plushie is your child so there.

And it's very fun to just hold this plushie while Azul Ashengrotto is on your homescreen, as you go about doing the things you need to do during the day. But the best time is when you have a free afternoon or evening to dedicate purely to playing twst. And thankfully today happens to be that sort of day!

You sit back on the couch with a sigh, settling in for a hopefully long play session. Naturally your (plushie) child is on your lap, occasionally getting head pats or hugs when you see Azul on the screen. It's fun to imagine how he'd react to it! Would he be embarrassed? Flattered? Even flustered? You aren't sure what he'd do, and it would probably depend on his mood when he sees it.

In any case, you were busy using up all the different things, from exam points to lesson points and everything in the guest room. Plus any event that's going on. So you spend quite a bit of time doing that, before finally navigating back to the homescreen and pausing there to just look at Azul and hear his voice. And say goodbye for the day.

"Ah, I'll have to see you tomorrow Azul, I still have some things to do today... Oh, haha, say bye-bye lil cutie~"

You make the plushie wave him goodbye as well before going to turn off the app. But not before Azul smiles just as the screen cracks harshly, and... A HAND REACHES OUT AND PULLS YOU IN!? this is surely the stuff of nightmares, but you can't stop being pulled through the screen. Your attempts to grab something to pull yourself back only result you to grabbing your (plushie?) child, though unfortunately dropping it before you stabilize yourself in... Where ARE you???

Looking around, you can hardly believe your eyes as you take in the foreign yet oh so familiar decor of the mostro lounge, and standing next to a table that's decked out in the fanciest tablecloth and dishware you've ever seen, a candelabra, flower petals scattered around, and set for two, stands the man currently holding your hand. Azul Ashengrotto. ...AZUL ASHENGROTTO!?!?

"What in the world!?"

Azul: "ah, my dear player, it's my pleasure to finally meet you in person. I've taken the liberty of preparing our meal in celebration of this occasion, don't worry, I'm certain they'll be to your liking~"

"Wait wait wait, I'm in twisted wonderland!? You actually just pulled me into twisted wonderland! How did you even do that!?"

Azul: "it wasn't too difficult really, at least not for someone like me~ but to answer your question properly, it was a old spell I discovered during my research trying to learn about your world. I would've cast it the day I found it, but I had to ensure everything would be perfect for your first day here, don't you agree?"

"I... You're being serious right now, I'm in Actually Here. Wait, does this mean I can see all those places that were only backgrounds in person!?"

Azul: "all things in time, for now, please take a seat. I have so many things to discuss with you, things I've wanted to say to you for awhile and- and... !?!????"

Something or... SomeONE pulls on his vest, and you both look down and notice a toddler with a striking similarity to Azul. Having gotten his attention, the child reaches up to try and get Azul to pick them up, but Azul is too busy mentally screaming to realize that. And you? You realize something.

This child... And your plushie that you called 'your child'. It couldn't be, but it's the only explanation! Still, how I'm the world did a plushie turn into a child!? You turn to Azul, who's finally managed to stop staring at the child to turn and look at you with a utterly lost look that mirrors your own.

Azul: "this child..."

"...was that plushie."

Azul: "...HOW???"

"Wait, so you don't know either!?"

Azul: "why in the world would I know this!? That is a actual child! I did not factor a baby into my plans!"

"Well they aren't quite a baby, they look more like a toddler."

Azul: "SEMANTICS!"

"...fair enough. But still! You're the one who cast the spell that brought me here, and probably simultaneously made my child- that plushie I called my child, into a actual child! And you don't know!?"

Azul: "I can assure you this was NOT in the spell description! I read that thing over a hundred times, and not once did it think to warn me about something like this! Why if I had known if have prepared something specifica-"

As Azul continues on, the child keeps trying to get Azul to pick them up, tugging at his vest, and getting increasingly upset. Azul seems much too preoccupied to do so, and is still in shock from everything, so you decide to pick them up instead. Both because you don't want the child to start crying now, and because you do truly care for them, you're just very VERY confused right now. And understandably so!

For a moment the child seems content in your arms, before they start to frown again and reach out to Azul, their hands grabbing at the air between you two as they try to reach him. Looking more and more upset as he doesn't notice them.

Azul: "and furthermore! Spells like this need much better descriptions! It's to think they'd forget to leave out the crucial detail of 'may bring inanimate plushies to life'!! And-"

The child finally has enough, and starts to cry. And then to wail out as Azul looks up at them, finally really noticing them beyond the initial shock of them being there in general. He looks a little unsure, but hesitantly steps forward, and you offer for him to take the child from your arms.

Azul: "are... You sure?"

"I think they want to be with you right now."

Azul nods as he takes the child, trying his best to rock them back and forth, or distract them with anything, and it doesn't seem to work very well. As the child continues to cry.

Azul: "come on now, if you stop crying, I'll give you some candy, don't you want that?"

This only serves to make the child cry louder, making Azul wince as he tries again to bribe them.

Azul: "toys! You have have however many plushies you want, or building blocks! Just shush, it's okay, please calm down...?"

The child just clings close to Azul, their face against his carefully pressed vest and making a mess of it. Azul would protest, but he merely sighs as he goes to sit down at the table he prepared so carefully for their evening. He pats their back reassuringly as he speaks calmly.

Azul: "it's alright, I won't be going anywhere. You can take your time to calm down, there's no rush. But once you do, you can borrow my handkerchief, okay? ...and I'll have one made right away for you specifically, does that sound good to you?"

They finally seem to calm down a little as they pull back from Azul, looking up at him with eyes still wet from crying. And for a moment Azul sees his younger self in all those fragile moments of his, and a vow forms in him without thought. Something that should've been natural from the beginning.

Azul: "I'll be here to protect you no matter what, I have all the power I need to do so, so you have no need to worry... Here, give me a moment."

He takes his handkerchief from his pocket, and wipes their face with it. He'll need to wash both it and the vest later, but for now he couldn't care less about it. This seems to completely calm the child as they rest back against him again, eyes slowly closing as the look peaceful there.

You look back up from them to him, only to find him already looking at you. He merely smirks when you do, his voice wry yet tinged with something more genuine than you believe you've heard from him in awhile.

Azul: "well player, it seems my original plans won't work anymore, but I can adapt them easily enough."

"...you're wonderful Azul..."

Azul: "w-what?! Ahem, sorry I just- goodness, it appears you beat me to it, didn't you?"

"Best you... To it? Wait, Azul do you mean what I think you mean? All of this..."

Azul: "I... I want to confess to you, as perfect as can be, just as you deserve. That was the plan, and... I hope it still can be. Would you please stay by my side? I swear upon my very life, that you won't regret this should you agree."

Your mind blanks for a moment as you fully take in what he just said. Not only did you get to meet your favorite character in person today, but he's carefully holding the one you consider to be your child, and then confessed to you! However your mind clears quickly, and you understand that there really was only ever one choice to begin with.

"I would love to, thank you Azul. Though, there's no need for perfect. Please, just be you Azul."

Azul: "-! Ah, no, thank you player! Again, you won't regret this! And-...well, I suppose that's a reasonable condition. Very well, then do we have a deal?"

"Yes, yes we do."

As you shake his hand, you realize you have very little idea what you've just signed up for. But truthfully? You don't particularly mind, not so long as you have Azul and your child right along with you!

--------------------------Kalim---------------------------

Ahh the best sort of days are the ones with little to do but relax and play your game. Twisted Wonderland! One of the best games you've played in awhile, and a current love of yours! And especially your homescreen character Kalim al-Asim! You even have a plushie of him, though it's not just a plushie, it's your child haha!

It's fun to hold the plush- your child while playing, and that's exactly what you're doing today! There isn't much left to do, so you decided to take a break and play twst for awhile. ...though really you just wanna see your homescreen character~ as you log in, you feel your mood instantly go up just seeing his bright smile. He never fails to get you smiling right along with him!

"Ahh, hey Kalim! Good to see you! Oh, say hi dear~"

You make the plushie wave hello to him, and he waves back with that cheerful smile of his :D it's so natural that you navigate to the lesson tab before-...wait WHAT!? DID HE JUST WAVE TO YOU!? You navigate back to the homescreen as fast as humanly possible, and there he is acting like nothing just happened!

"Hey WAIT- you just waved! Oh my gosh, am I going insane...? "

Kalim hasn't said a word, and poking his sprite to try and get a voiceline does nothing. ...well that's a bit of a lie, even though there's no voiceline, he does seem to laugh. Before he looks up at you with a burning resolve in his eyes, taking out his magical pen in a way too smooth animation that absolutely can't just be a new update, and pointing it directly at you!?

"Woah woah woah, wait a second here! What are you doing-!?"

As you speak, he casts something at... You? No, that wasn't his target, his target was the screen between you two. And he hits it dead-on shattering it in a dramatic fashion. You can no longer see through it, but you don't see the inside of your device either. It's like there's just a hole going... Well going somewhere ELSE!

You don't know how to describe it, and you don't have the time to figure it out before a hand with sparkling gold jewelry decorating it reaches out from the screen and takes your arm, you automatically try to pull away, because DUH, but it's no use as you're dragged through the screen towards wherever that hole leads to.

You try to grab onto whatever's nearby, but only manage to grab your plushie as you're pulled through. Though you must've dropped it somewhere along the way, because by the time you're on solid ground again, it's gone. But you don't have the time to worry about that, when you're instantly awestruck by the sight around you.

The room you've landed in is one that screams both comfort and luxury. And one you recognize all too well, though from a completely different perspective. Kalim's room that you had previously only seen through the 2d background, and your current location!? And next to you, is Kalim himself. Though he quickly rushed forward to give you a hug before you can really get your bearings.

Kalim: "it's so amazing to see you player! Ahhhh you're so wonderful in person!!!!"

"Kalim!? Wait, what the heck do you mean player!? And oh my goodness, did you pull me into twisted wonderland???"

Kalim: "mhm! During the last school break, I asked Dad to help me find something to bring you here, and he found this spell :D wasn't it cool?"

"I mean, yes??? But also, again, what's with the player thing?"

Kalim: "ohh, that's just what Idia called you when I found out about you, and y'know, it stuck haha!"

"Ah. That actually makes a lot of sense... In any case, why did you bring me here? I mean, it's nice to meet you in person, but was that really it?"

Kalim: "yup! It's good to see you as well!"

"...You broke a hole between two worlds, to see me? That's actually pretty sweet... Haha, well I suppose I don't really mind! Honestly I'd probably have done the same thing if I was able... Thanks Kalim!"

Kalim: "it's nothing! Ohhh and right, I would have brought you here yesterday, but I really wanted to make sure your first day here would be a perfect one. Soooo, the feast should be almost done, and the parade is going to begin soon! And- wait huuhhhh!?"

You follow his surprised look to your side before- !?!??

Something just jumped on you from the bed!? Wait no, not something, but someone! They look like a toddler version of Kalim??? You barely managed to catch them as they give a laugh so similar to Kalim's laugh. This cannot be real... You look to Kalim, but he looks as confused as you feel. So no answers there. And you doubt you'll get anything from this toddler... Still-

"Why is the world is a child here??? Oh my goodness, who is this???"

Kalim: "huh, I thought you would know?"

"Why would I know?!"

Kalim: "hm, y'know they kinda remind me of someone..."

"They look almost exactly like you do! And... Wait, can they be-?"

Kalim: "oh? Do you know who they are?"

"My child!"

Kalim: "HUHHHH???!!?"

"No no no! I mean, that plushie I called my child! Remember?"

Kalim: "RIGHT! That makes sense!"

"No it doesn't??? It explains WHO they are, but not why they're a real child now!"

Kalim: "huh... Well does it really matter? I mean, they're so cute!"

"I... I think it matters? But, I guess it doesn't really change the fact that they're here now and... Oh yeah, you can go down, there you go."

The toddler has been squirming to get down this whole time, and when you finally let them down they begin running around the room. Only tripping twice, and landing on pillows each time. Before running back to Kalim and pulling on his sleeve, then clearly motioning for him to close his eyes. Which Kalim does.

You watch as the child runs off and hides within a pile of pillows, and Kalim opens his eyes with a smile as he goes off to search for them.

Kalim: "okay, ready or not, here I come! Aha, where did you go?"

The game of hide and seek lasts for a little bit, even after he found them ashes draws it out a little with dramatic and playful "are you hereeee??? No! Are you hereee? Nope! Where did you go?" Followed by the child giggling from in their pile of pillows. He clearly is the kind of person who loves playing with kids, and knows how to keep them entertained.

Eventually he finds them, picking them up and tossing them in the air playfully before setting them back down. Before he goes and takes your hand, looking at you with the most precious and pleading expression you think you've ever seen.

Kalim: "c'mon, please join in for the next round!"

...okay, you lied, his face is only the second most precious one. The child's face mimicing his is absolutely too much for your poor heart, and really, you cannot say no to this. Not that you would've wanted to anyway~

"Haha, alright! I can be it, you both go and hide!"

Kalim: "okay! Ahaha, I'll pick a good spot :D"

Kalim and the child look up at you with bright expressions as you close your eyes and begin to count. Playing round after round as all of your worries seem to completely melt away during the simple game. Honestly even despite the circumstances that are still unbelievable to you, this is the most peaceful and fun moment you've had in awhile!

...naturally the game cannot last forever though, even if all of you might have wished it. As eventually the toddler gets too tired to continue, curling up into Kalim's bed to hide, and then not waking up when found. Both you and Kalim decided it'd be better for them to rest, and you both take a seat on the edge of the bed as well, taking a breather. When a thought comes to your mind.

"Hey Kalim?"

Kalim: "hm?"

"...well, I mean, what's gonna happen now? You probably had something set up for me, since you brought me here in purpose, but what about them?"

Kalim: "oh... Well they can just stay here with us! And then we can keep playing all sorts of games like this for as long as we want!"

"Haha, that Does sound fun. Still..."

You look back at the child, and you know Kalim's answer wasn't one that was fully thought out. It would be fun but not practical. Kalim looks back as well, and he seems to realize it as well, as he slows down a bit, his expression turning softer and more thoughtful as he looks at their peaceful face.

Kalim: "well... I suppose I'll do everything in my power so they can stay peaceful like this, y'know?"

"Hm?"

Kalim: "well, so that they can grow up without being scared about the people around them, and always surrounded by people who love them! Actually love them and care about them, right? So they can keep sleeping without any worries or nightmares..."

"Ah... Yeah, I think that's a wonderful plan Kalim..."

You nod, understanding where he's coming from. Considering the child's connection to Kalim, it'll be difficult, but you think it'll be possible. Both you and Kalim will make sure that's possible for them. ...you turn back from the toddler, only to find Kalim looking directly at you, and he takes up your hands into his with a serious expression.

Kalim: "can I please stay with you and them forever? I know being connected to me will be difficult, but I swear I can protect you! Please...?"

You feel yourself getting a little flustered, as he basically confesses to you. Does he even realize he's confessing like this???

"Was that... A confession?"

Kalim: "well, yes! Haha, of course it was! Ah, if you're okay with it if course! And I don't wanna make you uncomfortable or anything, but... It would make me the happiest person in the entire world if you'd say yes..."

Now you're both flustered, but you realize that there was never even a choice here to begin with. After all, you doubt you could ever say no to his face~

"Of course I'd say yes, Kalim. How couldn't I? Though I have to say I doubt you're the happiest person in the world~"

Kalim: "of course I am! Oh thank you thank you thank you!!"

"How could you be the happiest, when I'm sure I am? Haha, thank you Kalim..."

Kalim rushes to hug you and hold you close, and you hug him back, in a moment that you wish could last forever, and that you'll surely have many more of in the future. ...truly, this is the most wonderful way to start your life here.

...

Jamil, walking into the room because Kalim was meant to bring the player out a hour ago for the banquet and he's worried something happened to him: "Kalim, what in the world is taking so long-!? Is that a child!?

Kalim: "mhm!"

Jamil: "WHAT!?"

"Believe me, I was as confused as you are."

Jamil: "ah, player, it's good to see you... Did you, bring the child with you???"

"...I mean, technically???"

Jamil: "...I'm not even going to ask."

"That's probably for the best."

--------------------------Deuce---------------------------

Today was a slow sort of day, the kind where there wasn't much to be done, and no real deadline to do the things that did need to be done. And the perfect sort of day to sit back and relax with a favorite game of yours, Twisted Wonderland!

But it's not just your game you're sitting down with, you also take your child to play along with them (well, technically it's just a plushie of Deuce Spade that you call your child, but that doesn't really matter right now) you have it set on your lap as you load the game, happy to see the title screen finally appear. Tapping past it quickly to see your homescreen character, Deuce.

"Aw, good afternoon Deuce! Hope it's going well for you~ haha, they're wishing you a good afternoon too!"

You make the plushie wave at him, laughing to yourself as you imagine what he'd think of it. Before just shrugging it off and going to the lessons tab. Your LP is full, and you prefer not to leave it full for too long. Besides, it's not like Deuce could reply to you anyways, so there's unfortunately not much point to stay on the homescreen long.

Well, other than just to see his face and hear his voice. ...which admittedly you do like doing sometimes. And today just so happens to be one of those days. After you use up the LP of course. You go back to the homescreen just to tap his sprite a few times and hear a few voicelines you've heard countless times already but could never get tired of.

At least, that was the plan. When you got back to the homescreen, he was just gone??? Ah, you've seen visual glitches similar to this a few times, you probably just need to either reload the screen, or just start up the game again- wait, HUH!??

As you're about to log off, Deuce just walks onto the screen like that's a normal thing to do, before appearing shocked that you're there. Like he expected you to take longer before coming back. But that doesn't stop him from looking around for wherever he put his magical pen, and picking it up in something far too smooth to be a actual animation.

Then he points it in your direction, saying words you cannot quite hear as magic pools around the magestone on his pen, and fires off right towards you. ...no, it was actually towards the glass screen between you two. You realize that as the glass starts to fracture slowly, and then shatters into a hundred pieces. Leaving in it's place something that looks entirely out of place in this world.

A hole in the very fabric of reality, that's the only way to describe it. And a hand is currently reaching out of that hole where the screen used to be, quickly finding yours before it starts pulling you back towards wherever it's from. It's something straight out of a horror movie, but there's nothing you can do to stop it as you're pulled it. All you can do it grab onto the closest thing as you're dragged through, which just so happens to be the plushie you were holding.

Unfortunately you must've dropped it in the chaos of being literally pulled into a new world, and as you look around, you completely forget about it. Just getting distracted by the sight with you recognize easily, yet still feels so foreign to see in person. That place being the heartslabyul kitchen. And next to the counter where a still steaming quiche is sitting, is the very same character who you just saw on your homescreen.

Deuce Spade, who hasn't stopped staring at you since you arrived. You aren't quite sure what his expression means, but he looks completely awestruck seeing you, so hopefully it's a good thing?

Deuce: "it's you... You're really here!"

"Wait a second, am I in twisted wonderland!?"

Deuce: "yes! It took a long time, but I finally managed to reach out to your side of the screen! I'm so happy! Ah but, this must be really confusing for you, here have a seat and I'll explain everything."

he pulls out a seat for you, which you gratefully take. Before he sets out two plates for you both, and cuts the quiche into four slices. Setting one on your plate, and one on his.

Deuce: "here, it took awhile to finally make a quiche that was presentable, but I'm proud of this one! I just took it out of the oven actually, I realized it was done while you were doing the lessons, and I kinda thought I had more time to go and take it out...? But then once I set it down, you were already back and... Uh, sorry if I spooked you haha."

"It's alright, I mean, obviously it was weird, but it's good to meet you in person! Though really, I'd love an explanation on how this even happened."

Deuce: "yes! I figured I could answer your questions over a meal, y'know? And... Oh geez I forgot the napkins!"

He rushes off to grab the napkins from a drawer, coming back with a apologetic smile on his face as he looks sets them down next to your plate and... Where he had set his plate down, but it isn't anymore?

Deuce: "...uh, do you know where my slice went?"

"No? Sorry, I wasn't keeping track of it."

Deuce: "that's really weird, I could've sworn I cut myself a piece... Wait, I absolutely cut myself a piece, because there's only half of the quiche left and I only served you a fourth of it! Oh no, maybe Che'nya took it! He sometimes takes Trey's food during the unbirthdays... Or did it fall on the ground-!?"

He looks underneath the counter, only to be so surprised by what he saw that he hit his head on the edge of it while coming back up. You look down as well, and feel nearly as shocked as he looks when you notice them. It's a toddler, that looks like a baby version of Deuce??? What in the world!?

Deuce: "oww... Wait, is that a actual child!?"

"Why are they here???"

Deuce: "I really hoped you knew why they were here!"

"Why would I know? I just got here!"

Deuce: "I dunno! Maybe they came with you from your world on accident???"

"There wasn't any children nearby when I was pull through and- wait."

The pieces click together in your head as you turn back towards the child, realizing exactly who they are. It feels utterly impossible, but there's no other logical explaination.

"Oh my goodness. They're my child."

Deuce: "they're WHAT!?"

"That plushie I called my child! That's them! I remember grabbing it before I got pulled here, and something must've turned it into a actual child!"

Deuce: "OH, you meant that plushie. Ah. Waitwaitwaitwait- THE PLUSHIE!? The plushie became a toddler!?"

"I dunno! Probably!? Can you think of any other reason there would be a little toddler here that looks like a copy of you as a kid???"

Deuce: "...actually no, I can't. But still, you do understand just how insane that sounds, right? I mean, an inanimate object is now a kid?!"

"Believe me I know very well how insane I sound! But to be FAIR- if someone told me this morning I'd be pulled into the world of a video game before evening, is have thought they were insane as well. So really this isn't the most insane thing that's happened today. It's definitely the second most insane thing, but not the first."

Deuce: "I would've told you ahead of time, I just couldn't really talk to you with the screen in the way! And uh... Sorry again for being so abrupt about it all, it probably scared you. Are you okay?"

"No it's fine, I'm fine, I just- let's focus on the kid first."

Deuce: "yeah, that'd probably be best."

Both of you look down at the toddler, who's contentedly finishing their slice of quiche and oblivious to the world are them. Really, it's a very good quiche! And now that they've finished it, they stand up, and try to reach for the rest of it. Deuce who's still in shock from this all, pulls it out of the child's reach. And they stare up at him in betrayal.

They keep reaching for it, looking a mixture of sad and angry as Deuce keeps it away from them, still very confused himself as he tries to wrap his head around the situation at hand.

Deuce: "hey, c'mon I made this for the player, I can't just give you the rest of it! That'd be unfair!"

The child just pouts at that, before changing strategies and grabbing onto his jacket, and giving him their best puppy eyes as they beg for another slice. And Deuce realizes with horror that he cannot resist such an adorable face like that. Before sighing, as he resigns himself and just serves both the child and himself the last two pieces. And they try to sit back on the floor to finish it, but Deuce just picks them up and sets them in a seat.

Deuce: "it's good manners to eat at a table or counter, and definitely not on the floor! Riddle would probably be upset if I let you do that..."

"Ah, Deuce?"

Deuce: "oh, right! Player! Sorry I was distracted by them, what do you wanna talk about?"

"You said earlier that you would explain how I was here, but then we got distracted with them, and you never did get around to it."

Deuce: "right, that! Okay basically, a lot of the other students wanted to bring you here too, but no one wanted to risk breaking the screen in case it cut off the connection between your world and ours, right?"

"Huh, makes sense I guess?"

Deuce: "mhm. So they all kept searching for s way to bring you here without breaking the screen, but kept coming up empty handed. So I decided to take matters into my own hands and just break the screen and pull you through! Haha... I'm lucky it actually worked..."

"Oh... That definitely sounds like you haha, well it's nice to meet you in person!"

Deuce: "you as well, even if I'm still very confused by the guest you brought with."

"Right, and speaking of them- what do you think we should do now?"

Deuce: "hm? About what?"

"Well, they're an actual child, what do you think we can do to take care of them?"

Deuce: "ah that! Well I'm not quite sure but... I've definitely got some ideas! And-"

He's cut off by the child pulling on his jacket again, they appear to have eaten a little messily and now they're getting his jacket greasy. But that's the least of you and Deuce's worries as they keep trying to reach for the empty tin. You feel a little bad you already finished your slice, otherwise you would offer them it.

Deuce: "ah, sorry buddy, there's no more left."

The toddler looks up at him, their expression heartbroken and betrayed as they hear Deuce's words. And you can both tell they're about to start crying if one of you doesn't do something soon. Which is why Deuce ended up saying-

Deuce: "hey, c'mon, don't cry! Here, I promise to make you more later if you don't cry! Only if you behave though, pinky promise!"

He holds out his pinky to the child, to pauses for a moment to consider his offer, before nodding and taking his pinky. Then going to try and sit calmly on the seat next to you, acting on their best behavior, even while their face is messy from their fast eaying.

You stifle back a laugh at how cute they look, before grabbing a napkin and wiping off their face and hands. Truly, this child is adorable, much like the man they take after. And speaking of him...

As Deuce watches you two acting so sweet together, he feels his heart begin to beat faster, a flush appearing on his cheeks as he find himself falling for you all over again. And finding himself truly caring about the child as well, even despite not knowing them for very long.

So even as the child makes a bit of a mess of your outfit as they try to 'help' you clean themselves up, Deuce still goes and takes your hand. His words coming out before he can think twice about them.

Deuce: "please, let me be part of your life, together with you and besides you. I swear I'll do this right! If you'll only let me... And-! Ah, s-sorry! I don't know what I'm saying-"

He appears very flustered when he realizes that he just confessed, he was planning to wait a little longer at least before he did! And he anxiously tries to back peddle, not wanting to pressure you into anything you aren't ready for.

Deuce: "you can totally say no! I mean, I'll be fine no matter what! And... Well, I guess that's not exactly true, honestly I think I'd be much happier with you. But at the end of the day I'd feel ten times worse if you only said yes because you felt pressured! And you don't have to say yes or no right now either, take your time, I know it's an important decision and..."

"Yes, of course you can be part of my life, and beside me. I'd love nothing more."

Deuce freezes, and you do as well. The words came out without a thought, but in the silence between the two of you, you have plenty of time to think and realize that this is the exact choice you would've made no matter what. There's no world in which you would ever say no to such a sweet request from him...

Deuce: "r-really!? I- thank you very much!"

"I should be the one thanking you, really, thank you Deuce."

Deuce: "no I- oh my goodness I have a partner now, I have to tell my Mom and... OH GOODNESS I'LL HAVE TO TELL HER I HAVE A KID. HOW...?"

"Pfft- don't worry, I can help explain things to her! We can work together on this sorta stuff now, right?"

Deuce: "huh? Oh, right! Yes, thanks again then! Besides, I'm sure she would love to talk to you!"

"Can't wait then!"

As you all sit there, the atmosphere is a calm and lighthearted one. And it feels as though for this moment, at least in this room, everything is right in the world. And you feel ready to take life on, together with Deuce, and... Your child. And looking over at Deuce, you can already tell that he feels the same.

---------------------------Jack----------------------------

Today was one of those days. The kind where you just needed a break, and you knew one of the best ways to relax. Sitting down with Twisted Wonderland and forgetting about your stress for a bit. Honestly it works wonders!

But that's not all! After all, how could you ever relax without your child right there along with you to watch you play? (It's a plushie of Jack Howl that you like to keep on your lap as you play, especially when Jack's on the screen.) Yes you have everything set up for a proper gaming session.

As you tap past the title screen, you instantly feel your mood improving as you see your homescreen character. Naturally it's set to be Jack, and you smile back at his determined one as he says something about constantly improving. You really respect that about him.

"Good morning Jack! How's your day been? Mine has been... Alright. But it's better now that I've seen you! Ohhh, say you good morning too, okay?"

You have the plushie wave at him, laughing to yourself at the cute sight. It's silly, but it does help your mood improve even more, and that's all that really matters right now. Plus you can already imagine what Jack would do should you do something like that in person! He would act all indignant like he hates it, while secretly thinking it's cute.

It's fun to think of that sort of stuff, but you still need to do the lessons, so you decide to listen to one more voiceline before going off to use up the LP. And it's...

Jack: "don't go yet."

...WHAT? okay, you're certain you've heard all the voicelines for this outfit, and that absolutely is not one of them! What in the world!? Wait, what is he doing now???

As you're mentally freaking out, Jack picks up his magical pen and closes his eyes, pointing it towards the screen as he focuses hard on a spell you can't quite hear. The magic condenses around the pen before firing off towards the screen, shattering instantly, and leaving something that looks so Wrong in its place.

It's a hole, but not to the mechanical parts of your device, or even through your device to whatever is behind it. No it's as though it leads to somewhere else, somewhere you were never meant to see. ...well, in person at least. But you don't have time to think or even freak out fully before a hand reaches through from the other side and takes yours, pulling you in too quickly for you to resist.

You did try to grab something to anchor you, but all you managed to grab was that plushie of yours. Not like it mattered though, as you dropped it during the dizzying trip through that hole in reality, all the way through to... Well, wherever the heck you are now.

It takes a moment to get your bearings. It seems you landed in a field of some sort. But that's when you see it. Far off in the distance, the distinct outline of a school that previously only existed inside of twisted wonderland. Realizing that, you quickly see that you're in the sports field. ...with a picnic set up? And Jack standing next to the blanket!?

"Wait a second, JACK!? Are you the one that brought me here!?"

Jack: "uh... Yeah. And sorry about not giving you a warning beforehand. That spell only works for a short while, and I didn't want to waste that time and risk not being able to bring you here."

"I... Wait this is actually twisted wonderland, isn't it?"

Jack: "yeah, it is. ...and look, if you really don't want to be here or anything, I can probably send you back. But... I prepared a picnic if you'd wanna stay?"

"Oh, well... I can't say I haven't wanted to really be in twisted wonderland before. And, I guess you Did prepare a picnic. But while we eat, I'd love to get an explanation on how exactly you brought me here?"

Jack: "you'll stay? Really?! Yes! Wait I mean- uh, that sounds good. I can definitely explain that."

He nods, and you can see his tail going back and forth quickly as he can't keep the smile off his face. But it stops abruptly as his ears perk up, immediately going alert.

Jack: "wait, do you smell that?"

"What?"

He looks around, and you follow suit before you both spot them at the exact same time. Halfway out of the picnic basket, a pair of legs and a tail that matches Jacks. Though much smaller. Jack looks very shocked but immediately pulls them out, setting the toddler down on the blanket.

They look at him with a surprised expression, the kind that didn't think they would get caught. With some crumbs around their mouth from whatever they ate while halfway in the basket eating the food Jack so carefully prepared for you.

"Is that a child?"

Jack: "I think so?"

"...I thought NRC didn't usually allow visitors."

Jack: "they don't. And... Okay, is it just me, or do they seriously look familiar? Kinda remind me of my siblings."

At that, the child looks away from him, frowning. Clearly not liking the comparison. But it's definitely a correct one. The child looks a lot like Jack! So much so in fact, they could even just be a child version of Jack and you wouldn't question it. And... WAIT-

"OH MY GOODNESS I THINK I KNOW!"

Jack: "you do?!"

"They're my child!"

Jack: "hold on, WHAT? Since when did you have a kid with beastmen traits!? Honestly I thought they didn't exist in your world..."

"No! I mean that plushie I called my child! And no, beastmen don't."

Jack: "wait that thing??? You're kidding, that plushie became this kid!?"

"Can you think of any others reasons they would be here right now? I only managed to grab the plushie as I was pulled into this world, but I accidentally dropped it. And looking around, it's nowhere to be seen. But there IS a child that looks suspiciously like you! Makes sense, right?"

Jack: "I- honestly yeah. But this is still insane. I mean, look at the kid. That's- that's a real kid! Wait, they are real, right?"

Jack reaches out and pats their head, making them pout a little and step away from him, moving towards you and never taking their eyes off him. Jack just sighs seeing this.

Jack: "ah... Yeah I suppose I see the resemblance. I guess that's what must've happened. It's just hard to believe, y'know?"

"No no, I completely understand, and to be honest I was hoping you would've known why exactly the plushie turned into a toddler from being pulled here. ...but it's clear you have no idea either."

Jack: "none at all. Still, there's no sense worrying about what happened now, we should focus on the present right now."

"I suppose that's a good idea. Huh, I wonder how to take care of them... Uh Jack?"

Jack: "what is it?"

"I hate to ask, but could you help me take care of them? At least until I'm settled in here in this world."

Jack: "absolutely. ...though I've gotta admit I'm not very enthusiastic about taking care of a kid. Especially one I don't really know? I'll definitely do it! I'll just have to get to know them better."

He tried to step forward towards you and the kid, but the child backs away and growls, their ears pinning down on their head as they do so. And hiding behind your legs. Surprising Jack, before oddly enough he smiles, being reminded of his own siblings. He's going to make his best effort so this kid trusts him, it's the least he could do after both pulling you into this world, but also accidentally making them a real kid.

So he stops and kneels down, getting onto the kid's level. His voice is calm but firm as he talks, trying his best to be reassuring without talking down to them.

Jack: "look, I know this has gotta be confusing for you, but I promise I'm here to help."

The child seems unconvinced as they don't move, but their ears do perk up, enough to assure Jack that it may be working. So he takes a breath and tries again.

Jack: "hey you're hungry, right? Do you want something to eat?"

They nod, moving out from behind your legs but still on guard. Jack smiles as he sits down on the blanket, and the kid takes a seat a little away from him. Jack then pats the place next to him, gesturing for you to sit down as well. Which you end up doing, you're curious what he made, plus this moment feels very cute to you.

Jack sets out the food, from sandwiches to fruits, though they're mostly pears, and finally a few cupcakes. Though one of them is already half eaten. Jack puts that one in front of the kid, which they frown at, so he sighs and sets his in front of the kid, switching the two. Which they end up smiling at, making both you and Jack smile as well. ...though Jack only looked at the child for a moment, before his gaze drifts over to you.

He had planned to confess to you during this picnic, and even given the strange circumstances, that doesn't stop the flutter in his heart every time he sees you smile so beautifully. But still, he can't pressure you into anything, you've already gone through so much today. ...it'd probably be best to hold off for awhile...

"Hey Jack?"

Jack: "yeah, what is it?"

"...if I may, I'd really like to stay with you, for a good while. No pressure obviously, but I would love if we could... Be together? Gosh, I dunno how to even say this."

Jack pauses, as he realizes that you're confessing to him. And it feels as though time stops for him. Before he nods, his expression turning very serious as he looks you in the eyes.

Jack: "yes. I would... I would love nothing more. ...I was kinda worried, you didn't feel the same."

"How couldn't I? ...thanks for accepting haha."

Jack: "...no, thank you. I swear I'll do my best to take care of you and... Our child, as best I can!"

"Then I promise the same."