[open] Open up your heart and you'll find love, love, love

[notsogrimreaper]

Prompt A:

It's been one thing after another in the castle, much to Ryoji's disappointment. He was hoping after changing back, things would settle into normalcy, but then there were the bizarre dreams, Neil getting sick, Sans transforming into that creature... Now Mettaton's miserable too, with the latest newcomer being a more blunt, harsh version of himself.

It's disappointing for Ryoji, because he doesn't really know how to help. He offers to assist where he can, running errands for Neil, checking on healing herbs with Tauriel, but there's nothing really substantial he can do. He can't heal anyone. His powers are meant to bring about destruction, not renewal.

He ponders this glumly as he wanders the hallways. If he could just do something to take away the sadness and pain of everyone around him...

"Kweh!"

There's a tiny squeak from somewhere behind him, distracting him out of his musing. He looks behind him, and... well. It seems the long shadow cast behind him thanks to the sunset is more than just a regular shadow. If anyone was watching while Ryoji walked past, a part of it... rose up, slowly morphing and building on top of itself until it was a large lump of darkness. As Ryoji turns to look at it, it suddenly forms little dot eyes that blink up at him, and it sprouts arms to reach up towards the teenager.

"What in the world...?"

Prompt B

It took some fiddling, but Ryoji has discovered that the Shadows (yes, it's a plural now; Ryoji only seems to create more of them every time he enters a patch of sunlight) are not actually like regular Shadows. For one thing, they seem harmless. They haven't moved out to hunt anyone down or attack them. In fact, they seem more interested in the candy Ryoji offered them than finding a human soul to feed on. In fact, that's the only way Ryoji can convince them to do anything: unlike regular Shadows, which would take orders from Ryoji as a much larger Shadow, these ones are... uncooperative, to say the least. They've been climbing all over Ryoji and tugging on his scarf even as he gathers materials for... something.

It takes a bit longer than it would if he hadn't had a small army of distractions, but eventually, Ryoji has set up a table in the lounge, and propped up a cardboard sign to explain the occasion.

FREE Shadows! Very affectionate and cuddly. Looking for a good home!

Ryoji is dearly hoping these little guys will continue to stay as well-behaved as they've been so far. Fingers crossed, he settles down to wait.

((OOC: the little Shadows tend to take the forms of Mayas from Persona 3, but with a variety of different masks. Some also go without masks. If your character chooses to adopt one, feel free to customize it! The Shadows are also different from the regular ones, in that they only feed on negative human emotions. Upon playing with one of them, your character may find their mood lifted greatly!

So yes, enjoy this silly adoption agency for all your fluff needs.))

Comments

[notsogrimreaper]

Ryoji can't help but snort, even as he covers his mouth to repress his laughter. He shouldn't laugh at Sans-Serif, but it's kind of adorable that the skeleton got stuck with such a goofball. At least Sans-Serif still seems happy with his potential new pet, so Ryoji relaxes as he checks over the remaining Shadows, making sure none of them have gone wandering off.

When Sans-Serif returns, albeit with the Shadow firmly stuck on the other side, growling like a playful puppy, Ryoji gets up and hurries over to the pair of them.

"Perfect! Now, the problem is getting him to let go of it long enough..."

He reaches down to the Shadow and gives it a few scritches on its belly, which seems to please it enough for it to accidentally release the stick.

"Aha! There we are. Now you just toss it as far as you can!"

[antitemporal]

The Shadow looks faintly surprised to suddenly find itself no longer in possession of the stick. Sans-Serif, meanwhile, snatches it up in both hands with a grin. Then with a mighty overhand throw, he tosses it as far as he can.

Being as small as he is, this isn't terribly far - the stick clatters to the floor only about halfway across the room. The Shadow immediately goes scurrying after it, gathers the stick up in its hands and oozing over it again. But once it's accomplished that much, it...almost seems a bit lost, and stares up expectantly at Ryoji and Sans-Serif. What happens now?

Sans-Serif is wondering much the same, but it at least seems reasonably easy to guess. "now it's supposed to bring it back, right?"

[notsogrimreaper]

It doesn't matter how small Sans-Serif is, or how far he can throw it. The point is that he's trying, and the Shadow seems to appreciate it, even if it's confused by the whole concept of returning the stick after catching it.

"Yep! It's a pretty simple game. Come on, little guy! Bring it here!"

He starts patting his knees, hoping it'll lure the Shadow over.

[antitemporal]

"come on! you can bring it back! i believe in you!" Sans-Serif decides to try clapping his hands, instead. Fortunately, with the two of them encouraging it together, the Shadow seems to understand quickly enough. It rolls on over to them, dragging the stick behind it, and helpfully holds it up for Sans-Serif to take.

Unfortunately, when working together their encouragement works a little too well. Squeaking eagerly, the Shadows waiting on the chair start to slip and slide off of it, scurrying over to puddle around Ryoji's feet. Clearly, they know enough to be jealous that one of them is getting attention while the others are left waiting.

Sans-Serif lets out a startled gasp, shifting from foot to foot and trying not to step on or be stepped on by anyone. "should, um...should i get another stick?"

[notsogrimreaper]

Ryoji's smile gets a little wider as the Shadow finally gets the hint and scurries back over to them, and he even chuckles to see that the Shadow won't be uncooperative and refuse to let go of the stick.

Unfortunately, that does leave the problem of the other needy Shadows, and he wobbles in an attempt to keep his balance even as the little creatures swarm him.

"No, no, it's okay," he reassures Sans-Serif. "I think they'll all be fine playing with the one stick. Whoever gets it first wins, okay, little guys? Now calm down!"

He bends down to try to herd the Shadows into a group, and eventually over a dozen of them are sitting in front of Sans-Serif, waiting for their moment to shine.

[antitemporal]

A dozen, but Sans-Serif's shadow is not among them. As soon as it sees its fellows pile off the chair, it clambers carefully back up onto the skeleton's back and holds on tight once more. It almost seems a touch sulky, but mostly it seems nervous. When Sans-Serif looks back and strokes its head, however, it responds with a purr.

Then he hurls the stick again. Chittering and squeaking, the shadows all hurry after it. Their masks remain turned up to watch the stick in flight until it clatters to the ground. One with a Magician's mask grabs it first. Another with a Hierophant mask tries to snatch it away, but finds itself sharply rebuffed by another in a Justice mask. The victorious Shadow is allowed to ooze back over and present its trophy to the skeleton.

[notsogrimreaper]

Oh, so Sans-Serif's Shadow is a bit jealous. Well, at least it responds well to affection, so Ryoji gives it a smile and a little pat. Don't worry, buddy. Soon enough, you'll get to play with your new owner all you want.

He watches with a hint of amusement as the Shadows fight over the stick, until one of them finally brings the stick back. Ryoji picks it up this time, curious about how smart these little guys are. He makes a show of preparing to toss the stick, and then 'throws' it, but in reality, he just swings his arm around, and then slips the stick back to the one on Sans-Serif's back when the others aren't looking.

[antitemporal]

As it turns out, the Shadows are reasonably smart. The ones on the floor immediately look around to try and follow what the path of the thrown stick should be. But when they don't hear it land, and don't see it on the floor, they cluster back around Ryoji once more, making curious, inquisitive noises. The Hierophant Shadow even takes the initiative of sneaking around to try and peek behind Ryoji's back, when it notices the stick being clutched tight by Sans-Serif's Shadow again.

Thinking quickly in the hopes of preventing another fight, Sans-Serif snatches the stick from his Shadow and gives it another toss. And the squeaky little collective is off again.

[notsogrimreaper]

Ah, drat. He should have expected they would figure him out. He laughs nervously as the Shadows crowd back around, and breaths a sigh when they all go rushing after the stick. Sans-Serif's Shadow only makes a small whining noise before Ryoji reaches to pat it on the head again.

"Sorry, little buddy. I tried to give you a chance."

[antitemporal]

The skeleton's Shadow still looks a bit dour, at least until Sans-Serif adds a pat to Ryoji's own. Then it's whining becomes a purr again, and it's clear that all is forgiven. Just so long as it gets periodic reminders that it's still Sans-Serif's favorite - it is definitely a bit jealous.

This time, the one in the Lovers mask has a bit more luck, and is the first to present the stick back to Ryoji. But a Tower and another Magician are both looking like they're raring to make a comeback. And so they clamor for the game to continue again and again, until Sans-Serif flops to the ground in exhaustion only to be immediately mobbed by tiny, affectionate, sqeuaking monsters. He lets out a yelp that soon dissolves into a fit of laughter, while the Shadow he's most definitely started thinking of as his takes shelter in his ribcage again.

[notsogrimreaper]

Ryoji laughs softly. Definitely more than a little jealous. It seems he's already chosen Sans-Serif as an owner, so it's a good thing the little skeleton isn't having second thoughts. Otherwise, he's not sure how he'd get the little guy to stop clinging.

Ryoji flops down beside him, and though a few Shadows huddle around him, most are interested in their new friend. At least he seems to be enjoying himself, so Ryoji doesn't make much of an effort to stop them. They'll wear themselves out eventually, and when they do, slinking off of Sans-Serif to go huddle in piles under the chairs, Ryoji offers a hand to Sans-Serif.

"Well, it seems that they all really like you... but that little guy seems more than a little attached."

He pokes the Shadow still poking out from the front of Sans-Serif's shirt, and it makes a proud little squeak.

[antitemporal]

Even when the Shadows slowly pile off of him and go to rest, Sans-Serif remains slumped on the floor, in an exhausted but giggling heap. He doesn't quite understand why, yet, but he feels...light. Free. Happy. In a way that seems to go deeper than just having had a fun day.

He opens one eyesocket to smile up at Ryoji, before taking that offered hand up. But it's only when the other boy points it out that Sans-Serif remembers the Shadow in his ribcage. He looks down at it, and he looks up at him, letting out a squeak that's more curious now. It's just making sure.

The little skeleton's expression softens, and he reaches down to carefully pet it. The Shadow cooes in relief and withdraws safely back to its hiding place.

"i still don't know what to name it."

[notsogrimreaper]

Ryoji's own smile grows to see how happy Sans-Serif is. He's... honestly looking more happy than he ever has, even when he was spending time with his brother. Ryoji doesn't know why that is, but at least he can feel reassured that Sans-Serif really needs to adopt a little Shadow as a pet.

"Hmm... well, I'm not the best at names either, but I'm sure we can come up with something together. Like..."

He looks at the mask a little more.

"Lucky?"

He suggests it to the Shadow, who seems to make a slightly displeased squeak.

"Heh, doesn't sound like he likes that one."

[antitemporal]

"i heard you're not supposed to call things 'lucky' either. because then they won't be anymore."

The Shadow chirps in agreement, before tilting its mask back up to stare at Sans-Serif. It looks almost expectant, and Sans-Serif looks rather flustered to suddenly find himself the center of attention again. "um...squishy?"

It shakes its head.

"squeak?"

No.

"midnight?"

Negatory.

"...puddle?"

It gives this all due consideration, and then it gives a hearty squeak before wrapping its arms around Sans-Serif from inside his ribcage. Puddle's new owner looks quite relieved, and hugs his new pet back the best he can. "puddle!"

[notsogrimreaper]

"Oh, that's a good point. I just know that's usually a common pet's name. But I'm not surprised it wants something unique!"

He watches the two of them 'talk' through different name ideas, and somehow, he knows within a second that Puddle was the right suggestion, even before the newly named Shadow squeaks its agreement. He smiles warmly at the two of them.

"Looks like he really likes that. I'm glad you two are getting along so well."

[antitemporal]

Sans-Serif carefully lowers his shirt down over the newly-named Puddle again, hiding him safely away. Then he giggles again - his new pet's purring sends pleasant vibrations all through his ribcage.

When he looks up at Ryoji and smiles, the little skeleton no longer looks hesitant. He looks...content, and certain with this choice. And after a moment, he flings his arms around Ryoji in an enthusiastic hug. "thankyouthankyouthankyou...!" He has a pet! He has something he can take care of! Like his brother takes care of him.

...that leads to another thought. Sans-Serif pulls away just enough to regard the remaining pile of Shadows. "i wonder if s-4 would like one, too." Though he wouldn't mind sharing Puddle, either.

[notsogrimreaper]

That smile is really all the thanks Ryoji needs, and he's about to tell Sans-Serif to hurry off so Puddle doesn't end up getting jealous, but a few seconds later, Ryoji finds his words dying off into shock as he's suddenly hugged. It takes him a bit of hesitation, but eventually, he wraps his arms around the tiny skeleton, squeezing him tight.

"H-Hey, there's no need to thank me. I'm just glad you like it."

It feels really nice to be able to make someone so small and so obviously broken happy.

Ryoji eventually turns his head to look at the Shadows too, though part of it is so he can regain his composure.

"Ah... I'm sure your brother would love one too. Like... that one?" He points to one with a Hierophant mask, which immediately makes a trilling sort of sound and tilts its head from side to side.

[antitemporal]

Sans-Serif pulls away just enough to turn and regard the Shadow Ryoji is indicating. He doesn't know if his brother will like that one...but he can tell that it, at least, seems eager to find out. And if S-4 doesn't take to it, well, then there are plenty of other Shadows that might make him happy.

"let's go ask him!"

He starts across the floor, meaning to gather up the Hierophant Shadow. Halfway there, Sans-Serif stops, remembering his new passenger, and lifts up his shirt just a bit again.

"i'm only going to pick him up so we can take him to see s-4. i still like you best."

Puddle squeaks in reply, apparently satisfied with this. And Sans-Serif gathers up the Hierophant with no further difficulties.

[notsogrimreaper]

He has no idea why he assumes that's the right Shadow for S-4. It's just... glancing at it gives him the feeling that it's one the other little skeleton will take to well.

He smiles to see Sans-Serif being so gentle with Puddle. That kind of reassurance will help the jealous little Shadow. The Hierophant, on the other hand, squeaks again as it's picked off the ground, but makes itself a bit smaller so it can fit easily in the crook of Sans-Serif's arms. It's an accommodating little thing, at least...

He follows Sans-Serif to the room, and takes care to knock politely to announce their presence. Within moments, he hears S-4's nervous voice: "Coming!"

[antitemporal]

Sans-Serif waits as patiently as he can, but he's still bouncing up and down a bit on the balls of his feet as he hears his brother's footsteps drawing nearer. He tries to use the moment before the door opens as time to think of how best to explain matters. Just because he's feeling excited, he still doesn't want to alarm or pressure his brother into anything.

When S-4 opens the door, he looks up at his brother and waves with the hand not holding the new Shadow. "hi! s-so, um, i was playing with ryoji earlier, and...and apparently he can make monsters? like this one?" He holds up the Hierophant for S-4 to inspect. "and, and, um...well, do you know what a 'pet' is, brother?" He supposes that's a safe enough place to start.

[systematicsupport]

S-4 still looks a bit alarmed when he opens the door. It's strange enough getting a visitor that isn't just one of his brothers. Plus, it's not just Ryoji, but apparently a new creature? He stares at the Shadow with wide eyesockets, but it does nothing but let out a quiet coo. Ryoji, for his part, offers a shy wave and nod.

"Make monsters?" S-4 isn't sure he likes the sound of that, but he carefully reaches up to touch the Hierophant shadow, which lets out another, louder trill. S-4 pulls his hand back momentarily, but reaches to touch it again in a few seconds, frowning at the question.

"That was in... in that one story, right? The human had a dog, and he called it his 'pet.'"

[antitemporal]

Sans-Serif nods eagerly. He remembers that story, too. "right! it's like...like a little animal. and you take care of it and love it and it loves you." He glances up at Ryoji for confirmation. "right? anyway, um. this is a 'shadow'! not like a shadow on the ground." He nods down at his own. "ryoji makes them. and they like to eat candy, and play fetch, and, and this one's name is 'puddle'..." He lifts up his shirt just a bit to allow Puddle to wave from inside his ribcage. "and he's my 'pet' now! and...i wanted to know if you wanted a pet, too."

He ducks his head, suddenly shy now that the moment of the Big Question is at hand. But he keeps holding up the Hierophant, who is already starting to purr. "like maybe this one? or i'll share puddle with you. if you want."

[notsogrimreaper]

Ryoji nods his affirmation of Sans-Serif's words. "That's the best way to put it."

He's surprised by Sans-Serif's explanation of the Shadows, but he supposes that what the creatures are isn't truly important here. He smiles softly to see Puddle let out a squeak and wave between Sans-Serif's ribs, and then watches S-4 closely for his answer. Ryoji's smile is soft and gentle.

"You don't need to have one if you don't want to. I know they are a big responsibility."

As he speaks, S-4 cautiously looks over the purring creature, and then reaches out to pat the top of its head. The purring gets louder. S-4 looks to his brother with concern and just the slightest bit of hope.

"Um... does that mean he likes me? That's what it said in the book about cats, but..." But Shadows are different.

[antitemporal]

Sans-Serif giggles, feeling the purrs vibrate through his hands and up his arms. "yeah! i think that means he likes you." Again, he looks to Ryoji for confirmation, just to make sure. He knows that Shadows are different from cats. But even then, purring certainly wouldn't mean anything bad, would it?

Almost proudly, as though on the Shadow's behalf, he carries on: "ryoji and i were talking about which shadow to come and show you. because we didn't want to bring them all at once." And possibly scare S-4 out of wanting any. "and this one wanted to come with us the most!"

He practically volunteered, from where Sans-Serif was standing. Puddle probably sensed how cool S-4 was just from being around Sans-Serif and told this one.

[notsogrimreaper]

"I'm pretty sure that's exactly what it means. I mean, the little guy seems pretty happy."

He still can't really speak whatever chirpy language the Shadows follow, but he can read their emotions easily enough. And purring definitely couldn't mean anything bad.

S-4 listens to his brother's explanation, still staring at the Shadow. It's weird that a creature really would have wanted to come visit him, but... it does make him feel a flood of warmth in his chest.

"Did... you really want to see me?" he asks. The Shadow stops its purring to coo its agreement.