Ɛstrelα

🎀💉

🎀- Do you like cute things at all? What is the cutest thing you have or have met?

“Of course. Cute things really make the world go round, don’t they?”

He paused to think about the second question. What was the cutest thing he had met? The baby bunny that followed him home one day? The tiny little chick that he had taken care of when it had gotten separated from its mother? His cute little Eevee? No… It was something else entirely.

“…Jack’s mini form! He’s super cute and squishy. Don’t tell him I said that, though!”

Eevee is definitely a very close second, though.

💉- Do you dislike shots and injections?

“Is there anyone who actually likes them? It’s bad enough that the needle’s prick hurts a lot, but it’s even worse when your entire arm is sore for days afterwards…”

#tasukusenpai #what the fuck tasuku-chan #ca meme

And depicted here, is Futaboshi Kakeru, looking utterly betrayed as Tasuku did not proceed to call him the cutest thing he has ever met. He is disgusted, hurt, and most of all, offended beyond disbelief.

#tasukusenpai #ca meme #k-kyaa... tasuku-kun..

❣❣❣❣❣❣!!!!!!

“Sometimes I wonder whether I’m looking at Kakeru or a puppy…”

While exasperated or overwhelmed at times by Kakeru’s seemingly empty-headed antics, Tasuku does care for him and recognizes Kakeru’s utter devotion to him. He knows Kakeru loves him and feels bad that he can’t return the feelings, so he only hopes to be the best friend he can be to Kakeru.

He also recognizes Kakeru’s fake moe act. Nevertheless, Tasuku still falls for it sometimes. It’s hard not to say no to those liquid eyes when they look at him so imploringly because Kakeru is cute. Aesthetically speaking, he’s definitely Tasuku’s type.

A Little Too Potent

jackryuuenji:

“Kakeru, what–hey! Let go!”

Extremely displeased with being handled like a toy–his dragon’s pride extended to everyone that wasn’t Tasuku–Jack squirmed out of Kakeru’s arms once they were out of the younger Tasuku’s earshot and gave him an indignant glare.

“Do not give him any anesthesia! That’ll just make things worse!”

But Kakeru raised a good point. What if Chrono did find out? What would happen?

No… Perhaps they could use that to their advantage. Yes, Chrono could be their saving grace here…

“Chrono… We should bring him straight to Chrono. His expertise in dealing with human children is unparalleled.”

“I dislike the thought of withholding the truth from Tasuku, but I don’t think it’ll get us anywhere if he finds out at this point. Chrono can help take care of this Tasuku and keep his mind away from his parents’ fate…and you can find a way to reverse the serum.”

He stared hard at Kakeru.

“…You can do it, correct?”

“That’s....” It was supposed to have been an anti-aging solution... not an age regressing serum! If they needed an antidote now, Kakeru would first have to find out exactly which ingredients caused the spurred change in molecules and body fibers and then find the counter elements, and--

“…You can do it, correct?”

“D-don’t look at me like that! It’s gonna take some time!” With a huff Kakeru pulled out his phone and scrolled through his directory, mouth pursing into a frown of displeasure as the very contact that lit up under his finger only existed on his phone because Tasuku had told him to add it for dire emergencies.. ... a.k.a. whenever Tasuku fell victim to one of Kakeru’s experiments. “B-but are you sure Chrono-kun is gonna help? I mean, I’m more afraid of what he’ll do when he finds out I turned his boyfriend into a 9-year-old...” But with dreaded hesitance--and a stern look from Jack--Kakeru hit the call button, and with great reluctance, reported the sudden news to an unamused Chrono.

“You WHAT--?!”

A Little Too Potent

tasukusenpai:

“…? …???”

The tinier Tasuku really wasn’t following along at all. Completely disoriented and confused, his larger eyes involuntarily flooded with tears.

“…Uu…”

It was then that a small pinprick of light, much like the stars he looked up to for guidance, appeared out of the pocket of a shirt that was far too big for him. What materialized was a tiny dragon, its shape and size much like the plushies that the young Tasuku coveted.

“Kakeru, you…” The dragon sighed, and looked to Tasuku, who had started and shied away from his sudden appearance. “Let me handle this.”

“Tasuku. Do you know who I am?”

The young Tasuku shook his head. He looked as if he were trying to disappear into his clothes.

“I see… Do you know where you were before this?” the dragon asked. Tasuku shook his head again.

“I-it was…a mountain… I don’t know where I was…”

“That does complicate things.” Jack looked to Kakeru again. “He must’ve lost all of his memories until even before we met…”

“Um…”

Tasuku’s tiny voice piped up shyly.

“Futaboshi-san… And Mr. Dragon… Do you know where my parents are…?”

“Do you know…if they’re okay…? Are you helping them…?”

.... shit. Clapping his hands together in that instance to interrupt Tasuku’s innocent inquiry, Kakeru put on the brightest of grins, whilst inserting more optimism into his tone. That oughta hold us over from any tears!

“Uh... Tasuku-chan...! Give me just one moment, okay? I gotta talk to this dragon for a sec. Don’t move! Stay righhtttt there!” Grabbing Jack without warning--tucking him under his arm for good measure--Kakeru bopped the confused child on the nose with the tip of his forefinger before pulling the green armordragon into the next room over, placing him on the floor before him and crouching down, lowering his voice into a panicked whisper.

“What do we do?! He brought up his tragic backstory! Sh-should I get the anesthesia?! What if Chrono-kun finds out?!”

A Little Too Potent

tasukusenpai:

Tasuku took the vial and examined the dubious-looking liquid swirling beneath the cork, and felt a little uneasy.

“I really feel like this kinda thing is best left for natural remedies, but…”

“…Uh…this won’t turn me green again, right?”

Well, it was better him than an actual patient (which Kakeru had tried to experiment on before, much to Tasuku’s chagrin). He uncorked the vial and downed it.

“Hm… I don’t really feel any…diff…erent…? …Uh…?!”

His vision swam in all colours of the rainbow suddenly, and then…black. The words had barely left his mouth before Tasuku knew no more. The vial shattered to the ground as Tasuku disappeared…

It was dark all of a sudden, dark and…warm? He struggled against the sudden heaviness, what he deduced to be clothes that were too large for him, and finally managed to poke his head out of the collar.

“…?!”

Instead of stars twinkling in the distant night sky, the first lights he saw were the harsh synthetic ones of a clinic. He looked around in a panic, finding himself in an unfamiliar place, and looked up to see a boy dressed like a doctor.

“…!!”

Startled, Tasuku scrambled away, but tripped over clothes that were now to big for him. It didn’t hurt as much as the many times he had fallen and scraped his knees on rock, but it was enough to jar him into his senses.

“Wh…where…”

He spoke in a much higher, much younger voice.

“Who…who are you…?”

“T-Tasuku.. chan...?!”

No... Yes...?! It certainly appeared to be the former Buddy Cop that he knew well, but he was so much smaller! He’d lost at least a foot in height and could barely remain within the clothing that once fitted him perfectly!

Oh no... were the ingredients too potent?! Maybe the mysterious fungi he purchased from the open air market had been far more effective than he had anticipated?! But whatever the reason may be, it was certain that instead of making his complexion more youthful, Tasuku’s entire body had regressed to that of a younger state! Realizing that he was simply staring at a fearful child with his mouth agape, Kakeru shook his head, trying to smile and seem as friendly as possible.

“Um.... it’s me, Futaboshi Kakeru. Your... well, actually it seems that your memories have regressed alongside your body, huh? Well, I’m a Buddy Monster doctor and you drank this serum I concocted so now you’re...--” But as much as Kakeru attempted to ramble, it didn’t seem as if Tasuku was following along at all....

A Little Too Potent

“--Tasuku-chan I have a favor to ask!” ... And it was innocent enough. Kakeru was testing out the effects of an anti-aging recipe listed in a medicinal thesis journal he picked up from a used bookstore. On himself, he couldn’t necessarily feel or deduct any sort of immediate change. So to avoid missing out on observing any sort of physical side-effects, that’s where his adorable assistant came in. (Though he felt a little guilty using the honest Tasuku as a guinea pig, it was hard not to admit how amusing it was to see him squirm sometimes..) “Some patients were asking for youthful serums, so I’m trying to deliver.. wanna drink this for me?” Holding out the corked, cylindrical vial (filled with a murky liquid, due to the properties of the ingredients) Kakeru smiled with eager anticipation as he pulled out his notepad and pen to begin scribbling down any obvious changes he could notice.

A few gulps later, and much to Kakeru’s dismay, something completely unexpected happened, Tasuku rapidly shrinking down and--

“Um..... u-uh oh....!”

#tasukusenpai #ca closed

Check-up

tasukusenpai:

“I don’t eat parfaits that often… That’d be dreadfully unhealthy…”

Where on earth did Kakeru get all of these ideas… Even Tasuku couldn’t eat that many sweets at once!

“You told me I was 2 kg under last week, so the weight gain is a good thing, isn’t it? It’s probably just muscle. I’ve been working especially hard to outdo Rouga this week.”

“…I’m still the same height? I haven’t even grown a millimeter? Not even one? Even though I’ve been drinking milk everyday and sleeping early…”

“I didn’t say that was a bad thing! Even Chrono-kun would probably appreciate a little more meat on those bones, hm~?”

Reaching over and giving that plush tummy a poke and a squeeze--caught red handed... it was fun to see Tasuku squirm though!--Kakeru relented with a playful giggle, giving the other room to breathe again.

“Sorry, Tasuku-chan, you think I should look into a serum to make you taller? Fufu..”

Check-up

tasukusenpai:

“Well, people wouldn’t be coming to the clinic if they didn’t have problems, right? So of course I’d be healthier than most patients…”

“Really? I don’t think my height or my weight would’ve changed significantly over the past week. Sometimes it feels like you’re giving me all of these check ups for this part.”

But he did as the doctor told, removing his shirt and dropping it on the bed, but leaving his tank top on.

“Alright, do your thing.”

“Ehh! It’s like you’re making me out to be some sort of skeevy doctor! How mean!” ... though it wasn’t to say that the sight of Tasuku’s lean body wasn’t a little gratuitous to Kakeru. (He was definitely worthy of being called ikemen!) Getting out the measuring tape and scale, as Tasuku stepped up onto it, Kakeru made his calculations and quickly scribbled them down on his nearby spread sheet.

“I mean, it’s safe to check, don’t you think? If Tasuku-chan suddenly gained 5 kilograms, it would mean it’s time to lay off those parfaits! Speaking of, you’re 2 kg over this week... same height though.”

Check-up

tasukusenpai:

“Maybe so, but it’s just that…you’re always awfully enthusiastic about this, especially considering that I’m not a Buddy monster… I’d imagine that you wouldn’t be as interested in giving a human like me a check up.”

But he gave in anyway–it was impossible to change Kakeru’s mind when he was this enthusiastic about the idea–and did as he was told.

“Oh, no, it’s not. It’s been fine ever since Gara fixed it, actually…”

He didn’t want to know how Kakeru would react to that–things got strangely competitive between the two of them for some reason–and switched eyes when prompted.

“Were there problems with anything you’ve checked so far?”

“.... oh? That tactless buffoon managed to do something like that? Hmph...”

Trying to mask his imminent frustration with a crooked smile, Kakeru let slip a sharp twitch of his brow, more than elated to see that Tasuku was now changing the subject to spare his nerves. He really didn’t want to hear about that loser Gara right now.

“Ah, no, no. Tasuku-chan is fit as a fiddle. You’re brimming with health; I wish I could say the same for most patients actually...

“Now we’ll take your height and weight. You’re gonna have to strip again..”

Check-up

tasukusenpai:

One slow afternoon at the Futaboshi Clinic found a usual sight of Kakeru fawning over Tasuku.

“Kakeru… Didn’t I get a check-up last week? I’m pretty sure it isn’t necessary to do one this often. You’d be wasting time and precious resources on me, wouldn’t you?”

As Kakeru found the time to fit in an extra patient--the charming assistant beside him, of course!--he gathered his stethoscope and sphygmomanometer and got to work. With Tasuku sitting before him, he was all smiles as he recorded such things as his heart rate and blood pressure.

“Not at all. Plus you’re always getting into all sorts of trouble, aren’t you? This is probably for the best. --Okay, let me check your eyes and ears next...” Putting his clipboard down in replacement for his otoscope, Kakeru gently took a hold of Tasuku’s ears, one at a time, and observed carefully, finding nothing out of the ordinary within the visible canals.

“Alright, now cover one of your eyes with your hand and look directly forward. When I say Switch, switch eyes, ‘kay?” Shining the light of his otoscope directly at the younger’s cerise hue to check for any signs of strabismus, it suddenly dawned on him that he had forgotten to ask about an important condition... “This was the one that got injured right..? back then...? Is it causing you any problems?”

✦ future memory

distortionpunisher:

Part of the Purgatory Knight wants to accept the proposal.

Another part of him, the part that has had his trust shattered again and again, is suspicious of this cheerful fellow. His red eyes are trained on Kakeru as he skips closer, and he notes that Kakeru is deceptively dexterous in spite of the clumsy show from earlier. Another act.

Which of this boy’s faces is his true one? He doesn’t have time to think on it. He bristles at the horrid nickname and glares at Kakeru.

“Don’t talk to me with such familiarity. I told you, I don’t know who you are. I don’t know about what you said earlier either. About you knowing a ‘Tasuku-chan.’ As far as I’m concerned, we’re strangers.”

“What makes you think I’m going to trust you, a complete stranger?” When the Purgatory Knight can’t even trust his former superiors. “Your clumsy act from earlier would just be an inconvenience. You have no reason to help me either. Why share your resources with someone you don’t even know unless you have your own agenda?”

“Umm.... how else can I put this?”

Trying to brush off as much of that brash hostility as he could, Kakeru kicked at the rubble near his feet coyly, eyes darting about in search of a clever bring about.

“Ah! Have you heard of symbiosis, Purgatory Knight-chan? Two different species come together to live closely, rather it be mutual, commensalistic, or parasitic. If we stick together, we can only benefit from one another’s company... sure, one of us may or may not have a hidden agenda, but do you really have anything to lose?”

There would be double the protection, twice the alert to their surroundings, and not to mention, an interesting tale to unfold from following this Tasuku from another possible timeline. And just as he was sure he would say no, Kakeru leaned in to invade the other’s personal proximity, their noses just barely touching for good measure.

“Weellllll?”

✦ future memory

distortionpunisher:

“What?”

This boy isn’t just strange, he’s outright bizarre. The Purgatory Knight is certain he has never met him before, yet he speaks with such familiarity. He’s quite certain that Kakeru is the only stranger not to be intimidated by the sight of his purgatory armor. Is he trying to get under the Purgatory Knight’s skin?

He hates to admit it, but it’s working. There’s something about Kakeru that grates.

“Do you think this is a game?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m the Purgatory Knight. I’m not Tasuku anymore. Why are you speaking as if you know me? This is the first time we’ve ever met.

“Of course, I intend on finding a way out of this place. If you’re going to get in my way, you’re just wasting both of our time.”

The very sight of those narrowing crimson eyes is what made Kakeru feel that twisted sense of glee; usually Tasuku would just get exasperated or play along, but this one was so on edge... so serious! Suddenly, he wanted to see what made him tick... what made this one so different from the Tasuku he knew. Wanting to stick close by to this Purgatory Knight just to confirm whether or not he was a threat--if he was just as possibly soft hearted as the one he admired--Kakeru pursued the conversation.

“Well, Purgatory Knight-chan, it’s a lot easier to think of it that way, right?”

Hop skipping over to the armored doppelganger and twirling on his heel until they were face-to-face once more, did Kakeru then provide his proposal.

“So... if you’re not looking for a fight, how about we team up, then? I’m super resourceful, and I even have rations in my bag! I’ll definitely find us a way out, what do you say?”

✦ future memory

distortionpunisher:

The boy is mocking him. The Purgatory Knight recognizes that kind of tone all too well, but he chooses not to comment on it. It would do him little good to rise on his haunches at that.

“Futaboshi Kakeru?” The name doesn’t ring any bells. But if he’s studying a profession that has to do with Buddyfight, then he must be from the Purgatory Knight’s world. The Purgatory Knight doesn’t know whether to be relieved or disgruntled. He opts for disgruntled and bristles a little when Kakeru decides to begin running his mouth.

“I’m not afraid of anything.” The quickness with which he refutes Kakeru only suggests that he’s trying to prove himself. To whom? Not even the Purgatory Knight knows. “As for everything else… It’s none of your business.”

“You still haven’t answered my second question. Why were you following me?”

So quick to retort... Clearly Kakeru’s words managed to dig way past the intimidating metal he used to cocoon around himself and right into that fragile skin of his. In a way, Kakeru wanted to tease him more for the entertainment of it, but he knew better than to play with his food...

“I was looking after you because you looked like such a cute, lost lamb! The way your little hooves go clunk, clunk against the rubble is so precious... I had to make sure no wolves came to gobble you up! Fufu...” Metaphor aside, Kakeru wanted to get more to the point, hands shifting into his empty pockets just to rattle the other into a defensive position once more.

“But you know.... you look just like my Tasuku-chan.... So I have to ask you a question now:...

“What are you planning to do now that you’re here, not Tasuku-chan? Are you a good little lamb? Or a wolf in sheep’s clothing...?”

✦ future memory

distortionpunisher:

The bespectacled boy emerges from the bushes and stumbles towards him is so strangely chipper that the Purgatory Knight is convinced immediately that it’s an act. But the branches now flying towards him like knives are very much real.

He reacts quickly and grabs a fallen branch off the ground, slashing them all away with a single swing. Something like this isn’t even worth expending his limited Disaster Force for. Barely concealing his annoyance, he looks the boy over. He doesn’t seem very serious about the situation, but the issue remains that he was tailing the Purgatory Knight.

The day is just one inconvenience after the other.

“Who are you…and why were you following me?”

... And just like that, the other had reacted with frightening reflexes, confirming his nagging suspicions almost subsequently.

“Ohhh~! That was pretty cool!”

Putting on his best impressed airs, Kakeru gave a few mocking claps in consideration to his tone, noting that this was, indeed, not the Ryuenji Tasuku he had been hoping to meet. Another doppleganger, huh? Just like that other me...

“Hmm? I’m Futaboshi Kakeru. An aspiring doctor for Buddyfight Monsters.”

Shrugging his arms to show that he meant no harm--as long as things remained civil, that is--Kakeru tilted his head, all the while putting a finger to his chin in thoughtful observation.

“Say, aren’t you rather inconvenienced in that shabby, clunky armor, stranger? What’re you so afraid of hiding in there? And my, what a sour look in your eyes....”

✦ future memory