That snapped him out of it, and from what Leon said brought his joy back. He was literally grinning ear from ear and sparkling from happiness. This guy was awesome! He was cool, and strong and NICE! So, despite being smaller than the blonde, Yuki wrapped his arms around him.

“Leon the King~ Father of Thetaaaa~” Oh dear, here’s the tears. Funny how happiness could control the teen like this, “So great to meet you! I’m Yuki! A-and I will now, I will..!” 

Sniffling and looking up at him, he continued to explain, “I don’t have to watch the lake anymore so I’m free..a-and..a-and-!” Pausing, he looked down, “..Actually..something’s wrong-that’s why I’m travelling in the first place..Ah-y-you,..and the Kuronekos need to really watch Theta..a-and Maria…a-as I will…” 

Geez this kid was hyperactive. Whoa there! Why was there hugging outta nowhere? Oh well it wasn’t harming him. Yet. It was kind of embarrassing being called King by anyone besides two certain girls. But, Leon patted the boy on the head nevertheless. Even if he was a little weirded out by him. He was just expressing his happiness wasn’t he?

“Don’t worry about us. We watch the children like hawks.”Of course sometimes things just kinda catches everyone by surprise. “But you seem to be having problems of your own. So...” Leon placed a hand on Yuki’s shoulder. “What’s going on, kid?”

Oh lord Arceus. He had never seen emotions switch so quickly like that-! 

“Ah-!” and even more amazing as to how strong he was! “You really are worthy…” Yuki murmured, almost tearing up at this. Leon was PERFECT for Theta! Now all he needed to do was meet this ‘Haru’ father and then he wouldn’t have to worry. Haha there are the tears, “Protective..th-the perfect father~~” 

“Piiiip!” Immediately Smudge was VERY startled though. What was going to happen? Did he have to peck Leon to get away? Or-or??

Being put down was very nice though, “Thank you. Yeah-I know you are-but its okay! You gotta let your feelings and emotions out, and having anger out is way better than having it in. So please..let it flow~” See? This blonde haired man was nice! He just had a lot of emotion to him. He liked that. 

“I..do. Yeah. I was far from being a saint though, so I’d rethink beating me up.” Scratching the back of his neck, Yuki chuckled nervously, “At the time Theta was still at…that place, I didn’t exactly know I had a sister-or my mom was-you know. Magical-y and stuff. There..really wasn’t much I could have done for her-or Maria..” Soon he looked to the side sadly, his gaze turning a dark blue, “That’s why I’m happy for someone as protective as you to be in her life.” 

This was the first time somebody wasn’t practically having a heart attack when confronted by how strong Leon was. It felt unusual and weird. Hell it even weirded him out how this kid was reacting. And he should be doubting about whether or not he was really Theta’s brother or not but... It didn’t seem like he was lying. And it didn’t feel like he wanted to hurt her so he guessed this was alright.

This was a bit too much to process though. And there was most definitely more story to be heard in this. But for now there was one important thing that needed to be said. Leon turned his gaze back at the boy and cleared his throat.

“You better be planning to spend more time in  Theta’s life then. And I mean not from far away but from where she can see you. She will be happy and that is exactly how I want her to stay. I may be her father now, but you’re..... her brother. You need to be here too. Now...”

“Pleasure to meet you, kid. Name’s Leon King. Proud father of Theta.”

His smile turned a little sheepish. Ah-oh dear. Now he was the bench! He didn’t want to be a bench! 

“Ah-uh-er..its fine. I understand. I thiiink we’re in the same boat here.” Laughing to himself, Yuki couldn’t believe it, “That’s so wonderful…okay okay. I’m Yuki-her brother! Ah-ha!” Jumping up, he grasped Leon’s other hand, grinning with happiness. 

“I got to meet her father today, I can’t believe it-I-I’ve always watched my sisters and how they’ve been protectors, but I’ve been too shy…but you have done nothing but loved her and become such a wonderful father to her-!” 

Okay maybe excited was an understatement seeing how the pink-haired was sparkling with happiness and joy.

“You….deserve all of the ice cream. All.” He whispered, wiggling in place.

Oh. Ha ha! Her brother? That was amazing! Watching over her? All this time? That was just-

Leon’s expression darkened very quickly as he took hold of the boy’s arms and slowly started raising him up in the air.

“And where were you when she was in that place? Being experimented on? Used as a lab rat! Back when she thought about killing s if it was nothing?!”

No, no. Stop. There had to be some explanation, some kind of reason as to why her so-called brother hasn’t been present all this time besides being shy. Leon softly placed the boy back down and released his grip. Ugh. All these instant changes in mood made Leon dizzy and gave him a huge headache.

“... I’m... sorry. I just-... I’m still a bit angry about many things. I shouldn’t take it out on you. But you do owe me an explanation.”

Yuki almost became the bench.

-And now towards him? Oh dear. Best to keep his cool. Worst case scenario? He calms this guy’s emotions down easily. Make him tired. 

“A bodyguard? Now that’s a titl-wait..bodyguard..?” Yuki was just about to start this amazing pun! But alas that caught him off guard. So his blue gaze turned into an inquisitive green squint at him,

“…Theta has a bodyguard father–Are..are you..Leon..?” Immediately he perked up! This would be great and would make sense! True he couldn’t see his eyes, and his hair was a taaad different than before, but this could really be him! The one watching his sister!! 

“You have about five seconds to explain how you know my daughter before I knock you into the ground.”

And suddenly his mood shifted. He needed to protect his wonderful daughter from this person if he turned out to be someone bad. Err, wait. He didn’t seem like a bad person. “Sorry, I get a bit defensive. Are you... one of Theta’s friends?” He was calm now. He just needed a clear answer before deciding on how he felt. The topic of Theta always seemed to smack him back into the reality of the world.

Leon rubbed his eyes a bit, slicked his hair back and stared at the young boy sitting in front of him. Even forgot about the ice cream he had in hand.

Very time consuming pursuits, from what I remember.  You seem none the worse for wear, though.

I’m too happy for any of that silly shit.

Aaand there was another shift. How strange. Was this that magic going around? Eech, he hoped he wasn’t going to catch it. Those things were like the flu. And like the flu, Yuki didn’t mind that the blonde took his ice cream. 

Smudge silently protested with a frown, though. 

“Fight a lot? So you’re a cop? No…” As he was talking, the pink haired had the planks of the bench come together and stick together. It was kind of easy. And afterwards, he sat down on the bench, smiling,

“You seem more like a..anti-cop? Maybe a bouncer..? I dunno..how do you like that? I tasted chesto with some gummies definitely but…maybe its something else..?” 

“I’m a bodyguard.”

Oh, what’s this? He had powers too? Why couldn’t he have powers either?! Gods this just sucked. In a family of nothing but cursed and blessed children, people with affinities, even robots, idols and geniuses he was the dullest, most boring and plain person between everyone he knew. It just served more to make him increasingly frustrated.

A low growl.

“...It kinda tastes like mixed berries.” The ice cream kept him cool though at least. He didn’t feel like sitting down and at least he wasn’t screaming at anyone. That’s something.

Ah well you know. Work. Fathering. Repeat.

“I don’t want your smokes,”Tia assured, reaching for a box in her bag. “I want cash. so I can like, buy the shit I need.” Not that she needed a whole lot. “Do you have that at least?” She pulled out the box she brought for him. She really did not even want to know what poor sap he was going to use this stuff on, but that wasn’t anything new.

Leon reached into his pocket to take out his wallet and took out a fair amount of currency, then slid it towards the kid on the table. He didn’t even care if it was more than she’d ask all he wanted was the poison and for her to get away from his smoke boxes.

“Here you go.”

Tiamat cradled her wrist, as she watched him. Part of her wondered if it was okay to actually go through with teaching him how to make that poison, but also, she was immune to it, so like it really didn’t matter.

“Maybe, uh, not have them out in the open then?”

Leon shifted his gaze from side to side. Up and down. Corner to corner. “Closed places aren’t safe. Easier for somebody to sneak up and take them. In the open they can’t surprise me. I can see everything. Everyone ! They’ll never get my smokes. Never! I’ll make sure of it. I’ll protect them with my life eternal.”

“Now about that poison, kid. I need it now. And don’t even stop to think I’m paying you in anyway with my smokes.”

    “ Eeeh~ Then we should start moving her stuff into this apartment together! She doesn’t say it out loud, but I think she’s really wanted that… It would be a great surprise. “ Satou giggled, bouncing on her heels just from the thought. It was going to be painful to stop being Theta’s mama, but she was also very excited to see Leon and Theta become family. In the end, that was what she’d wanted for both of them…

    Plus this would give her more reasons to crash at his place.

    “ For me? We~ll— HEY! HOLD IT! “ Someone noticed Leon nibbling his glove and stomped out to take his hand. “ If you were that hungry then you just had to say so, IDIOT! Only eat your gloves if you’re on survival TV! And even then, BOIL THEM FIRST! How have you been LIVING? You better not eat gloves every night, sir! “

Nodding, the blonde snapped back into happy dad mode. The thought of having Theta move in was so great and it just made him grin like an idiot. It would bring him nothing but joy. “Yes! I’m sure she’d love tha- eh?!”

Satou approached him, taking his hand away so that he was no longer nibbling at his glove. What? Boiling gloves? But he didn’t want to eat anything. But he was hungry. But he wasn’t actually hungry. Agh! What did he FEEL? Ah. What was this? Satou’s touch actually relieved a small portion of whatever was taking over his senses.

Maybe...

Leon took a step forward, trying to pull Satou into a hug.

    “ Yaaay! Free invite! “ Substitute Mom said in a sing-song voice. She was, at this moment, still oblivious to everything. Her primary focus was feeding Leon some healthy supper and maybe sneaking a second helping of dessert. That is to say, she came here with completely pure-hearted intentions and not tricks up her sleeves.

    “ Your place looks so nice~! “ She hummed, twirling childishly once inside, “ Oh oh! Does Theta have a room here? I still have some of her stuff. I should bring it over next time! “

Stepping aside, he let Satou enter his apartment. He never really decorated his places much, the only reason there was some semblance of human life living in this apartment was thanks to Theta’s own decorating. If it were up to him he’d just have a bed, fridge, bathroom and possibly a mini bar. A mini bar sounded really nice right about now too. So he made his way towards the fridge to pull out a soda to cool himself off. For some reason he was feeling way too hot. He was almost sure he was sweating, but he really wasn’t. And the air conditioning was on. What the hell was going on?

“Yeah umm... I always pick a place with at least two rooms in case Theta wants to come over and stay with me. Her room’s through that door.” Said the instant happy father as he pointed to a room with a closed door. But the moment he turned back to Satou, that weird feeling came up again. The intense heat, the imaginary sweating, his throat drying up, his heartbeating rapidly. Lord what was this. Again, nibbling at his glove.

“So, uhh... how are... things?”

Let’s try to keep a distance from Satou. 

Thought Leon, as he walked closer to Satou.

“So uh..you look like you’re in a pickle, guy.” A 16-year old stated from Leon’s side. Wait was he there before? Maybe. Who knows, Yuki is a strange and mysterious boy that comes and goes randomly. Oh well, he had an ice cream cone in his hand and a Piplup in his hoodie. 

Smudge had his head out, licking the cone as well and replying with an awe-filled, “Piiiipp..” how could a person be that strong? 

“You…alright, there? That looks like it hurts.” Yuki put out another statement, licking the treat.

It took Leon a moment to process the situation. He was in a public place, breaking public property, his leg was still stuck in said damaged public property and somebody was already looking at him. Judging.

Slowly, the blonde pulled- oh it’s a bit stuck there. Slowly he carefully [and aggressively] yanked his leg out of the bench. Lord knows how many splinters he has or if he’s ever bleeding from his leg. Black pants will never give you the answer. He cleared his throat and turned towards the boy speaking towards him.

“I’m fine.”

He probably ain’t but let’s not go into detail here.

“It’s the bench you should worry about.”

Bench murderer.

Oh this guy again, Tiamat thought. She raised an eyebrow at his strange behavior, before walking towards him. As she passed, she tried to swipe one of the boxes, just to tease him. 

She knew it was probably a bad idea, but she was bored, and this was the second most interesting thing she had to do today.

Leon felt something coming towards him. He could feel the intent intent towards his smoke sticks as if he could see the future. The moment Tiamat tried to grab one of them, Leon lashed out and grabbed her hand, squeezing a bit too strongly.  Leon snapped, looking right at Tiamat’s eyes

“WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING !?”

Oh? He’s sen this girl before. She was trying to steal his smoke sticks! She couldnt’ have any!  NO!  Nobody could have them. Nobody !

The 54th icon in your folder is your muse's reaction to someone saying 'I love you'

     Okay, come on, Leon. How many friends do you have that just invite themselves over unannounced? It can’t be a long list. And if it is, surely this silly goofball is somewhere on top. After all, she basically decided Leon and her were soul mates in a stalker sort of way.

     “ LEEEEEeeOoonnnn! Heh~llo! “ She squealed, oblivious for the moment to his altered state. Satou one hand on her hips and beamed confidently, while the other held out a bundled package of food containers. “ Weeee had leftovers! And I bet you could go for some homemade Mikky 5 star cooking, ne? Also, desserts! Yahoo~! Lucky you! “

     More like poor Leon.

Leon looked at Satou, stared at her for a moment. She seemed different somehow. She seemed more.. attractive somehow. Frighteningly so. He had barely managed to rip his gaze from her face to see what she had in hand. But his eyes wandered. From her hand, to her arm, to her hips-

“Stop”

Snapping back into reality, Leon shook his head and smiled up at Satou. “Uh- yeah sure. I’d love some food.” He was hungry. He didn’t feel like eating food, but for some God forsaken reason he just felt hungry. Hopefully whatever this was would go away soon.

“C’mon in.”