Lord Black Water's Second Chances: Twisted Wonderland

The Fleeting Moments/He Xuan's Early Training

Crowley and Crewel have found themselves in a sort of accidental family with He Xuan, their unintentionally adopted son. They've spent years tiptoeing around the truth of their relationship, vehemently denying to anyone who dares assume that they're anything more than co-parents. Yet, deep down, they share a profound love for He Xuan. The boy, initially a challenge they hadn't planned for, has blossomed under their care.

He's grown into this incredible young soul—intuitive, brilliantly smart, and unbelievably perceptive. It's as if he can absorb knowledge just by casting his gaze upon something once.

But there's a catch to his sensitivity. Every time one of them has to leave for whatever reason, He Xuan becomes a storm of tears, crying until he's practically out of breath as if he thinks they're leaving him for good.

It's always a heartbreaking sight, one that pulls at their heartstrings and fills them with a sense of guilt they find hard to shake off.

Yet, the moment they return, the atmosphere shifts dramatically.

He Xuan's smiles light up their world, a testament to the unconditional love he holds for them. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, but over time, He Xuan starts to understand the comings and goings. He learns to accept it, but the journey is emotionally charged for all of them.

When he was barely one, he was able to say "Baba" and "Diedie as his two of his first time speaking.

Flashback

It's a radiant afternoon and Crewel finds himself cradling He Xuan in his arms for nap time. Though he'd been resistant at first to the whole co-parenting scenario, it's undeniable that the little one has wormed his way into Crewel's heart. Not that he'd openly admit such a thing. 

Crowley attempts to spoon-feed He Xuan, who's all smiles, those heart-melting smiles that make even the toughest crumble.

"Here you go, my boy. Let's get a few bites in," Crowley coaxes.  In an adorable act of mimicry, He Xuan grabs his tiny spoon and aims it at Crowley instead, clearly intent on turning the tables.

The scene unfolds with Crewel unable to hold back a chuckle at Crowley's surprise. The interaction sparks a sense of warm amusement between them. 

He Xuan lets out a giggle, the sound bubbling with pure, innocent joy. Then he tries to say by saying "B-buh-buh" the two men stop eating.

They look at the determined infant who keeps saying "Ba! Ba!" His eyes pop, "Ba! Baba!" He squeals happily at Crewel. Who he reached up, Crewel lifts him and when the babe kisses his cheek, Crewel refuses to admit there were tears in his eyes damn it!

The infant then extends a tiny, dimpled finger toward Crowley, uttering the innocent " diedie!"  He Xuan giggles, wrapped snugly in Crewel's embrace, kicks his small legs and wiggles excitedly.

Crewel, the distinguished Headmage, unable to contain his emotion, allows tears to stream down his face, "That's it, Divus! We're adopting him!"

Crewel pretends he hadn't just blinked away tears responding and scoffs "We have already. And with the command of that irritating spirit on the day you found him in the park and brought him home. This is your fault for making us his de facto guardians from the start"

Crowley whines "Divus you know I can't help it that I'm so kind. This is what I get for being so kind" the baby pats his cheek as if to comfort him.

Crewel rolls his eyes "Give me our son"

Ignoring Crowley's surprised look as he takes the infant from the Headmage, Crewel whispers to the infant "Whatever happens do not grow up to be like him,"
nodding towards Crowley with a mock-serious expression that barely conceals his fondness.