Mother's Day.

The special time for squids to share their joys of having a mother, grandmother or even an aunt. But for one little squid, while he didn't have a mother, he had an equivalent that made him just as happy to share such a day with.

0

Illex hummed softly as he worked at his desk, closely watched by Coerulus as he pondered. He knew of the upcoming celebratory day and while he didn't have a mother to truly spend it with, he was always appreciative of his papa's motherly tendencies taking care of him and making sure that he was well and healthy. And while just being there with the two adult squids to make their lives as happy as can be, he still wanted to repay their kindness. So he tried to think of what he could possibly do for Illex but nothing came to mind yet. The prospect of asking Kaiyo was a thought but he didn't want to distract the other with his own work, the other planning something of his own. He gave a pout before moving to sit up and hopped off the couch. "Papa, I'm gonna head over to the base." he called and Illex turned to look back to him. "Alright, dear. Just call when you're ready to come home." he said and Coerulus nodded, moving over to kiss Illex's cheek before heading out the door as the other smiled and waved to him.

Coerulus hummed, surfing his phone as he rode on the train to Booyah Base. He looked through forums and a few sites of interest before he reached the base station. He stood and pocketed his phone into his camo zip before heading out. Coerulus began to look around, humming in thought of what he could look for. "Hmm...what would papa like, though..." he murmured to himself as he looked over to the three main shops for gear. "Huh...but what gear would be perfect for papa..." he mumbled as he crossed his arms but decided to take a look through them anyway. He greeted Sean as he walked into Shrimp Kicks before glancing around. "Just browsing, squiddo?" he asked, stepping over to him. "Yeah. I'm looking for a gift for someone special to me." he said as he looked to the recent stock of shoes. "Any style or brand ya lookin' into?" Sean asked. "Tentatek? Zink? Krak-On?" Coerulus gave another hum. "Dunno yet. But thanks. I'll see what ya got." he said and Sean nodded, raising a claw.

"Just give me a holler if ya see something ya like."

The smaller squid nodded as he continued to look around, finding the Rockenberg brands and smiled as he saw his own Punk Cherries sitting there and a pair of Punk Whites that his papa often wears for turf. "Well, his boots are still good so he probably doesn t need another pair..." he murmured to himself as he looked around a little longer. When he saw nothing that really caught his attention, he waved to Sean before heading out and headed for the next store on his list, Jelly Fresh. Stepping inside, Coerulus smiled to Jelonzo who waved from the counter after helping a girl inkling, handing her a bag before she left. "How can I help?" Jelonzo asked.

"I'm just browsing for a gift." he replied as he took a look at some of the jackets up on display. "I see, I see. You seem to be a fan of Firefin. I have a new stock of their brand that just came in along with Inkline and Splash Mob." The jellyfish offered and Coerulus nodded as he went to follow the shopkeeper to where the brand stocks were. Jelonzo began to speak of a few of the different gear to their respective brands and Coerulus listened, thinking between something new for himself as well as something nice for Illex. The Shrimp Pink Polo was a nice touch and he tapped his chin as Jelonzo looked up to him. "So, anything got your eye?" he questioned. "Hmm...maybe...but I'll gonna think on it some more. I still have a week left after all." Jelonzo gave a nod and a wave as the smaller squid headed for the door. "I'll come back soon!" he called, waving back as he stepped out. Coerulus let out a sigh. "Still nothing yet." he mumbled as he stepped to Cooler Heads. Annie looked up, Moe peeking out.

"A-ah. Welcome. Anything you need?"

"Speak fast or get out!" Moe chimed and Annie shook her head. "Moe...please..." she mumbled. Coerulus rubbed the back of his neck. He tends to forget how...charming...Moe tends to be to customers. "I'm just here to look at some headgear. Trying to contemplate a gift for someone." he said as he walked over to the displays. "Oh, a gift is it? Then ya better have the cash to spend for it!" Moe taunted. "Moe..." Annie warned. "What?!" Reaching up to grab the clownfish, she quietly berated him and his behavior while Coerulus continued to look around. Seeing a few new caps and headbands along with a couple helmets, he crossed his arms as he pondered over them. "Daddy tells me papa plays defensively and has Bubbler as his choice go to..." he hummed. "If that the case...a little special duration up can go a long way." Annie spoke as she stepped up beside him. "True...especially in ranked. I can only imagine how bad the battles in there go with their ranks." he murmured. "Let me direct you over to our gear." Coerulus nodded as he followed her. She pointed out the Camping Hat to him and he looked to it curiously. She began to explain some of the other choices they had for headgear and he wandered a few to see something else that she pointed out. When he finished, he turned to her.

"So...a-anything you see?"

"Not quite but thank you for your help."

"Ah git goin' squid kid! When you come back or somethin', have some cash!" Moe spouted before yelping as he was grabbed from the anemone he lived in and brought face to face with Annie, a frown pulled across her face. Coerulus made his way out of the shop before anything went down and closed his eyes. "Now what...maybe I will have to ask daddy. He would know what I should look into for new gear for papa..." he mumbled as he looked over to Sheldon's shop and saw a new sign up. "Wait...they're out already? Oh man, I've been waiting to see these things!" he said happily as he ran over to read the sign. "Sheldon's Picks volume one...a new slosher, inkbrush, dynamo, splattershot pro, splattershot, bamboozler, squiffer and...mini splatling." he read, the last weapon on the list catching his interest. "I don't think papa knows of these yet...and if he did surely he would've came to try out the new mini." Looking up to the door, Coerulus smiled before moving to head inside. Sheldon was just coming out from the back when Coerulus stepped in and smiled. "Welcome. Are you here to try something new out? Looking for a specific weapon or some insight on maintenance?"

"Yes actually, I want to see of your new mini splatling please."

"Ah yes, the Refurbished Mini Splatling, the newest in the mini splatling line. Made from the remains of a tragically destroyed splatling, it comes equipped with burst bombs and a bomb rush to leave the field covered in ink. Definitely a weapon sought for a squid ready to take on anything and anyone." he explained, leading the smaller squid over to a display model. Coerulus looked to the weapon in awe and it clicked. It was just the perfect present to give to his papa for Mother's Day. As the mini splatling specialist of the household, he would definitely make use of it. And with his daddy a user of bombs depending on the weapon, he will surely help Illex with proper bomb throwing techniques to make use of it to its fullest extent. "This is perfect! Just what I was looking for!" Coerulus said happily before looking down to see the price and winced. "Oh man...I don't have that cash, my savings are drained from my RG and deco maintenance." But even with the thought in mind of his low funds, he was firm with his decision. The new mini would be perfect for Illex and he wanted to surprise him with such a gift. It will take him a bit of work but the payout is definitely worth it. "Thanks, Sheldon! I know what I need to do so I'll be back soon to pick up one!" Coerulus said, heading to the door with a wave before leaving. Heading to the station, he awaited the next train while he planned for the next few days.

"Change my gear, use this week to make some cash in turf. If all goes well, I'll have just what I need to get the new splatling. Oh papa will be so happy~" he hummed, ears perking up as the train rounded the bend. When it pulled into the station, he climbed in and showed his pass before taking a seat. The ride was quiet after the station pulled away from the base and upon arriving at Flounder Heights, he got up from his seat and left, waiting for the train to pull off before crossing the road to head to his complex. As Coerulus entered inside, Illex looked up. "Back so soon?" he questioned. "Yeah! Just changing into my gear so I can go into some turf matches today!" he replied as he headed into his room. Illex smiled as he went to sip some more of his takoyaki tea. After a few minutes, Coerulus was back out, carrying his case holding his splatling. "Be careful, squiddie and again, call when you're on your way home if its late." Illex spoke. "I will! See ya, papa!" he called as he headed out the door as Kaiyo came out from the bedroom. "Squirt going for some turf?" Kaiyo asked.

"He is. Probably to build back up some of his savings since he did some maintenance on his weapons." Illex replied as he finished his tea and stood. "Well I need to deliver this article so you behave until I come back." Kaiyo grinned as he stepped over, kissing him softly before taking the cup. "Of course. I may sleep first so I have the energy to play." he said, grinning more as a slight flush crossed over Illex's cheeks. "You dork." he whispered as he smacked his arm before going to grab his messenger bag. Kaiyo laughed as he moved over to the sink to wash out the cup. "C'mon~ We both know we need to spoil ourselves any chance we get when the squirt's out having fun." Kaiyo commented. "Oh shush you. But when I come back, we'll see..." he spoke, heading for the door.

"Enjoy your nap."

"You know it~ I'll be dreamin' of ya."

0

For the next few days, Coerulus worked hard in turf, winning and losing matches but took them in stride as every little bit counted towards his ultimate prize. Kaiyo at a point in the week sent him out on an errand, he too planning something special for Illex and when asked, he learned of it and Coerulus smiled brightly. "Papa will love it!" he said, taking the order form and cash in hand before setting it into his bag. "What about you, squirt?" Kaiyo asked. "I have something! I just need a little more cash...but don't offer it, ok?! I'm gonna get it from turf! I'm almost done!" Kaiyo chuckled as he listened to his reasoning before ruffling his tentacles. "Alright, squirt. I won't slip any cash to ya. Go ahead and get my thing taken care of then you can run off for turf to get the last of what you need. We only have two days left to get our surprises ready." Coerulus nodded with a smile before he left with his RG case to head off to the base while Kaiyo went about his own thing as Illex was at the office for the day. When he arrived at his first stop, Arowana Mall, Coerulus stepped out and headed inside, heading for the store written on the slip of paper he was given. Looking up to the elegant scrawl on the sign that read "Shenhai Boutique", he stepped inside and was in awe of the different wares the store sold. From clothing to figurines, jewelry to original art pieces, the store had everything and all looked as if it came from Calamari Country itself. The aged looking anemone behind the counter looked to him and smiled softly. "Hello there, child. What catches your interests today?" he questioned softly. "Ah, my daddy had something he wanted to place here." he said, pulling out the slip and held it up to the anemone. The shopkeep took the paper and looked it over before giving a nod.

"Ah, a precious gift indeed. And for such a special occasion as well. I will have this done just in time for pickup." he spoke, smiling down to Coerulus and he returned the smile. "Thank you. My daddy would appreciate this greatly." he said, giving him the payment before heading back for the entrance, waving as he made his way out the shop and back to the station to get back to Booyah Base.

It was a few hours when he stepped back out happily. "I got it! Now I can buy papa his new splatling!" he cheered to himself as he counted the total cash he earned that was loaded onto his ranking card to make sure he had enough as he started for Ammo Knights.

0

The day soon came upon them, Illex waking up to be greeted with breakfast in bed by Kaiyo and Coerulus. "Now what's all this?" he asked in awe. "Now while we don't have a girl in the house, you still have those motherly charms and therefore thought it would still be best to have a little celebration for you as the mom of the house." Kaiyo said, leaning down to kiss his cheek. Illex blushed softly. "You both are much too sweet." he whispered. "Not as sweet as you, papa!" Coerulus said happily as he went to hug him. Illex returned the hug before moving to eat his breakfast. "So, what do you two have planned for me today?" Illex asked. "Well you will just relax in bed and allow us to take care of ya. Bein' fed in bed, gettin' a nice massage in bed, just overall enjoy yerself." Kaiyo said, sitting beside him as took one of his calipers in hand to gently massage the surface lightly, making Illex hum pleasantly. "Oh, I also got you something, papa!" Coerulus spoke as he moved off the bed and left the room. While the child was gone, Kaiyo grinned as he moved closer to Illex, nipping softly at his neck. "Don't you start..." Illex mumbled.

"Dun worry...I'm only teasing for the moment." he purred as he buried his nose lightly into his mate's neck. "You're perfect, you know that, Illex." Kaiyo murmured. "I know. You'd tell me every chance you get." Illex whispered, pressing his head against his mate's. "Well I want to say it all day today. While it isn't quite your birthday, I still want to say how much you mean to me...to us. Without ya, we wouldn't be living so good right now and being so happy." he continued, lapping lightly at his neck which made Illex shiver slightly. Kaiyo chuckled softly against his neck once more, opening his beak to gently sink into flesh and Illex let out a soft moan. "Damnit Kaiyo..." he moaned, craning his head a little more to give Kaiyo more access to play and he took the offer just briefly, already hearing Coerulus coming back and pulled away as the smaller squid walked back into the room. Illex pursed his lips as he glanced to the side at his mate who wore a smug grin knowing there was a flush across his cheeks. Coerulus smiled softly as he held a flower in hand. "I got this for you, papa!" he said as he held the flower up to him and Illex smiled as he took the flower.

"How sweet. Thank you, squiddie."

"But that isn't all ya got, right? You were working your tiny little behind in turf all this week. It has to lead to somethin' bigger, yeah?" Kaiyo questioned and Illex looked to him. "Is that true?" Coerulus smiled more and nodded. "Yep!" Turning, he ran back over to the door and pulled a box from the wall, bringing it back over and Illex gasped in surprise. "Sheldon release his picks recently and I saw there was a new mini splatling model. So I wanted to get it for you, papa. Happy Mother's Day." Kaiyo moved over, Illex handing the tray over to him as he went to stand. Kneeling down, Illex set the box to the side before wrapping his arms around Coerulus. "Thank you, sweetheart. This was so generous of you. I have heard of Sheldon's Picks and I was considering looking into it but you've already done so and got me just what I would've picked." he whispered as he held him close and Coerulus returned the hug. "I wanted to do something special for you. You're my papa but you're still like a mom to me so I wanted to show just how much you mean to me." Illex sniffled a little as he held him, kissing the top of his head. Kaiyo smiled as he watched the two before setting the tray to the side and stood, moving over to the closet. Illex looked up when he moved.

"What are you up to?"

"Just getting my gift for ya. Can't be outshined by the squirt now but he did remind me I need to check out those weapons later."

Opening the closet, Kaiyo reached inside and pulled out a garment bag, bringing it back over to the two. "I had this specially made for you. I know how much you love traditional wear and I know of a guy who does amazing work and came from Calamari Country so I sent in a special order just for you." Kaiyo spoke. Kissing Coerulus' forehead, Illex stood and took the garment bag, unzipping it and was once again floored by the extravagant gift he received. Inside was an elegant styled kimono, a powder blue with silver lilies etched over the fabric. The sleeves and hem of the robe were lined in a gauzy gray fabric that shined just right in the lighting while the inside was the resemblance of a starlit sky with dark blue fabric dotted with white patterned flowers meticulously sewn. "I remember that dance ya did for me for White Day. I never would've thought I would love the sight of you in traditional clothes like this. I swear ya must've came from Calamari with how beautiful you are so I wanted to give ya a little something from there." he spoke. "Oh Kaiyo, it s wonderful. Thank you." he said before moving closer to his ear. "I'll be sure to wear it special for you someday, take that as you will." he whispered before taking the bag as Kaiyo sputtered in place, making Coerulus giggle. Illex chuckled as he zipped the bag and hung it up back in the closet before moving back over to the bed.

"Well let's make a day of today. It can be special for me but I want you both to enjoy it with me as well." he said, patting the bed after taking the tray back to finish his breakfast. Coerulus nodded as he went to climb onto the bed, settling beside Illex as the other wrapped an arm around him. Kaiyo joined the two, reaching up to run his fingers lightly over his mate's neck before bringing both hands up to begin massaging his shoulders, making him purr with content. Kaiyo chuckled low as he leaned in to kiss his cheek. "Love ya, hun." he whispered. "Love you too, Kaiyo." Illex murmured back. Kaiyo continued to massage around his shoulders and neck as Illex sipped his tea, enjoying the tender massage while his precious son nestled close beside him, more than likely drifting off into a small nap. "This is wonderful. I can't thank you and Coerulus enough." Illex murmured, finishing his tea. "No need to change anything but to continue lovin' us with all three of those hearts of yours." Kaiyo said, kissing his forehead before taking the cup.

"Why don't you nap with the squirt for a bit. I'll come back with lunch ready for the two of us. I'll make your favorite." he murmured, Illex nodding to the request. "Alright." he said, settling back and Kaiyo tucked him under the blanket with care. "Sleep tight, my precious little angelfish." Kaiyo whispered, running a hand lightly over his head before pulling away to take the tray and left the room. Illex smiled as he watched him go before turning into his side and adjusted Coerulus into a better sleeping position tucked again him and held him close before he drifted off. The scent of food woke the two up a few hours later and Coerulus yawned softly as he rubbed his eyes as he went to sit up. Illex was close to follow before patting his head.

"Sleep well, little squiddie?"

"Mhm! Very well!"

Illex smiled to the happy reply before propping the pillows up behind him. "Why don't you go see how daddy is fairing with lunch and help him out if he needs it." Coerulus nodded to that as he moved off the bed and padded out the room to head over to the kitchen. Illex watched him go before he settled back down in bed, stretching a little. When he brought his hand down, he smiled upon seeing the ring on his finger. No matter how many times he looked at it, it will always make him smile. Sure it wasn't an official engagement ring but he was sure that Kaiyo is surely thinking of such and he will wait for as long as time will allow until Kaiyo is ready to pop the question and share his mate's name. "Ah, Illex Isurus...it definitely has its charm." he hummed with a chuckle as he rested his hands on his lap, waiting a few more minutes before Coerulus and Kaiyo came walking in. Kaiyo held a tray laden with his favorite as he promised while Coerulus held a tea kettle. "Awesome, you're up and ready to go. Have your meal right here, hun. Delicious seafood hot pot and your favorite red velvet." Kaiyo spoke, setting the tray over his lap. "And I made your favorite takoyaki tea!" Coerulus spoke proudly as he held up the kettle. Illex smiled as he picked up the chopsticks.

"Thank you both. I love it." he said as he went to take a bite of the food and hummed in delight. "Enjoy that, hun. We're gonna clean up house a bit then we can head up to the roof later to finish up the day with watching the sunset." Illex nodded to Kaiyo's suggestion. "That sounds perfect. Go ahead. I'll be up myself so I can get a bath." Kaiyo grinned. "Call me when and I'll get it ready for ya." Illex rolled his eyes at the clear intentions of his dorky mate but nodded before the two left while he ate. When he finished after a couple minutes, he sipped his tea as he turned on the TV to watch while he ate, smiling a little when he saw Callie and Marie doing their broadcast. "I should arrange another photo shoot with them soon. I'm sure the magazine will want another coverage of the latest splatfest results. Will have to ask the editor next I go in." he hummed as he finished up the tea and set the cup onto the tray before getting out of bed. Stretching languidly, he picked up the tray to being into the kitchen, chuckling when he spotted Coerulus standing on his tiptoes to dust off the mantel, things moved to sit on the coffee table while he was working.

"Looks like you need a little help there, squiddie." he commented playfully.

"Nope! I got it!" Coerulus called, looking back to smile to him before turning back to his dusting. "Where's your father?" Illex asked as he set the tray on the counter. "Taking out the trash!" he replied and Illex nodded as he crept up behind the smaller squid and smirked playfully as he knelt down, wrapping his arms around him, making him squeak as he was lifted up. "Papa! I had it!" he yelped, giggling when he felt a kiss pressed to his cheek. "I know you did but I'd go crazy watching you. You know I always know when my little squid needs a pick me up." he cooed, making Coerulus laugh again before he went back to finishing the dusting while he was held by Illex. When he was done, he was given another little kiss to the top of his head this time before he was set down by his papa. "Now let's get our little mementos back in place." Coerulus nodded as he was handed each memento to place back in its proper spot on the mantel.

When Illex picked up their first family picture, he smiled as he looked to it. "My precious little squid. Still so cute now as much as you were back when we first adopted you." he murmured. Coerulus looked to him before walking over. He looked to the picture before smiling. "I remember this one. It was a few days after I was able to freely transform." he spoke and Illex nodded. "Indeed it is. I wanted to have a memento of that moment to have sitting out in the open. We do have other pictures when you were just a wee little squid but we have those in an album. I'll be sure to show it to you someday." Coerulus nodded before he was handed the picture and he went to place it on the mantel.

"There. All done!"

"Great. Now why don't you relax with some juice while I go get a bath then we can see about what to have for dinner before going out to watch the sunset." Illex spoke and Coerulus nodded as he went over to the fridge, Illex patting his head upon passing before he left to head into the bedroom. Picking out a set of fresh clothes, Illex laid them out on the bed before heading back out and into the bathroom. Just as he expected, his mate was there awaiting him with a little extra prepared for his bath. Candles were positioned meticulously throughout the bathroom, giving the room a soft glow. on the rim of the tub sat Kaiyo who smirked up to him before nodding down to the bath. Said bath was filled, a mix of bubbles and a small dash of bath oils just as Illex liked it and said squid chuckled. "You remember just how I liked these certain baths." he whispered as Kaiyo stood and walked over to him.

"Of course I'd do. I'd be a terrible piece of work if I didn't know the best way to see that you are catered to all your favorites when you need that one day of nothing but complete relaxation." he said, wrapping his arms around him and gave him a gentle nuzzle before kissing his cheek, making Illex giggle. Kaiyo chuckled as well before he pulled back. "Your bath awaits. Let's get you in and I'll wash your back." Illex nodded as he went to remove his clothes, setting them into a pile that Kaiyo picked up to put into the hamper as he climbed into the tub. He let out a content sigh as he leaned back to rest against the side, closing his eyes. Kaiyo stepped back over and knelt down beside the tub, reaching over to caress his mate's cheek. "Good?" Illex nodded. "Real good." Kaiyo grinned. "Awesome." he said, standing briefly to sit down on the edge and ushered Illex closer, running a hand over the top of his head before he began to massage gently at his tentacles. "Ahh, that feels nice." Illex murmured. "Ya know I know all ya weak spots and how to make ya feel good. Gotta be the best mate I can be for ya." Kaiyo said and Illex laughed. "You don't have to prove that to me at all. I know you're a wonderful mate and a great father despite your dumb moments. But those moments are what make you lovable." Illex said and Kaiyo snorted. "I love ya, hun." he said.

Kaiyo continued to cater to Illex in his bath, washing him after he finished the massage. Illex stepped out and went to dry off as Kaiyo drained the tub. "So what would you like for dinner?" he asked and Illex turned back to him. "Hmm...I'm in the mood for some scallops. We have them?" Kaiyo whistled to himself as he thought about it before giving a nod. "Yup. Scallops and some pasta. How's that sound?" Illex smiled and nodded. "Perfect." he said before leaving the bathroom to head back into the bedroom to get dressed. After he finished with the bathroom, Kaiyo went to begin on dinner and got a little help from Coerulus. Dinner was served and the family ate in content, Coerulus sharing stories while they ate. When everyone finished, they took their plates to the sink for Kaiyo to take care of later.

"Alright, fam. Let's head to the roofs. Don't want to miss how the sunset looks over the mountains." Kaiyo called, grabbing his keys before heading for the door, slipping into his shoes. Illex and Coerulus nodded as they followed behind him, stepping out and headed for the stairs. Kaiyo closed and locked the door behind him before joining them. When they reached the roof, the sky was a rich mix of red, yellow and orange as the sun was beginning its descent. "It's so pretty~" Coerulus said in awe as he went to find a spot to sit. Eventually he reached one of the high walls and tried to hop up but couldn't quite reach it. "Alright, squirt, lemme help ya out there." Kaiyo said, walking over and lifted him up enough so he could grab the ledge. While he pulled himself up, Kaiyo turned and smiled to Illex, holding a hand to him. He smiled as he took it, moving over to kiss Kaiyo's cheek. "This was a wonderful day, Kaiyo. You both never stop surprising me." Illex murmured.

Kaiyo chuckled. "I'm full of surprises. That's not gonna change anytime soon."

"I'm sure it won't."

Kaiyo grinned before moving to help him up as well before jumping up himself and settled down. Coerulus smiled as he leaned against his papa as they all watched the descending sun behind the mountains. The beauty of the sight was definitely the perfect ending to the day and Illex was so happy to enjoy it with the squids he cared so much for. He smiled happily as he held his son close to him, looking over to Kaiyo who turned to him, both leaning in close to share a kiss as the last rays of the sun disappeared below the horizon as the lights began to turn on throughout the complex.

Happy Mother's Day to all.