Prompt 11 –Wearing Kigurumis: So before anything I would just like to remind people that these are one-shots so if the time lines bounce around than I'm sorry for the confusion but these can just as easily stand alone as be strung together. I did keep some elements the same, such as the Observatory, in most of the writings but that was because I liked the concept. So right, this next one was super hard to write because I had no idea what a Kigurumi is. I asked my little sister and we took a trip over to Chinatown and decided they are footie pajamas! Look'em up if you are having a hard time visualizing. Enjoy!

Rating: K+

11. Bear

This is a dream.

No, it's a horrible nightmare.

Mind you, I am not scared of a great many things but I never mentally prepared myself for this!

The mirror is a cruel thing today. Before it I stand in some of the softest material I have ever worn styled in the most hideous fashion to date. People do this for fun? This is not fun! Being ridiculed and patronized as a grown man in pajamas. I will repeat again, this is not fun!

And this is not a dream; or nightmare.

Reality slapped me in the face with brown and white fabric. Sleeves slip down my arms and over my fingers shaped to look like large paws and the same goes for my feet. Reaching up I touch the round additions that will serve as my ears.

I am a flea-bitten, walk in the woods, pretend to be a raincloud, bear!

There is nothing, nothing, I wouldn't do to get out of this.

"Are you ready? We have to be there in an hour." Daniel walked in, his suit the typical shade of grey that he'd become fond of was lined in black silk and I felt my face showing all the displeasure that I couldn't generally show to the crowd. "Hey that looks great; I was a little scared you'd be too tall for it."

"I am not going. I'm afraid I am just a little under the weather."

My words fell on deaf ears as Daniel walked over to the mirror, pushing me aside so he can assure his tie is on straight. I really don't like him right now.

Finally, he speaks, "Alright you can stay home."

I turn to him. "Really? I know it's not that easy."

"Sure, just let me go get changed and I'll settle into the lab. Don't forget to remind me about dinner, my parents will still be expecting me."

I stared dumbstruck at the boy. There is no denying I am a self-composed man and I seldom show more than is necessary but Daniel never ceases to pull reactions from my otherwise stoic features on any occasion. I moved forward, raising a 'paw' to grip his shoulder but it literally went through him. He turned with a knowing smirk was on his lips. The look he gave me was one I'd seen on his mother many, many years prior.

Firmly I will stand by my word when I say that the wisest choice I'd ever made was to love Daniel Fenton. Unfortunately, for all my bravado, I am well aware that it was also the scariest choice I made.

"I can be very persuasive, Daniel," I said, attempting to sound as collected as I did not look. "You will go if I have to drag you."

"After you get dressed and I've locked myself in the lab."

My eye twitched, I could feel it. "You are infuriating, boy. But yes, I will dress, override security, and drag you kicking and screaming if that is the case."

The boy crossed his arms in defiance. "We only got an hour, Vlad. There is no way you'll be able to override what I put up in less than two. We had a bet and I worked my ass off for this."

"Language," I muttered halfheartedly. It was true. I had lost a bet.

The thought made me wince.

The room was quiet between the two of us. My once private room, with its comforting colors of deep green and gold now felt like a prison I'd recently been caught in. The warden stood in front of me, his eyes of sky blue lighting up in amusement. This was not a battle that I knew I could win. Unfortunately for Daniel, I have never given up without a fight.

X_X

Wrinkling my nose in distaste of my situation I settled further into the chair I'd set aside for myself and crossed my plush arms. It isn't very warm, for which I am thankful. The outdoor auditorium is filled with chatter and I can feel the eyes of attendees on me. The situation of being stared at in such a manner is not pleasant; I am not used to it in the least. I manage to sit straight, however, and face forward. The hood lowered over the upper half of my face helps me manage this torture.

The soft whispers in my direction do not cease even when people are sitting and I manage just so to not brusquely stand and leave the place alight in flame. This was not the place nor was it the day to allow such thoughts to prevail the forefront of my mind; regardless I took comfort in them. Time did not stop the stares but I continued to look forward, hands –pardon me –paws clutched together in a restraining grip.

Finally there was a hush as a familiar song wafted through the air and suddenly the sounds of hands clapping and voices calling in triumph and pride erupted. I sought the crowd of cheering people to spot a pair of amethyst hues that I had before managed to avoid. Maddie's attention had been the last one I wanted, though I highly doubted in this moment she cared in even the least what my choice of attire is. Everything about this woman is aglow and I can feel the pride radiating from her all the way across the sea of people. Turning to follow her gaze my own chest warmed at the sight of Daniel adorned in all his hard work. I'd pestered the boy to speed up his schooling and focus on it more than the portals he insisted on watching. The result of that pestering was my boy graduating nearly a year before the intended graduation date. Maddie would never quite understand how much effort went into assuring the boy did something other than dedicate his life to fighting ghosts.

My lips twitch and I feel a smile but I do not allow it. My 'paws' have been clapping with an awkward sound that reminds me of my situation and that allows me to keep a straight face. The kigurumi, as Daniel called it, was to be the one form of power he could have over me if he accomplished something I didn't think possible of him.

To be honest I was not even the least bit worried about losing my bet.

I do so hate being wrong.

The seat creaks beneath my weight as I shift into a more comfortable position. Names are being called and I politely applaud and hold my head high as people, who have lost interest, openly point and stare at me. Adults or not, children are children.

When Daniel's name is called I stand as does his small group of family and friends; their applauds are just as loud as any of the other families. His gait is determined and very proper. Pride swells within me as he reaches for hands and finally his diploma. Just as my raven haired graduate is about to walk off of the stage he stops and turns those sky blue hues onto me before making a very practiced motion and ripping off his robe.

I very nearly shout.

Beneath my boy's robe is a costume much alike mine but instead follows the theme of the school. He pulled the badger hood up over his head and, to the cheers of his classmates, walks off the stage while placing the cap back on his head.

He winks at me.

I am sincerely going to kill him.

A/N: Yeah I know it's really short but I was having major problems financially and school is riding me hard. Don't go into animation if you aren't up for it, loves. Also I couldn't think of a better title, if you got one let me know.

By the way, this was honestly made for all you recent graduates. Good Luck Guys!