EPISODE 17: LOSER, BABY (VALENTINE'S DAY)

Summary: Embryo had an awful day, and Rush is the only one who might be willing to cheer him up.

A/N: This ISN'T the chapter I promised in the previous chapter, but I just watched the new Hazbin Hotel and it's amazing. The song Loser Baby made me think of Rush and Embryo I have to make this chapter for this Valentine's Day. This isn't the first time I have added and altered a real song in the Living Hell verse. (I just want to make someone sing with a bit of relevance.)

The song belongs to Vivziepop and Hazbin Hotel.

Disclaimer: I don't own Cross Ange or any of its characters and original plot, excluding the original characters I created for this story. This is a spin-off series of the main 'Cross Ange: Living Hell' story. So please read that before here.

Cross Ange and all its rights belong to King Records (Japan), Sentai Filmworks (USA), and Sunrise/ Bandai Namco Entertainment (Japan). This fanfiction is meant for entertainment only and not for profit. This story contains heavy language, blood and violence, and mild sexual themes not for audiences under 16-18 years old.

Today was supposed to be a relaxing day in the Haven, still working hard to arrest Norma and their sympathizing families and friends seen as traitors by the arrogant Mana humans' eyes while making sure the Norma will not be sent to Arzenal just because the official rules states so. But it seems that this will be more than Rush's bargain for his promised day off. In his office, with Moon, Ular, and Hebi relaxing while his team doing who knows what for their day off. If they were here, Rush wouldn't mind unless he and Sheeta kicked all but Moon out for trying to convince him to get a girlfriend just like always, Rush was just drinking his mug of coffee with his legs and boots resting and stretching on his table, his coat not adorning his body to reveal glimpses of more of his bandages underneath his short sleeves, a glimpse of his chest by the unbuttoned part of his shirt, and shorts.

Suddenly, he sensed multiple Mana calls in his mind which was picked up by his Haven phones ringing his Human Combat ringtone, startling Moon and his snakes to turn towards Rush when he flicked a bandaged finger in front of his vision and above his desk and legs when…

"HUMAN KILLER!" Rush closed his only eye in irritation while Moon almost shouted his fear at the suddenly harsh voices howling in rage at him, recognizable by their hatred always towards him that three of the six Mana screens appearing in front of them were the rulers of Rosenblum, Galia, and Mameria while Julio, Queen Parvati Velda, and President Irijah are shown apprehensive or annoyed for the other three.

"Good morning, Your Majesties…" Rush couldn't even finish one sentence for the Rosenblum King to angrily yell at him, immediately terrifying Moon and angering Ular and Hebi for their awful behaviour towards the Haven's leader. "Save your pathetic greetings, you imbecile!"

"Rosenblum!" Queen Parvati gasped her bafflement, luckily angry for Rush's defence. "You shouldn't criticise the Human Killer who didn't know of what YOU'VE done again!"

'Thanks, Your Ladyship.' Rush wished he could say it right now but everyone was suspicious of the sudden meeting when the Galia Emperor reprimanded both the Queen and Rush. "But if we don't order the Human Killer to answer our demands, we WILL be the ones to get punished should he stall us for our predicament!"

"Human Killer…have you seen or heard anything of Master Embryo today or last night?" President Irijah hurriedly and nervously asked Rush what immediately, although may not show it, pursed his mouth in confusion and amusement.

"He called me last night for a normal conversation, mostly us wondering when are we free for Master Embryo, Aya, and Khalifa to visit the Haven. He was fine so I didn't think something was troubling him." Rush noted with a brief nod, although he saw the three of the six rulers scorn their distaste harder than usual.

"I shall explain the context, Human Killer. We were supposed to have a meeting with Master Embryo earlier but…something awful happened that caused us to be kicked out of the Escarpment, therefore cancelling the meeting." Julio admitted with a slightly but visible concerned scowl almost broken into fear which caught Rush's attention. That sounds odd even for him. Normally, from hanging out with the enemy for secrets, Rush knows that Em would be upset if anyone was speaking ill of both his family and by extension Rush, somebody was trying to take advantage or flirt with him, calling him a God, and if any of the royal council except Queen Parvati tried to unknowingly say and do something stupid based on the previous thoughts.

"Thank you for informing me, Lord Julio. Normally, I never act concerned for someone else until now, but maybe, if it's alright, I'll call Master Embryo…" Rush proposed with his fingerless gloved hand holding his Haven phone but, like earlier, the Marmeria Security was quick to object in indignation, always showing his unreasonable rage and hatred for Rush.

"You will do no such thing, you brat! What happened that caused our exit is never your concern, nor you shall do as you please to Master Embryo! Your plan to call our master will be fruitless for we've tried countless attempts to…" However, everyone heard Rush's ringtone releasing from his Haven phone, luckily interrupting the loud Secretary who immediately fumed in ferocity for both the interruption and Rush immediately answering the call without care while the other rulers and Moon watched in mixed expressions mostly confusion.

"Hello? Yeah, I'm at home. How are you? Yeah, I can talk…Uh-huh…" Rush spoke with the mysterious caller by first looking pleased, guessing it was a friend, then curiosity and finally a calm glower visibly showing such anger that almost blew Moon's cover in front of the world leaders how furious he immediately glared. "…Yeah, they're calling me right now...yup, they're being mean."

"Human Killer! How dare you ignore us to call a scum foolish enough to interrupt YOUR MASTERS!?" The Rosenblum King angrily yelled, making Moon back away with Ular and Hebi raising themselves almost out of their boy's body, shoulders, and neck. However, inducing everyone's shock, Rush is still stoically unfazed by being yelled at by a king when he leisurely raises the same arm holding his Haven flip-phone in front of the rulers' Mana screens…just for the caller to come out from the speakerphone.

"…At least this FOOLISH scum wishes for the Human Killer's solace more than his false masters who dared spout what I despise." The familiar voice hissing in composed but venomous anger immediately made all but Rush's skins crawl and the hairs on their necks rose in fear when Rush snapped his fingers still holding his phone for a new Mana screen to pop out, revealing the face of the new person now scowling a collected sneer expertly controlling his rage for the terrified royal council.

"M-Master Embryo!" Julio gasped, almost screaming his dismay at seeing their Master ungraciously joining their call and glaring at whom they could presume by his stare towards Galia, Rosenblum, and Marmeria by how the older three men shuddered with muffled noises of fear for his reaction and the mysterious reason.

"First speaking such repulsive thoughts, now forcing the one you despised so much for his indifference against me? I'm starting to believe you three bad-mouthing stooges are begging for me to punish ALL of you severely." Embryo angrily exclaimed to the frightened world leaders growing afraid of the potential punishment he shall give them. Seeing their pride shaken into fear would've brought Rush to snort that the rulers his citizens were once loyal towards before joining the Haven were nothing but scared babies to their master, just like their foul non-Haven people at the other nations.

"N-No, no, no! Please forgive us, Master Embryo!" President Irijah cried in horror, even shedding a tear out of his eyes out of fear but everyone can see that Embryo refuses to back down and accept any apologies.

"I don't want to hear more of what I received from any of you." Embryo snarled his rage harder but slightly softened into the usual composed frown expressing a tint of concern for Rush. "Human Killer? I wish to discuss with you my current dilemma that the three maniacs dared cause it to happen. You're the only one I trust as of right now…" Rush mused about Em's order hiding the real meaning as a cry for help for whatever the leaders annoyed him again, although everyone watched Sheeta revealing herself to Embryo and the royals by lightly stamping her front paws at Rush's desk beside his legs on the surface and sit beside her owner. The tamed cheetah made the six royals anxious with President Irijah squeaking a scream but Embryo immediately smiled his pleasure and happiness for Rush's furry companion. "…Oh, please bring Sheeta, and your team with you, if you like. My children and I miss them too." Embryo added.

"Meow!" Rush smiled his amusement at both Sheeta's immediate happiness for the proposition, scratching her favourite spot with his fingerless gloved hand, and Ular and Hebi looking at each other before Moon in disbelief, not expecting Embryo to remember and even asking for them although Moon is surprisingly blushing his embarrassment with a tint of happiness, unlike his team that Rush is glad they're NOT here. "Thank you, sir. I'm only bringing Moon and his snakes Ular and Hebi with me because I'm making today the Haven's day off." Rush accepted with a nod.

"Oh, that's better. My children will be excited to see their second father, big brother, and their animal companions." Embryo happily accepted with a grim smile which, Rush noticed, his openly confident words and eyes glaring at possibly the world leaders made them surprised with the three old kings distraught or disgusted in fear. But Rush immediately grins his surprise and gladness for Em's taunt.

"Okay, Moon. Let's go for the family reunion." Helping Embryo mock the fuck of the world leaders, Rush boldly stood off his seat with Sheeta helping grab and hand his coat off his armchair with her teeth to put it on. Although Embryo softly but sincerely laughs with his pleasure for Rush's confidence, the rulers remain baffled.

"Master Embryo, you can't!" The Marmeria Security yelled, unable to calm down from always getting mad at Rush for no reason. "The Human Killer will repulse you with his disgusting personality, even forcing his weakling brat and their foul pets to…"

"Silence!" For the first time, even to the royals and Rush, Embryo barked his rage to even stand off his seat with his hands furiously slammed on his office desk as Rush, Moon, Ular, Hebi, and Sheeta are visibly distraught by their enemy defending them. To Rush, this isn't the first time Em would defend him but seeing him THIS angry is the first time. "Don't you dare call the Human Killer and his innocent boy as disgusting as what you mock them, especially referring to Sheeta, Ular, and Hebi as the Haven's derogatory term for its animals! Because of your heartless words even before calling the Human Killer, consider you six forbidden to call me until further notice! If you dare break my orders again… I shall forcefully extract ALL your Light of Mana to make you Norma!" That last warning immediately made Julio and the other men of the council loudly gasp their fear while Queen Parvati shielded her mouth with her hands in distraught.

"M-Master, please! You can't turn us to those foul -!?" Unfortunately, Embryo snapped the fingers of his right hand and all their Mana screens save for his immediately disappeared from Rush's vision, with Embryo's video call showing him fall back on his chair with an openly forced sigh of anger and annoyance, closing his green eyes for almost half a minute before tiredly opening them to see Rush slowly raise his arms in a surrender pose but frowning his anger for earlier.

"I won't say any more, to not waste our time and scare Moon more than they did. We'll go to you." Rush calmly noted, waving a hand for Moon to hurriedly walk closer to their side and reveal himself, seeing Embryo's face slowly lighten up with a sad smile they knew that reaction was somehow strictly reserved towards Rush.

"Thank you, Rush. Again, I want you to be the only one I wish to sincerely help me as a friend." Embryo confessed, chuckling his embarrassment at Rush smirking a seductively confident smile at his words and buttoning his white trench coat. "I mean it! After this call, please wait to be picked up."

"Sure. Thanks, man!" Rush nodded his acceptance with a brief salute to make Embryo chuckle from his smile again before Rush, Moon, his snakes, and Sheeta watched his Mana screen disappear. Now, Moon can feel a bit of his courage coming back to ask Rush who hung his gun on his hip.

"Rush, is Embryo alright? He looks upset." Even if he was raised by a DRAGON before the Haven rescued him and Ammo, Moon never feels any hatred towards everyone including Embryo but only fear of people who openly bore hatred even towards sinners for the dastardly crimes.

"Well, goes to show that even if he made this world, the people he created will frustrate him harder." Rush sighed his annoyance at not Embryo but the council. "I'm just glad that the others aren't here to hear this."

"I know this looks serious that the others would've seen themselves. But I don't like seeing everyone getting angry at you just because you and Embryo are more friends than enemies." Moon admitted in sadness with his hands touching his heart, feeling Ular and Hebi soothingly stroke their heads against his although the former backed its head away when Rush's bandaged hand leisurely rested and softly ruffled on Moon's head and white hair, startling Moon closing his blank eyes with a muffled whine and blushed his surprise for the fatherly gesture.

'Thanks, Moon…Em and I needed that.' Rush sadly smiles. Better Moon's opinion than everyone's offensive suggestions possibly NOT for Libertus. It was when everyone heard Sheeta releasing a brief meow in front of them and beside their side that alerted Rush, Moon, and the snakes to see, in a flash of lightning, two flashes of colour standing each on top of the two couches inside Rush's office, recognizable to be two toddlers. How they teleported here from out of nowhere immediately alarmed Moon, Ular, and Hebi, but Rush and Sheeta were unfazed for they knew too well that they were just like their father. "Hey, kids." Rush calmly greeted the two trespassers.

"Hi, Padre Rush. Hi, Big Brother Moon!" Khalifa, being the vocal one of the two children, spoke as she and her brother jumped off the couches to join Rush, Moon, and the animals.

"Big Brother…" Moon gasped his surprise, feeling his face blushing harder in awe for being called a big brother even by the enemy's two children, tempted to squeal from his smile in delight but a glimpse of Rush's teasing smile for his reaction managed to calm him down by shaking his head and nervously smile at Aya and Khalifa. "I-I mean! Hello, Aya, Khalifa. How is your father?"

"Not good." Khalifa shook her head in sadness with Aya signing what Rush could openly translate him to Moon and the animals as "We'll go to Father, now." Without a word, Rush, Moon, Ular, Hebi, and Sheeta watch Aya and Khalifa dash and bump themselves against Rush and Moon's legs in embraces with Sheeta hurriedly curling herself around the humans in time for Rush and Moon to realize their vision changed into blurs of colours and their bodies felt like the wind dragged them away in a second.

Rush heard Moon release a startled gasp of surprise once Aya and Khalifa removed themselves from their hugs with everyone looking around to see that they were no longer in Rush's office but somewhere that is both alarming and surprising that Rush knows NOT even a single Mana human knows where the hell they are.

"Woah!" Instead of that meeting place, Em told him where it was restricted for rulers including Julio taking his father's spot as representing Misurugi, Rush, Moon, Sheeta, Ular, and Hebi find themselves in an unusual void with the vast sky above their heads filled with countless stars and replicas or multiple planets of Earth, and they are standing on the biggest of the many floating islands that, Rush and Moon noticed, looks exactly like a part of Arzenal but without the Norma and the human Inspector with the main building behind them and they are standing outside with nothing but the grass grounds under their feet.

"Rush, where are we?" Moon asked in fear weakly holding Rush's bandaged hand to ease his fear which Rush accepted, as he and Sheeta looked around for their host until the two saw Aya and Khalifa pointing at the blur perched closer to the edge of the island with familiar pale blonde hair. 'Em.' Rush couldn't help but wonder in both confusion or concern for Embryo's feelings from earlier when he with Sheeta and Moon hurriedly walked or jogged towards the other man's location until they stood behind him, seeing Em dressed in his casual white, elbow-rolled dress shirt, green pants and black shoes but was taken back by Embryo sitting with his arms wrapping around his legs to rest his head against his knees like he is a child sulking in a corner until he sluggishly raised his head to spot the visitors.

"Hello, Rush, Sheeta, Moon, Ular, Hebi. I hope you don't mind me taking you all to this place. A shame that your team cannot attend, but I understand." Embryo sadly greeted with a small smile and stroked Sheeta's fur pushing herself against him to cheer him up, trying not to cry too much but that did little to ease Rush's disdain for the council.

"Nah, it's good. But I wouldn't recommend inviting my team except for Moon and the snakes," Rush reassured, slowly lowering to sit beside Embryo on the ground when he offered with Sheeta following. "If they do, they would complain non-stop and even try to force me not to leave my office. They would rather tell me to reject your invitation just because they think you'll kill me."

"Oh, dear. Then we have the exact predicament." Embryo sighed in sorrow. "Your people unknowingly treat you the same as the leaders treat me. All because they wished that we couldn't…"

"Wait, Em, stop." Rush's immediate interruption startled Embryo with a brief gasp, flashing a glimpse of surprise that slightly threw his sadness off by Rush and Sheeta's stern frowns. "I promised to help cheer you up from whatever the rulers annoy the heck outta you, not outside of that."

When Rush turns his head from Embryo to Moon standing beside them, Moon and his snakes don't need him to ask when the frightened boy hurriedly nods his shock and quickly grabs Aya and Khalifa who just ran towards them from their previous location in his arms and Ular's coils, startling the children. "W-we'll wait for you two." Moon timidly informed the two men with a nervous smile before he ran back to where everyone arrived in this place with the kids in tow.

"Ah-whaaat!" Rush, Sheeta, and Embryo heard Khalifa screaming as the three watched Moon and his snakes dashing away a bit farther from them. Hopefully close enough to see them but farther to not hear their conversation and Rush's swearing. Although confused, Embryo looked back at Rush already calmed down and silently offered him to start talking with Sheeta slowly crawled closer to sit and rest herself on Embryo's lap for the blonde to softly stroke and pet the cheetah.

"A…Alright. What happened earlier…" Embryo started with a hoarse sigh, bearing anger and melancholy. "I just found out that Galia, Marmeria, and Rosenblum have been speaking ill of our relationship as secret friends, my marriage with Rin and being the children's father for a long time."

"What?" Rush deadpanned in irritation, even Sheeta felt his anger.

"Ever since that night we met, right before I would start any Escarpment meeting, those three old stooges always show up early before the others just to bad-mouth you and my family all because they disapproved of me wanting to act like a human being!" Embryo explained, tempting to break down but trying not to hurt Sheeta with his hands and inhuman strength. "To them, I'm supposed to be a powerful God they can grovel, beg, and force me to make them as equal! They think that I shouldn't stoop low to associate with commoners or anyone deemed unnecessary for MY attention!"

"That's fucked up, man," Rush muttered aloud with a brief groan but patiently offered Embryo to continue. "Go on."

"Thank you." Embryo nodded with a forced smile, inside feeling grateful for his companion but remaining furious for the three rulers. "Although Parvati, Irijah, and Julio were accepting, the fact that those three crones have the nerve to call Rin such disgusting names including a demon based on our children's appearance infuriates me the most!"

"Everyone's quick to judge people based on their appearance which makes them blind to the bigger picture. Kids, come here!" Rush noted in annoyance as he looked over his left shoulder to see where Moon, Aya, and Khalifa were sitting before calling to them with the latter two hurriedly running towards Rush and Embryo. "Moon, you're my kid so you too!" Moon was shocked of also being called but hurriedly joined their side with Rush gently pulling Moon, Ular, and Hebi to kneel in front of him towards Embryo and Sheeta.

"Imagine Moon is both our kid, Em. So what if Aya's full albino while Moon was forced to almost become one, and Khalifa looks like your girl? Even if people say stupid things they only see the outside of our kids, they cannot get the full picture of the inside which is their specialities." Embryo raised an eyebrow in confusion but willingly listened to Rush attempting to cheer him up. Even if Rush always admits that he is terrible at comforting, Embryo prefers him over everyone's artificial assistance.

"Moon can talk to animals which helps me and the Haven to talk and keep them as furry babies." Rush pointed out with such pride that startled Moon to be embarrassed but smiled his timid happiness for his kind words with Ular and Hebi, briefly surprised as well, nodding and hissing their forked tongues their agreement with Sheeta also nodding her pride just like her owner, receiving another stroke on the head and body by the slowly pleased enemy.

"Aya is smart to fight and act mature for his age, just like when he killed the loser who tried killing the babies when you three visited the Haven," Aya smirked his pride with his tongue sticking out of his mouth, making Rush and Embryo smile their amusement for the child's expression although the latter noticed his daughter's green eyes changed into red to use her Light of Mana. "And Khalifa can…"

"Play my powerful weapon!" Khalifa swiftly pulled and held her heavy-looking pan drum harp over her head with her arms, both that and her immediate excitement surprised everyone and animals with them although Rush quickly motioned towards Khalifa. "…play whatever kind of harp she has. But even if people see them as disgusting or as nothing a human does, they wouldn't know how our kids have specialities that can work in anyone's favour. If they cannot see things the same thing as not just our kids but also other kids having similar talents, those boring losers will continue to not understand who those blessed babies are and the parents who cared for them to be more decent than them."

"…That's surprisingly a good encouragement, Rush," Embryo commented with his mouth curled into a faint but happy smile still bearing sadness. "I'm glad your kind words are the only thing I need right now." Rush closed his eyes, including his left, before turning towards his and Embryo's children.

"Thanks, kids. Please wait for me and your dad." Rush suggested with him and Embryo watching Moon and Sheeta leading Aya and Khalifa away from them and back to where they were once Rush looked back at the other but his mouth frowned with a suspiciously upset sneer. "Anything that could be good or it's gone bad from the meeting?" Rush asked.

"Worse." Embryo shook his head, visibly angered than before. "After they realized my children and I heard everything; Rosenblum had the audacity to demand ME to discard and give my children to you and Galia and Marmeria agreed with the idea! Even miscalling Aya and Khalifa as distractions in front of them!" Rush silently opened his mouth in stoic anger as Embryo flicked a finger for a Mana screen to materialize in front of them, showing footage of the ruler's meeting but focusing on Rosenblum serenely suggesting to Embryo with words that, although shocked the Velda Queen beside him, the Galia Emperor and Marmeria Secretary are smiling their pleasure and anticipation.

"Surely, Master Embryo, your…children seem to accept the Human Killer like a second father. So it would be wise, for you to not have distractions, to let them live with the Human Killer instead?"

'The fuck is wrong with them!?' Rush mentally argued his vehemence, not even trying to hide his incense for the heartless suggestion towards THEIR MASTER who angrily closed the Mana screen from existence. "Wait, wait, wait…the fucking DAD from Rosenblum doesn't want YOU to be a dad?"

"Exactly!" Embryo yelled and stood on his feet, his furious complaint with Rush as his willing ear was accidentally heard by Moon, Aya, Khalifa, Ular, Hebi, and Sheeta who froze in alarm. "It's because of me being a father that I excused him and Parvati when their daughter and son were kidnapped and almost killed those years ago! If I wasn't one, Misty and Seri Ranka would've died and their parents would have been too late to save them, even blaming me for letting that happen! If I created them as human beings, can't they let me become ONE myself!? Like everyone else but you and my family, their actions are making me feel like I'm in Heiselburg again!"

Rush watched as Embryo angrily turned with his back facing him and hugged his arms around himself, almost standing close to the edge of these floating islands, visibly tightening his forearms with his fingernails while releasing choked groans almost turning into angry sobs. With a silent groan of irritation for not being a temporary acquaintance for the Normas' major enemy, but what everyone's bullshit has done to the both of them for years even before Rush was even born, Rush is never hesitant nor afraid to do what is considered the most DANGEROUS thing everyone would've done when interacting with the BIG, BAD, GOD.

"Em." Embryo heard Rush calling him, strangely softer and sadder than normal which concerned him, and slowly turned around to see Rush still sitting on his spot but raising his arms for his bandaged right hand and fingerless gloved left hand waving at him a few times, silently asking Embryo to let Rush hug him. Astonished with a blink of his eyes for Rush's odd but sweet gestures to cheer him up, unfitting for a loyal creation nor an enemy, the sight of Rush's willingness to help him as a frenemy slowly but surely soothe Embryo's heart to leisurely walk away from the island's edge and sit back on the ground but lying against Rush's body and spread legs, not fighting from his arms and mismatched hands tenderly embracing him. Just like when he and his children first visit the Haven, Embryo is still taken back by how he feels Rush and his touches being soft and gentle compared to everyone else's despite his role as a battle-hardened soldier…yet Embryo never complains but accepts Rush as he is. "…Take as long you want. I ain't leaving you." Even Rush's reassurance is enough to feel Embryo's heart growing heavy with sorrow but slowly lightening in the unusual feeling.

"Rush…please be yourself to me. I don't care what everyone on our sides says; I want you to see and kill me as a human than a God." Rush heard Embryo whisper in sadness and press himself against the other, accepting his hug and making Rush see Embryo now as some docile cat or any animal that's not a dog due to his cynophobia.

"Same, Em." Rush quietly promised, even subtly resting his unbandaged cheek on Embryo's head. Suddenly, he had a stupid but funny idea for this situation that made him faintly grin at Embryo under his cheek when he first closed his eyes and opened his mouth to…

(Altered Song: Loser Baby from Hazbin Hotel)

Rush: So things look bad, and your back's against the wall

Your whole existence seems fuckin' hopeless

Embryo blinked his slightly watery eyes in shock at hearing Rush singing for the first time, surprisingly and professionally good, but said nothing when Rush gently placed Embryo to help him wrap his arms around his legs on the grassy ground again, unbuttoning his white coat just to put them on Embryo's shoulders and back, since he left his green coat, red tie, and black vest at home. But instead of interrupting, Embryo listened with his sorrow dampening his mood.

You're feelin' filthy as a shitty bathroom stall

Can't face the world you made it useless

'What?' Ular and Hebi mentally gawked while Moon, Aya, and Khalifa were also surprised but impressed to see and hear Rush singing while walking or dancing around Embryo who did not say anything but sulk in sorrow.

Rush: You've lost your way, you think you made lives so wrecked

Well, let me just say you're…correct!

"Wait, what?" Embryo twitched in astonishment at what Rush was singing, turning his head to his right but said nothing in surprise when Rush gently touched an unbandaged finger on his nose, still smirking with a proud smirk even when he backed away to continue singing his confidence.

Rush: You're a loser, baby

A loser, goddamn baby

You're a fucked up little whiny bitch

"What!?" Embryo cried in anger and watched Rush walking past and behind him when he resumed singing and even dancing a bit.

Rush: You're a loser, just like me

"Thanks, Rush!" Embryo sarcastically remarked in anger, hugging his legs harder with his chin on his knees but pouting harder in annoyance at Rush continuously and proudly singing insults.

Rush: You're a screw's-loose-boozer

And also an accused abuser

You ain't some power-bottom at rock bottom

But you got company!

"Is this supposed to make me feel better, Rush!?" Embryo complained after Rush lay behind his back for that last verse until he stood off the ground and walked a few feet away from Embryo, his cold smirk faltered into a scowl bearing anger and sadness.

There was a time: I thought no one could relate

To the gruesome ways in which I'm damaged

"But lettin' walls down, it can sometimes set you straight!" First looking at his bandaged hand, Rush's mouth immediately grinned when his fisted hands suddenly fished and grabbed something small from both his shorts' pockets he immediately threw them farther than Rush which landed and burst into large explosions of smoke onto the ground, revealing them to be smoke bombs, before Embryo sadly watch Rush sat back beside his other side.

We're all livin' in the same shit-sandwich

"All want my soul but they see me as weak!" Still upset but not showing his anger towards Rush, who just wanted to help, Embryo reluctantly joined him yet looked away when he sang, amusing Rush to chuckle and offer Embryo his gloved hand which he curiously accepted before Rush helped pull both men onto their feet.

Rush: Haha! And you think that makes you unique?

"Get outta here, man!" Rush offered as, from afar, Moon, the kids, and the animals watched their mixed surprise and amazement at both Rush and Embryo dancing together like a waltz or tango with the latter now more surprised than sad and angry.

We're both losers, baby

We're losers, it's okay to be a...

"Strong hated enemy?" Embryo wondered in curiosity although Rush's pleased response received a smile for Embryo's gladness, now cheering up from his rage and hatred for earlier. "Baby, you're fine to me."

Embryo: I'm a loser, honey

A schmoozer and a dummy

But at least I know I'm not alone

Rush: You're a loser

Both: Just like me!

With a snap of Embryo's fingers, the entire area initially became dark to almost become a black void for a few seconds before random different-coloured spotlight lights emitted over Rush and Embryo. However, both men rather continue singing than wonder about their surroundings during the song.

Rush: I've got an appetite for killing

Embryo: I've got an appetite for ripping

every life and soul that I can find!

"Go ahead baby, sing that song, come on!" Rush excitedly urged with his bandaged hand grabbing his gun from his hip and sliding past Embryo to the side.

Rush: I'm ain't someone who rather cower

Embryo: I save both my soul and my power

A sudden glowing lasso of brightly green, almost white, light grabbed Embryo and Rush together from appearing out of them, alarming them in surprise and sadness.

Embryo: Now we're on everyone's leash

Both: I'm trapped and it gets worse with every hour

As soon as they sat down on the ground, the lasso around them broke into particles of light but paid no mind when they resumed singing with pleasure.

Embryo: You're a loser, baby

Rush: A loser, but just maybe if we

"Battle together, things will end up differently…" Rush and Embryo sang with the latter reaching his left hand for the former's awaiting bandaged hand and the two stood to finish their last dance with Embryo whistling for Rush's final verse even when the latter expertly pulled and held the former off the ground into a bridal pose with a twirl.

Rush: It's time to lose your self-loathin'

Excuse yourself, let hope in, baby

Play your card, be who you are

"A loser, just like me." Rush and Embryo finished their duet with their smiles softening into happiness especially the former seeing that the other has now acted like himself, glad that his stupid plan works. From afar, after the light special effects that Embryo conjured with his powers had ceased and the space-filled void returned to the initial lighting, Khalifa silently clapped her hands in amazement with Aya smiling his gratitude that their father was now feeling better and even Moon's amazed and relieved that, even for the major enemy, Rush managed to help Embryo feel better without the anger once he gently lower his partner down and both men chuckle their appreciations with Rush looking relaxed and happy than usual.

"They're fucking singing!?" Moon heard Ular gasping his befuddlement although Hebi swiftly jumped off Moon's neck and coiled herself around Ular's neck and mouth, with everyone but Rush and Embryo watching Ular furiously squirming to get Hebi off him while Moon heard Ular muffling his terrified screams from the agitated tiny snake until the two listen to Hebi warning Ular in anger. "Quiet, Ular! Weird or not, let Rush have his time to shine!"

"How you're feeling, Em?" Rush asked Embryo as the two men walked back to their children and pets although they didn't notice Hebi doing something to Ular as Embryo gave him a sad but bright smile…unaware that Rush was secretly tempting to hold his left hand with his bandaged right hand.

"I am alright, even better than before the meeting, Rush. Thank you for everything you've done for me today." Embryo acknowledged once the two had joined the others with Aya and Khalifa climbing and running towards their father's legs for a hug while Moon with Ular and Hebi, and Sheeta stood beside Rush. "I don't want whatever they dictate to me and my children for their selfish desires. And if they still cannot see how both that and our relationship may change ourselves for the better, then they are indeed 'boring losers' like the rest of those who share their mindset."

"That's the spirit, man!" Rush beamed with Moon feeling his heart fluttering in happiness for his foster father's exhilaration. "Now, let's go eat like a fake family and we'll calm down and be happy…once we get out of this place!"

"Yay/ Y-yay!" Khalifa, and even Moon although timidly, cheered their excitement with Ular, Hebi, and Sheeta roaring and hissing their agreement and Embryo chuckled his satisfaction for Rush's childish kindness with a brief glimpse at Aya giving his father a thumbs up and smile of approval. Yes, Rush is right; this fake family will be better after lunch.

A/N Trivia:

- Originally, Rush's teammates were supposed to appear but decided just to add Moon, Ular and Hebi because; they would make this chapter longer and difficult to write more if they were initially there.

- If I didn't write Rush and Embryo singing Loser, Baby; I would've written Rush singing 'I Won't Say I'm In Love' from Disney's Hercules as the Valentine's Day song.