#I could not believe it was offical art until i read the manga

[liliumofthevalleyy]

God bless Yōsuke Saita for writing the yuumori light novels.

God bless Hikaru Miyoshi for turning the light novels into a manga and blessing us with her art yet again.

God bless whoever had part in the making of chapter 5 of the The Remains spin-off manga.

The whole chapter triggers my dopamine and serotnin levels in HIGH amounts♡

[zaephix]

l'avoir elle, c'est avoir les étoiles / / wriothesley . . .

wriothesley considered himself a pretty selfless man, until it came to you. wouldn’t you indulge him in his selfish desires for a moment of your time?

warnings: inspired by veil (manga), blind!reader, f!reader, ooc wriothesley?, wriothesley’s pov, mentions of smoking, mentions of neuvilette and sigewinne, fluff, domesticity

w/c: 1.25k

authors note:  i reread veil and i need an aleksander to call my own hmu if ur a russian police officer w red hair Plz. art cred: ルル on twt

“wrio? what’s wrong?”

wriothesley fully opens his half lidded eyes, noting your appearance as you lay on the table before him, not wanting to disturb his contemplation.

the only sound at this time of the night being your voices, the distant echoes of droplets from the pipes in the wall, and the soft jazz playing from his gramophone. you slowly get up and approach him, light steps clicking against the stone floor.

your hands find their way to his face, a light stubble itching against your fingers. he sighs, leaning against you. “...nothin’ to worry your pretty little head about.”

you hum, obviously not believing his lie. you drag your fingers to the back of his head, lightly scratching his scalp. you lean in towards him, the couch dipping ever so slightly. “mhm. is it the fortress again? ‘nother fight?” 

he chuckles, leaning his head back. the one thing he loved about you was your attentiveness. you’d read him like a book, or rather,  feel.

you tilted your head in confusion, your pretty and ever-so-long lashes fluttering while closed against your skin. “what?”

“nothin’ angel. just admiring you.”

“y’know, if you wanted to distract me it’s not working. the way to my heart isn’t just built on flattery. and anyone could see through those big sighs of yours.” and you go again, flashing that cheeky smile as you always did, the same as when you two were younger.

he laughs lightly, “of course 'ts not. i know you better than that.”

“and i know you better than that,” your hands stop, and you look at him with the most serious face you could muster, “tell me.”

he sighs and shakes his head, “it’s a lot more complicated than that sweetheart, don’t wanna bore you to death.”

and with that you relent with your own deep sigh, leaning back into the couch and off of him. he misses your warmth.

“don’t be like that (y/n).” he looks at you through the sides of his eyes, then gently reaches for your hand, caressing it with his thumb. “you got so much to worry ‘bout already, with how many are coming in all roughed up.”

“yes…” you mumble, “but, it’s just us now.”

he can’t see your eyes, as they’re closed, but he was sure they’d be glossy now—he wishes you’d open them once more. wriothesley leans in and plants a small kiss against your forehead, then leans his own against it.

he knows your weakness for touch, for physical contact. 

the way your delicate hands would softly caress every nook and cranny of a trinket he’d get you. the way you’d feel for a lamp when you thought things were too dim for your liking. the way you’d toy with the jewelry hanging on your neck, ears and wrists. it seemed like you couldn’t get enough.

he also knows about your compassion for him. always keeping tabs throughout the day, sending little sweets and snacks for him. you’d handle patients with sigewinne with gentleness, even when they were somewhat undeserving of it. and when you’d have work above ground, you make sure to send letters to sigewinne, keeping up with her updates about him. 

wriothesley knows you miss living up in the city. he knows you long for the soft tunes that would be performed in the dim-lit streets at night, tossing a few mora into their hats lying on the sidewalk. he knows you miss keeping up with the latest fashion trends and splurging your money on tens of dresses. he knows you miss your old life with him.

and so in spite of this, you still stood by him. ever so selfless and caring.

but he couldn’t help himself out of his own selfishness.

wriothesley pulls you into his lap, his rough hands pushing back the few loose strands of hair in front of your face behind your ears. to everyone he’d be known as the fearless duke of meropide, to you, he’d just be plain old wriothesley. your loving, plain, old wriothesley.

you’re reluctant at first, a pout standing firm on your face. your delicate features almost give you away as he slowly snakes his arms around you. he pulls you closer by your waist and you give in just like putty in his palms. 

your eyes are still comfortably closed, hands making their way lazily to his shoulders. you sniff the air around you two, scrunching your nose. “you’ve been smoking, my lord?”

“...no.”

“you’ve got all these rules around the fortress about extending prison time if anybody ever so as brings in a lighter, and yet you’re here, in your office, all cooped up and–”

you squeal as he puts his lips to yours to shut you up. you taste like crepes and jam, courtesy of neuvillette. the soft velvet feel of your lipstick smears against him, some even getting on his teeth. sigewinne was in his office just a day ago asking about what shade of red or pink would suit you. it appears she chose well. he smiles into the kiss, hands digging their way into your hair. he makes a note to thank both for the gifts.

you pull away with a slight gasp before resuming like the sly fox you were. you were always able to catch on quickly, as you’d learn a few things from him yourself. 

you nibble on his lip. he lightly bites yours’ back.

you stifle your giggles at first, but then you laugh, and suddenly, your complexion was glowing — and he swore he’d seen an angel. 

wriothesley looks up at you with a fondness in his eyes, hands now at your waist. he was sure he looked silly, with the reddish pink all over his lips, but he knew you wouldn’t care. really.

“shutting me up with a kiss… how original of you.”

“but you liked it, no?” that earns him a flick against his forehead, ouch.

you sit up straight, wiping the edges of your lips, “if you’ll excuse me, sir, i promised sigewinne i’d help her in stocking the medical cabinet. we’ve just received our shipment of gauze from fontaine.”

he knew you wouldn’t notice it, but he couldn’t help but look at you with longing in his eyes, wanting to shield you away and coop you inside his office, inside his arms.

but he lets you go with a sigh on his lips and a gentle kiss of his thumb on the apple of your cheek. “yes, ma’am,” he pauses before he adds on. “you want me to walk you there?”

you stand up and he gets up synonymously with you, tugging and fixing your clothes without a word. “it’s fine, i can get around the place myself, i’m not a damsel in need of help all the time.”

you turn on your tippy toes and press a chaste kiss to the side of his mouth before quickly grabbing your coat and leaving. “i’ll see you again soon, okay?”

he smiles after you, watching as you leave with your shoes clicking against the stone of the floor. he looks back at his desk with grimace, the piles of paperwork enough to sour his mood.

he grabs a cigarette and reaches for his pockets, trying to find the cool metal of his lighter. instead, it appears, he was met with something else.

“what…?”

he realizes now that you truly were too sly for your own good, as he was met with the very same lipstick gifted to you.

cheeky.

[killuwumi]

Christmas with the BSD Cast!

a/n! Okay so I really wanna write a part two, so PLEASE if you want a character from BSD send me an ask, I know its close to the end of the holiday season but any requests are welcome! These are just my takes on how they’d spend the holidays!

Includes; Dazai, Atsushi, Ranpo, Kunikida, Yosano, Chuuya, Akutagawa, Oda.

some inspo credits to my friend theo! @theodora3022 bc our convos gave me lots of ideas !!

I believe there are a lot more fem!reader elements than I meant there to be, but I tried to keep it neutral I apologize!

Christmas with the BSD Cast PT2

Dazai;

-Definitely plays in the snow, can't change my mind.

-You'll probably be out around Yokohama looking at lights and seeing how pretty it is covered in snow.

-Makes you wear his coat around because he thinks you look adorable.

-Never wants you to be cold, and forces you to bundle up to the gods due to it.

-Takes you to cafes for hot chocolate (with Kunikida's money ofc). Also totally wants to go ice skating with you, because you just KNOW this man is graceful and he wants to teach you.

-He'd probably get you something you've been talking about all year but didn't realize it. Like a certain manga, pair of shoes, article of clothing etc. He's very observant. Maybe something to match with him :). He's much more about the experiences rather than the gift giving though.

Atsushi;

-He likes going out as well, but his favorite is when you stay inside with him.

-Wants to watch cheesy Hallmark movies with you because they're heartwarming.

-Definitely a big fan of helping you decorate his place for the holidays, since he's never done it before. His favorite is putting the lights up and watching them turn on after all the hard work!

-Buys you something comfy, like a comfort item. Maybe a teddy bear (tiger ofc) but probably not a tiger on purpose, and he won't realize why that's adorable until you tell him and he's a blushing mess.

Ranpo;

-Ever seen a bakery at Christmas? Well fear not, now you will.

-He's taking you to all the best places for Christmas themed snacks, and will most certainly buy Christmas cookies for you to bake while he sits on the counter watching you.

-Enjoys watching you dance around the kitchen to Christmas music, he could watch that all day.

-Ranpo is for sure taking you to spend time at the with Fukuzawa, because the two of you are very important to him. Look forward to fun dinners with the ADA.

-Most likely buys you books or art supplies if you do that. He loves when you sit at his desk with him when you visit and you read those predictable novels of yours. Definitely gets you a side present of a baking book on all his favorite snacks. ;)

Kunikida;

-Stays at home with you, holidays are hectic and he likes the peace and quiet of just relaxing with you at home.

-You probably eat popcorn and watch something while he goes over his schedule a billion times until you curl up next to him and he stops.

-Naps together! It's cold outside but the two of you can be warm together. He likes to cuddle you on the couch in front of the fire place.

-Gets you something simple and thoughtful, but practical. I could honestly see him getting you a bonus gift of a taser for when people get too creepy with you. But still gets you something more meaningful. Maybe a planner full of cute plan ideas for the two of you in the upcoming months.

Yosano;

-Shopping, tons of it.

-You are out at the mall with her a lot, hitting every sale and outlet there is. She likes buying you things, and you can pick things out for her in return.

-She doesn't mind the crowds, but if you do, she'll go at a later time when less people are out.

-Will never have you carrying bags, she'll drag someone who doesn't have plans along to carry the items.

-Christmas present is a fancy new outfit tailored just for you. She loves fashion, and if you share that love she is over the moon to get you whatever dress/outfit you want.

Chuuya;

-This man is not short on any money, so whatever you wanna do is on the table. He just wants to be around you at all times, that's all.

-Dinners are very important to him, so taking you to his favorite places or even cooking at home with you will be his favorite part.

-Likes to enjoy the finest wine with you in front of a warm fireplace, just cuddled next to each other.

-Matching pjs, do it, he'll pretend he hates it but he loves it. Thinks you both look amazing and will take pictures. Its going on his desk in a frame.

-Buys you whatever you look at for too long. He wants you to have everything you've ever wanted because he loves you.

-Totally the type to buy you a beautiful necklace or bracelet with his name on it. Not only is it hot af to him, he likes his name and knowing you wear it. Could buy you a whole ass vacation or car if you wanted, but he thinks its the little fancy things.

Akutagawa;

-When he sees you decorating home, he takes you to his office because he wants you to teach him how to decorate it. It will remind him of you when he has to go into work during December.

-You spend time with his fam! You enjoy being around them and visiting, maybe more than Akutagawa. Gin is always so sweet to you.

-Another at home kind of man. Everyone pushing and shoving him at stores while trying to get presents will result in murder, so he'd rather not. Got your present months in advance to avoid such nonsense.

-Lays in your lap on the couch and let's you tell him stories or just talks. Not a big fan of the movies because he thinks they're overrated, but loves hearing your voice. Play with his hair until you both fall asleep please.

-As for a gift, he had to ask Gin a lot of questions, reluctantly of course. She told him to maybe not get you a gun, and instead opt for something more meaningful.

-That's right, tiny Rashomon plushie, you adore his Rashomon and he was absolutely taken aback when you said it was cute. This plushie means the world to you.

Oda;

-To the orphans! He is so in awe when you play with the kids, whether it be tag or hide and seek. He loves taking you to see them.

-Probably takes you shopping, but the two of you are buying presents to donate and give to the kids that you two have basically adopted.

-Most likely to dress up as Santa for them, and in doing such makes you his Mrs. Claus.

-Takes you to the place where he realized he wanted to be a writer. The both of you just read, (or write) and on the way back home you enjoy a talk of books and fantasy worlds.

-Likes when you lean on his shoulder or lay in his lap, will watch or do whatever you want as long as you're happy.

-His gift was super handmade, a book of all the things you've done together, a scrapbook sort of. The kids probably helped him decorate it, but he wrote all the lovely words inside. Detailing how happy he is to be with you.

[viridiave]

NARUMITSU <ATTEMPTING TO READ THE SUBTEXT PLATONICALLY>

*Wrote all this some time last month so I might be off- really really off- also full disclosure I too am a Narumitsu shipper- this is just me giving myself a bad time doing the impossible and having fun XD

-I am going to fail sooner or later. Looking at you, Bridge to the Turnabout.

FIRST GAME >Turnabout Samurai -Yep. We're jumping right in with 'unnecessary feelings'. I'm going to be put on a stake for this. -This is going to become the main argument with any and all homoerotic subtext present in the first game- that it was unintentional. They didn't actively start making it gay until the second game, and even before then the producer for the games had to warn the development team not to try and insert these themes for fear of getting it wrong and lose the fanbase they'd accidentally caught the eye of. I can still create arguments for why this specific, hilariously meme-able line could be read romantically of course- but as far as the game development team at the time was concerned this interaction was never meant to be read as romantic. -Unease and uncertainty are... very valid feelings for Edgeworth to feel at this very moment and as much as I'd like to joke that he was feeling uncertain about his sexuality after seeing his childhood friend as an adult, this line was really just likely meant to lead up to the conclusion of Turnabout Goodbyes and Edgeworth's character arc for this game. His perfect win streak had just been shattered in a case prior. In this case, he was meant to persecute the lead actor of his favorite show- and in some ways his helping the defense can be taken as his biases getting the better of him. His sense of justice and his entire worldview is about to be overhauled, and I can see how he would regard this budding doubt in himself as an unnecessary (heh) distraction from what he believes is his true purpose in life.

>Turnabout Goodbyes -Edgeworth wanting to keep him away from DL-6 has its own section mostly because of how stubborn he becomes when it comes to Phoenix's insistence in particular. It's clear that this stubbornness is a front, I will concede with that- but there are merits to his initial reluctance in accepting Phoenix's defense. It's evident that Phoenix himself has grown over the course of the game so far, but in both of the times that he faced off against Edgeworth in court, his victories were... a tad bit contrived. For instance in Turnabout Sisters, Phoenix really only wins because Mia was being channeled and blackmailed White as he was about to leave the stand. Turnabout Samurai is a little better- but had him rely on quite a lot of coincidences (proven later to be substantiated) that surfaced during the trial. This is nothing to say of the deeper reason Edgeworth has over dissuading Phoenix from taking his case ("You in particular I cannot ask to do this.")- where I can make an argument for his pride and/or concern over Phoenix's career as an attorney. The stakes are relatively high here as well- if Phoenix fails, Edgeworth is incarcerated, Manfred von Karma goes free, DL-6 goes cold once again with no hope of getting re-opened, and everything that Phoenix has been working towards as an attorney would have been in vain. DL-6 is a case that has ruined many lives- it'd make sense if Edgeworth himself felt as though it would be a waste of time and effort to take this case because of how convinced he was of murdering his own father prior to Gourd Lake. He'd grown up for the past 15 years with a nightmare and a death sentence over his head- I wouldn't be surprised if he simply gave up and accepted that he was going to die at the hands of his prosecuting mentor. Even if he were acquitted for the murder of Robert Hammond, his perceived involvement in DL-6 would have thrown a wrench in his freedom- any lesser attorney would have given up on that. And this is unloaded BEFORE Phoenix tells him about the true reason as to why he became an attorney. -Phoenix's insistence to defend Edgeworth in this case can easily just be read as platonic- his complete, unfettered faith in Edgeworth's innocence is heavily influenced by that class trial, for better or for worse. While I'm perfectly happy to imagine that Phoenix's attachment to his idealized version of Edgeworth grew into something deeper sometime in the fifteen years that he hasn't seen him, I do believe that Phoenix in particular really is just that much of a sentimental person. This is to say nothing of his nature as a defense attorney- and what little time he's managed to spend with Mia has taught him that unbridled trust in his client is what gets him through the day, and he's putting it to practice here. Edgeworth was what he has been working towards the moment he decided he would practice law- as Phoenix at this point in time still believes that he could do no wrong despite seeing what Edgeworth is truly like in court. -Cutting into the meat of Phoenix and Edgeworth's shared past, I made a point earlier to say that Phoenix's perception of Edgeworth as a person is idealized. Every memory that Phoenix has had of Edgeworth prior to the events of the first game were from their childhood- and they had 4-8 months (plus one year if we're generous with the retconning some of the official art gave us) MAX to develop a friendship so strong that Phoenix makes major life decisions just to meet with this man. The fact that this time spent together was ENOUGH for Phoenix in the first place is... really hard to skirt around. To quote Dan from GameGrumps "this is something that you would only do for someone you're trying to marry" and if one of them was a woman I guarantee this ship would be canon already. But then again- since this is Phoenix Wright in particular somehow I can believe that he really is just that sentimental- and that isn't always a bad thing. He'd managed to save Edgeworth twice with this conviction after all. When Phoenix sees Edgeworth, he doesn't see a demon prosecutor, he sees his childhood friend who aimed to become a shining example of justice following in his father's footsteps. They address how shaky his foundations for becoming an attorney were in the Phoenix Wright Files once actually- going through a mini-existential crisis because he'd become an attorney with the main goal of saving Edgeworth from what he'd become, and now that he's accomplished that he's just kind of... lost. Edgeworth himself manages to pull him out of this, though. -man that hurts my case a lot actually but to be fair I was banking on failing -I just didn't expect it to happen so early even with the first game -in fact ESPECIALLY with the first game -though I cannot for the life of me wonder how I can come up with a heterosexual explanation for why the buildup towards Edgeworth telling Phoenix and Maya about his nightmares reads so much like a stunted love confession. I'm serious- just read any high school shojo manga ever. You'll find that it hits a lot of the same beats.

>Rise From The Ashes -It's in this case that we observe some of the consequences that the intial upheaval of Edgeworth's worldview in Turnabout Goodbyes causes him; distrust in the enforcement of the law. Not exactly the time for him to be dabbling in another, meme-able brand of unnecessary feelings. Several things like the Prosecutor's Office's relationship with the Police Department starts to waver with the murder of Bruce Goodman, and this becomes the final nail in the coffin for Edgeworth's worldviews and values as a prosecutor. His and Phoenix's teamwork in this trial becomes prevalent- the story behind the King of Prosecutors award represents this best despite it's currently incomplete state. The backstory behind this award paints an ideal of justice in the courtroom wherein the truth comes out as a result of the efforts of contradictory forces. A broken halberd that can cut through any shield (the prosecution) and a broken, unbreakable shield (the defense). Read as representation the text becomes something of a metaphor for the ideal justice that manifests itself in the best parts of Edgeworth and Phoenix respectively- the duality of their opposing professions rather than something that is limited to their relationship. -The same argument that I've used for Phoenix's unwavering belief in Edgeworth's innocence in Turnabout Goodbyes can be used for this case as well. -Though Edgeworth still goes M.I.A for a year after this case, it does grant his disappearance a bit more context as to why exactly it is that he left- and I'll be taking a tiny liberty with this and apply the interpretation that the Miles Edgeworth Files grants us, and that he left in order to better himself and grow as a person, a prosecutor, and as a friend to Phoenix Wright. It's... difficult for me to want to read this as anything but romantically-charged because the narrative beats are NOT lost on me (the dialogue makes this especially hard. send help.)- there's a possibility that Edgeworth at this point in time realizes the value in having a better, more functional dynamic with the one defense attorney who he considers a true equal in court. This dynamic will allow for less chances to encounter missteps and errors in any verdicts handed down in court, and if Edgeworth is to pursue his ideal of justice- Phoenix Wright is undoubtedly essential to this endeavor. The aftermath of Rise From The Ashes is indicative of this newfound goal of his- the symbolism behind the old King of Prosecutors award and the two halves of the evidence list certainly helps this case. -<"It seems all you do is worry about me." -Miles Edgeworth, Rise From The Ashes> For good fucking reason Edgeworth. You were accused of murder and have implicated yourself on the stand for DL-6 just a few months ago- and if the Investigations games are anything to go by, you're more of a danger magnet than PHOENIX is. I had to say it. The first Investigations game takes place over the course of 2-3 days and the sheer amount of shit that Edgeworth had to deal with in between that interval truly makes me wonder how Phoenix Wright ended up with the title of danger magnet. And THIS time- Edgeworth's car becomes a crime scene because his corrupt superiors needed a convenient way of transporting a corpse. There's VERY good reasons to worry about the livelihood of Miles Edgeworth. -Okay I... can't believe I forgot about the chessboard. Here's the kicker- the one we see from his office isn't even the only one he owns. I... legitimately cannot give you ANY purely heterosexual, platonic explanation for why Miles Edgeworth has THREE (THREE. I CANNOT OVERSTATE THIS. HE HAS T H R E E OF THESE FUCKING THINGS. GOOD GOD. HE CAN'T BE ANY MORE EXTRA.)(there exists a similar, portable set in the Investigations games- and he has a new set by the time of Dual Destinies) sets of custom-made chessboards with personalized, highly-specific red and blue designs made purely to depict his rivalry with Phoenix Wright. I fold. I give up. I forgot about the chessboards I wAS NOT EXPECTING TO FAIL THIS E A R LY- -You know what the real kicker is with Rise From the Ashes? The main argument that I have introduced back in Turnabout Samurai does not apply here. Rise From the Ashes was made as a DS-exclusive case and did not exist in the original GameBoy version of the Trilogy. Which means if there is homoerotic tension written in for this case (and there happens to be a lot. the chessboard is proof enough.), then we can safely assume that the writers at this point were well-aware. So yeah- maybe don't feel TOO bad about the unnecessary feelings line- because ever since then the writers have been playing off of that and it SHOWS. -Is there really a point to this I'm just- everything is stacked against me tryna interpret this platonically -Like I know I make a point to say that a romantic relationship isn't the end-all of all relationships because this franchise LOVES pushing the Found Family dynamic and I'm an absolute sucker for that -good god by the time Dual Destinies rolls around I'll probably just give up and happily say they're happily married -that's literally what they act like don't even pretend

[flourchildwrites]

Hi, If you are still taking prompts, would you mind writing fictober "Ruins" for Havolina? :)

Witch, Please!  Fictober 2019  (27/30)

A multi-fandom Fictober prompt compilation.  Your wish is my command, but be careful what you ask for.  You just might get it.

For @tomoehawkeye

Prompt:  “Ruins” from Writetober 2019 Prompt List

Fandom:  Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood & Manga, Fullmetal Alchemist - All Media Types, Fullmetal Alchemist (Anime 2003)

Relationship/Pairing:  Rebecca Catalina/Jean Havoc

Genre:  Alternate Universe - Practical Magic, Witches and Family Curses, High School Sweethearts

Rating:  Teen And Up Audiences

Word Count:  1,566 words

Read on AO3

The Catalina women were blamed for everything that went wrong in their small island town, but it was, perhaps, the men they loved who suffered the most. The curse was well-known, less a legend and more a source of gossip that sprang eternal when the rumor mill ran dry. And yet, for cousins Riza and Rebecca, the plague on their household was all too real.

Too real when their fathers died sudden and mysterious deaths. Too real when their mothers took their leave, courtesy of broken hearts that refused to mend.

By the time young Rebecca arrived at the wrought iron gates of Stonybrook Cottage, Riza had already settled in. She was the spitting image of her mother, Aunt Elizabeth, with wispy blonde hair, copper eyes and a pale heart-shaped face. Though pretty, her cousin was tomboy through and through, smelling perpetually of fresh-cut grass and more than willing to beat local boys at their own games when a competitive mood stuck.

Appropriately, Rebecca quickly proved herself to be her cousin’s complement. Bold where Riza was shy but charming where her cousin was prone to confrontation, they got along as only two halves of a whole could. And while Riza was fair and lithe, Rebecca grew into the curves of her tan complexion and leaned into the power of a pair of dark bedroom eyes that stopped people in their tracks.

Under the old roof of Stonybrook Cottage, the cousins claimed their birthright courtesy of two ageless aunts who mirrored the girls’ contrast. Aunt Maria lectured long about astrology, signs and art of spellcraft while Aunt Olivier exclusively taught the subtle science of potion-making and dabbled in the occasional duel. High school existed also, and Rebecca thought the place a bore, punctuated frequently by childish whispers, taunting rhymes and hateful scribbles on the bathroom stalls.

Rebecca Catalina ❤’s Jean HavocRest in Pieces, Jean

“Who did it?” Riza bellowed, aware that their entire gym class (sans Rebecca) was in on the joke.

Unforthcoming giggles emanated from the gaggle of girls still present in the locker room, not one woman enough to own the egregious act. They hid their sneers behind ramrod straight fringes of hair and hands pressed to their mouths.

“Riza,” Rebecca warned. She grabbed her cousin’s arm as she felt the hex gathering on the tip of her tongue. “It isn’t worth it. Besides, Jean and I are just friends.”

“Friends who suck face under the bleachers,” Patricia Parkinson grumbled. “So sad that Jean has a death wish.”

Between Rebecca and Riza, it wasn’t always clear who was the witch to blame, least of all to the students and faculty of the Southaven High. But when the locker room mirrors began to tremble and the faucets popped off the pipes, spewing water over the offending girls and their belongings, Coach Sheska was forced to concede that the dry parties were the most likely culprits.

“Nice one,” Riza offered. As the two made their way to the principal’s office, she looked at her cousin with a sly pair of eyes that Rebecca refused to meet.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Rebecca maintained. “That was totally you.”

“Was not. I was going to bind their hands, not wreck the entire bathroom. Not that I don’t approve.”

Rebecca suppressed a dark grin. “Well, whoever did it, the Aunts aren’t going to like the property destruction,” she remarked, happily diverting the conversation to the inevitable consequences.

“No, but they’ll understand. They always do. Just be careful with Jean. Couldn’t have fallen for a girl or nonbinary person instead, could you?”

“No,” Rebecca admitted, “I had little choice in the matter.”

…

Rebecca often consoled herself that Jean Havoc was made of tough stuff. He reminded her of it every time they met beneath the bleachers (his choice) or in the back of his car (her preference). There was something playful about parking Jean’s crossover out by the lake on the Catalina estate, watching the sunset and seeing just how far the seats could recline.

But tonight was different. Rebecca knew it from the way he looked at her. Her stomach lurched pleasantly when she saw he’d shaved his face and pressed his collared shirt. A foreboding, ringbox-shaped bulge in Jean’s back pocket sealed the deal. Rebbeca did her best to distract him, knowing she wouldn’t have the heart to turn him down.

So, she pulled Jean into the backseat and pushed him against the leather interior, envious of the way the slick surface must have pressed against his skin. Hips rolled and mouths crashed into one another in the dwindling light of the setting sun. And suddenly, Jean wrapped his strong arms around Rebecca’s waist and maneuvered them both to a sitting position. He pulled away just in time to ask a question as she trailed warm kisses up his neck.

“I’ve always wanted to know why there’s a fireplace jutting out of the middle of the lake,” he said, glancing sideways at his girlfriend.

Rebecca sighed and took in more of Jean’s cringeworthy corner store cologne. At first, she’d disliked the smell. Now, she craved it, going as far as to keep one of his undershirts beneath her pillow. If Jean wondered where it had gone, he didn’t ask.

She straightened up and decided to tell the story as quickly as possible. “That’s all that’s left of the old Catalina Manor,” she explained. “Surely, you know that old rumor.”

She dived down for another kiss but was stopped by a pair of inquisitive eyes. “I’d like to hear it from you.”

“Fine,” Rebecca relented. She slid off his lap and smoothed her mussed hair to one side. Jean took to massaging the soles of her feet as she spoke, a sure sign of ingratiation that obliged Rebecca’s toes to curl.

“My ancestor, Prudence Catalina, lived in that house with her family, and some people thought that she was more than a healer. They thought she was a… y’ know-”

“-a witch?”

“Yes, that. Anyway, one day, the good townsfolk of Southhaven decided to charge Prudence with witchcraft and sentenced her to burn. But her husband wouldn’t let her go without a fight. So, a mob set the house on fire. Prudence cast a spell of protection on the fireplace where she and her daughter waited out the flames.”

“So, that’s why it’s still standing then?  Prudence’s protection spell?” Jean probed.

“Sure,” Rebecca offered warily, “if you believe in magic.”

The unspoken question hung heavy in the air, coupled with heady eye contact that made Rebecca want to crawl back into her lover’s lap and stay there until eternity passed them by. Jean’s hands moved passed her ankles, working her calves with delicious, rolling pressure. Rebecca wasn’t entirely sure there wasn’t magic in his fingers, least of all because of how her tongue seemed to loosen.

This was the worst part of the story. Still, Rebecca continued, if only because Jean had asked her so nicely.

“But Prudence’s husband died in the fire, and she never recovered, even though the townsfolk were fearful of her power and resolved to leave her alone. She raised her daughter in the cottage my family still lives in but was often found crying by her old home’s ruins where she buried her husband. Over time, her tears formed this lake, and in a fit of despair, she cast a spell on herself. The depth of her bitterness twisted into a curse. Which is, I’m sure, what you really wanted to know about.”

Jean hummed in response. “I wonder why you care about it so much. I think about why you won’t let me kiss you in public, and you give me all these talismans to wear.”

He pulled at a long chain concealed beneath his shirt to reveal several small circle pendants adorned with geometric designs and ancient sigils. Each one sang softly with the labor of Rebecca’s love, though she wouldn’t call it that. Not yet.

Rebecca pinched the bridge of her nose. “Amulets, Jean,” she laughed. “Not talismans. There’s a difference. And you know why you wear them.”

Jean moved over her, then, slipping his hand behind her neck and kissing the burgundy lipstick from her lips.

“Loving you,” he confessed, “helps me to understand why Prudence’s husband did it. I’d do it, too, and I’d gladly tell those girls at school where to go for taunting you like they do. Curses are made to be broken, Becky, if you’ll have me.”

She knew what he meant, and wanted to say yes.

Rebecca wanted to run away with Jean and start a new life elsewhere, however pointless that would be in the end. Her mother had tried it, and so had Riza’s parents. They all ended up six feet under with their perfect lives reduced to ruin. Long ago, Riza and Rebecca had resolved to be different, but that was before Rebecca met Jean Havoc, his last name so apt for what he did to her resolve.

Instead of responding, she kissed him with her eyes shut tight, as if she was just a girl and he was her guy. As if the curse was just a tragic fairy tale told by lovers at the lake.

Somewhere near the murky banks of the water, the death-watch beetle began its ominous countdown, and across the estate, Riza startled, knowing there was much work to be done.

A/N:  Thank you for the prompt, @tomoehawkeye! Sorry, this is a little late. I caught a stomach virus. I hope you like it as much as I like these sort of asks popping up in my tumblr inbox. Anyway, if you read something you like, don’t hesitate to let me know in whatever way you want. Your kudos, bookmarks, subscriptions, comments, likes and reblogs make my day!

[the-lady-bryan]

way back in the day, say.... 2007-2008, i worked in a tiny little place called Cassadaga, Florida (and yes, that one Bright Eyes album was named after the town. I actually worked with one of the readers who gave the band readings when they came through.) I worked in a little shop that’s no longer there called The Universal Centre. It’s now called something else, and i haven’t been back in just over ten years.

While working there, as the cashier/receptionist one of my tasks was to show off the selection of tarot and oracle decks that we had. And of all the little shops in town, we proudly had the largest selection - it was always growing, took up an entire wall behind the counter (some of them were over  or around $100 limited runs out of prints - like an ORIGINAL Salvador Dali Tarot deck. Absofuckinglylutly beautiful deck, hence the wall of decks was personally guarded by whomever was working the register at the time). We sold other stuff, too. But I loved the wall of decks. Whenever we would no longer be selling a deck and all we had left was a display deck for customers to hold and handle to see if they liked it before buying, i’d usually buy that last one up if i liked the art or anything.

Anyway, one of the things I liked to do to sell these decks - some of which had sat on the shelf longer than i’d been alive at that point - was to show customers when they asked me “how would you even use this?” I’d do what i liked to call “joke readings” - not serious at all. Just messing about and showing a customer a good way to start using a deck. Sometimes tarot, sometimes oracle. If it was Oracle, I’d show them a few extra uses for them besides giving readings (a lot of them worked great for personal motivation, meditation, reflection, and depending on the subject matter - prayer).these joke readings often turned out to be accurate about the person i was doing it for. we’d have a good laugh, they’d be all fired up to try this at home with others and they’d buy a deck. this never failed to sell a deck. NEVER. I’d push old product, we can get new stuff in. At that time I was so good at my job my boss often asked me when i wanted to start doing actual readings instead of working the counter. I told him that if he did that, he’d get a lot of pissed off people demanding refunds. He’d laugh, not believe me, and we’d go about our day. This happened a lot, and it also helped entertain friends or family of someone there for a reading that could last 30 minutes or longer. Usually if people were having to wait and i did this, they’d turn around and book a reader that same day usually right after their friend was done. i was that damn good at my job.

However, one day... it happened. There was a difficult customer who was being a real total bastard to everyone within sight that worked there. I kept up my polite and courteous and downright friendly and professional demeanor i was known for. And then.... unexpectedly, he came to the counter and demanded to look at the cards. Of course I pulled out deck after deck to show him this one and that one. Eventually, he settled on a deck, and it was one that I’d had experience with since at the time, it was one that personally used when i couldn’t find my normal Manga themed one. I thought “now’s a good time to maybe ease some of the tension here. maybe if i can make the guy laugh, or even just chuckle, my co-workers won’t be feeling so bitchy after encountering this guy”. So i decide to strike up a conversation about the deck he chose as he’s looking at other items in our glass cases. I commented on how the artwork (i was an art major at the time) was very well done and how i felt that a lot of the images were very straight forward in their meaning but also very beautiful - that the artwork didn’t lose the meaning by being super-pretentious and that because of ths, it was a great deck for anyone just starting out or even experienced card readers. this, apparently, was the wrong thing to say as he took it as an assumption that i thought he didn’t know how to use the damned thing. what followed was approximately five minutes of this asshole basically telling me how he’s better than everyone else there. I proceeded to take out my most obnoxious tarot deck - it was one made for teenage girls with a manga theme, and was put out by U.S. Games (not to be confused with one that i still use from the Lo Scarabeo company which, to me, is a superior deck due to aesthetics alone). The only damn reason I had it with me that day was I’d brought it to show one of my co-workers because she was looking for decks for her daughter to learn with and when i told her about it she wanted to check it out before buying. anyway, i then proceeded to give this asshole the full celtic cross with this deck, right at the damn counter in front of other readers, customers, even my boss at this point. i’m polite, but i’m bitchy polite. and i’m not even reading the cards seriously. everything that is coming out of my mouth is basically falsely sweet poison. This guy, just.... this asshole got on my last nerve. I give him the worst possible reading ever, deflecting by saying “it’s not me, it’s the cards. this is what they cards are saying. i’m just the messenger.”

when i got done, i packed up my deck, looked at my boss and said “i’m taking a smoke break” and went outside. one of the readers, who also worked the register sometimes, took over for me until i came back. when i got back my boss hauled me in his office and reamed me for what i did. this is the one and only time he really truly got on my case about this. now, this wasn’t the first time i’d done such a thing. but it was the first time he’d actually witnessed it. the ONLY reason he didn’t fire me was because his wife was there when it happened, and she had seen this before. anyway, i’m told that the guy decided he didn’t want anything after all and had them put back over $400 worth of stuff (decks, jewelry, stones, and a rather nice crystal ball made of flourite).

Now, remember what i said above? about how my joke reading approach NEVER failed to sell a deck? When I walked out of that place on December 8, 2008 that record held solid because about a week after this asshole got the most hateful reading of his life from me, he came back. he bought everything he’d wanted to buy that day and then some. I wasn’t there - i was in classes in daytona beach all day that day. But when I came back to work the next day and my boss told me about the guy, I laughed my ass off and told him that while i can be “right” about people when i do the joke readings, i’m deadly fucking accurate when i’m deliberately trying to be rude, obnoxious, hateful, and downright vile to their face. Because in those moments, i have no reason to be splitting hairs and trying to sugar coat shit. After that I never had a problem with my boss when this would happen because, when someone else asked him later down the line why i wasn’t a reader there, too, his response was “if you want affirmation and understanding you see my readers. but if you need to hear the ugly unvarnished truth just piss off my cashier. she’ll give it to you free of charge, but she’s a bitch about it.”

and for the record, i chose the deck i did because this dude was all gothy and dark and oooooo scary dude. the deck i chose was pink and sparkly and glittery and so damn clearly marketed to super pink fluffy love types that i thought it might add insult to the injury. i totally did.

[sparklyjojos]

Some final commentary on Cosmic

which turned into yet another analysis of JDC, Tsukumojuku and Jorge Joestar because I have zero self-restraint. Half this post is searching for overarching themes and wacky theories, have fun with my ramblings I guess

[big spoilers for Cosmic and Tsukumojuku, not really for Jorge Joestar]

While I decided to finish Cosmic first, the recommended reading order is Cosmic (1st half) -> Joker -> Cosmic (2nd half). I guess this better ties both books together and helps avoid some Joker spoilers that are in Cosmic. The new edition even encourages it by labeling the tomes of Cosmic with Ryu and Sui, and Joker with Sei and Ryo. So you’re supposed to read “Seiryo in Ryusui” *rimshot* The cover art is also meant to be put together in that order (notice that the last cover also connects to the first though, and you can try putting the shorter edges together too):

On the book’s theme, and some meta:

I’m actually glad I’ve read Tsukumojuku before this, as it gave me a solid grip on the meta and the ridiculous detectiving. It made me LOVE the very ending, especially the “walking towards the end of the story with this tiny last moment lasting forever” part -- in hindsight of Tsukumojuku’s ending I almost cried at this point. The meaning’s a bit different, of course: Tsukumojuku has the triplets realize they should leave their daydream, and so it was both a sad and joyful ending, with them trying to stretch their last moments being ‘Tsukumojuku’. Cosmic has Juku and Yasha being a little apprehensive but determined to reach ‘the end of the story’, and at the end, they’re happy and joking around while (wittingly or not?) walking into eternity as the book ends, and with it their existence (...which doesn’t sound nearly as dramatic when you know there's a sequel).

Adding to that, I believe the last words imply the author (=the heavens forever watching over the characters) is joyful about the end (’the heavens themselves laughing’). Note that when Juku (or is it?) first appears in the book, in that post office scene, right after the 19 consecutive tragedies we just had to read through, we learn that ‘the heavens have been crying, but now it was as if they started laughing’, and Juku looks up at the sky and smiles. The end of the epilogue has the second-person someone (the reader?) be sad about the book coming to an end, with statements like ‘just two paragraphs remain until the end’ (and there really are only two short paragraphs in the book left after this!), and describing the heavy rain that starts in those two paragraphs as ‘the heavens crying’ (so... the sadness of both the reader and the author?). Finishing a good book, whether as a writer or a reader, is indeed both a joyful and a sad event. Similarly, the detectives are all happy and inexplicably sad when Juku claims the case has been solved. (There’s an echo of this theme even in Jorge Joestar, when with mere 15 pages left until the end of the book Jorge cries because ‘this adventure’s almost over’.)

I love the reccurring existential theme having to do with being a fictional character. It wasn’t as in-your-face as in Tsukumojuku, but it was there. While I skipped that in recaps, one of the locked room stories features a delusional man who believes he’s just a character in a novel. While scary, this belief is somewhat comforting too, and he notes it’d be nice to have a role to fulfill; to die with the sense you achieved all that you were meant to do, that The Author loved and appreciated you for who you were, and that you’re going to live eternally through a novel. (Jorge Joestar has Tsukumojuku mention how having a role to fulfill under Beyond’s care gave him comfort -- same thing, really.) But the character understands that all stories will eventually undergo destruction, and dreads it. Of course, the final message of the book, strengthened by the final events (the cult’s failure, Shiranui dying right after Juku’s birthday, and even --the book itself ending--), is that we have to accept that nothing can last forever, and the old will be replaced by the new, stories included.

When Juku and Yasha revealed the culprit’s initials, I honestly thought that he’d turn out to be the author, and the reason why they got different initials was that Juku saw the pen name (Seiryoin Ryusui) and Yasha the real name (Kanai Hidetaka). Since Yasha seemed shocked that Juku said ‘S’, I thought it meant that Yasha saw a full name but neither of the initials was ‘S’. I also thought Otohime’s advice -- to ‘look at the events from a distance’, to ‘withdraw yourself from events’ -- actually meant you have to look at the story from a distance... that is, lean back and look at the book you’re holding, which has the author’s name on the cover. Later, the sudden fourth wall break during the press conference scene, with the author prompting the reader to think carefully about who the Locked Room Lord may be, and writing his signature right under that question, only made me more sure. And there were a bunch of scenes before the Big Reveal in which other JDC characters reacted to the solution with feeling as if their world was destroyed, or getting drunk, or stressing out rather hard, so I expected they got hit with existential crisis upon learning The Truth, and that Juku will just go full meta and say that the culprit is the author: the one who really designed and 'committed’ the murders. Though with the book ending as it did, it’s not a stretch to say that Seiryoin really IS confirmed to be the true Locked Room Lord. In a way.

Other random comments:

This book is positively untranslatable. It features stuff like extensive kanji wordplays; messages in Caesar cipher but using the dictionary order of hiragana; deciphering a number as if it was an old-fashioned pager message; or reading the final message by putting the first syllable of the last kanji of the victims’ names together. And that damn Matsuo Bashou pun. All the name puns, really.

The language is rather hard, definitely harder than Maijo’s works. I think I’ll take some time to get better Japanese skills before going for Joker. (The JDC book I expect to enjoy the most is The Simons’ Case, though -- young Ajiro dadding over solving a case with kid Juku sounds amazing, and it’s a lot of fans’ fave)

For some reason, the main characters sure like to have the ‘castle’ kanji (城) in their names, like 鴉城 蒼司 (Ajiro Souji), 龍宮 城之介 (Ryuuguu Jounosuke), and  天城 漂馬 (Amagi Hyouma). ...I can’t help but notice that a certain 城字 ジョースター (Jouji/Jorge Joestar) would fit right in, lol. He pretty much is a meta-detective already, what with all the confidence and insight he gets from his Beyond.

I live for Ajiro’s and Juku’s relations. LOVE this stressed detective dad being proud of his ridiculously kind detective son.

Unexpectedly I also loved the friendship between Juku and Yasha. (With added tears because, y’know. Inugami Yasha. Investigating with Tsukumo Juku. Being friends and stuff.)

I like Ryuuguu Jounosuke quite a lot, both because of his character / reasoning skills, and because he’s as canonically aroace as he can be in a 90s book. not that you’d know that with all the Hikimiya/Ryuuguu yaoi fanart on pixiv

Unfortunately, I can’t praise Seiryoin for good rep as he’s miserable with other representation. The locked room chapters feature the depraved rapist bisexual trope, then a Bury Your Lesbians trope, and then this weird thing where a young guy has a gay crush and concludes that he must have become gay because he was abused by his mother (???)... but as it later turns out, in reality (ie. not in the manuscript) the object of the crush was a woman, so the gay part didn’t even happen. The fuq? Also there’s a one-scene-only black woman officer who’s only there so we can be told how physically strong and intimidating she is and I’m not sure how I should feel about that. I’m also pissed off that when a male detective uses vague reasoning out of nowhere, more a supernatural feeling than anything else, he gets called a meta-detective and is oh ah so elite and amazing!, but when Nemu does it it gets called ‘woman’s intuition’ and ‘fuzzy reasoning’ and she’s not considered a meta-detective, fucking really? (Maybe it is a little different, idk, she wasn’t detectiving a lot in this so we didn’t really see what she’s capable of)

On the other hand, I liked that the way Juku encouraged Nemu to become a detective involved using his connections to arrange meetings with other disabled detectives, so she could talk frankly with them and get a feel for how high-tier detectiving while disabled (esp. in terms of sight-related disabilities) is like. That’s a nice detail.

Speaking of him... Tsukumo Juku is pretty Mary Sue-ish in this, which I don’t mind (and I would be more surprised if it didn’t turn out to be intentional later), but I can imagine other readers not really liking him that much. I’ve read that Juku unfortunately doesn’t really get deeper characterization until the Carnival books, where we learn fun little stuff about him, eg. he’s horrible at cooking, and his ringtone is the opening for Manga Nippon Mukashi Banashi (an old anime introducing little kids to folktales). (I’m wondering whether or not the Kintaro thing in Jorge Joestar is related to this somehow? I don’t have many spoilers for Carnival, maybe there’s more folktales references... aside from the Ryuuguu family’s names referencing Urashima Taro, that is. And now I wonder why Jorge gets a folktale-related kids song stuck in his head so easily hmmm)

It was never explained who sent the manuscript to JDC. So far, judging by the scene with the beautiful androgynous person at the post office, and retroactively by the entire Story-sending mess in Tsukumojuku, I’d say it was Juku himself, somehow. A time-travelling Juku from the future, maybe? I don’t know anymore, man, but I’ve read that previous cases of the series come together in Carnival, so here’s hoping it gets explained better than as “a ghost did it maybe”.

For the longest time I kept wondering where the personality dissonance between this Juku and the Detective God in Tsukumojuku came from. Why would this ever gentle, kind and forgiving character be written as some vore murderer monster dude? So, here’s my current Reaching Theory TM. We know the Detective God really is ‘an Angel’ as he claimed, since in the Seventh Story, Tsukumojuku realizes that he himself is actually not ‘the Angel’ but ‘the Beast’ (he thinks about it during that, er... awkward chest pipe moment, if you remember). Now, canon Juku actually is compared to ‘an angel or a god’ in Cosmic, and it’s a good descriptor: he’s kind and forgiving, but has the sorta detached, not-quite-human air; he’s androgynous, unnervingly perfectly beautiful, and one shouldn’t look directly at him for too long. The Detective God, on the other hand, is an Angel in the same way those demons from Jacob’s Ladder are: only when you stop holding onto mortal life (the imaginary world in Beyonds’ case) and accept your death (accept you have to go ‘outside’), you may notice they’re actually angels who have been trying to help you realize the truth. Through brutal means, but still. I guess the Detective God was created by the part of the Beyonds’ subconscious that understands they have to accept the reality, or something. He’s a bit like Silent Hill monsters in this way. Note that the person the Detective God mainly attacks (and possibly talks with him off-screen earlier) is the Original. And the Story it happens in, Fourth (II), is the point after which the Original probably started thinking about the plan involving killing everything they hold dear to make them face reality. It was really Detective God who first made the Original and the Second One aware of ‘God’ -- even if indirectly: getting them to think about ‘God’ by making them refute the claim that Seiryoin is their God, getting them to think about what the presence of ‘the canon Tsukumo Juku’ before them means for their own existence. Or Maijo just likes to write hard vore and i’m thinking too much

[lalka-laski]

Can you recommend any Neil Gaiman to me, aside from Stardust or Good Omens? The only book I’ve read of his was “The Ocean at the End of the Lane.” It was good, just not really my scene. 

What’s the best concert you’ve been to, if you’ve been? The Killers, hands down. 

Is there an animal you like that most people don’t? I kinda like spiders and most people are terrified of them. Which makes me the designated spider-catcher whenever one’s nearby. (I never kill them. Just relocate them!)

Is there an animal that you think is overrated in terms of how it’s liked? Dogs 

Do you find yourself listening to music that’s a bit more esoteric? I guess sometimes. But a great deal of what I listen to could be considered “mainstream.” 

What are your three favorite books and why? This is an impossible question! So I’ll respond with the 3 best books I’ve read *lately* Water for Elephants, This Close to Okay, What Comes After (I’m still in the middle of it but I sense it’ll become a fave!) 

What about authors? Anita Shreve, Taylor Jenkins Reid, Patti Callahan Henry Do you have any likes you wouldn’t tell someone until you got to know them? I have some ~guilty pleasures~ but I’m not so ashamed of them that I’d keep them secret. 

Do you have a favorite language? Polish

What about a place you’ve always wanted to visit? Poland, Northern Ireland, Iceland

Do goldfish crackers ever make you sick, or is that just me? Nah I enjoy them.

Do you have a favorite art style? I’m not familiar enough with art technique/history. 

Do you have a favorite myth/fairy-tale? Sleeping Beauty, of course! 

Who is your favorite person aside from family? Glenn 

Do any of your pets (if you have them) have weird quirks? I don’t have pets. And probably won’t ever. 

Do you listen to music from anywhere besides America? How boring would my life be if I limited myself to only music from America (or any single country for that matter). 

Have you ever “quit” a site and came back to it more than once? Facebook a couple times

Do you have an “odd” fascination with anything?  I’m sure there are several things but of course I can’t think of any at the moment What is the thing you want most at this moment? I guess I’d prefer not to be at work but it’s really not so bad. 

What was the last book you read and what was it about? I’m currently reading What Comes After about the aftermath of the deaths of two teenage boys 

What was the worst book you’ve ever read & why? There have been several I’ve started and couldn’t bear to finish. 

Do you have a favorite breed of dog or cat? Which? Nah I’m not much of a dog OR cat person. 

If you like any anime/manga, what are some titles you recommend? I don’t watch it but Glenn’s a huge fan and could rattle of a looooong list if you were interested

What’s the hardest thing you’ve been through, & what did you learn from it? I think it’s kinda of weird to rank my painful experiences like that. I’ve felt pain in different ways at different points of my life. 

What are three “unrealistic” things you want most? My dream body, my dream house, my dream career

What are some of your favorite foods? Pizza, falafel, popcorn, chips & dips (I’m a snacker for sure) 

Where do you like to buy your clothes? Lately I’ve just been buying bullshit on Amazon (and then getting disappointed when the quality & fit are terrible). But my favorite stores are Windsor & Express. 

Do you take any daily vitamins? Magnesium & B12

Who are three of your favorite fictional characters of all time? Elle Woods, Lizzie McGuire, Mr. Gellar from Friends 

If you had to give the world a pre-existing mythological/fictional being, what would it be? Mermaids. Just because they’d be cool as hell. 

When buying Slurpees, if you do, do you get only one flavor or mix them? I haven’t had a slurpee since I was a kid, but IIRC I liked Blue Raspberry. 

Do you have a favorite 7Eleven food? We don’t have many 7Elevens around me but I will admit I love me some gas station/convenience store food.

Do you have any desire to learn (a) foreign language(s)? Which? Polish, because I want to speak the language of my ancestors. And because I just think it’s beautiful.

If you could have any career, “realistic”-ness aside, what would it be? Published author or maybe a content creator for a lifestyle blog/magazine. 

What are three memorable movies from your childhood? Sleeping Beauty, of course. Toy Story, Monster’s Inc 

Do you, personally, put a space after ellipses, or not? Nope

Micky D’s sweet tea, y/n/other? Not a fan of sweet tea, period. 

What are three of your best (non-physical) qualities? Friendliness, empathy, creativity. 

What are three of your worst (again; non-physical) qualities? Anxiousness, hyper-sensitivity, impulsiveness 

What is one of your firmest beliefs? Moe’s is FAR superior to Chipotle in every conceivable way. 

Do you ever question things until you’re unsure of even the silliest thing? Yeah, overthinking is my superpower. 

Do you have anything that keeps you from doing something you’d truly enjoy? ~ANXIETY~ What are your three biggest pet peeves (personality-wise) in others? Arrogance, close-mindedness are the top of my list. I also can’t STAND conversation hogging. 

Do you work to fix your faults? Or at least, admit to them? I could work on them MORE... but yes I always own up to them. 

What are three of your best physical qualities? (NOT EYES!) Collarbones, nose, the shape of my lips 

What are some of your greatest aspirations? Write a book, have a family 

How do you hope the world will change, if at all? That’s just too heavy of a question. I’m just here to chill! 

What are three things that make you the happiest? My loved ones, my babies, good food! 

What is/are your view(s) on god, religion, spirituality, or relations to? I don’t subscribe to any fixed set of beliefs but I could be considered spiritual. 

Are you arachnophobic or scared of spiders in the least? No, I actually think they’re kinda cool. 

Do you play WoW? What do you think of it either way? Nope.

What kind of computer do you have? Windows 7/Vista/XP/Other? I’m at work and currently on a Dell. At home I have a Chromebook. 

What are you good at? Writing, worrying... 

What career do you hope to have? Writer

Are you taking any interesting classes in school/do you not attend? I’m done with school (for now)

If you don’t attend, are you taking any “lessons” for anything No, although there have been several creative writing courses and workshops I’ve had my eye on. I really should register for one.  A book/piece that has had an exceptional impact on your life? For Women who are Difficult to Love by Warsan Shire

If you know of pandora.com, what is your favorite station? I only listen to Pandora at work and the office usually has “Brunch Cafe Radio” on which plays a lot of coffehouse style singer/songwriters. I dig it! Have you ever “lost” a friend in any way? How did you deal? Of course I have. Friend “breakups” can be just as painful and life-altering as romantic ones and I wish that was discussed more.

Any music recommendations? I’m actually on the hunt for some new music so if anyone has reccs for ME... that’d be cool.

What are at least three of your biggest fears? Losing my loved ones, death, birds (:

Most recently read book that you liked? The last book I read in full was Jessica Simpson’s memoir Open Book. And it was surprisingly delightful & touching. 

Do you have a piece of jewelry you don’t like to take off? My claddagh ring & of course, my engagement ring.

Do you have a favorite quote? Why is it your favorite? Too many to list Any odd pastimes you have? I like reading the inmate profiles on Writeaprisoner.com, then googling the inmate’s names to find out what crime(s) they committed. 

Are you quirky in any way? (Name them please). I have some OCD tendencies that could be considered peculiar. Oh, I also hate wearing shoes or socks & prefer to be barefoot whenever possible. 

Political standing? Filthy liberal 

Do you have any piercings/what do you think about piercings? I have none as I just don’t think they suit me. But they look great on other people. 

Do you have a favorite material? Not really? 

What are three names you’d name a pet if you HAD to get a pet right now? Brixton, named for David Bowie’s hometown. 

Do you like to listen to dorky/amusing music? What’s considered dorky and/or amusing? 

Coffee vs. Tea vs. Energy Drinks: Order from favorite to least favorite. Coffee & tea are probably tied. And energy drinks are dead last. I avoid them. 

Do you like more “fruity” sweets or “savory” sweets? What the fuck is a savory sweet?

What do you hate the most? My anxiety 

What genres of music are your favorite? Most of my faves could be classified as alternative/soft-rock 

Do you believe in true love? Absolutely 

What are some of your favorite clothing accessories? I’m not big on accessories. I love sunglasses, though. 

If reincarnation exists, what sort of person would you want to be next? Someone born into wealth  What are some things you believe strongly in? Love, forgiveness, second chances 

Where’s your favorite place you’ve been? My family’s cottage in Canada 

What sort of books and movies do you like? Book-wise I love a good family drama or tragedy. And the occasional cutesy love story. As for movies, I want all rom-coms all day.

What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy Saturday? Read, write, maybe marathon a show, cook something yummy in the crockpot...

Is there a book you’ve read that really touched you? Have you MET me?

PC or MAC? PC 

What do you love doing? Reading, writing, spending time with loved ones, crafting, cooking, going out to eat, watching live music

If you could create the perfect world for yourself, what would it be? All my loved ones would be present, we’d have NO financial burdens, good health, plenty of free time to devote to our hobbies & passions

Do you think that fate plays a part in people’s lives? Somewhat, yeah. But action > everything.

Are you religious, spiritual, atheist…? Spiritual

Do you think that people throw the words “love” and “hate” around too much? Eh, maybe. But I’m a deeply emotional person so although I may say I love and hate things frequently, I mean it sincerely every time.

What is your favorite piece of technology that you own? My phone, no doubt. It’s glued to my hand. 

What’s a piece of technology you’d like to own? I’m not a real techhy person so I don’t need much besides what I already have. 

Are you afraid of technology developing to where we’re too reliant on it? We’re past that point my dude. 

Does it bother you when people do things to fit in with a certain crowd? Yeah, but I can’t say I don’t do the same

Hot or cold? I’d much rather be cold. I am MISERABLE when hot & sweaty.  Do you think that Bzoink should extent the character amount for questions? What the hell is Bzoink

Do you have a favorite combination of complimentary colors? Pastel pink & pastel, dusty blue. (These are my dream wedding colors) 

What’s your favorite odd ice cream flavor? I love any kind of oatmeal/oat filled ice cream & people seem to find that weird?

Where do you like to get your ice cream? Moonlight Creamery holds a special place in my heart because that’s where I got engaged! And besides that, they really do have some of the best tasting ice cream I’ve ever had. 

What’s your opinion on stereotypes/labels? As humans it’s natural for us to categorized people based on past experiences. Is it always accurate? Of course not. But we all do it.

Do you believe that history repeats itself? Mhmmmmm 

Would you rather learn from your mistakes or just undo them? Wouldn’t it be nice to just undo them? And since I’m not great at learning from mine... 

What was the most interesting class you had in school? Any creative writing class, of course. Also my Kenyan Literature class was FASCINATING.  Do you write? If so, what? Yes. Mostly personal essays, some poetry & short stories

Do you have a favorite website? Facebook & Twitter are my go-tos. And Reddit when I can’t sleep.

Do you think that the quality of TV shows is going down? I’m not much of a TV watcher so I can’t comment. 

Do you have a favorite culture? Thar’s a borderline creepy question....  What was a story you heard as a child that really affected you? Any kind of ghost story or vaguely paranormal story fucked me up BAD

Who was your favorite grade-school teacher and why? My 5th grade teacher was a doll, so perhaps her. 

Do you think that the world will end? How? Can we NOT

Do you believe in Global Warming? Have you researched it? It’s not up for debate 

Do you prefer piercings or tattoos? I have one tattoo and zero piercings so I guess I’m on team tattoo 

Do you remember your dreams? Almost always 

[bokura-no-ua]

Inktober - Day 16: Fat

Characters: Kirishima Eijirou, Amajiki Tamaki, Fat Gum (Toyomitsu Taishirou), Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu, Kaminari Denki, Sero Hanta, Class 1-A, Class 1-B, Eraserhead (Aizawa Shouta), Blood King (Kan Sekijirou) Other tags: Many manga spoilers

Art by Kumi. Words by Red. Read it on AO3! Please, do not repost anywhere.

Manic Monday

Eijirou would like to say that his birthday had been uneventful but that would be a big lie.

It had started as any other Monday; the classes were getting tougher every week, the teachers never allowed them any reprieve from the essays and homework and, to top it all off, they had had quirk strengthening training.

His mum had at least called him on his way back to the dorms and said she would try and get permission to visit him during the weekend, maybe they could even go out for dinner.

His mood had improved tenfold at that, until he saw he had a missed call from Fat Gum. He called him back several times but he kept getting his voicemail.

Eijirou called Tamaki-senpai instead, and he did answer, telling him where they were supposed to meet Fat Gum as soon as possible to assist him on a mission.

He turned and rushed back to the school to get his hero costume. He had foolishly left it in the locker room after training.

Eijirou cursed out loud, ignoring the confused shouts from his friends as he rounded back. He yelled back that everything was fine. He wasn’t sure if they had got his message but he didn’t have any time to stop and chat right now.

He got into his costume, rushing through the motions and sprinted back out, almost crashing into Aizawa-sensei when he made his way to the teachers’ lounge to let him know he had just been called on a mission.

Aizawa-sensei sent him away without asking too many questions, saying he had already talked to Fat Gum.

So, Eijirou ran towards the school gates to meet up with Tamaki-senpai. By the time he reached him, Eijirou was sweating, barely able to get enough oxygen into his lungs.

“Let’s go,” was all the greeting he got before a car stopped right in front of them. Eijirou raised an eyebrow but followed his senpai anyway. “Fat Gum arranged this,” Tamaki-senpai mumbled, his face turned away to look at the buildings as they sped away.

Eijirou nodded, nervous energy buzzing under his skin. A mission! On his birthday! He couldn’t have asked for a better way to celebrate, really. He was so excited he didn’t even realise they were heading for the centre of town until Tamaki-senpai told him they were nearing their destination.

“I’m ready!” he yelled, knocking his hardened knuckles together.

When they finally reached the place and got out of the car, they saw Fat Gum handing the bad guys to the police. They were late.

“Fat Gum!” Eijirou raised a hand above his head in greeting, but his smile wasn’t as bright as it had been in the car there.

“Hey, guys!” Fat Gum said, patting them both on the back and almost throwing them off balance. “Sorry I made you come all dis way for nothin’! Especially you, Red Riot, since it’s your birthday and all. I thought I wouldn’t be able to handle it but then the police officers arrived an’ well, here we are!”

“Nah, it’s fine! I’m kind of sad we were late, though.”

“We’re sorry we couldn’t make it on time,” Tamaki-senpai added with a small bow of his head, and Eijirou copied him immediately.

He should’ve been more careful with his costume. He could’ve saved a lot of time if he had had it with him. What if Fat Gum hadn’t been able to handle the situation? What if the police hadn’t arrived when they did?

“Raise your heads, heroes,” Fat Gum said, and they did as they were told. “Say, why don’t we have some takoyaki to celebrate Red Riot’s birthday after my shift ends in an hour? It’s on me, of course. We can patrol together until then.”

And so they did. Absolutely nothing happened, but Eijirou was happy to feel useful for once. Ever since they got their Provisional Hero Licenses, they hadn’t been able to do much with them. This way, he at least got to be part of something and see an actual hero at work.

They walked around the city, helping those who needed directions along the way, and the most action they got was taking a lost child to the nearest police station.

All of that walking made him hungry, though, so Eijirou was grateful for the treats Fat Gum bought for them. And he even offered to give them a ride back to the school, “for all the troubles you had to go through”.

Eijirou wasn’t going to complain, of course. The day had been long, and he still had a pile of homework that needed his full attention back at school.

When they arrived, Eijirou said his goodbyes and headed for the 1-A dorms, lost in thought. It had definitely been a different kind of birthday; nothing like his previous ones, that was for sure.

He distractedly opened the front door and sat down at the genkan to remove his tall boots and mask. He had to go and pick up his uniform and backpack from the locker rooms but he could do that later, after he had had a bath.

He rose and turned, only then realising just how quiet the place was. He frowned. It was strange; people were usually at the dining and living room areas at this time, getting ready to go have dinner at the school cafeteria.

He moved slowly across the darkened hallway, trying not to make any sounds.

Then, as he entered the common area, the lights were suddenly turned on and everyone started shouting happy birthday at him.

It was a surprise alright. He had no idea his classmates were planning any of this.

“You didn’t think we were going to just sit around and do nothing for your birthday, right?” Kaminari said while he put a ridiculous birthday hat on Eijirou’s head.

“Everyone…” Eijirou whispered, feeling overwhelmed at the scene; in front of him were all the students of classes of 1-A and 1-B.

“Happy birthday, bro!” Tetsutetsu greeted him, a twin paper hat on his head.

“Wait, it’s your birthday today too?! Happy birthday, man!” Eijirou hugged him.

“Yeah, they scared me about ten minutes before you arrived,” Tetsutetsu laughed as he let go before joining his friends at one of the tables.

“I can’t believe they went through all this trouble…” Eijirou mumbled, his sentence lost in the loudness of the room.

There was enough food for an army and a giant cake he was sure Satou had made in their honour. It was decorated with little rocks and everything.

Before he could ask how they had planned all of this, another loud voice rose above the rest.

“Oi, how long were you kids going to leave us outside, huh?”

Then, Aizawa-sensei, Blood King and Fat Gum walked in, followed closely by Tamaki-senpai, still in his hero costume.

“Fat Gum, Tamaki-senpai! What are you doing here?”

“Sorry to tell ya, Kirishima, but whole patrol thing was actually all a ruse to give these guys enough time to get it everything ready for the party,” Fat Gum said with a laugh and a strong slap to his back. “Say, have you opened your presents yet?”

“Presents? I just got here, Fat!” Eijirou was happy, he couldn’t believe what his friends had done for him today.

“Come on! Present time!” Sero yelled, getting a few excited whoops from the others, and brought Eijirou to the table where two big piles of boxes and bags were.

Tetsutetsu and Eijirou opened each box with equal levels of enthusiasm, thanking every person for their thoughtful or hilariously ridiculous gifts; it was about fifty-fifty. But really, what could they expect from a bunch of teenagers on a budget?

When all the boxes and bags had been opened and all the paper thrown away, someone cleared their throat.

“Excuse me, but you’re forgetting one, Kirishima!” Fat Gum announced, bringing a big bag from the entrance hallway.

“Oh, Fat! You didn’t need to get me anything!” Eijirou said, accepting the bag with both hands. “May I open it?”

“Sure, sure!”

Eijirou tore through all of the other gifts, but he decided to take his time with one, opening it with careful fingers.

Inside, there was a slightly smaller version of Fat Gum’s hero costume, along with a black mask identical to his.

“This… this…” Eijirou was at a loss for words, he felt so touched a happy laugh was threatening to erupt from the back of his throat. He looked over at Fat Gum, his hands holding onto the orange fabric tightly.

“Yeap! It’s my hero costume! What do ya think? Do ya like it?”

“I… I love it! Thank you!” he bowed fully; a few happy tears gathering in his eyes as the gesture registered.

“I thought you deserved one as my intern, but!” Fat Gum suddenly turned, putting a bag just like the one Eijirou got in front of Tamaki-senpai. “I have two interns so, here’s yours, Tamaki!”

“What?” Tamaki-senpai asked, staring so hard at the bag that he could’ve easily burned a hole in it.

“You didn’t let me get you anything for your birthday back in March, so I thought dis would be the perfect chance,” Fat Gum laughed, pulling both of his interns close to his chest before pushing them away in the direction of the bathrooms. “Come on! Go change and get back here!”

Unable to refuse Fat’s request, they went to the boys’ bathroom to change and returned to the party dressed in the giant hoodies and masks.

Everyone whooped and started taking pictures, prompting Tamaki-senpai to hide behind Eijirou’s shorter body.

“Tamaki-senpai, come on! It’ll only be a few minutes,” Eijirou tried to convince him to at least stop cowering behind him.

Fat Gum was delighted to say the least, pulling them back in easily against his chest and hugging them.

“I feel so proud right now!” he laughed right next to their ears. “I want a ton of pictures with you guys in the costumes! We should totally have a day where we dress up like dis, too! So dat these don’t go to waste!”

Tamaki-senpai kept covering his face, though, not used to this level of attention.

“Smile, senpai! It’ll be over once we take the pictures,” Eijirou cheered him on, and he finally looked at the camera, clearly embarrassed.

“Tamaki! Smile properly! Dis was all your idea anyway!” Fat Gum reprimanded him, his own smile unwavering.

“What? What do you mean it was his idea?” Eijirou asked, confused.

“Yeap, when I asked what I could get ya for your birthday, he suggested dis, thinking it would make ya happy,” Fat Gum explained to him.

“Fat Gum, no!” Tamaki-senpai whined, hiding his face behind the gigantic sleeves of his hoodie.

“He won’t uncover his face anyway soon, will he?” Fat Gum asked Eijirou.

“Nope, don’t think so,” Eijirou said, turning back to the cameras with a toothy smile in place, matching Fat Gum’s.

It was definitely not a conventional birthday and he did miss his family, but Eijirou couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day in the end.

[natsunoomoi]

Obsessed

Officially obsessed with Bungo Stray Dogs. Have been for a couple of weeks, but it's enjoyable in general as an interesting show with compelling characters, but then the literary references just takes it to a new level.

How come most of my favorite authors are bad guys though? I think the only member of the ADA whose author I knew previously was Edogawa Ranpo because his name is hilarious, his writing is great and also influenced my high school and uni hobby of visual kei (as in his work actually influenced the scene with a subgenre even named for the lit genre he worked in), and I used to watch Detective Conan. But seriously, some of his work was good and really made me think. For one of the classes I took for my Digital Arts minor, I wrote a proposal for an art exhibition based on Ningen Isu as an exploration of the meaning of personal space in public areas.

Aside from that though, Akutagawa and Higuchi Ichiyo are two of my favorites as well. I haven't read a lot of their works, but the ones I did really made me think and I enjoyed them. I have genuinely fond memories of their writing. Higuchi I liked so much I used her name on a forum site and an old email address. I can't really explain why I liked her writing, but it had a kind of simplicity without being boring and captured some of those in-between confusing times when you're growing up and just life complications with hard choices.

Akutagawa's work I read in Taisho Jpn in my upper division Japanese class and we thought a lot about the different choices made in the writing, the scenes, differences in values between then and now, and lots of things. Also, the teacher we had was really mean and the students enrolled split in half after the first two weeks. Every day every one of my classmates talked about feeling dejected and like general garbage right after class because the instructor nurtured us just as much as BSD character Dazai nurtured BSD character Akutagawa, so there's that scent of familiarity too. But the test I took on Mikan and interpreting the text is the only A I got on any of the tests in that class. I was so proud of myself because the rest of the class I was full of tears. That day I was so happy. But I liked the story too because it's sweet in a way. Like there's a lot of talk about how Akutagawa's writing is rather negative in perspective, misogynistic, and the common connection made with the character is how the weak should get out of the way, but at the same time he was adept at perspective and it's usually a mistake to think that a character's wrong thinking is necessarily the author's because sometimes they write a character to be an asshole to make a point. It's also not like that perspective is necessarily entirely wrong and I mean that in the nicest way possible.

It's just that there are some people in the world who have some kind of weakness whatever it may be, but do jack shit about it. Most people who have a weakness like poverty or a disability genuinely try their best to work around their weakness because they don't want to be a burden on other people. A handful of other people on the other hand, don't do anything themselves to help themselves and expect others to do everything for them. And I mean like, genuinely lazy people. Like I had a coworker who wasn't very smart or didn't know how to do certain things that were easy to learn, but instead of trying to learn them from a simple Google search that would give a quick and easy tutorial or even accepting training on the subject, they just passed the work onto other people in the office. And I mean, easy stuff like writing a damn word document. How hard is it to open a program and type? The time it took to send an email to ask me to do it and to read my reply of "No", it could have been finished. People who are unwilling to help themselves out of their own weaknesses like that I agree deserve to get out of everyone else's way cuz Christ, stop wasting everyone else's time.

That was a tangent, but I just wrote that to point out it's not necessarily that cold of a statement. It's like, how about just don't be a useless person?

That said, in Mikan the "watakushi" in the story has a kind of prejudice against this girl, which I'm ngl by complete coincidence in my brain I imagined to look something like Kyouka when I was first reading it. The narrator though looks down on her because she's obviously a country bumpkin, doesn't know train etiquette, has pimples, etc. He guesses about where she's going and her life and is critical of her until just before the end. She carries oranges with her which used to be a more expensive item. Fresh fruit used to be crazy expensive and harder to come by. It was probably supposed to be a gift for the people at her destination, but instead she tosses them out the window as a gift to children waving at them at the station. This surprises the narrator because it's a very kind act to gift something so precious like that and the story ends with the narrator being pleasantly surprised and in higher spirits. To me, that kind of speaks to the perspective thing and as a story I felt like was a show of how being prejudiced can blind you, which is a contrast to the quote associated with the character and even the bluntness that Akutagawa's friends remarked about him. The things I read about his life, he didn't seem to be that mean or cruel, but rather just troubled. Plus he was liked enough by friends to have the most prestigious writing award named after him, so he can't have been that bad.

That said though, I subconsciously remember his work every day when I get on trains here. I think about the orientation of the seats and the windows because of the work we put into imagining the scene and what the train car looked like. I remember it when I think about train etiquette and how people naturally try to give each other as much personal space as possible and feel just as annoyed when there's empty spaces everywhere else but someone chooses a spot near me although as a woman I sometimes also have the extra layer of, "Is this dude trying to be a creeper?" I live in Kagawa, but sometimes I go to Ehime for coverage which is where oranges are grown so I think about how plentiful and sweet they are in comparison to what it must have been like in Taisho Japan. When I'm in Tokyo for events and being nerdy, I also get extra excited for a moment when I hear Yokosuka on a train announcement because the train in the story I believe was the Yokosuka line which Akutagawa took himself to get to work when he was teaching. I don't really know why I get so happy over it, it's just like "I KNOW THAT PLACE" and I'm fond of the story. There's a lot of positive thoughts about his work like that that I just think about often. Not really intentionally because I like his work, but I think in my leisure time I prefer other writers. Despite that though, the prose he wrote sits in my mind and definitely seems to color how I view my everyday life and even make me enjoy my train commutes. I sleep through them, but I think it's a big influence on the more mundane parts of my life.

That being said, I think because of my fondness for the writer, the character Akutagawa is my favorite. He also reminds me of Hiei from Yu Yu Hakusho, who I've loved since I was 10, but I mean, the writing is a huge influence as well I think.

It's interesting looking at rl Akutagawa and Dazai and compare them to the characters because it's flipped. Irl Dazai idolized Akutagawa and when Akutagawa killed himself, that's why Dazai started becoming depressed and suicidal himself. It was a trigger and really sad. But at the same time, even though BSD as a story seems to revolve more around Atsushi and Dazai, like the plot and backstory seem to be more on Akutagawa. I mean, cuz it's Yokohama which is near where irl Akutagawa worked and flipping the story so that Dazai is the mentor is like kind of like sweet? Like irl I don't think they actually met, but it's like saying if they did maybe Dazai could have given Akutagawa hope to keep living because he died because he was worried about his mental state deteriorating. I mean, in BSD he has an abusive way of making character Akutagawa motivated so some creativity took over at some point, but it is a question regarding the real people what if Dazai could have given the real Akutagawa hope? Higuchi too, she died of TB and was rejected by her mentor who she fell for cuz he viewed her more as like a sister or something. So it's like a second chance for her too as a manga character to have a greater existence with fuller experiences. Her writing was well received in her time and she's celebrated even today on the money here, but her life was so short. It's like watching a show of the second life of writers who died too soon.

But then there's the American authors. It's more hilarious than the same introspective joy I get from the Japanese ones. Fitzgerald is funny, but like I'm wondering why his ability is that specific aspect of Gatsby? I was thinking there would be more green lights too. Or even a murder car. Lovecraft is hilarious though. I think I almost died laughing. Steinbeck though is so literal to the title? Not that I really expect that deep of an analysis into the story, but I was hoping it'd be a little more justice-y? Nathaniel Hawthorne even is kind of only half of what the Scarlet Letter is about. Like religion is part of it, but it's not positive in the story so I'm not sure why he's so religious. Like part of the story is showing how it's hypocritical. Edgar Allan Poe is probably one of the more properly fleshed out ones probably because the author had a more direct connection to Edogawa irl so less research work. The ability choice is interesting though and combines a couple of works. I was expecting more ravens though, but perhaps that's too obvious.

Those criticisms aside though, I'm looking forward to more and would like to see some European lit. Especially with Edogawa and Poe, I'm expecting some Conan Doyle. Come on!

[queenharumiura]

Let’s learn about Neo

IN GENERAL.

Name : Jieun Nicknames :  Neo and JJ are the common nicknames I go by. Sexuality :  Ehhhhhh I never really though much about it. I’ll just chalk up my answer to Anime character-sexual. Pronouns : She/her/hers Are you a morning person? Define ‘morning’. On the weekends, i’ll be up until 5am. I’m very active in the am, until I finally decide to go to bed and just pass out for who knows how long. No, no i’m not a morning person. When swimming, do you prefer to do it in the ocean, or in a lake? TRICK QUESTION!– I can’t swim, therefore my answer is NONE OF THE LISTED.

ON TUMBLR.

Anyone you would like to meet in real life? Sure sure, i’d like to meet anyone I interact with on tumblr.  Anyone you have met in real life? An old rp friend of mine that I rp’ed with back on a forum. We met on Quizilla (who remembers that beast?) and we’ve been in contact ever since way back when and when I moved for my Job… turns out she lives not too far from me so I’ve met her in real life. I’m pretty sure that’s it, aside from IRL friends i’ve followed on tumblr. When did you first join? how old is your current account?  So apparently from yesterday it was the 6th year anniversary on my main account. I say it’s my main but I hardly ever visit it. This account is a bit over a year I believe? I forget.  Any peeves? Whenever I’m reading a manhwa or a manhua and people are calling it a ‘manga’. DO NOT? LIKE GIVE CREDIT WHERE IT IS DUE???? I am willing to bet an arm the moment anyone refers to a manga as a ‘comic’ there will be someone up in arms like: ‘IT’S CALLED MANGA YOU UNCULTURED SWINE’– however it’s totally okay to call a Korean/Chinese webtoon/comics Manga. Okay. Don’t give me that bullshit. Especially when people tell me ‘but it’s easier’ or ‘i’m too lazy to call it something else.’ Legit, do not with me. DO. FUCKING. NOT. That’s absolutely seriously rude and it’s not helping Manhwa/manhua get their names out there. Other countries can make wonderful works of art too!!!! Unpopular opinion : Ehhh… maybe the fact that I do not understand how a female muse can be judged for being in a relationship when all I have to do with refresh the dash and see a whole line of sin from all these male muses? Like, ehy is it female muses get judged so hard??? Just saying. Like, you can sin all you want. I don’t care. You do you. Just have fun! However, I don’t believe the sexual orientation of your muse should be the reason to deny threading? One main reason I get for people not wanting to thread with me is: ‘Yeah my character is Gay’. Well mine is the fucking angelic Queen of my life but you don’t see me denying to thread with muses because of their gender/race/sexual orientation/etc. You’d think i’m lying but i’ve been told point blank: ‘I don’t want to rp with you because Haru is a girl’. Like— okay? Haru would be such a supportive friend. Ye missing out, bro. 

FEELINGS.

Do you easily get jealous?  Yeah, I can. Though I can also get over it just as quickly.  Do you easily get angry?  Irritated, yes. Angry? Not really unless you touched upon one of my major. pet peeves.  Are you easy to cheer up? I can be, yeah.  What’s the most hurtful thing someone could do to you? Hurtful like physical… hurting me? There are stories about that. Emotional hurt? Wow…so many to choose from, like finding out my ‘friend’ from middle school was apparently mad that I was getting good grades? She felt as though I was ‘too smart’ or something and so she plotted to kill me in the school library but she failed to do so. lol. Ironically, she had better grades than I did. lolol Are you good at hiding your emotions?  I mean, i’m not the best at expressing myself as I like to keep to myself very often. I’m very cautious and I don’t really like to be too honest on an emotional level. I however, do not hide anger at all. I cannot hide my anger. If I am upset with you, oh… you’ll know.  What’s the very best way to cheer you up?  Talk to me about my Queen, Haru Miura or just talk to me about under-rated/loved characters. Double points if you talk to me about characters from series no one really knows/talks about such as ‘Defense Devil’ or ‘Lookism’. 

RELATIONSHIPS.

Are you currently in a relationship?  Do otome games count…? Do you currently have a crush on someone?  … Do anime characters count…?  Do you kiss on the first date? Naahhhhh Do you prefer going out, or staying home, when it comes to dates? I prefer staying in when I’m dating myself (aka having a ‘me’ day’), but I like going out when I’m going on a holiday date (aka it’s Valentine’s day let’s treat myself).

THINGS.

Favorite drink : Green or Black tea? I also really like Mango Lassi, or green tea bubble tea.  Favorite food : Too many foods to choose from like Korean BBQ, Yukgaejang, ddukbokki, but I do really love curry made with coconut milk? Most calming place?  My room. Most stressful place? The OUTSIDE. lol jk, totally the Dentist’s office due to ‘my past dentist was such a screw up, he messed  up my mouth so bad in a few years my jaw will apparently come unhinged so I will eventually require surgery to break my jaw and put a metal ball inside to make a pseudo-ball and socket joint’ experiences. Though my boss’s office is also stressful because sometimes he just as a person stresses me out. I could go on hours long tangents about him. Most prized possession?  Can you tell i’m very bad at the whole ‘choose the best’ kinda thing? I dunno. I am a bit of a packrat so I value many things. Like my Hibird plush, or presents I’ve recieved from friends, my gift bag I’ve stuffed full with cards i’ve received, the diploma that is proof I actually graduated from HELL, etc etc. 

TAG PEOPLE.

Tagged by : Tumblr is telling me that I got tagged by @nadiwayagari but I didn’t see the @ tag. You are drunk tumblr, go home. Tagging : Mmnnn yeah I don’t really tag people.

[undeadimpulsereviews]

Kobayashi-san Chi no Maid Dragon (Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid)

Real quick context, when I speak of the manga I will be addressing it as Dragon Maid; let’s begin.

Kobayashi-san Chi no Maid Dragon, from Mangaka Cool-Kyou Shinja, is a comedy slice of life manga which is currently ongoing as we speak. It started it’s run back in 2013 for Japan, but we in America didn’t get it until three years later. It is currently being published by Monthly action magazine in Japan, and Seven Seas in English; as of today only two volumes are out in stores for us, but the third and fourth volume are already planned to release in the future. For Japan all four volumes are out and able to be read, while the fifth volume is being worked on; if you don’t wish to wait for the physical copies however, you can find volumes one through four online easily and the beginning of volume five as well. I found this manga randomly one day and saw that it was gaining some popularity; I started reading it for a little bit, but I ended up putting it down to read other things. I didn’t dislike what I read, but the start can be a little slow; after hearing and anime was in the works for the manga I decided to pick it back up and now currently I’m all caught up. I’m glad I went back and gave the manga another chance; it may start a little slow, but as it moves on it really starts to pick up. So what exactly is Dragon Maid? The name says a lot, but there’s a lot about this manga that the title can’t convey; so lets see what Cool-Kyou has in one of his most recent works.

Dragon Maid follows the story of two individuals in their day to day life; Kobayashi is a honest office worker who tends to keep to herself. One night after a long day of work a drunk Kobayashi wanders into the forest, and what she finds isn’t something most people would call normal. Lying there is a giant green dragon whose been injured and wants nothing to do with Kobayashi; after Kobayashi helps the dragon they spend some time together. Fast forward to the next morning and there is a mysterious woman standing at Kobayashi’s door in a maid outfit; this woman is Tohru, and it just so happens to be the same dragon from the night before. Apparently in Kobayashi’s drunken state, she invited Tohru to live with her; thus begins the random adventures of Miss Kobayashi, and her dragon maid Tohru.

I really like the story of Dragon Maid; it’s sells itself as a comedy, and the comedy is definitely well done, but in my mind the manga really shines when it gets serious. Throughout the manga you’ll get a lot of really worthwhile scenes that explore a lot of what day to day life could be like. The importance of family, how similar we may look when in reality were so different deep down; it’s a surprisingly deep story for what it is. The relationship that Kobayashi shares with Tohru throughout the manga is really well done and makes for some great scenes. Tohru grew up being taught that humans are inferior beings, and that all they’re good for is a quick death; however, after living with Kobayashi she learns that maybe what she was taught isn’t all that accurate. She learns to live along side others regardless of their standing, learns that even humans have different upbringings, and that not everyone has the same family experience as others. Life isn’t easy, but you shouldn’t take it all on your own; it’s a lot more simple when you have friends there to assist you. You may have some preconception about someone or something, but you might actually learn a lot about them if you gave them the chance; just like Tohru learned a lot about humans from Kobayashi and vice versa. Overall it’s a great story that supplies a nice balance between both comedy and serious moments; the manga is well aware of what it is becoming and I can’t help but love it.

Dragon’s maid has a very peculiar cast of humans and dragons; it has somewhat of an even spread, but with the recent chapters the dragon side of things has started to expand a little more. That aside these characters develop so well; the humans, like Kobayashi, develop really well but I think that the dragons are where the story really shines. Tohru was the first of many dragons to appear in the manga; she is a chaos dragon who was raised thinking that humans must die, but after many days in the human world she begins to question her upbringing. Are humans really all that bad? She doesn’t want to return to her world, but rather finds enjoyment in her new life. Yet she’s not the only dragon who has this effect on them; Fafnir, for those who don’t recognize the name, is a chaos dragon who guards his horde of treasure from greedy humans; he is from Norse mythology and is usually known for cursing those who attempt to steal his gold. After a couple chapters he, along with other dragons, begin to come to Kobayashi’s world; at first he wants nothing to do with it, but after being introduced to video games he starts to think differently. He doesn’t fully accept humanity, but starts to feel that maybe not everyone is as bad as he thought. Now what of the humans? Kobayashi is the main one that develops; thanks to Tohru; Kobayashi is able to not only accept dragons big and small, but also gets better at knowing how to deal with dragons and finding out what they want. The second dragon to appear is a small one by the name of Kanna; she’s an old friend of Tohru’s and is known for pulling pranks. She doesn’t accept of Tohru’s decision at first, but Kobayashi sees what it is she’s really after thanks to being around another dragon. Overall the characters of Dragon Maid are really lovable enjoyable characters who are developed really well over the course of the story; The story is still in full swing and new characters are currently being introduced, but I’m sure that Cool-Kyou can make them just as good.

Now I’ve only read two of Cool-Kyou’s manga, this being one of them; and from those two manga I can see that Kyou has quite the unique art style. The first manga I’ve read of his was this, then the second was Ojojojo; Ojojojo is a 4-koma, while Dragon Maid is an official manga. After reading both as far as I could I think that Kyou’s style fits more into a 4-koma rather than a normal manga, but I’ve only read two and I think his art style definitely works in Dragon Maid. His work doesn’t really rely to much on detail when it comes to characters; there isn’t much shadowing, or really well defined features of his characters. This is why I believe his work fits better in a 4-koma, but for Dragon Maid he keeps his style, while also adding more to it.

When I was going through the manga in search of photos I found the one above; So much detail in just one picture and these are scarce; most of the time the more detailed shots will happen when ever Tohru or another person starts to change. Take the third frame for instance, not much is changing but while Tohru is priming her shot her eyes and mouth alter slightly; there’s intense amounts of shading along her face, and well defined lines around her eyes that help show emotions. Then a frame later you have a very simple picture of Kanna.

Most of the manga will look like the frame about, not much shadows or defining lines; plus the facial features and body look simplistic. This is the normal style that I’ve seen in Kyou’s works; take the third frame for instance. Instead of going more a realistic look in terms of body, Kyou instead goes for a more simple approach. Take Takiya for example, his body is slender and tall; it’s not to well defined and instead it looks like a simple triangle moving up towards his head. Same with Kobayashi, she’s smaller than Takiya, but she has basically the same build; very triangular and simple.

Then in the photo directly above we some normal drawings and some of the more detailed when Tohru enters; though for this picture in particular, I want to look at the facial features and head shape. Look at the second frame with Kanna and Kobayashi; Kyou’s style and choices are easily seen in this frame. First Kanna, her eyes are huge and take up a good portion of her face; however, that’s all that’s on her face. There is no indication of a nose or mouth, only the eyes; which are basically all pupil. Now lets look at the head itself’ both Kanna and Kobayashi are great example; instead of a more defined head where we can see the chin or other features, Kyou tends to draw his head a little rounder; Kobayashi is a little more defined in this area than others but not by much. Kanna on the other hand is almost perfectly round; look at the last frame for example, there is no clear sign of her neck but instead it looks like her head is resting on her body. Overall I really like Kyou’s style; it’s different from your average style, but it’s still good all the same. I don’t know if I can see the art style working in the future for something outside of the current genre, but it’s good nonetheless.

Like I said before Dragon Maid has grown in popularity; so much so that it was able to get it’s own anime adaptation. I am currently caught up with the anime and I really enjoy it, but kind of wish it followed the manga a little more. I do love the random episodes that the anime has, but there are so many chapters of the manga that could have been adapted but never were. I can understand some chapters can’t be adapted given that they introduce new dragons that wouldn’t be in the anime, but a lot of chapters could have been great episodes. That aside it’s a beautiful anime; it tends to rely a little to much on fan service though. The manga had it’s fair share as well, don’t get me wrong, but the anime went another level with theirs. I understand that it sells to a vast demographic of people, but I wouldn’t mind having it slightly toned down; I know it’s not the manga, but I can’t help comparing the two. The manga has it’s fan service but it doesn’t need it to be something; the anime, I feel, relies a little to heavily on it. Though overall it’s not only a good manga, but a good anime as well.

Overall I give Kobayashi- san Chi no Maid Dragon an 8 out of 10; it’s a great manga with some heavy themes; it’s cute, heartwarming, and funny. I think the reason it isn’t higher in terms of rating is because when you get down to it, it’s still your everyday slice of life; it’s a great manga, but it still doesn’t give me the impression to push it further. When I read it I think “man what a great slice of life” there is nothing really setting it apart from the rest even with the themes it explores.

That will do it for the March reviews and tomorrow I’ll be posting a special post as well as the update for what’s to come in April; sorry for the somewhat late review, it was originally ready sooner, but I had some corruption problems and had to start anew. Regardless, I’ll see you all tomorrow for April. Peace out

[bicyclestandard]

92truths

tagged by @risquetendencies​ (a babe if there ever was one)

rules: once you have been tagged you are supposed to write 92 truths about yourself. at the end, choose 25 people to tag (lol)

LAST… [1] drink: water [2] phone call: casey called me back bc she always does [3] text message: “ps imma drop by the lanes to say hi real quick” [4] song you listened to: “mess” by real friends [5] time you cried: the other day i cut my fingers cleaning the grill vents pretty bad 

HAVE YOU EVER… [6] dated someone twice: no [7] been cheated on: yea [8] kissed someone and regretted it: yes [9] lost someone special: yes [10] been depressed: yea [11] gotten drunk and thrown up: ha definitely

LIST 3 FAVORITE COLORS: [12] dark red [13] royal blue [14] black

IN THE LAST YEAR HAVE YOU… [15] made new friends: yes [16] fallen out of love: never been in love i guess [17] laughed until you cried: yes [18] found out someone was talking about you?: yeah [19] met someone who changed you: for sure! [20] found out who your true friends are: ye [21] kissed someone on your facebook list: definitely

GENERAL… [22] how many of your facebook friends do you know in real life: all of em [23] do you have any pets: my cat, lou [24] do you want to change your name: yes! i dont like my full name [25] what did you do for your last birthday: went to a strip club in osaka! [26] what time did you wake up: 9:30 [27] what were you doing at midnight last night: watching food videos while @risquetendencies told me to go to sleep [28] name something you cannot wait for: to graduate! to grow up but not old, to have some stability in my life haha [29] when was the last time you saw your mother: two weeks ago i went home for a couple of days [30] what is one thing you wish you could change about your life: i wish i was more confident in myself [31] what are you listening to right now: “my worst nightmare” by forever the sickest kids [32] have you ever talked to a person named tom: my dad’s name is tom [33] something that is getting on your nerves: my cat takes up the whole bed bc i have a twin sized mattress [34] most visited website: probably some kind of online manga reader [35] elementary: it’s over [37] college: i feel like ive made it this far just to fail. but if i drop out with two months left ill hate myself even more than if i stick it out and have to take summer classes [38] hair color: i just dyed it for the first time. ive been calling it dark ginger. i want to bleach it tho [39] long or short hair: short but not short enough [40] do you have a crush on someone: sort of [41] what do you like about yourself? i like that i can be alone and happy [42] piercings: yeet [43] blood type: o positive my guys [44] nickname: jay, jaybird, jaysus, jj, jimmie johnson’s less redneck twin [45] relationship status: casually making out w a few different people [46] zodiac sign: gemini [47] pronouns: he/him [48] fav tv show: maybe the office or the league [49] tattoos: nah [50] right or left handed: right handed

FIRST… [51] surgery: i got my wisdom teeth removed [52] piercing: ears, i was 15 and cool [53] best friend: leah and john [54] sport: my mom put me in gymnastics. it was a disaster [55] vacation: topsail island i think [56] pair of trainers: probably some handmedowns

RIGHT NOW… [57] eating: shack food tbh [58] drinking: water [59] i’m about to: read a little before bed [60] listening to: ambient rain sounds [61] waiting for: my meds to kick in so i can sleep [62] want: to get a job and have a future and be less stressed [63] get married: yes please [64] career: im a student and a restaurant worker and a marketing assistant for a publishing company and its too much. i just want a decent paying, normal 40 hours a week job and an apartment with a full sized bed

WHICH IS BETTER… [65] hugs or kisses: kisses [66] lips or eyes: eyes [67] shorter or taller: don’t care unless they care [68] older or younger: as long as they’re over 20 and under 30 im good [70] nice arms or nice stomach: arms fuck [71] sensitive or loud: loud i guess [72] hook up or relationship: relationships are cool but im better at hookups [73] troublemaker or hesitant: i want a troublemaker but someone hesitant would probably balance me better tbh

HAVE YOU EVER… [74] kissed a stranger? often [75] drank hard liquor? more often [76] lost glasses/contact lenses? i don’t wear glasses or contacts [77] turned someone down: yes [78] sex on first date? define date [79] broken someone’s heart? probably not [80] had your own heart broken? nah im stone cold [81] been arrested? no [82] cried when someone died? yes [83] fallen for a friend: often

DO YOU BELIEVE IN… [84] yourself? uh, ask again later [85] miracles? yea [86] love at first sight? no [87] santa claus? no [88] kiss on the first date? yess [89] angels? maybe the angels kai draws

OTHER… [90] current best friend’s name: emily [91] eye color: my eyes are brown which is lame but sometimes they seem black bc theyre so dark. i like green eyes on other people [92] favorite movie: oh brother where art thou

tagging: @spazlow, @gladosknightandthepips @wowieitsablog @kaiyouchan, @skittidyne, @chosenofkagami @souliebird, @mitsouparker @cheatos

(feel free to not if you don’t want to, or if you’ve already been tagged)

[recentanimenews]

Bookshelf Briefs 7/30/20

Blue Flag, Vol. 2 | By KAITO | VIZ Media – How do I already love these kids this much?! Blue Flag is the story of four friends in their third year of high school who care about each other but who are all also dealing with their own problems and trying to figure out what they want to do with their lives. I especially love Taichi and identify so much with the childhood memory he shares with Masumi—“I regretted my inaction so badly.” Taichi is always trying to become the sort of person who can act (and supports Futaba as she seeks to make the same change in herself). And thus, we are inexorably led to the cliffhanger of this volume, where Taichi gets the chance at a do-over, seizes it without a moment’s hesitation, and perhaps pays another, different price this time. I’ve never meant “I can’t wait for the next volume!” more than I have this time. – Michelle Smith

Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction, Vol. 8 | By Inio Asano | Viz Media – We finally get one of the big reveals in this volume, which involves the origin of Oran and the sort of girl she used to be. It also gives us, even if it’s not quite the real thing, an origin story of the friendship between her and Kadode, and it’s really sweet and fun. That said, their meeting with an alien goes very differently here, and the series finally begins to tie in with all of the Doraemon parodies that it’s been using at the start and end of each volume. Sadly, this is not a good thing, and the entire volume ends on a horrifically nightmarish cliffhanger that I can’t see ending any way but tragically. As always, I hate reading this series, one of the best manga I’m currently reading. If that makes sense. – Sean Gaffney

Dr. STONE, Vol. 12 | By Riichiro Inagaki and Boichi | Viz Media – We’re going on a boat journey, taking along most of the important cast members, in order to discover the island with Sena’s dad’s past and also find platinum, which can help speed up un-stoning everyone. Unfortunately, there are villains about, and they take out most of the cast, who are petrified once more. In between this, we get a lot of cool Jump adventure, some goofy gags, some fun surprises (we know that Suika would stow away somehow, the question was how) and some serious drama as, well, the cast is being re-petrified by powerful unknown villains. There’s nothing earth-shattering in this particular volume, but it still adds up to a great time. – Sean Gaffney

Haganai: I Don’t Have Many Friends, Vol. 18 | By Yomi Hirasaka and Itachi | Seven Seas – I could review this entire volume, but honestly, the last 50 or so pages sort of dwarf the rest of it. We are reminded, as is the school, that Sena is fantastic at everything and has no idea that other people can’t do what she does. This all comes to a head at the Christmas party, where she starts to be attacked for all of her bad points, and lashes out at everyone in a justified but ill-thought-out diatribe. Which is then passed to Yozora, who also defends Sena and finally, amazingly, admits that the two of them are friends. This may be more important than which girl Kodaka picks, to be honest, and is absolutely fantastic. (Speaking of Kodaka, his solution is very Hachiman, and works about as well). – Sean Gaffney

Moms | By Yeong-shin Ma | Drawn & Quarterly – One thing in particular that makes Moms stand out from other manhwa in translation (and honestly many other comics in general) is the focus of its narrative—the lives and loves of mothers in their fifties. The volume takes direct inspiration from the creator’s own mother after she shared some of her personal experiences and stories about her friends. While there is some humor and absurdity, the resulting work’s realism is gutting as the characters navigate divorces, affairs, workplace harassment, and constantly shifting allegiances. A central thread is an on-again, off-again relationship between Soyeon and her boyfriend Jongseok. Without him she’s lonely, with him she’s miserable, a common theme in Moms. Most of the men in the work are frankly disappointing human beings. The women aren’t always entirely blameless, but they’ve put up with a lot, so it’s exhilarating to witness when they can live their lives with uninhibited gusto. – Ash Brown

Secret XXX | By Meguru Hinohara | SuBLime – Secret XXX is pretty explicit and features a seme who says things like “Too late. I’m not stopping now” and “I love your feeble protests,” but also includes a lot of cute bunnies. Shohei Ikushima is a college student who believes he is allergic to rabbits but still volunteers at Itsuki Mito’s bunny-exclusive pet shop because he’s fallen in love with the gentle-seeming proprietor. I can’t tell if what I found frustrating is intentional characterization, or simply that the narrative had to make Shohei look vapid in order to work. Like, he never actually considered “Do I even swing this way?” until he was literally in bed with Mito. And no one (including his parents, evidentally) ever suggested antihistamine until he finally sees a doctor. I did like the emphasis on appreciating family, though, and plan to read the spinoff starring Mito’s meddling little brother. – Michelle Smith

A Sign of Affection, Vol. 2 | By suu Morishita | Kodansha Comics (digital only) – A lot of shoujo titles are content to move along at a glacial pace, and the good ones do that by keeping the character solid. Yuki and Itsuomi are still feeling each other out. She’s fallen in love for the first time, but has communication issues that go beyond her deafness, and also a childhood friend who (I suspect) likes her more than she is aware. Asd for Itsuomi, he has some past baggage that really isn’t going away, and has goals for the future that do not involve being in Japan—goals which are likely more important to him than romance. Despite that, these two are very cute together, and you’re rooting for them to find a way to make things work. One of the better recent digital-pnly titles. – Sean Gaffney

Spy x Family, Vol. 1 | By Tatsuya Endo | VIZ Media – It only took a few pages for me to completely fall in love with Spy x Family. Debonair “Twilight” is an experienced spy for Westalia, but when his next mission requires him to quickly acquire both wife and child, he ends up choosing an assasassin (Yor) for a bride and a telepath (Anya) for a daughter. Neither Twilight nor Yor is aware of the other’s real line of work, but Anya knows all. Only, she loves her new life and family so much that she isn’t going to say anything to jeopardize it. In fact, she’s doing her best to get accepted into a prestigious school so that Twilight can get closer to his target and they can all continue to stay together. I really like all the characters, the “found family” trope always works for me, the tone is fun, and the art is stylish. More, please, and soon! – Michelle Smith

Takane & Hana, Vol. 15 | By Yuki Shiwasu | Viz Media – The bulk of this volume introduces us to Takane’s mother, who is a lot like he is in both looks and eccentricity, and turns out to have a checkered past with her son that, to no one’s surprise, involves bad communication. Hana tries to get the two of them to make up while also showing off how she’s a great match for Takane, and her cheer is infectious. That said, the background does remind readers just how high a bar Hana has to clear if she’s going to end up happily ever after with the guy she loves. The series is gearing up for its finale, and I suspect that class conflict is really going to come to the fore here. But at least she’s won over Mom, which is a big start. – Sean Gaffney

A Witch’s Printing Office, Vol. 3 | By Mochinchi | Yen Press – Following up on the last cliffhanger, there is another Japanese person here, and he’s actually gone about things the proper isekai way, as opposed to our heroine, Yomiko… um, I mean Mika. Yeah, about that, I get the feeling that 80% of the people reading this series are reading it because they want to see Yomiko from Read or Die in an isekai setting. It even feels like the super-ditzy side of her, as opposed to, well, the other, less popular aspects of Yomiko. As for the manga itself, there’s more Comiket gags, Mika managing to accidentally get a town popular, an ancient spellcaster possessing exactly the wrong person, and a rival publishing company. This is big goofy fun, sort of slice-of-isekai life-ish, but lacks any substance at all. – Sean Gaffney

By: Ash Brown