#I’m talking about ichirou

[kiwiaok]

nora is literally insane for making me crazy about a character that has like two scenes in the entire trilogy

[jtl-fics]

Shout out to all the people on WIP Wednesday who wanted more Ichirou. Y’all Cassandras in your own right.

[ninyard]

Okay, so IANAL, but I DO think Aaron would be able to walk away from the murder charge for a few reasons, and ironically, it's all down to just how much records already exist.

Drake was actively under investigation by Oakland PD and CPS. There's a cop testifying that Andrew demanded that the Spears never be given access to a minor again. There's three eyewitness accounts to what Drake did, Andrew's mental state before (bad) during (worse) and afterward the event (worst), and court ordered documentation for all of it.

Aaron could and would make the case that he was acting in defense of his brother who was physically unable to help himself.

Anyways Neil tells Ichirou that the prosecution is asking how and why Drake knew to be at that house in the first place and that he can't cover this one up for him so he better figure it out himself. Use of heavy machinery encouraged.

That makes a lot of sense!!! When you think about it like that and take into consideration everything that supports Andrew and it being done in defense of him? There’s a lot to support their side of it

But this just made me wonder if they’d make Betsy testify. Like I’m just picturing her talking about Andrew’s past relationships with Luther/Drake/Cass. Why she had him sent to Easthaven immediately, how well he’s been doing in his treatment, how he has been coping since his arrest etc. The prosecutors ask Aaron if he knew about Andrew’s past abuse, or they ask Nicky, Kevin, Luther etc. Whoever was called to the stand. Did it even happen if he didn’t report it? How can they trust that it was in fact that that was happening in the bedroom?

But Betsy was the only person who knew about it except for Luther. Neil, too, but he doesn’t count.

Just picturing her on the stand kills me thats all!!!!!

[simonsrosebud]

kevaaron cause why not

kevneil (both are acespec )

Matt/Nicky (I stan bi matt) Erik and Nicky are still friends but we're previously in a relationship, Erik has moved on (maybe nickys first love??)

andrew/Roland pre -series (theyre like a year apart cause I'm not sure how old Roland is but I've always thought of him to be a gay middle-aged man, but Andrew would be like underage and that's a nono)

Kandrew (acespec kevin?? Maybe on the demisexual spectrum??)

Renee/Allison/Dan or some variant/combination in the same au as Matt/Nicky

Jean/Neil , demisexual spec Neil

Kevin/Jeremy cause they were never given a chance and KEVIN I KNOW THERE'S GAY IN YOU demispec kev

Choose whichever pairing that inspires you most but PLEASE tag me in the writing cause I need more aftg in my life <3

okay i may definitely tag u if i do others but for the first one i couldn't help but do jeremy and kevin I JUST LOVE THEM

The thing about Jeremy, Kevin supposes, is that he really thinks that he could’ve been a Raven if someone had been paying attention all the way in West Virginia.  He had the same talent and stats that other strikers did when joining the line, had more of a height advantage than Riko ever did.

Being a Raven would have broken his spirit.  Kevin doesn’t think he’d ever forgive himself for that, knowing that he probably would have contributed to it at some point.

But then he wouldn’t be this, free and spirited and so fearless in showing unabashed joy.  Here, sitting in Kevin’s car, babbling on about California and how Kevin really should visit him next time so that he can show him around.  “I’m glad the sun has finally reached you,” he’s saying, “You look good with a nice tan.”  And it’s taking too much out of Kevin to keep his eyes on the road.

Jeremy’s hotel is just off campus, but it’s not far, and Kevin does have time, so he leans against the hood of the car while Jeremy lifts himself up onto it because “the height difference isn’t fair”.  It's only three inches, Kevin doesn't dare point it out. And suddenly Kevin is reaching out to smooth his fingers through Jeremy’s hair, soft and smooth and golden in the setting sun.

“Maybe it’s all this hair weighing you down,” he says.

Jeremy smiles, wide and lopsided and lazy, and leans into his touch.  “Never.  The hair is part of my charm.”

Kevin settles his hand on the hood of the car, then, all long legs and tall torso leaning so casually, and he’s pretty sure Jeremy’s eyes linger on his arms for a second longer than normal.  It makes his chest fluttery, so he says, “That’s what I used to tell Jean.”

And oh, Jeremy lights up.  “Yeah?  He tells me it’s unbearable.”

“He’s an idiot.”  Why would anyone ever say that?  “I used to talk about you a lot… in the Nest.”  He doesn’t really know why he says it other than he and Jeremy won’t be in the same place forever and Neil told him to stop holding back just because he’s scared of getting a letter in the mail from Ichirou himself.  So long as you send them their money and stay out of jail, your free time is your own.

With the way Jeremy preens at his confession, he thinks it’s the right call, anyway.  He taps Kevin’s closest finger with his pinky.  “What, about exy?”

“No.”

Surprise.  “Oh.”  Jeremy’s skin is honey gold and bronzed from the constant California sun, but Kevin’s never seen him sunburned.  The tinge of pink on his cheeks may be as close as he’ll get.  “Can I tell you something embarrassing?”

Oh no.  Kevin steels the lead in his stomach.  “Sure, anything.”  He can feel it coming, the inevitable, I feel flattered, you know, but I just don’t-

“I used to have a poster of you in my bedroom at home.” 

God, this was even worse.

“But I took it down once my older brother caught me kissing it goodnight before bed.”

Oh…?

Kevin opens his mouth, but doesn’t know what to say.  Instead, a smirk starts taking over his lips.  “You had… You used to kiss me?  Every night?”

Jeremy’s blush has traveled the length of his neck, but at least he laughs softly.  “Until I was, like, almost sixteen, yeah.”  Kevin taps his pinky finger back.  “Now I just do it in my head.”

Pause.

Kevin whips his head back up, shock surely coating his face.  “You what?”

And Jeremy’s face falls.  “I-I just mean- sorry, I didn’t- oh god, I just made this super,” he slides off the hood of the car, “awkward.  That’s not- I just meant that, like-“

Kevin grabs his hand when he gets too far.  Jeremy freezes, but doesn’t dare move.  Kevin works on his words, lets his mouth fish open while he tries forming them, and eventually says, “If I had a poster of you,” he frowns, “I’d, um…” he looks up at Jeremy, vulnerable and confused and maybe, possibly, the least bit hopeful.  “I’d kiss you goodnight, too.”

Grinning, now, Jeremy lets his hand fall further into Kevin’s, and gives it two squeezes.  “You can, you know,” he whispers.  He meets Kevin’s eyes slowly.  “If you want.”

Nothing could stop the jackhammering in Kevin’s chest, or the rushing of blood in his ears from how red his face probably is, but Jeremy’s voice comes through right as rain regardless.  He gives his hand a tug, pulling Jeremy closer, and steps towards him so that he has to look down at him.  Those three inches are going to kill him.

But Kevin must be taking too long, because then Jeremy’s hand is sliding up the side of his neck and pulling him down, and Kevin’s hands go flying to his sides, falling into the dip of his waist and wishing they could run up along his skin.  Jeremy sighs a bit into his mouth and drags his tongue along Kevin’s bottom lip, and then Kevin is pulling him closer until their chests are flush and his hands can slide underneath the thin t-shirt, hand splaying on Jeremy’s lower back and wanting to curl itself into the skin there.

Jeremy’s tongue is warm and slick and Kevin tries not to be embarrassed when he moans lightly into his mouth.  It makes Jeremy smile against his mouth, which really is Kevin’s own fault because he did not want this kiss to end.  Jeremy tucks back in for one more kiss, shorter but sweeter, his fingers gently scratching at Kevin’s scalp, and searches Kevin’s face from only inches apart when Kevin subtly tilts his head into his hand.

“I kinda had one more embarrassing thing,” Jeremy pants a little, a warm smile poking through, and god, everything about him is warm and sweet, so so sweet.  His skin underneath his shirt is warm like a fresh batch of cookies; tongue like a melted marshmallow daring to fall apart in your mouth;  smile like a rainbow after a hot summer shower and disposition of one that reminds Kevin of his mother’s comfort, of Abby’s hugs and his father’s safety.

Jeremy himself is a son of Apollo, Kevin is sure of it.

But Kevin doesn’t trust his own voice, right now, so he just nods and hums in encouragement.  He holds Jeremy close more decidedly, taking advantage of the contact and flattening his palms along the bare skin of his back and waist below his shirt.  He thinks for a moment it sends shivers down Jeremy’s spine.

For this, though, Jeremy goes up on his tip toes and tilts Kevin’s head to grant him his ear.  He nips at it, first, sending a shiver down Kevin’s spine, and says, “You’ve been number one on my list since I was fourteen.”

“God.”  It’s not intentional, but Kevin doesn’t even care at this point.  He’s heard all about these lists from Nicky.  He knew what it meant.

Jeremy laughs, quiet and contained and goofy, and props his elbows on Kevin’s shoulders to shelter them in.  “Would you like to come up to my room?”

[joanofexys]

here is your reason to talk about emeryk wesninski 👉👈

Emeryk Wesninski my beloved (not really. I also forgot he existed and debated killing him dead again instead of confronting my embarrassing ocs)

If it isn’t obvious he’s intended to be Neil’s brother, which I’m probably gonna skirt around as much as possible due to my own shame lmao

Emeryk Wesninski:

25 years old

he/him

queer idk he’s not gonna sit there long enough to slap a word on it

played striker

was supposed to start on the Ravens lineup with Emiko their freshman year

dropped the sport for academic and familial pursuits (also cause he was not about to major in fucking business)

We’re gonna pretend I know why the hell I decided having an Em (Moriyama) and Em (Wesninski) was a good idea cause I did create them at the same time but honestly? fuck if I know.

Pretending I can do math I think there’s a six year gap between Neil and Emeryk. Or at least it’s around there. So when Mary and Neil went on the run Emeryk was 16 years old and pretty deeply involved in his father’s business. Not that he enjoyed it. He and Mary knew there was a far smaller chance of success survival with three of them instead of two and Neil had the better chance. So he told her to just him and go, with only a little resentment.

Emeryk escapes some of the worst parts of his father’s work through a series of deals with the Moriyama’s, specifically Ichirou. He and Ichirou aren’t far apart in age and now he of course wonders what the hell was doing, but he would rather have indebted himself to Ichirou over Kengo. And he knew one day Ichirou would be in charge, he just didn’t expect it to be quite so soon.

So instead of getting sucked in deeper (to the Wesninski’s business at least), he’s able to somewhat save himself. He enrolls in Edgar Allan University at 18 and doesn’t sign a contract to play with the Ravens. Despite it he and Emiko still become friends and he has some, albeit limited, interaction with Kevin, Riko, and Jean.

He studies criminal justice and goes on to study law. All of it, of course, being put towards working for the Moriyama’s. But at least he’s not actively killing people.

He spends a lot of his time covering up any tracks Mary and Neil leave behind. Whenever he can find them, he knows that means someone else will, and he does his best to remove any sort of paper trail or hint to their existence. Even if it’s just confusing Nathan’s men. Anything that gives them enough time to create a new identity and move.

He’s not exactly happy about it but he does feel like it’s part of what he agreed to years ago. So he lets the resentment build and does it anyway.

And when Neil shows up at Palmetto, seemingly not even trying to be subtle, he is so fucking pissed. Everything’s undone. He can run his mouth and mess things up as much as he wants but he knows it’s only a matter of time.

By the time Baltimore occurs Emeryk is so far removed from the Wesninski’s and so deeply involved with the Moriyama’s that he doesn’t even see it coming. At least not fast enough. When Stuart reaches out to him he reluctantly agrees to work with the FBI, temporarily, to find Nathan.

That’s the first time Neil and Emeryk see each other in years. Emeryk’s pretty sure Neil doesn’t remember half of it, blacked out from pain. And he sure as fuck wasn’t going to stick around to visit him in the hospital. He gets out of there with the intent of talking to the least amount of cops he can.

He forms a bit of a relationship with Neil after that. Mostly “don’t talk to cops”, “seriously get a fucking lawyer”, “have you considered not running your damn mouth?”, and the like. But ultimately he doesn’t give a shit what Neil gets up to. Not his business (though he can’t help but keep a worried eye on him to make sure he’s not getting into too much trouble. He spent too long doing it to stop. And if it has the added benefit of seeing his brother happy and healthy, somewhere he can call home, no one else to needs to know)

While Emeryk didn’t wind up a full blown serial killer he’s still a worse person than like Emiko. He’s very much out to save his own skin. He’ll always go with his best chance of survival. For now that lies with the Moriyama’s. But if a better opportunity ever presented itself he’d take it in a heartbeat.

And idk that’s just a little bit about Em (Wesninski) who I made 4-ish years ago and forgot about until now

[codename-adler]

mafia husbands hcs

getting my TSC paperback tomorrow and to that i say!!! fuck. here's some Stuart/Ichirou bullshit in the meantime 🤷‍♀️

Ichirou calls Stuart “London”

in retaliation Stuart sometimes calls Ichirou “kid”

i’m a sucker for age gaps (ADULTS) so most of the times i picture Ichirou @ 25-30 and Stuart in his forties;

however i do like the idea of Stuart being only slightly older, which would also make him Mary’s baby brother instead of her older brother and that… when you think about all it would entail… ain’t that the tragedy.

thus the “kid” taunting at Ichirou from Stuart either becomes an offensive teasing if Stuart is only a few years older than Ichirou, or downright an insult both because Ichirou takes it as a jab at his being unfit to lead a crime empire, and because it’s Stuart putting a boundary between them romantically/sexually (why don’t you want me!!! we both are terrible men, let’s not start pretending otherwise by acting holier than thou!!! i want what i want and what i want i get!!! let me have you!!!)

Stuart is much softer and more sensitive than your average mafia man, but don’t be fooled, that only makes him more lethal–his feelings won’t save you, his shame won’t let you walk away, he’ll only make this more painful and dangerous for you because you think you can plead your case with him, you think you can survive him, but you won’t. he’ll kill you just the same. only he’ll have gotten more information out of you, and he’ll have more to confess to the priest on Sunday.

that man is sick with guilt and religious trauma. choir boy who died inside and is rotting still.

strong argument in favor of forties!Stuart is Mark Strong, beloved.

Ichirou is a remorseless bitch who gets infected with Stuart’s [bottomless] emotional depth; it’ll kill them both.

they do kind of have a James Bond/Vesper vibe, but both can be either at times.

Ichirou hates kids, Stuart loves them.

Stuart & praise/competency kink anyone?

is Ichirou twink-ish? probably. do i have to like it? absolutely not. i want him with muscles for days. it just happens that physically, he’s been out-alphaed (brother eurgh) by Stuart. best picture i got is that youngish Korean assassin in RED 2, but in that movie specifically and only. iykyk.

Lee Byung Hun! that’s the man! he is still so fine today make no mistake!!! and with that, not to pull a “what if the roles were reversed?” but can you imagine older!Ichirou with young!Stuart??? no no don’t talk to me.

they may be mafia husbands, but these bitches would slay a cowboy AU.

upon second thought, they are very Chris Argent/Peter Hale coded. and that makes so much sense as to why i was so easily seduced and my brain melted.

[you-know-i-get-itt]

i have been so so curious about ichirou's fiancé tbfh like i just want to talk to her i know nothing about her but i'd do anything for her also YES the idea of ichirou being? in love? that's so crazy to me i want to dissect that man

no no exactly!!! and i LOVE the implications of it not being a business match because aaahh!!!

okay so given that ichirou was the heir to the empire i think it’s likely that the way he was “raised” would be. similar to neil if his mom hadn’t taken him away? so ichirou would essentially be so many pieces of a person barely stitched together? unflinchingly shooting his brother unflinchingly bargaining on people’s lives unflinchingly carrying forward what he was raised to carry forward? given what little we know of him, i’m choosing to give him the benefit of the doubt and deciding that what riko saw as their father “favoring” ichirou was the same as their father picking ichirou out for his own personal hell (kinda parallel to tetsuji “favoring” the perfect court??)

with that in mind, i would like to propose an absolutely absurd theory: ichirou fell in love, and that was something he was absolutely NOT allowed to do. his father would by no means let this happen and might quite possibly have put a hit on the person he fell in love with. so remember when his father died? what if it was not of natural causes? what if it was ichirou letting a lifetime’s worth of anguish and resentment culminate in his becoming exactly what his father raised him to be? biting the hand that fed him poison etc etc?

[angry-kid-with-no-money]

Okay soo I’m procrastinating like five other things I should be doing right now- mostly school work- but I’ve been having many thoughts about a grishaverse/aftg crossover au and I needed to get them all out so

Tada

mandatory spoiler warning for shadow and bone trilogy

-Neil as Alina, obviously. Non-negotiable. He would be the overpowered MC if there was magic in aftg and we all know it

-obviously in the books, alina does not have a family that we know of, but in my little au, Nathan works for the Ravka gov and Mary gives up Neil bc she can tell he’s gonna be a powerful grisha I guess? I don’t care that that’s not really a thing, it is now

-anyway- Andrew is Mal. I’ve talked extensively about how similar I think Mal and Andrew are as characters, especially in the way that they are both so protective over the people they care about, to the point of being self-sacrificial but they cannot cope with someone doing the same for them, in fact both of them get angry with their significant others for attempting to ‘save’ them. I also think for both of them, this behaviour stems from seeing themselves as less than the people around the, we see it more obviously with Mal but I think Andrew is the same

-so in this au Andrew and neil are childhood friends, they grow up together in the orphanage and stuff. I haven’t thought much about fitting aaron and nicky into this so they may just be not related in the au tbh

-the two of them join the second army as we know- Andrew as a tracker and Neil as a junior cartographer- and during an attempted crossing of the fold, neil’s summoner powers reveal themselves

-in the books, prior to using her powers, alina is described as pale, sallow, sickly-looking, generally unattractive, and we discover that this sick appearance is caused by her suppressing her powers. Anyway, I think that prior to using his powers, neil has very dull blue eyes and his hair is more brown than auburn but afterwards we get the bright blue eyes and auburn hair Andrew is obsessed with

-the darkling is kevin btw- originally I had him as Ichirou but wrote myself into a whole I couldn’t get out of so evil kevin it is

-ichirou is Vasily, and riko is nikolai, the king is kengo and annoyingly in aftg riko’s mother is not named so we’re sticking with Tatiana

-back to kevin- I debated between abi and Kaleigh for a while but I’m gonna go with Kaleigh as Baghra just because I love her and I get more creative freedom with her personality. Wymack is ilya so he’s dead, soz

-we also get the absolute joy of Andrew, kevin, riko, and Ichirou fighting over neil despite neil being madly in love with Andrew and not even realising it

-even though alina was somewhat reckless about the amplifiers she was still wary of the risks and such, I think neil would be far more reckless, I don’t think he would has hesitated as much to kill the stag or the water serpent and instead the issue would be kevin’s men being closer behind them than they’d thought and catching up at the last second

-I don’t think anything would have slowed neil down once he’d set his sights on the goal of collect all three amplifiers and destroy the fold, he would have been non stop going and dragging Andrew along with him, up until he realises he has to kill Andrew at which point everything comes to a crashing halt

-neil would be much less willing to believe it, he would be convinced Andrew had made a mistake and there was still a firebird out there somewhere, just denying it and denying it and denying it until he physically can’t anymore, and once he’d accepted Andrew was the amplifiers he’d be helplessly looking for other ways that didn’t involve him dying up until the last second. Even then, I think Andrew would be doing the majority of the work towards neil killing him.

-the last battle of siege and storm would just be neil in a haze of rage and grief, absolutely merciless because Andrew was always the voice of reason, the one to stop him from going too far, but he can’t anymore because andrews Dead

-I think the aftermath, where neil finds out that andrew’s been brought back to life would a haze as well. He doesn’t quite believe it’s real but also it has to be because he doesn’t know what he’d do with himself if it wasn’t. it’s neil’s idea to fake his death, not to protect his egacy but to keep Andrew safe, to start again somewhere knew

-if you thought they were codependent and attached at the hip in aftg, it is nothing compared to how they act post andrew’s resurrection

-yeah, sometimes neil misses his power, missing the feeling of being invincible, but he’d rather never have that again then even risk losing andrew’s presence by his side

-I still have not read rule of wolves/king of scars so pls don’t talk to me abt that

-I will maybe add more in the future, especially of the middle of the trilogy because I mostly just hit the beginning and end

[slugtranslation-hypmic]

Hi Slug! I know you are very, very busy so idk if you have any time for it, but if/whenever you get the chance, I was wondering what your thoughts were on the new Hypmic wardrobe (winter style!). I thought your comments on the last one (spring/summer) were really funny.

Oh heck yes, I love doing these. There's nothing like speaking with confidence on something I know absolutely nothing about.

Here's the approximately 3 pixels we'll be scrutinizing.

And for those interested, here are my thoughts on the last wardrobe.

Under a cut for length

Ichirou: Even though this man has perhaps the most stereotypical Japanese name on Earth and is in every other respect completely, 100% not white, I have never once understood the meaning of the phrase “white boy swag” until I saw him. Now I understand everything.

Jirou: This is a pallette swap of Holden Caulfield. Saburou’s a phony confirmed.

Saburou: The way he’s doing his bangs makes him look like he’s got a trust fund, a 30% share in his father’s Fortune 500 company, and a pony. He looks like his name should be Lucius. The rest of his outfit is just... idk, it’s cold outside. He’s being practical. I like it. Simple is good. It’s probably going to be better than the rest of this set.

Samatoki: Apart from him being blasted in the face with a wind machine, I can dig whatever’s going on here. It’s simple and nice. That sort of skinny, all black look is dope. He looks if David Bowie was about 40 years younger and modeled for men’s sportwear magazines.

Juuto: I would really like more than 2.7 pixels to tell what’s going on here, but my initial thought is that he’s trying to cosplay as the little German boy people on Tumblr are always talking about. You know, I could see Juuto in lederhose. I’m not saying it’d be a good look on him, but it sure would be something! It’s either that or he’s some Skyrim NPC.

Riou: Every time I see Riou not in military uniform, I am thrust back into the year 2003, whereupon he is my older cousin playing the PS2 and teaching me how to play Pokemon Silver. I’m not sure why, especially considering that I never saw my cousin do either of those things and Riou doesn’t look anything like my cousin, but I see him and I immediately know that this is an Older Lad who is at all times only seconds away from racing you in Mario Kart or taking you outside to throw a football around. I don’t think Riou is a dad, per se, but in about 20 years he’ll somehow skip straight to prime uncle stage.

Ramuda: Up in some top-floor suite of the King Records office building, the big hotshot, Mr. Records himself, is smoking a fat cigar. A nervous young assistant tentatively steps into the room, bent double under the weight of a stack of reports almost as big as she is. “Sir,” says the assistant, “Hypnosis Mic is cornering the otome market and making billions of yen a day. We’re rich beyond our wildest dreams! But...” Mr. Records takes a long draw on his cigar. “But?” The assistant can’t quite meet his eyes. “There’s just...” She falters before screwing up her courage and taking the plunge. “There’s just one demographic we’re not... maximizing our profits with.” Mr. Records leans forward, shifting his impressive weight in the chair. He looms like a mountain, the monolith of the Japanese entertainment industry that he is. “And what’s that?” he asks, in a voice so low it’s almost a growl. The assistant gulps but, to her credit, doesn’t flinch. There’s barely a hint of a waver in her voice as she says, “The... the straight men, sir.” “Bah!” Mr. Records snaps. Bits of tobacco-stained spit flies from his meaty jowls, mercifully missing the assistant by a hairs’ breadth. “What’s that all about? Why, we’ve got... what’s the word... woo-men aplenty, don’t we? Come on, isn’t there that one broad with them big ol’ titties? The boys should be eating her up like hot cakes! What’s the damn idea?” “Yes,” the assistant says, “you’re right, sir. You always are. It’s just that... well... Our straight, male audience is hoping to see a bit more of a... moe touch, sir.” Mr. Records eyes gleam. “Moe?” he repeats. “Oh, they want moe, do they? I’ll give them moe! Just you wait, boys! You’re about to get so much moe you won’t know what to do with it!” Anyway, that’s roughly what I think happened here.

Gentarou: I can’t even joke about this. This is just a priest’s cassock. You can literally buy something almost identical on fucking The Catholic Company.com. Everyone else is trying to serve looks, and Gentarou is serving communion.

Dice: Every time one of these rolls around, I always say, “Yeah, I’d wear that.” But this is always a lie. I would not wear that; I am only trying to give in and meet Hypmic halfway in the hopes that they won’t offend my sensibilities as hard next time. Yet this time, I would actually probably wear this. There is no personality in this whatsoever. The only reason Dice is wearing it is because Ramuda and Gentarou were too preoccupied (with bamboozling potential new viewers and leading mass, respectively) to stuff him into something fashionable.

Jakurai: Half the time Jakurai shows up in these, he gives off such a strong MSLF feeling. What’s a MSLF? A mother someone would like to fuck. I’m not about to do it, but I’m sure someone will take one for the team and go nuts over this art.

Hifumi: Love the faux fur stole thing going on here. He looks like a Disney stepmother. He’s got Cruella de Vil on speed dial.

Doppo: ?? Is it just me, or does this not look like Doppo? He looks like he wandered in out of EnStars or something. Sir, are you sure you’re in the right series?

Sasara: Probably the most normal-ass thing Sasara’s ever worn in his life. He just looks like an anime Columbo with ear muffs.

Roshou: You can play chess on this bitch. He looks like the shy girl librarian character who’s the tsundere love interest in a beloved 90′s anime with 300 episodes. By episode 287, she and her love interest (probably Columbara up there) have their first kiss, leading to wild, vitriolic ship wars on message boards between fans who have been waiting since episode 1 (which aired in 1983) for the two get married and the kind of dudes who take “If she breathes, she’s a thot” literally.

Rei: Man, take this bitch to the bank! Gold bar-looking ass.

Kuukou: I actually have a slightly better image of BAT, so this final part may be more coherent. (Emphasis on the “may”) First off, I hope we can all agree this is a bath robe. You can’t tell in the image above, but there are chains on these glasses (???) making him look like a grandmother. I think the general vibe is supposed to be ninja...ish... but it’s like if a ninja was crossed with the spirit of Miles Edgeworth. Also, what the actual hell is that white thing at his waist? Does anyone know?

Juushi: HELL YES, I can fuck w/ that hair. I do not know what is going on with the rest of the outfit. He and Hifumi are both responsible for slaying some poor faux fur beast. I feel like, if Hifumi is a Disney stepmom, then Juushi is the protagonist who’s a witchcraft practicing teen girl that must navigate her parents’ divorce and remarriages, fight off the forces of evil with magical powers, and navigate her life as an ordinary high schooler and teen gymnast in this 2010s Disney Channel show. Call it Hex and Balances.

Hitoya: Love the fact that he and Juushi are both wearing heels to flex on Kuukou. It’s a good thing no one in BAT owns a cat, or they’d be having a field day with the drawstring that goes almost all the way to his knees. Honestly, I really don’t know what to say here. I have less of an issue with the designer potato sack he’s wearing (looks comfy af tbh) as opposed to the face he’s making. He looks like he rolled out of bed and isn’t entirely conscious yet. I think someone should be more awake if they’re in such close proximity of Kuukou, so I wish him the best of luck in surviving this encounter.

[fortheloveofexy]

For the WIP Game: I’m intrigued and excited about all of them but how about Mafia AU? ❤️

Ahhh yes, I love this one!

Okay so, picture this - Butcher!Neil who killed Nathan and all of Nathan's inner circle, cut a deal with Ichirou and became his right-hand man. He builds up his own network of people loyal to him (i.e. most of the Foxes), and settles into his persona as a mafia crimelord. He isn't happy, per say, but he is finally safe.

Then, one day, he meets a grumpy, blonde barista named Andrew, and takes a liking to him. He gives Andrew a fake name when asked, but before long he becomes a regular at Andrew's cafe.

He likes getting to pretend at normalcy for a while, and he likes poking at this irritable, apathetic man, if only to get a reaction out of him. And somehow, Andrew seems strangely tolerant of him. They form an unlikely, if slightly uneasy, friendship.

Then, one night, Nathaniel runs into one of his henchmen (Seth) in an alley just outside the cafe. He stops to talk with him for a minute just as Andrew locks up for the night. He spots "Neil" talking to a shifty-looking stranger with what appears to be a gun in his pocket and assumes that he's being mugged. Andrew being Andrew, he intervenes and punches Seth in the face, breaking his nose.

Seth gets pissed off and goes for his gun, but Nathaniel intervenes and defuses the situation. He sends Seth home and takes Andrew to a nearby convenience store to get ice for his injured hand.

And then, well. Their friendship turns into something a little more.

[pinkarachnia]

Lesbian Anime Review #11 - Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury

This is the first time I’ve watched a Gundam series and now I’m going to talk about my opinions about it on the internet. This will be fine.

- 9 July 2023 -

This is a weird one to review for me. I usually review anime where the lesbian themes are one of the most prominent elements of the show, but Gwitch is a Gundam anime first and foremost, which happens to feature some girls who like girls.

It’s made me stop and consider what my qualifiers are for a “lesbian anime”, because I think this is one. If I boil it down to a few key factors, those would be:

1. It’s about lesbians.

2. Gay themes are addressed in the text.

3. It’s FOR lesbians, or at least, lesbians could enjoy this.

And yeah, in that respect, Gwitch makes the cut. Even if they only acknowledge the second point once at the end of episode 1 (not the prologue) when Miorine looks straight into the camera and says “gay rights”. I loved this part at the time, but in hindsight, I think it set me up to expect that the gay romance between the two main characters would feature more prominently in the show than it ultimately did. I know I’m not alone in that either; when I finished the last episode I immediately looked at the comments on Crunchyroll and it seemed like a few people felt let down by the lack of on-screen romantic moments, but I think that’s a given when the show kicks off with a very Gundam prologue episode (more on the war crimes later) followed by an episode 1 that screams, “we made it just like Utena”, complete with girls rotating around each other in the opening.

Fuck, do I need to finish watching Utena before I can write the rest of this? I was saving it for later in my yuri quest but if there’s anything I’ve learned from Gwitch it’s that anime people won’t hesitate to bite your head off if you try to have a take without doing the mandatory research.

- 17 July 2023 -

I’m 25 episodes into Utena.

Fucking hell this anime is good. I mean that’s not news to anyone but like, I was putting it off until later in my lesbian anime schedule because I was treating it like it would be my reward for persevering through worse content and it hasn’t disappointed. It deserves the pedestal it’s put on. Kiss and love and true your heart.

- 23 July 2023 -

I have finished Revolutionary Girl Utena and the movie. Now I feel like I can speak with some more authority on the comparisons between Gwitch and Utena. However, today I’m seeing Barbie so you might have to wait a bit longer for my Gundam review.

- 27 July 2023 -

So Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury absolutely wants you to think it’s like Utena. Here are some reasons why!

It’s set in a high school with institutionalised duelling.

The champion of duelling wins the right to marry a certain woman.

There’s a council of students (I guess? If not formally then they fit the niche) and they’re all kind of fucked up and they’re the main participants in the duels.

The trophy girl has a garden where she predominantly grows a certain type of plant.

The main character gets to wear a different uniform to everyone else.

It’s lesbian.

One of the main characters is bold and in pursuit of revolutionary goals while the other is timid and subservient to a powerful family member.

Ichirou Ookouchi, credited for script and series composition, wrote the light novel adaption of Revolutionary Girl Utena.

So yeah, I think there’s plenty of reasons to suggest that this was intentional. I think that’s important because for me, it set me up with certain expectations for the series. From the beginning, it seems like Gwitch makes a point of the fact that it features a gay romance and the Utena parallels only serve to strengthen this impression.

I’ll circle back to this when I get into spoilers but to keep it brief, I don’t think it’s queerbait and I do think they were genuine in wanting to depict that relationship. However, I can also understand why there were people who were outspoken about wanting to see more on screen romantic scenes, particularly concerning the ending. I don’t necessarily agree that it needed more, but I understand that perspective. When I consider how Gwitch initially presented itself, with a self-aware juxtaposition of its characters, themes and setting to one of the most renowned and acclaimed anime series about a gay romance between women, I can’t dismiss that take like they should have known better or had different expectations. Their expectations were set by the show and how it invited those comparisons up front.

It’s going to be really hard to write my Utena review.

Spoilers commence below the gifs

It’s several weeks later but I’m not timestamping this any more.

I’ll cut to the chase regarding the Gundam ending: the main leads get married off screen and you don’t see them kiss or anything so overtly romantic. I think that’s fine though. They didn’t need to do that to satisfy me. Like I said earlier up, I think this was a genuine attempt at portraying a gay relationship. The fact that they end up together at the end demonstrates to me that the portrayal of the romance between the two up until the ending was earnest, so it’s a win in my books.

By this point the big evil company has come out and made some comment like “it’s up for interpretation” or whatever but if you look at it for half a second you can see how you’re meant to interpret it.

But that’s enough about all that; who really gives a shit? This is a lesbian anime review so I’m going to finish this review in the most lesbian way I can.

Here’s my

Top 5 robots from Gwitch

5 - ChuChu’s Demi Trainer

The meme answer slot goes to this unremarkable machine because I heard from one of my girlies who works at a hobby store that it’s the least popular model kit they sell.

It’s just a plain looking robot with a gun but the feet look kind of like Shadow the Hedgehog’s shoes. I just noticed that now. Anyway.

4 - Gundam Lfrith Ur

It’s Sophie’s Gundam! It has a large gun. I like this robot because I like Sophie, so it gets to earn my love vicariously.

I don’t find anything about the design particularly outstanding, but this one earns a spot on my list due to having a Beam Gatling Gun. Brrrrrr.

It also has another gun on its back called a Phased Array Cannon. No idea what that’s about but cool robot.

Man if I was a Gundam fan I would hate this top 5.

3 - Gundam Schwarzette

BIiiiiiig swoooooooord.

But there’s actually a smaller sword surrounded by other parts called Bit Staves that form a sheath and it can do cool shit like this:

That’s a dope robot! Kind of wish it was just a giant fuck off sword but I can’t have it all.

No other notes. I’m going to finish this goddamn review.

2 - Gundam Calibarn

Cool gun strikes again only cooler.

This one has a rocket on the back of the gun. It opens up like this:

It’s got some rainbow shit going on too and that’s cute. Not a lot of screen time for this guy but it was put into the opening theme and that’s cool.

Oh fuck I haven’t talked about the songs.

Gwitch had one of my favourite anime openings of 2022. There have been a few great YOASOBI anime songs lately and this one went hard, true to form. I think all the songs they got for this show were great though. I never skipped an OP/ED. Whenever I see a show with a Supercell song it somehow feels special. Maybe I’ve just imagined that there’s any prestige there but I like it so whatever.

Back to robot.

1 - Darilbalde

Beetle looking fucker. Not the only one but I like this one the most because it’s red.

Guel gets to pilot all the coolest suits in this show. Dude gets all the beetle guys.

Look at this bastard:

Sick. Check out the polearm.

This isn't even the guy I've given the number 1 slot to, I just think it's cool. Fuck it, Dilanza can also be number 1.

As you can probably tell by now, I'm not great at articulating why I think any of these are good, but I don't really think that matters. I've spent so much time dwelling on "war is bad" that I've neglected "cool robot", and sometimes I think it's just fine to be the guy who wants to look at the cool robot. I also think it's fine to be the guy who just wants to look at girls kissing. Sometimes you can be both.

Anyway, Witch of Mercury was alright. More named characters should have died probably. I prefer the robots from Code Geass.

I'm giving this one a 7 out of 10.

[thespineoftherighteous]

aftg fandom is scared shitless of romantic rarepairs. i’m not talking about smut pairings, i’m talking real relationship pairings non-centered around sex. why wouldn’t jean x aaron work? thea x katelyn? renison x lailalvarez? bee x abby? kevin x nicky (+/- x erik) ? the minute you suggest it you get your head bashed in and your fan business card revoked “because it makes no sense” (*ahem* KEVAARON fans know the trauma). yes it does ok? it can work. that’s the whole POINT of fandom. don’t like don’t read don’t interact. but don’t tell me it isn’t working or believable. anyways, thoughts on the fandom’s cowardice?

obsessed with how aggressive this is actually. i agree with you on the point that aftg fans seem to be FAR more invested in policing other people and their views than. most other fans I've associated with. idk if it's because there's so much sensitive content with it that they feel like to change it is to disservice it but I've seen it get ridiculously intense. it sounds like you've personally had bad experiences so i don't blame you for feeling like this.

i mostly disagree with the general point here though because i feel like rare pairs are one thing that the aftg fans have on deck. hell I've got people in my inbox right now talking about Ichirou/Andrew. to be perfectly honest i don't read proper fic that much but i have seen really random pairings from when i have poked around. that might not be representative of what's actually out there, i don't know. so i guess i won't disagree because i don't really know enough.

disagree that people can't criticize pairings—that's the right of a fan. agree that people should really not go into content they don't like just so to criticize it..keep that shit on your own pages don't ruin things other people enjoy for no reason.

kinda ehh on your point that 'any pairing will make sense in fandom because that's the whole point of fandom' because, for me at least, i dont like it when dynamics and personalities are TOO different from canon and i think that sometimes canon personalities just dont go well together. i don't think that just anyone can be shipped together because it simply won't interest me if there's no chemistry. like you said though, to each their own and absolutely nothing has to be universal, people should take what they want and leave the rest untouched.

[jtl-fics]

Fluent Freshman - Part 30

PREVIOUS

Ichirou Moriyama had long been someone Riko had spoken about and therefore someone Kevin knew of.

First reverently as he talked about how someday his brother would come for him and how he’d watch Riko’s games. Then Ichirou never showed up once and the anger set in and mentions of his brother would result in especially bad days.

Kevin’s only saving grace at the Nest near the end was that Ichirou had been as uninterested in him as he was in Riko.

Neil was the one who had handled any communications with the new Master of the Moriyama family and Kevin was grateful for that. His stomach still twists when he found out what it would cost him to have the closest thing he would ever really have to freedom since his mom’s car accident but Kevin could hardly fault Neil since Kevin has no idea if he would have been able to even open his mouth and speak to negotiate with Ichirou. He certainly wouldn’t have thought to bargain for Neil and Jean’s lives.

So he was going to make sure the Neil had the best possible chances to get on a great team not just because he had every faith that Neil could be on the national court but also Kevin wanted him on the national court. Neil was his partner and his friend.

This was his last year that he could help as directly as this so he and Neil were still putting in the hours in their evening practices. It was also the last year that Neil could rely on him to assist in getting everyone up to snuff.

Ichirou Moriyama was going to be stopping by at some point and Kevin had decided that the best way to handle this information was to focus on something life affirming.

“I’m just saying it isn’t an unknown flavor combination.” Kevin argues.

“Kevin there is something very different about vanilla protein powder in chicken stock and Chicken and Waffles.” Aaron says from his spot behind Kevin in Wymack’s car.

“There shouldn’t be! It’s all the same flavors, just liquid!” Kevin turns in his seat to point at Aaron, “You should put on your seatbelt, what if Wymack crashes?” He says for the third time since the car ride had begun.

“That’s my problem, not yours.” Aaron says and his eyes have been locked on the roof of the car since the car ride began which was rude but Kevin had learned to expect nothing less from a Minyard.

“It will be my problem when your corpse breaks my neck as you fly forward!” Kevin hisses.

“Coach, could you do me a favor-“

“I’m not going to crash the car.” Wymack interrupts eyes on the road and hands at 10 and 2.

“God forbid you do something nice for me.” Aaron gripes crossing his arms.

Kevin decides to change his target.

“Coach-“

“Kevin, you’re not putting any protein powder into Smith’s soup. That’s final. Do you want to mess up his Grandma’s hard work to follow the Doctor’s recipe exactly?” Wymack asks.

No.

No Kevin does not wish to mess up Grandma Smith’s hard work.

He just…

A Food pyramid flashes in his mind.

…thinks he knows more than the hospital dietician.

“It’s not that Smith’s Grandma made bad soup.” Kevin says because the woman was a talent in the kitchen even if she might use a bit too much butter. He’d let her know but Nicky refused to translate and she’d smiled so warmly at him and touched his face so gently… “I think she was led astray by bad science and Nicky wouldn’t translate for me.” He says, “If she understood English she would have understood and agreed with me.” He says because he did manage to get her finely chop a bunch of carrots to put into the pasta sauce so that Neil would get some veggies.

She was a reasonable woman who understood the importance of good nutrition.

“I don’t know about that.” Coach says and Kevin wonders what he means by that.

They’re close behind Andrew’s car and Kevin can see two parking spots next to one another near the front except Andrew pulls into the spots in a way that means it is almost impossible for anyone to get into the second spot unless they owned a tiny smart car.

Andrew often parks like that to make sure no one dings the Maserati.

“That little shit.” Wymack grumbles as he continues to drive.

“Aren’t you going to let us out at the entrance?” Kevin asks.

“Who am I, your driver?” Wymack grumbles and does not slow down to let them out  at the hospital entrance. “You’ve been bitching about not getting enough exercise and eating too much fat this weekend, consider this just some of the exercise you’ve been wanting.” He says.

Kevin leans back in the chair.

He does NOT pout. He merely frowns with his lips puffed out and feels as if he has been treated unfairly.

He uses this time wisely.

He thinks about Neil and Andrew’s ‘secret’ conversation.

Kevin still doesn’t know Russian, has no plans to learn it because he does not want to know 80% of what Neil and Andrew say to one another, but Kevin has always been great at understanding tone and it’s not that hard to understand that they were talking about FF when he ‘Kapitan Neil’.

He thinks about what might stress Neil out about FF (never once does he consider that FF being in the hospital with a stab wound may be the thing that stresses Neil out, not when there’s an explanation that involves Exy).

FF might choose to leave.

That would not bode well for Neil.

Kevin has already signed but Neil needs the next few years still to make sure he can follow through on his deal with Ichirou.

FF is a great defensive dealer.

Kevin still doesn’t really understand how he can seemingly just appear on the Court to intercept passes but Kevin has been informed that all of his plans to figure it out are ‘medically unethical’ and ‘likely to get him thrown in prison’.

Nicky patting his face pityingly and saying, “Your face is too pretty for prison.” had been when he stopped looking at how he could buy electrodes.

His follow-up search to find out that no prison in the United States currently had an Exy court as a facility had him drop the outline of his research into his recycle bin and right click to delete permanently.

Since Kevin cannot find a way to replicate that particular talent of FF’s then they just need FF to stay.

He also quite likes the steady freshman. He’s probably not ever going to be National Court level like he and Neil are, but he would be a solid Dealer on a good team. Kevin wouldn’t even mind playing with him professionally.

They park the car far in the back of the lot and Wymack grumbles at a different nice car that is taking up two spots. Kevin climbs out of the car and they start their way towards the hospital.

Kevin considers jogging in circles around Aaron and Wymack as they walk just to burn off more of the lunch they’d just had but decides against it.

Maybe a different nutritionist will be on staff today and will be able to back Kevin up on his plan.

***

Captain Neil and Andrew are quickly followed by Nicky and his Grandma both of whom look nervous but some of that seemed to dissipate when they saw him.

“Are you okay?” Captain Neil asks.

FF goes to open his mouth but a nurse interrupts, “He decided to go on a walk in his current condition. I thought we were quite clear that you needed to stay in bed. Stressing yourself is why you collapsed in the Cafeteria like that.” His main nurse chastises.

“Sorry, it won’t happen again.” FF promises because it won’t. He’s planning on asking for a medically induced coma to escape the consequences of his actions so leaving the bed is the last thing he’s going to do. His dad’s trust for him can have money taken out for his medical needs and there has never been a greater medical need in his entire life than right now.

“What happened?” Andrew demands stepping next to Neil.

How does one explain getting a job offer from the Yakuza (Yakuza or Mafia)?

“I wanted to go for a walk.” He answers because he had and that’s easier to explain.

“Why did you meet Ichirou Moriyama?” Andrew asks again in German.

Well dammit.

FF finds himself at a crossroads.

Does he tell the truth? That he’s an idiot and didn’t realize the man was reaching out to Captain Neil? That he went and had an entire conversation with the man who owns Captain Neil, Kevin, and Jean Moreau? That afterward he tried to stand up and fainted which is how he got taken back to his room?

He thinks he has enough lies going on between his own and his grandma’s and he needs to relay something from Ichirou Moriyama.

“Lord Moriyama wanted me to tell you that he no longer needed to speak with you Captain Neil.” He relays just like he said he would and he sees Captain Neil tense.

“Smith.” Andrew says his name.

He also doesn’t want to talk about it any further.

“I’m fine, but I don’t want to talk about it.” FF closes his eyes as he answers back in German. He feels exhausted now and wishes that he had just requested a coma earlier so that he wouldn’t be in this situation. “Captain Neil, you left your phone here and it’s been pinging. Sorry I read one of the texts.” He gestures vaguely to his side table.

None of his guests speak for the next few minutes as the nurses finish reminding him to stay still, that he’s lucky his stitches didn’t break, that he’s on thin ice. He’s tired and he’s hungry so he’s curt with them in a way he’ll regret later but right now it’s just a lot when he can still feel Captain Neil and Andrew’s eyes burning into him.

Then Nicky proves to continue to be the nicest friend he has when the nurses leave and he feels Nicky’s hand take his and squeeze. “Hey, how are you really feeling?” he asks.

FF takes a deep breath, “I have...no idea.” he says. “I’m sorry.” he adds.

Nicky squeezes his hand again, “Hey, Aras made you some soup and we kept it away from Kevin. You’re probably a lil’ cranky because you’re tired, hungry, and in pain. You don’t need to talk about it right now okay?” Nicky says.

He’s really lucky to have Nicky as his friend.

He squeezes Nicky’s hand back and valiantly does not cry. He squeezes his eyes tighter to keep them from slipping out, it’d be embarrassing to cry here like this.

“Thank you.” He says voice quiet but doesn’t open his eyes, knowing what will come out if he does.

His Grandma comes to his side again and strokes his face. Her fingers wipe away the few tears that did slip out despite his best efforts but he thinks she did it so casually that maybe no one noticed.

It hasn’t been a good day, but Grandma’s soup has always been something that makes him feel better. He just wishes he could be alone for a minute with just her to witness the next few minutes.

Nicky, bless him, must sense that because he squeezes his hand tightly before letting go, “C’mon, let’s give Smithy and Aras a moment okay?” He says.

FF doesn’t open his eyes until his Grandma whispers, “My little Rotisserie Chicken, they’ve stepped out.” She says.

“He offered me a job in the Yakuza.” He blubbers immediately. “I don’t even know if they have dental.” He spills one of his lesser concerns.

“Oh honey, let’s eat some soup.” She soothes stroking his face.

***

Neil feels bad.

FF was pale, shaking, sweaty, and despite his grandma’s best efforts Neil had seen a tear slip from his tightly closed eyes.

He looks to his side and sees Andrew’s own hands tightened into fists.

“C’mon, let’s give Smithy and Aras a moment okay?” Nicky says and drags them out of the room through the sheer force of his ire. It’s moment like this that Neil really does understand why it is that FF prefers to spend his free time with Nicky over any other of their group.

They get out of the room and down the hall before Nicky starts in. “You two are the KINGS of not talking about shit so, for now, LEAVE it.” He hisses in German in a bid to keep the conversation private from anyone walking past.

“We need to know what deal he and Ichirou came to.” Andrew says in the same language.

“You’re going to find that out from Ichirou probably once he crazy murders Romero and Jackson in the next couple days!” Nicky cries dramatically, “Smithy probably doesn’t even know the full details because he’s in a lot of pain because he’s been STABBED.” Nicky points a finger at Andrew but wisely does not poke him with it. “Do you think he ACTUALLY went on a walk? Ichirou’s men probably took him since they couldn’t find YOU Neil.” Nicky points at Neil and, again, wisely does not poke him with it.

Neil’s stomach twists.

Maybe Neil should invest in a phone clip like Wymack thought the implication that the Moriyamas came to where his phone was leaves him wanting to skip it like a stone straight into the ocean. Too bad going to a beach still makes his palms sweaty.

“So what WE are going to do,” Nicky does a quick circle to point at the three of them, “is we are going to be good friends and help Smithy because he’s stressed, in pain, and needs friends not INTERROGATORS.” Nicky waves his arms in exasperation.

“Who are Neil and Andrew interrogating?” Aaron asks and Neil looks to the side to see Aaron with Kevin being pulled along by the scruff by Wymack.

“Smithy.” Nicky says.

“Why?” Kevin asks.

“Because Ichirou came and talked to him.” Andrew explains.

Kevin goes pale. “Why? I thought he was going to talk with Neil?” Kevin asks looking at Neil.

“He probably came here following Neil’s phone, which he left. So he grabbed Smithy to talk to him.” Nicky says, “Ichirou seemed impressed and pleased with whatever they talked about but Smithy is a little fragile after all of this so,” Nicky stepped into Kevin’s space, “Leave.” He pokes Kevin’s chest once, “Him.” He pokes Kevin’s chest twice, “Alone.” He pokes Kevin’s chest a third time.

“How would he even have an understanding of who he’s talking to?” Kevin asks looking sick. “No one has mentioned anything about the whole thing with the Moriyamas right?” He looks at the rest of them and Neil knows none of them would mention it.

Nicky rolls his eyes with his entire body.

“Kevin, do you know how many languages Smithy is fluent in?” Nicky asks.

“Uh…quite a few?” Kevin responds looking thrown.

“Yeah, one of those languages is French. Which you KNOW because he’s corrected your pronunciation before.” Nicky reminds Kevin and the Son of Exy blushes slightly.

“What does that have to do with this?!” Kevin squawks.

“Kevin, how many conversations have you had RIGHT in front of Smithy in French as you talked with Jean?” Nicky asks.

“None!” Kevin hisses.

“Can you say that for sure? You know how it can be with Smithy. Aaron over here has basically almost fucked his girlfriend in front of Smithy before because he didn’t realize he was there.” He juts his thumb towards Aaron.

“Hey.” Aaron scowls not happy to be reminded of that. “He needs a damn bell.” Aaron grumbles.

“I’ve talked about it in front of him and you never told us?!” Kevin exclaims.

“It’s Smithy! He’s not going to tell anyone!”  Nicky argues.

Which is very true.

FF is just not that kind of guy.

“So we are ALL going to be good, supportive friends to Smithy and hopefully he gets out of here today despite the whole shit show with Ichirou and we get him back to Abby’s where he can rest up in her guest room with his grandma.” He points at each of them with a frown.

“But-“

“Kevin, leave it for now.” Wymack finally steps in to the conversation. “How’s he looking?” He looks to Neil.

Pale, tired, pained, and trying not to cry either from pain, stress, or fear Neil does not know.

“Bad.” Neil answers.

Wymack sighs, “Stay out here. I’m going to go check.” He says.

They watch as Wymack enters into FF’s room.

Kevin is still spiraling from the realization of all the different conversations he could have possibly had in front of FF thinking French would act as a barrier.

A thought crosses Neil’s mind, “Wait, Smith doesn’t know Russian right?” He looks to Andrew because he and Andrew have said quite a few things to one another when FF was there.

“No, he said he isn’t learning it here.” Andrew shakes his head. “Even if he does learn it Smith would just leave if he was uncomfortable.” Andrew shrugs.

They have all seen a ‘Smith 180°™‘ before when he’s walked in and has seen Aaron and Katelyn or entered a room where Nicky was talking to Erik or Matt was talking to Dan. Neil has even noticed one or two when him and Andrew may have been in a less than private place.

It was nice to have someone who would just see them like that and leave it alone instead of betting on it, trying to take a picture, or gagging like it’s disgusting.

Wymack walks back out after a minute in FF’s hospital room, “Let’s give Smith and his Grandma a couple more minutes.” He says and Neil’s heart sinks.

***

Wymack wasn’t quite sure what he walked into.

Smith’s Grandma was wiping his face and feeding him soup which is about what he expected. What he hadn’t expected was what FF was saying to his Grandma.

“….didn’t even wash his hands Gran. What if none of them wash their hands? I can’t work in that kind of environment!” FF babbles as he takes another spoonful of soup from his Grandma.

Smith’s Grandma looks up and sees that it’s just him at the door before continuing in English, “Sweetie, you don’t need to accept the job offer from the Yakuza.” She soothes.

“What do I even do?! What’s the etiquette? Do I send a letter refusing the job offer? Do I email him thanking him for the interview? Was it an interview?” FF asks.

Wymack shuts the door and he’s sure FF hadn’t even noticed him.

Yeah the kid needs a couple more minutes

MASTERPOST FOR ALL PARTS OF FLUENT FRESHMAN AU

NEXT

@i-have-three-feelings​ @blep-23​ @dreamerking27​ @andreilsmyreligion @belodensetdust​ @rainbowpineapplebottle @yarn-ace​ @iwouldlikesometea @lily-s-world​ @obscureshipsandchips​ @booklover242​ @whataboutmyfries​ @sahturnos​ @pluto-pepsi​ @dreamerthinker​ @passinhosdetartaruga​ @leftunknownheart​ @aro-manita-muscaria @hologramsaredead​ @Chaoticgremlinswishtheycouldbeme @tntwme​ @tayspots @nick-scar​ @crazy-fangirl2524​ @blue-jos10​ @stabbyfoxandrew​ @splishsplashyouropinionistrash​ @sammichly​ @the-broken-pen​ @bitchesdoweknowu​ @very-small-flower​ @ghostlyboiii​ @its-a-paxycab​ @bisexual-genderfluid-fan​ @cheesecookie​ @theoneandonlylostsock​ @foxsoulcourt​ @blueleys @adverbialstarlight​ @elia-nna​ @can-i-just-stay-in-the-corner​ @nikodiangel​ @foxandcrow-inatrenchcoat​ @hallucinatedjosten​ @satanic-foxhole-court​ @vexingcosmos​ @chalilodimun​ @insectsgetcooked​ @angry-kid-with-no-money​ @queer-crows​ @lillyndra​ @themundanemudperson​ @readertodeath​ @apileofpillows​ @mortalsbowbeforeme​ @hellomynameismoo​ @next-level-mess @youreonlylow​ @interstellarfig​ @notprocrastinatingatalltoday​ @percyjacksonfan3​ @queenofcrazy27​ @bsmr261 @ghostlyscares​ @spencellio @adinthedarkroom​ @harpymoth​ @sufferingjustalilbit​ @anxietymoss​ @oddgreyhound​ @ohno-myhyperfixation-itsbroken​ @ken22789​ @atiredvampire​ @isoldescorner​ @not--a--pipedream​ @azure-wing​ @bushbees​  @roonilwazlib-main​ @crumplelush​ @foldedaces-paperbirds​ @thesenseinnonsense​ @let-tyrants-fear​ @ketchupandfries​ @legowerewolf​ @deadlydodos​ @but-we-respect-his-craft​ @cariniqe @zanypersonapricotbiscuit​ @lesbian-blackbeard​ @lesbiansupernatural​ @silvermasquerade​ @thepeachfuzz​ @minniemariex​ @kazoo-the-demjin​ @gaypomegranate​ @ji-nk-ies​ @neilimfinejosten​ @omgrubelangel​ @itsyouitsmeorpheuseurydice​ @percabethotplove​ @cozyrosykay​ @foxyatlas​ @theoneandonlylostsock​ @cindersapsecrets​ @scornedethnographer​ @hugemotherfuckingnerd​ @givemethedamnflowers​ @our-king-bree​

The  requests to be added to the tag list keep being spread out across a few  different areas. If I missed you please just ask again in the replies I  promise I just missed you.

As stated before if you’re up here and I spelled it right but you didn’t get a notification there might be  something switched around in your settings that won’t let me tag you properly?

[tfc-gal-pal]

This has been sitting in my drafts for weeks and April will be upon us tomorrow so… @korakos I am so sorry this is so long — I always have too many questions 🫣

Lovely Nora, I’m doing a aftg reread and I have a few questions if you’re willing to answer.

1. When Renee tells Neil that she is in charge of protecting the Foxes not under Andrew’s protection, she also tells him she offered to take Neil off Andrew’s hands once (and Andrew told her he wouldn’t wish Neil on anyone but a mortician’s assistant). When did she offer that and what prompted her to?

2. Neil mentions to Andrew when talking about the future now that Ichirou is letting him live that maybe he’ll even get to die of old age. Do he and the rest of the Foxes get to 🥹

(On that note I have this terrible headcanon that Andrew dies in his 40s after suffering from several health related issues caused by stuff he did when he was younger and Neil lives into his 60s or 70s please tell me I’m wrong)

3. Did Kayleigh Day ever have as much of an inkling as to what an abusive asshole Tetsuji was? Like did she have no idea what she was getting her son into? (no judgement, some assholes hide in plain sight, I’m just curious)

4. Would you be willing to show us the scene where Andrew strangles information out of Kevin? The idea of it warms my heart 🥺

5.. Was there ever a draft where Neil died in Baltimore?

6. What was the Japanese dialogue during atfg (especially what did Ichirou say to Tetsuji and Riko in the raven tower)?

Extra question from me bc I’m thinking about writing: How did the Foxes’s characters and storylines come to be? Did they just march in pretty much fully formed or were they painstakingly created decision by decision, out of trying to decide what their hair color was and what they ate for breakfast?

[lyndiscealin]

Okay I realize ex-slave says 2 wip but I’m greedy and just love hearing fic authors talking about their wips 😭

Awww, thank you 🥰

I love talking about my WIPs!!!!

Those WIPs are the sequel and prequel of this one shot: https://archiveofourown.org/works/29273535

Were Neil was a Riko's Slave and Andrew got him as a gift after murdering Riko for Ichirou.

Here is a snippet from the prequel:

Andrew stopped in his tracks.

“What is this?”, he asked cautiously. There stood a man on his front porch, clothed in a designer suit.

“Ichirou sends his regards”, the man said and Andrew grit his teeth. Of course.

“I killed Riko, I don’t want to have anything to do with your lot anymore.”

It was only two weeks ago that he had finally managed to put a bullet through this sick fucker's head and therefore fulfilled his deal with Ichirou. He was mostly free now and had enough money to last for a while. Only occasional assignments if Ichirou really needed him, that was it. Now Andrew wasn’t sure if his employer might mistrust him or if this really just was a one time visit. Whyever a slave trainer made the visit.

“You can go now, the moving company will be here in an hour. As long as you don’t want to help, my hospitality ends here.”

“He will gladly help and unfortunately we will stay. Ichirou was mighty impressed and wants you to know how pleased he is.”

“What?”

There was more than one thing to untangle from these sentences. Andrew's eyes went searching and landed on something on the porch floor. Not something, someone.

“No”, he ground out. Ichirou hadn’t… he… shit, he sent him a slave. The slave to be more precise. Together with the most famous trainer. Kevin Day and the favourite slave of Riko. Great. Just great.

Riko had been known for breaking his slaves more than thoroughly. The extent of what that meant, Andrew had only seen when he had broken into The Nest - the Moriyamas ‘training facilities’. It had been so horrible, the pictures still followed Andrew, sprang at him in unguarded moments and tried to overwhelm him. It needed all he could manage to keep them away now.

Instead he went closer to the person kneeling on his porch. He could see the slave collar around his neck now. He was bound to one of the posts by it and in addition his hands were bound in front of him.

Andrew’s teeth hurt because he was grinding them so hard. That right in front of him was a human being and he was handled like he was even lesser than a dog.

“I don’t want him, I don’t want you.” The slave moved minimally. If Andrew hadn’t looked at him, he would have missed it. It was like a small shudder or a small flinch. “You can go wherever you want, I don’t care.”

“I am dead if I disobey Ichirou. You won’t get rid of me. And he can’t. Ichirou warned me about some idealistic bullshit you would pull. Our slaves don’t have the mindset of a free will. He will crouch there until he dies of hunger. And even if he could… Slave show him your throat.”

It was a motion so flawless Andrew would have been in awe, if he hadn’t been in shock instead. The bound hands reached up, the head was bent slightly so Andrew had a better view. When the man pulled his collar slightly down a delicate pattern came into view. Black lines criss crossing and ending in small flowers. Sword Lilies to be more exact. It was the flower of the Moriyamas and therefore a clear sign of what this was: A slave collar, tattooed around the neck of someone who was supposed to always be a slave.

[palmettofoxden]

TFC characters as lines from Cell Block Tango

Andrew: It was a murder, but not a crime.

Renee: He ran into my knife. He ran into my knife ten times.

Aaron: If you’d have been there, if you’d have seen it, I bet you you would have done the same.

Neil: They had it coming. They only had themselves to blame.

Allison: I guess you could say we broke up because of artistic differences. He saw himself as alive and I saw him dead.

Kevin: I didn’t do it, but if I’d done it, how could you tell me that I was wrong?

Dan: You know some guys just can’t hold their arsenic.

Nicky: Yeah, but did you do it?

Matt: I am innocent.

Riko: I was in such a state of shock. I completely blacked out, I can’t remember a thing. It wasn’t until later, when I was washing the blood off my hands, I even knew they were dead.

Wymack: If they used us and they abused us, how could you tell us that we were wrong?

Ichirou: I fired two warning shots. Into his head.