#Kun and Leo- what a story it is

[kyuutekyu]

Time flies.... 🥺

[seangelfish]

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Ritsu Sakuma x Reader ♡ Tags: Fluff, established relationship, casual romance, really wholesome, INTRO IS REALLY LONG, SORRY!, she/her pronouns ♡ Word count: 2,215 ♡ Synopsis: Inspired by the Meowsketeers scout story in which this card is featured in. I've been trying to read the scout stories since I never read them, and I thought that this one would be cute to add the reader in! Please note that this fic does not stay true to the story, but it has taken bits from it. A/N: There needs to be more Ritsu x reader fics.

Drenched in sweat, Ritsu slowly woke up from his nap in the ES gardens. His mind was still filled with thoughts of what happened the other day when Tsukasa confronted and withdrew some of the new members of Knights.

Ritsu pitied them, but what was said was the mere truth. That's the way Knights operated, it was never a unit to have fun with as an idol. But seeing those tearful faces did take a toll on him.

At that moment, Ritsu felt something heavy weighing on him. It wasn't what happened that day, but something physical that he could feel near his stomach.

'Who is it? Am I being attacked? It's not those pranks Tsukipi set up, right?' he thought tiredly. Unless it's (Y/N)...? No... she said she'd be busy today–

Ritsu was getting annoyed. "Hold on. You don't disturb people when they're sleeping!" he groaned. "Now I'm in a bad mood... Don't mess with me– Huh?"

Eyes wide open, Ritsu found that on his stomach was a black cat.

"Ugh, so it was this guy!" he fumed. "Get off! You're heavy and it's too hot...!"

Yet the cat wouldn't budge. It stayed lying on Ritsu's stomach as if he were a pillow. Ritsu wasn't having any of it though, no one dares disturb his sleep even if they were a cat! Getting angrier by the second, he decided to fight it off him.

"Hey! Ow! Don't dig your claws in me!"

"That Suo, he's late!" exclaimed Leo. "What a troublesome guy! I came early today since he gets angry at me when I come late."

"Unbelievable! He's wasting my precious time!" Izumi chided. "This is so annoying. Did your wanderlust infect Kasa-kun?"

Leo laughed. "Eh? What, what? Wahaha, that's funny, Sena! I suppose it's fate that Knights' leader is to be cursed by wanderlust!"

Frantic footsteps could be heard as Tsukasa barged into the studio panting. He apologised, mentioning to his seniors that he got involved in a little incident with Ritsu. That was when Ritsu entered the room, still arguing with the black cat he encountered outside.

"I told you to let go of me, didn't I?! Why can't you understand me, you stupid cat?!" Ritsu growled. "Do my clothes smell like catnip or something...?"

"A stray cat got attached to Ritsu-senpai and it won't let go of him," stated Tsukasa.

"Unbelievable. This was why you were late?" said Izumi. "There's got to be some way to pull it off. Just grab it by the neck like how a parent cat carries a kitchen– Owah! This guy tried to scratch me! If you were human, I'd have you pay compensation!"

Arashi suggested that they all calm down and get started on the retrospective – the reason why they were holding a meeting in the first place. If they ignore the cat, perhaps it would let Ritsu go!

But as Arashi started playing the video of their live, Leo noticed something. In the video, Leo pointed out the front row seats where beside a fan's feet, a black cat was seen.

"This guy, it saw Ritsu at Knights' live and came to meet him!" said Leo excitedly.

"Hah...? No way! That sounds so unrealistic," Ritsu replied before turning to the cat which started showing him affection. "Owah, what? Don't start licking my cheek!"

"Given its reaction, it probably did come to meet Knights," said Tsukasa. "Isn't it just the cutest? It probably fell in love with Ritsu-senpai's brave figure at the live!"

"What?! Don't say things so nonchalantly!"

But the other members of Knights had agreed to let the cat do what it wanted despite Ritsu's comments on how much of a disaster this was.

The cat didn't let go of him even during the retrospective. It lay sound asleep on Ritsu's lap. Knights had come up with a name for the cat too, 'd'Artagnyan', their 'newest knight that was drawn in by Knights.'

Ritsu didn't like this idea at all. He didn't see any resemblance between him and the cat that his fellow members were constantly pointing out too. Though, he didn't want to just kick it out. He wanted it to leave on its own volition.

"It clings to you like how you cling onto (Y/N)," stated Arashi causing Ritsu to erupt into a steam of embarrassment. "Maybe it finds your scent comforting~? If so, it might be satisfied with something that has Ritsu-chan's scent on it..."

"Something with my scent?" Ritsu repeated. "Ah, I just came to an unpleasant conclusion..."

He was talking about his favourite blanket – the only thing in this studio that had his scent on it. But there was no way that Ritsu wanted to give this unlucky cat his favourite blanket!

"Ah, wait! Don't suddenly pounce for my blanket, you idiot cat!" huffed Ritsu as he tried to yank the blanket away. He was now on the floor fighting with the cat. "Give it back! I don't want such an unlucky cat to use my blanket! Guys, please help me out here!"

"Oi, oi. There's no need to get so worked up over something like this, right, Ritsu?" said Leo. "I know it's annoying, but it'll be dangerous if you get violent in here, no?"

"But I really like this blanket! I won't allow it to use it! Ah, don't scratch it–"

"Please calm down, Ritsu-senpai...!" sputtered Tsukasa.

But before Izumi could assert himself to scold Ritsu, you had rushed into the studio. Arashi had texted you about the situation before they started their retrospective, hoping that you'd come to solve the issue at hand. After all, you solved a lot of their problems before, it became customary to ask you for help.

"Ritsu, are you okay?" you asked worriedly, bending down. "Hey, what's wrong? You're not usually like this."

"(Y-Y/N)?!" Ritsu blurted, perplexed at your sudden appearance. "W-What are you doing here?"

You answered that even though you were busy with your own assignments today, you couldn't just ignore what was happening with Knights, with him.

"Is this what's bothering you?" You tried picking up the cat, but it immediately started hissing at you. "Ah! Okay, I'm not going to pick you up then...! Anyway, Arashi texted me all the details already. Why don't you just give up the blanket, Ritsu?"

"N-No!" he cried. "I can't!"

"I don't understand why you like that blanket so much," said Izumi. "I'll buy you a new one if that makes you happy–"

"That's not it! (Y/N) bought me this one!"

Everyone had gone silent over that fact.

"Then I'll buy you a new one," you offered.

"No!" Ritsu protested. "You got this for me when we were first years! I can't just let that go!"

Ritsu usually wasn't this worked up, so you knew he was upset about something other than his blanket. But you also knew that he was a very sentimental person too, so you couldn't just force him to give up something that he truly loved. It was sweet that he had kept this blanket up until now though. It showed how much he loved you.

"I have an idea," you suddenly said. You rummaged through your bag and pulled out a white sweater. "This also has Ritsu's scent on it."

"Wait," Ritsu began. "That's my sweater."

"Mhm, my favourite one too!" you giggled. "If we give the cat this, then it'll give up on the blanket!"

"B-But (Y/N), you love that sweater...!" he said.

"I do, but you love that blanket too, right? I'll give this up so you can have your blanket back!"

With how selfless and thoughtful you were being, Ritsu had finally cooled down.

"N-No, it's fine," he said sadly. "I'll let it keep the blanket, you keep the sweater, okay? I'm sorry, everyone, I went overboard. I didn't mean to hurt anyone."

"Ritsu..."

He picked up his blanket with the cat still attached to it and left the building quietly. The meeting with Knights had come to an end. You sighed, apologised and thanked Knights for putting up with your boyfriend before following after him.

Ritsu was situated on one of the tables at the ES gardens, his head laid on his arms as he watched the black cat sleep in his blanket.

"It's my fault that Knights ended up fighting again... If only this cat hadn't been there. No, I should've been calmer..." he murmured. "It would've been better if I had analysed the situation calmly like I usually do, and brought it to a positive conclusion..."

"Ritsu~" you called out.

With the sound of your voice, his eyes immediately gravitated towards you. He didn't lift his head though, he was too tired for that.

"(Y/N)..."

"Here," you said, pressing a cold can of soda to his cheek. He cried at the coldness but quickly covered his mouth from being too loud. He didn't want to wake up the cat despite how annoying it was today.

"Ah, thank you..." he said, taking the can from you. He laid it in front of him, not opening it. "(Y/N), I'm really sorry about earlier. You were busy, and Nacchan had to call you over to deal with something so small."

"Eh, it's okay~," you said. From behind, you wrapped your arms around his neck, holding him close to you. "I'm nearly finished with my assignments anyway. But Ritsu, are you really okay?"

Ritsu strained a smile, but he held your arm in a way to comfort himself. "I'm fine now. I'm going to sit here and reflect on my actions until this stupid cat wakes up. If I ignored the cat in the studio and it gets restless, it might be even more troublesome."

You laughed. "It's so cute when it's sleeping. It reminds me of you."

"Eeehhh? Why does everyone keep saying that?" he asked.

"Well, it's cute and you're cute! Also, it takes naps just like you, hehe~"

Ritsu sighed but laughed along. "Ah, you're wearing the sweater," he said, finally noticing the baggy look on you.

"Yep! I'm glad I didn't need to give it up in the end, but I do feel sad that you had to give your favourite blanket away," you said.

"It's fine. Maybe it'll let it go later..." he started. "Well, I hope it does anyway. I really do like that blanket..."

He chuckled, reminiscing the time you first got him the blanket. The two of you met just before entering Yumenosaki. You were Mao's friend initially, but he had introduced you to Ritsu during the time he had to repeat his first year. Ritsu had treated you coldly at first, but when you spotted him sleeping in the gardens, coming to know of his illness, you had decided to gift him a blanket for him to use.

It was a blanket you had bought at a shop in town, nothing special, but Ritsu thought the world of it. Even when he treated you so poorly, you were still so nice to him – to accommodate him in this way. He grew fond of the blanket, but he mostly grew fond of you.

After that day, he stuck to you just like the cat he was watching now.

"You know, I'm surprised it's still kept in good condition after all these years," you pointed out. "We're in our third year now... and it still looks brand new."

"I take good care of my things, (Y/N)~," he said. "And I'll be keeping that blanket for as long as I can."

You smiled and gave him a peck on the back of his head. "Anyway, aren't you going to tell me what got you so riled up? It can't just be because of the cat, right?"

"Ah, right..." he said. He opened the can that you gave him and began to drink the contents of it. "So, this is what happened..."

He explained everything to you, recalling what happened that day when they had to withdraw some of the new Knights members. He was honest with his feelings, how bad he felt when he saw those tearful faces, how bad he felt when he knew that those dreams were being crushed.

But after some reassurance from you, Ritsu felt a lot better. That's when Tsukasa showed up to check up on him too. A suggestion of finding foster parents for the cat was brought up which Ritsu agreed to.

By time, he grew fond of the cat albeit he still wanted it gone. But things had resolved themselves, and Ritsu was back to his calm, analytical self again.

You had come to say goodbye to the cat, d'Artagnyan, too. This time, it had let you hold it.

"Hehe, it really does remind me of you," you told Ritsu who immediately turned red. "Don't miss Ritsu too much, you hear me~? I hope you live a comfortable life."

Watching you be so gentle with the cat like that had Ritsu feeling some sort of way. He smiled gently to himself, appreciating that you were there with him, that you were there to console him and to listen to every word he had to say. There was nothing better in this world – even his favourite blanket – that would compare to you.

Intro page | Ensemble Stars masterlist | Rules

[sugarpasteltmnt]

You write unhinged Leo so well, and I really like how you write him. I was wondering if you had tips on unhinged characters 😂, or do you just get inspro from existing characters 👀

aksdakjsdh thank you so much ;w;

And honestly???? I’m not totally sure how to give tips— but I love, love, love unhinged characters in media, so I’ll use them as examples

(long rant below lol)

I’ve always been a big fan of silly, ‘crazy’ characters in animated movies and cartoons. I grew up on Batman the Animated Series and the original Teen Titans, which were full of silly, fun tragic characters.

Don’t get me wrong, i love a good edge-lord— but as a tot i thought the colorful, theatrical, insane bad guys were more fun to watch than the big scary serious ones (ESPECIALLY if they had a good villain song. A+ good shit)

(From left to right: Ratigan from Great Mouse Detective, Joker from Batman the Animated Series, Mumbo Jumbo from Teen Titans, Martin from Secret of Nimh 2, Bill Cypher from Gravity Falls, and Spinel from the Steven Universe movie)

And not just bad guys!! There are a ton of unhinged good/neutral characters that i absolutely adore.

(From left to right: King Bumi from ATLA, Clara from Welcome to Demon School Iruma-kun, and, of course, our silly 2018 turtle boys)

((There are many more characters in both categories, but I’ll slide these examples in here for now))

My personal brand of “Unhinged” or “Crazy” characters definitely leans on comedy. That’s what i enjoy seeing and reading! I personally like it because it can help keep a story fresh and interesting. There’s an element of surprise and unpredictability with what a character might do, and i love that!!

I also really enjoy a touch of feral behavior in my unhinged characters. The lack of clarity and the danger that imposes can be a very fun tool to use, no matter the character’s moral compass. (I’m feral for feral behavior lol)

And impulses. Whether a character has a few screws loose or is generally a goober, they like to act on impulses. This often goes hand-in-hand with comedy, and that’s something I enjoy!! We get a lot of moments like that in Rise, and that was one of my favorite parts of that TMNT iteration.

But as far as writing goes, it’s been tricky for me. All of the characters I grew up or love have been visual— trying to find a good balance for reading has been a puzzle I’ve been figuring out as I go.

I read a lot manga (lol nerd) and comics, and I love how thoughts/dialog are depicted. Especially the really dramatic or impactful moments. (I’d add examples but I’m already at the Tumblr image limit LAME)

As strange as it sounds, I try to capture that “impactful visual” style in my writing. If I had ANY advice on writing unhinged characters, pay attention to pacing—

Short. Fast. A calculating thought. Perhaps a run on sentence that lacks punctuation to represent the rushing and disorganized thought process. A question? An answer with little thought. Is this moment amusing; describe how. Is it upsetting; describe how. Are the thoughts starting to scatter? M aybe s o…

Big moment statement.

Action or plan of next big move. Flow should never seem too uniform. Even in normal writing. Don’t be afraid of accentuating— but don’t overdo it. Remember, unhinged characters are impulsive. Have fun with that.

Just as a quick and dirty summary— when it comes to unhinged characters, I like to use comedy, feral behavior, and acting on impulses. I also like to keep it as visually appealing as possible for characters to give the eyes a little treat after reading walls of text. I like to use fun text formatting to help with the fun too (But don’t overdo it! Don’t make it feel like a chore to read) (<- says the girl who goes into way too much details sometimes lmao whoops)

But ultimately— have FUN!!! Unhinged characters are fun, so make sure you have fun writing/drawing/creating them!!

[freisende]

Memories Selection: Checkmate Episode 5 - 孤独な玉座 (The Lonely Throne) English Translation - Ensemble Stars

Provided by Happy Elements, あんスタチャンネル on Youtube

Ensemble Stars Memories Selection: Checkmate 『チェックメイト』 Adapted from Ensemble Stars! Story: Checkmate Written by: 日日日 (Akira) English Translation: Freiya

*All copyrights of the stories, scene pictures and writings, all belong to Happy Elements. I only translated the scenes into English to help overseas fans understand the dialogues. I do not own any copyrights other than the English Translation*

——————————————

Izumi: You’re late, Leo-kun!

Izumi: It's basic to be on time, right? Don’t you lack the sense of being the leader?

Leo: Ahaha~! Sorry, sorry. You know… in truth, just now I was negotiating a bit with the unit we’re supposed to be facing off.

Eichi: Negotiate…?

Izumi: *Izumi takes a walk forward* …Now that I think about it, not even one of them has shown up yet, have they? Well, they don’t even have the will to do their activities from the start. So I thought they don’t intend to participate in the rehearsal, and will just go straight directly in the real live, though?

Leo: Hm. They’re really like that, huh? Recently, I have finally understood. Everyone, all of them, I thought they’re my lovely friends. But I wonder what they think? I was thinking; do they also think of me as a precious being, like Sena do? I was very curious about this as of late. That’s why the other day, I had Mama[1] help me negotiate, and I directly faced the former member of Chess regarding this one-on-one. I’m also a boy, so I’m worthless if I am always just being protected by Sena, right? 

Izumi: *Izumi puts a confused expression while looking at Madara*

…What do you mean?

Madara: Hmm… let’s hear it directly from Leo himself, okay?

Izumi: …

*Everyone is silent and hear Leo’s explanation deeply*

Leo: …I went all around and asked everyone. I asked them, “What do you think of me? What am I to you?” They gave me various answers. But there is not much meaning in words. “A friend. A comrade, I love you”, you can say anything with your mouth, right? 

That’s why I narrowed it to choices. 

Izumi: …Choices?

Leo: Yup. Me, or the songs I composed. I made them choose. If they like me, regard me as a friend, and still want to be friends with me, I won’t let them use my songs anymore. But if they choose to be my enemies, I will let them use my songs just like always up to now. When I presented them with those choices, Sena, what do you think happened there? 

Leo: Everyone, without any hint of hesitation, with smiling expression on their faces, they directly choose to be my enemies! Ahahahahahaha! Laughable, right, Sena? What they love isn’t me, but my songs! Well, that’s obvious though, because I’m a genius! The songs I made are great masterpieces! Ahahahaha, ahahaha! Hey, Sena, Tenshi, it was steeped in my mind that I was loved. I thought I had spent my youth well happily with these friendful comrades.

Leo: But, it was just me being mistaken by myself! Ahahahahaha, ahahahahahaha, ahahahaha, ahaha! 

Izumi: Leo-kun, well…!

Leo: No, wait a moment, Sena! Hear me out! *Leo holds out his hand to Izumi* Starting this point is the climax masterpiece! I said just now that I was negotiating, right? I don’t want them to ruin and make a mess of the live that Sena and everyone else has been preparing well for, so I thought it would be best for them to just back off if they don’t want to do it!

***

–Flashback to the scene of Leo negotiating before–

Chess’ former member A: Don’t stand on today’s checkmate stage?

Leo: Yup. You would still get the pay. Not a bad deal, right?

Chess’ former member B: Okay~! I’ll ride that big negotiation deal.

Leo: …I see…

Chess’ former member C: Yeah. Even if we face off, we can’t win against you guys.

Chess’ former member D: If we don’t need to stand on stage but still get paid, that way definitely would be better for us too.

Chess’ former members: Ahahahahahaha. 

Leo: …In truth, I was hoping that they would reject this negotiation. I wanted to explode, “Don’t be ridiculous!”, I wanted to beat and mess them up!

…Hey. what’s up with those guys? Are they really idols? For what purpose do they live? Isn’t it to do their best in things they like in their life?

Izumi: Leo-kun… *Izumi reaches out for Leo’s shoulders*

Leo: …Sena, this is your fault, you know!

Izumi: …Huh?

Leo: You’re the first person I met in this school. You’re the guy that I got close to and you always do your best. That’s why I thought everyone else was like that too…! Idols are amazing, and if it’s here I can definitely make friends. It made me believe that it would be like that, I was made to believe that things were like that. That’s why! Everything, all of it is your fault, Sena!

Izumi: …Why…*Izumi backs off* …Why is it my fault, Leo-kun…?

Madara: …. *Madara looks quietly at them*

***

–Madara calls Izumi out to the archery club’s practice field to talk–

Izumi: …Mikejima, what is it that you need to talk about? It’s about time for the stage to start, I need to do my makeup, change my clothes… I’m busy, though.

Madara: Hm. I thought that you needed to know, see. So I thought of telling you quietly, you know?

Izumi: …Haa? 

Madara: On that day, I was passing by this archery club’s practice field. And I heard the voice of a cat crying inside, as if asking for help. I entered here, and I witnessed that appearance of Leo-san. 

*Little John meows*

Leo: Hm~♪ Hm~♪ Hm~♪ Hm~♪ *Leo sings a melody*

Madara: …! *Madara was surprised and hurried to rush inside, but stop in the middle of the way, while gritting his teeth*

With the flowing blood from his broken right hand as a writing tool, Leo-san was writing music scores, and composing a song with his blood. While crying, he was saying this:

Leo: I’m happy…! This is the first time I’m feeling such pain! What a fortunate moment, ahahaha! Ah, it’s flowing, it’s flowing here…! Inspiration! Ahahahaha…!

Madara: I rushed to the infirmary to call for help, but when I came back, Leo-san was gone.

Izumi: I see. 

(So after that, he came to my place, in the practice room…)

Madara: I investigated, and finally I got it. This place has become a kind of hanging out place for delinquents and those bad guys with no ethic, you see?That day too, they played and did bad things to the cat that got lost here. It’s a very disgusting, bad story, though. They used lighters to burn it, used arrows to hurt it. That was how it came to Leo-san trying to stop them using his body. And the result of it, was like that. The delinquents got scared and they ran off, apparently. Then that’s how I found out. When I saw that appearance of Leo-san, I was too shocked. I thought, perhaps because of the unbearable pain, something has gone off in Leo-san’s head. But the truth, it was not like that.

Madara: Leo-san was trying his best desperately in telling himself: “It’s no one’s fault. This is not a tragedy. If else, I’m feeling happy. Using this experience, I can write out a great masterpiece!” That’s what he must have thought in his head.

Izumi: …That guy… Leo-kun is… an idiot with a good heart of a person, so something like hating other people– he can’t truly hate anyone from the bottom of his heart. And that’s why in Chess, he’s being used delightly by other people. 

Madara: Hm. If you have comprehended that much, then I would like for you to watch for Leo-san carefully, closely by his side. That child is fragile. I am trying my best as his friend, but I can’t always remain by his side to watch him. But you, you’re his comrade and his equivalent, aren’t you? So I’m begging you. Please don’t make that good child unhappy.

Izumi: …Even if you told me that…! I am just a fellow unit member… not his family, or even a friend. I’m busy with myself already and have other things to fulfil. I can’t take care of each and every one of his problems.

***

–Back in the auditorium, audiences have begun to gather to watch the stage–

Leo: Aah Sena~! Se~na, just where have you gone off to? The audiences have entered and gathered here, you know!

Arashi: Hey, hey, Izumi-chan. All the members of our opposing units have surrendered, right? Then, you don’t need extra helping members, right? *Arashi looks at Ritsu*

Ritsu: Um. *Ritsu nods his head at Arashi*

Izumi: *Izumi looks around*…Where are Tenshouin and Aoba?

Leo: They have gone back! I asked them to. I’m the leader, you see. I have that much of an authority, right?

Ritsu: Well, us too…

Arashi: Can go back home, right?

Leo: No! You guys should go sing. From what I’ve seen you guys are pretty good. I’m also curious and want to see how your singing voice sounds!

Arashi: Oh my…

Ritsu: …Eehh?

Leo: It’s time to take off! Let’s go, Sena! *Leo stands up and approaches Izumi* What should I do?

Izumi: …even if you tell me what…?

Leo: I’m stupid, so I can’t figure it out by myself. You’re smart, so you should think it out, and tell me what I should do. I will make your dream come true. 

Leo: As Knights, together with me.

——————————————

Translator’s notes:

[1] Leo calls Madara with his unique abbreviated name, “Mama” from MikejiMA MAdara.

Note: This episode made me sob so much omg it hurts, Leo-kun!😭

——————————————

!Warning! Please refrain from reposting the translation to other platforms; abide to link back to this post for reference. Thank you.

Memories Selection: Checkmate Directory Chapter Episode 4 - Rusting Heart Episode 6 - The Shine of the Crown

Translation Masterlist

[written-in-the-stars3]

a queen and her knights

fandom: ensemble stars

characters: tsukinaga leo & narukami arashi

words: 1853

“Do you hear it, Naru?”

The question snapped Arashi back into reality, her gaze meeting Leo’s expectant one. “Yes I hear it, Leo-kun. It’s a beautiful song.”

Leo huffed and crawled over to Arashi, inches away from her face where she could smell the faint essence of coffee from him. “No, no! You aren’t listening carefully, Naru!” He huffed and paused the song. “Listen carefully once again. Do you not hear the story?”

A/N: here’s another one from my ao3 that I wrote a while back!

Papers scattered all across the rehearsal room floor, Leo paying no mind as his friends tiptoed over them— the ginger far too absorbed in what was about to be his next masterpiece.

As rehearsal came to an end, the rest of knights said their goodbyes as they dispersed… or at least that is what Leo thought they were doing, he wasn’t really paying attention anyways. It wasn’t until he heard Arashi’s voice wishing him a good night that he finally looked up towards the door;

“Naru, wait! Coulda come look at this for me?”

Arashi looked back as he gestured towards the scattered music sheets. Was she really the best person to ask to look over his work? Ritsu and Izumi would have made the most sense. However, it wasn’t every day that Leo reached out to her about his music so she was a little intrigued.

“I can’t really make sense of it like this, Leo-kun…” Arashi mumbled, taking a seat on the ground as she looked through the sheets with notes scribbled all over them. “Would you have an audio sample for me?”

“Oh! Yeah I do! I forgot you can’t imagine it like I do!” Leo laughed and crawled over towards his laptop, blindly hitting one of the keys to play the new melody he had been working on.

Arashi was well aware of the sleepless nights that Leo had pulled to put together this song and his efforts were evident as the beautiful melody flowed through the wires and into her ears. As expected from our genius composer. There was something comforting about the song— she couldn’t exactly put her finger on it but it was like it reached out to her, grasping her within a warm embrace. As if this song was written solely for her.

The melody had no words, yet it felt like it was speaking to her.

“Do you hear it, Naru?”

The question snapped Arashi back into reality, her gaze meeting Leo’s expectant one. “Yes I hear it, Leo-kun. It’s a beautiful song.”

Leo huffed and crawled over to Arashi, inches away from her face where she could smell the faint essence of coffee from him. “No, no! You aren’t listening carefully, Naru!” He huffed and paused the song. “Listen carefully once again. Do you not hear the story?”

Was she missing something? Had Leo provided them with lyrics that she may have missed? There were no words to the song just yet— she had assumed that he would be working on them with his little sister who was seemingly gifted in that department.

“You never told me the lyrics were done, Leo-kun—”

“No no no! I haven’t gotten to that point. Sheesh, don’t ya know how to use your imagination, Naru? I expected that from Sena but not you— shit, unless you’re getting tainted by him the more you spend time around him! Naru has been infected with Sena disease!”

Okay, now he had totally lost her. Just when Arashi thought she was finally starting to understand the former king, his eccentric ways and outbursts had her feeling more lost than ever.

“I’m not sure what you are talking about, Leo-kun..” Arashi blinked, going to remove the headphones but was stopped by Leo’s hands over her own.

“Try listening again… Close your eyes and I will tell you the story if you can’t imagine it. My imagination is endless.” Green orbs stared back at her, glistening with determination and not even giving her a chance to say no.

Sighing, Arashi nodded in agreement. “I would very much like to know what you’re talking about.”

Clapping his hands, Leo guided Arashi to lay down on the hard floor of the rehearsal room, who did so without any questions. Leo laid down beside her, shoulders just barely touching as he placed his laptop onto his stomach, finger hovering over the play button. “Close your eyes and just listen.” She did as she was told, her eyes fluttering shut and he played the song from the start, setting the device to the side yet again.

The familiar new tune filled her ears yet again— however it was nothing different than the first time she heard it. Without a doubt it was a beautiful song, one that seemed to reach out to her, filled her up with ease… but she couldn’t make out what it was conveying. What story was Leo trying to tell?

“The story takes place in a beautiful kingdom, somewhere far away…” Leo began. “Now the village and kingdom had its fair share of problems, as beautiful as they might appear. It was anything but perfect.”

Arashi kept her eyes closed, focusing on Leo’s words and the music as she tried to envision the kingdom that Leo spoke of.

“The kingdom was ruled by a Queen— not your typical evil Queen from fairy tales or a damsel in distress. No, she was a pretty awesome and strong ruler.”

“If she was as strong and awesome as you are saying, then why was the kingdom having so many issues?” Arashi hummed, only to be shushed by Leo.

“Well she was pretty strong and awesome… but she was still only human. Struck by grief from the loss of a dear comrade, self-doubt. Some may say she had her heart shielded for the longest time and wasn’t at all the kindest person earlier on in her life.”

Arashi paused. This story… What was Leo playing at with this? “I… I thought you said she wasn’t an evil Queen, Leo-kun. Your story already has plot holes.”

Leo chuckled softly. “There’s a difference between being evil and being hurt and closing your heart to protect yourself.” He reasoned as he stretched his limbs out like a little orange cat. “Now, back to the story…just as any person does, she grew from her experiences and slowly bettered herself. She started opening her heart to more friends, some of her closest friends being four knights.”

Her eyes opened as she turned to lay on her side, gazing back at Leo who laid there with his eyes closed and a small smile on his face.

“And then were things better for her and the kingdom after that?”

Opening his eyes, Leo turned to lay on his side so he was facing Arashi— her soft yet fearful eyes on him, pleading for an answer as if she had caught onto his story. “Things aren’t that simple, Naru. Despite the changes in her heart, things were far from perfect. Sometimes she felt like she had no control over anything. Life felt like an endless battle. As if everything she worked so hard for was falling apart.”

A soft silence filled the room, Arashi removing the headphones to set aside. “Then how did she fix things? Was she even able to…?”

“Well if she kept insisting to take everything onto herself, she would only be headed towards self destruction! Whenever any of her friends tried reaching out to her she would just brush it off insisting she was fine and laugh it off!” He exclaimed— he seemed far too into the story but Arashi found herself absorbed into it too. No wonder the song reached out to her… it was about her. No, stop being so conceited. It’s merely a coincidence. Leo-kun’s imagination just runs wild. “Now, her knights were the most frustrated with her behavior. At this rate she was going to drag herself to hell and for what? Not wanting anyone to feel sorry for her? For not wanting to appear weak? Heck, who knew what her motives were! I guess she wanted to seem reliable and strong for everyone. Protect them all so no one would have to go through the pain she endured… I dunno, her motives were confusing even for them.”

“Leo-kun… is this story—” No, she couldn’t bear to hear the answer for that question. Knowing Leo, he might play it off as nothing. But if there was the slightest chance it was about her without even a glimpse of a happy ending… “So what happened to her? Did she drive herself to madness? Or did her knights have to step in to save her?”

The fear in her voice was evident as Leo reached over to clasp her hand between his two. She seemed more intrigued than he could have anticipated. Ah, he definitely managed to strike something within her. “Nope, like I said, she wasn’t a damsel in distress that needed saving! But, that doesn’t mean they didn’t help her.”

Fingers intertwined, a gentle and reassuring smile on Leo’s face as if he were telling Arashi to relax and that everything would be alright. Arashi let out a soft and shaky breath.

“It took many interventions, given the Queen was a very stubborn woman. But, they managed to get through to her— not as her knights who wanted to protect her, but as her friends who wanted to support her, show her that she didn’t need to face the world on her own.”

Arashi squeezed his hand in relief, her lips curling into a small smile. “So it was a happy ending after all?”

“Hmm, I suppose you can say that! The thing with this story is that while it ended, it didn't stop there!” Leo explained. “Sometimes the Queen would find herself falling back into old habits, after all, she is only human. But her friends would always remind her that she was being a dummy. Now, whenever they conquer things together, they are invincible. Sometimes they fuck up too, but it’s something they deal with together if it ever happens.”

Silence followed with the exception of clothes shuffling as Arashi shifted closer to Leo and rested her chin on his shoulder, fingers still intertwined as they refused to part. Her heart pounded against her chest— a sound that caught Leo’s ears which had him squeezing her hand yet again in reassurance.

Taking a deep breath to level herself, Arashi finally spoke up yet again; “That sounds like a wonderful story, Leo-kun… it’s perfect for such a beautiful melody.”

Leo beamed at the praise, fingers unclasping to wrap his arms around Arashi in a tight hug. It was an awkward position, but neither of them paid much mind to it. They remained like that for what felt like minutes but in reality was probably a few seconds— for once the silence felt comforting rather than filling them with dread.

“Hey, Naru?” Of course Leo was first to break the silence, the ginger pulling back so he was facing her yet again. “Do you wanna help me with the lyrics?”

Usually Leo would only entrust Ruka with something like lyric writing. Songwriting was their thing so for Leo to suggest something like that was quite a big deal. With the way the song spoke to Arashi, it was truly an honor to be able to assist Leo with something as important as finding the perfect words for the song.

Once again, her arms wrapped around his shoulders in a tight hug. “I would love that, Leo-kun.”

[dailyhelldorm]

[TL][Eichi Feature Scout 2] An Intangible Treasure/Chapter 2

Scenario Writer: Yuumasu Character: Eichi, Tori, Keito, Nazuna, Leo Season: Winter

Summary: Eichi decided to take a picture of himself that hadn't been seen on normal live or TV yet. Since Tori has requested of wanting to see him spending time with his friends...

[♪]

Location: ES (Exterior)

Few days later

Eichi: Yah, Producer-chan. At last, our work is finished.

...Hmm? Why are you making such a strange face?

Ah. You are surprised because there is no one else in the car?

Fufu. I have to do it like this, or we can’t be together alone you know.

Seisoukan is in the small distance range, but let's share some stories while we are on a ride, shall we?

Now, please come on. If you wouldn't mind taking my hand, My Lady ♪

Location: Seisoukan Apartment (Exterior)

Ten minutes later

Leo: Ah! Is that the car?

Oi~ over here! We are here~ ♪

Keito: We are at our meeting spot. You don't need to wave your hands like that, they are going to come here anyway.

Leo: Keito is way too meticulous~ At a time like this, it's the emotion that is mattered ☆

Nazuna: What kind of emotion is that...?

Eichi: I have made you wait. Keito, Tsukinaga-kun.

Hmm, oh my? Nito-kun is here too?

Keito: I asked him to be my helper in a rush.

Eichi: A helper.

Keito: Producer is going to be the photographer, so in reality I am the only babysitter here. I can't watch over both Eichi and Tsukinaga with just myself.

Nazuna: If I'm being real, I actually don't want to come along. Though when I heard about his problems, I got the feeling things would get out of hand if Keito-chin was the only one there.

But you can rest assured. I take up his call so I will surely help you guys out.

Leo: If there are two nannies, then I can do whatever I like without restraint! Please look after me, Keito-mama, Nazu-mama ♪

Keito: Look after yourself, you incorrigible.

Nazuna: Ahaha. He's like a big kid~

Still? I heard you are going to take candid photos for the Feature Live's pamphlet, but specifically what are you taking?

Eichi: Actually, we have no particular plan. I can't think of anything for the theme of spending time with friends of the same age.

Tsukasa-kun's pamphlet photos were already taken in the game center... Uh~m.

For the time being, how about we take the helicopter for a sightseeing flight?

Keito: Reject. What on earth do you mean 'for the time being'? If you do that, won't the thing miss the whole concept?

Eichi: Is that so? I don't think it will deviate too much from my mental image?

Leo: That's 'cause Angel is a born bourgeois~ You have the face of the kind who normally would hop on a helicopter ♪

Eichi: A face who would normally hop on a helicopter? Fufu, this is the first time I was told like that.

...What's wrong, Producer-chan? Sightseeing flight sounds very appealing but it would make the pamphlets following mine become a harder work, you say?

Nazuna: She is right~ If we are going to do a sightseeing flight, it would make other activities shabby in comparison.

Keito: Hmhm... Eichi, how about we go to the shopping mall?

Not like last year, you won't have to worry about exhausting yourself with your physical condition right now.

Eichi: Shopping mall? Sounds good, they sell a lot of things there, just looking at them is fun enough. Let's go to there then, Keito-mama ♪

Keito: Don't you call me 'mama'.

Location: Shopping Mall 1F Hallway

One hour later. At the shopping mall

Leo: ーHey, have Angel even come to the shopping mall?

You probably own some customized goods... right? For you, the store will likely bring any goods to your house, yeah?

Eichi: That's right. Or the goods are taken to the salon gathering, and the person in charge will bring them in for us to view them.

Last year, I came to watch Hajime-kun’s and everyone's live at the shopping mall, you see[1]. From then on, I avail for several times.

Nazuna: Hajime-chin's live? Producer, did they have that live?

...Heh. You carried out a live that was extended exclusively to the first years of all units?

Thank you for letting them experience a lot of things, Producer ♪

Eichi: A lot of people here come to pass their time as they like. Every time I come here, this atmosphere always feels nice ... ♪

Hey, what kind of store do Producer-chan want? I will buy whatever you like.

Keito: Don't you go and buy a store.

Eichi: Fufu. It's just a joke, a silly joke ♪

Nazuna: Tenshouin's words don't sound like a joke though. You might really gotta buy one.

Eichi: Anyway... Producer-chan, what's wrong?

You're right. Tsukinaga-kun is gone.

Keito: I was paying my attention but... What a blunder!

What's with you, Eichi? Why are you looking so happy?

Eichi: Did you know, Keito, that they can do a missing children announcement in the shopping mall ♪

Keito: We don't need to use that yet. We will cause trouble for the shopping mall staff, so making an announcement would be the final resort.

He mustn't have gone too far. He was just here until now... Hmm?

Nazuna: I hear some applause. Let's see... From the instruments department over there.

Eichi: Aah... Fufu. It seems Tsukinaga-kun is conducting some performance. Shall we go and look at him?

…I hear the camera’s shutter sound. Producer-chan, did you take a good picture?

Will you let me see it? Let's see...

Fufu. Whatever self I am showing, they all look natural and positively relaxed here.

...Memories are intangible, but pictures like these can be preserved.

Please take a lot of pictures today, because I want you to record days like this.

Someday when we look back, I hope we can all laugh together while saying 'what a good time it was' ... ♪

[☆]

The live they are talking about is Mall Live.

Directory: Chapter 1 | Chapter 2

[taiyaki-translations]

Murmurs of Flourishing Blossoms - 3

Season: Winter Characters: Kaoru, Mika, Tatsumi, Midori, Izumi, Leo, Shu Translator: taiyaki-translations

Midori: Things are finally back to normal… I’m glad Anzu-san was there to support me. Otherwise, I would have already died…

Mika: Sorry, this was all ‘cause I was bein’ an idiot. I don’t even know how I ended up leavin’ the group~

Izumi: Hah, this guy’s the real idiot. Running off without a smartphone and getting himself lost, I don’t know how he even managed it.

Leo: What~ Everyone found us in the end, didn't they!? Idiot, idiot, Sena’s the idiot!

Kaoru: Haha, everyone must be hungry, right? Let’s hurry up and meet with Itsuki-kun. 

Hm? The person sitting across from Itsuki-kun… Isn’t that the client? Oh, it looks like they’re having a great time talking.

Mika: Ngah?! Oshi-san knew the client from before?

Shu: Honestly, I should be the one who’s surprised, Kagehira. Aside from the fact that you suddenly came here, I can’t believe a photographer I met in Paris brought in ES idols from Japan. 

It’s true that many photographers prefer models with the same cultural background as themselves because it’s easier to understand each other, but this is too much of a coincidence.

Tatsumi: Actually, I was curious about what happened when the client met Kaoru-san. I heard it was an interesting story?

Kaoru: Huh? Didn’t Anzu-chan tell you? 

You didn’t tell anyone because I was also involved  and you didn't know if I was okay with everyone hearing about it? 

Haha, you’re always thinking of the idols first. Then I’ll share that story with everyone now ♪

So, one night, not long after Christmas…

Kaoru: Oh, they haven’t removed the Christmas decorations yet. I wasn’t able to spend Christmas with Anzu-chan this year, but at least we are able to enjoy the snowy scenery together. 

“If you hadn’t accompanied me home, I might not have seen such a beautiful night view, so thank you”? You’re busy preparing for StarFes, there’s no need to thank me. 

They’ll probably redecorate this place for New Year’s soon. Actually, I prefer Christmas to New Year’s…

I ended up spending this Christmas at Starmony Dorms with everyone. There was a Christmas party where everyone exchanged gifts, and Hibiki-kun prepared a huge, beautiful Christmas tree that was pretty impressive ♪ (1)

Anzu-chan has been busy with SS Committee work, so I was hoping you could take some time off during Christmas, but as soon as it passed, you went right back to work. As expected of you~ 

Still, I have to nag you at least a little bit. No matter how busy you are at the end of the year, it’s not safe to work this late? 

(Come to think of it, the temperature is lower than during the day. Anzu-chan is a girl, so she must be more afraid of the cold…?)

Looks like it's gotten cold all of a sudden. Anzu-chan, please sit on this bench and rest for a while. I’ll buy a warm drink from the vending machine over there—

Hey, I’m back~ You didn’t wait long, did you? 

Here you go, hot chocolate. If you don’t want to drink it, use it to warm up your hands.

Kaoru: Girls are beautiful flowers that must be looked after carefully. Anzu-chan, take care of yourself too ♪

“Do you remember when we first met?” At that time, I said to Anzu-chan, “a beautiful flower has bloomed in Yumenosaki Academy”…? Haha, now that I think about it, I feel embarrassed. (2)

Oh, it suddenly started snowing. I’m glad we both brought umbrellas. Let’s head back quickly.

(Really, why am I tongue-tied all of a sudden? I was definitely able to talk properly earlier…!)

(Is it because we are done discussing work? I need to stay alert and respond properly~ Should we continue talking about the past? If I think about the details, I might be able to shift my focus.)

Huh? “Do you think this will be the last snow of the year”? Ah, time really flies. A whole year has passed in the blink of an eye.

A lot has happened this year. Last year around this time, I hadn’t even graduated from Yumenosaki yet, but now Anzu-chan is close to graduation. 

I remember last year’s StarFes MV was being filmed at a restaurant near the school. Anzu-chan even dragged Rei-kun’s coffin over, right? (3)

“It’s actually quite a useful means of transportation”? Haha, that’s why you brought Ritsu-kun to the site in that coffin too when we were filming at the ice rink? ♪ (4)

But next time something like that happens, ask us for help—

Uwah, who’s this person that suddenly popped out? That surprised me~ 

Huh? You want me… to be your model?

Kaoru: That’s roughly how it happened. To be honest, both Anzu-chan and I were surprised at the time~

Tatsumi: I see. After that, the client found out that Anzu-san is a producer and asked her to recommend some other idols, so Mika-san, Midori-san and I were also invited. 

I’m really happy that the producer thought of us when she was told to find idols who have a “gentle and soft” image ♪

Mika: Nnah, how did Oshi-san get to know this photographer?

Shu: As you may have suspected, this photographer is an impatient person who doesn’t make plans and just does whatever that comes to their mind. Well, I can’t say it’s a bad trait for an artist, but—

Leo: That’s right, that’s right! You have to catch the inspiration when it comes! Wahaha, Shu knows me well ☆

Shu: Hm, I didn’t mean to praise you. 

Anyway, isn’t there a big exhibition opening in Paris? They asked to take your pictures for that exhibition. 

Of course, I also didn’t want to miss this opportunity to showcase my own works. However, they already made a reservation for the exhibition hall that I had my eye on, so we coordinated the use of the space and gradually became friends. 

After choosing you as their models, they said they would hold their exhibition in the rose garden, and gave me the space they had reserved. I offered to help make the costumes so as not to be indebted to them. 

Mika: Eh?! Oshi-san is helpin’ us make our costumes? 

I’m so excited…! I’m really looking forward t’ collaboratin’ with Oshi-san…!

Translation Notes: 1. Referring to the story HOT WINTER. 2. From Kaoru's Sub Story 1 3. Referring to the story Holiday Party. 4. Referring to the story Dance on Ice.

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[rikeijo]

Today's translation #520

Yuri!!! on STAGE event pamphlet, Shunichi Toki's comment

>I gave all that I had into recording of my parts

After I got the role, and before Leo made an appearance in the story, I have been thinking for a long time about what kind of character he is going to be, and how should I play the role to make him a charming character, but when the recording started, it just felt like a short moment. I gave all that I had when recording my parts, and I didn't have any regrets, so I did feel a sense of satisfaction. On the other hand, I was a little worried if I managed to get into the world of this anime as Leo, but I've got a lot of messages praising my performance, so I felt reassured. Only then I could really think that "ah, it was all right".

>The strength of Leo, who can get through his own failures

Leo-kun seems very mature, and he doesn't show his weaknesses to people. I remember very well, how he was trying to get through his own failure, after he failed in his FS, falling on the ice, and still remembering that the music saved him. I remember that very well, because I really was thinking a lot how to portray the unfounded worry that he felt at that moment, and his strong will to work even harder, something that he doesn't really show on the outside. I'd like to play the role of Leo-kun more.

>Message for the fans

Standing on the stage of such a big event, together with my great seniors, I may not make much sense. If something like that happens, I'd be very grateful if you are forgiving with me, the same as with Leo-kun and Guang-Hong, as we all are the young, inexperienced ones.

[polyphonical]

Red Hot Island - Chapter 4

[ View on site for better experience♪ ]

Location: Starmony Dorms Kitchen

Eichi: Actually… I have a request I would like to make. I wanted to ask if you would like to monitor the events at Aquaria Park.

Chiaki: ――Monitor the events at Aquaria Park?

Eichi: Yes, that’s right.

Kaoru: Aquaria Park is that large leisure pool that got built last year, right? Wow~. I didn’t know the Tenshouin conglomerate ran it.

Leo: You have pretty much everything~! What’s next? Outer space? Are you gonna land on the moon?

Eichi: A moon landing huh. It’s a not as much of a problem for me financially as it is for me physically…

Eichi: And about Aquaria Park, it originally belonged to another company. The Tenshouin conglomerate just happened to merge with it this year.

So, I didn’t get management of it until this year.

Anyways, let’s get back to the story at hand. I’m actually planning a fan event for ES.

But it’s a large-scale event. That’s why I’m thinking about doing a play test of the park as a one-day event first.

That’s why I’m asking you all to help monitor it for me.

It’s nothing too difficult. You would just enter and spend time in the park, the same as regular customers.

There’s no reward to be given, but we’ll cover all costs associated with admission.

Instead, I want your honest opinion on how you felt in the moment.

The most important part is honesty, so I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t hold back. How about it?

Chiaki: That’s… So you want all the members here to play in the pool?

Eichi: Well… Yes, that sums it up.

Chiaki: Ah, then that’s fine! If you like that kind of thing, then it’s cheap for what it’s worth ☆ Right, guys?

Kaoru: Hmm… Well yeah. It’s a bit disappointing that it’s not the ocean, but I don’t mind being at a pool, so that’s fine…

Leo: Hmm? With these members?

Chiaki: Huh? What’s wrong, what’s wrong? The both of you look like you have something bothering you?

Kaoru: Well, I wouldn’t say it’s bothering me but…… There doesn’t seem to be a good reason for it to be us who goes, right?

I mean look, wouldn’t the members of Tenshouin-kun’s unit be fine too?

I dunno. I think the kids in “fine” would have said “OK” with no issue, so why does it have to be us?

Leo: Exactly! You came in here making a scene and everything. It makes us wonder if you have an ulterior motive or something? Suspicious…

Eichi: ……

Well, there’s nothing wrong with being suspicious. I’m not saying the play testing is the only goal I have.

Chiaki: What else is there besides the play test?

Eichi: That being said, it’s a pretty easy request. I just want you to spend some time at Aquaria Park and give me your honest opinions.

Kaoru: You want to hear our impressions of the park?

Eichi: Yes. Earlier, I told you how the company that originally ran Aquaria Park ended up merging with the Tenshouin conglomerate, right?

The reason for that merger was due to poor business performance. In fact, Aquaria Park was piled with debts from that time.

No matter how hard I try to improve it, the results never seem to show.

Chiaki: Hm… Well, if Aquaria Park is struggling financially, then it’d be hard to get results immediately.

Eichi: I guess. Unfortunately, I cannot afford to be patient. I have to improve it as soon as possible.

The way I see it, it’s a test of sorts. Designed to test my management abilities.

Kaoru: Bleh~ I can’t say I don’t understand this. Who knows, tomorrow this could be my reality, so it’s not a great thing to hear about~

Well, it’s not as bad as your case. My brother is the one who’s actually in charge of the live house, so.

Leo: Hmm. It seems like a pain to be in charge of something like that. I’m glad I only have to worry about Ruka-tan! [1]

Chiaki: Umm. This kind of problem isn’t really relevant to someone like me who grew up in an ordinary household, but… I can understand how difficult it must be.

Eichi: Fufu. That level of empathy is good enough for me. Well, that’s why this is important to me. That’s why I wanted to request if someone could monitor the area and search for improvements.

On top of that, I also need to play test the new event. So, it’d be more convenient for me if the same people worked on both of these things.

Earlier, Hakaze-kun asked why I didn’t ask this of the members in “fine".  It’s true that it would be easier if I asked everyone in my own unit.

But I’m not too keen on that idea.

What I need is to hear your honest opinion. It pains me to say, but Wataru is the type who enjoys living in the moment. He might not be too focused on critique.

Putting Yuzuru aside, I think it would be rather difficult for Tori to express something negative like that to me. In that sense, you guys are different.

Since you guys can call me something like a panda or a ferocious bear with no qualms ♪

Leo: Gyah! You heard that?! Damn hell ears!

Chiaki: Hahaha! I get it. In that case, I won’t hesitate to tell you if something is good or bad, so don’t worry!

Isn’t that great, Tsukinaga, Hakaze? If having fun is helping someone, isn’t that a great thing?

Kaoru: Right right, I understand. Fine~ If Moricchi and Tenshouin-kun are that keen on going, then I’ll follow your lead. [2]

Leo: Yeah! It’s been a long time since I’ve been to a pool~! Maybe it’s okay to go every once in a while!

────────────────· · · · · ·♡· · · · · · ────────────────

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Ruka is Leo's little sister!

Here, Kaoru says 付き合って which I was way more familiar with being like. To go out with someone. And I sat here confused for like 5 minutes. Looking it up, you can also use it for like going along with someone's idea or to compromise. Glad I didn't make that mistake. I was going to keep "I'll go out with you" since that can also be just going on an outing, but I kept it like this for simplicity

[bettercostume]

Mars, I need help. Thoughts on kunessi dynamics 🎤

Meb i thought about this on the train to work and the train home from work and iiiiii have so many thoughts.

Literally Kun is his second wife. Or first wife, actually, since I think he's know Leo since Leo was the quiet kid who barely spoke and sat at the same table with him at the under 19s training, and who from that moment forward was his best boy, his right hand, his soulmate, his---i'm drawing a blank at romantic couples of history here but you get the idea.

Basically Kun is the mouth. He's never uncomfortable, and even though i get the sense he takes everything in deeply, he can rally like an inflatable punching clown. He does the practical jokes. He's the HE ASKED FOR NO PICKLES, but delivered with a backslap and a blinding grin. You feel compelled to like the guy. He's a rascal. He's also astonishingly good at football, and it takes a guy like Messi to make him look like an also ran. He is leo's number one fan forever, amen. He is fuck it we ride, ready to fight, but also there to pick him up and take him to the airport at 2 am with the radio on low and hot water already in a thermos on the console. It's nothing, pa, you know I love speeding through toll roads at night.

I think Leo really gravitates towards people who are the opposite of his persona, and his seemingly internal focus and observational participation in social stuff as a kid. As a fully formed adult, both he and Kun have become both more of their caricatures and less at the same time, mellowing out into people who can reverse card each other with expectations, but have a rock-solid bond. I think it would take like, kun murdering leo's kids in front of him for them to have a fallout.

There's the apocryphal story (that kun loves to tell. he loves building the kunessi lore) where they're at that lunch table i mentioned and kun is like hey who are you anyway? and leo is like, leo. everyone else twigs to who he is, the wunderkid shipped back from barca, but kun is like oh word? but like what's your last name? and it takes like three more repetitions for kun to be like OHHHH, WORD??? Which sums up their dynamic pretty well, I think. But after this I think really Leo has the opportunity to hurt Kun more: he's less overtly affectionate, imho, and he doesn't verbalize the love he feels. Sorry to self plagiarize but in the fic i wrote i basically say that leo is like it should be obvious i love you even if i don't call or text, because why would i stop? and kun, who wants to be needed and coveted, is like, ok but i wouldn't mind the princess treatment SOME of the time. and leo is like your wish is my command, i moved your suite to mine and you're living with me now happy world cup btw we will have adjoining mansions in miami when we retire.

I think the fact that Kun isn't afraid to look like an idiot, turns the party, and also has kind of a bitchy edge that resonates with what i believe to be the nougaty, spoiled princess interior of leo--i think all these things endeared him to the other and that leo was like. ok. kun is my friend forever IMMEDIATELY. I also know with that trust and affection they practiced kissing each other and whipped it out to compare length, width, and accuracy. KNOW AND TRUST THEY HAVE EXPLORED EACH OTHERS BODIES. The love is real and long-term but I think also they would absolutely be bucknasty filthy, still. IMHO they have a kind of macho old boys club thing where they don't talk about the physical sex as much, its so obvious, but then also are like yeah you love that tight little hole you homo you sissy etc during and it makes them so insanely hot when they're with their wives that even if months intervene they still freak like it's 1999. That's one read, the other is that they make love with lots of eye contact and kun cries the entire time. POR QUE NO LOS DOS. Sorry I sounded like the weeknd in his bad tv show there for a moment but you get the vibe.

ANYWAY. I HOPE THIS IS WHAT U WANTED.

[thegirlwhorideslikeasamurai]

Chapter 8 of "A Song of Fiery Birds and Endless Winter" (YOI Daydreamer Big Bang) is live on AO3!

The ice cream date didn't remain a secret for long, especially given the day on which it happened. And while Yuuri is nervously busy telling everyone that he and his idol aren't dating, Viktor contemplates a fundamental question that has the power to crush his heart forever…

This story has:

⛸️Alternate first meetings ⛸️2014 Winter Olympics ⛸️Slow-burn Viktuuri ⛸️Mental health issues ⛸️Fantastic figure skating ⛸️Homages to irl skaters

Teaser below...

Leo chuckled. “I heard your date with Viktor was successful. Will you meet again?”

Yuuri grew hot and cold at once. “Um…” His eyes snapped to his friend. “Phichit-kun! I told you not to tell anyone!”

“I didn’t!” Grinning, Phichit held up to fingers. “Cross my heart and hope to die!”

“He’s not the culprit.” Leo pushed his phone over the table. “Some Russian fan recognised you in the city. It’s all over the internet.”

“WHAT?” Yuuri exclaimed.

“Cool!” Phichit chimed.

Squinting at Leo’s phone, Yuuri choked on his eggs. A picture showed him and Viktor in the ice cream parlour, Viktor’s hand on his as he leaned over the table. Two-time Olympic gold medallist Viktor Nikiforov on a Valentine’s date with Yuuri Katsuki, who just delivered an amazing short programme, the English translation read.

“Oh, this is a cute picture of you and Viktor, Yuuri!” Phichit exclaimed. “Why didn’t you tell me you were holding hands?”

“Be—because we didn’t! That’s a mistake!”

“Doesn’t look like a mistake to me. I mean, everyone saw him throwing you a plushie after his performance.” Leo tucked his phone away and eyed Yuuri. “Did he pay for your ice cream?”

[startouched--blog]

[ a writers curiosity // Leo x Reader ]

NOTE - welcome welcome to my own oneshot for Leo! This is currently part 1 considering I am writing the season part as we speak!  1200 words

SCENARIO - Leo Fanfic part 1 PAIRINGS- Leo Tsukinaga x reader GENRE - Fluff

The halls of the school Yumenosaki echoed with the footsteps of other students, a day like no other no doubt. Many of the idols walked the halls, humming to tunes in their heads, talking with their other friends or just enjoying the time they got before classes.

You on the other hand, you were a producer, you really didn't do all the fancy idol acts that the groups did, but you definitely helped out with everyone who needed it at all times. Though for this, you were the main producer for the group named Knights, a wonderous group of individuals brought together with somewhat common interests. You loved the group and honestly loved spending your time with them and there was a sense of belonging in there,, maybe it was from the atmosphere, or the familiar ginger bouncing ball you saw everyday.

"Gaaah!" The familiar groan of the ginger haired male came from the classroom ahead of you, so instinctively you headed towards it. "Are you alright Tsukinaga-Kun? You seem distressed". He looked up to you and hopped up, grabbing onto your wrist and gave a short whine "I am I am producer I am!!". You gave a chuckled and looked around the room, he had written on tons and tons of paper, the chalkboard. . And even off of said chalkboard, but that wasn't all that new. "Can you help me producer? I may be a genius but i can't think of anything!".

You gave a nod to him and smiled gently "I don't mind, are you writing a story maybe? Song lyrics?" He had pulled you down to his side where there was a free space of papers and whatnot "well I'm writing song lyrics for our next song, but y'see I can't figure out this one line" he gave another whine and ruffled his own hair and made the bangs all messy, making you chuckle more at his silliness. "Hm, what's the song about? Maybe I can help more if I know what it's about y'know?" He nods and bounced a little in his spot "well it's a song for the fans! It's got a love song feel but also has a heartfelt sentiment to it". You nod lightly to him and tapped a pencil to your chin, thinking and humming to yourself a tune to help you think up ideas.

In the corner of your eye, the ginger watched you closely as you thought and wrote down some ideas to his mess of papers in front of you. The way he stalked your movements should have been seen as creepy to others but to be honest, it was a gentle feeling to say the least, he was somehow so calm in the moment and not bouncing off the walls like he usually is when you are around.

You tilt your head towards him and smiled softly "what's all this staring for hm?" He fell out of his daze and nervously chuckled "ucchu aha! Just watchin you producer". You giggled quietly and booped his nose, going back to writing on the papers "I think these ideas work don't you think?" You showed him the papers with your constant writing on it.

"Oooo producer you are Soo smart!" He laughed happily and hugged onto you tightly, swaying you back and forth a little too aggressively but you didn't mind all that much. "Ah ah heeey" you giggled and swayed with him, being crushed lightly in his arms "ah! Sorry sorry producer, letting go now!" He frowned a bit but kept his composer and grabbed some of the papers with his notes on it and made a small gasp! Noise. "Producer! We go it aha" he stood up and ran over to the chalk board, writing more all over it, across the walls and all over the place really. He kept humming a happy little tune and a dance as he went, spinning happy little circles at you watching from the floor, eventually standing up just stand and be his audience.

He eventually stopped and grabbed your hands gently, spinning around more but making sure he had a grasp on you. "Ah ahem-- Tsukinaga-Kuuuun" you whined at him, it was a playful whine of course, dancing around like this wasn't near uncomfortable with you. He chuckled with you and gently swayed you around as he mumbled around his different ideas for the songs, it was like you make a lightbulb sprout above his head and it continued to grow as he rambled on and on and on. You simply listened to Leo and made sure to put your feet between the papers like he was doing instinctively.

It didn't take long for you to slip on one of the papers on the floor, taking your feet out from under you but luckily Leo was there to catch you. "Ah sorry! Are you alright producer?" He frowned and held you up but your hands holding his, looking up to him with a nervous look. "Yes yes I am alright Tsukinaga-Kun, just uhm. . I guess I slipped is all!" You smiled to him again but less nervous and more of a happy sort of way.

He nodded to you and helped you back to your feet, holding you up like a toddler under your shoulders. He stuck his tongue out at you as you did the same "maybe we should pick the papers of Producer, don't want you slipping again do we?" you nod and booped his nose quickly before helping him clean the papers off the floor and some that was all over the walls, sort of just strewn there. You both finished cleaning up all of the papers, stacking them into piles to carry off to where the rest of the knights were you supposed. "well all that's left is getting my stuff to the group, theeem Producer you can go work on whatever okay?"

You gave a sad but calm nod to him, helping him carry his small piles of papers to the different room that the rest of the Knights were in, talking about small little topics as you walked. You eventually got to the classroom with Leo but before you could actually open the door Leo had tapped your shoulder gently so you would turn towards him "hey hey Producer, I have a secret,, before we go in". You tilted your head to him, giving a confused look before he pulled you forward by your shoulder, pushing you against the wall gently to hide you away from the hallway. He chuckled at your bright face, mainly from embarrassment, and yet even so he gently kissed the tip of your nose, sticking his tongue out afterwards and collected his papers again "hope to see you tomorrow Producer!" and with that, he left into the classroom, taking your papers as well since you has seemingly paused in your motions and actions

[seangelfish]

"Just hold onto me, okay?"

Izumi Sena x Reader ♡ Tags: Fluff, mutual crush, she/her pronouns ♡ Word count: 2,444 ♡ Synopsis: Inspired by the gacha story Dance on Ice in which this card is featured in. Reader is a soloist idol that has also acquired a photoshoot at the same ice rink Knights was having theirs at. However, you haven't ice skated before, so Izumi lends you a hand. ♡ A/N: I need more Izumi x reader fics.

"Hm, what? Were you guys looking for me?" asked Leo curiously.

"Not the two of us; just Anzu," Izumi stated. "She says she needs to talk to you about work. She already told me what it was about, but I can't make a decision on my own, right?"

Leo laughed. "Well, it's only natural for the leader to make decisions. So, what kind of work is it?"

Anzu explained that the work she had for them was a pinup photoshoot for a magazine in which the theme was 'Knights on Ice.' Since the theme was geared towards Knights, Izumi suggested that they should take on the offer. Leo agreed on how convenient the offer was to them, and to be on ice would perhaps spark inspiration for new music.

"Naru-kun has skating experience and Kuma-kun will probably be fine too. I'm not sure about Kasa-kun, but I can teach him if he doesn't know how to skate," Izumi rambled on. "Ou-sama, can you skate? It'll be embarrassing if you slip awkwardly. Do you want me to teach you along with Kasa-kun?"

Leo rejected his offer, stating how he has crossed and walked on ice before. "Oh, since we're going ice skating though," he began. "Shouldn't you ask (Y/N) if she wants to join?"

"We're going to be at the rink for work," said Izumi. "We aren't there to have fun."

But the mention of your name did make him think of whether to bring you along. Izumi knew how much you have always wanted to try ice skating, but since you were a soloist at Yumenosaki which took up all of your time working on perfecting your performances, you never really had the time to try out the activities you've always wanted to do.

Leo pointed a finger at him. "You know you want to, Sena! Come on, the client won't even be mad if we bring her along. She's (Y/N) (L/N) after all!"

Izumi flicked his hand away. "I know how much everyone's trying to get their hands on her," he said with a tone of annoyance in his voice. "...I'll think about it."

"Hahaha, so that's a yes then!" cheered Leo before realising that the two have been excluding Anzu in their conversation. "Oh, don't worry, Anzu. You won't get in trouble if we bring (Y/N) along. She actually knows the client very well, seeing that she keeps getting constant job offers, hahaha!"

"Anzu, you could come into the kotatsu instead of standing there like that," said Izumi before continuing on the subject at hand. "But if it does bother you, then we won't bring her–"

"Oh no, it's nothing like that," she said with a light chuckle. "I also got her a photoshoot at the rink too!"

Izumi was actually excited upon hearing those words. The next day, when he arrived at the ice rink, he scanned the area all over for you. Though, he wasn't only looking for you, but for Leo and Ritsu too.

Irked by their absence, Izumi sighed. "I've already given Ou-sama a warning, so I thought he'd be fine... He said he doesn't forget about the important things, but it has completely slipped his mind..."

Tsukasa went off to go find Leo whilst Anzu offered to find Ritsu. Izumi knew that Arashi had a photoshoot before this, so he wasn't too worried about her. But where were you? Anzu had informed him that your photoshoot was set an hour before his, so you would’ve been finished with it, right?

He would’ve called you, but he didn’t want to disturb you if you were still busy. Though, he sent you a text, hoping that you’d read it soon.

“Since we’re here at the ice rink, I guess I’ll warm up,” he muttered to himself.

Izumi kicked off his heel as he started to slide through the ice with grace. He circled the rink effortlessly, performing beautiful tricks with ease.

You watched him quietly from behind the barrier. Your photoshoot hadn’t even started despite it being booked an hour before. Since you told the client you didn’t know how to skate, they gave you an extra hour to learn which would’ve been nice of them, but they specifically said, “Alright, teach yourself then. We don’t have all day.”

This was the first time you’d ever dealt with a rude client, so your usual happy-go-lucky mood had shifted to a gloomy one. However, watching Izumi skate so elegantly made all those bad feelings go away.

You were amazed at how beautiful he looked as he skated. He was light on his feet, his movements mesmerising. You could watch him all day, but you knew you had to practise your own skills before you had to go back to your photoshoot.

Izumi wasn’t paying attention to his surroundings whenever he skated, he was only focusing on himself in that moment, but when he caught a glimpse of your silhouette, he immediately came to a stop.

His eyes lit up and his lips curled into a genuine smile. There you were.

“(Y/N),” he exclaimed. “I was wondering where you were. You must be finished with your photoshoot, right? So, why didn’t you reply to my message?”

You smiled at him sheepishly. “I… haven’t even started with my shoot,” you admitted. “…I don’t know how to skate after all, so they told me to go practise—”

“Wait, they didn’t have someone on the team to teach you?” he asked with concern in his voice.

“No… they told me to teach myself… I have an hour to do so.”

Izumi’s smile was wiped off his face. He had experience within the fashion industry and with modelling, so he knew how unprofessional it was for your client to not teach you how to skate let alone leave you to do it yourself.

He couldn’t believe that you were already having trouble with your client. He never wanted you to experience anything like that at work even if it was inevitable.

He was going to speak to the staff on your behalf right after he was finished.

But right now, he was going to teach you how to ice skate.

“Alright, get in the rink,” he said, skating towards the entrance. “I’ll teach you.”

You instantly smiled at these words, but you were still pretty nervous. You haven’t ice skated before and you were scared of falling. Falling in front of Izumi would be embarrassing too even if you two were close friends.

“You should’ve called me beforehand since Ou-sama and Kuma-kun aren’t here yet,” he continued. “But it’s okay, I can teach you how to skate in twenty– fifteen minutes.”

You hesitated. Your hands gripped onto the barrier as you tried to get into the rink, but couldn’t due to how frightened you were.

This is so embarrassing, you thought. I can’t even get in…

Izumi stretched a hand in front of you. “Don’t be afraid. Come over here,” he said gently with a smile on his face. “Just hold onto me, okay?”

You nodded, taking his hand as you entered the rink. He took your other hand in his as he glided you across.

You held his hands tight which stung him a bit. “(Y/N), relax. I won’t let you fall.”

“B-But this is scary!” you fretted, your grip tightening even more. “Izumi, please don’t let go of me…!”

“I wasn’t planning to,” he stated. "Alright, look straight ahead. Don't look at your feet even if you're scared. If you can't help it, then just focus on me."

You lifted your head a bit and locked eyes with him. His blue eyes mimicked the background the two of you were in right now. Despite how blue and icy his eyes looked, there was some warmness in them as they looked at you.

You blushed and instantly looked away.

"Ah, no. Don't look away!"

You couldn't help it. You were holding hands with him and now you were looking into his eyes? It seemed like the two of you were a couple with how close you two were together.

"People are going to take this the wrong way..." you muttered.

"So? Why not let them think that way?"

"...What?"

Izumi shook his head. "Let's get on with the lessons, okay?" As he kept hold of your hands, he taught you how to skate by bending your knees to keep your balance, then using your body weight from one side to the other to start moving.

He taught you how to glide and to stroke. It was difficult at first, but you were improving really fast. Midway through your session with him, you were getting the hang of it, but the two of you still kept your grip on each other's hands.

"Haha, this is so fun!" you chirped happily as the two of you skated around the rink together.

Izumi smiled. "See, it wasn't too bad, was it?" he said. "You're doing great... as expected from you."

"Thanks to you, of course!" Your fingers began to lock with his. "Izumi, thank you for teaching me, I really do appreciate it."

"Of course, anything for you," he replied, mumbling the last part of his sentence so you wouldn't pick it up.

"Now, let's spin!"

"Wait, what–"

You pulled your body weight to make the two of you start spinning. Unfortunately, since you were still a beginner, it did not work, so Izumi had to try to steady you both again before either of you fell.

"(Y/N)!" he exclaimed. "You're always like this..."

"S-Sorry, I got too carried away..."

"If you wanted to spin, then you should've let me do it."

Izumi had let go of one of your hands but kept a soft grip on the other. He brought you closer to him and then lifted your hand to twirl you around.

It was a short twirl, but it had excited you. It made you incredibly happy that even his cheeks were tinted with a soft pink colour.

"Haha, that was so cute!" you beamed. "Let's do it again, please?"

Izumi just couldn't say no to you, so he twirled you again, and you looked beautiful. Even with the coat hanging over you, you looked beautiful to him. Your eyes glistened as you looked at him, and he fell for you all over again.

"Again!" you squealed.

"Don't you have a photoshoot to be getting ready for?" he said with a slight smirk. "Our lessons were over once you started spinning us around."

"Oh, right! My photoshoot!"

Izumi sighed. You reminded him so much of Leo, but at least you didn't cause trouble.

"Have a good photoshoot," he told you, lifting your hand up to his lips before planting a soft kiss. "I'll be here waiting for you once you come back."

Your cheeks were hot even when the rest of your body was cold, yet you couldn't stop smiling.

"Izumi..."

"Off you go then."

Your hands parted from his even if the two of you didn't want it to.

You waved him a short goodbye before skating back to your preparation team. He watched you trail off as you began to get ready, slipping off your coat to reveal the dress you were hiding underneath. You really were breathtaking.

"I found Leader," said Tsukasa as he began to berate the Knights' leader on why he kept getting lost every single time they needed him. Anzu was dragging a coffin in which Izumi assumed Ritsu was sleeping inside.

Once Ritsu woke up, Izumi informed the staff that they were all here. Arashi had been waiting inside for them for a while now.

"I didn't know (Y/N) was doing a photoshoot here as well..." Arashi whispered into Izumi's ear. "She's pretty, isn't she?"

Izumi flinched at this, but calmed down almost immediately.

"Let's just do a good job, okay?" he said.

Your photoshoot lasted longer than you expected, but you preformed well especially since you had help from Izumi earlier. The client was a little bit nicer to you this time, but even if they continued to be rude, you wouldn't let it get to you. Nothing could sour your mood now once Izumi left a kiss on the back of your hand.

Knights were finished with their photoshoots too, even the one where they competed against UNDEAD.

You skated towards the crowd, waving your hands at them to notice you.

"Ah, here comes (Y/N)-chan~" sang Arashi, teasing her silver-haired friend. "Uwa~ her dress is sooo cute~!"

But before Izumi could reply to her, you had slipped. "(Y/N)!" cried Izumi, rushing towards you.

"Ow... ow..." you hissed. I guess I'm still not cut out for this after all.

"You okay?" he asked you worriedly, crouching down on the ice as he lifted your back. "Nothing's broken, I hope?"

"N-No, I'm fine," you replied. "Although this IS kind of embarrassing... I was hoping not to fall today and I was doing so well..."

Izumi chuckled as he leaned down closer to you, hugging you ever so slightly. You were surprised by this affection, but you weren't complaining. You rested your head on his chest, finding comfort in his grasp.

"You did do well and I am so proud of you."

You grinned up at him. "I like it when you're like this," you began. "You could be so sweet..."

"Haha, alright. Let's get you up," he said, noticing how much you were shivering. However, you kept him in place before the others could check up on you two.

"Izumi."

"Hmm?"

"I like you so much."

Now it was his turn for him to turn red. Hehe, revenge, you thought. But you weren't lying when you told him you liked him – you really did like him. You wanted to hold hands with him again, to be within his comfort again.

"I like you too, (Y/N). I always have."

[Extra]

Izumi didn't inform you about this, but he did speak with your client before your photoshoot officially started. He berated them on how unprofessional they were with you, and how they should've had someone on the team to help you with skating instead of leaving it to your own hands.

He didn't want you to experience any more rudeness from them as he knew you wouldn't be able to stand up for yourself. It was one of the ways he wanted to protect you, and it worked because you couldn't stop smiling at him throughout the rest of the day.

Hand in hand, the two of you left the ice rink together with Knights, your fingers interlocked with each other.

Intro page | Ensemble Stars masterlist | Rules

[ecemichi]

Ring.A.Bell Chapter 10

Leo: So the special guest you called was Naru, huh~? Wahaha! ☆ How unexpected!

Arashi:Fufu. Are you surprised, Leo-kun? There was no way I could say no to Anzu-chan when she asked if I could teach you all a thing or two, you know~?

Mao: Arashi's our lecturer...?

Arashi:Gosh, what's with those reactions? Are you saying I'm not a good pick for this? It's totally rude of you all to be so confused by my being here, you know.

Keito:That’s not what they meant… But still, how did you come to be the special guest?

Arashi:Ah, that's a little bit of a mystery to me, too. When Anzu-chan asked me of all people to help out, I asked her the same thing.

But after hearing what she had to say, I agreed to it.

Now, see here. Generally speaking, the woman is seen as the star of the show when it comes to weddings, aren't they? There’s even plenty of magazines that refer to the bride-to-be’s

But at the same time, it's strange... Marriage is between two people, isn't it?

That's why we should consider things from a man's perspective as well. I think if we had both sides of the story, then our bridal project here would be absolutely lovely.

And, as someone who understands the feelings of both sides, there's no better pick for the position than myself.

When Anzu-chan told me as much, I felt there was no one else who could fill those shoes either.

Besides, how could I ever have refused her pleas for help? I wouldn't be a very good big sister if I just tossed them aside, now would I? Of course I accepted. ♪

Besides, the sight of a hard-working boy is one of the greatest wonders of the world! As someone who has a fine eye for such treasures, wouldn't you say there's no one better suited for this occasion?

Mao: I mean... You are always saying that, yeah.

Arashi:That's right. ♪ Ooooh, the sight of an earnest boy really just makes my heart go wild! ♪

So that's why you'll all be showing Anzu-chan and I what you’ve got by giving us a super-duper swoon-worthy fool-proof lovey-dovey proposal no one could say no to!

Midori: A super-duper swoon-what proposal?

Arashi:Now, hold on! Someone who's about to propose shouldn't look like they’d rather drop dead!

How do you expect them to say yes when you’re looking at them like that?

You really don't need to overthink it, boys. You only need to show us your heart. A woman'll always smile if you go about it that way!

Now then! Thinking about it's getting you nowhere, right? You've got to give it a leap of faith! Speak without thought! Just do!

Alright, let's start. First off, I want each of you to give us your best proposals. Who first...

Mao-chan, if you would.

Mao: Huh? M-Me first?!

Um... What should I say? I'm so unprepared... ... O-Okay, let's do this.

Mao: ... These feelings of mine aren't a lie. They’re the real deal. That's why I want to be with you.

Arashi:Next.

Keito:The reason I lecture you is because I care about you. If you stay by my side, surely there won’t be a need to.

Arashi:... Next.

Eichi: Let your heart be at ease, for you are my one and only. I find your timbre to be the most beautiful of all.

Arashi:...... Next.

Leo: I love you! I love you more than aaaaanyone in the whole world!

Arashi:Goodness... Next.

Midori: Umm… I’m sure I’ll die from depression without you in my life… That’s why, please stay with me…

Arashi:......

... Boys, sit. On your knees. Now.

Mao: ............... (Sits straight up.)

Keito&Eichi: ............... (Sits straight up.)

Leo&Midori: ............... (Sits straight up.)

Arashi:Honestly! What sort of proposals were those?! I asked you all to take this seriously, didn't I?

And you! You can't fool me! That was the same confession line you used last year, when we were assigned to do them for class, wasn't it?

Mao: Ugh... I got caught.

Arashi:Obviously! I was there, after all, of course I'd remember!

Eichi: Ah, as for me... I was simply following everyone else's lead.

Arashi:Goodness gracious... You don’t have to follow the others! A proposal as shallow as that wouldn't land even in your dreams!

Midori: …But we’ve never proposed before. There’s also not a script in our hands, what can we even do…

Arashi:You've been getting a lot of work as a model recently, haven't you? I've even seen you on magazine covers lately, Midori-chan.

Arashi:You don't think modeling is just posing for a camera, do you?

Midori: Huh…? Isn’t it?

Arashi:Of course not. While looking stylish and having good photoshoots come out of it isn't a wrong way to go about modeling, it isn't the only way to present yourself.

Sometimes the person themselves is the star of the shot, but more often than not, it's the clothes and accessories they wear that others pay attention to, isn't it?

A model's job is to expose everything that they are in that single moment, so that those stars shine the brightest they possibly can.

And that, Midori-chan, is what I think being a model is truly about. By thinking in such a way, beauty surpasses even the beholder; it becomes an objective fact.

Don't you think a proposal should be the same way?

Baring your heart isn't easy in the slightest; it's one of the hardest things to do, I think. It's terribly embarrassing to allow someone else to see sides others haven't seen, and can be rather terrifying too.

Even so, people aren't going to be moved by a line they've heard a thousand times over, now are they?

Keito:Hmm…

Leo: Mmm, I don't get it! I wasn’t tryin’ to look good at all! I'm happy when I say I am!

Arashi:(Sigh...) Say, Leo-kun... You don't think marriage is nothing but happiness, do you?

Leo: Huh? It's not? So it's more like the end of your life instead?!

Arashi:Of course not! A marriage filled to the brim with happy days would be wonderful, of course, but...

It's the same as love, you see? It isn't always sweet words and smiles.

You may get worried about if they may not like you, or get jealous when someone else is getting along with the one you adore... It's never just a fun, romantic journey, is it?

Marriage is a step further, you know? You're taking another person into your life, to be responsible for their well-being and their happiness. Don't you think that comes with its own worries and woes?

The husband carrying the brunt of burden in the family is outdated nonsense these days, of course...

But even if you're sharing the load with your significant other, there's always going to be hardships and rainy days. Stepping forward into the future with someone new in your life — you can imagine that isn't all sunshine, can't you?

That's why you should bare it all, the good and the bad of your feelings for them! By allowing them to see all of you in that way is what tells them you love them with every fiber of your being. You'll surely give them a proposal that'll move them to tears. ♪

Mao Leo Eichi and Arashi tl: Peace

Midori and Keito tl: me

JP proof: Mika Enstars

ENG proof:ryuseipuka

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[freisende]

Memories Selection: Checkmate Episode 6 - 冠の輝き (The Shine of the Crown) English Translation - Ensemble Stars

Provided by Happy Elements, あんスタチャンネル on Youtube

Ensemble Stars Memories Selection: Checkmate 『チェックメイト』 Adapted from Ensemble Stars! Story: Checkmate Written by: 日日日 (Akira) English Translation: Freiya

*All copyrights of the stories, scene pictures and writings, all belong to Happy Elements. I only translated the scenes into English to help overseas fans understand the dialogues. I do not own any copyrights other than the English Translation*

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Leo: I’ll make your dream come true. As Knights, with me, together.

Izumi: …Why? You don’t have that much obligation, do you!?

We just happened to enter the same school, sliding together in this connection, that’s all. I can do it by myself, with no need of relying to other people– I don’t need to depend on you–!

Leo: –I know. But, sometimes having someone to entrust your back with is good, right?

Izumi: … *still a bit confused*

Leo: *smiles* If you don’t mind that, I’ll be exactly that. I will become the throne on which you, ‘The King’, can sit on.

Izumi: ….

The King… is you, right?

Leo: Well, true, I’m called that, but… it doesn’t really suit me, honestly!

…I love everyone. It will end up in no good if I just give out everything that I have in mind. I understand that clearly in this previous case. Sena is the one more suited. You are a hated person because you always talk about hateful things, but if anyone gets along with you properly, they will end up loving you.

Leo: These guys too, they gather in here because of you.

Arashi: …Hm..? Are you referring to me and Ritsu-chan?

Ritsu: *Rubs his eyes* …Don’t lump me in together…

Leo: You two, if possible, please always get along with Sena forever. *Leo holds out his hand*

For me… I’m already pretty exhausted, see? I don’t know how long I can continue my activities of being an idol, you know?

Izumi: ….! *a bit surprised*

Leo: It seems… like I’m being forced to move along in the path according to someone’s predicted, planned scenario; I continue to destroy the things that I love one after another.

*Eichi and Tsumugi has gathered in the audience seats*

Leo: However… I really want to continue protecting the precious things that I truly love. Sena… Just watching you from the sides, my songs and compositions can’t stop overflowing! Just from that, I feel happy. Composing songs is my life, see! 

Izumi: Leo-kun…

Leo: From meeting you, my dream has already been fulfilled. That’s why, now it’s my turn! What do you want to do? Just tell me about it! I will fulfil it together with you!

Izumi: …I…

Leo: What’s the matter? Even if it’s a dingy desire– Anything, just show me! I’ll turn it out all to be the best masterpieces, and expose it to the all-entire world; “It’s all beautiful,” I’ll praise it like that! If it can fulfill you with that, I’ll give it my all for that!

…I don’t care even if I’m being hated… or disliked by whoever it is. Even if I was made an enemy to the entire world; if I’m with you… I’m jubilant.

Izumi: …!? …Why to that extent…? I don’t get it at all… Leo-kun…!

(I… I’m not that much of a marvellous person, to be dedicated for and fully give your best for. I have too-high pride; I’m always unsatisfied… I’m not a genius like you. Yet… I just want to be approved by everyone; being praised that I’m the number one in the world. I’m just a boring guy, like that. But… with this person… Can I fulfil such greedy desires? Leo-kun is an extraordinary genius, after all).

***

–Knights walked to the stage–

Leo: …Hmm? What’s the matter, Sena? You’re being quiet all this time… Are you feeling unwell?

Izumi: *sighs softly*…No… You said such incomprehensible things, that I just got a little bewildered. *Izumi smiles* 

For the next things, we can set it aside for later, right? For now, let’s make a feast of the things in front of us.

Leo: *a bit surprised, then smiles* …Yeah, let’s do it!

Izumi: Naru-kun and Kuma-kun too, just think about being deceived, and follow me.

Arashi: Hmm… well, I guess that’s okay. I will go along with you.

Ritsu: I will fulfil this one duty… but don’t expect beyond that, alright? …Well… I’m a little happy when you reach out to me because I’m ‘me’... not because I’m Sakuma Rei’s little brother.

*Everyone smiles*

Izumi: …Let’s go, everyone!

***

–We’ll be “Knights” Performance–

————————————————

–Back to the current situation, where Izumi was playing Chess and chatted with Eichi–

Eichi: With that day’s expense as the culmination, you Knights, followed the thread of decline. It’s moving as per my strategy; you confronted your former relatives, defeated then left them alone, and cut them off. The more you win, the more the elephants was fed[1]. The people nearby you become your enemies all around; and it’s connecting on how the Drefes’ scoring system takes shape in reality–

Izumi: —…Hey, Tenshouin. 

Eichi: …?

Izumi: …It’s not all because of your fault. Leo became broken… Basically, it is because of me. I may seem pompous, but the one who initiated inspiration to him, is me after all. 

Izumi: …He’s such a green, stupid kid… I was always unsatisfied, and my evil intention of directly destroying all those unlikeable guys… is what injured his innocent, pure soul.

Izumi: Even though I named myself Knights[2a]… even though I became a Knight[2b]... I couldn't manage to protect him.

Eichi: …*drinks his tea quietly with a complicated expression*

Izumi: Even though he discarded everything… being hated by everyone else… Even though he protected me… he protected my dream! But… time couldn’t be reversed. We embraced our desires, we saw dreams in the future, continued to push forward… we fought until we were bathed in blood; and we managed to reach this point. We can’t go back to the past… and we don’t have the time to regret things all over.

***

Tsukasa: *From afar* Sena-senpai~!! I searched you all over, you know~? Yet you were spending your time leisurely in this place? 

I have managed to perfect the assignment song you instructed to me! 

Izumi: Kasa-kun…

Tsukasa: *excitedly* Now, officially I will be admitted as one of Knights’ members, right? 

You promised me this, right!?

Eichi: *chuckles* You’re very lively, aren’t you, Tsukasa-kun? If you raise your voice too loudly… it’s vulgar, you know? *Eichi says with a smile*

Tsukasa: *Tsukasa looks surprised* …!? …Ehh, um…!? Um… Sena-senpai, you’re acquainted with this individual…? What is your relationship with him…?

Izumi: *shakes his head* He’s just an ordinary classmate. 

Anyway, I get it, so just go back to the lesson room and wait. I’m having an important discussion right now, alright?

Eichi: *chuckles, while waving his hand at Tsukasa*

Tsukasa: *smiles back awkwardly at Eichi* …Uh… I understand. Then I’ll be waiting. Make sure to definitely come, please, Sena-senpai? *Tsukasa walks away*

Eichi: Hey, Sena-kun… Tsukinaga-kun… do you think he will come back some day?

Izumi: …I can’t predict the future. But… I do hope that it will be good, if he does come back.

***

–Meanwhile back in to the current Knights’ stage, the audiences are cheering for their appearance on the stage–

Tsukasa: Aah… This gleeful cheer of waiting excitedly for us… No matter how many times I hear this, it always makes my heart beat high!

Arashi: That’s right. They waited for us gladfully, and desired to see us.

Izumi: We’re standing on this stage as Knights with high pride, so do it right, okay?

Tsukasa: *looks back to Izumi and smiles* Yes, of course!

Leo: Ahahahaha! No need to get nervous now, okay? It’s not like you’re standing on stage alone!

Ritsu: It’s because our King supports us together… That's why we should go forward with our faces[3] high, and show them all.

Tsukasa: *smiles at Ritsu* Now, let’s go… Everyone! 

Knights: *while putting their hands together* Yeah! 

***

–Luminous Crown's performance–

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Translator’s notes:

[1]: Eichi uses phrase-idioms as always. In here, it's referring to how no one's there anymore; all gone and the what's left is just resentments.

[2a]: Izumi said ‘Knights’, while on [2b]: Izumi said ‘Kishi’ (騎士) which means knight.

[3]: Ritsu actually says ‘with our chest high’ which means they should stand on the stage with full confidence. I thought that might sound weird in the passage so I added the note here.

Note: The songs are sooooo great and beautiful, oh how I love Knights and Checkmate story so much!💖💖💖

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!Warning! Please refrain from reposting the translation to other platforms; abide to link back to this post for reference. Thank you.

Memories Selection: Checkmate Directory Chapters Episode 4 - Rusting Heart Episode 5 - The Lonely Throne

Translation Masterlist

[lake-archive]

Chapter 23 - Big Brothnya

AO3 Link

Fandom: Ensemble Stars

Series: Alte Liebe Rostet Nicht

Characters: Izumi Sena, Nyeli (OC by @watersofcamelot)

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Things have been going better and better between the two, Izumi was really feeling as if he got to know Nyeli again. He no longer seemed like a helpless, wet cat he found over a decade ago but rather a naive, adventure loving cat who got himself out there, a side he never really got to see. He had never given himself the chance to but it was endearing. All the things Nyeli had to tell him… Or rather draw, it was fun in some way. First starting several stories involving his big sister: About the games the two have played together, how Nyeli would panic whenever his sister fell sick and him trying his best to take care of them. Then there were stories of him and ‘gramps’, the family pet cat he often stuck around with at home. At first this old timer had been skeptical of the young blood but warmed up eventually, a story surprisingly heart warming. And lastly, the most recent events, mostly stories with Kuma–Kun. Though Izumi also got to see the sketches of how Nyeli grew closer to Leo and now always begs to play with him. Or him and Arashi being surprisingly close, her always dressing the cat up in different costumes. Even some times where he plays with Kasa–Kun or both tasting sweets together (though Nyeli made it clear that he prefers meat, fish in particular). Overall, he was having fun.

It was all bittersweet to listen to, it made Izumi somewhat envious. Though it had slowly grown into a good feeling, oddly enough. Sure, he wanted to be there, but seeing in what good care he had been across the time the young man had been absent… It was a relief He couldn’t ask for more if he were completely honest.

And yet, even with all of that, things were not as simple still. Because whenever Izumi was about to leave, having his job to attend to, Nyeli would look at him, as if expecting something out of his previous owner. It was a little confusing the first few times though he got used to it. His first guess? A pet, plain and simple. He did so, though at first hesitant as he wasn’t sure how Nyeli would react to all of this. Luckily, the cat liked it and purred and it had become a routine to say bye for now, similar to what he had done when he was still a kid and Nyeli lived together with him. However, even when leaving the room Izumi could feel Nyeli’s gaze on him, as if not having met expectations. It irked him because he was only one step away from the perfect outcome… One little step. But what was he missing? The question plagued him for a good few days.

This time it was no different, because just when the duo was about to wrap it all up for the day yet again Nyeli met him with the same expecting gaze, as if waiting for something. And it was not the pets, that’s for sure, yet he wanted some of course. Izumi had not hesitated to give him said pets, being surprisingly soft about it. Of course this was met with some purring. However, instead of leaving the gaze uncommented, this time Izumi would strike up another conversation.

“You know… I don’t get you sometimes.” He said, being surprisingly honest about this. This made Nyeli  look up with his wide, brown eyes, blinking confused, as if asking ‘ Am I that hard to understand? ’

“Sort of. I know you want something but… I don’t even know what else you want.”

Izumi decided to just come out with it, as much as he hated to admit to it. He just wanted to have closure already, but he cannot exactly have it like this. There was something else Nyeli desired and he wanted to know what. If it were simple he would ask but it wasn’t that simple. The cat knew only a few words which was honestly expected. And even then he was not sure if there was enough trust between them to open up about everything, every single trouble. After all, it doesn’t happen within a day… Or so a certain someone had to remind him. They were right though, these things don’t happen just like that, so he had to be careful. Still, he wanted to know. If there was something he could do, he would do it at this point. They were over the hostility after all.

He sighed in the end, his hand removing itself from the cat’s head. “Nevermind that, guess I just have to get to know you all over again Patch.”

He had not paid attention to the kitty’s reaction nor did he know what he had said, or rather not realized at that point. He had to leave and he wanted to make that clear. However, he was not given a chance. Instead he suddenly felt his shirt being tugged on tightly, as if trying to make him stay a bit longer. It wasn’t a strong tug and it couldn’t really have been anyone else than Nyeli.

“Wha– Hey! Let go! I have to go!” He protested, trying to move himself off the spot. “Plus, I can’t show up with a torn up shirt you—”

“Nye!” The protest, there it was. Out of nowhere it seemed that Nyeli did not want him to leave, at all. He wanted the man to stay, no matter what, even if he had to cling onto the shirt. Ugh, no choice but to forcefully remove him it seems.

With that in mind Izumi turned back around, about to lift the cat off his shirt but froze in place the moment he spotted the expression.

Nye– No, Patch was looking up at him, suddenly teary eyed, a contrast to what he had looked like earlier. An expression now brimming with life, literally, shining with it despite the tears rolling down. It was very sudden and had the man speechless from one moment to the next before asking: “Wh… What? Did I say something—”

“Nye!” The kitty shook his head before deciding to suddenly pounce on Izumi, holding tightly onto him with his nubs. He buried his own face in the taller male’s chest, nuzzling into it for some time while crying from one moment to the next, sniffling and sobbing. Though it was not out of sadness he had soon realized. It was because he was… Happy? Happy about wha— Wait a minute…

“P… Patch?” He repeated, though seeming to be a bit more soft in his tone as he did. Izumi wasn’t sure, he was just trying his luck. It was the only thing which made sense to him, to say the least.

And he was right at that very moment, the sniffling becoming louder as he seemed to refuse to let go. He was happy, over the moon perhaps, and nuzzled tighter. “Uhh… Brothnya! Brothnya!” He suddenly exclaimed, having even caught Izumi off guard at that moment… Brothnya? It had been a good while for that, a long time. So wait, he was actually waiting for him using that name again? But—

“Huh!? Isn’t your name now—”

But Nyeli refused to respond properly, only continuing to nuzzle. He was happy, a very happy kitty. Actually, was the name ‘Nyeli’ even appropriate then? Because it seems that he wants to be called differently, at least by Izumi. Ah, he wasn’t sure what to think. This was all so sudden, so overwhelming. It was too much at once. Maybe… Just maybe, he should just accept it. Yeah, for once… He should just go with it. If that’s what Patch wants, he could hardly say no.

“Hah, I get it I get it I’ll keep calling you that then.” He sighed with a light chuckle following right after, a soft pet on the cat’s head as he was still clinging and happily sulking.

Actually, it felt… Different. But also nice. As if he just had a big relief at this very moment. He didn’t really mind, not one bit. Maybe it was a mistake to just push him away… Push anyone away even. After all, given the results now… Maybe his judgment was wrong. Because this was—

Yet Izumi came to a halt in his own thoughts for a second… Hold on, this feels… Good? This feels actually… Relieving? To… Actually… It was the first time this shot through his mind honestly. He had not considered that this would work… That they were right and—

Agh, just when he thought this was over, why do things suddenly have to become even more confusing now!? What’s going on at this point!?

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