#No fighting… choose peace. It’s what hajime would want

[madraleen]

Attack on Titan - Hajime Isayama Vol.20-21: A Commentary (the one where I seem to be having a religious experience)

(*ignore the change to lower case letters-only mid-commentary)

-Levi is hurt on the cover of volume 20, help!

-I like angry Eren. That’s when he’s at his most passionate.

-I bet all the survivor’s guilt Levi fanfics are stellar.

-Please, just not... not Levi. Not yet. I don’t want to see Levi fighting the Beast Titan, I’m emotional.

-What is Levi, he is magnificent, he shredded Beast to pieces.

-I am shouting violent words during this difficult time!

-...Don’t take Armin from us, please not yet.

-LISTEN, Levi is looking for someone to turn into a Titan, so if Armin’s near death but doesn’t die-die...

-The hero we needed but didn’t expect, Hange.

-Omfg, Eren attacking Bertolt as a human!! Iconic, epic, and also, goddammit, it was a good plan, damn you Armin

-”I should have known this would happen”??! What else did you think would happen, Eren?!

-Levi the avenger. Why is he smoky though

-HE SAID “KOFF” ARMIN SAID “KOFF” HE COUGHED

-Look at Mikasa seeing Armin likes this.

-What the shit is this. You’re making Levi choose between Armin and Erwin, what the fuck, WHY ARE YOU OUT FOR THE KILL, SENSEI?!?!?!?? The most painful thing! The creatively greatest thing! Oh my GOD MY EMOTIONS

-I am also “th-thump,” kids, I am also “th-thump.”

-I hadn’t realized the Eren and Levi built difference, ehehe.

-No matter what happens, this Levi vs Eren and Mikasa on who to save is so good.

-Look at Mikasa, man. Just Mikasa. To know pain.

-Bb. Bb Armin. Bb Levi. Just. This part has been so. Satisfying. So good. The raw emotions on Eren and Mikasa, how much they love Armin. Levi. I feel peace? I feel like I’ve witnessed something sacred. Something cathartic.

-It’s okay. We’re okay. It’ll be okay. Seriously tho, those survivor’s guilt Levi fanfics, I bet they’re gut-wrenching.

-And it was nice seeing Eren fight for something again for a prolonged length of time unequivocally, unwaveringly, no hesitation, just passion.

-The thing is. I never want fictional characters to die, I’ve just vaguely accepted it as a necessary evil in manganime. In this case, I’d have been devastated if Armin had died. But for me, the mark of a good character death is when you drive the reader to a point that they accept the death on the page, basically saying “I don’t want this, I hate this, but I understand.” And this did that. It would have done that if it had gone either way, whether it were Armin or Erwin.

-(We’ve yet to see how Levi joined the Corps and grew this close to Erwin, y’know.)

-Smh, Squad Levi has been through so much together. Together in the truest sense of the word, they’ve always had each other’s back.

-eren rushing to hug armin as soon as he's awake, my heart. and how armin just hugs him even though he has no idea what's happening, just like he's always welcomed eren in his world no matter what

-WE'RE IN THE BASEMENT

-okay on the “humanity has not perished” part, but a REFINED existence? Whoa.

-i'm reading grisha's story with baited breath, lol

-hoooly shit, we're actually talking eugenics and genocide. i mean. i guess we've been talking about genocide from volume one, just not in so many words.

-WHAT THE FUCK THEY HAD DOGS EAT THE LITTLE SISTER

-ZEKE?! THE BEAST TITAN IS EREN'S HALF-BROTHER! WHAT THE SHIT

-SNORT zeke is playing with a stuffed ape, lol why

-WHAT! ZEKE BETRAYED HIS PARENTS AT THE AGE OF SEVEN!

-okay but i don't understand why our ymir is named after the founding titan, oh my god this history is so interesting i can't wait to connect dots

[dilxcs]

hi!!! i really love your “when the hq boys have a crush on you but you dont know it”! i think its soo well-written and i especially love iwaizumi’s part hehe <33

can i request a scenario on how the boys would confess to the reader? like how they would go about doing it, if it would go exactly according to plan if they even have a plan or if they would just blurt it out unintentionally? can be anyone you choose but i’d like iwa and osamu to be included too if thats okay! thank you sm!

🔖 writings and such - haikyuu imagine

how the haikyuu boys would confess to u

aaaaaaa i’m literally screaming holy shit. like i didn’t think y’all would like my writing and the amount of love i’ve received these past days is so overwhelming omg. the fact that u think it’s so well written truly warms my non-existent heart, thank u ;.; ! yes ofc, i would love to write how they would confess to u !! and since i already wrote about how they would act when they have a crush on u, i will use some of those same characters again ! i’m kinda to lazy to write them all, besides it will be to long of a series and i also wanna write other scenarios. maybe i’ll write the others some time later lmao. anyways, hope u like it bubs and thank u for ur request ! <3

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characters : suna rintarō, iwaizumi hajime and miya osamu

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suna rintarō

it happened during facetime. he asked u to help him with his math homework, but in actuality he just wanted to see ur face. u have been feeling so exhausted that night, due to ur own homework and truthfully u just wanted to sleep. he was in the middle of his story about ‘tsumu and ‘samu fighting over which onigiri flavor was the best, when he noticed that u were particularly quiet. one look at the camera told him that u fell asleep.

“squirt” he said rather affectionately. his heart began beating faster, cause it ain’t fair that ur even cute when ur asleep. he immediately took some screenshots of u. he couldn’t help staring for a bit. u looked so serene and at peace, instead of being stressed and sleep-deprived 24/7. “u know, i would never have the guts to say this to ur face, but i really like u y/n” he whispered and that is when u raised ur head, a cheeky grin on ur face told him u heard everything. “wtf squirt, i thought u were asleep” he said incredulously. “i was, but then my neck started to hurt from the position so i woke up and heard u confess ur feelings for me. didn’t know u felt that way rin” u said teasingly. “well, the cat is out the bag now. no point in hiding it anymore” he told u, while scratching behind his neck, a nervous habit of his. “well then ur lucky, cause i like u too”

he looked at u with wide eyes, not really believing that u like him too. “wait, u do?” he asked in disbelief. u giggled at his reaction. “yes, why are u so shocked about that?”. “just- nothing, don’t mind that. u have plans this weekend?”. u knew what’s coming next, but u decided to play a bit clueless. “no, i’m free this weekend. why?”. he brought his phone a bit closer to his face as he uttered the next words. “well then bubs, if ur free this weekend. would u like to go have a bite with me? like on a date?” he tried to be as confident as he could, but u can see through his facade and u knew mans is a nervous wreck from the inside. “yes, i’d very much like that”.

iwaizumi hajime

“this is stupid” he grumbled out. honestly, he didn’t think he would be the type to write out his confession, but here he was in front of his desk. pen in hand and paper still blank of words. how do people even confess their feelings to each other? “need my help iwa-chan?” oikawa asked from the spot on his bed he was currently occupying. last time he asked oikawa (or the other third years, a.k.a. makki and matsun) for advice, they told him some sappy shit about feeling butterflies in ur stomach and what not. he didn’t know if what he was feeling was said butterflies. like yea, he would feel content when he was with u and the other third years told him he acted ‘soft’ around u, whatever the hell that meant. and maybe did he feel kinda awkward when he was alone with u, cause ur presence intimidates him a bit (in a good way tho). honestly, the thing he learned from his friends is that they were as helpful as a sack of potatoes.

he didn’t lack the courage to tell u how he felt. he feared how u would react to it. people always fancied oikawa more than him and even though u didn’t pay oikawa any attention, besides the amount of what’s acceptable when ur friends, he can’t help thinking if he interpreted the signs wrongly. he was always there for u, no matter what and he knows that u got his back as well.

“fuck this” he threw his pen down and planted his face on his desk, letting out a deep sigh. “i’ve never seen u act so pathetic before iwa-chan. u should just go for it at this point.” he picked up his pen he was holding before and threw it at oikawa. “shut the fuck up shittykawa, i’m not pathetic. and even if i did ask them out, who’s sure they would accept?”. oikawa narrowly escaped being hit and let out a offended gasp. “since when do u care about that stuff? u always go for the things u want and i’m sure they will accept ur feelings! i mean, hello, did u look at urself?” he shoots a glare at oikawa, but ultimately thought he was right (for once). like yea, he didn’t think he was the most handsome man, but he could say he was good looking. also, he never really cared about these kind of stuff and always went head first into any situation.

he decided that he should just go for it and hope for the best. he picked up his phone and started messaging u.

“hey, are u busy right now?”

he didn’t expect u to answer directly, but he was surprisingly mistaken when he saw that u were typing.

“oh hey iwa! no i’m not, what’s up?”

oh shit, oh shit, oh shit. why did u have to respond so quickly?! he didn’t think anything through and he considered back paddling. when oikawa took his phone and typed out a message. he tried to take his phone back, but oikawa hold it out of his reach. “damn u and ur height advantage” he grumbled out. “wtf did u even send?”. oikawa let out a smirk as he showed him what he send u.

“care to spend ur day with me at the local café downtown?”

well it wasn’t that bad, but it didn’t even sound like him. he was ready to complain, when he heard the all familiar ding from his phone. both oikawa and him wasted no time and took a look at ur reply.

“i would love to! what time do u want me to be ready?”

oikawa took his phone again and before he knew it, he had send another reply. he threw his phone back at him and he easily catches it.

“does 2pm sound good to u? i’ll pick u up.”

“yes that sounds perfect, it’s a date! :>”

oikawa raised both of his hands, clearly pleased with his actions. iwa on the other hand, couldn’t help letting out a laugh at how stupid he felt for overthinking everything. he didn’t forget that oikawa took his phone twice without permission and he decided it would be a good excuse to punch the guy’s arm. “OW! iwa-chan that hurts” oikawa said while he soothed his arm, pout evident on his face. “serves u right, shittykawa”. it was silent for a moment before he mumbled out a “thank u” and he didn’t miss oikawa’s smile, glad to have helped his best friend.

miya osamu

“that’s it!” atsumu slammed his hands on the table, while suna was scrolling through tiktok. “what is it dumbass?” “okay first of all, screw ya suna! a ain’t dumb” suna rolled his eyes at that, but put his phone down to indicate that he was listening. “secondly, we need to help ‘samu’s sorry ass to confess his feelings for y/n, cause clearly he can’t do it by himself” he declared. “u know that ain’t our business right?”. atsumu sighs dramatically “a know that, but still. u know how he is, he wouldn’t make the first move if we don’t help him a bit” suna smirked at this “okay einstein, what do u have in mind?”

the next day suna approached him during lunch. “yo osamu, u like y/n right?”. osamu tried to shush him, cause wtf suna??? “dude wtf, way to be blunt about it” “that’s not an answer to my question tho” osamu dragged him to the corner of the cafeteria “yes a like them, why ya askin’?” suna made sure to look osamu directly in the eyes. “well, i heard from atsumu that he will ask them out today. so if u don’t hurry, u might lose them.” wait, did he just hear that correctly? ‘tsumu likes y/n? since when? “where is that traitor?” he asked, voice dangerously low. “at the gym. he asked y/n to come meet him there”. he didn’t need to hear it twice, as he outright bolted through the cafeteria doors to the gym. “well i did my part, atsumu better pay me back with chuupets” suna mumbled as he went back to the table with the other teammates.

meanwhile, osamu made it to the gym and low and behold he saw u with atsumu. he didn’t intend to confess to u this early, but he be damned to lose u to his brother. yea, fuck that. he didn’t stop running when he was almost within reach of u two and that’s when he kicked atsumu away. “ya traitor, ya knew a like them and yet here ya are confessing to them?!” he screamed while holding ‘tsumu upright by his collar. “ya wouldn’t do it if a didn’t step in, ya dipshit!” atsumu screamed back. wait what? osamu let go of atsumu as he let the words sink in. “so ya don’t actually like y/n?” he asked, still skeptical. “not romantically, like yea they are cool, but i only like them as a friend. besides, i know that ya got the hots for them and am not that big of an asshole”.

all the while this happened, u stood there completely at a loss for words. osamu approached u and took ur hands in his. “am sorry u had to see that and that a was to big of a coward to confess ma feelings for ya. i rlly like ya y/n. would ya wanna go out with ma?” it took u a moment to get out of the initial shock of what just happened, cause wtf? also, did osamu really just confess to u? “not gonna lie, this was truly confusing as hell and i don’t have a clue of what happened just now. however, what i do know is that i like u too ‘samu and i’d love to go out with u”. u both smiled at each other as he intertwined his hands with urs. “FUCKING FINALLY, U OWE MA PUDDING ‘SAMU” “SHUT YA TRAP, ‘TSUMU”

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[a/n] : i don’t think i have to elaborate anymore at this point. didn’t proofread shit as usual :>

© sennsational 2021 - all rights reserved. please do not copy, modify, or repost my works and claim it as yours.

[lilylilym]

Cinematic language to help you understand why Levihan is more canon than you think

First thing first, of course the plane was Hange. And the wood parallel is deeper than just hints of canon ship

If the birb is Eren then the plane is Hange. It’s called a ✨symbol✨ and a ✨parallel✨ , a narrative device and a visual cue means for readers to reflect on 

a) things that happened related to the actual object (when have we seen this before and last time we see it what happened)

b) what it could represent in terms of symbolic meaning (travel, migration, meaning mobility and freedom and civilization and means and that Levi has a good life for example)

c) how it is positioned in relationships with other object/symbol that are similar to it visually, to draw some similarities and differences in terms of narrative (plane is a machine birb, scientific birb, Levi sees plane while Mikasa hanging out w birb, what do this mean???? Thinkkkkkk)

Some folks will find value in learning comp lit, to know how to read narrative work, including cinema. AOT is visual but it is also deeply cinematic in the way Hajime Isayama draws the panel and the variety of shots he uses to depict the passive narration such as voice-over, time-lapse, flashbacks, time jump, etc. 

Here’s an example of how AOT is structured by paralllels, symbols, and narrative devices through editing/cinematic techniques to tell the story. This is my favorite scene when Isayama uses a combination of cutaway and montage to use a character’s dialogue beyond the immediate moment (real time) to depict a larger theme of the story:

This scene is Levi and Kenny talking to each other in real time. There are many ways to depict a dialogue. If it is about each other, then characters are usually depict in “continuity editing” where the whole scene is about them talking to each other, shots will be opposite shots of their face, over-the-shoulder, giving audiences a feel that you are there with them in the convo, listening to them talk. But this scene “cutaway” in that it breaks up the “linear time” by showing audiences other images not realistically been seen by any character, to broaden the scope of the scene. Now you know it’s not just about the dialogue. However, cutaway usually is a thing that realistically in that scene, like cut to the tree while Kenny is still speaking, then go back to them. 

In this “sequence,” what is shown is a montage of images that are not only “flashbacks” (memory of things the characters have seen/witnessed, since he couldn't have seen Kuchel) but compilation of new images that are “symbolic” to the lines Kenny is speaking. In other words, the author is drawing “parallels” from one instances to others, connecting separated people, scenes, stories, actions, decisions into one larger thing we call “theme”––Isayama’s making sure that audiences know exactly what to think by forcing separated images into one montage, and make sure you understand that this message needs to be understood beyond Kenny. So that’s the cinematic language readers should be aware that Isayama is using.

That’s why arguing events based on literal evidence is limited, because it is cannon itself that events, stories, people’s decisions and investments are meant to be interpreted and understood in juxtaposition.

Now let’s move on to juxtapositions and parallel in Levihan and Eremika:

I know people have use the wood parallel to talk about how Levihan is canon, but I think the wood is meant to show that Levihan are the adult version of Eremika, who also understand and rely on each other, but a lot more secured in their relationship and trust. 

So, get this: for Eremika, Eren had to ask who he is to Mikasa (I know, dumbo) before they get the alternative living in the wood. That’s cuz their young love is shy and also full of insecurities and they are unsure of how to understand their affection for one another. The insecurity is especially pronounced when Mikasa, after having been asked that (”who am I to you”), still get so hurt when Eren said he had been hating her since they were kids. That means we can read that she took the question as “what do you want from me why are you clingy” instead of “pls tell me you like me.” 

In another world, she is her fierce self who lives only for her and Eren (like she used to back then, ready to fight the whole army to keep Eren alive but now she’s a soldier for humanity) and suggested that they runaway to live in the wood. In this scenario, Mikasa’s suggestion was implied, we never saw her do it, only told in Eren’s retelling, and even so, in his words (“thats what you said, Mikasa”).

This whole scene is continuity editing with flashbacks, purely from the perspective of Mikasa. You as the reader assumes her point of view, because the images depict Eren speaking, and Eren’s words dictate most of the information. So you, as a reader, is being told to, passively that this is what happened, and that whatever decision of how they get here, has been made prior to you. In other words, while the dialogue happening about them being together is real time, the dialogue of how they decided to do so, is not. That is meant for interpretation. The author does not let you know how it happened in real time. This intended foreclosing is meant to evoke a sense of confusion, unsatisfaction (because you do not get to know how decisions are made and why), so it is safe to assume that the intended feeling is also just that--bittersweet. You know the couple get to be together, but they were not entirely at peace. This life will weight heavily on them until the day Eren dies. This scene is in chapter 138, but in story’s time, it’s meant to be continue before the timeskip. 

For Levihan, in chapter 126, the conversation between Levihan was playing out in real time itself, but the whole scene is an independent moment that preceded the real event (which was continued on from chapter 125, where Hange and Levi met with Pieck and Theo). 

In this scene, readers can see that the suggestion was direct, and we were in on the act as it happens. Hange thought Levi was unconscious, so they were thinking out loud. “Maybe we should just live here together, right, Levi?” We see Hange contemplating about it, said it out loud, and sad that it might just be a wild thought. 

Time cut. Now they’re doing something else, before the path appears, and they turned around to wake Levi up. Levi woke up at that same moment, immediately asking about what happened before he was unconscious, not letting Hange know that he heard the whole thing. He took time to catch up with what happened, gathering information and providing information. This means he is contemplating about Hange’s proposal.

“I let him get away again.” Hange responded to this sentence with “I’m sure you want revenge, but for now...” Levi moved on, seamlessly, without a beat, “If we keep running and hiding, what will that get us?” At first it seems like a continuation of the convo--as in Levi doesn’t want to keep hiding and want to go back to battle, but Hange understood immediately that he was referring to their talk: “So you heard me talking to myself.” 

Here, Hange weren’t like “omg im sorry I didn’t know u were up i would have never,” because that would suggest that the relationship between them is unconfirmed and that Hange has yet to know what Levi thinks of them (as seen in Eremika’s nature of their relationship). But they were just like, ok, so you heard. Then Levi saw that Hange was making a thing to carry him, and concluded, “I know you. You’re not able to stay out of the action.” Hange admitted, “Yeah, that’s right, I can’t.” 

If you look at the scene itself, you will see a lot of opposite shots (POV of the two characters who are talking to each other), many of them are close-up (right in their face). It is a short, but continuous, linear conversation where Hange and Levi got to talk about the possibility, discussed it together, before Levi pointed out that Hange could never just sit this one out, and Hange agreed. This scene is also meant for interpretation, because even though they talked about the possibility, they didn’t go “so what do you think, I think we should” but it was Hange’s wild thought that they fully intended not to go through, and Levi’s understanding that he was not meant to truly respond, because he saw that Hange already had a plan to keep it moving. (The next scene is Levi negotiating with Theo and Pieck, so it’s safe to assume that they spent the rest of their conversation discussing strategies.)

Levihan’s scene is short, but it was meant to read in juxtaposition with Eremika’s more elaborate life in the wood in 138 -- communicating the idea that if they had run away together, they would also suffer intensely survivor’s guilt. Which, as soldiers and commanders, they simply cannot choose. So, in a way, this is to depict Levi’s theme, “no regret,” even as they never had a future to be together at peace. The fact that they can have this extremely heavy conversation means that there were peaceful moments between them that they experienced, that would allow this scene to read like a final good bye.

So, as I have rambled more than I needed to, I’mma stop here. My point was pretty simple and meant to invite folks to read AOT very generously in terms of its couple/romantic/partnership, in that just because things are not fleshed out doesn’t mean it’s not real and that readers are supposed to read between the line, thematically, across storylines to get the full picture, but sternly in the way that you need to understand narrative devices and visual cues the ways they’re meant to be read. To go back to the plane controversy (apparently some people insist that planes are planes), of course planes are planes, that’s what they first and foremost need to be. No object would be included for the symbolic meaning only - it always need to be itself first and foremost, to create a normative sense of reality before it could go imaginative and interpretive.  

[nagitolovebug]

Oh no what happened when bebi and kamukoma got separated by ff? Also it would be amazing to read about the whole bebiverse if you ever did want to write a whole fic on it!!!

>:3 Izuru knew it was coming. How could he not? In the days approaching Bebi's first birthday, he has a decision to make- take his family and run, or let the FF take them and see what happens. Ultimately, he decides letting the FF take them would be the path of least resistance, less strenuous for everyone. So he does nothing. He watches his husband plan for Bebi's birthday party, pile of horrible, handmade plushes and blankets waiting for them. The day they turn one, their parents take them to the beach. Izuru didn't want agents rooting around and destroying their home. They watch Bebi toddle on the beach, smiling silently. They were always a quiet baby. They hadn't even cried when they were born. He sees the FF agents approaching on the horizon, far earlier than he had anticipated. He thought he'd have more time with them. He kisses Nagito like he's never gonna see him again, holds him close to feel his heartbeat. "Nagito. Whatever happens next, do not doubt that I love you." "Izuru..?" And then he holds Bebi's face and it hurts him looking at their eyes and how they stare at him like they know. "My precious child. You have irrevocably changed my life for the better. You are the most important thing in my life, and I love and cherish you deeply. If you remember anything of your father, remember these words, my dear Bebi. I love you, and always will." Izuru had been under the impression the agents coming for them were peaceful, not putting up a fight as they were surrounded. Nagito had no idea this was going to happen at all. "IZURU, TAKE BEBI AND RUN!" It's the first time Nagito has ever been in any way authoritative with Izuru, but Izuru knows this is the safest for everyone so he doesn't. Especially because he doesn't wanna separate his family. And Nagito's heart breaks when Izuru lets himself get shackled. Nagito is backing away desperately, holding Bebi bundled up so tight in his arms, pressed against his chest "Don't touch my baby- don't TOUCH MY BABY- STAY AWAY FROM ME! PLEASE, YOU CAN'T DO THIS! LET GO, LET GO- IZURU! IZURU, PLEASE, PLEASE, HELP SOMEBODY HELP ME, THEY'RE TAKING THEM, PLEASE DONT TAKE AWAY MY BABY, PLEASE-" Izuru twitches, hearing the screams, clenching his fists and his jaws, eyes stinging at hearing someone he loves beg so desperately and not being able to do anything about it. A god for the very first time feeling helpless. He's never felt more human. He wishes being human didn't mean being disgusting and ashamed and useless. Nagito manages to slip the ring he had received from Izuru around his neck onto his baby's neck (a keepsake in case they're never reunited) before his is tased in the back by an agent, crumpling to the ground immediately as someone grabs his baby, thrashing and kicking and screaming himself hoarse demanding the give his baby back, don't touch his baby, give them back. When Bebi is ripped from their father's arms, they begin to wail, horribly- sounds they had never made before wrenched out of them in fear and confusion. Izuru hadn't expected they'd use force. Watching his husband crumple to the ground makes him see red, incapacitating one of the agents detaining him and ready to kill the other. Until Makoto Naegi approaches him holding Bebi. There's blood on his jaw and he could kill Naegi faster than he could blink, but he wouldn't try anything- not when his baby was in danger. "Don't hurt my child. Don't touch my child. ....please. They haven't done anything." "My sins are mine alone. Free Nagito and Bebi. I'll comply without struggle." "I'm sorry, Izuru-kun, we can't do that." Izuru flinches. Nobody except Nagito called him that. Junko did once and he tore a clump of her ugly pigtail off her head. "Don't call me that. Free my husband and my child at once-" "We won't hurt you. I promise. The baby will be safe while you all receive treatment. I'm here to help you, not to punish you." "You tased Nagito-" He sighs. "I made them promise not to use force. Byak- Togami’s men are...not used to such delicate situations. I really am sorry. Komaeda-kun has been

through a lot, right? I dont wanna make his rehabilitation any harder by worsening his health." "If any harm comes to either of them-" "I will not let anything happen to Komaeda-kun or the child-" "Bebi." "Bebi, Kamukura-san. I swear on my life." "What is your pathetic life to the safety of my family? Pray that your life is all you lose if you break your promise. If there is a single scratch on either of them, I will make sure you and your loved ones suffer before I crush you under my heels. I swear on my life. And that's a promise that holds weight." He turns away. "Put us in the same room. I wish not to be separated." "....of course." The moment they're left alone together, Nagito slaps his husband across the face. He's incensed. He's grieving. He doesn't understand why his husband didn't save their baby. "Don't speak to me. Don't look at me. You let them take Bebi away. We're done." He isolates himself in a lone corner on the ship, back turned to Izuru, curling in on himself and sobbing. Izuru eventually goes over, wraps himself around Nagito, allows Nagito to thrash and weakly try to hit him before he turns around and bawls into Izuru's chest, Izuru rubbing his back and pressing a single kiss to the crown of his head. "...I'm sorry. I didn't want to put Bebi in danger. I'll get us out of here soon." By the time they are ready to be put under, Nagito has finally grown compliant and is entirely in a daze, Izuru coercing him to calmness with constant promises of their escape. On their way to the pods, he hears the softest, "Papa?" and goes berserk. “Bebi, please give me back my Bebi, I need to hold them.” He headbutts the person escorting him and they pass out (how lucky!) and dodges agents jumping for him and runs to Bebi. They're all reaching for their guns thinking he's gonna hurt the kid but he falls to his knees and just holds them, and he can't even do it properly bc his hands are shackled, but he touches them all he can to make sure they're alright and the sobbing is haunting. "Please don't take them again, I'll do anything you want, please don't take my baby, my baby, they're all I have- please, just an hour, fifteen minutes, just- just let me see they're ok, I need to see for myself that they're ok-!" And it's...the notorious, fearsome Servant....begging. It's incredible to see him reduced to that. Bebi's just got their chubby little arms around Nagito's neck and they're resting on his shoulder and it's the quietest and calmest they've seen Bebi since they were taken- they cry incessantly for the longest time, only stopping when they pass out. Nagito rocks them and pets their hair and frantically checks their ribs, their heart, making sure there’s no bruises. Izuru never got to say goodbye. He chooses not to go see Bebi when Nagito lashes out. Makoto turns to him but he just holds a shackled hand up. "It'll only make it harder." And he doesn't say for whom. Nagito kisses Bebi's face and their head and pets them and whispers, "I love you so much, more than anything in the world, please stay safe until I come back for you. Bebi, my darling baby, I will come back for you. I won't leave you. I'm so sorry." And then asks Makoto to jab him with the tranquilizer so he doesn't have to watch his baby get taken from him again. The last time Bebi sees their papa outside the pod is when his arms go limp around them and he's dragged away.

This impacts them all for years to come. The entire family gets a certain anxiety around Bebi's birthday, so much so that Bebi never wants to celebrate. Bebi (and Hajime, for that matter) has nightmares of their Papa screaming and terrible separation anxiety, latching onto the items they had with them during the program (Nagito's jacket and Nagito's ring)- if at any point they do not have those 2 items with them, it's likely they'll panic. Bebi didn't have their own room for the longest time because Nagito would wake in a panic and have to check and make sure they were still in the house, or insist they slept on the bed in between him and Hajime. Later on, if Nagito or Hajime are away on missions, or they are apart from the twins, they'll spiral into panics insisting that their being apart will result in someone's death. The trauma from being separated from their parents is hugely influential to how they interact with their family and their motivation for reviving the NWP...and starting another killing game.

[i-am-totally-a-human-being]

With 4th of July finally coming to an end.... it’s time! Time for the story we’ve been planning! That being said:

Danganronpa V4: A New Ending

(Title pending?)

Pairing: Hajime x female reader

Summary: a whole new killing game, with a different group of participants, and a whole new character

The first chapter will come out soon, and when it does, you’ll find the link here!

Here is all our people starring in this story!

Y/N L/N, The Ultimate Forensic Scientist

A spunky young girl with a spunky young attitude. She tends to keep to herself, but isn’t necessarily shy. From her school file, it’s highly assumed that she somehow stumbled across a crime scene as a child, how she actually got there is unknown. Although no older than 13, she was easily able to point out evidence that the forensic specialists already in scene missed before she was quickly escorted away.

Seemingly unbothered by the corpses she witnessed, she then pursued her newly found interest in crime scenes and how to process them, along with collecting evidence.

Her quick learning caught the attention of many, including Hope’s Peak. They offered to pay for her entire schooling if she attended, and she agreed. As Y/N got dressed and ready for her first day at Hope’s Peak, she could have never guessed she would be forced to fight for her life along with 15 others, and put her talent to use.

Hajime Hinata, The Ultimate???

A hotheaded teen who seems to have amnesia, being unable to remember his talent. His uptight nature puts off some of the others, but a few seem interested in him, some even offering to help him discover his talent.

Although he’d never say it, he feels self conscious due to not knowing what his job is supposed to be.

Admires most, if not all, talents, especially the ones that directly make society run better.

Not much can be said about him, he’s still trying to figure out who he is.

He remembers getting ready for the start of the school year, walking out of his home, and then everything going black. Then he woke up on this island, and now has to keep himself and those he cares for alive.

Kokichi Ouma, The Ultimate Supreme Leader

A spry young boy who refuses to really speak of his past. It’s unclear what in his school file is even the truth. He claims to be the supreme leader of an evil organization called DICE, an organization with elegidly 10,000+ members. Hence his talent title. Almost everything that comes out of his mouth he claims to be a lie, so it’s hard to tell what he is actually like.

While he doesn’t ever go into detail of his organization, it seems to be one of the only things he actually cares about and wants to get back to.

He seems hardly bothered by the idea of a killing game, even saying, hopefully joking, that he’d make the first kill. Most are unnerved by his presence and stay away.

Mukuro Ikusaba, The Ultimate Soldier

A quiet, stern girl who does not speak unless absolutely necessary. The older fraternal twin sister of Junko Enoshima, a fashionista famous in Japanese magazine’s. Mukuro seems completely indifferent to anything unless it’s about her sister, to which she grows immediately passionate, almost like a different person. Doesn’t speak about why she and her sister have different last names, claiming it shouldn’t matter.

While not thrilled at the thought of a killing game, she shows extreme faith that her sister will find and rescue her. Most people avoid her, she is the ultimate soldier, after all. Out of everyone, she’d be able to kill the most efficiently.

Doesn’t mind that people avoid her, she likes the quiet anyway.

Makoto Naegi, The Ultimate Lucky Student

A simple, average teenager who lives a simple and average life. He was randomly selected to go to Hope's peak, so he doesn’t really possess any actual talent.

Although talentless, he does seem to possess a decent level of smarts and gets along with everyone easily. No one really fears him, he’s too small and sweet to be capable of murder.

While he doesn’t pose a threat to others, he poses a threat to the mastermind, or anyone who lays their hands on his sister.

Komaru Naegi, a normal student

Komaru possesses no actual talent, much like her brother. However, she is different in the sense that she wasn’t even accepted into Hope’s Peak since she wasn’t quite of age to even be considered as a possibility.

She remembers being taken hostage after she and her parents sent off her older brother, only to awaken on an island, her brother right beside her.

She wants to trust everyone, and takes relief in having her brother by her side.

Shuichi Saihara, The Ultimate Detective

A shy boy who hides his eyes behind a black cap. He seems rather insecure, despite having the talent that poses as the most useful in the current situation. He is quiet and doesn’t like interacting with others, but seems to get more comfortable as time goes on.

He doesn’t like the idea of the killing game, obviously, but he’s mostly worried that some of his classmates will take it seriously.

K1-B0, The Ultimate Robot

Created by a man called Professor Idabashi, a prominent figure in robotics engineering. He created K1-B0(has told others they can call him Keebo) as a culmination of his work.

Keebo doesn’t quite understand human emotions perfectly, but he has a decent idea which is impressive in of itself.

Much like Mukuro, he has faith that he will be saved by a family member. Seeing as he refers to Professor Idabashi as his father. He says he has a tracker, and that when the professor realizes he is missing, a search team will be sent.

Toko Fukawa, The Ultimate Writing Prodigy

An extremely shy and timid girl who does speak to many people. Those she does speak to tend to be weirded out by her... odd and even perverted nature.

She had written multiple books and does seem to be extremely smart, her only issue being her timid nature.

Accused most (if not all) the boys in her class of being perverts.

Angie Yonaga, The Ultimate Artist

Angie loves art in any form, obviously because of her ultimate.

However, she also stands out due to her belief that she is the Devine interpreter for the god Atua, a god she says her people worship.

Angie believes Atua will have his way, and that the killing game is part of something bigger.

Rantaro Amami, The Ultimate Adventurer

A chill, laid back boy who believes in keeping the peace. His calm and collected personality is soothing, leading most, if not all, of the other students to trust him and listen to what he suggests.

Some seem off put by how calm he acts, but most understand that he’s just really good at staying calm and knows that panicking won’t always help.

Often tells tales of his travels to distract those who are afraid.

Nagito Komaeda, The Ultimate Lucky Student

Yet another lucky student, chosen to attend Hope’s Peak at random like Makoto. However, he seems to also have an.... interesting relationship with luck.

His luck has caused death and destruction around him, but he still manages to stay calm and even cheerful in the face of a literal killing game.

Nagito believes hope will prevail no matter what, so he chooses to pretty much just “go with the flow.”

Byakuya Togami, The Ultimate Affluent Progeny

A stuck up and condescending teen who makes it very clear that he does not approve of being trapped on an island like this. This isn’t a funny prank or initiation.

He is rather rich and will inherit the Togami company, after competing against 14 other siblings to “take the crown” and earn the inheritance. He was the youngest of the sibling, or candidates, and is the first youngest to ever come out on top.

Gonta Gokuhara, The Ultimate Entomologist

A.... sweet young man who loves anything and everything bugs. He isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, but he has a good heart.

(Jsvshsv I don’t know what to write for Gonta I’ll finish his later)

Mikan Tsumiki, The Ultimate Nurse

A clumsy and frightened girl who somehow manages to find herself in compromising positions constantly. On accident.

With her and Y/N present, people are at ease, seeing they have practically a full medical team in case something were to happen.

While she often does more worse than good due to her clumsy nature, she has a good heart, and people know that.

Kiyotaka Ishimaru, The Ultimate Moral Compass

A stern and strict boy who believes in respect and following rules contstantly. He is probably one of the only students who respects the killing games headmaster, Monokuma.

While not thrilled about the idea of a murder game, he sticks to the idea that it is a prank from upperclassmen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And that’s our introductions! Sorry some were shorter than others!

Stay tuned!

-🐝

[aks3raao1]

You know, there's a thing with characters that foil each other and serve as the "good" and "bad" respectively (Toga/Himiko, Tenko/Izuku, Nagito/Hajime, Ryoko/Hajime, Atsushi/Akutagawa) but that trope felt rather annoying to write, especially in the world I am trying to write about (ALTERNATIVE's world is basically MHA X BSD but like. 1000 times more fucked up and the Specialised are always prejudiced against. A terrible lot).

The title itself, ALTERNATIVE is to symbolise Romila's POV of "infinite choices and paths present for every being" and how she starts off the story with a decisive line of,

"Many people ask me if this could have been avoided. They beg for me to tell them that things could have been better. There are others too, who try to justify that this was the only way for things to have been. If you ask me, both are living in states of denial. One can't accept the stupidity of humanity for disregarding common sense for violence and prejudices. Another can't accept humanity's choice for having better circumstances if the one with the power chose to."

The thing is, the running theme is that the story is a bittersweet one, despite there not being many deaths of the main characters, but there was always a junction where you can see it could have been avoided, that there was an "alternative" for things to have gotten better, especially in the first book.

Another reason for the title is that it's basically an "ALTERNATIVE" to this world of ours, where super powers and stuff like those exist.

The subtitles of both the books (Myriad of Colours, Colour of Death) signifies Romila's power, "Aura Tracker" which lets her view people's aura as colours (Myriad of Colours is to signify the different kinds of people she meets, Colour of Death is about what affects her the most (death) and how she's constantly seeing that colour everywhere, especially now that it's war).

The thing about ALTERNATIVES is that Romila could have chosen to be a doormat (like Koldin tends to be at the beginning (his rp self is like THAT due to circumstances different to ALTERNATIVE's actual storyline. Also because Hack's a nicer person to be around than Romila is) in order to nOt hAvE cOnFliCt™) to not get into conflict and put up a super nice persona for people but she didn't. She decided to focus on hanging onto her reasons for doing what she does and using it to create a caustic personality to shield herself because she knows that she will regret being a doormat (Her Despair takes the form of Koldin Hopkins).

Now Koldin could have certainly put his hatred for society at the forefront and taken a caustic personality but instead chooses to be nice. Because he doesn't want to become as hurtful as the rest, that's how he wants to disentangle himself from society. However he, like Romila (who just took standing up for herself to extremes), takes this to the extremes causing him to gain the personality of a nice boy™.

However this also goes into why they made the choices they did (which is what Romila realises during the Mansion of Death arc), because for Romila, she didn't really have the psychology for actually becoming a doormat (because a) Her mom wouldn't have it b) She hated to be called weak c) She didn't have anyone to fall back to after the inevitable consequences of being a doormat d) She felt that if she were to live with monsters, then it's easier to blend in by being one (this comes useful to her when she infiltrates into the Government) e) She saw doormats getting suicidal which frightened her) or not becoming fully caustic (since her standing up for herself wasn't. Liked. By. Anyone. And seen as aggressive and she basically went, "Well if they see me as bad, I will show them BAD" which led to her breakdown causing the incidents at the Mansion Of Death (especially a twisted hatred against Koldin for extremely understandable reasons).

For Koldin, being meek and peaceful had let him get by in the streets and his skills to difuse fights had come in handy. Later when Dr. Hopkins took him in, he was well. A member of the Radicals who were known to be extremely merciless towards the Specialised (he had defected but Koldin had a REALLY good reason to be wary) so he figured if he stayed nice, he wouldn't be kicked out of the house and Dr. Hopkins being Dr. Hopkins just assumed that it was his normal and that behaviour carried into school. He figured that it was a horrifying thing to be aggressive and then saw how Romila got treated and decided that yep, he was right, that confirmed his world view alright and it was more reason to be super nice. While Romila saw Koldin as a person who everyone took advantage of (a thing she hated. To be exploited just like that) and went, yep that confirmed hers and it was more reason to be super angry.

However the thing is that, Romila was chided for being anything, which caused her to just give up to be peaceful (because what would she do? Anything she tried to do got her scolded) while Koldin (thankfully) found a support system. It really goes to show the difference a good friend can do.....

As it is, when I first began writing this, the most obvious choice presented itself to me. Koldin is the "hope" and Romila is the "despair" (on the protagonist, deutergonist side) but that seemed stupid and boring as it wouldn't make sense. Since I am trying to make a point of showing with how Romila's world view gradually changes from "there are wrong and right choices" to the fact that it doesn't have to be rigid and that *now* she wouldn't be hurt if she used what her vulnerable side wanted (a world free of prejudices and unnecessary cruelty) with the talents she had. That kindness mixed with her usual personality won't literally kill her.

And for Koldin, being a doormat means that he got taken advantage of a lot by different people and since he refused to actually stand up for himself ("Ah...aha......it seems that I can't..." "Can't what?" "Feel angry for myself......it's always anger that comes from the ones I love being hurt" "Then love yourself too, you will feel angry again" ~ Koldin's conversation with his inverted self in the Labyrinth) he got. Taken advantage of. By virtually everyone. However he decided that if being nice would keep him keep his self and his name self then it would be fine. He did not want to be the source of grief (his actual parents tossed him out because of his Specialisation). The Mansion Of Death actually causes him to snap for that reason, because Romila literally puts him in a torture dream "for the greater good" and then proceeds to kill his dear friend. One thing Koldin HATED. Killing friends. (Due to them being run over by a car, which led to his paralysed left arm)

Now on the other side, their respective friends:

Romila:

Luja: Cynical and annoyed by people's stupidity but not to caustic extents and she wants to be a scientist and isn't haunted by the possibility of dying.

Kratanos: Full of anger and hatred against the world but not entirely blinded by it and is focused to using that anger for reformation of the world (she becomes a therapist later, to help people)

They both have her caustic parts but they also let themselves embrace another side which makes them her "balance".

Koldin:

Anand: Believes that there's no requirement for violence unless it's absolutely necessary.

Karishma: Figures it's a better idea to just listen to rules but doesn't hesitate to break them if she sees that they are bs

They both have his peacefulness, but don't hesitate to do what they think they should do, which makes them his "balance".

The point is that, the case of choosing alternatives isn't possible with a tunnel vision. Even so, there are choices that literally can't be made due to the individual and circumstances. Sometimes the choice is to choose more than one choice. Well, that's one dramatic storyline......

It reminds me of DDLC side stories since everyone has a bit of the other person's solutions and more of a opposite personality (don't take this the wrong way, there are many stories like that and it's honestly a favourite to think abt but it's just that DDLC does it well especially since it's only a school environment). Tbh, I like dramatic storylines that rlly dig deep into a character's perspective (reasons why I'm in love with Hack and Axel in particular). My whole thing is that I'd rather read a story with interesting and in depth characters than one where only the plot is good so I say you made the great call of the century with Koldin and Romila's characters.

What you thought before getting into it is rlly how every great character arc starts. You focus on one, somewhat forget the other one until you review every single character for inspiration and then BAM! PARALLELS! It's really admirable how, even in this messed up world of specializations, you didn't purely focus on the plot bc it honestly sounds interesting enough to just stick around for Romila's life and journey. You could have ended it all with just that, but no, you smacked Koldin in there and said "be my interesting on par character that can kick Romila's gut" and IT WORKED SPECTACULARLY!!!

I really love ur writing and hoping to one day read (and maybe print out) every story you've ever written bc GODDAMNIT I NEED THE FEELING OF THOSE WORDS ON WORN PAPER WITH AN ARTISTIC COVER AND AN AMAZINGLY HEAVY WEIGHT

Aka, paperback. Bc that's how I like to roll and that's how good I think it is. 1000% worthy of a bestseller

[potatotrash0]

jesus christ this is a long ask dkfbskdnskdb you really went off with this huh /lh /nm

Anonymous said:

Okay so l scrolled far down enough I saw your Assassin! Nagito and I just, May I give you: Assassin! Nagito x Hitman! Hajime

-Nagito's childhood is somewhat like Black Widow's: kidnapped/raised into an orphanage at a young age after his parents died, forced to adapt and train into bloodshed, and grown and warped into being the ultimate assassin. He has the natural charm and face to seduce high profile targets and get the job done

-Hajime went the similar route as the kamukura project, except this happened much younger and it wasn't completely finished (Hajime doesn't gain every talent, but he gets a lot of genetic changes to enhance his strength and abilities and he knows how to fight. He also has the heterochromia) and he was found by the kuuzuryu clan and trained to be the family's personal hitman. He doesn't have the natural charm that Nagito has but he is also attractive and more approachable and easy to talk to, which brings many people's guard down until the moment he kills them

-Nagito being incredibly agile and good with knives while Hajime has more upper body strength and break someone in half with his bare hands. He's also more adapted to using guns. Both of them can use sniper rifles and look damn good in it.

-they both work together fairly often, because the two different organizations they work for both have a tense cooperation cooperation with each other and try to stay out of the other clan's business.

-both of them have this antagonistic, yet weirdly domestic relationship with each other.

-Nagito usually uses "puppy" as a degrading petname for Hajime.

-If Hajime wants to make Nagito shut the fuck up, he'll call Nagito "bun" or "bunny".

-Hajime "resting bitch face" Hinata does not know what "showing genuine emotions and not glaring at people " is. Nagito "pretty little psycho" Komaeda does not know what "showing genuine emotions and not manipulating yourself and others" is.

-neither of them are mentally healthy ahhahshh

-they have tried to kill each other before. They have tons of scars to prove it. Hajime has a thin scar near his jugular when Nagito nearly completely slit his throat and Nagito has a scars on his stomach where Hajime stabbed him.

-both of them are fucked up, and really like each other, but are unable to tell each other how they feel. Nagito with his horrible self esteem thinks Hajime wouldn't love someone like him and Hajime thinks Nagito is with him because he provides some sort of entertainment to the assassin. Still, they don't seem to mind it as long as they can be with each other a little more.

-and because of that, they constantly have each other's backs when things go to shit.

- But because they're also fucked up, (especially Nagito) the person in trouble doesn't mind dying, probably craving death,, and the person saving them doesn't really care about their wishes more than they care about how they want the other person for themselves. It's a little bit selfish.

-talking about wanting each other, they are both high key jealous of any partner or person the other brings alone with them. Hajime will revert to his resting bitch face and go back to being cold is he's jealous and Nagito will become more malicious and passive aggressive.

-i don't really know how else to explain that they are definitely not mentally sane or have a healthy relationship with each other than than saying that they're willing to hurt the themselves, the other, or people close to the others to either teach them a lesson or have them for themselves.

(-Hajime, after injuring Nagito so he can't move and taking care of him until he gets better: I'm doing this for your own good bun

-Nagito, after nearly kiling Hajime again and nursing him from all that blood loss: I'm doing this for you puppy)

-on a fluffier note, it's not all that dysfunctional. Hajime isn't the most smiley person but Nagito can make him giggle like no other and Hajime knows all the ways to make Nagito's eyes light up like a kid.

-they don't mind sharing a bed. They infact, share beds during missions more than they don't. They always end up cuddling. Fuyuhiko thinks their pining is disgusting.

-Nagito has a scar on the back of his neck that resuted from him being branded by his clan, and he's insecure about it. Hajime got drunk once and pressed a gentle kiss on it and said, "this doesn't define you, bun." Nagito was so flustered nearly burst into tears.

-Hajime has tons of scars both from Nagito and from his multiple trainings or punishments. One time, Nagito, while drunk and sleepy, pressed his cheek on Hajime's back, against one of the more deeper and noticeable scars, and went, "ah, to carry so much pain and still hold empathy is why I truly think you're my hope, puppy" Hajime didn't sleep all night thinking about it.

-(and yes, they weren't together when they said that to each other. They're just that in love and in denial about it Imaoo)

-I'm losing the plot of this but yeah...Assassin/Hitman enemies to lovers is my shit

me reading this over: holy shit /pos

hajime. nagito. go to therapy holy fuck that isn’t healthy dkfnskxnsknckdbx like i do fancy myself some Unhealthy Dynamics occasionally bc i choose Violence but i also would love for you two to not be regularly trying to kill each other oh my god. attempted murder of the person you’re in love with is not sexy go get help!!!!!!!!

dkfjskbxskbxksbx /lh, i actually do like this au a lot. the more Fucked aspects scare me but i choose to believe they work through it and properly address it before they get together. for my own peace of mind ;;;;;;

also bc i feel weird about posting this otherwise: do not do as these two do!!!!! do not get together with someone who physically harms you, especially not to this degree!!!! it’s not good, my friends, it will not end well 99% of the time.

[simibraun]

The next character is Armin Arlert, the narrator of our favorite story!

I wanted to write something worthy of this character's incredible personality and didn't want to rush it. I took my time on it, thought about his perspectives deeply and I hope that you will enjoy reading this, that it will make you discover and understand more things about Armin.

When someone is facing most difficulties alone, it's easy to get drowned in pessimistic thoughts. Armin uses to do this in the story, not seeing himself as someone worthy and brave enough, equal to his friends' determination and bravery. Armin has a different way of solving and settling things out, a way that not everyone is able understand and follow. Bravery has a deeper meaning than just combat strength and rush actions, not everyone has to be the same and it's ok not to be the same. Through sadness, you learn, you understand more, it makes you humble, it hurts you deeply yet at the same time it makes you feel alive. Through sadness you are able to understand more about yourself, about others, understand everything around you and see things more clearly. If one is able to control their sadness, they will evoke the deepest complex thoughts and emotions that a man can think and feel.

Armin was more than just an ordinary child, he wasn't seeing the same things as everyone else did nor hearing the same things as everyone else. Wherever he stepped, the land he was walking on was from different earth that was out of this world. He heard different kind of echoes that others could not hear and his eyes observed different kind of sights that others would not see. A dreamer among realists. With his daydreaming thoughts, he was able to see another kind of world.

Armin is not an ordinary person, he is not the type of hero that most would want to see in this story, he is more than just an ordinary hero. He has a complex mind with overflowing thoughts and emotions, he wants to understand everything around him in a deeper meaning without rushing to judge the situation. Not everyone is able to do that. Brave means to speak with silence. Discipline means to speak with silence. Discipline means to have control of your own thoughts, to be patient, to understand other perspectives and choose wisely the words that you will speak. No matter where you go, you just need patience, it's all about manner in which you conduct your fight. Armin is a person that lies cannot touch him, he is soft and deserves only trust, as his mind only creates fair thoughts. He doesn't have the need of using excuses to find justice, for he only speaks words of truth and truth is the biggest example you can tell to someone.

He always dreamed about seeing the Ocean and his personality fairly could be described as various forms and graces of the Sea. Salty blue eyes that constantly observe, just like the Sea that never rests, thoughts endless like the Ocean, thoughts as tides and also thoughts as a calm Ocean with a soft, sweet breeze . The Ocean inspires to discover what lies beyond the invisible, it gives a feeling of self exile, a melancholy, a nostalgia to travel afar, yet there's always the desire to return to land. That's who Armin is, a constant wanderer, a constant daydreamer who wants to discover all kinds of new worlds and emotions.

Armin in Shiganshina before facing Bertolt: “If this plan works, I'll never get my chance to see the Ocean. For some reason, whenever I think about seeing the outside world, my fear fades away.”

How is someone able to sacrifice their own life? How can one take such decision? What is the meaning of a sacrifice? Why, after all this time struggling to survive, someone sacrifices their life? Those who are able to do this, it's because they understand that they are dying for something worth more than their own lives.

Levi to Armin: “Don't misunderstand. You could never replace Erwin. But.. it is true that you have a power that no human has.”

A man will never find true peace, unless they find something meaningful in their life, unless they can reach such a high spiritual level, will they find peace. And by spiritual, I mean inner peace.

Armin is able to create that inner peace, he is able to constantly control his mind and reassess his thoughts. Through his experiences he is able to understand others, "So this must be what you saw, Bertolt." and when someone is able to understand others, he can help cleanse their soul. When someone heals his own soul, he knows how to heal others. Armin is the kind of person that in his mind exist overflowing thoughts as tides, but also, there exist thoughts as an endless calm Sea, soft and warm as a summer's Ocean wind. He has inside him a weird mixture of nostalgia and sadness that makes him want to live a thousand lives to evoke any kind of emotion that a man can feel, to discover and understand everything that exists. He moves forward with a feeling that he lived for very long, seen so much, even though, he has yet to see. He wanders in different worlds, having only his hands as a pillow, he rests and he is able to dream whatever he wishes to see.

Based on Hajime Isayama's Attack on Titan character.

[komahinasecretexchange]

Title: Lingering Light

Author: @zettern​

For: @nadisabug​

Rating/Warnings: G

Prompt: fluffy confession

Author’s notes: I tried my best at being fluffy! I hope you enjoy it! :)

“Time passes so quickly.”

Two men sat outside the Jabberwock Island Library, with countless books scattered on a thin blanket. They spent the day together in silence, passing the time reading with an occasional conversation popping up. When they spoke, it was for shared information concerning the book in hand. They shared ideas and tossed around theories about the current state of the world. It was mostly about a world they no longer had access to, as they collectively decided to set their freedoms aside for the better. It was a permanent promise that was deserving, of course.

All the students cursed with the marking of the 77th class had nowhere else to go. No family to return to, no childhood friends and no other connections. They were simply wiped away from the face of the planet and the former students were left with each other. Although that was months ago, they had learned to grow accustomed to this normal.

The sun was falling, bathing the island with broken gold. Shade provided from the trees and garden shielded their eyes. It smelled faintly of sweat from the summer heat as well as the salty air from the beach. Two scents they have become well-acquainted with. And if a book was brought close enough, the moldy scent of old dog-eared pages would help in transporting them to a new world where there was more than an abandoned island.

Nagito and Hajime were sitting side by side, close enough to feel each other’s electric presence but far enough that they weren’t touching. Sweat was running down Hajime’s neck for two reasons. One: it was far too hot outside to not long for the modern air-conditioned room. Two: the setting sun was bouncing off Nagito, giving him an ethereal glow.

The corners of his lips were curled up softly as his eyes scanned the pages, the only escape from his own harsh reality. He didn’t bother to wipe the stray strands of hair that were partially blocking his vision. He was so entranced by the words, Hajime assumed he didn’t hear what he said mere moments ago. It was only during times like this when Nagito appeared to be at his happiest. Flicking through the pages in the silence that not even his luck cycle could disturb. All of this and Hajime couldn’t recall when he put his own book down to admire the man before him. What he wouldn’t give for Mahiru to capture this moment forever.

Their friendship had always been a rocky one, due to the unstable nature of their lives. But when they returned to the island, it was like Nagito reverted to the boy Hajime met on the beach in the simulation. He could easily recall the sound of the waves rolling onto the shore and the silhouette that stayed behind to keep him company. Hajime remembered the feeling of betrayal, the pain he experienced when he ran into the warehouse. He could never forget the lies and the truths all in the time they were locked in a simulation. He could never forget when he was the World Destroyer and the realization that Nagito desired nothing more than a peaceful life and to be loved. Sure the man was…odd about hope, but once Hajime recognized his struggles it made more sense.

It pained Hajime to think this burden of living the rest of their lives on Jabberwock Island was the closest thing to peace Nagito has had in years. This was true for all the inhabitants of the island, he supposed.

In this time, the two had gotten to understand each other better, writing over the hiccups caused by a stressful environment.

Nagito flipped the page of his book with his new arm. He released a soft sigh before resting his head on Hajime’s shoulder. Frozen, Hajime had to remind himself to breathe. In. Out. In. Out. It had grown to something more. Hajime’s face was no longer flushed from the heat. His heart was pounding in his chest and prayed Nagito wouldn’t hear it. Something Hajime wanted so badly to put into words to officiate whatever was going on between them. The wild clouds of Nagito’s hair tickled Hajime’s nose, threatening a sneeze. He was suddenly aware of how sweaty he had been all day.

Did Nagito take notice? Was he repulsed?

“It does.” Nagito said, folding in the page of his book and setting it aside.

“…What?” Hajime croaked. God, he sounded like a prepubescent boy. He cleared his throat and tried again. “What?” At least it sounded passable this time.

“Time. It does go quickly. It’s been months since we returned to Jabberwock Island. So much has changed since then.” Nagito studied his robotic arm, waving his artificial fingers around. Hajime’s heart danced at the knowledge that Nagito wasn’t ignoring his words, not that he ever did. “And even so, you spend each day with someone like me instead of enjoying your time with the others. Have you grown tired of me yet, Hajime?”

“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t appreciate your company.” Hajime shifted slightly enough to get more comfortable in his position. “You should know this by now.” He took a leap and rested his head atop Nagito’s. He felt the other man tense up and Hajime immediately questioned whether or not he made a mistake by doing this. The sun sank further down into the horizon. Hajime kept his eyes closed, reveling in the moment, never wanting to lose it. Nagito soon relaxed under his weight.

“I wonder what bad luck will come my way for having this.” Nagito whispered. “My apologies, Hajime. I shouldn’t be burdening you with the thought of my luck cycle.” It was at those words that Hajime lifted his head, losing the physical closeness he wanted to keep. He couldn’t stand it when Nagito spoke of himself that way. Like he was no more useful than a stray leaf in the wind.

“It’s not a burden!” He defended a little too enthusiastically. “…Besides, with everything that has happened in your life, don’t you think you have nothing but good luck waiting for you?”  It was too idealistic of a claim. They both knew.

“That’s not exactly how my luck works, Hajime. I’m damned to be stuck in this cycle for the rest of my life. I’ve already come to terms with it.” Nagito sighed as he pulled away from Hajime. His greediness would only lead to bad luck after all.

“I k-know that!” Hajime turned, so that Nagito could turn around and look him straight in the eyes. “But with my talents…” He began. “My talents…can cancel out the bad luck…” He tried to continue but the words wouldn’t come out. His heart was pounding, threatening to break free at this point.

“The only way that could ever work is if you were constantly at my side. I doubt you’d want to bring that kind of misfortune upon yourself.” Nagito averted his gaze, choosing to focus on the flowers next to him. His prosthetic hand was digging into the dirt, fighting the urge to be wishful.

“…I wouldn’t mind.” Hajime finally dared to say part of what he always wanted to. The hint of the words he wanted to reciprocate before Nagito went and deceived everyone in the killing game.

“What could someone like me possibly have to offer to you?” Nagito finally looked up to meet Hajime’s eyes. Frantic at the implication of those words. “Someone as talented and popular as yourself has no need to waste time with trash.” He tugged at the sleeves of his worn jacket, curling into himself. It was always Hajime could be with someone better, Hajime should be with someone better or Hajime would be with someone different had they survived. It was never what he wanted.

Hajime reached out.

“You don’t have to offer anything!” He grasped his shoulders, Nagito could only stare at him wide-eyed. “Nagito, your presence alone is enough for me to be satisfied! How long is it going to take for you to understand that I care about you?” It grew silent. The only sounds came from the waves running onto the nearby shore and Nagito’s wild thoughts. Seconds ticked away, their gazes unwavering.

Hajime delicately took Nagito’s chin in his hand without thinking. He didn’t want Nagito to do what he always did and recoil into himself and his doubts. “I’ve grown to care about you so much it hurts.” Hajime’s voice was a tremor of an earthquake yet on the inside he felt the bellowing surge of a wave. “Every morning I wake up excited at the thought to spend time with you. I don’t care if we go the entire day without speaking, as long as you’re nearby I am satisfied.”

“How?” Nagito dropped his arms. “I have absolutely nothing to give.” He whispered. “I have no other purpose than to be used. Everything I have ever come to love, leaves me! I’m always left behind!” He was quivering like a lost dog on a rainy summer night. “Choosing to remain here with me is nothing but misfortune waiting to happen.” Did Nagito truly think that alone would scare Hajime away? They’ve been through hell already, so he was going to have to try harder than that.

“Then it’s a misfortune I want for the rest of my life.” Hajime gently cupped Nagito’s face in his hands. His eyes were brighter than all the stars beginning to sprinkle the sky. The hope in his eyes was clouded by a thick fog of doubt. Hajime wanted nothing more than to embrace him in this moment and remain that way for all eternity to clear any doubt.

“I can’t avoid these feelings any longer, Nagito. There is nothing I want more than to see you live an ordinary life and to spend it with you.” This was true from the moment they left the Neo World Program, it has been Hajime’s grandest wish. He wanted to wake up and see Nagito smiling for the right reasons filled with hope for a better future. He wanted to kiss away all the negativity just so they can finally have this chance to be happy.

Nagito stared into Hajime’s eyes in disbelief. Hajime could hear the shaky breaths escaping his lips. He swallowed. “You said you were in love with the hope sleeping within me. So why can’t I do the same?”

Nagito audibly gasped. “Hajime…” And before he had the chance to shut himself off in an attempt to avoid the situation, Hajime pressed their foreheads together. “Will you let me?” Hajime asked. The question seemed to work as his shaking slowly subsided and turned into soft nods. Nagito leaned further into the touch. Hajime watched as his eyes fluttered shut.  “Is… this really alright..?” Hajime tucked stray hairs away from Nagito’s face, lightly grazing his cheek in the process.

“Of course it is.” Hajime replied as he closed his eyes. He slowly inched forward, his mind racing.

Their lips met. This was something Hajime had dreamt of for what seemed like ages. From Nagito’s fear to trying not to grin like an idiot during their first kiss. Nothing could compare to the actuality of it. And how much better it felt to physically experience it instead of spending sleepless nights wondering about it.

Nagito’s lips were softer than he imagined. Hajime was near to melting on the spot as his heart pounded wildly in his chest. Nagito shuddered and slowly curled his fingers around Hajime’s waist, pulling him closer, never wanting it to come to an end. Time had stopped to listen to their dazed thoughts.

When they pulled apart, Nagito whispered three words that were music to Hajime’s ears. A song he would never tire of listening to. “I hope that’s okay.” He added.

“Always.” He felt so choked up and free.

The sun had long since disappeared. They were enjoying each other’s company in the moonlight filled with new promises. Books were forgotten, tossed aside for another time. Hajime was smiling ear to ear like an idiot as he listened to Nagito explain what he was reading earlier. No distance was placed between them. Nagito made sure, albeit hesitantly, to close any form of distance. And Hajime might as well have been soaring at the sound of Nagito’s voice. His presence. His steady breaths. His lips. The messy hair that got too close to his nose. The green jacket that he wore every day despite the heat. The memory of waking up on the beach. Nagito’s first attempt at a confession. The World Destroyer. Nagito finally waking up from the simulation. The boat ride back to Jabberwock Island.

Hajime loved and cherished it all.

The two lovers spent the rest of the night recounting all they have been through that brought them to this exact moment in their lives. And before they realized, the sun was creeping up from behind. They took it as a signal to pack up their belongings and return to their rooms. Not a wink of sleep and both men had never felt so awake.

That dawn, they walked hand in hand to the cottages for some well deserved peace.

[yamagucji]

# — MATCHUP REQUEST

for. yemilnisu

submission. for my valentines special event

I matched you with...

Iwaizumi Hajime!

okok i really wanted to match you with kenma or tsukki but consider... hajime ✨

please spare me i just think he’s a great match

he’s absolutely smitten for you

wanna go on a road trip? he’s down. snorkeling? that too. wanna bake? hm... not his best suit but he’s willing to give it a shot if you’re there

take him to an amusement park and he’s sure to give you a good time

“hajime...” you spoke, bag full of prizes set down beside you. “you’re rolling up your sleeves again-”

you’re standing, quite dumbstruck, seeing iwai play another game after joking about wanting to get their limited edition plushie

he’s absolutely competitive (though he won’t say it), putting all his passion into whatever he’s doing

the thing iwa’s doing: playing to get you your 9th plushie

oh, might i add that he isn’t one to get scared easily?

he’d wanna go to the scariest rides

so if you’re up for such a dare, then whew make sure you have a lot of stamina and energy

but it looks more like you tugging him by his sleeves and him trying to catch up to you while there’s a whole sack of plushies on his back (because he refuses to let you carry it)

dates with iwa are always so adventurous because he’s someone who enjoys thrill and making the most of it

the two of you definitely go on a lot of trips and oikawa’s jealous bc he wishes he could go too </3

oikawa: oh you’re going to the beach? isn’t that a three hour trip from here? ah— i’ll just go ahead and prepare”

you, nervously sweating: well you see-

iwa: you’re not invited 😐

oikawa: 😟😔💔

GKFJJD JK HE BEEN KNEW HE WASNT INVITED HE JUST WANTED TO JOKE AROUND

anyway, back to the main couple

iwa’s definitely the type to pester you about sunscreen because he doesn’t want you to get sunburnt

“here,” he said, already taking out his own pair of sunscreen before you could. “take some of this”

ask him to put in on for you i dare you

the two of you will be incredibly tired after the day but iwa’s still there to drive you home

he’d be much more careful when it comes to driving, helping you get a bit of nap on the way

if you fall asleep, iwa would be willing to stop by the side of the highway for a second to adjust your seat and tuck you under a blanket

“comfortable?” you heard iwa’s voice beside you, his hands patting down the blanket over your figure. you only managed to let out a sleepy hum — to which he was content with

when the two of you are at home there’s definitely gonna be a fight between who gets to choose the movie you’ll watch 💔

iwa: hey, the new marvel movie just got released on tv. let’s go watch it

you, already shuffling over to the list of crime documentaries:

iwa: 👁👄👁

a second later, also iwa: people who are too weak for ketchup shouldn’t be watching scary shows

THE BANTER WITH HIM PLEASE, this man knows how to tease back — i mean he’s been with oikawa for so long

iwa’s pretty comfortable with teasing you behind closed doors, though he never has any ill intent of course

he just loves hearing you laugh🥺 but he won’t tell you though >:(

iwa loves your voice even more, and everytime he sees you reading he always has the urge to just —

“can you read to me?”

and you’re caught off guard in the couch, staring up at iwa who was sitting on the arm rest, arms crossed and face away from you

usually he’d just let you read in peace, sometimes patting your head whenever he had passed you, until this very moment

“...what?” you asked

he sighs, probably a bit embarrassed that he has to repeat himself. “could you —

“ah...” and iwa’s lightly rubbing the back of his neck, staring up at the ceiling in thought

“could you read to me? if that’s okay”

you’ve never heard his voice so gentle... so quiet

you’d nudge for him to join you on the coach and he’d be a little hesitant, clearly flustered judging by the blush on his face

in general, iwa can appear to be extremely rough and strong but he is most gentle with you

like the times when you’re painting, and there’s a smudge of color on your face. iwa will walk up to you and softly brush it off with his thumb

or when you’re baking something and you accidentally burnt your finger

he’s there the next second, blowing on your finger and kissing it better

whenever oikawa sees him with you, he’s always in disbelief because wow iwa’s never been this soft and completely smitten before

[miracleboiz]

Making a Home Ch.23

Kita Shinsuke had experienced a lot in life. He had been raised with his grandmother, a loving foster parent and for some time he followed in her foot steps before finding his own path. He thought his foster care license had expired before getting a call at three am with two small boys thrust into his arms. Miya Osamu and Atsumu, from broken homes but still fighting. Thirty days before his license expires. Thirty days to make a choice, keep the boys or let them be separated into different homes. Thirty days to fall in love with them.

Words: 4k

Relationships: Ojiro Aran/Kita Shinsuke, Gen

Warnings: Mention of past child abuse, non-graphic abuse

Not from Kita, but it is mentioned. I will post any warnings before any panic attacks or vague descriptions of abuse.

Read below or on AO3

“No more jackets!” Osamu screamed as the front door started to close behind him and he immediately started to wiggle out of it without unzipping it. It caught around his shoulders and he whined, turning to look for his brother only to find himself alone.

He turned back around, eyes landing on a rather amused looking Shinsuke holding a plate of snacks.

“Hi Kita-san! I fell!” He called out, a giddy feeling rising in his chest when Shinsuke blinked at him. He couldn’t say why, but watching adults get confused was one of the funniest things he’d ever seen.

Osamu grinned as he twisted, trying to escape the jacket when he heard footsteps and froze as he recognized Oomimi. For a moment, cold dread poured into his stomach and he took a step back. He was waiting for the order to grab his things, or worse, Rika-san walking in behind him ready to take them away.

He was about to bolt, run back out to Aran and beg him to help when someone crashed into him from the right.

“Your house is huge!” Hitoshi’s voice screeched in his ear as they toppled to the floor.

“Hitoshi-kun be careful.” Shinsuke called, a chuckle following and Osamu relaxed. Shinsuke wouldn’t be laughing if they were being taken away, not after he’d been so upset Rika-san had been mean to them.

Osamu didn’t care what Atsumu said, Shinsuke cared about them… Atleast… Osamu really hoped he did. Osamu loved Shinsuke, he was never scared around him, ever!

Even when Osamu had been with other foster parents, he’d been waiting to be smacked, waiting for the shoe to eventually drop and the pain to start. He’d never felt really safe until now, and he never wanted to leave. He just didn’t know how to get Shinsuke to want them back.

“Why’re you two on the floor?” Rintaro’s voice made Osamu and Hitoshi look up, grinning at the confused looking six year old who was looking over the couch at them. He was wearing the butterfly hair clip that Osamu had let him borrow the night before, tucking his hair away from his eyes.

“Why aren’t you?” Hitoshi shot back, giggling with Osamu and finally rolling off of him. He reached down, trying to tug Osamu up to his feet. Neither of them moved to free Osamu from his accidental jacket trap.

“Because I’m not weird- Oh here comes the hugger.” Rintaro shrunk away as the door to the store opened and the room was invaded by the two oldest of the Matsukawa’s.

Shinji, as Rintaro guessed, made a bee-line for Osamu and wrapped his arms around him almost immediately. Osamu giggled, shoving against him to try and return the hug as well as he could.

“Where’s ‘Tsumu?” Shinji chirped, wiggling and shaking Osamu by default. “We missed you at school today!”

“Shinji, darling, what did we say about shaking people?” A new voice called as the door shut behind Osamu. He glanced back to see his brother looking more than a little confused about the number of people in front of him.

“Not to shake babies!” Shinji called, ignoring the man’s sigh of defeat as he turned to follow Osamu’s gaze to Atsumu. He froze, lips twisting into a frown as he tried to figure out how to hug both of them without letting go of Osamu.

“That is not what we said… Partly what we said, but honestly, Shinji stop shaking people.” The man laughed and Osamu looked over at him curiously. It took him a moment to recognize Hajime in the thick coat before he shed it and wrapped it over an arm. Hajime blinked over at him before smiling and giving him a small wave.

“No,” Shinji insisted, shaking his head, “it’s how I’m friend… fr… friendly!”’

“I’m pretty sure rattling someone’s brains isn’t friendly.” Takahiro’s voice followed as the door opened again. He had multiple boxes in his arms, followed by Akira holding a tiny box very determinedly in his hands.

“That’s because you’re weird.” Shinji chirped, finally letting go to try and shake Atsumu next. Osamu laughed as his brother was enveloped in the older child’s arms and was forced into a hug, Atsumu didn’t seem to mind much. Osamu wasn’t really sure why Atsumu didn’t have a problem with Shinji holding onto him but would attempt to bite Osamu if he tried.

Then again, Osamu let Rintaro borrow his butterfly hair clips and wear them for school today and he had tackled his brother for trying to move them on Saturday.

Osamu paused, wondering if he could get Hitoshi to hug and shake his brother. Atsumu probably wouldn’t bite him, he’d definitely bite Shigeru though… but maybe he wouldn’t bite Rintaro… but would Rin let him hug….

Osamu thought it over and didn’t even realize he wasn’t alone again until he felt the zipper being undone. He blinked back to himself, staring at the neutral face of Shinsuke as his foster parent pulled the jacket off.

“Did you have fun with Aran-kun then?” Shinsuke asked softly and Osamu thought about telling him that Aran loved him, but maybe it wasn’t the time for that. So he reached forward and laid his hands on Shinsuke’s shoulders.

“I hope you and Aran-kun learn how to walk together soon.” He chirped before turning and running off toward Takahiro as he lowered the boxes onto the new kotatsu that had replaced the table in between the couch and tv.

He didn’t see the look of complete confusion as Shinsuke turned to stare after him before he turned to welcome Atsumu into the house.

Atsumu shrank down slightly when he realized that Shinsuke was now focusing on him. He pressed against Shinji as if he was trying to hide behind the older child and couldn’t quite manage it even with Shinji’s shaking. It was slightly relaxing, the soothing swaying, pulling up the oldest memory in Atsumu’s mind. One so old it felt more like a wish then a memory of being held close and rocked as he pawed at the face of his mother smiling down at him.

Just thinking about the moment made pain shoot through Atsumu’s chest. She’d left him too, like everyone else. Even Shinsuke didn’t want them and seeing him so close after yesterday...

Atsumu hurt. He wanted to burrow his way into Shinsuke’s arms and cry, beg to not be given away. Beg him not to hate them. Atsumu had to keep reminding himself that Shinsuke didn’t want them.

He wanted to grab his brother and run back outside, drag them both back to Aran. Beg him to take them home now so Atsumu didn’t have to hear Shinsuke lie about caring for them, about wanting them around.

Atsumu knew better. He knew Shinsuke wasn’t happy with them, why else would he have tried to give them away to Rika-san? Shinsuke wouldn’t hurt them but he wouldn’t be happy until they were gone. Atsumu wanted Oomimi to take them away last night, but Osamu had been so shattered by the idea that Atsumu hadn’t been able to utter the request again after Osamu started crying.

Even if it was just for a few more days, Atsumu wanted Osamu to be happy.

He didn’t know if Aran would really take them or if Osamu would be happy but… 

No one had ever caught Atsumu when he fell before, or told him he was a good brother or a good friend. No one had ever said they loved him.

Atsumu wanted to stay with Shinsuke too, and wanted to stay with both of them. He loved them and it hurt thinking that he had to choose one or the other no matter what. Shinsuke wasn’t dating Aran and Aran said they weren’t ready for that.

Even if Shinsuke decided he did like them, did want them, Atsumu didn’t want to lose Aran. He didn’t want to keep losing people.

Why couldn’t he just have a family? 

Why was everything so hard?

“Atsu?” Shinji’s voice was right in his ear and it jolted him back to himself. The arms tightened around him, grounding him as he realized Shinsuke was crouching in front of him looking concerned.

“Atsumu? Did you hear what I said?” Shinsuke asked carefully and Atsumu had to swallow down a sob to shake his head. “That’s alright. I was just letting you know that we invited Osamu and your friends over to play games for a bit and stay the night.”

“O-oh… why?” Atsumu asked slowly, blinking as he recognized Rintaro, Shigeru, and Hitoshi all crowded around Osamu and Takahiro. Rintaro glanced back, holding up a small peace sign when he saw Atsumu looking before he was looking up at the baker.

“ ‘Cuz we missed you!” Shinji chirped before Shinsuke could say anything, giving another wiggle and shaking Atsumu almost violently. “You weren’t at school and Kita-san said you didn’t have a good night, so we’re going to make tonight super great!”

“Ah, yes, that.” Shinsuke hummed, looking rather fond at Shinji’s happy chattering. Maybe that’s why Shinsuke didn’t like them, they weren’t happy like Shinji.

“And if you get too tired you can always go to sleep early.” Shinsuke softly, trying to offer him a smile but it seemed to fall flat as concern washed over him again. “But tonight’s all about you and Osamu, okay little- Okay?”

Atsumu’s chest ached at the slip up. Osamu was ‘little one’, Atsumu wasn’t anything important. He slowly nodded his head, turning away until Shinji’s arms fell off and he could tug off his jacket.

Osamu was happily kicking Atsumu’s legs as the sun started to dip below the sky. The kotatsu was heaven after the hours at the skating rink and even Atsumu had slowly started to relax. He gave his brother a half glare, trying to kick back around Shigeru’s legs who had put himself between the two of them after their first squabble.

“This is happy fun times,” Shigeru had declared, “if I can’t punch Rintaro then you can't hit each other!” 

“You did that.” Osamu had heard Takahiro mutter to Hajime as the personal trainer sighed and shook his head. “Let’s get his energy out with taekwondo, it’ll be fine, you said.”

“Atleast he stopped trying to throw dumbbells?” Hajime tried to offer before Osamu grew too bored of the conversation and turned back to his friends.

“Are you okay ‘Samu?” Hitoshi asked around a bite of roast, juice was slipping down his cheek and within seconds Rintaro was wiping his face off. “Ya look a bit sad.”

“ ‘m fine!” Osamu smiled brightly at him, ignoring the way his stomach rolled as he glanced over at the dining room where the adults had seated themselves to enjoy their own dinner. Aran hadn’t come over and Osamu had been hoping he would.

Shinsuke always seemed to relax more with him around, though there was something… different about him right now. Osamu couldn’t quite put his finger on it, maybe it was the way Shinsuke’s shoulders were dropped as he hummed around his cup. Maybe it was the fingers that weren’t tapping out on the table but calm and the glances over to them with a slight smile.

Osamu could only hope that it was because Shinsuke was happy to see them and wasn’t because he finally managed to get rid of them.

“Are you sure-” Hitoshi tried to push but Shinji tugged on his shirt and he fell quiet again. Shinji gave Osamu a smile that he couldn’t understand, but he wondered if maybe Shinji knew more than he said. Shigeru was giving almost the exact same smile as he put his legs between the twins’.

“How was school?” Atsumu asked tentatively and they all jumped as Rintaro dropped his head on the table.

“Terrible, absolutely terrible.” He complained, making Hitoshi giggle.

“Sensei made us write about our parents, and Rintaro finished early and she told him to make it longer.” Hitoshi explained and Shigeru and Shinji started to laugh too as Rintaro whined.

“Three times. Three times, I had to write more about my parents.” He kicked under the table unhappily, only stopping when Hajime called over to watch out for the heater. “I don’t even know them! … So I wrote about Hajime-san and Issei-san.”

“He wrote all about the bakery and Sensei kept asking why his parents were called Dr. Suna, then.” Shigeru wheezed, ignoring Rintaro’s glare. “And… He.. He tried…”

“Rintaro-kun said they had a doctorate in bread.” Hitoshi said as Shigeru fell backwards, writhing with laughter. Rintaro’s entire face was bright red and he shoved a bite into his mouth to try and save face.

“I’m sure Tatay and Babba would be happy to know you think so highly of them.” Shinji tried to comfort him, but the snorts escaping him just made it impossible. Rintaro groaned, pressing his head back down onto the table again.

The pressure in Osamu’s chest seemed to relax for a moment and he flashed a smile at his brother who nervously returned it.

Osamu looked up at the sound of someone standing up, blinking at the approaching form of Shinsuke. He didn’t think they’d been too loud or annoying but maybe Osamu wasn’t being good enough-

“Dessert is in the fridge when you are done eating,” Shinsuke explained softly, stepping out of the way as Shigeru and Hitoshi immediately scrambled to stand up and rush to the fridge. “Or now I suppose.”

He hummed, walking over and kneeling in Shigeru’s spot between the twins. Rintaro and Shinji scooted closer together to give them a moment of privacy, quietly talking about bread degrees. Rintaro insisted they were probably real and Shinji seemed concerned as to why they needed one.

“I’m going to be with the others for the night, but if you need anything please let me know.” Shinsuke said softly and Osamu could see the difference in him. Something changed. He was so… relaxed. Osamu prayed it wasn’t because they were going to be taken away.

“And tomorrow, I was planning on going to visit my grandmother. Would you like to go with me after school? We can do your schoolwork at her house.”

Atsumu frowned and swallowed before he looked to Osamu. It took a second before Osamu knew what his brother was thinking but he did.

“That’s really late though… You don’t get off work until it’s dark and… then you do paperwork… Will your grandmother be awake then?” Osamu asked slowly, keeping his eyes on Atsumu until he was sure he had asked the right question.

“Actually, I will be leaving work before you get off school so I can finish my paperwork when you get home. That way I can spend the rest of the day with you.” Shinsuke said, looking at them the same way Tooru looked at his kids. Osamu wanted to cry from that look alone and he knew Atsumu did too.

“I thought-”

“Nothing is more important to me then you two.” Shinsuke said quiet but firm, looking them in the eye one at a time. “Absolutely nothing. Not work or even Aran and Akagi and Oomimi.”

Atsumu didn’t seem to realize he was crying until Rintaro was trying to wipe them away with his shirt. He glared at Shinsuke for a moment but relaxed as Atsumu reached out to hold onto Shinsuke’s shirt sleeve for a second and Osamu latched onto his arm immediately.

“I…” Atsumu started, swallowing and looking over at Rintaro and Shinji who were watching. They looked concerned but excited and Rintaro offered him a supportive smile.

“I w-would... “ He puffed up his chest and Osamu relaxed as he recognized his brother’s brash and bold nature coming out. “Please take us to visit, Sh-Shinsuke-san. We’ll be good and we would… like to spend more time with you.”

Atsumu tripped over the words but he was staring resolutely at Shinsuke’s shirt as if he could draw courage from the pale blue fabric. Osamu wasn’t sure what made him want to cry more, seeing Atsumu not looking terrified or that Shinsuke genuinely seemed to want them.

“Of course… I’ll let you be with your friends now, don’t forget your desserts and you can turn on the playstation when your plates are off the table.” Shinsuke said softly, patting both of their heads before he was standing up and letting Shigeru have his spot back.

They watched him walk away then Shigeru pulled out a second plate from behind his back with two slices of pie and ice cream.

“I snuck your desserts, this way we don’t have to leave the kotatsu, it’s so cold without it.” Shigeru smiled brightly as Hitoshi revealed his own hidden treats for Rintaro and Shinji.

Osamu glanced at his brother and reached over to swat at his face playfully. The whine that rose up made Osamu relax, they'd be fine. Hopefully.

[hamliet]

How would you have fixed Tokyo Ghoul (Re)'s ending?

I started answering this with a lot of trepidation and ended answering it extremely enthusiastically. I had a ton of fun writing this. Thank you. 

I would have extended the manga by a few more volumes, and started from chapter 147, which is where I felt things went really off the rails. 

I would have had the basic structure stay the same for a bit, but with a few changes. Kanou would not have committed suicide. Touka’s conversation with Shuu and Nishiki, as well as her conversation with Hide, Akira, and Amon, would have been painful, in which Touka expressed to Akira that she was struggling with her earlier words about how even if her father/someone she loves did something wrong, she would still tell them they were wrong. Akira and Touka bond for real, and Akira is able to help Touka declare, boldly, that Kaneki is worth saving (which Touka believes, but she is scared). Hinami listens, but doesn’t join in on the conversation.

Hide leads Akira and Amon to the CCG, along with Hirako and Yusa. Amon reveals that he is part ghoul, endangering himself, and Akira tells them that if they don’t work with ghouls, they have no chance. Most of the CCG refuses. Saiko, on the other hand, joins Akira, Amon, and Hide as they break away. Hsiao goes with her. Urie is alone and feels lost. 

Saiko, Hsiao, Akira, Amon, Hide et al meet with the ghouls and agree to use the chaos to help search for Kaneki’s body (probably also found via the ring). Touka wants to go, but because she is pregnant, she chooses not to, telling Ayato, Hinami, and Shuu to bring Kaneki back to her. Touka is then left to take care of the kids from underground. 

Since Touka is vulnerable, Mutsuki would appear then to challenge Touka. They fight, and Urie, who has been dealing with the desertion of Saiko and Hsiao, finally goes to find the ghouls. Higemaru joins him. They stumble upon the Mutsutou fight and have a similar confrontation to canon–except it ends with Touka being told to leave by Urie, but returning to tell Mutsuki she understands being abandoned, but hurting others isn’t going to help. Urie comforts Mutsuki in the same way Mucchan once comforted him. Ends with a Mutsurie hug with Mama Touka. 

Kanou shows up, having found where Goat is hiding from tailing Kurona, who came back not knowing where else to go. He overhears that Touka is pregnant and gets greedy. Kimi appears and stops Kanou, giving everyone enough time to escape. She takes the ghouls to the CCG with Mutsuki, Aura, and Urie’s help; Yoriko decides to be brave and refuses to allow anyone to hurt them, which means both Mutsuki and Touka. Takeomi would, of course, protect his wife. 

Meanwhile, Ayato, Nishiki, Shuu, et al are searching for Kaneki. Shuu gets increasingly distraught at the destruction Kaneki has wreaked and remembers Karren. Amon is the one who digs Kaneki up, but with help from Takizawa, who returns the cross, and Hakatori. They bring Kaneki to the CCG as well. Nishiki and Kimi reunite. 

At the CCG, Hsiao has had Enough and she tells everyone at the CCG the truth of what happens in the Sunlit Garden. Aura, who went along with Mutsuki but is still nursing a grudge against ghouls, is particularly challenged by this, and Ui is angry and upset. Touka is terrified for Kaneki, and she and Hide talk, as do she and Yoriko in which she worries that Yoriko will blame her, but Yoriko doesn’t. Kaneki has the Torii Gate scene and wakes up, much like canon, and speaks to Hide, who is quiet and unwilling to be forthcoming. Kaneki goes for a walk with the Quinx and finds that people are turning into ghouls, again like canon. Saiko has a similar reaction to canon. 

The kids from underground are the ones who work out a plan to get to dragon!Rize with Kaneki, as he is immune like in canon. Meanwhile, everyone unites to fight V, who appear with Eto-Owl like in canon. Yusa is told to stay behind by Hirako because he’s a kid, and he and Touka stay with an ailing Saiko.

While fighting, Ui encounters a resurrected Hairu, Tsukiyama a resurrected Karren, Arima for Akira, etc. The Quinx encounter revived Shirazu, and it’s traumatic for everyone. Shuu’s father is killed by zombie Karren. Kaneki and Ayato penetrate deeper into the underground with the kids. They’re attacked by clones, and Kaneki protects the underground kids, thereby partially earning his redemption. Meanwhile, Yoriko begins to turn into a ghoul. 

V reveals again that they’ve been eating the corpses of investigators. Akira is using Fueguchi as her quinque and regrets it when she sees Hinami’s face, and they both realize that this is what V wants: to destroy their tenuous alliance.  Akira hesitates using Fueguchi, and Takizawa saves her from the attack she left herself vulnerable to. Kurona appears, telling Takizawa they have to stop Kanou, who shows up with a barely-alive Hajime. Amon is horrified by what’s happened to Hajime and angry at Kaneki, before remembering that he has been willing to do similar things to Hinami. Donato and the clowns appear, and Amon fights Donato in a rage, until he remembers what Akira said earlier about good and bad being a part of parents, and Touka’s words about loving someone yet hating their actions. He tells Donato he loved him. Donato saves Amon from a V agent even though it costs him his own life.

Yomo and Uta fight much like in canon, with the same metaphorical imagery, and Yomo and Uta end it by coming to a genuine understanding and empathy even if they don’t see eye to eye. Kurona, Hakatori, and Takizawa fight Kanou while Amon takes Hajime to safety with Kimi, who redeems herself by helping saving Hajime, and Nishiki helps her. Akira saves Takizawa. Juuzou, terrified by whatever Kanou might have done to Shinohara, stops Kanou in the end, saving Kurona… only to begin to turn into a ghoul himself. His squad stay with him. 

Kaneki finds Furuta. Ayato falls behind again like in canon. Kaneki and Furuta fight. Kaneki says something along the lines of how his life isn’t stylish, how he’s done terrible things and even has the blood of children on him, but he has a child on the way, a child with his blood too, and that he is alive, and he is not going to waste this life no matter how long or short it might be. Furuta reveals again that he wants everything, imagining a good life with Rize. He is defeated, but not killed, and asks if he, who has done so much evil and is dying anyways, has anything good to offer the world. Kaneki thinks of Touka and tells Furuta if he has someone he loves, he does. They then proceed to the Sunlit Garden. 

Touka is terrified for Yoriko and works with Takeomi and Hide to venture into the lab for some kind of cure… where she finds Arata and Yoshimura. Distraught by her two father figures and hearing reports of Eto attacking people out there, she vows to do better for her child, and she and Hide free both Arata and Yoshimura… who recognize them and, without life support, don’t have long to live. Yoshimura leaves with Hide; Arata and Touka have a difficult conversation.

Rize is located in the Sunlit Garden. Kaneki and Rize fight, with the easy answer being killing everyone in the Sunlit Garden–including Rize, but also the children. He refuses. Shirazu and Urie have a particularly brutal fight, in which Urie’s insecurity issues come out and he starts to go kakuja again. Mutsuki kicks his ass and Urie tells Mutsuki that he loves him, and Mutsuki tells Urie he doesn’t need to earn his care, and realizes that all of what Urie has said is because he loves him but sucks at expressing it. They kiss. Meanwhile, Ayato’s fight is not going well, but just when it looks like all is lost, someone else saves him: Arata! Led there by Hinami, who found him with Touka and went to save him. Ayato and Hinami kiss. 

Seeing Kaneki fighting to help save the kids angers Furuta, who shouts at him about hurting the Oggai, remembers his own sins towards children and those against him as a child, and in the end, he gives the last bit he has to give Rize back her consciousness, to heal her (yes she eats part of him). She remembers who she is while he is still alive, and he tells her she has to live, and he makes Kaneki promise to let her live. He dies thinking that, in those moments at least, he lived, and that perhaps if he had been able to think better, he could have lived all along. Kaneki realizes that it doesn’t matter if you have someone you love: either way, your life is valuable. Scarred lives are beautiful, too, and he thinks of Hide. 

Rize getting her consciousness back wakes up all the other puppets of Kanou’s. Yoshimura ventures to the battlefield, led by Hide, and finds Eto, whom Hide had been working for. Yoshimura helps Eto turn on and kill Kaiko before they both die, at peace with one another. Ui assures Hairu that she is loved, kissing her before she dies in his arms. Karren recognizes Shuu and tells him she’s sorry for what happened to his father, but Shuu is the one who apologizes to her. Arima sees Hirako again and apologizes to him and to Ui. Shirazu is able to say a proper goodbye to Mutsuki and Urie, and asks for them to say goodbye to Saiko and Haru. The resurrected die. 

Kaneki gives Rize his shirt to cover her, and they lead the children of the Sunlit Garden out into the light, encountering Ayato and Hinami and leading them (as children) out of the dark too. 

Epilogue: Shikorae is tracked down post-battle, as is canon, but while he thinks of himself as an eldritch horror abomination, Kimi and the rest are able to help him, so that he is able to return to being Rio. Akira gives Hinami Fueguchi to bury. 

Touka gives birth to Ichika, Shinohara wakes up and accepts Juuzou even as a ghoul, the large mass of humanity who are now ghouls provoke change so that the gov’t and CCG are actively working on treatment plans with Kimi leading them. Yoriko is accepted as a ghoul as well.

Edits for clarity: Urie tells Mutsuki he loves him at their first fight; Mutsuki decides to love Urie in the fight with Shirazu. Touka accepting Yoriko as a ghoul and that it’s not something for her to feel terribly about is part of Touka accepting herself as a ghoul. 

Other edits: Oh, and Furuta? Maybe leave it ambiguous as to whether he died or asked Kaneki to let him escape. 

[maki-ryota]

KenHaji for the meme

the whole list? :0 okay let’s go

1. Who makes the first move and how? Kenzaki. He just confessed to Hajime out of nowhere cause that’s just the kind of guy he is. 2. Who is the most insecure and what makes them feel better? Hajime. Kenzaki and Amane reassure him and make him feel better about himself. 3. Who is the most romantic? Kenzaki is more romantic more often, but every once in a while Hajime will do or say something extremely romantic and Kenzaki melts. 4. Who can’t keep their hands to themselves? Both of them equally. 5. Who says ‘I love you’ first? Kenzaki, read question 1. 6. Who would they ask if they ever had a threesome? ...Kotaro? LOL 7. What do they get up to on a night out? Have a nice dinner and then walk in the park. 8. What do they like in bed? Pretty open. Hajime is still learning. He can get a little aggressive. 9. What is the most embarrassing thing they have done in front of each other? Hajime happens to think that turning into Joker and losing control of himself in front of Kenzaki is pretty embarrassing.   10. What two songs, two books and two luxury items do they take to a desert island? I’m bad at these kinds of questions :v 11. What do they hide from one another? I don't think they would hide anything, honestly. 12. What first changes when it starts getting serious? Hajime completely lets his walls down and opens his heart to Kenzaki. 13. When do they realise they should get together? Not long after that episode where Kenzaki saved Hajime 14. When one has a cold, what does the other do? In canon, Kenzaki cooks for Hajime and nurses him back to health when he’s hurt. 15. When they watch a film what do they choose and why? Who gets the final vote? As a photographer, Haime likes movies with impressive cinematography. Kenzaki lets him choose because he’s not picky. 16. When the zombie apocalypse comes, how do they cope together? They’re both strong. I think they’d be fine lol 17. When they find a time machine, where do they go? What a sad question. :( They go back to before the shit hit the fan. 18. When they fight, how do they make up? Kenzaki shows up at Jacaranda with flowers and other gifts. He seems to be the one who’d apologize first LOL 19. Where do they go on their first date? To a cute cafe and maybe the zoo after? 20. Where do they go on holiday? Somewhere quiet and peaceful, surrounded by forests. 21. Where do they get nervous about going with one another? Nowhere? 22. Where does their first kiss happen? Sometime during that first date in question 19. 23. Where is their favourite place to be together? Any place as long as they’re together. 24. Where do they first have sex? Would it be nasty to say that old abandoned shack in the woods? LOL or maybe Kenzaki sneaks into the Jacaranda and spends the night in Hajime’s room. 25. Why do they fight? Hajime has a bit of a temper and Kenzaki can be kind of a pushover. 26. Why do they need to have a serious chat? CAUSE THE WORLD IS GONNA END LOL 27. Why do their friends get annoyed with them? They’re inseparable. 28. Why do they get jealous? Hajime has to learn to not get jealous of how close and affectionate Kenzaki is with his friends. He doesn’t understand that it’s different than what they have (at first). 29. Why do they fall a little bit more in love? Kenzaki’s kindness and selflessness makes Hajime fall deeper. Hajime’s strength and humanity (despite not being human) makes Kenzaki fall deeper. 30. Why does it work (or not work) between them? of course I want them to work but THE WORLD IS GONNA END

[notleriff]

Monsters: Lamb

Never settle for mediocrity.

How often was it that Baruto spoke those words? To be honest, I am not sure to this day what it is he wished to convey. I understand the concept. Make sure to always strive for better. So on. But our actions had nothing to do with being better. What more was it, then, that he wanted to accomplish? What was it that we did that makes those words relevant? Do I look too deeply into it? Perhaps it was but something he said--a phrase to bridge the silence as he thought of something more profound.

Does it even matter?

He infuriates me, not because he was a terrible man, but because I became one--and that there is no returning from that. I did not choose this path, it was thrust upon me with fire… but I did choose to continue to walk down it. I admit, he is simply an easy face to assign to that self-frustration. Is that what makes a mediocre man? Refusal to accept one’s own shortcomings?

I undid Baruto’s work. I spent moons putting back every ill-gotten stone, but there was no repairing the tears we left in people’s lives. I had hoped to at least bring peace to the families we shattered. That does not fix it, however, does it? Putting a stone back in a box does not return those to life. Did that bother him? The lives we took? Baruto snapped his fingers and like a dog, I obeyed. What made them deserve that fate? Were they mediocre?

“So, what brings you by today, Takeda?” Kazaki set a small clay cup in front of his friend, filling it with hot tea from the pot in his other hand.

Leriff laughed softly as he shook his head. “Please, my friend. It is Leriff.”

Waving a wooden spoon in the man’s face, Sula shook her head. “I don’t care what they call you out there. In this house, you’re still Takeda, got it?”

With a mirthful smile, Leriff held his hands up in mock surrender. “Very well. I am sorry.” He looked between his two companions, letting free a pleased hum. Since arriving in Eorzea, Kazaki had done well for himself in the settlement of Mor Dhona, and had even met his partner, Sula. She was much like him, heavy in weight but boundless in energy, with long black hair matted to her face from the sweat of the work in the kitchen she had just come from. The two had even given birth to a beautiful baby daughter, who slept soundly in the next room.

Kazaki set himself a cup and filled it before putting the kettle down. He sat across from his friend and took his cup in hand. “Can I convince you still? You can come with us. Yurah has already, hasn’t she?”

The smile on Leriff’s face faltered for only a moment as he shook his head. “Ahh--no thank you, Kazaki.” At every visit, Kazaki had reminded the hunter that they were leaving to return to Doma, soon, as most all the refugees had planned. Their home was theirs again, and it was time to reforge their lives in it. Even Leriff’s partner, Yurah, had returned home, but he could not follow her. He could not return to that place. “That is not home, anymore. I am not that man, anymore.”

Instead of fighting Leriff on the matter, Kazaki simply shook his head. “Alright, alright. I’m sorry. I just want you to know you have a home with us, alright?” The man regained the joyful look in his eyes as his wife set down two bowls to fill with rice. “Well, what was it you needed, Takeda?”

Leriff waited politely for Sula to fill the bowls before speaking again. “I need the grave.”

Sula sputtered out a cough, hiding it behind the rice-speckled wooden spoon. “I...well…” She nodded vigorously and dusted her hands on her apron. “I should feed the kitchen and clean the baby.” With a deep bow, Sula excused herself quickly to be free of the room.

“You..?” Kazaki had a similar reaction to the request as his wife had. “Why do you need that? You put that behind you.”

“Do you remember Baruto, Kazaki?” When the man across from him nodded, Leriff continued his explanation. “I have found his notes. Journals from our time together. Unfortunately, they are written in some code, and I am having trouble breaking it. But he continues to reference his mistake, and from what I have gleamed, it looks as if he began working with some cult. Lambs of Dalamud.” Leriff shifted uncomfortably at the thought. “I think he tried to continue his terrible work until he died. That is the only mistake I can think of. I need to stop whatever it was he had done. Until then, I cannot put this behind me.”

The distaste that showed on Kazaki’s face grew, and he pushed the rice away in disgust, no longer hungry. “Turn to law enforcement. Or, if you must go, get some other weapon. We do not need to dig up the past.”

“No other weapon is heavy enough. I need the grave.”

The weight and meaning of the words set in, twisting Kazaki’s face in response. He stood up and slammed his hand on the table. “No! I will not let you walk down that path again!” He brought his hands up to rub his temples, a worthless attempt to calm himself down. “Why would you want to? That is not your job anymore. It is not your responsibility. You hunt beasts now, Takeda. Monsters.”

“And sometimes monsters look an awful lot like people.” Leriff stood as well, though he did not rise in anger as his friend had. “It is a sin to have the power to change something for the better and to do nothing with that. Please, Kazaki. Please understand me. I started this.” He held his arms out from his chest, waving his hands towards the large man to appease him. “I started this, and my honor demands I finish it. I cannot be someone new if something old still lingers. I do not want to hurt people--that is why I need it. Nothing else will do. Nothing else is heavy enough. Please.” He tilted his head to hold his friend’s gaze. “I need the grave.”

There was no response for some time. Kazaki took in slow breath after slow breath to center himself, bring himself some sort of peace of mind. He turned the words over in his brain, trying to find some argument--some way to deny the request. But in the end, he was powerless to do so. Leriff would find it, one way or the other, and at least if he agreed, he could offer some words. Anything to make sure his friend did not stray again. “I will get the shovel. Wait here.”

I am not a good man. Nor have I been for a very long time. I want to be. I try to be. But you do not get to erase your mistakes by being nice. Remember. Everything you control ends at your fingertips. That is why you must accept what you are. You can change nothing if you do not accept that simple fact.

My life has changed so much, and, even with this knowledge, I would take nothing back. What good would that do? I am who I am now because of everything I have done. I cannot say if that is the right version of me, for I know none other. I regret much of what I have done, but I understand that wanting to change what has happened does nothing. You must move forward. Always. You must take what lessons you have learned and hope that you do better in the future.

With all of these entries, all these words, I want you to understand one thing. Make whatever decisions you deem best, but live with them. Do whatever it is you have to, but understand you must face those consequences. Change the world however you need to, but do not hide from your actions afterwards. I tried. I am sure your father tried. The whole world is a long story of people who have tried. It never works.

Be better than me. Because you can.

I love you.

Takeda Hajime, Dog of Doma.

Leriff gently pulled the pendant from his neck, the simple wooden sailboat he had worn every day for countless cycles. He placed it inside the journal, wrapping the leather-bound tome in the necklace as he knelt down. He set the journal aside onto the small table at the edge of the bed--something to be read when she was old enough to understand--and lifted his hand to brush his gloved fingers against the soft hair of his niece. “Be good, Souzou.”

[danganronpa-21]

Naegiri Week Prompt #1: Fluffy

Surprise, surprise! I’m putting out mine a day later. I almost finished last night, and then... homework happened. Siiiiiigh. Regardless, it’s here now, and I’ll try to get Prompt #2 up when I can!!

Last night feels like it was nothing more than a sweet dream.

Upon fluttering her eyes open, this was the first conscious thought Kyoko Kirigiri — or should she say, Kyoko Naegi-Kirigiri; had. It was such a simple thought, and so typical of what any bride might have had the morning after her wedding. Still she found herself laying in the soft hotel bed, reflecting on the events of the previous night as if she was left to wonder. The smiles and the laughter had not yet left her mind; nor had the sweet music that she and her new husband had swayed to as Ibuki and Hajime played. The fresh scent of the ocean breeze still felt as if it was wafting through her nose as they stood out on the sand, admiring the twinkling stars. Her body even remembered the sensation of her husband’s arm wrapping around her waist, and his voice whispering gently in her ear.

What a sweet dream it was, a dream that had once been her reality. Now, her reality had become something entirely new with the breaking of dawn. As sunlight shone through the cracks between their window and the curtain, Kyoko was made aware of the softness. The softness she was feeling against her face as she groggily glanced around their hotel room, orienting herself to wakefulness. What was this softness, she wondered, tracing her fingers along it until finally she came to her senses.

Skin. After a night of thrilling love endeavours, she had curled up with her partner and fallen asleep right there on his chest. What she was feeling against the tips of her fingers and her face was his skin, warm and soft. Just feeling it against her she had to resist the urge to press her lips against it in every place imaginable, peppering his body with kiss after kiss to wake him from his deep sleep. She could already imagine how he might squirm and giggle in a half-awake daze, murmuring her name over and over again until he got the peck on the lips that he craved. The thought of that alone made her lips curve in to a smile as she continued to trace patterns on his bare chest. How beautiful it was, she thought, to have something so precious to touch. She could only hope that he felt the same way, feeling every inch of her own body pressed up against his. The previous night had turned them in to nothing more than a mess of a tangled limbs, one with a light blanket lazily draped over it for just a bit of extra warmth. Just a tangle of loving partners, husband and wife. Makoto and Kyoko Naegi-Kirigiri.

She didn’t bother to fight the happy sigh as it escaped at the reminder of how her lover made her feel. Instead she embraced it, shutting her eyes softly for a minute and tuning in to the rise and fall of his chest as he breathed. Words could barely describe all of the peace she felt in that moment as the two of them laid there together, completely unbothered by all that dwelled in the outside world. There was nothing outside of their quaint hotel room. As far as they were concerned, they might as well have been the only two beings in existence. There could be nothing without the gentleness and love that they had. It was only them, together against the big, daunting world. And Kyoko wouldn’t have had it any other way. Softly, her voice rose above the silence in a gentle whisper.

“I love you.” She cooed, her eyes still squeezed tightly as she continued to cuddle him. Even though she knew he might not even be conscious to hear her words, she had no doubts that he felt them. So she spoke, passion oozing from every pore of her skin. “With all my heart, Makoto, I love you.”

The air fell still for a moment as she waited for a response, a simple sign that something had been heard. It did not seem at first as if Makoto might stir from his slumber, but as he took a deep breath she got the feeling she could be wrong. One of his arms wrapped itself around her, and held her nice and close. He rested his hand on her back and murmured through sleepy lips: “I love you too, Kyoko. More than anything… in the world…”

She found herself offering a slight chuckle, trying not to be too amused by her new husband’s half-awake state. As cute as it was that he was so willing to declare his love for her, his words were barely coherent. They seemed to slur together a bit as he drifted in to consciousness, his eyes not even half way open yet. It was such a classic thing for Makoto to do, he was always ready to share with the world how much he adored her. It had become a staple of their relationship since he had first worked up the courage to say ‘I love you’. Even as his wife, this little quirk of his never seemed to get old. In fact every time he did it, she felt almost as if it made her love him more. Being an open book was more charming than she might have initially believed, it seemed.

“More than anything, huh?” She mumbled as she lifted her head off his chest, placing one of her ungloved hands against his jaw. She half-expected him to jolt away from her due to the coarseness of them, but much to her delight he was immovable. In fact, she might have even seen his mouth curve in to a small smile as she held her hand against him. “Amusing, isn’t it… that I was just thinking the same thing about you. I really enjoy watching you, Makoto.”

His pleased grin made itself more apparent as he peeled his eyes open just a bit more. “Watching me sleep again?” He snickered, his words a little more comprehensible this time around. “You’re so weird, Kyoko.”

“Perhaps I am,” was all she could muster, her violet eyes sparkling as she gazed down in to the face of the man that she loved. She could hardly believe that once upon a time these kinds of expressions had been so foreign to her, but now she was constantly grinning at this lovable goofball of hers. “But I imagine, that is part of my charm to you. Is it not?”

“Undoubtedly,” came Makoto’s reply as he pushed his hand through her hair, just to gain a bit of a hold on the back of her neck. Did he perhaps want a kiss, she wondered to herself. Or maybe he simply craved the comfort of her bodily heat against his hand as he stared in to her eyes. Either way, the movement made her beyond happy. “Being weird makes you interesting, and as the most boring person on planet earth… I love interesting.”

“You are not the most boring person on planet earth,” Kyoko protested, furrowing her brows slightly in frustration. As much as she loved Makoto, she absolutely detested the viewpoint he had of himself. She had always felt that he was so much more than he ever gave himself credit for, and found herself getting more and more upset with his entire lack of self-esteem. They had been working on it together to try and get it up, but even so he still needed her frequent reminders about positive self-talk. “You are incredibly exciting. There is never a dull moment when I am with you.”

The laugh Makoto produced did not make her feel any better, for it was one of doubt rather than admiration. Still, she tried not to ruin their special time together by showing her disappointment over it. “What kinds of things make me exciting?”

“Your luck, for one thing, is extremely unpredictable. That is enough to make any day enthralling. Not to mention how you are always full of ideas, and always willing to help out every person that you meet… You are undeniably sweet, and would do anything to make sure that everyone is comfortable and enjoying themselves…” She listed, batting her eyelashes at him as if to show how easily all of these came to her. “Additionally, you are the absolute best boyfr- fian- husband, as you love and cherish me the way no other man could. You put up with all of my emotional needs and traumas, and you still choose to love me anyway… Even if I do not deserve it.”

A long pause hung in the room as Makoto stared up at his wife sympathetically, noticing how quickly her composure had changed towards the end of her list. With all of the issues with Kyoko’s grandfather to be sorted out before their wedding, he could understand her hesitation at this point. They both knew that he would open his mouth soon enough, all too eager to stop it. She did not need to hear once again that she had been manipulated by her caretaker. So before he could let a word slip out, she shook it off and continued on like it was all nothing. No silence should stand for so long, she thought to herself. No misery, either. There was only room for love in this bed of theirs.

“And…” She piped up quickly. Her newfound energy and enthusiasm caught her partner by surprise as she tangled her fingers in his light brown hair. Her solemn expression had since disappeared and been replaced with a warm smile, leaving no remnants of her negative thoughts behind. “You have really exciting hair.”

“Really exciting hair?” Makoto questioned, raising one of his eyebrows at her. Though he seemed substantially confused by it, she could hear the hint of amusement in his voice as he spoke. How fortunate that he hadn’t taken offence to the statement, she thought. “What do you mean by that?”

“I just believe it to be interesting, I suppose.” She explained, running her fingers through the short tufts all the way up to where his ahoge sat. “It interests me because of its sort of manner of being, in the same way you do. It sticks out all over the place, but its still soft… and super fluffy…”

She mindlessly continued to pet Makoto’s head, earning her another fit of giggles from deep within his chest. Usually in the mornings he was so difficult to rouse from his slumber, but it seemed this time it was all too easy.

“You really are so weird Kyoko.” She heard him chuckle, the unusual compliment sending her heart soaring into the skies. If only she could bottle up the way he made her feel, she thought. That way she could experience this delight all of the time. “I wouldn’t love you any other way.”

[animereviewsandotherstuff]

Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars

As I mentioned before I started watching anime a bit randomly but also more seriously before I entered high school. I would watch anything and everything that I came across, but because the source of anime I was watching was a bit unreliable sometimes I would only be able to watch a few episodes of a show before it would leave my life. Once I was able to watch anime more independently I would go back and try to find those shows that I could only watch a few episodes of. While this was mostly successful there was one series that I would try to watch but would always fail at completing it. Usually something else would get in the way. Life happens, something else takes precedence for a short while. But finally, after far too long, I have decided to go back and watch this show from start to finish. So lets see if the show was worth the time, if my white whale was worth the hunt. Lets look at Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars.

Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars is a 2001 anime that was dubbed into English in 2008. The dub was how I was first introduced to the series so it was how I watched the show this time as well. Before I get into the series itself I want to say I found the dub great. I tend to watch subbed anime more then dubbed, but that is not because I prefer one over the other. I tend to watch anime as it comes out, so I will sometimes watch it before it even has a chance to be dubbed. And since those are the voices I get used to if I ever rewatch the show I will tend to watch it in the form I am familiar with. But I have nothing against dubs in general. Sure some are better or worse then others, and older series that tended to only have half of the show dubbed was not fun, especially when I was younger, but I still think dubs can be great, and Shingu’s dub is definitely a class above. The characters are clear and understandable, there voices fit there characters to me, and the acting is well done, at least to my amateur ears. But enough of how I watched the show. Lets get to the show itself.

Shingu is a series very much of its time, the early 2000s. The show starts with aliens randomly showing up one day in the year 2070. A ship/robot thing shuts down all the communications though out japan, so only a few people are able to watch the robot with their eyes alone, most importantly an old man and a boy in a traditional school uniform. Suddenly a giant robot that looks like traditional paper craft appears and destroys the robot, literally called a hero appearing to fight evil. And it is revealed, aliens exist, the world has changed. But for the average persons life continues on like normal. And we see this in our main character, Hajime Murata, and his mother and sister going about their daily lives. Hajime goes to school, talks to his friends about the news of the aliens but its all light friendly speculation, until there is a new student being introduced, a boy in a traditional school uniform named Muryou Subaru, the same boy we saw watching the alien fight the giant. And that is considered to be the weirdest thing to happens that day.

Right from the start we are told by this that Shingu likes to focus on the mundane and the normal parts of life over the fantastical and strange, even when the fantastical and strange and complicated is surrounding everything. And that's meant to be a little reflective of real life. Sure, something massive can happen but if it doesn’t immediately effect you, more likely then not your going to go along with your life like normal. Aliens can invade, monsters and heroes can appear, but unless you are involved in it or effected by it the thing your going to care about is what your eating for lunch tomorrow or the new person you see at work. Its a very interesting perspective for the series to take. Most shows tend to focus on the fantastical because that's whats interesting. But in Shingu that's what takes the back seat.

Another great example of this is early in the series. Hajime finds the new student Muryou being challenged to a fight by a member of the student council, Kyouichi Moriguchi. The student council and the native born inhabitants of the town know something about the aliens and the paper craft giant, and also know Muryou is something similar yet different. So Kyouichi challenges Muryou to a fight and they reveal that they have strange psychic powers as they fight on the roof, but the only one who sees is Hajime. After the fight is interrupted Muryou invites Hajime to his home to let him ask any questions he wants. And the first thing he asks is not about the psychic powers, the fact that the student council or the teacher seems to know whats up, but about the fact that his last name doesn’t line up with the name on the houses name plate. A mundane question, about the mystery of a new friend and nothing about the battle he just witnessed. Again, a focus on the mundane instead of the fantastical.

While the show always pays attention to the mundane, this is not to say there isn’t a larger, more complicated story going on. A story involving the politics of an alien federation that knows about earth and treats it as a sort of private protected park, of the one town on earth tasked with protecting the planet against aliens who are not part of that federation, of alien diplomats and goverment secrets and eventually things becoming public, and always the question of who is on the right side. But while that all is happening, the show focuses on things like friendship, the sports festival, school clubs, and especially love. Love is another of Shingu’s main themes.

This theme of love does take a few different forms. The main one is that of young romance. Of a girl, the third of our main characters Nayuta, who has to deal with her developing feelings for arguably both Hajime and Muryou, which the show I feel purposely doesn’t give a conclusion to. As in Nayuta never makes a decision about which boy is her one true love, because that's not the point. The point is her developing feels of companionship and even love for others. There is a more actualized romance between Kyouichi and Harumi, between a boy who wants to be a protector but is forced to be the one protected, and the girl who must protect him with her own life if necessary. And even of the school girl crush of Hajimes sister on Moryou. But romantic love is not the only type, or else I wouldn’t say it was a major theme.  Familial love is also talked about a lot. We see Hajime spend so much time with his mother and sister, and you really get the feeling that these are people who love and care for one another in a realistic way. Muryou’s grandfather and especially sister are shown through out the series and show a really nice family dynamic. Nayuta and the rest of the student councils parents are shown throughout the series and while they are sometimes shown as playing with the backroom politics of whats going on involving the aliens they too are doing it because they care for there children and want whats best for them, to live a peaceful life. We see friendship and rivalry and relationships all based on different types of love. And at the end of the show it is love that saves the day.

Shingu’s insistence of focusing on the mundane, even its theme of love is more mundane love then the sort of over the top romantic love we usually see in fiction, is interesting when one thinks about what type of show it is. As I said it is a show very much of its time. In the wake of Neon Genesis Evangelion  there were many shows that tried to capture that same magic. This led to tons of shows that were giant robot shows that talked about human evolution, psychic powers, had aliens and philosophy, teenagers defending the earth but also at great human cost, and more times then not the good guys would turn out to be evil and our hero would have to deal with those ramifications. Shingu in some way shape or form has all of this, but most of it is again in the background. It uses those themes that were popular but instead of making them the forefront they choose the mundane parts of living and make that its focus. Where many other anime went one direction Shingu purpose goes another and tells a much different but much more interesting story. One that feels a lot more human.

One thing I want to talk about that is a small part of the series over all is that of the technology level of the show. It takes place in the future, but its not the future of flying cars and living on the moon or the usual ways that one sees the future in shows. The technology all seems possible. Everyone has personal laptops, but the computers, while imaginative, don’t seem impossible. There is no personal AI’s but instead a built in touch pad that can be used to write. The most improbable thing is the fact that the computer can be folded a second time, which is just different as opposed o impossible. They use the equivalent of smart screens and touch pads and things that weren't well known in 2001 but we have today. The only really fanciful technology is that belonging to the aliens, but they are aliens from far older and more technologically advance alien races, so that makes sense. I always really enjoy shows with realistic depictions of the future. Yes, I love star ships and space travel and time travel and science fiction that goes as far and as wild as possible. But realistic science fiction is a small sort of fun I really enjoy.

Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars is an amazing little show. It is definitely one of my favorites of all time. It is a calm show that is a bit of a slow burn throughout. It is not a fast paced action show, but instead it is relaxing and calming to watch. After years of trying to catch this white whale I finally captured it and found it to be entirely satisfying. I could not recommend this show higher enough. If you have a chance watch this show and experience the mundane of the fantastical. So until next time, keep on watching.