#Plus how I still somehow keep thinking about Kokichi from time to time

[buttercupshands]

I need to see those three in the same room

[danganronpasurvivoraskblog]

Robot Rights.

How’s that coming along?

Pretty good thanks. I doubt I’m gonna work out all the kinks but thanks for letting me use your workbench.

Just make sure you clean up after yourself and don’t touch any of my flowers, alright?

I won’t, I promise.

*Rantaro sits at Oliver’s workbench, fiddling with the symmetra matrix earring. 

Oh. Morning.

...?

...

...

...

*As Oliver goes back upstairs, he passes by and greets Shuichi, Kaede and Mii-Yu, who come downstairs.

Ah...So now’s the time, eh?

Hello to you to Rantaro.

Haha...Sorry, that was pretty rude, huh? Hello to you too Shuichi. Kaede...Mii-Yu.

Oh look at that, he knows her name.

Kaede, don’t be sour. I think we’ve caused Rantaro enough trouble.

Agreed. If we wish to ask questions, then we must be more humble.

It’s ok. I was rude first. I just somehow knew that as soon as things died down, you’d want to come by and asking me questions about what I’d been up to.

We don’t have as many questions as you might think. Could you spare a few minutes.

Sure, but...if you don’t mind, I’m gonna keep working on this while we talk.

Fine.

*Shuichi and Kaede ask Rantaro multiple questions about his whereabouts and happenings during his absence.

So let me recap then. You woke up around the same time as the rest of us did, and you were found and rescued by ERR0RM3SS4GE?

Basically. As you know, ERR0RM3SS4GE recently collaborated with Uchui Kamukura. We’ve actually been in league with him for a while, until recently that is.

So the mission to get him to Zetsubou was your last job?

Zetsubou our our enemies, but Uchui has been a friend for a while. We couldn’t refuse one last job from him after all he’d done for us.

But the point is the labs that we were contained in were property of Uchui’s family legacy. They were originally created for storing test subjects for the Kamukura’s sick experiments, but Uchui put them to good use containing us. At least, until he figured out what to do with us.

But then Tsumugi and Organization Zetsubou found us, right?

Unfortunately yes. As soon as Tsumugi took over the labs, ERR0RM3SS4GE and Uchui made a risky move. They deactivated the pods and let us escape, scattering us around the world. With the exception of Himiko, Maki and you, Shuichi.

According to my historical database, Tsumugi Shirogane was able to capture Kaito, Angie and Gonta before all three were freed from captivity or control.

Miu, Tenko and Kirumi went into hiding, Ryoma wound up in Towa City and joined Akeru’s warrior pack, and Kokichi was funded by Zetsubou to stay out of trouble following his escape, in which he concocted a plan to destroy them involving Keebo, who he had salvaged.

Additionally, Kaede lost her memories after her escape, and was taken in by Chinami Hasami. And lastly...you Rantaro, joined ERR0RM3SS4GE.

How come you were the only one that was invited to join?

My skills interested them. This isn’t the first time I’ve done a good bit of programming, hacking and scouting, you know?

Also, I kind of insisted on it. With Zetsubou becoming a rising problem in recent years, I wanted to do my bit to prevent being caught in a THIRD killing game.

I understand that, but why not join Future Foundation with us?

It’d cause too much confusion if I just showed up out of nowhere. Plus, I had already met the team, so I would have been sworn to secrecy anyway.

Fair enough.

Is that all the questions you have for now?

Well...I’ve learned what you know about our circumstances, so assuming you’re not lying. I guess I just have one more thing to ask.

Kiyo is still missing. We haven’t been able to locate him since the beginning of all this. Do you know where we can find him?

Regrettably no. Kiyo vanished into thin air after ERR0RM3SS4GE deactivated the labs. He could be dead or captured by Zetsubou for all we know. However, I don’t think it’s anything to worry about.

How come?

If Kiyo was captured by Zetsubou, Shirogane would no doubt have utilized him against us already. Plus, if he was out causing trouble and murdering people again, don’t you think we would have seen something on the news? There haven’t been any serial killer situations lately that follow his pattern.

Right, I know what you mean...

I have one more thing to ask. It’s not really important, but I need to know it.

Yeah? What’s that?

...I need to know your relationship with Mii-Yu.

Kaede...!?

I wasn’t there to witness it, but Shuichi told me the story. In the factory, you were able to brainwash Mii-Yu using something called an admin code. But after Mii-Yu attacked the Tower, Mona and Miu removed her antennae to prevent her from being brainwashed.

So how did you pull that off? How did you know what the admin code was, and how were you able to activate it? You must have had some prior interaction with Mii-Yu in order to know that would work, or some robot like it.

I suppose the excuse that I’m privy to these sorts of things doesn’t work here, huh?

Nope!

Fine...Although, all things considered, the actual answer is a lot simpler than you might think.

And that is?

*Rantaro stops working on the Symmetra, stands up and looks at them.

I’m the one who made it~

...!

...!

...!

WHAT!?

Yep, that’s about the reaction I expected.

You...are...

UUGH!

Mii-Yu!

Uh oh. Looks like she’s having sensory overload.

I...I just remembered...

*Mii-Yu clutches her head, but stands up straight again with Kaede’s support.

As soon as I lay eyes upon you, something did not feel right in my internal mechanism and memory database.

Now that you have said that though, I feel like I have gained the missing piece of apparatus and...

You remember? Heh...It’s like going into the recycle bin of a laptop and hitting restore, right?

Are you serious!? You’re telling me YOU’RE Mii-Yu’s CREATOR!?

To be more specific, I’m her PROGRAMMER. I wrote the code, AI, memory banks and...well...Everything that makes Mii-Yu, Mii-Yu.

I DIDN’T build her body. She was a collaborative work between me and an old friend.

An old friend?

Susuru Kojima, the Ultimate Engineer. A fellow participant in the 52nd Killing Game. That was when Mii-Yu was created.

But...wait...Tsumugi said that Mii-Yu was the prototype version of Keebo! And they ended up going with him for V3!

Mii-Yu ended up being a more popular addition to the series than Team DR expected, so they decided to allow Tsumugi to continue with the robot trend with V3. At least, that’s how I think of it.

...How could you...?

How could I what?

*Kaede puts her foot down angrily.

If you’re Mii-Yu’s creator, how could you treat her like that!? Brainwashing her, making her fight her friends, dehumanizing her!? What’s wrong with you!?

Dehumanizing her? She’s not a human Kaede. I don’t know if that’s even possible.

No, I’m with Kaede on this. You’re being way too harsh to her, talking down to her as if her feelings don’t matter!

It’s a line of code Shuichi, not real feelings! It DOESN’T matter!

...Stop it!

*Everyone looks towards Mii-Yu.

I refuse to let you all argue, right in front of me, over whether or not my life and feelings are worth considering.

To be honest...I do somewhat agree with Rantaro. Even if I am a humanoid robot, my feelings will never be more than that of an analytic computer. I’m not the same as BeeZero, who is programmed to live and learn as a human does. 

I was made to serve a purpose...not that I remember what that purpose was.

Well, now’s a good time to ask.

But now’s NOT a good time to tell.

Why not!? Don’t you think you owe her an answer!?

I said ENOUGH!

...!?

...!?

Allow me to make my stance clear here, Rantaro Amami.

I...am grateful. Obscenely grateful, that you created me. However, if I may be honest for a moment...

I have been looking all this time to find out what purpose I was built for...but now that I stand in front of you...I don’t care anymore.

Oh?

It doesn’t matter if I was just a test, or a prototype, or an experiment, or if I was used for a more personal, malicious or selfish purpose.

You gave me a life. And I intend to live that life. The way that I want.

How’s THAT for a line of code?

...

Hehe...You’ve surprised me. Miu and Keebo’s straightforwardness is really rubbing off on you.

Many will say they do not make for good role models. I disagree.

Still...I do admit I feel guilty. No matter how I feel about the situation, I’ve clearly upset you all.

And I shouldn’t have mistreated you the way that I did. Just looking at you reminds me of a time I would rather forget. Even I have issues, and I have a fair few of them.

*Rantaro turns around and reaches for a small box and takes something out of it.

Mind coming closer for a second? I’m not gonna hurt you, I promise.

...

It’s ok. I have faith in him.

*Mii-Yu approaches Rantaro, who takes the item and fastens it to Mii-Yu’s head.

That’s...

This is...

Believe me, I’m doing this for more than just an apology. If we’re working together against Zetsubou, I’m gonna need you all to trust me. Observe...

“Admin Input- Voice Authentication. Code: 1003XX.”

...!

Mii-Yu!?

...

I am fine.

See? This antennae prevents the admin code or any other sort of control form working on you. Consider it my thank you card.

Now, if that’s everything, I’ll get back to work.

That should be it. Fine, we’ll leave. Thanks for answering my questions.

Thank you Rantaro.

Sure...

*Shuichi turns around to leave; Mii-Yu bows and follows. Kaede however, pauses for a moment.

Something wrong?

...

I’m willing to work with you if it means we can save Maki and Himiko and stop Tsumugi and Zetsubou...

But I don’t trust you...What are you hiding from us Rantaro?

...You’re a detective assistant, aren’t you? Figure it out...

...!

*Kaede scoffs and leaves.

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

Hello!! Can I request some headcanons about Rantaro, Mukuro, Kazu, Taka, Kokichi, Nagito and Leon with SHSL Moodkeeper/Caregiver (i dont know the word)? They is, like, always on a guard to calmly end every arguments and tences in their group, and to give a hand or shoulder for cry to anyone who is in a bad mood. Ultimate stress-relive person, i guess? Also, they has good empathy, but still is very bad in guessing ofters opinion about them, so they really didnt notice someone loving them. Thx!!

I’d say they’re a SHSL Peacekeeper! ^^

.......

Rantaro

He likes how you mediate situations when they start getting out of hand.

Of course, he’s good at calming people down, too, though he’s glad to see you step in as well.

The fact you could settle conflicts between the rowdy ones like Kaito, Miu, and Kokichi so easily is like a miracle.

You also swiftly came to Kaede’s defense when everyone got upset with her for forcing them through the Death Road of Despair. 

Before leaving, Rantaro witnessed you hugging the pianist as she cried.

You’re just so kind and caring to everybody.

It was those positive qualities of yours that just naturally...drew him to you.

And eventually they made him fall for you completely.

But despite your talent of reading people like open books...you aren’t too certain about what they think of you.

So when Rantaro hangs out with you more, you just believe he’s a close friend and nothing more.

Though when he visits your lab one day with your favorite gift and asks you out...you pretty much short-circuit.

Someone as sweet and as handsome as him??? Liking you?????

Mukuro

Watching you resolve conflicts without violence is an eye-opening experience for her.

You mean you don’t have to threaten to stab someone??? Or prepare yourself for an attack???

So when you break up a fight between her and Junko with just your words alone, she’s completely baffled.

You feel bad for Mukuro, helping her up when her sister kicks her down, saying she doesn’t deserve to be degraded so much.

She’s even more confused because she thought the insults were Junko’s way of showing familial love.

But perhaps..the soldier was wrong about that.

Over time, she starts giving you more of her attention.

Makoto smiling at her was one thing..but for you to actually care about her?

She just wants to give every bit of her heart to you.

But you aren’t sure what she exactly thinks of you, so...for a while you don’t notice.

She’ll never get past admiration from a distance, though, as she doesn’t know how to express those feelings to you.

Eventually, you’ll notice and reciprocate them.

Kazuichi

He’s perplexed at how the hell you manage to keep so calm all the time, especially when almost everyone was panicking on the island..

No matter how much the class argues, you always end those debates peacefully somehow--even in trials.

After spending some time with you, he eventually confides in you about his insecurities and such.

And you always listen no matter how much he pours his heart out to you.

You just pat his back and offer your sympathy whenever he gets emotional, never judging him.

He’s glad he can someone to rely on..to the point where he feels like he can be his true self around you.

He grows to like you for more than just your talent, though.

You have great looks and a cool personality!

Unfortunately you’re kinda oblivious, so he’s nervous to confess in fear you won’t return the feelings.

He’ll probably need advice from his buddies.

Taka

Like him, you always strive to reach the best compromise among your peers.

And he admires that a lot!

You usually solve conflicts sooner than he does (probably because you aren’t always yelling and can read the room better).

Plus, you’ve taken a sort of therapist role in the class, having a lot of empathy (which Taka himself sometimes lacks) and always willing to help people out.

Sometimes he’ll go to you just to rant about the stress of his studies and whatever else he’s dealing with.

He trusts you enough and thinks venting is a healthy way to get his emotions out.

The talks often end with you hugging him while he cries into your shoulder.

But he always feels a hundred times better afterwards.

It’s not long before he finds himself catching feelings for you.

He can hardly look you in the eyes while you’re speaking, tending to blush when you just smile in his general direction.

Like Kaz, he’ll probably need advice from someone because he doesn’t know how to confront these new feelings.

Kokichi

You two are basically polar opposites.

He’s a little shithead that gets people riled up on purpose.

While you’re the mediator who reassures them he just wants to cause mischief.

Not even he can say he’s lying about that.

So he makes it his mission to get you annoyed with him.

He’ll try speaking over you by blurting out another lie in trials...

Only to pout when you ignore him.

Then he tries cheating in games he plays with you..

Only for you to explain how it’s more fun when everyone plays fairly.

There’s just no winning for him, so he eventually stops and huffs.

You definitely like playing hard-to-get.

Especially when he realizes you’ve become more than just a “friend he can annoy” in his eyes.

He’ll get frustrated when you don’t immediately realize that, too, though.

Nagito

Of all the talents he’s observed, he finds yours most admirable.

Insists you should never let yourself--or anyone--take your talent for granted (and of course, you don’t).

He sees you lending a helping hand to anyone who needs it and is awestruck

You’re truly a shining example of hope.

He’s hesitant to come to you with any of his troubles, convinced trash like him isn’t worth your time.

But you empathize with him and understand why he feels that way.

He’s been stuck in a cycle of luck all his life, usually hurting or killing those close to him.

As time goes on, though, you get him to open up.

Soon he falls in love with not only your hope...but also, well, you.

He’d tell you directly, but...it would be more interesting to watch you figure that out yourself.

Leon

He's surprised how easily you can settle disputes with everyone.

Doesn’t it get tiring for you?

Though you always tell him it’s never a bother.

You understand everyone has their insecurities and tend to lash out.

He gets a bit defensive when he realizes you mean him, too.

But he just proved your point.

Sometimes he’ll rant to you about baseball practice giving him unneeded pressure and his uncertainties about what he really wants to do in life.

You suggest he feels misguided due to his attempts to impress random girls instead of focusing on himself.

He’s stunned you could read him like an open book.

Before long, he finds himself lovestruck yet again--not just because of your looks but also because of your sweet and upbeat nature.

So he tries improving himself first before he’s ready to ask you out.

Though when you don’t know for sure how he feels around you...he’ll get agitated and ends up blurting out his confession.

[dangan-meme-palace]

I realy like your analysis on the kaito-maki-shuichi relationship. So i was wondering who in your opinion has the best relationship dynamic within the cast?

Aaaa thanks! I'm more or less pleased with how it came out :D probably could be shorter though haha

-tech

As for the best dynamic... hmm.

Judging based on what I mentioned in the previous post about strengths being highlighted and weaknesses being dealt with in one way or another and believable emotional bonds that help each other, I'd have to say...

Kokichi and Gonta

For sure, it's gotta be them.

Narratively:

They are canonly a dynamic duo, working together and using their different strengths to help one another in areas the other is lacking in. It feels like they can both truly shine when they cooperate, and that's exactly how it should be.

It's very nice to see them work together because they both bring something different to the table that truly helps the other, and not always in ways you would expect at first glance. The brain and brawn thing is expected, but the extent to which they compliment each other is unparalleled by any other dynamic in the game.

Kokichi -> Gonta

Admittedly, Kokichi does less for Gonta narratively than Gonta does for Kokichi, but to be fair I would expect someone like Kokichi to be the one others help shine, not the other way around. Kokichi, as the Ultimate Leader, is more like the protagonist while Gonta is the supporting character.

For the most part though, Kokichi's narrative role relating to Gonta is to show us that Gonta isn't the happy-go-lucky himbo the rest of the cast thinks he is, allowing us to see that Gonta has depth, specifically that Gonta's morals are definitely different than what one would normally expect from someone with his personality.

The rest is something that relates more to their emotional bond, but for now I'll just say that Kokichi allows us to see Gonta's insecurities, flaws, and dedication to his friends (both the cast and Kokichi) and this improves Gonta's character immensely.

Gonta -> Kokichi

Gonta, as a character, shows us just how human Kokichi can be, especially during chapter 4 but also in little moments throughout the game as well. Whether it be lashing out at the others, being soft (like, so, so soft) with Gonta, his cooperation skills, or the depths of his sadness and loyalty, Gonta drags these reactions out of Kokichi one by one like it's his job, which it is! Narratively, Gonta's job is to allow us to see glimpses of what goes on in Kokichi's heart, something incredibly rare and precious to me.

Gonta also really allows Kokichi's ability to strategize and lead people to shine. Like, really shine. Chapter 4 was the best showcase of Kokichi's talent of leading people, but that's because he had Gonta following him. Any captain needs a crew and any Ultimate Leader needs helpful and supportive followers that believe in him. This goes alongside Kokichi's major weakness throughout the game.

Kokichi's biggest weakness is that he's placed himself into an antagonistic position. Seems smart, until you realize that hes the Ultimate Leader and he just alienated himself from literally everyone, losing any potential bonds/followers he could have made. He shot himself in the foot by forsaking some leadership options when he's the Ultimate Leader. It's the thing he's best at, but he put limits on himself anyway to protect everyone from Monokuma's attempts to break them apart.

He can still get the group to do what he wants, but it takes a considerable amount of effort on his behalf in order to do so. Gonta makes up for that by being the follower that Kokichi desperately needs. Gonta believes in Kokichi enough to go along with both of his plans, to the extent that he still goes along with them even they involve kidnapping and killing the other characters.

There's also the fact that Gonta's dedication to the others might've helped Kokichi decide to keep helping everyone, but I'll get more into that in a bit.

Emotionally:

This dynamic also makes a lot of sense from an emotional perspective. You can actually see why these two outcast characters would want to come together and hang out with each other, and why they view the other so positively: they are each other's ideals.

Kokichi -> Gonta

When Gonta needed a friend and someone to take him seriously/not dismiss him, Kokichi was there to hang out with him, seriously listen to him, and explain things to him that he didn't get the first time. Where the other kids were scared of him due to his size and talent, Kokichi had the confidence to ignore Gonta's natural intimidation and the kindness to hang out with Gonta, despite being so scared of bugs he literally foams at the mouth when they touch him.

Kokichi still regarded Gonta as a friend after that incident though, when most people (justifiably) would've held a grudge and cut him off. Gonta has some very obvious rage issues and reacts pretty impulsively to the things that upset him, but Kokichi is very patient with others, and almost forgiving to a fault at times, so he's willing to stick with Gonta and try and work through their problems instead of abandoning him. This would no doubt be something that Gonta desperately wanted from a friend, seeing as he's very self conscious about appearing as scary.

He loyally sticks by Gonta and readily offers advice, support, explanations, patience, etc... I mean the list goes on. I really do think that his relationship with Gonta is a showcase of how Kokichi would act around someone he really likes, like I'm talking about this being the basis for how I think Kokichi would act around DICE levels of emotional intimacy. I think this is Kokichi at his best, friendship wise. Especially because even during events that take place outside of the main story we never see Kokichi act this way around anyone else, even with the people I would also consider to be his friends (mainly Miu, but also sorta with Kiibo as well.)

They didn't know each other for long, but if you really look at it, it's plain to see that Kokichi really valued Gonta as a friend. I mean, I dont think someone who yells about wanting to live during his FTEs with Kaede would willingly offer to give his life for (no discernable goal) for just anyone y'know? Plus, throughout the game, he uses some of his friendliest and softest sprites during his conversations with Gonta. Even visually you can see their bond.

It's a very subtle relationship when compared to some of the more overt pairs throughout the game (aside from some key moments in chapter 4) but it's there, and honestly I can think of very few characters that share this close of a bond in the whole series game.

They actually kinda seem similar to Aoi and Sakura in a way, but somehow they compliment each other more... damn.

Gonta -> Kokichi

Likewise, Gonta also became Kokichi's friend and didn't seem to mind the lying at all, something that means a lot to Kokichi based on his Harmonious Heart Events, because it means that Gonta doesn't want to be friends with someone different, he wants Kokichi, lies and all. This is Kokichi's #1 wish.

I think that meant more to Kokichi than anything else, because this is his way of life. He leads with lies, he plays with lies, and he protects himself with lies too. He wants to keep lying and Gonta not being bothered by that is literally the exact thing that Kokichi yearns for in the best ending for his HHE.

Gonta also caught on to the times that Kokichi was extending olive branches and accepted him. It's subtle, but Kokichi did try and befriend people as long as he could do it without having to change himself and Gonta was one of the people that responded to that positively. Gonta readily befriended Kokichi, probably understanding first-hand what it's like to be an outcast because of misunderstandings and personality traits.

This is why Gonta's death (especially since Kokichi felt like he was fully responsible for it, despite what Gonta said) was so traumatic for Kokichi and why he reacts so negatively to it, he lost someone he never thought he would ever meet in the first place. More than a few of his dialogue lines have him imply that he's used to being hated for how he chooses to live his life and that he expects this kind of treatment from people, so finally finding someone who won't hate him for that and then losing that friend so quickly with his own plan had to have hurt immensely.

Going off that, Gonta is the one to convince Kokichi to remain friends with everyone and try his best for them despite how they treat him, and he also desperately begs for the others to do the same thing for Kokichi. He knew he was leaving Kokichi alone, and he wanted to try and protect him.

While the other members of the cast don't seem to remember this or care much about it after the whole "I'm the mastermind" bit, we do see Kokichi trying to protect the group after chapter 4 by trying getting rid of the motive to leave (therefore "ending" the killing game by making sure no one plays it) and by trying to remove Kaito, who has shown himself to be a harmful influence.

I think Gonta's words really got through to Kokichi, and while it did unfortunately lead to Kokichi dying for everyone's sake, Kokichi might not have tried to save everyone if it hadn't been for Gonta's last wishes. Why would Kokichi want to help people that actively hate him and bully him if not for the pleading of his greatest friend in the game telling him to keep protecting them.

In a sense, Kokichi during chapter 5 fulfills Gonta's original wish to be useful and protect everyone even at the cost of himself, with Kokichi doing exactly that.

Interested?

If you asked me for moments that I feel showcase their bond nicely so you can get a feel of it for yourself, I'd point you towards the dialogue they share during the 4th trial investigation and their meeting before the Insect Meet and Greet was very nice (you'll have to read between the lines for the former though!) If you want to see what I'm talking about, I would definitely recommend rewatching those. The moments prior to Gonta's execution are also always a good look at how much they meant to each other.

If you're really interested, I'd also recommend watching through their bonus content (LHEs, FTEs, HHEs, etc) and thinking about how their desires are reflected in each other, it's interesting to think about at the very least.

TL;DR?

Overall, they have an amazing, yet unsung, dynamic between the two of them and I would like to see more people recognize it. It's very brief and doesn't have a lot of story time, but it feels more meaningful than any of the "main" dynamics in the game with 10x the screentime. It has substance to it. It's satisfying and gratifying to watch.

It also makes fucking sense, unlike a particular dynamic that takes up a majority of the fucking story for nOTHING–

[s-j-ace]

The Same Question

Chapter Two

Characters: Shuichi Saihara, Ouma Kokichi

Words: 2002

Summary:

After Detective Shuichi Saihara encounters mysterious thief Kokichi Ouma for the first time, a game of cat and mouse ensues as both men ask themselves the same question. Why exactly does the elusive phantom thief do what he does?

This is Chapter Two, find Chapter One Here

Read on AO3

   Kokichi Ouma stood on the rooftop of the Silver Legacy Resort Casino in Reno Nevada laughing maniacally to no one in particular. At least, no one as of yet.

   In his hand, he held a remote control for two of those… giant metal grabber arm machines. Except they were used for construction. (Named after a bird… CRANE. They were cranes.) Except for now when they were being used to rip two very expensive crystal chandeliers out of the lower levels of the building he was standing on. He felt the world shake as the cranes raised their arms in celebration of acting outside of their intended use, each holding up a chandelier like they were about to put earrings on the building he stood upon.

   Seconds later, the rooftop access door burst open. Kokichi watched as detective Saihara walked into the light of the evening sky. He looked tired and a little disheveled just like how Kokichi remembered him, but when he turned to see Kokichi, still cackling away, something in his eyes changed. They became harder. More determined somehow.

   The detective started walking toward him. "Stop right there!" He shouted like he was some sort of real-life action hero, and Kokichi felt excitement skyrocket within him.

   "Uh-uh-uh." Kokichi tutted, feeling his glee slip onto the expression hidden by his mask. "I should be saying that to you, Detective. After all…" God this was good. Kokichi held up the remote control in his hands. "I could just… drop one of these chandeliers. I don’t need both. Just one press of a button is all it would take to shatter these babies on the pavement."

   Saihara hesitated for a moment and his eyes glanced to the side of the building. Kokichi deduced from the movement that Saihara had been trying to see if there was anything down below the chandeliers that could get crushed. Kokichi knew it was nothing but some too-fancy cars, but Saihara decided his best bet was to stay where he was.

   "What are you playing at?" His eyes were focused on Kokichi again.

   The thief blinked innocently. "Who, me? I'm not playing at  anything . I take my life very seriously, thank you very much." He gestured to the chandeliers. "I just need some help making a decision."

   "A… decision?" The detective asked warily.

   "Yup!” Kokichi felt like he needed this moment to last longer than he knew it was going to. “I need to take one of these chandeliers home with me to decorate our evil lair, but I accidentally took both! So I'll let you have one back if you help me decide."

   He turned to the chandelier dangling on the left and hummed as if considering it. "Now I like this one because it's very sparkly. But this one…" he turned around and fiddled with the controller for the right chandelier so that the hundreds of tiny crystals would hit against one another. "Is more jangly."

   Saihara looked like he was going to be sick as the chandelier clattered on.

   "Well, frankly I think you shouldn't have either if this is how you're going to treat them…"

   Oh... that's what Kokichi was hoping he'd say.

   "Wow, I think you're right. If I really wanted a chandelier for the lair I wouldn’t treat it so roughly... You really are a smart one, Mr. Detective." He shrugged. "Guess I won't take either."

   Kokichi watched Saihara's moment of realization morph into a look of subsequent regret as he pushed the button that released the cranes' grasps.

   Kokichi was a little disappointed when the detective ran for the side of the building, as if the detective could do anything to stop a one-tonne chandelier from speeding hastily to a shattering death, instead of doing the sensible thing and chasing after him, the culprit. Although, as Kokichi began to make his escape he realized that Saihara was searching the ground below. His expression was familiar and Kokichi realized that it was the same look of concern he had witnessed on the detective’s face when he held his hand back on the plane.

   Kokichi, forgetting about the fact he was in the middle of a high stake escape attempt, took a second to look down at his finger. The bandage was gone now. He’d thrown it away the day after in a weird mood. There was still a thin scab on it, a strange reminder of his physical existence. He remembered how careful Shuichi had been when he’d gotten hurt.

   Kokichi felt his heartbeat crescendo suddenly, but the starting of the engine in the helicopter behind him drowned it out.

   Oh yeah… He should… Get in that...

  Was Saihara looking for casualties? Of course, there wouldn't be any. Kokichi had made sure of that. It was the number one rule of DICE, you know. No killing. Just because obviously killing people is bad. Not that Saihara knew that.

   He supposed that was working to his advantage.

   By the time the detective turned around to face him again, Kokichi was stepping into the escape chopper as Hearts sat inside flipping the switches needed to initiate takeoff.

   When Saihara got to the end of the rooftop, Kokichi was hanging out from the side of the getaway chopper about a decameter over the building. Kokichi realized he was still laughing and stopped. The detective probably couldn’t hear him over the beating of the propeller, so there was no point to it. He settled into a billboard-style grin and looked down on the detective standing alone on the rooftop. Strangely enough, the expression on the detective's face had seemed to shift from surprise to calculation in the moment Kokichi had turned away. Suddenly his expression lit up and he turned around to run to the rooftop door.

   “So he figured it out huh…” Kokichi muttered to himself as the detective disappeared from the rooftop. How smart of him to realize that Kokichi’s ploy was the distraction for this particular rendezvous with grand larceny.

   “Did you see his face when I dropped the chandeliers?” He crooned to Hearts, not letting any concern over how the remaining members of DICE were fairing show in his demeanor.

   “Yes, yes, I’m sure it was delicious,” She called to him over the sound of the propelling blades.

The thief resumed his cartoonish cackling, watching as the detective's silhouette grew further and further away.

“Hey!" Hearts called back again after they had gotten a good distance away from Saihara. "You might wanna tuck in there, boss, I think the american police are arriving with their cartoonishly militarized long distance weaponry.”

   “Nah, I think I'll flap around in the wind a bit,” Kokichi joked as he hopped into the chopper and started forcing the hatch closed. “I’ve got that ‘becoming swiss cheese’ part of my bucket list to fill out.”

   “Aww, boss you don’t have to do that.” Hearts was humoring him again. “You’re already a snack.”

   “I know,” Kokichi managed to close up the side and it suddenly became a lot easier to hear everything inside the cockpit. He walked over to buckle into the co-pilot seat and shifted into a huge grin and a dramatic pose. “I’m simply scrumptious.”

   “Yeah, sure ya are." She said without looking at him, eyes fixed on the skies ahead. "Where are we landing this thing again?”

   “The car’s parked at that hospital we scoped out with the helipad. We just gotta land there and go through the vents.”

   “Ugh, you and your vents.”

   “They’re very efficient! Besides, you have no right to complain. You get to put on a disguise and walk around normal after the 4th floor. I gotta scrunch up and fit in the rolling cart.”

   “And whose fault is that?”

   He should probably keep this conversation going for 2 ½ minutes.

“God’s, he’s jealous of me.”

   “No, I’m pretty sure it’s the guy who blew his cover by flirting with a detective.”

   “Eh, same difference.”

   "No, you can't be God. God is a lesbian."

   "I never claimed to be God, just a being of equal if not greater power who took the old God’s place. Way to contribute to the bury your gays trope, Hearts."

   She snorted. "Boss, you're a white boy in a clown mask. No offense, but if lesbian God saw you she'd smite on sight."

   Kokichi could probably argue that he was an ambiguously pale Asian in a clown mask seeing as he was found in an alley in Japan, but he decided that wasn't what he wanted this conversation to be. "Then at least I'll finally be brought to justice."

   “Being born a clown is one thing, but I think your real crime is your unnecessarily convoluted plans." She huffed. "Why can’t we just drop the chopper in the woods?”

   Kokichi frowned. “Because we have to return it, remember?”

   “Since when do we return things? Do you want us to return those massive remote control cranes we left back there?”

   “Well of course not!”  Although he felt rather indifferent on the matter, Kokichi shouted angrily and threw the remote he was still holding into the back of the chopper. “We stole those from that Togami Corp building. Their CEO makes like a billion dollars every day, he can come get his own damn cranes.”

“Yeah, I get that,” Hearts replied, barely responding to his outburst. “But it’s not like the hospital people wouldn’t be able to find the helicopter if we left it in the woods or something. Also, there’s less cops in the woods; which I would say is a plus.”

   “Come on,” Kokichi huffed, going back and forth on whether or not to shift out of this persona or not. He went with the latter and smoothed out his tone a bit. “It’d be harder to close down the hospital for an investigation than it would be to secure the perimeter of the dinky forests they have out here.”

   Hearts groaned. “Ugggh. Fine. I’ll crawl in the stupid vents.” She frowned down at her pristine white uniform. “The quarters in those stupid arcade machines better be enough for my dry cleaning bill.”

   “This one’s not about the quarters Heartsie, it’s about the real gamer life.” Kokichi may have been raised by video games, but he wasn't as into playing them as Clubs was nowadays. He'd beat still anyone any time in a versus game though, because he was just that much of a pro gamer. Or maybe because he was kinda good at predicting what he'd be challenged to do and was also extremely good at memorizing gaming manuals.

   “Yeah, yeah, whatever." Wow, Hearts was really out here oppressing gamers. "You’re the boss."

   Kokichi made a face and decided he also wanted to oppress gamers. "Well, I mean, it was Clubs' choice."

   "I know." She suddenly perked up a bit. "Hey, speaking of choices... The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Cairo is opening its last exhibit next week-"

   "Hey!" Kokichi interrupted. He thought about covering her mouth, but then remembered that she was driving a helicopter that they were both in. He let his hands settle into a gesture of emphasis instead. "You can't pitch during the getaway! It's not fair to the salt of the earth folk that're still down there pilfering the seventies."

   "Come ooon, Boss! My thing's got a time limit, and there’s this rug-"

   "You know the rules." He scolded.

   A timer went off in his brain.

   Kokichi turned away, pulling out his phone to text the ground crew that Saihara was probably closing in on them around now. They’d probably have liked him to tell them earlier, but Kokichi wanted to keep them on their toes after a maddeningly easy break-in. As a bonus, sending them the text let him shun Hearts while she sulked.

   This had been fun, he thought privately, more fun than most heists. Never a dull moment, it seemed, with the good detective around.

   As he hit send, Kokichi wondered if Saihara would follow him to Cairo too.

[imaginedanganronpa]

Could I request some angst where Gonta's fem!S/O somehow finds out about the plan in the Virtual World and, before he kills Miu, she confronts him. And tells him that, if he honestly thinks killing everyone will save them, then to kill her first. Because whatever he does to her will be far less painful than whatever Monokuma will do. And because Gonta wouldn't want to see her suffer. Or something like that? Please and thank you!

This is so long!! I really liked this Prompt and I hope I do it justice! But this hurt my poor lil’ heart. I hope you enjoy!~ 

Major V3 Spoilers!

Gonta Gokuhara’s S/O Discovering His Plan To Kill Miu & Mercy Kill The Others, Then Begs Him To Spare Her First! (Angst!)

Truthfully, you were quiteskeptical about Miu’s Virtual Word. You wondered how this would offer a way toescape the Killing Game, but everyone else seemed so enthusiastic and curious.Your boyfriend, Gonta, was especially curious since he had never experiencedVirtual Reality or anything coming close to it before.

With a reluctant sigh, you join the others in the World she had created, butyou weren’t going to go passively. While you were here, you wanted to do some investigating of your own. You departed from Gonta, leaving him with Ouma Kokichi… whichdidn’t help settle your nerves. 

After veering away from the pack, you trail Miu from a distance while making surethat you wouldn’t be seen. You watched her travel through the wall that wassupposed to be the cut-off point in this World and the alarms in your headbegan to sound.

The only person you truly trusted in the Killing Game was Gonta, and possiblySaihara Shuichi but you didn’t want to bring too much attention to theremaining students just yet and cause a panic. A heavy, sinking feeling formed in the pit of yourstomach as everything in your gut told you that something bad was about tohappen. You were growing more and more concerned with your own safety and allyou wanted to do was run to Gonta so he could protect you.

What you stumbled upon instead changed your mind. 

As you approached the two boys, youoverheard Ouma explaining his plan to kill Miu, and you froze in fear. CouldGonta really be considering this? Killing someone in cold blood? You didn’t understand…he was the last person you thought would become the Blackened…

You made your presence known, causing the two boys to jump. Their faces twisted into uncomfortable looks of worry… worry that you may have just overheard their plans. 

“Oh, (Y/N)!” Ouma says cheerfully, masking the fear festering inside of him. He didn’t want to get his hands dirty and have to kill you as well… plus, he knew Gonta couldn’t bring himself to kill his partner. The smaller man was smiling on the outside but crumbling internally at the thought that his plans may now be in shambles.

“Can I talk to Gonta for a moment?” Your voice was a bit shaky which only tipped Ouma off and confirmed his suspicions, but he couldn’t keep you two apart. The large man hesitantly complies before he could say anything, and Ouma watches helplessly as you and Gonta disappear on the other side of the building.

Your expression speaks for itself and the Entomologist swallows hard, his heart beginning to race. He didn’t normally feel this weak or nervous, but how else was he supposed to react? As you turn towards him and take his much larger hands into your own, your heart began fluttering in your chest. You wished so desperately that this was just a dream or somehow part of the simulation Miu had created.

“Please, tell me what you’re planning. I know you’re better than this, Gonta.” Your voice sounded like a plea, but inside you knew the truth that you didn’t want to face. His lip quivered as he broke down and spilled everything.

“Gonta just wants to save the others from the outside…” his voice is straining. You narrow your eyes, unsure of what this could possibly mean; but before you can interrogate him further, the answers come rushing out of his mouth. “Kokichi and Gonta found out truth about the outside! Gonta don’t want his friends to live like that… it was bad, very bad.”

“Gonta,” none of this was making any sense and you worried that this may just be part of Ouma’s plan to manipulate and frame Gonta at the Trial, “What are you talking about?”

In a desperate tone, he forces back the tears in his eyes. “Mercy kill! We mercy kill the others and leave so that our friends don’t have to live like that!”

Everything was beginning to make sense now. Somehow, through the Flashback Light, Ouma and Gonta must have uncovered the truth about the outside world. If it was really as bad as he says it is, you didn’t know if you wanted to live that way, either. And he seemed so sincere that you couldn’t help but to believe him.

Gonta wasn’t the best liar nor would he try tricking to you, and you break away from his grasp momentarily to assess the situation. Suddenly, everything felt so overwhelming and the seriousness of the situation was beginning to sink in.

It’s true, you didn’t want to live in a world that could be as awful as he is implying and maybe their plan to spare everyone from that fate was worth it… Gonta seemed to have pure intentions, after all. You were getting sick of the Killing Game, anyway, and didn’t know how much more of this you could take.

You place a soft hand on his cheek and reassuringly smile. “Listen,” you coo in hopes of easing his mind, “do you really think that sparing everyone will save us? That this is truly the right thing to do?”

Gonta nods his head silently. “And this is the choice you made for yourself? You aren’t just doing what Kokichi is telling you?”

Once again, he reassures you that this is what he believes. He places his hand on top of yours, which was still resting peacefully on his face. 

“Gonta just trying to save everyone… please. It’s Gonta’s decision, not Kokichi’s.”

No matter how much you tried, you couldn’t restrain the tears from falling down your face. The reality of what was happening cut through you and you made the painstaking decision to support Gonta and go through with his plan. You weren’t sure if you’d survive the Killing Game, anyway, and part of love is trusting that your partner is making the right choices for themselves and others.

Right now, you had to put faith in him.

“If that’s seriously what you think, then please kill me first.” The shocking response caused Gonta to gasp, widening his eyes. He shakes his head frantically and insists that there’s no way he could do that.

This was the response you expected to receive, but you couldn’t handle it. “Gonta! If you don’t kill me now, you’re just delaying the inevitable! I’m… going to die no matter what! If your plan works, I’ll get executed… or even worse, if it fails I’ll probably become the next Victim. I don’t think I have what it takes to survive this fucked up Game, so do you want that for me?”

He stares at you in bitter silence, a serious look taking over his face. He looked so solemn, and his eyes were glassy with tears. A single drop rolled down his cheek as he sniffed and finally shakes his head, “No…”

“Gonta, I trust you. If I’m going to die, I don’t want it to be by anyone else’s hand but yours and… if your plan works, Monokuma will have to execute me, right? Whatever you do to me will be far less painful than whatever he has in store,” you tighten your now trembling grip on his palm, “please, do this for me, sweetheart.”

He winces at your words but ultimately realized that this was the right thing to do. It was the most merciful end that you could possibly meet and Gonta didn’t want Monokuma to slowly and painfully kill you. He wouldn’t be able to watch him torture you like that, and make you suffer; he couldn’t live with that thought burned into his memory.

So, he reluctantly agreed and accepted your demands. Although, he didn’t want to be the one to ultimately end your life, he felt as though he had no other choice. If he didn’t do this now and sacrificed you along with the other students at the Trial, he would have indirectly caused your death, anyway. At least this way you won’t suffer as much.

You press one last kiss against his lips, and both of you finally release the hot tears that were forming in your eyes. Although this was just in the Virtual World, it still felt so real. The kiss felt like it always did, almost as if he was really here in front of you.

It takes you a long while to finally separate. Gonta gazes into your eyes one last time and whispers a weak apology in your ear.

Through teary eyes, you choke out a reassuring sentence. “Don’t apologize to me, Gonta, you’re saving me,” you close your eyes and squeeze his hand, “you’re saving everyone. You aren’t a bad person.”

He stares down at the unbreakable toilet paper that was supposed to be used to kill Miu, and bites his lip as he realizes what he’s about to do. “Gonta loves you, (Y/N)… Goodbye.”

- Mod Rantaro

[airakorainies]

Trapped with You

(( \(°>•)/ people like this so here we go))

Part five of THIS saiibo fanfiction!

~~~

A groan escaped his pale lips, his head finally calming. It had been spinning for awhile and he couldn’t recall last night’s events at all. It was about ten minutes ago when he awoke in an unfamiliar place, where he panicked and alarmed the bear cubs. They quickly explained to him the school’s small hospital facility before rushing him out, screaming at him he’s fine and must leave! With a sigh and an unsure expression, he decided he’d go check out the time in the cafeteria. He was up half an hour before anyone else would awake.

So he used this time wisely to fight through his headache and talk things out… with himself.

“The Cubs said that ... thing in the hospital should’ve fixed me up. So I won’t have to worry about getting sick anymore. Thank goodness, fevers suck,” he had no idea why talking to himself calmed him down. It just did, “and then there’s the whole thing with Ki-Kiibo.” The stuttering of the cute robot’s name made it worse, causing his head to rise up and a hand to cover the lower half of his face. Shuichi felt slightly pathetic he couldn’t own up and bravely state his feelings like Kaito or Kaede would have. He closed his eyes as he leaned back in the chair, “What am I going to say? Do I even like him that way? And if we do date, there’s no way we can let Kokichi know. Kiibo wouldn’t handle the abuse.”

“Nah he wouldn’t! But Shuichi~ you should know then to keep secrets from me!” Speak of the devil and he’ll answer, it’s the purple gremlin himself with a companion.

“Shuichi has a crush on Kiibo?”

Kokichi smiled and turned around to Himiko, smiling widely, “Of course he does! We all saw this coming. I was quite frankly bored by the fact that it took so long.” Kokichi laughed and turned back towards Shuichi, “And don’t worry, I won’t be torturing you about it either~! I mean, you’re so fun to play with!” Himiko and Kokichi sat down across from the blushing detective.

“Still, I didn’t think you, of all people, would like Kiibo. Did I accidentally put you under a love spell?” She put her fingers up to her chin, pushing out her bottom lip as she thought to herself.

Shuichi sighed and sat up a bit more, resting his elbows on the table, “Part of me wishes it were that simple.”

Kokichi, who was rocking back and forth in his chair stopped, “Wait. You do like Kiibo back, riiiiii~ght? Oh man! If this turns into rejection for the robot, he’d be so heartbroken!” He started cackling loudly, “Imagine! A heartbroken robot!!”

“Quit it,” Shuichi said, half serious and half embarrassed. There’s no way he’d want Kiibo feeling bad by something’s he’s done. But Kiibo also said not to worry about a rejection... not that Shuichi has decided to reject him or anything.

Himiko looked down and then up, and nodded. “I’ve decided to aid you in your quest of love. You don’t want this chance to slip up, Shuichi, or else... you’ll be too late...” her eyes grew distant, her hair framing her face per usual.

Kokichi sighed and gave Himiko a pat on the back. “Yeah well, I’m bored. So I guess I can help too.”

Shuichi looked up and felt a smile prying its way onto his face. He nodded and thanked them both.

“So first things first,” the magician started, “Do you like Kiibo?”

“I-I don’t know... I mean I-“

“Oh come on!” Kokichi slammed his hands on the table and stood up, pushing his chair back, “It’s so obvious you like him! Just admit it! It’ll be too boring and cliche if you just admit everything you like about him to only go ‘oh dear! I guess I do like him’ halfway through! That’s so borrring!!!!” Kokichi almost started crying as he sputtered out those words, “Just admit it already! Stupidichi!” That must be from a Miu Iruma influence.

No matter. Shuichi looked to the kitchen, staring as if he’d find the answer buried deep in the dark pockets of the foreboding kitchen. “I-I mean,” his face flurried a bright red, the temperature of the room only rising, “I guess I- no, I know I like Kiibo. And I’m willing to um, maybe, go out with him?” He closed his eyes and winced, prepping himself from another onslaught by Kokichi about, he didn’t know, how dumb he sounded? But when he mustered up the slightest little bit of courage to open his eyes, he found a sight he didn’t expect to see at all.

Kokichi in tears, a half shocked face with his mouth hanging slightly open. This wasn’t his normal childish demeanor at all, no, it seems as if some dream of his had finally been demolished in that moment. He said nothing as he slowly closed his mouth, moving up and wiping his eyes with his sleeve. He took a deep breath and nodded before removing his arm to reveal a large smirk. A smile full of mischief and the essence of evil itself. It’s a lie.

Himiko was stunned by the whole event as well, but when Kokichi smiled, she turned back and spoke, “Well, you finally realized your feelings. And so you have your answer. This was exhausting so I’m going to,” she moved her arms up and tucked her head in them, resting on the table, “I’m going to take a nap.”

It was only a moment before she was out, her tiny snores peacefully entering the two people’s ears. Kokichi was still smiling as he sat back down. He moved his hands down into his lap, out of Shuichi’s sight, so that he may hide how tightly he was gripping the bottom of his shirt.

Shuichi sighed and leaned back into his chair, folding his arms and closing his eyes. His body suddenly felt heavy and his world became darker and darker. And before he knew it, he had drifted off to sleep.

It felt like it was only a moment before he was rudely awaken by a certain gremlin. It had actually been an hour and everyone was in the cafeteria. Shuichi sat up and tried to stretch, though difficult with Kokichi hanging on his arm. Eventually, he was released and aloud to stand. As he did, his whole body groaned in response. It seems like everything popped, causing Shuichi to sigh. “Sleeping like that was not a good idea.”

“Not at all, I can agree.” Himiko was wincing at her pain as she also stood up, a heavy breath leaving her lips.

After Shuichi finished stretching, he began to finally assess the situation. Which was that everyone was staring at him, even Kiibo. He cleared his throat to maybe divert some of the awkward tension and offered to cook breakfast for everyone. No one objected. Plus, it’d give him some more alone time to ponder his situation.

If only it were that easy. As his hand slid across the door frame as he entered the kitchen, it seemed Himiko and Kokichi were already beginning on their quest. “I think Kiibot should go help Shuichi. He may learn a thing or two about cooking and may actually prove to be of some use.”

Shuichi froze in front of a cupboard. He appreciated the obvious gestures of help but not now! He wasn’t prepped at all nor ready to face the adorable robot in any way. And it was no help when Himiko chimed in, “Kiibo’s useful anyway. But it would be rude to leave Shuichi to cook for all of us. It’s exhausting to even think about.”

That somehow convinced everyone else to start coaxing Kiibo into going into the kitchen and assisting Shuichi, who was sighing heavily as he defeatedly began preparations for the breakfast.

“O-Oh! I suppose you all are right. It’d be unfair to leave Shuichi alone with such a perilous task! Of course I will go and assist him.” There was the cheerful voice of his crush. Steps began and grew louder with each passing one. It was a large build up to what Shuichi would know as a big ball of anxiety. Each step was like a shot to the brain. His breathing became irregular and he began to sweat. He really had no time to prepare and now he’s being thrown into even being near Kiibo. He shakily grabbed silverware as he could hear Kiibo stand right outside the kitchen doorway.

“Nah! Kiibo’s gonna help me today! We already talked about that. Not that any of you shitty titties could understand bwahaha!” That was obviously Miu. From the slang she used and her high pitched laugh, it was already clear it was her. “We were gonna grab something to eat but if Pooichi’s cooking, then we can come back later. Come on Kiibo.”

“Right,” Kiibo quickly stepped into the kitchen and smiled at Shuichi, causing a small bit of heat to arise within the poor boy, “I apologize Shuichi! I already promised Miu.”

“I-It’s no problem. Kaito can help. Good luck.” Kiibo did a small, cute nod before turning back around and leaving the cafeteria with Miu.

Kaito blinked and narrowed his eyes at the two quest seekers, “What was all that about? Why were you pressuring Kiibo to help Shuichi?”

“Isn’t it obvious? Or is your head higher in the clouds than I thought?” Maki flared up an evil stare at Kokichi before sighing and returning to lean against the wall. “We’re trying to set the dumb robot and Shuichi up on a date!” Himiko nodded as everyone just stared.

“Really? Is that a gentlemanly thing to do? If so, Gonta would be sure to help!” Gonta chimed in, smiling.

“Well first off,” Maki started, talking for her own self, “Why does Kokichi, of all people, want to actually help? It smells fishy to me.”

“Oh really? That’s rich coming from-“

Kaito cut off Kokichi by wrapping an arm around Maki and laughing, the smaller girl blushing red, “Come now Maki Roll! If Kokichi wants to help, then let him. Hey Shuichi!” The poor detective was startled, almost dropping the plate he was holding, “Do ya like Kiibo?”

The question seemed to come out of nowhere, but Shuichi has already faced this decision earlier. So he picked up a few plates now full of food and entered into the Cafeteria. He placed the food down before sighing and looking up, a hint of determination illuminating in his irises, “Yes. I do have a crush on Kiibo.”

Kaito smiled, proud that Shuichi was taking charge and making a decision on his own, “Well that’s enough for me!” He released Maki and went to Shuichi, patting him on the back, “I’ll help out as much as I can too.” He coughed a bit before laughing and sitting down, taking a plate of food too.

Shuichi felt a small tug at his lips, causing a cute smile to plaster itself on the detective’s face. “Thank you,” He softly muttered as the room full of people soon began to eat.

It wasn’t long before people had shifted from silent eating, to date plans and miraculous schemes.

“I could use my magic to create a mood for the date... but I already used up almost all my mana today.”

“Already? But the day just started! Wait! Let me guess. You used up your magic to try and contact the dead!” The purple gremlin cackled.

Himiko appeared taken aback, “Nyeh?! How did you know?”

“Come now guys! Gonta thinks we’re getting a little off topic.”

Shuichi sighed and nodded, muttering a small ‘thank you’ under his breath. Kaito leaned back into his chair and put his hand up to his chin, uttering a small hum as he let his mind process his thoughts. After a few seconds of doing this, he sprang up and turned towards Maki. “Maki Roll! A date!”

She was taken aback and managed to sputter out a quick and totally fast paced, “Yes?”

“You’re a girl. What would you like on a date?”

The girl sighed and shook her head, trying to cover up the fact that she was caught off guard. She folded her arms and spoke, “I haven’t the slightest idea. And besides, just because I’m a girl doesn’t define if I know anything about romance. Plus, both Shuichi and Kiibo are male... so my opinions would differ from theirs.” Kaito sighed in defeat and leaned back.

“Gonta has an idea.”

“Whoa what?! You have a brain?!” Kokichi’s face was filled with such shock, it was almost hard to believe he was just joking... almost.

“Gonta used to help wolf pack understand one another’s needs. Gonta was even a gentlemanly matchmaker. So Gonta thinks that Shuichi and Kiibo should meet up and have a date.”

“Yeah, dumb dumb! We know that already! We wanna figure out how and where.”

Gonta nodded and smiled, holding his hand out, “How about the pool area? Kiibo is very smart, unlike Gonta, and may want to talk about more human like stuff in more human specific places.”

After trying to process what Gonta said, the group’s faces slowly enlightened.

“Gonta! That’s a wonderful idea.” Tsumugi smiled and looked over at Shuichi.

“Y-Yeah. I think so too. I’m sure Kiibo will want to learn more about the human functions near or in water. He might enjoy it even.”

Kokichi started laughing, “I guess even idiots can have their moments!”

Kaito jumped up, causing the room to shake a little, and a coughing fit to arise. After he calmed down, he said, “Yea’! It’s perfect. And we can eavesdrop so easily with this plan.”

“Let’s not-“ but Shuichi was interrupted.

“Yeah. I can use the last of my mana from that proximity too and cast a love spell. Kiibo will fall in love with Shuichi for sure.”

The detective just laughed with a defeated sigh. Either way, he was going on a date with Kiibo and get his feelings across. Maybe asking for help wouldn’t turn out to be so bad.

After the group decided on some final preparations, the only thing left to do was somehow get Shuichi to work up the courage and ask Kiibo out. Which proved to be maybe too great of a task.

Surprisingly, Maki volunteered to assist him first without Kaito doing anything preemptively. After receiving an annoying head pat from said luminary of the stars, Maki sat down in front of Shuichi.

“Now,” she said, with a scary look in her eyes that seemed to turn this talk into an interrogation, “how are you planning on asking Kiibo out?”

There were very few people in the room to listen in. Only Kaito, Kokichi, Maki, and Himiko were left. The others either went off to do their own thing or help set up the pool area for that special date.

Shuichi reached his hand up and scratched the back of his neck, feeling the thin edges of his hair. “I’m not sure on any specifics but I think I’ll just go up and ask him.”

Maki did not react in a big gesture. Only narrowed her eyes a bit more. “Is that all? Are you sure you really like him?”

Pressure started to build on the detective’s shoulders. “Y-Yeah I’m sure! Is there something wrong with my plan?”

Maki sighed and folded her arms. “No. Just seems plain. But I guess not even an excitable robot who jumps at the smallest kind gesture deserves a nice way of being asked out. I’m sure he’ll be happy with just a plain and boring old question.” Shuichi felt his mind twist and turn. Maybe he should do something more spectacular.

Kaito laughed and gave Maki a pat on the shoulder, who received a glance of death right afterward. “Aw Maki. I wouldn’t take you for the type that fancies big gestures. I gotta say, I agree with Maki though. Kiibo deserves to have a big event as an invitation to the star of your heart!”

Kokichi felt himself laugh a little, “Yeah! Something I can embarrass him about later would be the best!”

Himiko put her finger up to her chin and thought for a moment, “Maybe an organized magic show would work?”

Shuichi shook his head and said he didn’t want to be reminded of the previous magic show. Himiko agreed and began to rethink her idea. “I appreciate the help guys,” the befuddled detective said, “but I really don’t think Kiibo needs something big to make it special for him. Like you said, Maki, he’s happy with any gesture. As long,” he moved his hand up to his chest, leaving it there hovering above his heart, “as it comes from here.”

“Yeah and that’ll just confuse him! But whatever. I’m sure there’s some way I can use this as blackmail nishihihi!” The purple gremlin cackled. Kaito sighed and placed a hand on Kokichi’s shoulder.

“Now listen here! If you’re gonna get in the way of my buddy’s confession then oh boy, you have another thing coming.”

Kokichi puffed up his cheeks in annoyance and began to whine like a little kid, “It was my idea to help him in the first place! Of course I’m not going to get in the way of it! I just want to embarrass them and have my fair share of fun!”

Shuichi felt a small laugh escape from his lips. This whole ordeal seemed to make him feel better. Seemed to distract him from the terrible crimes his classmates have committed. He looked up and shrugged, “Fine. A big way to ask him out, huh? Is there really any reason... I mean way to do that?” He still had his doubts but he knew arguing against this group of stubborn people would get him nowhere.

Kaito began to think while people pitched in ideas.

“I could make fireworks with my magic that spells out, ‘Will you go out with me?’”

“W-Way too big for even me to handle. Also, could you even do that?” Shuichi doubted.

“You could always threaten him. In a way, I’m sure that’s big.”

Shuichi awkwardly laughed, unsure if Maki was joking.

“Give him your food. You should know that sharing food is best way to a person’s heart. Who’d say no? I wouldn’t.” The magician mumbled.

“Well, I think that’s true, but Kiibo doesn’t exactly... eat.” Shuichi nodded as he spoke to Himiko.

Kaito snapped his fingers and looked at Shuichi excitedly. “Sneak out at night and ask him under the stars! Like ya know, in those high school rom coms. And plus, with the stars shining bright above you? He just can’t say no!”

Shuichi couldn’t think of a reason to say no. Maybe Monokuma stopping him, but if he told the bear it was for ‘teenage romance’, he was sure Monokuma would easily back down. “That sounds like a great idea.”

“Are you all air headed?” Kokichi asked, his feet on the table as he leaned back in his chair, “You’re asking Mr. Goody Two Shoes robot dolt to break our curfew and go with Shuichi in the dark. Good luck trying to convince him.” The room fell silent as, they’d hate to admit it, they realized Kokichi was right. But then he laughed, “And that’s where I come in! Shuichi, be by the secret shed tonight after we’re supposed to be all at the dorms. I’m going to make sure Kiibo comes too.” Though he wanted to ask what Kokichi would do, the detective decided against it.

After a few more discussions, their plan was set.

~

Shuichi shifted nervously on his feet, twiddling a rose he bought as a prize at the casino. This was dumb! Plain stupid. He should have just went with his gut instead of trying to make it big and elaborate.

“Shuichi!” A familiar and comforting voice rang out as a robot approached. “Kokichi told me you were injured and could not get back to the dorms! He said he was also having trouble carrying due to his height. But you shouldn’t fret any longer, my good friend, I shall carry you back all on my own!” The weak robot chimed, forgetting that they both already knew that was impossible.

“Actually Kiibo, I needed to talk to you.”

The robot blinked. “You don’t... look hurt.”

Shuichi cleared his throat before turning around, facing the robot. But his eyes were off looking to the side, blinking at an almost alarming rate. He slowly lifted his hand up and offered up the rose, “Would you like to go on a date with me?”

Kiibo blinked before feeling a warm feeling rise inside his chest. What was that feeling? His systems warming up? His body taking in heat? He couldn’t answer. But he could answer Shuichi’s question. With a smile, he walked up and place his hands around Shuichi’s, cupping them as softly as he could. “Of course. How about tomorrow?”

Shuichi smiled, not caring how red his face may seem at the moment. Everything was right. Everything felt right. He could almost forget the killing game and instead fantasize all the dates him and Kiibo would have.

“FINALLY!” A loud chorus of shouts from nearby screamed in victory. Many of their fellow classmates danced, happy their plan succeeded. But a few were not so happy.

Miu was confused as shit.

Himiko was tired and about to pass out.

And surprisingly, Kokichi was crying. Of course, if anyone asked, he’d laugh at them and scream something about a lie.

One must deny the truth

Of the pleasures

Of being trapped for you

Of being trapped with you.

((I have two more parts planned before I have completed this fanfiction. Oh and if you think this fanfiction has a happy ending, then do remember where our characters are trapped together ^^))

— Next part HERE

[noddytheornithopod]

So it’s chapter 4, and things are heating up.

Very eerie Rantaro message. He says there’s something important about the rule to the two people left rule, and that this isn’t their first something (their first killing game?). Whoever finds out who they are will come for them, and that they apparently wanted this. I assume Rantaro is talking to the students... what does it all mean? I mean, the wanting the game definitely ties into that memory of Shuichi wanting to die. All in all, this is all pretty weird.

So what’s up with that writing on the rock? Who’s writing it?

Gonta also apparently keeps seeing bugs, weird.

Okay so Kokichi is REALLY getting into the killing game now. He’s no longer just an annoying brat, but he’s actually starting to show his Ultimate Supreme Leader side. I still can’t help but wonder if he knows something the others don’t. And of course, the Mastermind could STILL be one of the students. I feel like Kokichi would be too obvious to be the mastermind (as said, it feels like he’s a Byakuya/Fuyuhiko type, though him getting more serious and manipulative is very Nagito too, plus like Nagito he has a major link to the story’s central themes), but I’m still keeping an eye on him.

Kokichi steals one of the items you need to unlock new areas... and it just so happens to be a card. I have a feeling it might be the library card for the hidden door. What’s really in there?

Tsumugi gets her lab, nice. Also turns out she was a bartender as a job to get money before sponsors, cool. You’re back to being adorkable instead of a creepy cult follower, Miss Shirogane.

Shuichi gets his lab, huh. I thought it would be the checkered one downstairs, but I guess we get this one. Whose lab is it down there then? Rantaro? Or maybe Kokichi... maybe his checkered scarf is a clue.

Keebo gets a lab... and doesn’t like it. Monokuma tailored to everyone except him, of course. :v

So they get another memory flashlight and we see the meteors. We also hear about something called the Gofer project to save humanity which supposedly failed... and we also got some weird culty group saying mankind deserves damnation. Sounds kind of Ultimate Despair-like if you ask me.

Wait... this is the crisis Kirumi was overseeing wasn’t she?

More training. I’m enjoying the Shuichi, Maki and Kaito trio. Also Maki weirdly asks a question about whether Shuichi had feelings for Kaede, and if it’s rational. TBH it’s like she’s asking if she has feelings for someone. :v My guess is Kaito, lol.

That bonus I got with Himiko and Gonta training was fun. Seeing Himiko try to live her best life possible and move forward is pretty cool... even if she’s trying too hard sometimes, lol.

Okay this Monotaro and Monophanie subplot is REALLY weird. Monotaro malfunctioning is one thing... but the weird incest thing too? And domestic violence? What even is this? And there’s an ending??? Wow.

So we get Maki’s tragic backstory with training... ouch. So the Ultimate Child Caregiver cover has some truth to it, being something that happened at her orphanage. But then she was forced to be an assassin so she could get the money to keep the orphanage running. It sounds like that life really took a toll on her, huh. Amazing how she went from the most invisible character to TBH one of my faves. I like this main trio we currently have, as said.

Also got another bonus event with Shuichi bringing a practice katana to train with Kaito and Maki during the day... but unfortunately it makes Maki remember her failed mission. Turns out she failed the assassination because they thought she was cosplaying as a character and everyone loved it... and the attention meant she was almost discovered and couldn’t do her job. It’s kinda cute, but Maki is pretty upset by it because of the aforementioned backstory. I have to admit even if it’s a bit cliche with her kind of character, seeing Maki warm up to the others like this is nice.

Okay so free times... I finished Tsumugi’s since she’s now un-cancelled, and it actually got really sweet in the last one where it turned out Shuichi really liked a show she not only adored, but also inspired her to cosplay. Also wow, they get a bit awkward at the end, in a bit of a romantic tension kind of way. First character I completed too.

Also did some more Kaito free times. He’s really talking himself up, huh? I don’t even know if I believe these stories about having a pirate rival out at sea and running into an anaconda that guarded some ancient empire? IDK what to make of it, but it seems like he really has a taste for adventure and that’s why he wants to explore the Universe (gosh I hope he’s not blackened and that’s his Monokuma execution). Best part though was when Shuichi was really fondly of Kaito but then was like “WAIT I SHOULDN’T BE THINKING ABOUT A GUY LIKE THIS!” Shuichi Saihara is not straight confirmed, honestly this makes me ship him and Kaito even more.

Speaking of Kaito, he seems pretty unwell. It’s interesting that even though he’s trying to push and inspire Shuichi and Maki, he’s afraid to admit his own weakness (even as he encourages the others to talk about what’s bothering them). That end of chapter 3 thing implied he was dying, but from what?

Kokichi, what are you up to? I don’t trust you. It’s implied he’s somehow using the card for the second Neo World Miu was working on, but IDK how that works, especially if it’s the library card. Unless there’s something IN there he’s using, or the card is something else completely (like it has code or something)? And again, I feel like he might know something the others don’t. Also wow, his sprites get progressively creepier.

I guess Chapter 4 is the “callback to last game’s setting” chapter now, lol.

They do make a good point about wondering why Gonta feels such a need to be useful and protective to everyone.

So it also becomes apparent that even though Miu was working on the Neo World, she’s up to something with Kokichi. Miu decided she wanted to use it so they can all escape, but it seems like Kokichi has conspired something with her, or at the very least is manipulating her into doing things that he’d want. Is there really a secret in the Neo World, or is that all just an assumption that Kokichi wanted the others to make?

Miu, with vegetable and the R word, enough with the fucking ableist slurs.

Wow, so this Neo World has them all looking like weird funko pop things. Miu is as crass as ever (and there’s some odd exchanges about Tsumugi being sensitive on her neck and Kaito being a perv WTF), but also using her authority as the one who developed this version of the Neo World to steer things in her (or Kokichi’s?) direction.

Wow, Kaito is pretty excited about snow, lol. Maki says he’s acting like a puppy. Also when they split into groups to search Maki sounds disappointed she wasn’t with Shuichi and/or Kaito, and later comments that Shuichi really is cold for not checking the roof of the mansion to see if Kaito was there when he goes missing.

Miu gets rid of the bridge for the mansion group, which is pretty suspect even as she (really badly) pretends it’s an accident.

So they hear the chapel side even though it’s far away from them... is there some circular aspect to the loading of the world? Like you can travel between the supposed ends to reach the other world and not just the middle loading point?

Keebo makes a peculiar comment wondering if the world’s borders here with nothing beyond them reflects the academy they’re in right now. Huh.

Alright Kokichi, just spill the beans already. You asking Shuichi to basically join you is pretty suspicious. I have no idea what you’re planning, but it’s clearly not good.

So they exit the Neo World and... Miu’s dead. This is intriguing, since it seemed like she was planning something (or Kokichi was and using her). Kaito being missing makes him an obvious suspect, but even if it is obvious, I do think they’re setting something up with him dying and all that. Maybe he discovered the plan and at the last minute killed her to stop it, whatever it may be (I mean, chapter 4 IS the “super tragic sacrifice” chapter... gosh Maki if you have any feelings for Kaito say them before it’s too late)? Kokichi is also suspicious of course for seemingly orchestrating everything, but I feel like he’s too smart to be the killer directly right now.

[natsumiheart]

I gotta say, I started following your blog after you made the 100 reasons why I ship saiouma post, because at the time I was getting alot of crap from people saying why do I ship the ship because they disliked it and they prefer other ships like oumota/saimota/oumeno or consider saiouma unhealthy/generally disliked it. I found your post to be kinda comforting really and I really enjoy reading your content. I love you + your blog, and am really grateful to you. Also sorry I spam your ask box

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

Aaaa I’m crying thank you so much ;; feel free to spam as much as you want dun worry about it! 😂

I’m honestly glad my blog feels like a safe space for fellow Saiouma shippers. I definitely know the feeling of getting a lot of crap from other people just because they otp something else (don’t get me started on those people from amino who shipped before the game came out then attack you just because Kokichi ended up having feelings for someone else). You can come to me anytime to assure you what they’re saying is wrong and is just a result of their insecurities towards their ship. To be honest, no ship with Kokichi is unhealthy, because Kokichi is not who they think he is. I believe in the end anyone who hates Saiouma just misunderstood Kokichi or Shuichi’s character. There’s a reason why most youtubers who have played the game end up acknowledging the existence of the ship after all.

When I started falling for the ship I had no dr friends who liked it so I was just fangirling on my own, reading fanfics on my own, drawing fanart and never showing anyone XD (it was sad really but it was fun to draw for my otp and being so happy about it) one day I decided maybe I should just post all that art onto dr amino as some huge art dump, but then still got some controversial comments everytime I posted something and didn’t get that much recognition. I already didn’t like that amino cause I wasn’t a huge fan of the dr fandom itself, don’t know if I was even considered a part of it. But those incidents where my friend had to keep stepping in to protect me just made me hate it to death. (thanks for protecting me @souda-nouda ;;)

I still post my drawings here and there but not as much, it’s all art dumps. Plus I never talk there, because 1. already hated the fandom and 2. one time I joined a chat and after someone (it was obv what their otp was but I’m not gonna mention it, dun wanna generalize those shippers because I’m sure not everyone is like that) noticed my Saiouma pfp they sent a “meme” ridiculing Saiouma 😂  basically a screenshot of the “you’re alone and always will be” scene with the caption “Oh I love Saiouma so much best ship” or something like that. I ended up never talking that much, was scared of being there and it was worse with my anxiousness. I ended up ranting to myself yet again then just keeping that rant in my notes, and later referred to that rant in an answer to an ask asking about how I feel towards the opinion that Saiouma is just onesided. You can find it here if you want to XD You can tell which parts I had to refer to my rant to.

But honestly, the worst one is when friends diss it in front of me with no regards for my feelings about it. When it’s others I can ignore but when it’s friends you can say “I take the beating” and laugh it off even though they’re seriously hurting me. (I know it’s just a ship, but it’s my otp for god’s sake 😂) The reason why I started disliking some ships even though I shipped them in the past is that of people trying to tell me why Saiouma sucks and why their ship is better. It was worse too when it was irl 😂 One of my only friends irl that knows danganronpa dissed my otp really badly when I had no one else and I just laughed it off 😂😂😂 (again won’t mention their ship, but it def affected my opinion on that ship and them as a person. tbh have come to seriously not like that ship at all, cause most fans of it treated Saiouma shippers the same way)

Life was like that for a while, the only one I could rant to was myself or my friend in class who knew nothing about danganronpa “I’m dying these fics are killing me and I have no one to talk to about it save me, Person B has the hanahaki disease and ran away! at this rate he’s gonna die on the streets!” poor friend

One day my friendo on kh amino for like two years now told me to post the drawings I’ve been hoarding to tumblr with her (hey @xs-xs ily thanks for dragging me to tumblr ;;💕💕💕) and she soon joined me on the ship becoming my first ever friend to have shipped Saiouma! I ended up legit spamming her with a bunch of fics that I read and loved and even a bunch of Saiouma artists I followed here on tumblr! Honestly, she helped me at such a rough time, bless her. I love her so much utcjgcfsyrehtsefxjd

my lil sis somehow joined me as well after playing the game pfpfp we fangirl together sometimes

You may laugh at me but I seriously feel safer on tumblr as a place to post these stupid drawings, I hate them, I want to get better constantly, but meeting fellow shippers and getting support for doing what I do just makes me so happy ;; and now I’m just so happy that I could you help you through something I’ve gone through as well. Because of this place I feel like I can just post drawings for me and my little circle of followers and mutuals who love the ship as well, and I ended up meeting really imp friends to me now that I speak to every day (hey @reichiroll and @my-own-special-atmosphere thank you so much for talking to me even though all I did at the time was just post drawings and was srsly new to tumblr 😂)

As you can see having been questioned multiple times as to why I ship them I ended up with tons of nights staying awake and just remembering each and every detail of why I loved the ship so much, why did I keep staying awake at night reading fanfictions of them? why did drawing them make me so happy even though I was going through such a rough time in my life? Why did I feel like I’m on cloud 9 just talking about them? Why did I want someone to talk to about it so badly? One day, I was left without internet, and away from home, I felt so horrible, but to make myself feel better I just whipped out my notes app again and just started typing the many reasons I shipped Saiouma.

It wasn’t supposed to be 100 tbh, and it almost ended up more than 100 (I didn’t mention all those cute moments between Shuichi and Kokichi before the fte starts, the “Shuichi you understand me I’m so happy I’m crying!”, the time they ran away from Kaito together, or the time Kokichi taught him stuff about lying. I don’t even think I mentioned the funny backhanded compliments in salmon team, like Kokichi wants to compliment Shuichi but doesn’t know how to so he does it in his own Kokichi way 😂 “no matter how many times I’m reborn I’m no match for the likes of you” and “You’re really amazing Shuichi” hhhhhh), it didn’t even take much time to write. but somehow (due to the unhealthy amounts of hours I spend thinking about Saiouma) I wrote all that, and somehow that post got a lot of notes proving to me that I was actually not alone. It made me so happy.

and that’s how that post came to be! XD It’s awesome that you’ve been here for that long ;;💕

Sorry for the sudden rant, you can already tell that I can’t help but rant alot XD your message hit me right in the heart, I almost started crying from happiness 😂 thanks again and as I said earlier spam me all you want, answering your asks is fun! and for the friends who I ended up tagging, hey sorry I just love you and can’t hold this love back XDDD

[golden-redhead]

Saioumota Week Day #3 - SWEETS

Saioumota Week Day #3: nicknames / sweets / pets

Thanks for @asteroidtaker for beta reading!

And dedication for @tricky-leader for calling me out on my angst and just being awesome in general :D Like I promised - something non-angsty this time!

Read on AO3.

Kaito Momota can bake.

It’s not a well-known fact, but a fact nonetheless.

Plus, he’s actually good at it. Exceptionally good, in fact.

Normally, Kaito is a walking disaster when it comes to any kind of kitchen activity related to cooking in the “traditional sense”. Most of the time Shuichi and Kokichi are the ones responsible for preparing meals, leaving only some small, easy tasks for Kaito to complete in order to keep him busy and out of their way. No matter what he did it would somehow find a way to turn into a total mess for them to clean and they both want to forget about that kind of hellish scene as soon as possible. He would add too much salt, forget to turn off the oven, stab himself while chopping vegetables, the list goes on. If he somehow miraculously managed to actually prepare the meal from start to finish it would never taste like actual food. Shuichi can’t count how many times he choked on whatever it was that Kaito prepared --- it didn’t even deserve to be called food --- and ended up promptly spitting it out, doing his best to avoid the look of those magenta eyes, filled with too much disappointment for him to bear. It’s not even that Kaito doesn’t try. Shuichi could tell that he was genuinely trying to make a meal that would actually be edible… but failure on that front is around one hundred percent expected.   

Baking, however, is a different story.

It’s like baking changes him into a completely different person and all of sudden he’s measuring the flour with perfect precision, carefully cracking the eggs into a bowl and even decorating the cakes with admirable care. And he enjoys it, too. With a galaxy apron tied tightly around his waist he hums happily telling them stories about the baked goods his grandmother would make when he was little. There’s so much enthusiasm in his eyes that even Kokichi doesn’t dare to interrupt him rudely and settles on whining about ‘how much longer’ and ‘Kai-chan, I’m starving here, why would you starve your precious boyfriend to death like that’. Kaito only huffs in response and lets him lick the spoon clean.

No one loves Kaito’s baking more than his two boyfriends.

They would exploit this hidden talent of his mercilessly. Their methods differed greatly, Shuichi usually settling on subtler methods like showing him recipes that would surely catch Kaito’s attention, while Kokichi would usually pester Kaito about making him cookies or some other cake for long enough for him to finally relent, muttering profanities under his breath as he puts on his apron and a chef hat that Kokichi got him once as a joke. The truth is that he doesn’t mind that much, always way too happy to indulge his boyfriends, pride swelling in his chest at the thought that they enjoy his baking that much.

Kokichi has the biggest sweet tooth out of all three of them, to the point where Shuichi has to make sure that any sweets unauthorized by him doesn’t “find” their way into their basket during the grocery shopping. Kokichi can be a sneaky little bastard and you can never be too careful around him. When everything else fails he uses his ultimate weapon - puppy eyes. Shuichi can tell that Kaito likes to think that he's immune to them, but he also knows for a fact that on his own Kaito has only about twenty percent of immunity at best. There’s something about those big doe eyes that he just can’t resist, especially if they look at him with such eagerness and hope. And Shuichi has no right to blame him, considering how his immunity isn’t much higher. When Shuichi and Kaito join forces their immunity rises to fifty percent at most and more often than not Kokichi leaves the store with a satisfied grin on his face and a bag full of some sickeningly sweet goods that would rot Shuichi’s teeth on the spot if he dared to try them. Shuichi tried to negotiate that he at least doesn't eat any sweets before dinner, but that only provokes Kokichi to huff with annoyance and complain that 'Shumai isn’t his real mother, that would be Kirumi-chan' and obnoxiously stuffing his mouth with as much candy as it can fit while Shuichi can only watch, resigned and wondering why did he even bother in the first place.

So it’s not a surprise when one lazy Sunday they sit in their warm little kitchen and are eating Kaito’s speciality on Kokichi’s request - chocolate cream cake.    

“Thish ish sooo good,” gushes Kokichi happily from where he’s sitting on the kitchen countertop and chewing through a huge bite of cake. He’s waving his legs back and forth like a child. Shuichi hums in agreement and Kaito puffs up with pride.

When they finish eating the chocolate cream is smeared all over Kokichi's face and Shuichi covers his mouth with a hand to hide an amused smile that appears on his face at the sight.

It looks like Kaito notices, too.

"C'mere, you little freak," grumbles Kaito with an exasperated sigh as he reaches his hand to wipe the chocolate from Kokichi's chin with his thumb. Despite his harsh tone there’s fondness in his eyes, lips twitching slightly in a ghost of an affectionate smile.

Kokichi, however, has other ideas.

As soon as Kaito’s done and about to retreat his hand Kokichi catches it by the wrist and lifts it up to his lips. He stares at Kaito’s fingers with fake interest.

“Waaaah, Kai-chan’s hand is all gross and sticky now!” He whines with fake guilt, eyes swelling with crocodile tears as if it’s something even remotely upsetting. And then within a split second any trace of them is gone and he invades Kaito’s personal space with a shout of “let me return the favor!”

And before Kaito can fully realize what is happening Kokichi looks at him with a mischievous glint in his lilac eyes, opens his mouth and lets his tongue stick out. He leans in closer, his grip on Kaito’s wrist tightening. He licks the chocolate flavour from his fingers, dipping his tongue in between them. His eyes are half-lidded as he slowly treats every finger with careful precision. He winks at Kaito, who looks positively scandalized, his cheeks flushed the prettiest shade of red, mouth open in voiceless disbelief. Kokichi’s tongue swirls between the knuckles and Shuichi swears that he hears a small moan escaping his lips when he takes one of Kaito’s fingers into his mouth and sucks. He then does the same thing with the rest of them, covering them with saliva and gathering the last traces of chocolate with his tongue.

When he finally releases the last of Kaito’s fingers it’s with an audible pop. He licks his lips slowly and with evident satisfaction, the gesture so goddamn seducing that Shuichi can feel the heat slowly creeping up his neck. He dares to look at Kaito who didn’t say anything during the whole ordeal. Shuichi is pretty sure that he's never seen the astronaut this flustered, the tips of his ears red. He seems to be unable to get any noise out of his mouth and the detective notes with quiet amusement that his pupils are dilated, eyes never once leaving Kokichi’s face.

Deciding to put his boyfriend out of his misery Shuichi clears his throat loudly and there's a smile in his voice when he speaks up, causing the two boys to look in his direction.

“I think that Momota-kun’s fingers are, ah, clean enough, Ouma-kun.”

Kokichi blinks, once, twice and then nods enthusiastically, finally letting go of Kaito’s wrist. The latter doesn’t seem to notice, stuck in place like frozen, dumbfounded look on his face. The blush on his face doesn’t fade in the slightest.

“Mmm, Kai-chan tastes delicious,” announces Kokichi and smacks his lips loudly for emphasis. The look on his face is positively sultry, eyes half-lidded, lips parted slightly. Shuichi can feel his mouth go dry. The longer he stares at his smaller boyfriend, the harder it gets to look away.

“N-no more chocolate cakes for you,” chokes out Kaito finally, his cheeks still burning bright red. He looks everywhere but at Kokichi and Shuichi feels a pang of sympathy for the astronaut. After all, he knows very well how it feels to be on the receiving end of Kokichi’s teasing.

Kokichi giggles in response, that weird horse-like laugh of his that honestly freaks Shuichi out sometimes.

“You’re absolutely right, my beloved! I’ll have one chocolate flavored Kai-chan to go instead!”

Kaito splutters and Shuichi can feel warmth spreading through his own cheeks as the blood rushes to his face suddenly. He hopes that it doesn’t show. Oh, Shuichi wants a piece of Kaito, too! Looks like we’ll have to share! He can almost hear Kokichi’s cheeky voice echoing in his head.

“Aww, Kai-chan’s so embarrassed,” coos Kokichi, delight clear in his voice. “Isn’t that cute!”

“I---I forgot to buy, uh... milk! Be right back!” Kaito finally seems to regain his composure enough to blurt out.

And with that he bolts out of the kitchen, almost tripping over his own feet as he hurries to the exist, seemingly unaware of the galaxy apron still tightly wrapped around his body. Shuichi is pretty sure that it’ll take him a while to notice.

For a long moment there’s silence, Kokichi and Shuichi both staring at the door after it closes shut behind Kaito with a resonating thud. And then Kokichi snickers and turns the gaze of those big lilac eyes to Shuichi, dangerous glint in his eyes.

“Do you need my help with cleaning the chocolate off your hands, too, Shumai?” He asks with childish enthusiasm, his head tilted to the side adorably as he eyes Shuichi up and down with a deceptively innocent smile on his face.

“Ah,” Shuichi flushes under the sudden attention. “Uh, no, thank you, Ouma-kun, that won’t be necessary.”

Kokichi shrugs and hops off the kitchen countertop.

“Suit yourself, my beloved.”

And then just as he’s about to exit the kitchen he suddenly turns back and sends Shuichi a smile that he knows never means anything good.

“Oh, I almost forgot,” he chirps cheerfully. “Kai-chan promised me ice-cream tomorrow.”

And then he’s gone, skipping out of the kitchen and humming happily under his breath something that Shuichi vaguely identifies as some cartoon theme song.

Kokichi’s last words hang in the air heavily, seemingly innocent, and Shuichi shivers.

He can recognize a threat when he hears one.

________

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/6c/83/61/6c8361445925a31ca5fc8d54918dafcd.jpg - the galaxy apron mentioned in the text, because I imagine Kaito as this one big galaxy disaster and y’all can’t stop me

[danganronpasurvivoraskblog]

The Joker and the Detective.

Oh, you guys are here.

Where were you?

Just had to go to the bathroom. I was trying to talk to Iroha, but she kept avoiding me.

Didn’t think you had anything left to say to her.

I just...I can’t let things end like this when there’s still gaps in our relationship that need to be filled.

By the way, where’s Shuichi?

Oh, well, after they were done dancing, Kokichi allowed Shuichi to go in and talk to him...but only if it was him and him alone.

That’s suspicious.

I wouldn’t worry about it.

Why not?

Trust me Kaede, Kokichi won’t do anything bad to him. They’re alone in there, and it’s not like there’s anything stopping us going in to save him if Shuichi screams. Plus, Kokichi doesn’t do his own dirty work. 

I see...

But wait, wasn’t Syobai in there as well?

Kokichi said he needed to give him some instructions, and then he’s coming out too.

*Inside the room, Kokichi comes back in after getting some air on the balcony. Syobai puts a tray of food and some drinks on a small table in between two sofa’s, for Kokichi and Shuichi.

Ok, I’m ready now.

In that case, I’ll leave sir. Thanks again for solving that shit...I know it happens a lot here...

Before you leave, how’s the floor looking? Is everything alright?

Pretty much the same as it was before the incident. Though, we’re getting a lot more orders now that everyone’s getting a free round. We’ll run out of special at this rate...

Well, make sure the cooks don’t have too hard a time. And how about you? I heard he hit you?

Nah, he shoved me, but I’m alright.

See to it that Iroha-chan gets a bonus tonight. Getting felt up like that for no reason must be tough on her.

Will do boss. Anything else?

Just keep me posted and look after yourself, ok?

Thanks.

*Syobai turns and leaves the room. Kokichi casually leans on the sofa.

C’mon. You oughta drink.

I don’t drink. I’m underage.

So? So am I. Besides, it’s just Panta in a champagne glass. Thank God they’ve got that stuff over on this side of the multiverse.

You seem to be taking this all very well.

Huh?

You wake up here, with no knowledge as to how, when the last thing you remember is being crushed underneath a hydraulic press by Kaito, and then somehow, me, Kaede and Miu all show up here out of nowhere, Kaede who has no memories and Miu who should also be dead.

Not only that, but seriously, how long have you been the manager of this place?

Since it opened up. Which I guess has been aboouut...a few months?

Oh, I saw your coverage on the news by the way.

The news?

Yeah “local detective duo helps set weird pencil-stached man free” or something. Koichi Kizakura’s trial I mean.

You’ve been awake for that long...!? Why didn’t you get in contact with me?

Aw, you wanted to see me? I’m flattered Shuichi.

But be honest, would Maki and Himiko want to see my face after all I’d done?

...Probably not...but it’s not about what they think, it’s about you.

I for one, am really happy you’re alive.

...

However...things are pretty bleak, and I need you to tell me everything.

“Everything” is a lot Shuichi.

Alright, fine. For starters...

What’s your affiliation to Organization Zetsubou?

Never heard of it.

That’s not true. You must have some semblance of an idea.

Why do you think that?

Syobai and Yuta I can understand...but you? You were part of the 53rd killing game, so your ties with Zetsubou are stronger than theirs. I’ve had enough of the lies Kokichi, so I’m going to ask you this once, and once only.

Why did you try to kidnap Kaede?

...So you think I’m behind this? The proof is where exactly?

There is no proof. I’m making an assertion.

I think you mean “assumption.”

Phantom Thief moniker? Suits you perfectly “Supreme Leader.”

Yowch, you got sass levels to match Keebo now.

Fine. I’ll tell you. Yes, in fact, I am a member of Organization Zetsubou.

...

Well? Happy now?

I’m not so sure THAT’S true either.

What now?

You spent the entire time during the killing game trying to track down the mastermind and then defeat her at her own game.

Tsumugi was the mastermind, and now you’re working for her? I’m not buying it.

Well, I admit, I missed out some details, but it wasn’t a complete lie.

What do you mean?

To be honest Shuichi, Tsumugi and I actually talked to each other when I left my pod. I was the first out of all of us.

We came to an agreement.

And what was that agreement?

Ok, be honest here, great leader and Ultimate I may be, do you really think it’s easy for a kid like me to pick an establishment this successful off the ground and manage it?

I pay my employees a hefty sum of money, and an even heftier sum to keep this place running and going. Zetsubou gives me that money.

Why? Why would Zetsubou assist you? For your cooperation?

For my compliance.

Compliance?

They think I don’t know what’s going on, but I know more than they think.

Tsumugi is terrified of me, as she should be, and she knows that she can’t control me or beat me if I get on her bad side. So they want to entertain me as an ally in any way I can.

They helped me set this place up, hired some employees, eventually, Syobai and Iroha-chan found their way here, and bada-bing bada-blam, the High Roller.

Of course, I’m not actually a member of Zetsubou. They put me here because they want me to play nice. They don’t want you and your Future Foundation buddies recruiting me as an ally, because it would be bad for them.

Would you team up with us? If we were to outstretch a hand to you, would you comply and help us fight against them?

If you were to hold out your hand, I’d take it and shake it...

But I’d make sure to have a joy-buzzer in it first.

So is that a yes or a no?

No. I’m a Supreme Leader, not a Supreme Henchman. I’m the boss, and no one controls me, not even you.

Well, you’re letting Zetsubou control you well enough.

What do you mean? I’m having fun here.

Right...anyway, going back to my previous question-

I knew nothing about Kaede’s kidnapping or lost memories.

...Are you sure?

Yes.

...Even though Yuta Asahina told us he was signing up to work here?

...What reason would I even have for wanting Kaede, hm?

...

Alright...I can tell you’re not going to tell me anything...

*Shuichi gets up and heads for the door.

You’re leaving? But you haven’t even touched your drink...

I’m not thirsty. Good nigh-

Something isn’t right about this if you ask me...

Huh?

*Shuichi pauses and turns back.

What do you mean now?

Ok, so whatever Tsumugi’s planning, she wants us all involved, right? That’s why she’s revitalized us and brought us back here, right?

Then here’s my question...

Why is Kaede the only one who has amnesia?

What?

Judging from the way you were acting on TV, you’re like me, and remember things before, during and after the killing game...but Kaede remembers none of it...

What reason would Zetsubou have for erasing her memories, but not the rest of us? Tsumugi has no reason to spite Kaede, so I doubt her reason is a personal grudge of any kind...

Are you implying something?

There’s something Kaede must know, but doesn’t remember. Something Zetsubou can’t let you know.

That’s why they hid her away from you. That’s why they tried to kidnap her at the hairdressers. That’s why they’ve been after her.

She knows one of their secrets...and they can’t let that secret get out, or they’ll be finished...

So you’re saying if we find out what that secret is...Zetsubou is done for?

Getting Kaede’s memories back is the most important thing you can do right now. In the very least, prioritize that...

Oh, and the night’s still young, so you’re free to stay here and party. I’ll be round here if you need me.

You know, I think I might take you up on that...Yoruko has some friends here she needs to catch up with.

Well...You might not have told me everything, but I’m going to get to the bottom of this Kokichi. Thanks for your hospitality anyway.

What’s a bit of advice sharing between two old friends?

...Friends?

Something tells me you’d rather be left alone...

*Shuichi nods before leaving.

...

[saccharinedanganimagines]

!!! alright ! What about some general relationship headcanons for Shuuichi, Kokichi, Nagito, Hajime, and Kiibo with an Ultimate Memory s/o ? :D

I’m not quite sure what the full abilities of an Ultimate memory would be, but I did my best!

~ Mod Ouma

The SHSL Memory with Shuuichi, Kokichi, Nagito, Hajime, and Kiibo

Kiibo/K1-B0

Tries to outdo you in your Ultimate.

He keeps a little notebook where he writes down important dates and all

But you always beat him to them, with just your memory.

As the Ultimate Robot, Kiibo is equipped with recording equipment.

He could keep a video memory of an event or an audio of something.

It’s kinda encouraging, because of you, he started to try and find ways to hone his talent as the ever-adaptable SHSL Robot. It’s in his nature to step through evolution as if it was nothing.

There is one thing that Kiibo wants you to help him with, however.

For some reason, Kiibo’s been programmed to only be able to dance ‘robotics’ style.

He can no longer ignore Professor Iidabashi subtle robophobic sleight!!!

He’ll ask you to watch a bunch of dance videos, ones without anything that resembles robots in any way, so you could teach him how it goes.

He’d go ask Miu to help him, but he doesn’t really trust her to upload only PG things to his database.

You guys have dance sessions every evening.

Kiibo starts slowly, still unable to dance smoothly. At first, he could only seem to move his body in mechanical pops.

But with your help, he gradually smoothens himself out and is able to dance ‘normally and robophobia-free’!

Kokichi Ouma

At random times of the day, he’ll pop out of nowhere or suddenly ask you about easily forgettable things you two have encountered.

“Aw man, I forgot. What color was Kiibo’s notebook again?” 

Or he’ll make it up even if he knows you’ll find a contradiction in his fibbing.

“Hey, S/O! Do you remember that little thing in that one guys desk? Hm, which desk? The one we just passed by, silly!”

You guys were on the beach, nowhere near an office.

“Wait- Don’t you remember that thing Miu was thinking to herself about? Not that I’d even want to hear from her? But even I remember! Is your talent getting rustyyy?”

You’re not a mind reader!

He’s both impressed and frustrated when he can’t bamboozle you with his wits. So he’ll opt for a different approach.

“I know you already know the answer. Buuuut can you answer while I’m doing this-?!”

He tickles the crap outta you before you can even get a word out.

He’ll catch on to the drawbacks of your talent, however.

It must be tough keeping track of everything, the weight of memories. Good and bad.

Sooooo, he’ll find ways to distract you from them! Whether that’s through fun little lies, games or affection!

He’ll get you to focus on committing his genius pranks and master plans as the SHSL Supreme Leader instead!

Nagito Komaeda

Imagine all the wonderful memories you could relive!

You must have so many wonderful memories that even despairful memories could be kept at bay!

He feels really positively for it and praises your skill constantly.

If you happen to witness his luck doing a ‘SuperHighSchoolLevelLuckyDrawback’ on him, he’ll try to talk about it and chuckle with you later on.

He’ll play card games with you. Usually matching and memory based ones like James Bond or even Slapjack. He wants to test if his lucky would somehow find a way through your skills- not that he thinks it’ll ever happen though.

It’s a mix between his luck and your talent.

Ah, but that’s only if you let trash like him borrow your talent for a little while!

The game is evenly matched. 50-50.

If you encourage him for this, he’ll bashfully tell you that it’s just his talent- which is way inferior compared to yours.

But, he feels happy whenever you enjoy these little card games with him.

Hajime Hinata

He thinks your talent is really cool. This boy’s pretty practical when it comes to everything, so he like how you could use your talent for many tasks.

Like Kokichi, he’ll catch on whenever he sees that you’re burdened by your talent. It must be quite difficult remembering upsetting things.

Plus, it has to be boring remembering the same things over and over again, right?

He’ll ask you for homework help every now and then.

And as a thank you, he’ll try his best to find new things for you to enjoy.

He’ll bring you to small, not so well-known cafe to try their unique drink.

He’ll find a weirdly tasty ice cream flavor and try it with you.

He’d try to make his own RPG game with plot twists

Nights would be spent researching about some random thing on the internet and using it as a conversation starter.

Hajime’s Fun Fact Fridays became a thing.

Is he secretly the Super High School Level Counselor?

He’ll always find new ways to make you feel better on your low days.

Shuichi Saihara

Shuichi’s a scatterbrain who has too much to keep track of as the Ultimate Detective.

He’ll often forget little things such as adding coffee to his morning cup or watering plants for almost a whole week.

To help with his memory, you guys would read in the evenings. 

These could range from fantasy, to mystery, to romance novels.

Then, Shuichi will ask you to quiz him about the story. With the SHSL Memory’s help, he’ll improve his own memory!

This boy will try to return the favor by getting you to remember really nice things instead of mundane, everyday things that he really thinks he should be responsible for.

Even if you were the Ultimate Memory, you forgot the most important thing you should keep in mind at all times.

That’s doing nice things for yourself too from time to time.

Shuichi has an ‘emergency S/O’ kit that he pulls out

Well, it’s not so much used for emergencies as it is whenever he sees you need a break from your talent or anything else.

He hides your favorite things and food in a secret compartment in the house. You’ll never find it.

He doesn’t want you remembering where he keeps all the sweets (Or whichever type of food) in the house!

He’ll hide his more violent cases from you there too, so you won’t have to remember them.

But, once a day, he’ll make sure to spend some time with you just doing things he thinks you might like.

This could range from watching your favorite shows on Blu Ray, nice back massages, or lighting your favorite scented candles around the house for a day or two.

[lore-a-lie]

Chapter 3, Act 5: Shooting Stars

Daily Life- Free Time

Kaito was confident in his decision as he and Ryoma left the others to handle their own business. He was one of the few who figured he knew what Gonta might have been doing by taking Kiyo and Kokichi aside. “Keep your friends close and your enemy closer” as the saying goes. Kokichi spots a liar like no other, so if anyone would be manipulating Gonta, it’d be him and not Kiyo.

Not sure how I feel about anybody trying to trick Gonta into doing something, but everyone’d be safe at least. Plus if they knock Kiyo out or somethin’ Kokichi could share whatever’s spinning around in that screwy head of his. He’s not dangerous, but makin’ plans without letting any of us know what he’s trying to do can be, for him and us. And if he doesn’t trust Gonta of all people that kid has some serious issues.

And speaking of serious issues...

He risked a quick glance down at his friend again, but Ryoma was already looking at him and cocked an eyebrow in exasperation. Prolly makes sense, whether he’s meant to or not Kaito knows he’s been looking at Ryoma a lot while training this time. It’s not like he could help it, he’s just worried about the guy and moving his body like this just naturally makes him think a lot. ( As hard as it is to do that now.)

“If you want to say something to me, just spit it out already. It’s not like you to keep your mouth shut. Half worried you’ve stopped breathing up there, bud.”

“Ha ha, very funny. Haven’t left the atmosphere yet. But I was just thinking...”

“I’m so proud of you.”

“HEY! Seriously, I was messing at the arcade and the prizes got me thinking. Wouldn’t playing a match be better exercise than basic training?” Kaito offered, keeping his tone as carefree as he could as he kept an eye on the former pro. (As big of a mistake this might be, I gotta get him involved with something new.)

Ryoma stopped dead in his tracks as he glared at the astronaut, but Kaito saw more frustration and guilt than actual anger on his face. “What do you think you’re playing at? I told you that’s all in the past.”

“It doesn’t have to be though! And it’s nothing serious, just a simple match between us men! Unless you’d want to wait a bit, so Kaede can watch. Sure you don’t want to show off to her a little?”

“What’d be the point of that? Don’t be stupid.”

“Nope, not possible! The “point” would just be to have some fun. Live a little, make sure you have no regrets while we’re in here, that sorta thing.”

“If you’re worried about what I said about Kiyo then fine, but hearing you say this stuff worries me too. You sure you’re okay? You’ve been off for a while now, and that little rebellion you offered isn’t helping.”

“Then let's have a match about it!” Kaito suggested with his normal shit-eating grin. “If you win I’ll answer any questions you want, and if I win you’ll knock it off with that suicidal defeatist crap, deal?”

“Well now that you actually bet on it you know you’ve practically lost, right?”

“Then what do you have to lose?! It’s not like time in this “school” matters much until the motive shows up, so why not play instead of train tonight?”

“... Fine. One match. After you finish playing babysitter to Twisted Sister. Isn’t it about time to swap?”

“Gaaah, don’t remind me! Sure you don’t want to trade?!”

“Not a chance, she’d be one thing but Tenko and Angie are another. Not like I’d be much good at playing chaperone in the sim anyway.”

“Fuuuck. Kiyo I can deal with, but she just gives me the absolute creeps. You better show up, you got me? I’ll need something to look forward to after that bullshit. So this is a promise between men!”

“What does that even mean? It’s not like we’ve drank on it or anything. But fine, whatever you say.”

“And don’t forget to invite Kaede! I definitely want her to see me wipe the floor with you to break that “cool” image of yours already.” Kaito called as he headed off, tossing a present to Ryoma on the way.

He didn’t bother looking back to see Ryoma’s expression as he stared at the tube of tennis balls, but he distinctly heard the muttered “Stop with the teasing already” directed at him. Something about it was more disheartened than usual though. (Guess that’s one more thing I’ll need to ask him about! I mean it’s not like he’s tried telling her, right? And she’s bounced back from Shuichi pretty good hasn’t she?)

When he got to the computer room Kibo was just ending his “shift” and removing his headset before double checking the connections for Kiyo, Tenko, Angie, and Gonta. Which alone raised a red flag.

“Hey Kibo, Gonta’s not pulling triple shifts again is he?”

“Nope, just planning on a double. He just switched with Tsumugi, and expressed an interest in sticking around for Kokichi’s shift too. It shouldn’t be too hard on him, but I understand your concern.”

“Okay. Guy’ll just be spending a lot of time with Kokichi and Kiyo today, whatever makes him happy. But try not to let him stay cooped up in there for too much longer than that okay?”

“Not to worry, I’ve already talked to him about possible physical or mental health concerns. If I wasn’t so worried about bugs getting into my vents or anything I’d offer to spend more time with him and his bugs. Maybe he should start releasing them outside, so we could try “bug hunting” as a group activity?”

“Oh shit, I haven’t done that since I was a little kid! I betcha we have honey and stuff in the kitchen too, they’re great for bug traps. We could definitely try doing that sometime!”

“Great! I’ve never actually done that before, so it’ll be a first for me. And the extra space should be safer for both my systems and his smaller insects than staying in his lab would be.” (Yeah, if Kibo got a literal bug that could really mess him up. But I’m sure I’d be able to manage fixing it somehow, I don’t want him missing out on account of his body. I’m sure Gonta’ll understand if some bugs get hurt by accident.)

His hookup didn’t have any issues either, as he felt the moment his consciousness left his aching body without succumbing to the peace of sleep. Honestly, he didn’t realize how much he hurt all the time until he had this chance to be without it. It had just been part of his daily life for too long, despite his medications and painkillers. (I definitely see what Pap-pap meant when he’d complain about his arthritis. Really does change how you see and do things, whether you know it or not. Pain’s just a new white noise you ignore.)

Rather than waste time or heartache wondering if he’d ever see him or G’amma again Kaito focused his mental energy on finding where the three scariest girls he knew would be. Kiyo normally stuck to the buildings, and they’d been trying to keep him and his… “sister”, separated for the most part in here.

Which definitely has nothing to do with ropes or anything that considering would induce vomiting.

So he decided to test his luck outside! They were all outdoorsy people, weren’t they? Exactly. From that point, all he should need to do is follow the sound of giggling or other high pitched noises. Or maybe thomps if Tenko wanted to try her Neo-Aikido with someone who had a built-in bullet time.

I mean, that’s what I’d do, even if I couldn’t film any of it. It’d look awesome and it works against the power of gravity, which is even more awesome! But I’d never flip a girl, even if they wouldn’t get hurt. That’s just not right. And I’m not a girl, so this doesn’t really matter. Could ask Tenko about it though.

It turned out the three of them were just in the “woods” behind the buildings, so they were easy to catch up with. Obviously that thing was the one least pleased to see him, but Angie happily greeted him with a hug and even Tenko gave him a smile and a wave before prying the artist off of him. Angie clung to her as they walked away, chanting something in her native tongue as she and Tenko returned to the stumps they’d been sitting on despite the new awkward weight.

At least with this monster around, if the mental symptoms of his illness started messing him up he could mask it as fear again. Best of all that might be true enough to get by Kokichi without making the kid worry if it came up later. (It’s hard not to feel guilty when you know he sees every little lie as a possible danger.)

His job here was also easy enough. These girls could handle themselves physically just fine if this whatever-it-is tried to hurt them. Keeping their heads straight if “she” tried twisting them around was another story. Tenko was pretty gullible and naive where girls are concerned, and that bias was hard to break, while Angie could just as easily be as much a danger with that as this phantom menace was. (HA! Knew I still had a knack for the Sci-Fi puns! Pffft, “Menace”. Thanks Tenko, that makes it even better. I need to remember that one. Don’t want to waste it right now, Ryoma and Kaede are going to love it!)

“Hey you, get that creepy grin off your face! I bet you’re thinking of something pervy right now, aren’t you?! Creep. Leave it to a man to ruin the pure innocent beauty of female friendship.”

“Hold on there, I’m not! I was just thinking about something okay, I haven’t even heard a word you said!”

“Oh. Then good, keep it that way! Just because you need to be here doesn’t give you the right to eavesdrop.”

“... Orrrr we could let him join the conversation, couldn’t we Tenko? The more the merrier~”

“I agree with Miss Chabashira, I don’t want to risk you two lovely little angels being forced to sit through any more pointless arguments. After Idabashi did us the great kindness of switching with Miss Shirogane I was hoping to have one day of control without conflict.” It said, causing Angie to stick her tongue out mockingly in retaliation while Tenko got all giddy over being called a “lovely little angel”.

“Ouch. Jeez, no need to sugarcoat anything on my account. Guess I’ll just… stay over here I guess?”

“Good! Nice to see  some  people know when to respect boundaries after all.”

So to keep Tenko happy Kaito stayed off to the side, but still made sure to listen best he could. Which could have been better, since there was only so much BS he could take listening to at a time from Kiyo’s not-so-inner demon and the more standard girl talk felt wrong to focus on too closely.

Still, it should be enough to keep either Angie or that thing from doing too much damage. It helped how often they’d act to cancel each other out when one of them tried talking Tenko into something. Shame they also fully talked Tenko out of his anti-Exisal plan, but that could be for the best.

He was the only one running out of time. If anyone else died in his rush to escape he’d never forgive himself. (But it’s not like making them watch me die or have a trial over me would be any better.)

Maybe I can tweak the plan so I could take down that monster solo? I mean at least dying like that wouldn't cause problems for anyone else if things didn't pan out. Might not hurt as much in the long run either- I shouldn't think like that, we're supposed to escape together! I can't betray Kaede like this. What sort of man sabotages a kind promise like her's anyway? Heck, we haven't even had her piano lessons yet. There's too much left for me to do, I can't just let myself die now!

I'll just need to come up with something else. Something better and something fast. I'm not gonna die here, and neither is anyone else if I can help it. Not Ryoma, not Kiyo, nobody! Even if that thing that's supposedly back from the dead makes that a lot harder now. Can't get rid of it without hurting him, right? Both physically and emotionally...

Kaito's train of thought only brought his attention back to the matter at hand. The threat trying to wiggle its way into their group as if it was one of them. Whatever it was it was dangerous. That's why he was here after all. He clenched his fist in frustration as he focused back on the girls and the ghoul with them.

“- Honestly, if you think he talks like an old man now, you should have seen him when he was little. I can’t remember how long it took me to get him to stop calling himself “queer” when he meant... “different” or something.” (Hope I haven’t missed anything super important. But this could be.)

“PFFFT. Oh dear, oh dear. Guess he wasn’t really wrong, was he?” Angie said, smothering a giggle.

“Well no, but still! He was NINE, I couldn’t just let him keep talking like that around his peers.”

“You mean friends?” Tenko dryly offered, with hints of her own snickers.

“If he had those then yes, them too.” The words came from its mouth, sweet as cyanide. “Honestly this whole “making friends for me” has been a big misunderstanding. But I can’t TELL him that, because… Well, I don’t know what he’d do. This isn’t like teaching him not everything has to be written in cursive.”

“...  Murdering people  has been a “misunderstanding?!” Tenko nearly screeched in shock, before checking around to see if that had caught Kaito’s attention. Which she didn’t see, because he knew better than to show that he could already hear them just fine. (Even if it’s listening to this throw “her baby brother” under the bus to make itself look less suspicious. God I hope Angie and Tenko aren’t really buying this crap.)

“I was dying! I told him to “make friends for me”, as in “in my place” or “to make me happy”, because I never had a real chance to have any! Why wouldn’t I, when I was the only person I really knew he had? How was I supposed to know it’d turn into… THIS?”

“Uh-huh. Suuure~” (Good, Angie knows how full of shit this is too. So that leaves Tenko in danger.)

“It was going pretty well too, until that girl he met on one of his travels had an accident when hiking with him. You’ve seen how he gets when he starts panicking, when he started blaming himself I had to do something! So I… told him I’d be taking care of her now, that we’d be best friends, anything to calm him. In hindsight that wasn’t the best of plans, but it was all I could think to do at the time.” (Bull-fuckin’-shit.)

“Hmmm~ Like all you could think to do at the time when you weren’t dead was sexually abuse him?”

“That was completely different! Besides, it sure doesn’t sound like you have any right to judge us.”

“Miss Shinguji has a point. I mean some of your stories raise red flags too, especially with S-E-”

“Whaaaat? Angie’s people aren’t anywhere near this bad! Tenko’s so mean to me…”

“I am not!”

“Are too!”

“Are not!”

Kaito forgot how many times that back and forth went on for before It intervened. But when it did it said something about how close the two were before the three girls started exchanging hushed words.

When he tried to see what was going on he couldn’t make out much. Tenko was red as a beet, covering her face, while Angie had gotten up and draped herself over her friend and rocked her side to side. The fuckin’ flirt, because that’s what always got Tenko looking like that, was apparently teasing the girl over something making weird scissor and crossing gestures with its fingers.

Whatever it was, Angie nodded and knocked their heads together, making Tenko shyly peek out from between her fingers. Angie’s head-nuzzling just caused Tenko to close the gaps again and childishly start kicking her legs from her weird semi-fetal position on her tree stump. (I hope friendships between men are just as confusing to them as watching this pair of gal pals interact is to me.)

As if the world feared some may miss the hint little hearts started bubbling above Tenko’s head too, which gave her a reprieve from Angie’s cuddles as the artist began trying to either catch or shoo away the cutesy animations. The monster’s attempt to “test” if a blown kiss would have the same effect was definitely a case of the latter, pushing Tenko out of the way before chasing after it like a small animal.

As it looked like the abomination’s antics were annoying Angie to her limit and was only using this as an excuse to check in with him, Kaito quickly resumed his earlier position. Which, in his bid to “act natural”, was to try and weave a nearby bush’s branches together. (She’s an artist so maybe she’ll buy it!)

“Oh Hi-oh~ What’s the Kaito been up to?”

“Ohayō to you too I guess. Not much, just… Balancing guard duty with not pissing off Tenko? The usual.”

“Okie-doke. Did Kaito hear Kore’s excuses?” (Okay, she’s just making sure she’s not the only one aware.)

“Trying to make Kiyo out to be the only bad guy you mean? Yeah, and I’ll bet you it’s full of shit.”

“Well, no use betting if they’ll both be on the same thing! Except for Tenko. She won’t believe me...”

“Should you really be leaving those two alone then?” Kaito asked, looking behind her to see Tenko listening and nodding to whatever the threat was saying very intently.

“Not really! But it seemed like a good chance to make sure Angie and Atua aren’t the only ones looking out for her! Not that Angie doubts Atua’s protection, He just thought you’d be a good back-up back-up.”

“Well gee, thanks. I’m a more reliable guy than that you know!”

“... Hmm, Atua says no." Angie shook her head, before clasping her hands in joy to try and give Kaito a different sort of encouragement. "But He praises you for your “wicked positive vibes”! This is why He chose you after all.”

“Well Kaito says yes, and that’s no way to talk to a guy when asking for help!” He snapped back, trying to fight for whatever pride he could keep.

“He knows, He knows. He’s just grumpy because He hasn’t had enough blood sacrifices lately. So on His behalf Angie thanks you!” She chimed before giving him one of her trademark hugs. (Boy it’s weird being at eye level with such a tiny chick.)

“Yeah, yeah. Why don’t you go make sure those two are behaving or something, okay?” Kaito told her after returning the hug and giving her head a good ol’ “good luck” head rub for good measure. She playfully swatted his hands away before skipping back, sticking her tongue out at him as she went.

Not too much else of note happened after that. Tenko made no indication she was aware of Kaito doing his job better than she wanted him to, Angie didn’t sound like she was pushing any agendas, and the monster stayed civil rather than try to shift blame anymore.

The game’s world had no day or night cycles, so Kaito only knew his shift was over when Kokichi showed up. Which was made easier by the fact the boy would not let you ignore the “changing of the guard” as he put it. (Small blessings: Kibo did not give him access to any trumpets or tubas. Hopefully never will.)

He also wasn’t alone, as Gonta and Kiyo were in tow when he found Kaito and the girls.

Seeing Kiyo was enough for Angie and Tenko to get ready to go, though the living lie still went through the motions of cheerfully greeting and clinging to “her brother” as if nothing happened. The boy even gratefully accepted it with even more enthusiasm, not at all suspecting she was trying to screw him over. (Then again why would he? Poor kid. This is too many levels of fucked up. But someone needs to know.)

As Angie and Tenko headed off to the mansion, Kaito beckoned Gonta aside to make sure he understood the dangers here. Can never be too careful, even with Kokichi hanging around. And with the siblings keeping each other’s attention this was his best chance to keep him up to date.

“Hey big guy, you still doing okay? Heard you’re pulling a double today. If you want Kibo could still probably get someone to switch with you.”

“Yup, Gonta good! Kokichi thought it be good idea to hang out for longer and give Kiyo time with Sister Kiyo. So everyone be happy!” (... I mean he’s technically not wrong. He’s way too nice for this bullshit.)

“Good. Really good. Just don’t get too comfortable with how “happy” the two are together, okay?”

“Uhhh, If Kaito saying Gonta need to be vigilant chaperone he no need worry! No un-gentlemanly things will happen, Gonta promise!” (OH GOD NO ACK FUCK GODDAMMIT SHIT I DIDN’T MEAN IT THAT WAY!)

“Not what I meant! I mean good, but… Gah, sorry I made you think of that.” Kaito said, but he was speaking more for himself as he scratched at his neck. So he tried to change the topic to one far more wholesome and help ease Gonta’s concerns about his intelligence. “But hey, nice vocab work there buddy! You been practicing?”

“Thank you! Kiyo and Kokichi been helping a lot with new words.” (... Not the first two I’d trust with this.)

“Good on ya then, keep it up! But still be careful around them okay? And watch out for Kiyo’s “Sister”. She’s been telling Tenko and Angie a bunch of lies lately, so I don’t want her messing with you too.”

“Well fuckin’ duh. What the heck baldy, you going senile on us? Like Gonta’d ever fall for anything she says.” Kokichi snickered as he popped out from behind Gonta. “I mean seriously, it’s not even like he’ll be the one watching her. That’s my job! And she suuucks at this, it’s almost sad. At least Kiyo  knows  not to try.”

“Hey, who you calling bald?! Seriously, I’m like the LEAST bald guy here!”

“Oh yeah, ‘cause gluing some hair to your chin instantly means you have more of it than our two walking wig shops. C’mon, why else would you be geling it up to look  that  ridiculous?”

“Excuse you, just because you haven’t hit puberty yet doesn’t mean the rest of us haven’t. This is completely natural thank you very much! I know you’re just jealous of my style, no need to hide it.”

“Right! If Kokichi like Kaito’s hair he can say so. Just like if Kaito getting bald spot he no need to comb hair over it. Friends don’t judge!” (NOT YOU TOO GONTA!)

“I am not! There’s nothing to judge!”

“Oh really? That’s a change of pace, isn’t it?” A feminine voice came from behind Kaito, who immediately regretted his choice of words. He could practically feel that sick smug smile It had as It glared at his head.

“Indeed, that would be nice to hear.” Kiyo wistfully agreed. And with the moment of distraction gone that was Kaito’s cue to get the hell away from them head back.

“Wha- Well, whatever! Have fun on your double date, don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!” Kaito teased as he gave Kiyo a pat on the shoulder and Kokichi a shove, earning him an eye-roll and the pest gagging himself respectively. Then he made his escape before he could suffer any consequences or embarrassment.

“Okay, we won’t, Gonta promise!” Gonta called as he waved gleefully back, much to Kokichi’s sputtering and the Thing’s jeers about Kaito’s normal behaviors.

A quick look at his Monopad after getting out of the simulation showed it was nearly nighttime as Kaede and Ryoma were already in the Tennis Pro’s lab so he rushed down as fast as he could. There couldn’t be a better chance to play a match, and with how things had been going Kaito couldn’t know if he’d have the chance again. (Even if this means interrupting a “moment” here. I mean, he probably won’t mind!)

It didn’t take long for him to catch up with them, and since his friend wasn’t a human tomato it looked like he had pretty good timing too. He tried to ignore the twinge of irritation he felt, writing it off as a holdover of his frustrations about how closed off the guy could be, as he got their attention.

“Hey~ Look who already beat me here. And you brought our audience, good of ya to not chicken out!”

“Ryoma, what did you rope me into?” Kaede asked, giving the guy a suspicious side glance.

“Somethin’ stupid,” Ryoma answered, but nevertheless nudged her in the direction of the nearest spotter’s seat. (Aww man, I forgot his lab had two of them. Wish there was someone else here to watch.)

Kaito shook the thought from his head before it could distract him from the moment at hand. With as much pep as he could muster he spelled things out for her. “You’re gonna be our ref!”

“You’re having a match already?! You could have given me some warning at least, I would have brought my pants if you did.” She grumbled and only then Kaito and Ryoma realized a potential problem here.

The spotter’s seat was obviously set higher than the top of the net. Since they basically ended training, she wasn’t dressed for exercise. And with how short her skirt was… (OH CRAP. Please don’t notice, please don’t notice, please don’t notice! I swear I won’t look! But hey if Ryoma does I’ll still cover for him.)

“So I just have to speak up if the ball lands outside the court?” Kaede asked, oblivious to the two flushed faces behind her as she reached the latter up to it. After both breathed a sigh of relief (not that her being seated would fix the problem per say) Kaito and Ryoma silently agreed and faced away from her. Just to be safe while she was climbing and all, even if this angle should have been okay until the top.

“Hello~ Earth to space cadets, I can’t be a referee if you guys don’t tell me how!”

“Uh, Yeah! If it bounces on the line you just need to make the call for if it’s legal or not! That sort of thing. Don’t worry about it too much, just go with your instincts!” Kaito nervously answered, and saw that the universe had deemed his stint in the sim punishment enough. With the way Kaede was seated his worries about things that must not be seen were unfounded! At least until she needed to get down.

“It’s really just so you can have a comfortable view for me wiping the floor with him,” Ryoma added.

With a laugh Kaito figured they were ready. “Can it and just serve a ball or something!”

To say Ryoma utterly decimated him was an understatement. There wasn’t a shred of mercy in that man’s eyes the few times Kaito had managed to see them before it was over. And that wasn't including any of the times Kaito purposely avoided the ball for fear of his safety. Surely he had shamed the Momota name for decades to come, and not even the depths of outer space would ever allow him to escape it.

“You can stop groveling on the floor you know. Jeez, why’s every guy here such a drama queen?”

Clearly Kaede had about as much mercy as Ryoma had. It was a dark day for humanity.

“Just leave him be. He’s prolly looking for what’s left of his ego down there. You can go on ahead.” Ryoma told her, heartless traitor that he was. (AND YOU WON’T EVEN OFFER TO WALK HER BACK?! THIS IS NO WAY TO TREAT YOUR WINGMAN DUDE! No, I don’t care that he never actually took me up on that offer.)

Ryoma only raised an eyebrow when he noticed Kaito’s glower after she left. “I did warn you this would happen.”

“That’s not it, why’d you pass up on an opportunity like that again, man?! It was all set up for you.” Kaito complained, brushing his pants as he got to his feet. But he knew it wouldn’t keep Ryoma from asking his real question for long. A deal was a deal.

“I told you already, I’m not gonna pursue anything. So what’s really been going on with you?”

For a moment he was tempted to tell him everything. About his illness at least. Then, if worse came to worse, someone would be able to tell the others what happened. Maybe help soften the blow. Help explain why Kaito kept preferring to blame people who felt betrayed for their pain rather than the selfish assholes who broke their trust in the first place. But he couldn’t. As much as Kaito wanted to, he didn’t want to burden anyone else more, and he couldn’t find anything to say in place of the truth.

“It’s because of Maki, isn’t it?” Ryoma asked, encouraging Kaito to take a seat beside him on the floor.

With lack of a better answer, Kaito gave a non-committal shrug as he joined his friend, even though he had to tilt his head at a kinda awkward angle to look down at Ryoma like this.

Seeing as Kaito still didn’t have anything to say, Ryoma tried a different approach. “I ever tell you the story of how I got my cat?” He asked, knowing Kaito would shake his head no. With a wistful smile, he began.

“My girl from America got it for me. Sprung that sweet ol’ grey puffball on me on what I thought was just a normal date. “They said it was blue, so you both match!” she said. Easily one of the happiest moments of my life.” Ryoma scoffed for a moment. “‘Course it didn’t help that she picked the place, an aquarium, so anything would have been uphill from there. Can’t stand fish, but she adored ‘em. Especially sharks.”

Kaito gave a sympathetic chuckle. “Talk about whiplash then, huh?”

“Definitely. I was just lucky the poor little powderpuff was as spooked by those monsters as I was. Shortest trip we ever spent there.” He turned to face Kaito. “You know why I’m able to talk about this sort of stuff now?”

“Let me guess “Because I know she’s in a better place” or something sappy,” Kaito joked, and Ryoma didn’t seem the least bit impressed by it or his attempt to imitate the other’s deep voice for it. (As if we’d have any assurances like that with a girl like Maki anyway. Fuck.)

“Because I took the time to face what happened to her. Tell me, have you grieved for her yet or are you just trying to push and distract yourself from how you feel?”

“Come on, do you think she’d really like a guy crying over her? Totally uncool, a man shouldn’t do that.”

“Screw that garbage. The tough macho types are pretty uncool too, you know." Ryoma said with a look on his face that left little room for arguing or excuses. "You don’t need to cry to grieve for somebody if you physically can’t. I just want to know if you’ve done anything to help yourself.”

“You’re one to talk, it’s not like you’ve done much yourself from the looks of things-”

“I was the one that found her, Kaito. Don’t think for a second I was able to just immediately go and get you or anyone else. How could I? We both thought she was just running late that morning despite agreeing to meet up. I thought I’d be asking Kiyo if he saw her anywhere in case he spent an all-nighter, not… that.”

Kaito’d be lying if he said his throat wasn’t closing up at the memory, and he couldn’t imagine how much that must have hurt. But the benefit of that was he couldn’t say anything to lie about it in the first place. Ryoma must have seen his eyes begin to water some as he seemed more at ease than before.

“The trial’s one thing, but we’ve never talked about it after. Ignoring the pain won’t help here, I know. I tried, and instead it festered and look where that got me.” The Ultimate Prisoner continued to take the burden of speaking off Kaito for a bit longer. “It’s okay to vent. I’m here for you, we all are. We get it.”

“B-but…” Kaito didn’t want to think about how his voice cracked up before he tried again. “She didn’t get the chance to do it.” He wanted to ignore the burning tear-tracks he felt on his face as he spoke. “She hadn’t overcome her true enemy yet. And it looked like she was getting so close.”

“Monokuma? We weren’t that close-”

“Not that!” Kaito snapped, but it only made what he wanted to explain harder to say as he struggled to get enough air in him. “The same one you’re fighting. It looked like she was finally opening up a little.”

God, I hope he understands. They’ve always been their own worst enemies, trying to push everyone away. Thinking they aren’t good enough to have anyone close to them. Despite those morons were just making that harder for them, Maki still made good strides there. She accepted my invitation to the casino, she dragged Kaede into our training nights, she was doing so well and then she- She tried, and Kirumi still- “FUCK!”

Ryoma put a hand on his back, too short to reach his shoulder, as Kaito just screamed and punched the floor in front of him hard enough to hurt. “Yeah. Yeah, she was.”

For the longest time that was all there was to coherently say. Kaito didn’t know how late it was when he calmed back down to head to bed, but Ryoma stayed with him the whole time. A rock to rely on. But when the emotional waves receded, for now at least, Kaito was never more grateful to have him as a sidekick.

And for once that title almost feels right. ‘Cause who am I kidding? I know who’s the real hero here.

If I was we’d be fucked. When I go it’d leave too much of a hole behind me, like the aftermath of a supernova. I’m just the mentor here, and you don’t call their students “sidekicks”.

Still, to support me like this should also mean Ryoma should be okay if I go. And if he isn’t then he can see if Kokichi’s willing to share Kaede some. Thank goodness for her. Real shining star that one.

Worst come to worst I know these people are in good hands.

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[evilback-wards]

Top Candidate [Pre-DRV3]

Chapter 15

Length: 1853

Rating: 16+ish is the average I’d say for this series? I dunno!

Prefer AO3 format? Click here. Otherwise, below the line lovelies!

The Funeral Room, once blank, was now bursting with different colors. I didn’t think Kokichi would have the finse to write out a plan like this.

“Yeah, I totally stole this idea from FMAB! We shouldn’t take any chances! Knowing Junko, if she’s anything like what I’ve learned from the games, she’ll pull some backhanded twist to allow herself to view this room,” Kokichi explained as we first began the plan, “Plus I like to think of him as my sugar~” Before I got the chance to ask what ‘FMAB’ was,  he was rattling off key codes for me to remember. The main people in our plan, those we’re hoping to last the longest, are the typical base ingredients of cake. The topping were the extras, or rather, people we were unsure we could trust. There were flavorings, too, and all of this was becoming a bit overwhelming. But I understood Kokichi’s reasoning clearly; we couldn’t let Junko have the slightest chance of figuring out this plan.

We pushed the bed from its original position to cover the corner entrance. This was to make sure no one could inadvertently come through. And, well, I was a bit anxious. The memories of last time were still screaming at me, though, Kokichi’s words were louder than them.

We were sitting on the bed, scanning over the written words on each whiteboard. I estimated about a day had passed since we got up here. It would really help if they had a clock here, but I guess, they’re already giving us an edge by letting us plot.  

“Now, with all of our planning done, I want to pick your brain a bit. About me and you. I don’t want this to all be wasted space in some room, ya’know,” Kokichi said, leaning his head on my shoulder, “We need a strategy to supplement this plan.”

“Right...I want to believe people would believe you about the killing game, but once your personality becomes full set, there’s no clue what’ll be the truth or a lie coming from you,” I said, pondering as a placed my hand underneath my chin. I rested that arm on my knee, thinking of how to get things organized properly. From the debriefing I received before coming in the stadium, I’d get one clue and the full map of the  killing game territory. Those I wanted to keep secret for now, and if plans required use of them, I should be as vague as possible with Kokichi. Kokichi was an ally to me, but the perks I gained from surviving last cycle were my own. I had to keep that request of hers if all else fails.

“And, on top of that, you’re going to have some memory issues still. Your full memory won’t be unlocked until you figure out your talent again, right?” Kokichi added, his arms wrapping around my me. I hadn’t realized his body had already invaded my personal space and likely wasn’t moving an inch from here. But, as long as we were productive, I didn’t mind much of what Kokichi had been doing. In a strange way, it reminded me of my youngest sister with how he had been acting.

“Yeah, right,” I replied,  curving my head to view the first section of our plan. Or, in our code, the first ingredients in our recipe:

One Donut

One litre of Fanta

One pound of flour

One pound of Sugar

“How about we make flour and Sugar become friends with our Donut early on? That way, when they realize- - ” I started to explain, but Kokichi pressed his head in my chest.

“No! Flour is a cunt. I already don’t like her from training. I think I prefer taking a ‘good cop bad cop’ stance on this. I’ll be the object of disgust for everyone, follow my scripted character, but then also break out of character when needed. You can be the nice voice of reason that gradually turns everyone to pay attention to my words,” Kokichi suggested. But could he really break out of character once we enter the domain of the game? Even with how my cycle went, no one broke character. No matter how much people didn’t want to play their characters, once the game engine shut on, there was no turning back. Kokichi likely wasn’t an exception of the 27 other top candidates they have scouted thus far.

“I don’t think good cop bad cop would work. Remember, you’re only able to break out of character now because we’re outside the domain of the game. Once we’re in the domain of the game, you’ll be stuck to your personality to a tee,” I explained. I watched as Kokichi’s face turned sour, looking down as the shadows from his har obscured his face.

“I can break out of it, ya’know? That’s why I’ve been so dedicated to mastering my character now. You have to believe in me if this is going to work, Rantaro,” Kokichi said, pressing his face into my chest. When I tried to pluck him out, his arms wrapped tighter around me. I wondered why Kokichi was being especially close to me as of late? Had Kokichi and Shuichi really been close lovers before all of this, and he had been missing that feeling of closeness?

“What do I have to do to gain your trust? How can I earn it? I need it, everyone in the world needs it,” Kokichi mumbled into my chest, his fist gripping at the fabric of my shirt, “I’m special. You told me that. You told me I’ll remember everything but I’ll be reduced to a liar. But, just because I lie a lot, doesn’t mean every statement I’ll say is a lie.” Wait, what was Kokichi getting at? The game was purposely designed thus far to have Kokichi as the cornerstone to assist the protagonists with the class trials. In addition, much like Nagito and Togami, Kokichi will irritate the protagonists to a variety of emotional levels. That included having Kokichi tell frequent lies of varying intensity.

“I mean, almost everything out of your mouth will be a lie, Kokichi, we need to come to terms to that first. Then--”

“I did not get fucked by Shuichi.”

“This isn’t the t---”

“I didn’t get fucked by Shuichi. Just kidding, that’s a lie! See? I can lie but still tell the truth in a roundabout way. If I get an urge to lie but know the truth, I can use that setup. You see? OR,” Kokichi said, his face poking out of my chest with a grin, “I didn’t get fucked by Shuichi. But if I did, I’d be--”

“Ok, Ok, whatever, I believe you. It’s not like we can test things before the fact. But I still want to be able to verify that I’m talking to you and not your character you somehow,” I replied before Kokichi said some more ‘experimental lies’. A scarlet blush consumed my face as I looked down at him this time. I had to stop him before he got off track again.

“Like, a test phrase or whatever? Do you think you’ll be in the right mindset to even gauge my answer for it? Seriously, you need to find your research room first. After that, when your memories come back fully, we should be able to collaborate. Since we’re not sure what memories you’ll have, the main focus is for you to find your room. Leave the dirty work to me,” Kokichi said with a grin, pushing his head up to kiss my cheek. I let out an awkward laugh, shaking my head at him. Even with everything we’ve been put through, Kokichi still found new ways to deter me from our current blight. Just like my younger sister. Or am I using him as a placeholder for her at this point? I’m not really sure...but Kokichi has a good point. My research room should help jog my memory. My survivors perks should assist me in finding that. No need to get Kokichi involved in that section of the plan.

“Even then, Junko will probably put my research room somewhere not easily reached. I wouldn’t put it past her to unveil my room last or close to that. It’ll probably be the same for yours,” I explained, “Especially since we’re following a script similar to the 1st and 2nd games. One of us needs to survive until the end, or at the very least, help the best we can to end the killing game in session. Our best hope for that will be the 1st class trial, if the format will stay the same as Junko has planned it to be. Junko plans on combining the elements of the last trial in the first game with the ending for the 2nd game.”  

“So you’re saying it’ll be one of those ‘revealing the truth’ to the killing game events like the 1st and 2nd games? That means Junko plans on…” “Yep. If no one dies quick enough to her liking for the first  round of things,” I said, securely wrapping my arms around Kokichi, “Junko’ll kill someone herself. That’s where discussions were leaning toward as we got closer to the 1st audition day. If we’re able to catch the mastermind early on that way, then the whole killing game will be a wash. Two failures for killing games in a row should discourage demand and overall interest within the fanbase.” I leaned in a bit, bowing my head to feel Kokichi’s neck along mine. Burying himself closer into me, my blush felt hot. I think I understand why Kokichi likes this closeness now. The warmth of his body helped with starving off the old memories of cycles past. Kokichi leaned into my touch, his head placing itself alongside mine on my shoulder.

“It’s likely to be one of the protagonists right? If it’s Shuichi…” Kokichi trailed off, his voice not wanting to finish the sentence. His arms held me tight. His hands gripped at my shirt still, reminiscent of how my sister would do that when she got really emotional over things. Though, I knew Kokichi’s grip wasn’t as pure as that. Especially since he had previously referred to my...lower region as a food condiment.  

“We don’t need to think that far out. We just need to ensure we corner and conquer the mastermind. If someone ends up dying as a result of things, I know a failsafe we can visit once survivors fully exit the game domain. I only know of it because, well, I’d rather not get into it,” I said, nuzzling the side of Kokichi’s head. Kokichi’s body curled up close to my own, his head cradled by my shoulder and head as he seemed to drift off. Kokichi deserved to sleep some of the stress. I’ll do the thinking for now while he rested. I hadn’t known much for the intimate love Shuichi and Kokichi shared, but, I did know how to best comfort my sisters. That’ll have to do for now, Kokichi.

[ahiddenpath]

Danganronpa v3 Post Trial 3 reaction

I just completed the... third?  Yeah, third trial.

Pre trial 1 reaction

Post trial 2 reaction

Spoilers spoilers spoilers!  More below the cut.

I know I keep saying this, but I’m still 100% aboard the “the memories Monokuma and the Monokubs gave the kids are fake” train.  Ie, these are normal, non-Ultimate kids shoved into this mess.  I’m still not sure why Monokuma gave them Ultimate memories...  Does Monokuma want to see how normal kids behave in this setting?  Has he killed off all the actual Ultimates that haven’t gone into hiding by now?

It’s impossible to say until the game is over, but so far, I feel like this is my least favorite Danganronpa.  I’m still enjoying it, but...  Even by Danganronpa standards, this game is waaaaay over-the-top, and I’m having trouble... parsing it?  Respecting it?

Basically, by giving these kids fake memories (Kirumi’s Monokub pad and Kiyo’s backstory with his sister), everything they do is 1,000% manipulated and unrealistic.  Kirumi has to kill everyone because she’s the Prime Minister?  Kiyo has to... kill young girls... to befriend his dead sister in the afterlife...  And also she was his lover and possesses him...?

Somehow...  This makes everything feel so much more futile and pointless than ever.  People are making deadly decisions based on memories and selves that aren’t even real (assuming I’m correct that the memories are fake).  It makes me feel so gross.

I’m sad because, while I didn’t really like Kiyo, I often shared his opinion in trials.  Tony liked him, and we were boosting his friendship, so again, we’re back to having zero friends (we keep picking the murderers!  Oh no!  XD).  KIND OF LIKE HIMIKO, AMIRITE?!  *groan*

I guess the good (???) news is that Angie did indeed bite it, as I predicted/hoped.  I sense that she wasn’t really a bad person, but she thought her actions always had zero repercussions because she was favored by a god.  Annnnd as I type that, I realize that yes, she was a bad person, no matter how naive she was in that belief.  They couldn’t have moved forward from the Student Council Dictatorship without Angie’s death.

I feel bad for Tenko, though...  Angie, Tenko, and Miu have been thorns in my side this whole time, Angie and Tenko because of their repetitive gags and Miu because... she’s... gross, frankly.  But, god...  Tenko was a little nasty to people she didn’t like (read: men), but she was willing to endanger herself for someone she loved.  How sad that she died over Kiyo’s corrupted (and disturbing) memories.

I’m nervous because there are probably two more trials before the climax trial with the powers that be in the Academy.  Plus, Kaito seems to be sick...  I’m worried he’ll be pushed to do something he normally wouldn’t for fear of dying of illness?  

Please don’t take Kaito.

I have to say, as the pool of students dwindles, and as we learn more about everyone...  I’m actually growing fond of Kokichi.  I disliked him at first, but the further along I go, the more I wonder...  Is he more scared than any of them?  I dunno, I feel like he’s going to crack and we’ll see a different side of him.

Or maybe I just like him more because I’ve seen how awful Angie and Kiyo are, lol?!  Or maybe it has to do with how he’s clearly following Shuichi around like a puppy, lol?!

I’m a little worried...  I’m not interested in Miu or Himiko.  I think Tsumugi is cute, but I... don’t... trust her, somehow?  But I kind of like Keebo and Gonta, and I’m growing interested in Kokichi.  I love Kaito and Maki!  

Anyway, I’m gonna lose someone I like, is what I’m saying.

(Also, are these ‘bugs’ Gonta keeps seeing nanocameras?  I noticed that there aren’t any cameras).  

Anyway, time to play some more!!

[imaginedanganronpa]

Can you please do some headcanons on how the V3 cast reacting to Kaede being mute? Like her childhood she received damage to her vocal cords.

Note: Whenever I use ‘disability’ I’m not trying to use it as a slur or anything like that, I simply mean it in a way that she is set back from everyone else because she’s mute, you know? Not trying to offend anyone. :)

The V3 Cast Reacting to a Mute!Kaede Akamatsu!

Kaedewas always insecure about being mute. Sometimes, she wishes she could talkbecause then her life would be much simpler.

Then she could do all the things she wanted to and she’d feel more normal. 

Unfortunately, she can’t. She received a sport’s injury when she was ayoung child which damaged her vocal cords beyond repair. That’s a big reasonwhy she gave up sports and started pursuing music, specially the piano,instead.

Like every time she moves into a new class, she is hesitant. Kaede can’t do thestandard “tell us about yourself” routine and she always fears being rejected.

But for the most part, her new class was quite understanding and accepting.

She became fast friends with the Detective named Saihara Shuichi – mainly becausethey both seemed like outcasts, different than the rest. He understood and related to her on a levelthat most people cannot.

He also took up learning Sign Language so that he could more easily understand what she wastrying to say. However, Kaede most often communicated through notes and facialgestures rather than using her hands.

Saihara sympathized with the poor girl and warmly welcomed her with big, openarms. They spoke through silent smiles and blushes, and he always seemed toknow what she was trying to say.

His friends also became close with her, though he didn’t have many. Kaede gotto know each of them well.

There was Kaito, who was a bit blunt at first. He didn’t fully understand whyshe wasn’t talking until Saihara explained it to him, and then he felt likeshit. 

Kaito sometimes forgets and tries having a verbal conversation with her, beforequickly correcting himself and apologizing. He isn’t as supportive as Saiharasince he can still be a little bit oblivious at times, but he really does try hisbest with her. He has good intentions but often comes across as the opposite. 

He’s never met a mute person but he keeps an open mind and takes her under his wing, involving her in things like working out and other things his and Saihara’s friend-group often do. Kaito made her feel at home.

Maki, like Saihara, related to Kaede and welcomed her but kept her at the samedistance as everyone else; Kaito was still the only person she softened uparound, and Kaede’s mute situation wasn’t going to change that.

The girls still got along, though! Maki also seemed to always know what she wastrying to say and she quickly became the person Kaede went to for girl-advice.Maki became the female that she was closest to and she never tried to pushKaede’s limits.

And finally, there was Rantaro, who seemed to have a bit of an attraction toKaede. Whether it be romantic or platonic, she wasn’t sure, but Rantaro wasdrawn to her from the very moment they first met. 

He was very open-minded and understanding of her situation, and he loved receiving hand-written notes from her. Rantaro becomes very protective of Kaede – those brotherlyinstincts kicked in and, due to her muteness and disability, he vowed to watch over her.

And that he did: he always checks up on her and passes her cute little notes inclass. He does his best to make her feel welcomed at Hope’s Peak. Rantaro caresfor Kaede, even more than Saihara on most days, and on a much deeper level. She considers him to be one of her very best friends.

Outside of that little group, everyone seemed to treat her differently, but not necessarily in a negative way – those wereher just main friends. Everyone else, for the most part, seemed to be kind towardsher.

There was Ouma Kokichi who teased her for a while. It came across as rude and impolite but in reality, he was trying to use humor to deflate the situationbecause… that’s just what he does.

Ouma still sometimes made off-comments towards Kaede. She never took it toopersonally, but sometimes he stepped over a boundary. 

Deep down, though, Oumawas compassionate and felt for her, only playfully teasing the girl because he wasn’tgoing to treat her differently based on her muteness. 

“Sooo, Kaede, are you gonna talk today or not?” Almost every day; it slowly became an inside joke.

Kiibo was someone who didn’t seem to fully understand her issue. I mean, he isa robot so he has a reason, but he couldn’t wrap his head around it. Humanscould be weakened and their lives altered forever from an injury? That was sucha weird concept to him.

But Kiibo tries to not let his ignorance get in the way. Like Kaito, hesometimes forgets.

Plus, since he can’t relate to her in the same way that humans can, he sometimes comes across as rude but that’s unintentional. Kiibo is just trying to understand her and does his best to support her. He actually wants to be really close friends, and the two surprisingly get along since they’re both misfits. 

And Gonta is the same way. It took Kaede a few tries to explain to him why sheis mute. Gonta kept asking her, “Why not just explain? With words?” It actuallymade Kaede smile because she knew that he was genuinely just concerned andconfused. 

After he finally got it, with the help of Kirumi explaining it to him, Gontafelt really bad for her and kept saying he wished he could help somehow, eveninsisting that he would take away her pain if he could… with different words ofcourse.

Gonta really became close with her. He always asks her how she is andif her voice is any better, in which she always says no but thanks and hugs himanyway, appreciating the concern. Gonta likes to think he’s helping in some way.

Then there were girls like Himiko and Angie.

Himiko tried coaxing Kaede into letting her test out restoration and healingmagic on her to get her voice back and repair her vocal cords, but the Pianistkindly refused. She didn’t really believe in the whole ‘magic’ thing.

The smaller girl never let up though, bugging Kaede and telling her that she’dbe the perfect test subject and that nothing could go too terribly wrong. 

“I’venever tried a healing spell before, never had someone to do it on. C’mon,Kaede!”

And Angie went a similar route, but instead her thing was that Atua could helpheal her. Again, Kaede declined and Angie was a bit hurt but still pursuedKaede in bringing her into her religion. 

Either way, both girls were very understanding about her condition and despitetheir efforts, never tried forcing her to do something she didn’t want to. Theywere respectful and remained acquaintances at most but only wanted to help her in the ways they knewbest.

Tenko was the same way but she was a bit more hesitant around Kaede. She likedher, and was kind towards her, but she feared that she would accidentally hurtKaede somehow and possibly further her injury which is something she reallywanted to avoid.

But still, Tenko was always really empathetic towards her. The things she was tryingto say often went over Tenko’s head and she usually misinterpreted Kaede butwas still as understanding as could be. 

She also was concerned with who injuredher and how, because if it was some… male, then she would definitely get somerevenge. 

Kaede calmed her nerves. Tenko kept her distance from Kaede apart from kindgreetings and friendly exchanges occasionally out of hesitation, though.

Another person that often distanced themselves from her was Ryoma. He simply didn’tfeel like he would be able to help her or be there for her in the way sheneeded, and she was already receiving that kind of attention from folks likeSaihara and Rantaro.

He was friendly, but Ryoma was naturally a cold person. He did his best tosympathize with her problem but never truly pursued a real friendship. 

If she tried communicating with him, he would respond and Ryoma wassurprisingly very understanding and good and deciphering what she was saying,but he simply didn’t think he was “fit” for her. However, he’s like this withmost people so she didn’t really take it personally.

Kirumi was very parental with her. She often took care of Kaede, not in the protectiveway that her close friends did, but rather checked up on her to make sure shewas okay, like a mom would. Kirumi gave her extra attention because she has aided mute people before.

She was one of the only people, other than Rantaro, Maki, and Saihara, whonever tried to outright force her to talk. Kirumi respected that she was muteand knew the extensive damage that vocal cord injuries carry and geared herselfto look after her peer.

Their relationship was mainly surrounded by that fact. Kirumi was very formalwith her and often acted as a translator if her friends weren’t around. Herheart really went out to Kaede and she wanted to do the best she could to makeher time in their class as smooth and easy as possible.

There were some others on the opposite end of the spectrum, like Miu, who didn’trespect her as much. She kept bothering Kaede about wanting to hear her voice,and though Miu didn’t really mean it in a harsh way, that’s how she cameacross. It was that she was just really curious because she has never met amute person before.

Miu related muteness to quietness and sometimes mistook Kaede for just beingshy. It took her several months to finally come around and realize that that’sjust not the case.

She tried creating inventions to help her talk but Kaede didn’t really wantthat, and a lot of those inventions ended up not working anyway. 

She also triedto translate but was wrong the majority of the time, interpreting her words asmuch more sexual, blunt, and jarring than what they truly were… with lots ofswearing added.

Needless to say, Kaede communicated with Miu mainly through notes from that pointon.

Some of her classmates didn’t really come around for a while, either, likeKorekiyo and Tsumugi.

Korekiyo didn’t start associating with Kaede at first because he wasn’t surehow to communicate with her and he didn’t want to seem rude or disrespectful.He did a lot of research about muteness and vocal cord injuries before heactually tried to form a friendship.

She was very understanding and he was very respectful. Korekiyo had a lot ofquestions about her life and her injury which she kindly answered. Once he camearound, he was fascinated by Kaede. He found her to be inspiring.

She easily could go to a school or join a class for mute kids, but she didn’t –and he thought that was extremely beautiful and admirable. Korekiyo held her ata high standard and really supported her in the end.

And Tsumugi was a bit uncomfortable, not knowing how to approach her at first.She didn’t want to be overbearing but also didn’t want to put Kaede on apedestal for something she can’t control.

The Cosplayer slowly but surely settled into her new classmate, and likeKorekiyo she had a lot of questions. She came across as more uninformed but Kaededidn’t think it was a very big deal.

Tsumugi liked Kaede and just didn’t really grasp the extent of her situation.Still, she was as respectful as could be towards her but the two never really got close.Once again, they were friendly enough but never got too familiar with oneanother.

Overall, her class accepted her for who she was and saw her as a real humanbeing and not just ‘The Mute Girl.’

She was closer to some more than others, but she loved them all the same. Shehas never felt more welcomed or loved in another class. They all, for the mostpart, seemed to understand her and support her. No one ever tried forcing heror made her too uncomfortable.

That’s all Kaede could really ask for.

- Mod Rantaro