#ahaha wait. i can draw th

[papanowo]

can’t wait for crosshairs mental illness arc

[cainluvr69]

Surely, We Can Make Miracles Chapter 16

Previous Chapter

Shino: Heath. Has Vespa told you anything?

Heath: Yeah. I think I…sort of have an idea of what happened at the bottom of the sea now. Vespa, this is the dragon, right?

Vespa: …! …!

Heath: And these are the mermaids… And this is Balthazar, the tyrant that trapped the mermaids?

Vespa: …! …!

Shino: I get it. So this Balthazar guy locked up half of the mermaids. The sea dragon was originally your friend, but when Balthazar showed up, he allied himself with that guy instead.

Vespa: …! …!

Shino: (So we gotta exterminate a Northern wizard and a dragon. Time for me to make a name for myself. I can't wait to get out there.) (…is what I'd like to say, but our teacher isn't acting like himself, and none of the Northern wizards are around.) (Which means our firepower amounts to me, Arthur, and Nero…and Cain, I guess?) (If things don't go well, I've got a feeling the battle is going to end up hinging on me…) (I'll go to the wizards' market in a bit to make sure I've got everything in order first… What will we need to take on the ocean?) (Lennox… His magic is weak, but he's still strong. He's probably fine, but…) (There's also Shylock and the twins to think about…)

Heathcliff: Is there a particular reason you only drew Balthazar's face and nothing else about him?

Shino: Isn't she just slacking off? I'll draw the body.

Vespa: …! …!

Shino: Ow, hey! What are you getting mad about? I'm not just gonna scribble something.

Faust: Has Vespa told you what happened?

Heathcliff: Mr. Faust! Yes, I've got all the important parts.

Faust: Good. Summarize the highlights for me. We're going to go consult with Figaro.

Heathcliff: Alright. Shino, Vespa, I'm going to be leaving for a bit.

Shino: Gotcha.

Vespa: …

Shino: …Hey. You've been staring at Heath this whole time.

Vespa: …

Shino: You can't do that.

Vespa: …?

Shino: Heath's nice, and he's beautiful. I completely understand falling for him… But he's the son of a big-name noble. One day, he's gonna be the lord of a castle even bigger than this one. Weirdos like us can't be traipsing along after him.

Vespa: …

Shino: … …Yeah, I didn't think you were gonna say anything. It's fine if you like Heath. I'll be cheering for you.

Vespa: …! …!

Shino: Now what are you drawing. This is…me?

Vespa: …!

Shino: And this is you?

Vespa: …!

Shino: And this is… Ahaha. What's this supposed to say? Both you…and I… Aren't weird…

Vespa: …!

Shino: Both you and I…and Heath… Are you trying to say he doesn't think we are, either…?

Vespa: …! …!

Shino: …You're right, Vespa. Thank you…

✦✧☾✧✦

Nero: The people in the castle are all in a tizzy, too…

Borda Castle Servant: Princess… I mean, my lord! The island residents are approaching the castle. The area around the gate is in chaos. Are we to receive them or turn them away?

Dianne: I know! Give me some time!

Borda Castle Servant: You said that earlier as well… Lady Dianne…! …Ahh…

Nero: What's up? She's the current lord of the castle, ain't she?

Borda Castle Servant: Th…this is, well… You see, Lord Sage's Wizard, the Merchants' Guild and the island residents are frightened by the ongoing incidents, and have come to call upon the castle for aid… They are awaiting the lord's answer, but she has yet to decide what to do…

Nero: …The residents are worried, too. Make 'em wait too long and that worry is gonna turn into panic.

Borda Castle Servant: As you say, sir… Perhaps the role of lord is too much for the princess who used to be called cry-baby Dianne…

Nero: Cry-baby Dianne?

Borda Castle Servant: My apologies. There's no need for me to be regaling our guests with stories like this. Sigh…

Claudia: I'm sorry she's causing you so much trouble. I'll speak with Dianne.

Nero: Good plan. Ask her about these mysterious disappearances, too.

✦✧☾✧✦

Faust: Figaro.

Figaro: Faust…

Faust: We know the person controlling Lennox's body. The Northern wizard, Balthazar. It's probable that he appeared in the waters here around the same time as <the Great Calamity> started drawing closer. He's taken over the mermaid society here and kidnapped residents of the island. He's using a sea dragon for his purposes, too. It seems like he's also got an unhappy past with Shylock, and… Figaro?

Figaro: …Yeah, I'm listening.

Faust: You are aware that he's taken over Lennox, right? Your friend. I plan on heading to the bottom of the ocean. I have no illusions about being able to defeat a dragon, but I'm not just going to let Leno's head get taken.

Figaro: Yeah, true…

Faust: …"Yeah, true"?

Figaro: Ah, no! I'm really listening to what you're saying. I'm just thinking about things…

Faust: … …No, I'm sorry. I know that what's happened to Snow is weighing on you, too.

Figaro: Faust… I'm sure you're just as upset about your dear servant being taken.

Faust: Of course I am. I plan on tearing the culprit limb from limb. Not that Lennox is my servant anymore… But there's still no one with as pure a soul as his. Aren't you angry about what's being done to him?

Figaro: …

Faust: Figaro?

Figaro: Well…

Faust: Lord Figaro.

Figaro: Yes.

Faust: Look me in the eyes.

Figaro: Okay…

Faust: Why aren't you looking at me? What aren't you telling me?

Figaro: …

Faust: (…He always possessed such a sense of dignity in the past, but now, it's possible for him to look this weak…) (I wonder if I just never noticed before.)

Figaro: …It's my fault.

Faust: Your fault…?

Figaro: Well, it's my and Oz's fault. We stole Balthazar's territory and drove him West. That was when he turned into a thorn in Shylock's side. And now, he's causing problems for Lennox…

Faust: …

Figaro: I'm sorry he got wrapped up in all of this.

Faust: Then you do know Balthazar. Like what kinds of magic he can use?

Figaro: Only what he used centuries ago.

Faust: Then tell me. You can't leave Snow's side until morning, right?

Figaro: Hold on… This is a Northern wizard we're talking about. One that's got a dragon in tow. Are you planning on fighting a dragon?

Faust: Lennox and Shylock are in danger. I'd be happier if we had the Northern wizards backing us up on this, but…

Figaro: …What to do… This is because I crossed the line with Mithra…

Faust: Crossed the line? About what?

Figaro: …

Faust: …Why aren't you saying anything? Why didn't you immediately tell us everything you know about Balthazar? Do you not want to save Leno? Is there more you're keeping quiet about?

Figaro: I do want to help him! It's just… I've been…running away from something I should've been facing. From who I used to be.

Faust: … I'm still running. Thank you for speaking with me.

Figaro: …You're not going to keep yelling at me?

Faust: The Northern way of living is different from my own. As someone who's never lived that prideful way of life, I have no place to blame you for how you lived. But…

Figaro: But?

Faust: I also spoke with Rutile and Mitile. They're beside themselves over Lennox. If you're going to apologize to anyone, apologize to them.

Figaro: You're right…

Faust: I will bring back Lennox… I'll bring back your friend. No matter what methods I have to use to do so.

Figaro: Faust, wait. If you're planning on going alone, I'm going to stop you. You need to cool down and go with the others.

Faust: …I'm perfectly calm.

Figaro: You absolutely are not. Ever since we reunited you've been willing to mouth off and tell me you'll kill me or curse me…

Faust: I… I'm deeply sorry about that.

Figaro: But you really meant it when you said you want to rip him apart. The blood's rushed to your head.

Faust: …

Figaro: Lennox isn't only yours anymore. He's everyone's comrade. Everyone wants to save him, no matter how dangerous it is. Rely on your comrades and students. I'll talk to Mitile and Rutile, too. I'll tell them I'm sorry for being why all of this is happening. And I'll ask them to help me, too.

Faust: … …Alright. Thank you for the advice.

Figaro: I'm the one who should be thanking you. Faust… I don't have a very good impression of the ocean. Be sure to keep your guard up.

Faust: I will. But, Lord Figaro. Have you ever looked at the ocean after a storm has passed? The moonlight makes a path on the water. I'm sure that path will guide us to victory.

✦✧☾✧✦

Riquet: What's wrong, Oz? Why are you gathering the Central wizards? Do you have a plan for rescuing Shylock and Lennox?

Oz: … I have something I wish to tell you all.

Arthur: …

Oz: There was once a Northern wizard who held quarrel with me, named Balthazar. I had thought I had turned him to stone, but I failed to finish the job. Balthazar has used Lennox's body to spirit Shylock away, to the ocean floor. I have heard there are a dragon and many mermaids also under Balthazar's command. I should have been able to bring this to an end by my own hand. But as it stands, I presently cannot use magic.

Cain: Even with the Sage around?

Oz: …The Sage called the dragon their friend.

Riquet: The one that was flying in the sky? So it really wasn't a bad dragon after all.

Arthur: A bad dragon?

Riquet: The townspeople were afraid that the dragon was going to attack the island. But if it's a friend of Master Sage, then it's a good dragon, yes?

Oz: This is not a matter of good or evil. The dragon very nearly killed Snow. Snow and White killed the dragon's brother.

Riquet: …Oh, no…

Oz: But the Sage called the dragon their friend. I will not force them to harm their friend.

Arthur: Lord Oz…

Oz: You also called the rabbits I caught for your dinner your friends, and wept for them…

Arthur: I didn't think you'd want to talk about…the past, Lord Oz…

Oz: …I never said I wanted to. There are many things that I wish I could forget, or that I had never known in the first place. However… I cannot feign ignorance if all of you are to be caught up in it. Arthur, Cain, Riquet. I am sorry for involving you.

Arthur: Lord Oz…

Oz: Arthur, Cain. I intend to free Lennox and Shylock from Balthazar's control. Will you aid me in this?

Arthur: Yes!

Cain: Of course. Let's all work hard together! Oz… I never imagined that you of all people would ask us to help you. It's an honor. Thank you.

Oz: You are a person I can rely on. Riquet. You will stay here, in the castle.

Riquet: But…

Oz: Figaro and Snow will be remaining here. I believe Mitile will do the same. Are you aware of the events that have been occurring on Borda Island?

Riquet: Yes… A pillar of fire rose up from the edge of a mountain at the southernmost part of the island. Mitile, Rutile, and I all saw it. The townspeople were trembling with fear.

Oz: It is possible that Borda Island will become a target while we are at the bottom of the sea. As Figaro needs to continue Snow's treatment, he alone remaining behind will not be enough.

Riquet: …I understand. So we need to protect the townspeople if anything happens, right?

Oz: Will you?

Riquet: Yes.

Oz: Ordinarily, I would not be asking such a thing of a wizard as young as you. But I have faith in you. Are you nervous, Riquet?

Riquet: A bit… But it's fine. I will help you. Thank you for talking properly with us. If you are willing to speak so openly and need my strength… Then I will always, always give it to you. If you can say "I'm sorry" and "thank you" properly… Then I will accomplish any task you place before me, no matter how difficult.

Oz: Riquet…

Riquet: After all, that's what I'm here for.

Oz: …I'm sorry.

Riquet: You're supposed to say "thank you" here. Come on, say it.

Oz: Thank you.

Riquet: Ehehe. Prince Arthur, Cain, please do your very best and save Lennox and Shylock. I'll be cheering you on from here!

Arthur: Yeah!

Cain: Just leave it to us!

✦✧☾✧✦

Mitile: …Leno was captured by an evil wizard…?

Figaro: Yes… His body has been taken over. Shylock was spirited away by the same person, and we don't know where he is right now.

Rutile: Oh no… How could this happen to him…

Figaro: I kind of…well, some stuff went on between me and the wizard in question back in the day. He hates me for it. And Leno and Shylock got caught up in all of this because of it, too.

Mitile: How could anyone hate you, Dr. Figaro… He must be a really terrible wizard. You only do good things, Dr. Figaro, unlike those Northern wizards. Even if your jokes go a little too far sometimes…

Figaro: Yeah… …No… I was in the wrong this time. I'm pretty sure I was. It's no wonder he hates me, really.

Mitile: Really…?

Figaro: Yeah…

Mitile: …

Rutile: …Is it not possible to apologize and try to make up with him? A relationship crumbling because of arguments is always a tragedy, so if it's possible…

Figaro: Yeah… I feel like it might just piss him off even more, but the next time I see him, I'll try to apologize…

Rutile: …I'm sorry. I don't even know the details of what happened between the two of you, and yet I still tried to butt in…

Figaro: It's fine. Thank you for trying to come up with a solution instead of getting mad at me. Mitile, I want you to stay here. Rutile, do you think you could go with the Eastern wizards? I think Faust is going to be looking for Leno. I'd like for you to help him out.

Rutile: Of course. I'll do my best to make sure we get Leno back safe and sound.

Figaro: Thanks. …I'm sorry. I'm causing problems not only for Lennox, but for you two, too.

Mitile: No… It's fine.

Figaro: Mitile…

Mitile: It's like, how can I put it… You've never really let us do much for you…

Rutile: Now that you mention it…

Mitile: So getting to actually do something for you is making me a little happy.

Figaro: …

Mitile: If I meet this wizard, I'll be sure to tell him all about all your good parts, Dr. Figaro. Maybe he'll get angry about it, but… I want to tell him about how kind you are, about how many patients you've saved… That's how I feel, at least.

Figaro: …Mitile… …Goodness, really… Really, why did I do those things before we ever met…

✦✧☾✧✦

Rustica: Murr.

Murr: Rustica, Chloe.

Chloe: Are you still mad?

Murr: Huh? Me, mad? Was I angry?

Rustica: Yes, you were. In fact, I was quite startled to see you angry, Murr. And so I fell for you even more.

Murr: Ahaha! I love the two of you, too.

Chloe: I love all of you, too! I don't know if we can beat that Northern wizard and a dragon, but we're still always going to be Western wizards. That's what Shylock taught me. Passion is what's most important for Western wizards. And my heart has been repeating something to me, over and over, as passionately as it can. "There's no way we're letting Shylock get taken like that." So, we've just gotta go and get him. I'm scared… And I might try to run away, but…

Rustica: That's just fine.

Chloe: Yeah…! I believe in everyone.

Rustica: If you've got that settled, then it's time for us to talk strategy with Master Sage.

✦✧☾✧✦

Heathcliff: How did the strategy meeting go, Mr. Faust?

Faust: We're going to save Lennox and Shylock. We're also going to look for the cintamani stone of medicine to neutralize the poison in Snow. The stone in question was given to Melissa, the Western witch who wanted to find the end of the ocean, though…

Shino: Hey, Heath, isn't that…

Heathcliff: Yeah, it's pretty similar to what Vespa told us, I think…

Nero: What d'ya mean? Lemme see what she drew.

Heathcliff: Here… I'm pretty sure this is a drawing of a sunken ship… Balthazar is making the mermaids search for somewhere similar to this drawing.

Shino: Isn't that backwards? One of the mermaids must have found this place, and Balthazar wants to know where it is, too.

Faust: Which means their side is also looking for the cintamani stone…?

Nero: Hey, miss mermaid. Do you know where this is?

Vespa: …! …!

Heathcliff: Her right hand!

Faust: You know where it is?!

Shino: I wonder. She seems so confident that maybe she doesn't. Earlier she said she could draw a crab, but it didn't look like one at all… Ow, hey, don't bite me!

Heathcliff: (She reminds me so much of Shino…)

Nero: (She's super Shino-like…)

Faust: (How very Shino of her…) Can you lead us to this location?

Vespa: …? …!

Shino: She's tilting her head while raising her hand.

Faust: Nero does the same thing when he's making a guess during lessons.

Nero: Then you really don't know where it is?

Heathcliff: What she does know will make our search a lot easier than trying to comb the entire sea when we don't have any landmarks to guide us. Can you lead us anyways, Vespa?

Vespa: …! …!

Heathcliff: Thank you.

Faust: Nero, what's the status update on Claudia and Dianne?

Nero: Well, I wanted to talk to Dianne, but she shut herself up in her office.

Faust: I see…

Nero: As for Claudia, she's helpin' out with whatever she can. She says it's 'cause she's Dianne's aunt.

Faust: Nero. Do you think you could stay in the castle, too?

Nero: With Riquet and Mitile?

Faust: Yeah. To be honest, losing you as part of our firepower will hurt, but… According to Rutile, things are pretty on edge on the island. There's also the chance that Balthazar might attack the island. Snow and Figaro will both still be on the island, but they're not going to be able to do anything if something happens.

Nero: … Sure. I getcha. I have stuff I wanna ask Claudia anyways.

Faust: Thank you. Look after Riquet and Mitile.

Nero: Yeah.

Heathcliff: …I'd feel a lot better if we had the Northern wizards here too, given the state of things…

Shino: They're so impulsive. I heard they got in an argument…

Nero: … No… They'll come. They know when they're needed.

✦✧☾✧✦

Mithra: …

✦✧☾✧✦

Owen: …

✦✧☾✧✦

Bradley: …

Next Chapter

[maximoffcarter]

Only love can hurt like this.

Pairings: Wanda x reader

Summary: What started as a normal day in y/n's favorite coffee shop, turned out to be the start of her new life.

A/n: It's been a while guys. I gotta give credit to this game called 'a new life' (I actually spent $3 to buy this to only make me cry). But I gotta say it's a beautiful story even with the alternative endings. This is angst, had to come back with angst of course, cause why not. I hope you guys enjoy. If this goes well...there might be a second part...

Warnings: covid mentioned, angst.

Moving to New York was definitely a new beginning for y/n; away from her family, studying arts, living in the dream city, everything was perfect or…everything should be perfect. But it wasn’t…why? She didn’t know, she was confused. How was it possible? If her mother knew she didn’t feel 100%, she would ask her to go back and tell her again how it wasn’t a good idea. But she was willing to accomplish her dreams, she was willing to find that happiness she was lacking. She could do it.

She was on her break from class, she felt she was about to pass out since she hadn’t eaten anything at all. She was used to it, but the longer she went without eating, the worst she felt. She finally found a table away from people, it was her favorite place to be, a small coffee place where she found the best coffee and best sandwiches, it was the reward she waited all day to have.

She was focused on her sandwich and her drawing, the people around her completely ignored, she was in her own world, just like every day. She was focused on getting the last details of her drawing that she didn’t notice a brunette standing right behind her until she heard the angelical voice.

“Is this seat taken?”

Y/n looked up and her whole world once again stopped. She probably stared at her for a little longer than intended, nodding as she smiled. “Yes. I mean- no. It’s not.”

The brunette chuckled as she sat down and looked at y/n. “I’m sorry, all tables and seats are taken.”

“No worries, I could always use some company.” Y/n chuckled. She then tilted her head as she stared at the girl. “Aren’t you…I know you from somewhere…”

“Wanda Maximoff.” Wanda smiled.

“Witchy powers?” Y/n smiled.

Wanda raised her brow. “Thought only Stark say that.”

Y/n chuckled. “I’m sorry.” She shrugged. “I actually think your powers are pretty cool. The most powerful of them.” She said almost quietly as she looked back down.

Wanda blushed as she looked away. “I wouldn’t say that but…thank you.” She then looked up again. “You draw?”

Y/n nodded. “I study arts. I kinda have to.” She grinned as she looked back at Wanda.

“Can I see?” Y/n smiled as she handed the iPad. Wanda gasped softly as she smiled. “This is beautiful…uh…” she looked back at y/n as she chuckled. “I don’t think I caught your name.”

“Y/n…y/n y/l/n.” She smiled as she extended her hand for Wanda to take.

“Nice to meet you.” Wanda smiled.

_______________

There was not a single minute where y/n didn’t think about Wanda. Hours and hours talking, completely ignoring the fact that she had missed her two last classes of the day just because she wanted to stay with that beautiful green eyed. After exchanging numbers, Wanda had left, and y/n noticed Wanda had left her wallet just beside y/n’s coffee. She didn’t know if she was happy or worried that it had happened, but the moment she got a text from Wanda the next day, she knew for sure she was happy.

Witchy: please tell me u have my wallet and I didn’t give anyone free pass of it…

y/n: oh, why? U got a thousand dollars there?

Witchy: more like $5, is it enough for something?

y/n: could def buy myself a coffee ;)

Witchy: go ahead then, all yours :)

y/n: is there a place I can meet u, so I give it back? Without the $5 of course

Witchy: ahaha what if I take with me another $5 and we meet at that coffee again? Need to try that sandwich u had

y/n: sounds just perfect. 2 pm tomorrow?

Witchy: see you then!!

And suddenly, the sandwich became Wanda’s favorite food, or maybe the girl became her favorite person ever.

The following days, Wanda would wait y/n in the same table, at the same hour. It was now a routine for both of them. It wasn’t long after everyone at the compound heard about the new mysterious girl, and they had invited her over for a party. Pietro was happy that after all, Wanda was finally able to have a genuine smile on her face.

_______________

It wasn’t Wanda’s first time in y/n’s dorm, but after weeks of knowing each other, this time it felt so much different. Her eyes couldn’t leave y/n, she kept trying to concentrate on the guitar, but it was almost impossible, but she didn’t feel too guilty about it because time to time, she noticed y/n staring at her too. Wanda smiled as she played the guitar and y/n looked up from her drawing.

“I’m bored.” Y/n sighed.

“Hello bored, I’m Wanda.” Wanda grinned.

Y/n playfully rolled her eyes. “Thanks, Wanda.” She looked at the TV that was forgotten for a moment. She had entirely forgotten what they had been watching, but now the news plays on the screen, and y/n’s heart stopped for a moment as the details of a new virus were now all over the world. She looked back at Wanda then.

“You know…there’s a rumor going around that at the end of this semester, we are going to be studying from home…” y/n looked down at her hands. “They won’t let us stay in our dorms.”

Wanda looked up. “Is it because of the virus?”

Y/n nodded. “It’s spreading fast. The scholarship helps me with school, and I’m running out of savings.”

Wanda nodded. “We will find a way for you to stay here.”

Y/n shrugged. “Maybe…” she chuckled as she looked back at her iPad.

“How’s the drawing going?”

Y/n looked up and smiled. “It’s going great.”

“Can I see?” Wanda smiled.

“I uh…um…” she cleared her throat. “I just-“

“It’s okay if you don’t want to.”

“When it’s done.” Y/n looked at Wanda and smiled.

Wanda nodded. “Sounds perfect.” She then continued with the guitar.

Y/n stared at her for a while, putting her iPad away and sat on her bed, tilting her head. “You play beautifully.”

“It’s nothing…just…some chords I remember from YouTube. And it comes included with having powers.” Wanda chuckled.

Y/n chuckled. “Right.” She sighed happily as she stared at her. “Wanda…”

“Yeah?” Wanda looked at her.

Y/n chewed on her lip nervously. “Can I kiss you?”

Wanda smiled widely, putting down the guitar carefully. “Yes.”

Y/n smiled as she stood up and walked to Wanda. She sat down beside her on the couch, she placed her hands carefully on Wanda’s neck and brought her closer to her, finally connecting their lips together. Both girls smiled softly, chuckling as the smile stopped them from kissing, but they weren’t even mad about it, not being able to help it. Wanda pulled her closer until y/n was on her lap, Wanda wrapping her arms around her waist and hugging her tightly as she kissed her.

“Is this even real?” Y/n asked against Wanda’s lips, her hands running through Wanda’s hair.

Wanda nodded. “I believe so.” She chuckled. “Is it…too soon to ask you to move in…with me? To the compound?”

Y/n furrowed her brows. “You mean-“

“I-I just…like…not to my room of c-course. I can…ask Stark to give you a room and then you can just-“

“I like the sound of that.” Y/n smiled. “Room or not, I think I’d still go to you every night if it means I’ll have you close to me.”

Wanda giggled. “Yes. I want that.” She pecked her lips softly. “I’ll talk to them today.”

Y/n smiled. “Thank you.”

_______________

Two whole months went by since the pandemic had started officially, it seemed like the whole world, the whole universe had stopped. Everything had been calm inside the compound, the whole routine had changed for them, but they had to admit it was good to not have to fight aliens, or crazy people every single day. Everyone seemed to be safe for now.

Wanda and y/n became much closer, making their relationship official, being together every single moment of the day -yes, even when y/n was in class, Wanda was right beside her.-. Y/n’s favorite thing to do, was watching Wanda train every day. Little by little, Wanda became more in control of her powers, and she loved watching that smile of proudness in Wanda.

But things were still happening in the outside world. She was even more stressed than she was before, she knew no one was immortal here, she had come to care about everyone who had decided to stay here. But mostly, she was scared to lose Wanda; she had come to find that her lack of happiness, was that she was alone in the big city, and the moment she met Wanda, she finally felt complete.

Wanda stretched as she finished her routine, turning her head to find y/n staring at her and then putting her focus back on her notebook. Wanda smiled as she found it cute, how she was always around Wanda and her journal went everywhere with her. She had found it funny how she had met her with an iPad, and she was now carrying a notebook around. Wanda slowly made her way to her, not even making the effort to be quiet as she noticed y/n had all her attention on the notebook.

“Detka…can I ask why you always have that around you?” Wanda grinned as she knelt in front of y/n.

Y/n looked up at Wanda and blushed. “Well…it’s my journal.” She laughed nervously. “I just…feel better having it with me.”

Wanda nodded. “That’s cute.” She smiled as she leaned in to kiss her forehead. “C’mon. I need to take a shower.” She stood up and proceeded to help y/n.

“Yes, you need it.” Y/n laughed as she wrapped her arm around Wanda’s waist.

“Mean.” Wanda chuckled as they started walking to the door. “Why you always sit on the floor?”

“It’s cold and comfy.” Y/n looked at Wanda as she smiled.

_______________

Y/n had been laying in the same position for the last few hours. She looked at Wanda and smiled, she looked so in peace and her breathing was the only thing that helped y/n stay calm and not panic. Her mind was filled with many thoughts, she had been trying to sleep but an impossible headache had taken over her, and it was impossible to even move.

She felt Wanda moving, which made her look up at Wanda again, smile forming on her lips. “Are you awake?” Y/n whispered softly.

“Yeah…I can feel someone staring at me and her thoughts are a little louder.” Wanda smiled as she opened her eyes and looked down at y/n. “What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours?”

Y/n looked away as she laid her head on Wanda’s chest again. “I think the whole pandemic caused me anxiety.”

“It’s understandable. It’s a scary world.” Wanda played with y/n’s hair as she kissed her forehead. “But I’m here to protect you.”

Y/n smiled. “I know…but I’m still afraid.”

“I know.” Wanda sighed. “How long have you been getting these headaches?”

Y/n looked up at Wanda. “I- not for long. I think it’s the anxiety.”

“Are you sure? I can call Bruce.”

“I’m okay.” Y/n smiled. “I just want all of this to be over.”

“It will. At some point.” Wanda smiled. “We can travel then.”

“Travel?” Y/n chuckled. “You want to travel with me?”

“Of course. We can go anywhere…we can…make more memories for your journal. Not only the boring adventures we have here.” Wanda laughed.

Y/n laughed as she shrugged. “Meeting you was a new adventure.” She smiled. “I’m just glad the world is calm and…you get to stay with me.”

Wanda nodded. “You said it yourself. I’m powerful, I can take care of myself.”

Y/n nodded. “Yes. But I want to be selfish and keep you to myself.” Y/n leaned in and kissed Wanda softly.

“You have me.” Wanda kissed her lips again. “C’mon. Let’s get some sleep.” She hugged y/n tighter as she kissed her forehead. “I love you.”

“I love you more.”

_______________

Wanda moved from her current position as she tried to find the right spot to go back asleep, but the moment she didn’t feel y/n, she opened her eyes and looked around the bed and then around the room. She sighed as she noticed a small light on their desk, and her lover sitting right there.

Wanda sat down on the bed and rubbed her eyes, she was too sleepy to walk all the way to the desk, so she stared at her for a moment trying to find the right words to say; she didn’t want an argument or anything.

“Love? What time is it?”

Y/n turned to looked at the clock as she heard Wanda’s voice. “Fuck.” She whispered softly. “4:30 am.”

“Why are you up?”

Y/n sighed as she placed her hands on her head. “I uh…have to turn in a project. For work.”

Wanda sighed as she stood up and walked to y/n. “Detka…you’ve been working with them for 3 months…is it necessary? all this stress? You need to sleep.”

“I need to finish it before tomorrow.” She then looked at the clock. “Well…in 6 hours.”

Wanda massaged y/n’s shoulders and kissed the top of her head. “You’re already ahead. And you need sleep. You haven’t been feeling well.”

“And you think I’m sick?”

“I’m not sure if sick but…it’s definitely not common. Your headaches, the breathing-“

“Anxiety attacks. Nothing to worry about.”

Wanda turned the chair so y/n could look at her as she raised her brow. “I worry, because I love you.”

Y/n looked up at Wanda and nodded. “I’m fine I just…I guess it is stress.”

Wanda tilted her head. “Really?”

“Well…the breathing…”

“I know. I will call Bruce.”

“Wan, I-“

“I don’t want a no for an answer. If you won’t take care of yourself, I will.”

Y/n smiled softly. “Okay.”

Wanda smiled as she kissed her forehead. “Good girl.”

_______________

“Are you saying-“

“She’s positive. We don’t have to take her to a hospital but…she needs to be in quarantine. You should get tested too.” Bruce took off his glasses and looked at Wanda. “She’s not okay. Not…delicate but…we should’ve started treatment days ago.”

“I know I just…she kept saying it was stress and anxiety, and-“ Wanda sighed as she felt tears in her eyes. “She’ll be okay, right?”

Bruce nodded. “We’ll take care of her. I’ll stay.”

Wanda nodded. “Thanks.”

Wanda closed her door and got her phone out as she walked to the bed. The room didn’t feel the same anymore, some of y/n’s things were gone now, since they had moved her to a new room. Natasha joked and said it was the lonely room starting from now, since none of the had gotten the virus. Steve was the one who went in and helped Bruce check on y/n, since they both had said they didn’t want anyone else to get it.

Wanda felt lonely and devastated, she didn’t think y/n would be able to get the virus. She was sure she had gotten it in that stupid meeting that they made obligatory, where else could she get it from? But that didn’t matter anymore, she was sick, and they were apart…

Wanda waited for y/n to answer the videocall, trying to contain her tears just by the thought of her being alone and sick. She smiled the moment y/n appeared on the screen, feeling her heart beating fast.

“Hey, pretty girl.”

“Hey witchy.” Y/n smiled softly. “How are you?”

Wanda chuckled as she tried to hold back her tears. “I should be asking you that.”

“I’m fine. Full of meds.” Y/n chuckled but was interrupted with coughing. “Sorry…I’ve had this cough since I was locked here.”

Wanda nodded. “I know. Bruce told me he had you with oxygen too.”

Y/n nodded. “Kinda low. I needed it. But no intubation until now. And…” she coughed. “…only a few more days.”

Wanda sniffled as she nodded. “I can’t wait.”

Y/n smiled sadly. “I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you.”

“None of that. Forget it. You’ll be okay.” Wanda let some of her tears roll down her cheeks. She licked her lips slowly as she tried to stop the sobs. “We’ll get over this. We’ll be able to go out. Travel. So you can continue your journal.” Wanda smiled sadly.

“Yes.” Y/n smiled. “We will.”

“Have you been able to draw?”

Y/n nodded. “From my memories…yes.” She smiled. “I love you.”

Wanda furrowed her brows but smiled. “I love you more.”

“You know…” y/n stared at the screen for a moment and re-thought her words, not wanting to make Wanda sadder. “I miss your cuddles.”

Wanda giggled. “I miss hugging you and kissing you.” She smiled. “I can’t wait to do that.”

“I assume you tested negative.”

“I did. I’ll still get tested again after you finish quarantine.”

“I’m glad you didn’t get it. With that steamy contact we had a few days ago.” Y/n smirked.

Wanda laughed. “You’re an idiot.” She stared at the screen as she smiled. “My idiot.”

Y/n smiled. “Your idiot.”

_______________

“Are you sure?”

Bruce nodded. “Apparently. The doctor said after 10 days the virus was gone. Her cough is not entirely gone, but she’s no longer contagious.”

Wanda smiled. “Thank you, Bruce.”

Bruce nodded. “She’s getting a shower, but after that…all yours.” He chuckled as he walked out the room.

Wanda couldn’t help but smile even bigger at the news. She was finally going to be able to see her lover, not on a screen anymore; touch her, kiss her, hug her. She knew y/n still needed to rest, but she couldn’t be any happier. Wanda waited patiently on their room, looking at the door as her leg bounced.

The moment the door opened, Wanda jumped from the bed and into y/n’s arms, hugging her tightly. Y/n laughed as she wrapped her arms around the brunette, burying her face on Wanda’s neck. Wanda cried out of happiness as she held y/n, kissing her head, and feeling relieved.

“I missed you.” Wanda cried out.

“I missed you too.” Y/n smiled as she pulled away, gasping as she felt Wanda’s lips on hers. “Baby, I-“

“He said you’re not contagious. I just wanted to kiss you.” Wanda chuckled.

For the rest of the day, both girls stayed in their room cuddling and enjoying each other’s company, something they had been wanting for the last few days. It has been almost 2 whole years of both of them being together, and 15 days had been the longest time they had been apart from each other.

Every single night, Wanda stared at y/n and made sure she was okay. She kept checking for headaches, fever, anything. She knew she still had medicine, but she was still worried that y/n’s coughing was not gone. But she trusted Bruce…she was okay.

_______________

Another month went by, time going faster than they ever expected. Wanda had been working on a bucket list for both of them to accomplish as soon as the pandemic was over. She didn’t mean to keep y/n locked but she was truly afraid for her to go out, so she had said that if she needed to control her bosses’ minds, she would definitely do it.

It was around 3 am when Wanda felt a lot of moving on the bed. She thought she was dreaming until she felt y/n hitting the bed, she rapidly turned around and noticed y/n had a hard time breathing. Panic washed over her as she wasn’t sure what to do, she didn’t know when she had started screaming or how badly she was calling for help, but not even 10 seconds later, Steve, Bruce, Pietro, and Natasha were at the door.

Wanda tried to grab y/n but Natasha and Pietro kept pulling her back so Bruce could work on her. Wanda’s whole world stopped, she swore she could hear voices, but she didn’t understand what they were saying. She again started screaming when Steve carried y/n out of the room. She was unconscious…she was…

“Wanda…”

Wanda opened her eyes and looked around the room. It had been a nightmare? She turned to her side and found it empty, making her heart shutter. She then looked back at Pietro, and she felt her eyes getting teary.

“Where is…what happened?”

Pietro sat down beside Wanda, and he sighed. “Apparently covid affected her lungs badly. They found clots on her lungs and…they were spreading.”

“Were?” Wanda asked scared.

“There’s nothing they can do.” Pietro looked down at his hands. “She has a machine that helps her breath. Her heart can stop any moment.”

Wanda felt her soul leave her body at the words, shocking her head rapidly. “This can’t…no. Pietro-“

“Go to her, Wanda.” Pietro looked at her.

Wanda didn’t waste another second and ran out of her room. She didn’t even need him to tell her where she was…she could feel her…barely. As soon as she arrived to the room, her whole world stopped as she stared at her. Wanda sobbed softly, shocking her head. Y/n turned to the door slowly, offering a sad smile.

“Witchy…”

Wanda walked to her and sat on the chair beside her bed. “Y/n…”

“I’m so sorry. I-“ Y/n coughed. “I c-couldn’t…stay…l-longer.”

Wanda shook her head. “No…don’t apologize. We didn’t know…”

Y/n nodded. “I w-wanted to…s-stay.”

“You’re here. And I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.” Wanda sobbed as she held y/n’s hand. “I love you. Oh, y/n. I love you so much.” She kissed her hand repeatedly.

Y/n smiled through her tears. “I love…you m-more. Please…forgi-forgive me.”

Wanda nodded. “I do. I forgive you, you did nothing wrong. You were nothing but sweet to me, you gave me love…you were always here. I’ll always love you.”

Y/n smiled. “Me too…” She turned her head slowly and pointed to the small table. “Would…would y-you…keep it s-safe?”

Wanda turned to the small table and smiled as she saw the journal. “I promise.”

Y/n smiled. “Thank you…f-for…everything.”

Wanda laid beside y/n, carefully moving closer to her, and wrapping their hands together. She kissed her over and over, all around her face as she cried.

7 hours. It lasted 7 hours. 7 hours until her heart had stopped entirely. Wanda had stayed with her and never left her side. She didn’t want to let go. She tried to read her mind, but it was blank…she was gone. She couldn’t feel her anymore. Her lover…had left.

She seemed neutral the next day, they had prepared a small ceremony just between them, in the back of the compound. She had tried to stay calm, not saying a word, not letting anyone come close to her. When she finally had the moment to be on her own, she finally had the courage to look at y/n’s journal. She carefully and slowly opened it, smiling at the beautiful drawings. She had only seen y/n using her iPad until she found out about this journal.

She remembered she had once joked about how she had gone back to the old ways and had gotten rid of the technology; y/n had only laughed. Her heart stopped as the next pages were drawings of her; sitting, smiling, laughing, training, sleeping. But then…she got to the most beautiful part; drawings of many of their times together. Memories they had made together in all this time. They were perfect.

Wanda sobbed as she kept looking at them, finally getting to the last part, which was them on a videocall, and then them cuddling, but…it was an unfished drawing. Her heart shutter as she noticed, and then her eyes laid on a small note.

Beautiful witchy,

I wasn’t able to say this when I was with you, and I know I’ll regret it, but in case I’m not able to ever do it, I am writing this note. I love you, more than words can explain. You were that part of me that I needed to feel complete; the moment I met you, I knew you would be the reason of my smile, of my laugh, of my happiness…I knew you would be my whole world.

I am so sorry I didn’t listen to you. I am so sorry that we never got to do all the thing we said we would do. I hate the thought of leaving you, and if that’s the case, I hope you can forgive me.

I’ll be with you everywhere you go. I know you like to write, not always, but you have a pretty handwriting…so continue this journal for me. Live. Love. Don’t stop yourself from growing. The world will soon need their heroes again, and you are the most powerful, so please. Keep. Going.

You are the love of my life, and I will always be grateful for the memories, the love, and the time you gave me. It was the best part of my life. You were the best thing that could’ve ever happened to me. I love you to the moon and back.

Forever yours, your idiot.

Wanda breathed heavily as she read over and over the note. She didn’t know where or how she started running, she could hear people calling for her, but she ignored everyone. She ran through the woods, away from everyone. The journal had been the only thing she had taken with her, the only thing that mattered.

She kept running until she tripped and fall on her knees, breathing heavily. She sobbed loudly as she hugged the journal, feeling a pressure on her chest that grew each moment she cried. She finally let herself scream, a red blast surrounding her, making a big hole around her where there were once trees.

Her eyes were now red, that pressure was still inside her, but she felt tired, she was exhausted. Did she do this? Most likely, but she didn’t care. She hugged the journal tighter, sobbing.

“Crying won’t bring her back.”

Wanda slowly looked behind her, her eyes turning red the moment she saw a figure behind her. “Who are you?”

“The name’s Agatha Harkness. Nice to meet you, dear. I finally found you.” Agatha smirked as she walked to her.

“Found me?”

“There’s a lot we need to discuss, but first…” Agatha knelt in front of her. “Crying won’t do anything, hun. I have a better solution for you.” Wanda furrowed her brows. “I can teach you…and tell you all you need to know.”

Wanda tilted her head as she stared at Agatha. “I-“

“Do you want her back?” Agatha raised her brow.

Wanda nodded. “I do.”

“Then come with me. Let’s have a chat.” Agatha stood up and extended her hand to help Wanda.

Wanda looked at the journal for a moment and took a deep breathe. She looked back at Agatha and grabbed her hand, standing up slowly. She would keep going. She swore she would. Anything for her lover.

[miutonium]

I can't sleep because i am lowkey nervous about tomorrow but also I just want to show yall basically my art progress (in terms of rendering) in the spam of 1 year contracting Utonium brainrot hhhh it's so surreal to see how different both of them looked like ahaha

(for guide, first pic to last, 1st week july 2021>3rd week july 2021>21st Nov 2021>9th Apr 2022)

Also witness me talking about each journey of my progress undercut lol

I cAN TOTALLY EXPLAIN THE FIRST 2 PICS. The first one is exactly from a year ago when my brainrot just started and I was like "well fuck I guess I have a new f/o now". If you ever see or feel familiar about the first art even though you prooooobably never see it,

its because it was an original picture for this redraw a few months AFTER that pic

Also if you notice, the art style for that one is totally different from others and shhh the reason it was like that is because initially I want to draw them in my actual artstyle around that time and I dont want it to follow the same artstyle like in the show. My friend said Utonium kinda reminds them of that guy from clo.udy wi th a ch.ance of meatb.alls and im like "oH SHITTT". There's more drawings of Utonium pre-brainrot era with this kind of artstyle in my folder but I don't think the world is ready for that yet lol

Anyway as I progresses to the 2nd pic, I changed my mind and was like "wait I actually WANT them to look like they're in PPG and not my own artstyle" so I slowly draw both of them to look more like the ppg style if you understand what I mean??? Althoughhhh in the 2nd pic I still want him to look a bit like my own style with my own touch and despite how much I don't like the reboot, I actually like his gray hair on his sideburns??? So if yall remember that phase and followed me from way way in the early days of this blog, I used to draw Utonium with those streaks before I gradually stopped doing that because of.... actually idk why I stopped??? I should totally add the grays back because I love it actually lol but anywayyyyyy the 2nd pic was also around july too me think? So there's probably like a few weeks gap between the actual totally real not clickbait picture of Chloe and Utonium 'together'.

That was how my render looked like for a few months until november (the 3rd pic).

So in the 3rd pic, I discovered this very magical spectacular magnificent function on CSP called t E xt U r e and holy fuck, let me tell you, I feel like I am a changed person. I was never the cringe person with mediocre render like I was, this legit marked a cultural shift in me, I just feel like I've been blessed by god himself. I spammed the fUCK OUTTA THOSE TEXTURES like it was MY BUSINESS. i pAID CSP FOR FULL PRICE I HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO USE IT TO ITS FULL CAPABILITIES AND SQUEEZE IT OUT OF ALL IT'S WORTH. Although I must say, my render time after that significantly increases. By standard I used to render around 3 hours? Now this bitch took 6 fuckin hours to completely. It wasn't a daijobu era ngl 😔😔😔

And holy fuck do I have a fuckin field day with it. You think I was a changed man back then? I have ascended, I am now r e b o r n. My friends feared my, my peers stared at me, my teachers are baffled by the amount of brainrot I drew at that time. How am I real?

I rendered like that for around 4 months until I discovered something even more cooler:

B L E N D I N G M O D E

Okay jk but hhh anyway for my current render; it's kinda more like an accidental discovery? I wanted to look for ways to cut render time because it was really tiring for me to render with a fuckton of texture layers and I also wanted to emulate my fav artist's render style soooo bad (it was luoman if anyone asked) and I kinda figured out how they did it? I mean they still do it better but like I was really inspired to be like them and lemme tell you, I cried for 3 days 3 nights unpaid vacation time when I figured it out. I wasn't kidding when I say I feel like I am a new person. I am quite pessimistic tbh, I'm insecure about my art but like this is the first time in like 3 years ever I feel like I did a major progress and I feel really good.

Why did I made this post? I actually dont feel good about myself, maybe because I am nervous about my test tomorrow and I just need a quick mood boost from myself. I don't believe I did any progress. But now, after typing all of my thoughts at 3 am, after I just put art phases of my braunrot together, kinda believe I actually did progress and I am proud of myself ;w;

[chanswavyhair]

eldarya boys accidentally reading your diary

warning. none ??(?)??? some cursing and gender neutral reader

ft. ezarel, leiftan, nevra, valkyon

genre. pure fluff i’m so fucking corny

— EZAREL.

you were up most part of the night, studying alchemy. it was hard for you, and sometimes you would spend too much time trying to get a potion right, letting the time pass by.

the morning came, and you organised your notebooks and books. but… something was missing.

“no, no, no, this can’t… anything but that notebook, please…” you kept looking, more and more rushed.

you accepted the fact that your diary was missing, and that you probably left it at the alchemy lab… and you hoped to heaven that anyone but ezarel had found it.

when you arrived, he was already working, but more than serious and focused… he looked amused.

“morning, miss! such a good day, isn’t it?” he said, stopping what he was doing, just to look at you.

“uhm… yeah… morning, ezarel. why do you look so happy…?” you asked, crossing your fingers. you couldn’t have such bad luck, could y…?

“i found something really funny today! a notebook, opened and dated lastly from yesterday. ah, i can remember… “why do i have to like ezarel so much?” “how can he be so annoyingly cute?” i wonder what dummy would write something like that…” he said, you swallowed hard. for god’s sake, you wanted to disappear right away.

“ah..ahaha… i don’t know… i couldn’t possibly know…” you said, trying to look natural – which you didn’t achieve.

“mmhm… do you happen to know this writing?” he said, reaching you, closer than usual. “doesn’t it look like a silly human’s writing?” he said way too close to your ear.

you stuttered. “i don’t… i don’t know what you’re talking about…”

but he chuckled. “you’re a really bad liar…” and with an amused face, he kissed you, holding your chin and placing his other hand on your waist.

— LEIFTAN. 

you had him running through your mind again. you were trying to pay attention to the history of eldarya class, but all your notes where actually the name of “leiftan” all over the paper, decorated with some hearts and even an attempt of a drawing of him.

the professor finished the class, and with your hands on the clouds, you decided to go for a walk through the HQ. you played with some flowers, when you suddenly bumped into someone’s chest.

and of course... that someone couldn’t be anyone but your dear leiftan. your thinds dropped to the floor, and before you could reach for your notebook, he was already standing there, your notebook opened right at the last written page...

“that- that’s not mine.” you blurted out.

“it’s... it’s your handwriting...” he babbled.

“it’s... it’s your imagination... it’s... not real... I HAVE TO GO-” you tried to to escape, but he trapped you in his arms.

“wait! would it be your handwriting if i said that i liked you just as much to write your name and draw hearts around?” he said,smiling sheepishly, and his cheeks blushing.

“well, then... then it could... it could maybe be my handwriting...” you shyly said covering your face, just for him to carry you in his arms, laughing and kissing your lips softly.

— NEVRA.

the vampire frowned his brow, looking at the notebook on his desk. his sister, karenn, talking more than he’d prefer to listen.

“nevra! it’s your opportunity! you can tell them you found it, and depending on their reaction you’ll know if it talks about you” she said, encouraging his brother to return the diary to its owner.

“but why me! you could return it, and i’ll do like i know nothing” he didn’t want to be involved with the notebook, and he didn’t want to be tempted to open it. he took it, trying to give it to his sister, but she removed her hands, letting it fall, and opening on a page with a relly well drawn picture of him, with the caption ‘the love and passion in his gaze... that’s how i feel when he’s by my said’.

nevra covered his mouth with his hand, in shook, feeling his heartbeat in his throat.

“fuck it... i’m in love too.” he mumbled, taking the notebook and looking for you through all the HQ. when he found you, you were training alone in the garden, jamon had left since it was already getting dark, and he had more things to do.

“oh, hey nevra! how’s been your day?” a really bright smile on y.ur face, just because of his presence.

“it was... boring, without you.” he said, since you haven’t met him on the whole day. you laughed softly, used to his flirty words. “this is important, okay? listen carefully. before i say nothing, it was an accident.” you frowned your brow, confused. “well- in any case, it’s karenn’s fault.” his hand caressed your cheek, when he said, “the way i look at you... it’s just with love and passion you descripted in my gaze. that’s the way i look at you, if not stronger...”

you were speechless, and blushing really hard. “oh god, i- i can’t believe you saw that.” he didn’t let you hide your face, instead, he smiled, leaning in for the so awaited kiss.

— VALKYON.

since you decided to take your job as part of the guard of eel more seriously, you have kept a diary. in said diary, you would write about your day, your missions, the things you learnt, the people you met, your feelings about being there as the days passed by…

but going through it now, it seemed like someone was wrong. a major part of the last pages… on the last month, the main topic was valkyon. the things you two shared and did together, your missions, and what you eventually learnt about him.

and it was… kinda corny too. that’s why you felt the need to start to be more… discrete about it.

going back with what was happening, valkyon and you were working on the strategy of your next mission, so you were taking notes of it. you went to the bathroom, then realising you had left said diary, alone, with him. so you rushed back to your little reunion, but… it was kind of late.

when you arrived, you saw him, his cheeks reddened. “i’m… i’m really sorry, i didn’t mean to break your privacy, i was trying to look for what we had first, and…”

although you were embarrassed, you shook your head. “hey, valkyon… it’s okay, just… forget about it, please… i’m sorry, but i’d prefer to finish this another time, i hope you understand…” you said, starting to feel a knot on your throat, and you heart aching.

“but…!” he said, although you didn’t try to listen to him. that’s way he went after you, holding your arm. “i’m sorry i found it by mistake… but i never said i didn’t feel the same, if that cheers you up.” he said with a smile. you swallowed, looking into his eyes, he wouldn’t joke around with your feelings.

“i didn’t mean to make you feel bad… let me make it up, please.” he kindly said, kissing the corner of your mouth, just for you to kiss back his lips, caressing his hair and feeling your chest warm.

[shoichee]

Hi, congrats on 100!! Could I please request 27 for Kasamatsu? Thank you very much, and good luck on your finals! :D

Kasamatsu x Reader

27. “If we get caught I’m blaming you”

Word Count: 4416

prompt list here

Note: the Replace novel starring the Kaijō team was a HUGE inspiration for this, and dear anon who requested this, I hope you’re still around;; I’m sorry it took so long EEEEE But yes! I did okay on my finals anon! I hope you’re doing well too~

@knb-kreations

»»—————　☼　—————««

“If we get caught, I’m blaming you.”

“Look it’ll be quick… n-no one’s here as far as I know.”

“B-But…”

“J-Just… be quiet for a s-second, okay?”

“H-H-Huh?! Ah…”

Huh? Kise stopped himself before leaning closer to the edge of the building, slightly doubting his ears. Wasn’t that Senpai’s voice? With someone else…? Alone?

“Oh come on, why are you even block the wa—oh, ohhhhhh, are there any cute girls nearby?—”

“Shh,” Kise hissed, harshly waving his hand over Moriyama’s face to give a signal to stay quiet. “Listen…”

“A-Are you done, Kasamatsu-san…?”

“I-I-I… uh, just…um…”

Kise and Moriyama shared a look of shock… then registration… and finally a look of that spelled nothing but trouble. Immediately, they both simultaneously crouched to squat and share their “realizations” together in hushed whispers.

“Quick—when was the last time Senpai talked to anyone outside of basketball?”

“Hmmmmmm, certainly none of the girls I’ve tried to approach.”

“No, that’s obviously not what I meant!” Kise said, facepalming. “Anyone in your year that he’s been talking to? Maybe anyone in class?” Moriyama continued to hum in deep concentration before he lifted his index finger in a “eureka” moment.

“He’s been talking to (y/n)-san in the hallways recently!” he quietly exclaims, pounding his fist against his open palm to emphasize. “Though their conversations have sounded nothing remotely romantic. No charm, I say.” He struck a pose after to imply that he himself was the charismatic individual.

“.... Right,” he deadpanned, expecting nothing less from his quite… eccentric upperclassman. “Welp, now that we narrowed it down who he might be talking to, I don’t wanna spy on them… but I’m really curious if it’s really this (y/n)-san you mentioned.”

“Well,” Moriyama pouted with a grumble. “One peek wouldn’t hurt.”

“I guess you’re right…”

Kise cautiously scans his surroundings and gauges the situation “clear” to slowly peer from behind the corner of the building, where both of them had been seeking shelter from for the past several minutes. Moriyama follows suit, poking his head out just underneath Kise to see.

Kasamatsu’s back mostly covered your figure, but the view of what was happening did not slip by either Kaijō players’ eyes. He had his arms partially around your head while you were pressed up against his chest. You were gripping onto his loose blazer on his sides to presumably stabilize yourself while Kasamatsu was… fiddling with something on top of your hair? Even so, there’s no denying that the both of you were currently very, very physically close.

“Look… d-does it really take that long to take out petals from hair strands?” you mumbled, looking up at Kasamatsu’s face while trying not to move your head to avoid disrupting his “handiwork.” “I can do this myself....”

“W-W-Well, you can’t risk yourself being unkempt when you go back to class.” Kasamatsu gave a poor attempt at trying to lecture you, judging from his stammers and the way he slightly turns his head to the side to avoid your curious scrutiny. “It’s more thorough this… way. It’s the w-week where these blossoms fall rampantly… you have to be careful where you’re walking under…” In turning his face slightly towards Kise’s and Moriyama’s direction, his exposed flushed face puts the cherry blossom trees around them to shame.

So that’s what he was doing. Kise narrowed his eyes in pity at his captain, and Moriyama expressed a similar expression at Kasamatsu’s struggles. The poor captain’s hands were shaking non-stop. Not only that, he’s been darting his eyes everywhere since you’ve been gazing up at him from below. No wonder he’s been standing there unable to quickly pluck off the petals.

“Should we leave our captain alone to let him lead his own destiny?”

“What are you even talking about, Moriyama-se—”

“W-Whoa!! What a(l)e you [guys doing] he(l)e? Why a(l)e you sneaking a(l)ound (r)ike that?”

Kise and Moriyama instantly whip their heads behind in a panic, seeing a curious Hayakawa jogging up to be with his teammates, and the both instantly pounce on the poor rebound player to slap desperate hands over his mouth.

“Sh-Shhhhhhhhh!”

“Mrmpgh—?!! Lef—What [is going] on?”

“Hayakawa-senpai, please—just be quiet for a sec!”

The ruckus causes Kasamatsu and you to break out of the oddly intimate moment to face towards the direction of the sudden noises. After looking at each other questionably, albeit briefly and with stiff eye contact, there was an unspoken consensus for you two to investigate behind the corner of the building. Imagine both of you guys’ surprise when you two see a tangle of limbs between the Kaijō starter players. Kobori somehow arrived prior, separating poor Hayakawa from his two assailants.

“What… What the hell are you guys doing?!”

“Kasamatsu-senpai!! Is it t(l)ue [that you] and (y/n)-san a(l)e da—mrmf—!”

“Ahaha… we didn’t expect to see you here, Senpai~” Kise smiles with a slight grimace, hand still firm on Hayakawa’s mouth.

“It must be fate, yes surely!” Moriyama confidently speaks, flipping his fringe. Both Kise and Moriyama drop Hayakawa and straighten themselves up. “How else would we encounter such a situation as unique as this?”

“Why are you all here?” Kasamatsu sputters indignantly, but everyone (except you) saw how horrendously red his face was. You peek out from behind his back curiously, noting how Kasamatsu did a 180 in his personality compared to whenever he spoke with you.

“Kasamatsu-san… are they your teammates? You seem very close with them.”

“That’s—”

“Now, now, Kasamatsu-san… we’re only here because we were concerned where you went is all,” Kobori reassures a flustered captain. Kise only stares at him incredulously, but it seems that Kasamatsu, as usual, buys into Kobori’s naivete.

“I see…”

“Wow… the fact that your entire group came to look for you is very sweet of them,” you chime. “They really care for you, Kasamatsu-san…” When you elbow him at his ribs playfully, he immediately straightened himself like a plank.

“N-Nn.”

“Well… it’s almost time for class, so I have to go, see you all!”

“W-Wait, your… uh, hair, um—”

“I can get out the rest of the petals in the restroom, but thank you for trying! I’ll see you later!”

“R-Right…” He puts up his hand in a shy wave as you dash away, but he immediately drops it once you are out of the vicinity to hound on his teammates. “Were you watching this entire time? And stop with the looks—that’s creepy as hell!”

“Sooooooo…”

“Senpai, could it be that you and…”

“Kasamatsu-senpai! I’m (l)ooting fo(l) you!”

“N-N-No!!” he denies, ready to hold an iron fist to stop their antics, but Kobori gently holds onto his raised arm.

“Alright, let’s calm down a bit,” Kobori reasons with a placid smile. “I’m sure we’re all a bit curious because you hardly talk to anyone outside of basketball, right?”

“Kobori…”

“Have you heard of the prerequisites of the key elements of the blooming spring, Kasamatsu?” Moriyama asks, immediately drawing confused looks towards the 3rd-year.

“Moriyama-senpai, we have no clue what you’re talking about,” Kise says, asking the question that’s occupying everyone's mind.

“The key elements…! In the season of new birth, to enrich the experience, they are ‘hanami,’ ‘plums,’ and ‘spring cleaning!’ Of course, the prerequisite to these would be…”

“Please stop—”

“... to have a cute date.”

“... This is ridiculous,” Kasamatsu says irritatedly. “I’m going to class.” He immediately speed-walks to the adjacent building, leaving a scheming group behind.

“You know, if it’s true that he does like (y/n)-san, shouldn’t we help him? It’s the least we can do for our captain,” Kobori suggested.

“That sounds too troublesome,” Kise frowns, averting his gaze to also start to walk away, but Hayakawa immediately latches to his arm to pull him back.

“Don’t be (r)ike that! We have to do this as a team effo(l)t!”

“How did it become like this?!”

“Well…” Moriyama audibly ponders, stroking his chin. “If we make this successful for Kasamatsu, perhaps this can be a template for our own love lives! A sign that we will meet our fated ones this spring!”

“Yes, yes! Mo(l)iyama-senpai is abso(r)ute(r)y (l)ight!”

Oh god, Kise mentally sighs. What has he gotten himself into?

———

“Why are you guys surrounding me like that? Did you not hear me say that we have to change quickly? We can’t have the lockers for long today, considering that the janitor will come to do their routine clean-ups.”

“According to my online research,” Moriyama states, “this mint-scented deodorant will guarantee mutual attraction from the person you like.”

“Wha—?”

“Ignoring what Moriyama-senpai said,” Kise elaborates, scratching his head. “Is it really true that you like (y/n)-san? Otherwise, they’ll keep getting the wrong idea, senpai.”

Kasamatsu gapes like a fish, pulling his shirt collar as he starts to sweat and flush.

“Kise! Be a bit tactfu(r)! You do not unde(l)stand how to app(l)oach this!”

“What’s there to understand, Hayakawa-senpai!? It’s better to be direct about this, or otherwise we’ll be doing this for nothing!”

“Kise may be right,” Moriyama muses. “To be honest gives a feeling of a fresh start in the spring. Kasamatsu, you should follow this example and leave all the baggage behind to obtain a new start.” Kasamatsu could only stand there glued to his spot as his teammates continued to corner him, blocking any possible route to the locker exit.

“I… I…” he gulps. “Th—... that’s… I… like…” His voice dwindles to the softest whisper, but it easily resonates throughout the locker room, where the team had fallen silent in straining to hear and hang onto his every syllable.

“So you do like (y/n)-san,” Moriyama exclaimed, the first one to break the silence. “I see, I didn’t think they were your type.”

“H-Hey…?! Can you not say it like that!?”

“You can’t distort the truth, though. Anyways, you should chat with (y/n)-san nicely.”

“I already do!!” Kasamatsu half-shouts, but he immediately bows his head down shyly. “Wh-What’s a… good topic, you think… to talk to (y/n)-san…?”

“Huh? Just normal topics,” Kise replies, not sure what Kasamatsu meant by the question.

“What’s… normal?”

“Just talk to them like you’ve always done, senpai.”

“Y-Yes, but… h-how can I talk to hint that I l-l-l-like… never mind this is hopeless—”

“Ask them to come watch ou(l) next match [and have] (y/n)-san chee(l) fo(l) you!!”

“N-No! Anyone would run away from that!”

Their conversation was suddenly interrupted when the locker doors opened with a bang, with a very weary janitor standing with his equipment on standby. With a flurry of apologies to the janitor, Kasamatsu recovers himself and ushers everyone out before bidding him a good evening. Walking out of campus several minutes later in silence, Kobori breaks the silence.

“Why don’t we help you, Kasamatsu? Maybe through different methods you will find the best way to ask for a date. Perhaps asking for a cup of tea would be sufficient…?”

“I’m not gonna involve myself with this! No way in hell!”

“Senpai, so you’re just gonna wait and let it fester—u-uwah?!” Moriyama immediately sprays the mint-scented deodorant down Kise’s back to silence him before turning back to Kasamatsu with a straight face.

“What if someone else steals (y/n)-san away for their own elements of spring? After all, it is the perfect atmosphere for them to communicate with the person you like with pickup techniques, with high chances of success.”

“N-No way (y/n)-san would just go along with a random stranger!”

“Who knows? Maybe they’re more suave and have that particular charisma that they’re secretly weak to.”

“Moriyama-senpai, you might be going too far…”

“Kasamatsu, he’s right though, if you hang around (y/n)-san more, not only would you learn more about them, but you’ll protect them from potential unwanted people.” Kobori’s calm voice rang louder above the clamors of the starter players, and everyone immediately looked to Kasamatsu for his response. Kise mentally sighs at how Kobori always manages to misinterpret Moriyama’s words.

“Fine—but only to make sure (y/n)-san will be safe! Don’t get any funny ideas!”

———

Praise. Make them laugh. Praise. Make them laugh. Say something interesting. Say something interesting. Praise. Use a normal topic.

Kasamatsu stands at his usual spot, waiting for you to leave class and meet up with him after school. Only this time, his hands grow clammy, his thick brows deeply furrowed as he wills himself to stop shaking. His teammates spying on him from behind the hallway corner certainly wasn’t helping him either.

“I told you, there’s no way I’m gonna involve myself with this!”

“Come on, Kasamatsu,” Moriyama sighed, shaking the mint-scented deodorant on hand. “We talked about this yesterday. You agreed to this, remember?”

“It was to make sure no one weird bothers (y/n)-san! Why do I have to go along with this?!”

“So you’re fine if I hold (y/n)-san’s hand in the name of destiny…”

“To hell with that!—argh—you!”

Moriyama immediately sprayed the can on the captain’s neck, watching his spine jolt and jump before he was met with an intense glare.

“You’re the captain, right? Come on, you have to show us how it’s done. We all want to see the ways to push the boundaries of romance. Who would lead us if you don’t?”

“What kinda—”

“I ag(l)ee with Mo(l)iyama-senpai! Take the (r)ead, Kasamatsu-senpai!”

“Wouldn’t Kise be someone better to learn from if you wanted to learn how to hit on people?!”

“Senpai, I’ve never done such a thing in my entire life.”

“Kasamatsu, I’m sure Moriyama is just telling you how much we all admire and look up to you. Naturally, we want to see how our captain fares in these situations. Besides, as a team, if something happens, we’ll be there to cover up for you.”

“Well… if you put it like that Kobori… all I have to do is talk to (y/n)-san… right?”

“That’s the spi(l)it!”

“... Kasamatsu-san? Helloooooo…?”

You wave a hand repeatedly over his face, and he immediately blinks and flinches back when you pull him back to the present. He’d been standing still for the past five minutes.

“I-I-I-I…”

“Are you okay? You’re all tensed up… if something’s bothering you, wanna talk about it?”

“W-W-Well… wh-what’s… up.” Normal topic, normal topic.

“Well, nothing much really,” you say, smoothing out your blazer. “I got out the petals but barely made it to class in the nick of time!” You laugh at your own recollection, and he immediately flames a radiant flush.

“N-nn.”

“Is it me… or is our captain…. really, really stiff right now…”

“Shhh.”

You perk up at the noise and slightly tilt to the left of Kasamatsu to discern the source of the hushed whispers… only to spy a conspicuous group of basketball players. You merely raise a brow at your discovery, but you return your attention back to Kasamatsu before he notices your change in gaze. The Kaijō teammates were too busy shushing each other to notice your attention on them.

“Ah, yes! Kasamatsu-san, you just had your trigonometry test right? Those identities and proofs are always so difficult to remember… how do you think you did?”

“G-Good.”

“Wow, that was too quick of a response! I didn’t know you were that confident about it—obviously not a bad thing if you studied for it.”

“N-nn.” Come on, say something interesting. Interesting topic. Something you like. “U-U-Uh… w-weather…?”

“The weather…?” You look outside the window in confusion before you make a face of realization. “Oh! Like how’s the weather?”

“N-nn.”

“Well, it has been a bit windy with all those branches and leaves flying around, but I think it accompanies the refreshing atmosphere of spring very nicely, don’t you think?” You turn back to face Kasamatsu, who’s been slowly bowing his head down gradually more and more the entire time to avoid scrutiny.

“N-nn.”

“You’ve been… really quiet since lunch. I’m serious, if something happened… is there anything I can do to help?”

“Kasamatsu, take advantage of the elements of spring! The elements of spr—”

“Moriyama-senpai, shut… up…!”

“Hey—what are you—?”

“Wait!! Kise! Don’t push, [or else] we a(l)e gonna fa(r)(r)—!”

“Shit—”

Right on cue, the gradual leaning weight from the three players on Hayakawa at the bottom gave way, and everyone tumbled out smack dab into plain sight. Kobori was the only one who managed to break his fall and stayed behind the corner, holding onto Kise in a failed attempt to stop him from exposing his presence. Kasamatsu breaks out of his shy stupor and turns around to see awkward smiles and chuckles.

“Y-Y-You guys—?!”

“Ahaha… sorry Senpai… the floor was a bit… slippery?”

As Kasamatsu forgets about you in dropkicking Kise, you note how the other upperclassmen had their own little quirks in interacting with the captain. Seeing how assertive and gutsy he was compared to talking with you makes you feel unbelievably warm. Little did anyone know, you held a hand to your face as you turned away to let out a chortle before you collected yourself again.

“Ah, I guess I’ll be going now! Your practice will start soon right? I’m sure your friends were only waiting for you… Well, I’ll see you tomorrow, Kasamatsu-san!”

“W-Wait—” Kasamatsu drops Kise from his collar before he turns to you, but in making eye contact he immediately loses courage again. “I-I-I… s-see… you.”

“Of course!” You give a close-eyed smile before you leave.

“You missed the opportunity to set up the atmosphere,” Moriyama sighs, staring wistfully at the mint-scented deodorant. “Was the mint scent not enough?”

“It was going fine until you crashed in!”

“Now, now, there’s always a next time…”

As the upperclassmen continue to bicker and banter (mostly one-sided from Kasamatsu’s end), Kise, who was dropped on the floor by Kasamatsu moments prior, silently stares at the direction you left. Did you leave because you knew how embarrassed Kasamatsu was from that incident?

———

For the next few days, Kasamatsu has been quite clipped with you, reduced to mere “nn’s” and “no’s” during your conversations, and Kise doesn’t know whether you’re just as oblivious as Kobori or whether you’re ignoring it to spare his remaining shreds of dignity. He mentally sighs at how oddly persistent Moriyama is about this even though the captain refused all of his ridiculous “suggestions” every time.

“I believe Moriyama is trying to help out Kasamatsu as a close friend,” Kobori had said, when Kise grumbled about his tenacity. “He just wants the best for him.”

Even so, Kise still heaves a sigh when he sees Moriyama and Hayakawa with an agitated Kasamatsu, knowing that whatever is going on won’t be smooth-sailing. He had no choice but to join them when Kobori sneaked up on him to sling an arm around his shoulders and called over the trio.

“Huh… what’s up with Kasamatsu-senpai?”

“Ou(l) captain is af(l)aid [because someone] da(l)ed to app(l)oach (y/n)-san (l)ight now!”

“Huh? Is that really a problem?” Kise shoots a tired look at the rebound player, but Moriyama solemnly sends a gaze to where he assumed was where you were at right now.

“I knew my online research would come in handy…! Someone also has the knowledge of taking advantage of the perfect atmosphere! Look at the intimacy shared between the two…! The undeniable auras exhibited by them, and elements of spring they embody together!”

“What the hell! No way!” Even through the denials, Kasamatsu looks visibly distressed about the possible “new revelations” between you and what looks to be a close companion of yours.

“I’m gonna have to agree with Senpai on this one, Moriyama-senpai.”

“(R)ook! They finished ta(r)king and (y/n)-san waved them [off with] a smi(r)e!” Kasamatsu whips his head at the speed of light to see you sending them off with the smile Hayakawa spoke of as your friend exits the campus gate. At his dilemma, Moriyama gently nudges his arm to encourage him to go talk to you.

“... According to my online research, talking under sunny weather with a fresh scent is the formula to having the desirable spring experience.”

“Oh shut up, will ya?” Kasamatsu mumbles half-heartedly, but he slowly walks in your direction before he stops to turn back. “You better not interrupt.”

“We [will be all] the way back he(l)e to suppo(l)t you!”

With a final sigh to expel his nerves, he gives a nervous smile to his teammates before coolly walking until you turn to face him once you hear his footsteps. Almost immediately though, his calmness easily dissipates into thin air once again, and his teammates only look on in dismay and worry from afar.

“Er…” Come on, just be direct. Talk normal.

“Kasamatsu-san?”

“Y-You were… d-datin—I mean t-talking, with… someone…”

“Oh, you saw? Yeah, I asked them to meet up with me here actually.”

“Is… that so?”

“Mmhm, I asked for their notes to compare to mine because I feel like I can’t get a hand on the subject sometimes.” Kasamatsu finally finds his voice for the first time in a while when the conversation finally re-enters familiar platonic territory.

“Was it… trigonometry? I did, um, do well on it last time, so…” Normal topics. Normal topics.

“I know,” you laugh. “You told me that a few days ago, remember?”

“W-W-Well…” He coughs to clear his throat and find his voice. “Y-You could’ve… a-a-asked—er…” You patiently wait for him to try to finish his sentence, and out of the corner of your eye you accidentally made eye contact with Kise from the distance.

Kise didn’t expect for you to notice the group even from a sizable distance away. He stayed still for a few seconds to make sure the shared eye contact wasn’t a fluke. Seeing how Kasamatsu was standing there like a statue again, he puts a flat hand next to his lips to discreetly mouth out:

He’s jealous.

To his surprise, you caught onto his cues, giving a subtle yet playful smile of your own before you carefully mouth out:

I know.

The others don’t seem to notice the secret exchange, all too focused on the poor captain bowing his head down out of extreme shyness. Kise doesn’t even know why he’s doing this, but perhaps Kobori was right that it’s only right for the team to help out their hardworking captain.

“Ah, Kasamatsu-san?”

“N-Nn?” He lifts his head up abruptly at the call of his name, and he turns red from mortification at the realization that he stood there like a dunce for the past several minutes. He doesn’t even have time to react to you stepping closer to him with an outstretched hand, and he stands motionless as you slightly fiddle with his cropped hair before you pull out a vivid cherry blossom petal.

“Remember what you told me?” you muse. “That ‘you can’t risk yourself being unkempt?’ After all, you’re right… it is the week where these blossoms fall rampantly… Must I also remind you to be careful where you’re walking under?”

At this point, Kasamatsu is sputtering like a broken engine, his mind barely functioning enough for him to think about putting a hand over his face in a desperate attempt to cover his frenzy.

“I, um, I…”

“Ah… can I ask you something first instead, Kasamatsu-san?” you gently interrupt him, and he flits his gaze back to you before staring at the ground again, and you took that as silent confirmation. “A-Are… are you free to go cherry blossom watching this weekend…?”

He snaps his head up in shock, only to see you slightly pink after that slight stutter in your question. It was your turn to avoid looking at his face.

“N-nn, I’m-I’m free.”

“Ah, that’s great…!” You muster your own courage to hold his clammy hands at his sides. “Can I ask to confirm if this is a romantic date between us?”

“Y-Yes,” he says in a hurry and you only laugh at his shyness. But his piercing eyes focus on your figure before he frees his hands from your loose clasp and reaches out to you, albeit with a slight shake in his hand still, before he clumsily takes out a petal from your hair. “It was… stuck.”

“See?” you shyly tease. “I knew it shouldn’t take you long to take out petals from hair.”

He completely lost his cool in front of you again.

You didn’t really care though… not when he looked absolutely endearing with the onslaught of petals settling on top of his head and shoulders to complement his flushed face.

———

Bonus:

“So are you two dating now?” Kise asks you. You both coincidentally met up at a hallway intersection the next week.

“Well, I think that’s a bit too fast,” you inwardly laugh. “You know how he is more than anyone.” Kise gives a light chuckle of his own before he asks you the question that’s been on his mind for a while.

“Hey (y/n)-senpai, how did you know Kasamatsu-senpai liked you?”

“Eh?”

“It was pretty clear from that time last week that you knew how he felt.”

“Ah… well, remember when he was… trying… to tidy up my hair? When you all spied on us?” you say, continuing when Kise gives a slightly sheepish nod. “It felt… different from how we normally talked. I’m sure he felt it harder than I did. I’ve always been nervous talking to him, but… seeing him so flustered and shy like that made me connect the dots, and then, I became more at ease and knew to be patient, realizing that he does hold a degree of feelings for me. I just didn’t know when was the right time for us to take it a step further.”

“I see. Yeah, that makes sense.”

“I must say, please send my thanks for the rest of the team. I think without you guys, this wouldn’t have happened as smoothly… or quickly.” At your words, Kise only sweatdrops as he remembers Moriyama’s antics, Hayakawa’s over-enthusiasm, and Kobori’s good-natured naivete.

“I’ll… send your regards to them.”

“... Why do you look so hesitant?”

———

End note: the cherry blossom falling season only occurs in the first to second week of April, which would conflict with the timeline of this scenario IRL. The Japanese new school year also coincides with this week, and as 3rd-years, Kasamatsu, Moriyama, Kobori, and the reader would be college freshmen instead. If I wrote it in terms of “last year” with the 3rd-years as 2nd-years, then Kise would still be in Teiko. So for convenience sake… ignore the “realism” in the setting for this :^)

[bpro-cardstories]

Kazuna Masunaga SSR

2019 ー Latte Art [ラテアート]

“Agreed ♪. Well then, let us open “Café Kazuna”!”

『Event: Gift of Thanks for White Day (28th Feb. - 7th March 2019)』

Part 1

ーIn the waiting room.ー

Kazuna: ‘ “Café Kazuna”?’

Tsubasa: ‘Yes. We received a proposal for a new project, called “Pretty Boy Intelligence Agency”. I heard that Masunaga-san will, in the setting as a café owner, give advice about love matters coming from the audience.’ 

Kazuna: ‘That sounds like an interesting project. Though I’m a bit worried about me as the lead…..’

Mikado: ‘What are you saying! If you need advice, there is no one better suited for this role than you, leader!’

Momotaro: ‘Leader as the owner….. They definitely are a match.’

Kazuna: ‘I hope you’re right.’

Tsubasa: ‘There also seems to be a direction where you give out a latte accompanied with a brief comment at the end of the segment….. I wonder if you will be fine, because you will have to challenge to make art on a latte?’

Kazuna: ‘I heard that latte art is difficult. I don’t know if I can do it well, but I want to try it out.’

Tatsuhiro: ‘….. Are you sure? Leader’s art skill isーー’

Tatsuhiro: ‘Hngh.’

Mikado: ‘Psst! Don’t say any more, Tatsu-dono!’

Kazuna: ‘What’s wrong? Tatsuhiro seems to be in pain…..’

Mikado: ‘No, no! There is nothing.’

Kazuna: ‘I-Is that so…..?’

Momotaro: ‘Latte art seems to be quite a bit of work, but the project itself is simple and I think it will make the fans happy.’

Kazuna: ‘You’re right. The smell of coffee can’t reach the outside of the screen, but….. I hope I can create an atmosphere where the people who are watching feel warm and soft.’

Hikaru: ‘I’m sure leader can do it! And then it will become a popular segment. A café with a handsome owner who listens to your worries with a delicious latte is the best! You usually want to go to such a place!’

Mikado (excited): ‘I will also come eight times a week!’

Kazuna: ‘Ahaha, there are also days where one comes twice a day, huh.’

Tsubasa: ‘Fufu, then I will reply to them that it is fine for you.’ 

Kazuna: ‘Yeah. Please do so, Sumisora-san.

Kazuna: ‘If possible I want to practice doing latte art before the actual performance…..’

Tsubasa: ‘Understandable. I will arrange it so that you will be teached by a professional.’ 

Kazuna: ‘Thanks, that’s a big help.’

Kazuna: ‘Though, it’s rude if I don’t know the basics. Should I look them up on the Internet…..’

Mikado: ‘It would be best to look up videos.’

Kazuna: ‘Video, video….. Aah, some look interesting.’

Kazuna: Hee….. There sure are various types of latte art. I need to properly study them before I have the lessons.’

Part 2

ーIn a café, during lesson.ー

Owner: ‘ーーIn this way, drawing something by pouring milk in is a technique called free pour. Let’s try this as a sample.’

Kazuna: ‘Yes, I will try it. First I turn the pitcher to make the milk glossy….. Like this?’

Owner: ‘Yes, that’s good.’

Kazuna: ‘Then, from a high position I pour in the milk…..’

Kazuna: ‘Oh!’

Kazuna: ‘….. I am sorry. I used too much force and it spilled over.’ 

Owner: ‘It’s fine, everyone is like this at the beginning. Come on, let’s try one more time.’

Kazuna: ‘Yes…..!’

Kazuna (concentrated): ‘Pour from a high place…..’

Owner: ‘That’s good, please gradually bring the cup closer.’

Kazuna: ‘Huh….. I can’t make a milk circle?’

Owner: ‘When the pitcher is in a high position, it will cause momentum and the milk mixes with the espresso, unfortunately.’ 

Kazuna: ‘It’s better to bring the cup closer at the last moment….. One more time, please!’

Owner: ‘Of course.’

Kazuna (very concentrated): ‘Pour from a high position….. Bring it closer until the last moment.’

(He was able to make a milk circle in the middle of the cup…..!)

Owner: ‘Great, let’s do a heart shape next.’

Kazuna (smiles): ‘Yes. Cross the center of the circle….. And push your hand through…..!’

Owner: ‘….. Yes, the procedure is correct.’ 

Kazuna: ‘Thank you very much. But….. you can’t say it’s a heart.’ 

Owner: ‘I think the strength you used to cross the milk was too weak. It’s important to use boldness and delicacy properly in each process.’ 

Kazuna: ‘Boldness and delicacy…..’

Kazuna: ‘Can I try it one more time from the start?’

Owner: ‘Of course. Let’s keep trying.’

Kazuna: ‘Yes!’ _________

Owner: ‘Now, please carefully shake the pitcher to create a layer.’

Kazuna: ‘Carefully, but without stopping the flow…..’

(That’s the 20th attempt….. I hope this time it works.)

Kazuna: ‘At the end, push through….. With great force!’

Tsubasa: ‘!’

Kazuna: ‘….. Did it work…..?’

Tsubasa: ‘You did it, Masunaga-san! It is such a beautiful heart…..!’

Owner: ‘I agree, the layer, as well, is clean, how wonderful. A result that can be served to the customers.’ 

Kazuna: ‘Thank you very much…..!’

Owner: ‘If you master the basics of the heart shape, then you can apply them to other patterns. Let’s practice making a stable heart after a short break.’

Kazuna: ‘Yes, I look forward to it.’

Kazuna: ‘Fuu…..’

Kazuna (shocked): ‘….. Oh.’

Tsubasa: ‘Masunaga-san?’

Part 3

Tsubasa: ‘Did something happen?’

Kazuna: ‘No…. I didn’t think my failures were like this, so I was shocked just now. I was too focused to notice.’ 

Kazuna: ‘I am sorry, owner. I was being wasteful….’ 

Owner: ‘No, don’t worry about them. That’s something you can’t avoid.’ 

Kazuna: ‘Thank you. But…. Is it fine to drink them, since I have already made them? All of them may not be possible, but I feel sorry for throwing them away.’ 

Owner: ‘Yes, of course. Please don’t overdo it.’

Tsubasa: ‘May I also join you?’

Kazuna: ‘Sumisora-san…. Thanks.’

Owner: ‘Well, then I shall join as well.’

Kazuna: ‘Yes, please.’

Kazuna: ‘…. Hm. This latte is…. Really delicious….’

Tsubasa: ‘It really is! I do not mind that the latte is already cold.’

Kazuna: ‘You’re right. It’s not only the taste, but also the smell of it is really great…. I was distracted by the technique of the latte art, but I can understand very well why the owner is so particular about the taste.’ 

Owner: ‘Haha, it makes me happy, when you can say that. Especially this time, as we are using beans of the best quality.’

Kazuna: ‘Is it fine to use such high-quality beans during practice?’

Owner: ‘That’s because it’s practice. I always do that so that one doesn’t feel like it’s okay to waste them.’ 

Kazuna: ‘I understand….’

Kazuna: ‘Huh? But this is the first time that I am told this….’

Owner: ‘I didn’t say something, because I thought it was unnecessary in your case. Masunaga-san surely is a person that doesn’t waste beans for nothing, no matter what quality.’ 

Kazuna (surprised): ‘Owner….’

Owner: ‘As someone who handles food and drinks, this is an important quality. You can become a great owner yourself.’ 

Kazuna: ‘Thank you very much. This time I am going to play the role of “the owner” for work, but….  I firmly face my feelings as if I were a real owner. I wish to serve the person asking for advice a delicious and beautiful latte with a feeling of relief.’ 

Owner: ‘Indeed. I will do my best to help you.’

Kazuna: ‘Thank you, I appreciate it.’

(It looks like Masunaga-san’s honest feelings were conveyed…. I really think he can become a great owner.) 

Part 4

Hikaru: ‘I’m coming in!’

Kazuna: ‘Hello. A table for five?’

Mikado: ‘Tunk! We’re greeted by a handsome owner ♪.’

Hikaru: ‘Leader is a superb owner! Is this here the rumoured “Café Kazuna”!?’

Tatsuhiro: ‘My bad, leader. Even though you’re practicing, it’s so noisy.’

Kazuna: ‘No, I’m sorry to have you come with me. Since today will be the last practice, I wanted to hear everyone’s thoughts.’  

Mikado: ‘That much is no problem! Right, Momotasu?’

Momotaro: ‘Yeah. I came looking forward to a delicious latte.’

Kazuna: ‘Then I will prepare the cups without much delay. Sumisora-san, take a seat as well.’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Thank you very much.’

Kazuna: ‘At first, from the basic heart….’

Kazuna: ‘Here it is, enjoy.’ 

Hikaru: ‘Ooh~! It’s really a heart!’

Momotaro (smiles): ‘There are so many layers of milk. It’s delicious….’

Kazuna: ‘Yes, that’s the leaf shape.’

Mikado: ‘Eeh! You are able to do such a difficult shape!?’

Tatsuhiro: ‘Even though you only poured in the milk, that’s amazing….’

Kazuna: ‘Fufu, thanks. It’s all thanks to the guidance of this store’s owner.’

Hikaru: ‘Say, say, can you also do things like animals or characters?’

Kazuna: ‘That’s etching. We practiced that, too, more or less, but….’

Mikado (excited): ‘Yes, yes! I request Mamirin!’

Momotaro: ‘Mika, that’s probably difficult to do. There are many parts as well.’

Mikado: ‘Hhm, it does seem so….’

Hikaru: ‘Here, here! Then I want to request a cute dog!’

Kazuna: ‘A cute dog, huh. Of course.’

Tatsuhiro: ‘Oh, very owner-like….’

Kazuna: ‘Here you have it. A latte with a small dog.’

Hikaru: ‘Ooh~!’

Hikaru: ‘…. O-Ooh~!?’

(A, A latte with a mysterious life-form….)

Tatsuhiro: ‘Ooh…. It’s as you imagine it, in a way….’

Momotaro: ‘It’s fine, it has eyes, a nose and ears. It’s unmistakably a dog.’

Kazuna (smiles): ‘The point I’m particular about is the laughing mouth.’

Hikaru: ‘Eh, that’s a mouth!?’

Mikado: ‘Cough, cough!’

Mikado: ‘Eh, this is a wonderful workmanship, but the level of art is too high that it may not reach the audience.’

Kazuna: ‘I see…. It’s something I’m proud of, but that’s difficult.’

Tatsuhiro: ‘The recording of the program should be soon, isn’t it? The latte seems to be no problem, but how about the part with giving advice?’

Momotaro: ‘It was love counseling, if I’m not wrong. That sounds quite hard.’

Kazuna (shocked): ‘Ah…. Indeed, you’re right. I didn’t think to this point. I don’t know the content of the consultation until the actual day, but it may be better to do a simulation of it.’

Hikaru: ‘Why do it now! We’re here after all!’

Mikado: ‘Agreed ♪. Well then, let us open “Café Kazuna”!’

Part 5

Hikaru: ‘Owner, listen, listen~.’

Kazuna: ‘Yes, if you are fine with me.’ 

Hikaru: ‘I have someone I’m interested in, but what should I do to make myself appealing?’

Kazuna: ‘Hm, let me see….’

Kazuna: ‘I am sorry that I can not say anything concrete, but is it not fine to meet them as you are now? If you force something, then it will be painful. You will not be able to continue for long.’

Kazuna: ‘…. But, if you decide to act with the person you like in mind, that’s very wonderful I think. I will support you.’

Hikaru: ‘Kyaah! Thanks, leaー, no, owner!’

Mikado (excited): ‘Owner, please listen! The person I like is sending me JOIN messages every day, does that mean they have an interest in me!?’

Hikaru: ‘Ooh, what a somewhat realistic matter….!’

Kazuna (smiles): ‘I see…. If the messages have some simple content, there might be some interest on their end. I would be happy if I could exchange a good morning with the person I like.’

Mikado: ‘Then he also likes me….!?’

Tatsuhiro: ‘Are you in a girl setting, or what.’

Hikaru: ‘Mikako, confess already~!’

Momotaro (surprised): ‘Hikaru as well….?’

Kazuna: ‘…. However, if the content is about work or something practical, then it may be better to think about it calmly one more time.’

Hikaru & Mikado: ‘Ooh~.’

Hikaru: ‘That feels kind of correct!’

Mikado: ‘In reality I do not have to worry about this, but I feel relieved…. For the time being, there is no such interest!’

Momotaro: ‘About that, I wonder if the JOIN messages were business ones.’

Tatsuhiro: ‘I’m glad you cooled off, Sekimura….’

Hikaru: ‘Here, here! I also want to try out the role of the owner! Tatsu, ask me for advice!’

Tatsuhiro: ‘What!? Impossible, absolutely impossible.’

Mikado: ‘It is fictional, so isn’t it fine? Come on, set your feelings free, Tatsumi-san!’

Tatsuhiro: ‘Who’s Tatsumi!!’

Hikaru: ‘Hahaha! Tatsumi - that sounds nice!’

Momotaro (smiles): ‘Tatsumi is a shy person, isn’t she. It can’t be helped then.’

Tatsuhiro: ‘Hey, Onzai, are you against me, too….!?’

Tsubasa: ‘Fufu.’

Kazuna: ‘Sumisora-san.’

Tsubasa: ‘Yes?’

Kazuna: ‘Here, please.’

Tsubasa: ‘Waah. A latte with a heart flower…. How cute. I feel like I am seeing this pattern for the first time.’

Kazuna: ‘It’s a tulip. To be honest, I practiced, so that I could show it to Sumisora-san.’

Tsubasa: ‘Eh, to me?’

Kazuna: ‘You were busy, yet you came with me to many practices. I wanted to give you the most beautiful art I can manage.’

Tsubasa: ‘Thank you. It somehow is a waste to drink….’ 

Kazuna: ‘Don’t hold back. When I get better in the future I want to try making an original character for Sumisora-san.’

END

[chiaki-translation]

SSR Kazunari [Store Your Passion in the Details]: Backstage Translation

Kazu, please stop appearing as the Gacha SSR :’)

But as per usual, I clowned my way to get that card, so I should be translating that next. For now, back to what I got during revival, Kazu SSR from Shinobi Misadventuring.

Summary:

Kazunari’s delving into painting more than ever after he discovered his dream.

Disclaimer:

A3! is owned by Liber Entertainment

The Painter, Ninja, and Reality of Dreams 

Director:

Yawn…

(I’m sleepy… I’ve been coming back late at night these days to help other theatre troupes)

Morning~

Homare:

Oh, morning. You have such an amazing face today, Director-kun.

You’re spurring my imagination.

Director:

That’s not a compliment…

Azami:

…Director.

Director:

--

Azami:

…

Director:

(He’s staring at my face intently…)

I know what you want to say, you don’t need to say it.

Azami:

…Then, here.

Director:

Concealer…?

(It’s to hide my eye bag huh… To be handed this kind of thing silently, it’s such a complicated feeling…)

Thank you…

(I’ll make sure to get plenty of sleep when I’m done helping them)

Kazunari:

Ah! Wait! You can’t eat it yet!

Misumi:

Eh~

Kazunari:

Just a bit more!

Misumi:

I can’t take it anymore~

I want to eat Omi’s triangle sandwich.

Director:

What are you guys doing?

Tenma:

Kazunari is getting Misumi to model for his sketch.

Muku:

Recently, it seems that he’s been looking for more drawing materials.

Director:

He~, I see.

Kazunari:

Alright, I’m done! You can eat now!

Misumi:

Yeay~! Let’s eat!

Muku:

It was done in no time.

Yuki:

As expected of an art student.

Kazunari:

Hehe. What should I draw next~…

Director:

I guess, I’m going to eat some sandwich too.

Kazunari:

…

Director:

…Hmm?

Kazunari:

Director-chan, is it alright if I draw you too~?

Director:

!!

Now is an absolute no!

(I can’t let my eye bag to be in the picture…!)

Kazunari:

Eh~, too bad.

<Shifts to Corridor>

Director:

I’m home~…

(I’m pretty late today too… Everyone seems to be sleeping already, I should just go back to my room quickly)

…Hmm?

<Shifts to Balcony>

Kazunari:

Zzz..

Director:

Kazunari-kun…?

Kazunari:

Zzz…

Director:

If you sleep in this kind of place, you’re going to get a cold you know.

(…Ah, it’s his sketchbook. I wonder if he was drawing here.

Anyway, that’s an amazing amount of sketches…

This is… Tsumugi-san’s flower bed. This one is… Dancing Citron-kun and Hisoka-kun? Hisoka-kun looks so sleepy over here)

Fufu…

(I can totally picture this scenario in my mind. This one is…)

Kazunari:

…Hmm?

…Director-chan?

Director:

Ah, sorry for looking without permission.

Kazunari:

No problem~ It’s fine.

Director:

Are these all your recent sketches?

Kazunari:

Yep. I had so much fun when drawing that  I couldn’t stop myself~

Director:

I can tell that you’re having so much fun just by looking at you.

Everyone has such a lively appearance in your sketch too.

Kazunari:

Right~

Director:

It’s fine to chase your dream, but don’t force yourself.

If you sleep in this kind of place, you’re going to catch a cold.

Kazunari:

If you say so, Director-chan too isn’t it.

You just came back right?

Director:

Ahaha, you’re right. I don’t have the rights to tell others.

Kazunari:

Yawn~...

Director:

Make sure you’re back to your room.

Good night.

Kazunari:

Good night~

<End of Part 1>

Director:

Haa~ I’m so tired…

(I’m finally done helping out, I’m just going to get a good sleep now~)

<Shifts to Lounge>

Kumon:

The ninja’s so cool~!

Muku:

The production is so elaborate.

Misumi:

I want to try this kind of action too!

Director:

I’m home~

Muku:

Ah, Director-san, welcome back!

Yuki:

Welcome back.

Director:

What are you guys watching?

Kumon:

It’s a historical drama about ninja!

Yuki:

Just nice it’s being broadcasted on the television.

Tenma:

The production is really well done.

It might be a good reference for the rerun of our performance.

Director:

He~

Muku:

This story is a tragic love story between the ninja and the princess.

Yuki:

…Talking about that, what actually happened to the princess of Tanuki Castle in “Shinobi Misadventuring” at the end.

Director:

The young lord from the Crane Castle got married with the princess from Fox Castle right, isn’t she left broken hearted?

Muku:

No way! At this time, usually there will be a love story with another person in the spin off!

Tenma:

Another person?

Muku:

Yes. Maybe the heartbroken princess will finally realize Kiichi’s kindness who’s been staying by her side.

Yuki:

It came out, your Shoujo Manga brain.

Muku:

For example, Kiichi was trying to take responsibility for the princess’ broken heart and he would take the princess out to places as a distraction.

The tsundere princess’ heart will be healed due to the bright and friendly Kiichi…

On their journey, Kunoichi Sae will make a reappearance and she would finally realized her true feelings!

Director:

I, I see…

Yuki:

You actually daydream to that extent.

Kumon:

But somehow, it feels that it can really happen!

Tsuzuru:

That sounds interesting indeed, dinner is ready.

Misumi:

Yeay! I’m hungry!

Muku:

It’s hamburger!

Tsuzuru:

The triangular one will be Ikaruga’s.

Misumi:

Tsuzuru, thank you~!

Director:

That looks delicious… But, I kinda miss curry…

Let’s make curry tomorrow…

Yuki:

I thought you just ate that yesterday.

Tenma:

Let’s eat.

Tsuzuru:

Anyway, the story from before, Muku’s amazing to be able to think of such development to that extent.

Muku:

Ehehe…

Tsuzuru:

I’ve never written a cliché love story like that until now, it might be interesting to try something new.

Tenma:

We don’t have anyone to play the princess role isn’t it.

Director:

You’re right…

Yuki:

How about Kiichi’s solo performance?

Kumon:

It’s too lonely!

Director:

Speaking of Kiichi, where’s Kazunari-kun?

Tenma:

He’s been in the atelier since morning, it seems that he has something that he wants to draw.

Director:

I see.

(Then, I should bring over dinner to him later)

<Shifts to Atelier>

Director:

Kazunari-kun, I brought dinner over.

Kazunari:

Ah, thank you, Director-chan.

My hand’s full right now, you can leave it over there.

Director:

Yeah.

(I wonder if he’s drawing the pictures he has in his sketchbook…)

Kazunari:

…Hmm?

Director:

--

Ah, so, sorry. I shouldn’t distract you.

Kazunari:

Not at all! I’ll take a short break.

Let’s eat.

Director:

Earlier, Muku were making a love story between Kiichi and the princess of Tanuki Castle.

Their love will begin during the spin-off.

It seems that it’s going to be a love triangle with Kunoichi Sae too.

Kazunari:

Hee~, sounds pretty good!

Maybe I will ask Tsuzuroon to write it out in the script during the rerun performance.

Director:

There’s no one playing the princess role though, but maybe we can just take a short story out of it and perform it in the lobby.

Kazunari:

Yep yep!

<Short Time Skip>

Kazunari:

Thanks for the meal!

That was delicious~

Director:

Are you going to continue?

Kazunari:

Yep. I just need to sharpen it a bit more.

Director:

Is it alright if I observe you for a bit?

Kazunari:

Of course!

Director:

Thank you.

Kazunari:

…

Director:

(Woah… His facial expression changes instantly when he’s facing the painting…

It’s a different serious expression than the one when he’s performing a play.

It’s like a totally different atmosphere)

Kazunari:

…

Director:

(So Kazunari-kun looks like this when he’s drawing

It’s pretty silent…

I can see that Kazunari-kun’s concentrating)

…

<End of Part 2>

Director:

…Hmm.

???:

Princess?

Director:

…Kazunari-kun?

Kiichi:

What are you daydreaming about.

It’s Kiichi.

Director:

Kiichi…?

(What? Why am I wearing a kimono…

But anyway, where is this?)

Kiichi:

Are you okay, princess?

The thing with the young lord of Crane Castle is a bit disappointing but cheer up!

Director:

Eh, umm…

(Is this the continuation of the script?

Maybe I ended up seeing this kind of dream after listening to Muku’s story)

Kiichi:

Right! This lily is blooming in the mountain.

I’ll give it to you, princess.

Director:

…Th, thank you.

Kiichi:

…As I thought, I’m no good.

Director:

Eh?

Kiichi:

Princess has a very cute smile you know.

Why won’t princess smile again?

Director:

--

(Kiichi feels loose and bouncy in the main part of the story, but when it comes to romance, he suddenly looks quite cool…)

Kiichi:

I’ll do anything for the princess’ sake!

Princess, would you like anything?

Director:

Uh, umm… Curry maybe…?

Kiichi:

Cu, curry?

Director:

(Eh, I wonder if it doesn’t exist in this time period yet)

Kiichi:

Understood!

I’m going to look for this “Curry”!

Director:

Ah! It’s fine, that kind of thing!

Kiichi:

But, it feels so painful to see the princess in this state--

Director:

Kiichi-kun…

Kiichi:

What if, what I actually feel about princess--

<Shifts to Atelier>

Director:

--hn.

Kazunari:

Ah, Director-chan, you’re awake?

If you’re sleeping in this kind of place, you’re going to catch a cold~

Director:

…So, sorry, I was sleeping by the time I realized.

(What a weird dream I had…)

Ah, you gave me the blanket?

Thank you.

Kazunari:

I was thinking of carrying you back to your room, but my hand’s like this.

My bad.

Director:

(Woah, it’s full of paint)

Don’t worry about it.

Me too, even though you did your best painting, I ended up sleeping, sorry.

Kazunari:

Nah, actually you saved me. Thank you.

Director:

Saved you…?

Kazunari:

Alright, let’s wrap up for today~

Director:

Good work.

Kazunari:

Thank you for bringing the food earlier.

Director:

No problem. Then, good night.

Kazunari:

Good night~

<Shifts to Courtyard>

Director:

Yawn…

(I slept a bit just now, but I’m still very sleepy.

I took a bath already, I guess I should just go back straight to sleep)

…Hmm?

(A paper’s stuck on the door…)

This painting is… Kazunari-kun’s?

(It’s a portrait of a beautiful woman…  What a beautiful painting…

But wait, this outfit, isn’t it similar to mine…)

!!

(Is it me!?

No, but, isn’t it a bit too beautiful!?

Anyway, since when did he manage to paint this…)

Ah, something’s written on the back.

Kazunari:

“Your sleeping face is great, but Director-chan’s cute when smiling, next time, let me draw you properly, kay~”

Director:

--

(It’s overlapping with my dream somehow…  This is so embarrassing…)

Azuma:

Eh, Director?

Guy:

You’re just standing there, did something happen?

Director:

--Eh.

Guy:

Your face is red.

The estimated temperature is… 36 point 9 degrees. You are slightly heated.

Azuma:

Is that, a letter maybe?

Director:

No, nothing’s happening!

Good night!

Guy:

…?

Azuma:

Fufu, what is it I wonder.

<End of Part 3>

[the-currian]

#7 with the muse of your choice pls :3

Hi, dear! Sorry this took so long - things have been crazy at work <(＿　＿)>

pls allow me to choose sakyo x izumi as my muses ahaha once i saw the prompt i just knew it had to be them *takes place in somewhat canon-verse, before the new Autumn Troupe’s formation*

7. “I promised you that I would be with you forever, but you were the one who left me behind.”

After years of trying to forget her, Sakyo can’t believe that he found Izumi again at the exact same place where he first met her.

His childhood crush and dream of acting were quickly crushed, however, when she showed no signs of remembering him. Quickly brushing aside his rekindled feelings, he assumed his business personality, giving her an ultimatum. Of course, he expected her to fail – there was no reviving washed up dreams, after all – but she miraculously managed to wrangle two new members into joining the company. With that, he decided to humor their pipe dream by giving them a new set of terms and conditions.

When asked by his colleagues about what happened to collecting the debt he tells them that it was done on a whim, but in reality? He was interested in seeing just how far the little girl who sparked his first dream to life could take this.

Weeks pass and he hears no news from the theater, so he decides to drop by. The actors trickle into the practice room one by one, but the person that Sakyo truly wants to see is nowhere to be found. His patience wears thin as they conspicuously whisper about him so when Izumi finally makes her appearance, he is more short-tempered than usual.

“Have the tickets for closing night sold out yet?”

“That… that is – “ she stammers, apprehension visible on her face.

“You fail even if there’s only one empty seat.” He snaps, inching a bit closer to her.

This prompts the troupe members to move in front of Izumi, forming somewhat of a barricade between them.

“I get it already!” Izumi says, seeming unperturbed by the younger men’s actions.

Sakyo scoffs at their display of camaraderie. “Good, then.”

As he walks out with a flourish, he can’t help but feel a twinge of envy at how quickly they’ve all become attached to one another. Walking out of the building, he slows down his pace, trying to calm himself down.

‘If, no – when they fail, I won’t have to deal with this nonsense anymore.’

The girl and the Mankai Company will be a faint memory he can finally let go of.

But then closing night comes sooner than he expected, and he finds himself barging into backstage where they seem to be in high spirits over their full house. He narrows his eyes at them, regarding them with utter disdain. The ragtag team of actors Izumi managed to rally together are getting too comfortable, and he needs to put them in their place.

Maybe it’s nostalgia taking over him as he regards the director, but instead of berating them for being complacent, he ends up giving a full-blown lecture on how to keep the company up and running. Suddenly, he’s interrupted by Izumi’s laughter.

“What’s so funny?” Sakyo snaps. “Pay attention when someone’s talking.”

“No, I just thought that you’re actually a nice guy; you keep looking after us.” She says, giving him a smile that he recognizes all too well from his youth.

Sakyo feels the tips of his ears burning, and before anyone can notice, he quickly tells Sakoda to get a move on. Right before he closes the door, however, he decides to leave with one last statement, wondering if she would catch on.

“Today’s theater reminds me of the past.” He says, directing a small grin towards Izumi. Before she can comment, he rushes out the door.

Later that night, Sakyo notices the lights of the theater still on.

‘It couldn’t be…’ he thinks, making his way through the doors. There on stage is Izumi, observing the set with a small smile on her face. ‘I wonder if she got to live out her dream as an actor.’

“Why are you making an expression like you got the job done?” he finds himself blurting out.

Predictably, Izumi whirls around, flustered at his sudden appearance. “You haven’t gone home yet, Sakyo?”

“The lights were still on, so I came to check if there was anyone suspicious hanging around.”

Izumi looks at him with a gaze that he can’t quite decipher, making him look away due to the awkward atmosphere.

“This is not the time to be slacking off, you know. You’ve only finished one performance – you still have to hold three more and gather fifteen new members.”

“Three performances… fifteen new members…” Izumi murmurs, a pensive yet determined look on her face.

Satisfied, a smirk plays across his lips. “It seems you’ve finally come to your senses. Keep up the pace.”

The look on Izumi’s face turns into something else, and Sakyo can feel his feelings from the past bubble up to the surface once more.

“Sakyo, you don’t actually hate this theater, right? It seems you know about its past, too.”

“Hm. I wonder.” He murmurs, hastily changing the topic, hoping that she doesn’t notice the light flush of his face. “So, have you fixed your eye on some new members for the Summer Troupe?”

“I’ll be holding an audition but there are some people I already have in mind.”

“Oh?”

“Yep! So you better look forward to Summer Troupe’s play, okay?”

“Heh. We’ll see.”

He leaves the theater that night feeling more lighthearted than he has for a long time.

Weeks pass and he just can’t get the thought of the Mankai Company out of his head. Seeing how comfortable and open Izumi was with the new troupe made Sakyo feel things he thought he had closed his heart to a long time ago.

‘Perhaps it’s time for another visit.’

This time when Sakyo arrives at the practice room, the new troupe is so rowdy that they don’t even notice him. Seeing them interact so candidly with one another has him reminisce about the old troupe.

...That is, until they start arguing. As things become more chaotic, their refreshing image that they had going for them immediately vanishes.

‘Never mind, I take it back.’

“Is this a zoo…” he says loudly, room going silent from his sudden input.

Izumi turns to face him. “Since when did you arrive?!”

“I’ve been watching the practice up until now.”

As the two stare at each other, waiting for the other to make the next move, Sakyo’s ears pick up the not-so-surreptitious whispers of the troupe, hearing words like ‘yakuza’ and ‘consultant’, which only serve to further piss him off.

“Oi, what are you mumbling about?”

“Why did you come?” Izumi asks, drawing his attention back to her.

“I just wanted to check whether you could pay back the debt. Judging by this, I guess it’d be difficult.”

She bares her teeth at him in a display of defiance. “If it’s about our play, we’re doing just fine.”

Despite himself, he can’t help but tease her. “The success of Spring Troupe’s play was pure luck. Don’t think that you can manage it again this time.”

Seeing the looks of apprehension of the people in the room, he goes off on another lecture, just to spite them.

“Oi, are you listening?”

Izumi looks likes she suddenly snapped out of a daze. “Y-yes, I understood!”

Sakyo regards her for a moment before storming out, suddenly feeling out of place with all of the Summer Troupe’s eyes on him.

This time even faster than the last, closing night for the Summer Troupe rolls around. Instead of making his way backstage, however, he stays in his seat, losing himself in the memory of the good old days.

‘She’s doing perfectly fine on her own, huh…’

His eyes close as he thinks back to his childhood memories with Izumi. Slowly, they become replaced with this newer, confident version of her that leads without hesitation, getting along with her new peers while leaving him to fade away.

‘I promised you that I would be with you forever, back then… But it looks like you were the one who left me behind.’

“Sakyo!” her voice calls out to him, and he quickly pulls himself back into reality.

‘That’s all in the past. This is your present situation with her. Suck it up and accept it.’

“What is it? Did you come to return the money?” he asks, reminding himself to keep his distance.

“No!” she quickly shoots back. He raises his eyebrows at her reaction, and her cheeks flush from his scrutiny. “Th-that’s not it…”

“Hm. I had my doubts when I saw that article, but it seems you’re doing well.” He stands up and slowly walks towards her. “But don’t lose your focus yet. Remember, if you fail to attract more audiences, I’ll crush the theater.”

Seeing the blank look on her face, he sighs, deciding to throw her a bone and give her some more advice. “Remember, in order to increase your profits, you should probably consider merchandise. And then – “

“W-wait a minute!” she suddenly interrupts, throwing her hands out in front of her. “I didn’t come here to hear your lecture!”

“…What is it, then?”

She draws even closer to him, determined eyes focused on his face, lifting her hand up as if reaching out to him. He tries his hardest to not blush from her actions.

“You sure have the guts to glare at a yakuza. If you’re looking for a fight – “

“What are you saying?!” she sputters, reeling back.

“That should be my line. Staring at a guy’s face too much will give him ideas.” He berates her, willing his heart to calm down. “And… why are you looking at me that way, anyway?”

Suddenly, a flyer is shoved into his face.

“Hey. Don’t just push paper at a person’s face! Are you trying to kill me?!”

‘Don’t do that. Don’t get close. Don’t get my hopes up.’ He thinks. Shaking his head as if it would make the thoughts go away, he snatches the paper from her hands.

“What is this anyway… a pamphlet?”

“It’s a pamphlet for Autumn Troupe’s audition.”

“…What is the meaning of this?”

“I want to scout you.”

He’s honestly stunned. Of all the things that she would have asked of him, he never expected this. He quickly schools his face into one of indifference, however, unwilling to get his hopes up and let his walls down for her.

“To think that you’d even scout a yakuza.” He says, brushing her off. “You must be really desperate, huh.”

And then she does the unexpected.

She remembers him.

As she explains her suspicions about his past with the theater to him, he zones out, lost in the past, back in time when it was them against the world. A time when he relied on her, and in return, he vowed to become a person that she could rely on, too. But after all these years, it seemed that she was doing perfectly fine on her own… without him.

“Please come to the audition. I’m begging you.”

He takes in her determined stance and familiar glint in her eyes – reminiscent of the girl he used to know, but now fully bloomed and confident in her own skin. A wave of fondness for her washes over him, and he finally allows himself to welcome it with open arms.

“You’ve become a competent director, huh.”

Sakyo smiles at Izumi, a genuine smile that stuns her into silence. Chuckling, he ruffles her hair and her cheeks redden at the familiarity she feels from the action.

“But you still look like a little girl to me.”

Izumi can only sputter incoherently as Sakyo heads for the exit.

“I’ll think about it.” He says, sparing her a glance back. “Bye.”

Before he can close the door, he hears her voice ring out, “You should totally come! I’ll wait for you, Sakyo!”

Maybe he could fulfill his promise to her, after all.

[lemonsandstrawberries]

Let’s Play a Game

fandom: Stony (Steve x Tony), MCU

summary: Tony wakes up from his nap and the first thing he sees is Steve looking back at him and holding a feather in his hands. And then he makes a mistake to ask about it...

length: 1 931

a/n:  I kinda realized that I didn’t write a tickle fic in like forever, and I mean a tickle fic that stands alone and is not a part of a series or a one that doesn’t have any intricate plot behind, just cute, pure, fluff! so, yeah, I wrote it ;D. as always, feedback, reblogs and likes are appreciated and needed!

——————–

Let’s Play a Game

"Uh... Steve?"

"Hm?"

"What are you doing?"

"Oh, I was just waiting for you to wake up."

That should be sweet. Somehow comforting. Tony could imagine Steve, silently waiting in the bed, lying next to him, all peaceful and calm and observing Tony during an afternoon nap. Wakening up next to your loved ones was one of the most soothing things in the world.

It wasn't soothing when the earlier mentioned loved one, had been sitting on your hips, pinning you down and looking down at you with that smile. Tony already felt alerted. What really made him want to jump out of the bed in panic, was when he noticed that Steve was holding a feather in his hands, casually stroking it.

"Uhhh..." Tony couldn't help it, his eyes drawn to the feather. Grey, stiff and long, with an angled tip. Tony was almost sure that it was a wild goose feather and just by looking at it, he already felt his skin crawl. "Okay... I am awake now."

When Tony looked back at Steve, Steve's smile became brighter, almost as if he was waiting for those words. Tony just looked back, feeling unable to move, almost frozen from the unknown.

"Great! Then, let's play a game," Steve said happily, looking all excited.

"Um, what game?" Tony asked, watching Steve while he used his free hand to put one of Tony's arms up and over his head, laying it down on the pillow. Then his other arm. Tony's heart beat a little faster when he felt with full force that he was wearing a tank top and it left him all open in the already dangerously vulnerable position.

"The game is called," Steve said in a pleasant voice, scooching down Tony's body, sitting on his thighs, "don't move."

Tony laughed, half nervously, half amused. "That's a terrible name," he pointed out, some excitement making his voice tremble.

"So, you want to play?" Steve asked, smiling at his lover. Sweet and in love, not the mischief driven smile from when Tony had woke up.

"Sure," Tony agreed breathlessly, feeling that his spine melted into the bed. How he could refuse Steve anything when he was looking at him as if Tony was his whole world?

"There is only one rule, Tony," Steve said, leaning in, and Tony warily watched the feather getting closer and closer. "Don't move," he reminded.

Tony nodded as the last movement he allowed himself to do and saw the feather going above his head, and felt it touch his fingertips. It was a soft touch, that traveled down his fingers, traced his opened palm and stopped at the wrist. Tony's nose already scrunched up when the ticklish feeling teased his skin and the first giggles started, but it felt nice. The feather continued its journey, down the wrist, down his forearm, and Tony's laughter became more evident. The ticklish feeling fully set in, when the feather stopped at the inner elbow and brushed the thin skin, back and forth a couple of times, following the natural line the skin creased.

"Ack!" Tony yelped, biting down on his tongue, to better control himself, "hahahaha!" he laughed, feeling itchy and tingly, his fingers and toes curling. Except that, he didn't move, and felt pretty proud, when the last stroke was delivered. His breath was a bit quicker and it became somehow hotter, but he went through it.

"Doing a good job so far, Tony," Steve praised and Tony grinned back. Yes, he was doing a good job.

Just he didn't think that it would go downhill.

"AAHAHA!" Tony laughed his back arching when the tip of the feather, traced his inner bicep, slowly and teasingly, closer and closer to the underarm. "Ah ahaha!"

"Don't move, babe," Steve reminded happily, aware of Tony's nervously jumping elbow, hinting on how much he wanted to lift his arms off the covers and lock around himself for protection. "This can't be so bad, huh?"

"PHHHH!" Tony clinked his teeth together, the feather tip doing some slow, teasing circles around the hollow of his armpit, "oh my gah-hahaha!"

"I bet you reaaallly want to curl into a protective ball right now," Steve grinned, watching with satisfaction his boyfriend's reaction. His whole body trembling, arms jumping up nervously. Nose and eyes scrunching up from held in laughter. Belly shaking with every giggle. All was so mesmerizing.

"AH HAHAA!" Tony laughed, when the stiff tip of the feather brushed through the trimmed armpit hair, getting to the sensitive skin and teasing it with long swipes. "HA HAA!"

Steve's mind was melting. He could just do it all day, watching Tony trying to control himself and listen to his lover's laughter. But there were still so many ticklish spots to cover... When he noticed that Tony's face started to become red from effort, he moved the feather lower, wanting to give his boyfriend a break.

"SHIT!" Tony yelped, eyes bulging out, before he squeezed them shut, "go ahwahahay!"

Steve didn't understand at first, before he looked and noticed where the feather stopped. Under the armpit, on this small patch of skin. Experimentally, he moved the feather in delicate swirls, and Tony kicked his legs and laughed. Steve smiled delightedly, not noticing earlier how sensitive that area was, but maybe it was thanks to the feather, because he didn't remember his fingers being that effective on that spot. Making a mental note for later, Steve guided the feather tip along the line of the tank top strap, giving Tony a second to breathe when the feather traced the material until it got back on the skin.

"Hahahaha!" Tony wriggled and laughed, when the feather glided across his collarbones and the top of his chest, but it wasn't the kind of panic-driven laughter from earlier, this one sounding less strained. "Hahaha... Ahaha..." It was almost like a break, and Tony became calmer and less fidgeting as the feather swooped from one collarbone to the other.

Steve cooed, enjoying how peaceful Tony looked, while his eyes retained all the sparkle from the previous, more intense tickling. Steve wanted to see more of that sparkle. He tripped the feather up, gliding it up to Tony's throat.

"AAhh! No!" Tony yelled in panic, when stiff tip traced the clean shaved skin under his jawline a couple of times, "thahahahat's annoyihihihing!"

"You think that is annoying?" Steve laughed, watching his boyfriend move his head around, trying to lose the feather. "How about here then?"

"PFFF! HAHAHA!" Tony twisted his neck, feeling the feather touch his cheek and draw some swirly patterns. He shook his head around and when that didn't make the feather go away, he started to blow on it.

Steve laughed, retracting the feather. "It doesn't work like that, babe."

"Mehehaaan..." Tony giggled out, his cheek feeling all tingly. He tried to rub off the ticklish feeling with his shoulder and Steve watched him with a smile, clearly pleased.

"Ready for the other arm?" Steve asked.

Tony didn't want to, but somehow a small squeak escaped his lips. He was conflicted. There were spots on his arm where the feather tickling his skin felt so nice and calming, but there were also spots where it was rather unbearable. He couldn't make that decision, so he just remained still, trapped under Steve, his lips twitching into a smile.

"Hm. Maybe I will give your arm a break," Steve decided and Tony felt triumphant for a split of a second before panic kicked in. If Steve didn't plan on tickling his arm anymore, then...

"Noooo..." Tony protested, watching Steve roll his tank top up.

"Oh, come on," Steve looked back at him, that smile back on his face, "you couldn't possibly think I will pass the opportunity?"

Tony zipped his lips, eyes becoming startled. He would last, he would last, he would last...

"Hmmm, where I should begin?" Steve thought out loud in a honeyed voice, eyes focused on Tony's bare belly. "Maybe on your sides. Maybe on the lower belly. Or maybe here, in the middle, just around your belly button."

Tony couldn't listen to it, his mind whirring with a mix of panic and excitement. It was no fair that his skin already felt all tingly, and Steve didn't even do anything yet.

"Oh, I know, let's make it a bit more interesting, hm?"

Tony didn't even want to know what that meant. He looked away, eyes squeezed shut.

"Soo I will start here and we will see how it goes."

It wasn't the expected soft, swipe of the feather. Instead, Tony felt a light prickle when the quill was pressed into the soft skin on his lower belly, above the hip, and swiped in a long move to the other hip. At least, that's the destination Steve had planned, in reality, he only made it halfway, because Tony jolted up and laughed loudly, the pattern disrupted.

"Tsk. Now I have to start again," Steve reprimanded his boyfriend, pressing the quill again to the same spot.

"No, no, no, Steve, I can't!" Tony giggled, his belly fluttering nervously. He clenched his fists and really, really wanted to curl up and fought against all his instincts to not do it. "HAAHA!"

"I think you can," Steve tried to negotiate, changing his plan and lightly dotting the quill all over Tony's belly, "see, you are doing a great job!"

Tony kept giggling, his belly sinking it after every poke. "Stahahaahap!" He laughed out, legs kicking nervously. His whole face felt hot and he could just imagine how red he became.

"Okay, I will stop," Steve laughed too, somehow impressed how well Tony managed to stay in place when one of his most ticklish spots was under an attack. He moved the feather away and watched Tony sunk into the bed, trying to get his breath back. "After I do this."

"Hu- WAA- HIHIHIHIHI!"

That wasn't fair. When Steve pressed one hand to Tony's stomach to keep him down and used the other hand to point the tip of the feather at his outie belly button, Tony lost all composure. He was kicking and screaming and laughing, and uselessly trying to push Steve of off him, as the feather tip twirled over his defenseless outie. The issue was, that he was already winded from the previous treatment and his attempts at fending Steve off were rather pathetic. It didn't take a long, until Steve managed to grab both of Tony's hands and kept them together with one hand, and to trap Tony further, draped himself over his boyfriend's body, keeping him in place, finally free to tickle and tickle. And Steve didn't hold back, again using the quill to lightly scratch over the soft nub or gently pressing the quill on the outie to watch the whole belly tremble from the overwhelming feeling.

"HIHIHIHI! STAHAHAP! AHAHAA!"

"Tsk. You are really bad at this game. Next time, I will just tie you down and save us both trouble."

"NO NO AHHIHIHI!"

It became even worse when Steve ditched the feather and used both hands to claw at Tony's belly, unbothered by Tony's panicked screaming and attempts to escape.

Ultimately, when the game ended with a crushing victory for Steve and a consolation prize for Tony, in a form of a tight hug and a lot of calming kisses pressed into his smiling lips and heated cheeks, Tony decided that he hated that game. What he didn't say out loud, was that he wouldn't mind terribly playing it again.

After all, what was life without games?

[jokertrap-ran]

[Stand My Heroes] 聖夜を奏でる♪ Symphonic numbers (Performing the Holy Night ♪ Symphonic numbers) Event Story: Part ② Translations

*Sutamai Master-list *MC name is retained default Izumi Rei *Scenario Writer: @eno_bara (榎戸乃ばら) *Kurisu Masuo Charisma Suoh…I see what you did there coly ww

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Special Stages

⋆⋅☆ Kujo Mansion: Living Room ☆⋅⋆

Kaname: And Koya-kun says that he watched your Shampoo CM.

Kirishima: Tell him that he was really dashin’! And help me ask him how he made his eyes sparkle like that.

Kaname: —Yeah, see you.

Kirishima: Ah, he hung up?

Kaname: Kyosuke-kun and Hikaru-kun are going to the Concert on the 24th. Tell him yourself then.

Kirishima: For real?

Shindo: What an unusual crowd is going to be gathering.

Kaname: Seems like they’re going because Tsuduki-san got the green light to gather references there.

Kujo: I see. So he contacted you because he knew that we were the one of their backers?

Kaname: Yup.

Miyase: Oh! I’ve just thought of something good.

Kirishima: What is it?

Miyase: How about we invite them to the party since we’re all going to be there?

Kujo: Brilliant.

Miyase: Do you agree to it too?

Kaname: …I don’t mind; not particularly, anyway.

Miyase: I’ll do my best to whip up all the food then.

Shindo: Looks like this we’re having another unnecessarily lively Christmas again this year.

─────────────────────────⋅…⋆⋅☆

⋆⋅☆ Streets ☆⋅⋆

MC: (Phew…we ended up getting off late again.)

When I speed-walked to the Station——

???: Oooooi, Rei! Get on in!

Rei: (Hm?)

I turned around upon being called, noticing a familiar face waving from behind an open window of a car, stopped by the roadside.

─────────────────────────⋅…⋆⋅☆

⋆⋅☆ Inside the Car ☆⋅⋆

Kirishima: Is it cold in here?

Rei: Nope, it’s warm.

Kirishima: I see.

Rei: Thank you so much.

Rei: It’ll be a great help if you could send me all the way back, but are you sure about this?

Kirishima: I was just on my way back from running an errand for Kujo-san, and I was just in the mood to go for a drive.

Rei: Sorry about this…I’m really beat to be honest, so thank you.

Kirishima: That’s good then. I’ve got something I wanna talk to you about too, so nice timing!

Rei: What about…?

Kirishima: We’ll be holding a Christmas Banquet on the 25th so Kujo-san wanted to extend an invitation to you too!

Rei: A Christmas Banquet…

Kirishima: Could it be that you’ve already made plans?

Rei: Rather than plans, I suppose it can be called work…in a sense, but that’s how it is.

Rei: I’m really glad to be invited, but…

Kirishima: I see…So you’re busy.

Rei: (Ahhh, my heart hurts when I see him so disappointed like a kicked puppy…!)

Rei: I apologise. Can I put my invitation tentative or will that be an inconvenience?

Kirishima: You can just take as long as you need. Even if you barely make it on the day itself.

Kirishima: Miyase’s all hyped up making tons of food.

Rei: I want to eat his cooking!

Kirishima: Don’t push yourself too hard at work, okay? I hope you come to the party.

Rei: Yes! Thank you so much!

Rei: You too, Kirishima-san! Be sure not to catch a cold or anything like that!

Kirishima: ‘Course! I’d only make Kujo-san worry if I’m not healthy during Christmas!

Rei: (Seems like everything and everyone are already in Christmas-mood except us down in the NCD.)

─────────────────────────⋅…⋆⋅☆

⋆⋅☆ Investigation Planning Headquarters ☆⋅⋆

It was only on the next day, that the Investigation took a big step forward.

Imaoji: Seki-san, has that information been checked over?

Seki: Yes.

Seki: Kurisu bought drugs from the dealer in Club R and used it before continuing with his night life.

Seki: That’s why we’ll call him out on his way back and intercept him then.

Seki: That’s the plan we’ve come up with after all the prior investigations we’ve carried out.

But the new information from his Ace was that, “Kurisu didn’t do drugs at all when he was out enjoying his night life”. Therefore——

Yui: Then, why was he buying all those on a schedule…?

Seki: That’s because…

─────────────────────────⋅…⋆⋅☆

——A few days ago.

⋆⋅☆ Concert Hall ☆⋅⋆

Makoto: ——I see. So, there’s a difference in practicing in a Hall and in a Studio.

Kurisu: Yes! I’d get even more into it whenever I practice in a hall!

Kurisu: The sound’s different, you see. For example, the violin. Are you aware of this, perhaps?

Kurisu: It’s sound like mm~♪in a studio, but nnnn~~♪in a Hall.

Makoto: ——I apologize. Amateurs like me can’t tell between such subtle differences.

Kurisu: Ahaha! It’s all OK, all’s good♪Because I’ll show you how different they are now!

Makoto: (He’s someone who’s always full of energy, but he seems to be way more excited than usual today.)

Makoto: (…Actually, his eyes seem to be sparkling strangely…)

Kurisu: Now, my lovely Orchestra! Are all of you ready!?

Kurisu: Let us descend into the lovely world of music!

Seki: ——Pardon me.

Kurisu: !?

Makoto: You guys…

The Orchestra members all looked uneasy as a buzz filled the air at sudden entrance of the Outsiders. Kurisu’s face paled as a sheet as Seki questioned him.

Seki: Kurisu-san, you’re under suspicion of possession and usage of Illegal Drugs.

Seki: ——According to our Information, you use dangerous drugs whenever you do music, more often than not.

Makoto: ——!

Seki: Could I ask of you to cooperate with our Investigation?

Kurisu: …I see~ Alright. I’ll cooperate with you.

Rei: Then, may I check your personal belongings?

Kurisu: What you’re looking for is over here.

It looked as if a lightbulb had clicked in Kurisu’s head as he opened something that resembled a Conducting Baton’s Case——

Aoyama & Yui: ——!

A bucket’s worth of white powder fell from within.

——And now, back to reality.

Makoto: I’m with the NCD right now. I’ve also gotten arrested.

Kyosuke: “ARRESTED——!?”

─────────────────────────⋅…⋆⋅☆

⋆⋅☆ Investigation Planning Department ☆⋅⋆

Makoto: I’ll contact you again once I’ve been released.

Aoyama: Released…?

Makoto only calmly sipped at his coffee after he ended his call.

Rei: Makoto-san…please don’t say things like that; It’ll only invite more misunderstandings.

Rei: We only wanted to ask you some questions.

Makoto: I just wanted to try using the word “release” in relevance to my current situation.

Makoto: I just thought that I’d never have another chance to do so in the future if I didn’t take the opportunity now, when it presented itself.

Man: Ahaha…

Seiya, the Concert Master who seated beside him, only laughed bitterly at that.

Apparently, it looks like the Concert Master was responsible for “Rounding everything up” when it came to anything concerning the Orchestra. You could say that he’s a Conductor-player, if anything.

Seiya: Uhm…So, how long do we have to stay cooped up in here, exactly?

Aoyama: We’ve already heard whatever you have to say, so you’re free to leave.

Seki: Thank you so much for cooperating with us.

Rei: Thank you so much!

Seiya: Ahh, is that so. That’s great to hear…Everyone in the Orchestra’s really worried.

Rei: (Oh, that’s right. Their Conductor was suddenly arrested and taken away in the middle of their practice, so they must have been pretty shaken up about it.)

Makoto: It doesn’t look like I can gather the material I need in this situation.

Seiya: You must have it rough too, Sensei. I’ve got to think of something else, now that I’ve lost my Conductor…

Seki: You have my deepest condolences.

Seiya: Thank you…Actually, I’ve been thinking about this for quite a long time now, but…

All Three: ?

Seiya: All the guys down in the NCD look astonishingly dashing.

Aoyama & Seki: Wha——

Rei: (That’s what caught his attention!?)

Seiya: Man, I thought that I’d have gotten used to being around such good men after having spent every day seeing Kurisu-san around recently.

Seiya: But Seki-san and Aoyama-san both have a manliness about them that would make even top Kurisu-san’s own.

Seiya: I’m really, REALLY, in the mood to play a Violin now! I feel like this will make for a really nice tune!

Seki: R-Right…

Rei: (I wonder if all musicians are all that emotionally sensitive…)

Yui: ——Seki-san. About Kurisu, Imaoji-kun’s Investigation seems to be going smoothly in that field.

Seki: I see, that’s good——

Seiya: PINK HAIR!? AND NOT TO MENTION, ANOTHER DASHING ONE!?

Yui: Huh…?

Seiya: HA!? I apologize for being so loud.

Rei: (Seiya-san…)

Makoto: (How interestingly curious…)

Seiya: No— Really, all the beauties are being gathered here, in one place.

Seiya: So good, that I’m almost tempted to ask you to take Kurisu’s place as the Conductor to draw in the same crowd that his good looks would have inevitably drawn.

Rei: (Just for that reason…?)

Yui: What in the world is he talking about…?

Makoto: ——I see.

Rei: Huh?

Makoto: The NCD suddenly turning into Orchestra Conductors? Now… that’s interesting.

─────────────────────────⋅…⋆⋅☆

⋆⋅☆ Investigation Planning Department ☆⋅⋆

Makoto: ————

Aoyama: (……? I don’t know why, but I feel like…he’s staring an awful lot at me…?)

Makoto: (The Narc’s Ace, Aoyama Itsuki.)

Makoto: (——If he were to be the Replacement Conductor…)

─────────────────────────⋅…⋆⋅☆

Aoyama: ——Stop. I’ve already repeated myself countless of times, but this isn’t getting any better. Is it that difficult?

Aoyama: I’ll play the Violin so listen well to how I do it.

Aoyama: ——♪——♪♪♪——♪♪——

Player: ……! He’s way better than me! I’ve just lost all my confidence!!

Aoyama: Huh…?

Player: Rather, normal people like us cannot just manage to do everything like you high-spec people do on the drop of the hat!

Aoyama: Yes, I do understand that I’m on a different level from the average joe. Therefore, it was in my intention to do this properly and stand as everyone’s equal here.

Aoyama: How about you first tell me what you’re able to do? …Wait, what can you do?

Player: There it is; that’s what I was talking about.

Aoyama: ……?

─────────────────────────⋅…⋆⋅☆

Makoto: (…That didn’t turn out very interesting.)

Makoto: (Since he’s an Ace, he might be much more suited to be the Concert Master than a mere Conductor.)

Aoyama: (Why is he staring so intently at me with such a poker face?)

Rei: (Makoto-san…?)

Makoto: (Next will be him…)

Seki: ……?

Makoto: (The reliable Section Chief of the NCD, Seki Daisuke——…)

─────────────────────────⋅…⋆⋅☆

Seki: ——Yes, everyone’s doing brilliant.

Seki: Especially the Violins, it was a pleasantly beautiful sound.

CRAAASH!!

Seki: !?

Percussionist: WHOA!? ALL THE VIOLINNISTS HAVE FALLEN PREY TO THE CONDUCTOR’S SUGAR-SWEET WORDS!

Seki: Eh…?

Woodwind Player: Hey…you’ve…got to be…kidding…Even the guys are down for the count!?

Brass Player: THE CONDUCTOR’S WAY TOO HANDSOME, I CAN’T CONCENTRATE AT ALL!!!!

─────────────────────────⋅…⋆⋅☆

Makoto: (…Maybe it’s because I read the original work of the Love-comedy movie that Kyosuke’s going to be appearing in; my imagination seems to be oddly geared in that direction of things, for some reason…)

Seki: Uhm…?

Makoto: (He’s up next, I guess.)

Yui: ……?

Makoto: (The NCD’s most Inquisitive and talented brain when it comes to Research, Yui Kotaro——…)

─────────────────────────⋅…⋆⋅☆

Yui: No, all wrong, that’s not it! Violins! You’re causing Arteriosclerosis with that!

Yui: More——! We need more, if we’re going to make for a nightfilled with bloodshed!

Yui: Cymbals! More violent actions! Treat is as if you’re having Sympathetic Nerve Reactions!!

Player: W-What is he talking about!?

Player: He’s super, duper, hard to understand…!!

─────────────────────────⋅…⋆⋅☆

Makoto: ——Pft!

Yui: ! What’s with him?

Rei: Um, Makoto-san? Is everything alright there?

Makoto: I had thought that it’d be interesting to see all of you NCD people as Replacement Conductors, but——

Makoto: I think that’s impossible, after all.

─────────────────────────⋅…⋆⋅☆

⋆⋅☆ Investigation Planning Department ☆⋅⋆

Seiya: Of course, it was just a little joke of mine.

Seiya: To an Orchestra, a Conductor is akin to their heart, or a Piero, at times.

Seiya: It’s precisely because we’re not high-leveled individuals that we can’t just simply pass the reigns over any Conductor just on the drop of a hat like that.

Yui: I won’t do it even if you asked.

Seki: Yui.

Yui: …Sorry.

Seiya: Haha. Looks like I’m the only one with a long history running, as things are looking out to be.

Seiya: I was also introduced to other people, so don’t worry about it.

Makoto: Does that mean that I can still continue gathering the data I require?

Seiya: Of course, if that is what you wish.

Makoto: That’ll be a great help. I’ll be in your care again.

Seiya: I suppose this must also be some sort of fate. Please come by to watch us on the 24th, if you’re free.

Yui: A Orchestra Concert on Christmas Eve?

Aoyama: That doesn’t sound bad at all.

Rei: Now that things have come down to this, I’m kind of interested in seeing how the performance turns out.

Seki: We’d gladly attend once the case with Kurisu-san calms down. We’ll be supporting you.

─────────────────────────⋅…⋆⋅☆

⋆⋅☆ Streets ☆⋅⋆

Rei: (I’m finally walking the streets at the usual time I get off from work. That feels kind of new, now.)

Kaname: ——Big sister?

Rei: Oh, Kaname-kun? Hello.

Kaname: Are you on the way home now?

Rei: Yup. You too?

Kaname: I’m on my way back from the Bookstore. I checked where this particular book was stocked and that was the only Bookstore that had it.

Rei: I see. What a coincidence.

Kaname: ————

Rei: ? What’s wrong?

Kaname: …Do you have some time next weekend, big sister? It doesn’t matter even if you’re only free in the night.

Rei: Next weekend——?

─────────────────────────⋅…⋆⋅☆

⋆⋅☆ In a certain Room ☆⋅⋆

TV: “Uh— Now, continuing on! This will be the follow-up report on the Dashing Conductor, Kurisu Matsuo!”

???: SHUT UP!!!!

???: Shut up, shut up, shut up! I’ll never forgive you…! How dare you arrest my Mats!?

???: I’ll never acknowledge a replacement! A Concert without Mats? I’ll destroy it…!

───⋅𝕿𝖎𝖑𝖑 𝖓𝖊𝖝𝖙 𝖙𝖎𝖒𝖊…⋆⋅☆

[prettyallfriends]

PriPara: Aim to Become No. 1 in the Idol☆Grand Prix: Prologue+Ch 1 English Translation

(I originally planned to translate the PriPara games after finishing the Pretty Rhythm ones, but I think I’ll try to juggle them instead! The PriPara 3DS games have a main story along with character side stories, I will do them in unlock order. Like with my other current translation, choices will be in bold, and the Player character’s name is just Player.)

Prologue

??? (Meganee): Welcome to Prism Stone! Play PriPara, where anyone can enjoy an idol debut and wear a lot of trendy coords!

Girl: Yaaaay! I made my debut as an idol! And I got a tomoticket! Woaaah, what a cute coord! Let’s snap tomotickets! Mine will be in high demand soon, because I’m definitely gonna be No. 1 in the Idol☆Grand Prix!

??? (Meganee): Everyone’s a friend! Everyone’s an idol! Will you also try going to the world of PriPara? 

Choice: Of course I will! / There’s no way I could be an idol…

??? (Meganee): Nice response! Please enjoy your idol life! You’ve a really nice smile, an idol’s talent is their shining smile! What kind of idol will you end up becoming…? And what kind of fans will you make smile…? I can’t wait to see! I’ve been searching for someone like you… But before that I’ve been wondering, who are you? Looks like introductions are in order!

Meganee: My name is Akai Meganee. I help everyone with their coords. Feel free to call me Meganee! ...Huh? I’m being pushy? That’s because of the system! Hehehe. Anyway, before you go to PriPara, could you tell me a bit about yourself?

(Mychara creation)

Meganee: Thanks for telling me all that! I feel like I know you quite well now. Player-chan, it’s nice to meet you! Well then, let’s get going. Let’s go! PriPa-...

???: Winwinwinwinwinwin…

Meganee: Huh!? That siren… Meganii-san!?

Meganii: It’s a pleasure to meet you, my name is Akai Meganii. I felt a woooonderful idol aura from around here… Ah, you must be the one to whom that aura belongs to. 

Meganee: Player-chan is going to debut today. Maybe they’ll become popular and shine in the Idol☆Grand Prix!

Meganii: I see… They certainly have a bright smile. I heard the power of your smile say “Come over here~!” after all. Player-san, please allow me to cheer for you during your idol debut. I shall give you the power to design a My☆Cyalume Coord!

(My☆Cyalume Coord design tutorial, basically you can recolour anime character coords)

Meganii: You will undoubtedly make many people smile with the My☆Cyalume Coord that you design. Gachagachagacha~

(My☆Cyalume design time. We only have four colours available so it looks awful. Sorry Laala I ruined your coord)

Meganee: What a wonderful coord! It suits you, Player-chan!

Meganii: Nice!

Meganee: Now that you’re ready, it’s time to start your PriPa-life!

Meganii: Please try your hardest in the Idol☆Grand Prix, I’m looking forward to it.

Meganee: Player-chan will definitely win the Grand-… huh? ...You don’t have any clue what the Idol☆Grand Prix is, do you!? I completely forgot to explain! Um… Well, first of all I’ll turn on PriPara☆Music TV…

Meganii: Winwinwinwinwinwin…

Meganee: ...looks like we’re too late. Don’t worry! You’ll find out about the Grand Prix soon enough. You wanted an in-depth explanation? Sorry!

Meganii: This is also thanks to the system! Winwinwinwinwinwin…

Meganee: Anyways, Player-chan, make sure to shine your brightest in PriPara! Everyone’s a friend! Everyone’s an idol! Lets go! PriPa-life!

(End of Prologue, Meganii jumps out to explain the coord gacha but I don’t care lol. Crying though bc I got a PR and then had to delete my file because I realised I had made a translation mistake)

Grand Prix Story 1: Aim to Become the No. 1 Idol!

???: Oh no, hurry! We’re going to be beary late for PriPara☆Music TV! You have to run, Laala! Mirei and Sophy are waiting!

??? (Laala): Gotcha (Kashikoma)! I’ll do a full sprint!!! Agh-!

??? (Kuma): Ahh! You bumped into someone! Are you okay, Laala!?

??? (Laala): Owowowow… My forehead hurts… Ah! I found the person I bumped into! I’m really sorry about running into you!! You’re not hurt, are you!?

Choice: I’m fine, don’t worry! / That hurt, what are you doing!?

??? (Laala): Phew, I’m glad you’re not hurt! I’m seriously sorry! From now on I’ll look both ways! Left, clear! Right, clear! Now I can safely dash! Ah, you laughed! Wow, your smile is… Wonderful! That’s a sparkly idol smile right there! 

Laala: I’m Laala, nice to meet you! And your name is…? Player-chan! Gotcha! I’ll remember that from now on! Your coord is really cute! Which brand is it?

(Laala it is literally a recolour of the coord you are wearing right now. I know you’re like 12 but Lordt)

Laala: Really!? You designed it yourself!? That’s so cool~!

Kuma: That’s unbearably amazing! This kid’s a bundle of talent! I’m sensing a lot of idol energy from you, Player! 

Laala: Are you also going to be on PriPara☆Music TV, Player-chan? Ah… You don’t know what that even is?

??? (Mirei): Laala~! What are you so pri-occupied with!?

Laala: Ah, Mirei! Sorry, I’m running late!

??? (Mirei): Ughhh! Sophy’s fell asleep waiting for you!

??? (Sophy): ZzzZzz… Is Laala here yet…?

Laala: Wake up, Sophy!

??? (Sophy): Mm~ Oh, who’s this…?

Laala: This is Player-chan!

Sophy: Player-chan… Cute… I’m Sophy… Nice to meetcha… Pshu~...

Laala: Aah! Sophy, don’t fall asleep!

??? (Mirei): Will you also be making an ap-pri-rance on PriPara☆Music TV as an idol?

Laala: Player-chan doesn’t seem to know about that yet.

??? (Mirei): Huh, really? I can explain it to you, so. It’s my first time seeing you around… Is this your first time in PriPara?

Choice: I debuted today! / I’ve been coming here for a while!

??? (Mirei): You just debuted!? I see… Well, if you get along with your senpai, Mirei, your points will go up!

Sophy: Mirei… what are you mumbling about?

??? (Mirei): Ah, you’re awake!? It’s nothing!? Ahem…

Mirei: Pop, step, get you~! I, Mirei, shall tell you all about PriPara☆Music TV!

Sophy: You’re so nice, Mirei~...

Mirei: PriPara☆Music TV is the prime TV programme in PriPara!

Laala: A lot of idols are featured and they perform PriPara lives on the show!

Mirei: And when you pri-form a live, your rank rises~ They’re organised by the Best 100, Best 50, Best 30… Once you’re at your prime and reach the Best 10, you can enter the Idol☆Grand Prix!

Kuma: Your “pri” puns are unbearable…!

??? (I MISS YOU ALREADY ZUCCHAN): What’s going on? I haven’t seen that person before? Are they aiming for the Idol☆Grand Prix?

Laala: Ah, Dorothy! I’ll introduce you to Player-chan.

??? (I WISH YOU LUCK IN YOUR FUTURE ENDEAVOURS ZUCCHAN): Tension max!

??? (Reona): Relax~

Dorothy: I’m Dorothy West! And this is…

Reona: Reona West. It’s nice to meet you.

Dorothy: Ooh, if you’re aiming for the Idol☆Grand Prix, that makes you our rival, huh? Sion, you think so too, right?

??? (Sion): Indubitably! Rivals are vital to idols! They encourage us to work hard! When our friends encourage us, we can all work harder! 

Sion: Player! I’m Sion! We’re going to get along great!!

Kuma: Dorothy, Reona and Sion make up the team Dressing Pafé!

Sophy: Laala, Mirei and I are Solami♡Smile~

Dorothy: The number of idols wanting to join the Idol☆Grand Prix is rising every day, huh? We’re going to have to work even harder! Right, Reona?

Reona: If you say so, Dorothy.

Laala: Let’s all do our best!

Sion: Ah! Is that…?

Mirei: Who is it?

??? (Aroma): Staaaaaare…

Laala: That’s…

??? (Aroma): Staaaaaaaare…

??? (Mikan): Staaaaaaare~!

Laala: Aroma, Mikan! Come over here~!

Mirei: How long were they pri-occupied with staring at us…

Aroma: My name is Aroma! I am a devil who hath returneth from the darkness!

Mikan: I’m the angel! Mikan! I use my angelic power to grant peace in this world!

Kuma: Those two are Aromageddon! Their gimmick is that they’re an angel and a devil!

Aroma: Gimmick!? Thou filthy pile of cotton… You shall face the power of darkness!

Kuma: Eek! I can’t bear your curses!

Aroma: Thou art Player, correct? I see… Darkness emanates from you. Join me and with the power of darkness we shall conquer this pitiful world!

Mikan: Aroma says she hopes you’ll be friends with her, Player-chan!

Aroma: Ah! Th-that is balderdash! I just felt Player’s darkness and…

Laala: Ahaha! Everyone’s really interested in you, Player-chan! Hm? I can hear a song from somewhere…

???: Ranranrararanranran~

Laala: Ah! It’s coming from up in that tree!

???: Let’s sing together, little birdie~ Teehee, the wind from the Palps is singing too~

Laala: Fuwari! That’s dangerous, get down from there!

Fuwari: I’m oka~y! I’m Fuwari, I’m an idol from Europara! Sing with me~ Ranranrararanranran~

Mirei: She’s really laid-back, huh…

Laala: Well, that’s Fuwari for you! There really are a tonne of idols here, though! And we introduced everyone to Player~! Hey, Player-chan… why don’t you come on PriPara☆Music TV with me!?

Kuma: That’s a good idea! They could appear in the special debut corner!

Sion: That’s the part of the show where recently debuted idols are featured, right?

Mirei: Anyone can enter, so it’s a prime corner!

Laala: Player-chan will definitely be super popular!

Sophy: I think so too~

Mirei: Let’s go then! It’s almost the entry deadline.

Sion: We must hurry! ...Hm? What’s wrong, Player?

Dorothy: Why are you just standing there??

Reona: Player-chan… is that person your friend?

Mikan: It looks like someone’s staring at Player-chan’s coord!

Aroma: Who could this person be!?

??? (Da Vinky): Your coord is wooonderfully wonderful! Did you draw it out yourself? Amazingamazing! This is… an explosion of art! Gyahahahaha!

Dorothy: You scared us! It was just Ajimi-

Ajimi: That’s right! I’m Ajimi! I hope we get cray-on well!

Laala: I’ll introduce you to Ajimi-chan! Ajimi-chan recently debuted too! She’s a super talented pop idol!

Reona: Hey… If we don’t hurry, the entry period for Music TV will be over…

Laala: Oh nooo! We have to hurry!

Ajimi: Huh, huh? You’re going to do a PriPara live in that coord~?

Choice: Yup, I’ll give it a try anyway! / I’m not sure I’m ready yet…

Ajimi: Gyahaha! That’s the spirit! I can feel it, I can feel it! Your sparkling aura’s gonna explode on stage!

Laala: I also can’t wait to see your live!

Mirei: This is your touching off point!

Sophy: I’ll be cheering for you~... Lets PriPara~

Laala: Let’s get you into the special debut corner! PriPara☆Music TV… On air start!

(Live. Finally a break from this chapter. Oh my god is it killing me.)

Laala: Woah! Look, Player-chan! Your rank went way up!

Ajimi: Your live was super explosive! Everyone loved it!

Mirei: Your debut was a pri-tty huge success!

Sophy: ‘Grats~ Your live was wonderful~...

Sion: That live was a once in a lifetime experience! Today was the birth of an idol whose growth we can look forward to!

Dorothy: Are you really gonna go for the Idol☆Grand Prix??

Reona: If you work hard, you really could become No. 1~

Sion: Why not try to climb the ranks of PriPara☆Music TV?

Reona: Once you’re in the Best 10, you can enter the Grand Prix.

Fuwari: Entering the Grand Prix is very idol’s dream~ And if you win, you get the legendary coord…

Mikan: ...the Idol☆Grand Prix No. 1 Coord!It’s a wonderful coord!

Mirei: The name’s… descriptive…

Ajimi: The Idol☆Grand Prix No. 1 Coord…? Hmhmhmhm!? What is that coord?

Aroma: It is a coord that unlocks the power of darkness within you…

Dorothy: That’s complete bullshit, the No. 1 idol who gets the Grand Prix coord…

Reona: ...can appear on many stages!

Laala: If they can do that, they’d get a tonne of fans who they could make smile! That’s wonderful! That’s why us idols are working so hard to get that coord! Player-chan, work hard along with the rest of us, okay?

Ajimi: Oooh, that’s great! A huge explosion of smiles!!! I’ll also enter the Grand Prix with Player! Let’s Gaugin!

Sion: The path to the Grand Prix is not an easy one.

Laala: First of all, you’ll have to be in a lot of TV shows. Player-chan, Ajimi-chan, enjoy PriPra-life! Oh, actually, wait a sec. To mark our friendship going forward… let’s snap tomotickets! I wish that we’re all able to enter the Grand Prix… snap! Let’s do our best together!

(oh my god i thought that would take like 10 minutes. It probably took upwards of an HOUR why was it that longggg jesussss

ANYWAY once again i will subtly hint that if anyone needs help sourcing this game or just needs help navigating menus, hmu. and i would like to apologise for changing kashikoma... it truly pains me to betray laala like this. also if this ISNT the first pripara 3ds game um. please let me know lmao. also yes i am posting this at 6am)

[fieryanmitsu]

Operation: No Curry | A3! Week 2020 – Day 3 (Tsumugi/Izumi)

The rest of my A3! Week entries are very late! But here’s my piece for Day 3! It’s just something light and silly this time, but please enjoy~

OPERATION: NO CURRY

PROMPTS: Summer|Dorm Life/Roommates|Confession

CHARACTERS: Tsumugi Tsukioka, Izumi Tachibana, Sakuya Sakuma, Tsuzuru Minagi, Tenma Sumeragi, Banri Settsu, Taichi Nanao, Hisoka Mikage

PAIRINGS: Tsumugi/Izumi

My fanfic masterpost: Here

AO3: Link in my Blog Menu

“Hot… it’s so hot… I’m going to meeeeelt!!” Taichi lamented from his spot on the floor of the Mankai Company’s lounge. The redhead was already wearing shorts and a sleeveless shirt, but sweat still covered his entire body.

“Damn Sakyo! I can’t believe that cheap old man won’t let us turn on the aircon!” Banri growled from his spot at the table, fanning himself desperately with a paper fan. “And I can’t believe I have to use this stupid fan!”

The fan was one of many that Sakyo had asked Sakoda to prepare for them. The kanji for “Simplicity. Frugality. Temperance.” were emblazoned on the plain white fans in Sakoda’s calligraphy. They had only cost 800 yen for a pack of 20, and Sakoda’s labour was free.

“Well… Sakyo did say he would turn it on when it hits 35 degrees at least…” Sakuya replied, looking up from the script he was reading with one hand – the other also limply held a fan. Even the ever-chipper Spring Troupe leader sounded less enthusiastic than usual.

“It’s freakin’ 34 degrees!! We’re only one degree off, but he still won’t turn it on!” Tenma cried, lifting his head up from where he had laid it on the table. After his outburst, he immediately dropped it back on the table, all energy drained out of him. “Banri… fan me too… I can’t move…”

“Maybe we can ask him to count the humidity level… It’s 87% humidity after all… that’s got to count for an extra degree, right?” Sakuya suggested with a chuckle.

“I’m going to dieeeeee, it’s too hooooot!!” Taichi wailed.

“Shut UP, Taichi!! You’re making me feel even hotter!!” Banri snapped.

Suddenly the door to the lounge slammed open and Tsuzuru practically collapsed into the lounge.

“It’s an emergency!” the older boy exclaimed, his face pale and dripping with sweat.

“Tsuzuru?! What happened?”

“The director… I just saw her walking back from grocery shopping with Tsumugi. And I overheard that… that… that she’s making extra spicy curry for dinner tonight!!”

The lounge was silent for a moment as the gravity of what Tsuzuru just uttered sank in. Then, the room immediately erupted into a flurry of panicked voices.

“E-extra spicy curry?!”

“GYAAAAH!! It’s too hot for curry!!”

“IS SHE FREAKIN’ CRAZY?!”

“NOOOOOO! We’re going to dieeeeee!”

“GUYS! Pull it together. We just… we have to stop her!” Tsuzuru interrupted, hauling himself back onto his feet.

“How do we do that?!” Taichi moaned.

“Don’t panic! I have a plan!” Banri replied, his brain already churning. “Taichi! Go get Omi! Make him take over dinner duty to make something normal to eat! Sakuya, you and Tenma intercept the director and distract her while she’s putting away the groceries. Make sure she doesn’t start prepping those ingredients! Tsuzuru, you’re with me! ‘Operation: No Curry’ officially starts right now!”

“You’re the boss, boss!” Taichi responded, jumping to his feet with a salute. Despite having been glued to the floor in exhaustion mere moments ago, it was as if the thought of eating hot and spicy curry in the heat had shot energy through his veins. A second later, he was dashing out of the lounge to hunt down his roommate.  

Almost immediately afterwards, Izumi and Tsumugi walked through the door, hands weighed down with numerous shopping bags.

“We’re back!”

“D-Director! Let us help you with those groceries!!” Tenma exclaimed, scrambling off his chair.

“You should sit down, Izumi! You must be tired!” Sakuya said, taking the grocery bags from her arms and passing them to Tenma.

“H-Huh? Oh, you don’t have to do that—Whoa!” Izumi started to protest, but a moment later, Sakuya had already forcibly pushed her to sit down on the couch.

“TSUMUGI! We need to talk to you!!” Banri jumped in immediately.

“Th-That’s right! It’s urgent!” Tsuzuru added, taking his cue from Banri. He took the bags from Tsumugi and dropped them on the table before joining the Autumn Troupe leader in pushing Tsumugi into the hallway.

“W-Wait, what’s wrong, you two?!” Tsumugi exclaimed in confusion as the two younger boys jostled him out of the lounge.

As soon as they were in the hallway, Banri and Tsuzuru cornered Tsumugi against the wall.

“Tsumugi…” Banri’s voice lowered as he stared intently at the older man. “How could you betray us?”

“B-Betray?” Tsumugi gasped, looking back at Banri with wide eyes.

“You went grocery shopping with the director. It was your duty to stop her from buying ingredients for curry,” Tsuzuru added in an equally grave voice.

“Huh? Is this what this is about?” Tsumugi said with a chuckle.

“This is no laughing matter! It’s so DAMN hot!! How could you let her make curry for us in this heat?!” Banri responded, shaking Tsumugi by the shoulders.

“Ahaha, er, well, she was really gung ho about it. Saying how the best way to beat the heat was to overpower it with more heat. Something about sweating would cool your skin off?”

“We’ll die, Tsumugi. If we have to eat extra spicy curry in this heat, we’ll literally die,” Tsuzuru responded bluntly, his eyes already looking half-dead.

“Look, Hisoka’s already dead from the heat – we’ll be next,” Banri stated, suddenly pointing down the hallway. Sure enough, Hisoka was splayed out face down on the floor in the middle of the corridor.

“H-Hisoka?! Maybe we should check on him?!”

“No, we’ll take care of him later. You have something more important to do,” Tsuzuru replied, waving his hand casually.

“I do?!”

“You need to get Izumi out of the dorms so that she can’t cook dinner,” Banri responded. “We need her far and away from here. Distract her for the next two or three hours while we get Omi to cook instead. He isn’t a curry freak and will make us something normal to eat.”

“But, why me? I’m actually fine with eating curry—”

“No, it’s your responsibility. You have to atone for your crime.”

“What crime?!”

“Let’s go!”

And in another whirlwind of limbs, Tsumugi was suddenly shoved back into the lounge and pushed in front of Izumi, still seated on the couch where Sakuya and Tenma were bombarding her with (fake) questions about the script in Sakuya’s hands.

“Izumi!” Tsuzuru hollered.

“Tsumugi has something to tell you!” Banri announced, clapping Tsumugi on the shoulder with an iron grip.

“Hmm? What is it, Tsumugi?”

“Uh… Umm… I… I…” Tsumugi stuttered – what exactly was he supposed to say?!

His eyes flickered from Izumi’s face to Tenma’s, and then Sakuya’s, and then landed on a magazine on the coffee table before them. Flustered, Tsumugi snatched up the magazine and pointed to the cover without really reading it.

“Th-This! I-I need to go here. With you. Right now!”

Everyone froze as they all stared at the front of the magazine. It was a bridal magazine, probably Yuki’s for costume design inspiration if the bear-shaped sticky notes sticking out of the pages indicated anything. The front-page splash was a photograph of a church with bright and bold words written across that read: ‘Top 10 Churches in Tokyo to Hold your Summer Wedding!’

No one seemed to know what to say. A cold bead of sweat dripped down the back of Tsumugi’s neck. Finally, after what felt like ages, Tsuzuru was the first to recover.

“Th-That’s right! This is for that… that guest performance that you have tomorrow right, Tsumugi? You were telling me about how you had to play a groom!”

“Y-Yes! I… I just realized that it would be good to get in some last minute practice! I figure this would really immerse me in the role – being at an actual church!” Tsumugi ad-libbed, working off of Tsuzuru’s line.

“H-Huh? B-but why do you need me there?” Izumi asked, stunned.

“Well, it would be better to practice with an opposing actor, wouldn’t it?” Banri replied.

“In that case, I should definitely not go with you – you know I can’t act,” Izumi dismissed breezily. “If Tsumugi needs someone to practice with, why don’t one of you go? It’ll be good practice in case any of you play a female role in the future! Anyway, I need to get started on dinner—”

Banri suddenly elbowed Tsumugi in the ribs and the older man, literally spurred into action, fell to his knees and grabbed Izumi’s hands in his own. Suddenly, it looked like a switch had been turned on, and his expression changed completely.

“No, it has to be you, Izumi,” Tsumugi said softly, his face serious and intense. His hands grasped hers tighter, gently drawing them closer to his chest, and he leaned his upper body closer towards her. “I want to make my practice as realistic as possible – to be as immersed in the scenario as much as I can. I could only do that with you as my practice partner. As my bride. After all… you’re the one I love, Izumi.”

For the third time within the past ten minutes, the entire room fell silent. They had all unconsciously been drawn into Tsumugi’s performance, and his sudden confession had been so heartfelt that every one of them had stopped breathing. Izumi could only stare back at Tsumugi with a slack jaw, wide eyes and bright red cheeks.

“Won’t you come with me, Izumi? Won’t you be my bride?” Tsumugi asked softly, one hand reaching up to cup her cheek tenderly and his eyes looking up at her imploringly.

“O-Okay,” Izumi answered, half out of shock.

“You don’t know how happy you’ve made me, Izumi! Let’s go then – the boys will take care of dinner,” Tsumugi replied with a wide, toothy grin.

He gently tugged Izumi to her feet, intertwined their fingers and swiftly led her out of the lounge by the hand. As the door closed behind them, the remaining actors could only look at each other in disbelief.

“Tsumugi… He was acting just now, right?” Sakuya asked.

“Wow, he seriously is a pro when it comes to those subtle emotions – He hooked me right in…” Tenma responded with a shake of his head.

“No kidding… But, well, that’s that! Let’s go check on Taichi and Omi and get this non-curry dinner started! I’d say ‘Operation: No Curry’ is a grand success,” Tsuzuru added, clapping his hands together.

“Of course it was a success – I was the one who came up with it, after all,” Banri boasted, already heading towards the dorms.

“Hey! Somen! I want somen! Do you think Omi would make somen tonight?!” Tenma exclaimed excitedly.

“Oh yeah, someone needs to go check on Hisoka… I think he’s still sleeping in the hallway,” Banri remarked, suddenly remembering the older man.

“Uh, I hope he’s just sleeping…” Tsuzuru muttered, causing Sakuya to whip his head to look at him in alarm.

“Wait, what?! What happened to Hisoka?!”

Outside of the Mankai Company, Tsumugi led the still-dumbstruck Izumi up a side street, distinctly aware of the feeling of her hand held tight in his. They proceeded in silence for a few minutes until they arrived at a nearby park, where Tsumugi finally slowed down their steps.

“Izumi, let’s take a quick break here,” he said, sitting her onto a bench under the shade of a nearby tree.  

“Oh! Ah, sure, sounds good,” Izumi responded, finally recovered from her stupor.

“I’ll be right back!” Tsumugi said, before he quickly jogged over to a vending machine. Pulling out his wallet, he counted out a few hundred yen and bought a bottle of cold green tea. Returning to Izumi, he suddenly dipped himself into a bow and proffered the bottle to her.

“I’m sorry, Izumi! I tricked you just now! I don’t have any guest performances tomorrow – I don’t need to practice anything! Please accept this drink as an apology!”

Izumi stared owlishly at the drink floating in front of her face. A moment later, after Tsumugi’s words sunk in, she let out a laugh.

“Oh man, you really surprised me earlier! We had just been together too, and you didn’t mention anything about a guest performance, so I was so shocked when you came out of nowhere and said all of that!” she replied, taking the drink out of his hands. “And, of course you’re forgiven – though there’s nothing to forgive, really. But, why did you trick me anyway?”

“Ahaha… Well, I’m sure it’s obvious in hindsight, but Banri and Tsuzuru asked me to do it. Er, well, maybe that’s not quite right. Rather they asked me to distract you and get you out of the dorms,” he responded sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck with one hand.

“Huh? Why did they want you to do that?”

“Errr, something about wanting to make dinner… or something,” he responded evasively, his eyes glancing away briefly before returning to her face and crinkling into a mischievous smile. “But, well, since we’re already out here, why don’t we honour their wishes and go enjoy ourselves for a bit? We could go somewhere with aircon, since we don’t have it on at home.”

“Oooh, that’s actually a great idea! Let’s go to the shopping mall, then! I haven’t had a chance to browse around for a while!” she replied.

“That sounds good to me,” Tsumugi agreed, falling into step beside her as they started walking again. They were only a few inches apart, and Tsumugi felt his hand twitch, wanting to reach across the short distance to grab a hold of hers again.

“But you know… you never cease to impress me with your acting, Tsumugi,” Izumi said suddenly, turning her head to give him a smile.

“Oh?” Tsumugi prompted. He could feel his heart rate quickening.

“When you grabbed my hands and confessed that you loved me… I couldn’t tell you were acting at all – it felt so real. You seriously made my heart beat so fast! My face felt like it was on fire! I’m so embarrassed!” Izumi responded, looking away shyly. She held the bottle of tea up to her face, trying to cool off her flushed cheeks.

“Ah, that’s probably because I wasn’t acting…” Tsumugi muttered quietly, half hoping that the woman next to him heard.

A second passed by without a response. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw that Izumi continued to walk without having missed a step – still smiling normally as she held the bottle to her cheek – and he knew that his words had been drowned out by the call of the cicadas.

This ended on a much more wistful note than I had intended, haha. But, maybe that’s just how it was meant to go since I was working with Tsumugi! Precious Tsumugi is my second favourite A3! boy, so I’m happy to write something where he gets a bit more of the spotlight! I also had a lot of fun writing the silly, overdramatic Mankai teenagers (and poor Tsumugi who got roped in), so hopefully you all had fun reading!

A3! Week 2020 is almost over at this point, but I will still be putting out content for the rest of the prompts that I haven’t gotten to yet! Please stay tuned if you’re interested, and likes and reblogs are always appreciated! Thank you~

-Anmitsu

[thezomblr-blog1]

HAPPY ONE YEAR WRITING A FUCKED UP NOT-A-ZOMBIE DUDE

I'm following suit and doing my own #FollowForever to celebrate my one year on this blog (Which actually was April 30th Oops!) Just wanted to take some time to appreciate my ride or dies and friends I've made over the course of this year. I'm so glad I made the choice to give Tumblr RP a chance because I've met so many fantastic people and inspiring writers. Overall this RPC is incredible and deserves all the positivity I can possibly fling at it. I can't believe there are 649 following this trash fire. Thank you all for the support!! Every single one of you liking threads, fics, participating in events, and sending in asks means the absolute world.

RIDE OR DIES

@hellrager​

Just as you started with me, there's no one else I could have started with but you. I was so shocked by how instantly we connected. Even before we talked OOC our writing meshed together so flawlessly without any prior plotting or discussion. We've always been on the same wavelength to the point it's almost creepy and yet in the same breath, we can still inspire and surprise each other with new ideas and plots. I never expected to find a friendship like this in the RPC, and so quickly. We've said this before but you are a breath of fresh air into my life and the first person I've been able to bond with so closely in a long ass time. Grim, you inspire me not only in terms of writing but also in my day to day life.  I don't think you'll ever understand how much of a blessing you've been to me. You've given me the motivation to work harder, to constantly improve myself, and do better each and every day. You've empowered me to take control of my life and stop coasting through it mindlessly. Our relationship means so much to me and I gotta stop now or this whole post is going to end up being about how truly incredible you are. 🐱 ♥ 🐺

@youngsouthey​ This time I actually get to write a bit for you instead of someone I just watch from afar! It was my first Follow Forever that actually got us talking and contrasting how we both played Brian! I'm never going to forget that moment when your incredibly talented self told me that you admired me – when I was the one admiring your work. It felt like I had been noticed by a celebrity honestly. It was insane. I'm so glad that its spawned a solid friendship where we can sit and talk about our OCs for hours on end just shooting the shit. I cannot wait to see where another year takes us.  God your art and writing ideas just take my breath away. It's honestly crazy to see how rapidly you keep improving. Just when I think your artwork can't get any better it does with the very next drawing or sketch and I have to pick my jaw up off the ground. Your artwork and headcanons made me feel so validated with my own (and I'm so glad to have someone else in Team Top Damien Bottom Brian – but you me and Grim go on about that for hours haha

@shadow-of-fear-and-doubt​ / @a-poisonous-gamble​ By now almost everyone has heard about how you were the first blog I encountered in the Monster Prom community. About how I was scared that I was going to be the only Monster Prom blog before we found each other and screamed about these idiots. I'm so proud of all the progress you've made personally and how you tackle challenges that come your way. A lot of other people would have let that defeat them or made them turn bitter. I admire your genuine positive attitude towards people around you. It's absolutely awesome.

@woofjock

Where would a Follow Forever list be without you? You've installed yourself as a centrepiece to this community from the get go. You've spent so much time and energy maintaining the Masterlist. You're constantly showering the dash with them positive vibes and reminders that the RPC tends to need more often than not. Not to mention your version of Scott is absolutely flawless. Brian and Scott have not gotten to interact as much as I would like but he will support him dating his purple eldritch daughter any day. One day our jobs will stop kicking our asses collectively and we'll be able to interact ahaha.

@zombfear​ / @d-e-lioncourt​ Honestly the best duplicate I could have asked for. I love how we forged a relationship between our Brian's that works so well for our canon. The idea of them as cousins is so fucking heartwarming and I want to make an effort to get more zombie cousins back on the dash again soon!! I also super miss your Liam and the 'dirty little secret' plot between Brian and Liam in their ship verse. Interactions with you are always so much fun to watch and take part in!

@hellrexgn / @gruselhigh

I don't think I have EVER seen a multimuse run so smoothly. You run the gold standard for multimuse blogs. How you keep interactions between all the muses even and active is just astounding and I only wish I had more energy to play with the ships we have concepts for because I love them all! Honestly, I do not know how you do it but other multimuse blogs should look to you as an example. You're so fun to chat and plot with or just talk stupid headcanons about their day to day. When things do go amiss in the plotting phase you are so easy to work with and have things rectified and it's never felt awkward or forced. I also LOVE that you indulge Grim and I with three-person threads! So many other people are scared of doing them, but I love that we can have our characters slip in and out of threads as they are needed. You're so accommodating and adaptable. I love it.  Thank you for putting up with my shit.

@screvvedloose​ / @outofthemaiinstream​

AAAAAHHH !! The relationship between Vicky and Brian is one of the most simultaneously heart wrenching and adorable thing I've written. The way you so readily took the role my Brian needed in his life is incredible and exactly what I pictured when I first conceptualized the headcanon and I'm so thrilled that you had a similar take on the relationship between these two! I also am a huge fan of your Liam and hope he and Brian will also get to interact more soon as what I've seen of them already is fantastic.

@loveyourfears​

I think it's so rare and fantastic to see someone so invested in other people's storylines on the RPC – I think you were the Damien/Brian ship's original cheerleader on this blog and at some points Oz became the mouthpiece for what a lot of others in our captive audience were thinking at the time when Dame and Bri were torturing themselves. It's really good to see someone try to foster platonic connections and take part in being part of a cast of characters rather than the one on one stuff you see most often on the RPC. It's been cool to get to know you over the past year and here's to another year of fun times.

@spoiledfins​ / @idowatercolours​  / @revcnga​  I LOVE YOU! Even though you aren't active on Miri so much I still love your take on her and I've got a Brian/Miri ship with your name on it whenever you wanna start working towards it. I'm so glad we've started to get to know each other OOC because you make me laugh so fucking much. Your stories are fucking gold as is the cursed content you provide! I can't wait to get to know you better as I think this is the start of an amazing friendship.

MORE FANTASTIC PEOPLE (Lets Interact More I Love Your Shit)

@caelestalis | @glitchwalking | @glamourwitchcraft | @quamxmulti | @fudox | @eldfic | @oz-answers | @electrifyingstitches | @howlkissed | @airxn​ | @bestiadeluna​ | @best-wolf-boi​ | @purpleshopkeep​ | @karismatickitty​ | @lcbotomy​ | @lxrosalita​ | @zgords​ | 

[sailor-cresselia]

Zi-O Episode 33: featuring the Power of Music

So, RiderTime Fansubs picked up Zi-O starting with the Agito arc. They’ve already got their release of ep 33 out, so I’m using their version this time around.

Now then! Onward!

Tekken 7 returns! And it’s being played by the latest Hibiki’s pupil! … Or, his FORMER pupil. Looks like he dropped out of Oni training. So, Heure ‘offers’ him the chance to A; help lure Hibiki out into the open, and B; become an Oni.

Of course, said method of becoming an Oni is a bit… unconventional.

Oh WOW, I really like Another Hibiki’s look. He gets to go all in on the traditional Oni theme!

((WHOOPS ALMOST FORGOT TO PUT THE READ MORE IN MY BAD))

Sightings of harness-less Geiz: Two? Two. He apparently takes it off to sleep, and to work out… in the middle of the shop. (Oh, sweetie…) Also, clearly under the harness, jacket, and poorly-fitting pants, Geiz is ripped.

See, this is why you don’t work out in the middle of the path. A distracted Woz will walk right into you! And incidentally make your lack of harness a REVEAL.

Also Geiz’s first reaction to being nearly stepped on is to assume there’s an Another Rider. I mean, there IS, but that’s not it.

WAIT NO DRAT he’s still wearing the stupid harness. Drat. It just blended in better than it usually does. ...My point about his choice of location still stands.

Woz. Woz? You okay there? Why do you not want to let Sougo remember it’s his birthday? Why are you so dead set on that, that you stop his uncle from saying it?

The boys have one brain cell, and it looks like it’s not Woz’s turn to have it today.

For SOME reason, Junichiro decided that he’s going to bring out Sougo’s elementary school yearbook. Since he has this one, I’d assume it’s from the 2009-2010 school year, so Sougo would have been 9. That would make it… 3rd grade, since he turned 9 that April. And looks like he had a classmate that even Sougo thinks was odd, but they still cheered each other on. But really, Sougo thought that Tsutomu was odder than him. That. That says something.

(As Junichiro goes to reheat breakfast, him and Woz share A Moment of ‘We’re Totally Not Conspiring Or Anything.’)

Also, Tsutomu said that ‘his master was Hibiki, a great Oni’. That’s actually really cute.

The thing is… Asumu was, like, 14 when he met Hibiki in 2005, and Hibiki was a bit reluctant to take HIM on. So… Tsutomu was WAY too young to be studying for that type of thing.

And the Zi-O trend of ‘finding the next Rider by Coincidence’ continues. Sougo and Geiz come to the same conclusion immediately – “Hey, maybe we can find Kamen Rider Hibiki and his Watch!”

Sougo knowing about Hibiki actually works, too, according to past events in Zi-O. Decade used Hibiki against him back during the first episode of the Ghost arc, so Sougo has, technically speaking, seen said rider before. And, as has been previously established by arcs such as Wizard, Tsukuyomi may have the tablet and the fact-finding, but Geiz knows what Riders ‘used to’ exist. Which is now clearly ‘which Riders came before them,’ as opposed to ‘which ones happened once upon a timeline.’

Woz. Woz, the camera’s over here. You’re going the wrong direction. … Oh, wait, no, he’s going upstairs… and immediately dashing all hopes of us seeing a set for even a hallway, as he warps straight into his Storytime Vault. And we’re not getting Hibiki Hibiki, of course. No, we’re getting Kyosuke Kiriya, who… I GUESS has taken over as Hibiki. Or is carrying his watch?

I haven’t watched Hibiki, I don’t really know how the mentor system there works, aside from the fact that it’s a thing.

No I totally didn’t start singing the theme song with my parents around. What are you talking about? That’d be silly.

… I totally sang along by instinct.

… I know they think I’m odd for this already. I don’t even know HOW to explain that I’m liveblogging a show. At least they’re used to my being a fan of kids shows at this point.

(Over Quartzer is TOO DAMN CATCHY)

Geiz: “So there’s no doubt that the next Rider we’re looking for is Hibiki?” And he’s immediately proven right by Another Hibiki taking a flying leap at them.

… Hang on, there was a sound effect right before Sougo and Geiz turned around. Did they hear that? Or something like it? Some sort of acquired ‘time has gone wrong’ sense?

Seriously, the choices for the Another Riders are usually really good. Ever since Another OOO, they’ve been incredible. ...Well, except for Another Quiz, but that’s my preferring to not have brain motifs in character designs.

(Yes, I’m calling out Brain himself with that comment, too. That’s the worst part of his new bike.)

Aw, Woz made Sougo a fruit tart! It’s not nearly large enough for the candles and decorations, but it’s a nice thought!

And he wants to make celebrating his Demon Kings birthday AS EXTRA AS POSSIBLE, to the point that it looks like he’s starting to Blue Screen at not being Extra enough.

His usual IWAEs will not suffice.

(Also I like how the cuckoo clock sound effect trails off despondently as the cake cover rolls on it’s axis.)

CIVILIAN FIGHTS!!! Sougo and Woz are actually doing pretty decently, too. Still not great, but again. Civilian fight against a monster, so it’s in no way a fight on equal grounds.

Geiz is right, that we’d need Zi-O II to beat Another Hibiki without the watch. However, as Sougo points out, Another Hibiki came after them, not the other way around, so they can’t defeat him quite yet. Geiz lands on the same page right after.

I’m so glad these boys are working together. They’re so much better off as a team. And even more so with team transformations!

Ooo, Another Hibiki had only been using hand-to-hand techniques while they were civilians, but once the armor goes on, the drumsticks come out, and Fire Powers are fair game.

“Alright, old power for old techniques!”

“What?! No! You’ve got to use magic against an oni!”

:GASP: SOUGO PULLED OUT THE KUUGA WATCH!

WE’RE GETTING TO SEE THE KUUGA ARMOR!

FINALLY!

ARMOR TIME! KUUGA~!

I like the touch of how Kuuga Armor doesn’t have a ‘catch phrase’ when it finishes going on – the newer riders do, like with Wizard’s “Please”. But Riders didn’t have belt and weapon sound effects until Ryuki, so Kuuga and Agito wouldn’t have anything to work with for their Ride Armors.

Yoooo Another Hibiki has more fire powers than just from his drumsticks! He can breath fire, too!

And here comes one of the Oni, keeping the peace from other Oni. With the kanji for thunder and a SWORD GUITAR.

… OH FOR FUCKS SAKE. IT’S AN ELECTRIC GUITAR.

After some blows are exchanged, Oni-who’s-name-I-don’t-know gets a fire blast tossed at him from yet another direction, knocking both him and Another Hibiki down, and after yelling at whoever just attacked them, he goes off in pursuit of the fleeing Another Hibiki.

Sougo and Geiz have absolutely no idea what’s going on at this point. This is even more confusing for them than how the Quiz Arc started off, isn’t it?

Haha, Tsukuyomi finally makes it down to the (now former) battle field, and all three of them assume that the Oni was Hibiki. Heure, clearly knowing that he wasn’t Hibiki, is about to sulk off...

But then here comes Kyosuke, being all “Nope, that’s Todoroki. I’m Hibiki.” (How dare he cop the salute!)

Ahaha, Sougo’s grin is about to split his face. That is the face of someone who knows that that coincidence and fate have shone upon him once again, and will continue to do so.

(I was talking with @miyukomatsuda recently, and we’ve agreed that if he were a DnD character, Sougo’s player would consistently get great rolls on Insight and Charisma… except where said checks relate to the character himself.)

Cut back to Woz, who is… keeping the main door to the dining room shut, holding the dish cover and cover cloth. Although, it’s nice to see that there IS, in fact, a second door to the area – I can see that the one Sougo usually comes through is shuttered.

...Actually, why does that dining room even have two entries, anyway? There’s only the small wall dividing the storefront from the stairs to the bedrooms, and literally nothing else separating the two, so why is the side door even necessary?

Correction, Woz is hiding in the dining room, attempting to hide the tart, while the Rider Debrief is going on at that small table in the shop.

Ah. Right. Even if we aren’t showing the ‘give a blank watch to the Rider when they’re active’ task anymore, that doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t doing it. (I still need to watch Rider Time Ryuki.) But Kyosuke wasn’t Hibiki in 2005 – he was Hibiki’s pupil. The Zi-O team hasn’t had mentorships and titles being passed down before. It’s not usually a thing with Kamen Rider.

(Usually. I still haven’t seen Kiva or Den-O, either, and I think there was something similar in those? And also there’s how Ghost and Specter have several people using variants of the name, with Daigo having gone by “Zero Specter”, and Ayumu apparently taking up Takeru’s mantle as Ghost in the future. Please note that I’m still flat out ignoring the majority of the Ghost Novel, because of all the uncomfortable implications of several things in there. The STAGE SHOWS, however, are fair game so far.)

Okay, that digression aside.

Kyosuke isn’t wrong in asking them to prove themselves worthy of the Hibiki watch, even if he’s being a dick about it. That is a thing for Oni – they train to get where they are, and have to earn the powers and name.

Of course, his “we provide a blessing to the earth” line draws the attention of a very frazzled Woz, who is trying to figure out the best way to bless his overlords 19th birthday. He’s so desperate to make this the most extra birthday ever, that now he’s trying to call himself the “oni of blessings”. Kysouke is confused by this. Sougo and Geiz think it’s hilarious – Geiz is only making a token effort to hide his laughter, and Sougo isn’t even trying. (Is this what the harness is for? Hiding his emotions?) Tsukuyomi is so done with everything right now. She’s just gonna head out and look for Todoroki. Maybe she’ll find some sane people there. She’d like that, that’d be nice.

By the time they reach the Taiko drums, Woz has snapped, even knocking the other two boys out of the way to get to the center drum, because ‘this is perfect!’

Woz has lost visitation rights for the trinity’s brain cell this week.

Sougo’s worried about him. Geiz is just resigned. “He’ll stay out of our hair this way.”

!! Oh!! Kyosuke and Tsutomu trained together? Or… Hm, Hibiki took place in 2005, with the epilogue in 2006… so Kyosuke could have taken over as Hibiki by 2009/2010, and trained Tsutomu. But again, Tsutomu was, at most, 10.

… Trying to work out this particular timeline is confusing.

Meanwhile, with the one rational person on this team, Tsukuyomi only has to follow the sound of the Electric Guitar.

Oh! Todoroki knows full well that that’s Tsutomu under the Another Hibiki transformation! … I suppose, since Oni are technically alternate appearances… somehow… since they’re both using the Oni abilities, he could see right through it.

Also. Turns out? Kyosuke’s not Hibiki. Todoroki actually seems a bit insulted that he called himself that. (VALID)

So, Sougo might be made of iron defense-wise, but less so weight-lifting wise. Also of note: Geiz has taken off both his harness AND his jacket, leaving him bench pressing… a good amount of weight.

Heeeey, Sougo, did someone convince you to wear pants that fit? Who was it? Where can I find them to give them my gratitude? Your overshirt is still super baggy, but your regular shirt fits pretty normally.

And can whoever got you the fitting outfit go talk to Geiz about his pants?

Ohhh, Kyosuke, telling Sougo to ditch his dream has never once worked.

Wait, okay, it did work. ONCE. Literally one time. And it was technically him telling him that, but as a taunt/dare, so I don’t think it really counts.

Hmm.. But Kyosuke’s saying to stop going after an unobtainable dream, and that you’ll only be met with despair when you can’t achieve it.

He studied under Hibiki.

Todoroki, during their shows run, turned down his masters name – Zanki – instead preferring to use a name of his own choosing as an Oni.

Oni discard their human names upon becoming Oni.

Kyosuke introduced himself with his human name.

Sounds like somebody else flunked out, too.

Tsukuyomi tells the boys to head after Another Hibiki… and is going to have to drag Woz with her. He’s still drumming.

After Heure redirects Todoroki’s attack right back to him, Sougo and Geiz show up. Heure thinks that Hibiki ought to be with them. Pity Hibiki’s not here today, regardless.

GEIZ. Either tell us if using Revive is still dangerous, or stop using Revive. I have to wonder about Sougo’s choice of Ex-Aid, though. Hammers versus drumming, maybe?

Heure’s all but pouting that Hibiki’s not here as he takes his leave. Oh, kid, if you weren’t a bad guy, I’d be able to like you so much better. (get away from swartz)

I thought for a moment that was the original HIT! effect, but nope. It’s still Sougo’s version. To be fair to Sougo, though, I don’t think I’m quite as worried about what it might mean if he gets things right, anymore.

But only not quite as worried. I’m still a little worried.

Cut to Woz, still furiously drumming. Tsukuyomi has to throw a rock at him to get his attention… and he still won’t leave. “He’s got Geiz with him, right? They’re good at working together, they’ll be fine.”

I like that both Woz and Geiz have finally come around to this whole ‘working as a team’ thing. (insert growth.gif here)

Woz: “Anyway! I have to make this celebration perfect!”

Tsukuyomi: “You are literally the only person who likes your speeches. You have no idea how to celebrate people.”

This kills the Woz.

… Woz no. It’s definitely not that you’re not ‘rejoicing’ enough. It’s literally the opposite of that.

A nice Ex-aid armor / Revive Fury team fight… and to finish it, they swap into Zi-O II and Revive Typhoon. Well, Revive Gale, right now, since I’m using the Rider Time subs.

I love that the Zi-O II fight music is the instrumental version of King of Time, because it makes for such a dramatic backing track.

The drama is only intensified by Another Hibiki’s drumsticks growing spikes, lengthening to ABSURD lengths, and catching COMPLETELY on fire.

Ohhh that’s a NICE group finish!

Sougo, even 9 years later, can still recognize one of the only people who he was close to as a kid. (This lonely little dweeb keeps breaking my heart.) He wants to listen to Tsutomu, to see how he can help, to see what led to him becoming Another Hibiki.

Heure is having none of that, still wants actual Hibiki to show up, and re-monsterizes Tsutomu.

… You know, he might have gone after Sougo for a reason. He still recognizes him too, after all. The only problem with that is, Another Hibiki is more monstrous than most Another Riders are. He’s more on the ‘Another Build’ level of losing sight of himself. Worse, possibly, because at least Another Build still had language. But neither of them ever turn back on their own, and even the other…  ‘feral’ Another Riders could still do that, like Another Ryuga.

So, Another Hibiki goes after Geiz, Sougo’s down on the ground.

And Kyosuke comes up to stop them from attacking Tsutomu.

He pulls out a tuning fork, and transforms.

Into a white Oni.

One who’s decidedly not Hibiki, and Sougo can tell. See again, Tsukasa used Hibiki against him back during Ghost.

Here comes Todoroki, confirming for us.

Kysouke wasn’t able to become Hibiki, or an Oni of his own. He doesn’t even have a proper Oni name. He’s just an Oni.

Hibiki is a name to be earned.

And Kyosuke didn’t earn it.

Makes it all the harsher that he tried to get the boys to prove themselves to him, when he couldn’t prove himself.

Oh, what’s this? Heure thought that he was Hibiki, too? Interesting.

Even more interesting… Another Hibiki just attacked Oni!Kyosuke, with one of his more powerful attacks.

Preview time:

“I couldn’t be like my master Hibiki.” – That’s Kyosuke.

There’s a shot of Kyosuke and someone who is presumably a 10-year-old Tsutomu.

… Woz, I’m pretty sure even Kougami would think that cake is a bit… much. And he’s KOUGAMI.

Just who… who is Sougo talking to in that last line?

“You were Hibiki.”

Who? WHO was Hibiki?

So, I jumped back to the very beginning, after seeing that shot of Kyosuke and babby!Tsutomu. Heure says that he was “Hibiki’s pupil.”

But Tsutomu doesn’t use the name ‘Hibiki’ when he says that he’s ‘not his pupil anymore.’

Kyosuke. Did you tell Tsutomu you were Hibiki? That’s a dirty lie, bucko.

[itsdanystormborn]

Sinbad no Bouken 181.

This is only a fan translation, don’t forget to support the official releases of Snb and the MangaOne app if you can, and

►[Please don’t repost without giving credits. If you use this translation, don’t forget to share the link to this post!]◄

Thanks to @soreita for the raw! ^^

Night 181 “ High king of the Seven Seas”

Page 1

Narration: “The Seven Seas Alliance” agreement and the reconstruction of the “Kingdom of Sindria” …

After overcoming those events, Sinbad moved on to the next action.

 …

Night 181 “High King of the seven seas”

 Sinbad: fufu…

It’s been a while, huh?...

“Dungeon”!!

 Page 2

 Narration: That’s right!

The true nature of the adventurer Sinbad, is to be a “dungeon” conqueror.

 Sinbad: hey hey, let’s go you guys!

Sharrkan: Masrur! Who can take down more enemies? It’s a match!

AH!!?

 Ja’far: Don’t get too excited, Sin.

 Narration: the first thing that Sinbad, who brought together the Seven Seas Alliance, thought about was…

“In order to keep the world subjugated, we must maintain the balance of power that each nation possesses” …

 Page 3

 But, “Metal Vessels” and “Dungeons” throw off that balance.

If that’s the case, there is one action he must take into hands…

 Furfur: I am the spirit of ecstasy and reigning darkness,

“Furfur”

I recognize you as a king vessel.

 Page 4

Captured!

34th Dungeon, “Furfur”

 Narration: He conquered the dangerous “Dungeons” with his own hands and collected the “Metal Vessels”

That would certainly be the safest way. And above all, He thought that would lead to strengthening his “own country”

  Page 5

41th Dungeon

“Focalor”

 42th Dungeon

“Vepar”

 Judar: HAA ?!

Sinbad, you bastard!!

  Page 6

You are conquering the “dungeons” that I summoned as you please!

Sinbad: hahaha.

It’s because I can’t leave those dangerous “dungeons” there as they are.

Are you people also planning something again? I don’t know but, stop this immediately, Judar.

Judar: Hum. I thought he had died that time, now he’s standing in my way…

Aren’t you Interesting?

  Page 7

 Judar: why don’t we try working together? Sinbad…. Nah,

Stupid lord!!

 49th Dungeon

“Crocell”

Conquered.

 Sinbad: ….

I’m not done yet.

I still need more.

 Narration: But,

  Page 8

Sinbad: Wha…. What did you say!?

 61th Dungeon

“Zagan”

 Zagan: Because, A human who has so many “Metal vessels” clinking over him in such a way,

I don’t want my cool “dungeon” to be destroyed by someone like that...

 To begin with, I hate humans.

I don’t want anything to do with such an insolent guy!

What I’m trying to say, is that I’m not letting you in!

 ….

Sinbad: It’s useless, isn’t it?

Which reminds me, I had a hunch when the 7th djinn…

*Crocell manuscript: “enough is enough” *

told me that.  I guess he was talking about this….?

  Page 9

Ja’far: What are we going to do? we can’t afford to leave that “dungeon” as it is, but…

Sinbad: Uhm…

Ja’far: Or if it’s only about the “Metal Vessel”, one of our comrades could also conquer it…

Sinbad: They can’t.

The power to be king, is only mine.

That alone*, I’ll never do.

 (TN: *letting others capture dungeons, I guess he had no choice in the end)

..

Sinbad: That’s right. How about we do this?

   Page 10

Village chief:  ….

….

You say,

An island, for us?

 Sinbad: Yes. An uninhabited island on the southern seas.

The climate is gentle and crops and vegetables grow well. It’s in extremely good circumstances.

Village chief:

Will you make there a new village for us, the Torran tribe?

We won’t need to run or hide anymore…

Because we won’t have anything to be scared of anymore…

 This is the best thing I could have asked for.

I’m counting on you.

 Page 11

Narration:

Sinbad settled the Toran tribe, who he met with in the past on the middle of his travels, on the Island with the “dungeon”

From the beginning they were promised a land to leave peacefully and they were entrusted to monitor the “dungeon” as well as to decode the “Toran language”

Ja’far: ….

This way, the dungeon “Zagan” will be safe, right?

Yeah

…

 Sinbad: But, I’m not done yet.

If I can’t conquer “dungeons”, I have to raise our influence enough to compensate for it…

 Page 12

   Sindrian worker: Your majesty!

We’ve succeeded in cultivating the unusual fruits of the southern seas!

Our foreign trading continues to be *in the black.   (TN: To be profitable)

Is as you said, your majesty. The peculiarities of the southern seas seem to be drawing attention.

We need even more. More people will come and this way,

They’ll see there is an ideal country in this place, and they’ll tell about it to all the people in the world …. !!

 Page 13

Sinbad: We should be able to do it!

 Narration:

That way, Sinbad worked hard in order to further develop the kingdom of Sindria.

And then, the years went by ….

 Page 14

(TN: so much for working hard on developing the country lol a  flashy red-light district lololol)

  Ja’far: Wait a sec…!!

We had plans to build a national trading company but, why did it turned out to be a red-light district!?

SFX J’afar: *teeth clattering* / SFX Sin: HAHAHAA

Sinbad: I thought we might need an attraction for foreign customers.  Well, even though the “trading company” is a “trading company” ….

  Page 15

 It’s a “brothel”.

Sinbad (26)

 Ja’far: Don’t say that with such a serious look!!!

 Sharrkan: Mr Ja’far, please don’t blame his majesty!

It became this flashy, I guess it’s my fault?... sort of.

But since the king directly entrusted to me this place, I guess he was quite enthusiastic to enter…

We did our bests, It was hella hard!

 Ja’far: …

…

Sharrkan …

Ja’far (22)

  Page 16

Yes! Mr. Ja’far.

Sharrkan (18)

 (TN: OMG THE CHOP XD)

 Sharrkan: You are so cruel!!  What are you doing?

Ja’far: It should be obvious!!

You are throwing off our budget with such an extravagant architecture!!

  Page 17

Ja’far: You too Sin!! What were you thinking leaving this kind of task to Sharrkan!

Sinbad: What! Am I wrong!?

Sharrkan: Wa-wait a second please! His majesty did nothing wrong…..

 Yamraiha: …. Aah!, it is as I thought.

 Yamraiha ( 20)

…. That’s why I told you. Since you only made this huge building in such a flashy way, the situation would come to this.

  Page 18

Sharrkan: wha…!! It’s because in my country, this is common…

Yamraiha: It think the crafters had a hard time because of that.

They said they couldn’t attach the gold leaf* due to the salty sea breeze, you shouldn’t forget that, since there was no other way, it had to be crimped with my magic.

It was because there was no real planning.

(TN: search “gold leaf” on google)

Sharrkan: What are you saying, you charmless woman.

 Yamraiha: Oh, I might not be cute, but I’m fine this way. I’m way more serious than a man who flirts to anyone like an idiot.

Sharrkan: N-, N-Not really, Not to anyone.

Yamraiha: Hm, despite that, the first time I met you, you approached me and told me “I’ve met you before”

*Yamraiha manuscript: How dare you! *

 Sharrkan: Wha…

That was truth…

It’s evil that you don’t remember.

Yamraiha: I’ve told you that I don’t know what you talk about.

  Page 19

 Yamraiha: What!!

Sharrkan: What did you say!!

 Ja’far: Sharrkan…

He used to be so obedient, though.

Sinbad: People do change!!

Ja’far: I wonder who influenced him, hm?

 Hinahoho: Hey!

Hinahoho (32)

 Drakon: We’ve kept you waiting, king Sinbad.

Drakon (26)

  Page 20

Sinbad : Hinahoho, Drakon!

Drakon: It’s been a while.

Hinahoho: Recently everyone has been busy working.

Hey, take a look at this. The brats are huge now.

 Pipirika (24)

Pipirika: Time flies, these guys will go through the adulthood ceremony in a few years.

 Kikiriku (11)

(TN: He looks at least 20 ahaha)

Sinbad:  You’ll fight the rampaging unicorn? It brings back memories.

Pipirika: These children are sis Rurumu’s children. They are nothing like my big brother.

Hinahoho: For sure!

..

Saher: King Sinbad

…..

Sinbad: Saher….

  Page 21

I heard, you two! You got married, huh?

Congratulations, I’m really happy for you!

 Saher: This is also,

All thanks to king Sinbad…

It’s because you’ve helped us out many times that we are standing here right now…

 Thank you.

For creating the kingdom of Sindria…

  Page 22

Spartos: Excuse us, King Sinbad.

Kingdom of Sasan, Spartos (19)

Kingdom of Artemyra, Pisti (15)

 Page 23

Sinbad: Spartos, Pisti.

Pisti: Lord Sinbad! I missed you!!

 Sinbad: How are you doing, you two?

Have you get used to Sindria already?

 Spartos: …Yes,

I was surprised by its difference with Sassan’s culture but, all people are very kind…

 Page 24

Pisti: That’s right. Spa-chan gets very nervous and he’s still scared stiff!

Spartos: S-Spa-chan!?

Sinbad: What, you’ve already become close friends?

Pisti: hehe… People in Artemyra are this way. Besides, I made a promise to my mother.

To find the dreamy gentlemen of the outside world!

Sharrkan: yeah!! I like that, let’s go for a drink sometime!

 Yamraiha: Wait a second…

Not everyone is a frivolous person like you…

Pisti: Let’s go let’s go!

All- right!! I’ll show you the best place I know!

 Manuscript:  Pisti: As expected from Mr. Sharrkan! / Sharrkan:Please, come this way Miss Pisti!

 Yamraiha: …

 TN: *Radom people follows them*

 Yamraiha: …

What’s to be done? The culture is different…

Masrur: …

  Page 25

Sinbad: If so, then I’ll join too!!

Ja’far:  You can’t you, you know right!

Sinbad: but, why!!

Ja’far: The paperwork concerning this affair has piled up!! Who the heck did you think was going to handle this?

*Manuscript: Please, look at this!!*

 Sinbad: You are cruel!! Ja’far, you demon!!

 TN: *Endless bickering*

 Spartos: Is it okay not to stop this?

Pisti: That usually happens, it’s all good, isn’t it?

Sharkan: Manuscript: yes, yes.

 TN: In that moment, Sindrian workers get Sinbad and the general’s attention

  Page 26&27

Sindrian people: This is awful! The creatures of the southern seas have come out!!

 Hinahoho: They came out again?

Sinbad: yeah, it’s something that happens all the time in this country…

Ja’far: well then, shall we go?

 We, the “eight generals” of the kingdom of Sindria!!

 TN: And then they fight against the rampaging unicorn!

  Page 28

Sharrkan: Haaa!

Household vessel, “Foraz saiqa”

 Page 29

Masrur:  Household vessel, “Bararaq kauza”

  Spartos: Amazing…!!

This is the power of king Sinbad’s subordinates, the “eight generals”!!

Truly amazing people that you couldn’t imagine from the usual.

 Page 30

Big brother, somehow or another, please watch over me. One day, surely…

I’ll become a worthy knight, just I promised you…!!

 TN: Mystras angst NEVER gets old.

 Page 31

(TN: It’s party night in Sindria!)

  Page 32

Page 33

Narration:

Once, there was a country called “the kingdom of Sindria”

It was once destroyed, but a certain man brought that country back to life.

He went beyond the seven seas, and became a legendary adventurer,

That man who once was born as a nameless boy born in a poor fishing village…

  Page 34

Is, The high king of the seven seas

Sinbad.

..

.

As always, Thank you so much for reading! ^^