#akira… akira my guy… i need a favor

[yo-yo-yoshiko]

So… An update…

(We’re watching episode 36 next, can’t recommend Toqger enough)

[vampi-fixx]

honesty

devilman crybaby; akira fudo x reader; 1.5k; fluff; miscommunication + hardcore pining

akira has to be honest with you. he wasn't really pretending.

Akira had always been by your side since you were children, seeming more like another limb than a separate person—when you moved, he moved. When he cried, you were always there to wipe his tears away, to reassure him that you didn’t think any less of him for his gentle disposition.

Even when his mysterious transformation happened, and he filled out, looking less like a boy and more like a hardened man, things hadn’t changed. If possible, he seemed even more attuned to you. His newfound confidence made him bolder, more direct about his own wants and desires—which apparently, centered mostly around staying right where he always was, by your side.

He wasn’t the only one affected by his shift however. Akira’s forward personality made you terribly aware that your feelings for him were more than just that for a close friend.

You liked Akira, you always had. But if before his timid hesitance prevented you for bridging that gap between friends and something more, now the matter was his devilish new appearance attracting the attention of every girl within a ten mile radius.

But now you could be selfish. You could indulge in all the things you only dreamed about. Because now—

“I need you to pretend to be my boyfriend."

He paused, his story about another one of the illicit schemes Ryo entangled him in dying on his lips. Your gaze was trained on the river flowing beneath the deck the two of you were seated on, the small waves drawing ripples in your reflection. Your tongue felt heavy with the weight of your words; they were hard enough for you to voice. You didn't want to see his reaction. You didn't think know what to do if he said no—

“Alright." His answer came as easy as the breeze that drifted past your bodies, ruffling your clothes. When your head shot towards him, he grinned. “Can I start now?”

No questions asked. You were foolish to doubt him for even a second; of course, when it came to you, he would agree to anything. But he fit into the role almost too seamlessly. He held your hand in public like he was proud to, liked to sneak in sloppy kisses to your cheeks whenever you were focused on a task, and his full-bodied hugs became a constant in your life.

You liked being his significant other, so much so that you never mentioned when your creepy coworker stopped leering at you and trying to meet up with you despite your obvious lack of interest. You never told Akira that he didn't have to pretend anymore. (When he’d found out about the guy though of course he'd been pissed.

“Why didn’t you let me talk to him?”

“Mm, because last time you talked to some guy bothering Miki, he ended up in the hospital.”

He frowned. "Not like he wouldn’t deserve it.")

You wanted to live in this moment for as long as you could. It felt right—doing things your heart had always yearned for, being with him under the thin guise of a favor, without fear of repercussion. But all good things came to an end, and so did the day when the reality of your situation became too much for even you to ignore.

It was a dream. In it, you and Akira were sitting on the bridge, the same spot you’d first made the request of him. But it felt so real, Akira's eyes a soft brown glow, the sunset's rays catching on the tips of his hair, as he told you he’d never felt so strongly about anyone else, that he didn't want to feel this strongly about anyone else. He leaned forward, the distance between your lips seeming to span miles. Just as he kissed you, your eyes flew open and you were staring up at the ceiling of your bedroom.

It wasn't real. But what was real was the reverberating ache in your chest. Your eyes stung, and you furiously rubbed at them. You'd been lying to him, and to yourself, for god knows how long.

You loved Akira, you couldn't deny it any longer. But would he still like you once this was all over? Once you admitted that the last few months were a ruse, and you’d been using him for your own gain?

You weren't certain. But the idea that he wouldn't terrified you.

You texted him; you’d never been good at keeping secrets from one another, and the guilt was chipping away at your resolve.

When the two of you met up, Akira's grin faded once he saw the grim look on your face.

"Look Akira, I'm sorry, but I can't... we can't do this—” You gestured between your bodies "—anymore."

His demeanor changed instantly. His tone was measured, cautious. “Why not?”

“I.. it's not fair to me or you."

“You don't need me—” He paused, seeming to catch himself. “You don't need a boyfriend anymore?"

“Y-yeah...” You didn’t have the heart to tell him that you’d been clinging to things you couldn’t have. "I don't. I... haven't. For awhile now."

The silence between you stretched across valleys.

Akira broke it first, as always. He was always the one to reach out. “But...”

Here it comes.

“But you never asked me if I wanted it to be over.”

Your eyes widened. “I...”

“Look, I... Shit, this is coming out all wrong.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I don’t want to go back to the ways things were...” he trailed off, his expression curling into a frown.

Your heart clenched. This was the worst you’d expected. He didn’t even want to be friends anymore.

“I see. I-I understand." You took a shaky breath. "Sorry for wasting your time." You made to move past him, but his hand reached out to stop you.

“Wait." Now Akira was the one who sounded confused. "I don’t think you do—"

“I know it was really selfish of me to ask you in the first place. And to... to keep this going on for so long.” Your voice wavered, and you couldn’t meet his gaze. Gosh, were you really going to cry right now? It was ironic; usually you were the one comforting him. How the roles had changed.

“No—wait. Stop, (Y/N), stop. That’s not what I’m—"

"Bye, Akira. I'm sorry for lying to you." You bowed your head, dipping past him—that is, if his arm didn't shoot out to grasp your shoulders. He drew you into a fierce hug, the kind that had your breath catching. You stilled, your heart pounding loud enough you were sure even he could hear.

“I’m not mad about anything, you dummy.” His voice was uncharacteristically soft. “I’m saying...” He held you closer to him. You could feel the way his own heart was pounding, the way his hands trembled around your shoulders.

“Pretending to be your boyfriend is the easiest thing I’ve ever had to do. And I don’t want to stop.”

Your eyes widened. "Akira—"

“I’m in love with you,” he said, pulling back from you. “I didn’t mind if you wanted me to pretend to be your boyfriend. I was glad to play along. I thought I’d be fine with just that, but I can’t do it anymore. I’m not okay with just pretending anymore! I—”

His gaze met yours, his eyes intense but vulnerable. “I want to be yours, for real.”

You blinked rapidly, your lips parting. Akira shifted from one foot to the next, your lack of response beginning to worry him. His brow furrowed.

“Have you ever... thought about us before? Together?" he asked, hesitant.

You shook your head rapidly, before realizing what kind of answer you were giving. “O-Of course I have!”

“Yeah?” He gave you a tentative smile, a crooked upturn of his lips, that had cracks forming in the walls around your heart. "And did you..." He cleared his throat. "Did you like the idea?"

“I... I was so worried about ruining this," you said in a rush. You flushed, burying your face in his chest. "About ruining us. I was worried you'd hate me, and—and we couldn't be friends anymore—"

"Why would I ever hate you?" he murmured, rubbing circles into your back. "You know how much you mean to me." He brought you even closer to him, resting his chin atop your head. "You could never ruin anything."

“Oh...” Your voice muffled into his shirt. "Oh." It was then that you realized: Akira really, truly loved you. Akira wasn't mad. Akira was just as happy that this had all happened...

"God," you groaned. All that worrying was for nothing.

His laughter rumbled against you. Your face felt even warmer and you wanted to keep hiding it from him. How embarrassing... That is, until Akira's hand went from rubbing your back to stroking through your hair.

"Hey. Hey, look at me."

You glanced upwards. Time seemed to slow as Akira's hand slid from the top of your head until cupping your cheek, tilting your face towards him. His thumb traced from your chin to the bottom of your lips as he inched forward. His lips pressed against you earnestly, carefully, as if he was savoring it. His lips were chapped, and moved a bit clumsily against yours, but they were thorough—like he was mapping out every inch of you.

When the two of you parted, he grinned before resting his forehead against yours. “Been wanting to do that for awhile."

"Wh—Why didn't you then?" you asked, your gaze half-lidded.

He raised a brow, his grin turning devilish.

“Wanted our first kiss to be a real one.”

"And this? This is as real as it gets," he said, before leaning in for another one.

[sofiaal-azwar]

The High Table is Gone.

Thank you everyone for your cooperation through this war, we’ve lost those we loved in combat but we must stay thankful for the others that have survived, fighting for us. And a special thanks to @askjohnwick and @shimazu-akira , I’ve grown closer to you guys after this battle.

My daughter is safe and the adjudicator has turned to our side, we are no longer against each other and can rebuild our continental that was once a haven.

To the Casablanca Continental, I am appointing ownership to my right hand woman. Thank you for your help in managing our army when I was gone, Bushra.*

The reason for the sudden change in management is my retirement. I will be moving to the Osaka continental to finally be able to spend time with my family, my daughter and Akira, whose hard work and perseverance has led me to become closer with her, living with her personally.

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR JOHN WICK: Thank you for your work in retrieving my daughter through the Ruska Roma. I know I haven’t been the brightest person to be around but I give you my genuine appreciation and will return the favor anytime needed.

Enjoy your rest everyone.

*bushra is a fake character !

[stereax]

bc i miss them (devils) so much, what are your favorite moments for each player (or select players) from this season? on or off ice moments

for EACH player??? anon I'm gonna die I love them ALL so MUCH I CAN'T GO BACK AND ANALYZE EVERY MOVE THEY MAAADE :') okay let me think of a few

Brendan Smith: The best I can think of is my friends cheering him on and hoping he'll FINALLY get a goal as a meme (spoiler: he did not, in fact, get a goal).

John Marino: Consistent Norris-caliber defensive play that saved our asses every single night.

Dougie Hamilton: The social media admin thing or the Douglings after the Game 3 OT goal.

Alexander Holtz: Trawling through his Instagram and ascertaining that he has a girlfriend (some Swedish artist) and a boyfriend (Fabian Zetterlund).

Nico Hischier: "As Jack would say, let's go on a heater".

Nate Bastian: The Bastian Effect, full stop - basically any time I can see my boy it's a good day.

Yegor Sharangovich: HE HAS A WIFE, AND A BABY BOY, AND A BIRD NAMED HAM APPARENTLY.

Ondrej Palat: When he lost an edge in the Rangers series and Marino and Gravy had to push him off the ice LMAO.

Mikey McLeod: Game 7 shorty, enough said.

Damon Severson: The OT goal against the Rangers in the regular season.

Mackenzie Blackwood: Him clenching his asscheeks in that one Bruins game and actually posting a decent save percentage after letting two in, almost letting us win that game.

Ryan Graves: 1.4 seconds left goal to ensure the Blue Jackets didn't get Bedard.

Akira Schmid: Two (2!!!) shutouts against the Rangers in the playoffs!

Vitek Vanecek: The saga of Marty Birdeur (Vitek's bird friend), or the hibachi memes, or the "I am funny guy" memes, or the - he's just a cinnamon roll and a gold mine of happiness.

Curtis Lazar: I identify spiritually with Lazar because he really just walked into the Devils' locker room and immediately adopted Luke Hughes, and like, I get it.

Luke Hughes: LUKE HUGHES IN OVERTIME!!!

Miles Wood: Wanted to put a curve in his wooden stick, set it on fire accidentally, pretty sure that was this year right?

Fabian Zetterlund: All the pictures where he looked so happy and at home here...

Erik Haula: Watching him finally break through his snakebite just in time for the playoffs and the reeling-in-the-fish celly with Igor Shesterkin lying there dead behind him.

Jesper Bratt: Bratt in the Hatt Trick!

Jesper Boqvist: Uhhh maybe Boqvist Bowl when we played Columbus?

Jonas Siegenthaler: Going Directly To Worlds with Nico and his Worlds goal where he does a slippity slide and almost faceplants on the ice.

Tomas Tatar: Getting ready to celebrate a goal but needing to find his mouthguard because "it's a good mouthguard".

Jack Hughes: Him beating the shit out of Sebastian Aho is a highlight - there are many highlights.

Kevin Bahl: The "Wrecking Bahl" shift in Game 5 against the Rangers where he laid 3 massive hits and then got into a fight.

Dawson Mercer: THE FAVOR LETTER MY BELOVED I would run through WALLS for Dawson.

Timo Meier: Pissing off the Rangers for seven games straight and then shaking Trouba's hand with a shit-eating grin - also, his media spots with Nico.

And you, anon?

[engstars-transcribed]

Mayoi Idol Story 1

Characters: Mayoi

Season: Spring

Writer: Akira

Mayoi: Hi. Hello. Sorry to bother youuuu.

You are Anzu-san, right?

I apologize for letting you see my gloomy face so late at night. I'm Mayoi Ayase.

I own this building, kind of. I've lived here for a long time.

... Eek! Please don't make sudden movements! I'm scared! I would never have talked to you! But, you seemed to be troubled by something!

Oh, I can't do this. It's terrifying to talk to strangers... I'm going back to the cabin for me to be alone. I'm sorry to bother you.

Ugh! What's going on? Please! Stop pulling my hair! It huuuuurts! Violence is not the answer! And I'm definitely not your enemy!

... Huh? Why do you keep bowing? Are you going to knock me down with a headbutt? What a horrible person!

You aren't? And you say you're sorry... You're sorry you pulled my hair?

No, no problem, no need to apologize! I'm good. In fact, I've been growing out my hair for you to grab!

Ohh. Um, I'm the one who should be sorry. I was acting suspiciously... You must be scared, being alone with a guy you barely know late at night, especially with someone like me—

A suspicious, unidentified person... Ahhh, I'm sorry for my existence.

Umm? Why are you stroking my head right now? Are you trying to comfort me?

Mayoi: No, no! You don't have to! My hair will smear your hand!

Please stop! Sorry, sorry! I'm a lowly creature that doesn't deserve your kindness!

Ah, I know you think I'm troublesome. I can feel it, because people always look at me with contempt and displeasure.

But... you don't have that look in your eyes. I can feel it, as I said. I've always been sensitive to what others are feeling.

Fufu. I'm relieved now. I'm glad you aren't a bad person.

... So, more than anything, you're in trouble, right?

I just saw you walking back and forth between the lobby and the emergency stairwell—

—You were trying to get the elevator to move even though the power had already been shut off.

Eh? Where was I watching you from?

Fufufu... This building and I are one and the same. If anything happens within its walls, I'lI know it right away. Fufu, fufufufu♪

Oh noooo... I'm sorry for my terrifying laughter! I scared you, didn't I? I'm sorry. I'm so disgusting!

Anyway, Anzu-san, did you leave something at the office?

I know a secret passageway... And I was trying to tell you where it was, so you could get your stuff.

Mayoi: Sorry. I don't like to poke my nose into other people's business, but I can't just leave you like this.

You've always taken good care of us idols, Anzu-san. I wanted to return the favor.

Eh? How do I know your name even though we've never worked together?

Well... You see, I know everything that goes on in this building.

I've been watching you guys all the time.

Whoops, that sounds weird. I scared you again, didn't I? ... Sorry, sorry, I apologize for being such suspicious.

Anyway, you'll be devoured by the evil ghost if you keep walking around the building this late.

Quickly do what you need to do, and get back to somewhere safe, like your home.

If I could be of help, being born would be worth it.

Now then, this way, please... Let me take you to the secret passageway. I know, I know it's hard to trust someone like me immediately, but please follow me.

Fufu. All right... This way.

There's a secret passageway in the stairwell ahead that even the current owners of the building don't know about. It's dark here. Watch your step.

Yes. Fufu, right foot, left foot, and again♪ Right foot, left foot, one more time♪

Oh, why are you laughing? I didn't mean to be funny. I'm sorry... Did I treat you like a child?

Mayoi: I like something fragile and cute. I am always willing to give them my love.

If possible, I want to keep them to myself—

and do everything to raise them♪

... Whoops. Sorry, I was joking. Really! Don't be afraid of me, please.

Fufu, fufufufu...♪

... Why are you frozen? You don't have to be so scared... Cause I'm by your sideeeeee♪

[amorest-viesse]

[The Greatest Show With You] - Chloe SSR Card Story Translation

Ft. Arthur & Akira

A Push of Encouragement - Chapter One

[City of Circuses]

Street Musicians: Come one, come all, and take a gander at our show for our musical performance begins now!

Street Puppeteer: No, no, come this way to witness amazing feats of ventriloquy! Watch as this here puppet perfectly imitates the voice of any member of our audience!

Akira: Both acts seem really interesting… There sure are a lot of colorful characters in the City of Circuses.

Chloe: It’s impossible to decide where to go! There’s more than enough to keep you entertained for the entire day.

Arthur: Chloe. I’d like to thank you for taking us here once again. It’s been an absolutely incredible experience so far.

Chloe: I- It’s no big deal, but I’m glad you like it!

Chloe: …Huh? That street performer over there doesn’t seem to be attracting anyone.

Akira: You’re right… Everyone has a crowd around them except for him.

Street Performer: Come and witness a thrilling performance you can’t get anywhere else! You won’t regret it!

Onlooker: You see that guy over there? Lately, he’s had nothing but failed performance after failed performance, and it’s been a real bummer to watch.

Onlooker: He’s changed up his routine too, but I liked the old one better.

Chloe: …

Chloe: Hey, why don’t we check that guy out?

Arthur: That sounds good to me. He’s also piqued my curiosity, so shall we?

As we approached the street performer desperately trying to attract an audience, he gave us a look of surprise.

Street Performer: Are you, by any chance, here to see me? This is the first time I’ve seen your faces around here. Are you guys tourists?

Chloe: You’re spot on! If it’s alright with you Mister, could we watch your performance?

Street Performer: …O- of course! Prepare yourselves for an unforgettable display of the most thrilling feats!

Street Performer: For my first act, watch as I juggle these flaming torches! No where else will you find an act so bold and daring! Now! Let’s begin!

Arthur & Chloe & Akira: Oooh…!

The street performer set 4 large torches ablaze and began to juggle them, rhythmically tossing them into the air one by one. However—

[Fire Crackling]

Street Performer: Ow! Ack! Hot, hot, hot! My clothes! My clothes are on fire!

Arthur & Chloe & Akira: Huh!?

Chloe: This is bad! We have to put it out…!

Chloe: <Suispicibo Voitingoc>!

Arthur: <Pernoctant Nix Zo>!

Akira: Thank goodness, the fire’s out…!

Chloe: Are you alright!? You weren’t burned anywhere, were you?

Street Performer: Thanks to your quick actions, I’m perfectly fine…

Street Performer: U... Uwah… Wahhh…

Akira: (He’s… he’s crying!?)

Street Performer: Wahhh… Not only did I completely botch my performance, I even made the audience worry about me. I’m a failure of a street performer…

Chloe: D- don’t cry…! Your torch juggling was really cool!

Arthur: I agree. Besides, everyone experiences failure from time to time. I’m just glad you’re safe and sound.

Street Performer: Uu, thanks you guys… I’ve just been in a real slump lately, and people aren’t stopping by to watch. I have to find a way to start entertaining them again…

Chloe: I see. However, I can tell that you put in a lot of practice to get that last trick right. I’m sure you’ll nail it next time!

Street Performer: My good sir…! Wait a minute. If I can get some kind of warm encouragement like this…

Street Performer: …Of course! That’s it!

A Push of Encouragement - Chapter Two

Street Performer: What I need is a little push of encouragement from others…!

Chloe: What do you mean by that…?

Street Performer: Allow me to explain! Your kind words have given me the courage to face my adversities and rise from this slump once and for all!

Street Performer: I beg of you! Would you please do me the favor of watching over a few of my rehearsals?

Chloe: …Of course! If it helps, then I’d be more than happy to!

With all of us in agreement, the street performer thanked us profusely and led us to a square set aside for performance rehearsals.

Street Performer: Since I have several acts that change from day-to-day, I’ll be showing you some other tricks besides juggling. Now then, let us begin.

Arthur: Break a leg!

Chloe: You can do it!

Street Performer: Alright! First off, I will be demonstrating a contortionist act by fitting myself into this minuscule box. Here I go…!

Akira: (Wow, amazing! He’s actually folding himself up like an octopus…)

Street Performer: Ouch! Ow, ow ow! M- my leg is cramping…!

Chloe: Are you alright!?

♡♥♡

Arthur: The next act is attempting a handstand while balancing on a shaky beam…? It seems difficult, but I believe in you.

Street Performer: Oh, with encouragement like that, there’s no way I’ll fail…! Here I go!

[Slip]

Akira: W- watch out…!

[Crash!]

Street Performer: Ack!

♡♥♡

Chloe: C- can you really somersault over this pile of swords? I wanna cheer you on but…

Street Performer: This act is a vital part of my show! Now here I go…!

Street Performer: Ow! Ow, ow, ow!

Chloe: …! H- Hey, Mister? Why don’t we take a break?

We watched a whole series of performances, but in the end…

They only grew more and more dangerous, causing our concerns to outweigh our desire to cheer him on.

Street Performer: I- I’m okay! Let me try this one more time…!

The three of us could only stand in shock as the street performer rolled up his sleeve, ready to give it another go.

Akira: H- he’s still going? After getting all those burns and bruises…?

Arthur: Getting injured from time to time is probably a part of the job, but isn’t this going too far?

Chloe: Not to mention, he’s done nothing but struggle this entire time…

Arthur & Chloe & Akira: …

None of us could find the heart to keep cheering him on.

Street Performer: Huh? What’s going on, you guys? Why the long faces…

Street Performer: Ah. I guess you got fed up with me and my failures, huh…

Chloe: Oh, don’t think of it like that. We’re not fed up with you.

Chloe: You just seem like you’re really struggling, so we’re worried about you…

Street Performer: …I see. So that’s how you see me.

Street Performer: Well, I’m just an ordinary human y’know, so it’s not like I can use magic. I’m not a natural entertainer either, so if I don’t perform these kinds of crazy stunts, nobody even stops to give me a second glance.

Street Performer: However, sometimes, whenever I fumble a trick, I can get people to laugh. That’s why…

Chloe: You’ve been doing all of this on purpose?

Chloe: But, is hurting yourself for the sake of others really what makes you happy…?

A Push of Encouragement - Chapter Three

In response to Chloe’s question, a flicker of doubt flashed through the street performer’s eyes as he began to speak quietly.

Street Performer: T- there was once a street performer I looked up to. He was just like me, an ordinary human who couldn’t use magic.

Street Performer: However, he could perform any trick with ease… The first time I saw him, I felt something stirring inside me, an unforgettable feeling that whispered, “That’s who I want to be.”

Street Performer: However, I simply didn’t have the talent that he did, and nobody ever came to see me. Desperate to attract attention… I turned to riskier and riskier stunts…

Street Performer: But even then, I still failed to achieve my dreams. What an idiot, right?

Chloe: … Hey, what kind of tricks did your idol perform? I’d like to hear about them.

Arthur: I love listening to exciting stories, so please, share with us.

Street Performer: He did all kinds of things. For example, he could juggle balls using one hand while putting on an elaborate puppet show with the other…

Street Performer: He could also throw knives with his eyes closed while hitting the mark each time… Every single one of his acts was simply incredible!

Chloe: He sounds like a real jack-of-all-trades…! You really look up to him, don’t you, Mister?

Street Performer: Yes, yes! Simply recalling his performances fills me with awe.

Chloe: Ahaha, that’s great! You seem like you’re really having fun now.

Street Performer: What?

Akira: I agree with Chloe. It felt like I was actually seeing these performances as you described them to us, and I could feel your excitement as well.

Arthur: It’s exactly as they say. All three of us are smiling now thanks to you.

Chloe: When I watched you struggle with your performances, it made me feel like I was struggling too.

Chloe: If you want others to enjoy themselves, then you have to be enjoying it first. Otherwise, no one is having fun.

Street Performer: I see…

Street Performer: Thank you. I understand what you guys mean now. I think it’s about time I return to my roots and start taking my dreams more seriously.

Chloe: …Exactly!

Chloe: <Suispicibo Voitingoc!>

Street Performer: These are… juggling balls? They match the patterns on your outfit too…

Chloe: I made them from the leftover scraps of fabric. They’re meant to be a keepsake from us, so you can remember our time together whenever you look at them.

Chloe: We’ll always be your fans!

Street Performer: Thank you…! It’s like always having you guys by my side to encourage me through each rehearsal!

Street Performer: …Once I become the world’s greatest street performer, you’ll come by and watch again, won’t you?

Arthur: Of course we will!

Chloe: I’m already looking forward to it!

I’ve Just Gotta! - Card Episode

[Manor Library]

Chloe: Hmm, the sleeves looked like this, and the hem had an elaborate pattern that looked like this…

[Sketching]

Akira: Good afternoon, Chloe. What are you sketching today?

Chloe: Master Sage! Remember when we went to the City of Circuses? Well, I was taking a lot of notes while I was there, and now I’m properly drawing out all the outfits I saw.

Akira: Now that you mention it, it did seem like you were furiously taking notes on something… I should’ve known you were looking at everyone’s outfits.

Chloe: Ehehe. There were a lot of street performers and circus troupes there, right?

Chloe: Not only did everyone have eye-catching performances, but their costumes were incredible too! I don’t want to forget a thing!

Chloe: Circus costumes have a lot of different functions, so it’s cool to see how each design accentuates that! Some of them are meant to accommodate various types of movements while others are there to make the wearer stand out!

Akira: Now that I think about it, I did see all types of designs out there… Is there one that left an impression on you, Chloe?

Chloe: Umm, maybe this huuuuge pair of pants?

Akira: Huge what?

Chloe: The street performer wearing them used stilts to make them seem taller. Here, it looked like this…

[Sketching]

Chloe: I was like “No way those are pants! I can fit my whole body in there!”

Chloe: It’d be a cool challenge to design something as big as that! I’ve just gotta try it someday.

Chloe: Ah! If you’re interested, I can make a pair for you.

Akira: Y- you will!? I don’t know if I’ll be able to wear it, but good luck…!

Chloe: Hooray~!

Akira: (I guess I should start learning how to walk on stilts…)

Home Screen Voice Line

“One day, it'd be fun to open my own shop, but I also want to keep traveling with Rustica. Additionally, I’d like to grow closer to everyone at the Manor and visit your world too! …There’s so many things I want to do, but I definitely consider that a good thing.”

[twilightmalachite]

MIRAGE - The Most Beautiful Mirror in the World 5

Author: Akira

Characters: Yuuta, Shinobu

Translator: Mika Enstars

Proofers: Bella

"Forcing yourself into a box that doesn't suit you hurts your body and mind, you know. …Ugh, talk about a sore topic"

Season: Winter

Location: Yumenosaki Classroom 2-B

The next day. Yumenosaki Academy, Classroom 2-B…

Yuuta: Wow, it really looks great on you, Shinobu-kun! Cuuuute~ ☆

Shinobu: …

Yuuta: Look, I tried to copy your style , but doesn’t it look devastatingly horrible on me? Ahah! Guess the cutesy-kinda stuff is my weak point, huh~ I can’t help but compare to, say, Ra*bits…

Shinobu: …

Yuuta: There we go! Stop looking away! Look at me properly! Me, your mirror!

I've said this plenty of times, but you have a really nice face. It's a shame to hide it just ‘cuz you're shy!

Shinobu: …It’s not really because I’m shy, de gozaru. Now…

Yuuta: Oh, you changed your hairstyle back. But it suited you…

Shinobu: But I don't know if it suited me. I forgot my hand mirror, so you did me a favor and became “my hand mirror” by giving me the same hairstyle, but…

In the end, you and I are completely different, Yuuta-kun. I can't use you as reference.

Yuuta: I see. Guess that makes sense… Seems Aniki and I's way of just looking at each other's identical faces when we need a mirror doesn't apply to other people, huh?

…Actually, you look really down. What's wrong? Bad mood? Or do you not feel well?

Shinobu: No, it's just, I mean…

Regarding your plans, or well, what you told me yesterday… After listening, I can sort of sympathize, de gozaru.

Yuuta: Great, I need a sympathetic friend!

Shinobu: …You want to pretend to be “Aoi Byakuya”, a made-up character, in order to mess around with the producer you're angry at. At least, that's the gist of the prank, de gozaru.

Yuuta: Yup! I wanna give the producer who made fools out of us a taste of his own medicine!

Shinobu: That's not something to say whilst smiling so brightly, de gozaru… But well, if that's what you want to do, Yuuta-kun, then I won't stop you.

I'm not your family nor am I in your unit, so it's not like I have a right to say anything anyways.

Yuuta: Hm? It's not like I'd let my family or unit, a.k.a. Aniki, say anything either, though.

I've had enough of other people telling me what and what not to do.

Shinobu: “Other people”… But as a part of RYUSEITAI, allies of justice, I feel I should stop you from turning to delinquency, de gozaru.

Recently, I feel I'm not worthy of being called that anymore—It's pathetic, really.

Yuuta: Don't force yourself to act like a good kid if you don't want to. RYUSEITAI being some ally of justice or whatever is just some values forced onto you against your will by your seniors and adults anyways. It's stupid.

Forcing yourself into a box that doesn't suit you hurts your body and mind, you know. …Ugh, talk about a sore topic.

Shinobu: Although it is true that taking on dreams that don't suit your stature will only cause you grief, our seniors did not force us to dress up as heroes against our will.

I'll say this much. Yuuta-kun, you're a dear friend and I love you dearly, but don't insult my seniors. I'll get angry.

It makes you no different than those insensitive people who called us fake heroes last summer despite not knowing a single thing about us, de gozaru.

Yuuta: That was Crazy:B, right? I'm surprised how RYUSEITAI was able to keep their cool back then.

All those people you helped so much and swore to protect were basically throwing stones at you guys. Claiming to be a hero of justice is ridiculous and all, but even I couldn't help but hate it.

Shinobu: My seniors were more sad than they were angry. It made them realize that they still have a ways to go before they're who they dreamed to be.

But moving on from that. Right now, I'm not a member of RYUSEITAI, but your friend, and I want to respect your wishes.

And I want to support you, Yuuta-kun.

I'm not lying about this, these are my real feelings, de gozaru. And I just want you to know that.

Yuuta: Okay, then you should lend me a hand, Shinobu-kun.

Shinobu: …

Yuuta: Make a disguise for yourself and join me. Let's go and launch an attack on that producer together.

Let's have you be my Aoi Byakuya's manager! Come up with whatever cool name you like for yourself.

We'll change that hairstyle, and get rid of that forced ninja-esque way of speaking you have and make you into a different person. Let's make ourselves into bad kids that nobody in the world has heard of before!

Shinobu: …

Yuuta: You can say whatever you want. “Oh, you poor thing!” “I'm on your side!” “I want to help you!”

When they're at a safe distance, everyone aaaalways acts all big, pretending to be nice and saying whatever they want.

But I'm done believing those pretty, too-good-to-be-true words. The only words worth listening to are from those willing to get scratched up and dirty alongside me.

Are you ready for that, Shinobu-kun? You’re not, right? You can say we're friends as much as you want, but truthfully, you're in a much prettier position than I am, aren't you?

Shinobu: I (sessha)[1]—

Yuuta: “Sessha”? I won't buy any of that. What about YOU? What about Sengoku Shinobu?

If you're going to act all nice like you're on my side just because “that's what friends do”, then just don't. It's obnoxious.

I won't involve you in this anymore, so you stay out of my business too.

Please. This is for both of our sakes. I don't want to hate you, and I don't want you to hate me.

We're done with this conversation. Just forget about everything I've said and go back to your normal routine, okay? In your own classroom, over with the rest of 2-A.

I know you were worried about me and went out of your way to hurry to my classroom. Knowing that's why you did it makes me happy, and I think it's really admirable of you, too…

But in the end, this has nothing to do with you.

…I spent the whole night regretting all those things I told you.

Shinobu: …

← prev | story directory | next →

Just in case you don't know, Shinobu typically uses the pronoun “sessha” (拙者), which is an archaic and “ninja-like” way to refer to yourself. It’s part of his ninja persona; every so often he’ll use “boku” (ぼく) to refer himself, usually when speaking about something serious.

[starofgold]

Cain 2022 Birthday Card: The Ritual of Starlight and Words of Blessing

Blessings for Cain (1)

[In the forest]

Akira: Oh, you’re here! You know, Cai-

Cain: Gladius procella

[Shaking effect]

Akira: Aah!

Cain: Sorry! This voice… Is it you, Master Sage? Please touch my hand, if you don’t mind!

[Clasping sound]

Akira: No need to worry. It’s my own fault. I came at a wrong time and all. Are you in the middle of magic training?

Cain: Yeah, I’m practicing the spell for casting whirlwinds that Oz taught us. I still haven’t managed to master it though. For some reason, water keeps pouring out from my sword. I’ve been trying to calm my breath and face the spirits with sincerity, but it hasn’t worked out yet. You’ve found me in a sorry state.

Akira: Not at all! In any case, it’ll be nice if the spell works out for you somehow.

Cain: Yeah, I’ll do my best. On another topic, what business do you come here for? Are you looking for me?  

Akira: Ah, I want to find you because I’m planning to conduct the ‘Ritual of Starlight and Words of Blessing’. Your birthday is just around the corner, right?

This ritual was to be conducted by the wizard in question together with the Sage in the country of the wizard or a location relevant for them, on a day when it was easy to gather blessings such as their birthday. According to Snow and White, the purpose of the ritual was to deepen the bond between the Sage and the wizard. Apparently it brought many benefits such as increasing the wizard’s magical power, reinforcing their heath, clearing up their mind and so on.

Cain: Oh, that! I would ask you to conduct that ritual myself if it isn’t too much trouble. I’ll leave it to your capable hands then, Akira.

Blessings for Cain (2)

For the Ritual of Starlight and Words of Blessing, it was necessary to have the blessings from three wizards who had some connections with the wizard in question. For that purpose, I talked to Riquet and Heathcliff, who had a good relationship with Cain.  

Akira: Thanks for coming, Riquet, Heathcliff.

Riquet: I will give this task my all to be worthy of your expectations, Master Sage! Of course, it is for Cain’s sake too!

Heathcliff: Same for me. After all, Cain has been taking care of me ever since I first arrived at the Magic Manor. This is not really about expressing my gratitude. Rather, I’d like to come up with a blessing that will bring him lots of joy.

Heathcliff: Is it really okay for me to be the one giving Cain a blessing though? There are certainly other people who would love to be his blessing givers. His Highness Prince Arthur, for example.

Akira: Oh, I plan to ask Arthur after he returns from Granvelle Castle! Anyway, it’s true that Cain is loved by everyone.

Riquet: I love Cain! You do too, don’t you Heathcliff? That’s why I think we should give him the most magnificent words of blessing as the representatives of people who love him.

Heathcliff: I- I suppose? In that case, I’ll be delighted to do the task. What do you like about Cain, Riquet?

Riquet: There is that time where he ate the chocolate I was saving for later. I was a bit angry at first, but then he said ‘You didn’t eat the chocolate right away so I thought you don’t want it. I’m really sorry’ and apologized to me properly without making excuses. I love how he is sincere like that.

Akira: Ahaha, that’s certainly very Cain.

Heathcliff: I think it’s impressive how he’s straightforward in words and deeds. He has never deceived anyone.

Owen: That guy has never deceived anyone? Are you for real? He, who is a born liar?

Akira – Heathcliff – Riquet: Owen!

While we hadn’t noticed, Owen appeared. As we turned in his direction, Owen looked at us with a sarcastic smile.

Owen: Mister Knight pretended to be a human and lived like one since birth. For him, lying comes easier than doing magic. He must be trying to curry favor with you people by appearing to be sincere, O Lord Grand Noble and Master Apostle of God. Do you really think he can be trusted?

Heathcliff: Cain pretended to be human because he listened to his parents whom he treasures. That was definitely not his own wish. I have lots of respect for the way Cain always thinks of his family and companions in his words and deeds, so I trust him.

Riquet: Geez, Owen! We are in the middle of composing words of blessings for Cain. Please don’t get in our way.

Owen: Ahaha, no need for you to be so cruel. Oh I know, how about me thinking up a blessing for him then?

Heathcliff – Riquet: Eh?

Owen: That ritual requires three wizards, is that right? What? Am I not suitable for the task?  

Akira: No, that’s not the case at all! I just didn’t think you’d offer.  

Heathcliff: Will what Owen gives really be a blessing though?

Riquet: I think it will work out. Cain will definitely accept even Owen’s words with a smile and be delighted by them.

Owen: Whatever the case, I certainly want to see how his smile becomes all messed up on the day of celebration.

Heathcliff: I just want to make him smile the normal way though.

Riquet: Let’s return to our task at hand! Our blessings for Cain will be…  

Akira: (They are discussing the suitable words for Cain’s blessings so seriously. Unexpectedly, they seem to be a good team for this?)

Blessings for Cain (3)

[At Roland’s grave]

The ritual should be conducted at a location where many spirits made it their home with a clear view of the stars in the country of the wizard in question belonged. Accordingly, we went to Forest of Tranquility. We once had a mission there, and it was also the place the knight Cain admired rested for eternity.

After paying respect at Roland’s grave, we immediately conducted the ritual. Cain closed his eyes as I carefully placed my hand on his chest.

Akira: (First will be the blessing from Heathcliff)

Akira: ‘Happy birthday! You are like a big brother to me. Even so, I’d like you to rely on me too when you’re in need. I want to be of help to you as your friend.’

Akira: (Next is the blessing from Riquet)

Akira: “Happy birthday to you! To you, who expresses to me with all your heart that you love me when I encounter difficulty or when I am lonely, I love you too!”

Akira: (This one is from Owen)

Akira: “I hate you. From that dumb huge sword of yours to the way you laugh.”

Akira: (Finally, my blessing…)

Akira: “Dear Cain, you look very cool when you’re all stern and serious, but you’re open-hearted and cheerful by nature, and you have gifted me with your smiles countless times. May you have many wonderful reasons to smile and laugh in the future!”

When all of our words have been recited, I sensed something warm that spread from my arm to Cain’s chest. I opened my eyes and met Cain’s gaze. He gave me a smile that was like a refreshing breeze as he lightly pressed his own chest.

Cain: Thank you, Akira. The words from blessings from you and the others have certainly reached me. It’s hard to describe the sensation but somehow I’m feeling very refreshed!

Akira: It’s my pleasure to conduct the Ritual of Starlight for you today.

Cain: Now that I think about it, I’m light in both heart and body now. Maybe now is the time I will manage it.

It seemed that an idea dawned in Cain’s head because he unsheathed his sword. And then…

Cain: Gladius procella.

In that moment, I noticed that Roland’s sword glowed up with a faint light as if to answer a call.

Akira: Wow! Cain, there’s a whirlwind from your sword!

Cain: I did it! I finally did it! It’s a success!

Akira: Indeed. Congratulations!

Cain: Ahaha, maybe it’s thanks to the Starlight Ritual. I think I can do other magic in this state too.

[Smacking sound]

Cain: Ow! W- what on earth?

As Cain was laughing happily, a big leaf that was carried by the wind stuck on to the back of his head as if to poke at him. Cain stopped his magic and touched his head to check. He tilted his head confusedly when he noticed the leaf.

Cain: A red leaf? Was it brought here by the whirlwind I cast just now?

Akira: Uhm, Cain, I don’t know if this is relevant, but earlier I noticed Roland’s sword lit up for a moment.

Cain: I see. Perhaps that leaf was Roland’s way to tell me off.

Akira: Eh?

Cain: The legend says Roland had beautiful red hair, the same color as this leaf.  

As he said that with a smile, Cain raised that leaf in the air. The beautiful moonlight shined through the leaf and lit up his face.

Cain: I know what you meant to tell me, Roland. I will not be content with just one instant of success, and instead will continue to work hard. In the end, it's my goal to someday become a knight like you.

After looking at the leaf the same way he would look at a dear friend, he placed it on Roland’s grave like an offering.

Cain: I’m hungry already. Nero said he’d treat me, so shall we fly straight back to the Magic Manor on my broom?

Akira: Ahaha that’s right. We should return before the bacon gets cold.

The wind blew softly in reply to Cain’s vivacious laughter. The huge leaf that he had placed on Roland’s grave rustled gently as if to wave us goodbye.

[beneaththetangles]

First Impression: More Than a Married Couple But Not Lovers

Remember those classes in high school where you had to take care of a bag of flour or a baby doll for a couple of weeks to learn responsibility? Well, Japan decided to step things up in this anime (as they always seem to do)! Our third-year high schoolers are about to participate in a “Marriage Practical,” a lesson designed to ensure students become good marriage prospects. Each is paired off with a randomly selected partner and made to live in a fully furnished, well-stocked training dorm together, with a camera placed in the living room to monitor how they live and interact as a couple. Think “Big Brother” but for teenagers. Thankfully, the pair are given separate bedrooms to dissuade… ahem… friskiness. The teams are given points based on how well they interact with each other, and by extension, points are deducted if their interactions are less than favorable. Oh, and by the way, this practical is a requirement to graduate. If you score ZERO points, you don’t get to graduate.

Enter our characters: Jiro Yakuin, a typical teenage boy who is into handheld video games; Shiori Sakurazaka, the happy and bubbly childhood friend of Jiro; Akari Watanabe, a gyaru girl (think Marin Kitagawa from My Dress-Up Darling but turned up to 11) who comes off as brash and rude, but has a somewhat sweet and shy side; and Minami Tenjin, the all-around perfect guy that most girls have a crush on, including our female lead Akari. The story pretty much plays out how you think it will; Jiro has a crush on his childhood friend Shiori, and Shiori, in turn, has a crush on Jiro, so naturally…they do NOT end up being “married.” Instead, Shiori ends up with Minami, and Jiro, bless his heart, ends up with Akari. The latter couple gets along like oil and vinegar as their personalities clash—with Akari putting up her gal facade while Jiro is more withdrawn and flustered, dealing with her over-the-top nature. Jiro, meanwhile, gets a little jealous when he sees how well Shiori and Minami are getting along. Akira and Jiro conclude that to achieve an A-Class Score (which will allow them to switch partners if they wish), they must put up the facade of a happy couple while in range of the cameras. Engage the shenanigans!

So, I liked this one. While putting two teenagers in an apartment together to live as a married couple does give me pause, it is a fascinating concept to watch as an anime. I also love that these characters are complex, especially Akari. She’s not just some rude gal who only selfishly goes after what she wants; Akari has a shy, sensitive side, and she decides to ally with Jiro to help them get what they want. This show also gives me some Toradora vibes—a gentle and lonely boy and an outspoken, headstrong girl who both have crushes on other people try and hook up with their respective loves but end up falling in love with each other instead. Hey, if you’re going to imitate, imitate the BEST.

One of the things I didn’t like about this show was, yet again, we get the typical “LOL Virgin” jokes coming from Akari. I’ve made my feelings on this clear MANY times, but I am disgusted by this joke. As someone who is saving themselves until marriage, I am here to say there is nothing, absolutely nothing, wrong with not having had that kind of relationship. The joke that virgins are always these lonely, anti-social weirdos that deserve ridicule and scorn is a long-played-out joke, and it needs to be consigned forever to the ash heap of cringe history. And this applies OUTSIDE of anime too. If you need to resort to joking about someone’s sexuality (or lack thereof), take some advice from the Cajun Samurai—get better jokes. Okay, rant over. Also, much like with Marin in Dress-Up Darling, it seems as though the animators feel comfortable with making our female lead character wear as little as possible at times, and getting some rather awkward camera angles. Good grief, guys. Cut it out!

So, where does that leave us with this one? Well, I’ll be willing to give this one the “5 Episode” treatment. I’m intrigued enough to keep up with it. The characters are amusing and appear complex, the story is fascinating, and the animation looks great. Though it’s still very early, More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers has the potential to be one of the better romcoms this season! I just hope there aren’t any more “virgin” jokes.

=====

More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

[romifoxboi]

Prolouge pt.2

*Game room*

Akira(My Octonauts Oc sneaking Up): Oi, Nii-san!

Shawn: Aah! Akira, what r u doin??

Akira: What does it Look like I'm doin?

Shawn: Uhm, Sneaking Up to ask me a favor or suprising me with some snacks??

Akira: The 1st one, just for a Dreamland favor.

Shawn: Oh that? Man, you been getting into that dreamland ever since your 16th Birthday.

Akira: Well yes, but This one is very Urgent. Sophie wants me to bring a specific group to her Dreamland to combat some evil Spirits.

Shawn: Well that sounds like a game plan.

Akira: No cap.

Shawn: Lemme guess, its that Octo guys right?

Akira: Its Octonauts, and yes for some reason.

Shawn: Well I'll have ya know, I will help u out of any task you need for that dream-land thing, so Give out a List!

Akira: Right, Then give me 10 minutes. We're gonna shopping after this.

Shawn: Wait, Really?

*Akira Has left the Game room*

Shawn: Wow, Okay. Hm..I wonder why he care about that dream.

[maguro13-2]

Shattered Hero ~ Origins of the Ink Demon : Episode Maka Finale (11/11) ~ (FINALLY!)

[Dark Nebula Sanctuary Core]

[Senator - Akira Yamaoka]

Maka : What is this place? Feels like that I've been to the Sanctuary more often.

Moirai : It's hardly to believe that this is the shrine that are ancestors took place at.

Dark Nebula : I've been waiting for you. Welcome to the Sanctuary!

Maka : Dark Nebula!

Moirai : So you're the pseudo Underworld ruler that was accidentally released by that top hat mouse.

Maka : It's his own fault that Kirby's cake got stolen because of you and their mess! I will be the one to take care of their mess and clean it up! I won't let you conquer the Galaxy!

Dark Nebula : Fighting over a delicacy of sweets? When it comes to a rampage over sweets, you threatened that I am food? The cake that he was looking for is gone. But hey, it was much pretty too late than that, my preparations of the ultimate Grand Battle Plan will have an army of mine that will conquer these planets and I needed an exact body of a hero that needs to be absorbed. No, not a hero, but something that has a power to beyond the reaches of parasites like you!

Makoto : What? Daroach ordered all of that to release you!? Hmph, guess the cake he was looking was already eaten!

Maka : Gladly you hardly asked that Strawberry Shortcake is such an overrated name for a--

Dark Nebula : SILENCE! Now pay attention. I will give you demonstration of becoming a godly being, it's powers are extraordinary, I can feel the darkness being awakened in the force. Witness the awesomeness and raw power of Darkness!

*DBZ SFX : Energy Ball Glowing*

Moirai : Sister, can you feel that?

Maka : Is that...That's the heart and soul of King Phanto, our ancestral father!

Moirai : No! You can't do that! What are you think you're doing!?

Soul : What!? He's going to fuse the power of the Phantonian! Damn! Maka's father must've kept it a secret! This alien guys must be part of the Albarn Family, King Phanto!

Meta Knight : (via communicator) Sir Halberd Knight, can you hear me? I found out about Maka Albarn's family tree. You know the whole thing?

Tsugumi/Sir Halberd Knight : Hai! I heard the whole thing. So what did we found out about Maka Albarn's Family Tree.

Meta Knight (via communicator) : I discovered that the Family tree of Maka Albarn isn't her family tree, but seems to be a part of it, it's the Phantonian Family Tree! Spirit Albarn, the man from Tokyo, was keeping all of this a secret from his daughter and we finally unveiled it to the truth, Maka's mother was right about Shinra's legacy, she didn't want to be the hero to protect Shinra's legacy, she wants to protect the family tree that belongs to the monstrous Phantonian race. It was all just a cover up to make Maka a hero, that's why she was brought into the real world of protecting the legacy, the Phantonian legacy!

Tsugumi/Sir Halberd Knight : So it's not the Kusakabe Legacy that she was protecting it. It's the legacy of an alien race?

Dark Nebula : With the heart and Soul of the previous king, I now possessed these two forces and it's power making me an ultimate god of the galaxy. Just by once, this power of a king will prove worthy enough to force everyone to live in the shadows and will make the galaxy fall right into my knees! And you will be the ones to have honor with valor and arms to witnessed the event before you die.

King Phanto : [voice heard] (chuckles) Foolish beings! Haven't you forgot that I am the great king of the Phantonians! I will be much awakened for my return, this would be a favor of resurrecting me in spite on my vengeance of taking over the human race. And I bet you shall be the first one to join me in my powers to bring vengeance on the human race.

Tsugumi/Sir Halberd Knight : Uhh, Meta Knight? What did the king say about his vengeance?

Meta Knight (via communication) : Tsugumi! I got a bad feeling about this! The previous king that is the king of all Phantos was killed! He tried to terraforming the parts of Real World AU to reclaim that Earth and Jupiter will be his domains, but he went to unleashed his insanity when he was conjured by the powers of darkness! So his brethren took his heart and soul from him and put them inside the treasure chest!

Tsugumi/Sir Halberd Knight : So then that means...

Dark Nebula : NOOOOOOOOOO!!! MY POWERS! YOU CAN'T TAKE MY POWERS AWAY FROM ME!!! I AM DARK NEBULA, RULER OF THE UNDERWORLD! I WILL RECLAIM MY TITLE! MY POWER IS FALLING DOWN!!! PHANTO'S POWER...IT'S CONSUMING THE ENERGY OUT OF ME! WHYYYYYYYYYYY!?!

*DBZ SFX : Energy Wave*

King Phanto : At last I have been reborn! The Great King Phanto...has returned!

[Relic of Moirai - Akira Yamaoka]

Seto : That must be the King, the King of all Phantos! He's alive!

"GREAT KING PHANTO : KING OF THE PHANTONIANS"

King Phanto : Fear ye Mortals of the Galaxy! Your King has returned! I am King Phanto, the King of the Phantonian race! I look forward into seeing you beings of the planet called earth to be dispose of the one thing that effects the Real World, the Kusakabe Legacy! But now, I have one reason to fix my mistakes after terraforming in my early days of planetary conquest. Future Relatives of the Phantonian Race, state your names and position.

Moirai : I am Moirai Albarn, and you our ancestor, King Phanto. This is one over here is my younger sister Maka Albarn.

King Phanto : "Maka", you say? So this is the girl that the blood of our race has been connected to for generations, I see. I bring no fear and no hesitation, So I challenge you to a duel to see who will be the strongest Phanto to ever reclaim the title for royalty!

Maka : That's right. I am here to fix that mistake of yours, and I shall restore the family tree in order to clear my name! But first, We'll accept your challenge!

King Phanto : Then it is accepted! Prepare to be challenged by me!

Moirai : Good! Cause it's a fight that's worth fighting for!

(the battle begins with the King creating a scythe with blood magic)

King Phanto : I've waited for this moment, see If you could really be that entertaining! Just watch your back! I will be the most fearsome opponent in battle that you'll ever witnessed! This is the Will of Phanto! See the everlasting dream of two of my future relatives to honor the history of our race's kin!

Maka : Good point! This is what I dreamed of becoming a hero!

Moirai : It's only a noble sacrifice to save a king, not to earth and not to Shinra! I feel the power within our blood! That's why our father has discovered the power of Shattered Resonance from his research. Although Soul World has been a facade to the Shadow Realm, and you know, the Real World is more satisfying than living in a weirdly fantasy!

King Phanto : Fascinating rhetorical theory, Moirai. But it's happening for real, Soul World is nothing a but a fantasy world made up by Shinra or people! It I who conquered the Galaxy of the Real World, and Shinra Kusakabe was nothing more than a fool to Demon Vibe's will! All the weirdness from Soul World is just a phenomenal metaphor of heroism and weirdness! Why does anyone think Shinra created a world with hope and not the despair that was stolen from Sephiroth! My research state that Shinra's world falling into despair were used for omincide for the likes of Cosmic Horror. Although the Evangelist isn't appear to be God at all, but an entity of Cosmic Horror created by Demon Vibe itself.

Maka : (realizing) Sephiroth! He must've done it to Shinra's world! What was the source of the Adolla Burst?

King Phanto : The Source of Adolla Burst that manifested Soul World was more than nothingness, but an illusion perhaps caused by Firaga, that is what the source of Adolla Burst. Originated from the Final Fantasy multiverse.

Maka : So I was right, the Adolla Realm was nothing more than cosmic horror, the Evangelist that Shinra sought as God was just a cosmic puppet created by Demon Vibe himself! The source of Pyrokinesis that Shinra and his people used was Firaga! The technique used by Black Mage and Keyblade wielders!

King Phanto : Exactly! Which is why Demon Vibe has doomed the Kusakabe Legacy from the start! And our race's kind must allow "our" legacy to proceed it's evolution towards the future of our race!

Seto : This guy's good! He knows how to make up alien energy by evolution!

Makoto : So the face of true evil is Demon Vibe, the three-eyed symbols belong to the Shadow Realm, the world ruled by Demon Vibe itself! I knew that this was all Japan's fault! Shinra and his people were doomed from the start!

Soul : That's how we existed into the real world before, your world, Makoto!

Seto : Guess we finally understand what the true meaning of Soul Eater is, Souls get devoured by not only demons, but the Grim Reaper as well. It takes more than Souls to power up a true reaper and that is me!

King Phanto : What's the matter? Had enough yet?

(battle ends)

Moirai : We'll do!

Maka : I think that we won this time! So tell me now, your majesty. Why would you want to help me fix your mistakes?

[Towatsugai BGM 03 - MONACA]

King Phanto : Well now...I rest my case. The weirdness from Shinra's Influence, I don't feel that kind of crap to him, not in a million years I won't. Shinigami he...he murdered some of our kind by mistake to think we are the bad guys. In fact that he wasn't Shinigami, he was just an illusion named Death created from Shinra's mind, heart, soul. He was nothing more than a fluke trying to get the heartless' attention. he got Ashley's people involved that Earth was wrecked by magic. But our kind told Maba that it was neither magic, it was the force of the heartless trying to spread the lying of his creator. Our brethren was letting Truth to win it all! But Shinra's influence, he pushed the truth out of us! You, Maka Albarn, had been led astray from Shinra's kind, the Phantonians would knew that the true death gods were Grim, Seto, Ichigo, and the others.

Seto : Wait, you mean Botan and Ryuk, and others who are Shinigami? I thought there is one Shinigami that knows about ruling the cosmos or something.

King Phanto : No, Deathless! A Death God does not rule the Cosmos, they are only servants to God himself, and the Grim Reaper only works for both Heaven and Hell! They're just a personification and not a god their selves. And I suggested that you, Seto the Deathless, will become Japan's next Shinigami!

Seto : Heheh! Guess I owe you an appreciation for that. I did deserved my title as Shinigami, well this much be grateful for you to be the King of Phantonians.

King Phanto : Maka. Our kind has been appreciated to your kind as Hero of the world, but I offer a deep gratitude for the sake of our kind. Shinra's Legacy, you must overthrow it and proceed our legacy as the Galaxy's greatest gift of all. *Heartbeat Echoing* Gaaah! (holds chest in pain) What...What are you doing!?

Dark Nebula : I'm sick and tired of sorrowful about your race's kind! Having a powerful alien like you should be pleasing on conquering the galaxy will be the end of your kind and your kin! If I'm going down to die with alien, I'm taking you all with me inside!

*DBZ SFX : SURPRISE*

[Critical Moment of Contra - Akira Yamaoka]

*DBZ SFX : ENERGY WAVE*

King Phanto : [yelling] WOAAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGHHH!!! The Darkness, It's trying to take my heart and soul away! Let go of me!

Seto : What do you think you're doing!?

Dark Nebula : Despite being a regular entity with only three attacks I have, I still got one last trick up in my sleeves. I'll cause a self-destruct on the sanctuary that I created! and shall blown you all into smithereens! (creates an energy ball) I will be the last one standing and I shall make you oblierated in a grand finale, a beautiful display of fireworks.

Kirby : Hiyah! *DBZ SFX : Energy Ball Impact+Explosion*

[Advent of Stray Idola - Kenichi Tokoi]

Dark Nebula : Who goes there!?

Mizune : See, Dark Nebula? I knew I could easily beat you to the punch!

Dark Nebula : What!? Mizune! You!

Mizune : I too, have the power of light within me! The villains that I have been working for was nothing more than the heartless' dirty joke!

Blair : Hey there, Maka! Long time no see! Sorry that I thought we fought our selves as enemies, but now I realize that I was wrong to Mizune. You see that we're not we're not enemies that hated each other, we're rivals working together! Can't expect the lying of Shinra Kusakabe can you, Dark Nebula!

Dark Nebula : You all wanted a proper fight? I'm gonna give you all a proper fight that's what you'll get!

Mizune : Just say when, Nebula! We won't turn our galaxy into your own world!

Blair : This time we'll get you for good!

Kirby : Hut!

Maka : Hey, Nebula! Ready for the final round? We're all on death's ears for you! You'll never take over the Galaxy, cause that's what defeating a godlike entity like you shall be quite challenging! I'm not here to defeat a God with Courage or Bravery, I'm come here to destroy a God...with Valor!

Dark Nebula : Come at me, Maka! Show me what a hero with valor have to go against me!

"Our battle isn't over yet, it's time that we end this, once and for all!"

~ Act 35 : THE HOPE FOR MAKA ALBARN! ~

[tailsrevane]

[movie review] godzilla vs. destoroyah (1995)

i managed not to cry as much this time. i’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.

there are a lot of big picture things i like better about the shōwa era, principally the painting of godzilla with a more unambiguously heroic brush after his face turn. godzilla does have something of a face turn in the heisei era continuity in godzilla vs. mechagodzilla ii, but even in this film which definitively closes the book on the heisei era there are quite a lot of characters haven’t gotten the memo that he’s the good guy.

all of which is to say… despite some of my preferences lining up rather decisively in favor of the shōwa era, on average it really does seem like i prefer the actual films of the heisei era by a pretty wide margin. aside from spacegodzilla which is a awful (but not as bad as the worst shōwa era films), the heisei era movies are just so damn consistently awesome that it’s really hard not to look at them as a whole and think, “okay, damn, this is better.”

when i said this movie definitively closes the book on the heisei era of godzilla films, i mean it slams that book closed. godzilla is glowing with angry-red nuclear radiation from his first appearance. there’s genuine concern that he’s going to explode with a force greater than all the nuclear weapons on earth, which eventually gets downgraded to where he’s “merely” going to suffer a meltdown so severe that it could trigger the terrifying hypothetical that’s popularly known as “china syndrome,” whose effects might be functionally identical.

godzilla is clearly fighting through pain through the whole movie, and the incomparable ifukube akira expresses this with a much darker, weightier score that works to express his grim determination throughout the film.

godzilla’s own end is not the only ending here. miki and another psychic talk about the fact that their powers are fading, and the movie doesn’t provide a clear explanation for why that is, but it fits with everything else going on in the movie. we’re also told that godzilla’s own doom was brought about by some kind of disaster that destroyed infant island, the home of the goddess to his god(zilla), mothra.

if the studio was unwilling to go to the expense of including mothra in this concluding chapter–and i have to imagine that’s the only explanation for her absence–having godzilla’s fate linked to hers is at least something of a consolation. i do think that mothra deserves more than to have her island (and possibly herself) wiped off the face of the map offscreen before the movie started, but if you take this as read, godzilla’s final hours take on a quality even more evocative of a funeral dirge. every punch he throws, every supercharged atomic breath that bursts uncontrollably from him, has the strength of his grief and rage behind it.

and who should be godzilla’s opponent for this final, fateful chapter in this version of his story? destoroyah, the son of the oxygen destroyer. the dreadful weapon that killed the first godzilla in the original 1954 film. yeah, okay, the oxygen destroyer has always been a pretty silly concept, but marrying the weapon that ended the first movie on a somber note to godzilla’s final opponent is just such an inspired choice, and this movie really does make the most of it. footage from and dialogue references to the first movie are plentiful, and the whole thing acts to give some much-needed gravitas to godzilla’s last battle.

and what are they fighting over? the fate of the world? well, yeah, kinda. but instead of leaving it so abstract, the fate of godzilla’s world is given concrete shape in the form of his son, godzilla jr. and this is, by the way, the absolute best version of godzilla’s offspring in any movie ever. no question.

we see what kind of monster–in every sense of the word–destoroyah is through his wanton cruelty towards godzilla jr. he doesn’t just kill him, he plays with his food. he enjoys it. godzilla’s answering grief and righteous anger pushes his internal atomic meltdown over the edge. he blasts destoroyah with his most powerful heat ray yet, and though the clearly-beaten destoroyah tries to slink away, the fucking humans finally do something right by finishing him off.

and then everyone can only watch helplessly as godzilla distintegrates before their very eyes, and i have to say, i am still stunned by how good this looks and how emotionally evocative it is when combined with the soundtrack. it’s one of the most powerful moments of the entire series, and it’s just absolutely gutting to the audience and characters alike.

no one can save godzilla, but the humans do desperately unload all the cryo-weapons they have onto him to try to contain the meltdown as much as they can. they successfully avert the “china syndrome” event, but the radiation that’s released is enough to render tokyo uninhabitable.

but we’re not done. because while mothra might not be in this movie, she clearly taught her boy her most important trick. the cycle of resurrection. the radiation suddenly plummets. everyone is shocked by this impossible miracle, and as the smoke clears we see the resurrected godzilla jr roaring triumphantly.

the king is dead. long live the king. a-rank

[lancermylove]

During the Performance (HC)

Fandom: BSTS

Pairing: All teams x fem!Reader

Warning: N.SFW

Requested by: Anon

Prompt: Hello~! Um if it is alright with you, may I request NSFW headcanons(reactions?...I hope I'm requesting correctly)for the BSTS guys finding out (fem)MC uses a music/sound activated vibrator during their shows pretty please? Thank you so much for all your amazing work!💖 Keep it up😊

A/N: Hi, your request is perfect~. Ah, thank you for your kind words! ❤️ I am going to assume they’re a couple already. POTATO! Thank you for your suggestions~. ❤️

———————————————

Prologue:  

When he caught a glimpse of you backstage, he didn’t expect your face to be flushed. Your boyfriend thought you were sick and wanted the show to be over quickly so he could come and check on you.

———————————————

Mokuren found you in the back alley, hunched over and panting. 

They got worried and rushed to you., "Are you alright, princess? Why is your face so red?" 

You decided to tell Mokuren the truth you had been hiding for a while now. "I...use a sound vibrator during your shows." 

Hearing your words, they're speechless and stare at you just for a moment before pulling you into a deep kiss. "I didn't know my princess was so naughty. Be sure not to get caught though.” 

Qu saw the bathroom light on and knocked on the door. "(Y/N), is that you inside? Are you alright?" 

When you opened the door, he saw you breathless and immediately stepped inside, closing the door behind him. 

"What...were you doing?" Qu asked, recognizing your expression. 

"I-I...n-nothing." 

He glanced at the bathroom sink and saw the vibrator. A smirk danced on his lips as Qu traced your cheek with his index finger. "Are you certain?" 

Sighing, you came clean and admitted to using the device every show. 

"I see...," he whispered before getting on his knees and reaching for your skirt, "then let's see how well the vibrator works during our shows." 

After the show, Kasumi found you backstage but didn't ask you anything until his teammates left. 

He quietly examined your body language and expressions with a sly smile. Stepping closer to you, he whispered, "Were you playing with yourself?" 

"Y-You..k-know?" 

Kasumi brushed his lips against yours and chuckled, "Every show, right?" 

Your face glowed crimson as you quickly averted your eyes. He laughed softly and muttered under his breath, "Meet me in the locker room in a few minutes." 

Hari found you sitting in the rest area, trying desperately to catch your breath. He took a seat and inquired, "Are you sick?" 

Without waiting for your reply, he pressed his forehead against yours, much to your surprise. 

"I am o-okay," you replied and whispered in his ear, "I was using a sound vibrator during your show...and use it each show." 

Hari blushed and cleared his throat, not expecting such a scandalous answer. He remained silent as he tried his hardest to prevent his imagination from running wild. 

Zakuro found you in the back alley and took a moment to study you from head to toe. 

"Were you doing something naughty?" He teased. "I won't take 'I was not doing anything' as an answer." 

Since he left you no choice, you told him the truth, hoping he spares you. 

Zakuro pinned you against the wall and whispered, "I don't approve of you playing with yourself when I can't see your expressions." 

His words shocked you but he didn't stop there. "My love, you are going to get punished for this." 

Kei hurried to the bathroom and knocked on the door. "Princess, is something the matter?" 

Without answering, you opened the door and let him inside. He stared at you for a few seconds then asked, "Where you...?"

You bit your lower lip and showed him the vibrator you were holding behind your back. 

Kei stepped closer to you until your back was against the wall. "So this is what you have been doing every show? The men in this establishment are not trustworthy, so please refrain from using a vibrator in public.” 

He pressed his lips to your forehead and whispered in a low voice, “You can ask me to sing for you when we’re alone...I will perform for you until you’re satisfied.” 

You never expected Kei to know the truth, but at the given moment, you were desperate for his touch. "K-Kei..."

He shook his head and stepped away from you, "Sorry, princess, you'll have to wait until we get back home.”

Sotetsu finally found you near the locker room and saw you hunched over. He wanted to ask if you were okay but got a feeling that you might have been doing something, so he lifted your chin and looked into your eyes. 

"S-Sotetsu, what are you doing here?" 

His lips tugged into a smirk as he looked up and down the hallway. Without wasting another second, he pulled you into the locker room. "Mind telling me what you were doing?" 

When you didn't reply, Sotetsu got on his knees and lifted your skirt, making you cry in surprise. 

"So, how often have you been doing this?" He chuckled knowingly. 

"E-Every show...," you mumbled with burning red cheeks. 

"Thank you for getting yourself ready for me," he flashed his signature smirk. 

Ginsei saw you sitting on the office sofa, struggling to catch your breath. He ran and kneeled in front of you in a panic, "Princess, are you okay?" 

You nodded, not wanting to tell him the truth. Unfortunately for you, Ginsei heard something and asked, "What is that sound?" 

He leaned closer to your stomach, his eyes growing wide. "Is that...are you..."

"Y-Yeah," you sighed, "I use a sound-activated vibrator every show."

Team K's second was speechless and had to take a moment to gather himself. Once he did, Ginsei pulled you into a kiss and mumbled against your lips, "C-Can I take the vibrator's place?" 

Gui walked down the back alley stairs and kneeled in front of you. "Are you sick?" 

You shook your head and assure him that you're alright. He nodded but sniffed the air. "What is that smell?" 

He leaned closer to you, touching his nose to your covered womanhood. "You...smell sweet. Why?" 

A shade of crimson spread across your cheeks as you mumbled under your breath, "I am using a vibrator." 

Gui tilted his head and blinked in confusion. "What is that?" 

"I-I will show you when we g-get home." 

Yoshino hurried to you when he saw you leaning against one of the backstage walls, panting. 

"Are you okay? Are you not well?" He asked in a whisper. 

Seeing him panicking, you decided to tell him the truth about using a sound-activated vibrator. 

"E-Every show?" H stuttered, his cheeks changed colors. "I wish I could sing every show." 

"What?" 

Yoshino pinned you against the wall and looked into your eyes, "Tonight...I will put on a show for you, so be sure to keep it inside. Also, I want you to only use the vibrator in the shows I sing in." 

Kokuyou made his way to you in the back alley, stood in front of you, and stared. 

"What?" You innocently asked. 

"What were you doing?" He questioned, resting the flats of his palm against the wall next to your head. 

"I...I was," you tried to think of an excuse but knew he would catch your lie, "using a sound vibrator." 

"You were...what?" Kokuyou sighed loudly, "I can't deny that's sexy but the hell is wrong with you? Do you know what would happen if one of the other guys caught you?" 

"B-But..."

"You are not going to use that vibrator again in Starless. If you can't resist, then come see me before and after the show." He rested his head on the top of your head and smirked, “Am I that irresistible?” 

Akira found you outside the backstage exit and playfully asked, "Why were you so red?"

You tried to think of an excuse, but he interrupted your thoughts. "Hey cutie, you better tell me the truth~." 

Pouting, you gave him the details of the vibrator. Akira grinned widely, "So if I sing, it'll go off?" 

He got on one knee and brought his face closer to your hips before singing different notes. 

"A-Akira!" You gasped, quickly covering your mouth. 

"I could get used to this," he mumbled with a smirk. 

Sin found you in the office but didn't say a word; instead, he stood in front of you, studying your face and body. 

When you averted your eyes, he got down in front of you and snuck a hand under your skirt, causing you to yelp. 

Chuckling, Sin whispered, "Be careful." 

As he got up and headed to the door, you grabbed his hand. "You won't ask me anything?" 

Sin smirked and glanced at you out the corner of his eyes, "I already know." 

Taiga hurried to the office, flung open the door, and sat next to you. "Why was your face so red? Do you need to go to the doctor?"

You giggled and leaned closer to his ear, "No, I'm fine. I was using a sound vibrator during your show." 

His face glowed vermillion as he shifted his eyes away from you. "W-What if you get caught?" 

"I'll be careful," you assured him and pecked his cheek. 

Taiga slowly moved his hand closer to your womanhood, "Is it still inside? I...want to try something..." 

Takami stepped down the back alley staircase and took a seat next to you. "Are you not afraid of getting caught?" 

"H-Huh? What do you mean?"

"The vibrator you use during our shows...are you not afraid of getting caught?" He repeated with a hint of teasing in his voice. 

"You know?" You gasped and covered your cheeks. 

"Of course I do...would you do me a favor?" Takami rubbed the tip of his nose against your ear and whispered, "Take off your underwear and part your leg. Let me see how beautiful you look." 

You complied with his request as he got up and stood a few feet away. 

Takami took out his phone and casually played a few songs, changing them frequently. He shifted his eyes between your face and womanhood, enjoying every bit of the breathtaking view in front of him. 

Rindou found you in the bathroom and asked to come inside. When you let him in, he seemed worried. "Are you alright? Do you have a fever?" 

"Rin, please don't worry. I'm okay. I...," you buried your face in his chest and whispered, "I use a sound vibrator during your shows." 

He was shocked, to say the least. Rindou gently held onto your shoulders and scanned your face. "Please don't do that in public. I don't want anyone to catch you. I will pleasure you as much as you want...but don't use a vibrator during our shows. Please..."

Sinju powerwalked into the office and started to bombard you with questions. "Are you alright? Do you have a fever? Are you feeling sick? Do you need to go to the doctor?" 

"Sinju! Please calm down," you chuckled, "I am fine." 

"Then...why were you so red?" He pouted. 

You didn't want to tell him the truth, but lying to him would be worse, so you came clean, "I was using a sound vibrator during your show...and use one every show." 

"Can I ask you something?" He mumbled while rubbing the back of his neck. "What is a vibrator?" 

Giggling, you pinched his cheeks, "Come to my apartment after your shift. I will show you." 

Maica saw you near the locker room, took your hand, and pulled you inside. 

"Are you okay? Why were you-," he paused and took a long, deep look at your face. "(Y/N), were you playing with yourself during our show?" 

Your affirmation upset Maica. "Please stop. Might I remind you that you are in an establishment with men? Some of the men are sharp enough to figure out what you were doing with one look." 

He crossed his arms and frowned, "I will sing for you all you want when we are alone, so use the vibrator then." 

Menou sat next to you on the office sofa and asked, "What's wrong?" 

Knowing that he will figure it out sooner or later, you told him the truth. 

Much to your surprise, Menou lied down on the couch with his head on your lap. He began to whisper words in different pitches, setting off the vibrator as a means of teasing you. 

“If someone catches you, you’ll be in trouble,” he chuckled, “so you better be careful.” 

Yakou found you in the bathroom and asked you to come out. When you asked him to come inside, he hesitantly walked in. 

"Is something wrong? I am worried about you...if you are sick, then you shouldn't have come to our show. Your health is more import-" 

You placed your hand over his mouth and smiled, "Yakou, I'm okay. Um...look..."

You shyly lifted your skirt and showed your lover the reason behind your flushed face, shocking him. 

"I...wish we were in a private place...," he mumbled under his breath. 

"Your face is red as blood," Mizuki bluntly said as he walked towards you in the back alley. "Why are ya hidin' here? You okay?"

"I'm fine," you replied, holding your arms out towards him. 

As Mizuki wrapped his arms around your waist, you whispered in his ear, "I was using a sound vibrator during all your shows." 

Team B's leader laughed, "Well, aren't ya brave. Can ya remove your underwear and vibrator?" 

You crooked your neck slightly and blinked rapidly. "Why?" 

"So I can fck ya," he grinned. 

Kongou approached you in the rest area and got down in front of the sofa you sat in. He placed the back of his hand on your forehead and frowned. "You feel hotter than usual. Are you sick?" 

You shook your head, buried your face in his shoulder, and moaned his name in his ear, surprising him. 

"I...was using a vibrator during your show...and use one every show. K-Kongou, I need you inside me, please..."

Kongou sat you up and cupped your cheek. "I'm sorry but I can't do that, not here. Please, don't use a vibrator during our show...if you get caught, you might get banned from coming here." 

He sighed heavily, "I want you to be able to see my performance, so promise me you will not one." 

When you let Heath into the restroom, he softly questioned, "What were you doing?" 

Not wanting to hide the truth any longer, you confessed, "I use a sound vibrator during all of your shows. I...it feels really good. Do you find that odd?" 

Heath averted his eyes, blushing. "N-No since my voice activates it, but...I'm worried that you might get caught. I will do private performances for you when you need it...so try not to use one in Starless, okay?" 

Ran found you near the locker room area, grabbed your hand, and tugged you inside. 

"What were you doing? Your face looked like a tomato," he laughed. 

You shook your head, deciding not to tell him, but to your shock, he grinned and said, "I know what you are doing~ I saw you put something under your skirt. Wanna show me what it is?" 

Reluctantly, you lifted your skirt for him, but Ran tilted his head, "What is that?" 

"It's...a vibrator," you whispered, explaining the device to him. 

Out of nowhere, Ran howled loudly, activating the device. 

"Ran!" You closed your eyes, trying to suppress your urge to moan. 

The blue-haired boy flashed his shark teeth, "Wanna have some fun with me?" 

Rico leaned against the locker room door and coolly asked, "Why were you so red? Did I look that sexy that my little bird couldn't resist turning red?"

But you bit your lower lip and scanned the hallway to make sure you two were alone. 

Rico followed your gaze and raised an eyebrow. "Little bird, why are you so nervous?" 

Wordlessly, you pulled him into the locker room and crushed your lips against his. Though he was shocked, Rico still kissed you back. 

Between your steamy kisses, you told him the truth about the vibrator. 

"Every show?" He smirked. "Little bird, I hope your eyes are on me the whole time. If your eyes wander to any other man, I will punish you..."

———————————————

➣ BSTS Masterlist 1 ➣ BSTS Masterlist 2

[duhragonball]

What version of the Saiyan Tuffle War do you prefer: the Tufflew subjugated the Saiyans or the Saiyans just straight up obliterated the Tuffles

Between the two options, I think I prefer the first one, simply because all the Tuffle characters we've seen have been diabolical villains, and it sort of undermines them as bad guys if the Tuffles were innocent victims in the war. But that's just a personal preference.

I'm not suggesting that the Saiyans were all sweetness and light either. But it seems a little naive to have an advanced civilization just welcome a bunch of Saiyans onto their planet with no ulterior motives.

I say this because most of what we know about the Tuffles is based on Baby's appearances in Dragon Ball GT. Supposedly, Baby was created by the last survivors of the Tuffles, and they "infused" him with the genes of their king, whatever that means. Baby only had two objectives: to take revenge on the Saiyans, and to to convert or destroy all non-Tuffle life forms. And that's... pretty fucked up when you stop and think about it. Baby was such an over-the-top villain in GT that it was easy to just go along with whatever crazy shenanigans he was up to. But he was programmed by the Tuffles, and presumably the Tuffle King was totally on board with this. If he had lived to see Baby Vegeta ruling over the restored Tuffle Planet with the entire population of Earth infected with his nasty mind control eggs, the King would probably be pleased.

And yeah, the Tuffles would want revenge against the Saiyans, but what did Earth ever do to them? Or any of the other planets Baby menaced? You can make the argument that Baby was a doomsday weapon that went beyond the intentions of his creators, but I think he did exactly what the Tuffles wanted him to do.

And that begs the question: If Baby's reign of terror was the last gasp of the dying Tuffle species, then what sort of weird stuff were they up to before? I'll put some thoughts on this under the cut.

First off, I think it's kind of weird how there's not a clear picture of what a Tuffle is exactly. I went looking on the DB Wiki for some pictures and found this Tuffle design by Akira Toriyama.

That design prevailed in DBZ Episode 20, and also in Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans, when King Kai explains how the Tuffles welcomed the Saiyans to settle on their planet when they crashed there in a wrecked spaceship. The implication from Plan is that the Saiyans didn't just show up one day. They were refugees who needed help, and the Tuffles invited them with open arms.

But it's weird how the Tuffles in DBZ #20 are depicted as being much smaller than the Saiyans, but in Plan they're basically to scale with each other. Maybe that's a continuity glitch, and no big deal, but then you have Dr. Lychee, who looks like this:

He starts out as a regular-looking guy, and then he becomes this blue creature who looks a lot like a prototype for Baby. The blue form is supposed to be nothing more than one of the phantoms created by Hatchiyack in the OAV, like the phantom incarnations of Frieza, Turles, Cooler, and Slug. But those phantoms looked the same as the originals. Why does Lychee look so different? Is this a form that Tuffles can naturally assume?

Which brings me to Baby and his "Tuffle Parasites". By the end of his run in GT, Baby basically identified as a Tuffle, rather than a creation of the Tuffles. When he started infecting Earthlings with his eggs, he called them Tuffles too.

Then you've got Kamin and Oren from Super Dragon Ball Heroes. Apparently they're considered "Neo Machine Mutants", which are Tuffles modified become like Baby, for lack of a better explanation. I'm not sure if this was established in the DBGT days or not, but I guess the current lore is that Baby, Oren, and Kamin were natural Tuffles who were augmented into the form we see here.

I guess what I'm driving at here is that the Tuffles seem to have a very broad definition of what a Tuffle is. For them, it seems to be more about a way of thinking and feeling than any particular appearance or body plan. A machine can be a Tuffle. An Earthling infested with a parasite can be a Tuffle. So maybe those miniature humanoids in DBZ #20 were just one more variety of Tuffle.

I get a real transhumanist vibe from the Tuffles, particularly from the notion of archiving their King's DNA into Baby, and the way Dr. Lychee continued to exist as a "Ghost Warrior" after his natural death. Oh, and the Tuffles of Universe 6 augmented Kamin and Oren. That wasn't for revenge, by the way, they just wanted to see if they could do it, and apparently Kamin and Oren were outraged enough by this that they turned on their creators. Throughout the Dragon Ball franchise, the Tuffles are known for their advanced scientific knowledge, and also for making all these freaky creatures.

And maybe they weren't all evil. I wouldn't go that far. But I get the feeling that their leaders welcomed the Saiyans to their world because they saw a potential resource that they could exploit. Maybe they just wanted the Saiyans to pacify the uninhabited parts of their planet, or maybe they though the Saiyans could help them against other enemies. But maybe they saw the Saiyans as potential test subjects for their experiments. Just a thought.

I don't think the Tuffles necessarily subjugated the Saiyans, but it might have been more of a case of rising tensions. They lived in separate parts of the planet, with the Tuffles in the cities and the Saiyans in the wilderness, but the Saiyans grew more numerous, and the Tuffles probably saw that as a threat, and the Saiyans probably started to wonder why they needed the Tuffles at all. A lot of things might have instigated the war, but it wouldn't surprise me if the flashpoint involved Tuffles experimenting on Saiyan prisoners. If something like that came to light, then it would become a matter of survival. The Saiyans would have to wipe out the Tuffles to avoid being "Tuffleized" or worse. And the Tuffles would have to crush the Saiyans in battle to maintain control of the planet. There could be no return to the status quo; it would have to be total war until one side was completely defeated.

Once the war began, it must have taken a long time for the Saiyans to win. King Kai said that the lunar cycle on Planet Plant was eight years, and that each full moon allowed the Saiyans to gain ground in the war. So this implies that it took several full moons to end the war, so the conflict might have lasted decades, or maybe even a century. There might have been a few armistices or truces during that time, as each side would want to try to regroup and get as much momentum as possible before the next full moon. At least, that's how I'm picturing it.

One causus belli that sticks out in my mind is that the Tuffles were apparently a spacefaring people, but the Saiyans couldn't do much in space until they made contact with the Arcosians, and then King Cold's organization. So maybe the Tuffles were purposely keeping the Saiyans confined to Planet Plant, either to prevent them from escaping, or to isolate them from other civilizations. The Saiyans would take this poorly, I'm sure. So that might have a lot to do with it.

To be sure, the Saiyans of this era were real rat bastards, no doubt. I'm sure a lot of Tuffles of the time would make the argument that they were trying to contain the Saiyans as a matter of self-preservation, or even for the good of the greater universe. But I also suspect that the Tuffles aren't just friendly-looking anime folks. Creatures like Baby, Hatchiyack, Kamin, and Oren give us a peek into their more inhuman qualities, qualities that the Saiyans probably knew firsthand. It's possible that King Vegeta thought he was the one doing the universe a favor when he wiped the Tuffles out.

Something else to consider, in Episode of Bardock, we meet the Plantians, who were apparently the original inhabitants of Planet Plant. At some point, they were gone, and the Tuffles were living there instead, and then the Saiyans showed up and wiped out the Tuffles. So what happened to the Plantians? Did they just migrate to another world, leaving Plant empty for the Tuffles to move in? Or did the Tuffles do something to them? Food for thought.

[bi-naesala]

Little secret

Fandom: Yakuza

Rating: E

Warnings: /

Relationships: Nishikiyama Akira/Nishitani Homare Characters: Nishikiyama Akira, Nishitani Homare 

Additional Tags: Plot What Plot/Porn Without Plot, Sugar Daddy Nishitani, Blow Jobs 

Summary:

There are some secrets that are worth keeping, Nishiki thinks. After all, how could he even begin to explain that he’s got an Omi guy so obsessed with him that he’s willing to spoil and buy him anything he wants?

(Also on AO3)

(Fic under read more)

There are some secrets that are worth keeping, Nishiki thinks, even if this mean having to lie to Kiryu of all people.

How could he even begin to explain that he’s got an Omi guy so obsessed with him that he’s willing to spoil and buy him anything he wants? Yeah, that would be a disastrous conversation for sure, he knows that already.

It’s not even that he’s afraid of being judged, because Kiryu wouldn’t do that to anyone, but it’s just that he’s not sure that he wouldn’t tell anyone. Not that he’s a snitch, but he could try something out of worry, which would involve spilling the beans to Kashiwagi or worse, Kazama, and then things would truly be bad.

So, next time Kiryu asks him if he wants to go out with him for a drink, he lies and says that he already has a date for the night, which isn’t the true lie, but when Kiryu asks him who he’s taking out, he says that it’s a new hostess that has taken a shine on him, which couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Kiryu looks convinced at least - it helps that he’s pretty gullible - and leaves the subject alone, content to make Nishiki promise that, next time, they’ll be the ones hanging out together.

  In a very weird way, Nishiki doesn’t find Sotenbori that dissimilar to Kamurocho: both are pretty shitty places with pretty shitty people.

The only difference is that here people tend to try to fuck with him more, since he doesn’t have the protection a Tojo clan pin can grant him - if he wore it here, it would do him more harm than good, so he never does - but that’s nothing that Nishiki can’t handle. Actually, it feels good to throw down once in a while, even though he’s never come to enjoy it as much as Kiryu does.

 Right when he’s done throwing the last one of the ruffians who thought it would be a good idea to mess with him, he hears a low whistle behind him. He turns around immediately, raising his fists already to keep his head protected, when he notices the person leaning against the wall, watching him with a hungry gaze.

“Well, well, well, Akira-kun… So that’s what you’ve been doing. I thought you were standing me up…”

Standing him up? What does he mean?

A quick check on his expensive watch - a gift from Nishitani - is enough to make him understand: he’s late, and not just by a few minutes! Ops, this fight has taken longer than he thought it would.

“I’m so sorry, Nishitani-san!” he apologizes immediately, bowing his head. It’s the first time something like this happens, but this doesn’t make Nishiki feel better, especially considering that he might lose his support, which he has grown accustomed too. Sure, he could leave without Nishitani’s money, but he would be sad about it. He thinks about the brand new car Nishitani has promised him if he’s good; what if he doesn’t buy it to him anymore?

Luckily for him, though, Nishitani doesn’t look mad as he approaches him and gets his arm around Nishiki’s waist.

“Aw, don’t be,” he says, leaning close to Nishiki’s neck, who shivers as he feels his breath ghosting against his skin. “Besides, I’ve got to watch a veeery good fight.”

A small chuckle escapes Nishiki’s lips. “Is that so?” he asks, exposing his neck further for Nishitani.

He gasps when Nishitani wastes no time biting down, leaving what he knows is a visible mark - he’s always been fond of marking his territory - but he doesn’t oppose any resistance, though when Nishitani pushes him against the wall, he can’t help but to roll his eyes, although he has to fight to suppress a smile.

“Here? Really?” he asks, trying to sound as done as he can.

“Why not?” Nishitani asks, pressing his hips against Nishiki’s. God, he’s hard already. “Ya’ve got me all fired up, babe.”

Nishiki knows this is a bad idea: what if the thugs he’s just knocked out come to their senses? What if somebody else walks in?

Despite his better judgement, however, Nishiki doesn’t find himself that against the idea as he should be. Nishitani’s rubbing off of him.

 He remembers Nishitani telling him that, deep down, they’re not that dissimilar, only that Nishiki still hasn’t realized it yet.

“It’s all in those eyes of yours. I can see what’s beyond them,” he said once, though Nishiki still doesn’t understand what he meant by that. He never thought he was hiding anything, though it is true that maybe he ain’t that good of a person, at least not like Kiryu is. Sweet Kiryu that has no problems beating up thugs, but then feels bad about scamming civilians, while Nishiki doesn’t. Maybe that’s just because someone like Kiryu shouldn’t be involved with the yakuza in the first place.

 Nishitani can barely contain his excitement as Nishiki drops to his knees, that much is evident. Nishiki just hopes it’ll be worth it, and that he isn’t getting his pants dirty - how would he explain getting stains only on his knees?

“Yes, good boy,” he drawls, cupping Nishiki’s cheek with a hand as the other works on his belt, then he moves it to Nishiki’s hair, caressing it. “Ever told ya how much I love yer hair?”

Nishiki does a cheeky grin, slowly pulling down the zipper. “You have, but I don’t mind hearing it again.”

“It’s so soft and pretty, I wanna pull it so much…”

He doesn’t even wait for Nishiki to say something before following on his words, forcing Nishiki to look up at him. It’s almost overwhelming to look at the adoration in Nishitani’s eyes, but Nishiki has gone so long without affection from the people he wanted it from that he’s drawn to it like a moth to a light; it’s what made him decide in favor of doing this whole thing in the first place.

“Yer so beautiful… I swear I’ll eat ya up someday.”

Despite his best effort not to - because it’ll make him appear easy and that’s not the impression Nishiki wants to give - he groans at those words, but before he can embarrass himself further, he gets to work.

 From the way he moans, Nishitani must be most pleased with how fast Nishiki pulls his cock out of his briefs, and especially on how fast he begins peppering it with kisses, travelling from base to tip, swirling then his tongue around it, eyes going up again to meet his gaze.

Nishitani’s so into it already, which makes Nishiki smirk. He can’t help it, he loves feeling this needed, this appreciated.

“Pretty boy…”

Knowing that Nishitani isn’t going to last long - he never does, but damn somehow he manages to always get it back up almost immediately - Nishiki decides to stop teasing, parting his lips and beginning to take his cock in his mouth.

He barely goes halfway that Nishitani, impatient already, thrusts his hips all the way, making Nishiki almost gag, but he manages to hold back, grabbing onto Nishitani thighs as he begins to fuck his mouth, relaxing his throat as much as he can to make things easier for himself.

 It’s always like this with Nishitani, and yet Nishiki would lie if he said that he’s not all for it. As much as he likes the attention and being wanted, there’s something else inside him that gets him all hot at the thought of being used, just like Nishitani is doing.

In a way, they are using each other: Nishitani is using him for sex, while Nishiki is using him for his money, although things have evolved past that point. Nishiki can safely say that what he feels for Nishitani is a deep affection, and there’s no way he could mistake the adoration Nishitani feels for him for anything else. It feels quite weird having gotten to this point, but it also feels good, so neither of them worries much about it.

 Nishitani’s close, Nishiki can hear it from the way his breathing is getting ragged, and by the way he begins praising Nishiki and how good he is - he always gets talkative when he’s about to come.

“So good, baby, so good… I should steal ya away and keep ya all to myself… My own pretty cocksucker…”

The more Nishitani keeps going, the more Nishiki feels himself getting hard in his pants, but he knows better than to try and do something about it. Not that Nishitani would be against him touching himself but, as he said once, he wants to be able to enjoy the show, but given their position he wouldn’t be able to do that well, so Nishiki tries his best to focus only on Nishitani’s pleasure and not his, knowing that, in the end, it’ll be worth it.

 When Nishitani comes, Nishiki swallows everything; he’s always been greedy.

He pulls away from the other’s spent cock, finally catching his breath but still making no move to get up, licking his lips instead, observing Nishitani and his reaction; that simple gesture is enough to get him fired up again, but if they go for round two here, they’ll surely attract some unwanted attention. Besides, they have something very important to be.

Nishitani cups Nishiki’s chin, catching the remainder of saliva at the corner of his mouth. “Such a good boy for me, Akira-kun~ You deserve a reward.”

At those words, Nishiki’s lips perk up in a smile. Yes, he has been good, hasn’t he? He certainly deserves a reward!

He doesn’t bother hiding how excited he is at the news as he gets up and begins asking: “What is it?”

Nishitani chuckles, finding Nishiki’s whole change of demeanor endearing.

“Why don’t ya walk with me a bit?” he asks, after tucking his now flaccid dick back in his pants. When Nishiki nods, he turns around, signaling Nishiki with his head to follow him. What he wants to show him isn’t that far from where they are; actually, they just have to get back to the main road before…

 A gasp leaves Nishiki’s lips as soon as he sees it.

“N… Nishitani-san!”

Nishitani laughs as Nishiki steps towards the car that has been parked right in front of where they are and not only that, but he also goes circles around it, examining it in every detail.

He did mention to Nishitani that he wanted a new car, something better than the one he has now, old and shitty - but Nishiki still loves his baby nonetheless - and Nishitani had told him that, if he was good, he’d get him one, something that would make everybody else envious, sure, but Nishiki didn’t think he would give it to him already!

Wait, what if he’s jumping to conclusions? For all he knows, this is Nishitani’s new car, not a gift for him.

He turns to Nishitani. “Is this truly mine?”

“It sure is!” Nishitani exclaims, throwing the keys at Nishiki. “How about taking it for a drive, huh?”

Nishiki almost lets the keys fall for the excitement, but they’re still secured in his hands as he nods. “Yes, please! Thank you so much!”

He doesn’t even wait for Nishitani to follow as he gets in the driver seat, though he doesn’t turn the car on until Nishitani’s inside as well.

“Where to?” he asks.

“Wherever you want!” Nishitani replies, ready to enjoy a nice ride.

At those words, Nishiki’s smile grows larger. He has a new baby, and he can take her to whenever he wants to? Oh, this is truly the best!

 He turns on the car and begins to drive around Sotenbori.

Oh, this car is so much better than his old one, much easier to drive around the way he wants to. The seats are also very comfy, which he can’t say about his old baby.

He turns to Nishitani, then figuring that it’s a bad idea, he goes back to look at the road - the last thing he needs now is to run over someone because he wasn’t paying attention. Still, the fact that he can’t see him doesn’t mean that he can’t talk to him.

“Nishitani-san, thank you. I mean it.”

He feels a hand creeping up his thigh, squeezing it - and thankfully doesn’t do anything more. He can’t see him, but he knows that Nishitani’s grinning ear to ear - he’s seen that expression on him countless times.

 Eventually he’ll have to get back to Kamurocho, but the knowledge that he’ll do it with his new shiny car fills him with a sense of smugness that he’s been feeling more and more since meeting Nishitani.

He’ll have to find a plausible explanation as to how he’s gotten a new car so suddenly, but that’ll be a problem for future Nishiki, because now he only wants to enjoy the ride with Nishitani, and that’s exactly what he’ll do, screw everything else.

[hunnybby]

Chances

Pairing: Kunimi Akira x fem reader

genre: general/fluff

Confessing is harder than it seems. You try a few different ways, but it never seems right.

wc: 2.6k

a/n: Happy Holidays to everyone and and especially to @mimi-cee-hq! Surprise! I’m your Secret Santa for the @haikyuucreations SS event! :) I had a GREAT time being your anon, and I was super excited to write for you! May you have a blessed day, and may it be merry and bright! 

-

Verbal

"Kunimi!"

The boy halts mid-step, already half way to the gym with his gym bag slung over his shoulder. He turns around, face expressionless (as usual) with no hint of annoyance (surprisingly). Adjusting his gym bag, he makes eye contact with you. "What's up, Y/N?"

"There's something I need to tell you," you say, forcing your voice to level out instead of shake. Your hands are stuffed inside of your jacket pocket and balled into fists to keep yourself steady. "It's important."

Kunimi lets his body turn towards you, facing you fully with his head tilted to the side and a hint curiosity in his usually disinterested eyes. "Shoot," he urges, bringing a hand up to signal you to continue.

You heave out a breath. "Okay," you start, opening and closing your fists still in your pocket as a ways to get ready, "I really like-"

"Oi, Kunimi! You coming or what?" You recognize Kindaichi's voice from afar, and immediately freeze up. Wasn't everyone supposed to be already in the gym? Shouldn't Kunimi be the only straggler today because you asked your friend to stall him from practice?

The call from his fellow team mate has him slightly turning his head to where the gym is located. But he turns back to face you. "Hm?"

You hear light jogging now. No doubt Kindaichi on his way to retrieve Kunimi for warm ups. How dedicated, you think in passing.

You start to feel your heart race. If you don't say it now, you might never find the courage to say it again. But Kindaichi might also hear you. What if Kindaichi hears you, Kunimi reacts in a non-favorable way, and you can't show your face again? Would you need to change schools? Change your name? Perhaps live a new life somewhere else-

"Y/N?"

You snap out of your thoughts, looking from the ground to meet his eyes once more. Kindaichi is already directly behind him. You've spent too long thinking, and you curse to yourself. What now?

"I really like...," it feels like your brain is grasping for straws, or anything to say. An excuse? You look behind Kunimi to find Kindaichi also looking at you expectantly. And you decide you can't do it when there are spectators around. So you need to make a statement now.

"I really like... your... middle part," you finally say, gesturing to your own head so that he knows you were clearly referring to his hair.

Saying this outloud would be too difficult.

-

Interlude I

“... and then I tell him how much I like his middle part,” you whine, handing over a full water bottle to the current captain of Aoba Johsei.

It’s uncommon for you to confide in someone, or anyone really, for something so personal and embarrassing. It’s especially uncommon for that person to be Oikawa Tooru. But when it came to it, you needed to tell someone sometime before the truth explodes out of you.

Oikawa makes a face. “Ugh, that is embarrassing. Everyone knows Kunimi’s redeeming quality is his nonchalance, not his middle part,” he states. You think you see him over-exaggerate a shudder and shake your head in disagreement. You don’t think his middle part is bad!

You practically yank the water bottle from his hand once he’s done chugging. “That’s not the point,” you almost hiss, keeping your voice a low whisper.

He bends himself down to your level, using the wall to support his weight as he rests before the break is over. “Oh?” There’s a curious smile that graces his features. “So were you trying to call him over to tell him how madly in love you are with him?”

You purse your lips together, both in thought and annoyance. Why is it that he could read you like a book? You suck in your teeth slightly, getting ready to retort back when Oikawa begins to speak again.

“Well, now’s your chance,” Oikawa snickers, positioning himself upright as he pushes himself from the gym wall and saunters off coolly.

“No, please don’t go-,” you say to the captain’s retreating form, arms rising to clutch at air before hanging your head down in defeat. A free hand comes up to your forehead to slap yourself softly. Preparation. That's what you're doing right now.

“Here you go. Thanks,” you hear Kunimi say from behind you.

You turn around to see him extending out an empty water bottle to you. Your eyebrows wrinkle together slightly at this, and you think yourself that he could have left it on a chair or a bench so that you could pick it up later. This is the first time he’s done this.

You take the bottle from his hands, taking care to avoid any physical contact. “No problem,” you say, and you can’t help but fill the will-be-awkward silence with your unnecessary commentary. “It’s good to stay hydrated with water- you know our brains are like 70% of water,” no you aren’t going to fact check this later, “so make sure you drink enough water to keep your brain big!” you finish off with a nervous laugh, your free hand going to rub your elbow.

He gives you a curious look. “Sure,” he responds to you. “Good to know,” he finishes off, not laughing. But he smiles a bit at you before running off.

You inhale and exhale quickly, not realizing you were holding your breath while waiting for a reply.

You start to think that maybe you need to go a different route- what’s easier than talking to someone you like face to face?

-

Written

“It’s cold,” Kindaichi says, taking one hand out of his pocket as if to test the air. “Very cold.”

“So?” you question, stuffing your own hands further into your pocket and digging yourself deeper into the depths of your oversized scarf. “It’s always cold in December. In the morning. On a Saturday. When you guys practice. In December. Why do you all practice Saturdays again?”

He snickers first before responding. “You know who gets cold easily? Kunimi,” he nods his head in said-friend’s direction. “You should share that monster of a scarf with him. It’s big enough to shelter the whole team from the winter.”

“Ha-ha,” you say dryly, puffing out air and watching the cloud disperse in front of you.

Kindaichi doesn’t respond to you, his attention now focused ahead. He lightly jogs forward, leaving you slightly behind to shuffle your way towards the gates of the school.

It feels like the closer you get to your destination, the heavier your steps become- almost as if your whole body is rejecting the plan you so thoughtfully concocted in your head the night prior.

In your pockets you keep yourself from balling your fist. You can’t risk crinkling the small stationery you had carefully picked out- the contents of the pretty envelope holding one sheet of pretty paper with valuable information meant only for the eyes of one person in particular.

Kunimi.

3 easy steps for success.

Step 1: find Kunimi.

And you find him almost instantly! It only helps you further that he's in the same spot he always is right before the start of the school day- leaning on his favorite pillar outside in solitude. No one in sight. Perfect.

You just need to make your way to him. The heavy steps coming to haunt you once again. Left. Right. Left. Right. Stop.

Step 2: Strike up a conversation

"Good morning!" you say in a rush, immediately regretting your volume and tone of voice. It's not /that/ good a morning, and you have to clear your throat. Two pitches, too high! Also too much.

Kunimi looks up from his phone and sets it in his pocket. "Hey. Morning," he responds to you, waiting expectantly.

"It's cold, huh?"

He raises an eyebrow and the corner of his lip upturns into a smirk. "How cold is it?"

"It's sooo cold, that the water in my bottle is frozen! A mini-you could probably ice skate in it," you joke, taking his intentional set-up for it as a go-ahead.

"I'm terrible at ice skating. I'd much prefer sitting and watching."

"Oh, yeah! Me too," you lie- but it's not a total lie. You recall in the back of your head that you can ice-skate for at least 5 minutes without falling over and eating ice.

He smirks. "Liar. I've actually seen you in roller blades before- I don't think that's any different."

A little heh escapes your lips. "You caught me!" You want to comment that there is a difference, but that isn't something you want to get into right now. What you should be getting into is your pocket. And in your pocket is where your hand starts to shake.

Step 3: Hand over the letter

You feel around, gently bending the edges of your letter. "I have... something... for you," you struggle to say. Your index finger and thumb smooth over the envelope.

He looks at you with full attention, waiting for your next move.

As you find the will to take out your letter, your eyes move up to his middle part again. You think for a second that you really do like his middle part, and that he makes it work for him. How effortless. So effortless you almost feel annoyed about it. You spend so long on your own hair, he probably spends 20 seconds on his every morning.

"Is it something you can eat?" he asks you teasingly.

Another small, nervous laugh leaves you. If you can eat my feelings, then yes!

But now you feel something else in your pocket. A smaller rectangle. Wrapped in foil. Gum. You let out a quick, shaky breath. The thought of having gum in your pocket is now making you regret this plan. This gum is a sign that you shouldn't be doing it like this! (What an excuse!)

When your hand finally leaves your pocket, hand it to him.

You hand him the gum that was in your pocket, but the thought of handing him a love letter makes you gulp anyway.

Kunimi looks at his outstretched palm, staring at the covered piece of unchewed gum, and then closes his hand around it and places it in his gym bag. "Thanks," he says, a confused smile on his face paired with his signature tone of unconcern and collection. "I don't think I can have this right now, but definitely later."

"Oh, yeah," you say, feeling the awkwardness of yourself leave your body through your mouth. "Later. When your breath kinda stinks. Wouldn't wanna talk to someone and then have them say something like why do you smell like onions, Kunimi!" you word-vomit, voice imitating what would sound like your best Kindaichi expression yet.

-

Interlude II

"I gave him my last piece of gum!" You whine in the equipment closet. "My last piece!"

Kyotani, the victim who has unfortunately found himself in the gravity of your unrelaxed aura, only grunts in response. He drops the net that you had asked him to carry to its place of rest and dusts his hands off o his gym shorts.

"I ended up ripping the letter in pieces and drowning it in water to dissolve the evidence," you admit, recalling the moment right before morning practice where you ran to the nearest water fountain to soak your feelings.

As much as Kyotani scares you, you find it easy to talk to him under circumstances where you feel like summoning a black hole to swallow your entire self whole. Doesn't say much, but he listens. At least you think he does. He's never given much facial expression that indicates his interest in anything. You're so used to a scowl.

He doesn't move from his spot in the closet, so you take this as the time to continue. "What do I do now? The letter was fool-proof. Do I write it again and give it to him later? What if I chicken out again? Do I throw it in the trash, then? Eat it this time so no one ever finds it?"

You turn to look at Kyotani, and notice that he's staring hard at the net he so neatly placed. "Do whatever," he comments.

You think you feel your ears perk up. Do whatever? Do whatever.

You let out a tiny gasp, "Oh my stars, Kyotani," you start, walking towards the closet exit and then walking back towards him. "You're right."

Kyotani raises a brow, visibly confused.

"I have to do whatever," you emphasis. "As in whatever it takes."

He nods slowly, still lost.

You make your way back to the door, ignoring Kyotani and deep in thought. You need to think about your next move.

-

Actions

"Kunimi, hey!" you greet, marching head first towards him and his favorite pillar yet again. Perfect is the first word that comes to mind. Because the pillar is the perfect spot to do this. It's only the only spot you had in mind for this to work. Also- you aren't tall enough to reach any door frames anyway.

"Y/N, what's up?" he responds, small smile appearing to brighten up your morning. The word perfect comes up again. And it snaps you back to your plan.

"Nothing much," you say, releasing one of your backpack straps from your shoulders to sling it over your front. "Got something for ya, though." Your fingers reach to unzip your bag. "But you need to close your eyes."

"It's not Christmas yet," he argues, but shrugs and closes his eyes anyway.

"Think of it as an early gift then?" you suggest playfully, the sound of tape ripping from its roll and paper slapping on cement pillar. "It's home made," you add, voice slightly shaking towards the end as your confidence falls from you. But you've already taped what you needed to on the pillar. You can't just rip it up now.

You position yourself next to him, leaning on the pillar now. "Okay- open your eyes and look up!" you say nervously, the speed of your words rushing towards the end.

But you didn't rush it fast enough. He has heard your request, and looks up. You study his face closely. He looks confused at first, squinting his eyes to view the picture better, but they widen out when he realizes that you've drawn a picture of mistletoe on a blank sheet of printer paper. With the little red berries and all. Very festive. "Very creative," he blinks a few more times, before looking back down to you and smirking. "Looks like holly more than mistletoe."

Your brows knit together and your lips purse in fake annoyance. "Aren't they the same thing?"

He shrugs at you again, taking his hands out of his pockets and begins dusting at your shoulders. "I don't think so," he replies, still looking smug. "So?"

You feel yourself rocking back and forth, spending extra time on your tiptoes. "So..."

His reaction gives you a boost of confidence, and you feel yourself getting warm and giddy. "Ready for the next part of your surprise?"

-

Interlude III

"She finally did it, huh?" Kindaichi asks, tossing a few volleyballs into the basket after practice.

From behind him, Kunimi comes up with a mop. There's an odd skip in his step, and he looks less tired than usual- almost lively. "I guess so," he tries to say as coolly as possible. He keeps his eyes focused on mopping, afraid that if he makes eye contact with his teammate he'll read him like a book.

Kindaichi knows this, and respectfully keeps his eyes on his own task. But that doesn't mean he'll end the conversation there. "So what's the next move?"

He sags a bit, thinking. He remembers the last confession he received in middle school. How awkward and embarrassing it was to stand on the roof of the school with someone who he only knew in passing.

He remembers your confession. How awkward it was but how genuinely nice it made him feel. So he says, "I surprise her next time. That's the move."