#cutting it a bit close there miri

[hawthorngold]

Made these little mushroom guys for my family for Christmas.

(I completely forgot about it until the 23rd and now I’ve barely slept in 2 days)

[bimbobaggins69]

Hard times (part one)

roommate!eddie munson x roommate fem!reader (established friendship)

Summary: after getting your electricity and water shut off, you and your roommate are desperate for money, so desperate that you’re willing to have sex with each other on camera, but will your 10+ year friendship be able to with stand all the drama that comes a long with shooting a porno?

⚠️warnings: eventual smut 18+ mdni, financial hardships, angst, use of the nickname ‘mini’ no use of y/n, unwanted pining (one sided for now), eventual best friends to lovers, mentions of porn.

note: this concept is loosely based off of the movie ‘Zac and Miri make a porno’ (don’t forget to tip your writers with a comment and reblog)

wc: 3.3k

You were exhausted and you needed a shower, the day was long and you felt sticky and sweaty. So as soon as you and your best friend Eddie, who also happens to be your roommate, walk into the front door of your apartment, coming back from the closing shift you both worked at family video. You head to the bathroom and he heads to the kitchen for a late night beer.

You pull the baby blue shower curtain to the side as you work the knobs to start your nice steamy shower, you’ve been thinking about it since mid day. But you were most excited to slip on some pajamas, get into bed and cuddle under your fluffy duvet while some tv show plays in the background. You just needed to wash the day off, first.

As you sing a tune you heard over the video stores, speaker. You reach for your coconut scented body wash and loofa, washing your body down from neck to toes. Next, you move onto your hair, grabbing the blue ‘finesse’ bottle of shampoo that sat on the small window seal, you pour a generous amount on your hand, bringing it up to lather your hair that felt heavy from the excess hairspray you used on it this morning.

Once the shampoo is ready to rinse out, the water cuts off, leaving you in a state of shock, as the shampoo from your head begins to run down your neck, and onto your back. ‘What the fuck?’ was all you could think, as you began to play with the shower knobs trying to asses the problem, with no such luck you decide your next best option is to call for your roommate.

“Eddie!” You scream as you yank the curtain open, sticking your head out

You hear his loud boots barreling down the hallway, coming towards you.

“Yes?” He says as he cracks the door open, not wanting to stick his head in, in case you were indecent.

“I’m covered you can come in,” you sass

“Hey, just makin’ sure” He says with a smirk, as he walks in, putting the toilet seat down to sit on.

“What’s the problem?” He asks while studying your face.

“Did you pay the water bill?” You squint your eyes at him

“I thought it wasn’t due until Friday?” He mumbled

“No, it was due last Friday, Eddie! I told you that.” You didn’t intend for it to come out so brash, but given your current situation and your need for sleep, you were a bit more snappy than usual.

“Well, I had to pay for the parts to fix the van. I took some money out of the bills, but I mean I thought I had time to put it back.” He says scratching the back of his neck, as his shoulder deflate.

“Okay, well they shut the water off and I still have shampoo in my hair!” You whine, as you scrunch your nose up in anger. It came off way too cute to take to serious, and if Eddie wasn’t in a panic to help you, he would’ve teased you about it.

“Shit, okay okay, hold on. Let me find something to wash it out with.” Eddie says as he looks around the bathroom frantically.

“The toilet, grab that cup and get some water from the toilet, please?” You say as you motion your head towards the little white cup by the sink.

He grabs it before lifting up the toilet seat, only to gasp “fuck, I took a piss earlier and forgot to flush.” He says, cheeks a rosy pink as he looks back at you with sympathy.

“Eddie, not that water! Lift up the back, there’s clean water in there.” Pointing your finger towards the back of the porcelain bowl

“Oh yeah, I knew that.” He says with a small smirk as he dips the cup into the water and walks over to you, “okay, put your head back, I’ll get the shampoo out.” He motions you back with his free hand.

You tip your head back, gripping on the shower curtain for dear life as he begins pouring the water on your hair and scrubbing to get the shampoo out. His fingers were surprisingly soft and gentle, you almost got lost in the feeling of his nails scratching at your scalp. You and Eddie have been friends since kindergarten and have done many things together but this by far is the most intimate, you couldn’t help the butterflies that were erupting in your stomach. ‘It just feels really good, that’s it.’ You told yourself as Eddie continued to wash the suds from your hair.

After the shampoo was fully washed out, Eddie handed over your black silk robe that was hanging on a hook behind the door, you delicately placed it on your damp body, wrapping it around your front and tying it as tight as it would go, all while behind the closed shower curtain as Eddie stood on the other side, sat back on the closed lid of the toilet.

“So? I guess I’ll call them in the morning and see if they’ll give us an extension, at least until this friday.” He says as he bites the side of his cheek, arms crossed over his chest.

You open the shower curtain, stepping out onto the soft floor mat of the same color. “We asked for an extension last time, isn’t there like an extension limit or something?” You ask as you grab your toothbrush, applying a dollop of minty toothpaste before bringing it to your mouth. “Well I guess we’ll find out tomorrow.” Eddie says, glancing at the way the black robe hugged the curve of your ass before looking away, he stands up onto his feet, as he starts walking towards the door, it was getting too hot in here for him, and he almost couldn’t breath.

Before he was able to make it out, you turned towards him with your back up against the sink, toothbrush held in your hand as toothpaste suds covered the sides of your mouth. “What do we do if they don’t give us one? Where are we gonna get the money to turn it back on? Not to mention the late fees.” He could hear the worry in your voice, that was the dynamic of your friendship; you’re the uptight worrier while he’s the careless, laid back, “everything will work itself out” kinda guy. It was a good balance but that’s not to say it didn’t absolutely drive you up the wall.

“I’ll take care of it mini, don’t worry okay?” He gives you a small smile, before turning back to the door, “cmon Eddie we’re not kids anymore, can you please use my legal name?” You chuckle as you turn back to the sink to spit the rest of the toothpaste out, wiping your mouth on a wash cloth “you’ll always be my mini though.” He walks out, softly closing the door behind him and heading back to his beer he abandoned on the kitchen counter that was now dripping with condensation.

You couldn’t help but smile to yourself. Mini, was a name given to you for your small stature, you were petite growing up and nobody let you forget it. You would say you’re about average height now, maybe a little under average but somehow the nickname just kind of stuck.

You decided to worry about the whole water situation in the morning, nothing you can do about it now. You just really wanted to get into bed and maybe watch the arsenio hall show until you fell asleep, which is exactly what you did.

Eddie’s night most likely went how it always does; he drank all six beers, smoked some weed out of his sticker infested bong and then passed out while still in his clothes, classic Eddie.

The next day Eddie called the water company to try and work out an extension. He said he would try everything to get the water back on, but when he got on the phone the tech basically laughed at him, telling him there’s no way he was able to give Eddie an extension due to ‘the recurring late fees’ so basically you were shit out of luck on the water unless you had the full payment, it was the last thing you wanted to hear and you were in a sour mood because of it. You understood that Eddie did what he had to do, if the van hadn’t gotten fixed you’d have no ride to work for the money to pay bills, but that didn’t stop you from closing yourself in your bedroom and just wanting to be alone.

You and Eddie worked another closing shift, so you had time to sulk and brainstorm with yourself about how this could be handled. Come as you are by nirvana played in the background as you laid on your bed, staring at the ceiling, wishing for an idea, maybe something you could pawn or sell, you didn’t want to have to get a second job but that was your last resort.

You were so close to saying ‘fuck it’ to pawning the necklace you never took off, it was a name plate necklace your grandma gave to you the Christmas before she passed away, it was very special to you but you were that desperate.

As long as you and Eddie had been living together you’d never struggled this hard, but after Eddie got fired from his mechanic job (where he got paid way more than he was making now) for fucking one of his customers in the back seat of her car and getting caught by his manager Tom, you had no choice but to get him a job at family video with you, so this was your current situation.

You were quickly thrown from your thoughts when the radio on your dresser abruptly cuts off, you sit up looking around your room trying to decipher what happened, but when you notice the alarm clock on your nightstand and it’s lack of big red numbers, you scrunch up your face in confusion.

“Fuck!” Is heard from down the hall, you jump up, opening your bedroom door and making your way out to the living room where your roommate is throwing a fit on the couch, Doritos chip bag by his side, his white and red Reebok pumps hiked up on the coffee table, knees bent with his Super Nintendo controller in hand. “What happened?” You question. “Cocksuckers turned off the electricity, I told them I’d get it to them by Monday.” He says through gritted teeth, tossing his controller on the table making you jump from the loud clatter.

You wanted to be mad, but you couldn’t. Eddie was tough enough on himself after the whole being fired ordeal so you quietly padded over, plopping down on the couch beside him. “Well, I think I have an idea.” You say as you cross your socked feet, pulling them close to you. “Okay, let’s hear it.” His tone laced in defeat as he rubs his hands down his face.

“I can pawn the necklace my grandma got me, that should be an extra $250. I mean it’s not much but it’ll help with some late fees.” Eddie’s head snaps towards you, eyes meeting yours. “No, no way mini! I’m gonna figure this out okay? I know how much that necklace means to you and I’m gonna do everything I can before we have to start pawning our shit.”

“Ed’s, c'mon there’s not much else for us to do, I mean I guess we can get second jobs? We can donate blood, or-” you ramble on before eddie intervenes “I’m gonna start selling again, I’ll walk to the payphone and call Rick in a few and see what I can get, maybe he’ll front it to me and I’ll pay him back once it’s moved.” He says as he shakes his head while his eyes scan the living room.

“Eddie no, there has to be something we can do that won’t get you thrown in jail. You remember what Callahan said, one more fuck up and you’re going away for awhile. Let’s just look at our options here, okay?” You’re on the verge of panicking, if Eddie picks up selling again and gets caught he’ll be prosecuted to the fullest extent, as per what the new chief of police told him.

“Let me handle this Min, just sit there and look pretty, alright? I’m gonna get this taken care of. I promise, okay?” His sneakers hit the floor as he shoots up, walking towards the front door, he takes his leather jacket from the hook and throws it on before walking out. “Eddie please, just be rational, please!” You beg as the words ‘just sit there and look pretty’ bounce around in your head. You weren’t sure if you should be offended or flattered, but with the butterflies fluttering around in your insides, you realized it was the latter.

Eddie got back once you were ready for your shift. You decided since it was a pretty warm day that a button down floral dress, and your doc martens would suffice, next you threw on the always flattering green ‘family video’ vest. You walk back into the living room after pulling your hair into a claw clip.

Eddie walks through the door with a sullen look on his face, “how’d it go?” You timidly ask. “He gave me the fucking run around, talking in this bullshit code, anyway he said he can’t help me right now.” He shrugs, moving down the hall towards his bedroom, before he stops to look back at you. “I’m gonna go smoke and get ready for work, you wanna join?”

“Yeah, I’ll be there in a sec.” You say before joojing your hair a couple more times in front of the entry door mirror

You spent the remaining time before your shift laid out on Eddie’s bed as you both passed a joint back and forth, it was weird not being able to turn on some background music while you two talked like usual, and the apartment was starting to get humid even with the windows half open as a light breeze crept in. You were pretty sure there was something in this weed that was a little stronger than usual because you couldn’t take your eyes off of Eddie as he moved around his room, throwing on whatever clean band shirt and ripped jeans that were in his dresser. You’ve never noticed just how pretty he was. ‘Jesus Christ, what is in this shit?’ You asked yourself as you brought the joint back up to your lips and took another puff while your eyes continued to ogle the man in front of you.

“You gonna pass it, or you just g’na keep checking me out?” The daze you were under slowly faltering, as you notice Eddie with his hand stretched out towards you, waiting for the joint to be placed between his thumb and index finger, his eyebrow is cocked with an apparent smirk on his face.

His words immediately make your cheeks heat in a light pink hue, as a cough sets off deep in your chest at the prospect of being caught. “Yeah you wish, Ed.” You chuckle awkwardly, as you place the joint between his fingers, you quickly pull your hand back as if you’d been burnt when his index finger brushes against your own. You weren’t sure if you wanted to continue to sesh with Eddie if the weed was gonna make you feel like you had feelings for your best friend. ‘Yeah right, Eddie was like a brother to you.’ You thought to yourself, ignoring the icky feeling in the pit of your stomach at the brief notion.

You both made it to work with a couple minutes to spare, which was very rare as Eddie had a tendency to make you late for everything. Once clocked in, you began your work behind the checkout counter while also on rewind duty.

Eddie worked the floor, helping customers and putting away recent returns. In between Eddie would come up to you with new ideas on how to get some extra cash, every idea even more brazen than the next. Everything from begging for his old job back to panhandling on the corner of a highway, you were afraid his ideas were gonna continue to snowball into something even more unhinged as he paced in front of the counter you were sat behind.

“I think we need to come up with some rational ideas, okay?” You say, breaking Eddie from his internal crisis. “Rational? I’m being very rational, you’re just not thinking out of the box, Min.” Eddie chuckles before grabbing his cart of returns. He reaches to pick one up out of the pile, a sly smirk lighting up his once glum face. He holds up a tape of a bald man and a blonde woman in a rather provocative position, green stickers hiding their most private areas. He begins slightly waving it around “Duty calls. You know where to find me if you need me, just uh knock first.” He says with a wolfish grin. The whole one sided interaction has your stomach in loops, at the idea of Eddie touching himself in the ‘restricted area’.

It was a typical Wednesday night at family video, the lack of customers giving you ample opportunity to think. You thought about the possibility of having to move back in with your parents, you would do everything in your power to make sure that didn’t happen though. You couldn't go back to living with two people that barely even acknowledged your existence. You were beginning to come to terms with Eddie’s crazy ideas actually being plausible, it made you nervous but at this point you would do whatever he suggested.

“Holy fuck!” You were so in your head that the booming voice coming from the back of the store made you jump a foot in the air, you placed your right hand over your racing heart as an aid to facilitate the heavy thuds in your chest, but it didn’t matter with everything going on you were already on edge.

“Mini, come here!” Eddie shouted after drawing back the red curtain to the adult section. You keep your eyes on the door for a few seconds, making sure no customers would be walking in while you weren’t behind the counter. You make your way back towards the cackling voice of your best friend, you draw the curtain back, your eyes scan the little area before they land on him. A devious grin graces his face, it instantly makes you swallow the last of the saliva on your tongue, leaving it dry.

“What are you over here shouting at? Jesus, you almost gave me a heart attack back there!” You cry out before swatting him on the shoulder. “Yeah, well once you see this you might have the same reaction.” He snorts while simultaneously trying to dodge your swat.

Eddie holds up the tape you’re assuming was cause for his startling reaction. “Not this again.” You groan, “no, no trust me you’re gonna wanna see this.” He lets out another cackle as he places the tape into your hands. “Do you recognize anyone on that tape?” He boldly asks, studying your face as you study the erotic picture in front of you, your eyes widen as you realize who you’re looking at.

“Steve?” The tape is new and the green stickers hadn’t been placed over their exposed body parts, your eyes catch a glimpse of Steve’s dick and your face flushes as you look back up to Eddie, your voice practically caught in your throat, while you stand there in shock. “Fucking Harrington, can you believe it? He’s doing porn now!” Eddie shouts, while he shakes his head. “Should give him a call and see if they’re hiring.” You giggle at your dumb joke.

Eddie’s eyes widened at your suggestion, like a lightbulb had just went off in his head.

“Mini, you’re a fucking genius!”

Thank you for reading!

Part two

•Taglist•

@livsters @prettypeachsworld @akiratoro420 @samanthasgone @dylpickleblog @lightcommastix @little-wormwood @gaysludge @emxxblog @eddieslittlewh0re @sillypurplemurple @lovely-lynn-writes @tlclick73 @ajkamins @dilfs-lover @lolalanaie @aocxdx @ambthegamer @alanamarie @josephquinncore @bebe07011 @bambipowerblueaddition @marriedtoeddie @chopper-witch @dissociatinginfp @stairwaytozai @edsforehead @itsametaphorbriansblog @haylaansmi @thoughtsoftheantagonist @paranoidmunson @totalmesstm @parkerloveer @elesoteri @chloes-files @melhoran @lezzy-bennet @killer-joy3 @aysheashea @wolfiepirate @mmvnsons @sluggzillaa @thehuntresswolf

[manias-wordcount]

Rise and Grind (Rei Suwa)

Kinktober 2023 Day Thirteen: Dry Humping

𝙒𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚? ⇒ 𝙈𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩

𝙟𝙤𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙙 𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚𝙧?

𝙗𝙪𝙮 𝙢𝙚 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙚?

You had just finished plating the last of the pancakes and fried the rest of the bacon before he had come wandering in. 

  The drag of his feet was what gave it away, so you already found yourself smiling softly at him- before he was within your view. But sure enough, there he was. Dressed in a pair of pajamas that hung very loosely on his lean frame. And bed-head sticking up and out and down and around and all sorts of different directions. And of course- there was that passive expression on his face. The tired, half-lidded eyes, complete with the dark rings that symbolize another tireless night. The mouth almost settled into a frown. And the hands, previously hanging limply at his side.

  Now reaching out, hoping to grab at you.

  “You’re up so early, Rei.” You whisper to him quietly as he shuffles a little closer. You catch his dark blue eyes for a second behind his messy bangs, and he just offers up a half-groan, half-grunt in acknowledgment. You smile at him again, offering up something a little bit sweet for the exhausted man in front of you before turning your attention to your last task before waking the other two in the apartment up to eat. “I’m almost done with breakfast. Can you go ahead and sit down at the table for me?”

  He lets out another groan, and this time it’s accompanied by a mumble too low for you to really make out. Luckily, he stops moving further in the kitchen and opts to linger by one of the countertops you’re not currently using. Still a little close. But not quite in the way. Just yet, at least.

  With a sigh, you shake your head playfully at him and get back to work. He’s always been a bit clingy in the morning. Ever since he and Kazuki had convinced you to move in. So much so that the early morning visits when it’s your turn to cook breakfast for everyone are starting to get less and less surprising. Even though you know he never does this to Kazuki.

  However as your hands start to move again, you find yourself pulled back into the task at hand. At least for a little while. Currently, you’re cutting up strawberries. Pulling at the leaves. Separating the berry from its stem. Letting your small knife pass through the even smaller pieces of fruit as you chop them up into thin little slices. Easy for a little girl like Miri to snack on and enjoy without making too much of a mess. Plus, you know Kazuki is particularly fond of this brand of strawberries that you picked up the last time you went shopping. You know he would definitely enjoy some cut into some bigger pieces. He might even appreciate it if you sprinkled a few of the strawberries on his pancakes. Maybe you could even make them in a nice pattern too. Or even a cute little strawberry face on Miri’s two pancakes. Hmmm…

  While you’re lost in thought, absently cutting away at the strawberries and wondering if you should stick to the simple bowls of fruits or do something special, something wraps around your waist from behind and squeezes tight. You can’t hold in the sudden gasp that comes pouring from your lips in surprise. The feeling of arms circling your body isn’t too unfamiliar, but you were just so focused on breakfast that you nearly forgot about Rei standing nearby, watching you as you worked. So for a second, you nearly jumped out of your skin as your instincts told you exactly what to do. Stay very still. Tighten your grip on the weapon in your hands. Assess the situation.

  But as your mind began to catch up with everything that was happening around you, you felt the brush of dark, messy hair against your neck, causing you to shiver for a second. And soon after that, followed an increase of pressure- the feeling of someone letting more and more and more of their weight fall onto you. It’s then that you do finally realize that it was Rei- clingy, sleepy Rei- holding onto you from behind and crowding into you- like you’re the most comfortable thing in the world. 

  “Rei…” You murmur, almost afraid to raise your voice any louder in favor of keeping the quiet atmosphere that had fallen between the two of you once more now that your heart has settled. You put down the knife and abandon a half-cut strawberry in favor of turning your head and trying your best to look at him from over your shoulder. Still, he acknowledges the call of his name by letting out another low groan before stepping a little closer to your backside and squeezing you a little tighter. You wonder if he’s able to smell exactly what you’ve been cooking all morning. You wonder if that’s what caused him to stumble in the kitchen like a lost, lonely puppy today. “Give me a little more of a warning next time! You scared me…”

  Rei lets out another quiet groan. But this time, when the mumble follows, you’re able to hear it loud and clear as he speaks the word into your skin.

  “...sorry…” He apologizes- head turnt and lips brushing against your neck as he speaks. It causes you to let out another shiver, but judging by the way you feel him almost smile into your skin, you have a feeling that must have been what he wanted all along. Because in that moment, the hands around your waist are trailing downwards. Slowly, slowly, slowly. But with open palms and fingers stretched wide as the hands around your waist become the hands around your hips, to even the hands dipping past the fabric of your short, pajamas shorts. Touching and feeling and exploring the bare skin that was left exposed and vulnerable.

  Your breath hitches in the back of your throat as his touches get a bit bolder. A bit more intense. But you don’t him to take his hands off of you. And you make no move to pull his hands off of you either. No, instead you’re watching. Instead, you’re waiting. Looking at the way his hands travel the expanse of your body. As if his goal was to memorize the shape and the feel of your curves. Running his hands up and running his hands up and down and up and down as he cherishes every chance he gets to get a feel of you. The real you. All of you. Now that parts of you are covered by a nice pair of silky sleeping shorts. Not the parts of you that are covered by one of the boy’s ratty old t-shirts. The real you.

  The very parts of you that you’re willing to share with him. The very parts of you that you want to share with him.

    So when Rei peeks his head over the side of your shoulder and locks eyes with you, you just let yourself give a little nod to his unasked question. It’s all the confirmation he needs to let his hand start reaching down once more. Only this time, they’re not going to rest over the top of your pajamas. This time, it’s one hand reaching for the waistline and pulling it down- your panties included. Dragging them down as far as he can without having to change too much of his position. Letting you experience the drag of fabric against your skin and the slight coolness of your nice and damp center being exposed in the kitchen.

  But you aren’t left with a whole lot of time to think about how indecent you are. You aren’t left with a whole lot of time to think about how you should move to the bedroom or at least hold out until you know the two of you will have some more privacy. Because by then, Rei has already stepped impossibly closer to you. 

  And had just pressed his sizeable erection right against your ass.

  The thin pair of pajamas he’s wearing leaves little to the imagination- even on touch alone. You feel yourself letting out another gasp at just how hard and thick and defined his cock feels just rubbing up against your skin from behind- even with a layer of clothes still separating you from it. From behind you, you swear you could hear Rei let out a sound- a quiet chuckle. But all too soon, both his hands are at your hips again. Gripping it, instead of wrapping around. Letting two coarse palms dig blunt nails into your skin as he pulls your ass into his cock and grinds. 

  Running his hardness up and down and up and down and up and down the expanse of your ass. You try to follow his movements. You try to keep up- try to grind back into him. Roll your hips in a way you know he likes. Throw it back ever so slightly- just to give him a surprise. But in the end, you just can’t keep up with his speed. You just can’t keep up with his eagerness. With his desire to have his way with you- even if it’s not through the usual means, he likes to seek pleasure from you.

  Still, you find yourself smiling again. At least ever so slightly. Now, the kitchen is no longer filled with the sounds of bacon cooking and feet shuffling. Now it’s filled with the sounds of Rei’s harsh breaths in and out as he gets himself off using your body and friction between the two of you. Now it’s filled with your gasps of surprise and pleasure whenever Rei manages to pull off a move that somehow pleases the two of you at the same time. But most of all?

  It’s filled with a man. Starved down to his bones- looking for something to feast on. Looking for something to satisfy him. Looking for you to satisfy him. And luckily for him.

  You know just exactly what he needs in this moment.

  And you’re more than happy to give it to him too. 

[lilyginnyblackv2]

Misaki and Kazuki - Miri’s Mother and Her New Papa - SPOILERS!

I really hope that we get to see Misaki (Miri’s Mom) and Kazuki interact again.

In the interaction that we got in Episode 3, both Misaki and Kazuki were making assumptions about each other and their connection and experience (or lack thereof) with childcare based solely on their genders. 

They both show room to grow as people. Kazuki as a caretaker of a child, since he is still fairly (though not completely) new to the concept of parenthood, and Misaki as a person who values herself, her dreams, and learning to nurture the small goodness that we see inside of her (like when she tells Kazuki to sit down so she can care for the cut she caused to his face).

Both of these characters have experienced trauma, and Misaki is stuck in a cycle of abuse. I don’t think Misaki is going to be a one-off character, not only because of this image from the OP, which is very likely her crying eye (the eye color, makeup, and eyelashes are all the same):

But also because of this tweet from her Japanese VA:

The English text reads:

I play the role of a character named Misaki Unasaka. Let me stop here for now.  I hope to see the story through with you all.

(Note, I really appreciate that her VA also wrote the message in English!)

To me, that indicates that she will be making an appearance again. Over on r/anime, I saw some thinking that Misaki would only show up again if she learns that Miri has inherited a lot of money or something. But, well...

I don’t think that is likely, since we don’t even know if that mafia boss was aware that Miri had been born/existed. Also, inheriting mafia money is probably a bit complicated, and I doubt his actual wife (if she survived, tbh, I can’t remember off hand) would allow that. But even more so than that, I feel like it would just be falling into stereotypes, and be too much of a black and white depiction of child-rearing (in a negative sense) that Buddy Daddies has largely avoided up until now.

They’ve done great stuff with the Red and Blue Oni Trope. Kazuki is the red oni, and he is more expressive and open, but he isn’t as impulsive, which is Rei, imo.

Rei is the blue one who is colder and more closed off, but he is also the more childish of the two. 

Miri’s associated color is pink (with orange being her secondary, and honestly more fitting color), but she doesn’t have a demure or stereotypical girlish personality (because goodness knows gender presentation starts that young). 

So, I don’t think they would just write Misaki’s character like that - leans too much into poor and easy writing. Also, it goes against the writers wanting to make the child-rearing experience feel realistic.

Personally, I would much rather that they meet up again (or even a few times) and we get to see Misaki learning to value herself and reach a better place mentally and emotionally - finally being able to leave her abuser behind (perhaps with the help of Kazuki and Rei). BUT, her “happy ending” WON’T be becoming Miri’s mother and caretaker again.

How refreshing would it be to see a woman’s story end like that? Realize that the best thing she could do for her daughter and herself is to not be her mother or caretaker. While the proper and best caretakers and parents for Miri are two men. That’s a message we need to see more - the ideas that not all men are bumbling idiots who can’t care for kids and that not all women are natural caretakers.

Misaki and Kazuki both claim these things to be true, in how they spoke and interacted with each other in this most recent episode, Ep. 3. So, let’s see the series and future interactions prove them wrong and have them learn and grow together - coming to an understanding that these preconceived stereotypes simply aren’t true.

[ticklishraspberries]

Family (Kazuki/Rei)

Summary: Kazuki discovers that Rei is ticklish. (Here is my fic for Squealing Santa 2k23, and I’m writing for *drumroll*...@tiklart!! I really hope you enjoy your fic. And a special thanks to @hypahticklish for running this event and being so lovely. Happy holidays to everyone!! xo)

Working and living together forced a sort of intimacy that both Rei and Kazuki weren’t exactly familiar with. Kazuki had been, once, but ever since that loss, he had closed himself off to forming such bonds, whereas Rei had never been so known to another person, and it sort of freaked him out.

The benefit was, of course, that it was beneficial to know one’s partner in their line of work. They had a basis of trust, of security. They worked well together, and had no reason to jeopardize that.

But there was also the domesticity of it all that was…Well, strange. Kazuki was like a proper housewife, cooking and cleaning and taking care of everything. Rei had grown up with money and maids, never had to care for himself, so that was welcomed. It was a little rude of him to leave it all up to Kazuki, but social skills were also not his strong suit, so he had no idea how to thank him, let alone help him with the chores. 

It was a calm day in their apartment, for once. There were no hits to be completed, nothing to do. Miri was at daycare, giving them some much needed peace and quiet. While Rei saw it as an opportunity to do more of nothing than usual, Kazuki was taking advantage of the day off, cleaning the apartment and prepping some meals to cook throughout the week, in his apron and all.

Rei often called him a housewife, which made Kazuki scoff and say something like, “So, what does that make you? My lazy husband?” which had once made Rei blush, but he had since gotten used to the banter. In a way, their dynamic had become almost like a marriage. They did everything together. And, well, Rei wasn’t complaining. Kazuki was a good-looking guy, no doubt about it, but they had never done anything to actually be a couple. They were just roommates and co-workers, arguably friends, who had now stumbled upon a little girl that they were raising as their own. As her two dads. Who weren’t married or even dating. It was a weird dynamic, for sure.

After cleaning Miri’s room, doing some laundry, cooking, and cleaning, all before noon, Kazuki plopped down on the couch beside Rei with a sigh.

Rei was, as usual, engrossed in a video game, and ignored his presence entirely.

“You know, you could have offered to help me out,” Kazuki said.

Rei made a noise in response, something between a grunt and a hum. An acknowledgement, but not agreeing or disagreeing. Not even listening.

Kazuki rolled his eyes. “Are you even paying attention?”

Rei repeated the noise, and Kazuki gave an annoyed huff.

“Earth to Rei,” he said, waving a hand next to his face.

Rei ignored him. He was so close to finishing the level, he wasn’t going to stop now! He focused intently, determined to finish with a perfect score.

He had expected Kazuki to just give up, leave him alone, like he usually did. But instead, Kazuki jabbed him in the ribs with two fingers, an unexpected touch that made him yelp and jump, tilting his controller in the process and effectively making him lose the level.

Rei turned with a disgruntled expression. “What do you want?”

“What was that?” Kazuki asked. “I didn’t hurt you, did I? Are you injured from that last hit? Why didn’t you tell me? Let me see!”

“I’m not hurt, you’re just being annoying,” Rei replied with a glare. “You made me lose.”

“Did that guy hit you in the ribs? I swear, if you’ve broken something and didn’t say anything, I’m going to kick your ass.”

Kazuki began experimentally prodding Rei’s side, determined to find the supposed injury and probably cause Rei a little bit of pain as a lesson in getting shit checked out right away, but instead, Rei wriggled away with a level of energy he only showed while on the job.

“Cut it out!” he said.

“But if you’re hurt, I—”

“I’m not hurt, dumbass, just leave me—”

“Wait a second. Are you…Did that tickle?” Kazuki asked, something like realization appearing on his face.

Rei’s face grew hot. “Of course not.”

“Oh, really? So you wouldn’t mind if I did…This?”

Kazuki leapt across the couch at him, fingers finding his belly with surprising ease. Rei, with all his training, had seen it coming but forgotten any practical means of escape, and simply shouted and squirmed, like he wasn’t a fucking assasian from one of the most feared families in Japan.

He bit the inside of his cheek, refusing to laugh, his long limbs flailing and trying to hit Kazuki anywhere that would disarm him, but Kazuki was just as strong and tactical as he was.

When Kazuki’s fingers found his ribs again, Rei couldn’t contain it any longer, a giggle slipping out. He would never describe it as such, but it was definitely a giggle. Slightly high-pitched and hysterical, and kind of adorable, although he would also hate that description.

“Wait until I tell Miri,” Kazuki teased.

“Don’t you dare,” Rei spat, gasping for air between laughter.

“Oh, c’mon! You know how much she likes to see you smile.”

“I’m not smiling!”

“You’re right, you’re actually laughing. My bad. Miri will like that even better! I can just imagine the look on her little face when she finds out Papa Rei is ticklish!”

“I am not ticklish,” Rei said through gritted teeth, fighting the urge to laugh again, as if it would do him any good. Kazuki had a good grip on his torso and was tormenting his sides and ribs with the dexterity of someone who knew their way around a trigger, as well as a sewing needle.

“Oh, you’re not? Then what’s so funny?”

“Fuck off!”

“Language!”

“She’s not even here!”

Rei kicked and swung his arms and even attempted to bite Kazuki a few times, but he was weak with laughter and eventually slumped against the cushions, laughing helplessly.

“Admit it and I’ll stop,” Kazuki said.

“Never!” Rei replied. He had been trained by his family to withstand worse torture than this. He would find a way to get out of this situation…But what then? Kazuki was never going to let this go. And if the kid found out…Ugh, he was totally screwed.

Kazuki’s hands darted upward and underneath Rei’s arms, making his laughter reach a new octave. It didn’t take long for him to crack.

“Fine, fine! I’m fucking ticklish, okay? Now stop!”

Kazuki did, immediately, a smug smile on his face. “That wasn’t so hard, was it?”

“I hate you,” Rei said.

His normally pale cheeks were flushed and his eyes were watery, his hair even messier than usual, his hoodie and sweatpants rumpled. As he caught his breath, he noticed Kazuki staring.

“What?” he asked, scowling.

“You just…You should laugh more. You look…You look cute,” Kazuki said, stumbling over his words as he also blushed.

Rei’s eyes widened in surprise. “I’m not…Fuck off,” he said, but he was fighting a smile.

“I’m serious though! You just…Miri’s right. It’s nice to see you smile.”

Rei opened his mouth to reply, then his eyes caught the time on the television. “Shit. We have to go pick her up.”

Kazuki looked at the time as well, jumping up from the couch. “Crap, you’re right. Let’s go!”

And in the chaos of grabbing their shoes and coats, their minds were distracted from their previous antics and conversation. It wasn’t until later that evening, when Miri had fallen asleep in his lap, that Rei revisited those words in his mind.

Cute? Really? It wasn’t the most flattering of compliments for a grown man to receive, but coming from Kazuki…Well, it had felt nice.

Maybe roommates and coworkers and co-parents weren't all that they were. Maybe they could be something more. The thought made his cheeks grow warm. As he looked down at Miri, their daughter, he truly felt that they were the perfect little family.

[cafesanscreme]

A Rei Refined.

I might be in the minority, but I found episode 8 rather refreshing. It was good to revisit some of my earlier musings around ‘affection’ and ‘love’ and ‘permanence’ with Rei as the guide. It was even better to see them settling into this period of ‘acceptance’ not just with themselves, but with what they have. What they have built together. 

I think a lot of the perception from some fans was that they weren’t close — if you’ve read either of my previous thesis statements on this, you might get the sense that I didn’t believe that to be the case, and I’m glad this episode acts as a bit of vindication and helps to do away with that rhetoric. In this era of oversharing, relationships like ‘KazuRei’ where both parties don’t know ‘all your business’ (as my mom would say) are interpreted as being ‘distant’. I even saw someone say ‘they are just acquaintances as far as I’m concerned’ — which sure, we’re all allowed our own interpretation, but for me that has never checked out. Even as someone who is not generally a “shipper” per se,  I’ve always thought to myself: 

‘Kazuki’s room…that’s a bit involved to simply be ‘crashing’ but ok….’  

And I think it all goes back to the concept of happiness and permanence and affection and love.  

Kazuki was forcing himself to remember the negatives which, in turn, forced him to ignore or repress the positives. He didn’t want to be happy in his new life and used an illogical matrix of guilt as punishment. Kazuki actively sabotaged himself and forced Yuzuko into the negative role of ‘happiness gatekeeper,’ he made it so that he was unable to be happy because of her. I noticed early on that a large part of Kazuki’s method for creating distance was telling himself (and Miri) that he was simply crashing at Rei’s. He couldn’t allow himself the happiness of calling it his home, despite the fact that he furnished it, he supplies it, he cares for it …that he’s been living there for at least two years… 

Rei is a bit different. My personal opinion is that Rei has always been the most comfortable of the two in acknowledgement of their ‘permanence’ — not to say that he readily accepted it, because he didn’t, but I personally believe that Rei, internally, folded a lot quicker than Kazuki did. I think his lack of expressiveness came from the fact that he simply never wanted to seem needy, which was fostered by his upbringing. 

At the same time, Rei  also uses his upbringing, his mechanical and emotionless delivery, and his closed off nature as a shield and an excuse. His behavior is often easily explained away by Kazuki, us as the audience, and even himself, as merely being a consequence of his upbringing. And while it is, Rei does have agency. He chooses to let Kazuki ‘take control’ of his daily care, cut his hair, feed him… and he liked it…likes it. He likes it to the point where Kazuki has been living with him nearly 3 years now… 

The logic might sound weird, but based on how Rei was raised, I think he’d actively chose to seem unappreciative rather than dependent. He isn’t supposed to live for his own higher purpose or his own pleasure. He’s supposed to live for, breathe for, sacrifice for, the organization. Taking pleasure and happiness in something else — seeming to need something else — is not acceptable. And so you get a Rei who is actually wholly appreciative of Kazuki, but at the same time, does not, and in some ways, feels like he can not express his appreciation verbally or outwardly because it would be acknowledging a vulnerability or weakness. 

But it’s very obvious especially after episode 7 that Rei has cared for quite some time now.  To quote Hannibal:  Abandonment requires expectation.  Rei immediately jumping to abandonment speaks loudly to his attachment to Kazuki. And it’s not just because Kazuki cooks and cleans. We see from episode 8 that Rei was fine to live off take-out and in filth. Rei was just missing him. Kazuki not being there, being gone for some reason that wasn’t an assignment, was not something Rei was able to comprehend or to accept in a mature manner. 

We see Kazuki also fears Rei leaving and going back home. A solemn curiosity about what would be a major disruption for Miri yes, but also for Kazuki.

Beyond that though, mutual respect and affection and yes, even love, come with respecting boundaries — accepting that people will share in their own time. But also understanding that a lack of sharing isn’t an indictment on how that person feels about you or how they see you.  Kazuki says he won’t ask and Rei says, he wouldn’t tell and they leave it at that. Kazuki doesn’t push and Rei doesn’t push and neither get offended by the lack of ‘interest’ the other has in their trauma. 

Love and affection are also knowing when it’s OK to ignore some of the more harmful self imposed boundaries like Kazuki did in episode 8 when Rei said he wanted to blow of some steam. Rei likely wouldn’t have gained anything from being alone and stewing in his own self-resentment. Kazuki showing he cares enough to bring Rei back home so they can celebrate his birthday before midnight was helpful in that while sure, it’s ‘overbearing’, it also proved to Rei once again, why he made the choices he made in the conversations with his dad to protect Kazuki. 

If no one, not even his own father cares…Kazuki does. Kazuki will. Rei needed that, in the moment. 

And maybe I am merely overthinking it, but I thought there was something very nice and almost sensual about Kazuki and Rei continuing the birthday celebration despite Miri falling asleep. Rei blowing out the candles with Kazuki as the sole audience and celebrating his 26th birthday with the person who has cared most about him (barring Miri) in his entire life after such an intense day. The whole thing felt..dare I say...romantic.

[dizzybizz]

when the brainrot hits you like a truck

here are some cooking and cooking related headcanons!!

• kazuki is a very good teacher, hes generally very patient and attentive, he tends to bicker with rei a lot, he struggles to formulate himself concisely sometimes but hes doing great

• miri joins in anytime they cook, they let her wash the vegetables or mix ingredients together, which she obviously has little songs for

• rei is trying his darndest damn it!!

• he finds it really hard asking about stuff and especially for help but hes trying and i love him 😢😢😢

• rei sucks at cracking eggs, miri laughs endlessly, kazuki is dying in the background,,, he keeps explaining how to do it correctly but it never seems to get through to rei

• its not even funny at this point, either the egg is smashed before hes even tapped it to the counter or he ends up using too much force when tapping it against the counter or he successfully cracks the egg but shell ends up going in alongside it-

• he is also stupidly fixated on being able to crack eggs single-handedly (he says its bc its efficient and its always good to have a hand free, which is true, but really he just thinks its badass) and its the bane of kazukis existence, he comes home one day to find both rei and miri (bc miri would also think thats the coolest thing ever and want in) in the kitchen with an almost empty egg carton and egg and shell covered counters, they make eye contact and kazuki immediately turns around and leaves to buy more eggs without so much as a word

• kazuki abandons using omelets as an easy entry-level dish after that

• rei is bad at seasoning savory dishes, hes bad at eyeballing the appropriate amount, kazuki does his best at helping or getting him to use measurements but rei is stubborn, he obviously doesnt want more to have more dishes that absolutely necessary so he needs to work on his eyeballing skill

• during early sessions kazuki would always supervise closely and sorta just constantly stare like a hawk over reis shoulder, he learned quickly not to do that again 💀💀💀

• rei doesnt really grow to like vegetables but kazuki learns ways to work around that by discretely incorporating them in dishes

• rei does like cucumber tho, subtle and very crunchy, put some salt on that sucker and youve got an easy snack (that he shares with miri), you dont even have chop it in order to enjoy it which is appreciated

• kazuki throws a bunch of cookbooks at rei and urges him to look through them and see if anyhting piques his interest, rei flips through them before going to sleep which can bite him in the ass when he has to go to sleep hungry as fuck 💀💀

• hes woken up multiple times with a cookbook in the tub with him

• rei enjoys baking a lot, his and miris sweet tooths never go unsatisfied

• he doesnt bake frequently per se, but he does so in bulk, and freezes cookie dough and such

• kazuki, early on, suggested cooking games in order to maybe get rei a bit familiarized with terms and techniques but he grew to regret it, a gaming night where everyone is gathered in the living room and kazuki loses his mind at the logic in the games, he doesnt stop commentating

• they end up getting into cooperate cooking games like overcooked, plates up and one-armed cook tho and its all good, if they play with miri in the vicinity they have to bite their tongues in order to not swear

• rei struggles grasping his mind around meat, theres so many kinds and cuts and doneness levels and ways of preparation and spice blends- its all a lot

• rei and miri each get their own aprons to match with kazukis 🥺🥺🥺

• miri gets a little yellow one with a monkey or like a sky blue or pink one with a white rabbit, fuck it why not both

• rei has an orange one with a black cat

• or if we wanna stick to an ocean theme, miri would have a goldfish or jellyfish and rei would have an octopus

• rei is a bit of a mess in the kitchen but we love him anyway, i just feel like hed be the type to go "ill clean it all at the end"

• he unceremoniously throws dirtied utensils and pots in the sink to be delt with later

• doesnt even use waiting times to clean or clear his space a little, kazuki is horrified

• rei finds doing the dishes a bit tedious at times but he enjoys the process and seeing the fruits of his labor in the form of sparkling clean dishes

• the repetitive motions are very soothing

• he doesnt like getting wet tho and wears gloves

• rei listens to music when cooking- maybe some instrumental tracks, nothing too distracting

• miri observes whenever either of them are cooking, she stands on a little stool in order to see the counters properly, she is really curious and inquisitive

• early on in reis cooking journey she would give him pointers and reminders she remembered kazuki telling them

• rei isnt an adventurous eater or cook, he prefers things that are simple and quick to prepare

• wait times for rei are long and arduous so he sneaks off to play some video games in the living room, the first few times he did this were disastrous and hes learnt to turn down the volume by a bit and reminding himself that he is in fact in the middle of cooking something

• the family makes lots of homemade popsicles during summer

• when kazuki and rei first try cooking together they mess up a lot but eventually they get a system going where each of them has their own tasks. they make a good team in the kitchen for the most part

• cooking very much becomes a family activity for them after a while

[skeletonpunching]

Buddy Daddies animation director interview

Interview with Sako Soichiro (character design and chief animation director)

Interviewer: Enami Katsumi-san was in charge of the original character drafts for "Buddy Daddies", but they had to be redesigned for the purposes of animation. What did you pay particular attention to at that time?

Sako: Enami-san is a prolific illustrator, and I was familiar with his style; I wanted to bring out that stylish dynamism which is both cool and endearing. And on top of that, the series has a strong comedic element, so I aimed to maintain the original coolness and charm while simplifying the designs for a comedy anime, and creating room to play around with them as much as possible. I focused on having the expressions not be stiff - and of course, I was aware that the designs had to be very mobile and fluid, in preparation for the action scenes.

Interviewer: What did you focus on when creating the "buddy vibe" and sense of visual balance between Kurusu Kazuki and Suwa Rei?

Sako: Director Asai gave instructions that there should be a clear "contrast" between Kazuki and Rei when they were side by side, but I myself also wanted to emphasise the differences between the two. It’s not just their personalities that differ - Kazuki is a bit stocky, while Rei looks lanky and has awful posture. I aimed to bring out that disparity in their appearances. And when adding (Unasaka) Miri to the mix, if we had been true to the real proportions of a four-year-old child, her face should really have been bigger. But if so, whenever Kazuki and Rei were carrying her or holding hands with her, she would just look like she had an enormous face. (laugh) In order to avoid that, we had to tweak Miri's height and bodily proportions every episode.

Interviewer: Did Director Asai have any specific requests apart from that?

Sako: Yes, about the facial expressions. Rei's facial expressions hardly vary at all, but Miri is a carefree character whose expressions change all the time, and Kazuki, who's always fussing, also has quite dramatic reactions to things. The director told me to ensure that breadth of variation. So the series fleshed things out from the original designs, and we came up with all sorts of new expressions. Especially with Miri - basically, I just wanted to make her cute. A kid who just can't sit still and is always running around causing trouble... that's how you could describe her, but in the end, her expressions are the saving grace. "She's so cute, I'll let it slide" - that's what I was going for.

Interviewer: Was there anything you were especially mindful of throughout this process?

Sako: Naturally, I felt like I had a duty to "draw Miri cutely", but as for the buddy duo, I wanted a clear contrast between their coolness and their total hopelessness. I was very careful to keep a distinction between how I portrayed their work mode and their regular mode. That contrast is especially pronounced for Rei. He's usually slouching, which brings out a height difference between him and Kazuki, but when he's on the job, he stands up smartly, with his back perfectly straight. With such a drastic change in his appearance and bearing, even though he's still the same character, I basically drew him like a different character entirely. In the second half of the series, there are some scenes where he has his hair down in regular mode, but he's carrying around some of those work-mode feelings; in those scenes, I paid close attention to his emotional state in order to depict those fine differences.

Interviewer: This is also an action-heavy series; how did you approach the characters' motions?

Sako: There are action setpieces pretty much every episode, and of course I was determined to make those cool, but the scenes of daily life also took a surprising amount of effort. Especially for Miri - she has very few stationary cuts, or still frames where only her mouth is moving. There are lots of scenes where she's constantly in motion, or delivering lines with her entire body. Just that alone was a lot of work to animate. I guess that's what happens when you prioritise making her cute - not in a "doll-like" way, but in a way where she's free to frolic and move around, and gets away with anything because she's cute... Come to think of it, Miri was probably the one we spent the most time on. (laughs)

Interviewer: From the episodes that have aired so far, which scenes left an impression on you?

Sako: Episode 3. Rei, who doesn't emote much, becomes conscious of his role as "papa to a child" for the first time, and he displays expressions and emotional upheaval that we've never seen from him before. I had a lot of fun depicting that. Rei hadn't exactly closed off his heart, but that's the point where he starts to gradually accept Miri as family. I'm very attached to the scene where you can sense that change. The main subject of this series is "buddies parenting", and I think this is where it all really begins in earnest.

Interviewer: What do you think is the appeal of the characters in "Buddy Daddies"?

Sako: Kazuki and Rei both have rather heavy backstories, but through the process of parenting, their feelings towards Miri and the ways they treat each other change, bit by bit. And because of that growth, your impression of the characters also evolves over time, and you rapidly find yourself charmed by them. I think it's interesting to see how things build up across the episodes. In the second half, some of their emotional changes and development call for expressions that weren't included in the original character designs; I personally enjoyed drawing those.

Interviewer: And what are your thoughts on Kazuki and Rei respectively?

Sako: It's just plain fun drawing Rei in action. Even apart from his facial expressions, there's so much you can convey from his movements. Rei's personal drama is a key ingredient in the last part of the show, so I wanted to portray his coolness in an appealing way. I think Kazuki is essentially a forward-looking character, but he's also a little aloof; I like how he's caring but not naive. He's not just a character with big exaggerated reactions - there are some darker shadows in his past, and that sense of loneliness you get from him is very compelling. I wanted to depict those subtle nuances in his expressions.

Interviewer: So, do you have a personal favourite character?

Sako: If we count the minor characters - there are some characters I got to design myself, but they're all the mean-looking old men in the assassin trade. (laughs) I had quite a lot of fun designing them. I really love Enami-san's more understated characters, so I wanted to incorporate some of that sensibility into my work... I figured that the protagonists are always flailing around in a slapstick way, so what happens if we cram in a whole bunch of serious old men too? There are some vicious characters, but I think their inclusion in a comedy-flavoured series increases the tension and raises the stakes in a good way. In that sense, I really feel like this is a remarkable series where the characters cover a whole spectrum of tones.

Interviewer: Please tell us what you think are the selling points of this series "Buddy Daddies".

Sako: Enami-san's characters are very charming, but as an animator, I'd also like to give a shoutout to the wonderful colour design and background artwork. The colourists produced all sorts of palettes, and the art department created incredibly stylish and tasteful backgrounds; it really enhances the overall appeal of the series. Also, it's a minor detail, but I think the fact that Kazuki's meals look so delicious is all thanks to the production staff's hard work.

Interviewer: Finally, please give a message to everyone who is looking forward to the rest of this series.

Sako: It's probably being watched both by actual parents and by people who have never parented, and my guess is that each person is finding something different to relate to. I think it might be fun to rewatch the series from that perspective - imagining what it would be like if you were a parent. The story goes through ups and downs, and I hope you're excited to find out how it all wraps up. Please do watch to the very end.

[dk-wren]

Buddy Daddies Week - Ep. 5-8 Rewatch

Welcome to Day 4 of my Buddy Daddies anniversary week! For today, I continue my rewatch of the series and present to you some of my thoughts from episodes 5-8! Enjoy!

No notes, only matching side-eye

Can I just give some credit to Miri? Because even though it was quite reckless of her to secretly follow Kazuki and she more or less got lost, Miri was able to retrace her steps to a certain extent back to Yadorigi

Also, sorry if I was slow on this, but when Kazuki is looking for Miri at the park, the little girl he thinks is Miri is wearing a similar orange sweater. However, during this day, Miri is seen wearing her green sweater, which I feel just goes to show how little sleep Kazuki was running off of

Why did Kyutaro open the door right after Ogino left? He clearly was not expecting Miri, so was he expecting trouble from Ogino? Also, what would have happened if Rei took care of Miri in their apartment and Kazuki was still at Yadorigi when Ogino arrived? What then?!

Like I wrote during my ep. 4 thoughts, this moment of the music instantly cutting for when Kyutaro tells Miri what Rei’s job is always cracks me up. Perhaps it is partially due to pacing, but it's just the sudden shift in Kyutaro giving a lengthy explanation into Kazuki’s job, with accompanying music, to him flat out saying “Middle Eastern Oil Baron” and no further explanation is given (besides Miri’s confused reaction)

“You really like them?” I don’t know why exactly, but I’ve always read this line not as Kyutaro being curious and trying to get more answers from Miri, but just outright judgmental. Like Kyutaro is trying to remain polite and neutral by using “them” instead of “fools” or “idiots”

When watching the ending scene beforehand, when Kyutaro says to Rei that he of all people should know what the consequences are for betraying the organization, I always interpreted this to mean Rei had suffered some of those consequences while growing up and after he originally left the organization. But after this rewatch, I’m starting to wonder if it is because he might have had a role in handing out those consequences (as seen in ep. 8)?

ZOO EPISODE!!!

The banter during the end of the opening scene is so funny. Rei’s telling Kazuki to do his best and he’s gonna do just fine taking care of Miri and Kazuki’s first like, aw, thanks for the compliment, and then instantly realizes and turns around to tell Rei he better help out too

Miri did not need to stick her tongue out at Kazuki but she did, and that was absolutely the final straw that broke Kazuki

Again, gotta give credit to Hinata and Kotori cause they easily could have stayed behind with the rest of the class, but immediately decided to stick with Miri and look after her

Another reason to use these screenshots that I have saved? Yes I will take advantage of this opportunity to share them again

For me it’s the fact that Rei and Kazuki could have easily hidden behind one of the trees to keep a close eye on Miri and her friends, yet (I’m assuming Kazuki) decided no, they are going to cram into one of the small playhouses. Both of them are!

I don’t necessarily know if this is the first time, but I appreciate how after seeing Miri on her own with her friends, Rei and Kazuki can have a more or less serious talk, at least one without teasing each other

I know Kazuki is more than a little fed up with Rei and the amount he helps out with Miri/around the house, but I appreciate how Kazuki doesn’t really fight back or argue with Rei when he says that he is trying his best. I know it’s been pointed out before, but it really just goes to show how much Kazuki acknowledges that Rei is trying, even if Kazuki's expectations are a bit higher

I know this isn’t the point of the scene, but LOOK AT MIRI! LOOK AT THE WAY SHE’S HOLDING ONTO REI! LOOK AT THE WAY SHE’S LOOKING AT REI! There is nothing but love in those eyes.

I don’t actually know how true this is, but growing up, my mom would always tell me that I had to blow dry my hair really well so I wouldn’t get sick. So a) it was sorta funny to see that come up in this episode, and b) I love how towards the beginning of the episode, when Miri announces she finished in the bathroom, Kazuki asks if she dried her hair well, while here, you can clearly tell her hair is still wet and Miri is sick the following morning. I know she had been out in the rain (which is another thing I was told by parents, if I stayed out in the rain too long or got too wet/cold I’d get sick), but it was funny seeing this small, potential connection.

Maybe it’s just my imagination, but the attention to detail of Miri progressively getting redder (i.e. hotter) as events escalates. Incredible!

Kazuki’s line at Yuzuko’s grave, “Don’t worry. I haven’t forgotten” is so freaking loaded! “I haven’t forgotten” can be interpreted in so many ways, two of which being he didn’t forget to come visit her and he didn’t forget what he did (and why he’s unwilling to allow himself to change)

Every time I watch this scene, my mind goes back to one of my high school English teachers talking about weather symbolism in Shakespeare. And my mind just goes rain!!! Sadness, grief, ah it’s all connected. (And then the sun comes out when Kazuki has the epiphany he can change/be happy without forgetting Yuzuko?!)

Can I please add to the echo chamber of how soft Rei looks with his hand protectively over Miri’s?! This is where Rei belongs! Not with the organization and certainly not with his father!

And now we begin with the Rei focused episode

So you’re telling me…Rei walked all the way from their apartment to the mansion? That is definitely one way to prove his stamina and willpower to the Boss.

I cannot get over Kazuki and Miri’s coordinating outfits! So cute!

Could just be the framing, but with the audience getting to know Rei as he opens up more emotionally and in accepting his role as co-papa to Miri, I love how there is the slightest change in facial expressions (such as Rei’s eyes widening in shock) that the audience can pick up on, but for Shigeki, and being so unattached and uninvolved in Rei’s life (which given their background together, isn’t necessarily a bad thing), it takes some time for him to notice the change in Rei’s attitude

Random thought that keeps me up at night: what was the last straw for Rei? What made him finally say “no more” and run away? Were their previous attempts? And why do I have a full story in my head as to what led up to Rei running away, but probably won’t have the time to write out?

During their phone call, I like to think Rei isn’t really responding to Kazuki’s questions because he doesn’t want to think about their implications or have to think any longer about his father’s demands, along with just wanting to hear the voice of his daughter and partner. He’s in a place that is likely filled with countless memories of pain and trauma, and yet he cannot fully escape it yet. So, even though we see Rei still wearing more of a frown, I bet it’s comforting to hear the voices of the two people he loves the most (oops don’t tell Shigeki that) while there alone.

In a pretty twisted way, it’s crazy how Satoru is the man that both taught Rei how to be an assassin while growing up and kinda the man to teach Rei that he can fight to protect the ones he loved

Moment of appreciation for the sound design of this moment, like come on! Satoru’s final words, along with a sort of rushing wind sound to convey the fall, Rei’s gasp followed by a moment of silence before hearing the impact, followed by a few more seconds of silence. So effective in my opinion!

And now, let me gush over the symbolism of this image! Rei facing the city/city lights, but distinctly separated from it, like how he was raised at Suwa Manor and likely only got a taste of normal life after leaving or when Kazuki entered his life, causing him to still feel like an outside. The distance between Rei and the city because of the water creating a clear separation, really reminds me of the metaphor Rei brings up in ep. 11 about being a boy looking through the window looking at something he thought he would never get. And the fact that his back is turned toward the light, as if admitting his defeat and that he belongs with his father in the darkness of that world. And later, Kazuki comes in their car, bringing even more light into Rei’s world, and pulling him into it.

Another detail that I just love, on the table full of food, there’s two bottles of drinks: one being a wine, presumably for Rei and Kazuki, and another bottle of what I presumed to be apple cider. That way, Miri gets to be a part of the fun and have a bubbly drink too.

And what a cute ending with Rei blowing out the candles, followed by the credits, and that’s it, no post-credit scene

I know today was another lengthy post, so I appreciate your support and time reading it!

We're halfway through the week and I cannot wait to share what I have planned for the next three days, especially tomorrow if all goes according to plan!

-Dakota Wren

[ecargmura]

Buddy Daddies Episode 8 Review: Something Worth Protecting

This episode showed and told so much that it’s almost perfection in storytelling and development. I’m just dreading for what’s to come because of what was shown in the ending.

You can check out this review on my blog, but if you don't want to read it there, continue below.

The episode centers around Rei. We learn a lot more about the Suwa family as Shigeki, Rei’s father, wants Rei to return home and succeed the family business. The conflict between Rei and Shigeki is actually very interesting to watch. Shigeki only sees Rei as a tool for their dark world while Rei is a shadow that found light in Kazuki and Miri. Shigeki is unable to love while Rei is able to, albeit slowly.

The organization looks down on love and positive feelings in general, only to find them pointless. Rei’s mentor Satoru was once a man who held the organization’s ideals but found love; unfortunately, his lover was murdered. Rei is slowly walking his mentor’s path as he found something to protect as well—Kazuki and Miri. The action sequences between Rei and Satoru were amazing and well animated. I was amazed with how fluid it was, especially given that the two fight so similarly.

Throughout the show, Rei is seen as a bit aloof and lazy, but the episode shows that the laziness is from the fact that he was a barely functioning adult when he ran away from home. Meeting Kazuki changed all that. This episode also showed Rei and Kazuki’s first meeting, which lead to Kazuki going into Rei’s house and caring for him by cleaning the garbage dump of his apartment, adding in bright furniture to liven up the atmosphere, bathing him, cutting his hair and feeding him a well balanced meal. I’m sure that Kazuki’s kindness melted Rei’s cold heart and why he behaves like he does now; Rei is someone who likes to be taken care of and he probably didn’t realize this until Kazuki, someone who likes caring of others, came into his life.

The heartfelt talk that the two had towards the end of the episode cemented how much they care for each other. Rei’s not an open person, but it’s obvious that Kazuki is dear to him—he’s the reason Rei became a functioning person after all. During the conversation with Rei and Shigeki, Rei defended Kazuki by saying that his bond with Kazuki isn’t pointless. I think this is a powerful statement. Remember that in Japan, people on casual terms usually address each other by their surnames. Kazuki and Rei are on first name basis with each other, signifying a close bond; also note that Rei is three years younger than Kazuki. If he was on casual terms, he would’ve just addressed Kazuki as Kurusu or Kurusu-san, but he doesn’t and Kazuki doesn’t mind at all. It might not mean much, but the fact that Rei referred to Kazuki as “Kazuki” in front of his father shows a lot in details.

Another subplot for this episode is Kazuki and Miri preparing a surprise birthday party for Rei. I think the way they used Kazuki and Miri’s screen time to give some background on Rei is creative. Miri is quite perceptive in this episode as she laments that Rei still has some sadness inside of him; she knows this because she has seen her mother behave the same way whenever she drinks. With how Miri behaved in episode 6, we can see that Miri is a lot more mature than she lets on. I like this side of Miri. It shows that while she’s still childlike and innocent, she’s mature and is maturing.

Ryo Ogino is a very creepy villain. He is someone who likes collecting dead target’s last words. I like how there’s strong buildup of him being the final villain or the penultimate one as he’s Rei’s opposite in every way. Ogino likes “concepts” while Rei was once a “concept” but grew into an actual human being. While I am scared for what’s to come, I’m anticipating the battle between Rei and Ogino because I know for a fact that Rei will never let anything bad happen to his real family.

Buddy Daddies episodes always end on wholesome notes, but this one ended on a scary note. Kyutaro gets a picture from Ogino who is requesting information about…Kazuki and Miri. Oh shit. No. No. NO! I predict Rei will finally let go of the shackles of his past and abuse to protect the two people he loves the most. This is only episode 8. There are 13 episodes for this show. Why are we walking the angst path this early? I pray nothing bad happens to Kazuki and Miri. I am clasping my hands as I dread for next Friday to come.

[formerlyz]

So I came across this post by @lera-draws and it is genuinely one of my favorite Buddy Daddies fanarts so I wrote a little fic based on it:

Sleepyheads

Word count: 2211

Fandom: Buddy Daddies/Kazurei

Warnings: None, this is pure fluff

For those who prefer to read on ao3

It was Miri’s idea to get the artificial fireplace. Her daycare had recently gotten one and for some reason she thought it was the coolest thing ever. She began writing letters to Santa asking for a ‘pretend fireplace’ for Christmas as early as October. In her letters she mentioned that she wanted one so that she and her papas could cuddle in front of it “like in the movies” together.

Kazuki and Rei thought it was so sweet that she always asked for things that involved the three of them spending time together. They decided to surprise her with it for her birthday, about a month earlier than ‘Santa’ would have brought it. The two of them could only afford a tiny one, but Miri’s eyes still lit up when she saw it. Even though it was small, it was actually a pretty good investment, as it gave off a decent amount of heat and didn’t use a lot of power.

After dinner Kazuki and Miri were a bit cold, so they changed into pajamas and snuggled up in front of the fireplace together. Once Rei had finished the dishes and changed, he turned off the kitchen and living room lights and went to join them. Kazuki picked up Miri and plopped her in his lap to make room for Rei on the couch. He sat cross legged next to them and listened to their conversation.

They were coming up with menu ideas for the restaurant that they were working on starting. Miri was making suggestions that a typical 6 year old would make (most of which included candy) but she was so excited that instead of turning her ideas down, Kazuki decided it would be fun to bounce equally crazy ideas off her. Rei chimed in every once in a while too. He had the most random ideas of all without even trying, all of which made Kazuki and Miri giggle.

After a while, Miri’s suggestions slowed down. She let out a big yawn as Rei and Kazuki continued to chat about the diner. She slumped forward and fell quickly into a deep sleep.

“I guess someone was tired” Kazuki chuckled. He shifted her so that she was leaning back against his chest. She mumbled something incoherent in her sleep, which made both of them give a little laugh.

“What do you think she’s dreaming about?” Rei asked.

“Who knows?” Kazuki hugged her close and rested his chin on the top of her head. “Hopefully it’s a good dream”

Rei nodded in agreement. He gently brushed her bangs out of her eyes “She needs a haircut” he said matter of factly.

“Yeah. So do you” Kazuki sat back up and ran his fingers through Rei’s undercut, which was growing out. Rei leaned into Kazuki’s touch ever so slightly. Kazuki noticed and smiled at his reaction, taking an extra moment to stroke his hair. He found himself thinking back to several years ago, the first time he had given Rei a haircut.

When they first met, all Rei knew was the grim profession he was born into. When he wasn’t working, he just sat in the middle of his living room and chain-smoked, surrounded by trash. However, Kazuki could see in his eyes from the moment they met that he wasn’t the cold, unfeeling machine he appeared to be, but a broken and lost man who needed help. Maybe it was because he needed a distraction from his own grief, or because he knew all too well what it was like to be so hopeless, but Kazuki wanted to help him in any way he could.

The intention was for Kazuki to just crash at Rei’s for a couple days so that he could deep clean the apartment, but once he was there he sort of just…never left. Making Rei’s place liveable was rewarding, even if Rei did just stand in the corner watching like a creep while he cleaned around him.

The first time Kazuki cut Rei’s hair was the first time Rei showed any sort of vulnerability with him. He had just finished chopping the matted ends of Rei’s hair off and had begun to section the rest when Rei made a noise.

“You okay? We can stop if you want”

“Don’t stop.” Rei mumbled, his shoulders relaxing slightly. Kazuki couldn’t help but chuckle. It was the first time since Yuzuko passed away that his smile wasn’t forced. He took his time sectioning the rest of Rei’s hair.

“Hey! You gotta hold yourself up dude.” Kazuki said with a laugh. Rei was beginning to slump forward in his chair. Kazuki put his hands on Rei’s forehead to try and ease his head back up, but he just continued to let gravity take him. “Come on, wake up sleepyhead” He grabbed the spray bottle and playfully squirted Rei in the face with it. Rei jolted upright and tilted his head back to look at Kazuki. He had an expression that Kazuki had never seen on him before: he was pouting. This man was one of the most deadly assassins to ever exist and was staring daggers at him, but Kazuki couldn’t help but snicker at the fact that he looked like an annoyed wet cat.

“I could kill you, you know.” Rei said quietly. Kazuki knew this, but he also knew that Rei wasn’t going to actually do anything to him.

“I know. But then you’d have to find a new barber.” Kazuki ruffled Rei’s hair. He grumbled but turned around and sat up straighter so that Kazuki could finish. He flinched slightly when Kazuki brought the clippers out, but his body language was still more relaxed than normal.

“What do you think?” Kazuki asked, handing Rei a small mirror.

“Looks like yours.” He grunted. It didn’t look exactly like Kazuki’s but the overall shape was similar.

“Yeah, but check it out.” Kazuki smoothed Rei’s hair back, exposing his undercut. “Now when you put your hair up this part won’t get in your face, it should keep you cooler too.” With Rei’s hair out of his face, Kazuki couldn’t help but notice how handsome he actually was.

“Huh…” Rei stared at himself, as if not recognizing his own reflection. After a moment, he gave a nod, which Kazuki correctly took to mean that he liked it.

The longer Kazuki was around, the more Rei relaxed around him: he willingly began speaking in full sentences, and would sometimes even tease Kazuki. After a while, he even began to try taking care of himself without Kazuki having to force him. Kazuki cut Rei’s hair about once a month. Through this little routine, he quickly figured out that Rei was very touch starved. Luckily, Kazuki was a pretty affectionate person, and was perfectly comfortable showing it.

He had made sure to start slow, not wanting to overwhelm Rei: A hand on Rei’s arm as he dragged him out to Yadorigis, tracing his fingers along Rei’s scalp when he cut his hair, or playfully bumping him with his hips or shoulders when they ran errands together. Of course, if he ever got the inkling that Rei was uncomfortable with Kazuki touching him, he would back off, no questions asked. Rei never did get uncomfortable though, he liked it, he just never knew how to ask for it. In the rare times where Rei tried to show affection he was very awkward about it, as if he was worried he would scare Kazuki and Miri away or do something wrong. Kazuki thought his shyness was incredibly endearing, and would always make sure to show his appreciation

Looking back to those days, it was kind of crazy to think how far they both had come, both individually and in their friendship.

“I’m glad Miri convinced us to get this” Rei’s voice pulled Kazuki out of his reminiscing. He looked down to see that Rei was mesmerized by the little fake flames.

“Yeah…me too” Kazuki just now noticed that Rei was wearing one of his t-shirts.

It must have gotten mixed up in his laundry. Kazuki didn’t mind, it looked good on him.

They continued to watch the fire in comfortable silence, the falling snow outside dampening the noises of the city. After a while, Kazuki felt the warmth and pressure of Rei’s side pressing against his. He looked back down at Rei; a bit surprised that he was initiating contact. Kazuki felt warmth in his heart when he saw Rei’s expression.

It wasn’t unusual for Rei to smile nowadays, but even when Rei was genuinely happy, the expression did still seem to take a conscious effort from him. It was as if he had to remind his muscles to pull his lips upward. Kazuki supposed that made sense, Rei never smiled until the past couple years. He wondered if Rei’s face ever hurt after he smiled or laughed for a long time.

Right now though, Rei’s smile was different. It looked completely effortless, almost like he was doing it unconsciously. He watched the fire through half closed eyes, each blink getting gradually slower.

One of Kazuki’s favorite parts of the past year had been watching Rei come out of his shell and get more comfortable around him and Miri. He was still a quiet person, but talked more now than he ever had. Rei now had the freedom to start actually exploring his hobbies, and whenever Kazuki or Miri asked a question about one of his interests he would start infodumping about it. Kazuki would intentionally ask questions sometimes just to hear the sound of his voice. Rei had also opened up to Kazuki about his past. Kazuki knew he had a bad childhood, but he had no idea just how much Rei had been through.

Despite the fact that Rei had opened up to them so much, there was still a small, constant tension that lingered in him: A part of himself that he was guarding closely even still.

As they sat in front of the fire though, it was like the last remnants of the walls Rei kept around his heart finally disappeared. He was, for perhaps the first time in his life, completely unguarded. It was…beautiful. Kazuki was mesmerized.

Rei either didn’t notice Kazuki staring or didn’t care, slowly, his head came to rest on Kazuki’s shoulder. Kazuki leaned his head against Rei’s, his hair was soft and felt good against Kazuki’s cheek. He continued to look down at Rei out of the corner of his eye.

‘God, I love him so much’.

Kazuki blinked for a moment at the thought. He was a little surprised, not because his feelings for Rei were new, but because he never thought he could let himself feel this way about someone again. He smiled. Without even trying, Rei had broken through the last of Kazuki’s walls too.

He wanted to make Rei feel this safe all the time. He wanted to give Rei the world, make up for all of the love he had missed out on as a kid a hundred fold. He wanted to make Rei smile. He wanted to make Rei laugh. He wanted to hold Rei as he cried and help him heal. He wanted to fall asleep with Rei at night and he wanted to wake up with him every morning. He wanted to kiss Rei all the time, all over, hold him tight and never let go. And he wanted to keep doing that for the rest of their lives.

Kazuki couldn’t stop himself from turning his head to the side and giving Rei a small kiss on the crown of his head. He lingered for a moment, breathing in the sweet vanilla smell of Rei’s shampoo. Rei made a noise, much like the one he had made when Kazuki gave him that first haircut all those years ago, and scooted closer.

‘He loves me too.’ Kazuki thought to himself. He felt giddy at the realization.

Not even a minute later, Rei’s body went limp leaning against Kazuki’s shoulder. He had drifted off to sleep with that smile still on his face. Rei, like Miri, had slumped forward slightly when he fell asleep. Kazuki chuckled to himself, he sometimes forgot that Miri wasn’t biologically related to them because she had so many of the same mannerisms as Kazuki and Rei.

Kazuki carefully maneuvered the arm Rei was leaning against out from under him and wrapped it around his waist to prevent him from falling further forward. He placed a hand on Rei’s hip and guided him back into leaning against him. Still fast asleep, Rei turned slightly, resting his leg on top of Kazuki’s knee and nestling his forehead into the crook of his neck. Miri felt the movement and shifted too so that her legs were on top of Rei’s and she was leaning against Kazuki’s left arm.

Kazuki hugged them both a little tighter. He was sitting in a weird position and was basically holding both of them up, so he doubted he’d be able to actually sleep, but he didn’t care. After a while his leg fell asleep and his back started to hurt, but he still didn’t dare to disturb his two sleepyheads.

[choquan]

This is going to be a very long post of my opinion on Buddy Daddies last episode.

I am very satisfied with Buddy Daddies ending because I was worried how would Kazuki and Rei become a real family with Miri when they have the organization pointing their guns at their back.

The answer is: Before the organization manage to do something, we're going to charge in first.

I love that.

The action scenes on this episode is *chef's kiss* They're still able to banter while fighting ("Domestic violence", etc) which I think very chaotic and funny of them. This show trully has dark humour like what Uchiyama-san and Toyonaga-san said in the interview.

Buddy Daddies is mostly a comedic show but they can be a bit gory when they want, like how they executed Ogino's death. I cheered when Kazuki, the one who's always seen as the weaker one between the two, stabbed Ogino and then Rei pushed him so the knife would cut through his throat. Don't you think it's awesome how he was obsessed with people's last words but he couldn't say his or even write because Kazuki immediately burned the kitchen. Also, I noticed Kazuki probably used Rei's lighter, the one Rei gave him last episode!

Rei's confrontation with his dad is also well executed. I didn't think Rei would dare to shoot his dad, but he did! I also like how his dad warned him that even if Rei kills him, the organization still has his back and he could never escape his blood-ties with the Suwa family. His dad even let Rei kill him. But Rei had other solution, that was making his dominant hand permanently disabled, thus making him weaker. He still could shoot a gun with his left hand, it was shown multiple times that the could. He would also be able to fight only using his left arm, legs, and head (he likes headbump doesn't he). But having a permanently disabled right arm would hinder a lot of his job as a hitman because it would be harder to fight (ofc) and also handling bigger guns (sniper? Idk the name. Rei was usually seen being a shooter from afar using big guns).

A nice addition that I like is when Rei walked out, Shigeki pointed a gun at him but was never able to shoot. Maybe, just a little bit in his tiny and cold heart, he still acknowledges Rei as his son, someone who shares the same blood as him.

Honestly I was worried at first like how the hell are they going to solve Rei's problems with the organization in a single episode while still having to close the season with something heartwarming. But, I am satisfied with how they executed it in the last episode.

Also, Kazuki and Rei being the best dads dressing as santa even though they were both beaten up, badly injured, and could barely walk only to see their daughter singing is a cherry on top. Your highness, they're a family!

But I didn't expect such a huge timeskip. Miri looked so happy and healthy, good job daddies. She also looked a bit like her auntie Karin. I love how the family are still in contact with auntie Karin even though she's Kazuki's in-law and Kyu-chan. Miri also knows about her mother's passing, so at some point Kazuki and Rei told her. Misaki must be proud seeing how her daughter has grown into a beautiful and kind lady.

The comment about Kazuki drinking out with a girl was kinda unecessary though because ignoring the "no homo" meaning, Kazuki hooked up with girls back in the days just to run away from his guilt after his wife's death. It was sort of a coping mechanism? for him, like how he was also addicted to gambling. I thought after he finally starting to move on in episode 7, he would stop going out with girls like Carol and Dorothy (where are they though, I need them in the last episode).

Anyway, I love the ending! For an orgininal series with a limit of 12 episodes, they executed it pretty well.

Kazuki and Rei might not be romantically involved with each others at the end, but they're still partners, buddies, co-parents. I'm pretty sure they love each others platonically, I mean how can you spend 10 years (and more) of your time raising daughter together and opening up a diner in Okinawa if you don't love each others. They were also strictly platonic since episode 1 so as much I had wanted to see them together, it would've been a bit rushed if they squeezed the romance only in the final episode. And them having queerplatonic relationship is really good, I rarely seen that in an anime.

It's also refreshing to see that in this anime, a family with two dads and one daughter with no blood relation is seen and treated normally by the characters, and also for the viewers. I read in one of the interview with the staff/PD that they wanted to explore an unusual family dynamics consisting of two dads and one child, where in the heteronormative society a family usually consist of one father and one mother.

To be honest, I read a lot of BLs with family/kids trope but to make a family consisting of two dads acceptable in their universe, usually they had to make A/B/O setting where the omega is able to be pregnant with their child. If they went for modern days setting, they usually make one of the father had a child with their previous wife, be in a relationship with other guy, but his child is oblivious about their relationship and doesn't really think of his father's S/O as his other dad.

Kazuki and Rei raising a daughter together (who is not their biological child) probably make people see them as more than friends, but no one in the series see or treat them badly. Kyu-chan only reminded them about their jobs and how may affect Miri, Anna-chan only asked Miri if she were happy with having two dads, the daycare moms only interested in how attractive they are and what are their jobs because they're rich as hell, Misaki never questioned about her daughter being raised by two men but only worried when she found out they were hitmen, even Shigeki who wanted to kill Kazuki and Miri only said having connection with other people is bad for business.

In modern days Japan where same sex marriage isn't allowed, I like how two dads raising a daughter together is seen as normal in the eyes of its society. The viewers too, whatever their sexualities are (because I've seen a lot of straight men liking this series), also see their family as something normal and are all rooting for their happiness. I think it's very neat, like the show really is telling the viewers that, "Yeah, the family is not considered to be what we normally have. They are not related, the child is raised by two fathers who aren't romantically in love with each others. But they are a family. A family can be formed in more than one way."

This is my personal opinion, but I think making Kazuki and Rei strictly platonic until the end is not only to focus on the found family part, but they want to convey the message of "A family that isn't related by blood and doesn't consist of one father and one mother can also work" to people including them who are in a heteronormative society. Because me being raised in such society knows that even with a single hint of homosexuality on screen, a lot of people would be upset and stop watching. That's just my take though.

In conclusion, this is a good series which covers the realistic aspect of parenting added with some actions and dark background. Buddy Daddies is now added to another of my all-time favorite anime by P.A. Works, one of them is Nagi no Asukara. If they are going to make a second season (slim chance) or an OVA, I'll make sure to be tuning in.

[laneiru]

Arttopia 2023 - World Prompts - Days 16 to 18

Karkaton Ascent / Karkaton / Dark Lord's Castle

Woooo yeaaahhh, an opportunity to draw this idea of mine that pretty much stayed the same since the olden days of 3DS version: the party members' escape sequence. What do you mean I still have to draw the backgrounds???

Had to break consistency and made the images a bit larger because of the additional detail. And the one time I get to draw my OCs again, the quality's all over the place. Made me miss the simple shapes of Miitopia scenery for a while there, lmao

It's arranged in reverse order because of the prompt list. Full context is under the cut.

Rana's teammates are imprisoned somewhere in the castle, and of course they all want to escape. Once all three groups are there, it was enough manpower to attempt it, dangerous it may be.

Yumello, Delfina and Emil were the first to leave the group, where Delfina and Emil had the misfortune to be swarmed by monsters so early, and Yumello stayed behind to do an ill-advised attempt at getting Dark Lord Rui's attention (he also had a bone to pick with him for interrupting his long-awaited vacation).

The rest continue their escape, having no time to think about the loss. Zero carves a path for them by tapping into his powers of maximum edge (he doesn't look any different other than looking like a masked Thief/Imp hybrid lmao) and blasting open the castle's main doors. Rui never bothered to fix the entryway after this btw, lmao

They get far into the volcano when Cerberus, not yet controlled by face shenanigans, appears and be vaguely menacing and a roadblock. Emi Lumi, Cedric and Iris then volunteer to stay behind and deal with this menace. Alyssa and Zero strongly disagree at first, but they were eventually persuaded to keep going.

So long as they can get to safety, to Rana, there is still a chance to save them again.

With a heavy heart, Zero brings Alyssa and Miri away to attempt the edgiest of powers: (limited) mass teleportation. Tl;dr: he's really not supposed to use all these cool abilities, as once they emerged from the far side of the volcano, he collapses from exhaustion. Zero was begging at that point to leave him since they were so close, but of course the two were not having it after everything that just happened.

Unfortunately, Rui had already caught up to the farthest group. Yumello did put up a good fight in his stalling attempt (spoiler: he drops the pop star act and used his actual vampire powers), but it simply wasn't enough. As for why Rui was quite apathetic at the party until the jailbreak: simply, entertainment. A change of pace from his usual face-stealing antics. He knows they're capable and will try to escape, he just wanted an excuse to really flex his Dark Lordliness.

The rest is history, and Great Sage Lema arrives late to the scene, finding three faceless adventurers near the volcano.

[nursemimosa]

Will you write in detail about the girls befriending and falling for their partners? The summaries from the pairing memes are so cute, and I'd love some Fifi/Larry dialogue! I need to see her pick on him.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) you're in luck, I have a whole bunch of info already transcribed from when I made the edits of the meme templates, and from my (recently heavily updated btw; OC info carrd), so I'll post them here again, and annotate them as well! for you, and anyone else interested, they'll be below the cut (plus this will be good exercise to help me start my fic's outline)

let's start with my knight x princess girls first; Dendraine (Dendra x Raine). dorky sapphics.

Dendra is a very close friend to both Raine and Fifi upon their arrival to the academy. She meets Fifi first, and they have a kind of playful nemesis type relationship. It is through Fifi that Raine meets Dendra, as Fifi had been working at the academy for a little over two and a half years when Raine arrives for her work study. Raine is paired up to work with Fifi.

Dendra seems to be particular about how Raine feels, often asking if she needs a bite to eat or having her accompany her during a workout. Raine has been sickly her entire life (think Wally from RSE/ORAS, who she does have a connection to as a fond friend in my ficverse btw), and she's also a bit of a lonesome wallflower that doesn't bloom until she meets her friends. (Dendra going "Osu! Hey new girl!" to her tho...)

When she hears about Raine's plans to become a Coordinator, she doubles down and insists that Raine train with her more often to help her gain stamina since I can imagine them being pretty arduous (and in my ficverse they're more like concerts). They train pretty frequently (with Fifi, Miri, and Saguraro in tow).

Both Raine and Dendra seem to be harboring unrequited feelings for people they know. (aka in my fic, Dendra likes Tulip and Raine has always been in love with Jasmine. Raine knew Jasmine back then, and she loved that even though she was shy like her, she was very strong. In my roleplay days, Raine was totally obsessed with her, and I decided to carry that over haha)

Despite this, Dendra finds herself frequently wondering about Raine's well being and how she is feeling. This culminates in her realizing that she may have developed feelings for Raine and leaves her at an impasse- every interaction with Raine leaves her flustered, they're both complete dorks whenever they interact! Tulip and Miri toootally chide her on her crush and ask if she's confessed yet.

After an event that leaves Raine crestfallen (spoiler I guess: but she loses a contest and sprains her ankle in front of her old crush who prior to this, implicitly rejected her), she begins to see Dendra in a new light. Like wow this girl has been by her side all this time....

Raine goes through a bunch of things and realizes she wants to be a teacher and a coach for contestants, based on her experience in the circuit and she will have to do so outside of Paldea. Dendra panics, because she realizes that time is running out to tell her that she likes her. It is shortly before Raine leaves that Dendra confesses her feelings, and Raine responds; saying that she will make sure to prioritize seeing Dendra first whenever she has the chance to visit Paldea, which, while not a direct answer; reassures Dendra. They're long distance girlies 🥹 I don't think Raine would ever leave Paldea in full as her found family is there but this is how their early relationship would play out.

and for the fan favorite plainpancake (both on here and on twitter!? thanks 4 da luv guys)

Larry might have been the first friend that Fifi ever made upon her arrival to Paldea from Unova, as she had originally worked and lived in Medali before moving to Mesagoza. She found solace in the variety of resturants there and upon choosing the Treasure Eatery as her after-work spot, Fifi would find herself frequently running into Larry. After like.. seeing him three times in a row she introduces herself by making idle conversation with him about the food (he ordered the same thing every time she saw him). He's a lot more quieter than she's used to, but she thinks he's a good listener, and deems him friend worthy. She is very used to people rudely telling her to quiet down since she tends to get excited about her favorite things & he's polite about telling her, which she appreciates. She worked with colorful people of all types in the entertainment industry, so she doesn't judge, and in fact, tries to match his energy. He isn't annoyed by her, but doesn't really respond much to her either. Food helps bridge the gap.

From there she makes it a self-appointed tradition to share a dinner with him at least once a week. This continues even after she gets a job in Naranja Academy and moves to Mesagoza. Their friendship starts off quietly and cordially, but Fifi grows comfortable with sharing snippets of her day and eventually going on long winded diatribes about her special interests, much to his chagrin. Whenever she has something she can't really discuss with her friends at the academy, he is usually the one she ends up (drunkenly) pouring her heart out to for better or worse.

Also important; She did not know anything about his roles in the Pokemon League until after she takes on the Gym Challenge. She is taking on the gyms to work on a complex she has with battling and battling against close friends makes her a little nervous (this isn't why she has the complex though). She wins against him the first time, but is completely blindsided by the fact he's in the E4 and it causes her to choke and lose.

After she loses to him she begins to feel smaller and wary around him, feeling like a weak nuisance, so she takes a siesta from dinners at Treasure in the meantime. After a brief respite (chaperoning a field trip in Kitakami, and touring Blueberry Academy with Raine), she finds that one of the main reasons she took her loss to him so hard was because she looked up to his skill (his lack of motivation be damned).

also. she likes him. she doesn't realize it, but she's always liked him. Dendra and Rika cannot fathom this at all and pick on her immensely. "THAT guy? Mr. Milquetoast?? REALLY?!" Rika would totally tell her that he was asking about Fifi during the time she took a break from Treasure just to make the woman flustered. (also a big deal and kinda hilarious since before that, she's been with other ppl in the music industry and even had feelings for Raifort who did not reciprocate)

Fifi's initial confession would probably happen after an incident I have planned involving Area Zero and her being scolded by the League about it. Larry felt unsuited for a relationship as he has expressed little interest and desire for one through the course of his life, causing disappointments in previous relationships (aroace king I feel u). Fifi has stuff of her own, and both felt they would be too busy due to their different jobs. Fifi suggests taking things slow, or even agreeing to stay close and seeing how things develop, to which he tenatively agrees. She confesses once more later on, and he responds saying that he "quite enjoys [her] company", which she gleefully takes as a reciprocation and embraces him. It's sweet and cute. they simultaneously "we're close friends marrying for tax benefits" but also do cherish each other's company. can't wait to write it all.

As for dialogue:

F: "I didn't think ya'd get so into the show*. Whadda ya think about it? Who's your fave?"

L: "Evie. The main character. She's ordinary like me and appreciates simplicity. I understand that. And when she gets overwhelmed and has to hide away in her room to decompress.. I felt seen."

F: "Heh... I always figured you'd be a main character lover. Not that there's anythin' wrong with that."

L: "Your tone of voice implies that there's something odd about liking the main character. Am I right?"

F: "Main characters are usually seen as plain and blank slates so that the audience can grow more attached to them via means of projecting on to them. It's not a bad thing! I just think it's funny. Not only didja pick the main girl but the one who's Tera Twinkle attribute is linked to her Eevee. The Normal type. You're so predictable!"

L: "So I'm plain and a blank slate.. I see. Nice to understand how you see me." F: "Guh! I didn't mean it that way. The main character is supposed to be warm and caring, even if others see them as plain. I think there's something to be said about finding joy in the mundane, right?"

L: "No offense taken. I feel joy sometimes. I'm pretty happy right now (his face is cardboard as fuck).

F: "ahhhhhh.... I'm friends with un-sugared oatmeal!" (she pats him sympathetically on the shoulder or something like that and he doesn't react idk)

*Fifi is obsessed with a magical girl show from her childhood involving magical girls and eeveeloutions that I made up for this universe. Thinking of calling it Eeeveelution/Evielution Twinkle. I think she could bond with Penny over it too lol

[silverwings22]

Caught in the Crosshairs: Chapter 54: Iridescent: Linkin Park 

Series warnings: Smut, mind control, canon typical violence, childhood trauma, language, chronic illness

Chapter Warnings: Child endangerment, chronic/phantom pain

Translations: ori'mesh'la: very beautiful

Previous chapter:

Next chapter:

Miria loved the Havoc Marauder. She'd fought to keep it, called it her home after the loss of so much… but the durasteel walls were closing in around her. 

He's in trouble. He's in trouble and I need to find him, and no one is listening to me. She was the same padawan begging to be taken seriously, the same Jedi screaming her suspicions to the Council while everyone turned their heads. 

They'd picked up Phee for a mission, as her muscle for a pickup. Hunter and Wrecker were escorting her and Omega into some seedy bar; and as much as she didn't want any of them out of her sight when her nerves were this raw, Hunter had insisted she stay with Tech on the ship. She was pretty sure it was because of her distracted attention, but she couldn't think of anything but that nightmare. The vision, showing Crosshair in danger.

Tech had reasoned that they had no proof he wasn't trying to trap them for the Empire. Hunter had been rightfully concerned about Omega's safety. Wrecker just didn't like when they argued, and they'd all eventually shut Miria down one by one. 

She leaned over the console, hands aching in her lap again. Tech was using Gonky as a table, playing a game against himself since she had declined his offer to play with him. How could she focus? She needed to be looking for Crosshair. 

"Are you alright up there, General?" Tech looked up. He was concerned for her, she hadn't had much to say in days. Once the pleading for a rescue attempt failed, she'd curled into herself. 

"I'm just-" She started, but was cut off by the ship's comm going off. 

"Tech, we need a ride."

"On the way." He hopped up. "You were saying, Miri?"

"Nevermind. Let's get the others." She moved to give him access to the pilot's seat and bit back her internal diatribe as Gonky made a couple noises.

They'd gone after the sweet little defective droid, in the ipsium mine. Why didn't Crosshair get the same consideration?

When they dropped in for a landing, Miria met the guys at the hatch with her rifle, giving cover fire until they were safely in board. She punched the hatch button to close it. 

Phee grinned. "Got it!" She held up a statuette that looked like a tree. 

"Lovely." Miria went back to the hold, Gonky nudging at her until she patted the droid and sat on him. He seemed to like carrying her around. 

Phee looked at Omega, who shrugged. "Miri's been kinda quiet lately." She whispered. 

"Noted." The pirate smiled and went to join Hunter on the bridge.

Omega climbed up Gonky to sit in Miria's lap and tell her about the mission. They'd avoided poison and a kohoun, gotten in a fight, and all around been the squad of badasses she knew them to be. 

She patted the girl's hair. "I'm proud of you."

"You still look mad though." Omega frowned. 

"I'm only frustrated. I'll figure out something to do about it." Miria told her with a hug. 

There was one looming possibility sitting in front of her. A choice she didn't like the idea of making, that she'd been rolling around in her head for over a week, since she'd practically begged the guys to look for their brother. 

If they wouldn't go, she'd never take the choice from them. They deserved to control their lives. But she could make decisions too… like Echo.

She could leave the Bad Batch. 

It was risky, putting her on her own in a way she'd never been before and leaving them without another set of hands. It would hurt them, like Echo leaving had. It wasn't a choice she could make lightly. 

"We are getting a message from Cid…" Tech sounded a little reproachful. 

"Put it through." Miria stood, Omega on her hip despite being nearly her height, and walked over. 

The Trandoshan's flickery holo appeared, eyes narrowed. "Twenty rotations without a peep. You guys better be dead, since I've lost out on a lot of scores in your absence. Don't forget our mutually beneficial relationship, or how well we know each other. You'd better believe I'm doing more than threatening you boys."

Miria's expression could have cracked rock. "I suppose she thinks she frightens me."

"I didn't know you guys cut ties with Cid." Phee raised an eyebrow.

"That mutually beneficial relationship wasn't so beneficial mutually." Hunter sighed. 

"If she tries anything, I'll ask Uncle how good a fertilizer she'd make in his garden." Miria grumbled. 

"Easy, Miss." Phee shook her head. "I've known Cid a long time. She's a good ally, but a dangerous enemy to have." She looked at Hunter. "What's your plan?"

"You're looking at it." He rubbed his face, wishing idly he could go back to the days when Miria didn't swat mosquitoes. This headstrong, hardlined version was concerning. 

"Then you guys are coming with me. Brown Eyes, make for these coordinates." She got up. 

"Where are you taking us?" Miria softened a fraction. Phee had been pleasant and helpful so far, and despite her current annoyance with Cid, she wasn't the kind to burn a bridge that didn't need burning. They needed friends in the galaxy, especially if she might have to leave the guys alone. 

"You'll like it. Trust me." Phee winked.

Omega hugged Miria around the waist. "Please, Miri?"

The woman sighed. "Okay… let's see where we end up."

Phee grinned. "You'll never want to leave."

The planet was warm and tropical, a jutting island standing proud among the blue skies. Phee had them land high, stepping out into a neat city square. Miria hadn't seen civilization so pretty since she called Coruscant home. 

Phee smiled. "The artifacts go in that tower."

"My calculations indicate that the artifact you recovered is worth very little monetary value." Tech sighed. 

"There are different kinds of treasure, Brown Eyes. Many people on Pabu are refugees. These artifacts are parts of their culture, worth preserving." 

Tech thought back to Serreno and nodded thoughtfully. "I see…"

"Auntie Phee!" A little girl about Omega's age came running up with a large man behind her. 

Phee laughed. "This is the mayor of Pabu, Shep. And his daughter Lyana."

Miria was charmed by the girl, who immediately ran over to befriend Omega. Phee led the adults to Shep. "This is Hunter, Tech, Wrecker, and Miria."

"A pleasure." Shep shook their hands, extra gentle with Miria's when he spotted a faint wince. "Phee has never brought friends before."

"She must really like you guys." Grinned Lyana.

"That's enough out of you." Phee ruffled her hair fondly. 

"Please, join us for dinner." Shep opened his arms, welcoming and kind. Hunter nodded, following him close with the others behind. This place was beautiful and everyone was so nice, waving as they went. It was jarring after a lifetime of suspicion.

"Your people are refugees?" The sergeant asked. 

"Many are. But they're safe here. Many come to start new lives, and as a father there's no better place to raise a child." Shep gave Omega a meaningful look. It was clear who the dad of the Batch was. 

Hunter smiled a little, glancing at the girl. "I see."

They were led up to the top, Shep telling them about the history of the upper and lower parts of the island. Miria listened, hands folded behind her. She was surprised at the massive spread of food laid out when they reached a beautiful mountaintop platform. 

A troop of greenish primates were exploring them as they sat down. Lyana grinned. "They're called moon-yos. The elders say they've been here since before Pabu was inhabited."

Omega let out an adorable laugh as one climbed on her shoulders. 

Tech looked at Miria. "I have not heard her laugh like that for a long time."

Miria nodded. "I know."

They're going to want to stay.

Wrecker was losing his mind with delight as they were served, Tech chatting away with Phee. Hunter even looked happy, watching Omega and Lyana laughing and joking. He expected Miria to enjoy the peace and join in, but found her nibbling at the delicious food with a restrained expression. 

"You have your own boat?" Omega was giggling. 

"Yeah. Let's take it out to watch the sunset." Lyana offered. 

"Hunter, can I go?" Omega turned pleading tooka eyes to him. 

"Have fun." He nodded, shoulders relaxing. The girls ran off, hand in hand and happy. Once they were out of earshot, he looked at Miria again. 

She was turned profile to him with a slice of fruit, taking slow bites and watching the sun starting to dip low. "It's beautiful here." He said cautiously. He was in no hurry to end up in another argument like the screaming match they'd had a week ago over Crosshair. "And safe."

"Yes." She nodded. The dimming light cast a golden sheen on her skin, a monument of something broken and rebuilt stronger than before. 

Tech and Phee were getting up to watch the sunset, the woman grinning. "Come on. You don't want to miss this."

"Hurry, darling. We'll miss it!" She tugged Crosshair by the hand up the steps of the overlook tower in Republica Park. 

"What are we climbing all these stairs for? There's a lift." The sniper huffed. "You're going to be out of breath."

"It takes too long. Just trust me?"

Crosshair scooped her up. "You know I do."

He carried her to the top, the Jedi giggling. "We made it. Here, at the railing. Put me down, love. Just watch."

Her feet touched the ground as the sun started to drop below the horizon, the sky going brilliant gold and dappling into pinks and purples in a glorious light show. "Okay?"

"Just watch, Cross."

As the twilight went indigo, for a split second the stars peeked through the haze of light pollution. Then in the distance, the nighttime city lights came up in flickering waves, casting a cozy glow. Miria made a happy noise, tucking her head against his shoulder. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" She whispered. 

"Yeah." He shifted to put an arm over her shoulders, twisting the white streak in her hair around the black fingertips of his gloves. "Ori'mesh'la."

He wasn't looking at the sky, but at her. 

"We could stay." Hunter said softly. "This is the kind of place you like… you're strong enough to shield yourself from the Empire. And this is bigger than the farm, we'd blend in…" At one point she'd dreamed of going back to the farm, her concern about bringing hell on her family and later the knowledge that Aram had left keeping her away. It was only a matter of time before other members of the family left, to fight in the ways they could. But here…

All she'd ever really wanted was a happy, peaceful life. This could give it to her after so much had been taken away. 

"Is that what you want?" She took another bite of her fruit, still watching the sun dropping into the water. 

"Why not? We could finally rest, build a life…"

What life can I build without my guiding star?

"Then you should." She finally looked at him. "If that's your choice, I want you to make it."

He frowned. "I don't like the way you said that."

"You never got a choice before." She sighed. "None of you did. From the Republic to the GAR. I'll never take that from you."

"You don't want to stay." He reached for her arm. 

"I don't think I can." She got up, just out of his reach, and walked to the railing. Hunter followed, tense again. 

"Miri, we can't drag Omega into a war."

"I know." She nodded. "I'm still making up my mind about myself."

"You can't be serious. You're thinking about leaving?"

"Yes." She took another bite. "I told you what I saw, Hunter."

"It could be a trap."

"The galaxy is a minefield for survivors of the Temple." She nodded agreeably. "But your life is yours to choose now. I will always make the same choice. I will always choose Crosshair."

"Miria, just because you accidentally fell in love with the man who-"

"It was no accident." She cut him off. "Every minute, I choose to love him. Through his mistakes, through this tragedy… I love Crosshair on purpose." She looked at him again. "My only remaining choice is what to do about it."

Before he could try to talk her down, the ground under their feet rumbled. Lanterns and houses wobbled like paper dolls, and the chorus of villagers gasping or crying out in fright was less a song and more a cacophony. Miria straightened up. "What was that?"

"Something's coming." Hunter stiffened. "That wasn't just a tremor."

Miria froze. "Underwater earthquakes cause tidal waves."

Tech turned around. "Correct. I believe this island is in significant danger of a sea surge."

"We haven't had a sea surge in three decades." Shep whispered. 

Miria leaned over the railing as another, harder tremor hit. "The tide is running away from the shore, mayor. I think you're overdue."

"The early warning system-" Shep started, before a piercing siren rang out. 

"The girls." Miria looked at Hunter. "Tech, Wrecker, start evacuating everyone from Lower Pabu up here. Hunter, we have to get the ship and rescue Omega and Lyana. Their boat will be smashed on the rocks."

The group split, the two leaders running full tilt down to the Havoc Marauder. Any argument between them was gone in the familiar dance of protecting what they loved most: the family they shared. Hunter slid into the pilot’s seat, Miria preparing the drop line to launch as soon as they got close enough. 

“Omega, where are you?” The sergeant tried to quell his anxiety as they got into the air. She’d be fine, they’d make sure that the littlest member of the squad was safe and sound. They always had, working together, protected each other. 

“Our boat crashed on the rocks. We’re on foot!” They could both hear her voice straining as she ran, probably pulling Lyana as well. 

Miria leaned into the comm. “Head for the shore, and keep your locator on. We’re coming to get you.” She headed back to the hatch.

“You ever seen a sea surge before?” Hunter frowned. They’d seen a couple as cadets on Kamino, but those buildings were designed to be submersible. It had just been terrifying to watch the water dip low before swelling sharply over the top of them. There was no land for the wave to break over, just the barely anchored city. 

“Not exactly.” They shot up, following the signal from Omega’s locator. “There isn’t much ocean on Coruscant, and I haven't done much else of interest that you weren’t around for.” The Batch had always been by her side for her adventures, there for every moment that scared her. 

“I see the girls.” Hunter pulled the ship to the max of its capabilities, trying to outrun a wall of water to get to them. 

“Hatch open.” Miria fixed the drop line to her belt and took a running leap out of the ship. “Omega!” 

The brave little blonde was pulling Lyana by the hand, desperate to outrun the roaring sea barreling down on her. She threw an arm up, never slowing her pace but with full confidence in Miria to rescue her. 

Miria swung out, catching Omega's hand and pulling her and Lyana to the rope. "Hold on. Hunter!"

He jerked the controls, veering up and out as the wave came close enough they could have reached out and touched it. Salt spray dampened their faces as Miria and the girls clung to the rope, a brief reflection of her own face in the clear water catching Miria's eye.

She didn't look like the Jedi who'd once smoothed her hair and tried to color her pale cheeks in a temple mirror. There was nothing delicate or innocent left in those eyes, only determined grit and a drowning sorrow deeper than the sea trying to swallow them. This was the face of someone who no longer needed to repeat that she could do it to make herself believe. 

I will do it. 

Hunter pulled them up, out of danger, and started back towards the island. The girls and Miria climbed the rope into the ship, and sat in the floor of the hold silently. 

"All of Lower Pabu was destroyed…" Lyana finally whispered. 

"It's only things." Miria put an arm around her. She knew how the girl felt, how she'd felt in the aftermath of losing the Marauder. "As long as the people survive, you can make new memories to replace what was lost."

Perhaps that was why it had been so hard, when the ship had been taken. She didn't have Crosshair to make those new memories with… but that didn't have to be true. Not anymore, even if she had to do the one thing she'd once told Shak Ti she didn't think she was strong enough for. 

Let go. 

They were welcomed back by refugees, gathered in the city square and giving each other what aid they had. Tech was next to Phee, giving small smiles to each other. Wrecker took Omega and Lyana to sit under the big tree in the square, to relax and decompress from another near death experience. They both ended up snuggling with him and falling asleep as the night turned to dawning. 

Shep looked at Hunter. "Thankfully, no one was hurt. Property was destroyed, but my people are resilient. We'll rebuild."

"It could take a while… we could stay and help. If you don't mind us sticking around." Hunter offered.

"You would be most welcome." Shep patted his arm. 

Hunter smiled and glanced over at the rest of the team. They looked safe, content… except for Miria. She was sitting on the wall, looking out at the devastation on Lower Pabu. 

This was a beautiful place, and the Batch wanted to stay. They could build a home, like she'd always hoped for them to have. She knew what was happening behind her. 

She wanted to stay too, really. It would be a nice life, safe beyond the shadow of the Empire. Her love for the men and child begged her to consider it. But another love was calling louder than the sea song, and Miria was a sailor in the face of the siren's lullaby. 

Crosshair. 

Hunter watched her for a long minute, expression unreadable, before she lifted her comm to her lips. Despite the distance and crowd, his hearing picked up the words like she was standing next to him. His chest went cold with dread.

"Aunt Irene, can you spare a little time? I need a pickup."

"You guys lose the ship again?"

"No. This time, I'm going alone."

[turianosauruswrex]

7, 12, 19 for Katya, Jules, Miri?

Thank you so much!!!

7. What's one way your OC has changed since you first came up with them?

Katya: She's actually changed a LOT. Her original concept was a lot punkier and a lot more in line with her alias' namesake, Bad Grief from Pathologic 2. She was going to be more openly chaotic and lean towards being a good person.

Almost immediately all of that changed LOL. I got in my first session with her and she flipped like a switch: elegant, poised, leaning into the selfish side of chaotic neutral rather than closer to chaotic good. Since I started writing her on my PBP server she's changed even more, though it's more development rather than adjustments: She was in love with her best friend. She doesn't like to be forced into doing anything. She's terrified of both her shadow magic and being aasimar. She would have been great leading the family's crime syndicate. She misses her mother almost painfully.

Jules: Considering her original ending (an incredibly brief and bad consideration LOL) was running to the Divide after winning Hoover Dam for the Legion, and her revised ending was getting crucified outside the Strip, yeah she's changed a bit! She's gotten louder, angrier; she has a chance to do better thanks to @randamhajile and her OC Lex. Does she take it? Ehh. Not always. But she has it, and sometimes it works out.

A lot of it also was Jexis asking me things about her and me pulling stuff out of thin air that sounded right and then reverse engineering why it worked LOL. My favorite thing was making her just a huge science nerd to account for my obsessive completionism in Old World Blues that run, and Jules shutting yet another part of herself down in order to gain Caesar's favor. My other favorite thing was rooting a lot of her reasoning for joining the Legion in her abandonment/daddy issues, and then thusly moving them to project onto Joshua Graham after the fall of the Legion lmao. Thanks Jex.

Miri: Honestly not much! I adjusted her name so that she goes by her middle name instead of her first (it's Nora, to be a little FO4 joke, she hates it, too normie) and I made her look and her fashion, when she's not just copying Cher, actually Chinese instead of it just being a throwaway thing. I haven't yet had the brain power to really dig into what coming from a family of Chinese descent might look like for a character from the NCR but it's certainly on my list of things to do for my Fallout girlies.

12. Is your OC self-destructive? In what ways?

Katya: She's had self-harm problems in the past and she'll drink to forget but her self-destruction mostly comes in the form of isolation and putting up barriers to people caring about her. She thinks she's dangerous and it's better for everyone not to be involved with her. Smash cut to: she has a cousin, an adoptive sister, a partner, friends-- they won't let her isolate herself anymore.

Jules: Haha yeah :) She's like, barely clean of a raging Jet addiction (thanks to Arcade Gannon, RIP their friendship, read about it here), she has irresponsible and unsafe sex, she drinks like a fish, it's a miracle getting shot in the head was only the first time she came so close to death.

Miri: Not really, she's just kinda dumb.

19. How does your OC behave when enraged?

Katya: She's a very sharp, precision strike kind of rage. She'll be completely fine with one person, and within seconds be dragging a metaphorical knife through the target of her anger. She never takes it out on anyone but the person she's upset with; that, at least, she's got under control. Canonically she's gotten so mad at her scourge aasimar bullshit she's stormed into a temple to scream at god.

Jules: People die. Like, slaughtering Camp Forlorn Hope, launching nukes at the Long 15, people die.

Miri: She's never known rage a day in her life actually. Just terminally chill, this one.