#fuji first light of the sun

[artschoolglasses]

Fuji, First Light of the Sun, Yoshida Hiroshi, 1926

[wifetomegatron]

countries and cities i've been to that i think the lost light crew will enjoy (vol. i)

i think ratchet would like switzerland. snowy alps, open green fields where purple and yellow poppies littered across the grass dance with the northern wind. he enjoys the secluded valleys and will spend hours just driving past the topaz lakes. he likes the quiet of it all, the serenity, the closure. he makes drift join him in their holoforms to walk, taking in the traditional log houses and brightly-colored buildings, shops, and restaurants surrounded by lush woodlands, upland meadows, and snow-capped cliffs. grindelwald because drift is fascinated by humans and their winter sports, ascona for when it gets warmer and the boats are out by the docks. in a first contact au, ratchet would most likely end up working in either zurich or geneva, working closely with earth's international bodies like the united nations to facilitate human-cybertronian relations. i can also see the medic crew stationed there as well; running the first cybertronian medical facility on earth.

drift, predictably, would prefer japan more. osaka and tokyo for its entertainment, where he and rodimus would spend hours exploring the nightlife in their disguises. at times, they would even go as their alt-modes. rodimus gets ahead of himself with all the attention he's getting. he'd travel through many prefectures, driving past the borders to clear his head — perks of having a conjunx that works closely with human organizations is that he gets exempted from all the paperwork — but always end up somewhere private, tranquil. the shrines, the forests, the mountains — he would even be bold enough to dream of settling down there. one time ratchet flew in to visit him at a resort by the foot of mount fuji, and his husband was neck-deep inside the natural saunas. content and purring, sinking into recharge against the stones.

i have a feeling brainstorm and skids would stir up trouble somewhere in the netherlands. most likely in the infamous lecture halls of leiden university, where great minds like descartes and rembrandt once walked in. they'd hate the weather, where the sun becomes optional the moment it hits autumn (even before, apparently.) the roads are small, so they'd have difficulty navigating at first, nearly driving into a canal because of how fast people bike. direct, with just the right amount of witty, the pair are glad to enjoy the company of dutchies without having to rely on their (human) food because nothing that they've seen looks appealing or digestible. getaway is also there, most likely in amsterdam, where his holoform is most likely to get cornered in an alley and have his bike stolen.

nautica would love the sea, the vast, great open oceans of southeast asia would be the perfect place for her. ever the adventurer, she would drag riptide and velocity with her to explore the islands of the philippines & indonesia. where she'd learn how to dive and swim with the animals past the coral reefs. sweet girl nearly cried when she saw a group of whale sharks. anode and lug are content sitting by the beach, sipping on their latest invention — coconut-infused energon. bali is where i imagine the girls ( and riptide ) would go for a nice getaway. the people are all smiles, warm and friendly, and passionate about their culture. even if the two are more inclined towards the sciences, the flourishing art and spirituality of the balinese people made them feel at home again. ( if not nostalgic for caminus.)

i know rodimus is living his life in spain. maybe it won't be his designated home on earth. but with the lost light stationed in geneva, where ratchet, minimus, and megatron are with the rest of the united nations council ( because there is no way they can park the ship anywhere in the new york branch ), barcelona was his first solo trip on earth without straying too far from his co-captain's watchful eye. it was the peak of summer and there he was under the sun. the people were only initially surprised, but then again, they'd probably seen weirder things than a sixty-foot-tall robot asking them if he could join their game of volley by the beach. he bumps into krok and his rag-tag team — who's also trying to get away from minimus — so that's how he and misfire end up nearly drowning after a competitive game of water tag.

[violetganache42]

Highlights from tonight's movie night celebrating some of the different teams Donald has been a part of in categorized and chronological order (I honestly like this format. I might stick with it):

"Boat Builders":

Good news: The short has subtitles! Bad news: They're not in English, so you still can't understand what the fuck Donald is saying.

Donald: "Yeah, even a child can do it!" Godfrey: "Even Della could do it!"

justaboot: "god's third choice after the 3 stooges"

Max's mother has been found

"The First Adventure!":

Bradford Hate Club

Ludwig appearance!

puffywuffy8904: "he's serving whatever the opposite of cunt is" WriteBackAtYa: "So di—"

(I love this screenshot. 😂)

The reference to Della's letter

WriteBackAtYa and I being on the same wavelength

Eat the rich uncle (Sorry, Scrooge, but I had to. XD)

"You can't mute me, old man!"

RIP Donald's guitar

The Temple of Doom parallel!

PAPYRUS

"Treasure of the Golden Suns" easter egg!

"fragile old body"

POGO CANE

Black Heron doing the smug anime girl laugh (You know what I'm talking about.)

"I'm the chosen one!" Pure Deweycore

"So long, suckers!"

Just Black Heron in general (She's a fun villain. lol)

DONALD KILL

Us ranting about Bradford using the Papyrus of Binding to escape like the COWARD THAT HE IS! WHY WE OUGHTA— COME BACK HERE, YOU LITTLE—

If I had a nickel for every time Black Heron lost her robot arm, I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.

Me: "BEAKLEY YOU FOOL" Godfrey: "YOU FUCKING FOOOOOOOOL"

"The House of the Lucky Gander!":

Louie "I do hate hot dogs" Duck noticing the neon lights shaped like a hot dog

"We're all gonna die! I'VE WASTED MY LIFE!"

Launchpad deserves his own episode dedicating to his love life

Gladstone Hate Club

Scrooge looking at the camera like he's on The Office

puffywuffy8904: "gladstone you have a haircut shut up"

Huey autism moment

Just how bored and tired Dewey, Webby, and Scrooge were after seeing Aquarioon

Dewey and the jade tigers

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

27!

Webby's love for chocolate fountains

"And a distraction."

Scrooge: "I don't even get to be part of the blasted challenge?" Huey:

Real-Life-Pine-Tree: "Roasted duck anyone?" Me: "'Danny: I'll have the duck.'"

Louie's motivational speech

"Where did that come from?"

Us @ Liu Hai: RIP bozo (at least until DuckTales World Showcase Adventure)

The underwhelming Golden Cricket and how fucking bored and exhausted the family was

"Mt. Fuji Whiz":

LotTC basically being DuckTales on crack

Me: "Hell is a city. Where have I seen that before? 🤔" Godfrey: "Hazbin Hote—[gunshot]"

My idea of Clinton and Webby bonding over Clan McDuck history

Missy thirsting for Panchito

The return of the Ari the Autism Bird!

Xandra and the nieces in general (They're some of the best characters in the show. ^^)

*The Three Caballeros are stuck in the Underworld* AMJ: "We have a very simple solution." DT17!Huey: "This doesn't feel simple."

Jack Skellington moon

Donald saying the Karen phrase

Xandra and Charon clothes swap

Panchito being "that" guy

The Sheldgoose family tree taking notes from Goofy's family tree regarding the relatives' designs

IN THE PLUMS!

Clinton hugging Donald 💖

Tokyo? LIKE IN DUCKTALES!

"Potatoland":

Dreamy: "SEE HE HAS 27 FINGERS" Me: "27!"

POTATOLAND! POTATOLAND!

"Mickey, I am fed up with your bullshit devil magic."

Praising Mickey's characterization in the Paul Rudish shorts

Donald's blush

No more Idaho

Just the whole short in general. It's the best. XD

"Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers":

Black Arts Beagle's Musketeer cousins

puffywuffy8904: "they wanna be Scrooge soooo bad"

Donald being, and I quote Jamie, "a punk bitch" in this movie

The return of Pete Hate Club

"Whoa, he's bisexual, I didn't know that!"/"By the way, I'm bisexual! I forgot, I- forgot to announce it! How do you turn this shit off- wait-"

The entire opera gag

Clarabelle appearance!

Dreamy pointing out the parallels how Pete is to Minnie what Bradford is to Scrooge

In the Hall of the Mountain King

"Why did the music stop?"

"Together, we'll save the princess or die trying!"/"…Die? …Die?"

melcat33: "Minnie discovers she's into bdsm"

WriteBackAtYa and I quoting Philip CD-i Legend of Zelda

The turtle trying to be the rooster from Robin Hood at one point

"That little diddy's starting to grow on me."

Pete referencing The Lion King

Donald FINALLY unleashing his iconic temper

melcat33: "Goofy finally being Dad Material" WriteBackAtYa: "But he was daddy material"

(Look what you made me do! /lh)

Pirates of Penzance

"Not long… maybe… 40 years?"

The movie ending with the fucking Can-Can

Learning about how Tokyo Disneyland had Mickey, Donald, and Goofy as the Three Musketeers and they all looked AMAZING (Why does Japan get all the cool shit?!)

[phanfictioncatalogue]

Cherry Blossoms Masterlist

allergic to colour (ao3) - happy_endings15

Summary: “You’re not going anywhere near my asshole with that itch cream, Phil Lester.”

“But it provides relief, Dan. And it sounds like you could use some.”

Or, Dan gets a rash and Phil soothes him. (And they enjoy some cherry blossoms.)

Blossoms Under Fuji (ao3) - starwatersong

Summary: When Dan brushes off Phil's desire to see cherry blossoms, he belatedly realizes that there was a deeper meaning to Phil's request that linked all the way back to their tour of Mount Fuji in 2015.

🌸 cherry blossom 🌸 (ao3) - natigail

Summary: It had been a silly dream at first. The idea to have a cherry blossom tree in their garden they didn't even have yet. It hadn't felt like it was something that would really happen.

But it was real. Dan was watching their tree, Phil's arms around him, and hoping they would get to see its first bloom soon.

Cherry Blossoms (ao3) - dansexistentialcrisispose

Summary: Phil has a surprise for Dan. It starts with a surprise trip to Japan. This is in Dan's perspective. Phil has a special question for Dan.

Cherry Blossoms - myspacehowell

Summary: When Dan and Phil are in Japan, Phil decides to take Dan on a little mystery date. 

cherry blossom dreams (ao3) - calvinahobbes

Summary: They should be in their own house by now, with their own yard where they would be able to sit without all their two hundred neighbors looking down at them in the shared courtyard.

Cherry Blossoms - Phan someshot (ao3) - Chibikkos_Hat

Summary: Dan and Phil propose

Dancing With the Cherry Blossoms - Mairieuxes

Summary: This situation could easily be mistaken as a scene of an anime.

green tea and cherry blossoms (ao3) - CapriciousCrab

Summary: Japan is lovely in the spring...

There's no sense of time here. No urgency, no rush. Nothing but peace and serenity as they sit together under the blooms and look out into the gardens.

How To Take A Good Selfie (ao3) - Phantje

Summary: Dan and Phil spend their afternoon in a park in Japan. Amongst other things they try to take selfies in a cherry blossom tree, which is not as easy as they thought it would be and the cherry blossoms turn out to be quite resistant, not in a million lives Dan would have dreamed what this would lead to.

i'm the one who charmed the one (ao3) - The_Blonde

Summary: "The cherry blossom taunted Phil, in a really pretty and petal scattering sort of way. Everyone else’s wishes formed neat shrubs, sturdy little things that could withstand anything. Phil’s cherry blossom took over the entire bottom of the garden, catching the edge of his eye line even when he tried not to look at it. His wish didn’t get burnt, it didn’t turn into a curse mark on his arm, it just mocked him with a delicate beauty that seemed to say you’ll never find them, they’re too special for you, and Phil (somewhere between the endless lists of placements, all of the neighbourhood pets following him home from classes, a wish that didn’t look like it was supposed to) thought I will, just watch me.

Or: Phil is a mediator with the sun in his fingertips and a Dan to make happy.

lost in your paradise (ao3) - lestered (clonetrobed)

Summary: I could feel the tension

We could cut it with a knife

I know it's more than just a friendship

I can hear you thinking 'bout it, yeah--

*

It’s been six years of surreal friendship, and an even surrealer crush. Six years of traveling all around the world, and wanting to kiss him in every place.

Six years of chickening out every time.

Dan has no reason to believe that Japan will be any different, but anything can happen when you get lost under the Tokyo lights.

Only the Best for You (ao3) - velarisstars

Summary: Dan is nervous, and he can't stop fidgeting and sweating. But he supposes it's all part of the nerves that come from marrying your best friend of ten years.

Outside of Closed Doors (ao3) - winstonlives

Summary: “You think one day we will be able to? One day we can at least hug each other and not be afraid?”

“I really hope so.” Phil smiled at him and stepped away. “How about this, if we find that we are comfortable with it, let’s come back here, and take that picture we both really want?”

“Okay. Let’s make it a goal. One day we come back here and take our picture under the cherry blossoms.” Dan nodded.

pink and white (ao3) - kay_okay

Summary: Tiny pink blossoms are scattered around him, over him in haphazard patterns from the light wind. One sits in the center of his forehead, two against the crest of his collarbone, a handful tossed onto his chest. A line of the flowers nestle in his brown curls, a half-circle crown that loses a bit of its shape when Dan stirs.

Six Centimetres A Second (ao3) - jestbee

Summary: Cherry blossoms and proposals

The Cherry Blossom Secret (ao3) - BlueFox1319

Summary: A secret lies in this hideaway, for when an almost mad artist and a grief ridden photographer meet.

Their worlds could either wilt or bloom with unknowing enchantment.

To be alive beneath cherry blossoms (ao3) - fandom_and_stuffs

Summary: Phil proposes to Dan underneath cherry blossoms.

[commentaryvorg]

Digimon Savers Commentary Episode 40 - The Strongest Group of Knights! The Royal Knights Assemble!

In this episode, the team seeks out Yggdrasil, guided by a reborn Gotsumon who doesn’t remember them. They encounter the Royal Knights and struggle to fight them, but Masaru’s biggest shock is in store when he comes face-to-face with Yggdrasil.

So now that we’ve got through the mostly lacklustre half-clip-show introductory episode for it, it’s time to really properly get into my other favourite arc of this series! I am excite.

The recap’s fairly short – not that it even had that much from last episode to recap. Apparently they didn’t even want to remind us that we spent half of last episode watching a clip show, because Yggdrasil isn’t mentioned.

We continue pretty much exactly where the previous episode left off, with the group at the summit of Mount Fuji having just decided to head to the Digital World. Masaru’s DATS earpiece, which apparently he’d kept in his pocket this entire time (or maybe he picked up a spare one from the hideout?) beeps with an incoming call. It’s Chika and Sayuri, still in the hideout, with Miki and Megumi having helped them get in contact with Masaru. Masaru implicitly fills them in on what he and the others are about to head off and do.

Chika:  “Don’t push yourself too hard.”

Aww, Chika. Someone’s always got to try and tell Masaru not to do that, because you know he’s going to anyway.

Sayuri:  “Try to make it back by dinner time. I’ll be waiting with a heaping helping of fried eggs.”

Aww, Sayuri. Still coping with her worry by cooking all of the food! It’s also quite a thing that she’s saying “by dinner time”. What even is dinner time any more when there’s no day and night because there’s no sun in the sky, and they’re living in a hideout that isn’t their normal home? But Sayuri just wants to try and make everything sound normal and familiar and safe.

Masaru glances up at ShineGreymon as he responds to this, which is amusing. Hopefully our dinosaur friend is not planning on eating any fried eggs while in that form. He’d need a hell of a lot more of them to fill his stomach that way.

Masaru:  “We’ll be sure to come back home.”

I love that Masaru makes a point of saying this. He’s still aware of how Sayuri feels about him disappearing off to the Digital World, given what happened to his dad.

Masaru gives this small smile as he hangs up the call. It’s the kind of expression he only ever makes when thinking about or talking to his family, and it’s adorable.

With the goodbyes said for the only person whose family is in any position to actually do so from here, the four of them and their partners fly up towards the Digital World. Yushima is still with the Norsteins, watching the four bright streaks of light shoot upwards into the sky.

Yushima:  “They’re our only hope left. We’re counting on you, Masaru.”

You’d think he’d want to mention at least Tohma as well, given he’s currently with Tohma’s family, but.

The space between the two worlds is full of huge purple storm clouds, with plenty of lightning and turbulence, just as Tohma was worried about. Yoshino is the first one to get swept off her partner by the winds – which is actually pretty surprising to me, because Rosemon and Ravemon are small enough that their humans are physically holding onto them, whereas Tohma and Masaru are literally just standing on their giant partners’ shoulders without holding anything, so they should really be the first ones to lose their balance.

Not that it matters, because it’s not long before all four of them and their Digimon partners are sent spiralling helplessly down to the Digital World.

Everyone regains consciousness sprawled on a beach, the Digimon having been reverted to Child form from the impact.

Agumon:  “Aniki, I can’t eat any more.”

Agumon mumbles this as he wakes up, because even when he’s knocked out rather than asleep, he still has the best and tastiest dreams.

Tohma confirms that they are indeed in the Digital World by looking at the Earth in the sky, though it’s pretty difficult to see it through all of the huge purple storm clouds.

Yoshino takes a moment to breathe in relief that they made it, and sits herself down on a nearby rock. The rock yelps and twitches. Figuring its probably a Digimon, the group helps to dig it out of the sand, and it’s… Gotsumon. The same Gotsumon from before; his voice is identical.

Everyone is extremely put-out to see him here all of a sudden. Ikuto and Falcomon in particular are very startled. Not surprising, given the number of times he tried to kill Ikuto back then.

Gotsumon:  “Well, I am Gotsumon, but is there a problem?”

Gotsumon doesn’t have a clue why they’re all staring at him like this, though!

Towards my future in the sky!

Just as I felt it

And on that sorta-bombshell, the opening! We sure did just head towards something in the sky, at least.

This second opening has a whole bit with the Royal Knights, which seems appropriate to cover in this episode where they’re properly introduced. It puts some particular focus on Craniummon, whom we’ve already met and seen is important, and also Dukemon, who’ll have a bit more of a significant role than most of the others.

Masaru:  “Damn it, you were alive?!”

Back to Gotsumon, Masaru as ever is getting right to the point, physically grabbing him to interrogate him about how the hell he’s here.

Tohma points out that it’s possible Gotsumon’s completely different now. Agumon and Lalamon are Unconvinced.

Gotsumon:  “It seems… It seems as if you are all angry at me, but that must be my imagination, right? I haven’t done anything wrong.”

Agumon:  “He’s the same.”

Lalamon:  “Definitely the same.”

Agumon and Lalamon seem to be getting at the idea that his supposed pretending he’s done nothing wrong when he knows full well that he has is classic Gotsumon. That’s not actually what’s happening – but what is very much the same as the Gotsumon we knew is his simperingly polite tone (harder to get across as well in the subs, but it’s there in Japanese and very familiar, trust me). He is still basically the same person he was before.

Tohma reminds everyone that Gotsumon was reverted to a Digiegg and reborn, meaning he shouldn’t remember everyone any more. Indeed, it doesn’t seem like he does! Just like BanchouLeomon said, Digimon who are reverted to eggs are supposed to lose all their memories of their previous life. Agumon was an exception, only because of the strength of his bond with a human partner, but what’s happened to Gotsumon is the norm.

Gotsumon:  “I’m so grateful that you’ve helped me! You’ve saved my life! Thank you! Thank you very much!”

Gotsumon gives this heartfelt thanks while enthusiastically shaking Falcomon and then Ikuto’s hands. The two of them are extremely awkward at suddenly being treated this way by a person who in a previous life repeatedly tried to kill them.

If you remove his memories of a lifetime of bigotry and prejudice towards humans, suddenly Gotsumon’s actually not that bad.

Gaomon:  “His personality does appear to have changed…”

It’s really not so much his personality; like I’ve said, that’s pretty similar to before. It’s just his attitude towards humans that’s been completely reset.

Yoshino:  “But when he acts like that, it actually makes it harder to trust him…”

I don’t blame Yoshino for feeling weird and suspicious about this, though. Even if you know intellectually that he doesn’t remember anything at all from before, seeing someone who was previously so hostile towards you acting all nice and friendly must be weird and raise all kinds of instinctive suspicions.

Masaru asks Gotsumon why he was buried in the sand, and he’s happy to explain.

Gotsumon:  “I felt strangely uneasy about something this morning, so I came here to check out the scenery.”

I don’t know, Gotsumon, could it possibly have been the fact that the human world is falling from the sky? Just maybe that. Or even if you couldn’t see that, the huge purple storm clouds that are covering the entire sky are also a pretty big sign that something’s up.

(I guess maybe what he’s getting at is that he usually lives in the forest and couldn’t actually see any of that going on in the sky through the tree canopies, hence why he came here to get a better look?)

It’s as Gotsumon was at the beach that something huge fell from the sky and landed on him, burying him in the sand.

Masaru:  “I see… Well, that’s harsh.”

Agumon:  “It’s a good thing you weren’t injured!”

Masaru:  “You’ve got that right!”

[the two of them laugh awkwardly with Gotsumon]

Either these two are being oblivious dorks, or they know full well that the large thing that landed on Gotsumon was probably ShineGreymon and are awkwardly trying to play dumb about it.

Tohma:  “That large Digimon who fell out of the sky was most likely…”

Lalamon:  “ShineGreymon.”

Yoshino:  “Yup.”

Gaomon:  “Let’s just leave the ignorant to their laughing.”

I mean, there’s about a 50/50 chance it was actually MirageGaogamon, so don’t be so quick to poke fun at Masaru there, Tohma and Gaomon. (It was in fact ShineGreymon, we see him in Gotsumon’s flashback, but these guys don’t know that for sure.)

Agumon:  “Anyway, Aniki! We need to find Ykkrajil, quick!”

Yes, Agumon, Ykkrajil. He’s such a kid. What are these weird complicated words.

Ikuto and Falcomon, the Digital World natives, have heard of Yggdrasil but have no idea where to find it. Luckily, though, it just so happens that Gotsumon does, so he offers to take them to it! That’s… rather convenient that a Digimon who must have been born only fairly recently happens to know this thing that it seems most Digital World residents don’t, but you know what? I’m not complaining, because it means that we can get on with the plot immediately instead of spending several episodes aimlessly wandering around.

(Or, the writers could have had our guide to finding Yggdrasil be someone where it makes more sense that they know where it is, but I also find it neat that we get to see Gotsumon again here and have an actual example of how Digimon losing their memories when they’re reborn works.)

At Gotsumon’s offer to help, the group retreats into a huddle to confer amongst themselves.

Yoshino:  “It’s a trap. It has to be!”

Gaomon:  “Master, this smells dangerous.”

Tohma:  “He certainly isn’t the most trustworthy guy I know.”

The most rational members of the group definitely aren’t falling over themselves to trust him. (I love how Gaomon says it “smells” dangerous, again, did you know he is Dog.)

Ikuto:  “I think it’s okay to trust him.”

Masaru:  “Ikuto!”

Ikuto:  “Gotsumon is reborn. He doesn’t even remember me. He’s different from before.”

It’s really neat that Ikuto of all people is the first one to decide to trust him. Not only is he used to the concept of Digimon being reborn and completely forgetting their old lives, he also interacted the most with Gotsumon’s barely-suppressed bigotry and hostility towards him in his past life, and he can clearly tell that that’s not there any more. Ikuto is good. Look at him not holding a grudge, not against the new Gotsumon who doesn’t deserve to be blamed for things he doesn’t even remember doing.

Masaru:  “I’ll trust him, too.”

Yoshino:  “Why?”

Masaru:  “C’mon, remember that old saying? ‘If you don’t go in the butt, you won’t get the tiger cub.’”

[long, awkward pause]

Yoshino:  “It’s not ‘the butt’.”

Tohma:  “It’s ‘the tiger’s den’.”

(The subbers’ notes explain that this is a Japanese idiom that’s the equivalent of “nothing ventured, nothing gained”. The words “butt” and “den” are only one consonant apart in Japanese, so it’s reasonable for Masaru to get them muddled up.)

I love this. It’s so Masaru for him to have misheard that idiom once when he was younger and then just ran with it and assumed that was how it really went. Maybe he was young enough to figure it made a certain kind of sense, in that baby tigers come out of the mother’s butt, right, and then never re-evaluated this when he learned where babies actually come from? It’s the exact kind of thing this dork might do.

Also, idiom mangling aside, it’s very Masaru for him to decide to trust Gotsumon simply because they won’t get anywhere if they don’t. Always gotta move forward, even if there’s a risk.

It seems like Masaru and Ikuto’s votes are enough to sway the others to agree, so the next thing we see, they’re making their way along a narrow cliffside towards wherever Yggdrasil is.

Yoshino:  “Don’t you think it’d be faster if we evolved?”

Oh my god, it’s a miracle, somebody is actually suggesting evolving for the sake of transport, the world must be ending. (Oh, wait.)

Unfortunately for their convenience, Tohma points out that the sky’s grown even more turbulent than it was before and flying wouldn’t be safe, hence why they have to make their way there on foot. But I do still really appreciate that the writers finally actually addressed this option and gave a reason for why they aren’t doing it! This time, at least. It does not excuse literally every other time.

Back in the human world, the roads and train stations are absolutely packed with people trying to evacuate and get to shelters, at the government’s urging. Sayuri and Chika, however, have returned to their home.

Chika:  “Hey, Mom. Shouldn’t we evacuate?”

Sayuri:  “Why?”

Chika:  “Because we’re the only ones who are staying behind.”

Sayuri:  “It’ll be the same no matter where we run.”

I like Sayuri’s approach to this. Unlike the general public, she knows enough about what the crisis is that she’s perfectly aware that if the worlds do collide, they won’t be any safer in a shelter. The government’s only telling everybody else that to try and make them feel safe. Knowing that, if the end does come, Sayuri would much rather face it in her own home.

Sayuri:  “Besides… Masaru and the others will be sad if they don’t find us here when they come back.”

Aww. She did say he should be back by dinner time, and this way that can feel a little more normal! She’s trying so hard to keep her family together and happy in whatever small ways she can, even at a time like this.

Chika accepts this and happily starts munching on some of the rice balls her mom’s just made for her. As her daughter does so, Sayuri looks behind her at the family photo – of all four of them, back when Suguru was around.

Sayuri:  (Dearest… If something dangerous ever happened to Masaru… you will come and save him, right?)

Aww, Sayuri. How many times must she have coped with her worry about Masaru heading off into danger in the Digital World by telling herself that surely Suguru will somehow swoop in and save him if it ever comes to that.

(And yet it’s definitely not a coincidence that the narrative is showing her doing this for the first time in this episode out of all of them. Foreshadowing. Hee.)

Back in the Digital World, we’ve skipped the rest of what may have been a very long and boring travel time (don’t you love how Savers always just gets right on with the plot), and the group has arrived near Yggdrasil’s giant tree.

Gotsumon:  “That is the World Tree which supports the Digital World.”

That’s an interesting implication that the Digital World needs this tree, because, as we’ll learn in a later episode, it actually wasn’t always there. I guess this is some sort of legend that started up after the tree became a thing. Perhaps it’s considered to be that because Yggdrasil supports the Digital World, and it currently lives in that tree.

Gotsumon:  “No-one has ever seen what Yggdrasil really looks like, but it’s quite likely that he’s predicted this unprecedented crisis.”

Oh, it sure did. Predicted it so hard that it sat back and let it happen, even.

Masaru:  “My dad must’ve climbed that tree…”

Hee, I love how Masaru’s instantly thinking about that. For all he knows, his dad never actually found Yggdrasil at all! But no, obviously he would have managed to achieve his goal, and obviously Masaru’s following in his footsteps now.

Before they can approach the tree, Craniummon appears dramatically in front of the group in a huge whirlwind, refusing to let them pass.

Craniummon:  “I, Craniummon, shall eliminate all who dare to approach Yggdrasil.”

Masaru:  “What?” [he steps forward] “We just came here to see Yggdrasil. At least let us talk to him!”

Love how straightforward Masaru always is, refusing to be deterred by Craniummon’s lofty pompous attitude about this. Come on, just let them talk to the guy, it can’t be that unreasonable a thing to ask.

Something suddenly slams into Masaru, throwing him back across the ground. Craniummon didn’t appear to move an inch, but it was him, doing that moving-too-fast-to-see thing.

Craniummon:  “I believe I told you not to come closer. The next time you do, I will slice out your heart.”

Yikes, Craniummon. Taking this guarding-Yggdrasil thing very seriously, I see.

As the rest of the group marvels at how invisibly fast Craniummon struck, Masaru gets up, one hand over his chest.

Masaru:  “You’ll slice my heart out, eh? Bring it on! I’ll force you to let us pass!”

Oh, Masaru. He rushes forwards and is slammed backwards by something invisible again, but this time he manages to right himself mid-sprawl and land safely in a crouch. His heart doesn’t appear to have been sliced out at all. He looks up, grinning, and raises a fist glowing with Digisoul.

Tohma:  “You were able to see Craniummon’s attack?”

Masaru:  “No way. I just punched the air in front of where my heart was!”

I love Masaru’s approach to this! So straightforward and risky, and yet he knew he’d be able to block the attack if he did it this way! We get a brief flashback shot to the moment of the impact, just slightly slowed-down enough that we can see Masaru punch at the slicing energy that was shooting towards him, but we still don’t actually see Craniummon move.

This is how you show someone using this kind of tactic to hit an enemy that moves so fast they can’t be seen! Take notes, episode 23. This is the same tactic Masaru used there, but this time it’s actually depicted well.

With that, as everyone decides to fight to get past, it’s evolution time, for all four of them and not just Masaru, so time to stand up and get a drink or something.

As the four Ultimate-levels stand before Craniummon, Gotsumon has a good view of ShineGreymon’s back and suddenly realises that this is the Digimon who fell on him earlier. He is not happy about it.

Yoshino:  “I-It was an accident! An accident!”

Tohma:  “She’s right! We didn’t do it on purpose!”

Gotsumon:  “No! That was unforgivable! I won’t forgive you for it!”

Also a very Gotsumon trait: being very petty and insisting on holding grudges about something like this, even after they helped him out of the sand afterwards and even when they’re telling him it was an accident.

Masaru:  “Gotsumon! We came all this way trusting your word! That’s why you should believe us, too! That’s what a man does!”

The writers mostly make comedy out of this by having Masaru’s last sentence accompanied by an overly-dramatic close-up shot, but even so, this is some legit Masaru manliness here! They trusted him (despite some compelling reasons not to on their end), so he should trust them, obviously!

As Masaru keeps glaring dramatically at him, Gotsumon is cowed into deciding to believe them. It kind of comes across less like Gotsumon relented because he bought into Masaru’s manly argument, and more just that he was intimidated into it. But maybe that’s kind of necessary, for someone like Gotsumon. He may have lost the bigotry, but he still has that pettiness to him that makes him not very compatible with Masaru’s principles.

Yoshino:  “It looks like we were able to convince him in a really confusing way!”

Tohma:  “Even with my intelligence, I can’t tell how that happened!”

Yoshino and Tohma’s comments are continuing the comedic vibe, though they don’t quite land right for me. Tohma’s “even with my intelligence” is a particularly awkward phrasing, especially given that he already knows full well that Masaru’s approaches rarely make sense to him and yet often work.

Anyway, comedy over, mostly, Craniummon starts off the fight by firing a blast at Gotsumon. ShineGreymon has to dive in the way of it to protect him.

Masaru:  “You bastard! Gotsumon just brought us here!”

I love how Not Happy Masaru is at Craniummon taking such an approach. The four of them and their partners have expressed their willingness to fight by evolving, so they’re fair targets, but Gotsumon is an innocent bystander who doesn’t want to fight. Nobody should attack somebody like that; that’s not what a man does!

Craniummon:  “My duty… is to get rid of all who dare to approach Yggdrasil. Those who assist you must also be eliminated.”

Geez, Craniummon. That’s a bit much in and of itself, but it’s especially a bit much that you made a point of attacking Gotsumon first. Ravemon and MirageGaogamon agree that this is super uncalled for.

Masaru:  “Damn it! ShineGreymon, go and…!”

[Gotsumon steps forward and points at ShineGreymon]

Gotsumon:  “Go and beat him up! Now go! Do it!”

Seeing a little bit more of the old Gotsumon we knew here. He always did like bossing around bigger and stronger Digimon, didn’t he? Apparently he has an instinct to be the one to do that, even when it’s completely unnecessary, because Masaru was already going to ask ShineGreymon to attack and has a lot more right to be the one to tell him what to do.

Not that ShineGreymon really cares who’s telling him to do it; he’s quite happy to charge at Craniummon. Craniummon easily deflects his and MirageGaogamon’s attacks with his whirlwind, then catches Rosemon’s whip between his fingers and flings her into Ravemon.

Masaru:  “Don’t give up! We defeated Belphemon, so we can’t lose to a guy like him!”

Oh, Masaru. I do like him reminding them of the incredible against-the-odds victory they’ve already managed to pull off.

Masaru activates the GeoGrey Sword, which is actually the first time we’ve seen it since its debut in episode 33. I suspect that most of the reason the writers decided to give ShineGreymon this fancy sword is because of the Royal Knights he’s going to be fighting in this arc, a lot of whom also have their own weapons.

Indeed, Craniummon responds to this by summoning his own double-ended spear, Claiomh Solais… man I’m probably never going to actually call it by that name again, that is hard to spell and also contains an accent on the first “I” that I can’t be bothered to figure out how to input on my English keyboard. It’s a thing from Irish mythology or something, I think. Big fancy weapon, is the point.

Craniummon:  “We Royal Knights, who protect Yggdrasil, are the ones who are closest to God! Opposing the likes of us… is the same foolish act as challenging divine authority!”

That sure is some Royal Knight pompousness there. It seems Craniummon – and almost certainly the other Knights too, we will be seeing a lot of them acting similarly – tells himself that Yggdrasil is totally always right, because it’s a god, and therefore he is also totally always right if he does what Yggdrasil tells him to do. Sure makes things easy for you, Craniummon. Easier than thinking about whether you actually agree about billions of humans being wiped out.

He gives this line as his and ShineGreymon’s weapons clash, and ends it by flinging the GeoGrey Sword out of ShineGreymon’s grip. Which kinda goes to show how overhyped the GeoGrey Sword is by the narrative, really. It’s literally just a big sword – and funnily enough, against opponents who have much more experience using similar kinds of weapons, ShineGreymon doesn’t get any meaningful advantage from it at all!

Craniummon summons a huge whirlwind attack, flinging the Ultimate-levels helplessly into the air and back down to the ground (while, amusingly, the humans and Gotsumon have to avoid getting sucked in too by clinging to some nearby trees).

Craniummon: “Come, my next attack shall sever you from any lingering attachments you have to this world!”

Wow, Craniummon, that sure is one way to dance ridiculously around saying you’re going to kill them.

He raises his spear to thrust it towards ShineGreymon, who’s lying prone and helpless on his back. Something stops it before it can stab through him. ShineGreymon opens his eyes to see…

…Masaru punched the spear. In the pointy end. And it worked.

Which, to be fair, is almost certainly because his body is cloaked in Digisoul right now. We’ve seen a fair few times now that Digisoul is more than just a power that can pass onto Digimon to evolve them. It can make Masaru’s (or Suguru’s) attacks more powerful and have other very tangible, physical effects, such as what BanchouLeomon did to keep the two worlds apart. Why shouldn’t it also be able to act as some kind of shield?

Still, credit to Masaru for the fact that he didn’t necessarily know that when he decided to do this. He just wanted to protect his partner in the most straightforwardly gutsy way possible, and went for it, and it paid off. Masaru is so good.

Craniummon: “You…”

Craniummon’s eyes widen as he stares at this tiny human showing such ridiculous tenacity towards someone as important and godly as himself.

Masaru:  “What’s this crap about the Royal Knights?! What’s this crap about God?! Two worlds are about to be destroyed, and just what the hell is your God doing?!”

You frickin’ tell him, Masaru! I love that he can call this out for the bullshit it is. Who cares about all this pompous posturing about gods when people are going to die?

Craniummon: “What?”

Masaru:  “Someone who doesn’t even bother to save the world… shouldn’t… shouldn’t call himself a god!”

EXACTLY! I love this speech of Masaru’s so much. It draws from his strong sense of responsibility – if someone’s going to call themselves the god of a world, that means they have a responsibility to protect all the people in it to the best of their ability. Sure doesn’t seem like Yggdrasil gives a damn about doing any of that!

(Well, unbeknownst to Masaru for now, apparently, on the surface of things based on what we saw last episode, it seems like Yggdrasil is at least trying to protect its Digital World by destroying the human world. But, ha ha.)

Masaru gave this whole speech while still furiously blocking the spear with his fist and his Digisoul, and at the final words of it, he thrusts his fist upwards and pushes the spear away, sending Craniummon toppling onto his back. Everybody else gapes in amazement that he managed to do that. Do not underestimate the power of Masaru’s sheer determination and fierce sense of right and wrong.

ShineGreymon: “Aniki, that’s amazing!”

Masaru:  “C’mon! Show ‘em what you’ve got!”

ShineGreymon is still always so in awe of his aniki and the awesome things he can pull off, I love it. Inspired by this, he gets to his feet, blazing with power, and Masaru, probably also coasting off the fierce emotion of the speech he just gave, activates his Burst Mode.

For the record, this is not evolution padding. Yes, Masaru didn’t evolve ShineGreymon to his absolute highest form right away at the beginning of the fight – but we are never going to see anybody go straight to Burst Mode from Child-level. So evidently that’s not how Burst Mode works, because it’s different from a regular evolution level. It seems like a Digimon and their partner need to fight for a while at Ultimate level before they can build up enough fighting spirit to be able to achieve that extra Burst Mode boost.

ShineGreymon Burst Mode flies at Craniummon, clashing against his spear, but the moment only lasts a short time before another glowing figure shoots out of the sky towards the battlefield, knocking ShineGreymon down. It’s another Royal Knight, Dukemon, who seems unimpressed by Craniummon having so much trouble dealing with these intruders.

(Dukemon has the same Japanese voice that the Dukemon in Digimon Tamers did. It’s an amusing reminder, for anyone who’s seen Tamers in Japanese, that this armoured humanoid dude actually used to be an adorable dinosaur friend once upon a time. Oh, Digimon and their obligatory humanoid evolutions. Tamers had a reason for it, but here Dukemon’s a humanoid knight because he just is, how else would he be able to be one of the Royal Knights, right?)

More glowing figures arrive on the battlefield, revealing (most of) the rest of the Royal Knights. Gotsumon stammers out their names as he sees each of them, but I’m not going to bother giving them here, because most of these guys won’t actually matter much to the narrative. Gotsumon seems particularly intimidated by one called Omegamon, who is in fact supposed to be the leader of the Royal Knights, but this also does not matter one bit for the purposes of Savers. I’m not sure Omegamon even gets any lines. (Edit from later: okay, he gets like a couple of lines in one episode, that’s it, but it’s very telling that I forgot that fact.)

Digimon Analyser: “Each of them fight for their own personal justice.”

Which is kind of a weird thing for them to do, when their whole thing is supposed to be mindlessly obeying Yggdrasil’s orders, as we’ve seen with Craniummon. They shouldn’t have much room to have their own individual feelings and principles about anything this way. This is probably a remnant of an idea that’s lot more relevant in other media featuring the Royal Knights.

Masaru:  “Interesting. Let’s take them all on, ShineGreymon!”

Oh, Masaru. There’s like… nine of them? here, and he had enough trouble with just the one. But of course he’s just seeing this as a challenge.

(Okay, seven, apparently, I had to count. That’s how little most of them matter. I very much appreciate that this is not one of those Groups Of Villains in Digimon where we obligatorily have to defeat all of them in individual episodes before getting on with the main plot. Man that’d be tedious.)

Before ShineGreymon can actually start any attempt to take them on, though, Dukemon raises his lance and launches a huge blast of energy that turns the entire surroundings blinding white, knocking the whole DATS group and their Digimon out.

The next thing we see is a flashback to Masaru’s childhood! We haven’t seen one of those from him until now, have we? There might just be a very good reason why this is suddenly changing.

Little Masaru: “No! I want to take him with me!”

Tiny four-year-old Masaru is holding a frog that he found out in the wilderness somewhere, insisting to his dad that he wants to take it home as a pet. That’s adorable. Remember how Masaru seemed low-key upset at the school pets being killed in episode 2? Turns out he’s actually got a soft spot for animals!

And, of course, remember him calling Agumon a frog both times he first encountered him? (“Both” as in counting the memory wipe episode as a “first time”.) Masaru actually did end up bringing a big orange fire-breathing frog home with him, in the end! Perhaps that’s part of why he insisted on thinking of Agumon that way, despite all appearances to the contrary. What an adorable dork.

Suguru:  “Masaru. That frog has a family, too.”

Little Masaru:  “A family?”

Suguru:  “Yeah. The mommy frog has dinner made and is waiting for him to come back.”

I love that this is the angle Suguru takes to explain to his son why taking a wild animal out of its habitat is wrong. It’s got a family! You should always respect other people’s families and how important they are to them, no matter what species.

Masaru doesn’t have that many distinct memories of the times when his dad was still around (he was four), so it’s very meaningful that this one – in which his dad taught him the importance of respecting people’s families – is one that managed to stick with him.

At these words from his dad, little Masaru understands that he needs to let the frog go, and he happily waves goodbye to it as it hops off.

Suguru:  “You did great. That’s what a man should do!”

Of course Suguru finishes up with this. Respecting other people’s families is part of his concept of manliness! He was already teaching his son how to be a Man (which is not about gender but about being a decent and honourable person), even when Masaru was this little.

Look at him he’s so smol and so good and so happy to be making his dad proud, it’s adorable.

Masaru:  “Dad…”

Masaru in the present regains consciousness mumbling his dad’s name, probably without having really meant to. How often do you want to bet he has dreams about some of the few memories he still has of his dad. Very often, no doubt.

He opens his eyes to see his comrades sprawled around him, hurt and barely conscious just like him after Dukemon’s attack, the Digimon devolved. Further around them, the scene’s suddenly taken on an atmosphere of ominous gravity; the Royal Knights are lined up in two rows, bowing deeply, as a human-seeming figure in a cloak walks between them towards the group.

Masaru:  “Damn it… They’re planning to finish us off… I won’t… let that happen… This fight… isn’t over yet…”

Masaru doesn’t quite seem to register what this might mean. He struggles to focus on the approaching figure, seeing them as nothing but another enemy, here to finish off him and his friends. Of course he can’t let that happen. Of course he can’t just give up like this.

He forces himself painfully to his feet and rushes at the figure, throwing a punch at their face. His fist ends up sailing harmlessly past just inches to the side – at the last second, Masaru must have noticed whose face it was and frantically redirected his fist to miss on purpose.

The gust from the missed punch blows the figure’s hood back, revealing the face of Suguru Daimon. Masaru’s eyes widen in shock as he stumbles to a halt and turns around to stare at him.

This is the first time Masaru’s seen his father in anything but a photograph in ten whole years.

(At this moment, the BGM piece called I’M JUST FIGHTER starts up. This scene is the single biggest reason I really love that piece.)

“Suguru” turns back to look at him with a completely cold, impassive expression, no hint of recognition or happiness at seeing his son again.

Masaru:  “Dad… Is that you, Dad…?”

Masaru is Staring, hardly able to believe this is really happening: his dad, here again right in front of him after all this time. He doesn’t even seem to be properly registering the lack of reaction he’s getting, not yet. He’s too stuck on his dad is actually here.

Masaru:  “Don’t scare us like that. Why didn’t you contact us or something if you were safe?”

I love that this is something that immediately comes to mind, seeing his dad here and apparently… fine? He must have told himself for all this time (and especially since learning where his dad really disappeared to) that the only reason he didn’t contact them must’ve been because he couldn’t somehow. And yet it looks like… he probably could have, but he just… didn’t? Why on earth not?

Masaru:  “C’mon, let’s go home. Mom and Chika are waiting.”

I adore how Masaru’s got so caught up in the moment of finding his dad at last that he’s completely forgotten what they’re supposed to be doing right now. They kind of have a god to talk to and an apocalypse to stop, but literally none of that matters to Masaru in this moment. His dad’s here; that means he needs to bring him home and they can finally have their family back together at last, like they’ve always dreamed of. Nothing else is even remotely as important as that.

He says this while raising his hands forwards and stepping towards his dad, perhaps vaguely hoping for some kind of hug or something. “Suguru” just keeps giving him that impassive look, and slaps one hand away.

Masaru stares some more, probably beginning to realise there’s something very wrong about this. He must have imagined a thousand different ways his reunion with his dad might go when he definitely eventually found him again in the Digital World, and this was not any of them.

Dukemon:  “Insolent fellow! Do you have any idea who you’re speaking to?”

Masaru:  “Who I’m speaking to…? This is my…”

Dukemon:  “This person is our God, Yggdrasil!”

I love the sort of lost, automatic way Masaru mumbles an answer to Dukemon’s question without thinking. He never even stopped to consider the context of what’s going on and the fact that the Royal Knights were all bowing to this figure. It’s his dad, of course, why even ask, what other possible answer could there be…?

Except apparently, his dad’s also a god.

Masaru:  “Dad is… the Digital World’s God…?”

This shot here, as Masaru tries to process this, is so good. It does a perfect job at getting across just how huge and momentous and all-encompassing Masaru’s father is and has always been to him. His dad is the biggest most important person in the whole wide world, so upon hearing that he’s literally a god, some part of Masaru’s mind just kinda goes, yeah, that makes sense? it’s his dad, after all.

(Remember that Masaru last saw his dad when he was four. Thanks to his absence, that way that a four-year-old kid would look up to their parent as the greatest most powerful person ever is still how Masaru unconsciously sees his dad today, even now that he’s fourteen. I love Masaru’s dad complex so much.)

Masaru:  “I-I don’t get it, Dad. We came here because we were told to go see Yggdrasil. Explain to me what’s going on here…”

It’s so adorable how, despite how obviously weird and unresponsive “Suguru” is acting, Masaru still instinctively asks him for an explanation to clear up the confusion he’s feeling. It’s his dad, right? He knows the answer to everything; of course he’ll be able to explain things and make it all make sense.

Dukemon informs him that there’s nothing left to talk about; Yggdrasil has already made up its mind to save the Digital World by annihilating the human world. Everyone gapes at this revelation, Masaru especially. “Suguru” stands there impassively, saying nothing to contest it.

Masaru:  “H-He’s lying, right? You can’t destroy the human world… My dad would never say that…”

I love the desperate smile on his face, and the stammer (Masaru hardly ever stammers!) as he tries to tell himself that surely all of that’s just lies, surely his dad would never want to destroy an entire world, that doesn’t make sense, as soon as his dad opens his mouth to say something it’ll all be put back to normal again (right?)

(and yet he’s got to already be afraid this is true, because that look on his dad’s face, and the fact that he hasn’t said anything to question it, and how can this be happening it’s his DAD)

“Suguru”:  “The ones who destroyed the dimensional barrier and are leading the two worlds to their destruction are none other than the humans. There is no worth in keeping the humans alive.”

Masaru’s desperate smile falls away as his dad’s voice cuts him off with an emotionless, callous explanation of exactly why humans deserve to die. No; no explanation from the father he thought he knew is coming. This really is exactly what it looks like.

(Of course, this is Yggdrasil speaking, just the same as it was last episode. It’s only Suguru on a superficial, physical level. But I’m using “Suguru” as the tags for this in these scenes where Masaru is present, because it is vitally important that Masaru 100% believes it really is his dad.)

Masaru:  “Da… Dad…”

Masaru backs away in horror, and there’s this delightful flash of his dad smiling at him from the flashback, like Masaru’s image of his father as the kind and honourable person he thought he was is being utterly shaken to its core right now. I love it.

“Suguru”:  “The human world… will be destroyed.”

I utterly adore how “Suguru”’s decisively ruthless words in the present are immediately followed by the flashback snippet of Suguru smiling at his son, affectionately saying his name while patting him on the head – and then it just shatters, and there’s nothing but a dark swirling void of nothingness behind it.

This is a very deliberate metaphor. Literally everything about who Masaru is has been built off his image of and idolisation of his father as the best most wonderful person ever. Seeing his father like this, casually ordering the genocide of an entire species – his entire species – utterly shatters that image. And without that, Masaru has nothing left that makes him Masaru. It’s all just gone. Empty. The writers knew exactly what they were doing with this shot and I love it so much.

Back in the Daimons’ house on Earth, Sayuri and Chika turn around in surprise. The family photo’s been knocked off its shelf by an earthquake or something, the glass shattered exactly where Suguru’s face is. Sayuri stares at the broken photo in horror, perhaps sensing that this is an omen of something really bad.

(It may be a huge coincidence that this happened with this exact timing and the exact placement of the damaged glass, but I don’t care it’s symbolism I love it)

Masaru stares at his father in broken disbelief for a long moment… and then he just crumples to his knees, utterly defeated.

I love this so so much. This is Masaru Daimon, completely indomitable unstoppable spirit, who’s been unintimidated by literal Demon Lords and who just earlier this episode stopped a huge deadly spear twice, by punching it – but this one man says three sentences to him, and he shatters, simple as that. It’s so impactful. It says so much about how his father is everything to him. This is my single favourite scene in all of Savers.

Something else worth talking about regarding this is: remember the concept I brought up in episode 26 when Masaru nearly didn’t remember Agumon, and in episode 34 when he completely bought into Tohma’s betrayal, both times because he’s so straightforward that he doesn’t know how to look at something beyond surface level? That is extremely relevant here, as well.

Anybody else in this situation, even someone else with an equally powerful dad complex as Masaru’s, would have been able to look at the way their “father” is acting, see him callously declaring that he’ll destroy an entire species, and realise, something’s up with this. Surely the better explanation, rather than that their dad has become a genocidal god, is instead that this isn’t really their dad at all, despite what it looks like. But Masaru is so utterly used to taking everything at face value that this doesn’t even occur to him. He completely buys into the idea that his dad has turned into this monster, despite how much it hurts and how badly he must not want to believe it.

Masaru reacts the way he does to this, again, because he is Masaru and has such a straightforward approach to everything. Nobody else would in quite the same way. (I mentioned that this scene uses I’M JUST FIGHTER, and it’s perfect for it. The music comes to a crescendo and climax right as “Suguru” says those damning words that break Masaru, and it hits just right; I love it.)

And then, because his belief in his dad was nonetheless so strong, that’s why this breaks him so badly, just like when he thought Tohma had betrayed him. The difference between the two situations, of course, being that Masaru can’t even get angry at his dad betraying him, because how could he? It’s his dad! That and all of the mental mechanisms that enable Masaru to get fired up and passionate about things are rooted in his belief in his dad in the first place, so when that shatters, he simply loses the ability to even get angry at all. There’s nothing else he can do but just… shut down entirely.

With Masaru summarily dealt with – he’s very clearly not about to say anything else to question their god – the Royal Knights advance on the others, asking Yggdrasil what to do with them. It orders the Knights to kill them, as they’re useless to it.

The Royal Knights tower over the group, raising their weapons, while Tohma and the others watch in fear, knowing they have no hope of stopping this. Yoshino is hugging Lalamon and trembling – aaaa, Yoshino, she’s still always so scared of all of this!

Agumon:  “Damn it! Aniki! Get a hold of yourself! Aniki!”

Agumon at least is clinging to some of his Aniki’s usual never-say-die spirit, not understanding why Aniki isn’t – but Masaru himself is still broken, utterly unable to function like his follower expects him to. Masaru.exe has encountered a problem and has stopped working. He probably doesn’t even hear Agumon’s words.

His dad is a genocidal god out to kill humanity; how is he supposed to care or even think about literally anything else?

(This is my single favourite shot in Savers. I love it so much. Please give this kid a hug and tell him it’s going to be okay. Also, a bonus detail about it that I enjoy: Masaru’s pendant is almost always angled so we can see the front, but right now all that’s visible is the back.)

Just before the Royal Knights can finish them off, another giant Digimon, Sleipmon, swoops towards them, scooping the humans and their partners up in his hand and flying away with them. People familiar with Royal Knight lore will know that Sleipmon is also a Royal Knight, though the rest of the Knights seem quite surprised to see him doing this.

(You can just about see Masaru there in Sleipmon’s hand, but while most of the others seem to be freaking out about this sudden development, Masaru looks like he’s barely even registering it.)

Dukemon shoots an attack at Sleipmon as he flies up into the sky, which hits him but isn’t enough to kill him or stop him escaping. Craniummon suggests they should pursue him, but Yggdrasil tells them not to bother. Everything will be wiped out anyway; these humans and one rogue Royal Knight don’t matter.

Overall thoughts

This would otherwise be a relatively unremarkable, solidly decent but not outstanding episode, if it weren’t for my single favourite scene in the entire series at the end of it. That inherently pulls my appreciation of the episode as a whole up by several notches, purely because it contains this scene.

The rest of it’s fun enough as episodes go. Having Gotsumon show up reborn is neat, giving us an example of how this normally works; he’s clearly the same person but without the previous lifetime of bigotry making him an asshole. There’s a lot of comedy in this one that’s kinda hit-or-miss for me, but I do like the tiger’s butt line for how dorkily Masaru it is. And I love Masaru’s determination while fighting Craniummon, having the guts and straightforwardness to block his spear twice with his own fist, as well as the delightful “shouldn’t get to call himself a god!” speech.

And then. The best scene.

I just adore how comprehensively it gets across that Masaru’s dad is everything to him. We’ve always known this the whole time, of course, based on the way he acts whenever his dad – or, heck, parents in general – get brought up, to say nothing of where he obviously gets his manliness and determination from. But it’s so, so delightful to finally actually see it in full force. All this stuff I’d been noticing about Masaru’s dad complex this whole time, even on just my first time through? Yes, I’d been reading it right, and it matters, and we’re about to start getting really deep into it all. I love it. Those metaphor shots in particular are just. *chefs kiss* So good. The writers get it. They knew exactly what they were writing when it comes to Masaru.

And, of course, deep analysis aside, it’s also the absolute biggest possible example of Masaru being Not Okay. This is the most Not Okay it is possible for a Masaru to be, literally the one single way it is possible for him to be this. Even his dad turning out to be dead wouldn’t be nearly as bad, because then at least he could still keep believing in the father he remembered. The single best way to break Masaru: show him that his dad’s a monster. Which, thanks to his ridiculously straightforward nature, he won’t even question and will accept at face value.

Also I do love the adorable Little Masaru flashback with the frog, and his dad teaching him about the importance of family. The first of a few Little Masaru flashbacks we’ll be getting in this arc!

---

[Dub comparison]

[ryqoshay]

Putting on Hairs - Post Production: Seinaru Mori

Primary Pairing Trio: EmmaKanaKarin Rating: G? Words: 339 AU: Monsters, Cryptids Fandom: Love Live Nijigasaki Parent Fic: Putting on Hairs - Post Production Time Frame: Sometime after the main story Event: Promptober 2022 Event Source: Idol Fanfic Heaven channel on Discord Prompt: Forest Content Warning: Some descriptions of said cryptids

---------

Author’s Note: Primary entry for Oct 19th

Summary: Emma takes Kanata and Karin to a special forest

---------

“How much farther…?” Kanata drawled drearily.

The three young women had been hiking for quite a while, in fact Karin had actually lost track. However, the time wasn’t what bothered her, in and of itself, it was that they had left the main trail barely a hundred meters from the station. Where were they?

“Just a little farther.” Emma assured cheerfully.

“That’s what you said last time…” Kanata muttered.

Karin couldn’t help being amused by her girlfriends’ antics. Even if part of her wished she could just spread her wings and fly. Flying was so much better than walking. And it was easier to navigate when she could see everything from above. Unlike when walking, Karin had never gotten lost when flying.

“We’re here.” Emma finally announced. “Seinaru Mori.”

Sacred Forest?

“Eh? Emma?” Karin questioned as she watched her girlfriend start to grow.

Twenty meters. More? The giant’s head poked up above the tops of the trees.

Wow… Karin thought. This was the first time she had seen Emma’s true size.

“Fwaaa~!” Emma stretched. “It’s been too long since I’ve been able to do this… Ne, Karin-chan, Kanata-chan, come on up!”

With a puff of purple smoke, Kanata changed into a small, fluffy sheep with purple horns. The somnophore then floated up to alight upon Emma’s shoulder.

“Won’t someone see…?” Karin asked.

Emma shook her head. “Fuji-san protects all secrets here. And this place cannot be found, or even observed by those without such secrets.”

Huh… How had Karin never heard of this place? She had lived in Tokyo all her life and yet somehow Emma, who had only moved here within the last few years, was the one showing her.

“C’mon up!” Kanata called, noticing Karin’s hesitation. “The view is wonderful!”

Giving in, the succubus finally spread her wings and flew up to take a spot on Emma’s other shoulder.

“Gah!?” She startled as she noticed a giant skull looming near her.

“Oh my, I am terribly sorry.” A voice like rattling bones sounded. “I did not mean to frighten you, Succubus-san.”

“Tokotsu-san!” Emma greeted warmly. “I didn’t hear you there.”

“Such is my nature.” The skeleton… gashakokuro? shrugged. “Are these the two you were talking about last time?”

“Yes.” Emma nodded and introduced her girlfriends.

After a short chat, the trio moved deeper into the woods. Along the way, Emma continued to introduce the two to the other monsters and cryptids they encountered.

There were so many, Karin ended up having trouble keeping track. She remembered a trio of kamaitachi with names all referring to their sickle-like claws. A couple of basan birds visiting from Ehime. A Hibagon named Tsumasaki, who had moved here from Mt. Hiba. A family of kappa. A giant swarm of jinshin-mushi. And many others.

They shared a wonderful meal hosted by a futakuchi-onna, Uetanai, as Emma introduced her, in a clearing where dozens of youkai had gathered. Some were denizens of the forest, while many were visitors like the trio.

Finally, as the sun began to set, Emma led the trio to another clearing, a little ways up the slope of Mt. Fuji itself.

“This is my favorite place.” Emma explained, laying on the grass. “The protections on this forest also ward off unnatural light.”

“Meaning we’ll have a clear view of the stars?” Kanata surmised.

Emma smiled. “Exactly.”

“Oh, Kanata-chan can already see Orion’s belt.” The sheep pointed as best as she could.

Karin couldn’t help chuckling at the awkwardly cute display. “Thank you for brining us here, Emma.” She said after a moment. “Honestly, if I wasn’t so used to living in the city, I could live here.”

Emma and Kanata hummed in agreement.

“But we can at least spend the night.” Emma said. “I’ll keep you two warm.”

“That sounds nice.” Kanata yawned.

Karin and Kanata settled together in the crook of Emma’s arm. The trio then spent the next hour or so stargazing before falling into a comfortable slumber.

---------

Author’s Note Continued: This is a chapter I really look forward to expanding on. I’d like to write more about the other cryptids encountered by the trio, and definitely more about the goings on at the dinner.

[lovehypegirl]

EPISODE 2

synopsis: the beginning of y/n's biggest kickoff role! paring jujutsu kaisen actor au x y/n warnings: some cursing probably but either way, none

2:00 PM - AMAN TOKYO - TOKYO METROPOLITAN PREFECTURE, JAPAN

Kyube and y/n got out of the car as it parked in front of Aman Tokyo, the most expensive hotel in all of Tokyo, Japan

The sun was still in the sky and it was noticeably warmer than New York City and San Francisco so y/n took her hoodie off leaving her in a white t-shirt that had a dog on the front and Le Fleur in writing

The valet took Kyube and y/n's luggage as the two went to check in at the front desk

"Would you like to sit in the lobby for a bit? Or do you want to go upstairs? We have about 4 hours until you're needed at set" Kyube turned to y/n

"We're gonna start filming already?"

"Yes parts of the first episode, we're already behind schedule since it took some actors a while to fly in"

"Then...I wanna go to the hotel room"

"Alright then"

Kyube and y/n rode the elevator up to one of the top floors where the Signature Suite's were

The elevator opened with a ding! and the duo walked out into the hallway

One wall was doors, each spaced out from each other pretty far apart, and the opposite wall was floor-to-ceiling windows, almost like an observatory deck

Their room was the Aman Suite. The biggest one in the hotel

They walked down the hallway and Kyube handed y/n a key card

"We'll be sharing a hotel room but it's more of an apartment than a hotel. We'll have separate rooms. Here's your key card, we're leaving at 4pm so get ready"

"Okay"

y/n walked into the spacious hotel room

"Holy shit this is nice"

"It's got views of the Imperial Palace gardens and Mount Fuji, mini wine cellar and a mini bar - that for me not for you, a large bathroom with a traditional furo tub, and a separate living and dining room"

"Damn, how did you pull this off?" y/n ran her hands over the soft bed as Kyube held her Louboutins in her hand

"We're gonna be here a while, gotta make sure we get the best. Go unpack, we leave soon!" And with that, Kyube left the room

y/n hauled out her luggage that the valet had dropped off and took the luggage stands out of the closet

She began to take out the clothes and re-fold them as she put them away

She placed her carry-on jewelry safe in the closet along with her Hermes boxes

She then set up her outfit that she planned to wear to the set tonight

She wandered to the bathroom and took a much needed hot bath, an everything bath

By the time she got out, the windows were foggy and her legs were wobbly from sitting in the hot water so long

She picked up her phone from it's charging port: 3:30. She still had a half hour

She finished up her skincare in the bathroom and walked into her room

She put her hair in a towel and threw on a robe and walked out of the room holding her shoes and placed them on the floor by the door

Kyube was sitting at the table with a glass of Pinot Noir wine and her wavy hair in loose ponytail

"You almost ready to go?"

"Yeah, I just gotta get dressed"

"M'kay...you have about an hour and fifteen now"

"Uh huh"

y/n walked into her room and sat down at the vanity and dried her hair quickly before pulling it back in the bow scrunchie making sure to let her curtain bangs fall nicely in front of her face

She pulled on the Miu Miu shirt she got from the photoshoot and buttoned her pants

She went to the closet and picked out a white Prada bag and stood in front of the mirror to confirm her look before turning off the lights and going into the main space of the hotel

Kyube was waiting by the door wearing a suit and her signature So Kate Louboutins and Cartier watch

"Are you ready?" she asked as y/n double-checked everything in her bag

"Yeah....all good to go"

"Good, time to go then" and they made their way down to the car that was waiting in front of the hotel

TAGLIST

@moonmalice @lavender-hvze

[harumiflagsalesolpir]

Harumi Flag SOLPIR: A Vibrant Celebration of Tradition and Community Spirit

Nestled along the tranquil shores of Tokyo Bay, the district of Harumi comes alive each year with the vibrant colors and festive atmosphere of the HARUMI FLAG SOLPIR celebration. This unique event, deeply rooted in Japanese tradition, serves as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and community spirit that define the essence of Harumi.

The Harumi Flag SOLPIR festival, known affectionately by locals as simply "SOLPIR," is a cherished annual tradition that draws visitors from far and wide to experience the magic of Japanese culture firsthand. At the heart of the festivities are the iconic Harumi flags, meticulously crafted works of art that showcase the ingenuity and craftsmanship of local artisans.

Each flag tells a story, adorned with intricate designs that pay homage to Japan's rich history and natural beauty. From traditional symbols like cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji to more contemporary motifs inspired by modern Japanese art and design, the flags capture the essence of Japanese identity in all its diversity.

But SOLPIR is more than just a celebration of artistry; it is a celebration of community spirit and togetherness. As visitors stroll through the bustling streets of Harumi, they are greeted by the sight of families and friends coming together to share in the festivities. From traditional dance performances to lively street vendors selling delicious snacks and souvenirs, there is something for everyone to enjoy at SOLPIR.

One of the highlights of the festival is the grand flag-raising ceremony, a solemn yet joyous occasion that marks the official start of the festivities. Against the backdrop of Tokyo Bay, participants gather to witness the first flag being hoisted high into the sky, its vibrant colors fluttering in the breeze. It is a moment of pride for the people of Harumi, a symbol of their enduring connection to their land and its traditions.

As the sun sets over the bay, the festivities continue late into the night, with live music, cultural performances, and fireworks lighting up the sky. For visitors, SOLPIR offers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Japanese culture and experience the warmth and hospitality of the local community.

But SOLPIR is more than just a one-time event; it is a celebration that continues to resonate throughout the year, as the flags of Harumi are proudly displayed in homes and businesses across the district. Each flag serves as a reminder of the bonds that unite the people of Harumi and the enduring spirit of tradition that continues to thrive in this vibrant coastal community.

As another successful SOLPIR festival comes to a close, the people of Harumi look forward to the year ahead, filled with hope and optimism. For them, SOLPIR is more than just a celebration; it is a reaffirmation of their cultural identity and a testament to the power of community spirit to bring people together. And as the flags of Harumi flutter in the breeze, they serve as a beacon of inspiration for future generations to come.

[benefits1986]

2024 Shot List

When in doubt, let the light and shadow guide you to just shoot from the hip.

Since I'd be hunting down my dream film cam + prime lens in Japan (yiiii) and learning the lessons in and out of the dark room, here's my 2024 shot list. If things go as planned, this shot list will start in 2024 Q1. Abangan! -Bats 2024 x first sunrise and sunset -Tiny Manila Home with zee babies -BGC morning, lunch, late afternoon and at night -MatchME's first 100 KM -My baby bro's kiddos at play -Dad goes biking, hiking, swimming, and more -BTS of side hustles -Officemates portraits for MST in BnW -Plant visits :) -Ricky Lee and friends in his home -Binondo super early mornings -Intramuros at night -UPDi Ikot and Toki set -Mom's hometown -My anak-anakan's candied and candid portraits -Makati Weekend Market -Little Tokyo Trails -The Wizards and Witches of Oz -Miss Saigon in MNL -Dad x Tito Eu in Merlion City -Mother dragon's eternal home -Iloilo-Guimaras-Danj-Punta Bulata trip -Self portraits -Tags-Silang-Bats -Cats of BGC -Dogs of BGC -No Face of BGC -Secret Safe Spaces of BGC -BGC Laylayan ng Lipunan -Travel Buddies "Revenge" Travel BTS -Sleepy town of ina on Holy Week -Maginhawa and Beyond -Birthday trip to somewhere I still don't know -Portraits of Portraits -Landscapes of Landscapes -Sedated South, North, East and West -Holiday 2024 -Midyear 2024 -2024 YE Countdown -MRT-LRT-P2P

A bit of snippet for the planned Japan trip because I'm anticipating the result of the visa very, very soon: -Harry Potter set :D -More Harry Potter sets -More, more, more Harry Potter sets -Ink from inception to conception -Japan-Manila pabalik home -Hidden streets and alleys -Jazz nights -Early morning -Biking spots :) :) :) -Train stations -More train stations -Erotica -Realities of sushi -Matcha culture -The New Breed in the Dying Land of the Rising Sun -Old meets new -New meets old -Mt. Fuji x Full Moon (gah... most likely need a makeshift tripod for this and not expecting to get this pitik because long exposure is not my cup of matcha) -Beer, wine, coffee subcult -Kids of Japan -Quirks, quirks, quirks -Travel buddies bustling through life -Anime locations I still don't know if I can squeeze in, honestly Will edit this list because obviously, my stay there would be shorter than what I'd like; but, once you go Jap, you should go back, right? Eto ang challenge ng dreams turned realities e. 'Yung sabi kong once in my life, parang naging goal na siya to come back kasi andaming prefectures talagang putok na putok. Hihihihihihihi.

So, off to hunt down a good number of films and also learning how to change films, because we don't want to not having those shots. LOL. So help me, universe. But, first, labada muna! Let's go.

[rinzsu]

cw. itoshi sae, fluff to light angst, gender neutral wherein you reminisce in your memories of your first love

it’s the summer you turned seventeen when you met him, itoshi sae, for the very first time.

he’s boisterous back then, rough around the edges with a sharp tongue to match his colorful vocabulary.

he’s blunt, honest and sometimes (most of the time) very brutal with his criticism and choice of words. but none the less, he’s quite pleasant to be around.

it’s the summer you turned seventeen when you learned that there are people who dislike the salty aftertaste of french fries, and oddly enough, to both your humor and horror, itoshi sae is one of them.

he says it’s the crunch, along with the oversalted carryover that accompanies the fried dish, which, in your opinion, is by far the best trade these potato slices could have.

to prove your point, you ordered a small portion of french fries every time you stopped by the small diner near the coast all summer long, much to sae’s dismay, as he watched you happily munch on your fried treat.

it’s the summer you turned seventeen when you learned to wholeheartedly appreciate the fresh breeze of kamakura, replacing the artificial gusts of your ac with the cool ocean winds of the coast.

it’s sae’s fault that you still open your windows first thing in the morning, watching mount fuji and the sea as the first rays of sunlight bleed into the sky, as you take in the early morning onshore breeze.

and even now, the maritime looks just as beautiful as back then, a playful back and forth between the waves as they reflect the golden specks of the sun.

and yet, you probably never looked at it with the same infatuation as you watched him.

it's the summer you turned seventeen when you shared a twinned popsicle for the first time, with sae no less.

it's the first time you aren't disappointed about drawing a loose, too and unlike sae, who haphazardly throws his stick into the bin outside the convenience store, you keep yours, tugging it away safely in a box stacked away between old shirts and winter jackets, [name]'s treasures scribbled on its lid in pretty cursive.

it's the same summer sae told you that he's going to leave for spain once more, right before autumn so he can enjoy the rest of kamakura's summer with you.

that night, as you lie in bed, watching the stars twinkle in the inky night sky, you come to make two revelations at once.

one, it’s sae’s fault for making you fall in love with the simplicity of life, with him.

and two, it’s yours for letting it happen in the first place, for believing that he’d stay for you, holding onto that thread of hope like it was everything you had left.

he leaves shortly after, a thousand words and unspoken truths stuck in the depths of your throat as you watch him depart from the airport, greeting him goodbye and see you soon as you embrace his warmth one last time.

it feels more like farewell than goodbye, and deep down, both of you had a feeling that it was.

and so, you're stuck with opening the window in the morning, breathing the salty morning air as you remember the remnants of sae itoshi, your very first love.

©️ rinsque — do not plagiarise nor repost anything on any other platform.

note. this is a repost from my former blog @/iohims

[mscoyditch]

"Fuji. First light of the Sun". 1926.

By Yoshida hiroshima. Japanese. 1876-1950.

> artschoolglasses

[risingpakistan1947]

Witnessing the Mount Zao Japan,s Contrasting Landscapes

Perched on the border between Miyagi and Yamagata Prefectures in northern Japan, Mount Zao is a magnificent volcanic mountain that boasts stunning natural beauty. What sets Mount Zao apart from other mountains in Japan is its mystical atmosphere created by the thick blanket of snow that covers the landscape during winter. The combination of snowfall and strong winds creates rare and spectacular natural formations known as snow monsters. Best places to visit in Singapore This phenomenon occurs when freezing temperatures cause moisture-laden clouds to deposit heavy snow onto the trees, transforming them into eerie, misshapen figures that resemble mythical creatures. These otherworldly shapes standing against a backdrop of pure white create a surreal sight that attracts countless visitors each year. Adventurous souls can explore this wintry wonderland while skiing or snowboarding down its powdery slopes. Mount Zao's unique blend of enchanting scenery and cultural experiences makes it a must-visit destination for nature lovers seeking an unforgettable adventure in Japan.

Discovering the Beauty of Mount Zao Japan

As the sun starts to rise over Mount Zao Japan, a mesmerizing sight unfolds before your eyes. The mountain's famous snow monsters come to life, creating a landscape that seems straight out of a fairy tale. These unique trees, covered in layers upon layers of ice and snow, create an otherworldly atmosphere that draws visitors from all over the world. Private Tour Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Hida Furukawa,Takayama But there are more than just the stunning snow monsters to discover on Mount Zao. The region also boasts hot springs to relax and rejuvenate after a long day of exploring. Imagine soaking in the warm waters while surrounded by nature's beauty – it's an experience like no other. For those seeking adventure, Mount Zao Onsen ski resort offers thrilling skiing and snowboarding opportunities during winter. With its challenging slopes and breathtaking vistas, it is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. If you visit during spring or summer, take advantage of the numerous hiking trails that allow you to explore the area's lush forests and hidden waterfalls. MOUNT FUJI SIGHTSEEING WITH PRIVATE GUIDE AND CAR Whether you're captivated by its snowy landscapes or enticed by its natural wonders, Mount Zao Japan is sure to leave an indelible mark on your heart. It is not just a mountain but an embodiment of Japan's awe-inspiring beauty – one that deserves to be experienced firsthand. So, pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable journey to discover the magic of Mount Zao for yourself.

Location Mount Zao

Mount Zao is located in the northeastern part of Japan in the Tohoku region, straddling the borders of Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures. Its unique location offers visitors a whole host of natural wonders to explore. The mountain itself is an active volcano, and its surrounding area is home to an array of stunning landscapes, including crater lakes, hot springs, and dense forests.

Notable Attractions

Nestled in northeastern Japan, Mount Zao is a natural wonder that offers a breathtaking array of attractions. The first and most iconic feature is the Okama Crater, often called the Five Color Pond. This crater lake changes colors depending on weather conditions, ranging from emerald green in summer to deep indigo in winter. It's like witnessing a painting come alive before your eyes. 1 Day Tokyo Private Tour with English Speaking Guide As you make your way through the mountainous terrain, another awe-inspiring sight awaits the Juhyo Ice Trees. These mystical formations are created by a unique blend of heavy snowfall and strong winds, shaping the trees into fantastical shapes resembling creatures from folklore. During winter nights, when illuminated by colorful lights, these ice trees transform into an enchanted forest straight out of a fairy tale. Best places to visit in Malaysia But it's not just visual beauty that lures visitors to Mount Zao; it also holds spiritual significance for many locals and pilgrims alike. The sacred Buddhist temple known as Risshakuji Temple attracts countless devotees seeking solace amidst nature's splendor. Surrounded by serene forests, this temple is renowned for its ancient Buddhist artworks and peaceful atmosphere — a journey worth undertaking for anyone seeking introspection or tranquility. Mount Zao Japan truly epitomizes the wonders of nature with its surreal landscapes and spiritual allure. Whether you seek adventure or contemplation on your travels, this unique destination promises to captivate your senses and leave you with unforgettable memories of Japan's marvels firsthand.

Skiing and Winter Sports

Mount Zao in Japan is not only a paradise for ski and snowboard enthusiasts, but also offers a unique winter sports experience unlike any other. With its powdery snow, breathtaking landscapes, and world-class facilities, this mountain has become a top destination for winter sports enthusiasts from around the globe. What sets Mount Zao apart is its legendary snow monsters or juhyo, which are trees completely covered in ice and snow, creating an otherworldly sight that must be seen to be believed. Top 10 famous places to visit in Dubai Skiing or snowboarding through these enchanting forests feels like gliding through a winter wonderland. In addition to the mesmerizing scenery, Mount Zao Japan boasts exceptional opportunities for off-piste skiing and deep powder adventures. With vast areas of ungroomed slopes and untouched powder stashes, advanced skiers can unleash their skills and experience.

Mount Zao Onsen Ski Resort

Nestled in the picturesque mountains of Yamagata, Japan, Mount Zao Onsen Ski Resort is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts and relaxation seekers alike. It is one of the largest ski resorts in Japan, spanning over 300 hectares, this expansive mountain resort offers a comprehensive experience that goes beyond just skiing and snowboarding. This unique setting offers visitors the perfect blend of natural beauty and exhilarating adventure. After enjoying a relaxing soak in the hot springs, travelers can take advantage of the cable cars to explore the stunning peaks that dominate the horizon. With its stunning natural beauty and world-class ski slopes, Mount Zao Onsen Ski Resort has long been a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts. 10 best places to visit in Turkey Zao Onsen also boasts a vibrant shopping district where travelers can browse local crafts, souvenirs, and delectable treats. Zao Onsen Ski Resort also offers an impressive array of accommodations for visitors. The resort's commitment to preserving nature while offering top-notch amenities truly sets it apart as a destination for both adventure-driven and those seeking solace amidst tranquil beauty. Whether you're an avid skier or simply looking for an immersive cultural experience immersed in Japan's rich traditions, Zao Onsen Ski Resort has something for everyone. So, pack your bags, hit the slopes, or soak in soothing hot springs. There is something for every nature enthusiast at Mount Zao Onsen ski resort. So, experiencing the majesty of Mount Zao Japan is truly a transformative experience. In essence, appreciating the majesty of Mount Zao goes beyond simply admiring its natural grandeur; it is about connecting with nature on a deeper level and understanding our place within it. This mountain teaches us humility as we witness its power and resilience throughout the seasons. It awakens our senses and renews our spirit amidst tranquil surroundings. So why not embark on this journey yourself?

Read the full article

[alexbeggingphotography]

Photographer Research 4 & 5

Photographer: Richard Wong

Wong is from Southern California, pursuing landscape photography. However, Wong began shooting with print and slide film and in 2001 began using the digital cameras made during that time. Wong currently lives in San Fransisco with his family where he promotes his work on his website, www.rwongphoto.com. He has 20+ years of experience in his career, has won an IPA award, PX3 award, is certified drone pilot, one of the first photographers to have taken images of all 21 California missions. Some of his photography has been taken on drones. Drones can provide really cool images since they can take pictures of landscape from high altitudes covering large landscapes. This would be a very good tool to use in landscape photography if I decide to take images of this sort of topic.

www.rwongphoto.com

Photographer: Galen Rowell

Rowell is a very successful photographer who was very respected and was considered a legendary mountaineer. Rowell born in Oakland California, from a young age explored the wilderness and during 1972 within a year managed to get a major opportunity to create a cover story for National Geographic. From there over time Rowell had won multiple awards including, Ansel Adams Award for Conservation Photography, has worked with multiple publications and has published books like In the Throne Room of the Mountain Gods about mountaineering on K2. However, during his successful career, in a trip with his wife, who was also a photographer Barbara Cushman Rowell have crashed in Inyo County near Eastern Sierra Regional Airport in Biship, California. Analyzing Rowells work it involves very interesting angles where he usually tries to capture the shadows and uses heavy light contrast where he creates clear shapes. Most of his work is very saturated and the camera he uses has a particular aesthetic to it which is very beautiful. Using f/8 or 35mm lens were some of his to go settings for his camera and usually all his images contained noise. Honestly the way cameras were back then makes me wonder what settings I can use on my camera to make images appear in that retro aesthetic since it looks so nice in certain situations. Practicing more with various settings can help expand my creativity in camera use.

Rowell's Mountaineering Achievements:

Technical Climbing of the Sierra Nevada

First one day ascent of Denali

First Ski Circumnavigation of Denali

Rowell's Mountaineering achievements of few mentioned above shows how Rowell enjoyed the fun and danger and probably the adrenaline of mountain climbing. However, his climbing love does not overcome the amount of sheer influence this photography had on his audience. Taking photos in very interesting angles during his mountain climbing was also very creative the image below where it shows a down up view of Rowell as he is illuminated by the hard light of the sun directly behind him. A very clean shot and very good angle demonstrates the creativity in his angular photography. Practicing angled shots with different perspectives allows for more creative shots and photography in general and would be good to attempt in future photography projects that I would like to tackle on my own time. My favorite detail about his photography is just the sheer vibrance that exists in each picture that is very enjoyable to see.

The way that Rowell photographed most of his work involved being there at the right place and time and honestly thats most if it. If i am able to understand how lighting conditions impact certain areas I can then be patient for the right lighting and get a perfect image. However, Rowell used Kodachrome in the 70's and 80's. Which allowed certain older camera aesthetics to appear. Perhaps using an older camera can give me this affect that a newer camera cannot. He also used the Fuji Velvia in the 90's before he died in 2002.

[whatsonmedia]

Thursday Thrill- Thrill Events of the Week!

This week get yourself grooving to the high beats of the music events that are sure to rock you body and mind. WhatsOn has curated some of the best music events happening around the world for the weakened party. Book your tickets and get grooving for some enthralling events of the week. 2022 Bluedot Festival 21 - 24 July, Macclesfield, UK British Antarctic Survey's is delighted to be exhibiting at this year's Bluedot Festival from 21- 24 July 2022. Bluedot is four day of music, science, and cosmic culture set in the shadow of the Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire. Polar science and engineering comes to life in the Mission Control Marquee. You'll get a chance to see a model of our new polar ship RRS 'Sir David Attenborough' alongside an underwater Slocum glider. For the first time, BAS is bringing an ancient ice core collected from Antarctica. This allows visitors to see and listen to ancient air from Thousands of years ago escaping from the ice. For more Check their site. Link- bas.ac.uk Soultown Festival 2022 3 Sept, Buckenham Soultown Festival 2022 brings together the biggest Soul, Motown, Disco, Funk& House acts from across the globe with over 50 artists performing smash hits across two days. It all goes down on a sun-kissed and bigger than ever festival site in Buckenham, Kent with music from the likes of Travares, Soul 2 Soul, Heather Small, Maxi Priest, Gabrielle, Fat Back Band, Kenny Thomas, Evelyn Champagne, and many more. It boasts over 30 street food stalls serving a whole host of tasty treats, cultured food and providing drinks from entry level to premium gins. There will be music across two spectacular main stage with immersive light, sound and visuals, as well as special VIP areas. Check their site for more. Link- soutltownfestival.com Summer Sonic 20- 21 Aug, Japan After three year break, this music festival in Japan is making an epic comeback. On August 20 and 21, an array of international artists will take over stages in Tokyo and Osaka. Think post Malone, Megan Thee Stallion, The 1975 and much more to be announced. Get the tickets via summersonic.com Fuji Rock Festival 29- 31 July, Japan Another soul-satisfying festival taking place in Japan this year. From July 29 to 31. Japan's largest outdoor music festival at Naeba Ski Resort. The lineup is yet to be announced but previous headliners include Sia, The Lumineers, Kendrick Lamar, and plenty more. The theme of the festival is of "music with nature, and living with corona", utilizing creative ingenuity to ensure a safe and comfortable environment while implementing appropriate measure. To buy the tickets and learn more on their site Link- fujirockfestival.com Read the full article

[seokiloquy]

Mismatched - Kyoutani Kentarou

Au: Regular

Requested

Tags/Warnings: GN!Reader, Idiots that aren’t into dating are forced to go on dates, Platonic relationship, dialogue-heavy, Swearing, and strangers being weird.

Word Count: 11k+

You weren’t entirely sure what you were expecting when you walked into the club room that evening. Maybe a quiet environment with the winter sun shining through the window with a golden light. Or perhaps, your co-writers and designers passionately discussing what should be done for this month's journal. What you did find yourself walking into, though, should’ve been what you were expecting as it was the same every week.

The club leader, Fuji, who also was in charge of page layout and organising printing, was writing on the chalkboard at the front of the classroom while other students were spread around the room. The first years sat in a circle playing a card game and screeching at each other as one person stole away the lead from another. Toward the window, you saw your writing teammate as he scribbled down notes in a small book.

“Hi Takahashi,” you said, sliding into a chair in his vicinity. 

Looking up, he gave you a round, cheeky smile and nod, before writing again.

“Alright!” Fuji dropped the piece on chalk, making it break in two when it hit the metal ledge at the bottom of the board. “The 3rd-years on student council have enlisted our help for a project as we graduate. As Valentine’s day and White day occur just before exam period, they want this project to be thoroughly planned out before school ends so that there’s no interference when they examine the results and pass down the mantle to the second years.” 

The romance month. You were familiar with the concept although never really participated in it yourself. Valentine’s day was traditionally the day that, usually, girls would confess to their male counterparts, followed by a month of courting before it was the boys turn to confess to their female counterparts, whether they were different or the same. You tried not to yawn. It was a relatively straightforward concept, even now the specifics of the rules became muddled. One person confesses on February 14, and then the other responds on March 14. Simple. So what were these scheming 3rd-years planning?

Fuji continued, “While the student council, specifically the event’s committee branch, will be handling all the technical portions, they have asked us to write up an article and run reminders about the event occurring. Kaito, Rin, that will be your job.” 

Kaito slumped, rolling backwards and away from his circle of friends and the wide-eyed girl next to him cheered, throwing her cards in the air, and subsequently forfeiting the game. A card landed on Kaito’s nose.

Your brow pinched, and you raised a hand. “Fuji, if this is purely a social event thing, what do the rest of us have to do with it?”

“Test subjects,” she said as if it was obvious.

“Oh?” 

Takashi picked his head up from next to you and shoved an elbow into your side. “Looks like you get to live your guinea pig dreams.”

You smacked him.

“The student council is already underway working on preparations. So Kaito, Rin, by the next meeting we will need your first draft of your posters and article. By then we will have the likely finished copy of the questionnaire and final drafts can be written up. The rest of us will be looking at and filling out the questionnaire to see if students will answer the questions in a manageable way.”

The club seemed to collectively sit straighter, words falling out of their mouths in a rumbling chorus.

“So they’re doing a matching service?! So cute!”

“Do we have to participate? What if we already have a crush?”

“What if someone’s incompatible?”

“Sign me up. I want my stupid romance story!”

You perked up. “Questionnaire?”

“Called it.” You smacked Takahashi again.

Eventually, the club began getting too loud, making Fuji screech for quiet.

You winced, “tone down the cussing, would you Fuji?”

“Sorry.” She nodded in your direction. “But yes, that is the plan for next meeting. So get all your articles finished before then so that we can have a bit of fun with that. Now,” she smacked her clipboard onto the podium at the front, making your ears hurt again from the sharp noise, “bring up your edits, we are compiling.”

“So what exactly are we supposed to answer for this?”

The sheet in front of you was primarily made up of multiple-choice, true and false, and a couple of short answer questions. 

You had easily made your way through the first part of the questionnaire, marking things that described your physical appearance as well and general likes and dislikes. Just like you practised with all those online personality quizzes that allowed you to just talk about yourself and give you a silly result in return.

Momo sighed next to you, “Just fill in whatever comes to mind first. That will be what you’re most interested in. Like look here,” she shows you her sheet, which she scribbled with plenty of pink ink and doodled hearts, “they want to know what sort of body type I’m attracted to, so I checked off ‘soft, round, and homebody’ see? Easy.”

You blinked. That made no sense. You looked back at your sheet, focused on the next question.

Favourite body type?

Well? Uh. Skip.

What is your favourite activity to do with someone else? 

What the hell were these suggestions? Hold hands? Kiss? Hug? These aren’t activities, they’re just actions. You huffed, leaving the response blank. Skip.

Choose one:

Movies/TV or Sports or Video Games

Easy. You smiled and circled sports. What a sham you would be to not enjoy sports when you were writing articles about it. You looked over to Takahashi’s paper, and then the rest of your club mates. If you were to even breathe too loud, you were sure it would break their focus. From the looks of it, they had all flipped to the back of the page, leaving you stuck as the last person on the front. You huffed, glaring at the paper.

Being last wasn’t an option. Not in your wheelhouse. Next question.

What is your favourite physical feature of another person?

Seriously? Skimming the responses, you circled hair and eyes. Your favourite volleyball player had a mohawk with dyed ends.

What is your favourite personality feature of another person?

They should get Fuji to edit this. You marked off passion and drive.

What is your best quality?

Uh. Nudging Takahashi, you showed him the paper, pointing to the particular question. He gave you a raised brow and marked off patience, loyalty, understanding, joyful, and mischievous. That’s a lot.

You gave him a quirked brow, to which he shrugged as if to say ‘you’re asked me’. 

Theme park, or Movies, or Dinner?

Theme park!

Describe your favourite date:

You paused, pen hovering over the black horizontal lines. Describe it? Uh. Okay.

July 28th. It’s the middle of summer break, no school and I can travel to see volleyball games.

You nodded to yourself. Grin creeping up your cheeks. There was no other possible answer to that. 

What is your favourite snack?

Sugar Candy.

When you looked up, people were still scribbling in their answers to what looked like the date question. You grinned, you finished first. Pumping your fist, you refused to look down at some of your empty responses.

Fuji groaned. “I’m going to need to suggest some rewording for a few of these. How did you all find it?”

You groaned a bit, pulling out your laptop from your school bag. “It took a bit longer than I expected, and a few were a bit hard to answer, but not bad I guess.” You placed your sheet down in the centre of the table. You read through Takahashi’s last articles of the school year, checking for even the most minute edits that had to be made.

“You’re just sad that there isn’t an immediate result,” Momo laughed.

Rin perked up. “Don’t worry, results will come on Valentine’s day!”

You hummed.

“Okay, everyone!” The group of nine looked back Fuji’s way. “Time to forget these quizzes and do your final edits and page layout! Rin, you wrote the draft, right? Have Kaito read it over. I'm going to go talk to the student council!”

The teams split up. Kaito and Rin ran into the corner of the room. Momo and Itsuki followed behind, having already finished their work for the Clubs article. Though you were sure Momo would drift away from that over the rest of the meeting and work on layout and print in Fuji’s steed. Hira, Tomoe, and Akira scurried to their opposing corner, working on the exam layout for their respective years. Which left Takahashi and you to slowly look over each other’s sports articles.

“You misspelt ‘triumphant’ here.”

“Fuck you.”

He scoffed.

“I’ve edited yours. I’m gonna work on my essay.”

“Didn’t you finish that last week?” Takahashi tilted his head at you, halting his typing. “You found spelling mistakes didn’t you?”

“Shut up.”

On February 5th, a letter was waiting for you at your desk. Your brows pinched and you stopped walking. A letter? You looked around. Nearly all of the other desks had letters on them too.

They couldn’t be exam results. Those were posted publicly in Aoba Johsai’s main hall by the principal’s office (you swore, every time they were posted you could see him snicker as students fell to their knees in despair). Besides, they haven’t even been written yet. Won’t happen for another month and a half. You watched as one of your classmates eagerly tore open her letter with her friend, both giggling as they discarded the red heart sticker on the envelope.

Red hearts? Shit. 

Rushing to your desk, you snagged the flimsy paper off the desk, not even waiting to sit down as you tore it open.

Your name was printed in neat cursive, followed by printed text.

Thank you for participating in our very first Romance Match Up for Romance month from Valentine’s day to White day!

What? 

After filling in the first draft during club time you concluded that you had your fun with this little event. After which, you successfully avoided taking even a single copy of the final questionnaire that everyone else had been scrambling for at the beginning of the lunch period when it was released.

How did they even? You paused, fingers wrinkling the edge of the letter. “Fuji.”

Footsteps came in behind you. One pair was faster than the other. Momo rushed excitedly to your side. “OH! A Match! Yay yay yay yay! You got a match! So you did participate! Are you excited to find somebody? Huh, are ya? Come on, let's see who it is!”

Takahashi reeled her back, making her crash into his stomach with a thud. “Enough. Let’s sit first.” 

Their tables had letters of their own. But as they sat, they ignored the papers, waiting for you to read through yours first.

You sighed and read the paper: 

“Hello, and congratulations on receiving your match for the romance season! We, the student council, hope that you get to enjoy the next four weeks with your assigned partner and that results are to your benefit. That being said, we have compiled a list of requirements for you to follow so that this experiment will be a success.

For this event, you have been assigned the position of the ‘Confesor’ for Valentine’s day, meaning that on the 14th of February, you will be gifting your match their desired treat. Following that, we require that you both go on at least four dates over the next month. We have taken the liberty of giving you a coupon that should be used for your first date, to ease the worry of planning. At the end of these 4 weeks, another letter will be sent out as an exit questionnaire to determine the success of this event.

Basic information on your match is included on the additional slip in the envelope, as well as your coupons.

Thank you for your participation, and remember, Choose Love.”

You sucked in a breath before dropping the sheet on your desk. Takahashi and Momo opened their letters. Momo’s was the same as yours, while Takahashi’s set him in the position of the ‘Confessed’ and without an extra slip, meaning that he would find out his match in about a week's time.

“How fun!” Momo had already pulled out her slip, giving it a quick glance before tucking it in her pocket before you could catch a look. “All right, tell us who your lover is!”

“Lover? Don’t say it like that!”

Takahashi smirked, “Come on, it can’t be that bad. Just read it out!”

“Momo didn’t show us hers!”

“It’s a secret!”

“Ugh!” You pulled out the paper, glancing over to the rest of your classmates as they all started tearing their envelopes excitedly. No one, but Takahashi and Momo, was paying you any mind. A sigh fell out of you.

“Kyoutani Kentarou.”

Takahashi choked, hand going to his chest, while Momo rubbed his back and pinched one of his cheeks. “Nevermind it can be that bad.”

“Bad?! What do you mean?!”

Momo’s head tilted, “Whos Kyoutari?”

Takahashi opened his mouth to speak, only to be interrupted by a loud squeal in the classroom. You pinched your nose and groaned.

“Kyountani,” he corrected. “Better known as Mad-Dog.”

“Him?!” Momo cried, standing in her chair. You swatted at her like an annoyed cat.

“Who’s Mad-Dog?”

“You watch sports for fun and reporting and you don’t know who he is?”

“Well, sorry, that I have a duty to report on the girl’s teams, It’s not my job to keep track of everyone you wrote about! I bet you don’t know who Point is.” You slumped in your chair.

“Who?”

“Exactly. She’s the best player on the basketball team. Now tell me what’s up with Kyoutani!”

Momo sighed. “Mad-Dog is one of the most aggressive and scary people in the school. He’s on the volleyball team.”

“He’s known for pushing people around and being aggressive about the game. He’ll shove teammates around just to get a spike, even if he misses. He’s not very smart. I can’t even imagine why he would sign up for this thing. He doesn’t seem like the type.”

“I’m not the type either,” you scoffed.

Takahashi shook his head, running a hand through his hair. “That’s not it. You’re at least likeable. Mad-Dog is, well, I don’t even know if he has any friends besides the players he just puts up with. He was suspended from playing because of his attitude. He’s pretty intense.”

Marking the word ‘passionate’ on the questionnaire jumped into your mind. Maybe you should have filled in more, fluke traits.

“Well, great, I now have to figure out this whole dating thing for a guy I don’t even know and probably will try to bite my head off!”

Momo whined. “He’s really scary. Maybe you should just not go. I’m sure he wouldn’t care too much!”

A coward's choice. You huffed through your nose as your leg shook and you bit your lip.

Takahashi has been reporting on the boy’s side of school sports for two years now. Volleyball, something you both passionately enjoyed, was something you could happily converse over. If anyone in the school knew all these athletes intimately, even from an outside perspective, he would. Interviews and watching games, he has built his knowledge on these teams. If he said a player was trouble, they were.

Even so, you didn’t know what was going on, on Kyoutani’s side of the equation. Not that you could do math very well anyways, but if there was even a chance that the scary second-year was excited about this matchmaking, who were you to back out and possibly make his attitude worse. Even if your participation was unintentional, there was no backing out now. You weren’t going to play the coward, and from what you’ve heard, Kyoutani wouldn’t either.

“No, I can’t do that.”

Class started with you watching Momo and Takahashi sneek worried glances toward each other.

Aoba Johsai’s culinary room was packed with students as they prepared the treats for their Valentine’s. Generally, the classroom was filled with laughter and sugary smells as the students took advantage of their club time that they might not have been able to take advantage of at home. It was cute, sweet, and overflowing with excitement.

Every one of them avoided entering your corner of the room.

“Why the fuck did he list fired chicken as his favourite snack?!” Your corner was greasy, boiling, and most of all sweaty. No one, who wanted to keep their precious candy safe, would interfere. “Why couldn’t he have said hard candy? It’s just melted sugar! Maybe a bit of flavouring and food colouring! But no! I have to slave over a fryer so he can get his precious chicken.” 

Momo, held out your basket with wax paper, ready to receive the freshly made fried chicken. “You don’t even know him and you’ve cooked him a whole meal? You could have waited for, like, the third date for this really.”

“What else was I supposed to do?!” You dropped the chicken and grabbed the woven cover to keep them warm. You grumbled and gently took hold of the basket. “The things I’m doing for this man. You should have seen my parents' faces when I left the house with a whole chicken.”

Takashi tossed out the bones before following you out of the home-ec room. You could hear a collective sigh of relief as you left. Your clubmates rubbed your back, urging you to breathe slowly as you walked down the hall.

“You’re on edge. I’m sure it’ll be fine.” Momo’s voice picked up happily.

When the three of you made your way out of the school’s main building, you shivered. Snow had started to fall at lunchtime, and it wasn’t letting up, catching on your clothes. You all rushed back inside to throw on your coats before starting your trek to the boy’s gym again.

It was a pair of wide brown eyes that greeted you at the gym door. A recognisable face, one that took up a majority of the volleyball’s article space.

Takahashi sighed. “Oikawa, Is Kyoutani here?”

“Mad-Dog?” It seemed like the tall boy was about to start singing. “He sure is! Hey, Mad-Dog! Looks like someone is here to see you!”

When members of the team began to snicker, you wanted to shrink in on yourself. Heat pooled in your cheeks before dropping into your stomach and kicking around with your stomach like a soccer ball. You could feel your acid reflux kick up. 

Hopelessly, you watched as the group of boys pushed a furious looking member in your direction. You cast a glance to your friends, who had backed off a few metres, nearing the corner of the building, almost hiding behind it. This was humiliating. You stared at your feet, only looking up when a scuffed pair of volleyball shoes entered your line of vision.

God, he was kind of scary, wasn’t he?

You remembered what you had marked off on our questionnaire. His hair was bleached blond, definitely against dress code, with two natural stripes that wrapped around his head. Even more against the dress code. You couldn’t help but wonder why teachers hadn’t spoken to him about it. His eyes though, looking past the glare he had, were a honey gold, soft looking.

A cold breath of winter air filled your lungs. You could do this.

“You said you liked Hamima Chicken, but I had to make something, not buy it, so here. Fried chicken. I hope you like it.” You held the carefully packaged gift to him.

He glared at him, huffing through his nose.

“Um, It’s freshly made, you might want to eat it before it gets cold.”

You hear the volleyball team snicker, making you glance over. Kyountani tenses in front of you, swiftly turning his head to look over his shoulder. Whatever look he gave them was enough to have them hurrying back a few steps. You tried not to laugh at their expense.

A spiky-haired member started shoving them back into practice.

When Kyoutani looked back your way, you lifted the fried chicken back up. His eyes flicked between your face and the food.

He took hold of the sides of the basket and pulled it into his stomach. “Hmm.” He still looked like he was glaring.

“Um, so. We have to go on four dates.” He nodded along, as you pulled out your phone from your pocket. “How about we exchange numbers and I’ll make the plan for the first one.”

He continued to glare but turned his attention to the small device in your hand. You gulped as he took it, and punched his thumbs into the keypad. 

He handed it back and you nodded in the windy silence. It was hard not to shiver a bit.

“Okay then. I’ll send you the info.”

With a final nod, he stepped back into the gym, door slamming behind him. You could hear howling laughter through it. How embarrassing.

Takahashi and Momo ran up to you from their hiding spots, hands landing on your shoulders.

“You did great!”

“Sure but what the hell do I have to do for this date? What do people do on dates?!”

They started escorting you back towards the main building, aiming for the lockers where you could get organised before heading home where your parents would definitely be waiting for answers. Hopefully, they were stuck at work like normal.

Takahashi hummed. “Didn’t your letter come with a coupon for something?” 

You snapped your fingers and rummaged through your backpack. Pulling out the somewhat tattered envelope, you tucked your fingers in and pulled out the two coupons. 

“Theme park. Eligible for this Saturday.”

Momo clapped and pushed the school door open. “There you go! Now you have a plan!”

Once you stepped through the doors you froze, a cold shiver running over your head despite the warm interior. You cried, “There’s a Sendai Frogs game that day!”

This sucks.

“Chilly, chilly, chilly.”

Oh, how you despised the cold. Even if the falling snow was pretty, and winter came with hot chocolate, you shivered at the mere thought of needlessly standing outside to freeze. Yet here you were, standing straight as a board, in a line for a ride with a near-stranger at your side as snow fell clammy before melting as soon as it landed on any surface that wasn’t a pile of snow.

To top it all off. The coupon that the student council had so lovingly given out for this date, wasn’t for a scream filled, stomach-churning, terror-inducing, roller-coaster filled park like you were expecting. While that might have seemed to be a bad option in the colder weather, you liked to think the adrenaline would counteract that.

You stared up at the pink and red, bubble lettered sign that decorated the front entrance of the ride ahead of you. At any of them, park, it wouldn’t have been your first choice, likely not on the list at all. But to your displeasure, it was the only ride in the vicinity that had offered some sort of excitement, by parading its riders through a dark tunnel.

The general concept sounded aerie, and the fact that the ride was the only one that took place in an enclosed environment, you were a bit hopeful. You would be excited for scares if it weren’t for the previously mentioned sign that bore the name of the ride.

‘Tunnel of Love’

How humiliating.

You grimaced and turned your head to glance at the bitter looking boy next to you. Words to fill the silence were about to fall, probably stupidly, out of your mouth when a shove in your opposing shoulder shut you up and knocked you into Kyoutani’s side. He caught you with an arm around your shoulders.

He glared at the couple that had shoved their way in front of you, into the first spot in line. Wordlessly, he let out a huff, making puffy clouds escape his nose.

Grabbing hold of your arm through your coat, he shoved his shoulder into the spine of the guy in front of him, effectively ending the couples mid-day makeout session. When the stranger turned around, mouth open to berate Kyoutani, the teen sneered.

“Fuck off and get behind us.”

Kyoutani hiked up his free elbow, cutting through the couple and pulling you alongside him. Once back into your original spot you tried to pay the annoyed pair behind you no mind. It was rather easy once you noticed Kyountani’s arm that was still stiffly wrapped around your shoulders gripping nervously at the air just next to your arm.

Returning to your board-like state you glanced sideways to get a look of the boy’s face.

The skin between his brows was pushed outwards, creating thick creases by his brow. Same for his nose, which had deep inset lines branching up to the inner corner of his glaring eyes, and sides of his mouth. His mouth, which was sewn shut, bottom lip being pushed up as high as seemingly possible. He was grimacing more than before. Looking back to his hand on your opposite shoulder, you could see the tendons pop as he tried to keep it as still as possible as if trying to hide it being there.

Did he want it to be there? You weren’t sure. His scowl could be of nerves or discomfort, maybe both. But while you couldn’t read his emotions through that grimace, you knew your own, at least partially, and it felt awkward and uncomfortable. You just hoped he wouldn’t try to bite your head off, the couple behind you definitely wouldn’t do anything to help.

Taking a gulp of cold air, you reached for his wrist and ducked under his arm. Guiding his hand to tuck back into his coat pocket, you looped your elbow around his arm, before tucking away your own hands into the safe confines of your pockets.

You tried not to make a face when he turned his head to look at you.

“Next in line!”

You pulled him by your linked arms and got into the ride, quickly setting off into the dark tunnel.

As expected, it was dark. Too dark for any kind of ride. What was the point of this? Your only saving grace was that the cold wind couldn’t reach you in there, making you feel considerably warmer. Well, that plus the furnace of a boy next to you.

“It’s a lot warmer here at least, huh?”

Kyoutani scoffed, “Ya, you’ve been whining all day.”

“Hey! At least I’ve been trying to talk!”

“Wimp.”

Silence permeated between the two of you. You glanced over your shoulder to see if there was any light coming from where you entered. Nothing.

“So, you’re on the volleyball team.”

“Hmm.”

You couldn’t see any of his reactions. He was probably still glaring.

“What position do you play?”

“Opposite hitter.”

You stuck your fingers between your knees, trying to warm them up.

“Ah, so you must like doing a lot of spiking.” You recalled your conversation with Takahashi and Momo. “Finishing moves are always the most fun.”

“Ya.”

Well, at least he was saying something.

“Maybe I should watch more of your games. I’m normally parading around with the girl’s teams, so I don’t often have the opportunity.”

“Hmm?” Participation! You perked up in your seat a bit.

“I’m a part of the journalism club as the girl’s sports reporter. I go to all the games and some practices.”

“Their team isn’t as good as ours.”

A grin fell onto your cheeks, and before you could stop it, you let out a chuff at the challenge.

“I suppose not, but your team also has its faults from what I’ve heard. The best team in the school is currently the girl’s basketball team.”

You heard him huff as a gentle gust of hot air hit your cheeks. You couldn’t see it, but he was finally facing you head-on. Progress? You hoped you weren’t hitting the wrong buttons.

He didn’t say anything for a bit, but he didn’t turn away or shuffle. “So, journalism club. Did you have anything to do with this?” He sounded annoyed, but not much more than usual.

“Ah, no. I didn’t even mean to participate myself—”

A loud, breathy sigh echoed through the tunnel behind you. You froze, jaw dropping. The couple that had tried to cut in line. 

You gulped. “Oh my god, that is horrifying.” You heard Kyoutani’s tongue click and his clothes rustle. “I very much regret dragging us in here now.”

Kyoutani’s hand landed roughly on your shoulder. He had stood in his seat and gotten to his knees, gripping onto you for balance in the dark. 

You grabbed his wrist, “Careful!”

“OI, FUCKERS, YOU’RE NOT ALONE IN HERE!”

Laughter ripped through your stomach, echoing off the walls of the tunnel and shooting through your ear like a bullet. Once the acoustics stopped, you could hear hurried scrambling as the two behind you moved around frantically. Which sent you into another fit of laughter, dripping Kyoutani’s wrist like a vice.

“DISGUSTING!”

You choked on your breath, feeling tears slowly trail down your cheeks as they tried to find a place to freeze.

The ride ended soon after, and you were greeted with one of the workers, disturbed faces. You left, walking back into the cold.

“That was terrible!”

“Fuckers can’t keep their pants on for one minute.”

“I never want to experience that again.”

“Me neither.”

“The worker looked terrified! Do you think they have night vision cameras for safety?”

You watched a smirk on his face contently. “I sort of hope they do.” His stomach growled.

“Let’s get some food.”

You both stood awkwardly for a moment, watching the extraordinary amount of couples that walked tightly knit together around you. Kyoutani met your eyes for a moment before pushing out his elbow, hand still tucked away in his pocket. Your arm was looped through his again as you walked through the theme. For a while, you had forgotten exactly where you were.

Oh god, everything really was made for couples.

After a bit of wandering, you both found your way to the only not jam-packed cafe in the theme park. Sadly though, no matter where you turned, you were met with just as, if not more, PDA positive couples as the one you encountered at the love tunnel.

“This place is an eye sore,” Kyoutani mumbled while reading the menu.

A couple, only a seat over, were tucked into the corner, hands never leaving their partners skin as they kissed heavily against the wall.

You both cringed. “Let’s just get a drink and get out of this place.”

To your despair, your hot drinks did little to fight against the cold, which had only seemed to drop in temperature since you got to the cafe. You both stood stiffly in the middle of the theme park, sipping on your drinks through straws and staring at the concrete ground, away from all the lovey-dovey couples.

“So this has been terrible,” you sighed.

“It’s still 3pm.”

“Yup.”

For the love of— what the hell do people do on dates? Think, Think. The quiz had mentioned dinner and movies? Were there any noteworthy movies released recently that weren’t RomComs? All that the damn letter gave you was coupons, and for all you could care, the saved money didn’t make up for the awful location.There were still some rides that you could do, but they were slow with long lines, and staying in the cold felt like it would only worsen the mood. And you were certain that seeing another handsy couple would make you both uncomfortable. The parks games would likely suck up the rest of your money too. Even if Kyoutani was a skilled athlete, rigged games weren’t worth it. Neither of you were really dressed to be outside too long either. Finding a gym could possibly work, but they’d all likely be booked for practices. Wait!

“I have season tickets to Sendai Frogs? They’re division two but still really good and—”

“Let’s go.” Kyoutani’s back seemed to have straightened, shoulders rising slowly as he sucked in some air. He loops his arm through yours, pulling you toward the theme park’s exit.

“The game isn’t for another 3 hours!”

“We’ll get food first.” 

With it being the ‘most romantic day of the year’, people were crowding the trains and streets as they went on the merry way to their dates. It was overwhelming. You and Kyoutani had to push your way through giant bouquets of roses and massive chocolate hearts as you travelled the relatively short distance to the stadium. It was annoying, not being able to see over mountains of roses and hearts. While you were fine with just dealing with the hindrances, you couldn’t help but let out a small laugh when Kyoutani decided to curse them out for being in your way. You were sure to give the people quiet apologies though.

You had made it to a small family owned restaurant up the street from the stadium, stuffing your faces with all the food that you had missed throughout the day. 

“Let me pay for my food.” Kyoutani was rising out of his seat to go pay at the cash register when you grabbed the hem of his shirt to pull him back.

“I’m not broke you wimp. You’re already paying for the tickets.” 

You didn’t want to correct him by saying it was your parent’s money paying for the tickets. Then again, paying for the meal would be your parent’s money as well. You let go of his shirt. “Fine, but hurry or we’ll miss the pre-game stuff.”

“You think I’m slow?” He growled, turning around to face you.

“No, but you will be if you keep standing there. Just go pay quickly.” Shooing him off to the counter, you wrapped yourself up in your coat and grabbed his off the backrest. Holding it open for a quick slide on when he returned.

His “thanks” came out in a small grumble before he linked your arms again and set off toward the stadium.

You were happily jumping with each step as you approached the building and your seats inside. Games were always a highlight of and sort of week. Home or away. It was always great to see your city’s team play. Nothing made you feel better.

A familiar figure with rounded and hunched shoulders, a protruding stomach and a large cup with piss coloured liquid stood in the seat next to yours. “Oh, great.”

He must’ve heard you, as his head turned to look at you as you descended the steps to your seats. Kyoutani was just a step behind you when you slid into the row.

“Hey, Kid!” The man’s hefty arm slung itself around your shoulder, bringing you into a tight side-hug that nearly made his drink spill onto your coat. 

“Hi, already drinking?” You put a kind smile on your face as you looked at the soft plastic container filled with beer.

“Fourth one! Gotta start strong!” He shouted it out proudly, as if he wasn’t going to be asleep in his seat by the end of the game from all the alcohol.

“Congratulations.”

When the man’s arm dropped, he turned to face his buddies for a moment that were on the other side of him. A tug on your elbow had you switching places, putting you farther away from the noise and drinks. Kyoutani let you go, back facing the strange man as he pulled off his coat. You looked at him with wide eyes, silent as you quickly got rid of your jacket and placed it on the seat behind you.

The man turned back, beer-soaked mouth open as he was about to speak before pausing, shutting his jaw, and then promptly speaking again. He leans around Kyoutani to see him. “Ah! Who’s this guy? I don’t know your face.”

Kyoutani’s face began tight as he gave the man a side glare.

“He’s a,” you gulped, “friend from school.”

The man grinned, showing off his crooked teeth. “Ah! Nice to meet ya, Bud!” He raised an arm swinging it toward the striped blond’s shoulders until Kyoutani took a step closer to you and out of reach from the drunken grasp. Grabbing the man’s wrist, Kyoutani lowers it with a glare. “Ah, not a hugger, that’s fine. You better cheer loud though.”

You both were finally taken out of the guy’s immediate thought at the pre-game starting, pulling his attention away like a moth to a flame.

Kyou leaned toward you, lowering his volume to be underneath the announcer’s. “Who’s the jackass?” The anthem began to play.

You huffed through your nose and whispered, “Honestly, I don’t know his name. I just call him Drunk Guy. He’s got season tickets as well. He’s not terrible, he’s just really—”

As if someone watching over you had a specific taste in comedic timing, the anthem finished and the subject of your conversation let out a horrendous scream, then a sharp whistle that stabbed your ears as the players took their positions. He follows the volume match with a slurry of rambling cussing directed at the opposing team, challenging and coercing them into an aggravated state, while he shook his beer wildly in the air. Whether or not he succeeded in making your opponents annoyed, you didn’t know, but he definitely made you hate him.

“Loud,” you finished.

Kyoutani huffed, glaring over his shoulder at the man until the game started and everyone settled into their seats.

The drunk man’s sneers and swears quickly faded into the crowd’s cheers as the game continued. Letting you enjoy the game fully without any distractions, except for a minor few

Whenever Sendai scored a point, and the onlookers jumped to their feet to cheer, Kyoutani’s hand found your shoulder and squeezed in for dear life before pulling away like it burned his palm. Looking over, you’d see a familiar scowl with his eyes glued on the game before you. He was rather quiet the whole game, only letting out small huffs of excitement every now and then as he grabbed your shoulder and clenched his other hand into a fist. Quiet until Drunk Guy decided to heckle one of the injured opponents as he walked off the court with a bloody nose. Kyoutani snapped at him, yelling louder than anyone in the crowd. You tried not to laugh as the man backed off like a whimpering puppy.

The game ends with Sendai Frogs’ win, tightly making it over the two point difference with 29 in the 5th set.

You pulled Kyoutani out of the stadium by your linked arms. It had happened unconsciously. After silently finding an agreeable way to hold on to each other as you walked, it seemed like your arms looped together like magnets once needed.

The winter wind was much stronger than when you had arrived, making your teeth clatter as you walked home.

“I have more tickets if you want to come again. My parents usually end up missing games because of work.”

Kyoutani let the wind fill in the silence for a moment. “When’s the next one?”

“Next week. It’s an earlier game though. We could count it as one of our four dates,” you said, absentmindedly, suddenly remembering the context of the whole situation.

When you looked his way though, Kyoutani’s face was screwed in a way that made it seem as though he had just eaten something incredibly foul. 

You backtracked, “O-or not. We don’t need to hang out at all if you’d prefer, it’s not a big deal.” You were used to attending the games on your own regularly anyways.

Kyoutani huffed, eyes straying to the side where a dog park was. “I just don’t like the date thing.” 

You stopped in your tracks, pulling Kyoutani along with you. “Is that all?” His mouth opened for a moment before getting distracted by a large, puffball of a canine that made its way over and pressed its nose against the separating fence. Kyoutani poked it, making the dog dark happily before running back to its owner.

Your laugh brought his attention back your way. “Seriously, Kyoutani. If it’s the idea of it being a ‘date’ that bothers you, then let’s just think of it as us hanging out instead. There’s no expectations with that, right?”

For once, the boy’s expression seemed a bit more neutral, unblinking as his eyes jittered between looking at the both of yours. His shoulders dropped, you hadn’t noticed how tense he was until that point.

You hummed, “Sound good?”

Rin’s hands were held together, pressing into her chest as she sighed dreamily toward the clubroom ceiling as if Aphrodite herself was descending from it. “We went to see a rom-com! He held my hand and hugged me throughout it. He’s so warm. He even wiped off a crumb from my cheek and kissed it and—AH! I feel hot just thinking about it! Am I blushing? My face must be so red!”

You blinked at the younger girl. Held hands? Through the whole movie? That must have been really sweaty. And kissing on the first date? What? Noticing that it was wide open, you shut your jaw. 

Momo laughed, “You look like a strawberry, Rin. Takahashi and I went to a fancy restaurant. We held hands and drank water like it was fancy wine. Almost convinced him to propose right there!” She elbowed the boy that sat between you with a cheeky grin, making him shove her back. “We’re going ice skating next. You’ll carry me so I won’t fall right?”

“Sure.”

They all seemed to melt into the floor as they spoke about their dates. Like somehow their body temperature was high enough to render their muscles useless, letting them sink into the floor or chairs like puddles of molasses.

Akira cheered from their chair, “Ooh! We went skating for our date! She held my hand the whole time and we had hot chocolate afterwards. I got some whipped cream on my nose and when I wiped it off she kissed my cheek!”

You watched Akira’s eyes become half lidded. Rin decided to take the following science to fly a pin your way.

“How did your date go?”

You laughed like a fog horn. “We caught a couple getting frisky in the love tunnel at the carnival and then went to this cutsie cafe that had sort of meh drinks. Then again, it seemed less like people went for food but instead to make out. So we ditched and went to a family restaurant before watching the Sendai Frogs play.”

“You just ditched the whole Valentine’s day date thing?” Momo pouted.

Takahashi snorted. “Why am I not surprised? I can’t imagine you, or Mad-Dog enjoying that sort of thing.”

Rin whined, “But you were supposed to have a cute date and fall in love and stuff!” To which you just silently shrugged in response. “Do you even plan on going on another date?”

“Uh, there’s another Sendai frogs game, but other than that, it’s technically his turn to plan, I think.”

Momo looked at you as if he had just heard a forecast of endless bad weather. “You think?”

Again, you shrugged.

Your gloved fist hammered on the wooden door, making a dull thud rather than a recognisable knock. It had gotten colder over the week, like nature wanted to sneeze out its last remaining bits of winter before spring came around. Even the weather forecast talked about a probable chance of cold winds and snow coming from the north for the next while. It was cold, getting colder, and you were on the racecar stripped teen boy’s doorstep, shivering in it.

He finally opened the door, yawning and still in his baggy pyjamas.

You scoffed, “Sleep in?”

“Ya. Come in. I’ll get changed.”

You brushed past him and pulled off your outdoor clothes, eager to soak in the heat. “Don’t bother, it’s fine. You can get changed before we leave if it’s more comfortable. Not like I'm dressed all that fancy.” You gestured to your sloppy sweatpants and shirt before taking your shoes off. “So what's the plan for today?”

Not needing to take care of extra clothing like you did, Kyoutani took a few extra steps into the living room and grabbed two remote controls off the coffee table. “I’ll order fried chicken and pizza in a bit too.”

You smirked, “Oh, I see. You ready to lose?” Finally removing your second shoe, you rushed forward, snatching the remote from his hand and flopping onto the couch.

“As if.”

The pizza had been eaten quickly between matches, Kyoutani eating half of your side of the pie after he had inhaled a hefty amount of fried chicken. Despite the constantly full mouth, it didn’t seem to prevent him from talking.

“Shut up and get out of my way!”

“No way. We’re going against each other, I’m trying to win!”

Kyoutani kicked a leg up onto the couch and pushed his heel into your shoulder. Being shoved sideways sends your arm askew, making you kiss the needed buttons.

Kyoutani jumps to his feet, stretching his arms high into the air before crashing down into a hunched squat. “Fuck Ya!”

“Oh, fuck you, cheater!” You dropped the remote in exchange for the throw pillow that you  had been, well, thrown into, and used it for the purpose it’s name suggested. Kyoutani’s head, followed by the rest of his body in a wave like motion, toppled sideways, before spinning back and landing on the couch. Then, your alarm rang.

Drunk Guy wasn’t present at the game this time, you’d never know for sure why. But you always told yourself that he probably got too drunk at a nearby bar, and couldn’t make the extra trip. Though you would never be upset about his absence, a game where he would likely start yelling at his own team, made you grateful you didn’t have to hear his crude ramblings.

The game was disappointing. With the team's ace injured after last week, a concussion along with a badly bruised nose, morale had dropped and the team wasn’t playing their best. It wasn’t a bad game, necessarily, close in score and filled with good plays. But within five minutes, everyone in the stadium seemed to know that Sendai Frogs were going to lose.

You sighed, and turned to look Kyoutani’s way, who —despite the obvious loss— was staring intently at the match before him. Looking closer, it was almost as if his eyes were glowing. Amber, gold, and honey.

Before you realised it, the first set ended and Kyoutani sank into his seat with a huff.

“You look very intense when you’re watching the game. It’s a bit scary, but your eyes look very pretty too.”

“Shut up.” He pushed you over, making you laugh and retaliate by doing the same.

“Oh that reminds me, do you bleach your eyebrows too?”

New letters were decorating the tables when you arrived at class on Monday morning. You didn’t even wait for Momo and Takahashi to arrive when you dropped onto your assigned chair and tore the envelope open. 

“Ah,” Momo had shown up, peeking over your shoulder. “An ice skating coupon, that’s fun!”

You crumpled the letter, and stuffed it in your backpack.

Takahashi had sat down as well, pulling the happy girl off your shoulder and pushing her into her own chair. “Can Mad-Dog even skate?”

You groaned, at least it wasn’t the carnival again. And with Valentine’s day over most of the red heart and rose decorations would be gone. Though, that didn’t mean anything for White day, perhaps why would have just changed the colour scheme a bit for the next few weeks. “I don’t know, but it looks like I’m going to find out. This coupon is 50% off for couples. Gotta abuse that.”

Thinking more about it, the Sendai Frogs game that week was in another city, so instead of seeing it in person, you’d be watching the live broadcast. You weren’t sure if Kyoutani would mind coming to your place to watch it or not, but he had invited you to his home, so.

You hummed.

Kyoutani hummed also, when you showed him the coupon and mentioned the away game. You quickly left though, at the teasing sounds of laughter and pursing lips from his teammates behind him. You understood why he lashed out at them.

“Ouch, ouch. Hey, too much!”

To Kyoutani’s credit, he knew how to skate. Though his heart belonged to volleyball, being an athlete set him up to at least have transferable skills in all sports. Along with his skills however, his insistent need for perfection and winning seemed to carry over too, even in things that weren’t competitive in and of themselves.

He tugged your skates laces tighter, practically suffocating your foot

“Watch it! You’re gonna tear the thing right off!”

From his kneeled position before you, blade between his knees, he looked up and gave you a glare. “Do you want to break an ankle?”

“No, ideally not.”

“Then shut up and deal with it.”

He just had to show off that he was better at tying laces than you were. And what sucked more, he actually was.

The skating rink was outdoors, split into two sections, one where people played a bit of hockey, or did fancy tricks, and the other that was limited to casual skating. Beside it, a large wooden cabin-like building that functioned as a change room and cafe along with having rentable skates. Kyoutani had you sitting on one of the wooden benches until he got your skates fused to your legs.

Once on the ice, Kyoutani had no qualms about shouldering you, trying to knock you off balance, confident in his work of your laces. Of course, you retaliated, making the shoving match continue as bruises built underneath your jackets and you both began to build more speed turning the shoving matches into dodging and then a flat out race.

You could barely hear Kyoutani’s growls over the cold wind that rushed by your ears. People yelped as you both zipped by, nearly knocking them over. The speed was exhilarating, you haven't skated in years and sliding across the ice at a speed you had never reached before was like becoming a new person. You and Kyoutani were neck in neck with a clear path ahead of you. You wanted to win.

The feeling of cold wind pushing back against your speed made you think for a half second. It had been a number of years since you stepped foot on ice. Maybe you should’ve practiced stopping.

Kyoutani held two ice packs in his hands, one in each. He pressed the one in his left against the swelling spot on top of his as the other, in his right, was pushed against your forehead. He was, also, holding up the weight of your head as you jokingly slumped into it as you filled out the skating rinks injury form. At least you were smiling and not grimacing over the pain he supposed.

It was a simple questionnaire, primarily going over the incident and making you both confess over how dumb you were being while promising not to sue them over your mistake. When you finally gave the piece of paper back, Kyoutani was able to hand off your ice pack and return your skates to the amused worker behind the counter. He glared at the man.

The ice packs were luckily one time use, meaning that you could take it home, not that it was all that different than just standing out in the cold.

Kyoutani groaned from the ache in his head as you both walked. “Did you really have to fill out that form?”

“Just be happy that I didn’t make you fill out one too. And belides. It was kind of fun.”

For once, you were grateful for the frigid temperatures. The feeling of the wind and snowflakes against your burning forehead was relaxing. You were almost sad when you arrived home.

“Oh! You must be Kyoutani! My, I never thought I’d see the day that my kid went on a date!”

You tried not to gag at the memory of the first ‘date’. Beside you, Kyoutani didn’t hide his disgust. Your mother didn’t pay any mind though, running up to you both, helping you out of your winter gear, all while gushing about the thought of her darling child finally behind with someone. You pretended not to hear her mention Takahashi and Momo and her thoughts of setting you up with either of them.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a date exactly—”

“Dinner is ready, love birds! Grab your plates.” Your dad called from the kitchen.

You cursed yourself silently for mentioning Kyoutani coming over to watch the game. If you hadn’t, the two might have actually stayed at work like they usually did.

One hand on either of your backs, You bother ushered you into the kitchen to stuff your plates.

Sitting around your living room furniture as your parents stared at you and Kyoutani like reincarnations of past lovers made you want to regurgitate the food you had already tried to each under their oppressing gazes. You tried your best to focus on the match that was streaming on the screen in front of you.

“Could you not stare—”

“So, Kyoutani, did they ask you out on Valentine’s day? It was with the chicken right? Oh, darling, why didn’t you tell us you had a crush?”

From the corner of your eye, you could see the blond's shoulders crawl up to his ears.

“I didn’t, I don’t,” you huffed, setting your nearly empty plate down. You didn’t have the appetite any longer. “It’s a school organized event by the student council. So, I didn’t really ask him out. We just sort of got paired up.”

“Ah, have you two been having fun on your dates at least?” Your dad piped in.

Kyoutani set his own plate down, not even a trace of food was left. “The first date was pretty trash, the rest have been fine, I guess.” 

You blinked. Would you ever get a better compliment from the boy than that? You felt rather smug. You nodded, “We didn’t really have a say in that one, but ya, it was pretty bad.”

Your mom frowned, “Oh? Why not?”

“Stupid horn dogs and a fucking love fest of a theme park.” 

Again, you nodded. “Exactly that, really.”

“Oh, but the Valentine's theme park is so cute and romantic!” for a moment you watched as your mom fell into your dad's arms dramatically, showering him with love and adoration that he eagerly reciprocated as they both thought back to fond memories of dates and other things.

Their ramblings became mute to your ears as you turned your head to instead watch Sendai Frogs score a clean point and take the set.You and Kyoutani cheered, his hand came to clasp your shoulder again in the excitement.

By the time it had come for Kyoutani to make his way home, your parents had gone off to who knows where. 

You leaned on the door frame as he pulled his shoes on. “I’m sorry if they made you uncomfortable. When I mentioned you coming over for the game, they insisted on getting out of work early. I guess, I know why now.”

“They’re just weird fuckers who care to much about your love life. It’s weird, but fine. Not too different from everyone else.”

You didn’t hold back your laughter, “You’re not wrong! Huh, I don’t think I ever really noticed that.”

Even before the student councils, meddling, dating and crushes seemed to be all people talked about outside of school and a few other things. Classmates, schoolmates, celebrities, fictional characters. Did it ever stop?

“Do your parents do that? Like what mine did?”

Kyoutani swung on his coat and glared to the ceiling as if in deep thought, maybe he did have to think hard about it and you were just mistaking it for his usual look. “Not really. My mom tells my dad how handsome he is and my dad will hold her and take care of her. But I've seen friends do that too. He never buys roses or chocolates, and she never makes elaborate meals to celebrate anniversaries. I don’t even know if they had a wedding. I just know that they love each other.” 

That’s it, huh?

He zipped his coat and continued after another pause. “They’ve never pestered me about anything like yours seem to either. They care more about how I'm doing in school and if I’m staying out of trouble.”

You stared at the class one student with a delinquent’s reputation and smirked. “Are you? Staying out of trouble that is.”

He huffed and zipped up his coat. “Shut up. I’m managing.”

When he took one step out the door, he turned around to look at you with his signature glare, before holding up his puffy sleeve covered arms.

Smiling, you let go of the door and sank into the hug with a slow sigh. “Get some safe, okay? Watch out for the ice.”

He was warm. His hands were still on your back for a moment before brushing along the length of your spine and pulling away with an affirmative hum.

Rin stared at you with a dropped jaw and pinched eyes. The journalism club, as they do once the main load of work was done, was once again talking about their dates. Fuji used the opportunity to make a small sampled report to give to the student council every week. But within your small group of friends, you seemed to be an outlier.

“Let me get this straight. You guys shoved each other around on the ice, raced, and slammed into the barrier instead of, like, holding hands and drinking hot chocolate?”

You nodded as your fingers ran across your laptop's keyboard. “Ya. Why would we do all that stuff?”

Rin groaned, fists slamming into her thighs. “‘Cause it’s supposed to be a date! A romantic date!”

“Why though?”

Kaito rolled his eyes before smacking the back of his classmate's head. “Leave it alone. There’s only one more date left anyways. And if they don’t want to date they don’t have to. This is the first time the Student council has done this sort of thing, so it’s not perfect. They just don’t like each other.”

You tilted your head in the younger students direction as you listened to his tired words. Not like each other? You did like Kyoutani. Why wouldn’t you? Sure things started off a bit strangely; being thrown into an uncomfortable situation with a stranger is weird. But you did like him. He was passionate about competition and sports. Particularly volleyball, which you had a shared interest in. He was funny, and at least someone fun to anger since his reactions here were entertaining. He was aggressive and maybe a bit scary at times, but not without reason. He was fun, liked dogs, and gave good hugs too. Why was there not to like?

You stared at your clubmates as they went on to talk about their matches. Was it really all that different? Rin’s whine stabbed your ear drum. You winced.

Maybe it was different.

But who gives a fuck?

Momo and Takahashi were already on the raised platform when you arrived. Though you three had nearly always been by each other's sides, since the two got matched up however, they had been stuck like glue in and outside of school. You didn’t even know they liked each other like that. You slid in next to Momo. 

The boy’s volleyball team members were the the court, facing off against another school for a friendly scrimmage practice. From what Kyoutani had mentioned, at the end of the school year, they invited as many opposing teams as possible for a final hurrah of playing. All just for fun. You hadn’t ever taken a moment to watch any of the boys teams, but when Kyoutani had brought up the friendly, end of year tournament, asked (insisted) on being there to watch a few games. 

Your teeth dug into your lip as Kyoutani shoved past his teammates to get a spike in against the opposing team. Never having seen him play before, you could now clearly see why Momo and Takahashi were concerned beforehand. But it didn’t stop you from cheering his name loudly when the ball landed with a dangerous thwack at their libero’s feet, just inside the line.

Momo pulled your arms down from their victorious thrusting. “Are you sure you don’t like Kyoutani?”

You huffed, arms crossing as you narrowed your eyes at the girl. “What do you mean? I do like him. I wouldn’t have come to watch otherwise.” 

Takahashi continued to type on his laptop. Likely a play by play of sorts so that he could include it at the end of year article. Sadly, none-of the girl’s teams had anything going on. So there wasn’t anything for you to contribute other than a summary of the year and edits. He groaned when Momo leaned backwards against him, still giving you a suspicious glare.

“Okay… if you say so.”

Why she was hung up about it, you would never understand.

You were walking off the platform when you spotted the striped boy pounce on his captain.

Oikawa always was a bit of a twerp, annoying Kyoutani and trying to find every button that would make him explode.

“Oh, Mad-Dog! Your little date is here.” The captain sang, digging his fingers into the younger student’s shoulder.

Kyoutani groaned indignantly. “We aren’t dating, asswipe.”

“Really? They were cheering for you pretty loud. Louder than my fans even. Are you sure you aren’t an item? I knew our plan would work out!”

Kyoutani glared at the brunette, huffing hot air out of his nose as he crouched down. “Fight me you piece of shit!” he lunged, and choked.

Iwaizumi held the back of the boy’s collar, just holding him out of reach for Oikawa’s neck. The smiling brunet sang a little tune. 

The rest of the team watched on with mute laughter as their resident pound dog got his leash tightened on his by the dog walker. Iwaizumi sighed.

“Settle down, chihuahua. He’s not worth it!”

“Hey, Kyoutani!” 

It wasn’t the first time the team had seen you, so actually seeing you, along with two friends, though a bit out of the blue, was not really anything brand new to them. What was surprising though, was the sight of their rabid friend's shoulders relaxed and the aggressive creases in his face softened as he looked your way.

You parted ways from Momo and Takahashi at the school gate. Kyoutani looped his arm through yours once they were out of sight.

“Okay. So why did you do the questionnaire if you didn’t want to go on any dates?” 

“Fuck if I know! Those assholes made me do it. Wouldn’t stop pestering me about getting a date until I filled it out! And they’re still bothering me about it!”

You laughed, kicking a snowball that was left on the sidewalk.

“You aren’t like those asswipes either. Why did you sign up?”

“It was an accident actually.” Kyoutani raised an invisible brow in your direction. “We were helping the student council look over the questions and fill them out to see if they were any good. Test dummies essentially. Plus I like quizzes and questionnaires. But when Fuji gave them back with recommendations, I guess mine got filtered into the system even though it was the draft version. My friends keep getting annoyed that I don't do what they expect me to on these damn dates.”

You paused, holding Kyoutani back as you looked at the large snowflakes that were now following on his head.

“But honestly, I’m not even mad about it. Sure the first date was weird as all hell. But I like hanging out with you.”

“Hmm.”

You watched as a large fluff of snow landed on Kyoutani’s nose. Making him scribble up from the cold and snake the offending fluff off. A snort escaped you, making you hunch over in laughter.

Kyoutani growled at the sound and tugged you by your attached arms, pulling you into his chest.

“You’re warm. It’s nice,” your laughter subsided. “And you smell like sweat. Less nice. Did you not shower after the game?”

“Shut up.” Kyoutani’s eyes were closed as he tilted his head back towards the sky and let the softly falling clumps of white fluff land on his face.

You smiled, sinking into his hug. “Who cares if we’re not doing what everyone else wants. I like what we’re doing.”

“Hmm.”

The boy seemed to leave his door unlocked a lot.

“KENTAROU!”

Raising your leg up, you shoved your heel into the (already open, you didn’t want to damage anything) wood door, making it swing open.

On the other side, Kyoutani was padded up in his heaviest winter gear in a deep lunge, ready to dive.

The temperature had dropped again, the final assault of snow that week had made large stacks of snow that had to be shoveled through. Spring will come soon.

Seeing the blond boy’s conniving smirk, you held your hands up and surrendered, taking a few steps off his porch so that your back was facing the snow mound on his front yard. Once your arms lowered, all truces were off, and he pounced.

Hands collided with your shoulders, sending you flying backwards into the snow, and landing with a force that knocked the air out of your lungs.

You wheezed, “Fuck you!”

“Get off your ass. We have a game to win.”

His smile was contagious.

The Haishi Automotive Lions were the Sendai Frogs biggest rivals. All the players seemed to know each other really well, and got along great, which just made them want to one up each other more, no matter the outside standing of the V league. As it was one of the biggest games of the season, it also had a large turnout. 

Drunk Guy included. 

Spotting him in the crowd, Kyoutani’s eyes narrowed and wrapped an arm around your shoulder, stitching your spots before you slid into your seats. His arm stuck there like glue afterwards.

Having an extra body in the way for the man’s screams to bounce off instead of going directly into your ear was definitely a blessing. Especially when the Lions came out and a roar of heckles were thrown their way.

You groaned, shutting your eyes and letting your head fall onto Kyoutani’s shoulder. “This is going to be a long game.”

“We should get you noise canceling headphones.”

It was, in fact, a long game. The Sendai Frogs, having their star player back after his two week concussion recovery, was able to hold a steady lead throughout the first set. Finishing their first set winning with 27 points.

The crowd had gone wild when the referee’s whistle blew, rising to their feet as they screamed and pumped the fists. Kyoutani’s hand remained on your shoulder as you stood up to cheer along.

The second set had been much harder but ended similarly with 29 points for the Frogs, who were happily drinking cold water in their green jerseys that were gradually becoming more and more laden with sweat.

The Lions took the 3rd set with 28, and the 4th with 31.

The crowd had become restless and agitated, screaming all the nasty things they could against the opposing team. Which only made the visiting Lion’s fans retaliate with their own hateful words.

You groaned into Kyoutani’s shoulder, hoping that you would be able to leave the stadium without getting stuck in a brawl. It happens sometimes.

Luckily though, you managed to leave the stadium alive and with a happy smile at the memory of the Sendai Frogs taking the 5th set at 18 points with a gym rattling spike from their captain.

“AAH!” You shot your arms into the air. Letting the heavy snow fall on your cheeks. “That was amazing! Kyoutani, you’re gonna come to the game next week, right?”

His head tilted. “Isn’t this the last date?”

March 14th, White day, was next week. Meaning that everyone who hadn’t confessed on Valentine's day would take the opportunity to confess their love with the symbolic white roses. How could you have forgotten?

You paused, staring at the bow with an exaggerated scoff. “We talked about this already

“Who gives a fuck?”

The boys volleyball team had dismissed themselves from practice early so that they could go give out their white roses. This left the gym nearly deserted with the exception for the super dedicated players, ie the captain and a couple lackeys, tossing balls into the air. You had pulled Kyoutani up to the viewing ledge, where you could sit at least somewhat privately, while also still being in close access to the gym floor, should he want to run back on at any moment.

Your brow furrowed as you looked over the questions of the exit questionnaire that was left on your desk that morning. “Are you going to continue dating going forward? Yes or No? Seriously, that's too simplistic.”

“The fuckers set us up, what do you expect?” He took a bite from his Hamima Chicken, “What do you want to say?”

Dropping the sheet into your lap, you paused, and looked his way, watching as he scarfed down another bite without breaking a sweat. “What do you want to say?”

He swallowed and looked at the paper before throwing his head back with an annoyed grunt. “Who gives a crap!” he shoved the rest of the branded fried chicken down his throat before grabbing something from his bag and throwing it against your head.

It was hard, and crickled on impact before landing on the sheet of paper in your lap with a thud.

“You were supposed to catch it dumbass!”

“I didn’t know you were throwing something at me!” you laughed, rubbing the spot on your temple.

Picking up the crinkly plastic wrapped gift you admired, the inconsistent sized hard candy that sat inside of it. At the tied opening, a small card read ‘Happy White Day” is his recognisable messy handwriting. 

You smiled. “Thank you, Kentarou.”

The questionnaire was left blank.

This is the closest I’ve been to not finishing a oneshot in time, I thought I was gonna split it into parts.

Lol, I love this one. I just let my ace heart run wild with platonic fics, could’ve probably written so much more if I paced myself better.

holy shit 31 pages. - Bacon

It was very cute :( it didn’t even feel like 31 pages lskdjfla - Kiwi

11k wordsssss - Bacon

It’s about drive, it’s about power - Kiwi

We stay hungry, we devour - Bacon

PUT IN THE WORK, PUT IN THE HOURS AND TAKE WHAT'S OURS - Kiwi

Okayyy gotta post nowwww back to essay writing and date memorizing - kiwi

Posted: 05/12/2021

[momentsatmydesk]

~ My Thoughts on ‘Yuru Camp’, Season 1 ~

I was looking for an easy-going drama, and ‘Yuru Camp’ was exactly the one my tired mind needed. I am a sucker for nature & food-centric stories and this is the kind of healing I always want more of.

1. Right off the bat, I fell in love with the little while scooter of Shinma Rin and the breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji. I usually travel with my friends, but I could see the beauty of camping solo through Rin's passion for her hobby.

2. Rin may not be people-friendly but there is something very grounding about her. I think she's true to her heart in her own unique way and follows it. I love how comfortable she is with her herself & how much she relishes her own company. It was so lovely and refreshing to see that. On the other hand, it was also cute to watch her awkwardly open up to people and friendship. Nadeshiko was the primary reason for this happening, but I also loved Rin's efforts in taking the initiative to be a better friend. There's also such a caring side to Rin and this comes forth every time Nadeshiko does something reckless or stupid. Lol, I love that concern and the hilarious camaraderie the two share.

3. Now, a little about Nadeshiko, because even though she's shown to be a bit naïve, I found her very soulful as a person. For one thing, I love anyone who devours a cup of instant Nissan like they're eating the most delish dish in the world. Nadeshiko will always have my heart for it. Amidst getting lost and napping on the pavement, I love how she's always up for new things, new people and ideas. Her first camping experience with Rin, the serene beauty of Mt. Fuji against a pale, full moon instilled in her a love for the outdoors.

4. Even the school's outdoor club was such a cool venture. I loved how they find these perfect hot springs for their first outing and relish in the warmth of nature's water-gift. I even loved how they enjoy a dessert date, tasting each other's picks one after another.

5. My favorite moment was when Nadeshiko and Rin make a hot-pot on one of their camping trips. The mandu look so plump and juicy and the sheer deliciousness of having hot soup with dumplings almost bursting with filling brings goosies to my heart. I love how they relished each bite, especially Rin's face when she had her first one.💕

6. Another favorite moment was when they went camping in a forest, by the lake. Tall trees, an evening sun, and our 'Secret Blanet Society' of Rin and Nadeshiko was superb. There was also this moment when Nadeshiko's sister enjoys a cup of hot coffee sitting by the lake, when she comes to drop off her sibling at the campsite. That is such a peaceful and heart-filling moment too.

7. There is a solo trip that Rin takes, where the route to the camping site is blocked and she decides to persevere and take a longer detour. On the way, she buys buns filled with meat and vegetables. She learns how winging it is also a joy of travelling and finally, on arriving at the campsite, she watches a night sky shimmering with stars, tiny lights lit up in the village houses below, while enjoying a crispy-yet-soft grilled bun for dinner.

8. The show was such a lovely respite from my anxieties around regular life. It really made me feel all warm and happy on the inside. It also made me realize how much I love feel-good Japanese dramas that have no agenda except to cherish the beauty of simple things and everyday moments of living.