#iba x chizuru

[onedivinemisfit]

3, for OTP asks!

3. Are they into PDA? Who initiates most?

Okay I might have gone a bit over the top… ehm. Yeah. Anyway, Iba is absolutely the only initiator of PDA given Chizuru suffers from Old Shojo Lead Syndrome 🤣 but his adoration simply cannot be contained

+ bonus color gradient version bc I am mad like that

[bubblesthemonsterartist]

Iba x chizuru, mood setting; rainy, warm, green, refreshed~

As with most things regarding her, it comes as a surprise.

“Hm.” It’s a thoughtful noise and all the warning he gets before her hands slip into his – both of his.

“Chizuru-chan,” Iba gasps softly, voice lost beneath the patter of raindrops against the waxy leaves surrounding the camellia’s bloom.

The apple of her cheek swells - she’s smiling - tracing the bones of the forefinger of one hand and the dark ink strokes of the other. The demon purrs in content.

“You have nice hands,” Chizuru remarks, so sweetly, so assured. “They would never hurt me. I know it.”

[stars-and-clouds]

Iba Hachiro- Character Behaviour Analysis

Yandere: A character, who has an obsessive and possessive side in regards to their crush, ready to use violent and murderous means to maintain an exclusive bond.

I think there is a lot of misunderstanding in regards to many characters which makes sense because of the numerous adaptations with canon changing each time but Iba Hachiro’s case is interesting because he has only one canon- the two main games Edo Blossoms and Kyoto Winds.

I'll try to explain why Iba is not a yandere/psychopathic/gaslighting/manipulating/lying man (I have read all of these adjectives being used to describe him and it’s really upsetting...).

Following are the reasons I came up with when having a discussion with a fellow server member and I thought I’d share them here to let others like me know that you’re not crazy or gaslighted by him for liking him...

1. He is completely missable if you don't pick his first two romance options. Yanderes do not give up, whereas Iba stops coming around if you don't remember him. He moves on. Something he would not have done if he was obsessed and was chasing Chizuru around.

2. You meet him again in other story paths and he does not talk beyond formality to you.

3. He stopped coming around and they grew distant as children as is wont to happen naturally. If he was deeply in love, that wouldn't have happened. They lived in the same city. His training would not have consumed his every day, every hour as he was still a child. He would have plenty of opportunities to come around.

4. Iba is not possessive at all. Kazama is actually the only possessive romance option afaik. Iba encourages you to look at other shinsengumi men because they're his friends too.

and politely asks you to wait a little bit so he at least has a chance. That seems very fair to me and he does not hint even once that if she does choose someone else, he will act crazy to obtain Chizuru instead of them.

When she does choose someone else, Souma in this case, he is supportive first and then naturally acts protective over a dear friend.

5. He pays attention to Chizuru's inner turmoil, very similar to Harada and Saito. When you pick the option to reluctantly leave the shinsengumi in chapter 5, he interrupts Hijikata (which is interesting since his dedication to Hijikata is on Yamazaki and Saito’s level) to say that knowing Chizuru’s wishes is important even when Hijikata scolds him for confusing Chizuru, and asks Chizuru if she really wants to leave. When she says no, he puts a rock on his own heart and let's her stay even though it is making him extremely worried knowing she'd be in the centre of a battlefield.

6. Actually cares for her mental well being by taking her out of the headquarters and by giving her new experiences like trying new sweets, taking walks to new areas, etc.

7. He wanted to kill himself for letting his demon arm control him. The man was seriously depressed of what he was doing to Chizuru when all he wanted was to make her happy.

7.1 He was literally asking her to leave him because he is unable to keep her safe. In an abusive relationship, such as with a yandere, possession is the ultimate goal. You don't ask for what you covet to leave you.

8. He is not gaslighting or manipulating Chizuru: He only brings up the past in about three instances and none of them are put in a way that is to gaslight her. They are always either in regards to her power or to explain why he feels protective of her. He never uses it to force her to feel a certain way about him.

9. He has not been obsessed with her for over a decade and did not train and become a warrior only for her: If that was the case he would not treat her with as much formality as he does on your non-romance paths. Their relationship would have always been on the front for him. He takes his Okuzume duties very seriously as his bushido is just as important to him as it is to the shinsengumi men. He is basically a shinsengumi warrior who couldn't be in the shinsengumi.

10. The nostalgia he holds for Chizuru makes sense since he is only 19 when you meet him. Chizuru is about 16-17. They had only 2-3 years between them. Since he was older, he would remember it better than Chizuru does and obviously think deeply upon the person who pushed him to go train. I have no doubt he would have picked up the katana at some point in his life, being the heir to one of the biggest dojo, but when he did it wasn’t out of a sense of filial duty, it was to protect a close friend. We all remember the reason or the person we were pushed onto our path in life. For him, it was Chizuru.

10.1 He is not lying or gaslighting Chizuru about her past: He cannot be lying about her bullying and healing powers because up until the game begins, Chizuru's powers are her best kept secret. How could he have known about them, if he wasn’t there when it happened? Not to mention, her recalling the past happens from her perspective. I feel like people take away Chizuru’s agency and treat her like an idiot when it comes to her own mind (I’ve seen this happen when people discuss Harada’s romance too). She isn’t a genius but she’s not a donkey either.

11. Chizuru's suppressed memories: in Kazama's route we learn what happened at Chizuru's village when she was a kid: the fire, killing, kidnapping etc. was a traumatising event. Being attacked with stones by bullies who call you monster is another traumatising event that happened only a few years later. Chizuru has had a traumatising past and it makes sense for her to forget a big chunk of her childhood, which would include forgetting the people she met, like Hachiro and replace it with a more familiar person like her father.

12. In regards to him being a "white knight": Firstly, why is being a white knight a bad thing? Secondly, that's literally his job. He is a samurai. They are sworn to their lords and a samurai's behaviour reflects upon the lord they serve. He is an okuzume which means he is directly connected to his lord i.e the shogun. If he is not behaving knightly, he is failing at his job. Not to mention, he is extremely sensitive and empathetic. He holds his values very close to his heart and believes in treating everyone with respect, despite his privilaged, noble upbringing. Being a bystander to injustices goes extremely against his nature and lifestyle.

13. Wearing his heart on his sleeve does not make him weak: I think a reason people dislike Hachiro is because he is very open about his feelings from the start. Somehow, his honesty is his problem...? I have seen the more cryptic love options like Kazama, Saito, Hijikata and Okita being more popular than the more open and honest ones like Harada, Iba and Sakamoto. Perhaps it is a preference but being openly vulnerable shows a different type of strength and it should be respected, imo.

14. He respects her wishes: He could sense Chizuru was not ready for sex yet and he respects it, even in his drunken state. Even when you choose to deny him, he is not passive aggressive. Again, yanderes/abusers/gaslighters don't do that. They would get offended and make you feel bad or scared of them.

Side note: I don't think Hachiro was ‘in love’ with Chizuru as a child. One can’t truly understand love at the age of 7-8. He uses the older brother honorific for himself in the first few interactions we have with him and only afterwards (chapter 2 iirc) that he stops using it, showing the transition from the childhood friend/older brother to a grown man who wants to court a woman.

[chiyuki-hiro]

A collection of screenshots I took, back in 2018 when I played Hakuouki Kyoto Winds & Edo Blossoms. Naturally, I had to play Kazama's route first & I gotta say; While it isn't a perfect romance route, I still appriciate that Kazama got more of an actual route in these games.

[dalissy]

someone give me Okita x Chizuru x Iba like this please please please please please please please

[celosia-starfall]

Hakuoki: Oni no Chi

Interlude 1: Iba’s Musings

In which Iba and Harada have a talk

[AO3 LINK]

A/N: To sort of break up the story a bit more and not end up constantly writing 20 page long chapters (like chapter 4 was), I’m going to add some “interlude” chapters every now and then that will be shorter and just throw in a bit of perspective from some of the other characters too.

@pumpkin-patch-cat @ladyshiranui @impracticaldemon

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A sigh fell from Hachiro’s lips as he slid down off of his horse.

Guilt had been gnawing at his chest for the past several days after he and his father had been kicked out of the Kururugi residence. He had been so sure that his plan would end up working. Even his father had agreed to it.

But when they had arrived and the suitor that Kaien was bound to marry was already there… Well, it seemed as though his plan was already bound for failure before it could’ve been put into action. To think that Kaien’s father had already worked so fast on securing a husband for her. That Takeda fellow...

Still, he couldn’t forget the anger that blossomed within him when Kaien’s father had raised a hand against her. All for simply speaking out against the future marriage. Even now, Iba felt pissed off, but there was little that he could do about it.

Instead, he chose to focus on the one thing that he was capable of doing for her. The single request that she had given to him before they’d parted ways.

“Iba?”

Blinking, he glanced over at the entrance to the dojo, a familiar dark-haired figure standing there with a raised eyebrow. “Ah, Toshi! It’s good to see you.”

“Mm. You’re back sooner than I would’ve expected. Is everything okay?” Hijikata asked, placing a hand on the young teen’s shoulder.

“Well…” Iba’s smile faltered as he glanced away, the guilt and anger rising up again in his chest the more he thought about it. “Not precisely.”

“Did something happen to Kai?”

“Not yet. Not exactly…”

Hijikata’s eyebrows furrowed together. “Would you like to talk about it over some tea?”

“Not right now. Thank you for the offer.” Iba bowed before looking around the dojo. “I’m actually here on a request from Kaien. Did Harada-san ever come back?”

“Ah.” Rubbing his face, Hijikata’s expression softened. “Yes, he’s back… He’s upset, so if he yells at you, try not to take it to heart. He’s mostly upset with himself. For not being here for Kai when she was having to leave…”

“Don’t worry, Toshi.” Iba patted the older man’s arm. “He’s not the only one…”

After all, I’m the one who had the most power to be able to keep Kaien safe. I’m the one who made a promise to her that I’d help keep her from being married off. And I failed… If I can’t even keep a promise to a friend, then I’m never going to be worthy of marrying Chizuru...

“I’ll go find Harada-san,” he said, waving a hand back at Hijikata and making his way through the dojo until he could find Kaien’s room. “Now let’s see…” He tapped his knuckles against the flooring around the room until he managed to find a spot where the wood was loose enough to lift up. Beneath the board was the journal he was looking for, just as Kaien had said.

Tucking the journal into his yukata, Iba left the room. His feet carried him around the grounds, following the sounds of someone training rigorously. Standing a few paces back against the wall, he watched as the redhead repeatedly swung and stabbed the practice spear into a set of training dummies. Far more aggressively than Iba had ever seen him.

Toshi wasn’t exaggerating… But I know I’d feel the same way if I were in his place.

Iba cleared his throat, causing the elder teen to stop and turn towards him. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything, Harada-san.”

Grabbing a towel, Harada wiped the sweat from his face and neck, propping the staff against one of the dummies before plopping down on the ground near Iba. “No. Not interrupting. I was just…” He waved his hand before sighing, scrunching his nose up. “Frustrated. If I had known that Kai was going to end up leaving...” Amber eyes stared up at the young teen. “I wouldn’t have expected you to be back so soon.”

“You’re not the first person to say that,” Iba stated, a hint of amusement in his voice before frowning. “I’m actually here because Kaien asked me to speak with you. Apparently there was some kind of misunderstanding between the two of you, and she was worried about you.”

“A misunderstanding…” Harada repeated slowly, letting the words sink in.

“Mm. It was something about you being in love with her, but you thinking that she’s in love with Heisuke.”

“I do love her. I know she said something about thinking that I had started hating her, but that’s never been further from the truth. If that’s what she was worried about--”

“No, no. That’s not it at all.” He chuckled, sitting down on the ground next to the spearman. “It’s the Heisuke part. She’s never been in love with him. She never had a chance to tell you that though.”

Harada blinked at him. “Oh.” Biting his lip, he rested his forearms against his knees, his fists clenching and unclenching. “The two of them had gotten so close so quickly that I’d thought…”

“Would you like to know my thoughts about the matter, Harada-san?” Iba asked gently, resting a hand on the other’s shoulder. He waited until the other silently nodded before continuing. “I think Kaien was just happy to be able to have a friend that wouldn’t judge her or pity her--”

“But I didn’t--”

“--or feel guilty about not being able to protect her. Someone that she could feel normal around. Someone that also didn’t treat her like a helpless girl.” Iba paused for a moment, tilting his head in thought. “Did Heisuke ever even know that Kaien is a girl? Because if Kaien was simply only ever Kai around him, then I think that makes it pretty clear that they were just friends.”

After a moment, Harada let out a soft curse. “Now that you mention it, I don’t think he ever did… He might be the only one that doesn’t know. Though I think Shinpachi even forgot that she’s a girl at times too…” There was a pause. “If I had only noticed and hadn’t jumped to conclusions about how she felt... I feel like I ruined my chances with her…”

Letting out a huff, Iba shook his head, even though he could understand where Harada was coming from. “Don’t be so hard on yourself. If you had, then I wouldn’t be here right now.” Reaching into his yukata, he pulled out Kaien’s journal. “She sent me back here for me to find this journal that she had hidden in her room. She wanted you to have it, and said that there’s a note for you on the last page,” he said as Harada gently took the leatherbound papers in his hands, flipping through the pages.

“It’s...mostly about me…” Harada mumbled, his fingers skimming across the papers reverently, drinking in the gentle swoops and arches of the calligraphy that inked the pages. It wasn’t until he reached the last page that he inhaled sharply, eyes widening in surprise. “She…”

Harada stood up so fast that Iba almost fell over beside him, having to hurry to catch up to the redhead as he was quickly walking away.

“What’s wrong? What did it say?” he asked, concern suddenly filling his chest. At least...until Iba saw the happiness that was across the other’s face.

“That she wished she had a chance to say it in person, but that she loves me and...she asked me to marry her.”

“And...what are you trying to do right now? If you’re thinking of heading to their family’s estate and asking her father for her hand in marriage, it’s not going to work. I already tried.”

Those words seemed to freeze Harada in his place. “You tried to marry her?”

Wetting his lips, Iba continued, hoping to prevent any type of misunderstanding. Again. “My father and I tried to arrange a fake engagement so that Kaien would be able to continue training and for her to be able to still be around everyone. But her father already had a suitor picked out. They’ve likely already left the estate by now to head to his family’s home. The wedding itself wouldn’t be for several years though.” Iba hesitantly reached out and placed a hand on Harada’s arm, knowing the amount of pain he was likely going through. After all, Iba felt his own guilt for being unable to fulfill the promise that he had made to Kaien when they’d first met.

“So what exactly am I supposed to do then? Just sit around and let the girl I love get married off to some stranger?” the redhead bit out, punching the wall beside them, a growl in his throat.

“No. You trust Kaien. And you wait for her. She’s not just going to lay down and give up. She’s going to fight for what she wants, and I know that...somehow...someday...she’ll find her way back to you…”

“But what if something happens to her...and she doesn’t?”

Amber eyes met green, and for the first time, Iba saw the amount of world-shattering grief that filled the man in front of him. He was at a loss for what to say. After all, how could he even relate to having the love of his life being ripped away from him without being able to do anything about it?

“...Then we just have to pray that it doesn’t.”

[flowerynameslover]

We are good people and we’ve suffered enough.

- Inspiration

[amoura-eternia]

Stories of the Shinsengumi 2: Hachiro Iba

 “Iba-san you’re here too?” I asked sitting next to him. I certainly hadn’t expected to see him here, waiting in the room that had requested me along with Kondou-san, Harada-san, Nagakura-san and Heisuke-kun. He simply stared at me in response. “Iba-san?”

 Iba-san blinked a few times and answered me. “Yes, they invited me out for a drink when we bumped into each other earlier.” Ah so it was just a coincidence. That must be why Iba-san was staring at me earlier, if he had no prior knowledge to what was going on, of course he would be surprised to see me dressed like this. “You look beautiful.”

 “Beautiful? You think I’m… beautiful?” I repeated his words. Of course this was far from the first time Iba-san had complimented me but it still surprised me to hear those words. Maybe it was because I thought of myself as rather plain looking, maybe it was because of the way those words made me feel, I wasn’t really sure. "Thank you."

 "There's no need to thank me, I was merely telling you the truth." Iba-san gave me a warm smile and my heart pounded in my chest. Those words and Iba-san's smile made me really happy.

 "Oh my, I think we should go guys. Give these two a moment to themselves." Harada-san spoke up and I looked over to him, my face red, out of the corner of my eye I could see Iba-san’s face turning red as well.

 “Yes, if you could, I would appreciate some time alone with her.” His voice was as calm as it always was as he smiled over at Harada-san. If it weren’t for the blush covering his cheeks I would have thought Iba-san hadn’t been affected by the comment at all.

 “Iba-san?!” I exclaimed, my face growing even hotter at his request, did he really want to spend time alone with me? Of course I noticed he seemed to enjoy my company, he had spent time alone with me before and he definitely seemed to have enjoyed that time he spent with me but surely Harada-san and the others were better company than I was.

 “Hahahaha, it seems like we’re unwelcome. Come on men, we should let them have some time to themselves.” Kondo-san laughed and stood up; Harada-san, Nagakura-san and Heisuke-kun following suit. They all walked out of the room, Heisuke-kun a little more reluctant than the others. He seemed upset about something, I hope he’s okay.

 The door closed and slowly I turned to look at Iba-san once more, I gave him a nervous smile, this was far from the first time I’d been alone with him but something about tonight felt different. My heart was pounding frantically in my chest and my face felt like it was only getting warmer, why is simply being alone with Iba-san doing this to me now?

 “Chizuru-chan, are you okay?” Iba-san was frowning in concern and I shook my head to clear my thoughts.

 “Oh, yes. I’m fine, I was just lost in thought that’s all. It’s nothing to worry about.”  I hurried to reassure him, not wanting him to worry about me, especially if it was over something so silly. Besides it wasn’t like it was bothering me or anything, I was just… confused.

 I guess I didn’t sound too convincing as Iba-san just seemed to grow more concerned. “Are you sure? Did you want them to stay? Did something happen?” Iba-san’s voice wasn’t as calm as it usually was, now it had a slightly panicked tint to it.

 “N-no! Nothing like that! I was just thinking about something, really!” I told him, giving him a smile that I hoped looked reassuring to calm him down. “Nothing bad has happened, I’m just trying to figure something out.”

 Thankfully my reassurances seemed to work as Iba-san took a breath and the panicked tint to his voice was gone. “I see. I apologise it seems I overreacted.” Iba-san flushed and averted his gaze from mine.

 I shook my head at his apology. As much as I didn’t want Iba-san to worry about me, it didn’t change the fact that his concern over me made me feel really happy. “It’s okay. You were just worried about me. It makes me happy.”

 “Ah, that’s good.” He smiled at me, notably relieved, before his expression turned serious. “Would you like to talk about it? I might be able to help you out.”

 “No thank you. I’m sure I can figure it out by myself.” I told him, normally I would have probably accepted that offer but considering Iba-san was the source… I didn’t want him to know what I had been trying to figure out.

 “I understand. If you ever change your mind, let me know, I’ll be glad to help.”

 “Yes, thank you, Iba-san.”

 “I saw the Shinsengumi coming out of here.” A voice spoke up from the other side of the door, both Iba-san and I quickly turned to look at the door, frowning. “Maybe there’s still some inside.”

 “Only one way to find out.” Iba-san moved in front of me pushing me behind him so whoever was on the other side of the door couldn’t get to me without going through him first. Iba-san was a skilled warrior on par with the likes of Okita-san so I had no doubt he could easily handle the men that probably weren’t up to anything good.

 The door opened and a group of men walked in. "Are you with the Shinsengumi?"

 "No one here is part of the Shinsengumi." Iba-san told them, I nodded my head in confirmation. Iba-san was a okuzume working for the Shogunate, he was an ally of the Shinsengumi but not a member. I may have been living with them but I wasn't an official member and even if I was I was currently disguised as a Geisha at the sumi, I had to keep appearances up.

 "Oi, idiot. What makes you think he'd be truthful about it?" One man slapped the man that had previously spoken upside the head.

 "I am Hachiro Iba, a okuzume working for the Shogun. What is your business with the Shinsengumi?" Iba-san's voice was even as he glared at them, they flinched slightly. They may have been willing to mess with the Shinsengumi but messing with Iba-san was a different story for them apparently.

 "Nothing in particular. Just wanted to talk that's all." They changed their tone rather fast, because Iba-san was closer to the Shogun no doubt. It was too risky to mess with him directly.

 "I doubt that." Iba-san told them sceptically. I already knew they were plotting something against the Shinsengumi but these men were so obviously lying that I was sure I would be able to tell they weren't telling the truth even without that knowledge.

 "You're plotting to attack the Shinsengumi's headquarters aren't you?" I accused them; of course I wasn't positive that was what they're plan was but it was probably among the most likely. If it wasn't I hoped they'd slip and tell us what they were up to.

 "How did you…!" One man started before his eyes widened and he cut himself off. It was too late.

 "So you are." Iba-san stated standing up and drawing his sword. "I can't let you do that."

 It didn't take long for Iba-san to subdue and capture the ronin, the Shinsengumi took over after that and the rest of their comrades were quickly taken care of. The planned raid of the Shinsengumi headquarters was stopped before it even began.

*************************************************************************************************** “Good morning, Chizuru-chan.” I turned around at the voice, Iba-san was walking up to me, waving his hand. A couple of days had passed since the ronin were successfully stopped and captured.

 “Good morning, Iba-san.” I greeted him, returning his smile. He sat down on the porch and I sat next to him after he indicated for me to do so. “What brings you here today, Iba-san?”

 “I came here to give you this, Chizuru-chan.” Iba-san told me pulling something out of his kimono sleeve and handing it to me.

 I took it from him and opened it to find some castella. “Oh thank you so much but… why did you come all the way here to give this to me?” I asked, I had heard Iba-san had to leave soon so he was surely busy and yet he took some time to come give me some castella.

 “Well I took all the credit for the mission. I felt you deserved some kind of reward.” A reward? I didn’t really mind the fact I didn’t get any credit, it was to be expected after all, no one was supposed to know I was actually a woman. I was about to tell him as such when… “Besides, I like seeing you happy.” He added.

 I flushed, what I was going to say to him was forgotten. I wasn’t surprised to hear that exactly, I was Iba-san’s childhood friend and of course he would like to see his friend happy but that didn’t stop my heart from pounding in response. He just meant that in a friend way right? Or did he… No, there was no reason to think he meant it in any other way.

 “I would have liked to take you out instead but unfortunately I don’t have enough time for that.” Iba-san sounded disappointed, I shook my head. What he had already done for me was enough, I was happy.

 “That’s okay. I like your gift.” I told him, he gave me a bright smile in response and stood up. I felt a little disappointed at that. I guess he has to leave now, I understood that but… I wanted him to stay a little longer. I shook my head again, no good would come out of thinking like that. I didn’t want to bother Iba-san with my desires while he was so busy.

 “Well, I’m afraid I have to leave now.” Iba-san told me. I nodded and stood up myself, I hoped the smile on my face didn’t look too strained. “Let’s go out somewhere next time okay?”

 “Yes!” I was sad that I wouldn’t see Iba-san for a while but the thought of going out with him when we next had the opportunity really cheered me up. I was looking forward to next time.  

[otome-baka]

Iba’s Merry & Chaotic Christmas

It is finally time for this Secret Santa to unleash her birthday present! Oh wait...no that’s wrong...CHRISTMAS PRESENT! Yeah that’s it. Anyway this Secret Santa’s special gift is for @lawfulstars. And a special thank you to @hakuokisecretsanta2018  mods Bea & Chi for putting together this fun holiday event! I hope you all enjoy and thanks to Yamazaki’s ninja skills! [okay enough joking around] It’s pretty long so to officially read the fiction ‘keep reading’. I don’t want you all to get bombarded by a bunch of text. I am sorry if there were any errors in advance...while I was editing yesterday I got word that my aunt passed away a few hours ago. I’ll be alright I promise. I hope this story puts a smile on your face.

December 1868

Ezo was overflowing with snow and Chizuru was watching the snow fall. There was little she could do around the compound. She ran errands when available, and she would bring tea to everyone to warm up their spirits. When there was nothing else to do she would watch the snowfall and reflect her times back in Kyoto with the Shinsengumi. Chizuru was daydreaming getting into a snowball fight with Shinpachi, Harada, and Heisuke. The moment with them in the snow was so much w. Or the time she made a snow bunny for Saito. Remembering the moments made her smile even though it hurts. Before she meddled into her memories too much she walked around the compounds to find if there was anything she can do. Everyone seemed to be busy with meetings for their next move for the war.

           Chizuru went inside where it was warm and ran into Souma and Nomura who were discussing about an object they were holding. She stepped closer.

           “Hey Nomura, hey Souma, what are you two looking at?” Chizuru asked.

           “Hi Chizuru, um, actually I am not sure what this thing even is to be honest…” Souma responded.

           “It’s something foreign, I have never seen this thing before. Enomoto and Otoro probably knows because they were in these boxes not too long ago. They were discussing something, most likely for a party or something,” Nomura expressed his thinking.

           “It looks strange, yet pretty. I wonder what it is called. And what’s it for?” Chizuru replied curiously.

           Chizuru, Nomura, and Souma decided to investigate the boxes that were in the meeting room. There were more strange decorations, and other objects that confused them more. The only thing that made since to them was the sake and foreign alcohol. Chizuru looked at all the objects and tried to organize them as best she could as the other two were shaking the empty box wondering if there was anything else that was in there.

           “Hm? What is with all this shiny stuff in the box…now it’s all over my uniform.” Nomura sighed as he tried to get the glitter off his uniform before Hijikata has a fit.

           “Oh!” Someone gasped as someone entered the room.

           “Ah…spoiling the surprise…you naughty kids.” Otoro playfully chastised.

           “Otoro-san, what is all this stuff if I may ask?” Chizuru questioned.

           “It was supposed to be a surprised. I might as well explain. It is a holiday they celebrate overseas in certain countries called, Christmas.” Otoro said.

           “Christmas?” Souma asked.

           “What is that?” Nomura was confused.

           “In December, the foreigners celebrated a holiday called Christmas. They say it’s the most wonderful time of the year. They have festivities such as ice skating, snowball fights, decorate their homes, families cook all kinds of foods, tell stories, all kinds of stuff. It was Enomoto’s fault really. He thought why not give it a try.” Otoro looked pained as he tried to explain.

           Chizuru was curious about this mysterious holiday that foreigners celebrated. She listened carefully to what Otoro’s explanation on Christmas. She even insisted on decorating the room for the party and convinced Souma and Nomura to join her. Otoro helped instruct how to set up the decorations. The place is looking festive and pretty.

           “I did not know Christmas was so pretty and decorating would be so much fun. Thank you, Souma and Nomura for helping me,” Chizuru bowed.

           “Ah, but there is still more to do, especially for you Chizuru,” Otoro replied with a mysterious smile on his face.

           “Eh?” Chizuru was confused.

Otoro handed Chizuru an outfit that he wanted her to wear. He said it would be comfortable for her. Chizuru headed to her bedroom and opened the box and looked at the outfit. It seemed nice and warm as she removed her uniform to put the other outfit on. Red, white, and green was the colors main theme of the outfit. There was a note in the box that read: Avoid Iba. She struggled with the buttons, but she managed to put the outfit on. She looked at the mirror and double checked her coat and pants. The tiny bells jingled as she moved her arms and legs, but outfit was comfortable regardless. In the back of her mind she looked ridiculous. She left her room and saw Hijikata and Enomoto as they were talking. The noise of the bells distracted them as they looked at Chizuru who was trying to avoid them. Hijikata stared wide-eyed as Enomoto tried to hide his satisfaction.

           “Chizuru…is that you?” Hijikata asked confused.

           “Yes…? Is my outfit terrible?” Chizuru was worried.

           “On the contrary, you look cute if I do say so myself, doesn’t she Hijikata?” Enomoto beamed with excitement.

Hijikata remained silent and closed his eyes. Chizuru felt Hijikata disapproved of it but instead…

           “She does indeed look different. Although cute wouldn’t suffice…I would say adorable…” Hijikata mumbled quietly looking away a hint of red on his cheek.

           “Well, we better get going, you look nice. Keep up the great work, Chizuru.” Enomoto replied as he started to gently push Hijikata to start walking.

           “E-Enomoto!” Hijikata protested as they began to walk to his room.

Chizuru was by herself again and decided to return to the meeting room. When she arrived Nomura, Souma, and Otoro was gone. There was a note on the table that requested the she help prep for the Christmas dinner. Shimada and Motoyama would be in the kitchen waiting to help prepare.

           “Why are you doing this to me!? Why can’t I see Chizuru…?” Iba was frustrated by Nomura and Souma who have tried to prevent him from seeing Chizuru.

           “She is on a mission right now, and she wants to concentrate on what she is doing right now. She said you would be a distraction to her if you tried to help,” Souma responded.

Iba rolled his eyes as Enomoto and Hijikata arrived. Enomoto explained to Iba that indeed Chizuru was working very hard on her mission. Disturbing her now would only make things worse.

           “I can’t at least help her?” Iba mumbled.

           “I’m afraid you can’t.” Hijikata sighed.

Iba was disappointed with the outcome of the situation. He did not have much to do now along with everyone else. He decided to head back into his room as he sighed thinking about what Chizuru’s mission might be. He did not get a chance to see her all day due to war meetings. He felt a bit powerless since he explained to Hijikata that he is now part of the demon community and cannot participate in the war of mankind. Iba felt powerless. Iba felt antsy few minutes later and went to go find Chizuru. In order to find her, he would have to be discreet.

           “I am going to have to agree with Hijikata, you do indeed look adorable Chizuru.” Shimada admitted.

           “Haha, if only Iba got to see you, he’ll probably won’t recognize you. Or, he’ll probably take you away and we’ll probably get a scolding for keeping you away from him, oops!” Motoyama covered his mouth after his confession.

           “Ah? What do you mean Motoyama?” Chizuru looked at him.

           “Well, we already know that you and Iba are together, but we just wanted to spend some time with you. Even if it’s only a little while.” Motoyama said.

           “Oh, I thought we were celebrating Christmas…” Chizuru said softly.

           “Well that is part of too. Spending time with friends and family.” Shimada replied with a smile.

           “I am actually starting to like this Christmas thing. It’s actually pretty fun.” Chizuru responded as she continued cooking.

Iba could not find Chizuru anywhere. He looked around the entire compound he can think of and went to the meeting room to find the room strangely decorated. Everyone was there aside from Chizuru, Motoyama, and Shimada. Just when he was about to turn around and escape Enomoto called for him to have a seat. Iba tried to make an excuse, but Enomoto convinced him to stay if he wanted to see Chizuru. Iba sat down at the table already distanced from conversation. Iba regained his attention back when Enomoto made an announcement of a special guest. Iba looked at the door and nearly fell from his chair by what he saw. As Shimada and Motoyama brings in the food, Chizuru was behind them standing at the door as ordered.

“Wow, Chizuru! You look so adorable!” Nomura squealed out.

Chizuru looked down in embarrassment the bells jingling as she walked up to the table and presented the alcohol. As she made it towards Iba he was not sure what to do as mixed feelings began to collide. He wanted to just take her and have her all to himself, was this a test to prove himself that he is no longer provoked by the demon soul that had already accepted him?

           “Iba?” Chizuru questioned him.

           “C-Chizuru-san…” Iba couldn’t talk, his face red as apples.

           “Yes? Let me guess it’s this outfit isn’t it?” Chizuru looked down in embarrassment.

Everyone around the table tried to hide their laughter and finding the awkward situation between Iba and Chizuru a bit amusing and precious. Even Hijikata tried to hold back a smile but failed.

           “So, what do you think Iba? Doesn’t she look great?” Souma poked Iba which was a bad idea.

It all happened so fast as Iba swept Chizuru off her feet and left the room carrying her away. Chizuru protested which Iba ignored.

           “Poor Iba, I would’ve probably did the same thing if my special someone dressed as cute as her.” Shimada commented.

           “Oh, I hope they are okay, I hope we didn’t push him over the edge…” Motoyama was worried.

           “Hehe everyone ready for part two?” Enomoto questioned the people at the table.

           “Wait, this was all your doing? You, sneaky person you.” Hijikata responded holding in his joy.

           “Hey, it’s the holiday season and I just wanted to have a little fun and bring joy on our first Christmas holiday before we go and face the Imperial Army. Now, for part two since Iba has taken away our guest of honor, he must be punished.” Enomoto showed everyone a mysterious box and opened it in front of them.

They all gasped and laughed and what was inside. They all agreed it would be the best punishment for Iba. Hijikata volunteered to punish Iba for it will be more believable. Everyone was shocked that the Vice President wants in on the fun.

“I-Iba, where are we going? Please put me down.” Chizuru looked away hiding her rosy cheeks.

“Just bear with me a little longer please.” Iba said as he returned to his room.

When Iba arrive in his room he put Chizuru down and sat on his futon taking in a couple of breaths. Chizuru began to worry about him and sat next to him.

           “Chizuru…may I ask for a favor?” Iba asked calmly.

           “Yes, of course.” Chizuru replied immediately.

           “Sit on my lap, I just want you close to me…”

Chizuru got up and sat on his lap. She asked if she was too heavy for him, Iba’s response by shaking his head. He wrapped his arms around her waist. Iba began mumbling his complaints which Chizuru heard a little bit of. She decided to make small talk with him to distract him a bit. All she got out of him were short answers.

           “Chizuru…” Iba whispered in her ear.

Chizuru froze in place as a flashback appeared in her mind.

           “Don’t tense up. Relax.” He gently kissed her ear.

           “I-Is it the demon’s voice again?” Chizuru couldn’t help but ask.

           “No. I’m sorry. This is for my own pleasure. When I heard you were the guest of honor I didn’t know what to do. The clothes you are wearing is strange, but…you looked beautiful. I was jealous when Nomura made that comment of how adorable you were. I didn’t know what to do without embarrassing myself or you.” Iba gave Chizuru a gentle squeeze.

Chizuru relaxed in Iba’s arms appreciating her moment with him. He let him have his way as he kissed along her neck. Her outfit was now becoming an inconvenience as she began to sweat due to her body heat. Iba asked if she was okay when she wasn’t feeling well or if she was uncomfortable. She responded that she was too hot and wanted to go outside. She convinced Iba if it was okay to go back to the party which Iba forgot about momentarily. As they entered outside and headed back to the meeting room Hijikata was waiting for them outside the door.

           “H-Hijikata-san, is something the matter? What are you doing outside?” She asked.

           “It is of no concern to you Chizuru, but after Iba’s little show back there I believe he should be punished for taking you away. You worked so hard on the food to prepare for us, we couldn’t even eat it because you weren’t there. Iba, what do you have to say for yourself?” Hijikata was very upset and it showed.

           “To make up for it, we all decided to lighten your punishment.” He responded.

           “We?” Iba questioned.

           “Well we are hungry waiting for you both, so hurry up and put this on. Make haste.” He handed him a box as he gave him the look of, ‘don’t come back till your changed.’

           Chizuru assisted in helping with Iba’s outfit which had the same theme and colors as if they were matching. Chizuru couldn’t help but smile in delight as she showed him in the mirror of what he looked like. Iba whined and said that he looked a bit ridiculous, but Chizuru proved him wrong she was comfortable and kept her warm. And she pointed out that they were on a time limit not knowing how hungry their friends are sitting in the meeting room waiting for them. Iba swallowed his pride and went back to the meeting room. They were met with a bunch of cheers. Iba and Chizuru were red as roses from all the cheering and compliments they were getting.

           “They both look adorable and cute now. Enomoto you’re a genius, even though I’m a little envious of Iba.” Otoro responded.

           “Can we switch positions with Iba?” Souma and Nomura replied tempting Iba again. Out of reflex Iba hit them both on the head.

           “Ah, it’s so lively in here with all this chaos. Doesn’t remind you of the old days?” Shimada said talking to Hijikata.

           “Heh, indeed it does.” Hijikata reflected about his dinners with the captains Kondou and Sannan.

           “Alright you two, one more thing before you two eat. Look up.” Motoyama tried to regain the attention back.

Iba and Chizuru looked up to see a leaf and attached to it was red tiny balls. Chizuru asked what it was. Motoyama explained that it was a mistletoe and if a couple is underneath one they must kiss. Chizuru protested for she didn’t want to kiss in front of everyone, which Motoyama explained that she didn’t have a choice in the matter. If they were to eat, they would have to kiss. Shimada and Hijikata watched smiling as the others were chanting and encouraging them to kiss. Iba turned towards her as Chizuru was frozen to the spot. Iba saw the pressure she was under. He hugged her from behind and pecked her on the cheek. He took her hand and escorted her to the table and finally they were able to eat the dinner that was presented.

           When the party came to its conclusion and everyone dispersed to their rooms only Iba and Chizuru remained to clean up. When they were finished Iba called her back under the mistletoe.

           “Shall we try again?” Iba asked.

           “Try what again?” Chizuru asked.

           “The mistletoe, now that you’re not under pressure?” He asked. Chizuru thought about it for a moment.

           “You do not have to if you don’t want to. I just thought it was an interesting concept is all.” Iba replied as he took the ornament down and gave it to her. Chizuru smiled as she held the item with an interesting idea. She whispered to Iba on what she wanted to do with the ornament. Iba couldn’t believe that she would even come up with that idea, it was out of character even for her, but he did not say no to it. They headed back to Iba’s room and placed the mistletoe on the wall above their futon. No encouragement, no cheers, and no provoking. Iba and Chizuru were able to kiss in peace. Later that night as they were snuggling together both of them were looking out the window and witnessed a rare sight. A shooting star that left a sense of hope for the couple.

[ship-personalities]

[onedivinemisfit]

See no evil

Hakuouki (c) Idea factory

Art: Me

[bubblesthemonsterartist]

Hakuouki - iba / chizuru - dumb hours? ✨

idk if this is dumb hours, but you need some 🍋 on your little dingy or you're gonna get scurvy 🤣

Hair shimmers like opal, slick and plastered to each muscle of her back as she moves on him.

The demon inside is a smug bastard.

It’s shameful to have her this way, wrapped around him, bouncing up and down with her little gasps. And yet—

Her moan vibrates off the wall when a nail nicks the delicate skin of her throat, she squeezes blindingly hard around his cock when that devils hand snakes around, grips her horn, wrenches her back so he can feast.

But it’s a human touch that makes her fall apart.

It’s “Hachiro!” that she cries out.

[stars-and-clouds]

"You know, when I see this lovely shade of blue smattered across the sky, I'm reminded of something. Do you want to guess what it is...?”

“...That’s right. The haori of the Shinsengumi.” - Iba Hachiro, 1869

___

I challenged myself to finish an art piece in a day. This took about 6 hours I think. Cue my favourite line from the entire game.

My idea with this piece was that he is sitting and reminicing on a distant memory from a past life he can't pin point in his present life. The blue sky reminds him of something, but he can't remember what.

I love Iba and theere is a serious lack of Iba art so I might make more.

[widemushroom]

A new hakuouki game on the way ❤

[camuslittlesister]

‘Tis the Season for Smut 2.0 Content Creation Challenge

I know y’all have asked for other fandoms but I am going through a phase where I can only see Hakuoki SSL and you’re lucky it’s not 15 Okita x Saito ones, really (speaking of which, Animate ship my package already)

It’s all Suitor x OC and the OC is a gender-bent Iba (sorry, not sorry) who is the only female teacher at Hakuo Academy. Chizuru is there too, probably dating Heisuke because he is my OTP for this game even if my OTP for the OG is Kazama because a) he just is and b) Hijikata can’t be the canon because he’s Iba’s boyfriend, he just can’t be in 1864-68 but they are destined to be together

He’s too beautiful as a guy already I just can’t RIP

Also the first name is after Kimigiku because that queen is missing from the SSL universe and it’s unacceptable.

But yeah, the fics are a prologue and 4 alternative timelines but they also work as standalone and require little knowledge of the game or the OG itself to appreciate (which I hope you will or I wouldn’t publish them).

Dec 1st

Prompt: “All I want for Christmas is You”

Ship: Chikage Kazama x OC

CW: Just the fluffy vanilla heteronormative fantasy of a teenage boy with *le hots* for his teacher

“And done. Perfect" Chikage Kazama put down the calligraphy brush with a satisfied smile, admiring the beautiful penmanship on the invitation he was sure would be Miss Iba's Christmas gift at the school's gift exchange. A foreign song, "All I want for Christmas is You", came on the radio, which he swiftly turned off.  It was the perfect soundtrack for the sentiment it expressed, but he couldn't imagine a woman as refined as her would like such a song. He just couldn't wait for the look of delighted surprise on her face as she saw the gift of a trip via private jet to the family-owned luxury ski resort in Hokkaido. She would refrain from jumping into his arms at the party, of course, as it was proper of a student and teacher, but he was so close to graduation he had no doubt the woman he had elected as his future bride would miss the opportunity to get closer to him. He laid back down on his bed, large enough for two to sleep in it, picturing the scene...the early morning sun glittering against her chestnut hair, turning it almost blonde in the light as they boarded the plane. Would she wear her ponytail like at school, or would she wear it down? Kazama was sure she looked amazing with her hair framing her face, so he didn't really want anyone else to see her that way. It was for him to untie it as she looked up to him, her lips parted sensually after being kissed, the flicker of expectation for what would come next crossing her eyes as she felt the soft waves fall on her shoulder.

She would touch his chest coyly, almost as if she didn't want him to reach out under the jumper to take it off, but would offer no real resistance when he would go ahead all the same. What colour would she wear? Her perfect complexion would suit every colour, but he settled on a light cream fine knit cashmere that would take on the colours of the sunset as they overlooked the snowy landscape behind the French doors of the  Swiss-style chalet's terrace. He would lay her down on the bed and slowly trace the length of her legs in the leggings she wore under he ski suit, her muscles sore from a day in the slopes and yet ready to trap him in her embrace, before he took them off, leaving her to show the kind of underwear women of her calibre are sure to wear. He would kneel back up, taking in the view as he took off his own jumper, and then her elegant hands would reach out for the button of his jeans...wait, would he be wearing jeans after going skiing? She would slowly undo the button of his ski bottoms, like she was savouring the anticipation of seeing how hard she made him. He did not know how many men she had seen before, but it didn't matter. He looked down at himself, his tight boxers hardly able to contain him, smirking at his imagination of what her face would look like as she freed him from the constraints of the fabric to admire him in all his glory. He knew that the chances he was her first were slim, and in fact he liked the idea of an older woman who knew what she wanted and how to get it, but he couldn't live with the possibility he was not the most impressive of her lovers. He had to be. Her hands would be too small and dainty to contain all of him as she caressed him, not to prepare him but to cherish him. Before long he would capture her wrist and push her arm all the way up above her head, his other arm undoing her bra and, lastly, removing her knickers to reveal her wetness. She would welcome him like she was born to belong in his arms, which in his mind she was, her moans like the finest symphony in his ears as he, too, reached the climax. He would hold her in his arms as they both rested, a confession breathed out barely audible, but they didn't need words to express their feelings, not when their bodies had spoken so loudly already. Kazama sighed and dragged himself out of bed into the ensuite bathroom to shower, his chest stickier than usual even though he had fantasised about her many times before. This time was different, this time it was so close he could taste it. He couldn't sleep because of the excitement about the party, the hour of which could not come soon enough.

He dressed with great care, and spent the afternoon volunteering to do things for her as she talked with the students and other teachers, hoping he could get the seat next to her at the seated dinner. The moment she would open his gift and look at him with pure joy was never going to come: when the presents were distributed, she was given a different package. The colour drained from Kazama's face as he realised who was squealing for joy at a free holiday: at the other end of the table Mr Nagakura was calling for the other teachers so he could share the good news that they were all invited to go along to his all-expenses paid holiday the following day

[wisewastelandandnotsowisesimp]

Hakuoki Ramblings (Part 2.5?)

hello. so i wanted to do a sorta character analysis thing (it's probably gonna read out more like a 'reasons why i love X and they have a place in my brain) and so i decided to do a seperate, spe-shal post for this. and who better than mah boi okita?

from the moment he first appeared on my screen and said those infamous first lines, he took away my breath (and my sanity, and the top spot on my ultimate husbando list. but i digress). even now, my love for okita is strong as always (even iba isn't enough, like he's great and all, but i feel like i like him because of the potential he had as opposed to his actual character).

the other okita souji I've seen (who is also based on the real life figure, albeit loosely) is the Okita Sougo of Gintama. in the show (which is hard to slug through but it's pre good, i'd recommend to watch), okita is seen as a sadistic swordsman who has his insane moments and a rivalry with hijikata, the "demonic vice-commander". the reason why i note this is because there are quite a lot of similarities between the two.

the thing with hijikata-> throughout both series, okita pokes fun at hijikata. in hakuoki, this manifests in the form of banter whereas in gintama, the "poking fun" is brought up to a whole 'nother level as okita (repeatedly, and unsuccessfully) tries to kill hijikata. either way, it provides a form of entertainment and in the case of hakuoki , provides some lightheartedness to the gravity of the game (can't say for the anime, cuz i haven't watched it). favourite, memorable, moments include:

the ishida medicinal powder thing

THE HAIKUS

when okita points out that chizuru was assigned to be an attendent to hijikata and okita is told to shut it (memory is a little iffy on that part, it was chapter 1-something)

(still can't format the fooking thing, i lied, i can't do it but this is numero 2) the sadistic side. in the game, okita's sadistic side is not so much sadistic in verbal terms as it is just bloodthirsty, self-depravating (in some instances) comments. same with his killing style, i feel (note: has been a very very long while since i completed this man's route so could be inaccurate) that he's not the sorta person that would slowly torture and kill someone (unless pushed over the edge which he is pre close to, admittedly) but rather would go with one slice/stab and get high in the rush of life.

the light brown hair (apologies, i forgot most of my arguments because I'm coming back to this after weeks. was supposed to end the year with this and now its march. )

snarky comments. a lot of snarky comments.

(oh god i want to play hakuoki again, it's been too long. but life. but hot anime men. will get back to this one.) here are just some hakuoki specific ones.

abs. (ik a lot of characters have shirtless cgs. i haven't seen okita's yet so i can't say ive seen them per se but he's a hot anime warrior dude- he has some)

the fact that he based his hairstyle on kondou (KYAAAA)

this is long enough as is tbh, and my brain hurts from too much science. but hey, i am able to proclaim my love for a psychotic-warrior-dude-based-on-a-now-dead-guy which kinda weirded me out when i first thought of it this way because then the question remains, do i simp for a dead guy or a reinterpretation of him? in that case, could i say that i am truly a devotee for the mans? (at the same time, i know people simp over irl serial criminals and george michael)

in the end, i will not pull a nick gatsby and wait for a long time for what was simply attraction to ideals to be reciprocated at all. although i suppose i am less pitiful, in that i am aware that it will never happen. now please excuse me as i still continue to stare into that green light and bask in the temporary happiness it may provide me