#:: howling wind // SOJIRO

[kiaroscuro]

Title: as the world caves in

Warnings: descriptions of violence, major character death

Rating: Mature

Main Pairing: Ren Amamiya / Arsene

Main Tags: post-canon, zombie au, angst, hurt / comfort, road trips

Warning:

· · ─────── =^.^= ─────── · ·

The persona is nothing if not attentive over the next few days, always around Ren to make sure that his side and eye didn't get worse; there was little to do for the lighting-strike other than to keep the surface of Ren's skin soft and flexible, and they've started treating it like the burn wound on Ren's arm. They don't speak much, basking in each other's presence while the wind howls outside, rattling the metal carcass of the plane and howling in sorrow. Once Ren feels as if he can walk for more than two steps, Arsene takes him to the pilot's cabin, making Ren sit down in the seat while the persona occupies the other, and then he starts talking about the controls of the plane. Arsene recites from not-memory how to fly a simple one, how many of the little devices were used by the military first. After some time, he started taking apart and inspecting the radio unit of the plane in the hopes of repairing it. Ren listens to him, watches the snowstorm swallow everything in white while the voice of his other half washes over him, and imagines a simpler life, one where he could've finished high school and then gone back to Tokyo for university. Sometimes, flecks of the star-lit sky become visible, and Ren's eyes search out familiar constellations, the North Star always a focal point, Ursus Major another he recognizes.

Ren closes his eyes and imagines meeting Zenkichi and Akane and the Yoshizawa twins in another life; maybe a new Metaverse would've emerged over summer vacation, and he and his thieves could've met Zenkichi as an officer working on the same case. Akane and the twins could've joined them as persona users, and Zenkichi and Sojiro could've met and gone along splendidly. Maybe Konoe would be one of Ren's confidants, the man a broken mess even before the cataclysm. He ruminates on their possible code-names, imagines how his thieves would've reacted to meeting them, imagines how Mona would've gotten along greatly with Akane. Arsene's voice has fallen into a steady rhythm, and he shifts ever-so-often to adjust his wings in the seat, claws drawing over the console and plucking around electrical wires without any power left.

Maybe, maybe, maybe...

Ren closes his eyes, feels his side dull to a slow throb, and listens as Arsene fumbles around with the broken radio unit while talking about his adventures of long past, telling tales about the world war because both of them were in a maudlin mood. It's a strange camaraderie, almost domestic in how at ease he finds himself in the persona's presence, and Ren thinks that he could grow used to staying like this forever.

(What a dangerous thought.)

Deft claws take apart the front panel of the radio, more wires exposed, a tangled mess that has Arsene hiss in displeasure. Ren eyes it, watches cables and wires twine together and destroy each other, and closes his eyes, exhaling once while he lets his weight sag against the seat. "...it's all such a mess," Ren murmurs, and Arsene's wings twitch and his fire flickers before he turns towards Ren with a low-burning confusion.

I can untangle them just fine, do not worry, mon cher. The persona says, but Ren shakes his head. "Everything had been perfectly fine, and then it got-- tangled together, and now I don't know--" he stops, stares down at his hands and imagines the blood of the nebiros and mithra on them. He can still taste the blessed flesh, insides protesting at the sense-memory. Arsene is silent for a moment.

...we aren't talking about the radio unit, are we? He asks, softly, and Ren breathes in shakily, tries to keep his voice even. Arsene's fire softens, before he puts the mess of cables and wires down on the console again, turning towards Ren.

"I should've listened to you and leave, but--" He shudders, "-- I really thought I could trust him. I just don't know why--"

He paid attention to ye, Arsene comments, still soft. At thy exploits and thy knowledge, and he allowed thee to use it for the people in a way that made a difference. My dear, this was not a trap thou could've known how to escape, because Maruki made certain to slather the oil with honey. He exploited natural human need for companionship and thy natural desire to help people -- for that, I cannot be sorry enough.

Ren draws in another shaky breath, eyes blinking because he can feel the tears stinging. "But--"

My greatest regret is not being there for ye throughout all of it.

I let him touch me--! Ren cries, unable to voice it out loud. He clenched his hands into fists before winding them around his elbows, pressing them against his stomach at the sick feeling surfacing. The wound on the side gives off a dull throb almost as if in warning, but Ren ignores it, relishes in the pain. "...I let him touch me," a broken murmur, "even though..."

Claws carefully pried his fingers off, smoothing them out one by one, Arsene's finger pads trailing over the palm of Ren's hands until they stopped clenching and lay flat on his thighs. Ren glances sideways at his persona, who had never looked so human as in that moment, regret trailing down over his mask like tears of golden ichor as he knelt next to Ren. Did what happened with Mademoiselle Shiho or even our own Panther make them weak in thy eyes? The persona asks gently. Ren hiccoughs and shakes his head. Of course not, but Ren's fallen for Takuto's soft words and machinations while Ann and Shiho had been forced into compliance...

Arsene thrums, lowly. His head tilts to the side, claws gently squeezing Ren's hands. Like this, Ren can see the cut on his throat, the thin line of discolored flesh. Had Fox not believed that Madarame was a honest and just man because he was raised under pretenses? Had he not cared for the artist almost like a father, because he was at one point treated as such? Ren, what happened to thee is in no way thy own fault. Thou should know this.

And the thing is-- the thing is: rationally, Ren knows this. But Ren also knows that he'd enjoyed Takuto's attention, his soft and ready touches and gentle smiles and adoring gaze -- his and Sumire's both. Ren also feels distinctly used and manipulated, and he wants to do nothing more than scrub the memory of that last dinner off of his skin. He hates himself for his feelings, because that silk-thin strand of possibilities that had been growing between him and Arsene--

Ren isn't sure he deserves it, anymore. "Even though--" he tries again, tries to get Arsene to understand, because Ren feels wretched and hollow and so, so greedy for taking all of his persona's attention, and--

"Ren, my dear," Arsene rasps softly, "seeking out a connection in these circumstances is not something I would ever begrudge thee." I will be happy with whoever thou decide to settle with, as long as both parties consent to it.

Ren shudders. "...even Akechi?" He asks, half in jest and half because there had been something between them, amidst all the murder and subterfuge and deceit. Arsene makes a noise, wings twitching. He's got them pressed tightly against his back, Ren notes, which has to be uncomfortable. Even Crow, though I would  question thy sanity on that matter. He admits, and then adds, softer still: I mean it, though.

"I don't want anyone else's attention," Ren admits, lowering his lashes and eyes growing distant. "I... for a long time now, I think, I didn't want anyone else's attention but yours." He's still fixated on the cut, remembering how soft the skin had felt under the touch of his lips. Arsene's exhale is a breath of warm air.

"I know, mon cher."

"I know I'm never going to have all of it," Ren continues, haltingly, because it is in Arsene's nature to be flighty. He is a magpie with treasures of gold and women, hoarding one shiny thing until something new catches his eye. Ren's read the novels, and moreover, Arsene is part of his own heart, and-- "but if I could have it for now, I'd..."

Oh, Ren, Arsene murmurs, squeezing Ren's hands before carefully turning his kneeling into a crouch, his mask pressed to the side of Ren's face. "I cannot promise that you'll have me forever, but for as long as I am by your side, you'll have me." You've had me ever since the day we've met for the first time, Arsene adds, softly.

Ren breathes out a weight he hadn't noticed holding. "Oh," he murmurs, before closing his eyes and turning in his seat until he can hug Arsene, until he can feel the persona's claws trail through his hair and over his cheek while Ren burrows his head in his neck. Thank you.

First << >> Next

[latenitewaffles]

Adjustment AU Mementos Banter cause I'm feeling bored

Ryuji: That howling wind is crazy... where's it even coming from?

Katsuro: Real logic doesn't apply here, so it could just be a result of how people think of the subway.

Katsuro: I've never wielded a polearm before awakening my Persona, but I fight with it so naturally.

Ryuji: Eh, I basically just use my club like a baseball bat. It's more or less the same...

-

Morgana: Listen, it's not that I look like a cat. Cats just look like me.

Katsuro: Well, you're adorable regardless, Mona.

Katsuro: Man, it's cramped in here. Hey, do you think we could get a trailer?

Morgana: I don't even have a trailer hitch! And don't even try to tie my tail to one!

-

Ann: Mmmnnn... I'm hungry. I want something sweet.

Katsuro: Saaaaame... I wish I didn't leave my bag up top, I woulda shared some candy with you.

Katsuro: People are always surprised to know that I have good grades. I think they get hung up on the punk thing.

Ann: It's always satisfying to see people get stunned when you do better than them!

-

Yusuke: This interior... who designed its anesthetics?

Katsuro: Surely it looks like this by coincidence... right?

Katsuro: I wish I knew how to write music. I get so inspired in the Metaverse.

Yusuke: I often forget that knowing how to read sheet music doesn't mean you know how to write it.

-

Makoto: My Persona's the only one that could become a vehicle, right?

Katsuro: I guess I could ride on mine, but I'd be more like a passenger and less like a driver.

Katsuro: You know, we have no way of knowing if someone outside of our group is a Persona-user.

Makoto: That being said... there's just some people I can't imagine being Persona-users.

-

Futaba: I want some of Sojiro's food. His curry is the best.

Katsuro: I know, right? It's better than my dad's, even!

Katsuro: My phone keeps getting slower, but I'm too attached to get a new one...

Futaba: I know the feeling, but you should replace it before you're forced to.

-

Haru: Our Thief suits are quite striking! Panther's tail is so cute!

Katsuro: Trust me when I say that the tail doesn't make up for anything else about that thing.

Katsuro: I started frequenting Untouchable... and now I wish I had space to collect weapons.

Haru: I have the room, but visitors tend to get unnerved by my axe collection.

-

Prince!Akechi: I could use a drink. Nothing beats black tea when I'm tired.

Katsuro: I'm more of a soda guy, to be honest.

Katsuro: Now that I know both Detective Princes, I can confidently say... that the first is still cooler.

Akechi: Wait... you know Shirogane-san?

BlackMask!Akechi: Do you prefer my previous outfit, or this one? Moving around's become much easier for me.

Katsuro: If you fused the two outfits together, you'd look like a member of a black parade... sorry, music thing.

Katsuro: All of us were incredibly close to going down the same path that Crow did...

Akechi: Yes, you likely were. So think twice before judging my actions.

-

Sumire: It was already hard for me to believe Palaces existed, but to think there's such a massive one under Shibuya...

Katsuro: Well, at least it's not a tower. I'd hate to think about having to climb something so tall.

Katsuro: I'm more fit that people seem to realize- they're always surprised to see me carrying heavy instruments with ease.

Sumire: I know the feeling. Someone in my class saw one of my performances and they've been trying to get me to do it again...

[mechanicalrebellion]

—¿Qué es lo que hago aquí?

—Todos estan reunidos aquí por una razón muy importante...

—Que el día de hoy decidiremos algo que ha creado enormes diferencias entre nosotros y que debe ser resuelto

Ni sabe porque esta ahí 

¿Por qué escucha los gritoneos de Koga desde afuera? ¿Acaso no lo dejaron entrar?

El no sabía que rayos hacía en ese lugar, pero al menos había visto a ese agradable rey Gabriel.

—Es el momento de que de una vez por todas definamos quien es el dueño de Kamil

—Suena inte-

—¡Mocosos estúpidos! Kamil es mi esposa, es mía, dejen de jugar con eso malditos.

[airshipcanon]

Coffee and Cream 3

Snowfall

In which Futaba finds out that Ren makes for a nice pillow, and Ryuji discovers their relationship.

"Sorry guys, I know we came all this way to see Mari-san, but I really don't want to leave the RV right now. I'm just... Not feeling well." Futaba had explained earlier, and Ren had volunteered to stay back and make sure she was taken care of. It wasn't much more than a simple headache that had befallen Futaba but it did effectively ruin their plans with their friends.

And it was getting late. Night in Sapporo's winter was, to say the least, cold. Not something Futaba wanted to deal with either so even after her headache had abated, she simply chose to sit by the heater and peruse the internet on her laptop. Or that was until the power went out, something went wrong with the ground hook-up, and Makoto had the keys to actually start the RV's engine. That wasn't good, not in the least. The howling of wind outside and the creaking of the RV suggested that the weather had taken a turn for the worst. Heavy Snow and a storm? Just great.

Futaba pulled out her phone only to see a warning about severe weather. The listed temperature of -20C didn't look friendly and with a frown she shivered just thinking about it. However, she did have one thing going for her.

Ren. Her stoic boyfriend who had stayed back with her to help with her headache was likewise trapped in the RV. With her. He shrugged as he finished messing with the breaker panel. It was no good, the problem was from outside, not the camper itself. He stopped, turned around and opened up the seats, which held much of the group's camping gear. Crucially, though, it was the blankets he was after. He must have grabbed 4 or more, before placing them on Futaba's bed. That made her smile before looking back at her phone, as she pulled one of the new blankets over to herself. She stopped short of pulling it up over her shoulders, however, and looked back up at Ren, who was walking back towards one of the other beds. "Ren. Do you mind... Joining me?"

Ren stopped and turned back, was she really being that bold? He smiled and said "Sure, if that's what you want." Futaba was, innocent, well okay, she wasn't, but her actual approach to their relationship was. And he certainly didn't mind keeping a respectful distance, but here she was, inviting him. He loved her to bits, and certainly was going to take advantage of the opportunity, since on group outings they didn't get many. The others didn't know. Not yet, even over a year after they got together.

Not to say it was a complete secret. Sojiro knew, of course, they had told him, and while he had scared the couple at first, he was glad to help their blooming love along. And Mona knew, since he lived with Ren at almost all times. Sophia too, having read Ren's texts, nearly alerting Ann during the journey previously. Zenkichi knew as well since Futaba wasn't exactly subtle about it, and he confronted the couple if only to allow them a chance to partake in a bit of a comforting reunion after his own awakening. But Ann, Ryuji, Haru, Makoto and Yusuke were in the dark. It wasn't out of insecurity or jealousy, it's just they knew their friends and didn't want to deal with what they both knew was coming if they were found out.

Futaba smiled at him, "Yes, you dork. It's cold, you're warm, and I want to cuddle." He couldn't help but smile back at her as he joined her in her bed overlooking the camper. He wasn't the only warm one, he soon felt as Futaba curled up with him. She was warm, so warm. Not just physically, but in his heart too. He loved this, loved her. It rang true for the both of them. She gently moved herself to rest against his chest and let her eyes flutter shut for a moment. "You're comfortable... So warm."

He ran his hand through her hair. "You're warm too." He said with a smile.

She responded with a giggle. He felt his heart rise with it. She shifted her position within the ball of blankets that surrounded them. "See we share our warmth and keep the cold away. A brilliant plan, mwehehe."

Ren hugged her tighter, realizing she was falling asleep, and soon joined her, letting himself be her pillow.

He would awake to a banging sound from the door as a pile of snow was heaved aside and the camper was opened. He groaned and Futaba yawned, her eyes fluttering open but in their grogginess, they both missed the intrusion.

"Dude..." Ryuji's voice was a moment of awakening for both. He and Yusuke both were entering the camper and now staring right at the two. "Futaba? Really?" He said with a wide grin on his face to Ren.

Futaba's face was now an incandescent red, as she tried to explain that it was just how cold it was to no avail.

Ren breathed deeply before answering Ryuji with a simple nod affirming his attraction to and relationship with the girl, who despite her panic had yet to move from her position in his arms. There was no avoiding it now, as the others entered the camper as Ryuji said Ren was sleeping with Futaba.

There were worse things they could been doing.

[foxglovcd]

About Nanashi - Storms

While he does find the sounds of the ocean to be comforting in some regards, he keeps a respectable distance from the open seas. This is especially so after his attempt to flee from Inazuma nearly cost him his vision before he was rescued by the resistance forces. 

However, when storms rush in too close for comfort, you won’t find him anywhere near the ocean. Although he can’t recall why the rush of howling winds and slapping waves terrifies him to his very core, he can only guess it may have something to do with how he met Sojiro.

[theoccationalwriter]

Fault

(Akira Kurusu x Reader)

Words: 2967

Summary: Akira has disappointed the reader one too many times and now after seeing the consequences of his actions at your expense he finds a way to do right by you.

“I have a lot of things I need to catch up on this week, you know that if could hangout I would, ” Akira said apologetically, rubbing the back of his neck.

Do I though?

The two of you had been walking from school when you asked to hang out sometime with him. Your hopeful smile faded at his response, this had been the fourth time in a row he had turned you down on plans to spend time together. He had been preoccupied so much recently that you barely even see him at school. He always had something more important to deal with, understandably with his probation and issues at school. And with so many things on his plate, you’d hate to be a cause of stress to him. So, you tried to keep a leveled head and not to take it personally but deep down inside it still hurt.

“Well, when do you think you’ll be free next.”

“Honestly, I’m not sure when, but I’ll let you know when I find out.” He said with half a smile, in an attempt to cheer you up before beginning part ways from you.

You flashed him a quick smile and a wave goodbye, but as soon as you were out of his view, your face had fallen once more. Ever since meeting Akira two months ago, your friendship with him grew quickly as well as your feelings for him.  Admittedly, your simple crush on him escalated into something more before you could do anything to stop it. How could it not? Akira too perfect for his own good. Your heart couldn’t resist his charming personality accompanied by boyish features. As much as you wanted to tell him, you couldn’t bring yourself to burden him with your feelings.

Then on top of that, he honestly had no reason to like you back. Akira had so many other girls in his life that he was better off with. You felt that you couldn’t begin to compare to how beautiful Ann is, how smart Makoto or Futaba are, or even how sweet Haru is. The thought alone pulled at your heartstrings as you furrowed your eyebrows.

Making it home, you put your bag away and threw yourself on your bed, letting out a long sigh feeling the tension in your body ease away for some time. Just as you were slowing dozing off, your phone vibrated in your pants pocket. Pulling out your phone, you looked to see that it was your mom texting you. Letting you know that she’d be working late and asking you to pick up an order she had made earlier at a nearby bakery.

You had quietly chuckled to yourself. 

No rest for the weary.

By the time you willed yourself to get up off of your comforting bed and head to the local bakery, it was past sunset, and the moon was just barely peeking over the horizon. You waltz in into the small restaurant, the nostalgic smell of warm bread hit your nose and you can't help but smile. The cashier kindly greeted you as you stepped up to the counter and asked for the order you were sent for. After she brought the box of pastries and rang you up, you when to leave and held the box in one hand and door open with the other hand for an elderly woman who then said a soft thank you and stepped out of the building.

You took one more look inside the bakery, but once you did, you felt your world stop. Your heart fell to the bottom of your chest and the fingers gripping the door ran cold through. The site your eyes had set upon had caused them to start welling up and you had to bite your lower lip to keep back a small sob.

Sitting at a table in the far corner of the shop was Akira, who was tenderly holding Makoto's right hand sitting across from him. Although, the feeling of defeat didn’t hit you until you glanced at the expression on his face.  Relief. Contentment. Love? Akira has never looked at you the way he was looking at Makoto now. And you’re realizing now that the thought and idea of Akira loving someone else did not nearly hurt as much as having it shown right in front of you.

With your body moving on autopilot, you let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding in. Then letting go of the grip you had on the door and you left as swiftly as possible. Although for a fleeting second, you swore you saw Akira break his gazed at Makoto and look at you.

Catching up, huh

Your mind was so clouded with thoughts and white noise that you didn't even notice when you got home and headed to your bedroom. You slid your chilled body under the blanket on your bed and laid your throbbing head on the pillow. Closing your eyes, you felt the tears you tried so hard not to let fall even in the privacy of your room rolling down your cheeks.  When you had finally fallen asleep in the wee hours of the morning, all you wished for was to feel anything other than empty hollowness in your chest.

~~~~~~~~~

To say that Akira had been busy in the past month or so it would have been an understatement. After dealing with school, several jobs, and the metaverse, Akira really had no time to do anything else other than sleep and maybe eat. Having to turn you down again today may have hurt him more than it did you.

When he first came to the school, you were one of the few people who overlooked his criminal record and didn't listen to the rumors his fellow students spread about him and welcomed him with open arms. Now seeing your sadden face as he canceled on you yet again made him feel guilty beyond belief. Especially since he started to develop romantic feelings for you.

Now he's had crushes in the past, but you were different. You made him feel like somebody, and you brought the best out of him. The fact that he can only return your kindness with disappointment tears him up inside. Hearing a chime from his pocket broke him out of his thoughts, and he looked on his phone to see if a text from Makoto, asking to meet him at a bakery nearby for a moment.

Considering that it was reasonably close to a LeBlanc, he decided that he could spare a few minutes and meet her for a quick chat. When he had gotten there, he saw her sitting at a table in a quiet corner of the restaurant looking down at her hands that was nursing a lukewarm cup of cocoa. He then walked over to the booth and sat down across from her.

“Evening Makoto, what’s up,” Akira said to her casually.

“Hey, Akira...” Makoto spoke shakenly, quickly catching Akira's attention.

When she picked her head up, he had noticed that her eyes were red and puffy. But before he could ask, she began to explain to him the argument she just had with her sister and how it was worse than usual. While she was talking , he had been listening intently, and when her voice hitched, he went to comfort her by holding the hand that was beginning to shake on the table. He started to brush a thumb over the top of her hand and gave her a soft look, after a couple minutes she began calming down.

A few moments later though, he felt like someone was staring at him from afar, and he flicked eyes up to see the figure of a person near the entrance of the building quickly rush off out of view. He looked at the general area for a couple more seconds before he turned his attention back to his friend. She then noticed the time, “ it's getting late, I think I should start heading but home.” Akira then nodded in agreement, and they stood up from the table and headed for the door. Makoto then said goodbye one last before turning and walking in the opposite direction.

Akira was definitely tired once he got to LeBlanc and helped Sojiro with some of the last evening customers before closing up for the night. Just as Akira was going to start working on some assignments he got from class today, his phone chimed again. Only this time it was Futaba messaging the whole group.

Futaba: “Guys I just a hit on the Meta Navi, a new palace just showed up tonight. ”

Ryuji: ”What do you guys say, think we should check it out?”

Akira thought for a moment, they had finished their last palace almost a week ago, and he had already restocked on any items or ammo that the team was short on so when the time came they would be prepared. Since that time is right now, he decided that it was safe to go ahead and enter the new palace tonight.

Akira: “Alright, let go and scout out the palace to see what we’ve got our hands on. ”

With that being said the group then proceeded into the Metaverse.

~~~~~~~~~

Right now Joker couldn’t decide which is worst a scorching desert or bone-chilling tundra, though it didn’t matter which one he chose because right they had to deal with the latter. The thieves were violently shivering as they entered the palace and being inside didn’t seem to lessen the bitter cold at all.

The palace resembled desolate, overgrown ruins of what may have been a temple. Drips fell from the high ceiling into giant puddles of water on the cracked stone tiles. The place was eerily silent other than the howling wind and crunch of colorful broken glass from the shatter windows they were stepping on. It looked as though this place was once enchanting and beautiful at one time.

Joker and Fox quietly observed the torn and weathered-down paintings hanging from the walls. For some reason, the people in the picture looked so familiar.

“Man this s-sucks!” Skull yelled annoyed, his words echoed off the walls as he rubbed his hands together and blew into them.

“Shut up, we don’t know what’s lurking in here” Panther snapped. She was about to say something else, but the faintest of whispers caught the team’s attention.

He doesn’t care us~

Everyone took cover and hid against the wall facing away from where the voice came from.

You know it would be a lie if he did~

Joker leaned over to peak around the corner and saw multiple little shadows surrounding the owner of the palace. They were curled up on the ground shaking and quietly sobbing into their hands.  Then one shadow with glowing crimson eyes spoke up.

Enough of this all we need is a little loving~

Then they suddenly began to violently tremble, clawing at their chest, and let out a blood-curdling screech. The noise caused the palace to quake, and each thief went to quickly cover their ears. The shadow laughed when the screaming stopped.

“Don’t say that” the person whispered in agony.

Joker’s eyes widen in surprise as he recognized the voice, but couldn’t think of who exactly it belonged to. The shadows and the person continued to bicker back and forth, the shadows constant taunting becoming too much for them to handle. Joker genuinely felt bad for this person as it was apparent that they were more of a harm to themselves than others. He turned to the group, about to signal them to fall back and figure this out from another angle when the shadow said something that had him stop dead in his tracks and look back.

“No one could ever love us, so what made you think Akira would be any different?”

“I... I… I don't know.”

For the first time since the thieves were in the palace, the owner picked her head up and turned looking down at the shadow who asked the question causing her face to be visible to the Phantom Thieves. Joker felt paralyzed, he couldn’t look away from your shadow form. Your whole form was ebony black, and you had glowing (f/c) eyes with silver tear streaks running down your face.

He was so caught off guard at the site of you, he didn’t react when you caught his gaze. It wasn't until you gasped that he snapped out of his trance. You looked at him defensively and summoned your shadow personas to fight alongside you.

He didn’t have to fight you, did he? Even though it's your shadow, he's honestly not sure if he could fight you. The rest of the thieves noticed Joker’s hesitation in taking a defensive stance and instead decided to grab him and retreat. You made no move to chase after them.

Joker took one look, and he was sure that the look on your face would haunt him for the rest of his life. Your expression held that of nothing but anguish despair and utter hopelessness. And he looked away from your eyes only for them to fall on what you held firmly in your hand.  He wasn't able to see it before, but now softly glowing in your hand was a strip of three Polaroid photos of the both of you together that you had gotten in a photo booth when you guys went to the fair the month prior. Your treasure.

~~~~~~~~~

Back in the real world, Akira couldn't stop thinking about your Palace. He couldn't focus on anything. How could you of all people have a palace? He had thought back to all the months you guys been together, he didn't recall you showing any signs of evil desires. But then again he hadn't seen you in a while, something could have happened, but he didn't know about. That you didn't tell him, but why wouldn't you have told him? As far as he knew he's the only person you were most honest with. The only person you really trusted.

Akira had started pacing around in the attic and running his hand through his hair, trying putting all the pieces together. The people in the paintings, they had looked so familiar almost as if he was looking in a blurry mirror. The whispers about him loving you that shadows have been taunting you with. The palace in itself being cold and broken. And your treasure being something so unique and specific. It all became so clear.

His heart split in two. He didn't want to believe it, but it was the only reason that made sense. Your Palace was actually about him. You loved him. And he broke your heart. He's the reason why you have a palace in the first place. It's his fault. It was all his fault. And the idea that he was the cause of your Palace broke him. He started to tear up, he can't bear the thought, but he has caused you so much pain. He had to fix this now. Akira wasn't going to make you wait another moment. He left LeBlanc and ran as fast as his feet would carry him to your house.

The morning Sun was beginning to peer through your window, and you would look at your alarm clock that that read 6:15. Suddenly, frantic knocking caught your full attention, and you realize that the noise is what woke you up. Now, who would be knocking at your door this early in the morning? You slipped on your house shoes and made your way to your front door.

You looked through the peephole and surprised to find Akira standing on the other side of the door. Without a second thought, you swing the door open. You looked up at Akira, and you're shocked to see how disheveled he looked. His hair was messier than usual, he was sweating and breathing heavily, and his eyes were red and a little puffy as if he was...crying?

“Akira are you-!”, You didn't get to finish your question has he grabbed you and pulled you into a hug. As surprised as you were, you were still able to melt into his warm embrace. His arms held you tighter to him as if you're going to disappear if he didn't. Akira buried his face in your shoulder and was mumbling what only sounded like several apologies one, after the other.

“Akira what has gotten into you?,” You asked as you reluctantly pulled away from him.

“I love you, I'm so sorry that I made you think any different. Please forgive me. You have no idea how much I love everything about you.” Akira said quickly, while holding onto your shoulders you looking you directly in the eyes.

You didn't know what to say to such a sudden confession and after what you saw yesterday. You looked at Akira's face, and you noticed how scared and almost desperate he looked. You have never seen that look on Akira's face, and it was safe to say that no one ever has. You could see that he so desperately wanted you to forgive him for whatever reason you couldn't think of.

You looked up at him and held both sides of his face in your hands, and your heart couldn't help but warm up at the sight of his boyish features, you smiled and hummed softly to yourself. He put his hands over yours and smiled down at you with concern and curiosity still in his eyes. You lean forward and press your lips to his, and he slowly closes his eyes and melted into your kiss.

I love you too

[d-f-phantom]

The River's Branches

A Persona 5 fanfic, no shipping or erotica, human drama is the focus. Sorry to those who want to scroll past, I have no idea how to set the editing to markdown on mobile

Characters: Akechi, Futaba, and Sojiro

Part 1

The sky was purely dark, not a star to light it. The wind howled, pushing Goro Akechi back as if to turn him away. He kept going, though. Akechi had faced a hell of a lot worse than wind

On his way to the Sakura residence, Goro silently rehearsed everything that he had prepared to say. This could end very badly for him, but he had to try. The news he had to deliver was far too important.

At last, Goro reached his destination. He stepped up to the door, but then he hesitated. A voice whispered to him, one that he had known since he was thirteen years old. "If they know of your misdeeds, then this night shall see you gain nothing." Loki was, of course, referring to his murder of Wakaba. Akechi responded: "I have to tell them." Loki's voice spoke again. "Then brave the trials ahead of you, Goro Akechi."

Akechi rang the doorbell and waited. Eventually, Sojiro opened the door. He looked at Akechi with the kind of disgruntlement that comes with being woken up at 2 AM. "What the hell do you want?", he asked. Goro swiftly responded. "There's something I need to talk to you and your daughter about." Sojiro sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Listen, kid, whatever it is, I'm sure it can wait until-" Goro interrupted. "It's about Wakaba." Sojiro stood silently for a moment, likely debating with himself on whether or not to let him in. Eventually, he opened the door wider and stepped out of the way. "Come in, then."

[shadowtarot]

Tii - how do the others act as psydo Phantom theives

Thieves in Inaba Part 79

The group gets into position. Ren smirks, giving hand cues to his teammates. They then climb the tops walls seperating the portions of the floor, running along them. While the thieves have an easy time doing this due to experience, Mishima along with the other two groups are struggling a bit. 

Ren, Yu and Minato stick the landing right behind Jin and Takaya.

“That’s far enough.” Ren states, Joker voice in full force. 

The duo look behind them. 

“Reinforcements? But it seems Minato is with them.” Jin smirks. “This makes things easier. His elimination is key after all.” 

Takaya nods. “We’ll deal with him later.”

Yu draws his sword, staring them down. “Stand down, I’d rather not waste time fighting someone that could help us.”

“Save your breath. They’re not going to listen.” The Hirophant user states. “Fight or run. That’s our current options.”

The others land behind them, striking poses only to see Ren and the other two are serious so they follow suit. 

“So…I was right..” Akihiko looks up at the user. “It is you..Shinji.” 

Holding Block

The captive group looks around the empty floor. No Shadows in sight, but an exit is also unseen. Past the hallway is a winding room much like every floor in the Tower. 

“I can’t make heads or tails of any of this…” Sojiro sighs, putting a hand on his forehead. “It’s a maze, but also a normal as heck building?” 

Hifumi nods. “It is strange, but if we can make progress perhaps it could lead us to an exit. Or the Phantom Thieves.” 

“Well if this was like a video game, there’d  be a helpful NPC to guide us through the place.” Shinya suggests. “But this isn’t a game so…” 

Naoki shakes his head. “It’s weird enough we have a Fox with us. I’d rather not have some random person come to help us.”

Yumi looks at everyone. “Well, we should probably have whoever hasn’t introduced themselves do so. If we knew eachother’s names it might help us feel a bit safer, right?” 

Sojiro nods. “Good idea.”

The brown haired young man nods. “Well I’m Kenji Tomochika.”

The teen girl looks to everyone. “I’m Maiko Oohashi, nice to meet you all.”

They then look to the teen in glasses. “ I’m Shu Nakajima.”

Sojiro smiles at their willingness. “Well now that this is settled, we should try to figure out more of this place..” 

The Fox runs ahead, only to growl before running to hide behind Hifumi. 

“Hm? What’s wrong little guy?” Naoki looks down at the creature. “Seems like he saw something he didn’t like…”

“Animals tend to have a good sense of character…” Hifumi states, petting the fox. “Perhaps he saw not something but someone.”

“The only way to know is to look, right?” Kenji states. “So…who’s going to do it?” 

Persona Training Center

“The glass is giving way!”

“We can’t hold on much longer!”

“Karou get to safety! I’ll take care of things from here!”

They’re in a corner, now having gotten rid of the training weapons for real ones stored in the armory. 

Ai looks to Kou and Daisuke, who are both protecting her on either side. “You guys…are we going to make it through this time?”

“Don’t start giving up now Ai.” Daisuke states. “We need to fight them off no matter what.”

The howls of the shadows get louder as their claws tear through the glass as if it was paper in a shredder. They start dogpiling in then…

“Damnit!” Kaizushi grabs a bow staff. “They broke through!”

Sae’s expression is focused on the hoard as it makes it’s way into their territory. “We need to kill them as fast as possible!” 

Sae opens fire with her pistol as the rest follow suit. But Ai is panicking. Unlike before when they were just saving one person, this was a matter of self preservation as well. She is fearful…and the shadows knew it well. 

“Ai! Behind you!” Iwai shouts.

A shadow leaps and lunges at her, aiming to get her by the neck. She tries to protect herself from it…

Only to not be hit.

Persona User Conflict

“How annoying. We have two more groups to deal with now.” Jin shakes his head. “No matter, if we can get rid of all of you now it would make things run that much easier, correct Takeya?”

His ally nods. “Yes. Once that is done, Humanity will be able to finally embrace the Fall with no hindrances.”

“To hell with that!” Kanji yells. “Don’t you two realize that shits gonna kill people?!”

Takeya looks at him, and draws his revolver. “Well maybe I’ll use you as an example. One less card in the deck never hurts…”

Ren makes his gun audibly click. “You work for Deathbringer currently correct? Then you must be after Wild Cards. I’m what you want.”

Jin looks to the thief. “So you’re requesting we kill you then?”

“Don’t be an idiot Joker!” Akechi yells. 

“That’s precisely it.”

The Revolver wielding cult leader nods, pointing his gun at Ren.  “Then with this…one wild card falls.” 

He fires, and the world moves in slow motion. Everyone watches in horror, some trying to attack back only to be held off by Jin. 

And then… 

The bullet hits a target…but not who was intended. 

Ann gasps loudly. 

“RYUJI!”

[blackpalaladin]

Paths

I just finished one test. So I’m rewarding myself with something short and sweet. Another Hanzo thingy.

The first one is here. (My first interpretation of this interaction)

Something that’s been jiggling around in my brain for about a week or two.

This is Doomzo and Mchanzo. So fair warning. 

{Warnings: Sexual content mentioned(Nothing explicit), voyeurism(Mentioned)}

Hanzo has always been attracted to powerful men. Not a shock, considering he’s spent his entire life under the control of powerful men.

So when Akande Ogundimu stepped through into his family's compound, a low bow at his father’s side, Hanzo knew. He knew in the way Akande watched him as they toured the main grounds, those strong arms tucked at his lower back, hands clasped. Hanzo could hear their fathers speaking quietly and he knew that an alliance would be struck between their families.

He was not aware that a marriage would be required.

He was also not adverse to it.

Akande was a generous lover, a strong presence at Hanzo’s side. He had an analytical mind that could rival Hanzo’s own. His tactical genius assisted Hanzo when his father deemed them worthy of assigning raids.

Akande visited frequently. Hanzo never visited him. Sojiro would never allow his only competent heir to leave the fortress of their home.

Hanzo was bitter, angry. He watched Genji flit around Hanamura with clouded eyes.

“Jealously is a double edged sword, Hanzo.” Akande’s fingers tip his chin up from where they lay in Hanzo’s room. The tatami doors are open and the cool wind strays across sweating flesh. Hanzo’s hair spills out across Akande’s chest, his hair tie was long gone and ripped away.

“I am not jealous.” He mutters.

Akande regards him quietly, hand sliding along Hanzo’s jawline and into his hair, “It burns within. Do not let that anger consume you.”

The kiss is soft, much softer than the sex has ever been.

His loyalty to Akande and his father shifts just slightly on his twenty second birthday. Genji drags him out of the compound, despite his protests. Akande waves him away and returns to whatever it is he was reading.

He meets the mysterious man in black at the bar. He’s young, perhaps as young as Hanzo himself. His hair is unruly and his clothing speaks of duty. There is a patch hidden in the confines of his pocket and Hanzo is part of an underground operation.They are no strangers to Overwatch’s matryoshka doll of an organization.

Blackwatch was in Hanamura.

Something thrilling erupts in the pit of Hanzo’s stomach. Rebellion at its core. Something he has longed for his entire life. That tingly sense of freedom and he wonders if this is the high that Genji’s lives on.

He takes the cowboy (‘Call me Jesse, darlin’) home with him. The man’s hands are rough and his voice rougher as he slips them up Hanzo’s clothes. His skin is alight, mouth hungry as he tastes cigars and whiskey hot like embers on his tongue.

“Are you going to share?”

Akande’s voice is a thunder of curiosity behind them. Hanzo startles, realizes where he is and who was in his room waiting for him.

Shame is the first thing to rush through him.

Arousal is the second.

He looks up at the blackwatch agent, thumbs  the beard at his jawline, “You will watch.” He speaks to Akande.

Akande’s laugh is dark, promising, “Only if I get you after, my dragon.”

He takes the agent named Jesse in his bed. Hands curled in the man’s unruly hair and insides burning from the frenzy of emotion Jesse releases. His words are frantic, rushed and bleeding with promises Hanzo knows he can’t keep.

Akande watches from the sidelines, waiting.

Jesse steals a rough kiss and his eyes are almost gold in the moonlight cast through Hanzo’s bedroom. He leaves in silence, one last look at Hanzo as Akande slips into the bed with him.

Akande is a brand, an overwhelming overstimulation.

Hanzo loves it.

But he dreams of Jesse.

Years pass. Akande comes to him with news. He has been taken under by a mentor. The second line of Doomfist. It is an honor, despite the atrocious the second Doomfist has committed. He asks Hanzo opinion and they discuss it over tea.

Akande is passionate, brilliant.

Hanzo’s smile is tight. His brother’s figure passes the doorway.

“We will be unstoppable together.” Akande declares.

Hanzo returns to his betrothed, can see the ambition and promise in Akande’s gaze.

He forgets about Jesse.

He murders his brother.

Blood drips down his hands, sword at his feet. His chest is tight, too tight and there seems to be no breath in his lungs. The dragon's howl under his skin, distraught and screaming at the death of their own brother.

Hanzo flees.

He runs and runs, changing his name, his identity. He hides.

Akande’s capture spreads across the world. Contaminated by Talon. Taken down by a small team from Overwatch.

Hanzo hovers above his prison twice. He so desperately wants to see him.

Why did they stray so far from their paths?

They were supposed to rule together. They were going to be unstoppable.

But Hanzo is done with this criminal life. He roams the world, seeking redemption for the atrocity that he has committed. He mourns for his brother every day. Returns to the castle in his honor every year.

That is where he is reunited his brother once again.

His dragon is a beacon of green, a reminder of what Hanzo has done.  

Genji offers forgiveness.

Hanzo can not accept that.

He cannot.

Hanzo keeps tabs on Overwatch for a month before he drops onto its doorstep. The recall brings more than he thought it would.

Including:

Jesse McCree.

Who greets Hanzo with a tip of his hat and a smile that speaks volumes of their past.

“Never thought I’d see you again, darlin’.” His voice has aged, so has the rest of him. So has Hanzo.

“Nor did I.” Hanzo mutters.

Jesse swallows, pats his legs, “How about a drink?”

Hanzo lifts an eyebrow, nods, “I would….enjoy that.”

He is with Jesse for nearly a year when the Reaper assists Akande in his prison breakout. The doomfist gauntlet has been taken. Numbani is in tatters, a frenzy of political and civilian meltdowns.

Hanzo is alone on the battlefield when Akande lands before him.

He is just as imposing as he was in his youth, more so now with the golden gauntlet covering half his chest. The white markings are new. His footsteps are silent, despite his hulking size.

Hanzo is not afraid.

“Hanzo, you should consider joining us, I think we would see eye to eye.” It is not the first thing he expected Akande to say to him after so long apart.

Hanzo wrinkles his nose, nocks an arrow, “I would have little to gain from such an arrangement. No, I will find my own path.”

Akande stops before him. He is the enemy now. Hanzo should be afraid.

His left hand cups the side of Hanzo’s face, thumb across his cheek, “You are sure?” Akande’s voice lowers, as does his head.

Hanzo thinks of Genji. Of everything he has done. The anger that burned within him when he struck his brother from the sky.

He thinks of Jesse, a warm weight at his back every night. The smell of smoke and the taste of alcohol on the balcony of the watchpoint.

“We would be unstoppable.” Akande promises, “Talon could offer you more than just your empire, Hanzo.”

Hanzo closes his eyes, “I must refuse.”

A sigh, heavy and warm against his face.

“Losing you is difficult to bear.” Akande admits quietly, “You know I do not like refusal.”

Hanzo steadies his posture, jerks out of Akande’s grip and levels an arrow at his chest, “Then you should get use to my refusal from this point on.”

Akande grins, eyes dark and molten on Hanzo’s, “Then I look forward to seeing you again on the battlefield, my dragon.” He bows swiftly and slinks away.

Hanzo lets him.

Hanzo lowers his bow. Heart racing. Sweat beading down the back of his neck.

“-anzo!”

His comm fizzes to life, he did not realize it had been compromised.

“I am here.” He replies.

A relieved string of sighs on the other end from numerous members of his team, “Where are you? What’s your status?” Soldier 76’s voice is firm and bellows over the other questions of where he is.

“I will return to the rendezvous point shortly.” Hanzo states, “And 76?”

“Yea?”

“Tell Winston that Talon is recruiting.”

[lonely-lowly-kin]

Should I do a kin list? Yeah I should do a kin list.

Heyo, here I go.

FICTIONS (or is it 👁)

◇IDs

Sans the Skeleton (Undertale, slight cannon divergence, “Dadster” Timeline, Colleague Timeline, questioning more timelines)

Chara Dreemurr (Undertale, major cannon divergence)

John H. Watson (BBC Sherlock, moderate cannon divergence, A Victorian Timeline, “Good End” Timeline, “Bad End” Timeline, Childhood Friends Timeline, “Girl” Timeline)

Junkrat (Overwatch, Major Cannon divergence, Talon Timeline, questioning more timelines)

Wilfred (Wilfred, Rarely Shifts)

♧Kins

King Richard (Galavant, slight cannon divergence)

Morty Smith (Rick and Morty, Different Dimension then the show, questioning different timelines)  

Ryland Tate (Good Game, maybe some cannon divergence)

Gay Spaghetti Chef (Khonjin House, maybe cannon divergence)

Rick Sanchez (Rick and Morty, Different Dimension then the show, questioning different timelines)

Sojiro Shimada (Overwatch, moderate cannon divergence)

♡FictionHearted

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Sly Cooper

John Dies at the End (series)

Inu Yasha

Howl’s Moving Castle

☐Queskining

Anybody from John dies at the End (Need to reread the books)

Luna & maybe others?? (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, need to catch up with seasons and read the books)

Mason “Dipper” Pines (Gravity Falls, Need to rewatch the series, also want to read the books)

Mabel Pines (Gravity Falls, Need to rewatch the series, also want to read the books)

Stanley “Grunkle Stan” Pines (Gravity Falls, Need to rewatch the series, also want to read the books)

Stanford “Ford” Pines (Gravity Falls, Need to rewatch the series, also want to read the books)

Bill Cipher (Gravity Falls,  Need to rewatch the series, also want to read the books)

Ted Strange (Gravity Falls, Non-Cannon Character, Bill’s Non-Cannon Sibling, Need to rewatch the series, also want to read the books)

Frisk (Undertale/Dreamtale AU, need to own a personal copy of the game)

Asriel Dreemurr (Undertale, need to own a personal copy of the game)

Chara Dreemurr (Undertale/Story Shift AU,need to own a personal copy of the game)

Lots more just dont want to list them aaaa

OTHER

◇IDs

Skeleton

Shapeshifter

Dog/Wolf Therian (I was a mutt, boiii!! Has died down over the years, but used to be really strong)

Winged (Unsure if animal or something else)

Dragon (Has died down over the years, but used to be really strong)

♧Kins

Dragon (A world kinda like DnD, but different??)

♡OtherHearted

Space

Sky

Wind

Fire

Smoke

☐Queskining

Werewolf

Fire (fire spirit perhaps)

Cat

Half-Demon/Demon

[delightfullydismal]

Behind the Mask

     It was the same nightmare each night. A twisted labyrinth of metro rails and warped walls. A chilling wind that seemed to howl in pain. Though these winding corridors he ran in the garments of a prisoner, for the specter of death himself was chasing him. He could only run for so long before running out of breath or becoming trapped in a dead end. This is when death would stop to greet him. It would let the blade of it scythe slam into the ground. The screech of steel biting into steel as it chewed through crooked railing would last for but a moment as the blade swung upward, piercing his sternum. Like a fish on a hook, he was reeled in to face death.

     "Abandoned you they have." Death would mock him, letting its scythe dig in deeper and tear more of his black and white striped jumpsuit. "They left you to rot, because they care nothing for you." Death would dig its claws into the base of its neck and slowly rip the skin from its flesh, revealing the face of a young man with brown hair that flowed down to his neck like a mangled mane. "You'll become as I did, Joker!" 

     He screamed himself awake. He had jumped out of bed well before he had fully woken up, it was as if he had heard the pained shouts of another person and had woken to help them, only to feel the vibrations coming from his own throat. He calmed himself, letting his voice die down and his face rest on the palm of his hand. He was still trembling.      "You're still having those nightmares, aren't you Joker?" A familiar voice asked him. He looked across the room to see his cat and close companion, Morgana, stretching on the old wooden chair by his television set. Morgana used to sleep soundly with him, sharing the same bed. That was when he could be trusted not to throw the poor cat halfway across the room in a startled fit. He missed those days.      "It's nothing." Joker said as he rubbed his eyes. He doubted he would fall back to sleep, so he dug into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone instead. He had a few text notifications; His friends wanted to make sure he would be attending today's going away party.      "It is something, though." Morgana protested. "We all faced something horrible that day, when we were almost erased. I even used to have bad dreams myself. You need to tell the others about this."      Joker didn't respond. He hadn't been checking his messages further either. Instead he had been absentmindedly flipping back and forth through his phones menu. Not noticing, not hearing, his finger swiping left, right, left, right. Morgana looked at him, puzzled. The cat expected some sort of response. When several minutes went by in silence, Morgana yawned.      "It's late Joker...please Go back to sleep soon?" Morgana turned about, not wanting the light from Joker's screen to interrupt his sleep. A few minutes later, the cat was slumbering soundly.      Left, right, left, right, left, right.      right. Left, right, left, right. Right.      right. Right. Right. Right. *BEEP*      A new message lit up on Joker's phone. He felt like he had been woken up again, and had just realized that the room was much quieter than it was before. "You know you've been swiping your phone screen for almost an hour. Talk to me." It was a message from Futaba. Ever since they had grown closer romantically, she had developed a habit over worrying about him too much. This included, but was not limited to, continuing to watch him over his cell phone's built in camera. Joker had a feeling that Morgana was in some way involved in this.      "It's nothing." Joker replied and set down his phone. The crossbeam he used to use for training was just above his head. He almost pulled over the chair from beside the television before remembering Morgana was using it as a makeshift bed. He would have to be quieter, if he did not want to wake him. Joker got into position, and in one deft motion jumped up and took hold of the crossbeam. His muscles ached in protest; He had done several hundred reps over the last few days, despite no longer having any use for being physically fit. It kept him distracted though, it kept him from playing idly with his phone.      His phone continued to beep. Constantly. Joker paid it no attention, instead choosing to do another set of fifty reps.      Up. Down. Up. Down. Up. Down.      Up. Down. Up. Down. Up. Up. Up. Up.      Joker struggled one last time when his muscles finally gave out on him. He fell to the ground with a loud *THUD*. He rubbed his back and then looked up at the chair by his television, hoping he had not woken Morgana.      The cat was gone.      Joker could only assume he had gone downstairs. Joker didn't relish the idea of talking with the fiendish little feline. By now he was sure that the cat was already planning something, possibly involving his close friends. He didn't want their sympathy. They wouldn't...no, Couldn't understand. This had nothing to do with Mementos, or the palaces. There was a clear and obvious reason why they all slept soundly, while he woke up shivering in sweat. Still, a cup of coffee would be nice right about now, Joker thought to himself. He picked himself up and walked slowly down the attic stairs.      "You took long enough." A familiar voice called to Joker as walked down the last step of the stairs into Sojiro's Coffee shop. A boisterous red head with large headphones around her neck and a loose fitting white tank top greeted him from one of the booth's in the shop. She had already made herself a drink; Much like Sojiro she appreciated the dark roasts of Cafe LeBlanc. Joker watched her nonchalantly sip her coffee before sputtering and spitting it out. No doubt she had tried to add a "special ingredient" to her coffee this time, to ill effect. "I'll make you another cup Futaba. Just don't put curry powder in this one." "Ch-*cough*-Chili powder!" Futaba coughed as her face turned red. She continued to sputter horribly. Joker brought her a cup of water with lemon before setting out to make her a fresh cup of coffee. As he prepared the fresh brew Futaba's sputtering slowly began to die down, and her flush face began to lose its red tint.      "Feeling better." Joker asked.      “Don't side step the issue Mister!" Futaba shouted brazenly as she pointed at her apathetic boyfriend. "You've been sidestepping my texts, my phone calls. We hardly ever go out anymore. I want you to confess!"      Joker brought her a fresh cup of coffee and sat down beside her at the booth. "I'm not seeing someone else, if that's your concern." Futaba ignored this and took a sip from her coffee. Still daintily holding her cup and saucer, Futaba looked over at Joker and gave him a wink. "Of course you're not. I have Intel, I'd know if you were seeing someone else."      "I forgot about the camera..." Joker said, begin to fade away into his common state of staring listlessly into space. Futaba yanked him by the ear.      "OW! Futaba, what the-"      "You're not dodging the question again." Futaba grabbed Joker's attention. "Morgana told me about your night terrors. You've been waking up screaming. Joker...what Did they do to you?"      Joker paused. No one had asked him that question since he had been released.      "I don't mean the interrogation. I know that was rough on you, but you didn't have these terrors until after your actual prison sentence. I've been doing research. Its highly frowned upon, but in some cases...in some extreme cases they still practice solitary confinement."      Joker couldn't bring himself to speak. He was lucky. Lucky to have Futaba. Could anyone else possibly have her wit, her sheer understanding. He felt a hand rest on his. He looked over and saw Futaba, saw her like a close friend he hadn't seen in years and desperately longed to touch.      "It's OK. When I lost my mother...it took years Joker. You and the others saved me. If it hadn't been for you, I'd still be waiting. I'll wait for you, too. I'll wait until your ready to talk." Futaba spoke. There was a brief silence, one that for the first time Joker did not feel as if he was expected to fill with empty words or excuses. "I'll wait for you, Joker. I won't let you wither away though. So I'm making it my official duty: As your nosy, overbearing girlfriend, I demand that you go with me to your going away party!" By this time Futaba was already standing in full sentai pose, a quirk that had become a habit of hers. Joker knew what it meant, she was unabashedly happy. That happiness was all too infectious; Despite himself Joker was beginning to smile.      "See, you know you want to go. I'm simply too cute and adorable not to take on a date." Futaba added with a wink. Joker stood up from the booth. He stood up and was silent. In that moment, Futaba felt a great deal of tension. Would this be the time for a passionate kiss? She had missed the smiling, happy boyfriend she knew, the one that solitary confinement had taken from her. She meant what had said: she would wait years if she had to. She was still a young girl though, and she missed the simple pleasures of young love. She'd take that promise back just to feel one kiss from him now.      Joker took hold of Futaba in a strong hug. His body shook a bit.      "Thank you." Joker spoke, as he finally caved in and allowed tears to stream from his eyes. "Thank you." He mouthed breathlessly. Futaba held him, and the two lovers shared his silence.

[taintedkibou]

Couldn’t Endure - part four

[part one] [part two] [part three]

Ryuji slowly began distancing himself from everyone. He still laughed when he was supposed to, but the sound was hollow. Most of his outbursts and antics were just for keeping up appearances. Funnily enough, no one reprimanded him for his actions and behavior, which hurt even more. They don’t care about you.

x

Skull got his wish of being brainwashed and seemed to have his sights set on Queen. After the first two attacks—the lightning still tingled—Queen set about making her own fan. When she had the chance, she stormed over to Skull and slapped him upside the head with it. He shook his head, muttering a quick “thanks”, all while avoiding her piercing gaze. Queen glared him down before deciding she would take up post right beside him. 

Joker exchanged a glance with Fox, who merely lifted his shoulders in a fluid shrug.

At the end of the battle, Queen curled her fingers around the crook of Skull’s arm. There was no hiding her surprise when he snatched his arm back. “Skull?”

“Leave me alone,” the blond huffed, shoulders hunching defensively after he shoved his hands into the pockets of his outfit.

“Ryuji,” Joker admonished. If that wasn’t the icing on the cake.

“Of course you’d take her side. It makes me wonder… did you even like me? You obviously don’t.” Joker’s eyes widened, but Skull charged ahead, like he was prone to do, “You two are dating after all!”

The silence that followed Skull’s outburst made the howling wind of the underground subway system even that much louder. It also made the sound of Queen’s slap echo.

’Again,’ Joker thought, remembering that time in Shinjuku.

“I think you should sit the rest of this trip out until you clear your head,” Queen instructed, her voice soft but very deadly. Why would he assume such a foolish thing? Akira was clearly in love with him.

Skull didn’t need to be told twice. “Mona!” he yelled, yanking his mask off as he turned his back on the rest of the Thieves. Ryuji winced as the edge brushed his obviously swelling cheek.

“Ha?!” Mona was ripped from his stupor and stood rigid.

“Get me out of here.”

Mona looked to Joker, who nodded, and quickly transformed. “I’ll be right back. You can still walk around without me.” Ryuji climbed into the van and Mona took off in the direction of their last platform.

Queen stared at her gloved hand and clenched it into a tight fist to stop it from trembling. “Sorry,” she whispered to remainder of the group.

“The Makoto special attack,” Joker quipped.  

Queen’s shoulders relaxed as she laughed. “Please don’t. Oh.” She drew herself upright, pounding her fist into her open palm, and spun around to face the group. More specifically—Joker. “Eiko! Ryu—no. That’s why Skull’s behaving like that!”

You two are dating after all! Joker pressed a gloved hand against his face, closing his eyes. ’Ryuji…‘  x

“Be careful,” Mona told Ryuji before driving away from the entrance.

Ryuji waited until he could no longer hear the purring roar of an engine before releasing an anguished scream into the empty space. He punched the nearest wall then sagged against it. “…pathetic." 

Skull was nowhere to be found when the rest of the Thieves returned to the entrance after reaching the lowest level of Mementos. He ignored their constant messages in the group chat, and Joker reported that his messages went unseen as well.

Morgana refused to let any of them do anything other than go home and rest, and the small group could only hope their missing friend was doing the same.

Akira made his way up to the third floor just in time to see Makoto walk out of the Student Council room. “Ma—Niijima-senpai,” he called out, quickening his steps. There were too many students loitering around for him to call his upperclassman by her first name like he normally did while away from Shujin.

Makoto’s expression remained somber even after spotting her friend and teammate. “Kurusu-kun. I was just about to come find you. Have you heard any word from Ryuji? Ann said he wasn’t in school today.” She frowned, adjusting her hold on her school case. “He still isn’t answering our messages. This is all my fault,” Makoto finished with a sigh.

“It’s not, but we shouldn’t talk about this here.” The spying eyes never left them and the whispers were starting to grow louder. “Let’s go,” he suggested.

Makoto nodded.

Akira decided Lala needed a break from seeing his face and led the way to Leblanc. When the duo walked into the empty café and Sojiro caught a glimpse of Makoto’s crestfallen expression, he lifted a hand and pointed behind them. Akira paused a moment to flip the sign to CLOSED. Makoto bowed deeply in apology, but the owner merely waved her off.

“What’re you having?”

“An iced coffee, please?”

Sojiro smiled and set about making Makoto’s request.

Morgana hopped out of Akira’s school case, onto the floor, and carefully made his way to the end of the bar. He peered around it to watch the Master work. Sojiro caught the feline staring and assumed he was hungry. One sec, he mouthed. Morgana happily sat, his tail swishing behind him. Once his guests were served and the cat fed, Sojiro decided it was time to clean up a little early and slipped off to the side to begin washing dishes

Makoto kept both hands cupped around the cool glass after taking a sip and exhaled deeply. “I never stopped to think what would happen if word got out about our fake relationship.” Straight to the point. “I never considered Ryuji’s feelings the entire time I dragged you around with me. I’m a horrible friend.”

“You’re not,” Akira argued. “You were looking out for your friend. And you did consider Ryuji’s feelings, but you had no idea that it would affect us the way it did.”

“He usually brushes things off and just keeps on going. I guess I was wrong to make that assumption,” Makoto whispered, ducking her head. It startled her to hear Ryuji dismiss his relationship with Akira so flippantly. Her hand moved on its own before she could think her actions through. Makoto lowered her hands from the counter to clench them together in her lap. “I would like to apologize to him and explain the entire situation, but I can’t if he keeps ignoring us.”

Akira shifted on the stool, digging his phone from his pocket. He opened his contacts app and clicked on Ryuji’s name before holding the phone out to the older teen.

xxx

Ryuji knew he was being an idiot, but he didn’t want to face the truth that Akira no longer liked him. ‘It’s my fault. It’s always my fault. I want to be open about us, but…’

The more he thought about Akira, the more his past reminded him that they could never be. He thought he’d broken free from the mental shackles of his father’s abuse, but his fears now worked together to remind him that he had no future. Every time he closed his eyes, Ryuji saw that man. Standing beside him was Kamoshida, a hoard of shadowy students behind him; all taunting him with sneers and jeers because of who he chose to love. Love?

Ryuji’s eyes flew open at the sharp trilling and he fumbled for his phone. He stopped himself from answering after seeing the name on the screen. The call rang out and the screen went blank. A few short moments later, he was alerted to a voicemail. That was new.

Ryuji put the phone on speaker after deciding to check the voicemail immediately. He was not expecting to hear a girl’s voice after “Akira” called him.

Ryuji, Makoto’s voice started, tinny through the distant speaker. I won’t chastise you for your actions. In fact… I’d like to apologize for mine. I never should have raised a hand against you like that, but what you said about us—Akira and I, was wrong. You, more than anyone, should know how much he cares for you. In case you’re thinking ‘yeah, right’—he’s keeping his distance because he doesn’t want to push you even farther away.

There was a lull in her speech and Ryuji wondered just how much longer the voice mail was going to be. He knew there was a time limit.

Makoto sighed softly through the phone and resumed talking, I would explain everything to you myself, but I doubt you’d want to hear it from me.Talk to Akira if you won’t  talk to any of us. He’ll be at Leblanc. Again, I’m sorry, and I hope you’ll accept my apology.

Ryuji stared at his phone, mouth hanging open. He fumbled to save the message when the automated voice told him to, and checked the time. He could still make it before nightfall.

xxx

"He’s still at home,” Futaba murmured, staring at the map on her phone. She lifted her head, confusion written plainly across her face. “In my opinion, I thought you did a good job wooing him. You were so happy after your movie date, too.”

Akira smiled, adjusting his glasses. He’d been on top of the universe after that day. Morgana had to threaten him to stay away from Mementos after he declared he would beat every Shadow singlehandedly. But now Ryuji was trapped in his head, all because of a lie someone told him or he overheard. Akira wished the other boy would talk to him, like he used to do. He figured it would’ve been easier now, especially since they had gotten closer.

“Oh,” Futaba chirped. “He’s on the move.”

Brushing his fringe aside—it fell back over the bridge of his glasses—Akira sat forward to see what their wonderful Oracle saw. The little gold dot she dubbed as “Ryuji” was indeed bouncing along the map.

Futaba snatched the phone back suddenly, pressing the screen almost against her nose. “He’s on the train… going to Shinjuku!?” Her eyes grew wide and worried behind her glasses. “Why is he going there? Didn’t you say Queen told him to come here?”

Sojiro raised an eyebrow at the television he tried to pay attention to. ‘Queen?’

“She did.” Akira easily slipped free of the booth but stopped himself at Leblanc’s front door. He looked over his shoulder at the Master. “I’m heading out to rescue Ryuji.”

Sojiro hummed around the cigarette between his lips. “He’s in Shinjuku, right? Be careful, and try not to get into any more trouble.”

Akira opened the door, the bell jingling, but stopped again before stepping out into the evening. “Morgana?”

The blue-eyed feline didn’t bother showing himself as he responded, “Boss said it all already. Don’t stay out too late.” All Sojiro heard were a series of “meows”.

Akira slipped outside. He broke into a run the moment the door closed behind him, glad not to have the weight of Morgana on his shoulder holding him back. What was Ryuji hoping to gain by going to the Red-light district? Mishima no longer loitered there, though Akira wished the boy would pick a prefecture and stick with it. Futaba sent him short update texts as the train sped along. It wasn’t moving fast enough for Akira. Ryuji was terrified of the men always hitting on him, so what had driven him to that area?

xxx

Ryuji slapped his phone against his head after stepping out of the train and into Shinjuku station. There was no logical explanation for how he ended up at the Red-light district, other than him being an idiot. He’d been so preoccupied with checking all the messages he’d ignored for the past two days that he let the largest crowd guide him. Now, Ryuji was down a few yen and in the one place he didn’t want to be.

On one hand, he could get back on the train and go to Leblanc like he should have, but the latest text from Futaba was in all caps. AKIRA IS ON HIS WAY. DON’T MOVE BLONDIE! D:<

On the other hand, he could sacrifice himself to gain some information while he waited for Akira. Ryuji removed his phone from where he still had it pressed against his forehead, now slightly reddened from the impact, and shoved it into his pocket. If he recalled correctly, the terrifying duo often walked the streets of Shinjuku. Their sixth senses were probably tingling like crazy now that he’d finally started making his way out of the station.

Ryuji would fight for his virtue and emerge from the battle victorious, with more knowledge and guts. ‘Please don’t take long, Akira…!’

xxx

Akira did not run around Shinjuku looking for Ryuji. He walked briskly through its streets. After passing Chihaya twice, he stopped to ask the fortune teller if she could do a reading.

Chihaya smiled sweetly and pointed across the street. “Crossroads. The owner rescued him.”

Akira wanted to kiss her, but he was saving that for Ryuji. He thanked the woman before jogging the distance from her setup to the bar. Taking a deep breath, he composed himself before entering. Lala met his eye before sweeping a hand in the direction of the lone figure sitting at the counter. The blond head was bowed low, oblivious to the world around him. Lala cleared her throat very loudly, and Ryuji sat up with a start, looking from the bar owner to where she pointed. His eyes widened and Akira could see flight rather than fight kick in, which wasn’t like Ryuji at all.

Akira sighed deeply, shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “Lala. I’m sorry that I keep inconveniencing you like this.”

The bar owner waved a hand, a small smile on her face. “I told you the last time you were here, it’s refreshing and welcome to hear about youths in love.”

Akira shook his head frantically, but the damage was already done. Ryuji forced a grin onto his face as he thanked Lala, and hopped down from the bar and stormed past the bar stools to reach the door. Ryuji glared at the obstacle named Akira that was blocking him from the exit. “Move,” he growled.

“I’m not moving until you listen to me. You’re only hearing what you want to hear and that’s not good enough.”

Ryuji clenched his fists at his sides. “You brought Niijima here last time and you talked about how much you love each other. That’s what I’m hearing!”

Lala drew everyone’s attention with her hearty laughter. “That’s not what happened. Maybe you two should sit down after all.”

“Thank you, Lala,” Akira groaned as he made his way to the counter. Ryuji reluctantly followed, still sulking. “I feel like I need a drink.”

“Water it is, then.”

Akira pouted as he climbed onto the bar stool.

“That won’t work on me,” Lala scoffed, moving to the end of the bar to prepare her recurring guest something to drink. Ryuji’s old glass of ginger ale still untouched, but Lala would replace it as well.

Akira turned his head once Ryuji settled beside him, a small smile settled on his face. “You are a hard man to win over, Sakamoto.” Ryuji clicked his tongue, glaring at his hands as he wrung his fingers together. Akira took the fact that Ryuji had no comeback to mean the other teen was willing to listen. He sat up straight after remembering Chihaya’s words. “You rescued him?” Akira inquired when Crossroads’ owner placed a tea on the countertop in front of him.

Lala frowned as she remembered seeing the teen get manhandled by the men she dubbed as troublemakers of Shinjuku. The blond was trembling something terrible when she finally managed to free him from their clutches. “Yes." She wouldn't go into details, since she only saw half of the incident. Besides, it was his story to tell. "He said he was waiting for you, so I told him it would be safer to wait at the bar.”

Akira faced the quiet boy beside him. “Ryuji—”

“I wanted to talk to them,” Ryuji snapped, nails digging into the palm of his hand. “But they refused to listen to what I had to say.” Their touch—he didn’t want to add that to the list of nightmares he already experienced. “I couldn’t very well beat them up… I’d probably have gotten arrested.”

Akira slipped his fingers beneath his glasses to pinch the bridge of his nose. “Lala. I think it’s best if we took this conversation home. I feel like it’s going to be a long night and I’d rather not inconvenience you any more than I already have.”

“Ichiko does a better job of that than you,” Lala chuckled, but the love she held for the journalist was quite obvious.

Akira smiled and took a sip of his tea before climbing down from the bar seat. Ryuji made to follow, but Lala lightly tapped the back of his hand, which was pressed atop the counter to stop him. He was surprised he didn’t flinch away from the touch.

“It’s not my business to meddle in anyone’s affairs, but I will say that your friends love you. The headstrong boy waiting by the door and staring at me suspiciously—” Ryuji’s lips twitched into a grin and Lala counted that as a win. “He probably loves you even more than all of them combined.”

“Everyone tells me I’m an idiot,” Ryuji sighed. “And I kinda proved it to them with the way I’ve been acting, but I think I see that now.” His grin widened, growing brighter. “I’ll come back and let you know how things work out. Maybe you’ll let me rent a room in the back?”

“Not a chance.” Lala dismissed him with a flick of her hand.

Ryuji was laughing as he made his way to where the other teen stood, and Akira enjoyed the sight and sound he’d greatly missed.

xxx

Ryuji walked into Leblanc first. Akira didn’t want him bolting at the last minute and stood guard over the door. Ryuji was not expecting to be ambushed by Futaba and Yusuke. “What’re you doing here, Inari!?” he yelled, an accusatory finger pointed at the tall, glaring teen.

Sojiro rubbed the back of his neck, idly wondering where these names were coming from.

Yusuke quickly shuttered his worried expression to one of indifference as he crossed his arms. “Futaba invited me to keep her company. I merely used that as an excuse to enjoy Leblanc’s wonderful coffee while admiring “Sayuri”. I guess I lost track of time. I was certainly not waiting for Akira to bring you back so I could tell you that your behavior has been very troublesome. I worked too hard,” he muttered beneath his breath, though everyone still heard him loud and clear.

Futaba shot him a bewildered side glance before rolling her eyes and glaring at the blond. A jab to his chest accompanied her words, “Don’t ever do that again!  You’re not allowed to run off, especially to Shinjuku. You never shut up, so what’s different about this time?”

“Futaba,” Sojiro chastised.

“Sojiro,” Futaba whined, cheeks inflating before she released a sharp puff of air. “If Akira and Ryuji were to get together, what would you think?”

Ryuji took an aborted step towards the shorter teen, drawing back to stare wide-eyed at the café owner.

Sojiro hummed thoughtfully, his steely gaze locked on the two teens darkening the entrance of his café. The blond stepped back, shoulder brushing Akira’s chest, but Akira made no attempt to put any distance between them. He was the first one Akira brought by, second only to the cat. “I’d think… it’s about damn time,” he muttered.

Futaba turned back to Ryuji with a look that screamed See?! Yusuke nodded in agreement.

Akira didn’t think Ryuji’s eyes could grow any wider. He worried they might pop out of the boy’s head. He slipped an arm around his waist, guiding him away from the duo and farther into the café. “I think that’s enough for now. Futaba, thank you. Yusuke. Do you need money for the train?”

“Nope.” Sojiro was already removing his apron. “I told him I’ll give him a ride back to his dorms.”

Now it was Akira’s turn to look stumped. “But you told me—”

“That was the passenger’s seat,” Sojiro reminded him with a warning glare as he walked around the counter. “Futaba’s coming along for the ride.”

“Shotgun,” Futaba giggled, hands clasped together. Yusuke stood beside her, a smile on his face. He was always glad to save a few yen.

“Okay,” Akira mumbled.

“Hurry up and go to sleep,” Sojiro told him. “I think the boy’s suffering from shock.”

Akira’s arm tightened reflexively around Ryuji, who had yet to say anything about the impromptu intervention. He leaned around Ryuji to see his face as he asked, “Do you want to spend the night?”

Ryuji blinked slowly, turning to stare at Akira. Akira, who he stumbled over trying to chase down one of his demons; Akira, who helped him confront those same demons. Akira, who was always at his side until Ryuji pushed him away. A little life returned to his eyes and he began fidgeting in Akira’s hold. “Yeah,” he murmured “Just let me tell my mom.”

Akira slipped his hand away and gave Ryuji his privacy by seeing the small group out of the café. Sojiro ushered the children out, pulling on his hat as he followed. He nodded at Akira before closing the door. Akira locked it after the sign was flipped. When he turned around, Ryuji was nowhere to be seen. He crossed to the stairs, climbing them quickly, and found the missing teen sitting on the sofa.

Ryuji grinned at the brunet’s frantic expression. “What? You thought I climbed out the window? Nope, just being creepy and watching Mona.”

“Very creepy,” Morgana mumbled, curled up on the other end of the sofa. He’d left his usual perch and joined Ryuji there.

Akira relaxed and went to collect the clothes he’d dubbed as Ryuji’s after their first sleepover. It was time to get ready for bed. Morgana claimed the couch. He’d made an exaggerated display of stretching his body as far across the cushion as possible. Ryuji made sure Akira was looking the other way before making a rude gesture. Morgana sputtered to gain Akira’s attention, pointing a paw at the blond. Akira arched an eyebrow at Ryuji and received a blinding grin as a response. That was all the answer he needed and brushed Morgana off as tired.

Akira climbed onto the futon first, pressing as close to the wall as possible to make room.

Ryuji sat down, hesitating. “I’m sorry—”

“Ryuji,” Akira sighed. “Tomorrow. We can talk tomorrow. No. We will talk tomorrow.”

“I won’t run away anymore,” Ryuji promised, swinging his legs up so they rested alongside Akira’s.

“I’ll make sure of it,” Akira yawned.

Ryuji startled at the arm being wrapped around his waist, but eventually relaxed into the embrace and closed his eyes. Despite the warmth of the summer month, he enjoyed Akira being pressed against his side. 

[part five] [part six] 

[mechanicalrebellion]

El momento en que mom te da mimos pero no te quejas por ellos.

[mechanicalrebellion]

A partir de este momento, se va de vacaciones hasta que sea valorado como se merece.

—¿Sabes lo que eso significa hermano?

—Claro que si hermano...

—¡Tenemos a mamá para nosotros solos!

Estupidos niños, Kamil estará con el todo el tiempo

[mechanicalrebellion]

De:

Hola mami, ¿puedo quedarme a dormir contigo esta noche?

A:

Hola mami, pienso estar contigo en la cama y no precisamente para dormir.

[mechanicalrebellion]

. . . 

—¡HABLA MALDITA SEA!— No importaba lo mucho que gritara, la expresión de Kamui no cambiaba en lo absoluto. Los truenos se hacían presentes a mitad de esa tormenta que caía en el risco donde ambos hermanos Nagase habían tenido ese segundo enfrentamiento en que uno de ellos había tenido la supremacía sobre el otro. Después de todo el tiempo de entrenamiento con el reino perdido ante la corrupción, las habilidades de Kamui superaron en demasía a las de Sojiro, ni siquiera el vínculo entre el y la bestia pudo hacer par a la fuerza que mostró el mayor. La impotencia se escuchaba presente en la voz de Sojiro quien desde hacía bastante tiempo se había encargado de lanzar preguntas al aire hasta el punto que tuvo que lanzar esas palabras como una señal de su desesperación.

La expresión de Kamui no cambió en lo absoluto, solo esa sonrisa a medio labio, un gesto que bien parecía ser algo que proviene de la sangre misma de Antares, la misma expresión burlona y triunfante que tiene Kamil una vez que ha derrotado y humillado a su oponente. Sojiro opto por moverse hasta que tomó a su hermano por las ropas y tiro de este con bastante fuerza, estaba totalmente desesperado, frustrado, como si quisiera que con esos gestos el dijera algo, que volviera a ser ese hermano mayor con el que creció durante tantos años.

—¡NO PUEDES VENIR AQUÍ, INTENTAR MATARME Y QUEDARTE CALLADO!― La impotencia le hizo soltar algunos cuantos golpes sumamente débiles contra el pecho de su hermano hasta que no pudo aguantar por mucho tiempo más. Como si se quebrara, las piernas se le doblaron hasta que quedó de rodillas en el suelo, superado por la frustración de que aquel que vio como su figura a seguir se mantuviera sin mediar palabra alguna, que fuera la segunda vez que tenía una actitud como esa en la que ataca y se va sin decir absolutamente nada.

La lluvia se hizo mas fuerte, los relámpagos sonaron con una mayor potencia, Kamui no cambio de expresión, ni siquiera se movió de su posición, solo agachó la mirada para ver hacía su hermano menor. ―Te equivocas en algo hermano…― Las palabras del mayor provocaron que Sojiro levantara la vista en dirección del otro, con la esperanza de por fin poder escuchar todas esas explicaciones que necesitaba para poder tener paz, dejar de estar en el abismo como hacía meses desde que vino su enfrentamiento en ese día en que iba a ser coronado como el líder de la casa de Escorpión.

La mirada de Sojiro se cristalizó por un momento, volvía a ser un niño el cual escuchaba atentamente a las palabras de su hermano mayor, como tantas veces en el pasado entre ellos, incluso el silencio le hizo sentir un tanto de desesperación, como las ocasiones en que su hermano alargaba el momento para jugar con su hermano menor antes de darle un regalo sorpresa.

—¿Quién te dijo que solo se quedara como un intento de asesinato?