#; Verse || A Life so Trivial ♟️

[kingspuppet]

"All this talk of a 'perfect reality' and yet he didn't have the foresight to make coffee injectable through an IV. Tch. What a waste."

[kingspuppet-a]

          “I can’t believe the stupidity of some people. They’re nothing but hopeless fools.”

[kingspuppet]

"Precisely my point. He's so fixated on making everyone's reality perfect but elects to skip over mine? I'd also like to see these credentials of his that allows him to have a say in what's good for me." He huffs, rolling his eyes. "And I doubt a highly concentrated sugar drink with unnecessary additives is far superior than ground coffee beans and water. You'd be better off digesting simple syrups."

P508954TS ███   ＂ MY GUY I'M PRETTY SURE that's because a coffee IV would fit your perfect reality & maruki-san is still, like, a doctor & knows that's not good for you.＂ a long pause, ＂ besides an energy drink would be waaay healthier. like a lipovitan IV.＂

[kingspuppet]

@silver-strings-of-fate || Unprompted

"'Monsters aren't meant to be loved' well that never stopped me in my werewolf phase... Wait who said that?" -Ren

"..." There's no helping the way he stares at Amamiya. His eye gives the slightest of twitches. "We're not speaking of monsters in fantastical settings that don't exist. That is a completely different topic altogether that I will urge you to keep to yourself."

[kingspuppet]

Anon || Unprompted

*throws rose petals at Goro* LOVE YOURSELF, YOU GRUMPY MAN!! DON'T MAKE EVERYONE MISERABLE! <3

"If you choose to be miserable after what I said then that is no fault of mine." Plucking the petals out from his hair, he can't help but grimace. "And I refuse to pretend that I find anything lovable about myself. Monsters aren't meant to be loved..."

He shakes his head. "Either way it's none of your business."

[kingspuppet]

@foucoeur || x

' bro maybe you should have a chocolate so you remember sugar is awesome & then you'll calm down. '

"And spend double the amount of yen on overpriced chocolate? I'll pass. Besides, buying chocolate for myself when it's meant to be a holiday for couples is pathetic enough. And no, I will not feed into this 'self-love' bullshit either."

[kingspuppet]

"I am well aware of that fact. But it's not like shitty instant coffee is delectable. In that case, I'd prefer something more substantial and useful. That doesn't mean I won't still have a cup or two, though."

"You can't taste it through an IV drip though."

[kingspuppet]

Anon || Unprompted

Goro, I don't understand. Why are you rejecting this reality? You could have the life you ever wanted! Without being in the shadow of your father, with your mother still by your side! With my powers, I can make the perfect world for you!

Instantly his heart plummets straight into his stomach. He feels sick as he wills his lungs to pull breath back into them. Maruki hadn't earned the right to call Goro by his given name as if they were friends. The farce of a psychiatrist didn't even know what he was talking about in relation to Shido. He didn't know the extent of the pain Goro went through to claw himself to where he is now. Not that it did him any good in the end, but who the hell was Maruki to think he was the one to decide? And worst of all–––

"Leave her out of this." The words punch themselves from his throat, all venom and coiled like a snake ready to strike. By now his hands are clenched into painful fists as his whole body shakes. And if Maruki thinks it's anything of pure elation at the idea of bringing his dead mother back then he's horrifically mistaken. It takes everything to not lunge at Maruki with his hands poised at his throat. The only thing stopping him is that Joker and his motley band of idiots would be upset, and so he refrains as he bites down hard at the inside of his cheek. The metallic tang of his own blood is grounding.

"Nothing you could do would ever make the world perfect. You'll die trying before that ever happens." He snarls as he tilts his chin up in defiance. "I refuse to become a doll for you to push your disgusting ideals onto. And just because you can make a puppet with my mother's face doesn't mean she'll ever be my mother. You don't know a damn thing about what would make me happy, and you certainly don't know her wishes. I won't let you put her through suffering again just so you can get off to it."

Like a vicious wolf, he bares his fangs. "I don't give a damn what promises I've made. I won't hesitate to kill you where you stand if you even continue to think about disturbing the one place she's finally found peace."

[kingspuppet]

@fantomevoleur || Kingdom Hearts Sentence Starters

“You know…you’ve changed.” - @fantomevoleur

"Have I now." The expression he directs Kurusu's way is unimpressed. He's not sure if that observation is a good thing or a downright insult. Probably the latter. The saying itself is an uncomfortably familiar one that held negative connotations. Perhaps not exactly in those words, but close enough. He'd heard it when he stopped trying to appease foster parents, and even working as a detective lent himself to such comments when he'd let his mask slip.

Unpleasant. Co-workers would say. Harsh. Sae would admonish him. Difficult. Foster parents giving up on him. Such bratty behavior is unattractive. Shido knew how to pull the strings he bound Goro with.

So why should Kurusu be any different? With the poison that presents itself within Goro out full force he can't imagine him changing is supposed to be a compliment. He was well aware how insufferable and stubborn he could be. It was easier to bite the reaching out hands before they could strike.

And he hates the way his traitorous heart drops at the thought that this is it. That Kurusu will see him the same as everyone else has. Goro's not worth the trouble. That even as a rival he was too much.

Goro had already anticipated this, but it doesn't lessen the sting.

"Or perhaps you just don't know me as well as you thought you did." The smile that accompanies his words is sharp. It doesn't ground him as much as he hoped it would. "Sorry to disappoint."

Only he's not sure if he's apologizing to Kurusu or to himself.

[kingspuppet]

@gloryseized || Kingdom Hearts Sentence Starters

“   c’mon ,   let’s get some ice cream .   ” ( from Akira @gloryseized )

"You truly are ridiculous." Childish. Foolish. Insufferable. Incorrigible. The list goes on.

After everything, he had suspected that Kurusu would have some natural preservation towards his own well-being. That he would find Goro's biting personality and haughty attitude too much to deal with. But as usual Kurusu tends to defy all sense of logic, throwing all his caution and brain cells into the wind. And for what? To play with fire that will eventually burn him? Goro was good at dealing that blow subconsciously. Surely Kurusu should have figured that out already. And this was all over something as stupid as ice cream, no less.

Idiot.

"Wouldn't Takamaki be more suited for this?" Leather gloves creak as he clenches his fists. His teeth grind against one another, an attempt to stamp down his own damnable emotions. He forces a sharp grin into place. "But I suppose that wouldn't be the wisest choice for your wallet's sake."

[kingspuppet]

@tricksheart || Unprompted

"How's your food blog coming along? Is it doing okay online?". One thing that Akira is curious about and actually glad that Goro has a hobby like that.

"My blog?" Confusion laces his tone as he casts a look in Kurusu's direction. Out of all of the things that could possibly be asked and he's asking about Goro's personal food blog? It's unexpected, and what's more is that Kurusu seems to show genuine curiosity. And Goro hates how he feels a little bit of excitement and pride burst in his chest that someone cared enough about his little hobby to ask. Especially from Kurusu when it was such a far cry from their usual interactions.

Such things would usually spark an ember of annoyance. Instead, eagerness readily takes its place and makes a home in his words.

"It's not doing quite as well as it used to. The engagement is down, but it's only natural after upkeep stopped due to my...disappearance." Not that he was surprised, but it still stung. The mask he donned was plastered all over it, but it was a hobby Goro actually enjoyed. A little genuine piece of himself that the public could bear witness to. And just like Goro, it had been all but forgotten.

At the very least it was entertaining to watch those who knew of the former Detective Prince get defensive, saying that it wasn't Goro who was running the blog. It was an easy assumption to make. He hadn't posted his face since the return, sticking to simple yet aesthetically pleasing photos to post alongside his more brutally honest reviews. And then there were those who were unaware of who Goro was. The number of them was small but they had quickly become a loyal following, appreciative of Goro's blunt critiques.

"I've been able to gather a smaller audience since my return. Not enough to make it as popular as it once was, but I–––" He cuts himself off, turning his head to the side as a bit of embarrassment colors his cheeks. "I find this to be more preferable. It prompts a discussion that is far more valuable than rabid teenagers fawning over someone who never truly existed."

A sharp smirk settles on his face. "I get to be as critical as I like and no one seems to bat an eye. I consider that a victory."

[kingspuppet]

@etherbonded​ || Settling Dust Prompts

“ will you quit talking like that?! i’m not leaving you behind! “ - sumire :0 ( also hihi !!! )

          Yoshizawa was still new at this. Like a fawn on shaky legs she tried to run. Perhaps in some form Goro gave her a little credit. She was at least willing to try and keep up with him, as fragile as her psyche seemed to him. It was admirable to a degree. Maybe if he was someone else like Joker he’d praise her for her efforts. Offer her words of encouragement and guide her in the right direction. But he wasn’t him. He was Goro–––all harsh words and sharp, jagged edges. He could only put up with her newbie efforts for so long before he would huff and do it himself.

          It’s why he’s standing between her and multiple Shadows. He’s reminded of unpleasant memories and the nagging feeling of weakness as he tries to hold their only line of defense with his saber and Loki. His energy is flagging and his breath is coming in short, painful bursts.

          “Shut up! Get the hell out of here or we’re both going to die!” His voice echoes throughout Mementos’ walls as he levels another Laevateinn at the closest Shadow to send it sprawling.

          He feels almost powerless as he falls to one knee causing Loki to retreat back into the lens of his mask. His saber is swapped for his gun.

          “We don’t have time for your savior act!” This time he summons Loki and sends an Eigaon that hits right by Yoshizawa’s feet in attempt to get her finally moving. “I’ll hold them off, so go!”

[kingspuppet]

@silver-strings-of-fate​ || More Random Dialogue Prompts

“no, i don’t hate you.” ((Hello there owo))

          Lies. Lies. Lies.

          The admission is nothing but a bunch of absolute, naive bullshit. A trick to make Goro believe that someone could actually give a damn about him in this world. That someone doesn’t see him for the monster that he truly is behind his silver tongue and sharp words. It can’t be the truth, especially when it’s coming from someone who was supposed to be a victim to his crimes.

          How could anyone not hate someone after all of that? It’s justified! Or perhaps this is supposed to torture Goro. That hating him is giving him what he wants. But he’s not sure Amamiya is known to play such games. So why?!

          “There’s no need to try and convince yourself of that being the truth.” His tone is clipped––––unwilling to be deceived. Because if he really found himself believing it...

          No. He wouldn’t allow that. He couldn’t afford to. It hurts far too much. He’d prefer to be hated. After all, anger was easier to deal with than other feelings. He doesn’t want to deal with their complexity. He refuses to let himself feel those kinds of emotions ever again.

           “You think honeyed words will change anything.” His gloved hands clench at his sides. “Or are you just trying to make a mockery of me?”

[kingspuppet]

@tricksheart || Sentence Starters (Original Quotes)

‘ i didn’t like you when we first met ’ asdfghjkl akira plz

He had always considered himself to be quite good at reading people. It was a skill he had studied and honed long before he donned the disgustingly sweet visage that the public foolishly ate up. Every response he gave was always carefully calculated in order to keep the audience right in the palm of his hand. Being anything less than absolute perfection in the act he played was unacceptable. Which is why his inability to parse Kurusu's true responses by body language alone was just another tick to the long list of reasons to hate the other.

But it didn't take some genius introspection to identify dislike towards himself. After all, Kurusu wasn't the first and he certainly wasn't going to be the last. Hatred from others accompanied Goro like an old, stubborn friend as it appeared in the eyes of everyone that looked at him.

"Is that so? I never would have guessed." It comes out flat as he takes a sip of his still too-hot coffee. The burn it gave his tongue was oddly comforting in the midst of this most unsurprising revelation. Well, at least the frizzy-haired idiot was honest.

"It's good to know that the feeling was mutual. You would've made for a boring debate partner if it wasn't."

[kingspuppet]

@gyokushou​ || Unprompted

happy 2/2 hope u dontmind!

"I meant it, when I refused." The uncertainty Hifumi felt from the early confrontation still weighs on her chest, unwanted and doubting yet the edge in her tone remains. The bitterness, the anger at this reality and being played a pawn within what was ostentatiously her life before everything; before the palace, before forming the phantom theieves. When her mother held a thumb over her daughter's pulse and Hifumi was a puppet to her hearts content out of greed and the wants that  she never had.

But, this wasn't about her anymore. The increasing mental toll of that situation and the instability it was causing could not be further from her mind.

"I don't think you are dead, I don't believe it but even if he is right, even then."  A snarl threatened the edge of her lips.  Especially then, especially if he was dead. If Goro was truly gone from her life- If that was the truth, if that she was wrong in her logic... The fool looked away, anger simmering down once more. But not gone.

"He is self deluded to think I would stand by. What is the point of a reality when we are both puppets again? What is the point of all of it if you can't be yourself?"

          Despite everything, at least Hifumi had sense in her. Even with the honeyed words that farce of a therapist spouted, she was going to stand her ground.

          It was a relief to Goro. It didn’t ease all the burdens that weighed on him, but at least he wouldn’t have to fight her over something so trivial. Whether he lived or died didn’t matter. In the grand scheme of things it wasn’t important. He refused to be someone else’s plaything. He wasn’t interested in being a pawn for their personal game. And he certainly wasn’t going to simply comply with being live bait to sway someone else’s decisions.

          Thankfully Hifumi had a brain in her head and her own desire to no longer be someone else’s toy in return.

          All January he had spent pondering whether he truly survived or not. But the evidence had been damning with the resurgence of Okumura and Wakaba Isshiki. The fear of being brought back against his wishes, against the only choice he had ever truly made for himself, was felt every night as he sat alone in his apartment. And after hearing all the shit Maruki spewed that only solidified the anxiety that pounded achingly against his sternum.

          Not even death was this terrifying.

          So he can’t help but give a sharp smirk at hearing Hifumi’s resolve. But his muscles still remain tense and his gloved hands are balled into fists.

          “I’m glad to hear it. A life warped for the benefit of others isn’t worth anything.” His gloves creak as he tightens his grip. He can’t let himself waver now. He won’t. “The choices we make and the way we decide to live our lives makes us who we are. Not some damn fantasy world.”

          He takes a deep inhale to steady himself. He’s not certain if his body is trembling from just anger or something more.

          “I refuse to be whatever he decides to turn me into. I don’t care who he’s helping if it’s not for myself. We will not be his puppets. I won’t be treated like that again.”

[kingspuppet]

"I was only stating the fact that the whole premise of this...holiday is nothing but a ploy for idiots to spend more money than necessary." He tries to keep his gaze neutral as he eyes the box of chocolates. "Never did I say I would be opposed to receiving chocolates should someone, for whatever reason, consider to share some with me."

"Then what should I do with the chocolates I wanted to share with you...?" It was a large box wrapped with a gold and hot pink ribbon. On the corner on the box itself was a plastic rose. It was one of the better Junes brands.