#⭒ ˙ ˖ ✧ — ˗ˏˋ ❝ ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴅɪᴅ ʏᴏᴜ ʙᴇᴄᴏᴍᴇ ᴀʙʟᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴘᴜꜱʜ ᴛᴏ ᴀɴ ᴜɴᴋɴᴏᴡɴ ꜰᴜᴛᴜʀᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ꜱᴛʀᴏɴɢ ᴇʏᴇꜱ? ❞ ◌ ᴘᴏꜱᴛ!ɢᴀᴍᴇ ¦ 「 Makoto 」

[not-bcring]

dragcns-den asked: “In every moment a choice exists. We can cling to the past or embrace the inevitability of change and allow a brighter future to unfold before us.”  —  (( Makoto @ Nagito - after all the craziness has passed, seeing how things are going with the after-game Dr2 babs on the island. Because Nagito deserves the chance to interact with the Hope Boi again  lol )) @not-bcring​

Originals Rp Meme || Accepting

There’s only a soft smile in response, how honored he was truly to be able to speak with Makoto again. Then again, he’s honored whenever anyone wants to speak with someone like him. Nagito knows well what he means by those words, and he certainly believes them himself. Though sometimes, to keep that brighter future, certain weeds have to be trimmed. Or at least, one would think so.

“I would expect no less from you, after all you’ve made quite a change for the future in the name of hope yourself. Those who cling to the past are who need to be cut out so that the future can remain bright, or it’ll simply keep cycling back because of those few people, don’t you think?”

✩   「 resiliency-in-starlight 」   ✩  

「 ☆ 」   Nagito is an interesting soul, to say the least, and Makoto knows that he’s barely scratched the surface of what lies within the fellow Lucky Student. Although, now that he’s known more commonly as the Ultimate Hope, perhaps Makoto no longer has any right to the title? Yet, no matter what he’s called, Makoto still feels a tie towards it. ‘ Luck ’ is what brought him to Hope’s Peak. To his friends. And yes, to the tragedy that befell them... But also eventual victories, hard-earned through sacrifice and stubbornness, and the bonds forged in the fires of the Hell that overtook the world. A devastation that is slowly but surely being set right, greatly thanks to the help of those now confined to Jabberwock Island.

Sometimes, Makoto wonders if the others comprehend just how much he owes to them... To everyone. With as much praise AND criticism as he gets— especially now as he works to rebuild Hope’s Peak and the symbol it provides for the world —it can be easy to feel like other get overlooked in a shadow he has no desire to cast, nor does he try to make span any longer than it already has. Unfortunately, the previously despaired don’t have much choice but to remain set aside... for the moment. Makoto has no intention of forcing them on the sidelines inevitably. They deserve the same fresh start that everyone else is getting. 

Whether or not they believe it. 

❝  Well... I wouldn’t put it exactly that way.  ❞  Makoto replies, a light, slightly-nervous laugh lacing his words. Not out of any unease towards Nagito, but simply a habit of sharing his opinions that he has yet to shake. After a lifetime of people preferring he be quiet, it’s difficult to accept that his words hold as much value as others now seem to think. Looking at Nagito, the shorter male beams with a more easy-going smile,  ❝  I prefer to think of it as— those who cling to the past, especially if it’s a dreary one, can be shown a better way. People aren’t incapable of change, no matter how difficult that change may be to achieve.  ❞   

Looking back in front of himself, Makoto’s voice softens, as does his expression. Appearing more thoughtful as he takes in the expanse of the sky above them,  ❝  I have to believe that... Because that’s what Hope is. It’s not giving up, even when things are at their darkest. It’s seeing the light, no matter how dim.  ❞  Grimacing, Makoto’s gaze falls to ocean before them instead. Taking in the steady crashing of the waves. Beautiful... but deadly in the right circumstances.  ❝  I know that some people can be more... challenging than others. But- if our first instinct is to cut down what doesn’t fit in the world we’re trying to create, then....  ❞  

❝  How long until it gets easy? Until we cut before we even try. Before we think to try... Before we know it, we could lose some of the most beautiful flowers just because we mistook them for weeds.  ❞     「 ☆ 」 

[not-bcring]

' here, Naegi. ' kyouko hands makoto a lamented pink cardstock that gives him permission to be angry.

-  ✩   「   @crushedmystars​​  」   ✩

「 ☆ 」   Makoto adores his friends. Truly, he does.

But he doesn’t always understand them.

Hesitantly taking the card, quizzical gaze studies it for a moment— eyes flitting from it to Kyouko and back again —before he opens his mouth, sucks in an uncertain breath, and plainly asks,  ❝  Um… What is this for?  ❞  

Looking at Kyouko with concern, as if SHE is the one in dire need of help— honestly, aren’t they all? —he skims his mind to try and recall anything he might have done lately to cause her worry. He didn’t think he was acting any stranger than usual, but maybe he’s overlooking clues that the Ultimate Detective would easily catch. Not that Makoto doesn’t have negative emotions churning in his gut from time to time… Things and people that test his patience…. The very fates themselves showing their support in ways that both mock and somehow injure, his life thrown into chaos he miraculously survives.

But he’s fine.

Really.

Giving her an uneasy grin that he hopes says as much, Makoto offers the card back with an awkward chuckle,  ❝  I appreciate the thought, but I heh- I’m fine… I don’t need this.  ❞     「 ☆ 」

[not-bcring]

❛ after tonight, you’ll never hear from me again. ❜ Nagito @ Makoto

-  ✩   「   @crushedmystars ​  」   ✩

「 ☆ 」   Makoto is so proud of everything the people around him have accomplished… Of the obstacles they’ve overcome. The sacrifices they’ve made. How they’ve proven beyond a doubt that no matter the darkness around or within, their light won’t be snuffed out. Won’t be overtaken by despair, so determined to continue spreading and devouring the world. But even if things have become horrid, seemingly even more-so, since Junko’s defeat… Makoto knows better. He knows that since that fateful day, things have gotten better. No matter how hard it may sometimes be to notice it. It has gotten better.

Since taking that first step out of Hope’s Peak what feels like a lifetime ago, the world was given a clear message… To move forward, no matter what. To believe, even if it seems impossible.

Or hopeless.

Makoto only wishes that things could have turned out a bit better than it had. Not that he’s ungrateful for things settling down, but it’s hard to feel completely content with all the death that had happened. The physical, mental, and emotional scars he knows must cover everyone involved. Not to mention, the sacrifice his former upperclassman must make for events that, as far as Makoto is concerned, weren’t their fault. They didn’t ask to be twisted nearly beyond recognition. Didn’t ask to hurt people. To be subjected to existences as tools of despair. Yet, they’d been the ones to save the day… Proving themselves to be the beacons of Hope, of change, that Makoto had known existed within them.

It doesn’t seem right that the world see them as anything less…

❝  Oh? I dunno… I’d like to believe different.  ❞  Makoto says to Nagito’s claim, an awkward smile on his face as he fishes for the right words to say. As much as people might state otherwise, he’s never felt comfortable in his ability to find them, no matter how many heartfelt speeches he’d given in his life. Rubbing the back of his neck, he studies the others expression, trying to gauge how he’s handling everything that’s happened,  ❝  I mean, there’s no guarantee that we’ll never speak again. Not unless one of us does something to ensure it… and I know I won’t.  ❞  

Expression tinged with concern, as Makoto has learned he’s destined to feel for practically everyone at all times, head tilts slightly like a curious pup,  ❝  Would you? Because it seems like a real waste to me, deciding that I’ll never hear from you again.  ❞  He might not know much about Nagito, but he knows enough. He knows that he doesn’t want a possible friendship, a possible connection with another person— especially one who probably understands the hardships of the world just as much as Makoto does —prematurely cut short.

Extending a hand, offering a handshake and a hopeful smile, he chimes with more confidence than he feels,  ❝  I’d much rather believe that we’ll meet again. Hopefully during happier times…  ❞     「 ☆ 」

[not-bcring]

"Makoto," Byakuya says, his voice uncharacteristically soft, "I got you something. For the holiday. It's not much, especially since I've only been trained in gift giving for women, but... here."

He holds out a box of chocolates, imported from Switzerland, a single rose, and a red silk necktie.

"I didn't know what was appropriate since you don't really wear jewelry, but I hope you like it. Feel free to show your appreciation in the form of physical affection."

-  ✩   「   @honeydewmuses ​​​ ​ 」   ✩

「 ☆ 」   Makoto has never celebrated a Valentine’s Day with someone before. He’s still felt excitement at the holiday, a second-hand joy at a specific day dedicated to showering those you care about with gifts and affection. Not that he can’t or wouldn’t do that any other day… but having one to look forward to, a holiday set aside for meaningful gestures— what can he say? He’s a sucker for it. So it’s no surprise that he’s been eagerly counting down the days until this one, not certain whether Byakuya is interested in celebrations like it but wanting to offer it nonetheless. He can only hope that Byakuya likes his gifts.

But first, it’s Makoto’s turn, the Affluent Progeny beating him to the punch as per usual. Curiosity giving way to excitement when he realizes what’s happening, Makoto can’t help but gasp at what he’s given. Someone might think he was being gifted the moon itself with how much Makoto beams at the presents, green hues glittering with grateful tears as it hits him just how happy he actually is to be spending this day with Byakuya. To be experiencing it— his first real Valentine’s Day —with someone he loves. Especially when that someone is the man in front of him.

Holding the gifts close to his chest, Makoto can barely contain the warmth blooming from within it, covering his face pink and making his entire body buzz with elation,  ❝  Not much? These gifts are everything! Mainly because they’re from you and I’d love anything you gave me, but they’re also really great on their own.  ❞  Immediately trying to make good on Byakuya’s offer of ‘physical affection’, Makoto abruptly stops with a ‘whoops- wait a minute’ when he realizes that hugging whilst holding his gifts isn’t the best idea. Not wanting to crush his presents, he carefully sets them down with a fumbled laugh— sparing a moment to look at them with a dorky grin, momentarily distracted at the sight of Byakuya’s efforts to make him feel loved.

It’s going to be so much fun having Byakuya fix that tie for him, thanks to Makoto’s ‘inaptitude’.

Arms are soon wrapped around his boyfriend, hands holding Byakuya close before they move to help guide him down by his shirt, unable to resist the allure of a kiss even at the expense of a hug. It’s quick and eager at first, Makoto peppering a couple across his boyfriend’s face before finally landing on Byakuya’s lips. Hand moving to cup his face, Makoto tilts his head to deepen the kiss, soft and slow as he melts against his partner. Forgetting everything else, Makoto almost leans in for another when he finally pulls away, content to simply stand there and kiss Byakuya over and over and over—

Before he remembers that he needs to give Byakuya HIS gift.

Quickly pulling away with an—  ❝  Oh, wait!  ❞  —Makoto holds up a finger in an ‘one moment’ gesture before scampering away to get the gift from where he’d hidden it. With childlike enthusiasm, he giggles giddily and returns with the present held behind his back. Revealing it to Byakuya with a flourish, it’s a small box held shut with a shiny ribbon... and within lies a pair of cufflinks. Smooth and a rich pink, embellished by surrounding silver. Trying not to seem uneasy, there’s no denying the hope alight within Makoto’s gaze as he studies Byakuya’s expression,  ❝  They’re Rose Quartz... Which is um, considered the crystal of unconditional love.  ❞  

❝  Rose Quartz symbolizes trust, tolerance, and fosters both self-love as well as relationships with others.  ❞  Makoto eagerly explains, before rubbing the back of his neck and giving a sheepish shrug,  ❝  I know stuff like crystals probably don’t really affect things like that... but I just think it’s neat. Y’know? And it made me think of you...  ❞     「 ☆ 」 

[not-bcring]

(( Tag Dump - Makoto Naegi ))