#I so so want to draw Miwa now

[tadaxii-i]

A little bit of third year tobio for the mood

There you go

[madamechrissy]

=͟͟͞♡ Healing Hearts =͟͟͞♡

=͟͟͞♡ Pairings:-Doctor Gojo x Intern F!Reader

=͟͟͞♡ Contents/warnings- Medical procedures, crazy sexual tension, lots of cussing, light angst, tons of humor, workplace relationship, the hospital is lowkey slutty lol. Reader 26, Dr. Gojo 34, small age gap- Grey's vibes ✨️

=͟͟͞♡ Word Count- this chap- 7.5k

=͟͟͞♡ Summary- You are the top Surgical Doctor intern, along with Maki, Yuta and Toge. You all are exhausted from passing the first month, sixteen plus hour days, days you don't even go home, all to get a top spot with the star Surgeon, Dr. Gojo, your resident doctor and boss. Or as you call him, Dr. Hojo. He's takes nothing serious but his surgeries it seems, and has a reputation for being a player, but he has that top spot, so you want to prove your worth! You just have to ignore those stupid butterflies he gives you, and those pretty blue eyes, along with his interest in you, and focus!

♡ Comment to get added to the tag list ♡

=͟͟͞♡ Part One =͟͟͞♡ Playlist =͟͟͞♡ Masterlist

♡ Part Two ♡

“Doctor, you should call it. The time of death.” Comes Miwa’s voice, soft and sweet, as you’re pumping your hands tirelessly over this woman’s chest.

The woman had a damn baby right in the hospital nursery, having had a placental abruption, they had gotten the baby out in time on the maternity ward, but then she lost too much blood, and they’d brought her here. You've pumped countless times, your elbows are locked, your arms are aching, there are tears sticking to your cheeks that you don’t know where they came from.

You’re counting, one, two, three… to thirty, then scowl up at the nurse assistant now. “She’s not dead yet, now do the breaths!”

The assistant squeezes the blue bottle, frowning at you in concern. “It’s been three minutes, the patient is likely gone.”

“Don’t tell me to just give up on her. I won’t. Charge em up.” You turn and say to Miwa now, and she sighs. “I said…” You’re pumping so hard you feel her ribcage just barely crack, but you can’t stop, she’s flat lined and she has a damn baby. “I said charge them. Thirty joules! C’mon, Yula…”

The patient’s name was Yula, her name was Yula.

You keep repeating it to yourself as you work over her, hopelessly staring at the screen, praying to see a blip, to see anything. You’ve already had to call time of death for patients, but something in this got you, in knowing that the baby wouldn’t even know her own mother. In knowing that she got here just in time to save her baby, only to fall unconscious.

You’re nearing four minutes, you realize with a panic, and you notice Miwa has not charged the paddles. “Doctor, you should-”

“Are you telling your doctor what to do?” You demand, breathless, and she pouts then, thin brows drawing together.

“If she says charge them, fucking charge them. Thirty joules, now.” Comes Doctor Gojo’s voice, deep and stern, as he steps into the room, glaring over at Miwa, who now suddenly decides that she will charge the paddles. You’d roll your eyes if you weren’t compressing over and over on Yula, exhaustion already setting in.

“Thank you, Dr. Gojo.” You manage, trembling with your effort, and he gently pushes you out of the way, you shake out your numb arms.

“You get the paddles, intern, okay. How long?” He asks.

“Almost four minutes, Gojo, she's crazy!” Miwa says. Your jaw clenches.

“Did I ask you anything?” He demands then, and the room goes silent, Gojo looks right at you, seriously, when you get the paddles and then he moves his hands, as you shock Yula’s chest now.

A blip.

“Please, please…” You whisper, choking up, and then the blip dies off. “She just had two blood transfusions, we need to-”

“Doctor, she’s been at it too long.” Miwa says. “She’s going to have no brain function if we go one more minute.”

“So we give her one more minute!” You shout at her, you never shout, you never break this composure you try to have, but you’re exhausted, weak, thank god Gojo’s pumping over her, his strong arms working faster than even you could.

“Hey, intern, look at me.” You look at Gojo then, at his pretty face as he’s working over her, his white hair falling over his forehead, he nods at the paddles. “Just breathe, yeah? Charge them to forty five.”

“Yes, Sir.” You manage, taking a breath, then you open your eyes, and look at the screen one more time, taking the defibrillator paddles, and shocking her chest, her entire body jolts. The room is dead silent, then you hear it, a heartbeat, a pulse on that machine, a steady beep… beep… beep…

You start sobbing in relief, uncaring what anyone thought at that moment. Doctor Gojo checks for signs of brain activity, rubbing her throat then, feeling her pulse. He grins at you, brightening that room with those glinting white teeth. He gestures for you to come over now, as Yula barely opens her eyes, gasping for breath then, leaning up on her elbows.

“What… where’s my baby?” She whispers, her lips are blue, but she’s talking, cognizant, aware. You feel chills through your body, goosebumps you rub gingerly with sore arms.

The first thing she asks, her baby. She’s gonna be a damn good mom, and she gets to be a mom. You push back thoughts of your own mom, taking a breath to finally speak.

“Your baby is nice and healthy, she’s strong. Like her mom.” You say softly, holding her hand delicately in your own, the nurses are unhooking her from the plugs in the wall, wrapping tubes and wires now, so that they can take her to get checked on Doctor Gojo’s orders.

“Oh thank goodness, oh…” She’s blinking tears now, and she looks to Doctor Gojo, who is smiling softly at her.

“She saved your life.” Gojo says, and you shake your head.

“He did, truly.”

“Well, a little, but mostly her.” He nudges you a bit playfully, and she’s smiling, holding her hands out to both of you.

“Thank you both so, so much. Thank you.” The nurses who all were not listening are quiet now, but you don’t blame them, many of them have done this for years, and you were new.

But something feels so good knowing she is okay, that she will live to see her baby, a fucking rush knowing you saved her, that Doctor Gojo had helped you, despite you going against certain protocol. You look up at him now, and his lips part as he studies you, seriously.

“We will get you to some tests, then you can hold your baby. How’s that sound, Miss Yula?” Satoru says, turning his attention to her, and she nods, grinning so big. She’s pale, she looks weak, but she’s strong and she’s alive.

“Thank you both so much. I can’t wait to meet my baby! Was it a…” Your heart pounds now, realizing she didn’t even see the baby yet.

“It’s a boy. You will see him very soon.” They wheel her away, Miwa is about to leave when Gojo pauses her.

“You will not do that again, I don’t care if she’s new, she is your doctor. Do you understand?” He asks, he’s quiet, so no one hears, and she is blinking back tears now, lip trembling.

“You’re being mean to me.” You try not to scoff, acting like you can’t hear a thing she says, Satoru doesn’t hide his scoff.

“Mean? It’s lives we’re talking about, not personal things.” He says, dropping his voice even quieter, as you work on putting in orders for medicines for Yula, you pretend you don’t hear, but something in you is curious.

“She’s insane.”

Ouch.

“She’s my best intern, and I like insane.” You can’t lie about how elated you are when you hear him. Doctor Gojo might come off as silly, or goofy, but he was the best, and the praise meant so much, even if insane may not be a compliment, from him it seemed like one. “How many times have I pulled a stunt like that?”

“You’re Doctor Gojo.”

“She went through the same schooling, she earned her place here. I am disappointed. I’ll have to assign you elsewhere if you keep on with it, you’ve repeatedly not listened to her. Understood?”

She looks at you, then looks down, nodding. “I get it, fine… but, can I see you later?” Her voice drops another octave, just a breath really.

“I’m busy today, but just know I’m not mad at you, okay? Just you need to trust her judgment, I only brought the best here.” He has his hands on her shoulders gently, she nods, then walks by you.

“I’m sorry. I’ve just seen… a lot of situations where that doesn’t work.” She says, and you shake your head.

“It’s okay, I am kind of batshit crazy to keep going so long. I think I really… because of the baby…”

“I understand. I’ll trust you next time.” She whispers, giving you a little hug now, surprising you. “You saved her.”

“Thank you, Miwa.” You give her a little smile as she leaves, and it’s just you and Satoru now, as the heavy hospital door slams shut. Satoru has his hands in the pockets of his white lab coat, leaning against the counter of the hospital room, looking at you. “I know, I know… I was reckless.”

“Completely reckless, and honestly she’s right. You’re insane.” He says, you flush then, looking down.

“Is this going to fuck up my chance to scrub in? I’m so sorry-”

“Why did you go so hard?” He’s suddenly right in front of you, the pounding of adrenaline racing through your body makes you overheated, lightheaded, to the point you feel a little dizzy.

“She just had that baby, Satoru. Fuck… Gojo. I’m sorry.”

“I don’t mind.” He brushes your hair back, it’s fallen out of its bun. “You want me to fix your hair?”

“You don’t have to-”

“I asked if you wanted me to.” You nod then, turning, and Satoru is taking your hair out of your bun now, gathering it gently. “So you wanted to try insane shit because she had a baby?”

“Yes. Sorry I’m such a mess.”

“You just gave four hundred compressions, you should be a mess. Now, is it just because you love babies so much?” He asks, long fingers massaging your scalp, you can’t help but shut your eyes. It feels so good.

“I do love babies, but no. My mother died having me, from the same thing, placental abruption. I was in the NICU for a long, long time. My dad had to care for me alone, poor guy had no clue what to do. I snapped, honestly, it wasn’t professional in any way, Gojo.”

He’s quiet, as he fixes your hair back up, now his big, sure hands are massaging your sore arms, you exhale, tilting your neck side to side. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, I never knew her. All I have are stories, I never even got held in her arms, just like Yula’s baby would have been.” Your voice is hoarse, your body is tired, you feel his gentle touch and crave more of it.

“You call your patients their names, not ‘patient’.”

“Yes. They have names, we should use them. Don’t you?”

“I do. But… you know that you are letting your emotions guide you, rather than your brain.”

“I’m so sorry-”

“I like that.”

“What now!?” You turn to look at him in shock, and he’s very serious, more serious than you’re used to seeing him. Even in surgery, his confidence carried over, and he could crack jokes as you would watch him through the glass. You were always amazed by that, the confidence, the skill, the ability to laugh even.

“I like that you said fuck protocol and tried your best to save someone, shit that’s why I’m as good at what I do as I am. I said fuck all these rules. Sometimes saving someone means trusting your gut.” He’s tilting your chin up, and for some insane moment you want to kiss him, is it the adrenaline, is it his praise, is it your heart racing so much you’re stupid?

You eye his plush lips, barely registering his words.

“You like that I’m too emotional? Isn’t that the opposite of what I’m supposed to be as a doctor?” You whisper, and he shakes his head then, leaning close.

“You’re unique, special. I find you intriguing actually, and exactly what I want in an intern. I’ll have to cover for your ass though with Yaga.”

“Ugh, I know.” You sigh now. “You’re about to take over as chief of surgery, aren’t you? I don’t want to fuck anything up.”

“Nah, no worries there, I have been getting away with shit for eight years. I’m the best so they do whatever the fuck I want to keep me.” He smirks, and you smile up at him, enjoying the close proximity far too much. “You owe me.”

“Anything! Oh, nothing pervy.”

His lips quirk up. “How dare you assume.”

“Well, Miwa is probably upset, you may not get a bj.” He snorts then, dropping your chin and rolling his pretty blue eyes.

“She absolutely was in the wrong to question you, and she knows. As for… well we don’t have a relationship, I don’t really date.”

You raise a brow curiously. “You just fuck?”

“Lots of fucking.” You snort, shaking your head.

“You’re ridiculous.”

“You should try it, you’re too stiff, you should loosen up.”

“Bet you- actually, you know what, no. I’m too happy to argue. Maybe I should go relieve some stress, shit.” Gojo laughs again, and you giggle now. “I’m losing my mind at this career.”

“That’s what good doctors do.” He taps your nose.

“Why do you do that?” You ask curiously.

“You’re cute when it scrunches up. Now, I want you to go out to eat with me sometime, that’s all I ask.” You sigh, tilting your head.

“Why, you’re Dr. Hojo, you can have anyone go out to eat with you, and do much more than I would, I’m sure.”

“Maybe I just wanna know what makes you tick, intern. Especially now that I saw you in action like that.” You nervously bite your lip, as you think of just being around him outside of this hospital, what would that even be like?

“Sure, we can go out to eat some time. Are you going to the party tomorrow?” You ask, and he nods.

“I’ll be there to make it fun. Now, you go put in your notes, I’ll go mitigate this with Yaga before it blows up.” He gently rubs your shoulder, walking past you now towards the door.

“Doctor Gojo?” He turns then. “Thank you, so much.”

Satoru smiles at you, nodding his head a bit. “You’re welcome intern, you owe me though, I’ll be annoying you about it.”

“Can’t wait.” You tease, he chuckles as he walks by, you nearly collapse, so overwhelmed, plopping down into the rolling chair and covering your face.

You saved someone. That eclipses it all, this is what you wanted to do, always, to save people, like your mom that day. No, not everyone is going to get saved, but if you can just do your fucking best, you feel good. You look at your watch, only one hour left of this insane day.

The night of the party

You’re rushing to get out of the hospital, to hurry and get to the party Maki, Yuta and Toge have started without you. You brought party clothes with you, so you quickly change into the outfit, a slinky little red dress that glitters even under the icky fluorescent lights above. You run over to the mirror, slathering on some concealer, mascara, and lip gloss.

You then dig through your bag, retrieving a brush, running it through your hair and attempting to look human, to look…

“Damn, intern, you look hot.” Gojo’s voice comes behind you, you gasp, jerking and dropping the brush, it clatters to the floor. He smirks at you.

“You scared me, shit!” He bends down, grabbing your brush, and for a moment his breath hits your bare thighs, you tremble as he looks up at your bare legs, taking his time to stand.

“Nice stems.” He says, you roll your eyes, snatching up the brush.

“Oh hush.” You turn, running it through your hair once more, peering at Gojo’s reflection, feeling how small you are compared to him in that mirror. “You bringing Miwa to the party?”

“She’ll be there I’m sure, but I told you, we aren’t dating. One blow job doesn’t make a girlfriend.”

“Only one, hmm? You have more stones to collect.” He chuckles, shaking his head, you turn then, slinging your bag over your shoulder, far too close to him. “God, you always smell good.”

“Huh?”

“Nothing!” You panic, shoving past him, and he is grinning far too big now, taking off his white lab coat, revealing those strong muscles, veins popping out under the pale skin, and since when are veins attractive!?

Everything about him is.

Be immune to the charm.

“I wanna show you something before you go, can you wait just a second? Or so eager to get to the party?” He asks, going to his locker, sliding off his shirt, your throat goes dry, you look quickly away.

“Just eager to make sure they don’t destroy my house.”

“Are you giving me a tour of your room?”

“No infinity stones to be found here.” He snorts, you look back and see him in his boxers, looking away again.

“All right, I’m decent. You’re cute when you blush.”

“I’m just… overheated.”

“Uh huh.” You look to see him now, as he shuts his locker and he’s wearing a dark blue dress shirt, black slacks and boots, he runs a brush through his hair, you’re entranced as his silky strands slide through so effortlessly. “There, all done, how do I look?”

“You look good, Gojo. You always do though.”

“Sure do.” You can’t help but laugh, he’s ridiculous. He grabs his wallet, shoving it in his pocket, holding out a hand. You look at it. “Come on.”

“Oh, fine. It better be good I’m already running late.” You put your hand in his, and he drags you down several halls, until you’re both in an elevator, still holding hands, you pull yours away, glaring at him. “I’m not gonna fuck you, Gojo.”

“Ouch, you wound me, mean little intern.” He puts a hand on his chest. “I’m so offended, I didn’t say that to you!”

“You fuck whoever, and that’s cool, I get it. You’re hot, and this job is stressful as shit.”

“You think I’m hot, hmm?” He leans close, far too close, you glare at him again, pushing on his chest, ignoring how good his muscles feel under your palms.

“You know you are.”

“Yeah, I do. And of course I wanna fuck you, look at you. But I also just want to… get to know you.” He cups your face, and your eyes shut for just a moment. “I know you’re a goodie goodie.”

“Am not.”

“So you’re freaky?”

“You won’t find out.”

“Oh no?”

“Nope.” He leans closer, and your chin tilts up, lips just a breath from him, so close you taste his sweet breath.

“Then why do you look like you wanna kiss me so bad, intern?” He murmurs, you lean even closer, before the elevator stops, and you step back, struggling to compose yourself, turning away. “Aw, you okay?”

“Fuck you, Dr. Hojo.”

He laughs once more. “Come on, I’ll stop teasing.”

“You’re such an ass.” You huff, stomping out, then pausing when you realize where you are. “The maternity ward?”

He smiles, hand now gently holding your inner arm, you ignore how good his hand feels on your bare skin. “I think you should see something.”

Soon he’s led you to a room, then you see them.

Yula holding her little baby.

“Oh my god.” You smile up at him, he studies you carefully, nodding over to where they’re sitting in the hospital bed.

“Go say hi, you deserve it.” His hand is at the small of your back, as you walk inside the room, Gojo stays at the doorway, watching you. Yula lights up when she sees you, grinning so big.

“You downplayed what you did, everyone is calling you a miracle worker, Doctor.” She says to you, you shake your head, stopping in front of them, looking at the beautiful baby boy, his cherubic little cheeks hollowing as he sucks on a bright blue binkie, then you look back at Yula.

“It was nothing, just my job.”

“No, it wasn’t nothing. If not for you… I…” She blinks back tears now, and you barely hold in your own.

“Don’t upset yourself, please. You have been through a lot, mama.”

“You should hold him!” Yula says.

“Me? I…”

“Here.” She sits up carefully, and you pick up the little boy, Yula smiles at Gojo and waves him in. “His name is Gojo.”

“What?” Gojo blinks a bit himself, coming to stand beside you and looking down at him, Gojo carefully brushes the baby’s cheek, his hands bigger than the little baby almost. You smile up at him, and for a moment, your eyes lock, then you both flush, looking away. “After me?”

“Yes, you were amazing. I’d have named it after you if it was a girl!”

“Oh, goodness. He is handsome, huh Gojo?” You coo to the baby, Gojo’s hand again comes to the small of your back, he is leaning over your shoulder, looking down at the bundle in your arms.

“Feels good, doesn’t it? Knowing you did a good thing here.” He murmurs in your ear, and you nod then, smiling back at him.

“Thank you for this, Gojo. And thank you, Yula.”

“Thank you both, you're getting Christmas gifts from me.” You both laugh softly, saying your goodbyes, and when the elevator closes again, you let the little tears fall. Satoru swipes at them, and you sigh.

“Fuck it.” You yank him down by his shirt, kissing his lips, expecting it to feel nice, or good… but instead, it’s electrifying, as if little shocks are radiating throughout your entire body. Satoru exhales, deepening the kiss, pressing you against the wall, hands at your waist, peering back to look down at you, to take a breath.

“Fuck…” He murmurs softly, brushing your cheek with his long fingers, running a thumb over your lower lip. “What did I do to earn something that sweet?”

“You did a lot for me. Thank you.” He kisses your lips again, but now his tongue slips in, and you feel desire pooling in your core, especially when his hands are trailing up your sides, and his tongue is dancing with yours. You pull back, gasping. “I’m sorry…”

“Don’t fucking apologize. Please.” He kisses you deeper now, and you lose yourself for that moment, his teeth on your bottom lip, your arms wrapping around his neck as he bends low. Your hands entwine in that silky hair, the hair you have wondered how good would feel under your fingers, his thigh coming between your thighs. “Oh my god…”

“Mmm.” You whine out, pathetic, hips arching up, and you feel him, his hard thigh, those hands overtaking you, tasting him, a hand enwrapping in your hair.

“You’re so hot there…” He murmurs, a hand sliding down your tummy, making it tremble, and you are questioning everything, until the elevator dings, and you both pull away quickly, but Satoru looks completely affected, eyes dilated, his breaths heavy as they come out, mirroring you.

“I shouldn’t have done that.”

“Yeah you should have.”

“No… but thank you. Really.” You touch his shoulder gently. “I will not be an infinity stone.”

“Think you’d be the whole gauntlet.”

“Oh whatever. Forget that, please.”

“No way.”

You both are walking out to your cars then, you’re fucking insane, you kissed Satoru Gojo, your boss! You kissed him. He’s walking you to your car now, opening your door, and you can barely meet his pretty eyes, so embarrassed. “I really shouldn’t have done that.”

“You were feeling something, emotions, gratitude… attraction.” He practically says the word like a caress, you feel it physically. “More probably. What’s wrong with feeling things?” He asks then, and you sigh.

“Feeling things for someone who you can’t be with, that sounds like torture.”

“Is it all that?”

“Yes. You should… forget it.”

“I’m not forgetting it. I’ll see you there?” You nod, shy as fuck now, surprised at yourself, touching your lips when you shut the car door, his kiss is lingering on your lips, like some drug you crave.

You gasp when he’s still standing there, grinning at you through your window. You roll it down, scowling. “Go on!”

“You were thinking about it.” He says in a sing-song voice.

“Was not!”

“Mmm, naughty intern-”

You rev up your loud ass car. “Can’t hear you!” He’s grinning far too big when you drive off, heart pounding.

You kissed your boss, and now you’re going to a party with him?

You have lost your mind?

“Bitch, you look so hot.” Maki runs over to you, shoving a questionable red solo cup in your hands, making you wince.

“Bad memories. You look hot too!” You kiss her cheek now, as there are people all over your house, dancing, laughing, most of whom you have no clue who they are. Some loud bass music is blaring, and it’s giving you a bit of a headache, but the energy is good, and you can see your roommates enjoying themselves.

Yuta is taking shots with Toge, you both walk over as Maki takes a sip from her own cup, her eyes sparkling. “Drink it!”

“Oh fine.” You take a sip, feeling the sweet, fruity drink. At first it’s fine, but then you can feel the burn of the alcohol. “Not bad.”

“Yeah, yeah, chug it bitch.”

“No!”

“Then take shots, pretty.” Yuta says, and you giggle, shaking your head. “What, you look pretty? Both of you do.”

“Pretty.” Toge says, blush on his cheeks when you kiss one, then Yuta’s.

“Aww thank you all.” Toge runs off then, leaving you confused, staring at Yuta and Maki who are whispering to each other. “What’d I do!?”

“He’s got it bad.” Maki says, seriously.

“What? No.”

“He does, poor guy. No chance.” Yuta says, you sigh.

“You all are silly, he does not. I would know, I live with him. He’s just a little… shy sometimes.”

“Exactly. You’re so evil to men.” You stick your tongue out at Yuta.

“Whatever! Am not.” You sip your drink, it starts tasting less biting as the alcohol warms your tummy.

“You’re mean as shit to Gojo. He’s got puppy dog eyes for you.” Maki says, as Satoru now walks in, Suguru right next to him.

“He has eyes for everyone.” You flush then, remembering the elevator vividly, as Satoru’s eyes catch yours across the room. “He’s my boss. Our boss.”

“The entire hospital is fucking.” Maki says, earning your look at her and Yuta, your eyes narrowing, assessing how close they are. “Not us!”

“Oh, you two so are. Since when!?” They both flush and look away, you cross your arms now, leaning forward. “In my house, terrible children.”

“Fuck off, you’re not our mom.” Maki sticks her tongue out.

“How long!”

“Like two weeks, chill.” Yuta clears his throat.

“I see something… over there.” Is all he says, then he leaves, and you scooch closer to Maki now.

“I tell you something, you tell me.”

You lean close, looking back at Satoru, Miwa is bouncing over to him, but for some reason he keeps looking at you, eyes shouldn’t be so intense you see them across the whole living room and dining room!? You have a pretty big house, but it seems small with this many people, overheating the area.

“Fine, we’ve had sex a lot, but only for a couple weeks, we’re not labeling it anything.”

“Oh…” You struggle to understand how your best friends are… hooking up. It doesn’t surprise you completely, though. “Not dating?”

Maki rolls her green eyes. “It doesn’t always have to be a relationship, you’re so old school.”

“Am not. I just… have a five date rule or so.”

“Bet Doctor Hojo breaks it.”

“Maki!”

“Time for your secret, and a shot.” She pours you both tequila, you shiver as you remember college with Maki, the amount of nights you’d both held each other’s hair as you got sick. “Don’t wuss out, you’re the hero doctor now.”

“Am not at all. Fine, bottoms up.” You both take shots down your throat, biting on your lemons now. “Blegh.”

“Baby.”

“I won’t tell you then!” You hiss, and she yanks you to her.

“You will!”

“Oh fine. I kissed him, there I said it.” You whisper, looking around fervently, as if someone can hear you whisper over booming music, Maki barely hears you, but she sees your gaze darts to Satoru, and his gaze hits you.

“Oh fuck… that’s so messy, you gonna hit it?” You shush her as he starts to walk toward you all, luckily he keeps getting stopped, everyone loves Doctor Gojo and him and Doctor Geto are getting swarmed by nurses and interns.

“No, no… it was a kiss. Maki he was so great to me yesterday, I think I really like him, but I can’t.”

“You can, just gotta be careful babes.”

“No, he’s… Maki he’s a slut.”

“Rude.” Sartoru says then, and you nearly spit out your drink, coughing then, Maki’s grin is huge, she pushes her glasses up, eyeing Gojo then.

“Hey Dr. Hunk.”

“It’s Dr. Hojo.” You glare at her, and Satoru slings an arm around your shoulders, lanky limbs overtaking you.

“She’s mean as hell, your bestie.” He says to Maki.

“She is, that's why I love her. Hmm, you should have shots with us!”

“Sounds good-”

“What, no!”

“Why? Scared I’ll out drink you?” He asks.”

“You absolutely could, I suck at drinking.”

“Even better, loosen you up-”

“Shots!” Maki hands you both shot glasses now, and you both down them, Satoru then bites a lemon and it’s far too sexy how he does, you feel your tummy clench just watching him suck one. “Hmm, I see… something over there.”

Maki dips now, leaving you alone with Satoru, and you don’t even know what to say, so nervous next to him. You keep looking at his lips, then down, and he surely notices, as they curl into a smirk. “You gonna give me the tour, pretty?”

“Pretty, thought I was just ‘intern’ to you.”

“You’re pretty, very pretty, little intern.” Satoru bars you against the counter now, and your hips shift side to side. “Aw, excited?”

“Shush. People can see!”

“Everyone’s fucking in this hospital.”

“No kidding.” You pout as you look at Yuta and Maki. “Some right in my own damn house.”

“You’re like an angry mom.”

“Hey!” You shove at him now, and then you see him sip a drink, watch that adam’s apple bob, and fuck…

Gojo’s gorgeous, and you haven’t had any in forever.

Usually you’re good, a nice smut story and a vibrator, but he does something to you, that makes you forget who you are, where you are. You still ease out of his trap now, sighing and shaking your head. “Not here.”

“Oh, not here? Are you planning on seducing me, intern?”

“Psh, you wish. I mean… we can talk somewhere else.”

“Talk, huh. That’s what the twenty somethings call it.”

“You’re so ridiculous, ugh… I mean… talk. Will Miwa get mad?” You ask, and he rolls his eyes.

“You really seem to think a blow job equals dating.”

“Yeah, well she’s already not a fan of me.” You take his hand now, walking him down the hall, where there are indeed people making out, including Miwa. You blink a bit then, and Satoru leans in close.

“Told you. The hospital is slutty.”

“Not me.”

“You’re so different.”

“Fuck off.” You laugh softly though, continuing through the hall, pointing at a room now. “Down there is the basement, where I hide my bodies.”

“Called it, serial killers have those steady hands.” You stick your tongue out, enjoying holding his hand far too much, he seems just as enamored as you, following you through each hall.

“There is Maki’s room, Yuta’s is there, and Toge’s is across from mine.”

“He’s in love with you, you know that yeah?”

“Why do people think that? He’s just a sweetie. And this… well this was my parents room, I just leave it be.” You murmur then, taking another sip of your drink, and Gojo frowns now.

“Can I see it?”

“Um… it’s all covered in sheets since forever, dusty and abandoned unfortunately so… nothing to see.”

“Curious if you look like your mom or dad.”

“Are you?” He nods a bit, and you bite your lip, shaking your head. “I can show you a picture of them, I have one in my room.”

“Dad’s gone too?” He asks, and you sigh, nodding, walking into your room, feeling the intimacy suddenly of such an action. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, really. My grandparents raised me. They’re good, they just moved out to Florida, retired.”

“You’re alone here?”

“No, I have my friends. Here, this was them.” You show him a little picture then, it’s frayed at the edges, of your mom and dad holding each other at prom. “They were really young here.”

“She was beautiful, you do look like her.” You get misty eyed at that, touching the picture, before shaking your head.

“Fuck you’re supposed to be here for fun, not me crying. What’s with me today?” Satoru turns you to him then, after you put the picture down, and you exhale, desire killing you, it’s like something is pulling you to him.

“Nothing is wrong with feeling things. I didn’t come here for a party, I came here to get to know you.”

“Why do you want to? Maybe I’m boring.”

“I doubt all that. So you tell me, intern, what do you want to do? Talk, look at pictures, give me a blow job?”

“As if!” He laughs then, and you realize it then... “You’re cheering me up, aren’t you Gojo?”

“Mmhmm.”

“You do that. A lot.”

“I’m glad.”

“You also annoy me.” Satoru’s pressing your back against your dresser, and you’re all too aware how hard his body is, how he’s muddling your mind. “What you wanna like… just fuck as friends or something?”

“I didn’t say that. You assume. Maybe I want to kiss you all night.” Your head falls back, Satoru is kissing you again, this time you let yourself go, feeling every bit of him, the kiss is more messy, more desperate than the elevator. Your teeth are nipping at his lower lip, earning a soft moan, as he grips your hips tightly, thumbs pressing into your pelvis.

“Mnh, we shouldn’t…”

“We shouldn’t. But… you’re really ready.”

“Ugh.” You’re a blushing mess now. “It’s been a while and… you’re really hot and…”

He chuckles. “You’re adorable. Let me make you cum, then, hmm?”

“Wh-what now?” You gasp when he’s picking you up, hoisting you on the dresser, spreading your thighs. “Gojo…”

“Satoru.”

“Doctor Hojo.”

He smirks, hands trailing up your thighs, your head falls back just so, hair cascading down your back, sighing at how good it feels. “You’re a brat.”

“You’re the bratty one. What do you mean just… get me off.”

“Stress relief. Why not let me help? I am a doctor.” You blush furiously, and he smiles. “Cute.”

“I’m not your patient…”

“Roleplay.”

“You kinky little- ah!” Satoru slides his hand between your thighs, cupping you where your panties are, and he pauses, mouth open slightly, snowy lashes lowering over dark blue eyes in the dim room.

“You’re that wet from kissing?” He whispers, you shut your eyes, taking his hand, with every intention of pulling it off, but you just keep it there, around his strong wrist, feeling his pulse flutter under your thumb.

“I don’t do this.”

“I’ll just finger you.”

“You gonna get me off with your fingers?” His smirk is now a wicked grin, his fingers slipping under your panties, finding you slick and hot. He exhales.

“I know anatomy extremely well. And no, it doesn’t have to change things, I can still be professional.” He slips a finger inside your pussy now, you’re clenching around him, moaning, covering your mouth then. “Fuck you’re tight.”

“Pro-profes… you!? Not… mmm… fuck it, yes, there!” You’re arching your hips up, he is watching your every move intensely, analyzing you like you’re a medical case for him to solve, every breath you take, every movement of your hips, the way your brows draw together. He’s crooking his finger just so, and you see stars, gushing all around his long finger that’s too fucking deep.

“There’s that spot.” He leans close, sliding two fingers inside now, your pussy greedily sucks it up, your hands clinging to his expensive dress shirt, his lips just an inch away. “It’s not on any anatomy, is it, this spot? But yours is easy to find, pretty, right there.” He hits it again, and you’re getting closer and closer, whining out, pulling him closer. 

“Mpfh.” You can’t manage a syllable, it’s too good, the stretch, his nearness, you crave him so bad you can’t think.

“Want me to make you cum?” He asks, sultry voice as much of a caress as his soppy fingers.

You nod eagerly, then he kisses you, pulling your hips down, pumping his fingers in and out, hitting the spot over and over. “Satoru…”

“Fuck that sounds good from your mouth.” He kisses down your neck, before whispering in your ear. “So this is a place on the human anatomy, your clitoris. There it is, it’s a tiny little thing.”

“Fuck!” You’re clinging to him desperate, pathetic, as his other hand reaches down, thumb circling your clit. Your eyes lock then, his pupils are so big there’s just a ring of blue, his eyes almost look black, his cheeks flushed.

“When I use both, it can overstimulate you, can’t it?” You mindlessly nod, tears in your eyes as he’s working you. “Hear how wet you are?”

“Mmm…” You’re done with words, his long fingers are too good, and you can hear how wet you are in your room, the squishing sound as he pumps inside your little walls, and you’re soaking his hands.

“I feel it, there, your pussy is tightening up, your nipples are rock hard, you’re biting that lip. You’re about to cum for me, aren’t you?” He murmurs, studying you still, and then you shatter, earning his moan along with your cries, as you feel your orgasm hit so hard you can’t see, just clinging to his dress shirt wordlessly. “Fuck you’re pretty, look at you.”

“Satoru!” You barely manage to focus, when he’s rubbing your pussy up and down between your lips, you jerk you’re so sensitive, you damn near could come again. “Fuck, fuck…”

“Sensitive?” You weakly nod, and now he is sliding his two fingers inside his mouth, sucking, and your jaw drops, breasts heaving. “You’re so yummy.”

“I am?” You whisper, he nods, and takes his other hand that was on your clit, rubbing your own arousal on your lower lip.

“Taste yourself and see.”

You lick your lower lip tentatively, pussy still pulsing around nothing, then he growls, grabbing you, kissing you over and over. You’re a fucking mess, so weak now, you want to say fuck it, suck him, touch him, do anything to make him feel good, you want him inside you.

Your legs are wrapping around his narrow hips now, hands shaking when you’re unbuttoning his shirt, fuck you’re so ready you can’t even remember anything you said you would or wouldn’t do. 

“Want you.” You whisper weakly, he exhales, big hands cupping your face.

“Yeah?” You nod again, and he’s kissing down your throat now, pulling you flush against him, your throbbing cunt right against where you feel him, his hard cock under his pants, you weakly grind, mind fuzzy from him. “You feel so good, shit I thought you didn’t-”

Knock. Knock. Knock.

“Shit…” You hop up now, adjusting yourself, looking in the mirror to see your fucked out, dilated eyes, all glittery, your cheeks flushed, your hair a mess from his hands. “I look like I got fucked, dammit.”

“You didn’t yet, imagine how you’d look when I got done with you.” He’s kissing down your neck now, images flying in your mind, as the door keeps knocking, then you hear Maki’s words.

“Someone passed out! We need you, please!” Maki’s words are like cold water, you and Satoru both rush out without a second thought. “Fuck… I’m sorry-”

“No, what’s wrong?” You and Gojo ask at the same time, she looks between you both for a moment.

“It’s embarrassing…” She admits.

“What is?” You ask, as she leads you to Yuta’s room, confusing you further.

“I may have been riding him and…”

Yuta is passed out, half naked on the bed. “Maki, did you kill him with your pussy!?”

“No! Maybe.”

Satoru chuckles, going up to him then, and peeking at his neck. “Did you all get freaky?”

“No!”

“Maki.” You glare at her, shutting the door now. She flushes, tilting her head back and sighing.

“I choked him, he likes it!”

“I think he’s just zonked from it. He’s responding fine. Hmm…” He says your name then, the man that just had you cumming on his fingers…

Fuck…

“Grab some ice.” You run down stairs, come right back up with a cup of ice, handing it to Satoru confusedly. “Watch and learn, interns.”

Satoru now throws the entire cup of ice on Yuta’s face, and he sputters, waking up and gasping. Satoru’s evilly chuckling, Maki is damn near in tears, and you’re watching with ongoing confusion, alcohol setting in, post bliss orgasm, thrown off that you just found Satoru throwing ice attractive.

“Thank you, shit!” Maki hugs Gojo tightly, as Yuta flushes, looking around at the three of you.

“Maki! I was fine.”

“You scared me!” She’s kissing him then, deeply, and Satoru and you gently walk back, you close their door with a quiet click, sighing and looking up at him.

“What made you think to do that?”

“I’ve had freaky sex.” He teases. “I’m kidding, I just saw the marks from her fingers on his throat, put two and two together.”

“You’re like Sherlock Holmes.” He shrugs then, and his phone starts buzzing, he frowns as he looks at it. “What’s wrong?”

“I gotta head out, nothing big.” He leans close, and you look down shyly, lashes casting shadows under your eyes.

“Then good night, and be safe?” You say, he nods, running a finger over your swollen lower lip then. “Satoru…”

“You still owe me a date, I’m no hussy. Can’t have that and not go out with me.” You feel far too good now, as he’s asking you out.

“But we shouldn’t.”

“And you shouldn’t have been insane yesterday, but it worked. Be a little crazy, just… a date.” You nod then, and he leans his forehead on yours. “Also, your anatomy? Perfect.”

Your pulse thrums in your neck, chest tightening as he says it. “No, certainly not perfect…”

“Mmm, it is, and I would know. An expert on female anatomy.”

“Well thank you, slutty doctor.” He snorts, pecking a kiss on your lips, one that you would never be able to get out of your head.

“I expect a better tour sometime.”

“Keep dreaming. But… lunch, I agreed.”

“Sunday work?”

“Yeah.”

“Text you then.” Satoru leaves then, and leaves you leaning on the hall, suddenly the door opens, and Maki and Yuta peek their heads out.

“A date!?”

“You should be passed out, freaky asses.” You shove them back in their room, running off to yours as they try to bombard you with questions, you lay on your back, staring up at your ceiling, the glow sticker stars from your childhood still decorating the ceiling, you never did take them off.

You like him, you really like him. But you need your career, it’s just beginning, and would this just fuck it all up? Could you keep this shit separated? You can’t do this, you can’t…

Your eyes shut, flitting images of Doctor Gojo enjoying your anatomy filling your mind, keeping you up half the damn night, as you hear it get quieter, assuming the party has died off. You lay on your side, looking out at the window, seeing the moonlight shining through just so.

Your phone goes off, and it’s your stupid ex, earning your scowl, as you delete it, but then a new message pops up.

Doctor Gojo: Let me know if you need anatomy lessons again, intern.

You snort, shaking your head.

You: You wish!

Doctor Gojo: Hmm, still taste you.

You: Oh my god, good night Doctor Hojo!!!

You hate that your heart hammers in your chest as he hearts your message.

You’re so fucked.

Taglist: @lost-resonance @lostfracturess @unfortunately-tia @allofffmypeaches @chiyokoemilia @makingtimemine @antisocialinlw @meg3mis @miizuzu @nanasukii28 @zoeyflower @wstaley2 @bunheadusa @blue-musingss @ameliariddle @labelt-san @moncher-ire @jkslaugh97 @aldebrana @shadeowz @gojo1228 @victoriaaaa00 @jaeminaur @seeing-stars-alt

Part Three

[justrustandstardust]

i've seen a lot of discourse about this juju stroll going around and i wanted to pitch in my two cents, because i think it's saying something different than what people are taking away at face value.

so everyone's being asked their type and they either answer immediately or refuse to answer— with the exception of gojo. he's distinct because when he's asked his type, he neither answers nor refuses; he waffles and says this:

this is VERY unlike him; he's always got something to say or a quippy remark at the ready. he's drawing out his answer, clearly wasting time. it's made even more clear that his answer is supposed to be perceived as different because everyone else either answers at length or not at all.

he then does something CRAZY and basically eggs on utahime to tell him his type. he's not providing an answer; he's waffling and then making utahime give him an answer to get out of answering in a straightforward way.

he continues to prompt her when she can't think of anything because he's that damn intent on not providing a real answer. "that girl who seemed nice" is generic enough and could apply to anyone, but the point i want to highlight here is that he says bangs. he draws out providing his answer and makes utahime provide one for him; the only concrete thing we know about gojo's type (the nice girl thing is intentionally generic and a nondescript, blasé non-answer) is that he's into bangs.

by process of elimination, not because she meets the criteria, utahime comes to the conclusion that the only person who fits "nice" with bangs is miwa. this is problematic for two reasons: one, miwa is seventeen and a student. gojo is a grown ass man and a teacher, there's no way he'd out his type as a student. two, as you'll see in the next pic, he never actually says miwa's name. he just agrees with utahime— he agrees with the answer he made her provide, selecting the choice that he pigeonholed her into making.

he's too enthusiastic about the sell here, especially because he's never once said miwa's name. he doesn't actually confirm it's miwa specifically, he only confirms that he agrees with utahime's choice in selecting the person that best fits his type. (once again: the choice that HE forced her to make).

so now we go back to the other part, the only concrete thing that gojo reveals about his type: bangs. sure, plenty of people have bangs in this series, but who's known for them? whose bangs are repeatedly mentioned by tertiary characters?

he's even referred to by his bangs; they're that notable and a key characteristic of his appearance.

we have a character known for his bangs. the only thing we know for real about gojo's type is that it's a person with bangs. and then we have this:

he’s also notably NICE; his character is specifically denoted by his manners and his open expression of care towards others. he’s not a girl but two major components of his character are that he’s openly nice and that he has bangs.

so there you have it. gojo's type is not miwa— that was merely an intentional misdirect. when you look deeper, this whole sequence confirms that, murderous cult leader or not, gojo's type hasn't changed in over a decade.

[bnuuygrils]

47news interview with Tamifull

Earlier this month Tamifull, the author of Tsukiatte agetemo ii kana? AKA How Do We Relationship?, did an interview with 47news. I've translated the full text below:

Out of the innumerable manga published every year, there are always a few titles that one simply can't afford to miss. Tamifull-sensei's How Do We Relationship? (Shogakukan) is one of these. It's a story of young love and heartbreak, centering on college students Inuzuka Miwa and Sawatari Saeko. Though fiction, it has a powerful sense of reality that leaves one feeling as if the real Miwa and Saeko might just be out there somewhere right now. If Agasawa Tea's Ramparts of Ice (Shueisha) is the pinnacle of high school romance, then How Do We Relationship? is the pinnacle of college romance. With the help of supervising editor Watanabe Saori-san, we were able to secure an interview with Tamifull-sensei to discuss the story--now on its 12th volume, and at the height of its climax.

The story so far:

Soon after starting college, mild-mannered beauty Inuzuka Miwa joins the light music club and finds herself the center of attention from the boys at the welcoming party. Miwa, who "only likes girls", is rescued from the situation by the energetic Saeko. Saeko, who "prefers women (to men)", buoyed by liquid courage, asks Miwa out on the spot and the two begin dating. But the two are clumsy and inexperienced with love, and fail to be fully honest with each other. By the end of the year, their romance has ended in disaster. After maintaining a sex-only relationship for some time they return to being friends and even move on to new partners... Finally, as their respective relationships have both ended, the two look at each other anew, not as lovers, but as exes, and as absolute allies.

47: How Do We Relationship? has a very unusual structure. Shoujo manga tend to portray a dramatic path to the start of the relationship, but Miwa and Saeko begin dating at the very start of volume 1 and break up in volume 4. As we're now on volume 12, they've actually been exes longer than they were together.

Tamifull: Well, it has stretched a little longer than I expected (laughs), but the story is proceeding as planned from the start. I think rather than starting decisively with some sort of "All right, I'm falling in love now!" moment, real love tends to build up out of small things over time. I didn't want the relationships in How Do We Relationship? to start in this exaggerated, romance story kind of way.

47: And that helps with its sense of reality.

Tamifull: I don't believe dating and breaking up are things that we need to think about in such dramatic terms. It's easy to feel like every relationship has to be perfect, or that you need to have some sort of fated encounter, or that breaking up is a bad thing, something hopeless. Why shouldn't there be manga that throws away those stereotypes? Life is so much longer than a single relationship. It keeps going after you start dating someone, or break up with them. I think that's a message that I've consistently tried to tell with this manga.

47: Can you tell us how it got to be serialized?

Tamifull: It started out as a oneshot I did for Comitia (a doujin festival and marketplace in Tokyo) in 2017. Up until then, I had mainly been drawing yuri--manga about relationships between girls. And I wanted to tell a little bit of a different story at that event. Doujinshi are generally about 20 pages, so usually you introduce the main couple, have them confess, and wrap it up right around there. So I thought, what if they're already in a relationship and we watch them break up? I was basically thinking, "why not draw what I want to read!?"

Watanabe: Ashima Yuki-san, one of the first freelance editors, reached out to Tamifull-san then.

47: At the time, yuri was considered a pretty small market. It felt like unless you got into one of the specialized publications you'd have a very hard time, right?

Tamifull: That's true. There are a lot more varied works coming out now. At the time most of these stories were actually aimed at men, so the relationships would stay platonic, or at most they might kiss. I knew stories like that were easier to market and less likely to ruffle feathers, but I found myself thinking, "If we all settle for that, we'll never get to see what happens next! If no one else is drawing it, why shouldn't I?"

47: What did Ashima-san say to you?

Tamifull: She told me, "I've been wanting to read a story where the characters and relationship feel free like this". I do remember thinking it might be more marketable without the eroticism when I was developing it for serialization (laughs). But I ended up just being like, well, let's see what happens!

47: "Realistic" LGBTQ romance stories tend to end up falling into a handful of patterns. Whether it's manga or movies, you see a lot of stories that feel like "the tragedy of same-sex love", or that seem intended to make you feel sorry for the characters. Like the audience is meant to walk away thinking, "How thought-provoking! I really learned something". But How Do We Relationship? is pretty different, isn't it?

Tamifull: Rather than being "yuri" or being viewed as an "LGBTQ story", I want people to get into the story just because they see it and go "Hey, there's girls dating in here!". Sexual minorities aren't here to be instructional materials for anyone. LGBTQ people live in the same world as everyone else. I want the characters to seem like people you might meet anywhere, and to have relationships you might see anywhere. I want the fact that the relationship isn't heterosexual to just be a detail. That's why Watanabe-san and I decided not to advertise How Do We Relationship? specifically as a yuri manga.

47: Achieving that sense of reality must take a lot of care. I imagine you have to be careful to avoid the set phrases and compositions that readers see all the time in romance manga.

Tamifull: That's true. For example, in the scene where Saeko opens up to Mikkun, their male friend, about her dating Miwa, she asks him if he finds the two of them dating "gross, or wrong, or unnatural", and Mikkun, while looking away, asks in return, "What? Do I have to feel that way about you?". The orthodox move would be to have the handsome guy character looking straight out of the page, smoothly delivering some cool line. But in real life we don't have convenient handsome guys just lying around, and you're not usually looking people straight in the eye. It's not that staged. I think the casual nature of the lines, and the casual nature of the situation, actually make it all the more resonant. I want to keep that natural feeling to the story, and I go out of my way to avoid making it feel "romantic". I think my ideal is for it to feel like a movie.

47: A movie?

Tamifull: That's right. I think one of the strengths of film is the ability to show the drama of everyday life. I always include backgrounds in my panels to try to get closer to that feeling. For instance, in a scene in volume 12, Saeko is on a boat at night looking out over the water with her girlfriend, Yuria. They're talking about breaking up. It's a very romantic setting, but the painful nature of their conversation blots out everything except for the blackness of the water. I want readers to feel like they're there experiencing it alongside the characters.

47: I see. The city you see at night while breaking up with someone certainly does feel different...

Watanabe: And Tamifull-sensei's art has really helped deliver that sense of reality to readers. There are no wasted panels: from the camera placement to how the viewer's eye is led, even the placement of the dialogue, everything serves to guide the reader to what she's showing. Due to my job I read a lot of manga, but there are very few manga artists as skilled as her.

47: Personally, as a reader, it's that sense of reality that has me praying for Saeko and Miwa to end up happy, so next I'd like to ask a little about about how you learned to imbue your writing with such reality, and what techniques you use.

Tamifull: I'll do my best (laughs).

47: First, the depth and internality of your characters. For instance, after breaking up with Saeko, Miwa dates the younger Tamaki. Tamaki is reserved and very low-energy. She's clearly at a loss with the more sexually-motivated Miwa, but nonetheless does her best to reciprocate in her own way. She's straightforward and can be a little childish, but has an intellectual side to her, as well. Accurately portraying such a complex, difficult character must necessitate having an incredibly keen eye for people. How did you learn to understand other people so well?

Tamifull: I think it was mostly my experience in school. In primary and middle school I was low on the pecking order, so I became very sensitive to other people's hostility.

47: Ah, the pecking order... That does happen, doesn't it.

Tamifull: Yes. I'd be in a group of maybe 5 or 6 friends in a class and then once every few months I'd get the silent treatment and end up being ostracized from the group, in this sort of rotation. I'd go through 2 or 3 groups and it would always happen. I think all the time I spent thinking about how to avoid being targeted like that played a big part.

47: Planning out the battle to make it out alive, so to speak.

Tamifull: I think that really helped cultivate my eye (laughs). Like, this girl's the ringleader, and these ones are joining in because they don't want to become the target themselves, but this other girl is actually nice so even when they're ganging up on me she won't join in.

47: I see. Even while you were being mistreated, you were trying to understand things from their perspective. Certainly How Do We Relationship? doesn't have any one character that you would really call a villain.

Tamifull: That's right. Take Kan, who tells Miwa "I hate you" in volume 2, or Tamaki's friend Nagi who calls her "gross" in volume 8. I think it would be too convenient if nobody was ever mean or unpleasant, so it's important to have such characters. But I also try to portray them as having their own reasons. It's not like everyone will be good to each other all the time, but for each person, there's a community out there somewhere that will accept them as themselves. I'm always including that idea, that wish, almost, as I write the various members of the music club.

47: The story has this warmth to it you can really feel, and I think that idea has a lot to do with it. That said, it sounds like you weren't always successful at avoiding bullying. That must have been difficult.

Tamifull: I spent a lot of time wrapped in my futon wondering, why do they treat me like that? As the days went by I'd end up sublimating my anger and frustration by telling myself, "They have their own problems so there's nothing I can do about it." Like, this girl might have a lot of stress at home, about her grades or other things, so she just feels too much pressure and gets pushed into bullying, or things like that. I really got in the habit of thinking about things from their perspective.

47: You are an incredibly kind person. I do think the eye you cultivated that way serves you well in writing characters. For example, in volume 3, we meet Miwa's first crush, Shiho. At home, we see Shiho being horribly mistreated by her parents, who only care for her more academically-minded younger sister, Maho. One day Maho snaps at her, saying "Don't talk back to me, moron! You know how much I have to carry thanks to your stupidity!?". But Shiho just accepts it, and keeps her unhappiness to herself. That's in volume 11, that we finally find out how Maho, who's caused Shiho so much pain, has been feeling.

Tamifull: Maho also feels a lot of pressure from their parents, and she's desperate not to fail. She's under a lot of stress from that. When they were younger, Shiho and Maho were actually very close--Maho loved her older sister--but as grades and examinations started to get involved that connection became twisted... I wasn't able to show all of this in the story, but I always think through these details before drawing.

47: That sort of thing does happen between siblings, doesn't it... Just remembering is a little painful.

Tamifull: But, as much as I analyze people like this, it's very difficult to put into words.

47: In what way?

Tamifull: If you say "Well, this person has this kind of background, so that's why they do these things" then everyone will be like, "And what do you know about them?". You'll end up hurting feelings. So I can't say it about real people, but with How Do We Relationship? I'm the author so I can draw whatever I want. When I hear readers talk about the "realism" I'm always like, "Really? You mean I actually did it?". I secretly get a little happy about it (laughs).

47: Did you always want to become a mangaka, growing up?

Tamifull: I did always like drawing. But when I was pretty young I read one of those "So you want to draw manga?" kind of books and I got very intimidated by all the different erasers and tones and things, and I sort of gave up (laughs). It wasn't until I'd completely retired from extracurriculars in college that I realized I didn't have enough to do and started drawing manga.

47: And then you became a mangaka as soon as you graduated?

Tamifull: Yes, that's right.

47: That's quite something. Not many people manage to do that, right?

Tamifull: The reason I started attending Comitia was because in college I finally learned that editors would be there. Up until then I was working with my childhood knowledge--I thought I had to submit my work to a company and then become an assistant before I could become an author myself. When I found out I was like, "Doujinshi will get me fans and even expose me to editors? What could be better!?". I had my heart set on it.

47: (laughs). What kinds of things were you inspired by when you were a child?

Tamifull: All the way through school I was into stuff that was a little different from whatever was in fashion. I liked watching slightly older anime on Kids' Station, for instance. Like, look at me! I'm not into the same stuff as everybody else! Aren't I cool? (laughs).

47: (laughs).

Tamifull: When everyone else was into Cardcaptor Sakura, I was watching Takahashi Rumiko-sensei's Ranma 1/2 and Maison Ikkoku. I remember when I read one of Ito Junji-sensei's works at a relative's house it left a big impression on me. When I was in college I bought the collector's edition of Tomie at Village Vanguard.

47: You grew up into a bit of an alt college student.

Tamifull: In college, going to Village Vanguard and fishing for manga nobody else had became something of a passion for me.

47: What about Takahashi Rumiko-sensei's work did you like in particular?

Tamifull: I especially liked the way she drew girls. In the early 2000s, when I was in primary school, it was very in fashion for girls to be drawn very slender and light, with delicate limbs.

47: Slenderness was certainly emphasized a lot back then, yes.

Tamifull: I preferred how Rumiko-sensei drew them--a little squishy. As far as the story goes, I loved the ending of Maison Ikkoku, how it portrays the characters moving forward in life. I read it over and over. I think that passion for people comes through a little in How Do We Relationship?.

47: In the afterword of volume 3, you mentioned that from middle school until about halfway through college you lost interest in manga, and were more into drama and music.

Tamifull: That's true. Sometimes I'd draw a buff Pikachu or something on the blackboard to try to get a laugh out of people, but that was about it.

47: A buff Pikachu? (laughs). I wish I could see it.

Tamifull: At co-ed schools I think girls mostly end up ranked by looks, but I went to an all-girls high school, so... It was really about who was the funniest.

47: So art was a way of giving yourself a gimmick.

Tamifull: That's right. That continued into college, so I always had the position of somebody who's just a little bit good at drawing. In college everyone was nice, though.

47: In that same afterword you mentioned that during the time you weren't drawing manga, you really enjoyed making things together with a group.

Tamifull: In high school I was in the school band, and we'd all put on plays together at school festivals. I joined the light music club in college. I did percussion in high school so I mostly played drums, or did vocals.

47: Oooh. What kinds of things did you play in the light music club?

Tamifull: Just normal rock. Popular stuff, like Go! Go! 7188.

47: I have an impression of you as being a little bit countercultural, so rock seems perfect for you (laughs).

Tamifull: In college I was also on the student festival committee, so I was doing double duty a little bit. And as much as I enjoyed making things with other people, I started to feel this hole open up, like inside I'd be thinking "I could do this so much better...". Then I started looking into manga again on a whim and realized everything had gone digital. You don't need to hire a bunch of assistants, and you can do tones with the press of a button. It was like this new environment where I could try my hand at manga by myself was prepared just in time as I came of age. I didn't have to hold myself back for anyone, and could do everything just how I wanted. That's why I've always worked alone.

47: What!? You don't have any assistants even now?

Tamifull: I don't.

47: Watanabe-san, is that normal?

Watanabe: It's extremely precious to us. She's really something, isn't she? I don't know how she puts out so much in just two weeks.

Tamifull: I want every angle and composition just so. I can't really express it well, so when I think about trying to explain it to someone else, I just feel like it would end up taking even more time... But then sometimes I'll be working from my storyboards and I'll be like, "Why did I make myself draw it like this!?" and end up suffering a little (laughs).

47: It's certainly a work that cuts no corners. The dialogue is always so well written and moving--do you start by writing the characters' lines?

Tamifull: Yes, I do. I'll write them all out at once, then adapt them to the storyboards as I go. I think all the time I spent agonizing in my futon when I was younger like "I should've said this..." or "And then they'd say that..." might also help here.

47: You always include afterword comics and omake in the tankoubon releases, so I get a sense that you're quite particular about manga books.

Tamifull: I love manga that includes a lot of little extras. And I want readers to enjoy How Do We Relationship? as much as possible, so I always go all out drawing them.

47: Your first announced works were around 2012, and in 2014 you made your commercial debut with Don't Call me a Goddess! in Bungeisha's 4-koma magazine Manga Time. The main character, Saotome-san, is a bit of a tryhard, and as much as that wins her respect from her peers, it also tends to alienate them. Into her life barrels the far less inhibited Ryou. After that, you had My Little Sister and the Sex Doll (Shueisha) serialized in Tonari no Young Jump, about an innocent and naive high school girl and a talking sex doll. Both manga were comedies.

Tamifull: How Do We Relationship? was a little bit of a break in genre, yes (laughs). My Little Sister and the Sex Doll also started as something I made as a change of pace for Comitia (laughs).

47: It's a very rhythmical work--the talking sex doll's lines are incredibly well crafted.

Tamifull: The editors at Young Jump really liked it. It was a little more crude than what I usually write, so I did have some doubts... but they were very kind in offering me the serialization. I had to exercise my vocabulary to the fullest.

47: As much as it made me laugh, I could also somehow feel your desire to break taboos coming through.

Tamifull: That's true. I was trying to make fun of dirty comics, while making a dirty comic (laughs). Even when there would be the setup for some sort of fanservice scene, with something sexual happening to the girl, I would always interrupt it with a joke and turn it into something decidedly not fanservice.

47: On the other hand, something about the relationship between Saotome-san and Ryou in Don't Call Me a Goddess! feels like it connects to Miwa and Saeko. Are you particularly fond of that sort of relationship?

Tamifull: Honestly, that was... completely unintentional. I think, when it comes to protagonists, I do like a character who is quiet, but unexpectedly stubborn... When I think about my time in school, I had a lot of experiences where there would be another girl, and she'd have this sense of separation, like a bit of a boundary around herself, but when I approached her she'd turn out to actually be really interesting. And I'd have this feeling of "Everyone else doesn't even know how cool she is!? I need to let everyone know!". I think that feeling, almost like wanting to become a producer for girls like that, has led me to write my protagonists that way.

47: You really love girls.

Tamifull: I may have spent long years in fierce battle with them at school, but when I translate it to manga they become strangely appealing. Even when they're a pain, their being a pain is good in of itself (laughs). It's true that characters who aren't straightforward can make a story more interesting, but I also think that's just how people are--you can't sum anyone up in a few words. Don't you agree?

47: Your manga, including How Do We Relationship?, really don't tend to have characters that you can sum up as "the cool one" or "the tsundere" or anything like that.

Tamifull: That's right. I don't want them to be symbols.

47: And that's exactly why, in each case--Saeko and Miwa, Miwa and Tamaki, Saeko and Yuria--when they break up, it's so emotionally impactful. You can't just point at one of them and say, "It's her fault."

Tamifull: Right. In reality, lots of people break up all the time without either one really being at fault. It makes me really happy to hear that people read the story as just being how things ended up for them. It's so easy to assume that when a relationship falls apart, it's because someone's in the wrong. I worked very hard to make sure that Tamaki and Yuria would be charming enough characters for readers to like them, and to accept it when I made them break up with Miwa and Saeko. I always look at readers' reactions and think carefully about how to proceed.

47: How Do We Relationship? really feels like you want to closely examine real, "normal" relationships.

Tamifull: I think it's a pity for the socially accepted image of love to be something so narrow. When two women date, and after breaking up return to being friends, I think people have a tendency to look a little askance at them. But why is that? I always find myself thinking, "Are you okay with living like that?". With How Do We Relationship?, I wanted to create a world where Miwa and Saeko and everyone else's desires wouldn't be crushed by those around them.

47: Especially during the first 3 volumes, you often shine the spotlight on the other characters around Miwa and Saeko. Is that also a part of fleshing out that view of the world?

Tamifull: Something like that. I don't want the idea of someone who likes the same sex to be something fantastical. I want to show that sexual minorities are all around--even around you. I want heterosexual readers to also get into the story, and I was very conscious of that early on in the serialization. I think whether you're gay or straight, you can still understand this story. These characters are just like you. That's the message I've tried to send.

47: It would be really wonderful if we could become a society where everyone views each other with respect. What would that take, I wonder?

Tamifull: Delusions, maybe.

47: Delusions? (laughs).

Tamifull: Yes (laughs). This is just my own experience, but when I meet someone and feel off-put by them, I always thoroughly imagine their background. By the time I'm finished whatever anger I felt has faded, and I feel ready to treat them better--maybe even to become close with them. And if you write stories you can come up with great material this way, so it's two birds with one stone (laughs).

[noirvedette]

Chapter One: The Proposal

Satoru Gojo x Reader. (Royalty AU Series)

Synopsis: Wanting the best for your kingdom, you accept the marriage proposal sent by the Gojo empire to marry the new emperor Satoru Gojo. What you don't know is that he has been yearning for you since he came to know of your existence and is determined to make you reciprocate his affections. How far will he go to earn your love? Warnings: Explicit language, smut, slight angst, acts of violence(not between the main characters), war. Author's Note: Hi! This is my first writing on Tumblr and I hope you love this as much as I loved creating it! Honest feedback would be appreciated! Word Count: 1.1k words

Saying that the proposal was unexpected would be an understatement.

The day began like any other. Your two ladies-in-waiting, Miwa and Nobara, helped you dress, after which you had breakfast with your family in the main dining hall.

Being the firstborn of King Maximillian and Queen Eleanora of the prestigious kingdom Aveloria, your entire life consisted of cultivating you into the Queen that your people could rely on.

And here you were, _____ Amiria, at the bright age of only 22, the heir apparent to the throne, encompassing every quality a young royal should have. Not only did you excel in academics and eloquence, but you also thrived in war planning and wielding a sword. Your parents couldn't be more proud of the person you had grown into as they realized that the kingdom would end up in reliable hands.

There was little you wouldn't do for your kingdom. You loved the people, culture, traditions, and everything that made this land your home. Your citizens loved and cherished you, and it felt right that you did your best to ensure they lived a secure and satisfactory life under your rule.

You were discussing your kingdom's alliances and potential threats of war with your father when your emissary, Kento, stood at the entrance to the room.

"Your Majesties," He bowed in your direction before you beckoned him over. "Princess _____ has received a proposal."

"From who?" Your attention remained on the spread of documents on the table, as proposals were nothing new in your case.

Your pen drops from the previously strong grip of your hand when you hear his response.

"The Gojo Empire."

-

Since you turned eighteen, you had received countless proposals from suitors from kingdoms on the other side of the world.

But this was different. This was the Gojo Empire. The ruler of the largest empire the world had ever seen wanted your hand in marriage. This changed everything.

Now that the initial shock wore off, you sat in the drawing room with your younger brother, Heeseung, discussing the various details of the proposal.

"Satoru Gojo wants your hand in marriage. Interesting." Heeseung seemed to ponder. "This is clearly a move to form an alliance."

"That's a quick conclusion. You don't think he wants to marry me because I'm pretty?" You joked, poking your brother in the ribs.

"No, I don't, sister." He deadpans, causing you to glare at him. "Why would he want to marry a sewer rat?"

"You take that back." You laugh as you launch into a play-fight with your brother. The nineteen-year-old tried to overpower you but ultimately failed as you caught him in a headlock.

"Dearest, let go of your brother." Your mother chuckled as she walked in with your father.

Begrudgingly, you loosen your hold on Heeseung, muttering a quick 'only because Mama said so' before you let him go completely.

"Let's discuss the proposal, shall we?" Your father announced as he took a seat. "_____, what do you think?"

"Obviously, it's very beneficial for us. Being connected to the Gojo Empire means having ties with almost every kingdom in existence." You straighten your spine as you speak. "I think we should accept."

"A union will definitely bring benefits, but that's not what I'm asking, my dear." Your father's eyes soften as he looks at you endearingly. "Do you want this? Marriage is not a simple ordeal."

You take a moment to weigh your options. Love and similar nuances were never of importance to your rational mind. Sure, you read a few romance novels here and there, but that was simply for enjoyment. You never expected to experience love and being loved firsthand. It seemed that wouldn't change. Your kingdom and duties were of utmost importance to you.

"I'm sure, Papa." You sigh as you look at him. "As long as Aveloria is happy, I'm happy. We should accept."

"They have asked us to join them for tea next week." Your mother chimes in. "Shall we send an official reply?"

"Yes." You smile at her. "Let's do it."

-

Satoru Gojo. An emperor. A cold-blooded man on and off the battlefield. Revered by those who love him and feared by those who do not.

An absolute fool for you.

He first saw you at the coronation of his best friend, King Jaeyun, five years ago. He was in the midst of sharing a drink with the newly appointed king when something caught his eye.

Someone, he corrected himself.

There you were, laughing with Jaeyun's sister, Claire, looking absolutely enchanting in your emerald green dress. Your eyes glinted in the sunlight, but your smile was even brighter.

Feeling a pair of eyes on you, you turned, making direct eye contact. You smiled at him softly, just for a second, but that's all it took.

Satoru Gojo was a man in love. Not real love, he knew that much. But the array of feelings he felt when beheld by your eyes couldn't be described in any other way.

He had to know who you were.

Later that same evening, he asked Claire to tell him everything she knew about you. She would say it felt more like an interrogation.

_____ Amiria. Heir apparent to the throne of Aveloria. The woman of his dreams.

Since the coronation, he had only run into you once or twice, never making conversation. He thought the lack of interaction would eventually cause him to lose feelings.

How wrong he was.

He did everything he could to forget about you. He spent his time doing his duties and even considered courting other women, but to no avail.

They simply were not you.

Every new detail he received about you from his informants only made him fall deeper. Thoughts of you gripped his mind like a vice, unwilling to let him escape its clutches.

-

Within the Gojo Empire, an unmarried emperor was unheard of. Satoru was the first to break that tradition, facing a small amount of backlash from his people in the process.

As it had become a year since his coronation, he felt ready to look for prospects who could eventually be his wife.

He only had one person in mind. Only one person he truly wanted.

You.

And what the emperor wants, he gets.

-

[shxtodxroki]

𝙾𝚛𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝙵𝚘𝚛 𝙺𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚘?

Summary: A gossip session with Utahime at your favorite café accidentally crumbles your calm, cool facade and reveals your crush to the man himself.

Flufftober Day 3 Prompt: “Wait, you love me?” “I always have.”

Warnings: Vague mentions of injuries, mentions of food

Pairing: Kento Nanami x Gender Neutral! Reader

Word Count: 2.1k

Check out my full Flufftober masterlist here!

“Oh my god, there you are!” You hear Utahime call out to you from a few tables away, causing you to jump slightly and lift your eyes from your phone to meet her gaze. “I thought you were late, I couldn’t see you anywhere. Next time, don’t pick such a secluded spot, makes it hard to find you.” She gently chides you as she sits down in the seat across from you, before flashing you a friendly smile as she finally settles in.

“Sorry, this is where I always sit when I come here by myself. Old habits die hard, I guess.” You mutter softly in response, offering you a soft smile of your own. “Did you already order yourself a drink?”

Your question draws Utahime’s eyes to the drink already sitting in front of you, barely touched as your hands remain idly wrapped around the cup. She quickly nods in response to your question, though a shared glance at the lengthy line tells you that it’ll be a while before her drink is finished and her name is called, giving the two of you a few minutes to settle in and begin catching up beforehand.

“So, how have you been?” She asks to kickstart the conversation, swiping your drink away to steal a quick sip before smiling sheepishly and placing it back down in front of you. 

“Eh, I’ve been alright. Been taking on more missions than usual, I’m trying to save up for the holidays so I haven’t done much outside of work lately.” You admit with a laugh, taking a sip of your drink before turning the question back on her. “How about you?”

“Things have been going well over in Kyoto! All of the students are doing great on their training exercises right now, and Miwa and Mechamaru have been spending more time together lately. I always catch them together during breaks, my bet’s on them getting together by the end of the month.” she grins, clearly thrilled to see her students so happy and performing so well. Utahime truly was a great teacher, it was clear how much she cared for and connected with each of her students and wanted them to succeed and that attitude of hers always seeped through into your conversations together.

However, after a moment she raises her eyebrow and shoots a mischievous grin your way, immediately clueing you into what she's about to ask before she even opens her mouth as you pre-emptively glare at her. “Speaking of romance, how are things between you and Nanami?” You can’t help but roll your eyes at your friend’s need to know all the gossip about your love life, though the sudden heat radiating off of your skin betrays you and makes your unspoken giddiness clear to your friend as she looks at you with a questioning gaze. The aforementioned man has been flooding your thoughts like a virus as of late, clinging to your mind and leaving you in a land of fantasy and romantic daydreams whenever you have a moment to yourself.

“....I mean, it’s not like anything special’s happened or anything.” You mumble, trying and failing to bite back a lovestruck grin. “He’s friendly whenever we see each other around or go on missions together, but he’s so polite all the time, so it’s hard to tell if he means anything by it or if I’m just being delusional and seeing signs that aren’t there.”

Utahime’s curiosity is not placated in the slightest by your words, a fact she makes starkly clear as she swipes another sip of your drink and shoots you a disbelieving glare. “Oh come on, that doesn’t tell me anything! Give me more details, what do you mean by ‘friendly’?” She pushes, though you can see that it’s all in good fun and that she would stop pressing the second you asked her to.

Fortunately for her, you obviously want to gossip about your crush no matter how hard you try to seem unbothered by the matter, so you take the bait with another poorly concealed grin as her prying only eggs on your fantasies. “Well…. I guess just small things, like how he always checks to see if I’m injured before worrying about his own injuries on missions, or how he always stands in front of me when we’re dealing with a curse, or how he always buys me a drink whenever we’re walking home together.” Utahime can practically see the hearts in your eyes as you talk, though you’re doing your best to stay grounded in reality. “I know he’s just an amazing guy, and he’d do those things for anyone, but that doesn’t stop my heart from going all haywire whenever I think about those moments.”

Of course, your friend is insistent that these are in fact signs that your crush returns your feelings, giggles falling from her mouth as she smiles mischievously at you. “Oh come on, Y/n! Okay, maybe him trying to keep you safe on missions could be passed off as him just being nice, I could see that. But you’re telling me he goes out of his way to get you a drink every time you walk home together, and you think that’s just him being friendly?!” She looks at you with wide eyes, clearly trying to get you to see what she thinks is right in front of you. 

“.....Sometimes he even buys a small treat for us to share, like a pastry or something.” You admit bashfully, feeling your face heat up once more. The gasp your friend lets out only makes you shrink into your seat a bit more, overwhelmed by your own feelings and vulnerability in this moment.

“He totally likes you, Y/n!” Utahime looks at you incredulously as she speaks, restraining her volume just enough to not be yelling across the store, though she’s still speaking much too loudly for such a sensitive subject matter. “You know how Nanami is, he’s genuinely a good guy. He’s not gonna be super obvious and flirt with you in a way that could possibly make you uncomfortable, these are clearly his way of hinting at his feelings.” She seems desperate to get you to finally do something about your crush, positively convinced that she’s correct.

“....I dunno. It’s not like the thought hasn’t crossed my mind before…. But I’m just not sure, and I’m afraid that if I get my hopes up and actually confront him about my feelings, I’ll just end up looking like an idiot and making things uncomfortable.” Your voice sounds dejected and somber, causing Utahime’s face to fall in concern and sympathy as she listens to your concerns. “We get assigned on missions together pretty frequently, and I don’t want to make him uncomfortable or put innocent people at risk if I can’t focus thanks to my hurt feelings. I try so hard to act calm and collected around him, and I don’t wanna mess that up and seem like an idiot or upset him.”

Your fears cause Utahime to pause for a moment, searching through her mind for a way to comfort and reassure you. Before she can find her train of thought and speak up, though, a barista utters three words that cause both of your blood to run icy cold. 

“Order for Kento?” Your heart stops. You’re sure of it, you’re sure you’re not breathing in this moment. Your eyes are frantically scanning around the small cafe, praying that it’s just a coincidence, just someone with the same name. You don’t make it far before your eyes land on a familiar head of blonde hair at the table just beside your own, and you can practically feel your soul leave your body as you immediately glance away to Utahime in shame and refuse to meet his gaze. There goes your collected, responsible facade, you doubt you'll ever recover from this sheer embarrassment.

She looks back at you with a pitiful, remorseful expression as the man in question walks up to the front to collect his order. Utahime’s name still hasn’t been called, prompting you to realize that he’s most likely been here since before she even arrived, and has subsequently heard everything the two of you have been saying about him.

Maybe it wasn’t too late to run, make a mad dash out of this little cafe and simply do your best to never cross paths with him again.

Before you could decide for certain, Kento returned with his drink and set it on his table, before turning his chair so that he was facing the two of you. “Y/n, Utahime, it’s nice to see you.” He nodded at the two of you, and you were barely able to muster up a tiny nod in return as you fidgeted with your fingers beneath your table.

“I apologize for eavesdropping, I promise it wasn’t my intention.” He begins the awkward conversation that you were hoping to avoid, and you finally bring your eyes up to meet his with an apologetic gaze. “When I arrived I saw you sitting here and was hoping to chat with you, Y/n, but you seemed very busy with something on your phone, so I figured I would wait and say hello when you were less busy. But then I heard my name, and I couldn’t help but listen in. My apologies.”

Of course Kento was being a complete gentleman about this. You shouldn’t have expected anything else. Still, no matter how kind or polite he was about it you knew the sting of his rejection would pain you more deeply than you'd like to admit, and you attempt to steel yourself emotionally in preparation for the hurt as you open your mouth to apologize to the man for gossiping so blatantly about him.

“I have to admit, though, that your friend is right. I’m a bit surprised that you haven’t caught on about my feelings yet.” He adds on, immediately lighting up Utahime’s face in a victorious grin as your jaw drops and you stare at him wide-eyed. Even with the background noise of the cafe patrons, you feel as if you could hear a pin drop in this moment with the tension bleeding through each one of your pores at his sudden confession.

“....Huh?” You ask, oh-so-eloquently making your way into the conversation once you collect yourself enough to speak. “Wait.... you like me?” You can’t seem to finish your sentence, still too afraid to seem foolish if you’re somehow misinterpreting his words. 

“Yes, I always have.” Though he remains as composed as ever, if you look closely you can spot the small grin gracing Kento’s lips as he tries his best to fight it back. “I wasn’t sure if you reciprocated, so I tried to make my feelings clear while also giving you an out if you felt uncomfortable. You’ve always acted so put-together and calm whenever we’re together, so it was difficult to read your emotions and I didn’t want to be too overt with my advances. It seems like I wasn’t obvious enough, though, so I’ll make myself clear now.”

Your head is spinning, you feel dizzy as your feelings suddenly overwhelm you. You can feel them swirling around in your stomach, hot air inflating you like a balloon as you do your best to focus on what he’s saying. “Now that I know you feel the same, I’d like to ask if you’d be willing to go on a date with me?” His questioning gaze is only for show, as you both know what you’ll say, but it calms your nerves a bit that he still has the courtesy to ask so politely.

 Utahime violently shakes her head ‘yes’ from the corner of your eye, giving you the courage you need to speak up despite your pounding heart and the sudden dryness in your throat. “I’d really like that, Kento.” You agree without a second thought, as the tension bleeds from the air completely and both of you smile softly at one another. “You’re welcome to join us now too, if you’d like.” You offer, glancing at your friend to ensure she’s okay with this as well before pulling out the seat beside you.

Kento smirks at your offer before nodding gratefully, standing up and setting his drink down on your table before taking the seat you had offered. “I’d love to, thank you for the offer.” His arm hovers near your waist, silently waiting for your consent, and once he sees you nod giddily he wraps it carefully around you, scooting a bit closer to you as the three of you begin conversing altogether. And despite his typical straight-laced, put-together attitude, he even manages to send a few subtle winks your way, meant for your eyes only, as the three of you catch up, and you instantly know that this man is going to be your forever and always as you relax into his side and enjoy your drink.

Request - Anonymous said: Could you do nanami x reader who is calm but get caught simping on him for flufftober please😍

A/N: Aaaaa this was so much, sometimes you’ve just gotta be a little silly and delusional and gossip about your crush :> It really is healing for the soul imo and I do NOT think it should stop once you become an adult, and I think this was perfectly fluffy and cute for this Flufftober! If you can’t tell, I’m having a lot of fun with this entire event so far lol, and I look forward to seeing your guys’ reactions to each of these as I post them! I hope you’re enjoying Flufftober as much as I am so far, and my requests are open rn so please feel free to send any requests you have over to my inbox! :D

Taglist: @flufftober

If you’d like to be added to any of my taglists, you can fill out this form here! Thank you for your support <3

[andreawritesit]

About me and my blog!

My name is Andrea. I'm 22 years old. Right now, I'm in college, pursuing a degree in English Literature. I love writing and drawing. I'll share some of my art here somewhere along the line.

CONTENT I ENJOY AND WRITE ABOUT

I mainly created this blog to share my One Piece obsession. But I have watched other anime like Naruto, Bleach, DBZ, Attack on Titan, and Jujutsu Kaisen. However, I'm mainly a Bleach and One Piece fan. I also love other shows like Stranger Things, TVD, The Originals, Sherlock Holmes, House of the Dragon, GoT, etc

I think I'll mainly stick to writing about these characters:

One Piece: Shanks, Luffy, Sanji, Zoro, Mihawk, Katakuri, Doflamingo, Crocodile, Buggy, Law, Sabo, Ace, and Smoker.

Bleach: Ichigo, Uryu, Kisuke, Renji, Byakuya, Toshiro, Ukitake, Aizen, Ichimaru, Kensei, Shunsui, Starrk, Grimmjow, Ulquiorra, and Shinji.

Naruto: Naruto, Sasuke, Shikamaru, Neji, Rock Lee, Kiba, Shino, Kakashi, Yamato, Sai, Gaara, Asuma, Kankuro, Itachi, Minato, Pain/Yahiko/Nagato, Obito, Madara, Hashirama, Tobirama, Suigetsu, and Sasori.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Yuji, Megumi, Gojo, Geto, Nanami, Yuta, Todo, Choso, Mechamaru, Toji, Inumaki, Noritoshi, and Ino.

Attack on Titan: Eren, Armin, Jean, Reiner, Bertholdt, Levi, Erwin, Porco, Zeke, and Colt.

House of the Dragon: Daemon Targaryen, Jacaerys Velaryon, Cregan Stark, Aemond Targaryen, Ser Harwin, Criston Cole, and maybe Lucerys Velaryon.

You can drop your request in the asks and I shall deliver!

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Apart from these characters, I can also write about ships from these shows. Although I have my own ships, I won't be opposed to writing for other ships.

My ships are: Zoro X Tashigi, Robin x Law, Sabo x Koala, and Sanji x Nami from One Piece;

Sasuke x Sakura, Neji x Tenten, Itachi x Izumi, and Kiba x Shino from Naruto;

Gojo x Utahime, Muta x Miwa, and Yuta x Maki from JJK;

Eren x Mikasa, Sasha x Nicolo, and Bert x Annie from AoT;

Ichigo x Orihime, Renji x Rukia, Kenpachi x Unohana, Yoruichi x Kisuke, and Gin x Rangiku from Bleach.

---------------------------------------------

I'm always here if you want to talk about literally anything! Just keep the conversations positive and free of any form of negativity.

HERE'S EVERYTHING I'VE WRITTEN SO FAR:

One Piece ------------------------------------------------------------------

Shanks x Reader: The Red Storm - Part I - Part II - Part III

Doflamingo/Corazon x Reader - Where Do Broken Hearts Go

Corazon x Reader - Spaces Between Us

Zoro x Tashigi - Royal Misadventures Tashigi fangirling over Shusui

Law x Sick!Reader - Memories of Flavence

Naruto----------------------------------------------------------------------

Jujutsu Kaisen ------------------------------------------------------------

Bleach----------------------------------------------------------------------

Aizen x Wife reader: Shattered Vows - Prologue . Chapter 1 , Chapter 2

Aizen x Reader: Kidnapped to Hueco Mundo

Attack on Titan------------------------------------------------------------

House of the Dragon ------------------------------------------------------

Cregan Stark x Targaryen Reader - He gifts her a direwolf pup

Cregan Stark x Targ! Reader - She takes him for his first dragon ride

Cregan Stark x Reader - Cuddling by the fire

Reader shows Rhaenyra the mirror

Cregan Stark x Reader who hates seeing animals hurt

[honeybananagrilledcheesesandwich]

I dont have anything specific to ask, but I want to know more about your Parent Swap AU. Why does Shredder favor two of his sons more than the others? Are there gonna be any ships in the story?

Shredder favors Raph and Mikey (Aka Raion and Keiji) because they tend to do what he would do. In the show, during seasons one and two, we see that Shredder's strategy is mostly "keep attacking until they falter" like during that one episode (that I can't remember) when they're talking about beating everyone in the foot clan, comparing the fights to a video game. That's more Raph's fighting style, which is why he's the leader and favorite. He also is most likely to tell the others to follow Shredder, which earns him favors, though not out of any loyalty, but fear for their safety.

Mikey gets slightly favored because he's always been the most excited and interested in stories about Tang Shen and Miwa. Shredder views that as support for himself, which is why Mikey gets more favors, though not as much as Raph, due to his short attention span. Though there are things Mikey doesn't agree with, he's able to hold off and hide it until Shredder's not there.

Leo and Donnie are different because they outright didn't agree with him. Donnie, as we see in the show, isn't afraid to speak his mind if he thinks something is dumb. He's also very inventive, which has led to problems. I figured Shredder would be less tolerant than Splinter when a machine fails, leading to Donnie drawing his ire more often than not.

For Leo, part of the reason I had Shredder hate him so much was simply the amount of hatred he has for him in the show. In this AU, Leo's still the mom of his brothers, and he always gets between Shredder and his brothers. Not only does this anger Shredder because he's getting in his way, it makes him think of Yoshi, who he hates more than anyone in the world. Throughout the story, this is going to become more and more ironic (situationally) as it's revealed that Leo's more like Shen, the woman Saki worships. (I really like how @virgilisspidey wrote about it in their Mama Leo fic, which is also what made me realize the comparison for the first time).

(Also, a little thing I try to keep consistent is that Shredder never refers to the turtles as his sons. They call him Father, but he doesn't call them his sons, he sees them as weapons. As such, he favors the best fighters.)

As for ships, probably not in this story. The way I'm planning it is that the fic out now, Parent Swap, is going to be the first part of a series, and is mostly going to follow season 1, though I deviate at many instances. In this one, the overarching plot is the turtles escaping Shredder and his abuse. As such, they don't really focus on anything like that. I would like to add more later, but I also struggle to write romance as an aroace. I would like to add Capriltello, though, later in the series, as that is one of my favorite ships.

[clanofjones]

Ghosts of Our Days: Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Sixteen: A Vigilante's Guide to Love and Murder

A/N: Aka... "Ouch, My Feels": The Chapter. @theosb0rnway and I peaked here in my opinion.

Enjoy the chapter!

Casey's POV

Casey had to find a bag for the head in order for it to stop dripping blood on her favorite pair of ripped skinny jeans. He hurried back to the apartment, a skip in her step, humming songs under his breath as he went. Raph would love it, she knew that, he was equally determined to destroy the Foot and Super Shredder. She unlocked the door, getting some blood on the key, before walking inside.

Drawing out his boyfriend’s name, he called: "Raphie! I've got a surprise for you!" Raph was on the ice box, to Casey’s surprise, and smiling at her and looking curiously at the bag. He sniffed and immediately wrinkled his nose.

"Oh god, how many people did you kill?? You smell AWFUL, babe! And that's sayin' something." Casey glared.

"Hey! Just one, but it was a MESS. Wanna see what I brought home as a little souvenir?" She winked and stepped closer, deliberately moving slower to piss Raph off.

"Yeah, sure, but then you need to shower, get all that shit off ya'."

"Only if ya' join me!" He smirked. Raph sighed.

"Anything for you, Case. Alright, let's see this big ol' 'surprise' you got for me."

"You're gonna love it, baby!" But before he opened the bag, however, she gave Raph a kiss, which turned into several kisses, which turned into the vigilante having to shove her boyfriend away in order to show him the surprise.

"Okay, okay, enough! Come on, let me show you!"

"Fine, but we're finishing that later."

"You know it! Alright, babe. One. Two. Three!" On three, she grabbed Karai's hair and pulled her head out of the bag. Raph screamed, scrambling back and falling on the floor, his semi-transparent leg slipping through the wall in his moment of panic. He turned away from Casey, trying to calm himself down, but it wasn't working.

"Raph? Babe? I know she's a little scary, I'm sorry-"

"What the fuck, Casey. I... I told you m-my family w-was OFF LIMITS." Casey looked at him confused, putting Karai's head down and sliding down next to him.

"Whaddya mean? She's not family, Raphie, she's Foot! Shredder's second in command!"

"She's my FUCKING SISTER, IDIOT." Casey reached out to put a hand on Raph's shell, but he growled and kept himself turned away. She was in disbelief. Karai wasn’t Raph's sister, was she? That couldn't be right.

"Raph, you're crazy, Karai isn't yer sister, alright-"

"YES, SHE IS! Hamato Karai! Or Miwa! WHATEVER!" He scoffed.

"It doesn't matter now, she's dead. Just like everyone else who crosses your fucking path." He stood up.

"Including ME." Casey's eyes widened, then turned into a glare.

"F— Fuck you, Raph. YOU KNOW WHAT, FUCK YOU!!" She lifted his hands up to the sky.

"You never said bullSHIT about her being your sister, and Splinter spews bullshit like that all the time, so how the FUCK-"

"DON'T TALK ABOUT MY FATHER THAT WAY!" Casey thought for a second and laughed.

"You remember that hockey thing I talked about when you asked me what my favorite team was or some shit? The Rat Trick? Well, guess what? Scott Mellanby found a rat in the locker room, so he killed the stupid thing with his stick. HE KILLED THE FUCKIN' RAT, RAPHAEL!!"

Raph screamed, launching himself at Casey, but he ran right through her.

Casey chuckled quietly, still in mild disbelief that this was even happening. Not just the fact that Raph was angry, or that Karai was angry, but that he was fighting with the ghost of her own boyfriend, something that should not even be remotely possible.

Raph was insulted. Casey, on her unwavering quest to avenge him and kill Super Shredder, had done just the opposite. He went out and killed his sister, beheaded her, came home covered in her blood, and thought that he would be okay with that.

He wanted to yell, scream, break down, and cry, but more than that, he just wanted to leave. He wanted to go home, see his family again, and be far away from the man he thought was his forever. The man he thought kept her promises. Turns out that was the biggest lie he ever fell for.

"I'm leaving."

"What?"

"You fuckin' heard me. I'm goin' home, away from all this shit, away from you and your stupid fucking one-woman crusade!"

"FINE! Go! Do whatever the fuck you want, not like you were ever tied here or anything! Not like I asked for this shit either!" They gave each other one last look from across the room, one of hurt and longing, wanting this all to be solved, but it couldn't be. Then Raph scoffed and walked right through the door, leaving Casey alone with the ice box, the plans, and Karai's horrified head still lying sideways on the floor.

"Hey babe, those weird losers above us just broke up-" Casey dropped down on the ground and screamed

"SHUT THE FUCK UP, ASSHOLE!!"

There was no more noise from downstairs after that.

Later that night, after all the blood had been cleaned up and Casey had very reluctantly taken a shower by himself, she lay on the ice box in disbelief.

What the hell was he thinking? Raph wasn’t out there, that was just an illusion that had eaten away at his brain! Raph was in the ice box, safe and sound. Well, rotting slowly, but still safe and sound. He kept that thought in the front of her mind, shoving all the other thoughts away and burying them deep down.

She had to focus on Shredder. After all, it's what Raphie would've wanted.

April’s POV

The occupancy of the Lair was at an all-time high, whilst morale was at an all-time low.

With over twenty New Foot Clan members, they were pressed for space, resulting in the dojo being jam-packed with the humans and their bedding, with the actual corridors of the sewers also home to a few.

April was under the impression that they had drawn up a rotation for who was to sleep outside each night.

Shinigami had only made herself known when the time came to speak to the Foot members and holed herself away almost all other hours. Although, to her credit, April recalled, she had allowed herself to be around April and the turtles.

Speaking of the turtles, Leo had taken on Karai’s role to an extent, helping Shinigami to manage all of them. Mikey had been on culinary duty, with the Foot members who knew how to cook, which was a decent amount, and, suffice it to say, they had been eating much healthier and fulfilling meals than smoothies, despite the glaring need for a grocery run. Donnie, on the other hand, had returned his focus to the hunt for Skullshot, much quicker than April would have liked.

(“He killed Karai, April. We have to go after him now.”

“I know, Donnie. But what the hell are we supposed to do with the Foot?”

“Not our problem. They chose to come here.”

“Shini asked them to.”

“Then it’s her and Leo’s problem!”)

April herself had spent a decent portion of her free time with Aria. The kunoichi in training was April’s age, and April couldn’t fathom how she’d never noticed her before. Granted, Aria had only recently begun in April’s school district, but nonetheless.

“How’d you join the Foot? I haven’t, like, fought you yet, have I?”

“No, I think I’d remember if you did. You’re not exactly forgettable.”

April felt a faint blush rise on her face, even if it wasn’t meant to be taken in such a way.

“But no, I didn’t join Oroku Saki’s Foot Clan. That one is a little too ‘eek’ for my tastes. Besides, not like he’d take me even if I was that stupid to want to join his cult.” Aria brought one foot up, her knee bent, and slung an arm over it. “Like, yikes, my dude.”

At that, April laughed. “Imagine staring down Shredder and saying that.”

“I would! I’d look at him, hopefully not die, and — have you seen him lately? Man is freaking nightmare fuel by now, and he ain’t getting better — and I’d go like this—” she hissed through her teeth with something resembling sympathy, and said: “‘Yikes, my dude. Take a chill pill. Or two. Or ten!’ And, like, yeah, sure, he’d try and kill me, but nobody has told him to take it down a couple of notches! Ever. It’s always ‘Oh, you tried to kill me? Me?? No! Fuck you! Die, you spikey bitch!’ And, yeah, that needs to be said too, but c’mon, man.”

April laughed again, and leaned back, her arms supporting her. She watched Aria and caught her watching her right back, and they both glanced away as if neither had been staring at all.

----

April talked to Aria a lot, to say the least. More than she did Donnie, but Donnie was growing increasingly difficult to talk to.

“How are you handling it?”

“What’s there to handle? There’s just adjusting.” Aria frowned, and April sat up straighter. “I— There’s nothing that can actually be done. One of my Sensei’s is dead. That’s that. We just need to make sure we stay on top.”

April thought she was being rather simple about the whole thing. There were emotions attached to loss, such as the ones she had displayed so viscerally when Leo and Shini had delivered the initial news.

“All we can do now is get revenge on the asshole that killed her. And that’s me being generous.”

April’s frown deepened. Something — completely unrelated to her powers, Donnie — was telling her that avenging Karai wasn’t going to solve much of anything. Not that she even knew where to find Skullshot if it even was their only option. The guy seemed to pop up out of nowhere, randomly, every time looking more and more like a Bizarro version of Casey Jones.

A short, stiff silence that had April twisting the hem of her T-shirt in her hand followed swiftly.

----

“So…” April began, and Aria looked at her, barely raising her head. “You never told me how you got into the Foot.”

Aria breathed out a soft laugh. “Yeah, yeah. Can’t keep anything from you, can I?”

April bristled cautiously, wondering if she’d gone too far.

“Dude, don’t worry, it’s fine. Nothing particularly traumatizing.” Aria readjusted her posture. “So, this is a little after the New Foot gets started up, yeah?”

April nodded.

“So, you guys seem to absolutely LOVE the alley that my window faces, and I see mystery ninjas all the time! Eventually, I said to myself, ‘What on Earth is up with these ninjas?’ and followed the New Foot for a bit.”

“How come they didn’t find you?”

“You guys aren’t as sneaky as you all think you are. You’re all loud as hell. I followed on the ground from a bit away and almost got caught a few times, but I think they thought I was a cat.

“I got caught for real when I was getting in. Or, trying to, I guess. I got caught in a bunch of old ropes and this flimsy ol’ ladder broke on me. Believe it or not, Karai didn’t have me leave, or killed or whatever. She had me interrogated but told me it was impressive I’d snuck up on them, and if I’d like a job in the Foot.”

“Just like that?”

Aria shrugged. “I don't think she would have been as forgiving if the New Foot hadn’t lost a ton of people after the incidents at Auman Chemicals, and all that. Either way, they needed recruits, I don’t think anyone was crazy about making the trek back to Japan.”

April frowned. “Well, I think you’ll be a great kunoichi.”

Aria looked at her and smiled. “Thanks. I was really nervous when I started, and then I didn’t even know about Oroku Saki. Not really, you know.”

“First-day jitters?”

“‘Everyday Fear of Ostracization’ is more like it. I was just lucky Sensei took something of a liking to me. Something about ‘all walks of life’ when I asked her.” she shrugged. “I couldn’t tell you.”

April leaned a little closer, keeping her eyes on Aria to watch for any adverse reactions. “Well, I’m glad she did.”

“Thanks, April.”

Aria looked up at April suddenly, and her eyes widened for a fraction of a second. Then her eyes softened, the edges crinkling a bit as she smiled.

----

“She told me stories about you,” Aria said, one day.

“No kidding?”

The girls were in the kitchen of the Lair, having been tasked with coming up with a meal while Leo dragged Mikey off for training. So far, they had a small pile of protein bars, an ungodly amount of fruit snacks, and bread that may or may not have been alive.

“Yeah. You, Master Splinter, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello. Raphael. And Casey Jones.”

“What did she tell you about the others?”

“She said that Leonardo was one of the best ninjas she ever knew, of skill and character. She said he was at her level.”

“Truth be told, Sensei Shinigami has told me more about Michelangelo than she did. But they agreed that he was one of the kinder souls out there. Sensei Shinigami thought he was funny. With focus, he could outrank any of us easily.”

“Focus? Not our Mikey,” April laughed, not unkindly.

“Really?”

“You just haven’t met him yet. You’ll see, trust me.”

“I’ll take your word for it. If you would believe it, she told me Donatello was the smartest person she ever knew, if a little tactless.”

“Yeah, that’s fair,” April nodded at the potshot.

“She said that Raphael had the spirit of a true warrior if a little rash. I didn’t hear many stories from her after the attack on Wolf Hotel, but I don’t think she was surprised he was injured. I think she knew he had it coming, one way or another. She also said he had a hell of a trash mouth.”

April laughed into her hand. “Well, she wasn’t wrong. That’s Raph for ya’.”

“Master Splinter… My Sensei never told me much about her, but what she did tell me was always positive. She said that only the most skilled of ninjas could have taught the turtles and that he was a lot of things, but inept was never one of them.”

April looked down and nodded. “Maybe it’s for the best that you never knew him. There’s been enough heartache already.”

“He was like my Sensei to you, huh?”

“I guess so.”

A beat of silence passed between them.

“What did Karai tell you about Casey?”

Aria’s shoulders bobbed up and down with silent laughter. “Jones… Sensei told me that Jones was always the most likely to kill a man with a smile. You know, in a good way.”

April smiled, her fears not completely dashed. “Here's hoping that serves him well.”

“You haven’t heard anything?”

“No. The closest thing has just been that Skullshot wacko.”

“That’s one way of putting it.”

“Do… What do you think? What do you think happened?”

“You’d know if Shredder got them, yeah? If anything’s happened to them, then some random guys off the street got them. Or the government. They could also be on the run.”

“One of them got stabbed before they ran. I don’t think Casey knows much about first-aid, but Raph could probably fix it up if they had the supplies. They could've bled out, or they could be dead, and we never would have known.”

Now it was Aria’s turn to have nothing to say on that. She looked down and fiddled with her hair, and the two girls continued regaling the other with tales of the past.

----

April hadn’t seen Aria all day.

All day turned into two days.

Two days became a week.

Distantly, April wondered if she had found Casey and Raph.

Or maybe, as cynical as it may be, she had met the same fate as them, and April would yet again lose everything she had fought so hard to keep.

A/N: Ah, yes. My four-course meal of pain which I co-cook and then throw at your faces as hard as possible.

I'll link everything later. It's 10:30 over here and I am exhausted.

[foxsoulart]

What if Oroku Saki became Splinter and Hamato Yoshi became Shredder?

Oroku Saki/Splinter- horrified and ashamed of murdering Tang Shen and attacking his brother, he fled to America and came to New York. A few years pass while he works on his inner self. After mutating in an accidental mutagen spill with four baby turtles. He goes into hiding living in the sewers with the turtles. Names them after Renaissance painters he found in a book. Raises them as his own despite not feeling worthy of being a parent.

Hamato Yoshi/Shredder- falls into grieving and a thirst for revenge after Shen's death. Raises his daughter Miwa as a weapon of revenge, hate, and fear. Loses sight of his inner self completely, becoming a hellbent revenge seeking monster.

Raising The turtles- raised quite well all things considered. Splinter impressed very deeply into their minds that revenge and jealousy corrupt one's inner self and that they should never give into hate. All turts have a bit of anger issues from being raised by Saki although they have a fairly good handle on it from practice. Saki still thinks meditation is a waste of time for himself but taught his sons because he knew it would help them now and in the future. He mostly just let's them do what they want within reason. Has never hit them in anger but a few times his old temper would flair up and he would yell at them, quickly followed by apologizing once he realized.

Leonardo- leader, has scar over left eye and permanently weakened knee from attack by Shredder. Has occasional flair ups of self doubt which are usually quickly quelled by his brothers. Enjoys training and night runs. All four turts are comic book fans. Love language is physical touch

Michaelangelo- heart, adept at keeping his family together despite their quarrels. Scars over plastron from attack by Shredder. Angry Mikey is not to be trifled with. Huge fan of skateboarding and TV shows. Can often be seen wearing an oversized hoodie he found. Love language is gifts

Donatello- brains, comes up with most strategies and plans. Scars across left arms from attack by Shredder. Enjoys playing strategy games which he almost always wins. Built pretty much everything electronical in the lair. Loves getting compliments about his inventions. Love language is spending time together.

Raphael- second in command and hitman/muscle. Scars across shell from attack by Shredder. Has the most anger issues out of everyone. Enjoys sparring and playing drums. Was first to sneak topside and often does so. Love language is validation and physical touch

Miwa- Shredder's number one assassin. Typically cold and heartless but deep in there is her mother's heart of gold. Enjoys weapons training and rainy days. Love language is gifts

Boys don't tell Splinter that Shredder is causing mayhem mostly because they don't know his name, until it's too late and Shredder takes Splinter's life after realizing who he is.

After finding her mothers journal and witnessing Shredder torture the turtles and kill Splinter. Miwa turns on him and kills him in his sleep. She dispands the foot clan and returns to Japan to rediscover her inner self and spends the rest of her days under the care of the ancient one.

---

Wow, did not expect to go into any depth at all with this but I did, you guys can use this idea(I'm sure it's been done before) as I don't really have any intentions of doing anything with it, I just had a little thought and decided to put it into text and here it is. The drawing was a quick sketch with absolutely no set designs.

[ichimakesart]

Hello ! How about 4, 6, and/or 23 for the artist asks ? Love your work !

Thank you♡♡♡

4. Favourite things to draw?

Hm, I would say characters and people? But I also love painting materials, like Glass, stone (boi do I like painting hard stone walls of some ruins XD), fabrics, metal. I guess it comes from my university days when for hours each day I painted still lifes. Which is funny, cause I thought to myself then "ugh, never again".

6. Which artists inspire you right now?

I would say Junji Ito, Shirow Miwa - the slick lines of manga comics are always close to my heart.

Also recently I got inspired by the art from games Fear and Hunger. The designs of some monsters (not all if you know you know), are really cool and surrealistic.

23. Do you listen to music or watch shows while you work? If so, what’s your favourite?

I listen to music and watch youtube doing anything.

Music helps my brain not get scrambled I guess? Lets me focus. But when I listen to music while painting I do like to choose ones that hit the vibe of the picture I am drawing.

I do like rap, but also (most likely if I'm thinking about Monkey King) I listen to anime openings.

I also adore soundtracks. From games especialy (maybe it's the concentration thing again idk). I love Borislav Slavovs' works - He made Baldurs Gate 3 soundtrack! Divinity Original Sin 2 soundtrack kept me sane ♡♡ He also made that :)

But one of the my forever favorite soundtracks is from Gothic 3, by Kai Rosenkranz.

If you want to feel like you're crying in the middle of a gorgeous meadow listen to Vista Point form Gothic 3.

Thank you for the ask!

[pinesfamilyguidetotheweird]

Inspiration and motivation can come in unexpected ways.

Whenever I even attempt to draw, I always feel insecure with my methods.

Usually, I would sketch out whatever I wanted to draw on paper, take a picture of it when I'm done, and then transfer it over to the art program I use to do the lining and coloring.

Y'all have already seen examples of this from my sneak peek posts about my recent fanart projects.

The thing I feel insecure about is, shouldn't I not be doing it this way? Shouldn't I be sketching it out on the art program instead like everybody else? I tried, but it didn't feel right and it made me feel bad about myself.

Then, one day, I went to a Barnes & Noble with my family. Being the anime/manga nut I am, I went straight for the manga section. I perused the shelves, nothing catching my interest, until I reached the end side and saw this.

Shirow Miwa. Miwa's probably one of my favorite manga artists and I was ecstatic to see that this is an illustration book. DOGS: Bullets & Carnage, Kiznaiver, and the first official RWBY manga were my experience with his work.

Of course, I purchased it.

When I was giving the book an honest look later...I saw this...

Miwa prefers to sketch things out on paper first instead of just going straight to digital. To him, it felt more natural, at least for drawing his characters. This...was probably the first time (maybe in a long time) that I felt a spark of inspiration.

So, now, whenever I start to doubt myself, I go back to this page and remind myself that people have their own way of doing things, especially if it feels right to you.

[ariapmdeol]

Fragments, Factors, and Hermit's Room

NOW THAT I AM CAUGHT UP, I need to update my theories! These were discussed and pieced together w/ saintshrine and worldexecutor! I am compiling them for my own reference.

This will contain spoilers for the remainder of the DLC, Hermit's Room, Interlude, and the Interlude and Cell of Mirage reports! AKA, everything that's been released so far.

You can find my other COE theories/analyses here!

THE FRAGMENTS Interlude confirms there are 7 fragments, each with a number in their last name. I believe that each fragment is linked to one of the 'Seven Gifts of God', as described in a book in the Minoru DLC. Paraphrased and in order, they are:

Fear of the Lord, Piety, Fortitude, Knowledge, Counsel, Understanding, and Wisdom.

Thus, we have Hajime Hatsutori (1), Ryu Nijou (2), Teita Miwa/Dita Iliner (3), Wadachi Azuma (4), Daigo Igarashi (5), Misumi Mutsushika (6), and Izu Nanami (7).

The first three are fairly straightforward, especially with the additional descriptions in the DLC's book, but the one that interests me is Izu. In Interlude, it's mentioned that he has CLAIRVOYANCE. A Higher knowledge, and the youngest of the Fragments...

Izu also might be using the body of the original Reiji Isoi. Mutsushika says in the Utsugi DLC that he needs a child (about 10), because he has a younger brother who can't come out into the open. Thus, he needs a vessel. He says later that the kid that Utsugi prepared is too young (four or five), but goes with it anyway.

he's talking about the little Reiji here, who's now a vessel for the 7th fragment/Izu. (credit to worldexecutor for telling me about this theory!). Is little Reiji still in there? I sure hope so, it'd be angsty ^_^

THE SEPHIRA if you remember this cipher from Reiji DLC:

Knowing now that Seodore has the Gabriel Factor, I am operating on the assumption that this refers to Factors like his and Mutei's (Harada factor).

On the sefirot wiki page, it says this:

"The sefirot are described as channels of divine creative life force or consciousness through which the unknowable divine essence is revealed to mankind." "Will and knowledge are corresponding somewhat dependent opposites."

I said before that I think Seodore is 'will', and Mutei is 'knowledge'. This is still true, but I think it means more than that.

I think Mutei's factor allows him to read the source code of the world. He can Know, but he can't affect or manipulate it in any way, which is in part why he's stuck in the Hermit's room. He can Know but he can't DO anything with it directly.

Seodore, on the other hand, doesn't care about understanding it. His factor can manipulate the code, but he can't read it. He just wants to find a world that isn't bound by Arrival Points, that isn't bound by the 'end of the game.' Which draws into focus: We the player are an acknowledged entity. A being that they cannot perceive, yet guides them all the same.

We have a factor of our own as well, that we receive at the end of the DLC:

The factor "Dawn" has been loaded. Please wait for the announcement from Online Station.

This grants us access to the Hermit's Room/chapter select screen, which is interesting and something I need to think more about! HOWEVER. I want to talk about THE LANTERN.

THE LANTERN

At the end of Hermit's Room, we have this:

"The Record Da'at_01 has been saved. Subsequent playback is by the system."

as well as 'Do not trust Mutei Harada."

I looked up Da'at, and found this on the wikipedia page:

In Daʻat, all sefirot exist in their perfected state of infinite sharing. The three sefirot of the left column that would receive and conceal the Divine light, instead share and reveal it. Since all sefirot radiate infinitely self-giving Divine Light, it is no longer possible to distinguish one sefira from another; thus they are one. Properly, the Divine Light is always shining, but not all humans can see it.

I think THIS is what the lantern on the table is. The lantern is the condensed form of every factor at once, which is why it is able to give Mutei a presence in this room. I believe this is ALSO the light seen at the end of the S route, the three rings. By coming to this room, we have Arrived at a place beyond the typical bounds of the game. I think it's the Primum Mobile, the Ninth Heaven of the Divine Comedy. We the player are generally acting from the 10th, in Empyrean Heaven (beyond the bounds of the game), while Hermits Room/the Domain that lets Atou and Seodore tweak the definitions of the world is the Primum Mobile.

Similarly, this is what gives us the chapter select screen as well. Time works differently for us vs the characters.

One Final Cipher: At the end of the DLC, we are presented with these:

e7a59e is the Hexadecimal code for 神, aka GOD. I'm not entirely sure what the characters in front of it say (my google translate says 'draft' for the first, and 're-edited' for the second). If anyone has a more accurate translation, please let me know!

Assuming that the MTL is correct, then the 'draft' of the world is by God, and the 're-written' version is by CODE:DANTE.

CODE:DANTE seems to be at odds with Mutei. I'm operating on the assumption that they're a part of Seodore's group? Kanou is a part of this group too...

MUTEI (bastard) There is one bit in particular I want to bring up in the Interlude Reports. Specifically, CodeData 05-2. He comments (paraphrasing) that if he were God, he'd want to collect all the different outcomes and endings of his world, and that he'd want the protagonist to oppose him and make a possibility he could never have imagined.

....Seodore's already had his turn guiding/influencing a protagonist. I suspect that in Cell of Mirage, it will be Mutei trying to pull the strings. Or rather, I think he's hoping to pull OUR (the player) strings in the hope that we can influence the world (and rui lmao) for him. He does bring up in Hermit's room that he'd like us to apologize to seodore for him, if we can gain access to the world he thought was gone.... Either he's being honest about that apology OR he's doing it as a test to see if we can change the world for him.

Is it possible for a character to resist the player? Can the characters within a story break free of the definitions that Bind them? What is fiction, what is reality, and how does the world within these frames challenge that? I believe that this will be central to Cell of Mirage and it's themes.

also, side tangent, but I think it's fascinating how much Mutei parallels us as the player. I need to think more on this but I absolutely think something is there. Mans wants to play god and I think he doesn't care about the consequences. I need to think about him and seo and rangiri more...

once again, this image is relevant. Mutei Harada is a LITTLE SHIT.

Cell of Mirage and Interlude I will be referencing this translation by fleecedragon! please read through it! I think that Miwa and Eigha are aware of what's to come/their true natures, and Dita and Takagi don't. In interlude, Eigha says several things that seem to imply that he is aware that he is a fictional character, playing a role that he cannot escape.

I THINK HE KNOWS. HE KNOWS THAT HE IS FICTIONAL, and the world will end when the game does. There is nothing beyond the 'Arrival point', so the only way to preserve this world is to never finish the game.

Dita isn't aware of Miwa/Miwa's memories, so I think he's gonna have a GREAT time after he learns that he's fictional ^_^ I want to see Dita have a mental breakdown ^_^

Also I'm pretty sure the fourth wall just doesn't exist for Gajura, as he talks directly to us in his character profile.

[erigold13261]

I saw the TADC art and HOLY HECK. Mahito is doing a better job transfiguring fellas./j (I love how… toy like everyone is.)

I also noticed how Satoru (DJ Sub head), Suguru (be careful what you wish on others since you might get turned into a monkey) and Dragon (worm!) look significantly less human than the other performers + Tila and Margo (who look lovely). Maybe it’s bc they didn’t enter in the “correct” way, and got recognized as a “hacker”, and TADC is punishing you for it? (Since how the hell is Satoru going to Domain Expansion when blue doesn’t have the hands to do signs with?)

Mahito wishes he could transfigure people the way TADC domain can transfigure people! lol (and thanks! I didn't really know what else to use for a theme because the more common TADC themes are toys with games and food being another theme but I couldn't think of anything related to those in the moment).

As for the human looking vs non-human looking designs, I don't think it actually has anything to do with how someone got into the domain, considering Gangle is there and sure, they are humanoid, but they don't actually look all that human compared to characters like Jax, Ragatha, or Pomni.

Satoru is still pretty humanoid, leaning more towards how inhuman Gangle is, while Suguru and Dagon aren't humanoid at all. It really is just the luck of the draw (or bad luck of the draw lol).

As for Satoru's domain expansion, I completely forgot that blue needed to use hand signs lol. Probably why Dagon ends up going into the domain as they can open their domain with a sigil (that would be under their fur) instead of needing a hand sign.

Either that or the three realize they fucked up and try to keep their simple domains/domain amplifications going as long as possible while they try to figure out what to do (waiting for Panda or SP//dr to come in, since they can't be detected by the domain as they are neither robot, human, nor entity, and get information out to the rest of the world since Satoru, Suguru, and Dagon are stuck now).

This plot is still pretty loose, but what I think I am going to do is have Mechamaru be the center of attention and save the day because his heavenly restriction causes him to over power AIs in robots so even though he wouldn't be able to overpower the domain itself, he wouldn't be overpowered mentally (as his mind can't be stripped away from his body or robots. No one knows this though so it's the reason he wasn't sent in immediately as he wanted to stay with Miwa and not risk his life after all the transfigurations, but he probably feels bad for getting a lot of his friends transfigured and so he ends up going in and they realize he is immune to the effects).

[sytokun]

Hey. I have a stereo type of rwde and I want to prove it that it's not true. So if you can, what do you like about rwby and why do you still watch it? and no pointing out is flaws and saying what could have been done better.

Thanks for asking! I relish the challenge.

So RWDE, much like the main fandom, is made up of people with different views. For every Adam stan in RWDE, there's another who doesn't like him. For every person who hates Team RWBY, another loves them, etc.

To answer the second question, I have a very large investment in RWBY. I started watching just before Volume 2, around the time the Production Diaries were coming out, and I was hooked. While most members of RWDE are different, I think most of them agree that either now or in the past, they did like RWBY.

You can sort of picture it the same way some people that are huge Star Wars fans do not like the sequel trilogy, but may still love watching The Mandalorian or Andor. It's not as straightforward as "I hate all of Star Wars, it's all shit" or "I love every single Star Wars show, they're all 10/10". The same goes for RWBY.

I loved Volumes 1 and 2. This is regardless of its quality. Meaning even if Volume 1 is considered the worst Volume by most people, I still love watching it. A lot of it is nostalgia yes, and I may give reasons why I prefer them over newer Volumes, but in the end it's my subjective experience. Ask anyone which Volume is their favourite and you'll get wildly different answers with different reasons for each.

I do not like the more recent Volumes, but I really enjoyed the manga: the first by Shirow Miwa, the official by Bunta Kinami, and all the anthologies. I have physical copies of all of them, save for the JNPR anthology. And I think it's because one of my favourite things about RWBY is seeing other people's interpretations of it, whether in official content or not.

I loved Mark's SLVR trailers. I love watching fan animations like R.U.B.Y. and DARK. I watch a lot of RWBY reactor channels, from channels who started with RWBY and grew big like All Ages Of Geek, to hidden but lost gems like Charfox, and I know Volume 1 pretty much from heart just from watching so many reactors starting the show. And every time I watch them react to Players and Pieces and Ruby slingshots herself towards the Nevermore, I get the same chills I got when I first watched it on my own. I enjoy watching other people enjoy RWBY.

I remember a time where JACOneManBand was a growing RWBY YouTuber, who at the time was the only other person besides MurderOfBirds making RWBY content on YouTube, and playing his RWBY Theory and RWBY Hunger Games videos in the background while I was drawing. Could you imagine a time where there were only TWO RWBY YouTubers? I fuckin' remember. It was such a fun time - we barely knew anything about Remnant, and theory/lore videos were the fandom's lifeblood. Back then, there was no RWDE. There was only the RWBY Fandom, and we were all happy to be a part of it.

Yes, believe it or not, there was a time where YouTube wasn't filled with RWBY critique and rewrite videos, and I loved it! I loved it when everyone could just enjoy the show and make videos talking about its lore, make OCs for it and make their own fan animations. It was a simple, innocent time where we placed full trust in RWBY and into Rooster Teeth.

So really, if you ask me, when someone from anti-RWDE says that RWDE hates RWBY, it barely scratches the truth. Just because I don't enjoy the new, canon Volumes, doesn't mean I don't enjoy reading RWBY manga, or watching reactions, or reading fan theories, or looking at fanart. I enjoy all of those things, things that are so much wider beyond the scope of the canon show - I just don't like the canon show's current Volumes.

Back to the Star Wars analogy. Someone can not like Episode 9 or even the whole sequel trilogy, but you know what? They can love the original trilogy, the prequels, The Mandalorian, Andor, the Solo movie, Rogue One, going to Star Wars fan conventions, reading Star Wars comics, cosplaying as a stormtrooper, etc.

And if they're a real fan, they would have no problems letting others enjoy things that they don't, and have no problems letting others not enjoy things that they do. Does that make them a fake fan, or a hater? Absolutely not! To think so is to have an incredibly narrow view of what being a "fan" means, and the same goes for RWBY.

I still watch RWBY because I am still a fan of RWBY as a franchise; I'm just not a fan of the main show. That may be hard to really grasp, but that's how it goes - the Volumes are the main reason the RWBY fandom keeps going, but they aren't the be-all and end-all of things to love about RWBY.

So yeah. I am only a part of RWDE because people like me are pressured to use a specific hashtag, away from the larger community. But that is a label that other people have imposed on us. I consider myself a RWBY fan, and nothing anyone can say about my opinions or my character can change that. They may not like it, but that's what I and a lot of other people are.

And the sooner they acknowledge that and we see eye-to-eye, that we all can like and dislike what we want and not be treated as unknowable aliens, dangerous outsiders or some stupid secret conspiracy trying to destroy RWBY, the sooner we can go back to those golden years, where there are no "true fans", "hatedom" or "critics". Just the RWBY fandom.

[shiniraiwritings]

Based off this one post I saw a long while back where Karai and Shini are soulmates but the name Shini has on her wrist is "Miwa" and not "Karai"

Ch 1

"Karai, listen, there's something you should know. It's about your father. Your real father! Your real name is Miwa!"

She should have questioned it before the earth literally shook and everything around her fell out of her control. Aside from herself, there was only one other person who knew that name and she was currently in Japan.

So maybe she should have asked Leo what he meant, or Splinter himself when Tiger Claw used Leo and the other two turtles to draw out to head of the Hamato Clan.

Did she think they would have told her the truth had she asked? No.

But that was before she allowed the seed of doubt to prosper within her conflicted thoughts after she watered that seed with the almost convincing words of her enemies.

That was before she hid behind a billboard eavesdropping on a conversation about her.

That was before she found out the truth.

"I still can't believe that evil witch is your daughter."

"Your real name is Miwa."

And just like that, her world fell apart once again.

She knew her breaths were coming far too fast for it to be normal but her heart was beating in several places at once.

The pounding in her ears was deafening as Leo's words seemed to take up residence in her mind.

The rapid thumps against her rib-cage were almost painful and she couldn't get it to stop.

But it wouldn't stop even if she wanted it to.

The way her heart had dropped to her stomach was proof of that.

Her body was fighting against her but her mind had literally jumped her to action.

The wind was biting at her face as she flipped over the billboard (with a less than graceful landing) and onto the roof top where the Hamato clan was gathered.

"Leo said my name is Miwa." Her voice was far too panicked and desperate for her liking but she couldn't bring herself to care. "Is it true?"

Desperate and pleading golden orbs ignored the turtles and April, only focusing on the tall rat mutant ninja master.

But all she received was silence from the group in front of her.

Despite her better judgment, she took a step forward and looked Splinter in the eyes, silently pleading with her maybe-possible-father to give her the answer she so desperately needs.

"Is it true?" Her voice was soft. So unusual from her signature harshness and while she should've hated the vulnerability that came with it, she couldn't.

She needed to know. She had to make sure they weren't lying to her. She had to know if she had gotten her hopes up.

Splinter's ears lowered and Karai found herself fearing the worst.

"Yes."

Karai swore the earth shook again as her heart leapt into her throat.

She felt multiple pair of eyes on her but she didn't care.

There was so much to unpack with that one world.

Her real name was Miwa.

Miwa was the name Shini had on her wrist.

But Miwa is Splinter's daughter.

She was Miwa.

Shredder wasn't her real father.

Her name is Miwa, she is Splinter's daughter, not Shredder's, and her world had just came crashing down around her.

But her name is Miwa, and that's the name Shinigami has on her wrist, not Karai, and that's the only thing she can focus on when she shouldn't be.

Her world has come crashing down but she can't even bring herself to care now that she knows the name on Shinigami's wrist belongs to her.

No one was surprised when Karai dropped to her knees but the concern had reached its peak when she started laughing.

They had been expecting rage. Denial even. On a very rare chance, tears.

But no, Karai had dropped to the roof and started laughing and none of them were prepared for that.

Karai was laughing as if this revelation was the funniest thing in the world to her as if it hadn't just destroyed everything she thought she knew.

Splinter, not wanting his eldest to fall further into hysterics, walked over to her and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Karai, breathe."

"I'm..." Karai shook her head and giggled. "This is...so messed up."

"I think she's in shock," Donnie winced.

"My entire life has been a complete lie!" Karai laughed, finding nothing but sincere amusement in her words.

The turtles and April looked to each other, helpless on how to approach the situation that could turn violent at any given second.

"Should we just give her a moment?" Raph asked, watching as Splinter was trying to calm down Karai and bring her back to her senses.

"She took this a lot differently than I expected, I'll give her that," April mumbled, silently relieved as Karai's laughter began to die down.

"Yeah, I was expecting her to try and kill us." Mikey chuckled, "Not...kill herself with laughter."

"Honestly, this was probably the most preferable outcome," Donnie said. "No one got hurt."

"Well, no one except..." Raph glanced back over to Karai, who was now staring at the street below her with wide eyes.

"Karai?" Leo slowly approached her, but Karai quickly got to her feet.

"I...I need to go," Karai mumbled and she took off running before anyone could stop her.

Leo attempted to chase after her, only for Splinter to gently grab his shoulder.

"Let her process."

"But what if she tries to do something insane like try and kill Shredder for revenge? I've fought her. I know her, and I know Karai never thinks rationally when she's driven by a need for revenge."

"Her mind is troubled but I sense some clarity has come out of the revelation," Splinter said. "That clarity is what's guiding her for the moment."

"What clarity?" Raph asked.

"A personal one, my son. Something that troubled her deeply but no longer has a hold on her."

"Do you think she knew deep down?" April pondered.

"I think she knew something, but perhaps it's all just speculation," Splinter sighed.

"Well, at least now Karai knows the truth and no one died, so I consider this a win," Mikey nodded happily.

"It's a temporary victory." Raph huffed.

"Don't be such a downer, Raph." Donnie rolled his eyes, "We stopped the Kraang, Karai didn't kill anybody, and no one died."

"Yeah." Leo nodded, feeling a sudden sense of dread. "Let's just enjoy the moment now while can."