#Sumire: Do you want to stay for dinner? | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

vgckwb · 7 months ago

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P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 206: Still Young at the End of The Day

Sae had returned to the office after her trial was done. Another step towards a just future. She sat down, took a deep breath. “Now, onto those Phantom Thieves.” She continued to pour over her notes for the rest of the day.

Meanwhile, The Phantom Thieves emerged from Sae’s Palace. “Oh man,” Ryuji said. “That was something.”

“No kidding,” Lena said.

“Still,” Haru said, assuringly, “we managed to secure our route. Now all we have to do is bide our time.”

“Are you prepared, Makoto?” Futaba asked.

“Yeah,” Makoto said. She sighed. “I know it’s for the best but seeing everything is still a little disheartening.”

“I know it’s not easy,” Yusuke said, “but it’s still necessary.”

Makoto smirked. “Thanks Yusuke.”

Sumire noticed something. “Are…you OK, Ren?”

“Huh?” Ren replied. “Oh. Yeah.” She sighed. “Sorry. That Battle Area took a lot out of me.”

“Yeah, that looked really rough,” Morgana said.

“Especially having to go for three rounds without breaks,” Jose said.

“Yeah,” Ann added. “Even just watching it took the wind out of my sails.”

Sumire looked at Ren intently. She started taking her bag off of her. “Futaba? Could you take Morgana home? I’m going to take Ren and help her get back on her feet, OK?”

“I’ll be fine,” Ren said.

“I know you say that,” Sumire said, “but I also know that you tend to push yourself a lot. So I’m making the executive decision as your girlfriend that you’re coming with me.”

Ren smirked. “Well, how can I say ‘no’ to that?”

Sumire giggled. She handed the bag with Morgana in it to Futaba. “I’ll take good care of her.”

“Right,” Futaba said. She looked at Morgana. “Looks like it’s just you and me, Mona!”

“Oh, um,” Ren interjected, “maybe stop by the cafe first. Just in case Sojiro isn’t home yet to tell him what’s up.”

“Gotcha!” Futaba said.

“Seeya when you get back!” Morgana said. They split off.

“Alright!” Sumire exclaimed. “Let’s go!” Sumire dragged Ren off with her.

Yusuke checked the time. “Goodness me! We should head back to Kosei immediately, Jose!”

“Well, then, what are we waiting for?” Jose said. “Seeya!”

“Later!” Yusuke said. The two of them rushed off.

“So, uh, I guess that’s it for today, huh,” Ryuji remarked.

“Actually…” Ann said. “Would you mind staying with me a little longer? There’s something I need to talk about.”

“Oh, uh, of course,” Ryuji said. “Is everything alright?”

“Everything’s fine,” Ann said. Ryuji didn’t look too convinced. “Honest.”

Ryuji sighed. “Well, I guess we’ll just have to talk.”

“That’s the spirit!” Ann said. “Now come on! I’m like really hungry!”

"Yeah, no kidding!” Ryuji agreed. “You and I have been at this for like 7 months at this point, and I still get wiped out.” He turned to the remaining thieves. “Oh, uh, later!”

“Bye!” Ann called out. The two left.

Lena, Haru, and Makoto looked at each other somewhat awkwardly. “Well, um, I think we should get going,” Haru said.

“Yeah,” Lena said. “My mom gets a little worried if I stay out too late.”

“And I don’t want to keep my girlfriend waiting,” Makoto remarked.

“WHAT?!” Lena and Haru yelped.

Makoto grew embarrassed. “Oh. Right. I didn’t tell you all that, huh.”

“You’re dating someone?!” Haru wondered.

“And she’s a girl?” Lena added with enthusiasm.

“You have to tell us everything,” Haru insisted.

“Spare no detail!” Lena continued.

“Woah, uh, hold on,” Makoto said. “Like everyone else, I’m a little beat.” Haru and Lena frowned. “But I’ll message the group in the morning.” Haru and Lena got excited. “But I will say for now that she is wonderful.”

“Well, I’m really glad for you, Mako-chan,” Haru said.

Lena nodded. “I can’t wait to meet her.”

Makoto chuckled. “Yes, well, I’m sure you’ll get along nicely.” The three girls nodded at each other, and then went their separate ways for the night.

Ann and Ryuji stopped by Ryuji’s favorite ramen shop for dinner. “Ah! That hit the spot!” Ryuji said, slurping down some ramen. He noticed Ann nervously picking at her noodles. “Um, your noodles are going to get cold if you keep doing that.”

Ann looked back at her boyfriend as if she had just come back to reality. “Oh. Right.”

Ryuji scowled. “What’s on your mind? I know you said it’s OK, but it doesn’t look like it.”

Ann smiled nervously. “It’s fine. It’s just…” She huffed, “So, I know I decided to be a full-fledged model, and I’m still working on it, but um, well, you know my birthday is coming up, right?” Ryuji nodded. “Well, my parents are insisting on throwing a company party to debut me as a model model.”

“That sounds sweet!” Ryuji exclaimed.

“It is,” Ann said. “But this kind of event is invitation only, and I can’t go around inviting everyone, you know? I mean, I’ll invite you, because you’re my boyfriend, but I can’t invite Shiho, or Ren, or, well, anybody else. But I still want to do it because it’s amazing, and a good chance to show my skills. So I just don’t know what to do.”

“Well, if I were you, I’d just have two parties,” Ryuji said. “Go to the glitzy party, and then maybe on the day before, we all gather to celebrate at like Leblanc or something.”

Ann was stunned. “That’s it! Ryuji, you’re a genius!” She hugged him.

Ryuji was shocked, but appreciated the hug. “Eh heh. Can’t say I’ve heard that before.”

Ann giggled. “First time for everything.” They looked at each other, chuckling. They smiled.

Ann looked down at the bowls. “You know, your noodles are probably getting cold too.

“Ak! What?!” Ryuji yelped. “I can’t believe I let them get cold. They’re so much better warm.”

“Hm hm. Well, if you don’t want them,” Ann said. She took her chopsticks and started taking from Ryuji’s bowl.

“Huh?!” Ryuji said. “I never said I wouldn't eat them!” He hurriedly started eating some as well. As they were slurping, they soon found that they had grabbed opposite ends of the same noodles. They kept going until their lips met. Both of them were surprised by the contact, but they enjoyed it. They started giggling nervously, before going in for a real kiss. They finished eating, and headed home for the night.

As Yusuke and Jose were walking through Kosei to get to their dorms, Yusuke asked “Pardon me, but do you mind coming with me to my room for a bit? There’s something on my mind.”

“Of course,” Jose said. They headed to Yusuke’s dorm. Once they got situated, Jose asked “What’s up?”

“I just wanted to pick your brain on something,” Yusuke said. Jose nodded. “As someone who is not human, do you think you’ll ever fall in love with a human?”

Jose was stunned. “Well, um, maybe?”

Yusuke sighed. “Sorry. I guess you’re still kind of young. Although, to be honest, I don’t know if your body quite matches your age.”

“What do you mean?” Jose asked.

“Well, you were created like that, right?” Yusuke asked.

“Not entirely,” Jose said. “Well, I’m not sure. I know my master created me a little over seven years ago, but my memories from then are hazy at best.”

“I see,” Yusuke said. “You do look to be about seven. Perhaps your master created you to be human like to be able to understand humans better when he did put you out. Although it does seem a bit young. But then again, you aren’t human, and you are fairly wise, so maybe he thought you were ready.”

Jose nodded. “I think so too. I mean, I learned so much from you all. Maybe my master foresaw this string of events and made me to line up with it.”

“That sounds quite romantic,” Yusuke noted.

“Romantic?” Jose wondered.

“Oh! Not as in ‘relating to love’,” Yusuke clarified. “But rather a wonderful and beautiful coincidence that transcends logic.”

“I see,” Jose said. “Well, um, what if I told you there may be someone I liked?”

Yusuke was surprised. “Do tell.”

“Well, um, remember when we met Ren’s family over the summer?” Jose asked. “Well, I kind of thought her sister was really pretty.”

“Hmmmm,” Yusuke said. “I hate to disappoint, but I don’t see that turning into anything.”

“How come?” Jose asked.

“Well, it’d be an issue if you dated someone even my age,” Yusuke said. “Let alone hers.”

“Really?” Jose said.

Yusuke nodded. “No offense, but you aren’t prepared for a relationship in the same way she would be, both mentally and physically.”

“Hmm,” Jose said. “I still have much to learn.”

“Don’t we all?” Yusuke said.

Jose chuckled. “Well, what about you? Is there someone you’re interested in?”

Yusuke was taken aback by the question. “Well, truth be told, I’m still trying to figure myself out. After everything I went through with Madarame, I’d like to see who I am outside of that.”

“I see,” Jose said.

“That said,” Yusuke continued, “I don’t think I’d be opposed to finding love in the future. Although I guess love has a way of sneaking up on you.”

“Oh yeah,” Jose said. “Didn’t Haru mention that she thought you and Futaba were a couple?”

“What are you implying?” Yusuke asked.

“Well, what do you think about her?” Jose asked.

Yusuke looked at him. “I think she’s a person with a good heart, but a difficult personality at times.” Jose chuckled. Yusuke seemed confused. “What’s so funny?”

“Forgive me,” Jose said. “But um, isn’t that like that old saying? You know? When the pot calls the kettle black!”

“How rude!” Yusuke said.

“I mean, you can’t deny it,” Jose said. “Even the people at this school are a little weary of you.”

“I’m just avant garde,” Yusuke rationalized.

“Don't you think Futaba is also a little ‘avant garde’ too?” Jose teased.

Yusuke hesitated to answer. “Perhaps.” Jose giggled. “But that doesn’t mean we deserve to be hung next to each other at the exhibit!”

“It’s just food for thought,” Jose said. “Like you said, you’re not quite ready for love, right?”

Yusuke was caught off guard by that. He composed himself. “Right. Of course.”

Jose yawned.”Well, I think I need to get back to my own room.” He got up and headed to the door. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” Yusuke said. Jose left. Yusuke went and turned off the lights, and went to his bed. He was lost in thought about his and Jose’s conversation, so it took him a bit to fall asleep.

Meanwhile, Futaba was working away at her computer. Morgana decided to come in and check on her. “How’s it going?” Morgana asked.

“Hmmm,” Futaba said, looking at her finding. She turned to see Morgana . “Oh uh, sorry. Didn’t see you there.”

Morgana pouted. “You know, you need to be more aware of your surroundings.”

“Mmmm,” Futaba groaned.

“So, find anything good?” Morgana asked.

“Well,” Futaba said, “I’ve been looking to see if I can find something like Mementos in my mom’s notes. “And I came across this part about how the collective unconscious is shaped. I think it matches Mementos.”

“Alright,” Morgana said. “But what does that tell us?”

“That’s where it gets interesting,” Futaba said. “You see, mom’s notes explain that if you can tap into it, you can utilize the potential of humanity.”

Morgana grew alarmed. “So, if whoever stole your mom’s notes…”

“That’s what I was thinking,” Futaba said. “I think whoever stole the notes is trying to harness that power. Hence the wall of water, and the principal’s diving suit.”

“Hmmm,” Morgana pondered. “I don’t know if they’re taking into account Eris and her distorting Mementos.”

“From what I understand, Eris threw a wrench into everyone’s plans,” Futaba said.

“True,” Morgana replied. “Well, it sounds like you’re making breakthroughs left and right.”

“Yeah,” Futaba said. “But I don’t know how much more I can get out of my mom’s notes. I’ve poured over them like a dozen times.”

“Well then,” Morgana said, “switching topics: How do you really feel about Boss dating again?”

Futaba was surprised.”I mean, it’s fine. Do I wish he was still dating my mom? Yes, but she’s…” She took a deep breath. “If Sojiro’s happy I’m happy. Besides, Kokoro seems nice.”

Morgana smiled. “Sorry. I know it can’t be easy. I just wanted to make sure you’re OK.”

Futaba welled up a little. She hugged Morgana tightly. “Thanks Mona.”

Morgana was stunned. “Gentler…” he asked.

“Heh heh, sorry,” Futaba apologized. She eased up on her grip.

Morgana smiled. “Thanks.” Morgana cuddled into her and started purring.

Haru arrived home. Her servants prepared dinner for her. She sat down and started eating. As she started eating, she realized just how alone she felt. Sure, she was distant with her father, but there were times when he did listen to her. With just her, it felt truly isolating.

She knew she wasn’t alone. She had her servants, but as kind as they were, they were her servants, so it’d feel like a slight abuse of power to force them to keep her company when she held power over them. She had her new friends, but most of them needed to relax as much as she did, maybe even moreso. As for the few who weren’t, she wasn’t as familiar with them.

She did have one more option: Hiroki. She knew he’d listen if she called. She took out her phone, but was frozen in nerves. She had made a grand gesture of telling him she wasn’t interested in the kind of relationship he wanted. This felt like she might be trying to lead him on. She wasn’t sure if she should or shouldn’t call to alleviate her loneliness.

Just then, the phone rang. Much to Haru’s surprise, it was Hiroki. She picked up. “Hiroki?”

“Ah, Haru!” Hiroki replied. “Listen, I just wanted to see how you were doing? I mean, I respect what you said, but I mean, I still want to be friends, and, well, we haven’t talked in a while I mean, I guess I’ve been busy with student council stuff too, but…”

Haru chuckled. “It’s fine. I’ve been busy too. I’m trying to figure out what’s going to happen with my father’s company and my place in it.”

“Well,” Hiroki said, “isn’t it your company now?”

Haru was surprised. She hadn’t thought about it like that before. “Well, it is a little more complicated than that, but I suppose technically it is.”

“Right,” Hiroki said. “Well I’m sure you’ll figure it out. After everything that’s happened, I know you can handle it.”

Haru placed her hand over her mouth and silently cried. She smiled. “Thank you.”

“Heh heh. Of course,” Hiroki said.

Haru nodded to herself. “So, um, how are you doing?”

“Ah, you know, same ol’, same ol’,” Hiroki answered. “My brother’s been even more of a jerk ever since your father called the engagement off.”

“Are you alright?” Haru said, alarmed.

“I mean, I’ve been doing my best to avoid him,” Hiroki informed her. “Being part of the student council helps with that. But I can’t wait for the moment I can leave, you know?”

“It is a little weird he’s still there to be honest,” Haru said.

“Well, when you have no real skills outside of being the son of a famous politician, it makes sense,” Hiroki retorted. They shared a chuckle. “Well, I should get to bed. It was nice talking with you.”

“It was nice talking with you as well,” Haru said. “Good night, Hiroki.”

“Good night,” Hiroki replied. He hung up. Haru then looked around. After talking with Hiroki, she became aware that this house was hers. She proceeded to think about what she could do to change the house to suit her better. She decided to sleep on it, since she was tired after the palace.

Lena arrived home, and ate dinner with her mom. After dinner, she went up to her room and decided to give Akechi a call. He answered “Hello?”

“Oh, sorry,” Lena said. “Did I wake you?”

“It’s fine,” Akechi said. “What’s up?”

“Well…” Lena said, a little hesitantly.

“Are you still worried about our future?” Akechi asked.

“I mean, a little,” Lena answered. “But right now, I’m a little worried about you.”

“Well that’s..odd…” Akechi answered.

“I mean,” Lena continued, “I don’t know everything about where the investigation into The Phantom Thieves is. But I can’t help but feel like it might get even more hectic..”

“Are you suggesting I stop?” Akechi wondered.

“No! Of course not,” Lena protested. “I’m just saying it might be in your best interest to be a bit cautious is all.”

“I’ll be fine,” Akechi said. “I’ve got everything under control.”

Lena smiled. “I just want to be sure. I don’t want our future to be ruined by some twist of fate.”

Akechi paused. “Very well. I’ll be more careful going forward.”

Lena smiled. “Thanks.”

“Of course,” Akechi said. He yawned.

Lena chuckled. “I guess I should let you get back to sleep.” Good night.”

“Good night,” Akechi said. “And take care.”

“You too,” Lena replied. She hung up. She frowned. She couldn’t tell Akechi the real reason she wanted him to be careful. She didn’t know what to expect if he found out she was a Phantom Thief. And as much as she knew about the metaverse and Eris, she doubted that Akechi would believe it.

Akechi was lying too. While he said he’d ease off, he knew he had to keep his nose to the grindstone. If his plan were to come to fruition, he needed to guarantee that no one else could interfere. He sighed. “You know I’d listen if it were anything else,” Akechi muttered, “but like you said, I don’t want our future to be ruined either.”

Makoto got home to see Eiko watching some TV. Eiko turned her head. “Oh, it’s you. I was worried what would happen if your sister came home and you weren’t here.”

Makoto smirked. “It’s fine. Sis usually works late.”

“Well, c’mon, have a seat,” Eiko invited. Makoto took her up on that offer, and sat next to her. Eiko snuggled up to her. Makoto reared back. Eiko was confused

Makoto sighed. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I’d be all for it, but I’m just exhausted.”

Eiko was stunned. “Does Phantom Thieving always leave you exhausted?”

“You have no idea,” Makoto replied.

Eiko turned the TV off. “Well, I’ve got just the thing!”

“Oh?”

Eiko nodded. She stood up, grabbed Makoto’s hands, and helped stand her up. “Follow me.” She led Makoto into her room.

Makoto was blushing. “Um, like I said…”

“No no, silly,” Eiko replied. “Lie down on your front.”

“Um, OK?” Makoto said. She did as she was told, laying on her stomach.

Eiko rolled her sleeves up. “My boss at the hostess club taught us how to massage people.”

“I see,” Makoto said.

“It’s very handy,” Eiko said. “I do it to my friends all the time. Usually after gym, or if they’re having a rough day.”

“Hm,” Makoto replied, impressed.

“You’ll be feeling better in no time,” Eiko said. “Just hold still.” Eiko positioned herself, and then started massaging Makoto.

As she was getting massaged, Makoto started feeling better. “Oh. Oh! Oh my goodness…”

“Just let it all out,” Eiko said. She continued massaging Makoto.

Once she was done, Makoto sat up. “Woah! I feel refreshed. I have to say, you’re quite good.”

“Hm hm, thanks,” Eiko giggled. She walked her fingers across Makoto’s leg and torso before booping her nose. “So…?”

“Er, I’m not THAT refreshed,” Makoto said. Eiko pouted. “But I will snuggle up on the couch with you if you still want to do that.”

“Eh,” Eiko said. “I’ll take that as a win.” They went back out into the living room to watch some TV, and relax in each other’s embrace.”

Meanwhile, at Sumire’s place, Ren was sat up on the couch in the living room wrapped in a blanket. Sumire walked in, carrying a tray with two cups. She sat down next to Ren, setting the tray on a nearby table. “Here,” Sumire said, passing Ren one of the cups. “I know you're more of a coffee person, but I think some tea will help you relax.”

Ren grabbed the tea cup. “Thanks.” She took a sip. “Ah.” Sumire smiled back, taking her own cup, and sipping it. She gently placed herself against Ren. “So,is this what we’re doing?”

“Pretty much,” Sumire said. “If you’d like, we can watch a movie or something.”

“Anything in mind?” Ren asked.

“Well…” Sumire thought. “Oh! You know what I haven’t seen in a while?” Ren raised her eyebrow. “The Sailor Crescent movie!” Ren was shocked. “Hm? Something the matter?”

Ren got a little embarrassed. “Oh, uh, it’s nothing. It’s just that, well, um, Sailor Crescent was my…you know…awakening.”

Sumire was stunned for a second, but smiled and said “Wanna know a secret? Mine too.”

Ren was intrigued. “Really?”

Sumire nodded. “I liked the girls, but also The Masked Suit was really handsome too.”

“Eh. I beg to differ,” Ren said, jokingly. They shared a chuckle, and Sumire got the movie and put it on.

Meanwhile, Sae finished what she could, and then she left her office. Riko greeted her as she left. “Excellent work today in court.”

Sae smiled. “Thanks.” They stared at each other somewhat awkwardly. “Say, have you ever thought about what laws you’d enact if you were in charge?”

Riko was surprised. “Eh heh, where is this coming from?”

“I’m just thinking out loud,” Sae said. “It’s something I’ve thought of from time to time.”

“I see,” Riko said. “Well, I can’t say anything comes to mind straight away.” This was not entirely true, but she wasn’t ready to tell Sae what laws she’d change. Or rather, she’d at least want to wait until Sae was fully herself again.

“Hm,” Sae responded. “Well, I sometimes think that if you get to the head of the line in a restaurant or coffee shop, you have to order in 20 seconds or less, or go back to the line.”

“Oh!” Riko said, surprised by the banality. “Oh, like that…”

Sae was caught off guard, and a little embarrassed. “Well, I mean… Obviously there's a lot of bigger, more important stuff to fix. But like, for fun.”

“Right…” Riko said, now also embarrassed. “Well, um, I do think it should be a crime to complain about the smell of durian without tasting it.”

Sae was surprised. “Is it really that good?”

“Well, it depends on how you prepare it,” Riko answered. “Although I guess it’s the same for all foods.”

“Is there a food you don’t like?” Sae asked.

“Hmmmm,” Riko thought. “Well, hmmm. I haven’t had it in a while, but I don’t like plain rice.” Sae was confused. “Like, I’ll eat it in a curry, or with some meat and sauce mixed in. But not plain.”

“I guess that goes to show how much you like food, huh,” Sae remarked.

“Eh heh,” Riko laughed, embarrassed again. “What about you? Is there any food you don’t like?”

Sae looked disappointed in herself. “Green peppers.”

Riko was intrigued. “Really?”

Sae nodded. She sighed. “It’s the last habit of mine that I haven’t kicked from childhood.”

Riko stood up, took Sae’s hand, and assured her “It’s OK not to like things. And It’s OK to hold on to parts of your childhood. It just shows that you’re human.”

Sae smiled. “Thanks.” She took a deep breath. “I think I need to head home. Between the trial and the Phantom Thieves, I feel exhausted.”

Riko let go. “I understand.”

Sae smiled at her. “You always do. I like that about you.” Riko was surprised, and blushed. “Seeya.” Sae started walking out.

Riko was still a little flustered, but managed to get out “Bye!” Sae waved at her. Riko smiled. She sighed, and prepared to go home herself.

Later in the evening, Sojiro got a phone call. “Hello?”

“Hey,” Shinichi said. “Um, this is Sumire’s father. It seems like Ren needed a break, so Sumire brought her here to help relax, and, well, they kind of fell asleep watching a movie.” He turned to look at them, nestled into each other.

“I see…” Sojiro said. “I was told as much. Do you want me to swing by and pick Ren up?”

“That’d be nice,” Shinichi said. He gave him his address. “Thanks.”

“No problem,” Sojiro said. “I’m on my way. He hung up, and started making his way to pick up Ren.

Meanwhile, Shinichi got a closer look at the sleeping couple.He smiled, took out his phone, and snapped a picture.

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etherbonded · 2 years ago

Note

Name: Gogo Akechi Age: 18 Do you like to cuddle?: Yes Can we make-out?: Very yes A night in or dinner out?: Dinner in, with my home-made curry Ice cream or chocolate covered strawberries?: Strawberries~ What makes you a good Valentine?: We have been through so much, I willing to go slow if you want, and wish for the best for you. Would you cook for me?: See above~ Would you let me cook for you?: I'm curious, so yes~ {Justice!Sumire}

VALINTINES DAY APPLICATIONS // accepting

" ...You have got to be the biggest fool I have EVER known in my life. You want ME of all people to be your valentine? Knowing full well who I am and what I've done?"

Tch. How did her so-called rival become so stupid, stupid enough to... to talk about stuff such as this! No, she's not flustered nor embarrassed. She's just fine, if anything she's irritated at the woman's foolish decision to still try and be so close to her despite it all. Sumire does not fucking deserve her kindness, let alone Gogo's affections, by god she will never deserve them and she knows it.

" But fine, since I appreciate your effort behind your application, I'll accept you as my valentine. But don't think anything of it, you got it? And if we're eating in, then we're cooking together. I won't take no for an answer on that. "

...Someday she'll be able to accept this love and kindness without scolding Gogo for being an idiot for staying so close to her. But today is not the day.

#the-flower-karasu #those who wrong me shall reap what they sow╰┈➤ SUMIRE - JUSTICE - ARCANA SWAP #heart to hearts ≪•◦ ic ◦•≫#( justice!sumi: lmao ur insane for asking me to be your valentine but i'll accept. not because i love you!! i just appreciate the effort. )#( justice!sumi in constant denial of the idea of someone loving her or being in love with her )

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solartranslations · 3 years ago

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AF2 Luca Chapter 7 (1/2): Sacred Ground

The grand and magnificent masquerade. The heroine catches her breath after returning from the festival

~*Scene: Governor’s Mansion Balcony*~

Luca: …Are you tired, Ojou-sama?

Felicita: Yeah. The masquerade was really fun…but is was tiring too

Luca: Well, I guess that’s just how festivals are

Felicita: Ah…

Luca: Agata…

Felicita: She’s drinking…

Luca: Again

Felicita: She was drinking the last time I saw her too

Luca: Drinking that much isn’t good for you though…

Agata: …Can’t I drink as I please?

Luca: Oh, you heard us?

Agata: Have you been enjoying the masquerade?

Felicita: …I’m a little tired

Agata: *laugh* You’re so soft… But that’s fine. How about a drink?

Felicita: No

Agata: Luca?

Luca: In that case, maybe just a little bit?

Agata: Sure

Agata: Don’t just stand there. Take a seat

Felicita: …Okay

Luca: Then…Salute

Agata: It’s nice to have someone to drink with

Luca: This has a nice taste. But it’s quite strong

Agata: Hmph…

Felicita: You shouldn’t drink too much

Agata: I thought having you as company would be fun, but you’re surprisingly uptight

Felicita: I’m just worried about you. It’s a kindness

Luca: Ojou-sama…

Agata: By the way…

Luca: What is it?

Agata: There was a red light of unknown origin from the sea yesterday, a magical-looking one

Agata: Quite the show. Was that you’re doing, Luca?

Luca: I did think it would cause some rumors, but I didn’t think you would figure out it was me

Agata: You’re careless. I heard it from your friends

Luca: …Sorry for the trouble

Felicita: …They really…

Agata: You two are together?

Felicita: …Yeah. We are

Luca: !

Agata: Oh?

Felicita: Agata, about what you said before

Agata: Wait

(*grip) Agata: You want to ask about the heavy burden I carry from my ancestors, right?

Felicita: Yeah

Agata: If you want to hear about my private matters, then tell me yours. It’s an equivalent exchange

Agata: Let’s see…how about you tell me how you two got together?

Luca: So you want us to be your entertainment while you drink then?

Agata: Well, you can think of it like that

Luca: Hm…

Agata: You two just don’t look like a couple to me

Felicita: …!

Agata: You look more like family than a couple

Felicita: (Family… I guess we do)

Agata: Well? If I’m wrong, you can tell me

Luca: …Of course

Luca: But you really still think so after hearing about yesterday?

Agata: I do

Luca: Ojou-sama is irreplaceable to me

Agata: That I can tell. But is that really “love”?

Luca: ……

Luca: No…it might not be

Felicita: !!

Luca: If someone hurt Ojou-sama, I wouldn’t forgive them no matter who they were

Luca: But it’s the same thing I might feel if she was my daughter

Luca: But, that’s just how it used to be

Luca: Until…about last year’s Natale

Luca: While Ojou-sama was celebrating with just Papa and Mama …

Luca: I was at the bar with Pace and Debito

~*Flashback: Bar*~

Debito: Where’s your Ojou-sama?

Luca: She’s having dinner with Papa and Mama

Pace: Well, it is Natale. But shouldn’t you be there as her attendant?

Luca: It’s family only. I thought Ojou-sama would have more fun that way

Luca: I can’t get in the way of that

Pace: In the way…

Luca: What?

Pace: Are you really okay with that?

Luca: Huh?

Pace: Aren’t you always going on and on to us about how she’s “your Ojou-sama”?

Luca: Well, yes

Debito: He’s asking why you wouldn’t want to be with your Ojou-sama right now

Luca: Well I…do want to, but I’m not family, so…

Pace: Yup! It’s totally natural to want to spend time with the girl you like!

Debito: …Exactly. So why am I even here with you two?

Pace: That’s because you like us, right Debito?

Debito: Gross. Oh, I remember now. I’m with you guys because if I tried to spend today alone with someone, a fight would break out. That’s all

Pace: Yeah, right

Debito: Shut up. …Okay, maybe I’ll sneak into your Ojou-sama’s room tonight

Luca: Why would you!?

Debito: I’ll secretly leave a present on her pillow and get a glimpse at her cute sleeping face…

Luca: Don’t be ridiculous!

Debito: What’s wrong with seeing her sleep…

Luca: Absolutely not! It’s too beautiful for you to see!!

Pace: You want her all to yourself?

Luca: Go ahead and think that if you want!!

Debito: Ugh…

Luca: Ojou-sama is pure and she must not be tainted…

Pace: You know that’s not possible. There’s so many kinds of people in this world

Debito: Yeah. You don’t know what kind of person might have their eyes on her

Luca: Then I’ll protect her no matter what

Luca: I won’t let anyone get close to the one I’ve deemed sacred

Pace: Hmm

Debito: I see

Luca: What?

Pace: You think of her as family when you say that?

Luca: What do you mean?

Debito: Family wouldn’t think like that. Lions would push their cubs off cliffs on purpose

Debito: As family, you wouldn’t interfere unless absolutely necessary. At least I think so

Pace: Exactly. Which means you’re not being overprotective, you want her for yourself

Luca: So, you’re saying…

(*bam) Debito: You want to be with Ojou-sama as in like a couple…is what we’re saying

(*bam) Pace: And you want to keep her locked in a cage if you could

Luca: …There’s no way that’s true

~*End Flashback*~

Luca: Until then, I always thought that my feelings towards Ojou-sama were just familial love

Luca: I was so convinced of that

Luca: But those two made me realize

Luca: That the love I had for Ojou-sama was something more than that of family…

Luca: Well, that’s all we have to say. It’s your turn then, Agata

Agata: That certainly was entertaining

Luca: I’m glad

Agata: But I’m tired today. Let’s save it for next time

Felicita: That’s not what you…

Luca: Ojou-sama

Agata: I’ll tell you when I feel like it. If you really want to know, then keep digging

Luca: You’re saying that you don’t mind us following you around?

Agata: Yes

Luca: Alright. Is that okay with you, Ojou-sama?

>I can’t accept that

(No Amore)

>Fine

(+20 Amore)

Luca: You shouldn’t say something childish like that. The timing is important with things like this

Felicita: People…are complicated

Luca: That’s how it is, Ojou-sama

Luca: You don’t look particularly satisfied…but you really have grown, Ojou-sama

Felicita: We need to be strategic, right?

Luca: Exactly

Agata: Is that all? I’ll get going then

Felicita: Should we really leave it like this?

Luca: Yes. Let’s just keep an eye on Agata for now. I’m sure we’ll learn something

~*Scene: Governor’s Mansion Outside*~

Felicita: [Just as Luca said, we were able to learn a few things by staying near Agata]

Luca: It seems that Agata was quite strict with raising her sons

Felicita: Like Papa was?

Luca: No, stricter. Papa would always spoil you up to a certain point, but Agata doesn’t

Felicita: Isn’t that too much…?

Luca: They probably just think of it as normal. So even now, they always do as much as they can for Nordia

Felicita: Having a parent that’s always strict…sounds a bit sad

Luca: Perhaps…

Felicita: Luca?

Luca: No…it’s nothing

Luca: Do you want to go somewhere? I’m free at the moment

Felicita: Sure, let’s go

~*Scene: Governor’s Mansion Balcony*~

Agata: You should try learning from Neve. A girl in love like her is a good model for you

Felicita: How so?

Agata: It’s a bit extreme, but she’s…a lady by day, but a harlot by night

Luca: Agata… Ojou-sama, it’s best not to talk with drunks

Agata: Haha, you’re treating me like you would Debito and Pace

Luca: Naturally! I’ve gotten used to handling drunks at least

Felicita: A lady by day, but a harlot by night…

Agata: Looks like she’s taking what I said to heart though

Luca: Ojou-sama is more like a berserker by day and a kitten by night though

Felicita: ? What’s that mean?

Luca: As in you’re a tomboy by day, but moody at night…or something like that

>Kick him

(+20 Amore)

>Ignore him

(No Amore)

Felicita: Hah!

(*kick)

Luca: Ow… that’s what I meant by a berserker!

Felicita: Ugh…

Luca: You really never show any mercy…ow ow…

Felicita: S-sorry…

Felicita: …

Luca: That’s what I mean by moody… There’s no pleasing you

Felicita: If that’s what you want, then try harder

Luca: …You might be right… I’ll put in a bit more effort then

Agata: *laugh*… I can at least tell that you trust each other

Agata: Luca’s easy to push around. So if you change, he probably will too

Luca: Agata, isn’t it time we move on to the heart of the matter instead of this pointless talk?

Agata: I’m sobering up, so not tonight

Felicita: Agata…

Agata: Oh that’s right. I’ve invited Vir to the dance party we’re holding tomorrow

Agata: Neve will be there too. Why don’t you talk to her?

Felicita: ……

—And then—

~*Scene: Governor’s Mansion Ballroom*~

Liberta: Ojou!

Felicita: Liberta…

Liberta: Tada!! The Masked Gentleman Pirate, Liberta is here!

Felicita: That’s a nice mask, Liberta

Liberta: Yeah! Nordia’s masks are so cool!

Liberta: And this party is sure lively. Are you going to dance?

Felicita: I don’t feel like it

Liberta: …What are you looking at? Wait, is that Neve and Luca?

Felicita: Yeah

Liberta: She picked him as her partner for while Vir was dancing with Agata?

Felicita: Looks like it

Liberta: If you don’t like it, you should say so

Felicita: It’s not…really that

Felicita: I just don’t like seeing Luca blush over what Neve’s saying like that…

Liberta: Ojou…it’s not really that serious

Felicita: …I’m going to get some air

~*Scene: Governor’s Mansion Balcony*~

Felicita: [I haven’t talked with Neve since that day]

Felicita: [If I did get a chance today…what would I say?]

Felicita: *sigh*…

Neve: …Felicita…

Felicita: Neve…

Neve: ……

Neve: I’m sorry…we should do this next time

Neve: …I, still don’t think I’m ready

Felicita: …You’re fine talking to Luca though

Neve: Luca’s a bit like me…so he’s easy to talk to

Felicita: Huh…

Neve: He…didn’t ask me about what happened

Neve: He just asked about my husband. And said it was nice that I had someone like him

Felicita: I see…

Neve: I think you’re…a bit like my husband…so I always feel more nervous around you

Neve: …And you’re like Sumire

Neve: Oh…my husband is calling. Goodbye for now then…

Felicita: (Luca’s…not calling for me. And there’s a bunch of women around him)

Felicita: *sigh*…

Felicita: Ugh…

Debito: What are you sighing for, Bambina?

Pace: You’ll sigh all your happiness away, just breathe

Debito: The hell is Luca doing making you look like this

Pace: Oh… Does that mean you’re jealous about something?

Debito: Yeah, he’s just Luca-chan. How is he getting all that attention!

Pace: That’d make you jealous for sure

>It’s not that

(No Amore)

>My chest hurts

(+30 Amore)

>Maybe I am jealous

(+10 Amore)

Pace: You really aren’t honest, Ojou

Debito: Someone’ll steal him away from you at this rate

Felicita: I don’t want that!

(*smirk)

Debito: *whistle* That’s love. It’s bittersweet

Felicita: Are you making fun of me?

Debito: No? I think this is great

Felicita: It really feels like you’re making fun of me

Pace: It is

Felicita: I didn’t know it was this frustrating…

Debito: Figuring that out is how you know you’re growing up

Felicita: I’ve been feeling weird lately

Debito: How so?

Felicita: It’s like I’m always thinking about Luca

Felicita: And when we aren’t together, like now, I’m always wondering what he’s doing…

Pace: That’s love

Felicita: Love…but I’ve always loved him

Felicita: I thought of us as a couple

Felicita: But…it wasn’t like this before

Debito: Do you feel that way about Papa when you’re apart?

Felicita: I only think of him every once in a while

Pace: I think hearing that would give Papa a shock

Felicita: I liked Luca before too, but I didn’t think about him all the time like this

Pace: That means your feelings have changed

Felicita: Changed?

Pace: Like, your love has grown I guess?

Debito: Basically, you love Luca even more now than you did before…Bambina

(*blush) Felicita: ……

Pace: How can Luca-chan not be around to see how cute you are right now, Ojou!!

Debito: What a shame for him

Debito: Oh, Luca looks mad. He’s coming over now

Pace: Look at him trying to shake off all those girls. Looks tough

Luca: Ojou-sama! Did Debito and Pace do anything weird to you!?

Felicita: Luca…

Felicita: [I get it…so it’s because…I love Luca even more now…]

~*End of Scene*~

(Continue to Luca Chapter 8)

(Back to Directory)

#luca #arcana famiglia #arcana famiglia 2 #chapter 7 #solar translations #psp game #translation #releases #agata being a drunk has to be the most hilarious revelation

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sumire-bride · 3 years ago

Text

sumire and shuu's route (demo) dark epilogue

((this photo will change to sumire and shuu soon))

scene is outside in the forest

sumire- ..londen bridges falling down.. falling down.. falling down.. londen bridges falling down.. my fair lady..-

hm..? (...oh..! what is this..?! is this a flower..? or.. i have never seen this type of flower before... it's pink.. hm..? there is only one of them... poor thing.. it's all alone..)

..do not worry dear flower... i will stay with you.. fufu..

*fwoosh*

sumire- er... (..what on earth was that..?! it is making everything move.. ohh.. this is what you call wind if i am correct... amazing.. i have only felt wind once... or twice i think... but it makes me feel cold.. i like that feeling...)

ah..! (..one of the flowers pedal came off... was that from the.. wind...? goodness.. even as one pedal it still looks so pretty...) ..haha... (...the pedal is really pretty..! oh..! i should go show shuu-sama..!)

*run run*

*scene is in living room*

sumire- ..shuu-sama..! shuu-sama...!

shuu- mm..? look who came and decided to ruin my sleep yet again.. you, what do you want?

sumire- ...look..! i was walking around outside and i found this really pretty flower and.. i believe wind came and it.. made this pedal fall off...! look at how pretty it is...!!

shuu- heeh.. look at that getting all exited over some useless pedal.. you really are annoyingly cute sometimes..

sumire- ...cute..? i will be cute if that is what you would like shuu-sama... fufu..

shuu- you decided to come and show me of all people that.. lewd women you just wanted my attention didn't you?

sumire- i am not lewd.. i am sumire..

shuu- ..i know that already.. you've been here for how long?

sumire- ...three weeks.. almost a month..

shuu- then why do you act like i don't know who you are..?

sumire- ...well.. you said i am lewd.. when i am not lewd.. my name is sumire not lewd.. nor am i lewd either..

shuu- you say that.. yet you come to me constantly to show me these things or to help you with troublesome things..

sumire- ....because i like shuu-sama.. he is very nice to speak to... so i will show him what i like.. or new finding...

shuu- mm...

sumire- ...

(...it is true.. i enjoy shuu-sama's company... he is lovely to speak to... or be around.. no one has ever made me feel such things... so i think it is only normal for me to want to show him things...)

...shuu-sama you look pale... how come..-

*reiji appears*

reiji- both of you, hurry and come to dinner.. i believe i reminded the both of you a hour ago to come at this time.. yet your still standing here.. tch

sumire- ...hm.. oh forgive me reiji-sama.. i forgot... come shuu-sama..

shuu- don't wanna..

sumire- ...but i would like you to come and eat.. you look pale...

shuu- getting up is troublesome... i'm to tired..

reiji- of course you would say something like.. you really are nothing but a lazy good for nothing person, just looking at you makes me sad

sumire- ... (...ena-nii said the same thing... to me when i was a child... is this reiji-sama complimenting him..? i think so... they must have a nice relationship...)

shuu- ..whatever.. your annoying just leave

reiji- fine.. i was planning on it being in the same room as you is quite sicking, kanashi sumire come on leave that good for nothing there

sumire- ...but.. i would like shuu-sama to eat... so i will wait till he is ready to come...

reiji- tut.. really? you want to wait for him? you really have strange taste.. that's not unusual for a human though

sumire- ...strange taste..? but shuu-sama is not food... i do not think..

reiji- haah.. honestly your both hopeless.. whatever don't go complaining to me when you say your hungry because you were waiting for that deadbeat

*he leaves*

sumire- ... (...stern.. very stern...)

come on shuu-sama.. lets go...

shuu- do whatever you want i don't feel like going..

sumire- ...do you want me to carry you there...?

shuu- like i said i don't care..

sumire- alright then... come.. on..

*rustle rustle*

sumire- ... (..if this is the only way to get shuu-sama to eat then i will carry him...)

..ah..!

*thumb*

sumire- ... (..he pulled me down...) shuu-sama... why did you do that... your too.. close to my body.. please remove yourself...

shuu- you really are a idiot... you actually thought i needed human food... i'm not looking pale because of lack of food.. i'm pale because i haven't gotten much blood..

sumire- ...blood... what do you mean...?

shuu- vampire's don't need human food...

sumire- ...then.. what do you need..?

shuu- ..it's not already obvious..? we need blood Rapunzel

sumire- ...er.. (...is that so... i do not know what to do.. i am not comfortable giving my blood to someone...)

..then.. i can give you my blood... if it means you can healthy... (...stop speaking... stop it.. you do not feel that way...)

shuu- ..your just gonna give up that easily... really pathetic, well just means less work for me

*shuu moves sumire's clothes to the side*

*shuu bites sumire*

sumire- ...er...!! (...i can not move... i want this to stop...!!) ...as long as shuu-sama is... gr.. healthy i am fine...! (...shut up... stop it... no more speaking)

shuu- even though you seem like a quite girl you really are quite noisy... it's kinda of annoying.. be quite.. hey.. you know that pedal you brought in.. kinda makes me think of you.. fragile just like you..

sumire- ... (...i hate this... i do not like this... get off... of me..)

(....why do i bother speaking anymore...?)

monolog

he pierced his sharp fangs into me once more,

his body felt like the wind, it was cold and it made me fall like the pedal i found

like the pedal if it lays in your hands long enough it starts to heat up.. my blood was heating up like a pedal

i guess we are alike me and the pedal

i think i have a new flower i like

pink tulips

--to be continued--

dark 9-- maniac protologue

#diabolik oc #sumire #sumire-bride #sumire route #shuu #reiji #diabolik oc route

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yenni19 · 3 years ago

Text

Unfortunate reunion pt7

Kawaki reaches the land of waves, its been three days he resides there and no sign of Himawari

Kawaki(frustrated): how do I find her in this crowd of people

He goes and asks several people if they seen this girl with a photo he carries in his wallet....no luck

Kawaki: this is more complicated than I realize

Suddenly he picks up on her signature...she's twelve yards from him....he doesn't recognize the face but its her he's positive it's Himawari

Kawaki(wispering): found you

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

Himawari is in town getting some necessary items to make pork stew....she enters the store to look for the items on her list

Himawari(talking to herself): so potatoes,geen onions, oh I almost forgot herbal seasoning....

Sarutoba: oh miss Hakara...hi how's your adjustment living in the country going?

Himawari: great its not what I'm used to but I'm managing

Sarutoba: we are having a celebration of our daughter's first birthday.....my husband's family will be there...we would love your company

Himawari(hesitant): I wouldn't want to intrude...

Sarutoba: nonsense...we would love your company...who knows you might find someone special...with that belly you will attract a good husband

Himawari: I'll think about it....

Sarutoba: great(gives her a piece of paper) here's the address....see you at five tonight

Sarutoba walks off happy that she ran into Himawari, she finishes up her list as she pays for her items

Cashier: fifteen forty miss

Himawari: here's twenty keep the change

Cashier: thanks miss...God bless

As she walks out she picks up on chakra signature....and not just any signature

Himawari(nervous): kawaki....but how...

Himawari tries to stay calm and walks in the opposite direction....suddenly the chakra signature gets stronger

Himawari: how do I lose him.....if he finds me it's all over....

She goes through an alley....suddenly the chakra signature disappears

Himawari(calming down): oh thank goodness...

Kawaki(appearing right in front of her): one advantage I have that you haven't learned is how to conceal your chakra signature while pursuing an enemy

Himawari(angry): what the hell...!

She attacks him as she activates her byakugan trying to hit chakra points

Kawaki(dodging the attacks): come on I didn't come to fight you...its useless fighting me when I know your moves....

Himawari finds a opening and sends him flying cracking the wall

Kawaki(coughing up blood): shit Hime...I didn't come to...

Suddenly Himawari disappears, Kawaki tries to stand but is unable to

Kawaki: shit! (takes out the phone to dial a number) hey....I found her......yeah.....ok bye

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

Himawari arrives home and locks her doors

Himawari(stressed): how is it possible (feels a slight pain in her stomach) oww...I'm sorry my precious (rubs her belly) it's ok....everything's ok....mommy's here

She puts the groceries away and starts making the stew, after it's finished she pours a plate and starts eating. After finishing her dinner she puts on a maternity dress and heads to the celebration

Himawari (arriving to Sarutoba's celebration): hi miss Sarutoba...

Sarutoba(excited): oh hi Hakara...you are just in time...drinks and snacks are over there and(nudging Himawari) there's two cousins of mine that are single...if your ready to mingle

Himawari(shocked): miss Sarutoba that's not necessary.....

Sarutoba: nonsense they both love kids (calling over her cousin) Hiram I want you to meet someone

Suddenly this tall red-haired handsome male walks towards Himawari and Sarutoba

Sarutoba: Hiram this is Hakara....she's new to the village...

Hiram(smiling as he extends his hand): hello...I'm Hiram Sarutoba...nice to meet you

Himawari(blushing): Hi I'm H-hakara...n-nice to m-meet you...I'm sorry if I'm acting wierd

Hiram(chuckling): it's ok I think it's cute...

Sarutoba(smiling): well I'll leave you two to talk and get along (winking at Himawari) have fun you two

Hiram(looks at her belly): how far along are you?

Himawari: I'm five months.....

Suddenly she feels a warm hand touch her belly

Hiram(smiling): I think it's beautiful when a woman is pregnant....its a wonderful experience

Himawari(red as a tomato): t-t-thank you, h-h-how kind you are to...s-s-say that

Hiram: do you stutter often?

Himawari: only when I'm nervous....sorry I'm usually not like this

Hiram: it's ok...I think it's adorable...along with the pregnancy (closes the distance between them) your very beautiful Hakari

Sarutoba(interrupting): Hiram how many times do I have to tell you....take it easy on the girls...no wonder they run away your too forward with them

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

Moments before the party

It took awhile for the anesthetic to wear off before Kawaki could move again

Kawaki(getting up): damit princess....you didn't have paralyze my ass

He stands and walks to make sure he could move his legs, Kawaki then continued to look for Himawari. As he proceeded through the forest for two hours he picks up a chakra signature

Kawaki(running through the forest): it's faint but close

He arrives at a small cottage in the edge of town, he unlocks the doors and enters the house

Kawaki: not bad of a hiding place (looks at the dresser and finds knitted boots and clothes) I guess you been busy (picks up the items) why hide the baby from me Hime....what difference would it of made if I found out....why didn't you consider my feelings about it....I wouldn't of cared as long as I can be with you

Shikadai (appearing out of the blue): then tell her that...and stop being arrogant it's a drag

Kawaki(angry): what are you doing here?

Shikadai: relax...I got here moments ago and just waited for Himawari to appear...but instead found you

Kawaki: I don't get it....why would she go to such lengths just to get up and go without saying anything....

Shikadai: isn't it obvious....she felt guilty of giving you any responsibility for the kid....so Himawari's best bet was just to disappear and start over...even if it is in a place like this

Kawaki(placing down the clothes): you know after I found out about her pregnancy...I was happy and shocked at the same time....but what angered me the most was the reason she ended things was because she was pregnant...(tearing up) I would of faced the consequences as long as I can be with her every waking moment

Shikadai: then go and tell her....and stop crying....its a drag

Kawaki leaves the house with Shikadai, suddenly he picks up a chakra signature

Kawaki: she's not far just east from her on the edge of town

Shikadai: I'll go with...knowing you...you'll blow your cover

They arrive at a party, but hide two yards away from where she was into the tall trees and find a spot ten feet off the ground to get a good view

Shikadai: wow she really is showing for five months....

Kawaki(blushing): she looks beautiful...

Suddenly the host of the party introduces Himawari to a stranger

Shikadai: relax casanova it's just...

Kawaki(angry): why the hell is she blushing and stuttering at that bafoon for!?

Shikadai: relax he probably makes her nervous.....

Kawaki: bullshit!...she's liking this!

Suddenly the stranger touches her belly while getting close and Himawari turns red as a tomato as she continues to studder

Shikadai: don't assume the worst.....

Kawaki (slams his fist against the tree): I've seen enough...I'm outta here!

Shikadai (noticing his friends distress): Kawaki wait....don't just go because....

Shikadai notices tears pouring down his face, he tries to convince Kawaki to stay but takes off in the opposite direction. Shikadai catches up to him

Shikadai(stopping him): look I know it looked bad but....

Kawaki(upset): how could she forget me that fast....was I not enough for her.....I thought she loved me!

After Kawaki threw his fit he buried his hands in his face and cried

Shikadai(stressed): what a fuckin sight...so is this your resignation of giving in and letting her go

Kawaki: what am I supposed to do...

Shikadai(being sarcastic): oh I don't know....maybe TALK TO HER....you have a bad habit assuming the worst without hearing the other person's story....you rather go on a rage strike than hear other people out

Kawaki: but she doesn't want to see me....

Shikadai: are you really that stupid...do you know how many times me and Sumire fought while telling me to go to hell...but I always found a way to fix things and I didn't give in to her threats...sometimes you have to assert your authority in order for them to hear you out...just explaining this is a drag

Kawaki(getting up from the ground): your right throwing a fit is useless....weather or not she wants to see me she has to hear me out

Shikadai: finally....you get it...now let's go back to her cabin to wait for her there....it will be awhile before she comes back

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

(Scene contains sexual language)

Himawari heads back to the house

Himawari(opening the door and turns on the lights and sees Kawaki in the rocking chair holding the booties and outfits as she closes the door): why are you here....how did you find me!?

Kawaki(placing the items on the dresser): I don't want to fight just listen....

Himawari(controlling her emotions): Didn't you get the hint I don't need.....

Kawaki(closing the distance between them): I don't care what you want! (he kisses her fiercely and let's her go) all I ever wanted was for you to give me an explanation

Himawari(crying): I was scared ok....I felt guilty about putting the responsibility on you so I left the leaf village....I was also scared of what my parents would of thought of thier pride and joy being pregnant by you...so I dumped you and left

Kawaki(embracing her): why do you always do things alone...I would of understood even if your parents were against it (he touches her belly) and besides you have me now....I'm not leaving you with him alone to raise

Himawari(carresing his face): I missed you....it hurt me even more when I left the village (places her hands with his while still touching her stomach) I won't lie I cried three weeks straight when I first got here....to be honest I wanted you to find me....

Kawaki(kisses her forehead): if I would of known sooner...I would of came to take you back home(he pickes her up as he takes her into the bedroom and puts her gently on the bed): all I ever thought about was holding you close and kissing you all over

Himawari(sitting up): then make love to me...

Kawaki(hesitant): but the baby...

Himawari(undressing herself): fuck me Kawaki.....when I seen you in the door way I already had in mind what would happen...and I'm already aroused(taking his hand and placing it on her breast) I can't hold it in anymore....

Kawaki kisses her intensely and strums her insides with his index finger, he gets undressed and enters her as she overflows with her juices she moans and grabs Kawaki's abdomen as he thrusts harder

Himawari(panting): Kawaki....I....can't hold out any longer....

Kawaki(kissing her): it's ok I'm at the verge already....

They climax at the same time and are holding each other afterwards

Kawaki(carresing her face): are you and the baby ok...

Himawari: yes...we are fine....Kawaki...I think it's time I go home now

Kawaki(smiling): yeah I know...but this time I'm gonna be with you....no matter what

Himawari(tearing up): yeah no matter what

#kawahima #anime #fanfic

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stellacolletore · 4 years ago

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08.31.2020

from tsukuba’s peak (falling waters have become) characters: tsukuba haruomi, mashima taichi/ayase chihaya, tsukuba akihiro summary: Haruomi knows Ayase-sensei’s no damsel in distress. That doesn’t mean he’ll stand by while a Bad Guy goes after her, though. notes: takes place when the 2nd of the tsukuba triplets (haruomi) is in his first year of high school and chihaya’s just been a teacher in mizusawa.

Haruomi might have been giving the wrong impression with his slit eyes for as long as he can remember, but those who know him know better. He’s a pretty perceptive guy.

It’s yet another quality that sets him apart from his younger and older brothers, who, at an earlier point in time, looked so identical with him that people mistake them for triplets. Now the only commonality they share with one another is their undying admiration for Akihiro-niisan. In a span of five years, Fuyumasa-niisan found soccer more of his league than karuta (which almost got him disowned by Akihiro-niisan, who then was the president of Mizusawa Karuta Club) while Natsufusa-kun’s attention was gradually stolen by the world of video gaming.

As for Haruomi, he stuck with karuta like their eldest brother, reaching Class A in his last year of middle school and studying so seriously for once with the hopes of entering the high school of his dreams.

Which isn’t Hokuo, he’d tell the recruiters sporting the well-known red shirt of Tokyo’s current high school karuta powerhouse when they scouted him last tournament. I’m going to Mizusawa High.

“But Mizusawa’s golden days are long over,” Haruomi remembered one of the recruiters snickering. To which he had replied defensively, “That’s going to change, though. Because she’s coming back.”

And Ayase-san has indeed returned, finishing her college degree and immediately applying for a teaching position at Mizusawa High School. She’s the defender of the Queen title for two consecutive years now, and is currently on her way towards─

“ ─making Mizusawa into a karuta powerhouse.” He recalls the brimming confidence in her voice on the first day of club meeting, finally understanding what Akihiro-niisan means when he tells him when she’s on your side, Ayase-senpai’s karuta gives your karuta a certain level of strength. Ayase-san─Ayase-sensei to him, now─certainly had been over the moon with his club membership. After all, Haruomi’s one of the Shiranami society members who grew in leaps and bounds before her own eyes.

Everything’s going well that when trouble finally entered the picture, Haruomi’s able to spot it in a blink of an eye. Or, to be more precise, spot him.

Likening the situation to one of the shoujo mangas Sumire-neechan rants about during break time back at Shiranami society, Yamazaki-sensei’s definitely the Bad Guy who goes after the Female MC with the sole purpose of threatening her relationship with the Male MC. (He shakes his head at the thought of his vocabulary being this much influenced by Sumire-neechan.)

Not that there’s an ounce of doubt when it comes to Ayase-sensei’s relationship with Mashima-san. They’d been going steady ever since their last year in high school, and Haruomi himself won’t be surprised if one of these days they’d suddenly announce their engagement. But still, this development is concerning. Call it a guy’s intuition, but Yamazaki-sensei looks like he’s after more than just being a karuta club ‘vice adviser’.

As if affirming his thoughts, Yamazaki-sensei asks, “Ayase-san, would you like to go out for dinner after practice? I’ve been waiting for that a few weeks now. Surely you’re free this time.” Glaring eyes instantly latch onto Bad Guy, ever protective of their undeniably beautiful─and undeniably dense ─karuta club adviser. As usual Ayase-sensei takes his question in stride. Innocently, she replies, “Ah─but I still can’t, Yamazaki-san. I’ve already promised to eat dinner with someone tonight.”

Yamazaki-sensei sniggers; Haruomi detects a hint of annoyance in his teacher’s voice. “Is this your ‘boyfriend’ again?”

He definitely wants to wipe that expression off Bad Guy’s face. It’s a telltale sign he’s about to say something obnoxious.

“How come we’ve never seen him around? Ayase-san, you know it’s not a good example for your students if you’re lying about dating someone when, in fact, you’re not.”

Haruomi had enough.

“Ayase-sensei’s not a liar! Mashima-san’s real, Sensei. In fact, he’s a better karuta player than you could ever be.”

“What did you just─” In a flash of anger, Yamazaki-sensei lunges at him from his seat on the tatami. Haruomi already has his fist clenched, prepared in case it needs to take a swing at his teacher’s face, but Ayase-senpai’s barreled into the space between them just in time. “Please don’t fight!”

Taking advantage of their momentary surprise, she addresses Bad Guy apologetically. “I’m so sorry, Yamazaki-san. We can get dinner next week─it’s just that tonight’s really one of the few times Taichi’s free.” Turning towards Haruomi, she softly reprimands. “Thank you for your concern, Haruomi-kun. But you should always remember to show respect for your teachers. It’s wrong to yell at Yamazaki-sensei, ne, Haruomi-kun?”

Properly chastised, both boys retreat their offensive stance. Pleased at handling the situation before it escalates (again), she claps her hands together, gathering the attention of the members previously watching the showdown. “All right minna! Time to go home!”

They soon disperse, his teammates on their way home and Ayase-sensei to her date. Meanwhile, Haruomi finds himself staring at the door of the teacher’s lounge, where Yamazaki-sensei is preparing his things before heading out of the school. As much as it annoys Haruomi, he’s still a man of principle; and as such, owes even Bad Guy an apology.

He’s already opened the door when his ears pick up on Bad Guy’s Obnoxious Voice again.

“You’ll see her, don’t worry. I’m not lying! She’s really Ayase Chitose’s sister! Yeah, she’s hot, too, all right. Didn’t you get the picture I sent you? Anyway, see you next week─yeah, she’s already promised to come. Okay, okay...Bye.”

What is it he’s about to do again?

Haruomi walks away from the room, his hand reaching on the inside of his bag. He opens his phone and dials a number.

“Onii-san, could you give me Mashima-san’s contact address?”

***

It looks like a normal practice meeting, with everyone expecting to go through the same routine. Except for Haruomi, who’s certain that things will be changing as soon as it’s over.

As expected, Ayase-sensei, with her ultrasonic hearing, notices him first.

Her head springs up from the match against Haruomi, eyes trained towards the sliding doors. Confusion mars her features, as if the sound she hears doesn’t correspond with her surroundings. Guilt pricks Haruomi for a second.

After all, asking Mashima-san to make a surprise visit to their club is also asking him to skip what obviously are very important classes. But this is important, too! His conscience immediately reasons out.

Mashima-san appears at the spot Ayase-sensei is looking at, and without missing a beat he hears his teacher gape unceremoniously. “Taichi! What are you doing here?!”

The abrupt mention of their sensei’s boyfriend’s name effectively wrenched everybody’s concentration away from the game. A yomifuda is read but everyone’s attention is on the very surprising, very handsome visitor at the entrance.

“Eeeeh?! ”

“Sensei’s kareshi?! That’s sensei’s boyfriend?!”

“Ikemen! ”

“Masaka…”

His teammates’ expressions are priceless, sure, but Haruomi is most amused upon finding Bad Guy’s eyes blown wide, skin getting paler by the second.

See, sensei? He’s real, all right.

Apparently, Mashima-san had a lifetime’s worth of encountering greetings like this, merely blinking at them before giving a slight bow. “Hajimemashite. I’m Mashima Taichi, Mizusawa High School alumni and co-founder of this club. Doozo yoroshiku.”

Haruomi then discovers just how much the girls of his karuta club are similar to Sumire-neechan when they crowd over him in a classic montage of high school girls fawning over handsome guys.

“You and Ayase-sensei made this club?! Sugoi!─”

“That’s so romantic! Ano, did you like her since first year─”

“How was Ayase-sensei like before─”

“Ikemen!”

“Calm down, minna,” Ayase-sensei implores. After the girls have listened, she repeats her question, this time with evident concern. “Taichi, why are you here? Did something happen?”

Mashima-san quells her worries with a reassuring smile. “Nothing’s wrong. It’s just,” his golden eyes proceed to sweep the room, locating Haruomi who’s been pushed at the back by his overexcited teammates, “your student there asked for my help.”

The implication behind her boyfriend’s words totally goes over Ayase-sensei’s head, but definitely not Yamazaki-sensei’s. Bad Guy is basically trembling in the corner and nothing has even happened yet.

Ayase-sensei’s face registers a brief moment of surprise, before lightening up. “I see!”

The reaction is equal parts endearing and frustrating, really. How Ayase-sensei manages to keep every bit of that childlike trust even in adulthood, Haroumi would never know. Nevertheless, she definitely has to pick up on some social cues before Mashima-san goes crazy with worry.

Thinking that the past Mizusawa karuta club President’s really only here to help out, Ayase-sensei wastes no time in having him observe how her students play.

And help he did, doling out insights on everyone’s game strategies. In less than an hour, his identity transformed from ‘Ayase-sensei’s gorgeous boyfriend’ to the ‘President who led the team to national championship’. Haruomi himself is knee deep in the practice session that he almost forgets Mashima-san’s true purpose for dropping by.

Almost, because even when a confrontation could be avoided if he just stayed respectful for once, Yamazaki-sensei’s Bad Guy streak doesn’t disappoint.

“It’s nice, really, when one is able to give good advice,” his Obnoxious Voice grates at Haruomi’s ears, “but I think it’s too extreme to call it incredible.” He gives a pointed glance to Rina-chan, who had just called Mashima-san that after a one-on-one consultation on card placements. “What’s incredible is being able to ‘show’ the ‘talk’, if you get what I mean.”

Tension immediately spikes inside the room, Haruomi and his teammates displaying looks of discomfort and annoyance. Teach him a lesson, Mashima-san! They mentally plead.

Mashima-san, an air of uncanny calmness around him, responds lightly. “I do. Say, Yamazaki-san, Chihaya’s been telling me how good a mentor you are yourself. I’d actually like to see how you play your karuta.”

Ego inflated, Bad Guy predictably challenges. “Why not have a match with me, then, Mashima-san?” He glances at the students, “The kids could take notes.”

Mashima-san places a hand on his hair, looking sheepish. “Ah, but my skills are rusty. Haven’t been playing much since entering med school.”

Irked at the girls rendered swooning at the knowledge that Ayase-senpai has a runway-model-level handsome, karuta playing, intelligent boyfriend, Yamazaki-sensei pushes on, “I’m sure you can put up a fight. I’ll go easy on you, if you like.”

Appearing unaffected by the blatant jab at his capabilities, Mashima-san checks his watch, nonchalant, before turning to Ayase-senpai for permission. “What do you say, Chihaya? Do we still have time?”

Ayase-sensei considers the request. She notes how a full match would extend their club meeting for an hour at least. Then, addressing the rest of the club, begins to ask. “Is it okay with you if─”

Not even waiting for the end of her sentence, Haruomi and his teammates answer eagerly, “Hai, Sensei!”

“O-okay then,” Ayase-sensei heads to the door, “I’ll just let Miyauchi-sensei know we’re finishing up late.”

At their teacher’s exit, Haruomi and the members promptly settle down. He hands Mashima-san a deck of karuta cards, whispering a plea at the same time, “Show him his place, Mashima-san. We really can’t put up with him any longer.” His Shiranami society senpai reaches a hand to ruffle his kouhai’s hair playfully, eyes crinkling with reassurance.

While shuffling the cards between him and his opponent Mashima-san suggests, “Ano, Yamazaki-san, don’t you think it’s more exciting if we bet on something? We used to do it a lot back then.”

Yamazaki-sensei, after a brief moment of surprise, agrees. “Hm, let’s see,” his Bad Guy mind tries to conjure a wicked request. “Okay...If I win, you’re not allowed to come here during practice hours. Sorry, Mashima-san, but looking at how the students are distracted and all over the place with today’s visit, it’s best if we eliminate anything that interferes with their concentration.”

Shouts of protests instantly ensue. Mashima-san simply laughs, finding their sensei’s rudeness amusing, apparently. With a certain gleam in his eyes, he replies, “As for me, I have one condition: Whoever wins this match gets the right to be the club’s mentor.”

Meeting his opponent’s shocked expression with an easy smile, he elaborates. “Of course, we can’t have Chihaya’s team settling for anything less than the best, wouldn’t we?”

***

Ayase-sensei comes back thirty minutes later only to find the room in complete uproar. “Sorry, I got held back─”

“ ─It’s already over?! Just like that?!”

“Sensei couldn’t even get one card…”

“Mashima-san’s the real deal.”

“Kyaaa! Ikemen, hontoni ikemen!”

“I WAS HOLDING BACK!” Yamazaki-sensei exclaims, face burning with obvious humiliation. He points an offending finger at Mashima-san, who had been coolly observing Bad Guy’s pathetic breakdown from his side on the tatami. “One more round, Mashima-san! I’ll be playing all-out the next round.”

“That’s fine with me, Yamazaki-san,” he says languidly, “but you’re going to have to place a new bet.”

“If─!” Bad Guy doesn’t miss a beat, “─I win, I get the mentoring rights back.”

“Mentoring rights?” Ayase-sensei inquires at Haruomi. He grins, “Mashima-san’s earned his place as your vice adviser as of the moment, Sensei.”

Ayase-sensei’s confusion doubles when she hears her boyfriend’s end of the bargain. “Then, if I win, I get to borrow your phone, Yamazaki-sensei.”

“His phone?! What are you going to do with Yamasaki-san’s phone, Taichi?” She asks, concerned at how Bad Guy instantly petrifies at Mashima-san’s words. The rest of the room is also stunned at the odd request. But his intention is perfectly clear to Haruomi, and he has to physically restrain himself from blurting it out in the open. Mashima-san’s got this. I have to let him handle this.

Haruomi sees Ayase-sensei’s boyfriend put on a bashful expression, looking much like a boy who’s had to explain why he’s acting sneaky. “You know those pranks where you hijack a person’s gallery and post something silly on their social media? I just wanted to try it out.”

Sufficiently manipulated, Yamazaki-sensei releases a breath he’s been holding. His teammates nodded in understanding as well.

However, Ayase-sensei only squints her eyes, clearly showing how she’s well caught up with Mashima-san’s lie.

It’s then that Mashima-san’s gaze shifts, connecting with Ayase-sensei’s and holding her in place. Haruomi’s familiar with that type of communication─it’s something that exists between long time friends or lovers. And since both apply to Ayase-sensei and Mashima-san’s case, it doesn’t take a minute before his girlfriend’s demeanor changes, too, having received the wordless message. She doesn’t prod any further.

The second match goes more or less the same, the only difference being Yamazaki-sensei’s resolve slowly crumbling at every card he couldn’t defend, every fault he commits. Gone is Mashima-san’s lighthearted persona, too, and Haruomi wonders whether this is what his senpai looked like when he was actively playing karuta back in the day. An image of Harada-sensei enters his mind right then, comforting Haruomi with the fact that Mashima-senpai’s karuta prime is still yet to come.

Contrasting the mood of the rest of the match’s audience, Ayase-sensei is looking troubled beside him. He even hears his sensei plead silently, “Don’t, Taichi.” Curiosity getting the better of him, he asks,“What’s wrong, Ayase-sensei?”

He gets a worrisome answer. “Taichi...he’s...using nasty karuta. The kind that makes your opponent want to stop playing. He hadn’t played like this since...”

Abandoning her explanation, Ayase-sensei shifts towards questioning him back, brown eyes pleading to understand.

“Haroumi-kun, what is it you’ve asked his help for, exactly?”

***

A conversation at Mashima Taichi’s car, moments after practice had finished and the karuta club members went on their way home.*

“Anywhere we have to stop by before I drop you home?”

“Eto...The pharmacy! And I won’t be going home tonight.”

“Okay...Let’s go over those one-by-one. What do you need at the pharmacy? Are you feeling sick?”

“It’s not for me.”

“For Chitose-san, then? I thought her acid reflux was handled already.”

“Not for her too. It’s for my boyfriend, actually. See, he’s about to get another migraine.”

“Wha─”

“I know you’ve been pulling all-nighters for the past week, Taichi. And if it were me playing your scary karuta a while ago, I’d be dead asleep by now. I might not be the one who’s going to be a doctor between the two of us, but I’ve been with you long enough to realize that even your superhuman brain hurts sometimes.”

“Glad to see how you’ve successfully bribed your way to getting my schedule from Nishinoya. Did you promise him an exclusive Daddy Bear merchandise?”

“That’s the thing. I didn’t have to, because he’s just as worried about your workaholic lifestyle as I am. Honestly, you have to look out for yourself better, Taichi.”

“That’s awfully ironic, coming from you, Chihaya.”

“...”

“Sorry. What I meant was─”

“No! Don’t apologize. You’re right. I haven’t been looking out for myself all that well, either. If I were, then you and Haruomi-kun wouldn’t be so worried, right? Enough for you to break Yamazaki-san's phone 'accidentally'?”

“...”

“In case you’re wondering, I can see why you’re both concerned about Yamazaki-san. He’s always acting...weird. But I thought that’s just because he’s new, and I shouldn’t pass up any opportunities that could help the club. Especially when I’m not yet the strong advisor they needed.”

“Chihaya...You’re already doing great. And I remember Sakurazawa-sensei telling you the same last time, too.”

“...Thanks, Taichi. I’ll try harder to remember that...Anyway, I’m going ahead and answering you next question: I’m not going home because I’ll be staying at your place.”

“But, as you know from your stolen copy of my schedule, I’ll be stuck studying.”

“Yep. Alchemy midterms, right?”

“Chemistry, Chihaya, it’s Chemistry ─You know what? Call it what you want.”

“That’s good, because it really sounds more interesting that way! But going back to your point─it’s my turn to look after you now, after what you just did for me.”

“And how can you help me with my midterms?”

“That’s what the painkillers are for. I’ll be busy nursing your headaches, baka Taichi. Which reminds me─can we stop at the grocery too?”

“Don’t tell me you’re going to burn my kitchen─hey, stop punching me! Cook, alright─Don’t tell me you’re going to cook again.”

“Whether you like it or not, I’m cooking. If I’m going to be called Mashima-sensei by my students in the future like what Haruomi-kun just did, I might as well start preparing to pass Mrs. Pressure’s standards, ne, Taichi?”

“...”

“See? I thought so, too.”

#*footnote: i ran out of strength for writing exposition sooo convo form it is #chihayafuru #taichihaya #mashima taichi #ayase chihaya #come talk taichihaya with me!#ESPECIALLY CHAPTER 229 WHAT WAS THATTTT FINALLY SUETSUGU-SENSEI HAHAHA

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shardweavers · 4 years ago

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Chapter Sixteen - Memories on the Tides

The trip from Lakeland had started out quiet. The fishing boat was a medium-sized ship, with a few cabins for a small crew. The trip would likely take the evening to navigate from the Source to Venmont Yards. Emet-Selch's money had gotten them closer to Eulmore, but that still meant going to the docks at the shipyard. The only way straight to the city was via an airship. While there had been talks of an airship route between the Crystarium and Eulmore, and visits from Chai-Nuzz to the Crystal Exarch, the implementation of the actual trip was still a ways off.

Emet-Selch had been first to board Dadfort's vessel. Shoto was next, then Yuki, and finally Sumire. The four split into two groups, each taking a crew cabin. Emet-Selch was assigned to share a cabin with Sumire, while Yuki would share a cabin with Shoto. The Viera stood firm on this arrangement, and took Shoto's bag from Sumire.

"We'll meet you in the kitchen where we can talk about what to do once we're in Kholusia. For now, go put your things away." Yuki directed, taking up a leadership role for the moment. Shoto let herself be led off to their cabin, not wanting to fight right now.

Sumire turned to look at the Ascian, only to wince and rub at his right eye. He looked away immediately, then headed toward the other cabin. "Come on, it's best to listen to Yuki when she's this insistent."

"I haven't anything I care to put away," the Ascian replied, not following after the Dragoon.

Sumire stopped, then looked back, making sure only his left eye could see him. "Then at least come choose your bed. I'll put my things on the other one and we can go meet them in the kitchen."

Hades looked to the Miqo'te, then gave a dramatic sigh as he moved to follow him. "Very well. I suppose you make a point."

* * * The kitchen, for what it was worth, was mostly just that; a table and chairs for crewmembers to eat while at sea. It served as a good meeting place, though, and Dadfort was currently making a bit of food and coffee for everyone. He had one crewmember with him for the trip, and had entrusted them with navigation above deck until everyone was settled. They had overheard Dadfort telling his First Mate that he'd take over once they'd left the Source and were into the Divide proper.

The four passengers sat silently around the table as the ship headed across the lake; Dadfort sat plates in front of Shoto and Yuki with a smile, then went back to get two more plates for Sumire and Emet-Selch. Shoto sniffed at the food before her, and her expression seemed to brighten instantly. It looked really fancy to her for a quick meal; crab cakes, with some quickly grilled mixed vegetables beside them. Yuki poked at her crab cakes with a fork as Dadfort gave the boys their food. Hades wrinkled his nose a bit at the simplistic meal, but Sumire looked impressed. His ears flicked and he moved to eat immediately. Shoto also dug in once the others had their food. Yuki sighed quietly and began to eat the vegetables; she watched the Ascian poke at the food as if uncertain.

"Venmont Yards isn't far from Eulmore," Dadfort broke the awkward silence. "It's the closest dock to the city, and the least distance you'd need to walk without an airship up." He brought a tray to the table with 4 cups of coffee, some cream and sugar. "We're heading straight there, but it will still take some time to cross the Divide to Kholusia. Whenever you get tired, feel free to sleep. Likely won't get there 'til morning."

"We're grateful for your hospitality, my good man," Emet-Selch smiled at the Galdjent fisherman.

"Least I could do is provide some food after making you wait longer for the ship than I meant to." He smiled and gestured to the coffee tray. "Please take your time eating. I'm gonna head above deck and trade off with my First Mate so's he can eat too." The captain headed off with another tray. It held two more plates and cups of coffee. He seemed a bit better now that they were on the water, though he had repeated that he wouldn't stay longer than simply dropping them off.

As soon as they were alone, Yuki used her fork to point at Emet-Selch. "What's wrong with your dinner? Not fancy enough for your exacting tastes?"

"You haven't touched the meat either, Viera."

"I'm still eating," she made a face. Sumire and Shoto silently looked to one another, then both reached for a cup of coffee; they'd eaten half of their crab cakes already. Yuki continued to watch the Ascian; he once again made an uncertain face, and used his fork to poke at what was on his plate... without eating any of it. Yuki ate the rest of her vegetables, leaving only the crab cake. She looked to Shoto, then to Sumire; both of them finished the crab cakes already, though Shoto was taking her time on the veggies. Sumire's plate was empty, and he held his coffee cup against him with both hands.

Yuki realized she'd never seen him turn down any sort of food, even if she felt unsure about it. She was also used to being last to finish... perhaps that was why she futzed about? There wasn't anything particularly odd about the crab cakes; she'd had them before in Limsa Lominsa. These did smell different, but they didn't smell bad.

'You're overthinking it, Yuki, just eat your crab! ' She silently yelled at herself. She started to eat her cakes with a frustrated pout.

Sumire blinked at her, then silently chuckled into his cup. His reaction drew Emet-Selch's attention; the Ascian raised an eyebrow as he looked between the male Miqo'te and the female Viera.

Shoto looked up from her remaining veggies, to Emet-Selch, then to Sumire, then to Yuki. She tilted her head; she didn't quite understand the look the Ascian was giving them.

"Did I miss something...?" Shoto bit her fork. Sumire looked over to her, then to Emet-Selch. He blushed a little as he looked back to Shoto.

"I just found Yuki's pouty eating funny, it wasn't really anything... vital."

"It isn't pouty, Sumire, I was just unfocused!"

"It also looked like a pout to me, Emet-Selch added, in a flat voice. Yuki glared at him, as she managed to keep herself from blushing too much.

The Ascian shrugged, then looked back to the food in front of him. It wasn't fancy, that was true, but neither was the sandwich he ate last night. He'd certainly eaten worse meals.

"You should eat too," Shoto pouted.

Emet-Selch looked up, then back to the food. No one else seemed to react to her words, and it had felt directed... maybe he'd just been distracted. He gave her a dramatic little sigh, then replied playfully, "Well, if you insist."

It had been an exchange out loud, but her feelings had pushed the point home. Yuki seemed focused on Sumire, who had finished his coffee and seemed to be staring at the cup. Emet-Selch made a show of forcing himself to eat, but it wasn't much of one; he found he liked the taste, and decided to simply finish the food.

The rest of dinner went on in mostly silence. When the Ascian finished, he stood up to leave. Sumire looked up, a bit of hesitance in his voice, “You heading back to the room then?”

Emet-Selch rolled his eyes at the question, “Fret not, the room is all yours.” The Ascian did not elaborate any further on his decision, he simply waved a hand as he wandered off.

Yuki frowned as she shook her head. The distrust of the Ascian was still clear on her face, but a tired look from Sumire caused her to frown. “Perhaps, it's best if we all retire to our rooms... we've got a long night ahead of us.”

Shoto nodded in agreement and scooted her chair back. "We should be sure to thank Dadfort for the meal and the ride in the morning." She smiled a bit, then turned to head off. Yuki and Sumire both made a sound in agreement.

The group moved back towards the crew cabins they were staying in. Sumire stopped at the one he was now staying in alone, as the two girls continued on to the further cabin. Yuki paused for a moment at their cabin door, then looked back to Sumire with concern. “If you need anything, you know where our room is…” A blush spread across her cheeks, “N-Not that you would... need anything from us. Whatever.” With a pout, Yuki stormed past Shoto, into their room. The female Miqo'te blinked, then giggled and waved good night to the male Miqo'te.

Sumire gave a tired smile in response, and pushed into the dark cabin. He barely got his door shut, then fumbled with his shirt as he stumbled over to the bed he'd picked earlier. He didn't so much crawl into bed as collapse onto it. Sleep encroached upon him quickly. His eyelids felt heavy as he almost instantly drifted off to sleep.

He could hear the ocean; at least, it certainly sounded like it; it was certainly a lot of water nearby. The smell was more enclosed, almost like a cave, but... drier. Sumire swore he had been in bed only a moment ago... he remembered crawling into it, barely managing to take most of his clothes off first. It felt like he was on something much more solid than that; a rock?

He could hear someone approaching wherever he was; hurried footsteps on solid rock, it sounded like. The person beside him moved closer to his ear, as their hand rested on his shoulder and arm.

"Theia, wake up."

I've heard that name before...

He felt hands on his arm gently shaking him, as the same voice repeated their call.

"Theia, you've been dreaming for a while now. It's time to wake up."

...dreaming...?

"Mmm, Khione, surely I couldn't have been away that long," Sumire heard a female voice answer. It had felt like he had spoken the words, but... he knew he hadn't. The male Miqo'te paused, as he felt someone help him sit up on the rock that he could feel beneath him.

This was so very strange... it was almost like the Echo, yet... it didn't feel right to him.

"Khione... did you happen to see my blindfold on the way here?" The female voice asked, as Sumire felt himself stand. "I lost it somewhere along the path here..."

"No, I hadn't. I'll help you find it on the way back, Theia." Khione replied, apologetically. "And if we can't find it, I'll just get you a new one."

"Thank you," Theia responded, as she took hold of Khione's arm.

This is... not... a dream... is it...?

Sumire realized he wasn't in control of the things he felt, heard, and said... yet... he felt conscious. It was very confusing. He quickly realized the sensations he felt were familiar to him; whoever 'Theia' was, she was blind.

He'd had to learn to sense the world the same way after he'd barely survived the dragon's attack. His right eye was completely blind for years, until he began training as a Dragoon. During that training, he had learned to sense aether and had regained a partial sight that vastly improved his reaction time. He then found he could also use the dragon's blood to see with his right eye more clearly, and that took moons to balance and adjust to.

...He hadn't thought about any of this in a long time.

His focus was pulled back as he felt hands running through his hair; makeshift combing. Yuki had done it to him before, when he'd made them late.

"Your hair is a mess , Theia." Khione's voice playfully scolded.

Sumire let out a breath, as Theia fidgeted, and he decided to relax, and see where this would go.

"That tends to happen," Theia reached up to fluff her own hair; short in the back, with two longer pieces in the front. She wore a slightly oversized robe, which she fixed, then pulled the hood of it up onto her head.

"We were to meet Persephone for tea, if you recall." Khione took Theia's hand to lead her forward. "She said she has someone for us to meet."

"Oh?" Theia perked up, and smiled, "Another star?"

"That's the impression she and Krystallos gave." Khione lifted her hands, and Theia cautiously tapped her foot to find a few rock steps down.

"I wonder what they're like."

"I'm sure they're as unique as we are," Khione said, her grin evident in her voice.

Theia chuckled as they headed along a stone path. She let go of Khione's arm, hurried ahead a few paces, then turned and slowly walked backwards. "I'm glad we were delayed in leaving again. I've almost memorized the whole city... it's such a big, wonderful place."

"You've seemed happier lately," Khione hurried her pace to match Theia's. "Perhaps tonight we could take a walk somewhere you've yet to memorize?"

"I'd like that," Theia smiled, then paused. She turned her head towards a sound and scent that were familiar.

"Persephone, we were just coming to tea. Whatever is the matter?" Khione sounded concerned.

"I'm so sorry. The person I wanted you to meet ran off."

"Are they okay? We don't bite," Theia joked.

Persephone chuckled quietly, then took a moment to catch her breath before she continued. "I don't know. There was a terrible sound, and he panicked. Krystallos went after him... I came to find you both. Have you heard or seen anything?"

"I didn't see anything on the way here," Khione trailed off a bit, thoughtfully.

Theia frowned, "I smell brimstone... and there was a deep growl in the wind." She turned her head into the wind, "The wind is coming from the... park, if I recall my directions."

"We should go," Persephone moved even as she decided. "Carefully."

Khione took Theia's hand, and moved to follow her, "If we find whatever made the noise and scent you caught, I'll find you a safe place for you to stay before I go to help Persephone. Okay?"

"Okay." Theia shifted her hold to Khione's arm, and they sped up a bit.

They hadn't run long before Theia slowed, and coughed. Khione turned to check on her immediately.

"What's wrong?"

"The brimstone smell," she coughed, then reached a hand up to her mouth and nose, "it's mixed with a smoky smell... and it's really strong." Another cough into her hand was followed by a deep growl.

"That sound came from that way," Persephone said, worriedly. "I can't tell if it's coming from the city or heading towards it, though."

"Theia, stay here." Khione hurriedly led her to a large, sturdy tree, then placed her hands on the trunk. "We'll go see what it is making that sound and smell."

Theia nodded, as she coughed again, then frowned. She felt a silk cloth placed into her hand, then lifted her head a bit.

"Take this, it should help with the smell that's bothering you."

"B-But... Persephone... isn't this... your scarf?"

"If it helps you, then I don't mind." Persephone absolutely beamed, as she gently pushed Theia's hand with the scarf. "Stay here, we'll be right back, okay?"

"Th-Thank you." Theia nodded gratefully, then hurriedly tied the scarf around her face to cover her nose and mouth. The smell instantly muted, and she no longer felt the strong urge to cough. She shifted to hold onto the tree, and listened carefully for any signs of trouble or anything she needed to run from.

Her thoughts turned to dreams, and she frowned; her fingers gripped the trunk a little. She scrunched her nose a little, then shook her head. "That dream still haunts me. A city of fire. Alone in the flames. Why do I keep seeing it...?" Theia frowned, then quietly rested her head against the tree. She spoke quietly to herself after a thoughtful moment, "Khione, I worry... is it... because of what happened... then...?" Her thoughts trailed off as she caught the sudden sound of splashing in the distance, followed by faint crying, and a whimper. "I wonder... if that's who we were supposed to meet...?" She turned her head a bit, then sniffed. "Hm...?" She sniffed again, through the scarf...

"Wait... This is near the gazebo we've met at before! I can smell that odd tree from here... even over the brimstone scent." Theia smiled a bit at her recognition, then left the tree. She hurried forward; one hand reaching out for a railing she knew should be around.

It turned out to be further away than she had expected, but she reached the familiar gazebo, and hurried up the few stairs to sit on a bench. The sounds of snarling and items breaking made her flinch, but she took a deep breath and closed her eyes to focus. Her left hand came up to hold her right shoulder as her head lowered.

Sumire felt a sudden shift, and flinched as he suddenly saw the strange vision. He adjusted quickly, and felt Theia relax here.

Before them lay a vast field of colors and shapes. He realized these places and images were distorted to him, but to her, they were perfectly normal... He felt they were things that brought her comfort. She knew precisely where she was in the space, and precisely where to go.

I recognize... some of these colors. They're the unchanging shades of aether for flora.

He touched the scar over his right eye.

...She can see... aether...?

He felt confused. It was how he balanced his sight, and therefore used all the time since he learned it. The dragon's blood helped balance the cost of that method, but came with occasional unbidden visions from the dragon. He knew Y'shtola was permanently blind from her time in the lifestream, and she used that method now all the time. So he wondered, if Theia could do it as well, why wasn't she always using her aether sight to navigate...?

He was solely interested in what lay before him. He no longer wondered what this was nor why he was seeing it, but instead, what would happen. Once more his wandering thoughts were interrupted, as he felt Theia stand, then walk over to a large, dark shape. She calmly reached out to place her hands on its head, as she quietly hummed what he recognized as a sort of lullaby. He didn't remember hearing it before... but it still felt familiar.

The big shape growled, then slowly curled up on the ground, as it fell asleep. Once it had stopped moving, Theia turned to hurry back to her seat, just in time for Khione's worried voice beside her.

"Theia?"

"Hmm?" Theia shifted towards the voice. Her arm lowered onto her lap, and pulled the scarf off her face on the way. Khione put an arm around her shoulders and gently pulled her in.

After some hurried scuffling, Theia heard Persephone greet Hades, followed by a soft sigh and a snap. She heard crackling of a crystal substance she associated with a cage, or a prison the guards would use on stray creations.

"Where have you been, Hythlodaeus?" Hades asked, exasperated.

"I went to get people to help transport the escapee back!" His grin was evident in his barely held-back chuckle. "C'mon, I knew you had it, Hades." He moved towards the sleeping, crystal-prisoned creature with a flourish of his robe. "And you did!"

Hades sighed, then also moved towards the sleeping creature. "It's quite strange that a wild creature like this managed to escape from Lahabrea's lab... I'll have to have another talk with him about letting experiments get away."

"Th-That... That one... w-was mine," a new voice spoke meekly. "But... I-I don't know why... it would be... here."

"Is that why you ran from the sound, Asopus?" Persephone asked, as she turned toward the two boys.

"I-I'm sorry. It... It was instinct. Th-The sound... scared me," he whimpered, "I thought I'd screwed up again... I-It should have been sealed in Anamnesis!"

Krystallos frowned, concerned, then hugged the younger man comfortingly. "It's okay, Asopus."

"Why was it sealed there ...?" Hades mumbled. The guards shrank the large crystal prison to a more manageable size, then marked it with a caution symbol before transporting it away. It had happened before, Theia knew exactly what they did. She wondered why something that large and potentially dangerous had been loose in the city in the first place, but the danger was over for now; she could always ponder things later.

Hythlodaeus moved to follow the guards, "I'll handle your paperwork, dear friend~! You spend the afternoon with your beloved!" He then chuckled as he hurried off. Persephone ran over to hug Hades in greeting, as Asopus reassured Krystallos he was better now.

Theia blinked her eyes open, then leaned against Khione tiredly. The older woman ran her hand over the younger one's short, blond hair.

Khione spoke quietly, a slightly scolding tone to her voice, "You know how much that takes out of you, Theia. Why didn't you wait for me?"

"I was worried!" Theia leaned her head towards Khione's hand. "It's okay, I knew where I was. I could smell the strange tree that's always in the park."

Khione paused, then looked around, "The strange tree...? There's no odd trees in the park, Theia."

"Yes there is, I can smell it. It's always here when we're here. It's very distinct." Theia took in a deep breath. She then pointed over towards Hades and Persephone, "It's that way. That strange tree is always here, so I know I'm in the park."

There was a moment of silence as Khione looked between Theia and where she was pointing. After a few moments, Theia hadn't changed her position nor said she was joking... and Khione laughed. She drew attention to the two in the gazebo.

Theia pouted, "What's so funny?"

"Theia, you're pointing at Hades," Khione barely managed between chuckles. She hugged the younger woman, who blinked, then took another sniff of the air.

"Hades smells like a tree?"

"Apparently to you. Oh, Theia," Khione continued to laugh, as Theia blushed, then began to laugh with her. She laced her fingers with Khione as she did so, then leaned into her shoulder.

Hades, Persephone, Krystallos, and Asopus weren't able to hear anything but the girls' laughter from where they were, but Hades had seen her point at him. He sighed again, then hugged Persephone as he mumbled about her odd friends. She just snickered in response.

"Are you sure you're okay, Yuki?" Shoto asked, worriedly; her eyes drawn to the unconscious Dragoon on the Summoner's back. Yuki simply nodded and gave an affirmative sound. "Any ideas what's wrong?"

Yuki shook her head, "No... there's only been one other time I had to carry him like this, but he was very sick then." She just continued forward as she replied. Shoto frowned, then hurried on ahead to keep pace with Emet-Selch. Yuki looked to Sumire's violet hair, and mumbled to herself. "...I'm just... worried about you, Sumi."

He whimpered quietly, and shifted. Yuki looked surprised, then cleared her throat as Sumire reached up to his head.

"Oh good, you're finally awake," Yuki spoke, which alerted Shoto and Emet-Selch to the Dragoon's movements.

"Sumire! Are you alright?" Shoto asked as she hurried back. The Dragoon flicked his ears, then lifted his head to look at her.

"Wh... Where am I...?" He looked up a bit, then sounded confused, "Kho...lusia...? H-How long... have I been... out...?"

"Since whenever you fell asleep last night," Yuki replied for her.

Shoto nodded, "We couldn't wake you up when we arrived this morning. You had us worried!" Her tone was scared, yet he could tell she was relieved to be talking to him. Sumire blinked, then frowned as he lowered his head.

"I... I'm sorry," he flinched, then reached to cover his right eye; his chin dug into Yuki's shoulder a little. Shoto gently patted Sumire's head, then hurried forward to keep pace with Emet-Selch once more. She relayed the info to the Ascian as Yuki shook her head.

The Viera slowed a little, to put more distance between them and the Ascian. "Are you really alright, Sumire...?" Her voice shook a little as she asked, despite her best efforts not to.

Sumire frowned, "I'm... not sure. I don't... remember much about last night. I know... we were on the boat. I remember feeling tired after I ate. I had," he trailed off, then lowered his arm to half hug Yuki's shoulders. "...I had a strange dream."

Yuki frowned, then looked forward again, "Was it one of those dreams?"

"N-No," Sumire stuttered, as he shook his head. He had always told her his 'bad feelings' came from 'the dragon's dreams'. They were what made him wary of situations... and helped them avoid trouble sometimes. This hadn't been anything like that, though... He looked up, then flinched as he looked to Shoto and Emet-Selch, "No, it... I-I'm sorry... for making you... take care of me."

"It's fine," she shifted him a little on her back, "We couldn't very well leave you behind."

"Y-You can... let me off... a-at the aetheryte shard near the entrance. I don't... I don't think I can... make the trek up to it yet." He let go of Yuki's shoulders with one arm, and once again held his head, favoring covering his right eye.

She frowned in response, then lowered her head a little. "Don't be ridiculous. I'll take the stairs up. We'll find you a place in the parlor to sit and rest."

"But--"

"No buts. I won't have you passing out again because you used the aethernet while low on aether."

Sumire blinked, low on aether...? He hadn't thought that might be the problem... was that... what someone had noticed?

Yuki noticed his silence. "Are you mad at me?"

"Why would I be mad...?" He lowered his arm, then looked down to the path. "I... I hadn't thought of that... being my issue. I should have listened to you when you noticed something was wrong... I'm sorry."

Yuki shook her head as they passed some familiar faces in Gatetown. Most people left them alone, though, even though they could see one of the group being carried. Things were still slow to change, but it didn't seem to bother the Viera. Shoto turned to look back at the two worriedly. Yuki simply nodded and gave her a small, reassuring smile to let her keep going. "Do you remember Ala Mhigo, Sumire?"

"Which... part?"

Yuki gave a nostalgic smile, then glanced at his face for a moment. She took a breath and looked up to the gates ahead of them, "I carried you for a long distance to keep us ahead of the Imperials. You were sick with that terrible fever, but we couldn't stay still. We were the last two left from our group, and they chased us all the way to Kugane."

"I... remember some of that... I was... very out of it then," Sumire mumbled, with a blush.

Yuki chuckled, then nodded, "I took care of you for a week, and didn't stop until we'd found a way to get to Doma..." She frowned, "I didn't want either of us caught... I was so grateful for the Doman Resistance. They didn't have to help us, but... they helped take care of your fever."

"I remember waking up to that Doman girl poking my arm," he mumbled into Yuki's shoulder.

"She was worried! You had been asleep for two days straight," Yuki chuckled, then trailed off. She looked down as they approached the steps up to the entrance of Eulmore. "I was... scared that would happen again. The way you've been acting lately... when we couldn't wake you after we arrived at Venmont Yards... all I could think of was that I had to get you to Eulmore. That Alphinaud might be able to help. Shoto couldn't find anything wrong with you." She briefly glanced up to the guards. They greeted the group as they passed through the door. Shoto and Emet-Selch headed off to head up the stairs, and they seemed to be caught up in a conversation. Yuki wasn't paying much attention to them nor where she was walking. She was distracted enough that she just kept going forward without stopping. Sumire didn't seem to notice either.

"Thank you... Khione," The Dragoon jerked as the name left his mouth. He reached up to cover his mouth, then sounded confused. "Wh... Why did I say that...?"

Yuki wanted to ask who Khione was, but she felt like she should already know that somehow, and never spoke the question. She stopped as she looked up to see they were by the elevator, and blinked. "Ah, I went too far. I wasn't paying attention." Sumire looked ready to be sick, with his hand over his mouth. Yuki looked a bit worn from their conversation.

"Good morning, ma'am! You seem to need the elevator," a Mystel guard spoke up, even as a Hume turned his head away. The Mystel turned to open the doors for Yuki, and gave her an apologetic smile. "This will take you the whole way up. Please relax."

Yuki heard the Hume grumble something, but it was incoherent.

The Mystel seemed to understand him though, then hissed, "Quiet. "

"Thank you," Yuki replied, quietly, and accepted the elevator trip. Sumire stayed silent until they were alone, on the way up.

"You can let me down."

"Sumire."

"I'll take my time walking, and I will sit in the parlor while you go find Alphinaud. If Y'shtola has arrived, I'm sure they're talking." Sumire shifted, and Yuki carefully let go of his legs. He caught himself on the elevator handrail, then leaned against the wall. "Thank you... Yuki. I didn't mean to cause trouble."

"Nonsense," she crossed her arms, as she stared at the doors before them. "I don't mind making sure you're okay... Sumi."

The Miqo'te Dragoon fidgeted, his tail flick back and forth thoughtfully. Sumire then looked up to Yuki, but couldn't find any words to say. He felt guilty for the trouble he'd caused, and that he hadn't told Yuki how he truly felt. His eye was making him dizzy, he was having trouble focusing, and he had felt more exhausted than ever after they left. His ears pinned back, "I didn't want anyone to worry about me... and... instead, I made you all worry about me more. I hadn't thought that my problems could be aether-related, I just... I thought I was doing something wrong. I tried to push through it and take care of it myself, but... that hasn't worked. I don't know what to do now."

"We'll figure out what's going on. Perhaps Y'shtola might have an insight to your aether problem. I'll ask her after we've caught up on everything."

"Yuki... I passed out on you when I was asleep." Sumire stood up, his tail flicked in annoyance with himself. "That's... That's not just a simple problem. I can't just try to sleep more and eat better."

"Maybe it has something to do with your eye," Yuki frowned, but she stayed staring at the door ahead of her. Questions formed in her mind; what she could ask of Y'shtola.

"I feel like I want to sleep for days..." Yuki stiffened her shoulders at his admission. Her ear twitched as he continued, "There's a part of me that's not surprised you couldn't wake me... but... that dream I had while unconscious confuses me. I saw..." He trailed off. Yuki finally turned to look down to him.

"...You saw what, Sumire...?"

"I saw... nothing. Except... near the end. I saw what looked like a hallucination. It was just... colors and shapes then. Everything else was... sounds. Smells. Sensations."

"That's... an odd dream."

"Yuki..."

"Hm...?"

Sumire flicked his ears, then looked up to her, concerned. His right eye was closed, as if it bothered him. "It felt like when I was younger. Right after I was hurt."

"When you... lost... your sight...?" She looked to his right eye, and he nodded once.

"They weren't sure if I'd be able to see again, so they covered both of my eyes until the wound healed. I lived like that for a few years. They figured that I'd been completely blinded and never bothered to check... I just... accepted that."

Yuki nearly forgot where they were, and turned to look at Sumire fully. She only knew pieces of his past. He'd never hidden the fact that his eye was technically blind, but she didn't know that much detail. "They eventually learned you could still see then?"

"S-Sort of. The Matron wanted to see if I could get rid of the blindfold. My left eye was very sensitive to light for nearly a moon until it adjusted to being used again. I felt very lucky I had retained any sight, but... it took a long time to adjust..."

"This dream of yours felt like that, then...?"

"It was the dream of someone who had no sight. Everything else was amplified to make up for that. The pieces I could see anything in, were so fanciful and colorful, as if the person had never seen what anything was really like, but... I," he trailed off, his tail curled the other way, and he touched his chest. "I felt like I knew what everything was supposed to be... even if I don't quite remember every little detail now."

"Maybe it was just your mind remembering something from then. You were unconscious." Yuki explained. Sumire shook his head before he had a chance to think about her reply, but he took a moment to think.

"I... I heard..."

Yuki tilted her head as he hesitated. Even she could hear the bustle from the Canopy as the elevator slowed, and glanced to the doors. "You heard what, Sumire?"

"...Emet-Selch."

The doors opened with a ding, as the elevator stopped. Yuki couldn't respond, as Shoto called for them, worriedly. Yuki took Sumire's arm to help him walk out of the elevator. He accepted her help and let her choose what seat he would sit in.

"I was so worried when I looked back and realized you two weren't behind us. I was going to take the elevator back down. Is everything okay?"

"Everything's fine, Shoto. One of the guards down below let us use the elevator to come up. We took the offer. I'm sorry we worried you." Yuki smiled. Shoto shook her head and sat across from Sumire at the table.

"Sumire, are you feeling better?"

"I-I'll be okay. However, I promised Yuki I'd wait here for you to find Alphinaud. I won't go anywhere, I promise," he smiled at her, reassuringly.

Shoto pouted a little, then nodded and pointed a finger at him. "Okay, but I'll hold you to that!"

He blinked, then smiled a little and nodded, "If I don't behave, I expect both you and Yuki to let me have it." He gave Shoto a small chuckle, then looked out to the ocean. He seemed immediately distracted, and the female Miqo'te stood up to look at Yuki.

"Any idea where," Yuki paused, then glanced around, "...where our other... associate... is?"

"He... said he didn't want to cause trouble up here... in case someone recognized him." Shoto frowned, then crossed her arms, "So he went back down for a walk. That's how I realized you two weren't behind us on the stairs."

Yuki frowned, disapprovingly. "I feel like we shouldn't let him out of our sight."

"He won't leave." Shoto immediately argued, then blushed slightly. "That is. He promised me he'd stay around the area before he headed off..."

Yuki frowned more, then looked to Shoto for a moment before she gave up for now. She looked past Shoto, "Alright, alright... but do we have any ideas where Alphinaud might be?"

"He may be in a morning meeting with Chai-Nuzz upstairs. We could ask?"

"Hey. Come to think of it... that guard said the elevator would take us all the way to the top, but it stopped here..."

"That's probably just a habit. It's been a long time since anyone could freely go upstairs, remember?" Shoto turned to head off. She spied Alphinaud heading over to the parlor with Chai-Nuzz and cheered up immediately. "There he is! I was right!" She wiggled her ears proudly, then turned to look at Yuki. The Viera had looked back to Sumire in the moment of silence. Shoto pouted, then tugged her arm. "Yuki, c'mon. Let's go check in with Alphinaud."

"Eh?" She blinked, then looked away from the Dragoon, and spied Alphinaud; who had caught sight of them across the way, and waved. Shoto happily waved back and headed off. Yuki hesitated, but followed her a moment later.

None of us meant for this update to take over a month. @_@; It feels like the time literally just blew past. But! Here's Chapter 16 for all of you lovely starlings. Angel's computer is having issues, so the art of Theia that she'd been working on for the Amarout portion of this chapter got lost. :( As always, thank you all for your support and patience!

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damnbrati-llkurusu · 4 years ago

Text

Too Bitter to be Sweet

Words:1468 -- Rating: T -- Goro Akechi x Akiren Kurumiya (Akira, Ren, whatever you want to call MC, dude has more names than a baby book)

11/18 - Friday

He pushed the cup away and asked, with narrowed eyes, for it to be bitter. There was a harshness to his words, and in the pause came a moment of clarity. Akechi chuckled, and with a polite flourish, as though attempting to alleviate the abrasiveness of the demand, stated simply: “please, I’m sure you can do it, you’re quite talented.”

Akira wanted to tell him there was no need for the façade, that they were the only souls within the walls of Le Blanc, and he already knew who Akechi really was. There was no reason for him to be the Second Coming of the Detective Prince when it was just them, he was performing for no one, an audience who was well-aware of what happened behind the scenes.

“Most people ask me to sweeten it,” Akira set the rejected cup to the side, no point in wasting good coffee, and went to work on making one more attuned to Akechi’s taste.

“Most people are fools,” Akechi smiled and rested his chin against clasped hands. Again, there came the chuckle, a boyish, attractive sound, his act resumed and persisting. “I’m only joking, it makes sense that people would gravitate away from bitterness, it being a sign of poison and all. I don’t hate sweets, but I’m not exactly partial to them, so maybe I’m the foolish one, I’ve just never been a fan of sugar-coating things.”

Akira nodded, handing him the new brew, and Akechi sipped, for a moment closing his eyes, contemplating the taste.

“That’s better.”

Akira placed his apron on the counter and went to the fridge for dinner. Curry sounded, as it always did, good. “Happy to help.”

A part of him didn’t like having his back turned to Akechi, didn’t like the moment of vulnerability where he couldn’t see what the other was doing. But then again, there was a thrill in it.

“Would you like to taste it?” the question echoed through the empty café.

Akira rose from the fridge. “What?”

The young man sat, arms crossed, smiling pleasantly as he motioned to the coffee. He repeated, his gaze as sharp as he wanted his voice to sound: “Would you like to taste it?”

Was it taunting that Akira was picking up on, or something else? He grabbed himself a plate before responding, not so much buying time as seeing how Akechi would react. Akechi watched him, each movement traced by an attentive glance, each shift followed with acute care. The following gaze was enough to bring a swath of warmth through Akira, but with a shake of the head, he pushed it down.

“I have my own,” He motioned to the rejected cup before he began to prepare his dinner and something within himself deflated.

“Of course,” Akechi’s gaze finally faltered, and he looked to the television, listening to the recent report on the Phantom Thieves.

Disappointment? He couldn’t quite…didn't want to think about why his cheeks flushed, why his heart quickened.

Akechi drank his coffee, his brow furrowing as he listened to the news. Akira allowed the dull drone of the television to fade into quiet as he ate his curry and sipped at the rejected coffee. Time passed and the cups were emptied, the OPEN sign flipped to CLOSED, but Akechi stayed, and Akira, despite it all, didn’t think to tell him to leave.

It was only time that made the detective rise, and maybe, only politeness that made Akira walk him to the Ginza line to catch the last train. The distance between them, though their hands frequently brushed against one another, felt larger with each step away from Le Blanc.

They stood, waiting for both the train and the other to talk. In the silence, uncertainty blossomed. The incoming train was announced, the whine of rubbed steel beginning to reverberate, when Akechi finally spoke.

“If you were to abandon the Phantom Thieves,” the words were nearly drowned by the shrill whine of the approaching train. “We could be allies.”

The words Akechi had said just hours prior still echoed in Akira's mind: "I'm going to be entirely honest with you: I hate you."

“Allies?” the train pulled to a stop and Akechi stepped inside, Akira’s words hanging between them. “In the Metaverse you made it clear you think of me as a rival.” Yet he knew exactly what Akechi meant, because in his back pocket, as though attesting for the truth of his words, Akechi's glove still lay patiently waiting for their next battle.

The doors began to close, and Akechi’s smile, small and barely there, was genuine.

Was real.

“It’s a thin line Akira.”

The doors closed and the train pulled away, and once again, they were separated.

1/15 – Sunday

Akechi waited in Kichijoji, umbrella in one hand, Styrofoam cup in the other as his breath fogged before him. Akira’s statement, if you wanted coffee, I could have brought you some, came before he even slowed to a stop.

Akechi didn’t laugh the way he used to, that fake boyish charm lost to circumstances. Now, he only smirked before gesturing towards one of the many, dark alleys. Akira followed him, sheltered from the rain by the umbrella, and neither spoke until they were shrouded in the privacy of darkness.

“Why did you want to meet without Sumire, she has a right to be involved in this, we don’t have much time.”

“You’re right, we don’t have much time,” the rain pattered against the umbrella, and Akechi’s voice seemed to lower. “What we’re discussing is between just us.”

A droplet of water dotted against Akira’s neck, and he stepped closer to Akechi. The smell of the coffee was alluring, but Akira’s eyes never left Akechi’s, their gazes locked, words curt and smooth.

“You’re usually so perceptive,” There was something like disappointment in his tone as Akechi raised the Styrofoam cup, shaking the contents. “It’s about this.”

“Coffee?”

Akechi nodded, and with a glint in his eye, asked: “Would you like to taste it?”

It was like that day back in Le Blanc, before the casino…before the ark…Just as it was then, life was about to change, whether that meant living in a presumed perfect world or living without…

Akira didn’t want to think about it, and instead of dwelling on possible realities he extended his hand towards the cup. Bitter coffee was the least of his worries and the look in Akechi’s eyes…this time, Akira wouldn’t, couldn’t, deny what he saw in their depths.

The mist of rain was cool against the back of his neck, and in the distance, there came the echo of the temple’s bell. Akira’s hand, for a moment, felt suspended in the air as he waited for Akechi to hand him the cup. With eyes that never left Akechi’s, he allowed himself to indulge himself, just this once, with the beginnings of flirting. He was already ten steps ahead in mind: he was going to take the cup, and, with a sip, make a small joke about an indirect kiss.

But Akechi was more forward than that, more apt to the logistics of wordplay. Akira’s hand was taken within his own, the cup dropped and spilling onto the pavement, as fingers intertwined themselves together.

Read the rest on AO3!

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kairi-chan · 5 years ago

Text

Snowed In For Christmas - BoruSara

Genre: Fluffy fluff fluff & humor!

Rating: T

Beta read by: @trolldockan thank you so much, love.

Happy Holidays, love! Here’s my Secret Santa gift for @ourlittlesecrethoney!

...

There was quite a line by the front desk, and Sumire had her sweetest smile on, accommodating the young kids and moms who were waiting for their turn to rent skates. Sarada, on the other hand, was waiting for the coffee to finish brewing as she whipped up another batch of hot chocolate and warmed some cookies. Working these machines were a piece of cake, and she would have finished the orders a lot faster if she wasn’t so distracted.

Over at the benches, a blond boy was on his knees, helping a little boy lace his skates. He had the widest and warmest smile and the bluest eyes she had ever seen.

Boruto Uzumaki.

He plays hockey on weekdays and teaches children how to skate on weekends. Boruto was the kind of guy everyone liked and gravitated towards, like the sun, as his friend Mitsuki calls him. Friendly, sporty, smart, and attractive. That’s Boruto. And Sarada had the dumbest luck to have a crush on him and be one of the girls he liked to flirt with. For kicks, of course. Because there was no way in hell that he flirted with Sarada because he liked her... Right?

“Sarada!”

She snapped out of her stupor and hurriedly turned off the coffee machine. Sumire was giving her a weird look and held up two skates. “Are you okay? I could use some help, please.”

“Oh, right.” Sarada picked up the slip of paper and began going through the shelves, looking for the sizes and bringing them out. The kids eagerly took theirs and ran to the bench, getting changed. Once the line disappeared, Sarada washed her hands and went back to the coffee, pouring it in paper cups and putting them on trays, calling out the numbers from the counter.

Just when the customer left, Boruto stepped up to the counter, holding up a pair of skates, all smiles. “Heya, Sarada. I think his skates were too big for him.” He placed his elbow on the counter and winked at her. “I think we’re just the right size for each other, though.”

Sarada took the skates and turned her back to him, fighting the heat crawling up her face, as she shoved them back on the shelf and got the right one. Taking deep breaths to calm herself, she got a pair in the right size and handed them back to him. “These should be right.”

“We could be right, ya know?” He faked a pout and an exaggerated sigh before heading back to the student.

Sumire hugged her from behind and whispered in her ear, “Is Boruto why you’re so distracted?”

Sarada rolled her eyes. “No.”

She giggled. “He’s so into you. Flirting with you all the time.”

“Everyone.” Sarada did air quotes.“flirts with me, just to mess with me.”

“You’re so cute when you get flustered, that’s why!” Sumire hugged her tighter and snuggled up behind her. “And so comfy, too.”

Sarada pouted and pulled out of her hold. “See, even you flirt with me to mess with me.”

“I never mess with you, Sarada.” Sumire batted her long eyelashes at her and giggled.

Sarada’s cheeks burned and she went back to the coffee machine to refill it. “Quit it!”

The afternoon went fairly quick, albeit not as busy as it was earlier when the skating classes were happening. Sarada found herself watching the people skate, holding in her giggles whenever someone would fall… and catch her breath whenever Boruto would skate by, laughing and smiling.

“Sarada, I’ll go now!” Sumire waved.

“See you,” Sarada waved, and noticed that it was snowing outside and that Sumire's hands were bare. “Hey, it’s snowing. You got a pair of gloves on you?”

“Oh, no.” Sumire's face fell. “I don’t.”

Sarada ducked down and picked up hers from her bag. “Here, take mine.”

Sumire’s brows lifted. “Are you sure? Your hands get cold easily, right?”

“It’s okay, I can manage,” Sarada grinned. “Besides, you walk a lot further than I do. You need these.”

Sumire smiled and took them from her. “Thanks, Sarada. See you tomorrow!”

Come closing time, Sarada cleaned up and locked up the money when the counter was approached. “No more hot chocolate?”

“Sorry, we’re closed…” her voice faded when she realized it was Boruto, holding onto his bag and dressed in his coat.

“No worries, can I take you to-go instead?”

She scoffed, but the tips of her ears burned. There he was again, flirting with her. “I��m afraid that’s a tall order.”

“I’m pretty sure I’m taller than you, Sarada,” Boruto chucked. “Perfect cuddling height for you, wouldn’t you say?”

Her lower lip jutted and she crossed her arms. “We’re closed, Boruto.”

“I know, and it looks like you’re done cleaning already, so let’s get out of here.”

"Wait, what?”

When Sarada didn’t make a move to go, Boruto prompted, “It’s snowing. I’ll walk you home.”

“That isn’t… necessary. You don’t have to.”

“I want to,” he smiled warmly and placed his bag on the counter. “I’ll wait for you to finish up.” He placed his arms on the counter and watched her move around, making Sarada feel so conscious. It didn’t make sense why he would, he never did.

The only time they really walked home together had been when Mitsuki and Sumire insisted they all have dinner before going home, and that’s when she found out they practically lived on the same street. After that one not double date, Sarada had been more aware of him and noticed Boruto more during her commute to and from home.

Once she finished cleaning, Sarada put on her coat and wrapped her scarf around her neck, piling it high enough to hide her chin. She searched for a few moments for the gloves, but then remembered she lent them to Sumire. Great. Her hands were going to freeze and Boruto was going to be there to witness it and make fun of her.

“Okay, let’s go.” Sarada slung the strap over her shoulder and walked around the counter. Boruto joined her and held the door open for her as she stepped outside.

The cold wind hit her face, and her shoulders shot up, keeping her scarf in place. She wound it a little tighter. Boruto was back by her side, he had a pink scarf on, but no hat, or gloves. He slipped his hands in his jacket pocket and smiled at her. “Shall we?”

Sarada could only nod and tried her best to stay warm as they walked. The sidewalk was slippery, and she walked a lot slower than usual, not wanting to fall. Snowbanks were piled high by the sidewalks, and there were barely any people out. The street lights cast a warm yellow glow, and the wind died down a bit, but the snow kept falling. She placed her hands to her mouth and blew on them.

“Feeling cold?” Boruto looked her way, blue eyes sparkling under the street light.

“A bit,” Sarada admitted, a small smile on her face. “I don’t have my gloves.”

His brows knit together as he reached out to touch her hand. Once he made contact, he grimaced and grab them into his. “Your hands are freezing!”

Boruto’s hands were so warm. Sarada’s cheeks burned and she ducked under her scarf, trying to hide them. They walked slowly, her hands still in Boruto’s, and occasionally, their hips and arms would brush. It did things to Sarada. It was not right that just by being so close to him would make her stomach do backflips and her heart stutter.

“Thanks,” she muttered. “Your hands are so warm. I can’t believe it. How are you so warm?”

He smiled softly. “I gotta stay warm to make sure I can keep you warm, right?”

Sarada rolled her eyes but smiled. “You’re always flirting with me. What is up with that?”

Boruto laughed. “Flirting? Is that what I’m doing? Well… is it working?”

She scoffed. “You’re unbelievable.”

“Believe it!” Boruto laughed again. “What? Is it really so hard to believe I would flirt with you? You wound me, Sarada. Am I not enough?” He pulled her hands closer to his face, holding them up to press against his cheek.

Warm.

Sarada had to look away, his eyes were so captivating, and she was afraid her voice would fail her if she got lost in them. She swallowed before responding. “You’re always flirting with everyone, I guess it can’t be helped. I’m just like the rest.”

“Flirt with everyone?” Boruto gawked. “Sarada, you really wound me. I only have eyes for you.”

“See!” She laughed. “There it is again!” She groaned, but that smile was still on her lips. “Everyone always flirts with me, to get a reaction, and whatever.” It was surprisingly easy to talk to Boruto. “I don’t get why else they would.”

“Because you’re beautiful?” Boruto looked at her like she had grown another head. “Come on, it’s not that hard to figure out. I mean, I see Sumire flirting with you all the time.”

Sarada rolled her eyes. “Oh, she does that to mess with me. You know she likes Mitsuki.”

“Mitsuki likes her,” he corrected. “She seems like she would jump at you if she hasn’t already.”

“Like how you would jump at me?” Sarada laughed.

“Only if you would let me,” Boruto smirked. “I’ve been flirting with you for months and you still won’t notice me.” He held her hands to his chest, and damn, it still felt warm. “What do I gotta do, Sarada?”

She giggled at his theatrics. Boruto was really so silly. Even if she knew he was joking, her heart would not stop racing. They were both having so much fun fake flirting and talking that they almost missed her house.

“It looks pretty dark in there,” Boruto gazed upon her home. “I thought you live with your parents?”

“Oh. I don’t anymore,” she explained. “They left this house with me and they moved out. They should be coming home for Christmas, though.” Sarada pulled her hands out of Boruto’s hold and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.

“There’s a coming snowstorm,” he mused. “I hope they make it.”

“Thanks, me too…” Sarada muttered. “How about you? Your parents driving in or are you going to them this year?”

“Nah,” Boruto stuffed his hands in his pockets. “They’re staying at my grandparents’ and that’s too far for me to drive to. I got one last lesson tomorrow before the rink closes… are you on duty tomorrow?”

Sarada nodded. “Yeah, I am. For closing.”

“I guess I’ll see you then.”

“Right.” She fumbled with her keys. “I’ll see you tomorrow. And thank you for walking me.”

His face lit up. “You’re welcome. I’ll walk you tomorrow too if you like.”

A smile formed on her lips. “Sure. That sounds great.”

Boruto laid in bed, phone on his chest as he stared at the ceiling. “She thinks I flirt with her just to get a reaction…” His voice was soft as if he was speaking to the wind. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “What do I have to do to get her to take me seriously?”

Boruto took his phone and went to the messages. He went to one of his group chats with his closest friends and asked for help. Which turned out to be a huge mistake because all they did for a solid thirty minutes was make fun of him and his conversation with Sarada on the way home. But hey, it was a start, right?

Inojin: You held her hand and called her beautiful. She thinks you’re playing her.

Shikadai: Do you really need me to explain why she thinks that?

Mitsuki: Does she like you, though?

Inojin: He walked her home and called her beautiful and she laughed. That’s a solid no.

Shikadai: What Inojin said.

Boruto: I hate all of you. I don’t even flirt with other girls.

Shikadai: Shall I send a list?

Inojin: Even if you check it twice, you’re still on the naughty list.

Mitsuki: Isn’t that why you’re friends?

Inojin: Shut up, Mitsuki.

Boruto groaned. This was a mistake. A big one. They did have a point though, didn’t they? Other than flirting with Sarada, Boruto did some small cute things to make her notice him… he always came by the counter to greet her and looked at her whenever he had the chance. Sure, she may not have really noticed the latter but… that was something, right? And walking her home in the snow? Come on, that had to be a ton of extra cookie points, but she still thought he was messing with her.

Boruto: What can I do to make her really know I like her? Seriously.

Mitsuki: Ask her out. Sincerely :)

Inojin: Eww. Just kiss her already.

Shikadai: Yeah, but make sure it’s a soft one. Don’t go all wild, now.

Inojin: What a waste of a kiss, just makeout. Have sex. Marry her.

Boruto: WTF. I don’t even know why I thought you guys would be of any help.

Mitsuki: Just be sincere. I’m sure she will see you like her. Or tell her point-blank.

Shikadai: Brave. But it would work.

Inojin: Lol. Boruto would never.

Boruto fumed at seeing the last response. He so would. It’s Christmas, and this would be the perfect opportunity. But telling her straight up. His heart leaped to his throat at the thought and he backpedaled. Okay. He won’t. That was too much. Kiss her… maybe he could kiss her. The tips of his ears burned just thinking about it. But it could work, right? Mistletoe kisses were a thing for Christmas.

Shikadai: You better not be thinking of using the old Mistletoe thing. Don’t be cliché.

Inojin: Eww Boruto. WTF.

Mitsuki: It might be cute, though…

He let out an exasperated groan. These guys were no help at all. Boruto threw his phone to the side and curled up, thinking of a million ways to tell her how he really felt, or at least, for her to take him seriously. He closed his eyes and sighed. Perhaps tomorrow, he would be able to think of a good way to tell her that he meant it.

Sarada looked out the window, her brows knitting together in worry. The snow was flying in all directions and the people in the rink hurried to leave. Those with cars packed up and drove out, in fear of being snowed in. The news playing on the news playing on the television wasn’t encouraging either, saying that the snowstorm had picked up and advised people to be cautious and stay indoors if they could.

It was Christmas Eve, and a lot of people were still driving around, getting groceries and driving home.

There was still a skating class ongoing, but some of the moms were already asking for their children to leave early. The rink manager, Konohamaru, decided to allow those to wanted to leave to do so. But only if someone was fetching them.

Sarada looked at her phone. Her mother was texting her, saying that the snow was so thick by their area and might not make it.

Sarada: Please don’t head out, it’s unsafe. Just stay home. You can come to get me when the storm eases.

Mama: I’m so sorry, darling. :( I promise we will drive to you the moment it clears.

“Hey, Sarada.” Konohamaru jogged up to her. “If you want to go, you can. But maybe when it clears a bit, yeah?”

She put her phone back in her pocket and contemplated whether or not she should leave now or not. But leaving while there were still people inside, and while the storm was raging? The latter made her decision easy. The probability of her tripping and falling flat on her face were far too high and perhaps the worse option. She didn’t want to think about it.

“Okay, sure,” Sarada smiled. “I’ll start cleaning, in case we need to go.”

“Sure.” Konohamaru nodded.

Stupid.

That’s what Sarada was. There was no denying it. She had denied a ride home and now she was stuck, snowed in. Konohamaru offered to give the rest of the kids a ride home, and she had passed on it because there was no more space in the car.

It was kind of her, sure, putting the little kiddies first. But now there was no way for her to get home with the snow piled high and the flurry still at it.

“Stuck too, huh?”

She jumped and found Boruto holding on to his bag, coat hung on his arm. “Boruto! I thought you left hours ago.”

He shook his head. “Had to make sure my students got home first, ya know? Besides, I noticed you were one of the last to go, too.”

“I had to make sure the kids left, first,” she muttered and then sighed. “But I guess chivalry doesn’t always reward you, huh?”

He grinned at her. “I get to be snowed in with you, I think that’s a great prize.”

Her cheeks reddened and she looked away. “Right. Still with the flirting.”

“Hey, I mean that,” Boruto pouted. “Oh, right! Aren’t your parents supposed to come over for Christmas Eve? Aren’t they fetching you?”

Sarada shook her head and sat down on the bench. “No, I told them not to come. It’s too dangerous.”

“That sucks… Sorry about that.”

“Christmas alone sucks,” Sarada agreed. “And we’re snowed in!” She threw her hands up in the air, genuinely frustrated. She wanted nothing more than to go home and get under the covers.

“Well… you have me.”

The back of her neck burned. Why was he always teasing her like this? Did he know she had a crush on him? If so, leading her on was so not cool. Slowly, she faced him and found a shy smile on his face. Her heart skipped and heat traveled to her cheeks. “Th-thanks.” Her hands clasped together on her lap.

“Are your hands cold?” Boruto looked at her hands and took them into his, warming them. “Not as bad, but still a little cold…” he rubbed them together and smiled at her. “Do you want a jacket? I have one you can use.”

“No, I’m good…” Sarada smiled. “Maybe some hot chocolate will help.”

“Oh, I want one, too. Let me help.” They both stood from the bench, but he was still holding on to her hand, only letting go once they were behind the counter. Boruto looked around. “It feels so different being on the other side.”

Sarada laughed. He sounded so silly. “It’s nothing spectacular.”

“It so is. At least, when you are here, it is.”

She nearly dropped the cookies. “Stop flirting with me!” Her heart was beating so fast it was making her feel like she might have a heart condition.

“I am not!” Boruto huffed. “I mean it!”

Sarada chucked a cookie at him. “No, you don’t!”

“What the hell.” Boruto ducked just in time. “Yes, I do!”

Her cheeks were bright red, and her whole body shook. Why was Boruto always like this? Playing with her feelings and whatnot. “You can’t possibly--” she muttered under her breath.

“Why is that?” Boruto raised a brow, walking closer to her.

“Because!” Sarada’s heart leapt to her throat. There were a million reasons why he couldn’t possibly like her.

“Because what?” Boruto pouted. “I don’t flirt with other girls, okay? Get that in your head.” He poked her forehead with his finger lightly. “Haven’t you ever considered I flirt with you because I like you?”

Wait, what?

“You like me?”

Boruto froze and covered his mouth, blue eyes wide. “I mean, like, you know, you’re so pretty, and not like like like, but like—oh shit.”

Her hand came up to her mouth. Boruto kept on stammering, squirming and trying to take back his word vomit. He looked so cute, blushing and all. It made Sarada smile and giggle. Crazy. This had to be some sort of Christmas miracle.

“I can’t believe it,” Sarada laughed.

“Wh-what?” Boruto’s cheeks still burned but he seized his spazzing. “Can’t believe what?”

Sarada stopped laughing and stepped closer to him, a warm smile on her face. “That my crush likes me too.”

His blue eyes went wide, and slowly a smile cracked on his face. “F-for real?”

“Yes, for real.” Sarada nodded, placing her hands on his chest.

“Woah—wait!” Boruto dug into his pocket and pulled out something green. He shook it a bit to straighten it and then hung it above them with his right hand.

“Is that…” she blinked. “Mistletoe? Where did you get Mistletoe!?”

Boruto chuckled. “I wanted to be original, but I could only think of a cliché way of telling you I liked you… for real, ya know?”

Sarada smiled at him and giggled. “I like that you told me straight up, even if it was an accident.”

Boruto chuckled and wrapped his free hand around her waist. “Can we kiss now? I’ve been wanting this for like, years.”

“Wait, year--” Sarada was cut off when Boruto crashed his lips on hers. She closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around his neck, raising herself up on her tiptoes to deepen the kiss. Boruto tossed the mistletoe away in favor or wrapping his other arm around her waist and lifting her up, making her squeal.

They broke from the kiss and she hugged him tightly. “Merry Christmas.”

Boruto put her back down on the ground and kissed her forehead. “Merry Christmas.”

“I guess this isn’t so bad after all,” Sarada giggled.

“Yeah, not bad at all. Hey!” Boruto pulled back just a little bit to see her face. “Since we’re stuck here, want to skate? We got the entire place to ourselves.”

Her big, dark eyes looked at him, and then shied away from his gaze. “I-I don’t know how to.”

“You don’t know how to skate?!” Boruto shook her. “You’ve been working here and you never tried it?”

She laughed and shook her head. “I was always too shy of the instructor.”

Boruto rolled his eyes. “All this time, I could have held your hand sooner.”

“And get me pregnant? No way!” Sarada teased.

Boruto laughed. “Yeah, certainly. Don’t worry, I’ll own up to it.”

Sarada pushed him away lightly. “Wear gloves, it’ll help.”

“And miss my chance to be with you forever? No way.”

Wow. Holding hands today and thinking of getting pregnant and married tomorrow.

They laughed as they picked out their skates and kept on chatting as they laced them and slowly walked over to the rink. There was a lot of awkward accidental bumping and Boruto’s teasing, but soon enough Sarada got the hang of it and they skated side by side after two hours.

Once they had their fill, their stomachs started to rumble, and they raided the cookies and sandwiches that were left. While Sarada prepared the hot chocolate, Boruto went through Konohamaru’s office and hooked up his phone, playing Christmas songs and dancing around with her. Boruto held her hand and twirled her around, before pulling her close and wrapping his arms around her waist, swaying to a slow yet sweet Christmas song.

“Baby it’s cold outside,” Boruto hummed along.

Sarada grinned and snuggled up on his chest. “I’m glad I have you to keep me warm.”

He chuckled and held her throughout the night. Perhaps being snowed in at a skating rink wasn’t so bad after all.

...

Thank you for reading my fic, darling. If you like my stories, please check out my profile and check out the link to my masterpost. I also have links to my FFnet, Ao3, Twitter and Ko-Fi.

#borusara #borusara fic #boruto x sarada #boruto and sarada #boruto #boruto uzumaki #sarada sarada uchiha #holiday fic #fanfiction #borusara fanfic #borusara holiday fic #boruto fanfiction

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twilightknight17 · 5 years ago

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Goodbyes! Endings! Fish! Yelling!

This ending wraps up better than the original, but still leaves some things.

There is so much in this game that one loop is absolutely not enough to see and do it all.

Where last we left our intrepid idiot, he was buying flowers for his White Day dinner date.

Surely I will be allowed to leave the mall and sell my stuff and visit the Velvet Room. After all, what if I spent every last yen on items to use against the final boss? I would have no money for flowers!

But no. I am imprisoned in the mall and Morgana somehow pays for the flowers. Hanasaki has no comment on this except to wish me luck on my date. Wow.

Sojiro, who the heck do you know that your name got us a table at a fully booked formal restaurant??

Okay so this isn’t the Skytree restaurant, but SOJIRO??

....yep. That’s me. Even when someone else’s wishes mean destroying my heart. Probably hypocritical to say that while I’m on a date, though.

So it feels like there’s more people you can talk to on the last walkaround. Not just your confidants, but random people in the street, and other named characters. Mika’s at Seaside Park, Takakura, from Haru’s social link, is in Kichijoji, Dietman Matsushita is in the Scramble, the little girl from Takemi’s social link is in Yongen with her dad...

.......you’re so poetic, Yusuke. That’s lovely.

Finally, an ad perfectly tailored to me.

Maruki’s friend is in Kichijoji, and wants to know if we’ve heard from him. We have not. We are not friends. But apparently he’s still alive, which... hm.

I’m tired of his crazy stuff, sir. I just want to see my friends and go on a roadtrip in peace, thank you.

I’d never noticed before that Morgana’s eyes glow if you use third eye.

.......

So if you go to the jazz bar, you can basically have the conversation with the manager from Proof of Justice.

He’s surprised when Akira says he doesn’t know, because he never saw Goro with anyone else. He’s also worried, because he hasn’t seen Goro in a while, and wants Akira to tell him to stop by. Akira is briefly melancholy, thinking to himself, “But Akechi is already...” But then he finds Goro’s glove, still safely in his pocket, and reminds himself that their fight isn’t over yet. The jazz manager says he’s looking forward to seeing you both come in together again.

It is, Morgana! I really want this sofa. This is my sofa. It was made for me; just look at it!

ARSENE. IF YOU CAN HEAR ME, I’M SORRY FOR FORGETTING YOU IN LOCKDOWN. IT WOULD TAKE TEN HOURS TO REVERT TO A PRIOR SAVE AND COME BACK. LAVENZA GAVE ME A KEY AS A GIFT BUT WON’T LET ME IN. IT’S NOT MY FAULT.

....is this why Ryoji’s Arcana is Fortune? XD

So you can talk to a random idol singer from a Mementos mission in Akihabara and

what the fuck is this. what bonus does this give me?

Sumire is not present for the final walkaround, which is...weird. No relationship trinket? That’s disappointing. Especially considering I got a gift from some random idol.

And now it’s time for the ending. The kids are worried about being watched/pursued by the suspicious black car, which honestly, I’ve had enough suspicious black cars in relation to Persona to know that whoever this is, is not good news, police or not. ;)

But instead of sabotaging their car, don’t worry, a taxi is here to take Akira to the train station while his friends distract the men in black!

......did you dye your hair??

Anyway Akira has no sense of self-preservation because here he goes getting in a car alone with this guy.

We are not friends. I am not fistbumping you.

He does drop Akira off safely. Akira’s friends swing by for one last speedy goodbye and then are off again on a merry chase, and Akira goes home alone except for Morgana, which I have...several feelings about. The game goes out of its way to demonstrate that Goro is still alive even if Akira misses seeing him, because the whole world is based on what each person sees and feels, and Akira fucking feels in his heart that Goro is still alive and will come back to him one day.

Time to open up the other save and burn two weeks to see the Palace failure condition!

...I still sort of want to do this over and rescue Arsene. It’s not like I have much else to do these days. I just want my unholy powerhouse Arsene for NG+...

Heck.

Anyway, I’ve also learned that having two weeks to burn with no other responsibilities is great for grinding stuff for the awards. I spent like a week straight at the fishing pond and have become a Fishing God. Did you know that there’s an even bigger fish than the Guardian? Fishing pond guy was like, “In this weather, you might see...him.”

Look at this ridiculous fucking fish. XDDDD

I also went to the batting cages and I still suck at batting, but I made it eventually. The home run award is terrifying.

Okay, still a few days left, lets go play billiards, since I never went and did that during the game. I guess I’ll pick up this billiards book this guy recommends, too. I dunno why I need to be better at billiards, though, it just gives everybody social link poi--

....what the fuck is this??? This only unlocks after you read the book? You can guarantee a knockdown if you have max technical rank?? You need at least four days, 2 books, and a really expensive pool cue for this??? Akechi’s only response to you pulling off some ridiculous curved shot is, “That was pretty good”???? I made it through the whole game thinking billiards was just some way to increase everyone’s social link at once????? Aaaaaaaah??????

Morgana gets very upset the closer you get to the deadline. “We HAVE to go to the Palace tomorrow!” Okay, but have you considered...going to the temple for meditation?

...oops. He’s already mad. X’D Meditation?

Now, now, honey, don’t worry, we can technically still go tomorrow afternoon and just send the calling card when we get back. It’s fine. Today I’m gonna hang out with Shinya. Everything is under control.

....Akira, NO.

Anyway, for all of Goro’s grumpiness, he doesn’t turn down an invitation to the jazz club. Hey, it’s only fair, darling, you took me out for drinks the night before the interrogation room.

It’s only right that I return the favor the night before I betray you in return.

You showed me this place, dingus. XD

...I am. Sorry, Goro.

Akira goes to sleep the evening of 2/2 wondering if he made the right decision. That’s the problem, ‘Kira, you didn’t make a decision at all.

“I wanted you to accept my reality of your own free will.”

DON’T LIKE THAT.

Lavenza trying to reach him and just...fading away is painful.

I will say without hesitation that this is the worst ending. To copy-paste what I said elsewhere:

Akira's sleeping in the attic. Presumably for months, given the cobwebs. Where are his friends? Fallen back into their own dreams? Did they just give in without him, forget about him, never wonder where he went, because they have what they wanted? And Goro didn't even have a dream, so he's presumably left alone in a world that he can't stand but can't do anything about because it's permanent now. Maruki can't even give him Akira, because Akira's asleep, and Goro probably feels betrayed anyway. Akira's going to sleep forever, forgotten by everyone who was supposed to care about him. Even if he regrets choosing the dream world in that ending, at least he's there.

I think what's throwing me off is Maruki's absolute insistence on not changing Akira and Goro's cognition without their consent. Putting Akira to sleep feels like a loophole, but if he really believes that Goro is just a creation of his power, maybe Akira's consent is the only one that actually matters to him.

He's only ever really concerned with asking Akira. He even says on 2/2 that he knows Goro's not going to be fazed by the idea of his life being in danger. But if Akira agrees to stay in the fake reality, Goro's happy along with the rest of them, even though there's no way he agreed with Akira's decision. Maybe Maruki's willing to alter Goro to match Akira's wishes because he thinks he's not the real one. As long as Akira wants the real Goro, he doesn't have to worry about being overwritten. But if Akira's sleeping...

Maruki’s so kind, isn’t he?

The true ending feels so much more like it would lead into Scramble than vanilla. Still being chased by the police? Yeah. Everyone splitting up and therefore being out of touch for months? Yep. Seeing Joker in the window? Meta-space is still there and ready to warp into a Jail at the slightest nudge. I don’t understand Atlus’s writing decisions.

That whole thing with Goro does mean they owe us an actual sequel. The game literally says their fight isn’t over.

Beating the game means everyone is in the Thieves Den now, so we get some lovely interactions like Sojiro contemplating the Mona copter, and Makoto warning Ann not to tell Goro that she thinks Loki looks like a zebra.

Also that idol CD is some kind of ridiculous bubblegum idol pop song on my music player now. For one coin. Oh my god.

So... I guess the last thing I want to mention is Maruki. Because he’s a great character. I want to punch him more than I got to. But, and I’ve talked about this with a friend, I cannot wrap my head around how powerful he is. Takuto Maruki is a human being with a persona, just like the Thieves, and there is no explanation for how he got that strong. Yes, his persona is an elder god that evolves into some kind of creation deity, but it’s still just his persona. It’s not like Nyarlathotep acting as someone’s persona while still being a separate, ridiculously powerful entity. There’s no indication here that Azathoth or Adam are independent from their user. So I’m expected to believe that this man awoke to his persona and was able to use a power on-par with the God of Control...just from himself? No deity or monster backing him up? Really? I know he made a career studying cognitive psience, but this is...a little much. Having Nyar around would have cleared that up just from his general presence. XD

Anyway, I loved it. I loved absolutely all of it even if Okumura’s boss fight was a bitch. I think I’ve unfortunately made the decision to go back for Arsene, so I’m definitely going to play NG+ after I take a break to play something else first.

There’s three bonus bosses and the Reaper left to fight, after all. ;)

#Li plays P5R #I'm only missing one trophy #the one for beating the Reaper #meanwhile the ingame award wants me to beat the Reaper FIVE TIMES #ugh XD

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comicgeekscomicgeek · 4 years ago

Text

Their Hero Academia – Chapter 66: See You on the Island

Presenting the next installment of my on-going, nextgen, MHA fic! Earlier chapters can be found here

Isamu took out his phone and waited for it to power back up so he could check his texts, eyes carefully scanning around the interior of the I-Island airport. The plane ride in had been nice enough and he wasn’t feeling particularly jetlagged. Granted, with I-Island being mobile, he wasn’t entirely sure what time zone he was in.

But even from the air, he could tell that I-Island was an impressive place. Several of his classmates had talked about it before and the past Expos that they had attended. Pretty much any Top Ten Hero got an invitation to the Expo, as well as other prominent Heroes, though right now most of them were rather busy in lieu of the Nomu attack on Tokyo and the follow-up investigation. The attacks had also brought a lot of more minor league Villains out of the woodwork, stressing the system further.

He still got chills when he thought about it and Deku and the rest were trying to find the serpent’s den that they’d spawned from. He guessed he still had a long way to go to being a Hero.

His phone finished booting up and he saw he already had a handful of texts. A couple from Kana Tetsutetsu wishing him well. These he responded to immediately, letting her know he’d arrived safely and that he would absolutely try his best to get her Godzillo’s autograph. Though the Kaiju Hero was long retired from both heroing and acting, he was still popular and a regular guest at the Expo.

There were also a couple from his parents, with Dad telling him he was proud of him and wishing him a good time, and Mom’s in all caps telling him to be on his best behavior and that she too was proud. He fired off a couple of quick replies to let them know he’d touched down safe and could talk to them later.

And there was a group chat with messages from Midoriya, the Iida twins, and Sero. Midoriya was traveling with the Togata family and Sero was traveling with the Iidas. He smiled a little. Apparently Tensei’s argument that if Midoriya got to spend the trip with his girlfriend, then he should get to spend the trip with his boyfriend had been convincing to Iida’s parents. Of course, after a long plane ride with Sero, they might come to regret that decision…

It looked like they’d already arrived and were waiting at the hotel. Now he just needed to figure out where that was. Someone from the Expo staff was supposed to be meeting him…

Ah, there they were. A woman a few years older than him was standing holding a sign with his name on it. She was of average height, but covered in soft brown fur with vaguely raccoon-like features, including ears on the top of her head, and had a large, bushy tail that was the same blue as her hair.

“That’d be me,” he said, as he approached her, dragging his rolling luggage behind him. He had a few changes of casual clothes, a suit for the formal dinner, and his costume for some of the Expo events.

“Good to see you,” she said. Her Japanese was good, enough to make him think she was a native speaker, though I-Island drew people in from all over the world. “I’ve just got to check…” She pulled out her own phone and tapped away at it for a minute, scrutinizing the screen before eyeing him.

“Just confirming you match the picture,” she said, giving him a friendly smile. “I’m Sumire Hiwatashi, with Expo guest services. I’m here to escort you to the hotel and I’ll be on-call for any questions or needs you have for the duration of your stay.”

“Oh, ah, thanks,” he replied. “Don’t really know if I’ll need anything once I know my way around, but ah, I appreciate it.” He definitely didn’t want to impose on anyone, even if that did seem to be her job, or part of it.

“Really, it’s no problem,” she said and gave him a conspiratorial wink. “Trust me, this gets me out of a whole lot of other jobs.”

“Oh,” he said. “Ah, good then?” He wasn’t sure how to react to that.

“Anyway,” she said, “if you want to follow me? We can go over the schedule on the way. As the U.A. Sports Festival winner, we do have a few events we’d like you to attend, but you’re otherwise free to go around the Expo as you please.”

He’d looked at the itinerary on the plane ride. It didn’t look too bad. They did want him to compete in the mock Villain course and there were a few other panels they wanted him at, but nothing too bad. Profile was pretty important to Heroes, though he still wasn’t sure how comfortable he was with that. Especially since so any Heroes seemed to go out of their way to cultivate their image.

He sent a quick text to Midoriya and the others that he was on his way and followed after Hiwatashi.

***

Isamu stepped off the elevator to see his friends and classmates waiting for him, all dressed in their Hero costumes, though Sero and the twins had forgone their helmets. He had his goggles on his head and bandanna pulled down himself. Midoriya gave him a friendly wave when he saw him and Isamu quickly crossed the lobby.

“Good to see you guys,” he said. “How was the trip in?”

“Great,” Sero said. He gave his boyfriend an affection elbow in the side. “Though somebody shot down by idea of sitting in the back of the plane and necking.”

Tensei Iida went several shades of red, his arms flailing through the air as he spoke. “That… that would have been highly inappropriate with my parents and sister on the plane!”

Sero sighed dramatically, burying his face in the crook of his arm. “If you don’t want to, you can just say so, you know.”

Iida continued his wild flailing. “I did not say that! I would be very happy to “neck” with you! There is no reason to put words in my mouth! I am simply seeking a sense of propriety and…”

Finally looking like he couldn’t take it anymore, Sero just laughed. “Relax, babe. I’m just winding you up. Though I’ve glad to hear you’re not opposed to a physical relationship.”

His sister broke into laughter, pointing. “Oh, oh goodness! You should have seen the look on your face, Little Brother!”

Iida crossed his arms, a grumpy look crossing his face. “It is a good thing you are adorable, or it would be much harder to be mad at you.”

“Wait, wait, wait,” Sero said, now flailing his own arms. “Say I’m adorable again. I need to get it on video so I can send it to Kimiko.”

“Doesn’t she have enough ammunition without you giving her more?” an annoyed sounding voice asked. Isamu realized there was someone else with his friends, a blonde boy of about their age, with glasses and fingers that seemed unnaturally long and possessed of an additional joint.

“Hey man, what’s your beef with Kimmie?” Sero demanded.

“You mean other than the fact that she somehow found out about my breakup and tried shilling me to every single girl in the school?”

“She was doing you a service!”

Fortunately, Midoriya stepped in between the two. “Okay,” he said, “we’re all here to have a good time. Nobody’s arguing. And nobody’s webcasting any of this. Or Instaglaming it or Squawking it or whatever.”

“Squawking isn’t a thing anymore, Midoriya. Only old people Squawk.”

“You know what I meant, Sero.” Midoriya shook his head. “Oh! Haimawari, I don’t think you’ve met Dave? Isamu Haimwari, David Togata. Dave’s a family friend and in the Support Course.”

“Nice to meet you,” Isamu said. He recalled Lemillion mentioning his youngest during his Internship with Deku. “Your dad brags about you a lot.”

That got a laugh out of Togata, though it had an edge of long-sufferingness to it. “I’m sure he does. Dad’s kind of embarrassingly proud of all of us.”

Isamu couldn’t blame him. One kid who was Deku’s sidekick, one who was one of U.A.’s latest Big Three, and one who, given he’d made it past the first round of the Sports Festival, seemed to be a Support Course star? What dad wouldn’t be proud?

Granted, Lemillion was definitely extra proud. Always bragging about “his genius son” and his “heroic son” and his “heroic daughter.” And also his “brilliant wife” and “amazing friend” and… He’d gotten the feeling Lemillion was always extra everything, so it was hard to judge any one part of it.

“So, ah,” he said, “I’m supposed to give the Villain course a shot, but after that, we can have a big look around?” He wasn’t real sure how well that would go. These days, he was trying to mix up his fighting style, between his mobility based attacks and his long-range blasts. But both required a certain amount of space and freedom to move. Depending on how it was set up, he could be in for trouble.

“Sounds good to me,” Midoriya said. “I wanted a shot at that too!”

…Maybe he’d let Midoriya go first.

***

On second thought, Midoriya going first was a bad idea, because the other boy was damn impressive. Isamu watched as the countdown timer sounded off and Midoriya instantly sprang into action. He took one step back, something Isamu had come to recognize as what was actually a pretty glaring tell, and jumped, negating most of his gravity. Just before he impacted with the nearest robot Villain, he twisted in midair so that he impacted with the robot feet first, increasing his gravity just long enough to give the impact some power.

Then, with the kind of control that Isamu envied, he immediately negated his gravity again and pushed off, flying through the air towards the next robot like a bullet. Midoriya had once explained that he’d copied the fighting style of someone called Gran Torino, a Hero that Isamu had never even heard of. He’d done a little bit of internet searching and found that almost no one had until a few years ago when the man had passed. He’d apparently even been All Might’s mentor at one time. But there’d also been a few sparse videos, including from final battle between All Might and All for One more than two decades ago.

He could definitely see the resemblance in fighting styles.

Again and again, Midoriya bounced from robot to robot, deftly avoiding their strikes and blasts, occasionally even bouncing off the faux rock walls. He was a constant blur of red, blue, yellow, and green, never even bothering to touch the ground.

In what seemed like too little time, Toshi finally did stop, deftly landing lightly, his hair slightly standing up from the lower gravity, until weight seemed to settle on him like a cloak. He looked up and gave them all a friendly wave.

“We’ve got a new record!” the announcer declared. “Toshinori Midoriya… twelve seconds!”

“Go Toshi!” Sora Iida cheered, hands sailing through the air. “Victory is yours!”

“Whoa!” Togata said, ducking under her arms. “Careful, Iida! Arm radius! Arm radius! We talked about this!”

She dropped her arms to her sides, looking apologetic. “My apologies, Togata. I was swept up in the passion of the moment.”

“I think she should make sure to give Midoriya a victory kiss when he gets back up here,” Sero said. “Then again, he might short circuit if you did.” He made a show of considering this, finger tapping his chin. “No, wait, you should do it. I can film it.”

“Is that all you think about?” Togata asked, sounding annoyed.

“Hey, you’ve got your sciency-stuff, I’ve got fame. You don’t see me poo-pooing your gizmos and do-dads and thingamabobs.”

Togata gave Tensei Iida a flat look. “And you’re really dating this.”

Iida shrugged. “The affairs of the heart are not nearly so quantifiable as the rules of science and engineering.”

Fortunately, Midoriya’s return broke up any further discussion or potential fighting, with the green haired boy landing next to them thanks to another gravity-powered leap. Immediately, Sora Iida threw her arms around him and even planted a kiss on his cheek, leaning Midoriya to blush furiously.

“I knew you could do it!” Iida beamed. “And a new record!”

Midoriya smiled sheepishly. “Thanks,” he said, still blushing. “If that was my prize, it was definitely worth it.”

Sero clapped his hands to his mouth. “Oh. Goodness. Midoriya just tried to be smooth. I never thought I’d see it.”

“For your information, Sero,” Sora Iida said, fixing him with a glare, her hands on her hips. “Toshi is very smooth! And I will not have you speak badly of him! Do you understand?!” There was a surprising undercurrent of a threat to her words.

Sero let out a terrified yelp and jumped into his boyfriend’s arms. “I understand! I understand! Don’t hit me! And if you do hit me, not in the face!”

Midoriya just watched it with the weariness of someone to whom none of this was anything new, then turned to Isamu. “You up for it?” There wasn’t any challenge to it, no “let’s see if you can do better” or anything like that, just one friend checking in on another.

Deciding that ignoring the show going on in front of them was probably the best bet, Isamu nodded. “Bring it on.”

***

“Next up,” the announcer said, “winner of U.A.’s first year Sports Festival… Isamu Haimawari! Let’s see what kind of mark this high speed hero can make! In three.. two… one!”

On the announcer’s final word, a buzzer sounded and Isamu launched himself forward, racing towards the nearest Villain bot. They were more humanoid than the robotic Villains they typically trained with at U.A., but still larger than the average person, closer to the size of their classmate Shoji. But judging by the rounds they’d watched before Midoriya’s turn, their human shape didn’t make them any less effective.

He poured on his speed and bowled the first one over, leading it to smash itself to pieces when it came down. With more speed, he raced up the nearest wall and then onto the ceiling, stretching his left arm so that he could fire energy pulses behind him, striking several more Villain bots with rapid shots and exploding them in a shower of sparks. He completed his arc and raced down the opposite wall, executing a high speed spin and extending his legs at the bottom, taking down yet another.

The next part was trickier, he needed to get going vertical as well, with robots stationed at the different points on a fake hillside as well as several right in front of him. He didn’t have Midoriya’s gravity jumps, but…

Carefully adjusting his speed, he rocketed towards the nearest robot, came up out of his crouch, the palms of his hands hitting the robot’s torso and letting him slide his way up and over it. As soon as he was on the robot’s shoulders, he pushed off with his Quirk, unleashing a repulsion blast from all four limbs. It had the dual effect of launching him forward and also sending the robot flying... right into the others that remained at ground level!

Sailing through the air, Isamu used a couple of controlled bursts to keep himself from flying out of control and landed right in front of the next robot. He launched himself forward again, racing counter clockwise around the slope, firing pulse after pulse. When he reached the top, he quickly realized he was going too fast to break and had to apply his adhesion power.

His momentum still nearly sent him flying off and he felt for a moment like his arms were going to give way, but they held. He crouched there for a moment, trying to catch his breath, before he was able to stand. Finally, he dared to look up to see his time.

Fifteen seconds. Still pretty good, he thought.

“And Haimawari takes second place with that time!” the announcer said. “Let’s give him a big hand.”

Above, he could see the crowd cheering. But more importantly, he could see his friends cheering, louder than anyone.

Maybe he didn’t win here. But he’d given it his all. And with his friends on his side, that was enough.

***

For Melissa, returning to I-Island was always like coming home. Small wonder, really, when for much of her life, it had been home. Pretty much her entire childhood had been spent here. Even after Papa had been arrested for his part in shutting down the island’s security and attempting to steal the Quirk Enhancer, she’d been so close to graduating that she’d been allowed to stay. She’d fully expected to spend most of her life here.

But then Uncle Might had called, not long after Izuku had graduated from U.A. He was giving Izuku Might Tower, he’d said, and wanted him to have nothing less than the best, including a dedicated and in-house Support staff. Izuku was one of the youngest Pros to helm their own agency ever, but he deserved it. Even here, they’d seen his battles against Shigaraki and the League of Villains. Practically the whole world seemed to have rallied around him.

Besides, Izuku had been an old friend by that point, not to mention a former long distance boyfriend. They’d dated for a little bit during his second year of U.A., and a little into his third, even gotten to see each other in person a few times. It hadn’t gotten very far before they’d decided they were better off as just friends, and friends they’d stayed.

If she hadn’t taken that job, she’d never have met Mirio (And boy, had Ochaco been quick to suggest she date him), never had her three amazing children… No, even if she got a little homesick for I-Island or America sometimes, she was always certain she’d made the right choice. Japan had been something of an adjustment, of course. On a per population basis, they had far fewer Quirkless people than most countries, of what was already an increasingly shrinking population. Add being a foreigner on top of that and well… Some people had not been particularly nice. But that was, for the most part, long behind her. As the brains behind the top two Heroes in Japan and a multitude of sidekicks, she’d more than proven herself.

Of course, she still made it a point to return for the Expo. But this year, it wasn’t just about that. The Expo was part of why she was here, but it also served as an excellent fact finding cover.

The door to the lab recognized her badge and opened to let her inside. Good. That meant that her friend had remembered she was coming and gotten her access. She stepped inside to a myriad array of half completed robots and other mechanical projections in various states of completion. A small smile crossed her lips. Some things never changed.

“Hello?” she called out in Japanese. “Jinsei? Are you somewhere in this mess?”

Jinsei Saika looked up from a workbench in the back, pushing goggles up onto his head. He was a tall man, about her age, with numerous scars on his face that stood out sharply, many of them long and jagged-edged. His dark green hair was longer and shaggier than the last time she’d seen him. He’d probably been “too busy” for a haircut again.

“Melissa!” he called out, grinning. He coughed hard after, but his tone was friendly. She knew his vocal cords had been damaged in the same incident that had given him his scars and that the damage made speaking difficult after long periods of silence. “How’s the smartest Qurikless person I know? Aside from me, of course.”

“I’m the only Quirkless person you know besides yourself,” she shot back in equally friendly banter. They’d been friends since their Academy days, their Quirklessness something that had helped them bond. Even if things hadn’t been particularly rough here, the shared bond of lacking something so many others reveled in had made them good friends. “And besides, I know my scores were better than yours.”

“It’s good to see you,” Jinsei said, definitely not rising to the bait. “How’s the family?”

“They’re good,” Melissa replied. “Mirio’s busier than ever, of course, especially with everything that went on, but he’s positive they’ll turn up the right clues sooner or later. And the kids are all here with me. David’s doing well in the Support Course at U.A., Nejire’s ranked as one of the top three Hero Course students, and Deku says Tamaki could go solo in just a year or two if he wanted to. Of course, he likes working with Deku and being his Sidekick, so even if he did go solo, he’d probably still end up just working with him all the time anyway.”

She was definitely proud of all her children. David took after her and Papa and was already inventing amazing things. Nejire may have had some occasional issues with making common sense decisions, but she had a heart bigger than almost anyone. Melissa had met her mentor, the Laughing Man, several times, and he always spoke highly of her. Tamaki wasn’t even twenty year and already well on his way to being an incredible Hero. She owed Deku more than she could ever repay for helping her eldest achieve his dreams.

“And what about you?” she asked. “Is there anyone or…?” She trailed off, aware she was treading into awkward waters.

Jensei shook his head. “No, no, there’s just me. But I have my work. And I have my friends. That’s enough.” His eyes darted to a small desk in one corner of the lab, adorned with pictures of Jensei and a smiling woman and two smiling children, a boy and a girl, neither older than five or six.

Melissa didn’t know how he carried on. If she lost Mirio or any of the kids…

He smiled ruefully and shook his head. “But you didn’t come all this way just to catch up, now did you?”

“If only,” she replied, pulling out a small thumb drive. “Mei and I have looked the remains over from top to bottom and come up with nothing. Even the best forensic experts the HPSC can offer hasn’t been able to find any major clues. We can match the DNA the robots were wrapped in to the Nomu corpse that was stolen when it was being transferred between secure sites, but that’s about it.

“You’re probably the best robotics expert we know, Jensei. Think you can help us out?”

“Something nothing all the Heroes and their friends can figure out?” Jensei asked. There was something slightly bitter and mocking in his tone. “I guess I’d better give it my best then…”

***

“You okay there, Haimawari?”

Isamu jerked and looked up and found Tamaki Togata in front of him, tall, blond, and muscular, wearing his costume. He gave the Sidekick a smile, rubbing the back of his head. “Yeah, just finding this all a little overwhelming. I’ve been to a few Hero-Cons and there’s Naru-Fest back home and all, but this is all just a little overwhelming.” He gestured vaguely to the crowd around them and the different booths offering Hero merch or Support equipment. The crowd was huge, with both Pro-Heroes, Sidekicks, Support developers, and civillians.

“Plus,” he added, “they had me on a panel with some other first place finishers from some other Hero Schools. Questions from the audience, that kind of thing. Wasn’t so bad, I guess, but even with the clips they had, U.A.’s is the only televised one, so…”

“All the eyes were on you?” Togata guessed.

Isamu nodded. Sure, Midoriya and the others had been in the crowd too, so he’d been able to get at least a little bit of reassurance by looking at them when he’d started to falter, but it had still been a nerve wracking experience. They were supposed to get media training later in the year, but that hadn’t helped him now.

He’d told his friends he needed a little time to clear his head and that he’d catch up to them later. In spite of their reassurances, he still felt like he’d made a total fool of himself. Asked about strategies, he’d credited Midoriya for the Obstacle Course, and just gone with “try not to get hit” as his manta for the rest. Not exactly the most inspiring story.

“Yeah. And the second and third year winners.” There had been Hiroaki Gushiken, from 2-B, who had the Quirk Mirror, which let him reflect things back at their source, and Ahmya Amamiya from 3-C, who had the Quirk Storm, which granted her localized weather control. Both so much more impressive Quirks than his own Slide and Glide, even with the newer tricks he’d been teasing out of it.

“Not used to all the attention?” Togata asked, seemingly sensing his discomfort.

He shook his head. “Not at all. Most of the time, I try really hard not to remember I was on national TV winning one of the biggest events in the country.” He’d made peace (mostly) with the fact that he’d won, accepted that while there was certainly some element of luck to it, that speed and quick thinking had made a enough of a difference for him to claim victory. Midoriya and the rest had pounded that particular item into him well enough. There was luck, but no one was that lucky.

Well, except perhaps for the Gambler Hero: Blackjack, who could warp probabilities in his favor. But that was neither here nor there.

Togata smiled reassuringly. “Trust me, it doesn’t get much easier when you’re a Pro or a Sidekick. If anything, there’s only more eyes on you. Especially the higher up you rise.” He chuckled. “Being the Number One Sidekick to the Number One Hero, and son of the Number Two, well…”

Right! Togata had probably been dealing with that kind of exposure his whole career. Even with a relatively simple Quirk that let him enhance the density of his muscle fibers for extra strength, he’d made quite the splash, winning the Sports Festival in his own third year. Though he hadn’t made much of an impression his first year at U.A., Isamu knew that Togata had later interned under Ground Zero one year and Deku the next, immediately jumping from that to a Work Study, and a Sidekick job right out of graduation. That kind of high profile circumstances had to come with a lot of eyes.

Togata led them over to a stand selling drinks, purchasing a pair of fruit drinks in souvenir Deku glasses. Even having met the man himself, Isamu couldn’t help but feel a little fanboy thrill. Okay, a big fanboy thrill. Exclusive merch was always awesome.

“Does it get easier?” Isamu asked, once they’d found a bench to sit and talk.

Togata gave that some consideration. “Yes… and also no.” Well, that was reassuring. “You get used to it, is more like it. Fame is part and parcel of being a Hero, unless you’re one of the Underground types. Making the news, merchandise, public opinion polls, the rankings, that’s something Hero society’s never really completely gotten rid of. But it eventually starts becoming part of the background radiation, rather than the most pressing thing. But that also means you never really stop being aware of the eyes on you. …Or of trying to live up to all the expectations put on you.”

There was something odd about the way he said the last part of that, Isamu thought. But Togata didn’t elaborate.

“But you’re a first year student,” Togata went on. “Even with your accomplishments so far, you’re got a lot of time to make a name for yourself, and a lot of time to figure out exactly who you want to be.”

“I really just want to help people,” Isamu told him. “My dad says helping people is one of the best things a person can do. He missed his chance at going to a Hero school, so he found other, small ways to help people. Still does. But I think there’s a part of him that still regrets missing his big shot. And I’ve got the same Quirk as him. So if I can do something, I should. Not for the fame or anything like that, I’d rather just be known for my good deeds. Maybe inspire some other people to do good because it…”

Togata was grinning broadly at that.

“What?” Isamu asked.

“Nothing,” Togata said. “Just… what you said just now, reminds me an awful lot of Uncle Deku”

***

“Really, dahling, your talent for circumventing security systems never fails to impress.”

Crouched in the hallway, many levels down in the main laboratory building of the island, with a circuit panel open in front of her, Rei Toga gave the masked woman next to her a grin. “How else am I supposed to visit Granny? Uncle Sho’ keeps trying to up the game so I can’t get in.” She grinned wider. “He ain’t beaten me yet.”

Miss Compress shook her head. “You do love your family, don’t you, dahling?”

“Well, most of ‘em,” Rei told her, before returning back to the job at hand. I-Island security had gotten a lot smarter over the years. Parts of it were still computer controlled, but they’d also tried to subvert total take overs with manual pieces. The League’s leader had made arrangements to keep the security cameras on a loop, but accessing this particular corridor beneath the island was entirely up to them. But it didn’t take more than a few minutes to bypass the lock, the door sliding open with a hydraulic hiss.

Miss Compress offered her a complimentary tip of her hat, then pointed down the hallway with her cane. If the schedule they’d memorized was correct, they had more than a good twenty minutes before anyone would be coming.

It was just her and Compress. Overrdive was trailing the island in a boat, carefully stealth screened, but Doctor Ursa and the other members remained back in Japan. But they had more than enough skills for the job at hand. Between her talent for subverting security systems and Compress’s stagecraft, they didn’t even need their Quirks.

Of course, they’d been told not to kill anyone they didn’t have to, which was a shame. She’d just gotten her knives sharpened! What was she supposed to do, not stab people? Why did she even have knives if she wasn’t supposed to stab people with them? Cut then open, set their blood on fire with her Quirk…

Sometimes, she just did not understand their leader.

Inside, the corridor opened into a large, semi-circular chamber, the outer wall lined with… not exactly cells—No one who worked here or lived in them would call them that—but they might as well have been. She hadn’t been surprised to learn such a place existed, merely disappointed.

“I dare say,” Compress said, sucking in a breath, “I didn’t expect there to be so many…”

“Ain’t that just the way of it?” Rei said, following her inside. “A buncha years ago, the government’s lockin’ people up for havin’ ‘dangerous’ Quirks, and now people’re doing it to themselves voluntarily.”

It was, technically, true that everyone here at the I-Island Quirk Research Center was here voluntarily. Most of them had nicely appointed rooms, televisions, books and other entertainment, and full contact with their friends and loved ones. Each and every one had made the decision to come here themselves.

For some of them, for those that had come from other countries, that might even have been true. For those who came from Japan, which seemed overrepresented in the occupancy, each and every one of them had also had it “suggested” to them by the Center for Quirk Research. And not in the kind of way you turned down. It was, in theory, kinder than they days of Plague and Manticore and the like, where having a “dangerous” Quirk got you locked up in a dank cell and the key thrown away, hunted by men like her grandfather until they caught you.

Each and every person here had a Quirk that made them dangerous to the world around them in some fashion. There was one who slowly and uncontrollably released cyanide gas. There was another who constantly generated a psychic field that made everyone around them fall asleep. There was yet another who was on fire all the time.

They had come here with the promise of protecting others from themselves, with the possibility that I-Island’s research into Quirks would eventually allow them to leave and live normal lives. And some of them could have been very useful to the League’s cause, but they would never have joined them. They didn’t believe.

They were not who they were there for.

Her eyes fell on a particular nameplate.

AYUMU SETSUSHI

QUIRK: DELIRIUM

#my hero academia #their hero academia #fan fiction #fan fic #my writing #isamu haimawari #toshi midoriya #takuma sero #tensei iida (THA)#sora iida #rei toga

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ikementally-deficient · 5 years ago

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Iron Chef Sengoku - Chapter 1

Fandom: Ikemen Sengoku

Warnings: None-so-far!

Summary: Date Masamune, Chef. Oda Nobunaga, former Chef with ambitions of TV stardom.

Tags: Cooking AU, Iron Chef

Author’s Note: ‘Kojuro’ was the common name of the head of the Katakura clan, who served as senior retainers to the Date clan. You recognise him if you’ve ever played everyone’s other favourite Sengoku warlord Otome, Samurai Love Ballad Party. Saigo Magoichi is a similar title for the head of the Saigo/Suzuki clan, and one of them apocryphally served in Masamune’s rifle troop. ‘Megohime’ was the wife of the historical Date Masamune. ‘Sumire’ is not, to the best of my knowledge, a name associated with any particular woman of the Sengoku era; rather, it’s the name of the lead character in my favourite josei manga, Kimi wa Petto/Tramps Like Us. My Sumire is not related to that one, but I do like the name.

According to the Diabetes Association of Canada and the Mayo Clinic, although onset of Type 1 diabetes is most common in juveniles, it can appear at any age. Development is not linked to sugar intake, but it does give Hideyoshi a good reason to get upset about Nobunaga’s candy habit.

**************

The kitchen of Oshu buzzed with activity and good cheer. It was nearing 11 pm, and the only station still working was the desserts, where Magoichi was artistically arranging several plates of wagashi. The dessert chef hummed absently to himself as he worked, oblivious to any scrutiny. The rest of the staff were wiping counters and sweeping up, preparing to close. The dishwasher sat ajar, waiting for the last diners’ plates.

Date Masamune leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed over his broad chest. It had been a good, busy night, and his cooks had performed admirably, as they always did. He nodded approvingly as Magoichi’s plates went past him to the dining room and moved to the centre of the kitchen. He’d never approved of the kind of plating and presentation that went on in haute cuisine, partly because of his own lack of patience, and partly because he felt sub-par chefs used it to distract from the mediocrity of their food. Wagashi was different; each tiny pastry was like a delicious gem, displayed to perfection to nourish the spirit as well as the palate. Magoichi’s wagashi were always beautiful. Oshu was lucky to have him.

“All right, lads!” He clapped his hands and smiled broadly. “The battle is well fought and won. Help Magoichi clean up and get set up for last call. Tonight’s special is curry udon and pork cutlets.” A cheer went up and everyone not already occupied with cleaning went to the open area at the back of the kitchen and started setting up a long folding table. Masamune adjusted the dark blue bandana keeping his shock of chestnut hair tucked inside his toque before striding out to the hostess’s station. Sumire, the senior hostess, was preparing receipts for the table currently tucking into Magoichi’s creations.

“Hey, Chef. No last-minute surprises. These guys look like they’ll be ready to leave in ten minutes. They’ve already told Kita they don’t want any tea.”

“Great.” Masamune rested his forearms on the riser of the hostess station. “We’re just finishing clean up in the kitchen, desserts was the only thing left.”

Sumire grinned. “What’s for dinner tonight?”

“Curry udon and pork cutlets. Your favourite.”

Her groan was both delighted and despairing. “If you keep feeding us like this, Chef, you’re going to have to roll me out of this restaurant some day.”

Masamune winked at Sumire. For all he fed her and the rest of the staff, the woman was a twig. “Maybe it’s my way of keeping my staff loyal. You can’t quit if you’re too fat to leave!”

Sumire giggled, then waved him away as one of the diners at the final table caught her eye and waved. Masamune chuckled to himself and wandered back into the kitchen.

“Kojuro, help me get the beer.” Katakura Kojuro, his sous chef, followed Masamune towards the walk-in fridge, where they grabbed two cases of Sapporo.

“Good night, eh?” The older man looked satisfied. Masamune grinned broadly at him.

“Good enough, and no dawdlers delaying our after-party!” As the men stepped out of the fridge, Masamune saw the table and chairs were set up and Magoichi had already started serving the curry. As Masamune set the case in the middle of the table, he could hear Sumire answering the phone at her station. “Oi, Sumire, tell them we’re closed and come get your dinner!”

When Sumire entered the kitchen a few minutes later, all the staff but Masamune had a beer in hand and a bowl of curry. Masamune had a cup of tea, which he raised in her direction. “Come on, lass, you’re keeping us waiting!”

“Sorry, Chef, that last call had a message for you.” She handed him a slip of paper with a name and phone number scribbled on it before accepting the beer Kojuro was holding out for her. She popped it open with practised ease. “He said it was vital you call him tonight, if at all possible.” Sumire slid into the seat left vacant for her and raised the bottle. “Kanpai!”

“Kanpai!” the rest of the table cheered back at her. Masamune took a swig of his tea and scanned the note as everyone dug into their dinner.

(011-271-6677) Oda Nobunaga

Oda? He hadn’t heard from Oda Nobunga since the man had retired from cooking two years ago. Now he was merely the owner of the Sixth Heaven, a step down in the opinion of any chef. By all accounts, his former sous-chef Hideyoshi Toyotomi was doing an excellent job with the kitchen there; Masamune had no idea why Oda might need to speak with him urgently.

He stepped away from the table, taking his bowl with him. “Carry on, lads! I’m going to see what this is about.” A few shouts of commiseration trailed behind him as he went to his tiny office and shut the door. He contemplated the number for a minute before shaking his head and opening a line on his desk phone while shoveling curry into his mouth. The speaker blared for a few seconds, then clicked.

“Oda.”

Masamune swallowed hurriedly. “Oda-san, Date. My hostess said it was urgent. Did Toyotomi forget to bleach a counter and give himself psychosomatic food poisoning?”

“Date!” Nobunaga chuckled. “Nothing so dire as that. This isn’t about the Sixth Heaven at all, actually.”

Masamune leaned back in his chair and rubbed a hand under his eyepatch. “Then what, Oda-san? Surely you didn’t call at closing time on a Tuesday night to reminisce?”

“Actually, my friend, I have a business proposition for you. Are you free tomorrow morning?”

Masamune sat up straight again. “You know I stay out of other people’s business propositions. Paying you back for Oshu was enough.”

“No, this is nothing like that. I’m not asking you for any money. In fact, if this goes well, you’ll probably get a nice bump out of it.” Nobunaga’s voice was replete with confidence. Masamune eyed the phone doubtfully, letting the pause lengthen. Finally, Nobunaga continued. “At least give me the opportunity to make my case in person, Date.”

A sigh escaped Masamune. “We open at 11 for lunch service. How long do you think you’ll need?”

Nobunaga hummed contemplatively on the other end of the line. “Can you come by my office at the Sixth Heaven at 8 am? Two hours should be more than enough and give you time to get back to Oshu.”

Masamune winced. Early rising was not his favourite activity, but Nobunaga had piqued his interest. “Alright then, 8 am. This had better be worth it.”

“Oh, I think you’ll agree it is,” Nobunaga answered smugly. “Tomorrow, Date. 8 am.”

Masamune put the phone back in its cradle. Whatever Oda was playing at, it’d probably be interesting, but eight o’clock? In the morning? His cellphone chirped from the pocket of the leather jacket slung over the back of the chair, and he jumped. “Shit!” He fumbled it out and answered the call.

“Masa,” a sweet soprano voice purred. “What time will you be coming? I’m getting bored waiting for you.”

“Eh, Megohime,” he smiled sheepishly and rubbed the back of his head. “Actually, something’s come up and I have an early appointment tomorrow. Rain check?”

“Aww, Masa-kun.” The soprano voice pouted at him alluringly. “You’ll make it up to me, right?” The last word had a wicked curl to it, and Masamune smirked.

“Of course I will. I know what you like best.” He let his voice rumble enticingly. “I’ll text you later this week, all right?”

“Oh, all right.”

Masamune flicked the phone off and dropped it back into his jacket before turning his attention to his cooling dinner, Megohime already forgotten.

********************************

At eight A.M., Masamune rolled his motorcycle to a stop in front of the Peninsula hotel. He cut the engine and cast his gaze up the 24 stories of the skyscraper. Pictures of the skyscraper lit up at night made it seem very dramatic and romantic, but to his jaded morning eye it was merely bombastic. Still suits Oda, he grunted to himself as he pulled off his helmet. A valet hurried towards him, bowing.

“Forgive me, sir, but your motorcycle can’t be left here!”

Masamune toyed with the idea of just tossing the keys to the valet and letting him figure it out, but the chance of damage to his bike outweighed the comic appeal. He sighed. “I have a meeting with the owner of The Sixth Heaven this morning. Where can I park?”

Name-dropping Oda got him directed to a private section of the underground parking lot, near a service elevator. He parked and carried his helmet with him, entering the elevator with several women wearing the uniform of cleaning staff. He towered above them all from the back, but would have stood out anyways in his royal blue moto jacket and leather chaps. He tilted his head enough to see the woman standing immediately to his right, and exaggeratedly winked his left eye at her. She blushed a healthy bright red and the rest of them giggled. When the elevator reached the second floor he exited, tossing a grin and a wave over his shoulder. More giggling and a few sighs were cut off as the doors closed behind him. He made his way down the tastefully silent hallway and ornate restaurant entrance, shaking his head. All this opulence made his teeth itch.

He stopped at a heavy wooden door with ‘Oda’ engraved on it at eye level and banged his helmet against it gently in lieu of a knock. The door clicked open immediately, opening to reveal a slender man with feral features and silvery hair. Masamune nodded briefly.

“Akechi-san. I’m here to see Oda.”

Akechi Mitsuhide smiled thinly and stepped back to allow him access to the antechamber. “Nobunaga mentioned you’d be paying a visit this morning.” He waved Masamune in. “Can I bring you a drink?” Mitsuhide was the head bartender of The Sixth Heaven, and served as personal mixologist for Nobunaga whenever his boss was running business meetings. His mind was as sharp as his ears, and he excelled at serving drinks that loosened people’s tongues. Masamune shook his head.

“You know I don’t touch it.” He was well aware of Mitsuhide’s predilection for sneaking sake into his cup. It would be far from the first time. The arch of Mitsuhide’s white eyebrow indicated amusement at the thought, but he waved a hand in negation.

“I’m well aware of your difficulties holding your liquor, Date-san, but I do have tea and coffee on hand as well. Nobunaga does want you to hear his proposition, not sleep through it.”

“Fine, green tea.”

“I’ll bring it in. Nobunaga’s waiting for you through there,” Mitsuhide indicated the door to Nobunaga’s inner sanctum with another languid wave as he moved towards the door that presumably hid the drink service. Masamune pushed through the door and into a smaller, but no less opulent office. Oda Nobunaga sat behind a desk done in tiger stripes of ebony and lacquer. The carpet was plush, with a geometric design in black and scarlet. The rest of the furniture was black leather. Masamune nodded in greeting as he took a seat in the swiveling armchair facing the desk’s owner, his chaps creaking against the cushion.

“Oda-san. Isn’t all this,” he waved vaguely at the room, “a bit much?”

Nobunaga was leaning back in his vast executive chair, and didn’t bother to sit up when Masamune entered. He shrugged a response, bringing a steaming cup to his lips. The smell of coffee hit Masamune. “Oh, it’s not very minimalistic, I grant you, but we are a Cantonese restaurant. Japanese restraint would hardly be appropriate.” He set the cup down again on the blotter. “Good morning to you as well.”

Masamune let his helmet roll under his seat and shrugged off his jacket, then leaned forward, elbows on his thighs. “What’s all this about?”

“Straight to business then? No more comments about my interior decorator’s work? Fine, then.” Nobunaga smirked lazily, then finally leaned forward. “I find that since stepping down as Chef here, I’ve been getting bored.” He paused as the door opened to admit Mitsuhide carrying a cup of tea. “I miss the challenge, and the --” he paused again, searching for the right word. “The performance of cooking.”

Masamune nodded his brief thanks to Mitsuhide as he lifted the cup to his face and sniffed the tea. No alcohol that he could detect, and the tea itself was high quality. “So, what does this have to do with me? You could step back into your own kitchen at any time. Toyotomi would never begrudge you the job.” He sipped the tea and squinted across the desk suspiciously. “There’s certainly no room for you at Oshu.”

This time Nobunaga laughed out loud. “No, no, those days are long past me. Time for the new generation to step up.” He pulled a remote control out of the desk drawer and pointed it at the wall. A black screen painted with a dragon in gold and scarlet silently slid upwards into a recess in the ceiling, revealing a television. The screen flickered to life.

A martial theme began to play as the words ‘Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.’ floated on the screen. The theme nagged as Masamune’s memory, but he couldn’t place it until the voice over started describing Kitchen Stadium. He stared at Nobunaga blankly.

“Iron Chef? You want to compete on Iron Chef?”

“Compete? No, didn’t I just say I was done with cooking?” Nobunaga shook his head in amusement. “I want to remake Iron Chef.”

Masamune burst out laughing. “With yourself as the owner of Kitchen Stadium, I assume?”

“Indeed. I think I’d make an excellent Chairman, don’t you?”

“You’re certainly hammy enough for it.”

“I think the title of Chairman is played out, though.” Nobunaga gave his guest a significant look. “I prefer . . . Shogun.”

“Shogun Oda. It has a good ring to it. And the chefs would be your daimyos?”

“I think it fits the level of drama the series needs.” Nobunaga leaned back again and gestured expansively. “I want to do the entire series in a Sengoku theme. Shogun, daimyo, samurai chefs, over-the-top uniforms, the whole nine yards.”

“I like it! Everyone enjoys a good historical drama.”

“We’ll update the format a little too. The old one-on-one competition lacks flair. Audiences these days prefer continuity. I’m planning a five episode series, with four Iron Chefs and two competitors. Each episode will have both contenders against one Chef, and then against each other at the end. There’ll be a running ranking, with the winner announced at the end of the series.” Nobunaga clasped his hands together over his stomach. “What do you think?”

“It’s a good plan. But,” Masamune set down his tea cup. “You still haven’t explained why I’m here.”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Nobunaga lifted an eyebrow and smirked at him. “I want you to be one of the Iron Chefs. The most important one, even, since Japanese is your specialty.”

“Huh. And who else have you signed on to this?”

“You’re the first I’ve approached. I trust no one else with our national cuisine.”

Masamune grunted skeptically at that. “You mean, you don’t have enough dirt on anyone else to twist their arm.” His dry tone belied his rising interest.

“Come now, Masamune.” Nobunaga leaned forward. “Your debt to me is cleared, you know that. I invited you here as a respected peer, not a vassal.”

Masamune leaned back himself, considering. For all he mocked Oda’s hamminess, he was self-aware enough to know how much he himself enjoyed the spotlight. He rested his chin on his right hand, feeling the faint scar under the edge of his eyepatch. “It’s tempting . . . ” A television series, a few new fangirls, a little extra fame for Oshu-- That last thought brought him back to reality. “But I can’t. Oshu is too busy these days. I can’t afford to take the time away from the kitchen.”

“Are you sure?” Nobunaga narrowed his eyes. “You know Katakura has more than enough experience to keep Oshu on an even keel for the few months this would take.” The older man was right, of course. Kojuro had taught Masamune most of what he knew about running a kitchen, starting from the day Date Terumune had brought his second son into the kitchen of Date’s.

Masamune shook his head regretfully. Oshu was his responsibility, not Kojuro’s. He hated the idea of not being there to care for his staff. “Maybe next year.” He gripped the arms of the chair, preparing to stand up.

Nobunaga dipped his chin, frowning a little, but didn’t argue further. “Very well. It’s a shame, we could have used you. The audience would appreciate your charisma.” He clicked a few buttons on the remote, and the old episode of Iron Chef was replaced by a woman in kitchen whites, hair tucked into a tight bun under her cap. “Before you go, at least, would you review this audition tape for me? The woman’s name is Mizusaki Mai, and her specialty is Japanese as well.” He hit ‘play’ without waiting for an answer.

The woman onscreen bowed to the camera and smiled brightly while introducing herself. Masamune retrieved his tea and sipped it. She was cute, certainly, and lively, but it wasn’t until she mentioned bringing Ainu cuisine into mainstream Japanese cooking that he really started to pay attention. She spoke passionately about the need to preserve the minority culture and retain its lessons of simplicity and efficiency in nutrition in the modern day of empty flamboyance.

Simplicity and efficiency, and somehow she’s caught Oda’s eye? Masamune looked across the desk as the video ended with the woman bowing again. “I appreciate her philosophy, certainly. Where did you find her?”

Nobunaga looked serious. “You know why I retired from cooking?” He opened another drawer in his desk and removed what appeared to be a leather shaving kit. Masamune shook his head, but stayed silent. Nobunaga flipped the case open and removed a small plastic device with an LCD display and a lancet, which he pressed to his middle finger without flinching before displaying the resulting drop of blood to Masamune. The display lit up and beeped.

“I was diagnosed with Type I diabetes.”

Masamune nodded. “I remember Toyotomi trying to protect the dessert station from your ‘quality testing’.”

“If he were less diligent, I suspect I’d be dead now instead of merely restricted.” Nobunaga shrugged one shoulder as he wiped the lancet with an alcohol swab and packed the kit away again. “The doctors tell me the sugar wasn’t a factor, but --” He shook his head. “Before I was diagnosed, I was eating at the restaurant Mai worked in at the time. I wasn’t feeling well, but attributed it to overwork, too much alcohol, you know how it is.” He barked a short laugh. “Turns out I was falling into a diabetic coma. When it affected my behaviour, my dining companions assumed I was drunk. Mai was passing through the dining room and realised what was happening, and called for help. Thanks to her, I was treated before any brain damage could occur.”

Masamune let out a slow whistle. “That’s quite the tale.” He glanced back at the freeze-frame of Mai on the wall. Add ‘perceptive’, ‘intelligent’, and ‘quick-thinking’ to ‘cute and lively’!

“Indeed.” Nobunaga shrugged again, annoying Masamune with his cavalier attitude. “In any case, I thought giving her a chance to compete on the new show would in some small way repay her, but I’m not sure about her angle here. I mean, Ainu cooking? Even in Hokkaido they don’t much care for it these days.” He fell silent, eyeing Masamune over the rim of his coffee cup.

“Well, it’s certainly not as flashy as your Hong Kong style here,” Masamune snapped back irritably, “But it’s nice to hear a professional show some appreciation for the food instead of the plating.”

Nobunaga waggled his fingers dismissively. “Let’s not start that argument again.” He turned off the television with a flick of the remote. “I assume that means you’d endorse her.”

“I would. If I were involved in this, which I’m not.” Masamune leaned down to retrieve his helmet before pushing out of the chair. Nobunaga shrugged philosophically.

“Very well.” He stood as well, accompanying Masamune to the door. “Thanks for coming out this early, at least. I’m surprised you were able to tear yourself away from whichever woman’s warming your bed this week.”

“Eh, I decided this meeting was worth getting a full night’s sleep beforehand.”

“And Isaka was all right with that?”

Masamune paused, hand on the doorknob. “Oh, I haven’t seen Isaka since I left the Sixth Heaven.”

Nobunaga smirked. “And how many others have there been between Isaka and --?”

“Megohime.” Masamune turned the knob. “And a few. You know that no one stays around long enough to come between me and Oshu.”

********************************

Nobunaga heard Masamune and Mitsuhide exchanging muffled farewells and the outer door closing. By the time Mitsuhide entered bearing a fresh pot of coffee, Nobunaga was back in his chair, staring out the window over his steepled fingers.

“Congratulations, sir.” Mitsuhide refilled his boss’s cup and put the pot down on a trivet. “You played him well.”

“You suggested the leverage, Mitsuhide, as you well remember.” Nobunaga swiveled around to face the silver-haired man. “It will do Mai some good to go up against a chef like Masamune, and it will do me some good to use him to attract the others.” His brow creased. “The man is so damn likeable, we’d never get Uesugi and Takeda without him.” He shook his head, dismissing the thought. “How long do you predict it will take Katakura to change his mind?”

Mitsuhide made a show of pondering. “I suspect it will be within the next 48 hours.” He turned to leave the office. Nobunaga nodded agreement.

“Make sure the contract is ready when he calls.”

“Of course, sir.”

********************************

The motorcycle roared as Masamune pulled into the lot behind Oshu. Gravel flew as he swung around into his spot and killed the motor. Through the window into the kitchen he could see Kojuro going over a clipboard with Sumire. They looked up as the motor stopped; Sumire smiled and waved, but Kojuro looked solemn.

Kojuro appeared in the office doorway as he was stripping off his chaps. “How was your meeting this morning? It didn’t keep you as late as you expected.” Masamune had called him before visiting Oda to advise he might be later than usual.

Masamune shrugged as he hung the leathers on the ancient coat tree in the corner. “Waste of an early morning. Oda’s planning a cooking show.” He grabbed his whites from the cubby hole next to his jacket.

“And?”

“And what?” Careless of Kojuro’s presence and the open door, Masamune unbuckled his belt and let his worn jeans slide to the floor as he sat down in the desk chair to kick them off.

“And did he just want to share his good news, or did he ask you to participate?”

“Oh, he wanted participation, all right.” Masamune swore under his breath when his jeans tangled around his boots, as they did every morning. You’d think I’d learn. Boots first! He fumbled with the laces.

Kojuro rolled his eyes. “And did you accept?”

“Accept?” Finally free of the right boot, Masamune started on the left. “How could I accept? I have responsibilities, Kojuro. I can’t be haring off to a studio for two months.” The left boot was forcefully kicked into the corner, and the right was tossed to join it. Masamune scuffed his jeans the rest of the way off and pulled his kitchen trousers on before looking up at Kojuro. The older man’s expression gave no hint of his opinion, but his set shoulders and folded arms radiated disapproval. Masamune was taken aback.

“Out with it, Kojuro. What’s eating you?”

His sous-chef’s lips tightened. He glanced over his shoulder into the hall, then came fully into the small room and closed the door behind him.

“You spend too much time here, Masamune.” Kojuro squeezed past a box of old menus to sit in the rickety wooden lawn chair that served visitors. “You need to branch out.”

Masamune gaped him for a minute before closing his mouth. “What in the nine hells does that even mean?”

“It means you’re in a rut.” Kojuro gave him a considering look. “You haven’t tried anything new in months, aside from new women.”

“Experiments are risky. I have to keep the good of our staff in mind!”

“Masamune --” The older man paused, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Masa-bo. Our staff are fine. You take excellent care of them -- of all of us.” Masamune scowled at the use of the childhood diminutive, but Kojuro continued before he could answer. “But you don’t take care of yourself. You thrive on innovation and excitement, but you’ve boxed yourself into a traditional restaurant and traditional cuisine.” He hesitated again. “Terumune wouldn’t have wanted you to limit yourself like this.”

“Don’t you tell me what my father would have wanted!” Masamune snapped, but Kojuro didn’t flinch.

“I know better what he might have wanted for you than you do! You were only eighteen when he passed. He always wanted you to have your restaurant, but he never meant to force you into his mold.” Kojuro scrubbed one hand over the bandana covering his hairnet. “Look, Masa-bo. I’m sorry. You are doing an excellent job with Oshu. But Terumune would have -- I want to see you be fulfilled instead of just ticking the boxes of your life.” He stood up. “Just think about it. Sumire and I can keep Oshu running while you stretch.”

Masamune glared at the empty seat for a minute after Kojuro left. Am I the only one here who understands what obligations are? Underneath his ire, he knew he was being unfair. Kojuro had stuck with Terumune until the bitter end of selling off Date’s. He’d come to get Oshu’s kitchen off the ground at a much lower salary than his experience warranted, to help the man he’d trained in that long-lost restaurant. Masamune had to admit the old man had a point. Life in the kitchen had become routine lately; Oshu was stable now, seven years in. He knew it was madness to tinker with what worked. People don’t come to traditional comfort food restaurants for excitement. But --

He shook his head at last and shrugged into his white jacket. But nothing. Deal with the job in front of you, Masamune. Worry about everything else after dinner.

********************************

It was nearly midnight when Masamune waved off Kojuro and Sumire in the parking lot. Kojuro bade him good night as usual, giving no sign their earlier conversation was on his mind, but Masamune kept turning it over as he strapped on his helmet and kicked the bike to life. He rode home much slower than usual, letting his mind wander.

Once he reached his building, he parked the bike and pulled the cover over it as usual. Slinging his helmet over his elbow by the chinstrap, he pressed the elevator call button and pulled his phone out of his pocket. There were three messages from Megohime.

Message from: Mego-chan

11:44 a.m.

When do you want to reschedule for?

2:37 p.m.

I’m not going to keep my weekend open forever!

7:22 p.m.

If you don’t call me back tonight I’ll be busy for a while.

Masamune winced. The ice dripping off the last message was palpable. He ran his thumb around the bottom edge of his eyepatch before sighing. Might as well get it over with, he thought fatalistically, hitting the call button.

The call barely rang before Megohime answered. “Masa-kun!”

Was she sitting there holding her phone? “Hi, Megohime. Sorry I didn’t get back to you earlier.”

“You should be!” There was playful anger in her voice, but he could hear the undercurrent of relief. “It’s not fair to leave me hanging like that!”

“You know the restaurant hours. I can’t have my phone on me while I’m working, it’s too distracting.”

“You like my distractions.” Megohime’s voice dropped to a throaty purr. The elevator door opened.

“Not when I’m working. That comes first.” Masamune entered the elevator and propped himself up in the corner, suddenly very tired.

“Awwwww,” Megohime began, and Masamune saw the pout on her face as clearly as if she was in the elevator with him. All at once the conversation irritated him. Why am I listening to a grown woman whine like a schoolgirl?

“I have obligations, Megohime. Don’t pretend I didn’t make that clear when we started this.”

“This?” she demanded sharply, dropping all pretense at cuteness. “You mean, our relationship?”

Huh? Masamune was caught off guard. “What relationship?” he blurted, then resisted the urge to beat his head against the steel wall of the elevator.

There were several seconds of silence before Megohime answered coldly. “Well, I guess that explains why I don’t rate as one of your obligations. Forgive me for intruding on your time, Date-san.” The call ended.

Masamune let his head fall back and closed his eye. That could have gone better, I suppose.

It was another minute or two before he realised he’d never pressed the button for his floor. The elevator lurched into motion.

Inside his apartment, he dropped his keys and helmet on the bench in the entryway. He let his body go on auto-pilot as he ran the conversation with Megohime over again in his head. I thought she understood we were just casual. By the time he was standing in the bedroom, stripped to his shorts, he’d put it behind him. Oh well, one less ‘obligation’ to worry about.

He sprawled out in bed, peeled off his eyepatch, and hit the light. I guess I’ll have more time to ‘stretch’ now, was his last though before falling asleep.

********************************

The next day, at Oshu, Masamune was sitting at his desk reviewing the seafood order for the weekend when he saw Kojuro pass the doorway.

“Kojuro!” The older man paused, but stayed in the hall. Masamune grimaced. “Come in, please.”

Kojuro did as asked, taking his time closing the door and seating himself. Finally he raised his eyebrows at Masamune. “Yes, Chef?”

The title stung, as it was meant to. Masamune dropped his pen and ran his fingers through his hair before exhaling long and loud. “All right, I deserved that.” He met Kojuro’s impassive stare. “I apologise, oji-san, for my words yesterday. I was being unfair.”

Kojuro’s eyebrows lowered and his stiff expression softened. “You haven’t called me that since Date’s closed.”

“Yes, well, if Father had heard me speak to you yesterday he’d have made me wish I’d never grown up enough to leave.” Masamune looked away awkwardly. “You -- you made some good points yesterday. I’m sorry that I wasn’t ready to hear them.”

A smile spread across Kojuro’s wrinkled face. “And today?”

“And today, I find myself with more free time than yesterday, and someone wiser than I said I should take some time to ‘stretch’.”

The smile faded as Kojuro figured out what ‘more free time’ meant. “Ah, you ended things with Megohime?”

“More like she ended things after I stuck my foot in my mouth, but it had run its course anyways.” Masamune shrugged. “So which one of them called you, Oda, or Akechi?”

Kojuro started, then chuckled. “You always were too quick.” He nodded. “Oda-san, of course. He keeps in touch, even though you’ve paid off his investment. Claims to be making sure Oshu doesn’t bring him down by association, but honestly I think he just worries about you.”

Masamune grunted skeptically. “So, you think I should take him up on his offer?”

“I do.” Kojuro laced his hands together and leaned forward, elbows on knees. “He’s not asking for any financial investment, and from what he said, most filming will only be a couple of days a week.” He straightened a finger to mark this point. “You’d only be missing one or two services at most, and we’re closed on Tuesdays.” Another finger. “Saigo-kun is ready to branch out and train as chef de partie, and I’ll make sure he’ll be able to cover me while your episode films.” He smiled again at Masamune’s surprised look. “Do you really think I’d let you cook in public without your sous-chef?” A third finger. “Sumire already keeps the hostesses and servers in far closer line than you ever did, so nothing will change there.” His eyes crinkled in a smile. “She runs a tight dining room.”

“That she does,” Masamune chuckled. He knew he tended to be far too soft on the young girls working the tables, treating them like little sisters.

“Besides,” Kojuro unlaced his fingers and waggled one across the desk, as he had when teaching the younger Masamune. “You need to have some fun.”

“I was having fun!”

“‘Fun’ doesn’t give you that hunted look every time you check your text messages.” Kojuro shook his head ruefully. “You youngsters and your cell phones. You know, when I was a lad, relationships meant talking to face to face --”

“All right, all right!” Masamune lifted his hands in mock defense, laughing. “You’ve made your point, oji-san. I’ll call Oda.”

Kojuro stood, dusting his hands on the knees of his trousers. “Good. See that you do.” He made his way to the door.

Masamune waited until he was out in the hall before yelling “And it wasn’t a relationship!” He ignored the amiably mocking laughter that trailed back to him.

Shaking his head, Masamune picked up the phone to dial Oda. The call was answered quickly.

“Oda.”

“I’ll do it.”

“What?” Nobunaga made a good show of sounding surprised.

“I’ll join your kitchen circus. On one condition!” He thumped a finger into the middle of the desk. “Your Mai competes. Against me.”

The faint clink of a coffee being put down sounded from the other side of the line. “She’ll compete against everybody, in the new format. But just to make it fun, I’ll save you for last.” Nobunaga’s voice was warm with repressed laughter. “I’ll have a contract couriered over to Oshu this afternoon.”

Masamune grinned ruefully in return. “You know me too well, Oda-san. How long have you been buttering up Kojuro just to push my buttons?”

“I never let a useful tool pass out of my hands, as you know. And I don’t care if you see through me, as long as you still say yes, Date.”

“Fair enough.” Masamune scrubbed his fingers through his hair again. By now it was standing straight up. His hazy reflection in the glare of his computer monitor resembled some kind of tropical bird.

“You won’t regret it, old friend. We’re going to have a lot of fun this season.”

“I hear that’s what I need, these days.”

#ikemen sengoku #ikesen masamune #ikesen nobunaga #writing #iron chef sengoku #modern au #rating: jalapeno

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