#also every time Atsushi sees something he doesn’t want to the yellow in his eyes disappears

[wistfullywaiting2]

Headcanon that the reason why Atsushi’s eyes are purple and yellow is because the yellow part of his eyes is his ability. He was born with bad eyesight and couldn’t see shit so the tiger manifested itself in Atsushi’s eyes to fix his eyesight but now he’s also colorblind.

And then for Atsushi’s first month and a half of working at the agency every time Dazai makes direct skin to skin contact with Atsushi his vision gets 10x worse. And Atsushi’s too scared to point it out at first but eventually he’s like “hey guys every time Dazai touches me I can’t see and also I start seeing new colors what’s wrong with me”

Eventually they all figure it out and get Atsushi a pair of glasses so that he can turn off his ability every once and awhile, Atsushi also ends up learning how to drive because Kunikida and Yosano can’t just be the agency’s chauffeurs and even though he can only drive if he turns off his ability and puts on his glasses it’s still really funny to say that a colorblind teenager can drive better than 90 percent of the agency.

[shoichee]

GoMs + Kagami as Persona Users

Headcanons on the Generation of Miracles (and Kagami) if they were to become a persona user in the world of the Persona series (Kuroko and Momoi included)

@akichan-th​ THIS IS FOR YOU

Warning: KNB series spoilers !!

Kuroko Tetsuya

since his presence is nonexistent in the real world, as a phantom thief, he’d probably desire to be a noticeable hero, you know? even in the 22.5 OVA, he told Kise that passing around wasn’t fun but he was going to do it for the sake of the team

his phantom thief outfit would be flashy in a sense of maybe eye-catching color schemes, or bold patterns

his attire could be baggy/oversized navy blue/black street clothing with TASTEFUL neon-colored accents and his mask would be a neon-colored huge sports shades/goggles situation (i was about to say some trendy sunglasses but sunglasses don’t stay on at all); he’s a skater boy ???? basically??

like, his PT attire could very well be a Persona 5 Dancing in Starlight DLC outfit 👀 it has those vibes

persona element is curse and let me explain why: he doesn’t have the gifted physique like the other GoMs and he’s cursed to rely on others for him to make a difference, and his motif has always been “shadow” ALSO he’s the PHANTOM sixth player YOU CAN’T CONVINCE ME OTHERWISE

he’s a front-line battler, but his skills are very support heavy: support skills that increase attack and defense for his teammates; i also wanna say he has spells that inflict dizziness ailments because in the anime, players are always losing their shit and whipping their heads around to find this tiny boy LMAO

he would definitely have a signature move that would direct all enemy attacks and status moves to himself for a set amount of turns to aid his teammates

his persona would have an extremely high Endurance and higher than average Luck stat but everything else is an all-time low

i’m going to say it, his shooting weapon is gonna be a paintball gun filled with neon paint just to fuck with the shadows and still make it HURT

code name would be “Umbra” (which means innermost part of a shadow) or “Ghost;” imagine some PT member shouting, “Oh no! Umbra’s knocked down!” and all the shadow sees is this brightass, neon kid on the floor

i would love his codename to be “Shadow” but there’s already the term shadow to describe the monsters in the metaverse

Kise Ryota

he views a “rebel” as your basic punk

since he’s a model, he knows japanese punk fashion very well

guess who’s gonna come into the metaverse being this hot ass punk boy? Kise motherfucking Ryota

black spike collar

lots of those tiny chains and harness/buckle action somewhere

ripped black leather pants that give Joker’s own leather pants a run for its money PLUS WITH SHINY BLACK BELT

lots of patchwork and stuff

THIS IS WHAT MORE OR LESS  I’M TALKING ABOUT IF YOU WANT VISUAL REFERENCES

his mask would totally be a visor goggle to add further to the punk theme

part of me is biased that Kise is a blondie and “kise” is based off of “yellow” and Ryuji is blonde and so now i headcanon him as the electric element

okay, but since he’s an “all-rounder” he’ll probably be able to access mid-tier level attacks of all elements, including almighty to an extent

but if i was basing his element off of personality, he’d be ice for sure; he’s actually cold-hearted to people whom he doesn’t consider “worthy” and the anime only showed his friendly side because most of the time, he’s shown talking to his friends and people he respects

speaking of all-rounder, his stats would be all high all around, with his Magic stat peaking the highest

Midorima Shintarou

this boy is a bit tricky to figure out what his PT attire would be

he doesn’t have any time to think about “what he would be as a rebel” type of thing

however, if he were to desire to become something, i’d say he would want to be a supernatural being who can distribute good luck for himself every day

think of those JRPG wizard/mage/warlock outfit motifs (and they match up nicely with the idea of astrology and horoscopes); probably lots of brown/beige/hues of green scheme? or a black/various colors of purple for a FULL on witch vibe

it makes sense too because as someone who always shoots from afar and never dunks, mage classes always cast from afar and never attack up close to their opponent

and his frog puppets remind me of a witch’s animal familiars LMAO

there you have it

his mask would be a dark dark purple or a pure black domino mask that has little stars littered sparingly everywhere on said mask

his shooting weapon? my guy is stacked on staves ready to cast long-range spells

wind element for sure (because his basketball shots all catch air with lots of hang time | (• ◡•)|) with tons of gun skills

signature move would be a magic skill that never misses no matter what (his range is the entire metaverse)

his persona stats are also pretty well rounded but his highest stats would be Magic and Luck, with Endurance being a close runner up

Aomine Daiki

also hard to figure out a PT attire for this guy

according to KUROFES, his alternative career would be a police officer so i would think he despises criminals and the Phantom Thieves altogether ?

if anything, he’s more suited for the S.E.E.S. investigation team in Persona 3

Aomine doesn’t give a fuck, but he has a soft spot to protect others so like having a gun evoker definitely suits him more than a mask summon BRJWBDJW

i see him as a fire element, but his persona would have a lot more physical skills than anything else

bonus: since he used to be Kuroko’s “light,” he can have some mid-tier level bless skills

to make a reference his “formless” shots and forms, as well as his rapid changes of pace, his signature move would be a 5-hit physical skill that changes targets with every hit

statwise, his Agility stat is the highest out of everyone in the GoM, and his Strength and Endurance would be runner up stats; his Magic stat would be extremely dismal

Murasakibara Atsushi 

this guy thinks about nothing but food and how he hates Teppei-species people basketball, so honestly he’s not interested in the Phantom Thieves business

like what? Murasakibara dressed in a getup? it’s a big “press X to doubt”

so i envision him to be more suitable for Persona 4, where he has to confront the other self that loves basketball and truly does care about people, and he had to be honest and accept that side for him to attain a persona

would he ever go back to the said “persona world” to go fight some shadows? unless there’s a good reason why he should or you bribed him with snacks, he won’t budge an inch

just give this man a Persona 4 school uniform and he’s ready to fight

his persona would primarily have physical skills, with lots of “wall” support skills, element “break” skills, and lots of passive skills (lots of nulls/resists) available for it to learn

highest stat for him would be Strength, then Endurance, and surprisingly have Agility as the runner up

he’s a huge tank of a persona user

Akashi Seijuro

i’ve talked about his PT outfit in this headcanon here, including his mask and why

hear me out, since this man is good at everything in school, and since there are archery clubs in Japanese schools, i wouldn’t be surprised if he was a Robin Hood with the scopes; what am i tryna say? his shooting weapon would be bow & arrows

i feel like people would automatically think he’s a bless/curse element like Akechi since “he has two sides,” but i feel like it’s not exactly right? if anything, i headcanon him to be more of a psychokinesis element

why? i want to attribute that to his emperor’s eye and his perfect passings, both each specialties from their respective “sides” of Akashi, and that requires extreme precision, almost to the level of “telepathy”

there’s also everyone thinking he can see the future too i mean

in the end, Akashi’s dual sides merged into one again, so having a whole bless/curse element wouldn’t even make sense anymore

but i will say, this man deserves to have a persona with almighty skills back to back

this guy isn’t the captain for no reason

so his persona would utilize psychokinesis and almighty skills, with special buff skills that increase critical rates for his allies (to refer to the fact that his passings enhance other players); his persona would also enjoy a large selection of passive skills to choose from to either be ultimate support or ultimate offensive sweeper

to also reiterate from the mentioned headcanon i linked, his code name would either be “Crimson” or “Scarlet”

his persona is a literal glass cannon, referring to the fact that Akashi is actually a mentally fragile basketball player; extremely high Strength, Magic, and Agility (but not as high as Aomine though) stats, average Luck stat, but extremely low Endurance stat

Momoi Satsuki

Momoi, i think, would envision herself in the metaverse as someone who’s never underestimated because of her usual demeanor or physical looks

even me, i got fooled thinking she was just only a fanservice girl and not this incredibly intelligent girl who was critical to her teams’ successes

so i would think she would imagine herself to be in a huge respectable position of power, like a lieutenant or general, who can command others and strategize to victory

her outfit would be similar to the attire from the Assassin’s Faith set from Love Nikki with the black Army Floppy Hat from the Army Major set on top (also from Love Nikki) 

color scheming i can imagine a lot of black/white with gold trimmings/accents here and there

her mask is a Venetian eye mask i can literally see it; it’s so pretty with the gold plating !!

her role would definitely be a navigator + analyzer/tactician from the backlines, so while she isn’t in the battle most of the times, if worse comes to shove, she’ll be in the frontlines as a last resort

in other words, she’s a Futaba, but she isn’t a sitting duck and can fight if needed

she has an incredible Luck stat, higher than average Agility stat, but average stats for the rest (Magic, Strength, and Endurance)

ailment, healing, support, and buff skills are all at her disposal, along with some gun skills (which can definitely be broken when paired with her high Luck stat)

“Duchess” (a woman having a noble rank) would be a really cute codename for her

Kagami Taiga

why do i literally see him as a shinobi (ninja)

i have no idea why i do, but i think it’s just his name:

“While Kagami's name is associated with the ‘tiger’, Himuro's name means ‘dragon’. In Chinese mythology, the Azure Dragon of the East and the White Tiger of the West are eternal rivals. This rivalry is further expressed in their surnames: ‘Hi (氷)’ means ‘ice’ while ‘Ka (火)’ translates as ‘fire’.” - KNB wiki

so i literally see both Himuro and Kagami as rival clans duking it out

jokes aside, Kagami is a very honorable player, but he did at one point exhibited a “darker side” to himself, playing selfishly and being arrogant in the beginning

shinobis were considered to be “dishonorable” and “beneath the honor” of the samurai in their eras, so i feel that this could be a great image for what Kagami thinks is a “rebel” 

being a ninja would make use of his jumping skills too

i imagine him in a fitted black halter neck top (so his abs are for us to see), with an iconic long red scarf wrapping his neck and hanging down to his waist at the back side

black forearm guards/wraps?

and then he has mahogany/dark red??/black???? loose cloth wrapped around his waist, like how you would tie a jacket over your waist ?? and then black nu-bakama pants and finally some dark boots for those pants to be tucked in

no one can convince me otherwise, but he’s gotta have a red full-face oni mask with black horns and some golden tiger stripes on the sides of the mask and around the eyes

HIS PERSONA ELEMENT IS BLESS BECAUSE HE IS KUROKO’S “LIGHT”

he would totally have some almighty skills and “Heat Riser,” a move that raises all of the user’s attack, defense, and accuracy/evasiveness (because the colors of the move’s animation remind me of Direct Drive Zone, something that was pretty much unlocked by Kagami for the team)

his persona is one of the OP/late game personas where all their stats are amazing across the board; even if his stats were high all around, his “lowest” would be his Luck stat

codename for him is “Tiger” no one cannot argue with me for this one NRNEIJFEO

[sunshinesukuna]

the way you move (hcs)

Hello! May I ask headcanons for Kiseki no Sedai, Kuroko and Kagami? Their reaction to their girl being cool and sexually dancing (something like k-pop girl group cover dance, if you know it) with her dance team at a school festival (or something like that).

ooh, interesting. my mind kinda wandered to red velvet’s be natural. check them out if you have time on your hands. also saw this format floating around on tumblr, thought i would try my hand at it. enjoy!

Akashi took the liberty of visiting you backstage just before you were due to go up. One of your friends alerted you of his presence. A water bottle rested in his hands as he came up. 

“You forgot this,” he says. You smiled at him. “Can’t have you getting dehydrated on the stage can we?” 

Akashi puts his hands on your shoulders. There is a stray strand of hair near your ears. He knows how much you hate any technical distractions whenever you’re performing. It is promptly swept away back behind your ear. 

“Break a leg,” he says, patting your shoulder one last time.

“More like an ankle,” you say, as he goes back.

Himuro has to call Murasakibara over to tell him that you’re already on stage. Murasakibara just wrinkles his nose. “I can get the real thing at home,” he points out. “Why should I have to settle for low-quality (Y/N) when I can have the high-quality later?”

His dark haired friend just chuckles awkwardly. “Don’t you want to support her? She’s your girlfriend, after all?” Murasakibara looks at the maiubo in his hands. Your song plays on the speakers, signaling that you’re already on the stage. He shrugs. 

“I guess.” They’re halfway to the stage when he suddenly stops in his tracks. 

“What’s wrong, Atsushi?” Himuro asks. Murasakibara looks to be deep in thought as he scans the festival area.

“They have those crappy posters and fans with (Y/N) and the other’s names on it right?”  Himuro nods. “Where are they selling them?”

Kise is already ready by the time the first beats have gone by. His phone is in between his fingers, poised and ready to take action. Once you come out on stage, he’s the loudest in the crowd. 

“(Y/N) (L/N)!” he chants. He follows it with the names of your friends as well, not wanting to make anyone feel left out. But he screams your name the loudest. Other people in the audience grumble at his hyper demeanor. Kasamatsu looks on at him, and shakes his head in amusement at his kouhai.

Kise’s vibing to the music, letting the melody control him as he keeps his eyes fixated out you. With every centre part you take, he sings along enthusiastically. His shock of blond hair is hard to miss from the stage, and you take pride in the loving boyfriend you had managed to bag.

“Kill it, babe!” he shouts from the crowd.

Aomine leans on a pillar a bit farther from the rest of the crowd. He still has perfect view of you, without the hassle of having to deal with other people. Aomine takes a bite of the snack in his hands as he watches you. 

Wakamatsu passes by. “(Y/N)’s up there already, Aomine. Aren’t you going to get closer?” Aomine contemplates it for a while. He shakes his head.

“I’m fine here,” he says. Wakamatsu walks away muttering about how bad of a boyfriend he is. Aomine pays him no thought. Sure, he would be a little more laid back when it came to moments like this, but it didn’t mean he loved you any less. He just showed it in different ways. 

A lone skewer of dango rests in his hands, specially reserved for you. You got tired whenever you had long performances like this one. He almost chokes when he sees you pull a move that he certainly had never seen you pull in practice. 

“Might have to ask her to show me that later, huh?” he asks himself.

Kagami only manages to pull his jaw off the ground a minute into your performace. He catches your eye for a little. A small giggle makes is way onto your face at your silly boyfriend. 

He looks at the people around him, cheering and shouting at the lively atmosphere. The melody finds its way into his ears, and he finds his foot tapping unconsciously along with the beat. 

After the initial shock, he even cheers here and there with the other people in the audience. The moment your killing part comes on, his jaw is back on the floor, amazed at how skilled of a girlfriend he has. 

Midorima is waiting for you when you get down. He refuses to meet your eyes, but lets you take his hand as you make your way to the stands. You’re already so used to it by this point, but that’s just how Midorima is. After walking in silence for a few minutes, you decide to pop the question.

“How was I?” you ask. He meets your eyes briefly before pursing his lips. 

“Fine.” Midorima seems to spot something in the distance. “Hold on, that’s my lucky item for tomorrow,” he says. 

“Stay here.” He sets your down on an empty bench as he runs off to get whatever it is he needs. As he turn away, you spot a bright blue fan in the back pocket of his pants. You pay no mind to it. 

But amidst the hustle of the festival, there is not one stand that sells any products or food in that shade of blue. 

“Banners! Support your friends, your sweetheart, your classmates who’re performing!” a vendor shouts. The vendor walks by holding a fan in the same shade of blue as the one in Midorima’s pockets. Decorated on the fan, was your name written in bright yellow letters.

“Aww, Shintarou!”

Kuroko doesn’t mention anything of the performance until when the two of you are walking back home. Lone footsteps echo behind you as the rest of the city goes to sleep.

“You did really well up there,” Kuroko says. You’re caught off guard by his sudden compliment. “I enjoyed seeing you dance.”

“Really?” you ask. Kuroko looks at you and nods. 

The great thing about Kuroko is the fact that he doesn’t say words that don’t need to be said. He only says everything that needs to be said. Sincerity and Kuroko’s words have been long acquainted with one another.

“Yeah. You should do it again sometime.” There’s a hint of excitement in his voice. Even though it was just a simple sentence, this boy could make you feel like the luckiest girl in the world. 

“Anything for you, Tetsu,” you say. A smile takes the place of his usual stony face upon seeing you smile as well.

[astxlphe-fics]

Snapshot.

Atsushi likes to draw in the park. He doesn’t realize how many times he’s drawn the handsome photographer until the man comes talking to him. 

Kuniatsu / Artist Atsushi, Photographer Kunikida (also ft. bug lover kuni)

Word count : ~3K

Atsushi settles down on the grass, back against the tree, and crosses his legs. He sets his cardboard folder against his knees and opens his sketchbook.

It’s new, and empty, a gift from Kyouka for his birthday, along with the set of pencils he’s brought with him. He puts the metal box on the ground next to him, picks on and looks around.

It’s a sunny day, in April, so the weather is still somewhat cool and the park isn’t as packed as in the summer months. Atsushi takes in the tree line, in the high building behind it, the people walking, the guy sitting on a bench playing a video game, the blond man lying on his stomach, a camera in hand.

He starts to draw.  

Broad strokes shape the trees, from gross shapes first until he moves on to smaller details, leaves and patches of grass and the shape of a man with a camera.

It takes over an hour for Atsushi to get to the point of drawing him, deciding last minute to add him to the scenery, and when he looks up to check if he has moved, he finds the man in the exact same position.

Utterly still, and a look of complete concentration on his face.

Atsushi draws him, smiling to himself, taking great care in the placement of his finger on the camera button, in the way his messy ponytail falls on his back, in the angle the sunlight makes his glasses glint.

About another hour later, about ten minutes after he changes page and takes on drawing a spider that crawled up his leg, the photographer sits and stretches, setting his camera around his neck. Then he walks to the man on the bench, who puts his video games in his trench coat.

They exchange a few words, and leave.

Atsushi tries to imagine what this man could possibly have photographed.

+

Bugs.

What Kunikida absolutely wants to photograph is close-ups of bugs.

It takes longer than he expects, but waiting is something he can do. His roommate is Dazai Osamu, so his patience is forged in fire, iron and exasperation.

The last bug close-up he takes is a caterpillar crawling its way to the nearest leaf, set right in front of his camera, and he has a pretty good shot of it eating.

When he is done, he sits back and stands, joining Dazai, who puts away his video game.

“Are you finished?” he asks, and Kunikida nods.

“I’m done.”

“Show me!” Dazai leans over to see the screen of his camera, almost knocking Kunikida off balance.

“Oi, be careful!” He huffs and turns the camera back on and opens the gallery, flipping through the different pictures he took during the last few hours.

There is, besides the caterpillar, a group of ants carrying bread crumb from where a family had picnicked for lunch. He shows him the ladybug as well, particularly proud of this one, as it's a picture of it as it takes off.

Several grasshoppers, a yellow butterfly and a bee.

Dazai looks over the pictures, and his nose wrinkles as he makes a face. “That’s gross, Kunikida, you could at least try to take pictures of more glamorous subjects.” He grins. “Like me.”

“Bugs are certainly glamorous,” Kunikida shoots back. “Unlike you, they’re an essential part of the ecosystem and are underappreciated. They need to be more recognized for the role they have in preserving our environment!”

Dazai sighs over-dramatically, draping himself on his shoulder. “Am I not an essential part of your ecosystem? Kunikida, you black-hearted man.” When Kunikida rolls his eyes, Dazai pulls himself straight again. “I’m only trying to help you. If the cute boy over there knew you took pictures of bugs—”

“The what now.”

“Don’t turn around,” Dazai orders, and Kunikida almost does as a reflex. Instead, he glances back to where Dazai is looking, to a (admittedly cute) white-haired young man sitting under the tree. “He’s been staring at you for an hour.”

“He’s drawing,” Kunikida hisses, starting to walk away. “This activity usually requires a lot of staring. He just happened to look in my general direction.”

Dazai doesn’t look convinced, but he shrugs. “Suit yourself,” he says. “But you’re wrong. He was looking at your butt.”

“Dazai.”

+

The park is a good source of inspiration, Atsushi decides on the third day of drawing there. He changes his spot every time, looking for new sceneries and people to draw. There are a lot of critters he ends up doodling, from birds to bugs and a few squirrels.

He brings a hot drink with him today. The temperature has dropped during the night, and it’s pretty much cold, so there is no one in the park besides Atsushi himself — and the photographer.

Today he has a tripod and facing away from him, and it’s an angle Atsushi rarely draws anyone in, so he takes the opportunity to put it down on paper.

His friend is with him today too, and Atsushi plans to draw him as well, but he quickly forgets about him. He puts special attention in the angle of the photographer’s shoulders, well defined by the blue coat he’s wearing. It stops under his knees, mid-calf, and then Atsushi makes sure to draw the folds of the pants just right.

Once, the photographer makes a movement to turn away, seemingly in Atsushi’s direction. Atsushi ducks his head, pretending not to be watching.

Then he tries something new. He looks up, trying to guess what the man is seeing, what he is taking a picture of, and sketches it as well as he can. It’s not perfect, but it’s a fun game that he finds out he likes to play, for now.

Once he is done, he catches sight of a cat playing in the grass and changes his subject.

Maybe, he thinks, he should bring Byakko to the park with him, next time?  

+

Kunikida comes back to the park often.

It’s not necessarily to take pictures of bugs, though he likes it, but he needs practice in taking pictures of larger sceneries and finding a focal point in it.

A subject, noticeable enough to draw the eye, placed in a way that makes it looks part of the larger picture rather that the focus of it.

He turns on his heels, and catches sight of the young man he has seen two days before — the one who, Dazai insisted, was looking at his butt. He’s sitting just on the line between shadows and sunlight, bent down, focused on his drawing, hair overshadowing his face.

His pen scratches at the paper, and he periodically looks up to the calico cat playing a few meters away.  

When he does, the light hits his face just right.

Kunikida twists the head of his tripod and turns the camera in his direction, making sure to include the cat. The white-haired artist isn’t paying attention to him at all so, the next time he looks up at the animal, Kunikida snaps a quick picture.

He opens the picture folder and stares at it.

It’s perfect.

+

It’s not the only picture Kunikida takes of him.

“You’re turning into a stalker~" Dazai teases, poking his side, and Kunikida flushes.

“I’m not a stalker!”

“S—ure. It’s not your fault he is so photogenic, right?”

On the latest one, he is lying on the ground, legs swinging slowly as he draws a different cat. This one is black and white, and Kunikida saw it arrive with him. It’s probably his cat.

Over the next few days, it seems like every time Kunikida tries to take a good picture, this young artist is just there, in a corner, looking a natural part of the place. He zooms in on one of them as much as he possibly can before it turns blurry.

He is smiling here, wide enough to show some of his teeth, to make his eyes crinkle and shine.

Kunikida spends several second looking at it, at every details of his face he can make out, committing them to memory. Then, he duplicates the pictures and crops it.

That’s a smile he wouldn’t mind seeing up close.

God, he’s starting to sound like Dazai.

Next to him, Dazai’s obnoxious laughter only gets louder, and Kunikida would strangle him with his bare hands if not for the attention it would draw.

“I should apologize to him,” he decides suddenly. Because taking secret pictures of a stranger isn’t simply weird, it can come off as downright creepy, and Kunikida is not a creep. Because he’s started to look for this young artist on shots he’s definitely not on, and to zoom in on his face, and this is getting out of hands.

“You can’t!” Dazai can barely contain his glee. “He’s napping!”

Indeed he is, and Kunikida gives up. He huffs and settles on the ground to take more pictures of bugs, stopping all movement to wait for one to approach him.

A few minutes later, he finds himself nose to nose with the young man’s cat, who bops its face on the camera lens.

Resigned, Kunikida adjusts the settings and presses the button. The cat’s nose looks enormous on the resulting picture, it’s curious eyes wide, its face magnified. One it's taken he sits up and shows it too the cat.

“There,” he says. "Are you happy?”

It stares at the picture of itself, rubs its head on Kunikida’s hand until he gives it a good scratch, and leaves.

+

The cold has passed now, as the end of April nears, and more and more people come to enjoy the sunshine and warmer weather. Atsushi sees families and several dog walkers.

He sets Byakko upon the grass. “Don’t go too far,” he tells the cat, who flicks her black-tipped tail at him before ignoring him.

The photographer is almost facing Atsushi today, so he has to be more discreet while drawing.

He focuses on his face, this time. On the line of his jaw, the curve of his nose, the shape of his eyes, and the way he frowns where he’s focused. He adds in as many details as he finds, and the more he draws the more his eyes are drawn to him.

By the time he is done Atsushi feels like he knows this face by heart.

The photographer’s expression changes as he takes different pictures of crowds while Atsushi records them in his sketchbook as fast as he possibly can, stomach fluttering as he discovers the range of emotions this man expresses.  

It’s wonderful practice, especially when his tall friend annoys him until he turns to him.

“Stop it, Dazai,” Atsushi hears him snap when the friend in question purposely waves in front of the camera to wave at him. He supposes the picture is ruined, because the photographer emits a loud noise of frustration. “Dammit, it’s all blurry now! Stop that, you useless waste of bandages!”

The sound attracts Byakko’s attention, and she wanders away from Atsushi. She curiously paws towards the pair until Dazai notices her and bends down to pet her.

She rubs her head against the man’s hand, before messing around, coming close to knock the tripod over. The sight it almost as Atsushi on his feet, but before he can Dazai looks up. His eyes catch Atsushi and he smiles, wide, like a Cheshire cat.

Atsushi’s face burns. He has been caught staring. To make it worse, Dazai tugs on the photographer’s arm and points to the cat, then to Atsushi. The man picks up Byakko and walks over to Atsushi with decisive steps.

He's mad at him, he thinks as he tries to read his face. He’s going to yell at him for staring or for letting his cat mess around his equipment.

The photographer stops right in front of him, and Atsushi realizes his work is in plain sight. He slams his sketchbook close, hoping he hasn’t noticed it — and the handful of drawings of his face all over the page.

“Is this your cat?”  

“I’m sorry,” Atsushi says, standing up to take her. “I’ll be more careful with her —”

“Please do,” the man answers, handing her to him. “What is she called?”

“Byakko.” He scratches at her ears and sighs. “I’m really sorry, I figured the park would be safer for her than letting her out in the streets.”

“No harm was done.” His face smooths over as he notices Atsushi’s distress, as if trying to reassure him. “She came over to me yesterday as well, and got her picture taken for her troubles.”

“Really? Thank you for not—you know—” He shrugs. “Uh, I’ve seen you around? Several times. I’m Atsushi.”

“Kunikida, it’s a pleasure.” His eyes fall on the discarded sketchbook. “I’ve seen you here as well, you seem to be a prolific artist.”

“I try!” He sends him a weak smile. “That’s how you progress, right?”

“Of course. Practice makes perfect— you must be skilled.”

“I can show you?” Atsushi offers, cheeks fading to a light pink. “If you want?”

Kunikida nods. “I can show you some of my work as well, if you’d like.” He gestures back at where his camera is still set. “I’m a photographer.”

Atsushi picks his sketchbook up again and flips it to the previous pages, trying to find one he likes enough to show off. He’s never liked showing his drawings to anyone, but Kunikida doesn’t seem the kind of man who would laugh at him, and something like excitation bubbles in Atsushi.

Until he realizes just how many times he has drawn Kunikida in the past few weeks.

“Uh—” The sketchbook snaps shut again, and he lets out a nervous laugh. “Would you look at the time! I should really head home!”  

“What—”

It’s obvious, from Kunikida’s face, that he’s seen them. He glances from the sketchbook to Atsushi, who is currently stuffing his things in his bag as fast as he can.

“I can hear my mom calling me!”

+

It’s only after he offers to show Atsushi his work that Kunikida remembers just how many pictures of him are on his camera roll.

He is almost relieved when Atsushi runs away, because it would have been a lot to explain. He would probably think Kunikida is a creep.

“Or maybe not,” Dazai tells him, thoughtful. “You say you saw that he’s been drawing you? So, I was right, he was looking at your butt.”

“Dazai, I’m sure he didn’t draw my butt.” He sets up his camera and looks around.

“Shame, it's very nice.”

After three days of going back to the usual park, Kunikida finally resigns to the fact that Atsushi isn’t showing up anymore. Since then, all his pictures have been bland — incomplete — so Dazai suggested moving location.

This new park is larger than the previous one and different enough to give him new material. The trees are denser and clear-cut paths run through it. A fountain stands in the center, the water flowing with a soothing noise.

Next to him, Dazai flops down on the grass, staring up at the sky and pulls out his earphones. Kunikida takes a picture, mentally labelling it as “Dazai being a lazy ass, as usual”.

It's only half-hearted, because Dazai doesn’t have to come with him on his photographing endeavors, and some days Kunikida wonders why he comes at all. Besides, saying he doesn’t enjoy Dazai’s company would be a blatant lie, they both know it.  

Suddenly, Dazai rolls on his side and takes one of his earbuds out. “Your favourite subject is here,” he points out. “Looks like someone had the same idea!”

Following his fingers, Kunikida finds Atsushi sitting near the fountain, scribbling in his sketchbook. He almost has his back to him, so he can’t see his face.

“You should—”

Kunikida doesn’t hear the end of Dazai’s sentence. He grabs his camera and walks towards him until Byakko, sitting by him, raises her head in his direction.

She stands and meows, attracting Atsushi’s attention, and he turns around. His eyes go wide as he sees Kunikida, and he stammers out something that sounds like “hello”.

“I would like to take a picture of you, please,” Kunikida declares, and Atsushi’s face turns into a deep, concerning red.

“Uh?”

He raises his camera. “You also don’t have to be embarrassed about drawing me. People watching — and drawing — is a strong hobby that can only lead to great progress in your art.” He pauses. “There are also several pictures of you I took without your knowledge and consent, I’m sorry. In my defence, you are often the only person who doesn’t move around.”

Atsushi looks a lot less panicked now that he knows Kunikida doesn’t hold anything against him, and laughs. “I hope you know how weird this sounds.”

“I’m aware.” His strict composure softens, and he pushes his glasses back up his nose. “So, can I take a picture?”

“Sure.” He sets his sketchbook down. “How would you like it to be?”

“Just a portrait.” He crouches to be on the same level as Atsushi, who is still sitting, and smiles as the camera is pointed to him.  

It’s the first picture he takes where Atsushi is looking right at the camera, smiling at him, and Kunikida’s heart jumps in his chest. He sits on the bench, right next to Atsushi, to show him.  

The young man leans over until their shoulders touch and stares at his own face, not unlike his cat did just a few days ago.

His cheeks are still pink when he pulls on of his uneven strand of hair behind his ear. “Could I see the other ones?” He gulps, and seems to gather the courage to add something else, twisting his hands: “I mean, I could show you mine—” his graphite stained fingers tap his sketchbook as he speaks “—and you can show me yours. Over coffee? Maybe?”

Kunikida blinks in surprise, taken off guard, but he smiles. “I would like that.”

[misstinfoilhat]

Whumptober #3 Delerium - Bungou Stray Dogs

(Read the first part: “Explosion” here) Nothing changed over the next couple of hours. Piles upon piles of rubbles were moved from one end of the room to the other, still not revealing an obvious way out. They were all alternating on keeping an eye on Dazai and digging, whenever fatigue struck them.   Kunikida went back and forth between shoveling dirt and checking on the bandage-wasting idiot, winching when he realized how grim the situation was turning.

Dazai had been nodding off and became more and more sluggish as time went by, having a harder time staying lucid and awake. They were worried that soon, he wouldn't be able to wake up again by himself. Still, he kept fighting whoever dared trying to touch his wound. At this moment, it was actually the best way they had of keeping him alert. The pale skin of the injured man had a feverish blush to it, glazed over by a thin layer of fever induced sweat and small tremors prickled all over his body. He was burning up with a fever while freezing cold from the effects of it. Kyouka strolled over to them with a soft smile. “Here you go,” Kyouka said pleasantly, and placed the thin red fabric of her kimono over Dazai's trembling form, settling with wearing her yellow tights and a white undershirt. She stroked a comforting, dirt-covered hand over the usual soft locks of Dazai's hair, that was now sticking to his face in tangled knots. Reluctantly, Dazai accepted the cover but seemed to be scowling at it every time Kyouka turned her attention away from him. When it was time for Atsushi to take over again, he finally let go of what was on his mind. “Atsushi,” he croaked weakly and grasped at the boy's arm with flimsy fingers. The light-haired kid turned towards him with a reassuring smile. “I'm here.” “Listen, I... I know how this is going to sound, but...” Dazai stated tiredly. Atsushi shifted uncomfortably. Dazai was staring half-lidded at the red cloth that had been draped over him. “You'll be okay. The shard is blocking the bleeding. As long as it stays in, you're not gonna bleed to death anytime soon...” “-I need a different blanket,” Dazai  interrupted determened. In his surprise, Atsushi shot his head towards the fatigued figure in front of him and blinked a couple of times, trying to decide if he had heard that right or not. So, Dazai decided he needed to elaborate. “I know it doesn't make any sense, but... this blanket is full of alien technology.”

Atsushi didn't know how to answer that. “I know,” Dazai sighed sleepily, “just, I'm gonna need a different blanket.” Luckily, Kunikida was close by and heard Dazai's feebled rambling. With a bland expression, he trailed over to them and picked up Kyouka's red kimono and turned it inside out before tucking it back over Dazai. “Better?” he asked vacantly and watched as Dazai's lips turned into a half-smile and he settled into the warmth of the clothing and relaxed. Atsushi's scrunched eyebrows told Kunikida that the boy had never experienced a delirious Dazai before, and felt the need to explain.

“This happens once in a while when he gets particularly feverish. I guess he's a bit of a closeted conspiracy theorist,” Kunikida shrugged. 

Atsushi, still severly confused, nodded hesitantly. “Oh.” “Yeah, just... take whatever you hear with a grain of salt, okay? It's an utter mess of ramblings and there really is no way of knowing if anything he says has any footing, in reality, understand?” Something about Kunikida's tone sounded off to Atsushi. As if, he didn't really believe what he was saying himself. As if it was some kind of warning. So, he nodded and figured he would understand what Kunikida meant soon enough.

And that, he did.

                                                          OoO

The next thirty minutes or so consisted of incoherent ramblings about anything from the “mind-control planes in the sky” to “lizard people? Tsk, we have a tiger-boy!” Atsushi couldn't help but feel a sliver of pride at being mentioned in Dazai's fever-dream. But soon, the sometimes humourous slurrs became more ominous. It started out as breathy whimpers and apologies. Some of them were directed at people in the agency, other's were people Atsushi knew worked for the Port Mafia, and there were a lot of names he had never heard before in his entire life. Especially one seemed to reoccur.

“Oda? ...Oda, it's so dark,” Dazai moaned painfully. His voice nearly cracked from frailty. “I want... I want...” It was clearly hard for him to get any sound out at this point. Atsushi worried, feeling Dazai's boiling hot forehead with the inside of his wrist, winching at the high temperature. Maybe it was time to get Kunikida...

“...to come with you, please. Let me go with you.” Atsushi felt the grip Dazai had on his hand tighten. Atsushi held tightly too, hoping it would reassure Dazai that he wasn't alone. Still, Atsushi wasn't sure if he should be happy or heartbroken when he saw the smile this brought to his elder's lips. “I knew you'd come back for me,” Dazai whispered. Just as he said that, Tanizaki turned up behind them. “Hey,” he greeted, making Atsushi jump in surprise. “Oh, sorry. Didn't mean to sneak up on you,” the redhead apologized, smiling uncomfortably. Atsushi breathed out, calming his nerves. “It's fine,” he started, but Dazai suddenly let go of his hand and reach for Tanizaki instead. The two boys exchanged looks, before turning their attention on Dazai. “Odasauk?” Dazai asked carefully, with a hint of impatience. Blurry, unseeing eyes peered up at Tanizaki, who stood dumbly and looked back at him.

“I'm not-” Tanizaki started, but Atsushi quickly shut him up. “Where is he gonna take you, Dazai-san?” he asked calmly, kneeling by his mentor's side. “And who is he?”

“Oda is the good guy,” Dazai answered easily. “He's gonna bring me into the light with him.” Yeah, it was definitely time to call for Kunikida. “Kunikida-san!” Atsushi yelled, probably a bit more desperately than strictly necessary, but it did the trick. Kunikida was sprinting over as soon as the calling registered in his hearing.

“What?” he sneered, immediately hovering over Dazai. “I don't think he knows where he is,” Atsushi explained. “And he doesn't recognize Tanizaki.” “Oda,” Dazai mumbled. Nobody knew if it was a coincidence or a correction.

Kunikida seemed calm, and Atsushi got the suspicion that it wasn't the first time he'd seen something like this. After a short moment, Kunikida turned to Tanizaki.  

“Junichiro-kun,” he started. He had an idea and waited for Tanizaki to look at him before he said anything else. “See if you can get him to show you the wound.” Tanizaki looked queasy. “I'm no good with blood,” he croaked pleadingly. “Tough luck,” Kunikida shrugged cooly. “You're not removing the metal or anything. I just want to see what it looks like. We have to make sure that it doesn't get infected. I would also like to tie something around it to quelch what's still bleeding and protect it from all this dust.” Tanizaki wined quietly but turned back to face Dazai. He was just laying there, looking up at him with something that looked like awe in those tired half-lidded eyes. “I'm Oda..?” Tanizaki asked stupidly, frowning at himself. “Yeah,” Dazai smiled feebly. He was so out of it, Kunikida was sure anyone from the office could have posed as this Oda. But as far as he'd seen, Dazai had never mistaken any of them for that man in the past. Maybe Tanizaki looked like him or at least had some prominent feature in common with the man Dazai would only ever talk about when completely incoherent.

“So, can I look at the wound? You got hurt, remember?” Dazai made a grimace. Yeah he knew, t'was kinda hard to forget when it was still stuck in your intestines. Reluctantly, he agreed to Tanizaki's suggestion. “Make sure to comfort him!” Kunikida mouthed, over-exaggerating every syllable for the teenager to understand. “Uh, g-good job,” Tanizaki muttered nerviously while he carefully tried to open the rest of the shirt. After fidgeting with the buttons, he figured it would have to do and started to lift his under-shirt. Dazai shifted agonizingly. The dried blood was tugging at the wound, and Dazai moaned hoarsely. “Oda-san used to be so careful,” he gasped miserably. “S-sorry, I guess I'm out of practice,” Tanizika tried. Dazai only sulked but didn't resist when he continued working, carefully releasing the shirt from the wound. Kunikida watched restlessly, wanting to take over and do it himself. “One more, okay? It's almost loose,” Tanizaki instructed, and pulled the t-shirt off the metallic piece spearing Dazai's side, only to uncover layers upon layers of neatly placed, blood-soaked bandages. He looked wearily to Dazai, who was panting heavily after the swift tug that probably had torn off some scab from the gash. “I need to remove some of these, is that okay?” he asked tryingly, but Dazai wouldn't answer. So instead, he looked questioningly to Kunikida and Atsushi. Both men motioned that they didn't know, so he decided to take a chance and take them off.

When removing the bandages, two things became very clear. First of all, there was more bandage than he first had anticipated. It seemed never-ending, covering at least 85% of his upper body. The second thing  was that the bandages were not decorative, as he had heard many people hypothesize.

This new injury would only be another gash in a jungle of various older and newer scars, in every shape and form, that anyone could imagine. “Tanizaki, what's going on?” he heard Atsushi ask from behind. Kunikida and Atsushi lingered in the back, trying to give Dazai the space he needed, and to not invade the privacy he so clearly demanded at a time like this.

Tanizaki didn't answer. He didn't know what to say, what to feel, what to do. All he really knew was that somebody had hurt Dazai, and he... ...needed to get up and away so he wouldn't throw up all over him.

Hesitantly, he opened his mouth to say something but stopped himself when, to his surprise, all he could get out was a small sob. He hid his mouth under his hands, hopfully stifling the sound as he got up on shaky knees, unsteadily walking a couple of feet away and let his stomach contents spill out onto the concrete floor. Atsushi was right behind him, offering a supportive hand on his shoulder while he hurled, and, at least, kinda shieling him from the overbearing grief his younger sister had about his sickness. The sight of Dazai's mangled torso would haunt him for a long, long time. He already knew that and all the bile in the world couldn't flush that memory away. “Are you okay?” Atsushi asked in conserne, patting his back steadily and looking at him with worried eyes. Tanizaki shook his head vigorously. “That's not right,” he uttered hoarsely. In denial. He shook his head insistingly. “Did you know?” he inquired, grabbing onto Atsushi's shirt. “Know what?” the silver-haired boy asked bewildered. Maybe he knew? How was he supposed to know if he didn't elaborate??

“About the scars!” Tanizaki exclaimed, ignoring everyone else around. Because fuck it. Dazai wasn't all right. 

They had all though that Dazai's supposed pain, the suicide attempts, the bad habits, heavy bandaging, and unwillingness to take care of himself was just a show, but no, no no no. It was not. It was a distraction. Fuck, he felt so guilty.

And Atsushi didn't look like he understood a thing. Good.

Tanizaki turned around and saw Kunikida leaning carefully over the unmoving body of Osamu Dazai.

He had his back turned. Tanizaki couldn't see his face. He could see his arms though. The way he moved gingerly, almost affectionately. Atsushi didn't know. But Kunikida did.

He probably knew more than any of them. The two teenagers watched their team leader work effectively on Dazai. They had been able to talk for a little bit, exchanging information and different things they had heared- from Dazai that day, rumours or whenever people had some sort of slip about him. They knew they were still far off, but felt like they had puzzled some pieces together.

About twenty minutes later, their injured coworker was all covered back up, and Tanizaki and Atsushi finally dared to move closer and ask how he was doing.

“He'll be fine,” Kunikida huffed, and tried wiping off some dried blood off his hands. “The shard didn't hit anything vital. It probably did cause some damage to his intestines though, so surgery will probably be necessary. Right now, there really isn't much we can do about that, except getting the hell out of here.”

“B-but, what about...” Atsushi wasn't sure just how to ask. He hoped Kunikida would just read his mind so he didn't have to say it out loud.

“What about what?” Something about the way Kunikida asked, almost seemed challenging. As if, he dared him to say anything about it, and Atsushi realized that maybe, he shouldn’t say anything at all. Because he remembered, that Kunikida knew.

Knew about the scars. Probably knew a whole lot about what had happened already. Knew who this Oda was. Finally, he recalled that something Kunikida had told him, now several hours ago and finally understood what he meant. The truth was, most of them had probably seen many (if not all the) different sides of Dazai. Then, Kunikida, or someone else, would be there to assure them that Dazai was just talking nonsense. They actually wanted them all to just ignore it- didn’t they? And now, everybody went around, knowing bits and pieces about their coworker and ignoring it entirely. For Dazai. Because Dazai couldn't handle it when he was all there.

It took another hour for them to get out of there. Yosano was already waiting outside with a make-shift ambulance, having noticed that the mission was taking too much time and that something probably had gone awry.

Dazai was quickly ushered onto a gurney and rushed to a civilian hospital. The bloodloss was too big, and the surgery was too extensive for Yosano to handle in the infirmary all by herself.

The days slowly switched back to normal. Within a week, Dazai was out of the hospital, walking slowly and seemingly in a lot of pain, but was back at the office and pretending like nothing ever happened. He was currently residing on a couch in the back of the office, napping lazily while listening to music. At this point, Atsushi understood the gist of things. They were all walking around and pretending that nothing happened- like they hadn't seen the horrendous scars on his body, or heard the pain in his voice when he asked for this Oda- ignore the love and hope in his eyes when he thought Tanizaki was this person and had come there to take him away.

And now, everything was back, just the way it was. Atsushi was sure Tanizaki hadn't known anything before the day at the construction site. He was fairly new to the agency too. He just wondered how many times Kunikida had done that same schpiel now.

What would happen if Dazai realized how much they knew? … Nothing good.

Atsushi decided that maybe, just maybe, the delirium hadn't exactly been the hallucinations back then. Maybe the Delerium was whatever was going on right now. The End

First of all:

The alien technology in the blanket-thing is actually based pretty accurately on true events. My boyfriend and some of his friends went on a trip around Europe this summer and one of his buddies got severe food poisoning. He assured them that he knew how stupid it sounded and that it didn't make any sense even too him, but he really just needed a different blanket because of the alien technology in the one that he already had.

Secondly: I might revisit this. I’m not all the way satisfied with it, and that’s the issue with trying to follow a day-to-day event.  Also, I’ve been sick as a dog. I think I’m just gonna say this; I can’t promise daily updates (because I have some pride in my work, and I want to tell a good story). But I can promise that I’ll try my best. And I’m gonna post something about every single prompt, and try my best to not fall too far behind. Thank you all of reading!

[just-kessho]

Ambrosia: Dazai Happiness Week

The prompts of Dazai X Happiness week on Tumblr.

Also know as… Kessho procrastinating on Ambrosia yet again.

You can find the parent story either on Quotev, or Archive of Our Own I’m gonna upload everything here later...

[Day 1] Flowers

AU: Bungou Gakuen

Ambrosia: Dazai Happiness Week

[Here] [Day 2] [Day 3] [Day 4] [Day 5] [Day 6] [Day 7]

White, red, blue, yellow, pink… even purple filled [Name]’s eyes. Truly, with the amount of vibrant colours that laid out for her to see was a feast for the eyes – every colour of flowers imaginable was in this small shop.

And the scent also was a feast on the nose, although perhaps it was slightly too much for the female picking out a meaningful present for her boyfriend, as she had to backtrack out of the shop for a while just to escape the flowery scents.

Seriously, forget every medicine under the sun that her uncle/caretaker had locked away in the school cupboards, these flowers were the real menace… the assault on her nose was something that she could not forget in quite a while.

Let’s see…

Amaryllis, as the pleasant shop owner had said with a dazzling smile that made [Name] completely rethink even setting a single foot in here, was a flower with the colour of romance, of love. The owner had also advised pairing it up with roses and lilies, to give the bouquet a meaning straight out of the heart.

And when the female searched up Amaryllis online, she found out that the flower means ‘splendid beauty’ and ‘worth beyond beauty’. Then in a complete coincidence, the full name of the said flower contain Dazai’s rather infamous nickname for her (and every breathing women out there), being ‘belladonna’.

“Amaryllis belladonna lily…” she had whispered under her breath, “or not… I don’t want him to go on and on about how he wanted to do a double suicide with me all the while having love hearts instead of eyes…”

Perhaps hearing the words “double suicide” tumbling out of the female (who physically doesn’t look a day over twenty - or eighteen to others) without any emotion at all, and her face showing no concern at the prospect of ending one’s life, the shopkeeper smiled awkwardly and just… backtracked away from the female who was having a glaring contest at her poor flowers.

“Oh, those white calla lilies look elegant… wonder what they represent.”

Yet staring at the black words of “purity” and then “innocence” written both in neat kanji and katakana, which were the last words that anybody would use to describe Dazai, [Name]’s head turned so fast to immediately look at other flowers that it startled the female shop owner for the second time.

“Please, please, please, please tell me that you made up your mind, [Surname]-san.” the white haired male who had the misfortune to be dragged into [Name] and her shopping begged.

If they were not in a public place, and if her uncle was not here (though he might as well be absent, as the greying man was busy sleeping away on the chair, and if you could come closer to him, you can just faintly make out the light snores that originated from the ginger), then Nakajima Atsushi might really would have went on his knees and begged for her to at least pick one, one flower.

But he didn’t, ultimately. And so he went with what any five year olds would do when they were bored.

He whined.

[Surname] [Name], meanwhile, had endless patience (unless if it comes to Dazai and his suicides, but that’s another story all together), so it was of no surprise that the poor boy really believed they could be stuck in here well into the night. Thank God that the shop had a closing time of 9, or he had a mysterious sinking feeling in his gut that [Name] would have stayed until midnight – or even later just to pick out the perfect present (in this case, a bouquet of flowers) for her boyfriend.

To be fair though, the poor boy didn’t even sign up for this. Much like the time when he was ditched left with Yosano, he was only roped into this because the original acquaintance of [Name] had landed the spotlight on him as soon as the words “[Name]”, “shopping” and “Dazai” were revealed.

Besides, they were in this shop since school ended, and if the orange sky outside (and also Vesalius Andreas’s snoring) was of any indication, Atsushi wagered he was stuck in this room for at least four hours.

Oh, how he dreamed of his chazuke and – surprisingly enough, as it was the first time such a thought wandered into his mind – his bed.

His comfy futon with fluffy sheets that he just wanted to roll around and inhale the laundry smell instead of whatever was currently assaulting his senses. And the chazuke, his favourite meal… the fluffy rice with the perfectly cooked tea and egg-

“I’ve got it!” standing tall and proud, with her hands on her hips, the female seemed as if she solved a mathematics problem of the century.

Ah, seems like [Name] really had made up her mind. That’s good, now Atsushi do have time to make his beloved chazuke and savour its taste-

“I’ll buy everything in this shop.”

… What?

“[Surname]-san, please don’t!”

“Since nothing can represent my love for Osamu, then I’ll buy everything just so he can finally see how much I love him.”

“O-Osamu”?! “love”?! [Surname]-san, when have you been this verbal? Is it the smell? Has the smell clouded your senses?! It’s definitely the assault on your senses that made your personality turn a complete 180, right? Right?!

The florist, meanwhile, being completely on the opposite side of Atsushi’s horror, looked as if she had just won the lottery.

“Hmm-? What? Did [Name]-chan finally pick out the perfect bouquet for that troublesome student?”

“Vesalius-sensei! [S-Surname]-san said that- she said that she’s going to buy everything in the shop!”

A look of utter surprise flashed across Vesalius’s face, and he stood up so suddenly and without a stumble that Atsushi wondered whether he really was sleeping for a couple of hours beforehand.

But instead of trying to lightly scold his niece for her absolute barbaric and impossible announcement, he did something that’s out of the ordinary… for normal people anyway:

“That’s brilliant! It’s something I would do anyway! Come [Name], let us buy the shop’s entire stock.”

“Ver-Versalius-sensei?!”

With a heavy heart, Atsushi left the florist, knowing that when they had their hearts set on something, it was as easy as reviving the dead when it comes to changing [Name] and Vesalius’s minds.

Yet the next day, outside the school building, when Atsushi saw [Name] hand his friend a beautiful and colourful bouquet with the colours of red and white, the stone in his heart lifted at the belief that they somehow, miraculously, did not buy everything in the shop.

It positively soared at the look of utter happiness on Dazai’s face.

Warmth, something that was almost foreign to the brunette, started to enclose in his heart, thawing out the frost that lingered longer than the winters here in Japan. He was touched, honestly, for having someone that could light up the darkness in his mind- no, his soul. The brightness dispersed every lingering fog in the corners and a softness, also foreign, was felt.

Needless to say, he would really have to show his gratitude to his girlfriend, who was blushing and looking so cute that he almost forgot where they were and was about to ravish her when-

Vesalius’s stern look (who somehow had popped up out of… nowhere) snapped him back to his senses.

But hey, when have a teacher ever stopped the infamous Dazai Osamu from virtually doing anything?

“Good morning [Surname]-san, Vesalius-sensei,” seriously, was everybody popping from Narnia today? Even Atsushi somehow had appeared right around the corner, Dazai mused to himself with the bouquet under one hand, and [Name]’s hand in the other. “and ah, Dazai-san as well. I’m glad to see that you didn’t buy the entire stock of the florist.”

Atsushi was met with silence.

“D-don’t tell me… you-you actually bought everything?!”

“No, of course not, Atsushi-kun.” the boy’s smile returned at [Name]’s statement, and it widened at the blush (as miniscule as it was, much like [Name]’s soft smile that she had on now – it was just barely noticeable after all) painted on Dazai’s cheeks.

Although he was less happy when he heard about a truck load of delivery was delivered to Dazai’s house earlier this morning. But hey, that couldn’t be [Name] and her flowers (the female was known for telling the truth 24/7), oh no – it was probably Dazai and his love of crab sticks, or well, anything to do with crab… and ropes and bandages… it couldn’t be [Name], it just couldn’t.

Still, whether it was [Name] or not, as the male registered at the look of utter love that was radiating of his older friend, he knew that whatever [Surname] [Name] does, it makes Dazai Osamu happy.

And in turn, as long as Dazai’s happy, then Atsushi’s satisfied.

Even if [Name] really had bought everything from that florist.

       “We didn’t buy everything in that florist,” [Name] reiterated, now looking more proud than ever. “no, we bought everything in that florist and the next flower shop after that.”

Needless to say, Atsushi’s shout was heard all across the school on that bright morning:

“WHAT?!”

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

 Note: For those interested, the bouquet consisted of:

Red roses – love, longing, desire and/or respect, admiration, devotion

White chrysanthemums – fidelity, optimism, joy and long life and/or truth, loyal love

Gardenias – purity, sweetness and/or secret love, joy. They also tell the receiver “you are lovely”

@dazaixhappinessweek2k19 did I do all right??? It is my first time participating after all

[scarlet-nin]

DazaixHappiness week Day 1: Flowers

 „Are you comfortable down there?”

Not bothering to open his eye, he hums. With the sun intent on caressing him in a heated embrace due to the blackness of his clothes he doesn’t find the wind bothersome. Like ripples across the river, the breeze brushes the heat away.

It’s the shadow falling over him, casting a shield from the dangers of the sun to the tender skin on his face, which makes his eye open. The sight greeting him is far brighter than the rays of the sun.

“Careful not to get sunburnt in this weather.”

Eyes bluer than the sky, clear without white clouds hiding the view, seem to crinkle in the drowning warmth of a gaze he’s all too familiar with. It’s hard not to grin back into the face looming above his, so he doesn’t try to hide the smile tugging his lips upwards.

“Dying of a heat stroke isn’t on my agenda today, Odasaku. That’s too plain. Also, it infers with my ability to think, so that’s also a big no.”

Dazai pets the grass, soft and easy to sink into with a hand. Oda sinks down next to him, not laying down but sitting with his legs crossed. He doesn’t bother to ask how his friend found him, finding the detail unnecessary in favor of savoring the company of a man brighter than the color of the spring surrounding them.

It’s too bad, he thinks, only having one eye free of coverage. Otherwise he’d get to sort out all the different shades of red shining through russet locks easier, naming a few that come to mind. Beige coat too light for the tanned skin visible, a pleasant contrast to look at.

“That’s good.”

Oda says it like he means it, Dazai knows he does just like every other word but it never fails to amaze him. An honesty unlike any other free of judgement. He reaches up to unbutton his jacket, loosening the tie in the process. Breathing feels easier this way even though wearing his ties reminded him more of a noose than a piece of fashion.

“I did come here to try out another suicide method! But it doesn’t appear to be working.”

Dazai pouts as he lunges forward with his upper body to mirror Oda’s seating style. Their knees brush neither pointing out how close they sit.

“How unfortunate for you. To have to endure this kind of weather all on your own after such a disappointment, it’s a good thing I found my way here to keep you company.”

“Now you’re just making fun of me,” Puffing out his cheeks, Dazai huffs as he glances around the colorful ray of flowers. “You’re mean, Odasaku. After I showed you my coffin too!”

“Coffin?”

“Yeah!”

At the slow blink of his friend Dazai grins as he gestures to where he had been laying before.

“Death by breathing in poisonous flowers! That way, the sweet aroma would have put me to sleep and I’d never would have woken up again. Nobody would have to leave flowers on my grave too, since they’re already here.”

“Sorry to disappoint you, but none of the flowers here are in any way poisonous.”

Dazai sighs, nodding. He’s known after twenty minutes of dozing off like this. Putting his head on his hand he glares at the flowers. Maybe if he stares long enough, they might combust and turn into poisonous gas.

Five minutes later, no such luck then.

“Here.”

“What?”

“You said the flowers are here, but since you didn’t die, I’ll give you one to take with you instead.”

Oda smiles, slipping the flower behind his ear. It’s a shade of violet and blue, dark purple veins spreading across the petals shaped like a bell.

Dazai is glad he took of his tie. Otherwise he might have suffocated now.

 “Well, that’s no fair! If I get a flower from Odasaku, then he has to get one from me! Or better a whole crown. I couldn’t choose a single flower here, so you’ll have to put up with lots of them.”

 He’s already picking out flowers, careful not to jostle the one behind his ear as he chooses different shades. Oda nods, helping to pick out a bunch as Dazai starts to work on binding them together. It’s harder than he thought. But he’s good with his fingers and he’s got enough pieces of small wires on him for lock-picking so he manages to make one.

 “There! Not my best work, but it’ll have to do until I can make a better one someday.”

 Despite the way it looks, some petals falling off from harsh tugging, no real pattern to the different shades of white, red and yellow, Oda wears it without protest. He looks ridiculous, crown too small and unruly. It doesn’t match the calmness of his face.

Dazai snorts as Oda inclines his head, careful not to jostle the fragile mess of flowers of his head as his lips form a smile.

“It’s perfect. Thank you.”

“Only you would think so,” Dazai laughs, tempted to take a photo knowing his friend wouldn’t mind. “Say, how do you feel about—"

“Dazai!”

“What?!”

Whining as he raises a hand to shield his eyes from the sun or the fiery scowl sent his way as he squints up to get his eyes to focus, he resists the urge to yawn. Shades of red fade into a sunny blonde just like the sky fades into a steely grey. Kunikida’s upside down face glaring down at him.

“We’ve been trying to wake you up for the last five minutes and you didn’t even twitch! Get out of your vest before you die of a heat stroke and eat something.”

Before he can do so much as open his mouth there’s a tuna sandwich thrown at his face which he manages to catch in time. Pushing himself up to unwarp it, he takes a large bite out of it to appease Yosano’s scrutiny.

Right. Today was a day off for all of them. One to relax while having fun and doing something normal for once. The very reason why Kunikida insisted on sleeping on his couch and dragged him into the car with a warning that if he should try to disappear, they’d declare it a fair hunting game for all of the Agency with a prize on his head.

Not wanting to spent his day running as much fun as it might be to grate on Kunikida’s nerves he’d been obedient so far. Taking the time to lay down in the shade as soon as they came to the spot Fukuzawa had chosen to do their picknick.

A large field of flowers with enough space for Kenji to go run about, or Atsushi should he desire to do so. There’s the gentle trickling of a river near them, one he had been forbidden from jumping into much to his dismay and the soft buzz of bees having seduced him to rest his eyes for a few minutes. Thankful for the large tree giving them coverage from the heat of the unforgiving sun, he yawns. He truly must have been tired then. To sleep like this in the mist of their chattering.

“You’ll finish that later.”

Yosano’s voice is firm as she takes the half-eaten sandwich back into the basket by her side. Dazai nods, knowing it’s a losing battle to try to argue his way out. He finds he doesn’t really want to with the edge of sleep hovering over his mind like a cloud above his head.

“You three, don’t wander too far. Also, be careful of your surroundings. If you manage to spill our tea with your game, you’ll be on paperwork duty for the next week.”

“Listen to the mother-hen,” Dazai grins only to wince when Kunikida elbows him into the side. He wheezes. “Now off you go before he decides to give you the talk about talking to strangers too!”

Kyouka, Kenji and Atsushi scurry off, Naomi and Tanizaki on their heels as they engage in a sporty game of tag.

“It’s way too hot for this kind of thing.”

“How aren’t you melting?”

Ranpo narrows his eyes as he keeps fanning himself with the fan Kunikida made him. Dazai shrugs, not bothering to answer as he finally tugs off his vest. Ranpo huffs, turning back to his game of chess with Fukuzawa as Yosano and Kunikida share a cup of sake.

Dazai lets his gaze wander from the game to overlook the field. A habit fit to his former occupation. He doesn’t let his gaze focus on anything for too long. He sees Atsushi trip into the river as Tanizaki vanishes into green snow. It’s enough to let a smile flash across his face as he hears the boy spluttering and hissing like a wet cat as he yells about the topic of cheating before he’s aware of the way his fingers drum on the top of his knees.

He’s restless. Startled into sudden awareness might do that to a Mafia Executive but he can’t blame Kunikida for his temper any more than he could have blamed Chuuya back in their days. If anything, it’s his own fault for falling asleep so quickly and so deeply.

He doesn’t pay attention to the game he knows Fukuzawa will lose in five turns, he glances at Kunikida, who narrows his eyes at him in suspicion before he turns back to Yosano.

Dazai snorts at the wariness his silence has caused before his fingers start picking out flowers. He’s careful in his choice, collecting them in his lap before his fingers start to work as his mind wanders.

His work is neater this time around. Bigger too. His choice of colors is different, softer in their pastel shades than the vibrant ones he’d used before. He’s braiding and tying stems together. Adding a flower when he deems fit only to twist the stem of the additional one over the other so they end up over the left and middle one.

“Woah, that’s so pretty Mister Dazai!”

“It is, isn’t it?”

Not aware that the game of tag has been cut short, he waves the finished product of his nimble work around like a bouquet. Kyouka and Atsushi come to sit beside him, their eyes stuck on the arrangement of flowers he’s bound together.

“I’d say it’s a crown for the Queen of the Agency, but Kunikida-kun is such a grump! So, he’ll need this over anyone else to make him prettier.”

Dazai puts the crown on Kunikida’s head whose protests are drowned out by Dazai clapping his hands like a child after seeing a good theater play made of dolls.

Hands empty, he finds it easier to look at the crown on Kunikida’s head, who growls and crosses his arms but leaves it be than having it in his hands.

“I want one too! But with other flowers. You better make it just as good if not greater than your first one.”

Ranpo demands, looking sullen as he leans against the base of the tree. Knowing better than to reject any wish of the man Dazai rises to his feet to collect new flowers. Kyouka, Atsushi and Kenji are more than willing to help him pick them out.

“Can you teach me?”

“Me too, please!”

“Can you do other stuff with flowers too?”

“Of course! But I don’t have any more pieces of wire to make more. If only my ability couldn’t cancel yours, Kunikida-kun.”

Kunikida rolls his eyes but takes his pen and notebook out. Soon enough, he’s showing the rest of the Agency with exception of Fukuzawa, Yosano and Ranpo, who preens with his chest puffed out and head held high about his new choice of hat wear how to make crowns, necklaces and other things with the flowers they pick out.

At this rate there might not be any left.

“No, no Kunikida-kun. You’re tying this wrong.”

“What? What am I doing wrong? I tied it just the way you said!”

“Look, brother, now we have a matching set!”

“Not so close, Naomi.” Tanizaki flushes as she snuggles up his arms, nearly sitting on his lap.

“You need to tie it this way around—”

Dazai makes a motion with his hand, gently pulling the stem the other way around before holding it out for Kunikida to take.

“—see? This way it later won’t be all that visible underneath the wire and it won’t fall apart.”

Atsushi fumbles with his crown as Kyouka puts her necklace around his neck before she reaches out to help him adjust his flowers in a braid pattern.

“Who taught you to make those?”

“There are some things in this world which don’t need to be taught. Or perhaps, I’m just a natural with my hands?”

Dazai winks as Kunikida hits him over the head, giving him a warning glance as his eyes stray over to where Kenji was sitting, drinking a glass of cold kept milk.

“Kunikida, don’t aim for the head, he needs that. Everything else is fair game.”

Ranpo chides, stuffing his face with sweet bread they’ve brought on their way here. Dazai gasps, all dramatic antics as he puts a hand on his chest and makes himself comfortable against the branch of their tree.

“How rude! What would the good Doctor say about you injuring me?”

“She’d say to keep that up if you want to go to the hospital.”

Yosano says, voice dry but amusement making her face look softer as she tugs a piece of hair behind her ear. She holds out a water bottle towards him. The cold water washes down his throat as refreshing as a jump into the river would have been.

“This should be a more regular occurrence.”

Fukuzawa’s voice is soothing. Not the sickening sweet tenor Dazai knows from Mori. Both powerful men in their own rights, but he finds the sentimental values of the Director far more pleasant than the logical reasonings to Mori’s purposes.

The President’s face is harsh and he’s nowhere near soft but he’s kind.

A difference Dazai’s willing to fight for.

“That could be arranged if it wasn’t for the nutcases running around our city and someone in this group that seems it fit to disappear whenever he likes it.”

At Ranpo’s pointed glance his way, Dazai crosses his arms and starts to whistle. He fools no one, but they let the topic slide in favor of Kenji pointing out the different shapes of the clouds in the sky, starting to appear.

He chimes in when he finds it necessary. The slight dampness of his bandages is gross, but nothing he hasn’t endured before. It’s odd. Spending a day like this.

“I’ll go and see if I can catch some fish in the river!”

“No—wait, Kenji don’t.”

Kunikida trips, steading himself just in time as he runs after the boy. Knowing they’d have to gut the fish if they wanted to eat them and it’d be just a mess. Dazai grins, rising to his feet only to sneak up on his partner to push him into the river.

“Dazai!”

The water is shallow, but Kunikida’s soaked through. He’s almost jealous. Jumping in with only the layers he’s got on his person would mean the bandages would unravel, so he dances out of the way of Kunikida’s attempt to tackle him into the water in his fury as he crackles.

“Someone needs to get this on video! Kunikida-kun looks like a drowned kitten! All hissing and spitting. All I did was give you a way to refresh yourself. You should learn to relax a little.”

“I’ll drown you, get back here, waste of bandages!”

“No way~.”

They stop their violent game of tag when Kunikida’s face gets red enough to rival the shade of Tanizaki’s hair. Dazai grins at him when they drive back a few hours later before asking to be set off quite a long walk away from the dorms.

“Ah, no tries at another suicide attempt, I know. I just remembered I had to do something today. A lady to take out, that kind of stuff Kunikida-kun knows nothing about. See you guys tomorrow!”

He shuts the car door to their curious faces and Kunikida’s cry of outrage before he could try to lunge out of the car to strangle him and waves as they drive off.

 Colors of orange, red and yellow melting into a shower of molten gold. The light filtering through the trees casts a glow of light onto the grey tomb. He settles down against it like he always does. Back leaning against the stone, face set to stare off into the distant sunset as he places a single crown of flowers onto the grave.

“This one looks much nicer than the others, don’t you think?”

There’s no answer. He doesn’t need one for he already knows it.

“It’s perfect. Thank you.”  

_________________________________________________________

@dazaixhappinessweek2k19

[goodlucktai]

put your empty hands in mine

chapter five: something unbelievable 

natsume yuujinchou pairing: kitanishinatsu word count: 1961 summary: Kitamoto and Nishimura are soulmates, to absolutely no one’s surprise. But they’re also soulmates with a very shy boy who lives somewhere far away, who writes to them in tiny, careful letters right before bed, who apologizes when the mimicry of bruises pop up on their arms and backs because of him. And that’s a surprise to a lot of people. read on ao3

x

Leaving him is hard, hard, hard. It feels like Satoru’s trying to leave behind one of his lungs, or half of his heart.

They hug one last time at the station, and Takashi’s fingers dig into the back of Satoru’s shirt-- he’s too shy to make demands, but that desperate grip is enough of one, and Satoru wishes for the one millionth time that they could just take Takashi with them. He thinks Takashi wishes it, too.

“It’s time to go, boys,” auntie says in a gentle voice. But she has a hug ready for Takashi despite herself, squeezing him tight and close with a hand against his hair. “It was wonderful to meet you, Takashi. We’ll see you again soon. Do you still have the present I gave you?”

He nods without pulling away, face buried in her stomach.

“I told your guardians that it’s yours, to keep with you all the time,” she says. “I told them I would be calling to check on you every week. I want you to keep it with you even at school, and make sure you keep the battery charged. You can send as many emails and make as many calls as you’d like, but keep it charged. Can you do all that for me, sweetheart?”

At first Satoru was a little jealous that auntie bought Takashi one of those cool prepaid flip phones when Atsushi’s been asking for one for ages, but he thinks he gets it now. It’s another way she’s taking care of them.

Takashi looks up at her like he’s never seen anyone like her before, which is just more proof. He always looks like that when someone does something nice for him.

Satoru and Atsushi steal another hug, because the risk of missing their train is more than worth it, then auntie ushers them both on board. The doors hiss closed and Satoru wastes no time in clambering onto his seat and plastering himself to the window.

Takashi stands there looking small and unhappy, almost swallowed up by the bustling crowd, hands clutched in the front of his own shirt like he’s afraid his heart might jump out to follow his soulmates home.

But he smiles when he sees Satoru looking. He lifts a hand as the train starts to move, and Satoru loses sight of him almost immediately.

Not everyone loves their other halves. Sometimes they don’t even seem to get along. Tsuji and his soulmate bicker every single day of their lives, like it’s a competition to see who can get the most hits in, but--

Tsuji gets upset when one of his classmates calls the other boy mean. “He’s not,” Tsuji will say, frustrated and a little bit hurt by their complete misunderstanding. “He’s my best friend. I’m going to marry him forever when we get older and argue with him about everything. ”

Satoru’s only eight, and he’s never once thought about getting married, but he’s familiar with love. He loves his brother, and his auntie, and his two best friends, so much it sometimes feels like a balloon inflating in his chest to the point of pain. He loves mom most of the time, and uncle Hakaru and little baby Mana, and Tsuji and Taki and Sasada. He’s never been without love, not really. Neither has Atsushi.

Takashi has.

Takashi doesn’t have parents or a house or even a bedroom that’s his. He moves around a lot, and lives with people that don’t seem to want him, and it takes an effort to get him talking, as though he’s used to being hushed or ignored. He wanted Satoru and Atsushi to stay and had no idea how to ask.

Satoru’s second soulmate is like a ghost with good intentions. One that wants to stick around but knows better than to break the rules. One that watches them leave like he’s used to watching people leave.

It’s hard. It hurts. It feels like they’re not supposed to be so far apart. But it’s not goodbye, Satoru reminds himself, repeating in his head what auntie had reminded them over and over. It’s never ever going to be goodbye.

And now he has a phone of his very own! And he promised to call when they got home tonight!

Atsushi already has his felt-tip pen out, writing onto the back of his hand, Miss you already.

Satoru grabs for it when he’s done and scrawls his own, much messier, Talk to you soon!

The phone comes more in handy than Satoru ever thought it would.

Auntie is strict about calling, never missing a single agreed-upon check-in, and that’s on top of all the countless hours Atsushi and Satoru spend talking to him after school and on lazy Sunday afternoons. Kiyoshi checks his arms and his back for new bruises during baths and looks relieved when there’s nothing but the fading yellows and greens of old ones.

Sometimes Atsushi gives the phone to baby Mana and lets her babble solemnly into the receiver. Sometimes they put it on speaker and pour over homework together and try to lure Tsuji or Sasada over to correct their bumbling attempts at English.

Slowly, during all those endless days, Takashi’s voice gets brighter and louder. He picks up on the first or second ring with a happy, “Hi!” that makes Satoru want to roll around and smile at everything.

And then one day, a stranger answers the phone.

“So you do exist!” an unfamiliar voice says by way of greeting.

“Who’s this?” Atsushi asks, confused. After nearly a year, no one’s ever answered Takashi’s phone for him before. Satoru crawls closer and presses his ear to the phone, too, in time to hear a group of kids share a laugh in the background.

“My name’s Shibata. Natsume’s in my class,” the boy with Takashi’s phone says. “Me and my friends wanted to know what kind of person his soulmate was, that’s all.”

“Stop it!” Takashi’s voice comes from somewhere behind him. The distress in his voice makes Satoru’s hands bunch into fists all on their own. “Give it back!”

“What’s your problem?” Satoru snaps. “Give his phone back or you’ll be sorry!”

“Hey, I’m not hurting anything,” Shibata says. Now he sounds a little surprised, like he wasn’t expecting their anger. “I’ll give it back. We just wanted proof he wasn’t lying about you like he lies about everything else.”

“He doesn’t have to prove anything to you.” Atsushi’s never glared like this before at anybody, and Satoru wishes these bullies could see it. “You just told me your name like an idiot, and my mom will call the school and get you in trouble if you mess with him anymore. Give him back the phone and go away.”

There’s a brief pause, and then a quiet shuffle, and then Shibata’s voice in the distance leading his stupid pack of friends away. There’s soft, shuddering breaths on the line next, and Satoru says, “It’s okay, pumpkin. Let’s go someplace you like to be, okay? Is there anyplace like that around?”

“There’s a-- an abandoned shrine,” Takashi whispers, and he’s crying, and Satoru feels his eyes burn with sympathetic tears almost immediately. “That I like to go to sometimes. I’ll go there.”

As he walks, they keep him company. They talk about stuff that doesn’t really matter, just to fill up the silence. Atsushi taps his fingers on his knee to count Takashi’s breaths until they start to slow down.

Then they hear a low creak of wood, and the distinct groan of an old door easing open on tired hinges, and Takashi murmurs, “I’m here.”

“Are you okay?” Satoru presses. “Do those guys bother you a lot?”

“Not really. They just say stuff. This is the first time they took my bag.”

Atsushi’s still got that scary look on his face. Satoru half wants to take a picture because no one will ever believe him that his Acchan could look like that. He definitely gets it from auntie, Uncle Hakaru is too nice. Hopefully Mana takes after her dad.

“I should still tell mom. She’ll come all the way to your school if your guardian won’t.”

“And we could come with her and visit!” Satoru adds brightly, always an opportunist.

It works in earning them a little laugh. “I probably won’t live here for very much longer. I don’t want to start any trouble.”

Satoru pouts, but Atsushi’s tapping his fingers again. He looks troubled by something.

“Takashi, what did he mean?” he asks carefully. “When he said you lied?”

"I can't tell you," comes the quiet reply, hurt and heartfelt. "You won't believe me either."

"Nope, we definitely would," Satoru says right away. "If anybody'd believe you, it'd be me and Acchan. Right, Acchan?"

"Right. We know you're not a liar, but it's just like I told that guy, Shibata. You don't have to prove anything, okay? You can keep all the secrets you want, and we'll help you keep them."

"And when we come visit, I'm gonna beat up Shibata!" Satoru adds. He waves a fist for emphasis. "Teach him to mess with my Takashi."

"Our Takashi," Atsushi corrects, giving him a not very gentle push.

"You'd believe me no matter what?" Takashi asks cautiously. There's hope in his voice, this tentative burdened hope. They've never given him any reason to doubt them, but it's still so hard. "Even if it was something unbelievable?"

"Takashi, you're-- a part of us. We love you. We're not gonna stop coming to visit or writing notes to you during class or calling you all the time, no matter what you tell us."

"Even if," he whispers, shaky, "even if I told you I could see ghosts?"

Which-- huh.

That doesn't sound as crazy as Satoru was bracing himself for. Maybe things are different in the city, but everyone in Satoru's quiet country hometown is pretty superstitious. Even mom won't hang out any laundry to dry at night, and the only time Tsuji was ever late to class was when his shoelace broke on his way out the door and his mother made him change it.

And maybe there's a right way to respond to this big secret of Takashi's that he's revealed-- a better, more mature, thoughtful way than Satoru jumping up and down and smacking Atsushi on the arm, forgetting himself in his sudden excitement.

"Hey, so can Yula! Remember?"

Atsushi still looks a little thrown, but he nods along. "Your brother’s soulmate? Oh-- oh yeah!"

"Her last apartment was super haunted," Satoru says into the phone, bringing Takashi back up to speed. "Apparently there are lots of ghosts in St. Petersburg. She and her moms moved to a new apartment, though, and she hasn't seen anything creepy in ages."

"Isn't there a priest here in town who does cleansings? Over at Yatsuhara Temple?" Atsushi asks, more to himself than Satoru, who they both know has no clue what priests are here in town. "I'm pretty sure one of our neighbors called him in to place ofuda in the house because her grandma kept getting sick. They must've thought it was a spirit."

"If Takashi sees them all the time, it must be scary. You should get an omamori to carry with you, just in case," Satoru insists, leaning in to monopolize the phone again. "Next time you visit, we'll go to Yatsuhara and get you a good one, okay? Promise."

It sounds like Takashi is crying again, muffled like he took the phone away and buried his face in his hands. It takes forever to coax him back out, and Satoru is worried they said something wrong until he realizes the tears are mixed with laughter, and it's not an unhappy sound at all.

"Okay, Satchan," Takashi says, each word shaped like a smile. "It's a promise."

[553butterfly553]

Midorima x Takao - The Wondrous Adventures of Misfortune 3

Answers or More Questions?

“See, I told you it wouldn't be that hard!” Takao smirked at Midorima as he slowly pulled the car into the driveway in front of them. “You nearly killed 3 people and almost crashed into another car.” Midorima was glaring at Takao and was secretly glad the terrible ride was over. He had been horrified the entire time. He was convinced he was going to die because of his guardian. However, Takao had been smiling and completely oblivious to the horror he was causing. “They shouldn't have been in the way then.” The black-haired male shrugged as he put the car in park. “You... That's not... I will be driving home. You will not ever drive a car again.” “Awe! Come on Shin, don't be so mean. It was fun!” “Be silent.” Both males then got out of the car, one of them pouting, and began to walk to the large home in front of them. It looked quite expensive, like someone famous or very important lived there. It truly looked more like a mansion than a house. “Whose home is this?” “You'll see,” Takao smirked once more and began to pull Midorima along with him. The green-haired male was unsure about the situation but allowed himself to be guided by the male. “This better not get me killed.” “You worry too much.” “You don't worry enough.” Ignoring Midorima, Takao knocked on the door. A few moments went by before footsteps could be heard approaching the door. The large wooden door in front of them then opened, revealing a familiar face to Midorima. “Midorima?” “Kasamatsu?” The two former co-workers stared at each other in disbelief. The shorter one hadn't seen or heard from the other since Midorima was fired and stopped answering his phone. “Hey there Kazu!” A yellow-haired male quickly jogged to the door. He had a huge smile on his face. “Ryouta! It's been so long!” The black-haired male hugged the blond, ignoring the two confused men. “Kise, what is going on?” Kasamatsu demanded, confused about the situation. “Well, I told you that old friends were coming for a special event.” “I thought you meant that the others I've already met were coming over.” “Takao! What is going on?” Midorima pulled his black-haired companion to him to explain the situation. He was more irritated than confused. “Why don't you two come in, then we'll explain.” The yellow-haired male motioned for the others to follow him and then walked away. Midorima and Takao were led to a large living room with an equally large, pure white sectional sofa. “Do either of you want anything to drink? The others will be here soon.” “Water please.” Takao responded, just as Midorima said, “No.” “So, water for both.” With that, Kise left the room and headed to the kitchen, Takao decided to follow him to begin the catching up with his old friend. “Others?” “Kise invited a few of our other friends as well. They'll be important people you're going to meet.” Kasamatsu calmly explained. With how calm the male was now, he was clearly used to Kise causing sudden surprises. “What exactly is going on?” “Kise Ryouta, that loud blond, is my guardian angel. He doesn't really seem like an angel, but he is.” Kasamatsu explained simply. He then looked towards the kitchen where both the guardians were and began to speak again. “That guy is your guardian, so I hear.” “Guardian demon to be exact.” “I see. Well, you'll be meeting others as well. Oh, I also heard you know about the band Takao is in. Kise is a part of it as well.” “I think I expected you to say that. He seems like the type who enjoys being in the spotlight.” Kasamatsu chuckled at Midorima's comment. However, once the green-haired male opened his mouth to speak, the humor faded. “What is your relationship with Kise?” “Uh...” “Shin here!” Takao and Kise's sudden reappearance halted any responses. Takao handed the cup of water to his green-haired companion and then sat next to him. “What were you two talking about?” The yellow-haired male inquired curiously. “I told him about you and how you're in the band with Kazu.” “Did you tell him we're lovers?” “No!” Kasamatsu couldn't help it as his face began to turn red from embarrassment. “He had not gotten to that quite yet,” Midorima responded as he took a drink of the water he was given. “Oh, you're not bothered by that, right?” Kise wasn't too concerned, but he wasn't going to be happy if his best friend (Takao) was protecting someone close-minded. “Why would I be bothered by that? Whatever you do in private is none of my concern. I'll only be annoyed if you become too sappy in front of me. However, that stands for any couple.” He looked annoyed already as he responded, but it was a good enough answer. “Besides, I already knew Kasamatsu was gay.” “Wait what?!” The shorter black-haired male chocked on his water, causing the blond to worry and move closer to him. “I caught you making out with someone 3 years ago after that birthday party you forced me to attend.” “Kise! You told me you were sure no one saw us!” “Oops?” Kise received a smack for his comment. The two lovers began to bicker as Takao chuckled. “They are so in love, aren't they Shin?” Takao leaned against Midorima much to his annoyance. “That is love? Seems quite dysfunctional.” This caused the black-haired demon to burst out into laughter. “And what are you laughing about?” Kasamatsu's anger was put towards Takao, causing him to go silent instantly. Just then a knock at the door rang out in the large home. “That must be the others!” Kise quickly fled to the door, which was out of sight. A minute of incoherent chatter later and the male reappeared with a group following behind him. “That's a lot of people,” Midorima muttered to himself. Takao made a squealing noise before pouncing on the group. A lot of cheerful greetings were heard before Takao finally turned back to the green-haired male. “So, everyone this is my human, Midorima Shintarou.” The demon spoke loudly for all of them to heard. “Shin this is...” He took a step away to allow the group to begin introducing themselves. “I'm Momoi Satsuki.” The only female of the group announced. Her voice and personality were as bright as her pink hair. “I'm a guardian angel and a member of the band Ki and Kazu are in. It's been a few months since we've last all met up though.” “I'm Aomine Daiki, a guardian demon.” The blue-haired male said next from the pink-haired female's side. “This is Kagami Taiga, my guardian angel lover.” He was referring to the redhead who was just as tall as he was that was standing next to him. “I'm Dai's guardian and he's in the band too!” The female noted happily. “A demon gets a guardian?” Midorima was confused but the next person began to speak. He was a huge male with purple hair. “My name is Murasakibara Atsushi. I'm a human and work as a pastry maker.” “I'm his guardian angel, Himuro Tatsuya. I'm the final member of the band.” The black-haired male next to the purple giant spoke up. He had only one eye visible with a mole under it. “Hello Shintarou, it's been a while.” A shorter red-haired male began to talk next. His voice caused chills to run down Midorima's spine. The being was someone he'd met only once, but left an impression on him, and not a good one. “You remember me, correct? I'm Akashi Seijurou. I'm a demon and I guard no one.” “Of course you don't...” Midorima scowled at the red-haired male. “Is that the last one?” “I haven't gone yet.” The sudden voice caused the green-haired male to jolt slightly. He looked towards an even shorter male with light blue hair. “I'm Kuroko Tetsuya. I'm a human and work as a preschool teacher.” “So, now that the introductions are done, everyone find a seat.” Kise declared before returning to his place next to Kasamatsu. Takao also returned to his place, which was right next to his human and in the green-haired male's opinion, uncomfortably close for Midorima's tastes. Even so, Midorima made no move to shove the demon away from him. “So, how long have you known about the demon and angel stuff?” Momoi excitedly asked the green-haired male. “Today only a few hours ago.” “Oh wow. Kazu didn't you think you should have waited to introduce all of us to him? What if he gets overwhelmed?” Kise muttered horrified by his best friend's actions. “No way! Shin is no delicate flower. He can handle all the sudden changes, can't you?” Takao turned to the human next to him. Midorima only glared at him in return. “He looks more pissed off than anything,” Aomine noted from his place between Kagami and the only female. “That's his usual face. Then again, I'm not sure if he can feel anything other than anger.” Kasamatsu commented simply. “I am capable of feeling every emotion anyone else can feel. I just choose not to.” Midorima's statement caused quite a few people to chuckle. He wasn't sure if he was alright with it or not, but he decided to let it go. “So, what else did Kazu tell you? Anything about your original guardian?” It was the female once again asking the question. Midorima took a moment to think about his conversations with his demon before answering. He'd been so overwhelmed at that time so he never got a good chance to go over all Takao had told him. “He informed me that my original guardian was a coward who was more interested in herself than protecting me. Along with something about breaking a law.” The green-haired male recalled. It had only been a few hours ago, but it felt like days since then. “I see. Kazu, why didn't you tell him the whole story?” At the female's question, Takao looked down at his feet. “You must have been embarrassed.” “Yeah, since you seriously had to fight her to become his guardian,” Aomine spoke next, chuckling as he did so. “What do you mean?” Midorima was now confused once again. “Who wants to explain? It's too much work for me.” The blue-haired male was scolded for being so lazy by the red-haired male next to him. “I can explain unless Kazu wants to?” Momoi was clearly eager to keep talking and Takao had no interest in speaking at that moment, due to his embarrassment. “Satsuki, just tell the man the story.” “I was about to Dai, so shut it!” She glared at her companion before looking to Midorima. “Your previous guardian was an angel named Hiretsuna. As beautiful and kind as she acted, anyone who knew her was well aware how bad she was. She had someone else to guard before you were born, and she neglected them so much they ended up dying far too early then they were supposed to.” “She also tricked other angels, causing them to get into trouble. Some even were exiled due to her actions.” Himuro explained as he shook his head in disbelief. “When she became your guardian, she decided to toy with your life any chance she got. She'd cause certain things to happen or stop others. She saw you as a game.” “It was only after she caused you to meet a demon like me, that Kazunari decided to get involved.” It was now Akashi speaking, however, it was less unsettling now. “Yeah, as Aomine said before, Kazu had to fight her. She was trying to mess with your life in terrible ways. She even allowed you to go to that shrine when she knew it was cursed. The only reason Kazu didn't stop it was she locked him up.” Kise exclaimed, infuriated at the memory. “He was watching over you in secret for many years without permission so once she found out, she lashed out at him.” The female, who was annoyed with the others for telling parts of the story, regained control and was speaking again. “Kazu was locked in a demon sealing cage. He was finally able to be set free by his own power alone. When he saw you were about to die he was able to break out.” “When she says many years of watching you, she means it!” Aomine laughed out, only to be hit with a pillow thrown by Takao. “Stop that! The story is over, Shin has heard enough!” He was trying to hide it, but he was clearly extremely embarrassed. “Just how long?” Midorima was honestly curious now. He only got Takao panicky telling the others to remain silent. He'd gotten so worked up that he ended up out of his seat. “We met when you were in the middle school, so since then.” Saying that was the only one who wouldn't be silenced by anyone, Akashi. “That's a very long time...” “Shin, don't listen to him! He's-” Takao was stopped by Akashi slowly looking over at him. The black-haired demon sighed before sitting back down in his seat. “He's right. It has been that long.” “Interesting...” The green-haired male's comment concerned Takao, but he quickly forgot. Once the serious conversation was over, the whole group began chatting. They told stories about the old days but focused their stories about Takao and his life. The band members spent time discussing reuniting the band and starting it up again. As it began to get later in the night, the group exchanged numbers and Midorima willingly participated. He hadn't been too sure of the whole thing at first, but he wasn't completely against the group. He wouldn't say be made friends, just close acquaintances. Either way, Takao was overjoyed with how well his human got along with his friends. With how Midorima can be, he wasn't sure how cooperative the male could be. “It was great seeing you all again! We need to meet up more!” Takao called back to everyone as he and Midorima were leaving Kasamatsu and Kise's home. “It was nice to meet you Mido!” Momoi called out causing the male to scowl at the nickname. He ignored the others and headed right to the driver's side. Takao lingered behind, but eventually caught up and entered the passenger side door. “This turned out to be a great day, huh Shin.” “I suppose it could have been gone worse.” The response caused Takao to light up. It was probably the best response he'd ever get, so he was thrilled. The way back to Midorima's home was peacefully quiet. Takao knew he'd put Midorima through so much that day, so he wanted to be kind and stay silent for a little bit. The green-haired male said nothing but was grateful for the male's silence. Even though he spoke no words, Takao knew his feelings and couldn't help smiling to himself.

[courage-a-word-of-justice]

Nanbaka 17 | ACCA 3 | ReLIFE 7 - 13 (FINAL) | D Gray Man Hallow 2 - 6

(Nanbaka 17)

I bet the fandom makes, “Something is breaking. It’s my heart,” jokes from now on. Or something similar to that. Fandom is corny like that.

I only just realised, but the green numbers that appear at the start of the OP are cell 13’s prisoner numbers. D’oh.

Couldn’t you just grab the shackles, Rock?

Chibi Hajime? Never seen that one before.

It just occurred to me that Qi may have done this.

There seems to be a patch of purple on Jyugo’s torso…for some reason.

Upa did it…?

Hey, that Bruce Lee quote came back…! There also seems to be a Bungou Stray Dogs vibe going on, not really being helped by the fact Yuto Uemura is Atsushi and Jyugo. Tsukumo is Yuri from Yuri on Ice, which is kinda funny.

I…accept your man candy! LOL.

Kiji and Uno are crazily on the same wavelength…

Oh wow, Uno just pulled out the Dazai stops.

“10 minutes later…”

CGI doors…what a pain in the butt.

The eye style on Uno makes me LOL too hard.

(ACCA 3)

Oh, so the OP’s red bird is an acca. Okay.

Potato gratin on toast. Never tried it, but I like potato gratin on cheese and cheese on potato gratin.

Bar Tattler. Perfect name for a place to spill secrets.

Wow. Formal dress isn’t that different to ACCA wear but it makes people look completely different.

There were huggggggggggggggge strawberries last time, remember?

Ooh. Things are getting interesting thanks to Mauve and the 5 General guys.

(ReLIFE ep 7)

Isn’t that Windows 7 Yoake has?

I never asked this, but what happens to failed subjects?

Hmph. They say in Japan that a guy and a girl sharing an umbrella is romantic.

ReLIFE really addresses the difference between personal involvement and work involvement.

Yoake really does remind me of Dazai sometimes.

LOL, Onoya, Yoake. Meanwhile, is that a pink computer? Don’t think I’ve ever seen a monitor that’s pink, although I have seen a pink brick phone and a pink laptop.

Arata’s senpai’s tale matches Yoake’s relationship with subject 001, now that I think of it.

I wanna know more about Amagase-san.

Love bubbles and sparkles, LOL. You are one strange character, Yoake.

You can easily tell Arata’s saying sumimasen , even if there are no subs.

Why did “I don’t have a car!” make me laugh so much?

I think there was an excess “and” in the subs somewhere when Yoake was reporting near the end of the ep.

(ep 8)

The animation on Oga’s hand was unnatural (as in, his second and third fingers were too far apart) when he waved.

“In the pink of health”? Never heard that one before.

“Appetite” is probably the wrong word for it, Amatsu-sensei.

He didn’t react by laughing at Tamarai’s, but I guess that would’ve been misinterpreted and/or impolite.

The final year of high school is all about going all out…

Is the pill in the eyecatch always blue? I saw it was orange last ep.

There appear to be English dictionaries on Inukai’s shelf.

You can see the bags under Tamarai’s eyes.

Revenge of the CGI balls, LOL.

You can see how much Asaji wants to help when he reaches out but then he takes it back. Huh.

Update: I was familiar up to about this part in the manga.

(ep 9)

Omurice. I like that word. Omurice. Omurice. Probably because “omelet rice” sounds weird…Omurice.

Do you think ReLIFE would benefit if its fandom had more memes? Because bees. The Bee Movie seems to be pretty popular as a meme subject these days.

Is this why people always want younger people to enjoy their youth? So they don’t have their dreams crushed later?

The three line eyebrows are distinctive, but they look a bit weird.

Oga, you innocent butt. Blinking ever so innocently at Kariu.

How ironic of you to say, “The last thing you need is a fall”, Oga.

Hishiron can’t be a soccer nerd. “Gooooal” doesn’t suit her.

Doesn’t Kaizaki have any better clothes than black and grey shirts?

Hishiron has her school bag.

Bullying is a Big Deal in Japan, where you’re not meant to pick on people at all. Western cultures wish for outgoing people, so for someone like me who sits more on the introvert side, life kinda sucks.

Seriously, An and Yoake, get together.

*facepalms* What a dork, Kaizaki. Hitting your head in you panic like that won’t get you anywhere.

That’s a weird way of putting that, Hishiron. “[G]et revenge with someone,” that is.

About the entire plotline: It’s easier to “regress” when it comes to writing stories but harder to “regress” when it comes to real life. It must be because of how used to living and growing up people feel.

(ep 10)

At the top of the staircase, Hishiron looked so confused (after she said that she’d watch the tournament).

“Of course I know.” – (Chorus: Of course Yoake knows.)

You’re too darned strong (regarding the door), Kaizaki.

I heard there was an English dub of ReLIFE. Hopefully they can sell the Hishiron voice well enough.

The first time, I was wondering what came after this.

(ep 11)

Why do people say stuff like “I’ll come with”? I’ve said it before, but never questioned it until now.

I actually think Onoya’ll be really grumpy when she wakes up.

I guess it’s the hairstyle, but I look at Yoake and I’m seeing Dazai…again.

I bet Arata will be sad once it ends, LOL.

Black companies – corrupt businesses filled with salesmen and women who can’t escape. That’s basically what I’ve picked up from Osomatsu-san, anyway.

Notice the pill is normally white/blue. This time it was black/blue.

There’s a very Western feeling to this. No wonder the West likes this more than Japan itself. It’s also quite the sociological study. It helps that this was one of the only two shows I watched in summer 2016 the first time around (the other being Boueibu s2) – I can see “One Wish They Never Wanted” reflected in this, and knowing me and the hard times I went through at the end of the year, it was most likely deliberate. After all, they do carry similar themes.

(ep 12)

I think there was a central institution uni applications go through in Japan. In my country, they have something similar.

I shipped Kariu and Oga so hard during these last two eps. It helps that I almost never take the shows with the ships.

Ow. That burnt so much, Arata.

Such a convenient hole in the wall.

Kamioka’s hair looks a little puffy.

You jerk, Arata. You didn’t think “the same thing”. You thought nothing of the sort!

Why is Arata a fish? Probably because Kaizaki means “ocean peak” (or something like it).

What’s up with that statue?

August 10th, 6:30 pm onwards.That’s when the fireworks festival is.

Arata’s got his own harem~! (Neener neener…and so on.)

(ep 13)

Why are only the girls in kimono?! (Update: Or is that yukata?)

You suave, suave player, Yoake.

The white figures really aren’t helping their case…

The blue and yellow sign tells you there’s a traffic obstruction due to the fireworks.

They’ve got some heavy focus on the earrings in a certain shot. It’s such good news for the ship.

Holding hands is a much bigger deal in Japan than it is in the West.

Of course Tama is such a target for mozzies. She’s so big in that region.

The fireworks look so lifelike in this anime!!! I said that for Showa Genroku too, though.

Like an ephermeal flower, a fireworks exists…or some other weird Yoda stuff like that.

Arata’s seems to be blue, while Chizuru’s seems to be green for the sake of colour coding.

Onoya’s fan says “festival” on it.

The pill background looks kinda like footsteps. It must’ve been deliberate they used such a pattern.

Off model at its worst (when the duo sat on the bench).

Dangitfalsekissscene!

LOL, lookit Hishiron’s creepy face.

Nothing is better than a properly-pulled-off bookend.

Welp, that’s the end of that. Hopefully we can meet again sometime, for some other show.

(D Gray Man Hallow ep 2)

Every time I see this ep, I think of a song. It’s this one, to be precise about it. Never mind about the music video, the lyrics and title suit it too well.

Poor Tim.

Ooh, macaron cake!

I forgot who Phantom Thief G was the first time. Then I checked him up and I remembered.

Wrong “throw”, subbers.

This scene where Link is crying is…very odd. There’s a lot of logic that really should be obvious that gets bandied about here.

Really? Fanservice?

If he has Innocence, Timothy’s guilty (in a sense). How ironic.

How do people even evaluate the Akuma’s level on sight?

(ep 3)

“Soul mate” is probably overreacting a little too much.

What a weird butt Galmar is. I can understand his reasoning for what he thinks though.

(ep 4)

People can never seem to agree on how to spell Tyki’s name.

Renny? Seriously, I laugh too much. “Lenny” would’ve been a proper name, but that’s a guy’s name. Then again, this is anime we’re talking about...

Tim’s so cute with the ZZZs.

That burn, Allen. So deep.

“This is the order of the Pope.”

“Hunting Exorcists, huh?”

(ep 5)

Everyone spells Alma’s name as Alma Karma, but the book cover says Alma Carma (sic). Huh.

Sometimes I question the need for a science section in the middle of an Akuma vs Exorcist war.

What the freak, Earl? Don’t scare me like that!

Improper poses? That’s so threatening. (sarcastic)

Unnecessary fanservice, number 2…? (Specifically the “you perv” bit.)

(ep 6)

A-hey. Young!Kanda animated in such a way that it invokes humour…it looks like Yurio. Lots of things remind me of Yurio these days.

How do they know exactly how many seconds it’ll take until the Seconds regenerate?

It’s bunny!Hoshino!

Such gallows humour. That’s why the novelty wore off on this show.

I think the word they mean is youkai instead of sprite.

The jackets come off…kinda sorta.

Is it “dreamed” or “dreamt”?

Can people even hear using stethescopes? I’ve never tried it myself, but I want to know.

Sometimes you forget Allen’s there.

How’d blonde guy (Edgar) get that blood around him?

[goodlucktai]

put your empty hands in mine

chapter four: a happy picture

natsume yuujinchou pairing: kitanishinatsu word count: 1383 summary: Kitamoto and Nishimura are soulmates, to absolutely no one’s surprise. But they’re also soulmates with a very shy boy who lives somewhere far away, who writes to them in tiny, careful letters right before bed, who apologizes when the mimicry of bruises pop up on their arms and backs because of him. And that’s a surprise to a lot of people. read on ao3

x

“Um, this is where I live,” Takashi says, pushing open the front door and standing back to let them all file in. “No one else is here today.”

Satoru looks at Atsushi’s mom, who looks really angry for a moment. But she doesn’t look angry at Takashi or Atsushi or Satoru himself, so Satoru doesn’t really care who her temper is for. Whoever it is, they probably deserve it.

Toeing out of his sneakers in the genkan, Satoru looks around curiously. It’s a really normal-looking place, smaller than the Kitamoto’s house but more tidy, probably because these people don’t have an energetic one-year-old to deal with.

At Satoru’s house, there’s evidence of him and Kiyoshi in their best graded papers hanging on the fridge, and photos of their gap-toothed smiles on the walls, and the games and toys that don’t quite make it back to their bedroom when it’s time to clean up at the end of the day.

There’s no evidence of Takashi here, in the framed certificates and expensive-looking decorations. Even the potted plant in the hallway looks like it would cost money to touch. Satoru has his hands buried deep in his pockets, like when he visits his grandma’s house, just in case.

“Well, I need to make a phone call,” obasan says brightly, pushing that angry look off her face so that her smile for Takashi is a nice one. “Why don’t you show the boys your room, Takashi? I’ll be there in a little bit.”

Takashi is nervous, which is silly, and makes Satoru feel silly for being nervous on the train here. He takes one of Takashi’s hands, and Atsushi takes the other, and that makes the stairs a little tricky to navigate but it also makes Takashi giggle a little every time they trip.

“I sleep in here,” Takashi says, guiding them through an open door at the end of the hall. “It’s actually their daughter’s room, but she goes to a private school in another town now.”

It’s a nice-sized room, with a desk and a dresser and an empty place for a futon in the corner. It’s as pleasant and impersonal as the hotel room Satoru remembers staying in once. If someone asked him to guess who lived here, Satoru would never in his life guess it was another eight-year-old boy.

“Where’s your stuff?” Atsushi says, sounding as puzzled as Satoru feels.

Takashi brightens a little more. “You want to see?”

Satoru doesn’t know what to say when Takashi’s stuff turns out to be all packed away in the cardboard box he pulls out of the closet. There are books and toys inside, all worn and weathered and clearly loved, and Satoru scoots closer eagerly to pick up a stuffed lion that falls out when Takashi lifts out a book.

There’s only velvet softness where a fluffy mane probably used to be, and its dull yellow color is faded from something brighter. It must be a favorite, but then why is it living in a box?

“That’s Roar,” Takashi mumbles, when Satoru holds it out to him. His face is a little pink, but he still tucks the lion back in the box with unending care. “I’ve had him forever.”

“Acchan has a stuffed sheep that’s missing an eye from when I dropped it out the car window when we were five,” Satoru says, waving the other boy’s embarrassment away. “Her name is Bell and he likes her more than me sometimes.”

“All the time,” Atsushi grumbles, shoving him without much force.

Takashi giggles again, and turns his attention to the book. It’s too big for him to hold up comfortably, so he lets it fall open in his lap, glossy pages parting around an old photograph bookmarked somewhere near the middle. Satoru leans in to see better.

There are two people in the photograph, both of them smiling like their faces were built for it and standing close to each other. Takashi looks like them, Satoru thinks. And then he realizes who he’s looking at.

“Your parents?” he asks. Takashi nods.

“I didn’t know my mom, but papa was really nice! I think he would have liked you.”

“Are they gone?” Atsushi asks next. “Is that why you’re living here?”

“Mm.” Takashi takes the photo back, and the smile he’s wearing is a little wobbly now. “I tried to go home once, but I couldn’t make it. And even if I did, papa wouldn’t be there anymore. The picture-- it’s my favorite thing, but it makes me sad. So I put it away.”

Satoru scoots over until their shoulders bump, and lays his head on Takashi’s shoulder. It’s how he sits with Atsushi when Atsushi is sad. He says, “My dad is gone, too. Him and mom got divorced when I was really little, and that’s why we moved to Hitoyoshi, where we live now. I met Acchan in kindergarten, and I was never lonely, but I think mom and niichan were. They put away all of dad’s stuff. Even stuff they really liked. I think it makes sense that the picture makes you sad, because you loved your papa a lot, and it’s reminding you he’s not here anymore.”

Takashi’s hand tightens around the photo. He says, “But I want to remember him without being sad.”

Satoru wants that, too. He presses his lips together against the sympathetic tears in his eyes and darts a look at Atsushi. Atsushi looks helplessly out of his depth, because he’s never lost anyone he shouldn’t have; his parents are where they’re supposed to be and his house is happy and warm. But he’s still Atsushi, and he still has a solution.

“Mom has a camera,” he says, standing up. He reaches down to offer both his hands. “She brings it with her any time we go somewhere special. Let’s take another picture for you to keep with this one.”

“A happy picture!” Satoru exclaims, latching onto the idea as he grabs Atsushi’s hand. “For you to look at when you start to get sad!”

Takashi takes Atsushi’s hand, too, and lets the taller boy haul him to his feet. He looks down at the photo, creased and weathered from a hundred other moments just like this one. When he looks up again, he looks the way he did when Satoru first saw him, sweet and hopeful and full of sunlight.

“Do you think it would work?” he asks.

“There’s only one way to find out,” Atsushi says in his most determined voice, and leads the charge back downstairs.

Atsushi’s mom has a complicated look on her face when they show her Takashi’s picture and detail their plan. Her eyes get wet, but she’s smiling again before Satoru has a chance to feel alarmed by that. She reaches into her purse for the shiny camera Atsushi is very rarely allowed to play with and hands it right over.

They take what feels like a million pictures for the rest of the day. Some of them are clumsy and sideways and motion-blurred, but those are the best ones. Atsushi reaching for the camera with an annoyed expression, Satoru making a silly face, Takashi caught in a surprised laugh.

Satoru’s favorite is the one he cajoles Atsushi’s mom to take for them, of the three of them clustered together, cheek-to-cheek and beaming.

That one’s Takashi’s favorite, too. Atsushi’s mom takes them out to dinner, and then to a store where a smiling clerk asks them which pictures they’d like printed out, and Takashi picks it out right away.

And when the book goes back into the box, and the box gets packed away in the closet, and the whole bedroom goes back to looking like Takashi doesn’t live there at all, Atsushi’s mom helps him put the double picture frame on the desk. It opens and closes like a book, and sits upright on its own without a stand.

On one side is the photo of Takashi’s parents. On the other, bright and brand new, is the picture they took today; the one of three faces grinning so wide that it makes Satoru grin just looking at it.

When he sneaks a peek at Takashi, Satoru is relieved to see him smiling, too.