#also have in mind that people read the manga but a huge side of the fandom are anime only and chapter 1082 is quite important for shuggy

[beanghostprincess]

Why is shanks/buggy so underrated in this side of fandom? It’s much more loved in Japanese one, one of the most popular for shanks. I feel like this one prefers other mlm options for him and I don’t get it. It got better after OPLA I think but still. Sorry for my English!

Oh! This is actually such an interesting question. I was talking about this the other day and I came to a conclusion with my friend about this. Basically, there are a lot of things to take into consideration here. The screentime, the age of the characters, the chemistry, how they're perceived by the fandom and canonically, etc etc etc.

The first thing I thought about was the screentime, honestly. Shanks and Buggy grew up together and they have a deep bond, however, we've only seen that through flashbacks (one in quite literally episode 8 of the anime, another one in Wano that isn't even about them and they're just side characters in this flashback, and in chapter 1082 of the manga. But it's not even a proper flashback because we already saw that when Shanks talks to Whitebeard about Buggy, it's just Buggy's interpretation of it) and we only have like one scene of them together that isn't even two minutes long. So, quite obviously you'd think "well, the ship isn't as popular as other ships because they barely have any screentime" and I think it's correct but also not quite. And also, this would also have to apply to the Japanese fandom at the end of the day. Fandoms don't give a single fuck about screen time if the chemistry is right, really, but there's always this factor, y'know. Lawlu has less screentime than Zolu and yet it's more popular somehow because people absolutely love their dynamic. Then, if you stop to think about it, both Satosugu (Jjk) and Soukoku (Bsd) have the same dynamic and concept as Shuggy, but they're by far the most popular ships in their fandoms. They're basically the same ships but Jjk and Bsd give them proper development and story because they're shorter series. One Piece is a long show and we still have many things to see, even if we know it's gonna end soon, so I guess that we'll still have to wait to see more of Shuggy. Once we do, I'm sure it'll become more popular. Also, Shanks' personality is very diverse because he's all mysterious and all, so I kind of understand why people don't want to make content because they still don't have him figured out.

But then again, screen time isn't really the problem. It's just one of the factors. If they had more screen time, they'd be more popular for sure, yes, but it's not exactly what makes them less popular in this side of the fandom. Otherwise, it'd be equally as popular on the other sides too. The Japanese side of fandoms is different from this one and tbh they often don't take into consideration things like cancel culture and proship discourse or the standard beauty regarding age because they just post whatever they want and scroll past what they don't like (god I fucking wish we were like that because I am so done with these things). Besides, isn't Buggy like a very beloved character over there, aside from Oda's favorite? At least from what I've seen, they take his character way more seriously than this side of the fandom does, honestly. And it bothers me because he's such a complex and great character, and people never see it because they use him either for memes or to keep saying "omggg turns out the clown is hot!! Can you believe I want to fuck a clow-" yes, Samantha, we know you want to fuck the clown. It's not weird. It's not new. Do you even like the character, at least, or you're just using him to say how kinky and quirky you are? (And I don't even care about the sexualization of characters because, again, fictional characters are fictional characters and you don't have to take everything so seriously. I have tons of characters I don't like that much but only stan because I find them hot and that's alright. But damn, it bothers me sometimes).

Anyway, with this, I wanna say that there are other things to have in mind when talking about this.

Recently (I know it's not exactly new but in fandom years? Recently) there has been a huge thing surrounding the term "old men yaoi". People are so down bad for middle-aged men and they see two of them together and they instantly go "omg they're soo married" but that's- That's it? That's just it. They don't even ship them, they just find the concept of older men hot because "omg he's such a dilf" and they want to fuck both of them. But they never end up doing anything with it. They try to be so groundbreaking like "ohh I am SO woke by shipping these two old men! See? Breaking stereotypes!" because both irl and online, age has always been a very stigmatized thing. Apparently you can't be in a fandom if you're older than 25 because then you're weird, and if there's an actress older than 50 she's instantly useless for the industry.

What I want to say with this is that most people in the fandom are young. They're young and they like attractive, young, hot people and they don't want old, unconventionally attractive men. They don't want them unless it's to give a "hot take" and to be super progressive and woke. Do you know what they like? They like Dilfs. They like Shanks because he's conventionally attractive and good with kids and he's the standard for a Dilf. Because he's hot and mysterious but also silly and quirky and "he's almost forty that is so hot something something daddy kink". And they don't want to see him fucking someone his age because God forbid this man has a personality outside being a Dilf. Younger people in the fandom constantly read y/n fics regarding Shanks because they want him to fuck them and not Buggy. And they can't project in these old men, so they publicly say "oh, Shanks and Buggy are so married" because it's just a fact the fandom made clear, but they don't really like the content. Because liking Buggy sexually, apparently, is just so weird. Or as a character. Nobody wants to say their favorite character is the failguy clown. It's a hot take when you say that Buggy is hot because people keep being all weird about it when... Uh... He's- He's just a clown. Guys. It's not weird. Or bad. Who raised you to think that? God, I find Monet extremely hot and she's half-bird. Could we please normalize these things? They're fictional characters. And also, stop reducing Buggy to his jokes or the fact that he's a clown because his character is GREAT and complex and it just bothers me so much.

This makes me think about this whole "background couple" thing. Which are basically couples that are canon or that are so popular and obvious that people, instead of making content for them (because why would you make content for a canon couple?) just place them in the background instead. There are so many fanfics in which Shuggy is a background couple. Or studies in which, instead of analyzing them, they're used only for parallelisms. This happens with, idk, Saboala? Frobin? Yamace? People don't like couples that everybody agrees on. They don't like m/f ships because they can't be woke!!!!! And queer!!!! (when they easily could but whatever). They don't like ships that everybody likes because!!!!!! They're canon already and why would you write about them???? And so, Shuggy stays a bit more as a side couple instead. For being old and unconventionally unattractive and not having much screentime, but being extremely popular. Not in a "content" way, but in a "knowledge" way. Even the general audience thinks their bond is crucial to the story, c'mon.

One of the differences that this side of the fandom has with the Japanese one, as I mentioned before, is the cancel culture and proship discourse thing. They just don't have that concept. And that's perfect, honestly, I wish we could just scroll past what we don't like too and live peacefully because the discourse is getting tiring. And also you have to admit that, because of the anti propaganda going around, now fandoms have turned into the most puritan thing in the world. Beware! Sex! Age difference between fictional characters that have a consensual and healthy and mature relationship! Oh! God forbid teenagers have sex with people their age! Ohmygodjustshutup. And so, Shuggy isn't a problematic ship. Not even close. But inside the OP world, people do say they are brothers. They keep talking about each other like that, too. And I don't even think it's the typical "we say they're like brothers so you don't think they're gay because they're both guys and guys can't kiss" (I am having flashbacks from the IT fandom). They do have the same parents. Like- We all agree Shanks and Buggy were both raised by Roger and Rayleigh and they consider them, if not their dads, parental figures at least. Right? And you're aware that doesn't make it incest, right? Both things can coexist. Foster families are a thing. Lots of people who grew up together and consider the same people their parental figures end up dating because they don't see each other as siblings. Well, most people don't see it this way and hear the word "brother" and run from it like it's a fucking virus. The Japanese side of the fandom doesn't give a fuck because they're fictional and because they're y'know, not brothers? And even if they were, cancel culture and proship discourse is so fucking stupid to them because they follow the "don't like don't look" thing. But on this side of the fandom, a lot of people see them as brothers and the other half sees them as a divorced couple and apparently nobody knows how to fucking read this manga and have a proper fandom experience without jumping to each other's throats at the minimum disagreement.

So, to summarize: People on this side of the fandom don't like Shuggy THAT much and it isn't such a popular ship in comparison to the Japanese side, because young people don't like older men together, they don't focus on unconventionally attractive characters, are afraid of any little possibility of cancelation, and also, well, Shuggy doesn't have much screentime anyway so there's not much we can do with that.

[mayakern]

If you don't mind sharing, what happened to vanetta's ex Edmund and his new saintess gf?

oh boy, so, a LOT has happened here so BUCKLE UP.

(and here’s a picture of vanetta for context for the maybe 2 other ppl who will read this huge post, which i have tried to summarize)

TLDR: after vanetta “died” and was yeeted into time travel, edmund died and charlotte saved the world. but edmund got brought back… and he came back wrong.

but the full story is so much weirder than that:

the core conceit of this game is that we are time (and place) hopping every time the party levels up, and mostly this is pretty normal—someone who’s from an ancient time visits a future date and finds out their country no longer exists, someone from the future goes to an earlier time and is shocked by the severely lacking technology, etc etc

except for vanetta, who is not from the past or future. she is from a book series. and she has JUST discovered this.

our most recent time hop has taken us to a dystopian capitalist future that takes place in a big mall in outer space (think a combination of tron, zenon: girl of the 21st century, wall-e and other similar media), where our wizard comes from.

and as soon as we materialize there, vanetta is recognized as a “really high quality and authentic cosplayer” of, well. herself. the book series she is from (the briar path) is popular on a level that basically combines twilight, harry potter and the bible all in one. it is fantastically popular, but also pretty old, and also is continually getting remakes and re-releases and right now they are currently making a manga adaptation of it. and it has a very active fanbase that writes a lot of fan fiction. this is, somehow, incredibly plot relevant.

an npc shows vanetta the comic, which currently i think covers 2 of the books in the series, and it shows her being depicted as basically your typical shallow, unsympathetic villainess character. and it depicts her death: the moment when, on the ramparts of the palace she was meant to preside over, she is faced with an angry mob seeking her death on one side and the crown prince (edmund, her former fiance) and charlotte (the saintess, his new woman, who in the fiction of the book was isekai’d into the world of the briar path) on the other side. vanetta climbs onto the rampart and makes a big impassioned speech (aka a villain monologue) about how pathetic and horrible they all are and when charlotte makes a swipe at her, vanetta chooses to let it unbalance her, forcing charlotte to live on with the guilt of her death.

only, the real vanetta doesn’t die. she gets yeeted out of time and space with three other time travelers. and our story continues

anyway, back to present day, the manga adaptation has just reached the part of the series where edmund dies—something vanetta did not know about. but just because he died in the book doesn’t mean he died in real life.

see, edmund had some pretty devoted fans. and one of them, who thought edmund was robbed by the narrative, got into some ancient, evil magics and combining this with the immense power of FAN FICTION, he tried to bring edmund out of the novel and into real life, and in the process ended up fusing with him and also with a force called The Hunger, a roiling miasma of despair that was the ultimate evil in the novels.

and so they all fused together and became a new thing. a god. in fact, our yuan-ti paladin’s snake god. who uhh subjugates and eats all non-snake people. the creation of this god also uhh was a huge cataclysm that basically started the earth apocalypse that lead to everyone ending up in the sky.

vanetta has JUST managed to secure annotated copies of the entire series that include academic commentaries and notes on historical context and the first chance she gets she is reading them so hopefully i’ll get more info soon lol

[sasukeless]

Whoops yeah I meant the ‘I will shoulder your hatred and die with you’ bridge moment

ohhh. i think this scene is one of the most populars and yet every time i see people talking about it i can’t help but feel like we read different mangas sjjsks sns fans love hyping this scene as the ultimate selfless moment of naruto where he picks sasuke over the village but… that’s not Exactly what happened

the whole 5ks arc builds up everyone telling naruto he should let sasuke die but he keeps refusing going as far to beg on his knees, reject his friends and love confessions, and even have panic attacks at the idea of sasuke dying. if anything this whole arc just showcased how codependent naruto truly when it comes to sasuke. his morals and his love for sasuke keep being torn and he quite literally loses his mind over this, he’s just a mess UNTIL he sees sasuke and it’s sasuke this time who asks the question.

despite what many people say sasuke doesn’t ask a “me or the village?” question. it’s actually a fact sasuke NEVER asks naruto to pick between him and his goals, he know those are what makes naruto Naruto so he has never asked or wanted naruto to leave the village and join him etc. sasuke instead tells naruto plainly that due their different ideologies one of them will die and naruto needs to choose to either kill sasuke and be the hero of konoha or be killed by sasuke. that’s the only choice he gives naruto. and naruto chooses neither!

but this isn’t him being the goodest perfect selfless mc people act naruto is. this is naruto being so codependent in sasuke he simply doesn’t view a life where sasuke isn’t by his side when he achieves his goals. this is naruto viewing life as just worthless if sasuke isn’t with him. so death is the answer. except, if he dies only sasuke will be alone and that’s also something he can’t bear along with being separated from sasuke. therefore death is the answer but for both of them. because that’s the only scenario sasuke won’t be left all alone and simultaneously sasuke won’t be taken away from him again. we can say naruto is selfless in not wanting sasuke to be lonely but that’s not ALL there is going on here. naruto’s codependency on sasuke plays a huge part on why he decides they should both die but fans rarely point this they would have to accept naruto’s attachment to sasuke isn’t just altruistic love .

but yeah it’s a nice touch and kishimoto once again shows us the similarities but also difference between how sasuke and naruto show their love for each other. land of waves sasuke at a bridge was ready to throw away his goals for naruto but also die for him. meanwhile 5 kage summit naruto at a bridge is also ready to throw his goals for sasuke but he wouldn’t let sasuke or himself be killed if it doesn’t end with both dying. naruto is just more codependent when it comes to it

[warabidakihime]

Rules and Roses Chapter 4

★ characters: kibutsuji muzan x reader x akaza

★ plot summary: Kibutsuji Muzan has finally decided to expand his empire, and the way he intends to do so is by running for the highest political position. With you, his darling wife, at his side, he believes he can achieve and have everything the world has to offer. He is, after all, the Phoenix of Phario.

★ fic playlist: sometimes, same day, as time stops, wolf’s song (this is also the vision board for the fic). 

★ content warnings : implied violence and abuse, profanities, toxic relationships, smut.

★ Previous Chapter

a/n:

hello!

just want to hop on here and say thank you to everyone who has been giving their likes and reblogs. huge thank you to those who are taking the time and effort to read my story as well. i've been wanting to continue this story for so long but i'm just so busy with work, but i'm glad i am able to find the time to write and update as regularly as i can.

hopefully someday i can hear your thoughts through your comments though haha i would really love to hear what you think about Rules and Roses and the way i write the characters as it is my first time. tbh, i am extra curious to know if i'm giving muzan's character justice HAHA but yeah, it never hurts to leave comments so feel free to send them my way.

i also would like to give those people who have not read the manga a heads up, that in this chapter and in the succeeding ones, there will be minor to moderate manga spoilers, so ready with caution.

also, moving forward, things will steadily pick up, so get ready HAHA!

enjoy reading everyone!

-

The sun had barely risen over Areswood, its golden hues taking its time enveloping the sky, but Muzan and Douma were already up and busy at Obelisk Kibutsuji, going over their next course of action for their campaigns for the next few months.

Muzan stood at the center of his spacious office. A large map of Phario's electoral districts sprawled across the narra table in front of him, dotted with colorful pins representing key areas of support. 

Douma, on the other hand, leaned over the map, his eyes narrowing as he assessed their next move. 

"We need to double down our efforts in the southern districts," Douma said, twirling his fan languidly. "The latest polls show we're losing ground there, but it is the opposition's home turf, so I'm not surprised," he added with a hint of mirth.

Muzan nodded, rubbing his temple as he processed the information. He'd been up since dawn, reviewing speeches and strategies. The weight of the campaign was beginning to show in the faint lines on his face and the dark circles under his ruby eyes.

Unlike Douma, Muzan couldn't afford to make light of the situation. Keeping a straight and serious face, he continued to rack his brain for strategies. After a few minutes, Muzan finally spoke, catching everyone's attention.

"Let's schedule a town hall meeting in Azudellin. We need to connect with the voters there and show them we're listening to their concerns."

"Today?" Douma asked.

"Yes, why? Do we have other agendas for today?"

Douma quickly checked his calendar on his phone.

"We have an interview with the Areswood Times in an hour, then a fundraiser lunch at noon, followed by debate prep, and a gala dinner with key donors tonight."

Muzan sighed, his frustration evident in his voice. "We can't afford to delay this. Azudellin is slipping away from us."

Douma, feeling a bit depleted himself, shrugged. "The earliest we can fit it in is next week. It might be too late by then, but who knows? Maybe a miracle will happen."

In the midst of a very important meeting, a knock separated everyone from their own thoughts. One of Muzan's executive assistants, Nakime, walked in with a stack of freshly printed leaflets, oblivious to the tension in the room.

"Sir Kibutsuji, Sir Hashibira, these just came in. The design team finalized the new posters and pamphlets for the campaign trail."

Muzan barely glanced at the leaflets, his mind racing. 

"Thank you; just leave them on the table."

Nakime quickly left after obeying his orders, clearly sensing the gravity of the moment.

With mindless eyes, Muzan continued to rack his brain for any backup plan or anything that could be of significant help to the predicament they currently have. Letting out a resigned sigh, Muzan finally opened his eyes and turned to everyone. 

"We'll have to make do with what we have," he said, turning to Douma, who's listening intently. "At our interview with Areswood Times today, maybe we could give Azudellin a special shout-out—say something that can please their ears. This is your specialty, so I leave this to you." 

Douma nodded, a peculiar smile present on his face. "I'll handle it. I'll make sure our message is loud and clear in the interview today."

Muzan merely nodded at his running mate before turning to the rest of his party. 

"Let's deploy a few of you to Azudellin today; get some boots on the ground. We'll organize smaller meet-and-greets throughout the week to keep our presence felt until we can hold the town hall altogether. Take this chance to highlight your own platforms and campaigns as well, but don't oversell yourselves and turn off the locals. Understand? We can't afford any missteps."

A chorus of 'yes, sir.' and 'understood' rang in the room after listening to Muzan's orders. As usual, his commanding voice and his overall demeanor exuded charisma and extreme strictness, which made everybody in the room yield to him so easily.

Muzan scanned the room, making sure everyone's conviction matched his own. Technically, his party has been dominating almost all polls across the entire country, and it's safe to say that he is the number one candidate to win the elections, but he didn't want to remain complacent.

He doesn't want to attribute his victories to silly things like fate or destiny. He did that before and miserably paid the price; after learning his lesson, he vowed to never rely on foolish things ever again and will do everything in his power to ensure his indisputable victory.

Taking a deep breath, Muzan felt assured again. 

"Alright. This meeting is adjourned. Thank you, everyone."

*

"Oh, really? That's good to hear, darling. I'm happy for you," Muzan said softly, followed by a fond chuckle as you continued to share what happened during your hair appointment.

You were at the salon, enjoying your usual 'pamper time.' While you were getting your hair done, an A-list celebrity approached you. Initially, she only intended to have a small chat, as you are technically an A-list celebrity yourself. However, as your conversation continued, Ume confided in you that she recently got engaged but hasn't announced it to the public yet.

She personally requested you to be her wedding planner, and of course, you gladly accepted.

"Ahh! I'm so excited. I'm still preoccupied with Ms. Rivera's wedding, but so many ideas for Ms. Ume's wedding are already flooding my mind," you told your husband gleefully.

Muzan chuckled again, his eyes turning into crescent moons as a smile spread across his face, a total contrast to the serious expressions he had earlier.

Muzan prided himself on being level headed even in the most dire situations, but all that bravado would always melt away whenever he was with you. He couldn't help it. Your energy has always been contagious, and when it came to you, he was nothing but a man hopelessly in love with his wife.

Douma, seated in the backseat with Muzan, looked at his running mate with pure intrigue, watching him transform into a lovesick puppy while talking to you.

"Ah, yes, the meeting went great, my love. There were a few bumps here and there, but we managed," Muzan said to you. Knowing you, he anticipated your worry and was proven right when he heard the concern in your voice.

"I see... well, if there's anything I can do to help you guys, you know I'd be more than willing," you said from the other line.

Muzan smiled softly, clearly touched by your investment in his endeavors as much as he was in yours.

"Well, if you're free next week, you can tag along to our town hall at Azudellin," he proposed.

You smiled, having left the salon and decided to go to the mall for some much-needed retail therapy. Akaza wasn't with you today, as he had something to take care of, so Gyokko, one of your security guards, was accompanying you today.

"I don't have anything planned next week. I don't mind joining—wait, can I also do my own charity event there? I haven't done one in a while, and don't you think this is the perfect time? It could help your campaign."

Muzan immediately smiled at this. "You're more than welcome, darling. I'll have my people assist you with your preparations. Just let me know what help you need."

"Aww, you don't have to! But thank you. Let's talk more about this at home later. Maybe we could tailor this with your own community outreach initiatives. I believe you have a couple, right? We can make it a joint one, hitting two birds with one stone."

Muzan was listening intently when Douma reached out to let him know they had reached their destination. Muzan gave him a curt nod before returning to you.

"That's right. Alright, let's talk about it later, Y/N. I need to go; Douma and I are here at the studio already. Take care on your way home, okay? Call me if you need anything."

You nodded with a happy smile on your face. "Okay. See you later, my love. And good luck today. I love you," you said with passion.

Muzan replied just as passionately, "I love you too. Mhm, yes. Goodbye. See you later."

After ending the call, he turned to Douma; his whole demeanor had already changed. "Let's go."

Douma complied, climbing out of the car after him.

As they walked inside the building and toward their dressing room, escorted by a handful of media staff, the vice presidential candidate subtly nudged his running mate.

"It seems like that phone call improved your mood, Pres ."

Muzan smirked, his strides toward the TV studio exuding confidence and pride. "My first lady is quite the wonder woman."

Douma chuckled softly, amused by Muzan's demeanor. "It seems like she has quite an effect on you."

"She does," Muzan replied, his tone unapologetically confident. "She's not just my wife; she's a force to be reckoned with and my equal."

Douma raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Muzan's unabashed praise. "You sound almost unbeatable when she's on your side."

Muzan merely nodded, the cocky smile on his face still present. "Indomitable."

Douma chuckled softly. "You've really got it bad, haven't you?"

Muzan shot him a sidelong glance, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Do you not feel the same about Shinobu?"

Douma chuckled again. "Hey now, don't underestimate me. My wife is a force of nature herself."

The proud CEO of Obelisk Kibutsuji and Phario's leading presidential candidate simply offered his running mate a rather shallow chuckle as a response and a nod to convey that he agrees with him.

Finally, they reached the TV studio, and the two of them noticed that it was a full house.

"Are you ready?" Douma asked Muzan.

Muzan's gaze swept across the room, his presence commanding attention.

With a confident smirk, he declared,

"To make history? I was born ready.'"

He made his way to the stage, greeted by applause and camera flashes, projecting an aura of assured victory as he took his seat on the couch.

*

The day was finally coming to a close. After spending the entire day at the mall shopping, you were exhausted and hungry.

Initially considering Italian cuisine, it suddenly occurred to you that the downtown burger joint you and Akaza had visited a couple of days ago was nearby.

Opting for convenience and familiarity, you decided to head there and also decided to order takeout for both Akaza and Muzan, as well as Kokushibo and the maids and guards.

Surely, both had returned home by now or were on their way. Muzan's jam-packed schedule guaranteed he would appreciate indulging in fast food after such a long day, and Akaza would undoubtedly welcome the gesture.

And it wouldn't hurt to treat your house staff every now and then. It is something you do every now and then, as it's one of your ways of showing appreciation for the services they provide you.

For Muzan, you chose to order the same as yourself, knowing he preferred healthier options but trusting he would enjoy something you approved.

You already ordered Gyokko to prepare the car, so when your orders are ready, you can just hop in and make a beeline home. As you waited at the counter, you hummed to yourself, glancing around the familiar surroundings of the burger joint.

Once again, a sense of déjà vu struck you, from when you entered earlier and throughout your stay. It's honestly starting to worry you.

"It's nice to see you around here again, my dear."

You turned to the voice—a kindly old lady. "Excuse me?" you asked politely.

The old lady smiled warmly. "It's been quite a while since your last visit."

"Oh, I've been busy these past few days," you replied with a smile. "I really enjoyed my first time here last week."

Confusion crossed the old lady's face at your response.

"Aren't you one of our regulars?"

You frowned, puzzled. "I'm not sure I understand..."

"You've been coming here for years , haven't you? Or am I mistaken?"

Your unease grew visible. "I'm sorry, but I think you have me confused with someone else."

Before you could finish, the old lady turned and retrieved a photo from the wall behind her, returning to you with a smile.

"This is you and your fiancé, right?"

She handed you the photo.

In it, Akaza had his arms around your waist, both of you beaming happily.

Your eyes widen in sheer shock.

"What..."

Turning the photo over, you saw a note scribbled on it:

Hakuji Soyama x L/N Y/N - Just got engaged! (03/03/2015)

-

taglist: @bffrrufr @unadulteratedhandsbanditdreamer @unlikelybananawerewolf

[euhla]

⋆. 𐙚 ˚ BLUE SIDE | ron kamonohashi

ʚɞ ron kamonohashi x fem! reader 𓂃 ❪ wc 1k, before you read: manga spoilers, fluff, comfort, BLUE student!ron, ron is whipped for you, love confession, pet names, a lot of teasing ‹𝟹 ❫ 𓂃 ⓘ a/n : okay so . . . i may or may not whipped for this man right there. i also have a huge crush on his BLUE student era, cs cmon he looks so cool in that hairstyle and that stupid confident face (also i’m so desperate for ron x reader fics cs i can’t find a lot of them on tumblr or ao3) ୭˚. ᵎᵎ

.𖥔 ݁ ˖ summary : “ i want to put you in my blue dream,” ron’s voice almost feel like a whisper. you stopped your walk to turn to face him. feeling your heart beating painfully fast, you ask. and he reply,”i want to hold you in my blue dream.”

or a love confession in ron’s way.

the smell of rain and wet trees has been wandering around BLUE academy for a while now. a stunning blue-violet hue in the sky while the rain fog still linger is an enough reason for other students to stay still at their dorm.

well, except for a certain people.

a male student, with his polished and neat hairstyle. eveything about him is perfect, and he knows it. he knows it all too well. and that’s why he’s so annoyingly confident about his attractive appearance and his brilliance mind. that damn smirk when he knows that no one dare to get on his way—

and a female student, you, who’s brave enough to even stand next to him. other students, even the teachers question your sanity everytime you’re together with him. i mean, they prefer eating a burnt expired toast than trapped in a same room with the infamous lone wolf— ron kamonohashi.

and again, you’re an exception for that.

you rather trapped in a same room with the ron kamonohashi, as if it was a normal occurrence.

“this case is strangely interesting,” you hear ron’s mumble that almost feel like an excited shout.

you stopped writing, and then look at him that’s beside you. “mind if i remind you that this is a library? please don’t suddenly shout like that, ron.”

“well, mind if i remind you that there’s no one here beside us? the librarian also left us here alone. no one’s gonna complain about it anyway.” ah, he’s right. you exhale, and then let out a, “sure.”

“what’s the case anyway?” you ask. completely forgetting about your writing and now focusing on whatever ron gonna say.

“about the sun prison case.”

“ah.. the case that no one has solve.”

ron smirk, the damn smirk that you know too well. but you rather refer it as ‘the calm before the storm’ because the next thing he’s gonna say is—

“as my detective partner, shouldn’t you help me solving that case, dear?” —that damn same line.

that nickname he called you always managed to make you blush. “i told you to stop calling me that.” he chuckled, and you never believe that you’ll hear something heavenly before.

“i love seeing that expression of yours.” and he’s confident that he can always make you too stunned to protest.

“if you ever tease me again, i’m not gonna buy you a brown sugar syrup,” you say with a smile. and ron whined in defeat.

“come to think of it, i think you’re more like a whalien 52 rather than a lone wolf,” ron almost choked on the brown sugar syrup he’s drinking. really? that thing? like him?

some students that’s not far from you immediately try to go away from both of you as far as they can. because they don’t want to get splashed by ron’s sacred brown sugar syrup, again.

“now the students don’t want to get near you.” you cross your arm, looking at ron with a bored eye. he remained silent. but it suddenly makes you realized how attractive he is.

“why would i need them when i already have you, anyway?”

now it’s you who choked from the air. “y- you—! ugh..” you try to regain your composure again, but it’s difficult since he just said that casually.

you’re too busy to hide your flustered face when you failed to see his smile. “anyway, let’s go to fin-sensei! she must be waiting for us. also don’t ever compare me to whalien 52 again,” he excitingly said.

ron patted your back, then grabbed your wrist gently. this is a normal thing to you, but never to others. so it’s understandable that the other students who see that was jaw-dropped seeing that scene.

“it’s ron and his... detective partner?”

“how can she get a different treatment?!”

yeah, very understandable.

it’s normal, you think. it’s normal, you try to convince yourself. no, it’s not normal when he only do that to you! your mind shouts, and starting to feel the heat on your face again.

it’s lucky that ron is behind you while holding your hand right now, so he can’t see your flustered face. and you can’t help but feel secure everytime he’s like that. it’s like he got your back.

we’re close, just a few steps to fin fennec’s office. until ron called your name in that unusual soft tone (he always call you softly). you answer his call without stopping your steps, just like you always do.

“i want to put you in my blue dream.” ron’s voice almost feel like a whisper. and you don’t know what’s strange right now; what he just said or his sudden change.

you stopped your walk to turn to face him. feeling your heart beating painfully fast, you reply:

“..what an odd thing to say.” he’s always been like that, too complex for everyone to understand. and even if he got you on all of his exception, you’re still far away to understand him completely.

but as far away as you are, you’re not stupid enough not to notice a faint red hue on his cheek and ears. for the first time, the ron kamonohashi feels like his words stucked on his throat.

“i want to hold you in my blue dream.” your fingers are still linked to each other. everything feels so fast; you open your mouth to ask him what he mean with that, but he already continue—

“in other words, i like you, you idiot.”

oh

oh.

you can’t even think straight anymore. it’s like you’re overheating with all of this things. also, is he trembling now?

“and my perfect deductions said,” he inhales. trying to find his usual confident. “that you share the mutual feelings with me.”

you can’t hold back the smile anymore, so you smile.

“of course the genius ron kamonohashi’s deductions always right,” you immediately hug him. “i like you too.”

“glad to know that my deduction is right again.” he returns your hug, letting himself fall into your embrace. and cupped your face, and with that damn confident of him, he kissed your lips. “my pretty baby got me whipped for her.”

…

….

“seriously?! that damn lovebird just kissed in front of madame fin’s office!” someone shouted inside the office.

“finally that lovesick ron confessed his feelings after these years. you must be happy for him too, shachi.”

[ciaossu-imagines]

send me a fandom: k project

Send me a fandom and I’ll tell you:

The first character I first fell in love with:

I’m pretty sure I was automatically in love with Mikoto the very first time I watched the show. It was a long time, and several rewatches ago, so I’m not entirely sure, but I remember being really, really into Mikoto in my first watch of the show. I also remember being really into Munakata during one of my earliest watches too.

The character I never expected to love as much as I do now:

It really wasn’t until I read the spin-off manga and stories that I got as into the side characters as I am now. Memory of Red really endeared all of HOMRA’s ABC boys to me and they’re now my favourite characters. I didn’t expect, during that first watch of the show, that those characters would continue to fuel my love for the fandom all the time, but here we are.

The character everyone else loves that I don’t:

Okay, I’m making this plain and very, very, VERY clear to avoid the hate – I still really like this character. This character is fun, they have fantastic moments in the show, they have interesting dynamics with the other characters. They are a great character and I like them. But I never was in love with them like almost everyone else I know of who is into K was or still is. I never fell for them, they were never one of my absolute favourites that I got obsessed with. I like them, but Yata just didn’t capture me like some of the other characters did.

The character I love that everyone else hates:

I don’t think any of the characters are really hated in the fandom. The K Project fandom is pretty small and from what I’ve seen of the fandom, most people are pretty cool and respectful of everyone’s favourites. But I will say that I do really love Kamamoto. He’s a fantastic character that I think a lot of the fandom are sleeping on and I wish he was included in a lot more in bigger ways.

The character I used to love but don’t any longer:

Guys, this is actually going to surprise a lot of people who know me. I used to absolutely adore Fushimi. Reading Small World made me feel for him and I felt it gave him a lot of depth. I used to really enjoy the character, thought a lot about him, developed a lot of headcanons, would enjoy trying to talk to other fans about him. However, the K Project fandom really is so very oversaturated with Fushimi, especially in pairings, and I just kind of burned out on him. I still find it a little hard to really get excited over him to this day.

The character I would totally smooch:

Fujishima, Eric, Bandou, Dewa, Munakata (though I don’t care as much about him, the man is still pretty hot), and Enomoto are the ones I can think of right off the top of my head!

The character I’d want to be like:

Though I hate how much the show oversexualized her, I’m such a huge fan of Seri. She’s such a strong, confident woman who really has climbed the ladder in an obviously male-dominated field. She balances that strong professional side with a more girly, feminine side on her downside, chases her goals, focuses on making herself happy and there’s just a whole lot about her that I find very admirable. She’s my favourite female among the whole cast and I really wish, in some ways, that I was more like her.

The character I’d slap:

Let’s be real here – with my bad temper and Chitose’s less than savoury qualities, I’d end up not just slapping but full force punching him at some point. I’m also pretty sure that, despite how much I liked Fushimi at some point, I would hit him real quick if I ever met him.

A pairing that I love:

I actually don’t mind the Kusanagi x Seri pairing. I don’t write it or think about it that often, it’s not something I seek out, but there have been cute fanart and fanfic for them that I’ve enjoyed and certain moments in the show and manga with them are really enjoyable and adorable.

A pairing that I despise:

It’s largely just because of the complete and utter oversaturation of it. This pairing is completely impossible to avoid in this fandom and it sometimes seems like it is all that some fans care about…of course, it’s the Yata/Fushimi pairing. I can theoretically get the appeal, but at the same time, I just can’t ship it. I love their friendship and the interactions between them in canon, but tend to view it more as a friendship.

[lucidl0ser]

Hello! I wanted to request a matchup of that's okay :) I'm fine with either BSD or JJK, whichever one you think works better

My pronouns are he/him, and I tend to dress in a more formal/ouji fashion style if that makes sense. As for my personality, it tends to vary based on the day. Sometimes I'm really tired and don't want to do anything, and I'll jokingly complain to my friends. On other days I tend to not have strong reactions to events, even if they do make me feel strong emotions. On other days, I'm really emotional, and I'll be really bubbly about the things that make me even the slightest bit happy. I tend to be pretty quiet around people I don't know, but I can be pretty chaotic around people I'm close to. I'm a generally affectionate person, even with just my friends. Despite the fact that I constantly make jokes and don't take a lot of stuff seriously, I try to be there for my friends when it really matters and helping other people helps give me a sense of purpose.

Some of my hobbies include reading (mainly classic literature, but mangas/comics are also common), playing video games (especially Splatoon and Honkai: Star Rail), knitting, drawing, researching viruses, and baking/cooking.

As for male or female character, I'd prefer male, but I don't mind either way.

Thanks in advance if you do this! :)

I hope you like it! Sorry it's so late!

You got...

.

.

.

Toge Inumaki!

○ Toge isn't much of a talker, so he's the listener to your yapper. He'd listen to you go on and on about everything you like ♡

○ I think Toge is a huge nerd, he plays games like Honkai and Genshin, so I definitely see you two playing together!

○ If you ever knit him anything to wear, he's never taking it off. School? He's wearing it, uniform or not. Mission? He's wearing it, tho he's gonna be extra careful

○ He doesn't mind all your jokes, letting out small chuckles at each one, no matter the timing

○ And on days you're just too tired to do anything, he'll sit by your side and let you know he's there for you with a couple taps on your hand ♡

[tessenpai]

Kono Oto Tomare Chapter 127 Scans and Rough TL

Disclaimer: Please DO NOT use this translation to make your own TL of the chapter!! The KOT TL group works very hard to give you the most accurate translation, that does as much justice to the original script as possible. This is a ROUGH translation. That means is faulty and there must be mistakes in certain places. This is just for impatient people like myself to get a grasp on what is going on in the chapter! You can REFERENCE my TL if you want to discuss the chapter but never USE it as it was your own.

Scans:

Page 1

Side text: Welcoming the morning of the decisive battle---

Page 2

Sfx: pipipipi pipipipi

Chika: Ngh...

Page 3

Takezou: Good morning, Kudo-kun. The weather is great.

Takezou: Are you ok? Weren't you able to sleep well?

Chika: Ngh---...

Takezou: We still have time so you can sleep until we really have to get ready.

Page 4

Takezou: I will come wake you up later.

Takezou [thoughts]: Maybe I should close the curtains again---?

Chika: Ah!

Page 5

Chika: Sorry, I was still half asleep.

Chika: Mornin'

Takezou: ----Yeah.

Takezou: Good morning.

Side text: It surely will go well---

Chapter Title: Dear

Page 6

Sane: Finally... it begins now. Today is the day.

Mittsu: Yeah... I feel like I'm gonna throw up my breakfast...

Kota: Stop it! You will stiff up!!

Sane: Let's do the ritual we did before the preliminaries!

Kota: Eh? What was it, again?

Sane: If I remember it right, in your hand over here, there are points that ease the tension if you press---

Mittsu: That hurts, you idiot!! Do it in your own hand!!

Chika: Are you guys really getting nervous this early again? Pathetic.

Chika: Takinami also said it yesterday.

Chika: That we are already the best and incredibly awesome, and we should only have fun now.

Suzuka: I didn't say that.

Page 7

Sane: The hell, what's your deal Chika!

Chika: In my dream, our performance was a huge success

Mittsu: It was only a success in your dreams!!

Mittsu: Isn't that, like, a red flag!?

Chika: Shut up! I already have the image of what our success will look like in my mind!

Hiro: Oh, man. Everyone's already here!

Takezou: Ah, Kurusu-san, Hozuki-sa----...

Page 8

Kota: Wooaah, you both did your hair a bit today!!

Sane: Oh, you're right!

Hiro: It may give us a little boost of energy!

Kota: So cute---!!

Hiro: Thank you.

Takezou: ...Lost the timing to say it...

Suzuka: Ok, everyone's here now.

Suzuka: Is a bit early but let's start moving---

Hiro: So- sorry, wait just a moment...! Just- just this!!

Page 9

Hiro & Satowa: For Momoya-kun and Yoshinaga-kun!!

Mittsu: Aaaah--- these!! Woah

Hiro: In the Preliminaries, Hozuki-chan made us charms! So we thought to give you yours!

Satowa: A received help from Hiro-senpai this time.

Kota: We also brought ours--!

Atsumu: !

Atsumu: I-i-i-i-is it really ok for me to accept such a marvelous thing...

Hiro: Of course! It would make us very happy if you did!

Atsumu: Thank you so much!!!

Page 10

Natsu: ...

Hiro: We thought... that you might be uncomfortable receiving handmade stuff, Momoya-kun, but

Satowa: If you don't want it, it's absolutely fine for you to throw it away...

Natsu: No, I wouldn't throw it away...

Atsumu: Should we put it as backpack keychains?

Natsu: No, I'm afraid to lose it if we do that.

Hiro: !

Satowa: Also, Keishi-san if you'd like... This time we've relied on you so much...

Keishi: Whaat, for real!? You're also giving me one!?

Page 11

Keishi: Woaah-- thank you--!

Chika: ...

Chika[sfx]: Rustle

Kota: I'm sitting with Aki-chan today--

Sane: Wha- We gotta decide that with rock-paper-scissors!!

Kota: First come, first served--

Sane: What the hell, you--

Satowa: Giggle

Satowa: !

Page 12

Chika: Hozuki, sit here today.

Satowa: Blush. Eh-

Page 13

Satowa: Eh, wh- why...

Chika: Just sit here.

Hiro [thoughts]: Kyaaaaaaa-----!!!

Hiro [thoughts]: What what what. Excuse me, Chika-kun----!? What are you doing!!?

Hiro [thoughts]: Woaaah--- Ahhh geez--- that's nice--- That's sooo nice---

Hiro [thoughts]: Both being in love in the National Competition is so nice---

Hiro [thoughts]: Bu- but from here on it's all about the performance!

Hiro [thoughts]: There's no time for me to be jealous!!

Hiro [thoughts]: Gotta keep it together---

Suzuka: Kurusu.

Hiro: Yes...

Suzuka: You have people behind you, move to the back quickly

Hiro: Ah, so- sorry.

Page 14

Hiro [thoughts]: To the back----...

Suzuka [memory]: You might as well make that into your strength

Hiro: Ku- Kurata, can I sit with you?

Takezou: !

Takezou: Of course.

Page 15

Takezou: Would you like to sit by the window?

Natsu: ...

Satowa [thoughts]: I wonder… with what intention did he…

Satowa: I mean, we often together at the venues, too. It's not like there has to be a big reason for it now, but...

Chika: ...About that charm

Page 16

Satowa: Eh?

Chika: When you made them last time, you didn't make one for yourself, Hozuki.

Chika: Did you make one this time?

Satowa: ...Hiro-senpai offered to make me one but...

Satowa: I- I refused...

Chika: Eh? Why?

Satowa: Why, you say...

Satowa [thoughts]: Because Kudo wrote my name in his. That made me so happy, that for me it made it my charm and

Page 18

Satowa [thoughts]: Is not like I can say that to him-!!! I did tell Hiro-senpai, though...

Satowa: It's fine, really.

Chika: ...

Chika: Mhmmmmm. I see.

Chika: ...

Chika: ...

Satowa [thoughts]: Wha- what is it?

Satowa [thoughts]: I really don't get it---

Chika: Then I guess you wouldn't want this?

Page 19

Satowa: -----... Tha- that's...

Satowa: Did you make that... for me...?

Chika: ---As- As I thought, you wouldn't really care for it, right!? You wouldn't use it! My bad--

Page 20

Satowa: I would!!!

Page 21

Satowa: I most definitely would... so.

Chika: ...

Chika: Here

Satowa: ...Thank you...

Satowa: Ah, that's right.

Page 22

Satowa: Look! Now it matches yours, Kudo.

Satowa: Wait!

Satowa: Could it be that you also made charms for Momoya-kun and Yoshinaga-kun...!?

Chika: Well, no. I thought you would make theirs this time around as well...

Satowa: I see. That's a relief.

Chika [sfx]: ba-dump ba-dump

Chika [thoughts]: Dangerous... That was sooo dangerous---....

Page 23

Chika [thoughts]: I wanna hug her so bad-----....

Chika: Gonna sleep.

Satowa: Suddenly!?

Page 24

Takezou: Today the weather is so nice.

Hiro: Wha- Ah, yes. The ideal weather to compete!!

Takezou: Ideal to compete! Ahaha

Hiro: ... ...

Hiro: ...Kurata. Um, you see...

Hiro: Only if you'd like, would you...

Hiro: ----Nghh

Hiro: Would you write your name on my charm!?

Page 25

Hiro: I mean, you see- Last time Chika wrote Hozuki-chan's name on his charm and I thought that gave it more power or something... so...

Hiro [thoughts]: Wow this is so embarrassing...

Hiro: Ah bu- but maybe imitating those two would be a bit, you know-

Hiro [thoughts]: Uuuugh--- what am I even saying.

Hiro: Sorry, I said something weird...

Page 26

Takezou: Then, should we exchange charms?

Page 27

Hiro: Ex- Exchange charms with you, Kurata?

Kurata: Only if you'd like, Kurusu-san.

Hiro: I would!!!

Page 28

Takezou: ...Alright. Okay, here's... mine.

Hiro: Ye- yeah! Thank you!!

Page 29

Takezou: Fu

Page 30

Hiro: ---I will protect it with my life!!!

Takezou: Ahaha That's very reassuring. I will do my best as well.

Sane: ...

Page 31

Sane: Should we... exchange ours as well...? Sigh...

Mittsu: Will you protect me...?

Sane: ...If you want...

Page 32

Man: Here

Tougo: Thank you very much.

Page 33

Man: That would be the last one.

Kifune-sensei: Yes. Thank you very much.

Man: I get to send off Ichiei's students every year. But this year is even more amazing.

Kifune-sensei: Amazing?

Man: Yeah. How do I put it..?

Man: Their atmosphere? Or more like an aura.

Man: It's so overwhelming. It's a bit scary.

Page 34

Man: Are they also in peak condition?

Kifune-sensei: Yeah. Of course.

Page 35

Kifune-sensei: Like never before.

Side text: The group of genius koto players is their biggest hurdle to victory---

---Kono Oto Tomare! will continue next month!!!---

[tigreblvnc]

BLUE LOCK MATCHUP — @krowedes

Your match is...

— Karasu Tabito

✦ For you, my decision didn’t take long to arrive.

✦ Usually, when I make matchups, I keep in mind the characters' preferences regarding the qualities they like, what stimulates them, or what could create an interesting chemistry.

✦ Eventually, one of them ends up stepping up to the starting line when I read something that makes me think, "Ah! I know who I’m going to pair you with."

✦ And this time, it didn’t take long, and for the first time since I’ve been doing matchups, it’s our crow boy who took off from the starting blocks.

✦ (I’m thrilled because I think he’s one of the coolest characters in the entire manga)

✦ From memory, Karasu is attracted to strong, intelligent personalities who know what they want and won’t give up. Lions thrown onto the battlefield who aren’t afraid to take the plunge and can make decisions quickly.

✦ "I see myself as someone who is very decided. If I have a dream or a goal, every decision and every move I'd make will be made all so that I could make my path toward that goal easier and smoother." Well, that's exactly the kind of temperament that can leave a strong impression on him. Someone who doesn’t give up and fights to the end, methodically, without losing sight of their goal.

✦ Because there are those who rush in without a plan. But the ones Karasu prefers are those who have thought their plan through well in advance, taking into account all possible parameters. Since he’s of the same caliber, it means he’s facing someone who could potentially challenge him, and he likes that.

✦ I see him mainly in a relationship of balanced rivalry, you know, where it could tip at any moment.

✦ "My tongue is loose, and that makes me unafraid to share my opinions, even if said opinion is harsh." Yes, again, I don’t see him getting attached to someone shy who can’t assert themselves.

✦ "I’m also very fond of sweets and eating meat – I could eat on and on and on without gaining weight, which is a huge win for me, especially in all-you-can-eat restaurants." Oh dear, you’re speaking to my carnivore heart... Out in public, we’ve seen Karasu well-dressed and liking to talk business, so to me, he’s clearly someone who has his head on straight and knows how to handle his affairs to generate profit. In other words, like Reo, he’s business-oriented and knows how to manage his finances. So five-star restaurants with all-you-can-eat buffets, exceptional cuts of meat cooked by award-winning chefs; he knows them and knows where to take you.

✦ "BECAUSE I DO NOT LIKE COOKING" Haha, that’s why you go out to eat so often.

✦ "I also like dressing up a lot and putting on makeup that is vibrant and shiny, so much to the point that I have an Instagram account that I use to track all of the makeup styles that I do." But isn’t that how you met? I imagine Karasu more on the casual chic side in terms of fashion. He’s rather sporadic on social media but follows carefully selected accounts, and I can see him talking about big brands or things like that with the people he follows.

✦ For me, his use of social media is to keep up with sports and business news, but also to stay on top of luxury products, clothing, furniture, and maybe even cars because he likes traveling on Japan’s highways (no joke, they have super convenient rest stops with incredible and massive shopping centers).

✦ I’m sensitive to the way texts are written, and I can sense a lot of pep and curiosity behind your words! These are qualities Karasu would really appreciate. He needs someone dynamic and adventurous. At the same time, not someone who’s always hyper because I see him also having his moments of solitude, even though he’s very grounded in the real world.

✦ And because the idea obsesses me, yes, you and Karasu regularly go on road trips across the country to find the most beautiful landscapes (often with the idea of posting the photos on Instagram because honestly: they’re too beautiful). You’re the couple, you know, who takes a selfie together while wearing sunglasses, with the beach and seagulls behind you.

✦ As cliché as it might sound, you exude luxury.

✦ And at the same time, you’re the couple friends love inviting to parties because besides being super well-dressed, you’re cool, laid-back, and have that touch of sarcastic humor on your tongue when something happens. Even when nothing happens.

✦ (I’m sure Karasu would love wearing Lacoste) (The polos and the cologne)

✦ (The pair of sunglasses tucked into the shirt collar...)

✦ (Really the slightly bourgeois but cool couple, and that’s what makes the difference)

A word about your match: No hesitation really, the crow showed up on his own and never left.

© TIGREBLVNC 2024 | AUGUST '24 MATCHUPS EDITION.

[goodolreliablejake]

What genre is Chainsaw Man? Or, more accurately, what type of story is this?

I watched the anime first, and I became so invested that I immediately read the manga. At that point, I understood Chainsaw Man as an Action-Comedy with Horror aesthetics. I had the big twist with Makima spoiled before I started, yet I still imagined it as a story that was going to see Denji learn and grow as a person and ultimately end up better than he started.

But I think it was around the time that we saw The Chainsaw Devil in his full glory that I reconsidered. The plot at the point hit me like a ton of bricks, and I said "Wait… I think this is legitimately a Horror Story."

Chainsaw Man is in some combination an action-horror-comedy. But what order do those elements go in? What kind of story is this?

My first impression was informed by its place in Shonen Jump. In the back of my mind, I was thinking "this is a dark and twisted story with thematic depth, but it's still a Shonen Battle Manga. This is still going to be a Hero's Journey." But the further on I read, the more I had to face the possibility that this is a Horror Story, with a bleak and tragic ending that sees the characters' lives destroyed, their worst qualities enabled, with the moments of hope only serving to build them up to make it more interesting when they are crushed. It's the kind of story that would disturb me, but it would also stick with me.

You'd think it'd be easy to tell what kind of story this is, but it's harder than you'd think, because it's still ongoing. The ending is going to inform how we read it.

On the comic side of things, there's always the possibility that we end on a less decisive note. Rather than triumph or tragedy, maybe Denji ends up right back where he started, having learned little. I'm thinking of when Asa had this big revelation about how she acted aloof because she was jealous of her classmates' camaraderie and only wanted their acceptance and dedicated herself to becoming a better, more open and friendly person… Only to immediately undercut the revelation with Bucky's death. Bam! Right back to square one, back to isolation and jealousy and cynicism. And it's darkly hilarious.

These different tones and elements of CSM attract different audiences, and I think that fans end up rooting for one ending over another; their emotional investment in the story is investment in it turning out to be one kind of story, rather than another. And it's easy to love these characters. It's easy to want them to be OK.

I think that's what's so polarizing about Chainsaw Man 167. I don't think it's the sexual content. Maybe there are people complaining about it in a puritanical way, but I haven't seen them. No, what I've seen is people wanting these characters to develop into healthier, more mature, fuller people. I've seen people wanting this scene of sexual abuse to be more than just a dumb throwaway joke for shock value. They want the issue to be examined with nuance. I've seen people empathizing with the characters on a level that shows that the tragedy is maybe too-effective, to where it makes the story too personally painful to continue reading. In short, I think this chapter has made some people realize that this might not be the type of story they want it to be.

And perhaps the worst possibility of all: that it turns out to kind of be none of those things. There's always the chance that it turns out to be a lot of different evocative ideas and vibes that ultimately didn't cohere. I know people have a lot of faith in Fujimoto, but we've all seen it happen too many times before, with other beloved but messy works.

Chainsaw Man still has a hold on me, and I'm not going to stop reading. But I won't flippantly dismiss the concerns of those who were distressed by the recent chapter, either. There are reasons, and they matter, because they'll ultimately define the work that fans have already invested a huge amount of time, thought, and emotional energy into.

[g1r-ap0ca1yps3]

Intro to my account!

Hi I'm Conan i often go by the nickname Cade though I wont use tumbler a lot and if you want to get in contact with me your best bet is my Pinterest which I'll link at the end but yeah i guess I'll say some things about myself

I'm a transgender boy i use the term demi boy more as a side label since I also identify with xenogenders but mostly just a boy lol i use he/it pronouns along with all neos and yeah thats it for my gender i think

Okay i use a lot of stuff for my sexuality but basically I'm aroace oriented and omni romantic + i use biromantic as a umbrella term. I'm ambiamorous which means I'm open to polyamory and monoamory relationships. i use a lot of labels so if you wanna see them all check out my pronouns page I'll link it at the end

Next i guess I'll talk about my mental health lmao so basically i have depression and unspecified anxiety disorder professionally diagnosed also professionally diagnosed ODC and dyslexia and Dysgraphia so if theres any spelling or grammar mistakes in this please be patient

I'm trying to be scene and emo but i listen to a lot of different music genres my favorite are scene, scenecore, hyper pop, pov: Indie, scenemo and emo. I'm alternative kinda scene kinda scenecore kinda emo just a blend lolz.

I'm a huge anime fan i love things like ouran host club, banna fish, SK8 the infinity, Bungo stray dogs, ohshi no ko, the stranger my the shore, toilet bound hanako kun, demon slayer, yuri on ice, sasaki to Miyano and a lot more i also read manga when i can find it online for free cuz I'm broke asf

I'm a minor so any donation requests will be ignored as i cannot donate and i also don't want to repost something if i don't know if it's legit so i apologize but i will just delete those dms and comments i do hope if your in actual need of help you can raise the money but at this moment i am not able to help and am not able to confirm your legitimacy

I see people putting a dni list so I'll make one too ig? If your Racist, homophobic, transphobic, ablist, xenophobic, extremely judgemental, say things like "OMG I'M SO AUTISTIC/ADHD/ECT" and you don't have that thing, really anything toxic in General your a dni. A few more things that aren't necessarily a dni but kinda are? If you hate on furries, therians, otherkin, alterhumans, ect. I'm not any of those but in my opinion it's just stupid, annoying, and petty to hear people hate on them when what they do literally doesn't affect you whatsoever so yeah a dni but if your neutral to them then not a dni

!Important! Even though I've put my sexualities and wanting a QPR I'm not open to online dating and never will be!

Yeah i think thats it I'll put the links to some of my platforms I'll update this whenever things change also keep in mind my TikTok is not my personal account it’s my online one

[hitsuyou-fukaketsu]

also do you have any villainess manga recs you have been reading?👀

(rubs my hands mischievously)

My preference for villainess manga is very particular, I mostly enjoy the ojou-sama type more than reencarnations of nice girls!

Okay, first! The shoujo villainess manga!

With One Day Left I'll Break All the Destruction Flags: "Serves You Right!" RTA 24 Hour Record

Alexandra recovers her memories from a previous life 24hours before she's denounced! She learns she's the villainess and only has 24 hours left to fix her future! This was an interesting pick, the protagonist is very interesting and although its very forward in the beginning everything starts to be more complex as the hours pass by.

Also she has rly nice boobs

The One Within the Villainess

Emi, a nice girl, is reincarnated in her favourite character in her VN! The villainess Remilia! Remi however didn't disappear, she existed trapped in her own mind, seeing how Emi lived her life through her body. She came to like her a lot! When Emi is inevitably condemned Remi takes control of her own body once again, the story is about how Remilia takes revenge of everyone that wronged Emi. She even kills various gods, she's amazing.

Some other shoujo mangas that are also interesting!!

The Beloved Daughter of a Crime Family Was Reincarnated as the Daughter of a Gangster in an Otome Game. ~ Highest-Ranking Villain, That Doting is Unnecessary! ~

The Condemned Villainess Goes Back in Time and Aims to Become the Ultimate Villain

Endo and Kobayashi's Live Commentary on the Villainess

(this one had an anime recently!! The girl is a huge tsundere it's cute <3)

Now!!! One of my favourites! Yuri villainess manga!

I'm in Love with the Villainess

(this one will have an anime next season!)

This is everything I want in a villainess manga, OHOHOHO ojou sama tsundere lady with blond hair and ringlets and devoted reincarnated heroine that absolutely loves her! There's also discussions about sexuality, classism and magic tournaments!! their relationship is very cute and i absolutely love them with all my heart <33

The Fed Up Office Lady Wants to Serve the Villainess

This villainess is on the colder side but she's still quite charming!

This one below is on hiatus right now... But the anime comes out soon this year too!

The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen Who Will Become the Source of Tragedy Will Devote Herself for the Sake of the People

This one has an interesting setting, it really sit out to me! At first glance it's your typical nice girl villainess manga but with a twist! I really liked it... The found family is strong in this one

[4amode]

Hi, if you don't mind, can I ask, what are your top 7 (or top 10) favorite media ever (can be book, anime/manga, tv series, movies, games, etc)? Why do you love them?

Also, can I ask your top 10 favorite characters ever (from any media)? Are the characters that you can relate the most, in your pinned post included in your top 10 fav characters? Sorry if I ask too much, thanks if you want to answer....

Of course I don't!! Thank you for the ask ♡

First and foremost, I am a huge consumer of fictional media: I read, watch, and am (more or less actively) involved in a ton of fandoms. That said, I'll mention the ones I return to most often, even without being prompted by fandom content like edits, fics, fanart, and so on.

Here's my top media [the order is random] :

Harry Potter with a special mention to the Marauders era, because I've completely lost mind and soul to that fandom [I’ve even cosplayed Remus a couple of times]. I’ve also read most of Rick Riordan's sagas, although I grew up with Harry Potter, so I suppose that's the one I’m most emotionally attached to [despite my deep-rooted disagreement with and disgust for J.K. Rowling's opinions]. To this day, I think it’s the fandom I’ve read the most fanfiction of

Tolkien: anything that wonderful human being wrote. The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Silmarillion, other Middle-earth tales. I’ve watched the movies an infinite number of times [yes, I am that nerd]. I may or may not also own a replica of Aragorn's sword.

Anything Sherlock Holmes. I’ve watched the BBC series, old movies, read the books—basically anything I could get my hands on.

MXTX novels. I started with The Untamed and completely lost it (specifically my dignity, given this endless list of fandoms). I’ve read the novels, manhua, and watched the donghua of MDZS, SVSSS, and TGCF—with MDZS undoubtedly being my favorite. I’m currently planning a Lan Wangji cosplay. Other honorable mentions along these lines: 2ha and Word of Honor.

Genshin. I play video games often, but Genshin is one of the few I’ve played consistently over the years. I also love the characters and the story. That said, I don’t agree with some of the company’s policies, but the fandom-generated content is often of amazing quality and is what keeps me attached to it.

Marvel and DC universes. I know some people might kill me for grouping them together, but I’ve followed both, especially back in high school. I’ve seen almost every Marvel movie, while with DC, it’s mostly been Batman and animation. Gotham is one of my absolute favorite shows [don't get me started on Batman villains]. For Marvel, Loki and Spider-Man are def my top picks.

Studio Ghibli. I watch a lot of anime [of course, duh], and I’ve cosplayed a few characters [not as many as I’d like, I admit]. But I’ve always had a strong emotional attachment to Ghibli movies. They’re still one of the few things that help me calm down when I’m anxious or stressed [which, sadly, happens often]. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve rewatched them.

Japanese BL dramas—I’ve watched a lot, as well as some Korean and Thai ones, but the ones I’ve rewatched the most have always been Japanese (not sure why that is), but I’ve enjoyed and would rewatch many of them. If I had to name the ones I’m most fond of, they’d be Cherry Magic, Kieta Hatsukoi, Utsukushii Kare, Absolute BL, and Bokura no Shokutaku.

TMA. I got into The Magnus Archives fairly recently compared to everything else. That’s mainly because I wasn’t used to listening to podcasts before TMA, I only stumbled upon it because of a TikTok audio. Also, I love anything horror. I fell in love with the story, how carefully it was constructed, and the characters.

Cinema [yes, I know it’s a very broad category]. I’m a cinematophile. I’ve watched a ton of movies—old ones, really old ones, every type and genre. Photography is one of my passions, so that made me a fan of cinema as well. I love the technical side, the history [I chose cinema history as an elective], and everything that comes with it. There are so many movies I love and consider masterpieces, but if I had to name a few I'm particularly attached to, it would be Call Me By Your Name, the Indiana Jones saga, and any Wes Anderson film.

I know you told me 10, but I'm sorry and hopeless. Anything Dark Academia coded: The Secret History, If We Were Villains, Dead Poets Society, The Goldfinch, Maurice, Dorian Gray, The Dreamers and so on

I picked the ones I’m most emotionally attached to, either because I’ve followed them since I was a kid or they helped me through tough times. There are so many more I didn’t mention, like Good Omens or The Witcher, and many webtoons, and anime which I’m just as into, but they didn’t make it to the list.

My top 10 characters:

Remus Lupin and Regulus Black [I have no words to express how much I love and relate to these two]

Snufkin [I am him, he is me, we are]

Wei Wuxian [I would let the world burn for this man, tough, as you might have guessed, my character is more aligned with Lan Wangji's, so it comes with the personality ig]

Thranduil Oropherion [he's the elven king of wood and stone, and he's very loud and daddy about it]

Milo Thatch [he's (excitedly) into history, archaeology, and linguistics, and we both give the you-really-do-not-want-to-get-them-started nerd vibe.]

Jonathan Sims [if on a good day I'm Milo Thatch, on a bad one I'm Jon], also I love how in some fics he wears long skirts, paranormal fear avatars can't be bothered with gender norms.

Newt Scamander [I find him very relatable. His stress in social situations and preference for animals or plants got to me. Also, he's so passionate and caring, love a good example of healthy masculinity.]

Suguru Geto [nothing to say on this, I love this man]

Loki [look, I have an issue with dramatic, gender-defying villains AND mythology, it was inevitable]

Sun Jing from Tamen de Gushi [I wish I was as cool as her, I love her so much]

Generally speaking, I tend to like morally grey characters, villains with redemption arcs or byronic heroes with a complex history who, in the end, try to do the right thing, even at the expense of self-sacrifice. Not in a selfless "it's the right thing to do" hero-complex kind of way, but more in a "I think I'm worthless and expendable, at least I'll try to do something good," angst, hurt/comfort kinda way.

I hope I answered all your questions, but if you have others, or you just wanna chat about it, just dm me!

[lostcauses-noregrets]

Hi! I like to read your opinions about eruri, and I like this vast sight you have being there for years. In 2021 – at the very end of the story I started to appreciate in 2015 – I decided to re-watch it and came across a fanart of Erwin and Levi together as a couple (I've never entered the fandom "circles" before, tbh). Well, when I read the manga /watched the anime for the first time, I had an "impression" about their relationship. I never gave them much thought as I was firstly and mostly an Armin supporter and I basically followed the first three seasons because I needed to know what the fuck was going on and I needed to see Armin reach the damn ocean.

Erwin was a character I strongly appreciated given his will to sacrificing his own and his soldiers' lives, his death really touched me though I was relieved that Armin still had a chance to reach his dream.

I didn't really like Levi until the uprising arc, I didn't understand his motivation until I watched No Regrets (I watched it after finishing s3p1). When he first appeared in the story I felt strange about his and Erwin's relationship: Erwin was the Commander but Levi acted freely around him, even disrespecting him, and after a couple of episodes he was "I'll obey Sir". Levi was close with Hanji but even closer with the Commander, and Erwin only spoke "as a peer" to Pixies and Zachary (sometimes) and Levi most of the time.

The "woah" moment was after the uprising arc: Erwin planning rts and Levi begging him to stay safe home, an absurd request tbh: Not Hanji, nor any other Squad Leader proposed anything like that; the Commander had to be there, because he's trusted and more importantly because he represents the SC. So, Levi? This not only was "odd" from a (I'll say) militaristic point of view, but Levi there acted really emotionally. At this point of the story we have seen his more emotional side, we've seen him angry and concerned, but not to this extent.

Then, rts. Levi giving Erwin a reassuring speach, making the choice on his behalf, commanding him to his death. And Erwin's relieved smile, his "Thank you". This was a peak moment, it showed complete trust (we also knew that Levi trusted Erwin completely, but the other way around is truly showed here), it showed the deep comprehension Levi has about the Commander, it showed Levi's ability to sacrifice his own feelings for what's best for humanity and Erwin.

The serum-bowl was just the culmination of it. It was the "emotional" side of Levi's previous logical choice. He wants to save Erwin so badly there, and not because he is the Commander, but because he didn't want him to die in the first place (Levi's egoistic feeling). He's about to give him the serum, the choice is made, and it is the best choice for humanity, the choice Hanji and other Commanders would make, the choice that will take Erwin back (and it's so clear that this is what Levi wants). But at the very end, Levi changes his mind, not out of any logical reason, or rational thought. He decides to let his friend rest because it'd be the best choice for Erwin and Erwin alone (or at least, in Levi's understanding of him).

Last but not least, Erwin's death affected Levi terribly. I usually dislike "revenge arc", but his was so well built and motivated that I appreciated it. His promise is the only fuel left to Levi to moves forward. It's a sad and heartbreaking end, but it puts emphasis on the importance of his relationship with Erwin.

Re-watching AoT gives you the possibility to focus on its nuances; it's a complex story and for people like me (not usually interested in the romance, but in the most dynamic and action side) it's easy to miss some details.

I personally like the absence of huge romantic sub-plot. I like how the relationships between the characters are described trough little details, ways of talking to each other, choices that can be read as ambiguous at some times. Or, this is true for the "adults", the 104th are kids and mostly act like kids "repressed" by their military role and the cruel circumstances of their world.

When it comes to Hanji, Miche, Moblit, Levi, Erwin, it's different. They are soldiers and put duty beyond their personal feelings. I love how their relationships are built. And I do consider Erwin and Levi relationship one of the strongest in AoT, and one of the most healthy too. Forgetting the hcs, the theories, or even what VAs, animators etc said, I think that it's undeniable the depth of their bond, and the fact that it is - at least - platonic love. To me it's clear as the sky that Levi loved Erwin (not necessarily in a sexual way) and it's clear that he was reciprocated, in a more subtle way because Erwin is a character literally broken by his guilt, split between his selfish side and his selfless one.

The rest of it is mostly hc, though some theories really are plausible and I love the fanon exploration of them trough fics and fanarts.

This long post just because I wanted to express what to me it's a fact and not a theory, that in the complex and not so easy identification and classification of what a relationship between two humans is, that between Erwin and Levi falls in the large range of "Love". And not the love and affection one usually has for a dear friend. It's deeper, it's familiar. It's the bond you have with someone you want to become family with. (Just to mention, Mikasa's "you're family" it's so powerful to me, it's a good choice of words that Eren misunderstood imo). This is why I don't feel the need (tough I like the fun, absolutely) of searching proofs and making up scenarios of a love story that is just there. I don't need Isayama to state that Levi and Erwin would have gotten married, circumstances permitting. They already have a strong, dedicated and wholesome bond that accompanied Erwin to his last, painful years and gave him peace at the very end; and complimentary, the same bond gave Levi hope and aim when he needed it and – sadly – affected him so badly that he lived so many years in grief (maybe all his remaining years). Tell me this is not what a loving relationship/marriage looks like.

If you reached the end of my essay, thank you xD I'd like to read what you think of it. Bye!!

Thank you so much for sharing this Anon ♡  There’s honestly very little I can add to this. You’ve expressed eloquently why Erwin and Levi’s relationship is so important and so compelling. Regardless of shipping, their relationship, and the bond of  trust they share, is pivotal to the story, particularly from the Uprising Arc onwards.

One of the things I’ve always loved about SnK, which you’ve touched on here, is that Isayama is actually very good at writing compelling, and compellingly complex, adult relationships. Like you said, we don’t need any other “proof” of the depth of Erwin and Levi’s relationship, it’s all there in black and white in the manga. The supplementary materials, the guidebooks, the interviews, the Smartpass stories all add colour but they don’t change the fundamental nature of their relationship. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this to me is what a deeply committed adult relationship looks like.  It needs no more elaboration. 

Thank you again for sharing your essay Anon, I really appreciate reading your thoughts and I’m sure many other fans will too.

[siriuslysatorusimping]

HAVE U READ THE NEW JJK LEAKS

"(ง'̀-'́)ง

MY SWEET FIGHTING ANON, HOW ARE YOU??

I’ve seen a few lil snippets but I’d stopped really keeping up with the leaks. I will say I LOVE that some of you immediately messaged me upon seeing the leaks 🥹😂 it made my morning to see messages in my inbox 💕 (this is my not subtle nudge to everyone that I love hearing from you guys, even if it’s just life updates or random shit. Pls, I get lonely 🥺)

Side note for the other sweet anon who messaged, I can’t answer that ask rn bc of obvious reasons, but I SEE YOU AND THINK OF THIS AS MY RESPONSE TO YOU AS WELL!!! IT MADE ME SO HAPPY INSIDE THAT YOU CALLED ME 'LOVE,' BTW. MY HEART DID A LIL JUMPY. 🥹💕

As for the leaks?

Me @ everyone losing their shit:

Spoilers for JJK 260 and a huge fucking Kiko rant below the cut.

I’ll believe it when it’s really confirmed. From what I saw, it was the last panel and there’s speculation on whether it’s really him or if Sukuna is seeing shit as he dies or any of the crazy possibilities.

That being said, if Gojo really is back, WELCOME BACK, YOU WONDERFUL, TRAUMATIZED BLUE-EYED BEAN OF A MAN. WE MISSED YOU SO MUCH.

And now my rant begins…

I’m on the fence. In all honesty, I think I’d finally accepted his death tbh. Because I remembered something that’s actually really interesting: some of the very best stories have stakes. They have death because it’s unfortunately a part of life. Gojo isn’t the MC of JJK, even though he’s an incredible character and I adore him and I still hate how he went out.

But while I still hate how that played out, I was actually thinking recently about how much credit we really don’t give Akutami. Writing is hard. World-building is hard. And he’s created a universe that’s truly incredible. The countless number of cursed techniques he’s written into the story, the number of characters he’s given depth possible without even meaning to? Genuinely incredible. He’s done something amazing. I had a ‘come to Jesus’ moment of realization that he’s actually an incredible story-teller. The story he’s built in his mind is amazing and I’m so glad he’s decided to share it with us. We’ve questioned him because we didn’t have all the pieces he has, but he’s said time and time again that he has things planned and he’s had things planned since the beginning. The medium he’s using to tell the story necessitates it being a bit choppy because he can’t explain every little thing every single time. There will be holes and gaps and things he reveals over time for the sake of the story he’s planned, and I know I forgot that fact when I was angry and grieving. (I’ve also been just losing my shit lately at how stupid some people are saying Akutami hates anime fans just because he killed Choso off. The number of comments I’ve seen about ‘hot characters aren’t allowed to die’ is just… these characters are more than eye candy. They have a purpose and emotional value in the story, specifically Choso as a big brother figure for Yuuji.) okay, fun lil side rant over lol

I think we forget that this is a shonen manga. Shonen are notorious for killing characters. I think of Hunter x Hunter, which Akutami has said is a big inspiration for him, the Chimera Ant Arc seemingly killed over half the cast. I’ve also seen a lot of anger at Akutami for him saying that he doesn’t care how many characters die as long as it’s a good story, and I think people missed the point because they were angry their favorite character died. But the thing is, he has a point. If the character deaths push the story forward, then it works. Yuuji has clearly had a power up that wouldn’t have happened if Gojo hadn’t died. On top of that, we criticized the month-long time skip, but these big reveals couldn’t have happened without it. So while it felt jarring, and it still doesn’t sit quite right with me, I understand why Akutami’s logic now. Again, I think of Hunter x Hunter’s chimera arc and how Gon had to watch Kite die and then fight his puppet corpse. Talk about traumatizing a fucking twelve year old. And adding to that, Akutami has literally said that this is meant for adults. He’s writing with an adult, predominantly male, audience in mind because that’s been the primary demographic for shonen for decades. So no, he isn’t writing with the female audience, or the young female audience, in mind because that’s not the genre he’s targeting. It just so happens that there’s been a huge surge in American teenagers obsessively consuming Asian media in the past few years and now it’s wildly popular among that demographic.

Basically what I’m saying is that gen z has developed the female counterpart for the fedora-wearing weirdos with waifu pillows in the obsession with hot guys in manga/anime. The difference is that they’re raging about a story following its chosen genre. But this is me generalizing things a lot and it obviously doesn’t apply to the majority of fans. I’m pretty sure a large part of our lil corner here is on the older end of gen z or younger millennial, but I could be wrong. Actually, I’d love to know what that split is 🤔 maybe I’ll do a poll.

ANYWAY, SORRY FOR THE RANT. IT WAS ME WORD-VOMITING TO START THE DAY. I HOPE YOU HAVE A LOVELY DAY OR AFTERNOON OR NIGHT!

[szallejhscorner]

La Maison du Chocolat

No matter how different books are, they always cause the very same feeling. Their smell, the sound of rustling pages, the weight in your hands – it is familiar and welcoming, inviting you to escape this noisy, confusing world outside. You can allow someone else to take you on an adventure with them, be it something exciting or dangerous or romantic. All you have to do is stick to the protagonist and watch how things unfold, with no need to make any moves or decisions yourself.

And most importantly: those protagonists don’t scold you for placing the book down mid-sentence, during a huge fight, not finishing an important business. They won’t be mad at you if you pick up another book instead, forgetting about the first one for weeks until you find it again in the pile of promising stories on your nightstand.

Book stores are a wonderful place as well, because it is completely valid here to skip pages and read a couple of sentences until you move on to another book that looks as if it contains a good story, or to simply watch the covers and admire the art on them. It is usually quite silent since people are minding their own business and if they talk, it’s mostly a low murmur, with no loud shouts or music distracting you.

This time, only the sound of your phone brings you back to reality, causing you to close the book you’re currently holding and drop it onto the table next to you.

The image on the screen shows a certain blonde, and just like always, you try not to get lost in the dark eyes of his. You would have stared at them for hours, completely ignoring the jingle, if it wasn’t for an elderly lady throwing dark glances at you because your phone keeps interrupting the silence.

“Oh, hi?” you eventually whisper, taking the call.

Chishiya sighs on the other side of the line. “Care to tell me what happened to the living room?”

“The living-?” It’s typical for Chishiya to skip any kind of formalities and go straight for the important part, but it also confuses you for a moment because you take a while to understand. And once you do, you swallow down the urge to hit your face against the book shelf closest to you.

“Ohhh…” you answer, trying to explain, “I-… You see, I wanted to clean the living room. See if I could tidy out some things. And when I got to the big cabinet, I found all the old photo albums that we never fully organized.”

You can imagine Chishiya standing there, between dozens of opened albums and at least a hundred photos flying around loosely because they have never been stuck in correctly.

The blonde snorts, not at all convinced by your story. “Well, if you intended to organize them, you failed.”

“I… I wasn’t finished yet! You see, the piles do have a meaning. Childhood photos from you, childhood photos from me, vacations, everything’s sorted. But neither did we have enough albums to put them in correctly, nor was there any tape left.”

“So you went for some tape shopping.”

You look around the store, shrugging sheepishly although Chishiya can’t see it. “Yeah… no. I wanted to go to Marunouchi, but there was this little book store on the way to the Metro station...” The shopping mall isn’t exactly close to your home, and all these books almost shouted at you to stop here, looking much more inviting than something several blocks away. “Did you know they already have the newest release of that one manga you used to read?”

It must sound weird to Chishiya. You messed up the entire flat because you completely got lost in skimming through old memories, and now you’re admiring book covers and beautiful protagonist names, having entirely forgotten about the albums. But the truth is that the photos were interesting as long as you sat there, surrounded by them, and now that they’re out of sight, they have been replaced by fantasy novels and mangas and whatnot.

Through the phone, you can hear the rustling of paper, as if Chishiya is tidying up the piles so he can at least halfway move through the living room. “I’m not reading much lately”, he mutters, “but are you still going to get that tape? Or can I put this mess back into the shelf where it belongs?”

What a shame it’d be if all the work you already put into organizing the photos was for nothing. It took at least two hours to inspect all the photos and find a good way to sort them, and if Chishiya put them back now, you would have to start all over again.

On the other side, the shop is still quite the distance to walk, and it’s getting late… You don’t know if you could still find the motivation to finish this today. “Maybe I can do it tomorrow”, you propose, knowing full well that it might take months to find the needed motivation for this again.

Chishiya knows that, you can hear it in his sigh. “Marunouchi, you say? Might be worth going there now and stopping at La Maison du Chocolat. As far as I know, they’re closed tomorrow.”

You inhale sharply. That’s the chocolatiere selling the best macarons and pralines all throughout Tokyo, and they also have a splendid choice of pastries. A bit more expensive than what you can buy in any normal grocery, but the taste is so worth it! They close early in the evening, but if you hurry, you can still make it in time.

“Bring some crispy pralines”, Chishiya requests. “Oh, and- “ he’s calling your name just as you want to hang up the phone, “- don’t forget your albums and tapes.”

With the image of mouth-watering confectioneries in your mind, you quickly put away the books you had been looking at, still being glared at by the old lady who obviously doesn’t approve of phone calls. As if you had been in a library!

You leave the book store and head to Marunouchi district. Yuurakuchou station is only a few stops from the closest subway entrance, and the train isn’t as crowded as you feared it would be. Sure, there’s no seat left during rush hour, but at least you’re not pressed against some sweaty, smoke-covered stranger this time. Public transport is a blessing until you meet the most disheveled residents of Tokyo, although none of them seem to be in your train now. Instead you notice a woman having a conversation with a friend, and while you don’t get most of what they’re talking about, her voice is so calm and soothing that you could have listened to it for hours. You wonder if she knows about that, if she works as something that requires usage of her voice or if she isn’t aware at all. It’s so mesmerizing that you would have almost missed your stop, and you rush out of the train just before the doors close again.

From Yuurakuchou, it is just a few minutes walk until you reach the chocolatiere. A chocolate-colored front greets you, and the smell inside is so sweet that it feels as if you’ve already eaten a ton of sweets only by breathing in. Wonderful.

An entire wonderland of macarons, éclairs, mousse cakes, pralines, truffles and so much more greets you. Heart-shaped gift boxes filled with the most soul-warming treats, and dark chocolate as well as nut mixes or ones containing alcohol. They even have fruit bars for those who don’t want the rich chocolate taste, but today, you’re here for the full experience.

The nearing closing time is a reminder for you not to get lost in between all the stuff, and you make sure to grab Chishiya’s crispy pralines and the pastries you love so much before anyone can throw you out the store. You can’t leave without buying a handful of other things though, because they look so promising that you have to try them. It will be a blast to eat them together with Chishiya on the sofa tonight.

Hands full of sweets and one bonbon already in your mouth, you make your way back to the subway station when your phone beeps, indicating a message has come from your blonde.

You switch all bags to one hand so the other can take out the phone, and you laugh out loud when you read the words on the screen.

‘Albums and tape. Don’t forget.’

Chishiya knows you so well, it’s almost scary. The pastries have been your motivation to actually go to Marunouchi, and now you would have almost left without the things you intended to buy in the first place.

Still laughing, you turn on your heels and search for the shopping mall that sells the photo tape and the albums. How embarrassing it’d be to get home without them and being mocked by Chishiya. But he’s already fully aware; otherwise he wouldn’t have sent you a reminder with perfect timing.

Oh, how good it is to have a boyfriend like Chishiya Shuntarou.