#and ami could freeze naru's blood in her veins

[keyofjetwolf]

I SCREAMED IN DELIGHT LEGITIMATELY OPENED MY MOUTH AND RELEASED MY OVERWHELMING JOY IN AUDIO FORM

Naru is NOT HERE for Ami’s games, and oh my godddddd how thrilled am I that she’s not, AND THAT THE NARRATIVE KNOWS THEY ARE GAMES AND ALSO IS NOT INTERESTED IN LETTING AMI PLAY THE VICTIM

Because no mistake, that is EXACTLY what Ami’s doing. She wants Usagi’s attention, she LOVES that Usagi’s ready and willing at all times to come to Ami’s emotional rescue. Usagi’s constant and overt gestures to make sure Ami knows she’s welcomed and included are a fucking drug to Ami that Usagi isn’t just willing to provide, but naturally pumps directly into her veins with every breath.

Not that Ami’s turning Usagi away just to get that next hit, or to make Usagi express NO NO I REALLY WANT YOU WITH ME for a stronger dose to reach the same high. But I say that because she isn’t there YET. Ami getting to that point eventually? Zero problem seeing it. I’d go so far as to say it’s near inevitable.

Not yet, though, and seeing Naru there, knowing Naru doesn’t like her (worse, doesn’t TRUST her), ON TOP of Ami knowing in her deepest heartspace that she was disappointed Naru was okay? Nah, much easier to decline Usagi’s offer.

HERE’S WHERE IT GETS AMAZING THOUGH HOLD ON TO YOUR ASSES

Ami could’ve just said “no thanks!” She could’ve grabbed one of the other students the teacher usually has to pair off (and Ami would know who they were, she’s been in this situation her whole life). She could’ve done a half-dozen things to wave off Usagi’s offer. Maybe she wouldn’t have been able to dislodge Usagi, who is a determined and persistent little bun when she wants to be, but Ami making a sincere and genuine effort is the point here, and she ABSOULTELY does not. Instead, she grasps her victimhood with both hands, and wraps it around herself like the martyr she’s cast herself to be.

“No no! Don’t worry about me! I don’t want to intrude on your and Naru’s special friendship! I’ll just sit here, unpicked (ALONE!!), and wait to be assigned the unlucky person who has to suffer my presence.”

FUCK THAT, says perfect sunbeam angel of having enough of your shit, Naru Osaka.

Ami doesn’t get to avoid all the awkward unpleasantness of her choices. She doesn’t get to transfer HER feelings into guilt for Usagi. She doesn’t get to bank Usagi’s attention and affection, and withdraw it later, with interest. She doesn’t get to back away from this without OWNING IT.

And I fucking LOVE Naru for this. (For many things, but also this.) Ami can’t just be passive aggressive and Sad At Things, to continue to marinate in the pity party she threw for herself. Either bring your problems with Naru TO NARU, or fuck all the way off, but the games are OVER.