#and goro has a lot to learn since he missed all this

[manias-wordcount]

Hello may I please request Goro Akechi, Ren Amamiya, and Shinjiro Aragaki with their partner surprising them with a very thoughtful date?

Surprising Him with a Thoughtful Data HCs (Goro Akechi, Akira Kurusu, Shinjiro Aragaki)

𝗔/𝗡: 𝗶 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗿𝘂𝘀𝗵 𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗷𝗶𝗿𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 (𝟯 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗹) 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗴𝗼𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮 𝟯 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗶 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲 <𝟯 (𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗴𝘂𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗶 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟭𝟯𝗶𝘀𝗵/𝟮𝟬𝟭𝟰) 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝗺 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘀𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 ��𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝘁𝗹𝗮𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁???? 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗛𝗔𝗛𝗔𝗛𝗔

𝙒𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚? ⇒ 𝙈𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩

𝙟𝙤𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙙 𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚𝙧?

𝙗𝙪𝙮 𝙢𝙚 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙚?

Goro Akechi

Because work and life and his popularity had been keeping him busy for the past couple of weeks, he felt lucky (and a little obligated) to plan a date for the two of you since he felt he had been neglecting you to keep up with his other responsibilities

So imagine his surprise when you turn down his offer of taking you to your favorite date spot because you “already had reservations for the two of us” at that time

But when the night comes and he meets you at the location you sent him, he can’t help but be floored bc like…

Who would have thought that you’d plan something all about him when he was the one who wasn’t making time for you?????

But of course, because he’s Goro Akechi he’s gonna keep his composure when you surprise him by taking him out for a nice, long dinner at some rooftop place in the city

Though you really made his heart soar when he realized that you picked a place with some quiet live music so the two of you could chat (or not! depending on his mood) and just enjoy each other’s presence

The menu has all his favorites on it, the music is from local artists he had discovered and started listening to a couple of months ago, and you wouldn’t let him talk about anything you thought could raise his blood pressure

So most likely, the night is spent with him looking and feeling all soft as he stares out and enjoys the scenery while holding your hand over the table

Truly, this date with you was just so nice and gentle and sweet and just decompressing

It was exactly what he needed (or rather, you’re exactly what he needed hehe <3

Akira Kurusu

Although he’s probably busy himself, Akira tends to make a lot of time and does most of the date planning because he’s a romantic hehe (i swear on my life he is, he has to be)

So the one time he let you take the reigns and plan a date, you wanted it to be super special

So you plan: treating him to a delicacy that’s famous in his hometown……anddd learning how to cook it with him!

It’s not much but you remember how he talked about missing when he could eat that local delicacy whenever he wanted but how it was difficult to find it in Tokyo

So the moment he realized that was your plan, he was pretty smitten

It was something so simple but it showed that not only do you care and listen to what he says, but you also wanted to cook with him- something he only recently realized he loved

So that whole day was spent munching on food that reminded him of home and perfecting the recipe (that turned out to be a bit harder than expected!!

But by the time the two of you were satisfied with your creation, Akira felt like he had fallen in love with you all over again

Only someone who truly loves him could dedicate their time and money to making a wish he had mentioned off-handedly once come true

And that someone was you- utterly perfect you! <3

Shinjiro Aragaki

Okok stick with it for a second but- There’s a dog shelter that Shinjiro always lingers by right? Because there’s a few dogs he has bonded with every time he gets the balls to go in there

Including a little mutt who is way too lovable, but far from the definition of cute

So your date idea: take Shinjiro and the doggy out for a day and give the doggy a good time

That means getting pup cups and doggy treats after a nice morning walk by the water and sneaking the doggy bits and pieces of your lunch to her and then hours at the doggy park

And Shinjiro? He loves it because he spends every walk holding your hand and pet his favorite dog whenever he wants and just enjoying the excitement a cute pup brings hehe

It’s not much of a “date” per se, but with all the heavy emotions he feels and burdens he carries you figured something like this would allow him to let his guard down

He doesn’t even realize that’s what you were trying to do until way, way after the date had ended and you both were inside in his place cuddling on his bed or something

It was your way of spending quality time with him while ensuring that he could spend the whole day in a good mental state where all he could think about was the doggy and you and all the silly happy things that were happening right in front of him

He never said anything but the second he realized, his eyes started tearing up as he started to feel overwhelmed with emotion because of how much he loves you and how good you are to him

And like the good partner you were, you just held him tight and promised to keep providing him with all the good things he thought he never deserved (but you know he always did)

[fareasterncurlew]

My predictions for Komi's final 18 friends before 100. I feel we probably have already met all of them so far, so here who I think they'll be.

I don't think I have any wild predictions, but I'm posting this so I can see how wrong I was when the series eventually reaches it's conclusion.

Also, I started writing this before ch. 441 dropped, but the newest chapter has only made me more certain about my first guesses, which brings us to...

83: Maruko Tadano

Considering the current arc, this one seems pretty likely. We still don't know if she's related to Tadano (though I assume she is), maybe we'll learn next chapter when they inevitably become friends. That is, if the next chapter is about them at the family restaurant along with the next four...

84: Setsuko Hatohori (Egypt); 85: Sakura Sankoichi; 86: Tsubaki Sankoichi; 87: Ajisai Sankoichi

My theory is that Komi will befriend all the applicants from ch. 437 and we will continue to see them throughout the application process. I'm now even more sure of this after the recent ch. 441 and hopefully we see them again next chapter.

88: Nokoko Inaka

It's bound to happen at some point, I feel it will happen soon after the current arc but that's just a guess. I believe she's one of the most likely on this list to become Komi's friend, though maybe she'll sign her name a little later on.

Inaka has been around since being in Komi's first-year class, similar to my next entry...

89: Toshio Seikimatsu; 90: Hana Soboku

Seikimatsu has been around since the start of the manga and was the catalyst for Tadano starting conversation with Komi, that alone should be enough for him to be Komi's eventual friend. I hope he gets to take his girlfriend on a double date with Komi and Tadano like he wants, solidifying both as Komi's friends. They also both were with Komi, Tadano, and Kawai's group in ch. 403 & 402, and Soboku and Komi greeted each other in ch. 430.

91: Lily Sukida

Another character who has been around for a while. Sukida has popped up a lot so I assume Oda is planning on doing something with her character. Given that she currently doesn't approve of Komi's relationship with Tadano, I assume that will have to be resolved before they become friends.

I wonder if Sukida would have reacted differently in ch. 423 if Komi had questioned her with Rumiko instead of Tadano (she was okay with Tadano pretend dating Rumiko in ch. 433, why not herself?) but I digress, seeing Miss Tadano / Tadano in the girls' uniform again was nice too and perhaps will be part of how they'll later become friends.

92: Goro Suteno; 93: Hajime Gokudo; 94: Yae Hamaki; 95: Makina Kusari

These four have been in the story since the start of second year and have had an ongoing plotline focused on Katai.

My prediction is that upon realising Katai isn't Komi they'll assume Komi is some sort of delinquent mastermind controlling Katai from the shadows, or something silly like that, and choose to "work for her" (sign her book).

They're not the most talked about when considering possible friends, but I think they have a reasonable chance considering their current thing is, while being a misunderstanding, focused around "Komi." Speaking of characters I don't see often being brought up in these discussions...

96: Miwa Omojiri

A little outside Komi's normal friendship age range, but she recently befriended Michita so we know Komi doesn't exclude older friends. She's been around awhile, I think she could make a good friend if she had another chapter or two.

She's also the only character (besides Shiina) yet to become a friend who has their name in ch. 416.

Also in ch. 416, in the background, you can see Inaka as well as the next entry...

97: Komorebi Hiki; 98: Susumi Shujo; 99: Aoi Netsuno

Hiki and Susumi will undoubtably be a friend after ch. 436's last page. I presume Aoi will join them later and also become Komi's friend.

Considering how Oda likes to number the friends I think the order of these three will go "Hiki, Susumi, Aoi;" this is part of the reason why I don't think Hiki will be friend 100. Which leads us to...

100: Muzuka Shiina

Who didn't see this one coming? I know other people also suspect Shiina will be friend 100, and I agree. I wonder what's holding Shiina back from considering Komi a friend, hopefully we'll see when she inevitably becomes one.

This is all the friends up to 100. If this is where the manga chooses to finish this is how I think the list will go. However, I have another theory...

101: Yo Fuki; 102: Teruyoshi Jimochi; 103: Maheto Haheto; 104: Luna Neguse; 105: Fukuyoka Muchi; 106: Kanchi Gai; 107: Yakugaku Komata; 108: Hamaru Tsubo; 109: Shota Kori; 110: Takaomo Fuechi; 111: Kaoru Fukitsu; 112: Marin Saotome

Yep, I think all the other class 3-1 students will be Komi's friend as well. My theory is that upon almost reaching her goal, Komi will become closer with her classmates and want to become friends with all of them, but can't because of her arbitrary goal. Perhaps Shiina will make her realise that making 100 be the limit is silly and prompt her to become friends with the rest similar to ch. 323.

There are some other characters that could be candidates if Komi made more than 100 friends, but this post is getting long already.

Anyway, that's my silly little theory on who the last Komi friends will be. Hope you enjoyed reading :).

Most of these are pretty safe bets. I wonder what differences other peoples lists have to mine.

[h-a-unted]

What are rare-pairs that you’re passionate about?

Who was your first OC?

Are you happy with how your favorite canon muse was portrayed in canon?

How do you describe writing / rp to others?

Questions for the mun!

Rare-pairs... oh my god I have so many of those that I'm drawing a blank right now. I think the one that comes to mind is strangely Da.igo Doji.ma and Goro Maji.ma from the Yakuza games lmao, maybe even Ichiban and Zhao from the same games, idk I just vibe with them. But Daiji.ma was my shit for the longest time. And also probably Kuroiwa and Yagami from the Yakuza spin-off, Judgment. OH! And also Soma and the professor dude or like... his subordinate Akutsu (but I guess that last one wasn't a rarepair) from the sequel of the spin-off. Does Maevelight count as rarepair? Cause they'd be my top rarepair as of now (and maybe Zack and Cloud if they count as rarepair) I'm wondering if I'll like Home.lander and Fire.cracker but that probably won't be a rarepair lmao.

My first OC, I am unsure if I can pinpoint... I think it was this servant girl called Lilian I made for a canon character, when I used to try and run from my male/male ships to be "normal" lmfao! My first OC here though was my AI, AIROS. My sweet bean, my lovely android who is trying to learn about the world without knowing he is a spyware watching over the people. I had a lot of verses for him... maybe I could add one for the boys, but he'd be too much of a good boy to be able to survive in that world... Though it'd be a good chance to give him a real-life FC I guess.

I have so many favorite canons that change with what I'm currently obsessed with. Like, before the boys it was Adler and I immediately 'hated' him as a mechanism of defense because I actually loved him a lot lmfao, his characterization was top notch in-game, so much that everyone really wants him to appear in the sequel despite the wrongdoings he did to the protagonist. Anyway, since right now I am obsessed with the boys and clearly But.cher is my favorite – it's safe to say I'm pretty satisfied with most of his portrayal in canon, as of Season 3. There is a leak that has me just a little doubtful about what they're trying to do with him going forward, but I'm hoping it's explained in a way I can get behind, they've done well, so far. Otherwise, I feel like they did a very nice, deeply flawed character that I adore. It hits all the spots I love in a character and, honestly, I feel it was tailor-made for me to love, at least the show rendition of him. I don't like the comics one at all. Aside from that, I think Raiden from Met.al Gear has been practically my sleeping agent all-time favorite or so, and I absolutely love what they did with his character (not me vibing with a "mood swings" type of character trying to do good, but also being unhinged). I miss him and his struggles a whole lot, wish they would've continued his games.

I describe rp as "I portray a character from a series or invent one and make up scenarios with friends on the internet who portray other characters. We keep the scenes going back and forth." Despite this, I don't think my mother gets it at all. My friends didn't get it at the start, until I made them rp with me via notebooks when we were in middle school, it turned into an obsession for all of us... Good times lmao.

[crime-bot]

i crashed and fell asleep for a while anyway. do you have any angst ideas. i need sad goro akechi hours probably with chronic leg issues because my knee almost gave out at the store today . anyway how have u been dude i'm just gonna write what im thinking and then edit later

ok so. goro akechi. goro akechi who is unable to look at himself in the mirror and grows his hair out past his knees and is so so so so so gay. goro akechi who studies japanese flower language and talks to haru and yusuke about it. goro akechi who tells haru it was either going to be him or her that killed kunikazu first, and he's happy he did it first so haru wouldn't have that blood on her hands. goro akechi who sits at leblanc every thursday to quietly talk with deadbeat parents club (ryuji, haru, yusuke, akira, sumi joins sometimes but not often cause she doesnt consider her dad bad she just wishes he helped her more during stuff, himself, ann) and tells them what he learned in therapy and helps them all find ways to find peace with it. goro akechi who was gifted a Crow figurine from akane (p5s) after akira told her he was a fan of crow, and then akane found out he was crow, and akane freaked out. goro akechi who is 20 years old but lives life like he is 16 because he missed out on everything. goro akechi who watches featherman with futaba and works with her and yusuke to write featherman fic and get yusuke money by commissioning featherman art. goro akechi with a sticker covered cane. goro akechi with medical necklaces who has stress induced petit mal seizures and chronic pain and multiple disabilities both mental and physical. trans goro akechi. goro akechi who is tired and worn but so fond. goro akechi who is dragged to takemis at a late hour because hes going through an episode and he tries to hurt himself and all the phantom thieves (+ hifumi & shiho bc hifumishihogoro bffs are real, + ken, + sae & naoto) come running to make sure hes okay, to watch him. goro akechi who cries late at night because he can't understand why people are nice to him. goro akechi who doesn't really believe it when he says "i love you" to akira because he doesnt really experience romantic love. he has an odd 3rd thing he feels guilty about with akira but they still say theyre dating. goro akechi in general. idk ..

OH MAN WHAT A FEAST! Sorry for the wait, I've got no agnst ideas for our guy Goro at the moment, but I'm gonna take a good look at this all

imagine Akira braiding all of that hair for him, learning and trying out new things and asking Goro what he thinks of it -- if not in a mirror, then how it feels

I think Yusuke would actually be more enthusiastic about Japanese flower language than Haru, which is saying something. He's captivated by the inner meaning held by such beautiful works of art, crafted both by nature and the nurturing hands of humans, and would easily go on an infodump about the language (and the shape of the petals, the stalks, the colors, both bold and subtle in difference, so... so much.). Meanwhile Haru takes both the language and the technical care of the flowers seriously, and loves sharing tips on how to keep the flowers healthy and vibrant, both before giving to someone and after receiving them. She encourages Goro to try growing something himself since it can feel very rewarding

honestly, I think Haru would appreciate that sentiment in a bittersweet way. Goro has... caused a lot of pain that can never be healed. It's also true that it was very, very easy to draft up plans on killing Kunikazu herself

Goro and the deadbeat dad club is like trickle down therapy and a fucking love it, holy shit. I'm sure he doesn't fully realize how much he's really helping them all

AWW YES, GORO WITH A CROW FIGURINE!! I'm sure talking with Akane is bittersweet, but as time goes on, Goro becomes another person she can depend on and is welcomed by Zenkichi

The Featherman Trio is so great... with their combined forces, the featherman fandom sees fanworks that could be prized novels or showcased in museums

SO MANY STICKERS OF STUFF HE LOVES!

Man I'd love to see more of Goro with disability, and how he and the PTs supporting him navigate it

I've seen a surprising amount of fanfics with Trans Goro, and while technically not trans myself, it's nice to read them and think of how Goro had handled transitioning (either explosively not well or surprisingly... pretty fine? Considering that Japan is pretty tolerant of trans people and it's not necessarily as difficult to properly transition from female to male or vice versa as in the US (which isn't much of a high bar but still))

I love characters that are tired and worn and fond... it's just... damn I relate to it

YES!!! EVERYONE'S THERE FOR HIM! And of course Takemi helps Goro out the best she can, no criticism, asking him how he feels, what he would and wouldn't prefer

oh man I vibe with being aromantic... Akechi trying to figure that out and come to terms with it as well as enjoy what he has with Akira for what it is is so good as well ..

[justiceburst]

"That's nice to hear, but it... doesn't feel like I'm doing well. I wouldn't go so far as to say I'm working towards any goals, either. I want to go to college, but that's about the extent of what I know at the moment. Everything I might have wanted to do has been sullied. Not that I ever had any real aspirations of my own..." He trailed off.

When he was a kid, all he wanted when he grew up was to get a job that made his mother smile and paid well enough to support them both. It felt like any hope for his future dried up when she died, which made it that much easier to devote himself to the single-minded goal of finding and eventually destroying his father.

None of that panned out. His mom would be so disappointed if she knew what he'd done with his life.

Still... he had genuinely enjoyed being a detective. Everything he learned, the handful of real cases he'd been given. It was enjoyable, and made him feel like he was doing something. Something good.

But that was out of the question now. Everything in the fields of law and entertainment was. He had to be careful. If he reached too high, if he took a wrong step, he could get the attention of the wrong person. Someone who knew who he was, what he was a part of, what he did.

"I won't give up, though. You're right about that much. When I want something, I pursue it with all I have. Or die trying, I guess." He looked away. "I'm sure I could excel in any field I choose, so I'm not worried about that. But I want to make something of myself. I still want to show the world that I'm worth something, and they were wrong to throw me away. I want to be something I can be proud of, for once. And I want it all to be real this time."

It sounded stupid. Childish. Maybe he should have lied, pretended to be more mature and put-together than he really was. But he didn't want that, and he knew–hoped–Akira didn't want that, either. He still wanted Akira to want all of him, even–no, especially–the bad parts. The disgusting, ugly, shameful bits that he despised so much.

Goro let out a breath, releasing the tension held in his body.

"It's good to hear you're having more fun. Making a lot of new friends, too, I'm sure." He chuckled. "Your record should be sealed since you were a minor, so I hope that isn't bothering you too much anymore."

He missed this. Being able to talk openly without being a bother. Having someone who cared about him, who liked being around him. Someone whose company he enjoyed, as well.

Goro's eyes trailed back to Akira. The line of his smile, the surprising softness in the steel of his eyes. The fondness. It made his chest tighten, but he found himself giving a smile of his own nonetheless.

"Yes, I know that now," Goro said. "I don't know why I reacted the way I did earlier. Really, did I honestly expect you to pine for a dead man for the rest of your life just because I couldn't bear the thought of being forgotten? How embarrassing." He smile twisted into a sneer. "It all turned out well in the end, though, so I'd rather just forget about it."

justiceburst​:

“Thank you.”

Goro picked up the cup and took a sip, humming appreciatively. The taste was nostalgic, rich and so, so much better than the instant stuff he’d been relying on recently.

“Well, I can’t say I’m disappointed,” he said cheerily, which was an understatement. He took another sip before gingerly setting the cup back down on the coffee table.

“Not much, to be perfectly honest. I’m still surviving.” Goro laughed. “I have a job. It’s boring, but it keeps me out of the public eye for the most part, and I’m trying to save up enough for college tuition, though that may take a while. I barely managed to graduate high school. It’s only because my grades were so high and I was in good standing with the school that they were willing to work with me despite my prolonged absence.”

And even then, he lost his honors status, something he had worked so hard for. He maintained it throughout the entirety of high school, despite everything else going on, only to lose it mere months before graduation. Just the thought made him angry, but he hadn’t been able to dispute it because he was lucky to even be allowed to stay in school. Nevermind the prestige his stint as a celebrity detective brought them–they still held the power over him in the end.

“It’s been… difficult,” Goro admitted. “Nothing I can’t handle, of course, but… in the end, I suppose I’m in about the same place I would be had I simply stayed in the system until I aged out.” He paused with a hum. “Though, perhaps my experience living on my own those few extra years prepared me a bit more. I can’t deny those advantages.”

Akira listened to what Goro had to say patiently and... well, he wasn’t disappointed. He was everything but. Goro worked hard for what he wanted to accomplish and Akira knew if he set his mind to something, he would achieve it, no matter at what cost.

Goro deserved to achieve his goals and feel good about himself. He hadn’t given up despite everything that happened and he seemed to be... better. A bit at least. Less hopeless. Well, if he wasn’t fooled by one of Goro’s masks, but Akira sincerly hoped he didn’t try to put those up in front of him again.

Then again, Akira shouldn’t judge.

“I think you’re doing really well for yourself,” he hummed and took a sip of his coffee. “You have a goal you’re working towards and you haven’t given up, that’s worth a lot, considering everything that happened.”

Somehow they both managed to move on - or at least tried to. Maybe they could be working on building a future together, even they just ended up being friends, Akira still wanted him in his life. Maybe a part of him was the growing loneliness now that the rest of the Thieves were doing their own things; the only two he saw regularly were Yusuke and Futaba. Mona too, of course, but since pets weren’t allowed at this place he had to live with Futaba.

“I’m in my first year of college right now,” he explained after he was quiet for a while. “It’s a lot more fun than highschool for me, but between work and my classes there is not a lot of free time left. I’m sitll working at LeBlanc at the weekends too.”

Tokyo was an expensive city and money was tight. His parents didn’t support him at all, so he had to work to keep himself fed and a roof over his head. Usually that would be fine, back in highschool he managed to somehow get good grades, spent a ton of time in the Metaverse and work at the same time, but now with his growing issue of headaches and migraines and the lack of distraction the Metaverse offered, it was kind of hard.

Maybe it was his age too, but then again, he wasn’t that much older.

“I’m sorry if I didn’t seem happy to see you earlier,” he said softly and showed him a loopsided grin. “I’m really glad you’re still alive and, well, here right now.”

[cherubchoirs]

invoking your yaldabaoth knowledge .in the scenario of post p5 (or even p5r) if yal ever comes back or manifests again, who would you think is the very first person that guy should apologize to? lavenza, for spliting her in two? igor, for locking him up and taking his place? ren for posing as igor and rigging the game? akechi, for enabling his his rotten schemes and spiraling downhill by giving him the metanav which he used to murder people? the entirety of the phantom thieves, for talking down on them and the foolishness of the human race during end game confrontation and even trying to end their lives? like, who did he affect the most that he has to make up for it? the most severe thing he's done to someone? ah, im getting wordy again, but I hope you dont mind ! haha (sweats)

aaaaa no worries anon, i totally love ppl coming to ramble especially when it's about yal dkfhjgdfg this is...a very good question tho 🤔 i ALSO got wordy, so the answer's under a read more!!

i think the amount of damage he's done on an individual basis is hard to scale and compare because all of these characters were impacted immensely yet in totally different ways. i lean toward the thieves being the least affected (by comparison of course) - the people that abused them directly were not influenced by yaldabaoth and their trauma is much more rooted in the adults that harmed them in the real world. with that, i think they along with igor are at the bottom of the list - igor's pain is admittedly hard to gauge and it's likely he's more affected by yal taking over the velvet room than his own imprisonment (unless it causes his departure in the next mainline game...BUT that's speculative atm), but with how impossible he is to figure out and how different he is from humanity, i don't think he would personally want an apology. NOW...that leaves akira, goro, and lavenza and this is where it gets difficult. my first instinct is actually lavenza as all her memories and entire being were stripped of her violently, to the point were she seems to have trauma over the event. she was forced to work unknowingly for the being that stole her master and tore her in two for nearly a whole year, she could have helped bring about the downfall of humanity and she may never have returned to normal...she could have killed her guest under his orders. he's got a LOT to answer for with lavenza, and i imagine that is a bit of a contentious issue in my strikers au. however, i think he also owes quite the apology to goro for the role he was forced into and that goes all the way back to shido. shido, unlike the other palace rulers, seemed to have been hand-picked by yaldabaoth as his pawn to force the masses to choose security, and shido claiming to be "chosen by god" is pretty suspect imo it is difficult to say if this is direct influence though as it seems shido had a history of being overly grandiose and self-important, but it seems yal had more of a hand in his life than any of the others. but setting that aside, goro still had to play the part of the villain in his game, which forced him to become a murderer and endure years of psychological torment and physical pain. not to mention that yal seemed to make sure goro was kept isolated so he couldn't form friendships - he had his power of mental shutdowns, akira had the power of bonds, and so neither could have what the other did or the experiment would be moot. that's. incredibly harsh and grossly cruel, especially when the person in question is a teenager. finally there's akira, who i think made it out the best of these three. yal clearly knocked over the first domino to get him arrested in order to begin the game, however that really turned out for the best lol otherwise, it's largely how messed up his velvet room environment was and, of course, the betrayal. akira had to face that the entire year he lived was under someone else's control, that even what he thought was freedom and rebellion was just on rails according to a god's plan (tbh ymmv on this one, as i view akira as incredibly autonomous and rather devastated by this revelation) his situation is also further complicated by all the difficulties he faced in leadership and the more challenging confidants that put him in danger (AGAIN...lookin at you, tae and iwai!!) were also directly a result of yal choosing him for the position of phantom thief. and since i've talked about it AT LENGTH, i won't go on and on about how the betrayal hurt him, how he formed a bond with yal like any other confidant only to be stabbed in the back after a near execution BUT just know i think that really affected him deeply (esp since he had to kill yal not long after that). BUT IN CONCLUSION....i think either lavenza or goro are entitled to that first apology. and in my strikers au, it's definitely a big problem ahaha (bc of course goro is there too!!!)

[maddogofshimano]

Majima (1988) Character Story

Everyone’s favorite lord of the night! I like his card art a lot for this one

He’s also got a 2nd 1988 card, but it doesn’t have a separate character story. 

Summary: Set immediately following Majima’s release from the hole. He’s sent over to Sagawa, who puts him to work as manager of the badly failing Grand. If he can’t get the business out of the red and into a hundred million yen of profit in the first month, Sagawa will kill him.

<part 1>

"The Hole. The place where the imprisoned begged for death to release them from the torture. No survivors ever returned from it. Majima was supposed to meet his end in the darkness there. But, after one year..."

Shimano: Heh, good job staying alive Majima. That's a big deal, ya know? Majima: .......... (Tl note: Majima doesn't have a talk sprite here, presumably because he's in really rough shape) Shimano: I don't think it'd be right havin' someone like you go and die a dog's death in a place like that. So I've made a change in plans. Over in Sotenbori I got a kyoudai under a different clan. He's the owner of a cabaret called The Grand, and I'm leavin' ya to be the manager of it. Majima: Cabaret manager......? Why would you...... Shimano: You don't gotta worry about it. And, if everything goes well you can come back to the Tojo Clan. Majima: ! Return to... the family......?!

Sagawa greets him briefly and tell Majima that he has to make 100 mil a MONTH at the Grand or he'll be killed. Majima goes to the Grand and explains the profits he needs and the greeter says that's completely impossible! Majima's not giving up, not after everything he’s been through, and just wants to see the place already.

Inside there are 0 customers, and he’s told there haven't been for the last 2 days. The Grand is deeply in the red. The current floor manager immediately does not like Majima and refuses to cooperate, Majima says that's fine since he's the new manager and he doesn't need his dumb ass anymore. The guy throws hands and Majima flattens him.

Since he just threw out his current floor manager, he immediately upgrades the greeter to new floor manager and doubles his salary. The new floor manager (FM from now on) thinks that's super great, but, there's no customers and everyone's worried about how they're gonna get paid. 

Majima: Don't worry about that, when the customers come then money will come. And getting the customers to come is my job as the new manager.   FM: Oh?? You know how to do that? Majima: Heh, I'm just an amateur in way over my head. I don't know a damn thing about cabaret. Majima says he's a man with nothing to lose and therefore no fear. He'll rebuild this place by any means necessary.

"....Returning to the yakuza is useless for me. It'll be my kyoudai's day to return...!"

"It's time to start the Grand's counterattack." <Part 2>

it's been one week since Majima started managing the Grand. The number of customers in the last three days? Zero. Majima is not sweating it. He's just figuring out what's a hit and what's a miss.

Majima hires a band to play, and manages to re-hire several of the former Grand hostesses. Majima: I haven't been playing around for this week. Majima: The world of the nightlife is dog eat dog. Only the survivors get to remain standing. FM: I'll follow you anywhere, Manager, even to death!

Several of Majima’s own staff members attack him! Majima is thrilled he has an excuse to cut loose and beats the tar out of them.

FM: W-woah! You're so strong!! Majima: Hm. I'm still feelin' the effects of the hole. These guys were total amateurs.

The staff thought if they all beat up Majima he'd get a reputation for being incompetent and they'd get his job, but they didn't expect him to be so strong. He likes their moxie, so decides not to fire them FM: You're really not going to fire them? Majima: We just had a little fight. That's all there is to it. Let's call it... the new Grand's ceremony to strengthen our bonds. That's my way of doing things. The staff are glad to not be kicked out of sotenbori, but ask if that's really okay? Isn't he worried this gamble isn't going to pay off? Majima says there was a time in his life he was worried about gambles like that. Now, he's going to be hungrier than anyone. They understand are are fired up! They want to reignite the dying spirit of the grand! FM thinks Majima is the coolest and that this is the rebirth of the Grand.

<Part 3>

Another week later: they're in great shape! the big band is a huge hit, and the new hostesses are as well. 

Some yakuza show up and make a huge scene. Majima says just to ignore them because he needs their cash, it's fine if they're loud and obnoxious but FM is scared they won't pay. Majima says he'll handle it. 

I did learn a really funny term "ケツ持ち" which is literally "ass holding" and refers to a yakuza taking control of a store to use for a safehouse/protection of the store/etc, and the yakuza think that's what Majima is doing and they're not entirely wrong. Nowadays it's more used for yakuza that have to clean up their subordinate's messes, or the biker that stays at the rear of the pack to keep the cops away.

Majima says his first instance of "customer is king", and finesses the yakuza into the VIP room and away from everyone else, so that he doesn’t lose either set of customers. The yakuza try to dine and dash, Majima catches them outside, they ask "what happened to customer is king?" and Majima responds that since they didn’t pay they’re not longer customers and then kicks the shit out of all of them. Majima then blackmails them into coming back every single night, because if they ever skip a night then they're not his customer and he's going to find them and kick their teeth in. "There's one more thing I want you to remember. I am Majima Goro... The man who will be called the lord of the night in this city." <END>

It’s really funny that Majima has blackmailed yakuza into going to a hostess club under threat of beatings as both the manager and the hostess. If it’s not broke don’t fix it I guess? 

Here’s the other 1988 card btw, the first card’s title is “Manager of the Grand” and this one is “a caged stray dog”.

[cinnoasch]

Sunflower [Goro Akechi x Reader]

A/N: Who doesn’t like flowers? (well except for the pollen allergies)

Word Count: 1494

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was about seven o’clock in the morning and here you were pacing back and forth in front of Akechi’s apartment door. You’d been planning this little outing for weeks, and when it came time to ask Akechi to come with, you were nervous to say the least. He was always so busy with his detective work and it seemed that he was always appearing on TV as of late. With all of the buzz about the Phantom Thieves and the police frantically searching for clues, it was a shot in the dark.

Taking a deep breath in, you knock on his apartment door. You did notify him the night before that you’d be showing up at his door early the next day. When he asked what for, you only told him that he would have to wait until morning. A few seconds later, the door swings open revealing Akechi. His hair was slightly messy, and he had bags under his eyes, signifying that he probably hasn’t had a good night’s sleep the last couple of nights.

“When you said early, I thought you meant nine, not seven.”

“Nine isn’t exactly early Akechi. Also, you look terrible.”

He chuckles, “Thank you for noticing. So, what was so important that you had to come to my apartment at seven in the morning?”

Shuffling in place, you clasp your hands behind your back, “I was wondering if you’d like to hang out today... I know I should have given an advanced notice, but I was worried that you might be busy. But then again, what difference does it make if-”

Akechi’s laughter cuts you off as you stare at him surprised.

“Y/N, you’re rambling again. Besides, even if I wasn’t free, who is to say that I wouldn’t clear my schedule for you?”

“I- you would do that?”

“Perhaps. Depends on my mood I guess.” Akechi says with a wink.

You roll your eyes, “Always so dramatic aren’t we now, Detective Prince?” You begin pushing Akechi back into his apartment, “Now go get ready, we have a long day ahead of us.”

“And where are we heading?”

“Change first. Questions later!”

After Akechi changes, the two of you head to the train station.

“So will I finally get my question answered as to what you have planned?”

You nod with a grin, “We are going to Hokkaido.”

“Hokkaido? That’s quite far isn’t it?”

“Well, I figured with everything going on, you could use a break from Tokyo. Even if it’s just for a day.”

Akechi smiles, “Thank you, Y/N.”

You glance back, keeping your hand on the handles that hang above, “What for?”

“For being my friend. For caring. It really means a lot to me... especially since no one has been there for me before.” Akechi’s voice was barely audible, drowned out by the chatter of the other passengers on the subway, but you heard him loud and clear.

His eyes seem to glaze over, any emotion that was present earlier was gone. Sighing, you look away from Akechi and look out the window. You knew very little about his past but you could tell it bothered him. You knew that there was more than he was letting on. Even with his cheerful, polite, princely demeanor, you knew on the inside that Akechi was probably hurting.

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

Soon after a three and a half hour train ride, you finally arrive in Sapporo, the capital city of the Hokkaido prefecture.

Stepping off the subway, you turn your head to look at Akechi, “So, before we head to our real destination, would you like to sightsee and grab lunch? I hear they have really good pancakes~”

“Again with the pancakes?” Akechi frowns a bit but he smiles, “Let’s save those for the trip back, shall we? On the other hand, I would like to try their seafood ramen. Hokkaido is famous for its seafood after all.”

“Sounds good to me! Let’s go!” 

You explore the city, taking in the sights and the livelihood of the people around you. Once you found a restaurant, you stopped for a quick bite and resumed walking around the city.

“You know after that ramen, hiking up one of those mountains seems like a good idea.”

“Well then, why don’t we come back and hike one day? It would be a fun trip, would it not?”

“I’d like that. But only when you have a free day.”

Akechi grins, “I could make everyday a free day if meant I’d be spending my time with you.”

“Sure, sure.” You laugh a bit. “I’m sure Sae-san would not appreciate it if you did that. The police force included. You’re an asset to them.”

“They won’t be missing me. Anyways, where to next? We haven’t reached our real destination yet.”

“Ah, right. Well, just follow me.”

You walk a bit faster so Akechi couldn’t see your face. He had that look again. After you brought up his job, the mood had immediately soured. Were you just saying the wrong things? How else were you supposed to get him to talk about himself? Whenever you brought up anything about himself, he’d simply brush it off and move onto another topic. You knew that some people might just want to keep their life private, Akechi included since he was so popular now. But did he really have to keep things from you? You were his closest friend, which even surprised you to say the least. Yet you barely knew anything about him. About who he really was.

“Y/N?”

You flinch, turning to see Akechi walking next to you.

“Are you okay? You look a bit...tense.”

You shake your head with a grin, “I’m fine. Now, how do you feel about flowers?”

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

“This is where you wanted to take me? It’s beautiful...” Akechi says staring at the large flower field before him.

“Isn’t it? I figured a change of scenery could help you relax. Plus, you can take some home as a souvenir of our trip.”

“Are we really allowed to take some with us? I wouldn’t want to disrupt the plant life that they have built here.”

You smile gently, holding out your hand, “Don’t worry. It’s open to everyone and the owners don’t mind. Now then, let’s get going before it gets too late.”

Akechi takes your hand and you pull him along into the field of flowers.

The two of you walk in the fields, taking in the vivid colors of the surrounding flowers. You chatted, laughed and saw the brightest smile Akechi has ever had in a while. 

As the sun set in the distance, you and Akechi sit on a bench in the flower field, taking in the view before you. 

“Before we go, how about we each pick a flower for each other?” Akechi asks.

“For each other, huh? That sounds like fun! Meet you back here in five?”

“Sounds like a plan.”

As you set out through the field, you were searching for one flower in particular, a red poppy. From your time working at the flower shop, you learned that red poppies were a symbol of “true love”. Of course, Akechi would have no knowledge of this, at least you hoped not. In a way, this would serve as an indirect confession, until you were ready to confess for real. With everything Akechi had been through, even if you weren’t made aware of it, you knew that he could use someone to be there for him. This was a declaration of that. That you would stay by his side through everything, no matter what.

The two of you meet at the bench once again, holding your flowers behind your backs.

“Since it was your idea, I’ll go ahead and go first.”

“Please, be my guest.”

Removing your hand from behind your back, you reveal the red poppy to Akechi and a small smile graces his face.

“A red poppy? Are you poking fun at me for being what you consider extravagant?”

You laugh, “No, no. Of course not. I mean you are somewhat dramatic at times, but extravagant is pushing it. It just reminded me of you, red is the color of your eyes, you know.” You take a few small steps closer to Akechi, brushing his hair away and tucking the flower behind his ear. “It’s just a reminder that I’ll be here whenever you need me. No matter what.”

You step back, your face red from the close proximity, “Anyway now time for your flower reveal, Mr. Detective Prince.”

Akechi chuckles at the nickname as he shows the flower he chose for you. 

A sunflower.

“A sunflower? Interesting choice if I must say. May I ask why?”

Akechi takes a step towards you, brushing your hair away with a smile. He holds the flower up to his lips, placing a kiss on it before tucking it behind your ear. “A sunflower for the sunflower in my life.”

[unfunny-quips]

Snippets from The Disappearance of Amamiya Ren (that I’ll probably never fully flesh out into a full fic):

Part II is here.

Part One:

Sojiro knows what’s in the folder just from the look Ren has when the kid drops it on the counter between them.

“They usually don’t try to recruit until after college.” He mutters, scowling down at the innocuous looking folder. Ren shrugs in that absent way of his, leaning on one elbow as he stares into his half empty coffee cup. The nonchalance doesn’t hide the interest Sojiro can see in those dark eyes, the temptation that the offer has instilled.

It’s late at LeBlanc, the sign on the door flipped to “Closed” and the front door locked. Outside the world has gone dark, a few flakes of early winter snow drifting down from the sky to cling to the chilled earth. Futaba is visiting her friend Kana for the weekend, Morgana off getting lavished with attention and sushi at Haru’s. Ren normally would be out too, kicking around with one of his friends on a rare off-night from university or - more likely - visiting the comatose Akechi in the hospital.

That he is here, sitting across from Sojiro sipping coffee and dropping that folder down on the counter says everything that needs to be said on the situation.

Sojiro takes the folder, though he knows what’s inside already. Pages of recruitment fodder, the real job being offered hidden between words and beneath concepts. One page proclaims a chance of adventure and travel and Sojiro actually snorts. Ren’s slanted smile let’s him know that the boy had seen the ridiculousness of that claim too.

At length Sojiro closes the folder, tossing it to the side with little fanfare. “I can’t say I’m surprised.” He admits, rubbing at his temples. “Even back in highschool you were exactly the kind of quick thinking, resourceful trouble maker C.I.R.O looks for.”

Ren hums in amusement, dark eyes flashing with mischief. “Why didn’t you suggest I reach out then?”

Sojiro chuckles, “You kidding? You’d eat em’ alive kid.”

The boy smiles, flashing teeth, and amusement.

He takes the job.

Sojiro wonders years later if it’s his fault that Ren has gone in for a career in intelligence, wonders if it’s his fault for what happened. If he’d just tried a little harder, pressed a little more for the boy to look into other employment.

Maybe he could have stopped it. 

—

Ren goes dark.

It’s not anything he hadn’t warned Sojiro about - he was being loaned out to a different secretive government organization than the one the kid usually worked with and the entire operation was so hush-hush that not even Ren’s director really knew the details. Ren has been given enough information to know the mission will take about a month, and that while it required his particular skills, assurances were given that he was going to be largely a consultant and not front lines to anything that could get him killed. He’d be unable to call for a while, but it wasn’t the first time something like this had come up during the kid’s career.

Not the first time, but the last.

It’s fortunate that he’s at home when he gets a call from an old friend still on the inside of things. The news is enough to have his knees go weak beneath him and his body to slump to the floor in a slow surrender to gravity and the heavy weight of what he’s told. Futaba is a panicked mess at the sight of him pale and crying on the floor with his phone dropped beside him. He knows he needs to be strong for her but it’s hard when words like lost contact and missing in action and looking for a body were just softly broken to him by an old friend.

Ren had been his son since the moment Sojiro saw the kid looking lost and lonely in LeBlanc all those years ago. He took him in because the kid’s parents were second hand friends of a friend and the news that they were going to send their child off to a complete stranger for a year made rocks settle in his gut. They paid him in cash they sent in an envelope with a request not to contact them unless it was an emergency.

Ren was a quiet kid, not the troubled juvenile delinquent that had been described in his short phone calls with the kid’s parents. His first weeks living in LeBlanc the kid cleaned up the attic room, kept his nose stuck in his studies, dark eyes skirting away whenever Sojiro spoke to him. A year later Ren’s parents hadn’t called once, not even when Tokyo was a mess and the world was falling apart and Ren was reported as dead. He petitioned Futaba’s social workers to let him take guardianship over the boy before he was sent back to what he eventually learned was a cold, loveless home.

Ren’s parents signed off on the paperwork without issue, their only protest being a request for the money they paid Sojiro to be returned.

Ren cried when he gave him the news. The first time he’d ever seen the kid so openly emotional. He remembered wrapping his new son up in his arms, heart squeezing painfully in his chest as he listened to the quiet, sniffling chant of thank yous being muttered into his chest by the boy.

Soujiro had never wanted kids until he found himself with two and realized that he was willing to burn the world down for them. He’s still willing to burn the world down for them.

So he does.

He pulls himself together, explains to Futaba - as best he can - what’s happened and starts making phone calls.

He left CIRO with a lot of favors in his back pocket, and he pulls them out one by one to get as many eyes on the case of finding his son as soon as possible. Futaba does much the same, burying herself in code and networks and databases she has no business even knowing about let alone skipping through as easily as she does. They reach out to Sae to get more eyes, more minds on the case and eventually the entire team of Phantom Thieves minus their leader is taking over his living room. Most of them can’t do much to help, but while Haru and Makoto throw money around and pull strings, Yusuke and Ann start making missing person posters to put up. Ryuji and Morgana take to the streets, spreading the word to Ren’s vast network of confidants what’s going on and to keep an eye out for any sign of the dark haired thief.

By the third day there’s an organized phone tree with hourly updates being texted out to the many people who are worried about Ren. No one is any closer to knowing where he is or what happened to cause him to go missing but it’s not stopping any of them from doing their best to figure it out. To find him.

It’s as Sojiro downs his fourth cup of coffee that morning - Yusuke made it, strong, bitter and awful but full of enough caffeine to keep them all going - that his phone rings with an unfamiliar number.

It’s the hospital, and for a moment he’s trapped somewhere between panic and relief that he’s being called and told that Ren is there.

It’s not Ren they’re calling about though.

Akechi Goro, seven years in a coma that no one can explain, has woken up.

[stargazer-balladeer]

Songwriter Reader [Phantom Thieves]

anon: ik u got so many p5 asks but um what about the phantom thieves with a songwriter reader? like reader plays piano and sings an orginal; the other thieves definitely KNOW who it is for. It depends if *target* will get it instantly, turn into tomato, or dense and need a forehead flick 👉👈

Characters Included: Akira Kurusu, Ryuji Sakamoto, Ann Takamaki, Yusuke Kitagawa, Makoto Niijima, Haru Okumura, Futaba Sakura & Goro Akechi

Note: Don’t worry love, you can request p5 over and over again. No need to be shy :) I’m also very creative with the title :)))) (note: sarcasm). Hope ya’ll enjoy this!!

Reader’s Gender: Neutral

Warning: None

Akira Kurusu

-Oh, he knows the song you are playing is for him. He has the smuggest look on his face. But this boi is so proud of you and is falling deeper in love with you. 

-He loves how you can compose a song, play a piano and sing. He is in-love with your voice though, he thinks Kamisama (God) has given him an angel in disguise. 

-He’s so supportive of you that he cheers you on if you want to make a career out of this. He’ll be there when you need a shoulder to cry if someone (mainly your parents or the adults) criticize your future. He’ll comfort you as he whisper comforting words in your ear. He’s not allowed to pick fights since he’s under Probation ;-; poor bby boi

-He might help you in composing some songs, but don’t expect much. He’s not really a newbie in the Music Department but he’s not in your level, yet. If you’re willing to teach him how to play piano, he’ll be elated. 

-It was a Talent Show in Shujin Academy when you suddenly show up on stage with a nervous smile on your face. He was shook. Why was his s/o there? Don’t they have stage fright?

-It isn’t until you play your first note in the piano when he relax himself, but he was astounded when you started to sing as well! He was surprised yet proud of you at the same time.

-When you finish, he’ll run to you going downstairs and pick you up and spin you around in pure happiness. He doesn’t care if everyone’s watching as he kiss you in the lips, you either super embarrassed or flattered at his action. 

-Hey, atleast the whole school knows that you belong to him :)

Ryuji Sakamoto

-He’s confused yet proud that you can compose, play and sing. I can see him being oblivious to the fact that the song is about him. Because he’s not really paying attention to what you’re singing, he’s just watching your figure in amazement. Yeah, someone may need to snap him out or else he’s drooling at the sight.

-Like Akira, he loves how talented you are (sanaol). He full-on support you if you want to make a career out of this. If he ever finds out someone is criticizing you, he’ll pick a fight with them. But if its either your parents or adults who criticize you, he’ll be so mad but do nothing. He’s still just a teenager, he don’t want to end up in jail!

-Don’t expect him to help you though, he has no music abilities whatsoever. He might help you when it comes to writing lyrics, but other than that? Just.. no.

-If you stand on stage with your music notes and piano, he’ll be that guy who cheers the loudest for you. But when you start to play, he’ll shush anyone who’s making a sound. 

-He didn’t get what the lyrics has since he wasn’t listening but the melody was good! He’ll congratulate you but when he notices you being pouty, he’ll be hella confused. What did I do?

-Just flick his forehead and explain to him what you sang about, and you’ll have a apple-faced Ryuji :)

Ann Takamaki

-I believe she knew that the song was meant for her, but is still unsure. Please tell this bby girl that the song was meant for her because she might not look like it, but she’s insecure. But when she realize its for her, she’ll have a big and happy smile on her face.

-She’s proud that she has a s/o that is so talented. Be prepared for her countless compliments towards you. If you ever feel insecure about your talented abilities, don’t worry! She’s already here by your side, complimenting you left and right. You can’t help but believe her though, I mean, how could she lie with a face like that?!

-I can totally see Ann knows how to play an instrument, hopefully a violin so you two can play together and have loads of fun! But if she plays something else, like recorder or flute, then you two can still play together. 

-She’s supportive towards you, telling you to believe in your dreams and don’t let other people get in the way in achieving your dream. But if she sees you crying because someone is criticizing you, you bet your ass that she’s ready to fight them. No one says that to her s/o without getting away!

-Ann wants to burst into tears when you started to play and sing at the same time, she was already beyond surprise when you appeared on stage, but when you started to play? She just wants to cry because because she’s being too emotional. Makoto has to calm her down as the others sweatdropped.

-Everyone basically knew it is directed to Ann, which made her giddy and embarrassed at the same tme. She’s so proud of you that after your performance, she drags you to spoil you.

Yusuke Kitagawa

-DENSE AS A ROCK :) Like everyone knew it was for him, but he sits there, listening to the music with a content smile on his face. He doesn’t know that the lyrics was for him really :( Poor bby.

-”That was a magnificently beautiful performance you had!”

-”Yeah! And the lyrics is about you!”

-”...”

-”...”

-”... eXCUSE ME?!”

-He’s very proud that you have something you are passionate about and enjoys listening to your music while he’s painting. He’s glad to have a s/o that is passionate about the art of music. If you want, he can teach you how to paint and you teach him how to play piano.

-He’s interested in learning to play since he believes that if he’s passionate enough, he can learn how to play the piano. I think he’s also interested learning how to compose a song, probably composing a song immediately after you teaching him how.

-He’s also supportive if you want to make a career out of it, because it’s also how he feels with his artistic skills. If someone criticize you, he would be so angry that he goes into a rant about how beautiful your music is and how disrespectful that person is towards you, regardless if its an adult or a parent. He also doesn’t like people using you for their benefit so he shy you away from people like those, who were “seeking talentful people”. Yeah, no thanks.

-He’ll be surprised to see you standing on stage though, and watching you play and sing so animatedly amaze him to no end. Futaba would probably tease him because of his awestruck look on his face while they watch you play. 

-Once you finish, you can bet that he will run up to you and rant about how gracious and beautiful your performance was. He wouldn’t realize the lyrics were meant for him until you told him. He became a happy boi after that :D

Makoto Niijima

-She knows that the song was meant for her but she doesn’t know whether to be embarrassed or flattered by it. But she’s so proud of you that she can’t find the big smile on her face, despite her embarrassment. When she walks up to you, her face was so red that she fumbles her words around. Please pull her into a hug and she’ll calm down :)

-She’s proud that your gifted in the music department, and will help you if you need some help. Yes, I can imagine Makoto being good at music, mainly violin or piano as well. You two can play together in the piano as you sing.

-She helps in composing some songs, adding or switching some words here and there. It also helps her relieve some stress as she hears you playing the piano. Sae is also thankful for you if you ever play in their house.

-Makoto is supportive of you, of course. If you want to pursue being a pianist or a singer, she’ll be your cheerleader. But if someone criticize you, she’ll tell them off before telling you off as well to stand up for yourself. 

-Makoto almost had an heart attack when she saw you on-stage. Like no joke. She’s sweating and pale white, she’s nervous than you were -_-’ But she means well. 

-When you started playing though, she knew instantly that this song you composed was directed at her. She was blushing all throughout your performance. She’s still blushing even when she’s coming near you. Please hug your mommy ;-;

Haru Okumura

-Another girl who instantly can tell that the song you’re playing is for her, but instead of being embarrassed, she’s flattered as she hums along your song. This girl also has no shame in declaring her love for you as she pecks your lips after your performance, watching as your face burst in red while giggling softly.

-This girl has some skills in music as well since her father wants for her to be a perfectionist, and it comes with her training since it requires patience and grace. She can totally play the violin, imagine Kaori and Kousei from Your Lie In April (without the dying part whOOPS--), that’s you two.

-She’s so helpful whenever you suddenly got music block and couldn’t find any inspiration to make music. She’ll drag you outside so that you could be inspired. She even helps you in composing some music, I swear this girl knows so much than you -_-’

-Haru’s also very supportive towards her s/o’s dream in pursuing music as their career and would help them make their dream a reality. If someone criticize your choices, Haru would just pull you away from them. She doesn’t like dealing those who criticize other’s ideals, it’s best to just walk away.

-She would be so surprised when she sees you on stage, she cheers the loudest for you. When you began to play, she listens intently, not wanting to miss anything you do. It’s almost scary for the group as they watch Haru watching you intently with a easy-going smile on her face.

-You bet that she’ll give you a bouquet of flowers (don’t ask where they came from though) and lots of kisses from Haru :D

Futaba Sakura

-The only music she knows is Vocaloid and Anime Openings and Endings. She actually finds classical music to be boring, but when it comes to you, she’ll be excited to hear it. Be proud that you’re an exception :D (if ever you play classical music though)

-Futaba wouldn’t know that the music was directed to her until someone pointed it out or she hears her name in the lyrics, then she’ll be beet red at once (much to the amusement of the group). Futaba would be so shy that it would take time for her to come up to you and congratulate you. So you need to be the one who approach her in this scenario.

-She has little to no idea about composing music like you do. But she’s willing to learn about it, as long as she can see that happy smile on your face. Be aware that it takes patience to teach though, since she can throw a tantrum or two if she doesn’t get it.

-Futaba’s also supportive (I think all of them do, lol) about wanting your hobby to turn into career and cheers you on. She may or may not have also upload a video of you playing piano and singing in YouTube :) If she hears any criticism (DANCE SO HARD THAT IM CAUSING A SENSATION-- *slap*), she’ll hack into their phone and practically make it die and unusable :)

-Futaba practically lets out a shriek when she saw you on-stage, which made her embarrassed since people are starting to look at her. She shrunk into her seat as she watches you in wonder as you take a seat and began playing. The song was relaxing for her as she started to enjoy it.

-it isn’t until Akira (her big bro) tease her about her s/o singing about her. Futaba’s face turned even more red in realization as she buries her face into her hands, wanting to disappear already. (Mommy Makoto is glaring at him for stating that).

-When you approach her after the performance, she could hardly talk. You need to hold her tight so that she could calm down. Poor NEET bby girl ;-;

Goro Akechi

-He’ll know it at once when you started to play, he also has the smuggest look on his face, but not as much as Akira’s though. He’s so proud of you that he wants to kiss you right there and there, but he has a reputation to hold. Opted instead to handing you a bouquet with your favorite flowers in them. But he would also resort to kissing your forehead.

-I can also see him playing the piano, atleast some. Since he rarely has time for himself, so he knew only little about playing. But you could teach him! If you suggest it to him, he’ll be ecstatic that he’s already pulling you to the piano.

-He loves hearing you sing though! He already loves your voice, and you singing? It’s a dream come true for Akechi.

-He’ll also be useful in helping you coming up with lyrics and melodies in the song, he knows a selection of melodies so he’s very useful for you if you get stuck.

-Though at first he’s against the idea of you wanting to continue playing and singing and make it your career, but soon enough, he warm up to the idea of it. He’ll then keep supporting you from here on end. If someone criticize you about it, then he’ll step in and use his sharp tongue to avert their attention to him. In his mind, it’s better if its him being criticized instead of you, so he’ll do just that.

-Akechi would be surprise to see you on-stage though, but when you started to play, he’ll relax and smile. He’ll listen contentedly to your music and singing voice. But he’ll have that smug smirk on his face.

-When you finish, you better expect Akechi waiting for you to get down the stage (hOW DID HE GET THERE SO FAST--?!). He gives you a genuine smile as he gives you the bouquet and kiss you on the forehead. He’s cherishing the moment while he still can, afterall it’s only a matter of time before...

[x] Main Page || [x] Persona 5 Page

[themusingsofafangirl]

Eye Contact (A Majima Goro Imagine)

A/N: Hey guys, I’m back with another piece here. I’m not sure if you like it. I just felt the need to write this piece since I’m so hooked into this Yakuza/RGG fandom (And I’m not even disappointed about it! IT’S ONAST TO BE IN THIS FANDOM). This one-shot does not adhere to any of the Yakuza/RGG canon timeline and obviously, as a work of fanfiction this is just my idea of what I want in my story. 

Prompt: So basically, as the daughter of Masaru Sera, named Miharu, you were with Madam Dojima having tea in the garden when the Mad Dog of Shimano caught your attention… Fandom: Yakuza / Ryu Ga Gotoku Pairing: (Fem) Reader X Majima

Type: One-Shot, SFW.

Word count: 1115

“It’s nice to have you back home Miharu,” said Madam Dojima as she sets her cup of tea on the table.

“Yes, a lot of things have changed while I’ve been gone, I see.” Miharu replies.

     Though deep down, nothing beats the feeling of relief and serenity breathing in the air of one’s own home country after living abroad for 7 years. The mother tongue you spoke that was foreign in the ears of your newfound friends overseas suddenly sounded normal amongst the crowd in the bustling streets of Harajuku the night your former high school friends decided to throw you a ‘Welcome Home’ party. Despite all this, you were also saddened at the fact that the vendor of your favourite Takoyaki stall has passed on and that it is no more. Even the club you used to snuck into as a teenager with your friends to party has closed down – rumoured to have been wrecked by loan-sharks and the owner has never been seen since.

       Bittersweet at all the newfound facts of your birthplace learned over the span of the few days after you’ve landed, your father, Masaru Sera asked you to accompany him to the Tojo headquarters which you just accepted because you really wanted to spend time with your father and learning a thing or two about the trade your family is in. While you would never attend the meetings, you usually stroll around the place and that was when you bumped into Madam Yayoi Dojima, widow of the infamous Sohei Dojima and invited you over to the gardens for a tea session.

      Whenever Madam Dojima was around, she always manages to leave you in awe with her poise and elegance – not to mention how beautifully she dons shimada hairstyle with the kimono. You respected her and she takes a liking towards you as well since you and her son Daigo have been childhood friends. Not much is known of Daigo’s whereabouts, which leaves Madam Dojima completely disheartened. You then diverted the conversation into more light-hearted topics such as your stay abroad.

“You know, there are days when I absolutely crave a warm bowl of homemade Gyudon just like the ones you used to make. While I could make them myself, there’s just missing ingredients that I can’t find there unlike here.” you said.

Madam Dojima smiled at the remark and said, “Well then, why not stop over my home one day and I’ll have it made specially for you. You know, just like those days when Daigo and you were still children.”

    Realising how the topic went back to Daigo, you pinched yourself beneath the table for your stupidity only to get startled by someone’s howling laughter from across the gardens you and Madam Dojima were at. Madam Dojima, startled yet still collected placed a hand over her chest after hearing such howl. There were voices of people not far from where the both of you are.

     You turned to try and locate the owner who made such ruckus in a peaceful place (but you also noted that being a daughter whose father is involve in the Yakuza; the leaders can come in all sorts of whack personalities. The weirdest one for you was Awano. But sadly, he died.)

     “Hmmph,” Madam Dojima said shaking her head and sighed displeasingly.

     “Who was that Madam?” you asked scrutinising your face showing discontent at the sudden disruption of tranquillity.

     “That, my child, is the patriarch to a family whom if the Tojo Clan is without, will not survive against the Omi Alliance. You should know who” She replied coyly.

      You were still trying to see who the man was and why on Earth would he crack a maniacal laughter like that. You only saw the top of head of the little crowd behind the bushes from where the both of you sat but once they came into view as they were about to exit the headquarters’ entrance, you noticed who the family Madam Dojima was talking about.

      Amidst the crowd of scrawny men – whom you assumed was the patriarch’s members, stood the patriarch himself in snakeskin designed jacket and leather pants.

      You only heard about him through your father and the stories he would sometimes share with you regarding the time he nearly died after being shot trying to save a blind lady who was hunted by the entire yakuza organisation like hungry vultures; yet you have never seen the man in person yourself.

Perhaps, today is my lucky day? You thought to yourself about finally getting to see the legendary Shimano no Kyoken in the flesh. Not that you want to ever interact with him, but you would prefer to just know how he looks like.

      The man in the snakeskin jacket stopped his tracks and then turned his gaze towards the gazebo where you both sat – as if he noticed the presence people besides his own men. You were surprised to see that he wore an eyepatch on his left eye. He bowed to the both of you and you saw that Madam Dojima did the same. You returned the formality and the next thing you know, you made eye contact with the Goro Majima himself. Rendered taken aback and nervous a bit, you turned to look elsewhere immediately and then to Madam Dojima again, pretending not to be affected by the accidental occurrence. You sure felt a chill in your bones and a slight shiver down your spine but you know that you will not being seeing him again. And you made sure of that deep down in yourself.

      You continued conversing with Madam Dojima as the Majima Family walked out of the headquarters. Hoping your father will be done with the meeting as well.

 ***

The drive back from the Tojo Headquarters was silent as he stared blankly at the view of the city. While he was proud of what he did today during the meeting, he was burning with curiosity; not that he usually cared. But there was something about the lady that sat beside Yayoi Dojima that makes him wonder.

      “Oi, Nishida,” he says.

      “A-ah, yes, Oyaji?” the driver behind the wheel timidly replied.

      “Say, did ya notice that there’s a woman sitting next to Mrs. Dojima just now?”

      “Y-yes, yes I noticed.” Nishida replied.

      “D’ya know who she is?” Majima asked as he scooted and prodded his head forward.

      “If I’m not wrong myself… she’s the 3rd Chairman’s daughter.”

      “Sera’s daughter huh?” Majima asked again.

      “Yup, Oyaji” Nishida replied.

      “’Aight. Shut yer trap and keep drivin’.” Majima said as he slumpped back against the car seat and continued pondering on that woman he saw in the garden.

****

Thanks for reading! I hope you liked it. I don’t know if I should just keep this as a one-shot or series xD. Anyways, my questions box is always open so feel free to submit ideas and questions~ Stay safe and stay hydrated friends!

[aion-rsa]

Mortal Kombat Ending Explained

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Simon McQuoid was given an interesting challenge directing the 2021 cinematic reboot of Mortal Kombat. While it does have an R-rating to help prop it up, this is hardly the first adaptation in this universe. The story has been told in movies, comics, novels, TV shows, and even the games, which were rebooted for the sake of retelling the first few chapters in a more detailed fashion. Hell, they just came out with an animated movie a year ago that explained the first game’s plot from Scorpion’s perspective.

The new movie certainly finds its own route into the mythos, and barring some bad luck, we’re probably going to get a sequel out of this. After all, it is coming out during a nice, sweet spot where people are getting vaccinated and are equally parts confident and desperate to see a movie in theaters. When they’re bored with Godzilla and Kong’s brawling, I imagine this is the shiniest prize.

The Big Prelude

One of the surprising developments of the movie is that, while it’s called Mortal Kombat, it isn’t Mortal Kombat. It’s ABOUT Mortal Kombat. All that talk about the tournament and protecting Earth from Outworld and last chances, it’s really all setup for the next installment. It’s not so much a remake of the 1995 movie as a full-length remake of that scene on the boat where Raiden gets mad at Shang Tsung for sending Sub-Zero and Scorpion after his champions.

It’s probably more comparable to Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins, the laughable animated movie that came out as a tie-in to the first movie. That one also showed off Sub-Zero killing Scorpion and ended with Raiden yelling at Shang Tsung for trying to screw over the heroes pre-tournament.

It also lines up a little with the Mortal Kombat novel by Jeff Rovin. The obscure 1995 release had various characters from the first game meet up in what ended up being a prequel to the story. Not only was it noticeably missing a certain movie star (more on him in a moment), but in this telling of the story, Scorpion was the ghost of Sub-Zero’s slain victim merged with the body of his son. Not quite the same as Hanzo and his descendant fighting alongside each other, but similar enough for someone like me to connect the dots.

The Return of Scorpion

Hanzo Hasashi is killed in the opening scene but his baby daughter survives under Raiden’s watch. We learn that a prophecy claims that his bloodline will one day unite a new group of heroes to prevent Outworld from winning their tenth Mortal Kombat in a row. Eventually, this is revealed to be our protagonist Cole Young, Hanzo’s descendant. This prophecy ends up being more literal than expected in the final battle against Sub-Zero as Cole is stabbed with Hanzo’s iconic kunai and it magically allows Hanzo to return from the Netherrealm (Hell) to exact his revenge on Sub-Zero.

After succeeding in getting his vengeance, Scorpion shows respect to Cole and vanishes. Presumably, he’s returned to the Netherrealm to he can rest as well as anyone can in a world of pain and fire.

We obviously haven’t seen the last of him. In the games, Scorpion returned once again due to what appeared to be the resurrection of Sub-Zero. It ended up being Bi-Han’s younger brother, Kuai Liang, who was actually a good person and ended up reforming the Lin Kuei clan for the better. Scorpion became rivals with this Sub-Zero but later made peace with him, their clans fighting alongside each other against evil threats.

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This is where things get interesting because in the movie’s continuity, Hanzo existed centuries ago instead of in the present. Bi-Han never aged during that time, presumably due to some magical reward of Shang Tsung’s. There would be no reason for him to have a brother taking his spot.

On the other hand, giving Sub-Zero his own Cole Young counterpart would make plenty of sense. Perhaps Kuai Liang will appear in the sequel as Sub-Zero’s conflicted descendant, having to decide between the duties of blood and virtue.

The Rise of Noob Saibot?

During Shang Tsung’s final speech, he mentions how death is itself like a portal. He then teleports the corpses of Sub-Zero and Goro into Outworld. He could have left them to rot, but he appears to have plans for them.

For fans of Mortal Kombat lore, the follow-up for Sub-Zero makes enough sense. In the games, Bi-Han went under his own Scorpion-like transformation after death. He returned as the all-black shadow assassin Noob Saibot, acting as a more warped and sinister version of his human self. Noob was also closely aligned with Quan Chi, Scorpion’s main nemesis and former handler, so we’ll see if that guy pops up down the line.

As for Goro, there’s no real instance in the games of him being resurrected, but it’s not like this movie doesn’t take liberties as is. Goro can have a little necromancy, as a treat.

The Replacements

Barring resurrections, Shang Tsung has lost Reptile, Goro, Sub-Zero, Kabal, Nitara, Reiko, Mileena, and Kano. He notes that these soldiers can be easily replaced. That opens up a lot of possibilities for who could pop up in a sequel. Perhaps Ermac? Skarlet? Erron Black? You could easily put money on Baraka.

Raiden also tasks the surviving heroes with searching for other champions for the tournament. Unlike the villains, there aren’t too many Earthrealm heroes to choose from. The blind swordsman Kenshi is very likely to join the crew. Nightwolf was also briefly referenced on Sonya and Jax’s wall of research, so don’t be surprised if he’s on the team.

Considering Mileena is a grotesque clone of her “sister” Kitana, you should expect Sisi Stringer show up in the sequel in a more heroic role.

Johnny Cage Cliffhanger

The money shot comes in the last scene. Cole quits his low-level MMA lifestyle and announces that he’s going to Hollywood. As he leaves the gym, we see a poster for Citizen Cage with the tagline “Fight For Your Rights.” The movie stars Johnny Cage (complete with large “CAGE” belt buckle), who we only see from the chest down due to the fact that the character hasn’t been cast yet.

Since the movie’s cast was first announced, fans have noted the blatant lack of Johnny Cage. Not only was Linden Ashby’s portrayal one of the most popular parts of the original movie, but Johnny’s the only character from the original game to not appear in this movie. A prominent theory before the movie’s release was that Cole was going to be Johnny all along and change his name at the end of the film.

But no, Johnny Cage is sequel bait and I’m right there chomping on the hook.

cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "106e33c0-3911-473c-b599-b1426db57530", }).render("0270c398a82f44f49c23c16122516796"); });

Jonathan Carlton is a talented martial artist who used his skill to become a popular action star under the name Johnny Cage. Due to his outrageous skill and moves, he’s been accused of being a fraud who uses camera tricks and stunt doubles to pull off his fight sequences. He initially entered the Mortal Kombat tournament because he was under the impression it would revitalize his career and prove his legitimacy, not quite understanding the severity or even secrecy of the event.

Mostly portrayed as comic relief and the audience’s POV character, Johnny became a regular in the Mortal Kombat series. When they rebooted the games’ story, it was revealed that in case of Liu Kang’s death, Johnny was a back-up “chosen one.” He’s the descendant of a cult of warriors dedicated to making the most badass offspring possible capable of slaying gods.

Funny enough, when Street Fighter did its cinematic reboot with Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li, it also ended with a sequel hook about an upcoming fighting tournament and a quest to look up a series staple (in that case Ryu). I can’t help but feel that Mortal Kombat will be a little more successful in following up on its cliffhanger.

Now let’s see who they can get to fill those sunglasses.

The post Mortal Kombat Ending Explained appeared first on Den of Geek.

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[miiruwrites]

With You, I’m Right Where We’re (both) Supposed to Be

Fandom: Persona 5 (Royal) Rating: Gen Summary: It's a date he didn't think he'd get to live to see, but it's come for him nonetheless. At least this time, he's not alone on the date.

This time, he's alongside the person that matters to him, and the person that makes him think this date isn't so bad after all. Pairing: Shuake [Akira/Goro] Notes: well it's been a while since i've posted huh! that's my own fault, with college and a lot of other things getting in the way but i'm back! i've really missed writing and posting stuff so hopefully i'll be back into the swing of things soon enough!

anyways! happy birthday to our favorite pancake loving detective! my opinion on this boy has changed so much in the past few years but i love him and want the best for him. so i wanted to write a little something for him! there's some spoilers here from third semester but mostly just mentioned.

i hope you all enjoy it!

Word Count: 1.8k

[ao3 link]

It's a weird feeling to be waking up on a date you didn't think you'd live to see. Or at least, that's how Goro feels, waking up on the morning of June 2th.

His birthday. His nineteenth birthday to be exact.

If you asked him a year ago, what he was expecting for his birthday to be like, he wouldn't have been able to give an answer. Because truly, living past his eighteenth birthday was something he wasn't expecting.

A lot can change over the course of a year though. Things he didn't expect to happen, things he didn't plan for, and while it might be a stretch to say he was...happy with how things were right now, it's better than what would've happened to him, had he had his way with things.

What he can say however is that he's...content with how things are right now. They're not perfect by any stretch of imagination or anything but it's at least enough for him to feel like nothing's wrong. That suddenly everything's going to change and leave him feeling like he doesn't know what's going on. He's had enough of that for one lifetime thank you very much.

It's with a sigh and a stretch that he makes himself sit up, instead of lying around all day, as tempting as the thought of it today. Usually his thoughts aren't this gloomy but it always seems to happen around this time of the year. Rationally he knows why but for once he wishes it was easier to get through this day without having to deal with them.

Even if just a year ago, he thought this day to be a burden, he wants that to change. Why he's not really sure but...anything is possible isn't it? After all he's been through, nothing is truly out of the realm of possibility.

Considering the fact that he's alive and not rotting away somewhere or having gone off on his own, there's a first for everything, isn't there? A chance for more things to happen that wouldn't have, had his plans come to fruition.

The thought brings a small smile to his face, swinging his legs out of bed, making his way out of his room into the rest of his apartment.

Well, not just his apartment anymore.

"Oh, you're awake. Good morning Goro."

A small smile crosses his face as he sees Akira Kurusu standing there, in their shared apartment.

That had been a change neither of them were really expecting. Akira had been wanting to stay here instead of going back home - not like anyone had wanted him to go back home - and while he had been staying with Futaba and Sakura-san for a bit, he kept coming over to his apartment so often enough that he just asked Akira if he wanted to move in and well, here they were now, months after the former thief's return.

It had been a spur of the moment decision really when he asked but he didn't regret it. Being in Akira's presence somehow made things seem...better. He felt more at ease, more comfortable in this place that had been just where he came back to rest and work, and made this place seem...more like a home than it had ever been.

Distantly, his mind tells him this is what love is supposed to be like. He can't help but agree with it, for once.

"Good morning Akira. You're...up early. Earlier than Morgana would wake up at."

A smile appears on the younger boy's face. "Yeah, I am. That's not a bad thing, right?"

"No, it isn't Just an observation."

"Good. Besides...why wouldn't I be up early today? It's an important day, after all."

Important...right. Akira didn't have the same feelings he had towards his birthday. It's hard to look at this day as being anything but important. It's only a reminder of how unwanted he was, how he was just a mistake and nothing more than a burden upon his mother and everyone else-

"Goro."

He blinks, looking up at Akira. When did he move over to him, and when was he holding his hands, gently squeezing them.

"I-"

"It's okay. We've talked about this haven't we? I'm here, and so are you. You're okay. You're not unwanted anymore."

A shaky breath, followed by a nod. Right, he wasn't. Despite everything he wasn't a curse now. He wasn't alone, trapped in those thoughts that have plagued him for so long.

"Right. We're here, we're both here and it's...okay. We're both okay." He returns the squeeze to his hands as Akira smiles at him and leans in enough to rest their foreheads together.

"Yeah. We both have bad days but we're trying and that's what's important here. As long as we keep trying, things will get better. And I'm here for you if you need it anytime you know."

"Right. And...the same goes for you too Akira. You're allowed to let me help as well, you don't have to...be the one that everyone comes to without letting yourself be helped in return." If he's learned anything in the time that he's known Akira, it's that he'll take on whatever he can to help without letting himself be helped in return. He was...so selfless at times and while he can't help but admire that it only made him worry for him. It's part of what made what happened months ago so hard to deal with.

Akira blinked at him. "I-I know that...but that's just how I am, you know?" Ever the hero he was.

"True, and I wouldn't want you to change. But...it's okay to be selfish every once in a while you know. Take time for yourself and all that."

"Says you Mister 'I'd rather lash out at someone if they try to help me'."

"You raise a good point. But I mean it Akira. If there's something you want to do or anything just...tell me okay?"

"Then," Akira looked down for a second before looking back up, a soft look in his eyes. "Can I ask you something Goro?"

A nod. "Go right ahead."

"Can I dance with you?"

Red eyes widen slightly at the request, but soon enough there's another nod from the former detective, alongside a smile. "You're so cheesy at times you know that? But, yes you can."

Akira smiles back at him and moves away a bit, only to find his phone and tap around on it a bit, and soon enough a soft melody filled the apartment, a hand offered out to him.

"Care to join me for a dance?"

It's such a cliche scene that it's painful but that doesn't stop Goro from accepting his boyfriend's hand, heart fluttering in his chest as the two of them step close to each other, an arm around the other's waist, pulling them together.

"Have you been wanting to do this for a while, Akira?" The question is soft, as to not break the mood, but it's one that comes as they start to move, Akira's head coming to rest on his shoulder.

"Yeah. It's probably selfish of me but I've...been wanting to do this for months I think. I just want to be close to you, today especially."

A hum of agreement. "That's fair. And you only needed to ask, I would've agreed anytime."

"You would've, wouldn't you? I'm glad, really glad but..."

"Akira?" His hold on the younger tightens just a bit as Akira's other hand comes to wrap around him as well.

"I was...afraid to ask. You know I'm not good at being selfish and all that and the...last time I wanted to be was..."

Ah.

It clicks in his mind, both of his arms coming to wrap around him, pulling Akira closer to him, the younger boy burying his head in Goro's shoulder

"Akira I'm,"

"No, it's okay. I know back then that...if I was selfish then we wouldn't have ended up right here. But still, all I wanted was to be with you, despite everything. I wanted to be with you, but if I agreed to what Maruki wanted...it wouldn't have been fair to you or anyone else. Just because I wanted something for myself for once in my life doesn't mean I wasn't allowed to ignore your wishes. I just..."

"...You really thought I died on that ship, didn't you?"

A nod he feels more than sees is the answer he's given. He sighs and brings a hand to run through Akira's hair, an attempt to soothe him.

"I'm sorry Akira. You know how I am, and back then I couldn't have let you accept that. I don't want to be controlled by someone who thinks they know what's best for me. I didn't want to be a puppet on a string again."

"I know that Goro. I knew that but I still-!"

"But nothing. It's in the past Akira, and we're here now, aren't we? I didn't die on that ship and we found each other again. You kept your promise to me, like you said you would. Everything's going to be okay, I won't leave you I promise that."

"...You mean that don't you?"

A nod. "Of course I do. And even if something were to happen that would cause us to separate again, you'd stop at nothing to make sure we would be together again, wouldn't you?"

"...Yeah. I would. I'd tear down a false reality again if I had to."

"I know you would Akira. So don't worry, okay?"

A shaky laugh. "You're making me cry, you jerk."

"Perhaps. But I mean it. I'm not going to leave you for as long as I can help it Akira. You mean...a lot to me."

"Yeah, I know that." Akira pulls back, a smile on his face despite his teary eyes. "You mean a lot to me too. I love you, so much Goro. I'm glad we met and I'm glad you were born. Don't doubt that ever, okay?"

Goro can't do much other than nod at his words, a smile on his face as he leans in, planting a kiss on Akira's lips. It's short but says more than whatever words he can think of at this moment.

"I won't. I love you too Akira. And...despite everything, I'm glad to be here too."

Akira nods at his words, pulling him closer to him, closing his eyes as the two of them hold each other close, swaying to the music slightly.

As Goro closes his eyes and lets his head come to rest in the space of Akira's neck, he can't help but feel at peace in this moment. A moment of calm, just for the two of them.

Despite everything, today doesn't seem like a bad day. It's just the beginning of a new part of his life, the life he was given another chance for. Another chance he'll cherish for as long as he can.

[badlydrawndrawnings]

okay so i watched the unused cut content of goro being alive and had to think it over.

i’m amused goro is not only in rehab (and he actually knows the place itself because of his mother, which given her past, opens a lot of questions itself...), meaning he is finally getting help he ought to have when younger (and like holy sh*t that mean he’s getting probably therapy and it’s funny since he’s the only playable character who never interacted with the therapist at all throughout royal), but he’s either paying out of his own money(which makes sense) or paying by working it off by cleaning (which makes everything more amusing because that means goro can’t access his bank account so he has to go another way to pay for it)???

and honestly i can see why it’s unused and cut?  while confirming goro survived shido’s place, the way the scene plays out could be misinterpreted of goro in the third semester as not the real goro? if the real goro was in rehab and hiding since christmas eve, goro derailing vanilla events by taking joker’s place could be taken as takuto’s words before the final words as right that goro did died and this goro is just a goro who never died (but the fact goro is alive makes this new goro a living, breathing contradiction)? unless goro in the ‘takuto never became god’ royal timeline had him survive but failing to turn himself in on time to replace joker because he missed the scene by half an hour and learned everybody thinks he’s dead/mia goro went ‘so...if i can’t go to prison because i’m technically dead/mia now where the hell can i go who can i trust -oh i can go to the same rehab place my mother went to!’

given the team wanted goro’s fate to always meant to be ambiguous (i’m pretty sure it was stated in the official royal book but don’t quote me on this), this confirmation is a big slap in face for what they want to do and went ‘you know what, let’s cut it to keep our vision’. 

[doyouevenshipbr0]

OK i just finished darling in the franxx so im listing all my thoughts. i dont expect anyone to actually read this i just need to get my random thoights out there. if anyone is gonna read this, spoilers alert!!! ok<3

-zero two is simply best girl. i adore her.

-bro the piloting situation in the franxx is SO fucking weird i hate it so much holy shit.

-^that being said, this show did NOT get nearly as sexual (in that sense) as i thought it would

-this isnt a surprise to anyone, but everythinf after ep 15 and ESPECIALLY after ep 19 is just. not great (compared to everything the show was before this point)

-however, i did enjoy domestic soft hiro x zero two. all of that was *chef’s kiss*.

-by the end it was trying SO HARD to be woke and have plot twists and it just didnt make sense and honestly none of the “plot twists” carried much weight imo

-like them finding out they were fighting in klaxosaurs. i didnt rly give much of a fuck lmao.

-this show handles relationships and adolescence SO WELL

-honestly i love action romances but i think i wouldve really preferred if like all the episodes were slices of life lol. and thats coming from someone who can get bored EASILY by slice of life.

-ichigo is just. THE WORST JSHSHWKWHA! i understand WHY she did everything she did ok i get it but i still couldnt help but hate her for it! sorry!

-^especially since goro is best boy and i wanted her to stop breaking his heart!

-the episode where we see the backstory of hiro and zero two was by far my favorite episode. it was SO beautiful and emotional and the storytelling was top notch. amazing ep.

-alright here’s where things might get controversial idk...... i thought mitsuru and kokoro were handled really oddly as individual characters and ALSO as a couple!

-like? mitsuru had potential?? i thought his reasoning for hating hiro so much for all those years was a little weird but like whatever. it was his thing. but then they just COMPLETELY FORGOT ABOUT IT! and then all of a sudden he was like “oh! im not bitter ab hiro breaking his promise anymore! i love kokoro and want to be a dad and get married!:)” like. it just happened SO FAST. idk it was weird.

-and kokoro. ok. im realizing a lot of this is just my personal view of things, but i found it SO WEIRD that they made her character all ab baby fever. and hey, maybe thats just bc i have little to no desire to have kids of my own, but idk man. it just seemed so odd. they gave a young girl a book about babies and a baby doll and said “ok now shes mommy.”. like to me it seemed like she was just a little kid who wanted to play house and didnt have a clear understanding of what it really meant to be a parent! especially since shes so young! and they made her whole character ab that and i just hate the scene where she feels mitsuru up. they took her and mitsuru’s characters and relationships in a very odd direction imo ok.

-^despite all that, i wouldnt have minded their relationship or even if kokoro had gotten pregnant if they had just dont it differently. bc towards the end, seeing kokora pregnant and mitsuru trying to help her was really sweet! it was all really rushed and seemed so out of place and just in ur face about it.

-the world building had a lot of potential until they completely shat on it.

-from the first few episodes i REALLY thought i was gonna hate zorome but i actually liked him a lot by the end.

-miku grew on me a lot too.

-i will never forgive seeing zero two as that big fucking franxx, dog shdhwhwowhwh it was SO weird and out of place.

-i wanted more exploration with ikuno:/

-futoshi ended up just being kind of annoying cus he was just the stereotypical lovable fat character who loves food. that trope is so tired.

-despite the ending being overall bad, it was still REALLY nice and satisfying to see all the kids grown up and i really enjoyed seeing the bits of the show where they had to learn to take care of themselves and essentially recreate civilization.

-ok i just hate sad endings overall so seeing hiro and zero two “die” sucked but then seeing them being reincarnated was actually really sweet.

-alright. so like. am i the ONLY PERSON wondering why zero two has pink hair, red horns, and red skin if she’s supposedly a clone of a person that is ENTIRELY BLUE! also why is her skin only red when shes a little kid? did i miss something??

-overall, the show had an excellent exploration of relationships and adolescence, getting you to care about the characters in some way or another, but then falls flat with the last 10 or so episodes, specifically in the world building that they try to expand on and just the overall ending (at least on hiro and zero twos part. as i said before, i really liked seeing the rest of squad 13 and how they were living their lives).

so thats my take!

[cherubchoirs]

my fav interpretations of personas interacting is. shit like loki making fun of goros crush (once all That Shit is done),,, arsene and akira bouncing increasingly chaotic ideas off each other,,,,, miss I Am Surrounded By Idiots carmen,,,,, futaba and nomi over here like I Am (not) Looking Away 👀,,,, milady watching this shit go down like I Am Looking,,, captain "my main goal is to blow up then act like i dont know nobody" kidd,,,, personas being chaotic and being individuals is just. good shit!

GOD SAME....loki loves teasing and he gives goro a LOT of his bad ideas, mostly because he thinks whatever it is would be too funny to pass up, but honestly goro gets some catharsis just out of the things loki comes up with (he does NOT care for him constantly picking at that crush, but loki only does it so that goro makes a MOVE) like i always sort of think of robin as the one that might console goro while loki helps him get out all those bottled up feelings, even if it’s just by giving him scenarios that he so wishes he could act out...but it helps, because they both understand what he needs, just in different ways. similarly, arsene is INCREDIBLY like that with akira, he hands off a lot of dramatic and over the top ideas to him which they both elaborate on throughout the day to arrive at peak phantom thief showmanship. i mean, akira to me is basically exactly like arsene himself, so they really feed off of each other, much to his friends’ collective headache. i imagine satanael also resides in akira after christmas eve, but arsene continues to do the lion’s share of the talking (i mean...have u read a lupin book...the man never Shuts Up) - satanael tends to only weigh in on important matters but in truth, some of his suggestions can be worse than arsene’s as the ultimate spirit of rebellion lol ann and carmen absolutely is EXHAUSTED having to deal day in and day out being this beautiful, and she really lets ann just vent to her since she doesn’t have much of another outlet. she bounces off of her too, validating that all of this bullshit REALLY is definitely bullshit, but we are so much better than all the morons that look down on or don’t respect us, we are QUEENS. sdkfsdf and lmao YEA futaba and necronomicon are just so fucking NOSY, they are always trading gossip between each other and giggling about everything futaba’s bugs pick up - and her persona is totally encouraging her to hack into some dangerous sites, but it’s not like she really needs that push (they find out some things they probably shouldn’t know but eh. no one will find out). love this idea for milady too like sdfdfgdg first of all, i actually like to think their personas help them learn another language, so akira and haru love chatting obnoxiously in french together. but also haru just being on the sidelines of drama, picking up on it but never interfering...and just going to akira like “you would not BELIEVE what i saw”. always in french. arsene is also definitely delighted by milady...but akira has to tell him to PLEASE not fall in love for the millionth gd time. and lmao ryuji and captain kidd sdkfsd i imagine ryuji now knows like. dozens of sea shanties that he sings to himself, but kidd is also a lot like loki where he gives ryuji all sorts of terrible ideas that even if he can’t actually carry them out, it’s a good way to relieve his stress. I JUST. also really like the idea of the personas being in the thieves’ heads all the time, kind of going along with them throughout life and never letting them forget the strength they found. but sometimes...sometimes they’re a little much lol