#and makes arisa really happy

[shunin-gumis]

L4mps Main Story Translation

Designs of Happiness A01

Title: ep.1 Well-being by myself

Characters: Nagi

Summary: One night, an interesting radio show could be heard at the Flower Laundry...

JP Proofreading: aca @463ce6 on twt EN Proofreading: jes @arcanecrayonn on twt

No matter how hard I try, a worthless person like me could never trace after the path to "happiness" that everyone else gets to experience.

As the gentle loneliness of the night envelops me, I drift between fleeting moments of happiness, barely holding on to see the next day.

-It was one of those days.

Location - Flower Laundry

Voice from the Radio: Coming to you live from HAMA Studio no.3-

Arisa: It's Arisa and~

Teresa: Teresa's~

Arisa and Teresa: Intelli-radio: Aristotle~*

Nagi: Sonia, could you turn up the volume?

Sonia: Okay~

Teresa: The rain sure isn't letting up huh?

Arisa: True~ It's quiet but it's perfect for getting some me-time in, whether it's to study or get some reading done.

Arisa: As we were talking about before the commercial break, forgive us if we go on too long on the mechanisms of achieving Happiness, just blame it on this lovely night we're having~

Sonia: ...

Sonia: Nagi-shan, you've been working on your bike all this time, but you made sure to eat dinner, yesh?

Nagi: Eh? ... Ah.

Nagi: Now that you mention it, I might be really hungry right now.

Sonia: Geez~

Sonia: You're still in the middle of work, so I'll get you shumthing you can eat with one hand.

Nagi: Thank you, Sonia. If you weren't around, I'm sure I would've ended up a mummy by now.

Nagi: "A mummy was discovered in the middle of the city!" Could Flower Laundry possibly be the next new hot spot...

Sonia: Don't say shumthing so ominous. It's exactly to prevent unfortunate people like you from ending up in such sad situations that helper robots like me were created.

Sonia: Pleash wash your hands and wait there.

Nagi: When did it get so late...

Nagi: I should get the bike back in the garage for now...

Arisa: While countries and corporations were competing between themselves for economic growth, the end result was that most of our environment was destroyed, and resources dried up in the blink of an eye.

Arisa: Did humanity manage to achieve true prosperity after this? Was it worth the cost? The answer is a resounding "No". Although the country's GDP* has increased four, or even five-fold, the happiness-index has flatlined for the past 100 years or so.

Teresa: Wait, really? A 100 years ago, people couldn't even have their clothes dry automatically, right? They also had to wash the dishes by hand... No way, that reminds me, they even had to vacuum the dust off the floor themselves or something right..?

Arisa: I think they'd still be using brooms about a 100 years ago?

Teresa: No way~ That's way too retro for me! I can't imagine life without all the smart appliances we have now. I mean, a world with no food-printers? Yikes.

Sonia: Here you go, "fresh" off the food-printer...

Nagi: Right on time.

Sonia: On time?

Nagi: I was just talking to myself. Thanks for the meal.

Arisa: Okay, I get how much you love your smart appliances, but do all these materialistic things truly fill your heart? Does it really let you sleep better at night?

Teresa: Hmm, you do have a point. The more convenient things get, the more it feels like the world is telling me to be time and cost-efficient, but before I even realize it, I'm already doom-scrolling on dazzle*...

Arisa: "More convenience! More income!" Such concepts are shoved in our faces constantly... How about trying to remove ourselves from this endless equation? There's quite a few factions amongst the younger generation who never expected much from society nor themselves...

Teresa: Sorry, that's just not for me. Chasing after your dreams, working towards your goals: those are the things that make life worth living. Growing as you compete with others is part of it too. And then when you finally get your hands on the things you've always wanted with your own effort... It doesn't get better than that.

Arisa: That's right. That's why people have come up with a strategy guide-

Arisa: The era of learning the Psychology of Happiness is upon us!

Teresa: The Psychology of Happiness?

Nagi: What's that?

Sonia: Oh! There's a response on the shop's PeChat*, hm...

Sonia: Nagi-shan, we just got an order. The customer will be coming by in ten minutes to pick it up.

Sonia: They're requesting a bouquet that can cheer up their girlfriend who's feeling down about making a mistake at work.

Nagi: ―

Sonia: Nagi-shaaan.

Nagi: Ah, sorry. Can you ask them what her favorite color is?

Sonia: I already did. Apparently, she likes the color blue!

Nagi: Blue... Blue, huh.

Nagi: I think we can use the nemophila we just got in earlier today. Add in some large calla lilies and sky-blue baby's breath...

Nagi: Maybe some delphiniums and blue stars could work as accents...

Sonia: And what about the ribbon?

Arisa: To explain, the Psychology of Happiness is the study that aims to help anyone, of all ages and gender, understand how to engineer and replicate the mechanism of happiness in their own lives.

Nagi: Replicate... happiness?

Sonia: Nagi-shaan, are you listening?

Nagi: I'm listening. Could you bring out the thin, light blue ribbon from the back?

Sonia: Got it. I'll leave the card here too.

Nagi: Okay, thank-

Teresa: Wait, some people find it easier to be happy because it's hereditary!?

Nagi: What!?

Sonia: Huh!?

Sonia: Geez, don't scare me like that. What's got you sho worked up?

Arisa: That's right. 48% is already determined by our DNA.

Nagi: .....

Sonia: Nagi-shan?

Arisa: Just like how some people might find a dish spicier than others, some can experience happiness easier than their peers as well. This is a hereditary factor, determined by our genes from the moment we're born.

Teresa: No way! So what you're telling me is that half of the happiness we can experience in life was already decided while we were in our mothers' womb!?

Nagi: ......

Sonia: Are you okay now? The customer will be dropping by soon.

Nagi: ...! Right, I need to get this done quickly...

Sonia: I'll go ahead and cut the flower stems under water.*

Nagi: Thank you. Could you also get the blue gift-wrapping paper-

Sonia: I've already spread it out for you!

Customer: Um... I'd put in an order just earlier.

Nagi: ...Ah.

Nagi: Sorry, could you please wait for just a moment? There's just the finishing touches left.

Teresa: So, what about the remaining 52%? Don't tell me it's influenced by the environment we were born and raised in.

Arisa: Not at all, the influence from your environment makes up only about 10% of it. As for the remaining 42%...

Teresa: ... Is it based on our actions?

Arisa: Correct! This means that, out of 100% achievable happiness level, about 42% of it is within our control.

Nagi: Wow. I've never thought about it that way.

Customer: Huh?

Nagi: No, if I think about it, is that really possible?

Arisa: Just as how the right diet is different for each person, once you figure out the method, anyone can achieve happiness. How it comes to bear fruit for you, is up to you yourself.

Nagi: If half of it is determined by fate, and the other half is uncertain... Could it really be that simple? Then maybe it's also possible for me to.... No, it's probably just a waste of time in my case. I shouldn't get my hopes up. Just thinking about it is making me depressed.

Customer: Erm... Are you alright? You've been muttering to yourself for some time now...

Nagi: Ah... Sorry about that. Don't mind me.

Customer: Right...

Nagi: Thank you for waiting. This is the completed bouquet. Is it to your liking?

Customer: Wow...! It's beautiful... It's just how I'd imagined it, I'm sure my girlfriend will be happy with it.

Nagi: I'm glad to hear that- Ah.

Nagi: That's right, I almost forgot... Excuse me, would you mind handing the bouquet back to me? There's one last thing I need to do.

Nagi: Mu....

Customer: Mu?

Nagi: Mu.....nn!

Customer: Um, what exactly are you doing...?

Nagi: I've instilled some energy* into it. In other words...

Nagi: It's something like a good luck charm. When your girlfriend receives this bouquet, she'll be so happy that she'd be skipping along the pavement.

Customer: To the point of skipping...

Nagi: Oh but, even without my little charm, I'm sure she would be plenty happy just knowing she has someone who would get her a bouquet when she's feeling down.

Nagi: In any case, I hope the two of you can skip along merrily.

Customer: I-I see... Thank you...

Nagi: Thank you for your patronage.

Sonia: Thank you very mush!

Teresa: Whaat, is it time for us to go already? Too bad, I really wanted to talk some more~

Sonia: Phew... I'm glad we finished it in time.

Nagi: Yeah, it's all thanks to your help Sonia.

Sonia: It's a piece of cake!

Arisa: Arisa and Teresa, your guides for psychology, signing out!

Nagi: Anyways, good job. Let's do our usual thing.

Arisa: Let's meet again when the fountain of knowledge wells up again!

Sonia: A high-five right? 3, 2, 1..!

Arisa and Teresa: See you again!

Play Ivory MV

Notes:

Sonia has a bit of a lisp so I changed a few words to match her speech

Intelli in Intelli-radio is short for Intelligentsia

dazzle is a social media site in the 18trip universe

PeChat is a messaging app in 18trip universe

GDP stands for Gross Domestic Product.

Cutting flower stems under water prevents air bubbles from going up the stem and helps in keeping the cut flowers fresh for longer.

'Muuun’ is the sound he makes when he’s instilling his happiness energy/thoughts(念) into the flowers, literally.

Flower Language:

Flower Language is important to Nagi's character and a way for him to communicate his thoughts, so I'll always note it down whenever any are mentioned.

Nemophila Lovely, Wish for success, I forgive you, Clear heart

Calla Lily Gorgeous beauty, Purity, Gracefulness of a young maiden

Blue Baby's breath Gratitude, Luck, Innocence, Kindness

Delphinium You spread happiness, Clear and bright, Generous, Precious

Bluestars (Amsonia) Trust in one another, Abundant love

Fun fact: The flower passed around in Ivory is a Delphinium! Meaning Nagi spreads happiness, which is what he does by sharing his happiness 'energy' but also that he brings joy to those around him by simply being himself.

Next -> | Masterlist

[cinderella-ish]

Kyo and Momiji: interlude (part 3 of 5)

So, here are just some cute scenes from late S1/early S2 that also inform us of the nature of their relationship.

First, these gems from the Hiro episode.

Momiji immediately figures out what's going on when Hiro starts castigating Kisa for bringing the Mogeta DVD to Tohru instead of watching it with him. When Kisa expresses confusion, Momiji cheerfully says, "Hiro's being unreasonable!"

Soon after, we get this delightful moment:

Kyo: What the heck is going on? Momiji: You're so dense, Kyo. Kyo: Huh? Momiji: Hiro was jealous of Tohru. He's trying his best, but he's still a sixth grader. He's awkward about his feelings.

(cut to Kisa and Hiro talking, then back to our faves)

Tohru: Ah, so I was his romantic rival! Momiji: That's rough for you, Tohru! Kyo: Huh?

And later, when Tohru sentences Hiro to "hug penalty," Kyo's response is adorably telling.

Kyo: Seriously? How is that a punishment? Momiji: *giggles*

I mean, just look at Momiji's face when he calls Kyo dense! But also, it's extremely telling that Kyo trusts Momiji enough to ask him what's going on.

I think this interaction highlights the difference between their people skills. Kyo is good at getting a read on people; he can tell when someone's upset, when someone is genuinely happy, etc... but he may not always be able to verbalize what's at the core of their feelings. He immediately knows Hiro has done something to upset Tohru, but he can't make the leap to understanding it has anything to do with Kisa. I wonder how much of this was a survival/coping mechanism he picked up because of his status as the cat. He would need to be good at getting a quick read on people, especially his biological father, for his own safety.

Momiji, on the other hand, is very good at understanding the underlying things that drive people (knowing that Tohru values her mother when he wants to convince Tohru to go to the onsen, for example, or knowing that Hatori is really just trying to protect Tohru in Spring Comes, or- in this very scene- knowing that Hiro cares about Kisa more than anything), but either can't always tell when people are down and need to talk to someone, or just doesn't like giving space to negative emotions. I suspect this is because of his own traumatic childhood; he needed a narrative way to understand what his parents did, to empathize with them so he wouldn't hate them. He had time to reflect on and understand their perspective, even if it still hurts him.

Momiji uses his ability to understand people's driving forces to manipulate them (not necessarily a bad thing - he manipulates Hiro into apologizing to Tohru and returning her pocketbook by bringing Kisa into the situation, for example). Kyo uses his ability to read people in the moment to make sure his loved ones are safe and happy.

Something else I find interesting here is that the interaction between Kisa and Hiro is a bit of a microcosm of Kyo and Tohru's relationship, right down to Momiji's role as interpreter and catalyst. Momiji's the one who brings Kisa into the situation

Just a cute li'l brotherly moment between them in the episode where Tohru gets sick.

Here, Kyo, Tohru, Arisa, and Saki are planning for their Kyoto trip, and Kyo is being a grouch about having to spend time with Yuki. Momiji scolds him for focusing on that instead of the fact that he gets to spend time with Tohru (something we've seen Momiji scold Kyo for before).

Momiji: Kyo, you dumbo! You already get to go with Tohru! Don't be so selfish! Kyo: Oi. Momiji: I wish I could go with Tohru! I want to eat deer crackers with her! Arisa: Can't eat 'em. Momiji: Kyo, you don't wanna? You don't wanna do stuff with Tohru? Kyo: Idio- 'Course I- Saki: 'Course you-? Arisa: 'Course you-? Momiji: 'Course you-? Kyo: Yeah! This is exactly how you all mess with me! Arisa: It's out of love, I tell ya!

And this scene, after Mayu pours the bucket of water on Kyo and Haru, where Kyo scolds Tohru (again, one way he shows affection), Momiji translates for him/verbalizes Kyo's affection for Tohru again, and Kyo gets embarrassed (cuuuute).

Kyo: And you. Stay away from Haru if he turns dark. Tohru: Huh? Kyo: You can't be trusted not to get hurt. Tohru: O-oh, but that would be rude to Hatsuharu-san... Kyo: He's the one who's rude! Tohru: B-but that's- Kyo: Sheesh, you don't get it at all. Momiji: "I couldn't stand that happening!" is what Kyo wants to say, I'm sure. Tohru: Eh? Kyo: Momiji! Get outta here! Leave! Stop blabbing abou-

It's worth noting that Kyo's scolding Tohru because she could have gotten hurt, and he cuts himself off when he catches sight of his beads and is reminded that he once hurt Tohru, too. Tohru getting hurt is the worst possible outcome of any situation for him.

Just another cute brotherly moment complete with a big brother noogie from Kyo.

The scene where Momiji takes them to the haunted house is also a great little moment showcasing the different ways they show they love Tohru.

Momiji: Here! This is it! Wow, it looks like so much fun! Yuki and Kyo (internally): This... has gotta be... Momiji: So exciting! Let's go! Kyo: Hold your horses, kid! Yuki: Why don't we ask everybody if they want to enter first? Like Honda-san. Haru: She's speechless. Kyo: That means no. Let's go home. Momiji: Aw, Tohru, you can't? You're scared? Tohru: N-no! Well, if you ask if I'm scared, I would have to say I am! But they say that if you clear your mind of worldly thoughts, even fire doesn't feel hot! I can't keep avoiding it! Kyo: Actually, it's fine to avoid it. Tohru: I'm going to enter and show you I can! Go me!

Again, Momiji wants to do fun things with Tohru, while Kyo wants to protect her.

Inside the haunted house is hilarious, too. Yuki and Kyo are both exasperated by the other three, and both of them scold Tohru for closing her eyes or trying to laugh her way through (like Momiji). Kyo teases her, too, which is always delightful. When she falls, Kyo and Yuki both offer their hands, then immediately start fighting. Momiji takes her hand and scolds the two of them.

Momiji: Don't ignore a girl as you fight! It's a no-no! Kyo: Shut up, brat! Hurry and go! Yuki: He's right, though.

Momiji is again telling Kyo to worry less about his hatred for Yuki and more about his love for Tohru, which seems to be a recurring theme. Hmmmm....

Anyway, part 4 will be the beach arc! Hope you enjoyed reading!

Momiji and Kyo: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 4 | Part 5

[kuruna]

I've been thinking a lot about the world's most terrible and awful and uncomfortable and spite filled family reunion lately, so I doodled designs for my AU where AZ's younger brother becomes immortal too... And I also threw in an OC I made for my personal lore, which is (one of) AZ's older stepbrothers 😭 also another really scribbly preview of my design for Lysandre where he survives All That and has to deal with the aftermath.

More info under the cut 🙏🏾

Xanthos is AZ's younger half brother, specifically! His mother, Arisa, had him with Sairo, AZ's stepfather. They got along really well when they were kids... But no longer 😔 the scar on Xan's face is from when AZ stabbed him in self defense some many many years ago (😱) but that's a long story.

Sairo was a widow when he met Arisa. He had two sons (Oúrion and Rhinon) with his first wife. AZ was around 2 or 3 when Oúrion was around 7 or 8. They never got along with one another, Oúrion's extremely nosey and overly blunt personality clashed really badly with AZ 😭

Floette was a wedding gift from Sairo to Arisa. The flower Floette holds is from Arisa's homeland, Tassil (my name for Pokeworld North Africa). She ended up being raised like a sister to the other children, and so she acts a bit more like a person than most other pokemon do 😭

When Floette died, Oúrion said something really fucking insensitive that led to him and AZ having an ugly fistfight right in the castle walls 💔 AZ is trying not to hold grudges anymore, but... This one is a bit difficult to let go off. It doesn't help that even now, 3000 years later... They still don't get along!!

Floette meanwhile is just happy to see everyone safe and (mostly) sound. She's not the type to get angry like that...... Usually. (She does have her limits 💔)

Rhinon died pre-ultimate weapon so it wouldn't make sense to include him. Unless I make him a ghost or something but I probably won't 😭 but I'll probably design his young self (and Arisa and Sairo) next.

[mochidoodle]

STE SHE’S GORGEOUS AHHHHHHH!!!!😭🩵🩵🩵✨✨✨ I WANNA PINCH HER CHEEKS🥹 Omg I just realized 4.4 publishing can be her b-day! Like how Hibari’s is 5.5!! I agree with anon who suggested, I want a print of this cutie with Hibari too!!! >< ❤️❤️❤️ Btw does she know Haru?😆

I'M SO HAPPY YOU THINK SO I didn't want to make a carbon copy of Zelda BOTW but I love that design so much I wanted Ari to have similar vibes, so I hope that was conveyed!

omg 4.4 and 5.5 would be cute, you're so right... I'm taking notes 📝

WOULD YOU REALLY GET A PRINT? I'll consider putting it up on my INPRNT then!

She does know Haru! it's Haru who introduces her to the gang, through which Arisa will discover that her family has crossed paths with Primo looooooooong ago. Nothing too deep, because I don't want it to be cliche, but it would be a neat trivia fact. I still need to flesh out how she and Haru become acquainted...

[project-sekai-new-spark]

2024 birthday voicelines for Hikari Fukasaku 💜 (30th October)

🩷: Remember that high quality fabric bundle we saw the other day? Harumi and Tsunemi helped me pay for it as a birthday gift! I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with it, Hikari!

❤: I baked the cake for tonight's party, Hikari. I made sure to add as much chocolate as possible, don't worry.

🧡: Arisa, Harumi and myself all pitched together to get you something big! I hope you like it, Hikari!

💛: I know the fabric is already my joint gift to you, but I'd been wanting to give everyone a bedazzled bookmark for their birthdays too. In our colours of course! Happy birthday Hikari!

💚: Happy birthday, Hikari. I found a bunch of photos from when we were younger and thought I'd put them together in an album. I'm really happy we're working together again.

🩵: I had the time to make some bracelets for your birthday, Hikari. There are a few deer charms on them as well, since I know you love them.

💙: Tada! My birthday gift this year is a box of chocolates from that place you really like! I made the box myself, and painted some of your favorite things onto it!

💜: Ahaha, I'm not used to getting so many wishes for my birthday... That's something I'll have to get used to though, right? Thank you all.

[eienias20]

Became a BanG Dream! fan this year

Title says it all, so how did this happen? Two reasons. First was Hoshimachi Suisei, she's a hololive vtuber who on March 22nd, 2023 had a 3D live where she sang her original song Michizure with LAYER and then performed Hell or Hell with all of RAS. I thought they were pretty awesome and a holofan I follow on Twitter was posting a lot about BanG Dream! after that, got me interested.

Of course even when I say "Imma watch that" it still takes me months to commit and it did. It wasn't till late 2023 that I started watching the anime, finishing season 1 on January 27th 2024.

But then? Well I watched and finished season 2 in April and then was watching everything else all through the month of May, that's 3 seasons of the anime, the film lives, roselia specials, morfonica special, circle party and its mygo, all of that in rapid succession solidifying me as a new fan.

idk how else to describe my journey through all the anime content beyond just saying that I had a blast.

It was so entertaining, the music was great, absolutely loved the cg animation from season 2 on and it kept getting better. above all are the characters, everyone is so easy to love and I can see every single character having a whole legion of fans. For me personally, Arisa is my favorite.

I'm so deep I downloaded the mobile game Girls Band Party! on my phone and I've ben playing it a little every day. I've played rhythm games in the past, mostly guitar hero but playing on the phone is super different.

I don't even know what to specifically point out and praise but I made a series of reddit posts after each major moment to give better thoughts on the things I loved about the show. Sharing that below.

Also someone shared with my a spotify playlist of pretty much all the bang dream music that I've been listening to (its 600 songs long) so that's been fun.

I really like this series, thinking about it makes me happy.

Thoughts on BanG Dream! Season 1 - 3 (LINK)

Thoughts on Film LIVEs, Episode of Roselia and Poppin Dream (LINK)

Brief Thoughts on starting Girls Band Party (LINK)

Thoughts on CiRCLE Thanks & Morfonication (LINK)

[bunnyscar]

Happy

“Jeff, I know what you want me to do, but I’m not going to.”

Jeff turned in surprise to look back at Alan, who had been walking behind him. They were on their way to school for the first time since staying home for a week.

“What do you mean?” Jeff asked.

“You want me to make friends at school, don’t you?” Alan said coldly. “Well I’m not going to. It’s too dangerous. If people get close to me, I’ll hurt them, or they’ll find out what I am and it’ll cause problems. So I’m sorry, but I’m not going to try to get to know people.” And he continued walking, stepping past Jeff.

After a moment’s pause, Jeff followed. “All right. I won’t force you to make friends. But,” and he stepped up next to Alan, matching his quick pace, “I reserve the right to treat you as my friend.” Alan glanced at him and frowned, but only said, “Do what you want.”

When Alan appeared at Jeff’s soccer practice after school, there was a lot of uneasy murmuring among the team members. Though all of them liked and trusted Jeff, not even his reassurance could take away their almost instinctual dislike of Alan. He was well known around the school as an angry-looking, sharp-tongued, rude loner. Even if he hadn’t actually been in any incidents, he had the look of a delinquent. No one wanted to be involved with that.

“Jeff, I know you’re super nice to everyone, but this is a little much. I mean, friends with him? He looks like he could kill someone!” Steve, the captain of the soccer team, muttered in Jeff’s ear.

Jeff glanced over at Alan. For his part, Alan had avoided approaching any of the other boys and had taken a seat at the far end of the bleachers, staring like a hawk at the team. “He’s really not that mean or scary. He just doesn’t know how to interact socially. Can’t he at least watch our practice? He lives near my apartment, so we were going to walk home together, since the streets are kind of dangerous these days….”

Steve hesitated, then finally agreed with a sigh. “All right, if you’re sure he won’t cause trouble.”

“I don’t get it,” Alan said as they were walking home. “What’s the point of kicking that ball around?”

“You’re trying to get the ball in the opposite team’s goal. That way you can gain a point,” Jeff explained.

“Is that fun?”

Jeff grinned. “Maybe you should try it and see.”

Alan shook his head. “Vampires have a lot more strength than humans. If I kicked that ball around, I’d just break something or end up smashing someone’s face.”

“Hmm, I see. Still, did you enjoy watching, at least?”

Alan glanced at Jeff, then away, then back again. “I guess,” he muttered.

“You know, Alan, I was thinking. Even if you don’t want to make friends, it would help if you learned some more social skills, don’t you think? You said that Arisa taught you some; but you also asked me and Tessa to help. Why don’t you practice at school?”

“Okay, but what exactly do you want me to do?”

“First of all, it would help if you smiled.”

“How do I do that?”

Jeff halted, startled by the question. This might be harder than he thought. “Well, it’s like this,” he said and smiled at Alan. “The corners of your mouth turn up. I suppose it’s easier if you smile naturally…usually people smile when they’re happy or if they hear something funny. Maybe I could tell you a joke—“

Alan shook his head. “Arisa tried to tell me jokes sometimes, but I didn’t understand them. She said I don’t have any sense of humor.”

“Hmmm. Then is there anything that makes you happy?”

“I don’t really know. I..don’t really understand things like happy, sad, angry, those kinds of things. Angry and scared make a little more sense, I guess. Arisa said I probably feel those things, I just don’t know how to tell them apart.”

Jeff nodded thoughtfully. “Then we’ll just have to find a way to help you learn the differences,” he said encouragingly.

Alan shrugged again, but he didn’t protest. The rest of the way home, Jeff began thinking of ways to help Alan recognize emotions. It would not be easy, it would not be fast, but he was sure Alan could do it. And if nothing else, it might at least make others think more positively of him. It would just take patience.

It was a complete surprise, though, when Jeff stepped into the classroom a few days later after lunch to find a group of classmates surrounding Alan’s desk. They were exclaiming eagerly over something that lay on the desk, and in the midst of them was a very uncomfortable Alan.

Steve looked up eagerly as Jeff hurried over. “Why didn’t you tell us Alan was this good at drawing? He’s amazing!”

Jeff blinked. “Drawing?” he repeated, bewildered. He had only seen Alan color, and that had seemed pretty normal.…He peered over the other’s shoulders to see a rather intricate drawing of an empty classroom. Suddenly, he remembered the most recent coloring page they had been working on at home, one that was part of a series of pictures of rooms that you could color in. It was quite detailed, with lots of little spaces to color, which Alan seemed to enjoy. Jeff could not be certain without looking back at it, but Alan’s picture looked a lot like that coloring page….

Jeff smiled. “That is really good,” he said.

Alan looked up with a glare. “I was just making lines so I could color something,” he muttered, warily glancing at all the people standing around. But for once, they paid no heed to his fierce expression, all their attention on his picture.

“Not everyone can draw like that,” Jeff chuckled.

“Yeah, I could never draw like that in a million years! How did you do it without a reference?” a girl asked eagerly.

Alan gave her a blank look. “Reference?”

“Were you drawing something you’d seen before?” Jeff suggested.

“Yeah….”

The girl’s eyes widened. “Don’t tell me you were drawing from memory?” she gasped.

“I just drew the picture I saw last night...why is that such a big deal?”

But by now several jaws had dropped and the room had fallen into stunned silence. Finally, Steve stammered, “A-are you some sort of prodigy?” Alan was saved answering, however, by the teacher coming in and calling the room to order.

“Is drawing really that impressive?” Alan asked on their way home that day.

“It’s because you can make such a detailed copy just by remembering, instead of having the picture in front of you. That’s really hard to do for most people.”

“Doesn’t seem that hard to me. I just do it.”

Jeff chuckled. “I suppose geniuses can’t really understand what it’s like not to be one….”

Alan gazed down at his hands, clenching and unclenching one of them. “A genius….I’m not sure this skill or whatever is really mine, though. I’m made up of dead parts, remember? There’s probably some dead artist in my hands or my brain or something that makes me able to draw like that.”

Jeff glanced at his friend’s brooding face. Gently, he said, “Even so, you’re the one who’s using those hands and that memory now, aren’t you?”

Alan said nothing, but for a moment his eyes softened their intense gaze. “Ah, there it is!” Jeff cried, causing Alan to start. “You were happy just then, I’m pretty sure.”

“Really?”

“I’m going to interpret it that way,” Jeff said with a grin.

“If you say so….” Alan said uncertainly, but his eyes softened ever so slightly again. Yes, it would take time for Alan to learn his emotions. But he was off to a good start.

Previous || Next

[nakanotamu]

I'm watching Fight in the Top 2022 rn and it's your fault

What non-Meltear Stardom should I check out next?

First of all, anon, I am so, so happy, thank you for checking them out and thank you for telling me.

Second of all, anon, you have come to maybe the worst person you could ask with your question. I'm not, like... a wrestling "greatest hits" person. When people say they want to watch wrestling with me and ask what I want to watch I'm always like well I'm like a month behind so, the next show I haven't seen? I agree with Hiromu Takahashi when he said it's not necessary to go back and catch up on old wrestling, because wrestling is something that's happening right now. I seriously almost never rewatch old matches.

BUT because you came to me I can still try and rec some matches anyway. I'm really bad with dates so unfortunately you'll have to do a little bit of work to find them.

Tam vs Arisa Hoshiki for the white belt is maybe my favourite match ever, if I had to pick one? Tam felt like she had to challenge Arisa for the white belt because she had been chasing it so ardently, but it was also at the exact point she was realizing how she felt about her and didn't actually want to fight Arisa at all. It still makes me cry just to think about it. It made Mayu cry.

Both Tam vs Unagi Sayaka singles matches are incredible and heartbreaking. The first one is Tam confirming to Unagi that yeah, the way she cares about her is special, but she can't put her feelings above her role as champion right now. (I'm like for real to this day so insane about the fact they actually told a story of Unagi saying I know you love me, I know we could be something special, why won't you admit it.) The second one is just, about their entire relationship, as Unagi was on her way out of the company, begging Tam to take her seriously as a competitor and Tam telling her she already did. They also referenced spots from Tam vs Unagi 1 in the recent Tam vs Mina double title match, with Tam cementing that she did not feel the same way towards Mina as she did towards Unagi, something that was always sort of... the gorilla in the room when they were factionmates.

Hazuki vs Momo Watanabe from... March? Last year I remember really enjoying, Momo is trying to bring out the anger that used to define Hazuki while Hazuki tries to prove she just doesn't need to be that person any more.

Momo Kohgo vs Saki Kashima from the 5 Star GP last year isn't super long or serious, but I love both of them and the story around it was so fun. Saki told Momo she could either win their match, or she would give her a signed copy of her photobook. Momo said she'd take the photobook, no question, and then beat her anyway.

Momo Kohgo vs Maika from last October (NOT their 5 Star match, though that one I also enjoy a lot), specifically the rematch with Maika determined to absolutely crush Momo for beating her in the 5 Star, is short and light and feels like seeing two people going through a BDSM tutorial in the most incredible way.

Pretty much, like, any Syuri or Utami singles match? Like their ones together or just with anyone. I love them both so much and they miss so so rarely.

Also I still haven't watched the recent QQ vs Oedo Tai cagematch but I know the story was great and incredibly emotional, though maybe it won't hit the same if you didn't follow along with the drama between Utami and Kamitani.

Which brings me back to my evergreen biggest recommendation, just anything recent that seems interesting to you. I am always up for talking about stories and stuff to the best of my ability to get people caught up too.

[saitama-division]

“Surprise!”

You see your two adoptive children standing on your doorstep. Gifts in hand!

From Itsuki you received- An assortment of flowers! Well…pink and white roses. There’s a bunch of them though! 

From Kanade you received: A fancy looking vase and a box of homemade cupcakes! The vase has little ghosts hand painted on it- seems like Kanade had a friend help her make it! The cupcakes have pink and white frosting on them- with little ghost sprinkles! A kanade special! You also received a big hug!

“Happy birthday mom!” The actress cheers 

“C-can i speak to you privately?” Lana suddenly spoke.

Going in to the next room Lana leans against the nearest wall with a sigh. 

“I…wanted to give this to you in private- I was worried it wouldn’t come in soon enough”

From Lana you received: A shimmering diamond necklace- with a small diamond butterfly pendant. 

You also received a hand written note.

Dear mom

          This is probably going to come off as rather awkward. Considering I’m most likely giving this to you in person- it’s most definitely awkward. It’s been almost a year since you adopted Kanade and I and frankly I’m glad. Growing up all I really had was my father, he was the only parent who was proud of me and he’s gone. Arisa never saw me as her daughter- she never saw both of us as human. I almost cried the day you adopted us from that woman- the fact that I finally have a mother I can be proud of is something I’m never taking for granted. I know my gift isn’t much but it’s just a token of my appreciation. Thank you for everything mom.

Sincerely- Lana 

Suddenly you’re pulled in for a big hug. Lana’s holding back tears as she does so.

“Happy birthday mom”

“Lana! Kanade!” Sayaka cheerfully exclaimed and quickly stepped to the side. “Come in! Come in! Oh it’s so good to see you both!” The amber eyed woman pulled both girls into a hug, beaming at both of them. Receiving Itsuki and Kanade’s gift first, Sayaka smiled brightly. “Oh these are lovely, hold on, let me put these in some water.”

Taking the flowers and vase, Sayaka quickly hurried to the kitchen and filled the vase with water and placed the flowers inside, then she went to the kitchen table and place the vase right on the center. Giving a satisfied smile, she went back to the living room to see Kanade chatting happily with Kureha and Lola and Lana looking…anxious? “Lana dear? What’s wrong?” Sayaka frowned in concerned and was surprised when Lana pulled her over to the next room.

Again, Sayaka was about to ask what was wrong until being presented with Lana’s gift. Gasping in surprise, the brunette gingerly held the diamond necklace in her hands. “Lana, this is beautiful!” Sayaka complimented and opened the letter she gave to her. She was silent as she read the letter but her expression quickly changed into one of emotion, her amber irises glimmering with unshed tears, she covered her mouth to try to keep her sobs at a minimum and was about to wrap Lana in a hug had she not beaten to her to the punch-er, hug.

Sayaka held her back tightly. “Oh Lana, adopting you was the greatest gift I’ve ever gotten. I could only hope to be a mother worthy of you and Kanade. You’re both so precious to me and I would never trade either of you for anything, you’re both my wonderful daughter and I love you so much. Thank you.”

[ofoceansandtombsanew]

Hello, hello, just want to say I love your Frubas posts about Kyo & Yuki's relationship and Tohru & Akito & Shigure's relationship. It's great and a few of my favorite metas ever.....(Yes, I'm also a multishipper).

About Fruba, what do you think about Hanajima and Uotani's relationship? Actually I really hate endgame between Arisa and Kureno. As someone who just followes Fruits Basket since anime reboot 2019, I thought that at least Uotani and Hanajima got open ending (ambiguous) relationship but this end, really?

Because you are the original fan since 2000s, are you surprised with Arisa/Kureno ending? Also, is it weird if I ship Ayame with Hatori (can you see the it)?

Please keep in my mind these are all just my personal opinions and being someone who read the manga and watched both the original and remake anime adaptations, it doesn't make me anymore an expert on the topic of Fruits Basket. I'm just a multishipper who yaps like I get paid for it (I'm glad you like my metas on it tho!)

But for me personally across all three versions of the series, I've never seen the relationship between Tohru, Arisa and Saki as anything but sisterly. If you ever see me talk about them and their relationship, it's going to be talking about how great their friendship and sisterhood is. How they lift each other up when they're down and worry about each other as if they're all blood.

I wasn't surprised at all when Arisa and Kureno's relationship came around the corner and I'm admittedly a huge Kurisa shipper. I like their chemistry, you can see how much they are into one another from day 1 and their desire to be with each but Kureno putting his happiness on hold because of the obligations he feels to stay by Akito was so good that the relationship payoff by the end of the series feels satisfying.

For me.

So I've personally never read any interaction between Arisa and Saki as romantic or ambiguous enough to be seen as romantic. BUT, huge however comma, just because I don't see doesn't mean others don't see it and I'm not gonna shoot someone down for shipping what they like or interpreting a relationship how they see fit.

You ship what you ship and if that's AriSaki, enjoy AriSaki.

And one multishipper to another, I don't think you're weird if you ship Hatori with Ayame. Ayame is very much pan and has an established sense of admiration towards Hatori and as much as Hatori gripes about Shigure and Ayame's shenanigans, he clearly cares about them as they've been stuck together for so long.

So I see your vision.

[raphaelly]

End of Year Zuka Tag 2023 Part 2

3. Never Say Goodbye: Which taidansha did you find the hardest for you to say goodbye to this year? 

Timewise, the first one has to be Kazumi Shou's taidan... she was one of hanagumi's best singers, both mature and cool on stage, and she brought something truly special by her presence alone. Her taidan role in Singing Loverbirds was perfect though and her funny and touching dynamic with Hoshikaze Madoka was imo the highlight of the show!

The second one was Arisa Hitomi's, I was wishing she'd stay forever 😭 Unparalleled voice, amazing acting, and a genuinely sweet personality, it's just impossible not to love Kuracchi. She was one of those non top musumes the company allowed to shine and she truly felt like a star. To hear her sing that solo as Marie Antoinette in 1789 made me a tear up for real...

4. Material Girl: Favourite piece of merch (most treasured Takarazuka thing you have bought yourself this year, OR if you didn’t buy anything this year, a piece of merch that is on your wish list)

I have very little merch dfjhv but this year was the first year I bought stills and bromides from QR! It took more than 2 months to arrive lmao but I'm still so happy to have all these high quality pics of my faves. And for christmas I treated myself to Madoka's photobook, it should hopefully be on its way now 👀

5. Mon Paris: Did you discover a new fav show that was not from this year? (This can be any fav show that you saw for the first time this year that was released before 2022)

I must have discovered a bunch of older shows but the one that stood out to me the most was Never Say Goodbye (2006). The Spanish Civil War and fascism at large are difficult topics, especially for a company like Takarazuka that doesn't have the best track record when it comes to handling these issues with care when so much revolves around making siennes look cool, no matter what they play. But NSG felt spot on for me. Without making any sienne play any fascist, it managed to portray the importance of resistance against fascism while still showing the difficulties of organising armed resistance without (too much) infighting. Also Wildhorn has never not made a banger, all the songs slap.

6. Wings of the Heart: Favourite fandom memory (this could be a fun stream experience, going to the theatre with friends, all collectively freaking out about something together, anything really!)

Most probably the first (and only so far) international-friendly livestream we've had on BeyondLive for James Bond. The excitment was palpable lol and personally I was so happy to have any "official" subs at all, even if of so-so quality. They gave us some top tier memes and memories, plus the general emotions of seing Makaze Suzuho and Jun Hana taidan (my first top combi taidan!), I was happy to be a fan that day and to have this community.

7. The Final Dance (Saigo no Dansu): What was your favourite duedan of the year?

Frozen Holiday, hands down. Ayakaze Sakina and Yumeshiro Aya, and other pairs, dancing while Howl's Moving Castle's theme plays in the background, it feels magical. And with the news of saki taidanning on the next GT, it's now even more important to me.

[wackus-bonkus-maximus]

Wackus it is a CRIMINAL OFFENCE to be so good in writing. The story was *chefs kiss*. Ladyboir vigilante au was something I did not know I needed and in ur writing its so flavourful

also just had my weekly reread of Like smoke from a furnace and I hate you (affectionate) for the tissue boxes that finished. ( Some day wackus some day if I learn to write something that is not a whole mess, I will definitely send you the bills. ) That fic wrenches my heart in such a good way. The feels! I'm so so devastated and hopeful at the same time and its so amazing when writing does this it is so so precious to me I don't know how to thank you for writing the piece. THAT ENDING SUWHSJAKALSGGD... and yes I read the comments on what will happen next JKSJSKSJDGHSKSKSJSHHSK Plagg's characterization , alya and marinette's friendship and CAT THE WALKER. HOW HOW do u make such banger writings! Ilyilyilyily

On a side note lsfaf reminds me of another fic I read (not from the ML fandom, its rpf but it's really wonderful and it's mildly adrinette flavoured.plus u don't need to know much background info to understand. Annnnnd it reads like an ML au with a bit ooc characters) and it punched my feels in a good way. I do think it's your brand of angst so...

https://archiveofourown.org/works/45408208

please don't feel obliged to read it, I just remembered your fic when I read it and thought I should share <3

HAHAHHAHAHA that pun just gave me 1000000000 xp 💛💛💛💛💛 tysm arisa i'm so happy you liked my little ladynoir wish fulfillment fic!

also, WEEKLY?? you read my smoky furnace story WEEKLY?!?! arisa omg how do you handle that like i can't even think about it without wanting to lie down and wildly envision an entire music video to taylor swift's cardigan featuring that fic. still, if you enjoy it that much don't let me stop you >:)) i also have fics that i'm obsessed with and want to get tattooed on myself so knowing there's one of mine that can be the same for someone else is just so 💕💖❤️‍🔥💗💝❣️

ahh i read the fic, it was really good 💔❤️ took a few notes on the way that author writes too soo 👀 if another one of my soon to be published wips comes out hurts the way your rec did, you will know why :3

[posebean]

Niki, Mao, Arisa and Yujiro for the ask game >:3

lisi i love u /p but theese are SOOO obvious JSGSHJSHS

Niki

Sexuality Headcanon: gay

Gender Headcanon: trans m <3 mimi's art lives rent-free in my mind

A ship I have with said character: RINKY. do u even need to ask (rinniki)

A BROTP I have with said character:

SWEETS DORMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

also in general his silly little friendship with hiiro. its kinda funny. hiiro: tell me what nii-san was like niki: no he would kill me . the omurice thing is really funny too i think niki would make hiiro omurice however much he wants

A random headcanon: he doodles on his recipes :3 theyre not like perfect but theyre cute little chibis

General Opinion over said character:

oh silly little guy full of self-deprecation hidden behind all smiles and an attitude of always being happy oh how you always don't want to be abother and therefore keep all your problems to yourself. please open your eyes there are people that want to help you and love you and theres also one that wants to marry you

Maaaa-kun

Sexuality Headcanon: bi~

Gender Headcanon: cis

A ship I have with said character: rtmo / mort

A BROTP I have with said character:

trickstar!!!!! theyre all sillies... also him and shinobu/the rest of stuco theyre all fun

A random headcanon: mnjgh i dont think about him often... maybe ritsu steals his phone often and changes his wallpaper to a picture of ritsu LOL

General Opinion over said character:

unfortunate kinsignment 😔 feeling it rn feeling my inner maa-kun as i take on responsibility after responsibility because i dont like fomo and i cant say no

Awisa

Sexuality Headcanon: straight

Gender Headcanon: cis

A ship I have with said character: shibarisa<3333

A BROTP I have with said character: hina!!! besties frfrfr .

non-canon u know it has to be w/yujiro sobbing crying wheres our kitty people interactionsssss

A random headcanon: she has a narumi sena wall in her room and spends more time trying to figure out what to wear to a meet and greet with sena than what to wear on a date with ken

General Opinion over said character: THE LOVE OF MY LIFE. i love her. she's so inspiring and aaagah her fashion sense is so cute. i hope she and ken stay happy 4 the rest of their lives they r stupid and in love

Yujiwo

Sexuality Headcanon: gay

Gender Headcanon: male or trans m fine with either

A ship I have with said character: aiyuu 🫶

A BROTP I have with said character: hmmm megu? that one event was really cute where megu helped him design that. disastrous outfit LOL

A random headcanon: cats gravitate towards him . he can just be walking and they follow him

General Opinion over said character: sopping wet kitty how i adore you

[percontaion-points]

Lost and Found chapters 11 & 12

Click here for the rest of the series!

Click to see the rest of the snark & image descriptions

Chapter 11

He exhaled, relieved. “Okay, then. That’s a deal.” We shook hands on it.

Chapter 11 summary: The next morning, Simon shows up to talk to Joe before they go talk to Celeste some more. However, Tristan isn’t happy to see him, and starts chewing him out. Then Joe chews Tristan out. As Simon and Joe walk to the main house, he explains about this “curse” his brother put on him. They were only kids, and doing kid stuff. The brother said “I wish that there was a monster in the pool to drag you under until you drown!” And then there was. After that, people from the top league came to take the brother away. Others have insisted to him that the brother’s power is mental, that there is no literal monster… But he’s always been left with bruises and bite marks. And the fact that the thing went after Joe is further proof of his brother’s actual power. Joe agrees not to make a big deal out of it so long as Simon contacts his brother to ask about somebody with the surname Grey in the top league. He agrees to do it, but warns that he’s not close with his brother. However, she also lies about what she really did in the lake, insisting that she doesn’t actually know what happened. But Simon buys this, and she feels a little less guilty over the entire thing.

Chapter 12

Tristan said, bowing slightly and taking Arice’s hand in his, like he’d been brought up to do.

He died in the goddamned 1950’s, not 1750’s. JFC.

“She was called upstairs to take some emergency phone calls. There are a few angry parents demanding to know what’s going on.”

Angry parents? How old are these people attending the camp? Because until right now, I was under the impression that they were all adults. You know. Like Joe is supposed to be. Maybe one or two teenagers, but mostly adults.

“Those four handsome men walking towards us.” Arice pointed to the front doors, where four Lost Boys had just waltzed into the lobby.

Chapter 12 summary: Luna tells Simon that his mother is calling, and is frantic to talk to him. So he leaves to deal with that, which everybody thinks is understandable. Right then, Tristan shows up, worried about Joe. She explains what she and Simon discussed. She feels bad about having lied to him, but they decide that it’s for the best. They go inside the big meeting hall, where they meet up with Arisa. She gushes over how cute that the two of them are together, but then quickly shifts to the incident last night. The three sisters had gone down to the lake later to look for signs of whatever had happened. But thanks to Joe having fried the monster, there was nothing to be found except for dead fish floating on the water. Then the rest of the band shows up, because of course they do. Hire me to fix your book! Copyediting, proofreading, developmental editing, sarcastic editing, and more! Message me anywhere for pricing and further details!

[kitkatt0430]

Tohru realizing Kureno's curse is broken because birds fly away from him. From the Rooster, who should draw in birds. Especially friendly birds like the ones she was feeding.

And then Kurreno hugs her to make the point. He's still human, not a bird.

I think I found it a bit dissatisfying as a teen that Kureno didn't know how his curse broke. But I think I like it better now that he doesn't have an explanation for it.

Kureno - Anywho now that I've told you, I'm gonna go back to my abusive relationship with Akito rather than seek out happiness with Uo. Tohru - *crying* *stops him* Kureno - *immediately breaks down crying because he wants to be happy with Arisa Uotani*

He feels so guilty about being free while the others aren't and that's why he keeps returning to Akito's abuse. But in doing so, all his guilt does is enable Akito's bad behavior. He's so close to understanding that, but he's so afraid to find his own happiness, even now.

I'm actually really glad Shigure called him out on how him staying may have been a bad decision on his part.

And he calls Akito a girl in front of Tohru, revealing the hidden truth of the Zodiac's god.

Which means I'm getting close to Akito's tragic backstory unlock. And I do feel sorry for the child she was. Just... not the adult she grew into at this point. She never learned to take responsibility for herself and was enabled in this out of pity.

[project-sekai-new-spark]

2024 birthday voicelines for Akari Yaegashi ♥️ (25th January)

🩷 On behalf of the troupe, I present to you our dance number as our show of appreciation for our dedicated choreographer. Happy birthday, Akari.

🧡 Akari!! Happy birthday!!! Your birthday is first in the year, so you get my first super special birthday bracelet!

💛 We tried to make up a dance for your birthday, Akari, but we got kind of carried away... I guess that just shows how much skill you have as our choreographer though, huh?

💚 I've tried to keep things tame, but Arisa insisted on the lift at the end. I'll handle any potential injuries, Akari, you should get to enjoy today.

🩵 Happy birthday, Akari. Tsunemi had the same idea as me, it would seem, so we spent some time making a few different accessories for you. I hope you like them.

💙 The idea of a birthday dance was my own, I thought you would enjoy it with how much care you have for it as a form of expression. I take from that fond smile I was correct, huh Akari?

💜 You made me a delicious cake for my birthday, Akari-chan, so I thought I'd return the favour. Decorating it with all the roses was a particularly fun time.

🍩 I hope your birthday is a good one, Yaegashi-san. I found some cute stickers I thought you would like. They reminded me of the ones on your headphones..

♥️ You all really put your all into this, huh? Thank you... Just try not to get tangled up ok?