#atsushi is a servant/butler

[boycaca]

Fem soukoku au where chuuya gets reincarnated into a harem game she played and instead of romancing any of the male leads she falls in love with the villainess….

[jadegreenimmortality]

ARIEL JUST STARTED CEO AU AND IM NOT OVER BUTLER DAZAI TEACHING YOU HOW TO DANCE

😭 Yeah, when I saw that AU what being revisited I just straight up skipped on reading it. I'm so sorry!! I just couldn't deal with even more brainrot in that moment. Also, I am STUCK IN THE BUTLER AU JUST AS YOU ARE and I like it here, thank you very much hehehe 💕.

There's just so much potential in the Butler AU 🥰. Power dynamics, forbidden relationships, subtle flirting and badass readers and demon butlers (hello yes, my mind can't avoid doing the Black Butler crossover).

Just imagine flirting with them if they were your butler. The thought is so hilarious to me 👏🏼😂.

Atsushi would be completely overtaxed with the situation. He's a diligent and deeply devoted butler, a bit clumsy sometimes, but always glad to be of service. He's had a secret crush on his master for years and always felt ashamed for it. But now they are giving him a smug smile and are gently, almost casually caressing his hand - w-w-what should he do???

Dazai would be a bit taken aback, but nonetheless pleasantly surprised and slightly smug. Of course he had noticed the way you looked at him and discreetly (or so you thought) gazes upon his frame when you thought he wouldn't notice. But he did notice, just as he did notice a blush creeping up your cheeks every time he leaned down to serve you your tea and your faces were close. Still, he didn't expect you to suddenly brush the hair out of his face and place a quick kiss on your cheek as he leaned forwaed yet another time to serve you. He isn't sure what to make of this, but he surely isn't going to decline your affection.

Chuuya is absolutely perplexed. You were the only priority in his life; your appreciation for his work and your warm smiles gave him a purpose he had long longed to find. So he didn't ask for a 'why' when you told him to kneel down before you. But he sure as hell didn't except the reason for it to be that you wanted to run your hand through his hair and softly tug a strand of it behind his ear. Your fingers are soft and warm, the unblemished skin of royalty, and no no he's surely not blushing.

Kunikida would lose his composure. He felt deeply honoured to be promoted to butler as his young age, much more to your personal butler and carried out his responsibilities with the utmost sense of duty. Never would he have dared to look at you in any other way than his master, it would have been very improper. So no, he didn't think much of it when you asked him to teach you the proper way to hold the billard cue. But as he was standing closely behind you to correcr your posture, as he felt you lean into his chest, he started questioning all his life resolutions.

Ango would be stunned. How was he supposed ro react to this? He was always working hard on fulfilling all his duties, but he had never bothered to pay much attention to your behaviour towards him. He was just another servant after all and he didn't expect you to pay any special attention to him, though he had to admit it was pleasant to hear you thank him for his work. You were his first masyer that ever bothered to recognize his efforts. Still, that didn't mean he expected you throw yourself into his arms one fateful night after a drink-filled soiree and drunkly snuggle your fave into his vest, telling him that he should carry you back to his carriage. But he obeyed and did his best to ignore the heat that crept up his neck as you burried your face on his shoulder.

Fukuzawa would be resigned, with a hint of well-hidden longing. He had been a butler for over a decade now and was an expert in reading his master's emotions and wishes. Of course he had noticed the rather shy behaviour of his new, young master whenever he was around. Of course he knew what it meant. But he never said a word about it. It wouldn't be right, even if he felt his heart soften every time he looked at their beautiful face. Still, here he was, sitting on their bedside and holding them in his arms, as consolation after a nightmare. They had called out to him and now that he felt their warmth in his arms, it cost him lot more will force not to slip a hand in their hair and draw them even closer than it should.

OH MY GOD I SWEAR THIS ISN'T WHAT I HAD PLANNED WHEN I STARTED ANSWERING THIS ASK HAHAHA, INSPIRATION JUST HIT ME HARD 😂😂😂😳 - anyways, I'm tagging a few people that I think may like this/participated in this AU 👉🏼👈🏼😖.

@kiyokoxd @bsdparadise @pompompurin1028 @requiem626k @alittlesimp

[sonder-paradise]

i was waiting for you to wake up so you could see the 'Butler AU' :)

See the most wonderful thing about Butler AU is the fact that it has the potential to be a harem, you have complete control over the butlers, and they get to call you Master or any other hierarchical name :)

Now Dazai is not allowed in the kitchens. Mostly because Chuuya works there a lot and those two and fire aren’t the best match up. But Dazai is the one that looks after you the most, making sure you’re kept entertained and lively. Of course, he flirts with you and insists that your smile is the best thing in the manor.

As I said, Chuuya works in the kitchens. He does come up to serve food to you but he’s mostly in charge of the plating and your menu for the day. Excellent at his job and while he controls the entirety of the kitchen, you do happen to come down to visit every once and a while. Servants dutifully working to prep meals while Chuuya’s asking if you’re hungry. He wouldn’t want you to starve after all.

Akutagawa is mostly the one in control of the gardens. (Have you seen him in beast?? So cute) He gets assistance from Kenji and his sister. But he grows the most beautiful white roses. And you just so happen to get a large bouquet of them every morning when you wake up. Don’t forget to go down there once in a while to thank you.

Atsushi is in charge of cleaning and making sure servants are doing so correctly. But he tends to get nervous and flustered when you’re in the room so he tries to avoid the area unless you insist he stays. Stumble into the library though and he’ll be there dusting before almost tripping over himself at your presence. He’s admitted to Dazai that you’re just too charming for him.

Kunikida is head butler and you can’t tell me otherwise. He’s commanding everything as well as your teachings. He ensures that the household is running smoothly and helps you with your musical lessons. He would never let feelings get in the way of work but he doesn’t mind sticking around if that’s what you insist of course.

[kaylichun]

Inspiration/ King Arthur Legends, Moon Princess, legend of Zelda, Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms, Black Butler

The True Goddess- The Fallen Goddess.

Kay grants wishes and luck within the world, while Kai contains the darkest in wishes. Kept the hidden from the light of the world’s hope. But there’s always the middle grounds, Father of Gods themselves Quinn. He is the balance of the middle grounds of realm, wise in watching over with his godly children. He had fallen in love with a mortal women by the name of Meryl and died with her by heartbreak. His depression of his fawned love. He separated and passed onto the world his life near the grave of his only wife. The descendants of his 5 children became the beacons of what became gifts of many traits of men and magic. One over will and might, one over animals to be able to tame or become authentic animal/ shifter within, powers of nature the overgrowth of plants and trees through healing, knowledge by the books; elemental sorts of magic, and last the dark arts symbolism of death.

Kay and Kai, along their vital follower, Sōseki. The servant blessed by her to watch alongside her and keep her company. The day saw misery of the two couples, so she fell off and mortalized into another life a human birth with an infertile mother, who saw it as a blessing. Named the vessel Kay, after the said goddess. Her blessed form prefaced within the mortal, as it attracted the many eyes. She was the first blessing of the true Oracle. Foretold many fates tied and needed in the future. She settled off to seek them.

There was the calico cat who followed close to the Oracle. Small and speckled in brown and yellow eyes. He was insistent in following her, so she has taken care of the creature. She needed to find her reason being entrapped in this form. She had searched for the man she needed to complete the prophesied. Fukuzawa Yukichi will be king of the Full Moon. The Moon was a Lunar symbol to the Goddess. He denied any interaction with the Oracle, as spoke the future of the home of his. Corrupted by the calamity that will befall upon them, as their King is Dying and the Kingdom of the sun will take the chance to seize dictatorship over them. In which, he agreed after realizing the prophecy is an unwilling risk he’ll take.

On their journey to the kingdom of the sun, Mori Ogai a healer and talents of the dark arts. The dark arts were frowned upon, the man begged to be set along the journey to prove his worth. Their Party grew, Yosano Akiko a child gifted with life, but blinded by death, and Ranpo Edogawa blessed by Life. Illusioned his luck and intelligence to be a Seer himself. Their bonds grew, even if Yukichi wanted nothing do with it. He fell for their Oracle, as Mori matched his moves.

After the war had ended, so did the oracle’s journey. She died within the eyes of the king Wolf and his fellow allies. Mourning the lost of the voice, her body set to the lake within the forest, who then became the deity of Tranquility. Kouyou The Mother of Tranquility.

Mother had stayed within the forest, as she was seen by a child enraptured by the God of Calamity. The child however was bitter after his exile from his birth, he was a child bawling his eyes, the young youth had seen no purpose in his life. A whole village decimated by the monster within himself. An elven child had lost all rights to heaven. Only to feel warmth of Mother. Mother had a pacifying effect over the hatred. He stayed by mother and mother let him in her arms.

Mother had chose to protect the location of the Summoning temple, in which she must give her freedom to the cult. The Cult of the man who had been mourned with his daughter the closest thing to the women he loved. He had kept part of her before her body was set to sink into the lake. That created his obsession of “their” daughter Elise. The man would not let go. It was unfair to him, as he slain the mad king of the country of Portima, The Crescent Crest.

Chuuya Nakahara was the village’s small cult by few worshipper of the god of calamity, Arabahaki. They live for centuries while maintaining their youthful appearance, dark elves with their feature of long sharp ears. They are the storytellers of endless times, the archives of history. Segregated by their nature of rumors as dark elves; fictional creatures. During the reign of the sun dictator’s reign, asked for their offering of their alignance by marrying one of their women to cultivate the ultimate heir. A rebellious orphan, he was seen and only one to escape with the tragedy befallen him. Given at least one day to finalize their thoughts, they went to work to their God in hopes to save themselves. They had to give up a child to leave behind; Chuuya Nakahara. Invested him to take in as the host for their god to disappear once again. Leaving him alone again.

The outside country had fooled the young child and left him within the barrier of their mage setted up. A sacrifice of an sick and scrawny, they did it in return if retribution to the goddess. Atsushi was forced to be appointed the counter guardian by the Goddess, as his appointed role of the goddess temple protecting the resting place of hers. As it was made under her name and she blessed it. However pitted the young child and gave it a holy form. What the mortals irresponsible actions did not speak for the goddess. So she accompanied him within his slumber. Her warmth has protected him, till his forgotten centuries and one day he is needed.

Kyoka Izumi, was the Heir of the imperial princess of snow and the warlord sun. Her mother was intended to be arranged to keep the two allied. The man was a feared by many who crossed his path, instilling his power over her and her mother. She lived to fear her ancestors who follow binded by spirit to protect her. In fact the grandmother; the imperial mother. Each generation must bond with an ancestral spirit, her abilities alongside summoning.

Saint Oda Sakunosuke was gifted sight as a Seer. An Oracle is both equal to 2 seers. If he were a Seer someone else must have the same gift as he did. One thing he cannot see is how he truly ends, but only prevent minimum events. He saughted out children during the wreckage, housing them within his own church. In which he was promised protection if he did them favors. Predictions and small travel trading. He had befriended a spy Ango Sakaguchi and a man who called himself Merlin. Who trusted him with his true name Osamu Dazai. He knew to be weary around Ango, but his emotions got the best of him as he died by the other Seer. But within sacrificing of the seers was for the cause between the CULTure of Portima and the Government of the Rising Sun. Mori true purpose was to get an Oracle after two Seers dying in the same temple. Oda, his children were with him, his Goddess let him live happily with them, after

Dazai Osamu, did not trust many, after his mother left him alone after a night with a mortal mage. His Father died after that night, he was left to wear his father’s place.His mother was a beautiful succubus, who had charmed and left her son to pass on for eternity. He wouldn’t even die if anything tries, as her son taken suicidal tendencies after the father who purposely summoned his mother. Maybe it was because he aligns to light magic, purification or nullification . To die with a beautiful woman any day. Joined the cult, after being welcomed by Mori for the heck of it, felt more comfortable with Saint Odasaku. Only to be more driven to death after his human emotions affecting him deeper into depression and granting a wish/promise of the Seer. Leaving the cult to journey to the kingdom of Portima.

Ango Sakaguchi, was the double knot spy in the ranks of the government and the mafia during the dragonhead.

Tanizaki Junichirou was fated to be king of his own kingdom, that was when his Sister Naomi first prophesied his fate. They were born from the sun district, after the warlord of sun was overthrown by the villagers of the oppression.

The Central city of the rising Sun was not trusted, in which the King of Ardect; Fukuzawa Yukichi had once knew the first Oracle. He knew the Importance of the Oracle second coming, seeing that the past 2 seers set against each other. He had high suspicions of what Mori had done, in which he swiftly taken them hidden into arms of his court. He truly did become king, as Fate predicted. His shoulders weighed by the royal cloak of the past king’s spirit by his throne. He was truly lucky to have Kunikida as his scholar and his second in command. Yosano who lead battle and saved many before death. Their Wise tactician blessed by the god themselves, Ranpo Edogawa. Kenji was the representation of the friendship of the villagers of a small village, blessed highly for their youthism and strength. Junichirou was a King and Knight in training. Their purpose in hidden objective to protect both the blessing and eyes of the gods; Ranpo and Naomi.

Naomi Tanizaki was the Village Girl who danced for her passion. She was dedicated to her king; both Fukuzawa and Junichirou. Her own personification of a clingy sister to derail many to expect her to be holy Oracle. Her truth is how serious she becomes, she is wise as how she learns to change how she acts around people. She defined as a childish, bold and bright. But really, she guilty even if her brother shakes off her reasonable actions. It was the only way to not be suspected as one. After all Mori's cultivated obsession to the gods.

Kyūsaku Yumeno the prince who destroyed his own kingdom by the curse borned Q crippled his name. A prince hated by his small country. Why his mother died because of his birth prematurely. But he shared the face the king loved from his wife. He could not help decide how he felt about his only son and heir to the throne. Whether he hated him for what he was out of his control of the past or loved him for the current result of the love between his wife. He remained ignorant to the abuse and hatred of people even the staff. The boy however broken out of his broken shell to lose sense of mind. Tormented back every person with his curse, paying back what they did to him dying in pain. The last one to die was his father, he did not do anything to stop or tried to prevent the whole event to ever exist. Here all he had to do was hurt him to die for his penitence of his ignorance. He teared up, his curse did not kill his father. His father had died from a broken heart because he loved him. Leaving the prince to cry in the place of his own father “Why didn't you hit me, hurt me, yell at me and bruise me?! Why did you make me hurt in such a way!?!” Portima picked him up, grew the territory of their land.

The Akutugawa Siblings. Loving family and children blessed with a noble family. The oldest son Ryuusuke, loved his sister Gin. Gin was named after an adoptive peasant mother who was well loved for the father who was the orphan taken in by her. Ryuusuke was born sick, His lungs struggling with asthma, his respiratory failure thankfully for His father being able to get a doctor to help. Only to be prescribed doses of medication 2 times a day. Which made Gin the first to the name to the company, yet they're both able to share the title. Ryuunosuke will always be the spare to Gin. Yet happiness still born in their hearts. His father owns his success and struggle rising to his name. He saw where he stood and stranded with wealth, a childhood for his children. Jealousy ensued by other noble who saw nothing but filthy peasant with money. Waiting for their maid to give Ryuusuke his dose of medication before they both went to sleep. Their family dog Russell barking at the door, until a man in black swung at with force. You could insinuate the dog's skull was cracked from such brute force. Snatched Ryuusuke, they knew well that he couldn't go against him and struggle. His illness was his weakness, he tire easily from exercise. Which was why he relied on his magic orb tied at his hip when he needed things. Gin was the stronger and healthier one tries to take him away from the man. Only to be knocked out and over by the column of the bed. She was taken as well. So that night, the scent of ash and warm of the fire burning the manor. Ryuusuke watched as their parents burned down with the manor. He had seen dead eyes of children, their life sucked from their own leaving him with no one to even speak to him. He felt the cold prick of human contact of magic snapping him from consciousness. He found himself chained to an alter, fear bulging from eyes from the crowd of strange dark cloaks and masks. Their pupils dilating with insanity, you couldn't count how many sacrificial knives. Polished and the gleam from the candle lights from the dimming candelabra. They were speaking Latin, strange proverbs of words. The leader rose his knife over their heads with both hands and roughly jabbed into his heart. He SCREAMED! The first time he screamed, his lungs never gave out, as his air was fear and pain. Blood, Blood, BLOOD!

A demon did come to His table, he made his contract before the selfish did stole away his life. His monstrous power was called Rashōmon.

Gin was not there where Ryuusuke woken to become a corruption of a vessel to a demon dog. Who ate and swallowed him whole from his heart and soul. He made a deal to seek revenge, power and find his sister. Gin was shipped into slavery, she could have become a slave if a pirate hadn't raided the ship she was on and took away their merchandise.The Black Lizards; Ryūrō Hirotsu the captain of the ship. He had taken in the child, taught her how to live and become how she will become. A commander and assassin for the black lizard.

Higuchi Ichiyou. A spoiled brat, compared to her reliable younger sister who was closer to being chosen for her coronation instead of her. Selfish as she may be and a father who knew what was best. As their father chose to be peaceful and small nation. During the true mad king of Portima demanded the decimation and won. They had no choice but to join the Portima. Higuchi finally stood up to be responsible older sister. She cut her beloved hair and took up archery. She may have fallen for Ryunosuke Akutagawa.

[grelleswife]

Top five anime’s?

It’s quite challenging to restrict myself to just five, but I shall do my best!1. Death NoteThis was my “starter series,” without which I might never have ventured into the wonderful realm of anime and manga. I am fascinated by detective stories, moral ambiguity, and Faustian pacts, so it is little wonder that I took an instant liking to Death Note. Even after multiple viewings, the psychological cat-and-mouse games between L and Light still rivet me. The brilliant, inscrutable, unconventionally attractive, probably autistic and oddly endearing sleuth L currently ranks as one of my favorite fictional characters of all time. Although Death Note has its fair share of plot holes, messy writing (particularly in the second half), and unabashedly sexist portrayals of women, its depiction of complex ethical dilemmas and the battle between two formidable intellects make it worth a watch or five. I recommend the English dub; Alessandro Juliani’s L is pitch-perfect.

2. Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan)It may be a mainstream anime, but this is one of those rare shows that doesn’t merely live up to the hype but rather exceeds it. In brief, the anime depicts a bleak, violent world in which the remnants of humanity must live ensconced within the protection of massive walls in order to avoid being devoured by giants known as titans that mysteriously appeared several generations ago. When the outermost wall is breached, protagonist Eren Yeager can only watch in horror as his mother is eaten alive by one of these monsters, a tragedy that fills the fiery young boy’s heart with a thirst for vengeance against all titans. However, what could have proven to be a stale shonen story became a work of immense depth and power in the hands of mangaka Hajime Isayama, and these attributes translated beautifully to the anime. In addition to gorgeous animation and an electrifying soundtrack, this show also stands out for its character development. Almost all characters of narrative import are vibrantly human, with painful backstories and plausible, nuanced growth as the series progresses. Attack on Titan’s graphic depictions of violence and pathos-laden storyline are not for the faint of heart, but it is a must-see for any anime fan. Again, I prefer the English dub, mainly because of Levi’s and Hange’s voice actors.3. Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler)Specifically, the first half of season 1, Book of Circus, Book of Murder, and Book of Atlantic.I refuse to dignify the non-canon dumpster fire that was season 2.Don’t let the lascivious fujoshis scare you away; despite its unsavory reputation, the portions of the anime that adhere to Yana Toboso’s gorgeous manga are excellent. Though a mere child, Earl Ciel Phantomhive bears a heavy burden as the Queen’s Watchdog, responsible for keeping Victorian England’s sinister underworld in check. Luckily, he has the aid of his ever-faithful butler, Sebastian Michaelis…who just so happens to be a demon with whom the young nobleman has contracted in order to find and exact vengeance upon the unknown perpetrators who murdered the boy’s family and sold him to a diabolical cult. The series is called Black Butler with good reason– there are many dark and disturbing elements to the story, from the bloodcurdling child abuse depicted in Book of Circus to gory fight scenes with zombies in Book of Atlantic. However, the compelling characters, fire OPs and endings, and (in the more recent adaptations) beautiful animation keep me coming back for more. The complex nature of Sebastian’s relationship with Ciel, which simultaneously encompasses and transcends the dynamics between parent and child, servant and master, and predator and prey, is a glorious trainwreck from which you can’t tear your eyes away. Yet again, I have a preference for the English dub here– J Michael Tatum’s Sebastian is the stuff of legend, Brina Palenica’s Ciel is spot-on, and Daniel Frederick’s Grell Sutcliff restores my soul (to my ear, his voice acting beautifully suits a transgender woman who has not yet been able to fully transition). That being said, I’ve also taken a shine to the Japanese sub; Daisuke Ono’s voice has a gentle yet subtly sinister quality that suits this devil wrapped in silk quite well.4. Watamote (No Matter How I Look At It, It’s You Guys Fault I’m Not Popular!)This slice of life anime chronicles the hilarious yet heartbreaking misadventures of Tomoko Kuroki, an otaku who desperately attempts to curry favor with her high school peers in spite of debilitating depression and anxiety. Watamote is one of those shows that makes you hurt while you laugh as you watch Tomoko, time and time again, prove to be her own worst enemy as her blunders cause all her schemes to backfire. To an uncomfortable extent, I saw quite a bit of my high school self in her. If you struggled with loneliness, social isolation, and/or mental illness as a teen, I would highly recommend this show. It doesn’t exactly have a happy ending, but it’s strangely addictive. Plus, Tomoko’s Japanese voice actor is precious, and the OP is epic.5. Bungou Stray DogsMix a wide array of supernatural gifts, a plethora of literary references, and a vast cast of aesthetically pleasing characters, and what do you get? BSD! Chock-full of meaningful messages on overcoming past traumas, fighting against the inertia of despair, cultivating a sense of self-worth, and redemption, this anime does full service to Asagiri’s ongoing manga. From the zany suicide enthusiast Dazai Osamu to the weretiger/cinnamon roll Atsushi Nakajima, you’re bound to fall in love with at least one of the members of the Armed Detective Agency as they use their magical powers to fight against forces of crime and corruption that threaten their city. Excellent soundtrack, lovely animation, and characterization that progressively deepens, especially during the second season. I’ve only seen this subbed and thoroughly enjoyed it!Thanks so much for the ask!

[silvormoon]

The Butts

-In which Arima uses mildly inappropriate language to screw with Ryuu’s head -I’m sorry -This isn’t what you think it is -Seriously, whatever you think it is, it isn’t that.

Ryuu nearly walked into Arima on his way out the school gates.

“Hey, where have you been?” Ryuu asked. His friend’s arms were laden with bags and packages, which struck him as unusual. Ryuu had only been staying late that day because it was his turn to help clean the classroom, and now he was on his way to meet the others at the Kurotama. He would have assumed that if Arima was at the school at all, he’d be doing Student Council related things. He certainly didn’t think Arima would be wandering off to buy groceries.

“Oh, we’re staying a bit late tonight,” said Arima cheerfully. “There’s always so much to do this close to the end of the year. I’ve been dispatched to bring in extra snacks.”

“Kinshiro works you pretty hard,” Ryuu observed. “You shouldn’t let him push you around like you’re some kind of servant.”

Arima drew himself up haughtily. “I prefer to think of myself as his butler.”

It occurred to Ryou to point out that a butler was still a sort of servant, but he realized that this was not a very tactful reply. Instead, he opted for, “You know, I’ve always wondered why they call them ‘butlers’. I mean, how do you buttle? Is that even a word?”

Arima’s smile was knowing. “That isn’t it. They’re called butlers because they take care of the butts.”

This was delivered in a perfectly matter-of-fact tone. Ryuu’s eyebrows rose.

“Do they?” he asked, wondering if his friend was having a joke on him.

“Oh, yes,” said Arima cheerfully. “It can be a very big job, especially in a large household.”

“I can imagine,” said Ryuu dubiously. “And that’s what you do for Kinshiro?”

“Well, no,” Arima admitted. “He’s a bit young for that sort of thing.”

“I suppose so.”

“But it’s definitely an option when he’s older and has a place of his own.”

“I guess that makes sense,” said Ryuu.

“That’s assuming he wants to,” Arima continued. “I mean, I’m not entirely certain that he’s interested in that sort of thing.”

“Huh. I would have thought he was the type,” said Ryuu, thinking vaguely of the student council president’s relationship with Atsushi.

“He does rather give off that air, doesn’t he?” said Arima. “And who knows? He may take it up someday. But for now, I think he really prefers tea to wine.”

“Huh?” said Ryuu. “Hold, on, you’ve lost me. Go back a step. What has wine got to do with anything?”

“We were talking about butlers,” said Arima patiently. “The original purpose of a butler was to tend to the buttery, where the butts of wine were kept. ‘Butt’ is an old word for a barrel or cask.”

“...Oh,” said Ryuu, replaying the conversation in his head. “So you didn’t mean...”

Then he looked up and saw the glint in Arima’s eyes. The man looked definitely amused.

“Hey!” said Ryuu. “You’ve been jerking me around, haven’t you?”

Arima looked angelic. “You drew your own conclusions.”

Ryuu scowled. “You asshole.”

“I believe,” said Arima amicably, “you meant to say ‘butthole’.”

*********

Kinshiro looked up from his work.

“Did you hear that?” he asked Akoya.

Akoya put lowered the mirror he’d been peering into while he fussed with his hair. “Did it sound like Arima coming back with the snacks?”

“No,” said Kinshiro, mildly puzzled. “It sounded like someone screaming.”

A moment later, Arima burst into the room, looking flushed and disheveled, as though he’d been running. He slammed the door behind him, earning a look of disapproval from his companions.

“Must you?” asked Kinshiro. “Really, Arima, I expect better behavior from you. What have you been doing?”

“Running,” said Arima succinctly.

Kinshiro’s eyes narrowed. “Why?”

“To get away from Zaou Ryuu,” Arima replied.

“Sensible of you,” said Akoya, nodding.

“And why,” said Kinshiro, “do you need to run away from Zaou Ryuu?”

“Because I believe I have angered him,” said Arima serenely, “and now he is loudly declaring he’s going to kick my...” He chuckled at some private joke. “Well, you get the idea.”