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thecheshireprincess · 3 months ago

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The Game Itself

Chapter I: The Game Before the Game

A Chishiya x Childhood Best Friend Reader (Niragi's sister!) AU Series

Content Warning: Mentions of an abusive father, curse words, reader having somewhat low self-esteem and likely PTSD, Niragi is in here and he is NOT a menace; super soft actually

Edited 5/8/2025 with some language/stylistic changes

The Game Itself Masterlist Next Chapter

You wanted to cry, staring down at another barely passing mark in physiology. You've always been an amazing student; school was one thing in your life that came easy! Why was this particular class proving to be so challenging? If you couldn't even pass this class, how could you possibly hope to become a doctor in the next few years? An annoyed sigh escapes you, stuffing the paper carelessly into your leather school bag.

If you were honest with yourself, you really didn't need this added to your plate today. Sleep had evaded you for much of the night, each brief moment of slumber being interrupted with the horrifically detailed nightmares that had recently returned. You didn't dare wake up your older brother anymore to seek his comfort with these things - it was time to act like an adult. So needless to say, you are exhausted and at the end of your rope.

Your tired gaze drops to the desk in front of you, eyes tracing along a jagged crack in the laminate. You are aware of the probing stares of your blonde friend sat next to you, but choose to ignore him. You weren't in the mood to look at his likely smug face right now, knowing he'd probably gotten a perfect score. You scoffed in your head at this thought - at how perfect your best friend was.

At how perfect you'd never be.

You vaguely listened as your professor droned on with his lecture for the day, copying down haphazard notes from the whiteboard like a zombie and anxiously twisting your gold studded earring in your left ear. Every miniscule thing was tipping your mood further and further into the red - the sound of the clock ticking, the squeaking of the dry erase marker on the board, even the nervous leg tapping of the student in front of you. Your blood was nearing a boiling point, and eventually you gave up pretending to pay attention altogether. Overstimulated, you quietly pack up your notebooks and pens early.

Chishiya could see that you were agitated, dark circles framing your eyes, but recognized there was nothing he could do to change it once you'd gotten to this point. He knew you'd gotten no sleep, having spoken with you very briefly about last night before class started. Now, you'd probably gotten a less than satisfactory mark on the exam; you took those things very personally due to your upbringing. He'd have to help you study for the next test, motivating you to do so with snacks. The corners of his lips quirked up fondly, thinking about how you'd do pretty much anything for a treat.

When your professor finally, mercifully, dismisses you, you grab your already packed bag, pull your hood over your head, and bolt out the door. Despite having another class AND your daily library session with Chishiya still to go, you walk briskly, running straight home.

Your legs feel like jelly by the time you make it to the third floor of the multi-story building, grumpily dragging your school bag through the hallway and hoping the neighbors don't see you. You are definitely not in the mood for making small talk with Himari about her nineteen cats and counting, nor with Ami about how you "really should" get to know and go out with her son.

Finally reaching your door, you yank forcefully on the brass handle, pulling it open and allowing the comforting feeling of home to wash over you. Exhuasted, you fall to the floor, throwing your head back against the hard wood to catch your breath.

It hits you that the door had been unlocked, indicating that your brother was home. It wasn't like you hadn't expected that, he works from home, so of course he's here. And of course you would have to face him, but maybe not right away. You just need a little bit of time to decompress.

Your eyelashes flutter shut as you listen for movement in the house, knowing he is probably (hopefully) in his office. Pulling your shoes off, you stand from your short respite on the floor as quietly as possible in preparation. You gather your things, hold your breath, and sprint up the stairs to your room, hoping you were quiet enough not to alert Niragi to your presence.

A surge of adrenaline courses through your veins, reminding you of the way you'd always sneak out late at night with Chishiya when you were younger. Even in your foul mood, the fond memories bring a smile to your face.

Reaching your destination, you're greeted by the familiar and relaxing scent of chamomile and sandalwood. You close your door as quietly as you can, mentally cheering when it clicks closed without dramatics. You're free now to flop face first onto your fluffy duvet cover, which you do, exhaling the weight of your day. You scramble to the top of your bed, pulling the sheets and duvet down to climb in, lying your head on the silky pillow.

Just as you've started to let your problems of the day melt away and your eyes are about to flutter closed, you're startled by a knock on your door. You acknowledge your brother's presence with a groan - damn it. Not so sneaky after all, then. Unmoving and breathless, you wait - thinking he might go away if you ignore him. He sighs heavily, slowly twisting the knob and peeking around the door to find you facing away from him in your bed.

His concerned gaze weighs heavily on you, knowing the man is studying your form without lifting your head. You know he's got his left eyebrow raised and is wondering why you're home so early, but you don't yet dignify him with an answer. Briefly, you consider pretending to sleep, but know from years of experience that won't work on him.

Niragi is not like some oblivious parent from 90's television that can be easily manipulated into leaving their kids alone with an excuse here and an excuse there. No, Niragi is well-practiced with you and your special brand of trouble. Your brother had basically raised you your entire life but had really stepped up the last eight years, having been granted custody of you when you were just eleven years old. Because of that, your bond was very different from other sibling duos, and honestly, there was no one that knew you better. Not even Chishiya.

"Are you not feeling well?" He finally asks, realizing you weren't about to offer any information, sitting down gently at the edge of your bed.

"No," you mumble quietly into the pillow, because although you weren't sick, you definitely didn't feel good. The bed shifts under Niragi's weight as he moves to put a cool hand against your forehead. You want to roll your eyes at the absurdity of it all - you're almost twenty years old and your brother is still trying to check you for a fever like you're ten. You can't find it within you to complain, though, allowing yourself to melt a little into his touch.

"You do feel a little warm," he admits, "but that's not the problem, is it?" And just why the hell is he so smart? You never get away with keeping anything from him. Apparently you couldn't even sneak into the house without him finding out.

"I'm tired and I just wanted to take a nap in my room, am I not allowed?" you snap in annoyance, irately slapping his arm away from you and rolling onto your back.

"Of course you're allowed, but you never do" Niragi responds to your tantrum calmly with a small chuckle, "if you're home this early, you're either sick or something is bothering you. You're supposed to be in class right now, yes?"

You chew the inside of your cheek, feeling trapped by your brother. He studies your face a little longer, obviously trying to decide on the appropriate parenting method for this situation. Eventually, he moves to lay down on his back beside you, mirroring your position. Nothing more is said, he just waits patiently in the thick silence. After a minute or two of rapidly building tension, he offers his left hand out to you. A peace offering. An offering for physical contact if you wanted it. Given your family history, Niragi was always cautious about physical contact with you, though you rarely turned it down anymore.

Your resolve cracks inside you, stuck between wanting to be an adult and deal with your own problems and wanting your brother to fix them all for you. You couldn't care less when your inner child wins, finally sobbing and throwing yourself into Niragi's chest.

Adulting be damned.

He wraps his arms around you tight, hardly surprised by your emotional outburst. Though you'd like to think you have a solid poker face, you had truly always been emotional and Niragi didn't blame you. Your childhood had been tumultuous at best, that would unfortunately always be a part of you.

"IalmostfailedanotherphysiologyexamandIdidn'twannatellyoubecauseIdidn'twannadisappointyou" you wail, speaking as fast as you could into his chest, desperately trying to get it over with.

His fingers brush soothingly through your hair, the way they always have when you're upset. "Why would I be disappointed in you? Almost failing? One test, one class?" he wonders, deeply confused; pulling you tighter against him as he feels your body shaking.

"I failed a test once in elementary school, remember?" you hiccuped, "Dad was so mad. So violent, I promised myself I'd never fail again."

Niragi understands now, sitting up and pulling you with him. "Koko, I'm not Dad. I will never be like him. If you're having trouble with a class, I want to help you, but I'm not mad or disappointed" he coos, using your childhood nickname to help soothe you.

You and Niragi sit like that for some time while you take breaths to calm down, shadows shifting in the room as the sun changes position in the sky. Tears no longer flow as you stare blankly out the window at the fluffy white clouds, and your embarrassing hiccuping has subdued. A sign that Niragi takes as confirmation that he can press for a little more information.

"You didn't sleep well last night, I can see it in your eyes. You're having the nightmares again?" he questions, but it comes out more like a statement. A simple nod of your head has him sighing a truly tired sigh, "Why didn't you come get me?"

You consider his question for a minute before responding. "I'm an adult. It's time to fight my own battles," you whisper, disappointed in yourself. Niragi stares down at you perplexed once again, a flicker of something else - fear? - appearing just briefly. "Did you think that when you turn into an adult, you just magically stop needing people to be there for you? Because that's just stupid," he scoffs, the brief flicker long gone. You pause again, taking in his words; you want to discuss the things that have been weighing on your mind since the early hours this morning, but you feel hesitant. Niragi squeezes your hand, encouraging.

A shaky breath tumbles from your lips, and with it all the things that were eating you alive, "I'm afraid he's going to actually do it. I'm not in high school anymore, he has easier access to me. What if he finds out my class schedule, or comes to the hospital when I'm interning? What if he decides to kidnap me and take me somewhere really far away? No one will ever find me."

Your brother listens diligently, not disagreeing with you because you were right; things had changed from when you were a little kid in school. From when you were still somewhat protected by the law and social services, though they'd never been perfect either. The thought makes his heart leap into his throat too, flames of bitter rage licking up his ribcage. He briefly wishes he could end your fear once and for all, but this moment was about making you feel safe again, so he tamped it down and prepared to respond. Once again, Niragi tilts your chin up to meet your gaze with a glint of assurance.

"There is nowhere you can be taken that I won't find you, I promise."

♤ ♡ ◇ ♧

"I'm never going to pass physiology" you grumble in exasperation, throwing your head dramatically down on your book and slamming shut the notebook you'd been working in. It was the next day, and you'd actually gotten decent rest the night before. You'd thought maybe physiology would magically be easier too, but you were dead wrong on that front.

Chishiya makes no move to acknowledge your outburst, aside from raising a single arched brow from behind his own textbook. He's sitting comfortably across the oak table from you, books and papers littered over the surface, studying for a class that the two of you don't share. You sigh loudly again, having not received the response you wanted from your friend. Chishiya narrows his cat-like eyes at your dejected form and nearly laughs at what he finds, "Seeking attention, are we?"

"Can't you just do it for me, Shiya? Please . . . You're smarter!" This time he does let out a low chuckle, to your great dismay. "That's hardly true, and you know it. You're just being lazy," the man corrects you and then takes a beat, "But I will help you."

You turn your head to the side, just enough to peek one eye up from where you're sprawled on your book to look suspiciously up at him, "You really will?" He smirks, snapping his textbook closed, "Yes, and I would normally tease you about it longer, but Niragi told me this was a sensitive subject."

You gape at him for a minute, eyebrows furrowing in confusion, "Huh? You guys just have secret meetings about me, then?" The corners of Chishiya's lips tilt upward as he shrugs with one shoulder. "Something like that . . . it takes a team to keep someone like you safe and happy," he says with a smug look on his face. Your jaw drops at his words in offense until he waves you off.

"Anyway, let's set you a reward for reaching your goal" he says, directing your attention back to the work at hand. "We'll go to the cafe in Shibuya at six PM, but your homework needs to be finished and correct. If you can do that, I'll buy you dinner" He grins a Cheshire grin before re-opening the notebook you had slammed shut in frustration.

You nod silently in agreement, feeling more motivated now that Chishiya was going to help you pass your class and get you delicious food as a reward. He was your best friend for a reason, and you were definitely going to keep him. Butterflies flutter in your belly as that thought crosses your mind, but as usual, you tamp them down. Now is certainly not the time for more confusing emotions.

The time blinking ominously on your phone catches your attention, your stomach dropping when you see it's already approaching three PM. Three hours won't be enough time to finish this homework. Another loud groan escapes your lips, this time catching the unwanted attention of the librarian; an older woman with sharp features and beady black eyes who shushes you cuttingly, sending daggers at your form. She never liked you - too much fun for her - you supposed.

Chishiya's eyes sparkle in amusement, "So it'll be a bit of a timed challenge, then," he whispers, "You've always enjoyed playing games, Koko. So let's play."

He's right, you have to agree. You do enjoy playing games, but only if you're going to win. Intaking a steady breath, you steel your mind into focus, preparing to crush the homework as though you were on a game show about to win money. Your eyes narrow in concerntration as Chishiya sets the first question in front of you, ready to play.

♤ ♡ ◇ ♧

[6:04 PM]

You and Chishiya run down the busy sidewalk, laughing and narrowly dodging other pedestrians, racing each other like you had when you were little. Finally, the brightly colored sign of your favorite cafe comes into view, you hazard glance back at your friend, noticing he was lagging behind quite a bit. You surge forward to win the race, happy to win yet another game today.

Chishiya glares at you as you gloat, "You only won because it was a physical challenge. You know those aren't my strong suit." You roll your eyes at the sore loser, and push the metal door to the cafe open, waltzing in triumphantly.

The man leads you to the neon blue booth set against the window, the one with the picture of the fat tabby cat that you always sit in when you come here. The memories flood your mind, inspiring a bright smile at all the time you had spent here together. The man notices your smile, the corners of his own lips lifting slightly, too. "You're in a much better mood today. I was worried about you yesterday," he admits, eyes glancing lazily over the food options he knew like the back of his hand.

Your gaze snaps up from the laminated menu you were holding in shock. "You were? Since when do you worry? I didn't know you could," you jest. Chishiya, though your best friend in the whole world, was usually far too arrogant and self-centered to worry about others. He scoffed, "I'm not a robot, you know. I do have feelings in here . . . Somewhere."

Now you laughed loudly, your friend's funny response taking you by surprise. You'd never really taken the time to appreciate how much Chishiya made you laugh, or even how often he puts in the effort to make you smile. You looked up again, this time meeting his eyes instantly. His gaze on you was different this time - more tender, vulnerable. The butterflies from the library find you again, wings tickling your insides.

"I love when you laugh like that for me," he whispers, not taking his eyes off of you. Your eyes widen, breath hitching in your throat; your entire body feels like you're floating - what's happening? The atmosphere around the two of you shifts into something akin to tension, but it's not a bad thing. No, in fact, you like the way it makes you feel. You want to feel more of it.

Have you ever noticed how pretty his chestnut-colored eyes are? Something inside of you tells you that you need to tell him immediately. You're just about to open your mouth to do so when bright lights paint the sky outside the window to your left, pulling your attention from your friend.

"Are those . . . Fireworks? Before sundown?" you question breathlessly, tilting your head in confusion. Your bubble of intimacy is popped in an instant. Chishiya tears his gaze from your face to follow your line of sight, looking as puzzled as you felt.

You're frozen in awe for a second or two before subconsciously moving to grab your phone to text Niragi; he was getting dinner in Shibuya, too, with some coworkers. You had to know if he was seeing what you were seeing. Your head tilts questioningly as you look at your phone, completely dead. It had been on the charger the entire time you were at the library, so there's no way it should already be dead.

"Shiya, my phone's dead . . . How is that possible?!" You questioned the boy across from you, distractedly trying everything to get it to turn on. Standing up slowly from the booth, staring at the space behind you, Chishiya responds, "I think that's the least of our concerns right now, Koko." His gaze is locked on the dark and now completely empty cafe.

You glance slowly up at him in concern before flinching at the sight now before you. The cafe had been brightly lit and filled with patrons not two minutes ago. Where had everyone gone? Chishiya quickly finds your hand, pulling you up out of your seat and close to his body as you both look around. Your brain desperately tries to catch up with the situation around you. Maybe you're being pranked. Could it be a flash mob situation? Someone famous making a TikTok? Or even some kind of game?

If this was a game, you weren't sure you appreciated being thrown into the middle of it without being told the rules.

♤ ♡ ◇ ♧

Next Chapter

The Game Itself Masterlist

A/N: I wanted to give Reader a nickname so it was easier for Chishiya and Niragi to address her directly. For a fun fact, Koko is my brother's nickname for ME, so I am giving it now to you all 🥰 Buckle in, guys. We're just getting started ✨️

#aib chishiya #aib #alice in borderland #chishiya #chishiya shuntaro #ima wa no kuni no alice #fanfiction #chishiya alice in borderland #chishiya x reader #suguru niragi #niragi #niragi alice in borderland #niragi suguru

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fox-guardian · 7 months ago

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I have thoughts and since I keep forgetting to draw it, I will write it out

✨️ fashion headcanons for the oiar crew ✨️

Alice (I've already drawn her but I'm adding it here again anyway):

General thoughts: she enjoys layers when possible, fits the "tiny top large bottoms" silhouette most often in her outfits, and tries to throw plaid/flannel into her outfits in some way as often as possible. It's a minor obsession. Jewelry-wise she's typically a silver girlie but is far from against mixing metals and likes wearing piercings with colorful plating

the oiar likely has a pretty solid dress code and I highly doubt she follows it, especially after having been there for nearly a decade

At work I think she keeps it relatively simple. Comfy flannel shirts and/or t-shirts, hoodie if she's cold, and maxi skirts or jeans. Sneakers. It's nothing super fun (the workplace doesn't deserve her at her most fabulous) but it's comfy

Jewelry is also kept simple, studs and plain rings for her ears (snakebites are a given). She also wears her fav bracelets

Outside of work she gets sillayyyy. Bit chunky jewelry, novelty pieces. More fun frilly skirts, some shorter ones. Her nicer outside-of-work looks are somewhere between "hippie" and "that one type of iconic fashionable older woman" she also wears makeup more often Outside of work

Concert attire varies but she gets more grungy with ripped/shredded pieces and band tees (obviously) and sluts it up with shorter skirts/shorts and cropped shirts

Fancy clothes are as 80s as possible. This woman owns multiple shoulder-padded button downs

Pajamas are usually basic sets (often mismatched) or just like. Old t shirt and underwear.

Sam:

General thoughts: priorities comfort and tries to stay comfy as much as possible. You have never felt a wardrobe more soft overall. He wears plain earrings and the occasional friendship bracelet, otherwise not much jewelry I also think he wears as little sock as possible (unless it's funny) (alice got on him for wearing socks with sandals one time back in uni and that's all he wore in front of her for months)

Idk what the exact dress code for the oiar would be, but assume he adheres as much as possible

Prefers soft cotton mocknecks/turtlenecks to crisp button downs, with a nice cardigan instead of a blazer. Trousers are sensible, but soft. He probably irons them

Casual outfits are. Very casual. Sweatpants and sweatshirts/pullovers.

Nicer outside of work outfits aren't very different from work outfits. Date nights might require jewelry (rings, maybe a chain or two). I think he's a gold guy

He does have like one nice suit for special occasions but he suffers through the stiff fabric

Pajamas are button-up sets or literally just his underwear.

Gwen:

General thoughts: this woman is so monochromatic to me. She's very "dark mode basic" if that makes sense. She's not trendy but her looks are always solid. Owns a lot of black. Most outfits are fitted and snug. Wears minimal jewelry and always silver (even though gold would look so good) has a secret love of nice vintage pieces

Work looks are professional and crisp. Pencil skirts, button downs, and a sensible sweater typically (its cold) and plan heels/booties. After having to flee from ink5oul her work wardrobe has graduated to Trousers And Flats For Booking It. Her "girlboss" outfit is a matching blazer/trouser combo

Casual outfits are still well put together. Enjoys miniskirts and tights (if she's feeling bold she'll wear tights with a pattern) and off-the-shoulder tops. Wears basic chokers and slightly more jewelry overall. If she's feeling balls to the walls INSANE she might wear a dark red lip.

She doesn't really have a nicer vs comfy casual wardrobe, so all that's left is special occasion stuff. A nice dress for get togethers with "friends". An especially nice vintage coat she snagged. These pieces might have color other than gray maybe.

Pajamas. Hm. I think she would either have simple button down sets or frilly nightgowns. She definitely dreams of having a nightgown fit for touring a haunted castle I think

Celia:

General thoughts: butch <3 she has learned she really likes the look and feel of a more masculine shape and fit to her clothes after getting a hard reset on her identity. She doesnt wear a lot of jewelry outside her ear and facial piercings, and it is all gold, and she also has snakebites but prefers studs (slightly less enticing for babies to grab than hoops)

Work outfits are nice. Vests and trousers, with the occasional cardigan if it's cold.

Casual outfits are jeans and nice fitted t-shirts. A denim jacket perhaps. I also think she works out in some capacity so there's shorts and muscle tanks also (no bras ever, shits shwangin)

Nicer outside of work stuff.... I don't think she owns any special occasion things right now?? She simply would not have an occasion/reason to have them yet maybe. Maybe she gets a fancy vest for date night idk. She'd probably signify This Is A Special Occasion with nice bracelets and rings. Maybe a neck chain.

Pajamas are usually t-shirts and lounge bottoms/comfy shorts. She is forced to be fully dressed lest she teleport in her sleep while half/fully naked

Lena:

General thoughts: this is already so difficult. I think she would dress very practically. No jewelry unless you count her glasses chain, no skirts, and only very short heels/flats. She keeps proper walking shoes with her if need be.

Work fits. She has a whole power suit in my brain that's just a matching white blazer and trousers, and then the red button down. The white is the biggest power move. I think she has a few of these in different colors (black and iron grey) but the white one is the main one.

Casual.... I don't even know man. Probably also practical over pretty. Probably only wears men's pants due to the pockets. Probably owns a very practical leather jacket. Whatever she wears, she does numbers at the lesbian bars

Nicer out of work clothes.... probably not much different than her work clothes. She may tolerate a dress if she needs to attend a wedding.

Pajamas: she either has the button up sets. Wears an old t-shirt and bottoms from a bygone era of her life and both are full of holes. Or she sleeps butt ass naked with a gun in her hand.

Colin:

General thoughts: office dress code can kiss his ass. He's comfortable but practical, and I think he enjoys graphic tees. He has silver earrings and maybe a secret body piercing but doesn't wear anything else visible. He doesn't really bother with buying new jewelry but wouldn't care about mixing metals if he did.

He wears jeans to work, graphic tees, and a button down so he can call it business casual. Sneakers also. Programmer socks (gift from alice) The jeans are ripped (partially from crawling on his knees dealing with the computers so often) and he patched them up. I think he's big on mending. Also sews his name into items he may leave unattended (thank you merch drop for this idea)

Casual isn't much different. Maybe no button down, maybe he keeps it for flair. At home he wears pants/trousers as little as possible I think. The programmer socks stay on tho.

Nicer outside of work stuff. He owns like one suit.

Pajamas: butt ass naked. If he's cold he just gets more blankets.

Teddy:

General thoughts: thank you alice for pointing out that teddy wears shades of pink im gonna eat this. I also think he wears gold jewelry and those would look so nice together so I am Extra Eating This. Beyond this I don't have toooo many thoughts? I think he enjoys fashion. Knows what different cuts of items will do for him. He likes piecing together a solid Fit even if it's simple.

Work fits include button downs and sweaters, with the classic argyle vest. I think he would enjoy a fun pattern.

Casual fits are practical but stylish, and I think he considers himself legally required to buy anything with Teddy bears on it that fits him. I think he wears light jewelry even on more casual days, he likes to sparkle a bit.

Nicer out of work fits. I think he owns a couple shiny button downs. Does it up with the gold jewelry, chains, rings, a nice watch, the woiks. He has at least one funky patterned pair of pants.

Pajamas: usually sticks to old tshirts and comfy bottoms, has like one button up set that's Christmas themed (twas a gift) that he only wears that time of year, and one (1) legally mandated teddy bear onesie.

those are the vibes. They are subject to change as we learn more ofc but here they are <3

#ramblings with major #the magnus protocol #tmagp #alice dyer #samama khalid #gwendolyn bouchard #celia ripley #lena kelley #colin becher #teddy vaughn #long post #cursing #i need to draw teddy more i miss him :(

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