#he was one of my last pulls and i went ‘ramuda again???????? didn’t i pull him like three times already??????’

[akkivee]

btw lol i finally finished my rhyme anima gummies and here were my pulls lol

[missramu]

A kiss to wake up

Hello everyone! I'm bringing what I believe is my longest piece so far. As a disclaimer, this was a little bit self-indulgent, so I didn't want to spare a single detail. Anyways, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

As a top note, this is kinda the prequel to this one! One day I'll make some sort of timeline, I promise. I just keep writing as the ideas come to me

Kiss number 32: to wake up

The last weeks had been an actual chaos for the fashion deisgner. Indeed, they had been chaotic, but in a sort of good way. After so many years waiting, Ramuda was about to undergo top surgery. He was finally getting his mastectomy done and, although these days he had to sign, read and send plenty of papers, he was happy. He was excited, but he was a bit scared too. After all, it was an operating room and he was still afraid of needles.

The designer sighed as he put the pen down, looking up with a faint smile. Jakurai walked by, taking his chance to kiss Ramuda’s forehead before leaving him a cup of warm tea, keeping the other one to himself.

“I can sense you are nervous”. He said tenderly, grabbing a chair and sitting by his partner’s side.

Ramuda glanced over the papers that were scattered in front of him, sipping from the cup. “Well, yeah… I’ve been waiting for this for so long, and now that’s here I just… Can’t imagine it”. His tone was calm, revealing his true self. It had taken a lot for him to learn to trust Jakurai again –they both had to relearn how to trust each other–, but he knew he didn’t need to fake anything. Not anymore.

Jakurai mumbled. “I see…”. He gently put his cup on the table, making space for the pink-haired man in his arms. As if the doctor had predicted his movements, Ramuda leaned forward and placed his head on his partner’s chest, closing his eyes.

“It’s perfectly normal to be nervous. It is a surgery, after all”. He did a brief pause, lifting Ramuda’s chin tenderly. “But everything will go smoothly. I cannot be on the operation room that day, but you will be in good hands. You will be okay, my dear”.

The designer smiled, nodded, and went in for a kiss. Jakurai eagerly corresponded, wiping Ramuda’s tears as they kissed.

“Plus, you deserve this”. Jakurai added after they broke the kiss. “You have fought bravely, and you had a lot of patience… Although I may recognize I didn’t think you were capable of having it”. The doctor added jokingly, which earned him a pout from his partner as well as a bump on his arm.

“Rude!”

Jakurai laughed softly, which made Ramuda’s pout go away quickly.

“My point is, you needn’t’ be nervous. You earned it, Ramuda. You deserve good things too”.

The designer took a deep breath, repeating those words in his head to himself. He still had a hard time believing that; but his Posse and Jakurai had been making a hard effort to help him realize his self-worth.

“Thanks, babe. I… kinda needed to hear that”.

“Then I am happy I could be of assistance, my dear”.

The days went by, and before the couple could realize it, it was time for Ramuda to check in in the hospital. Since they had agreed to live in Shinjuku, the surgery would be done in Jakurai’s hospital; and one of his co-workers was in charge of it.

Sadly for the doctor, he had to work to do. Ramuda understood that he couldn’t be in the operation room –although he wished he could–, but Jakurai felt bad about it. Old habits die hard, and he was distressed about not being able to directly help during the procedure.

However, he used his lunch break to make his partner some company. He knew his teammates would be coming soon, as they had promised to keep him entertained until the moment came. His surgery was scheduled at 16:00, and they would also wait for him to come out of the operation room.

Jakurai knocked softly on the white door, and entered the room after hearing Ramuda’s voice confirming he could come in. He knew that the designer mustn’t eat now, so he tried to somehow hide his lunchbox. As soon as the younger man realized, he laughed and encouraged him to eat.

“It’s your lunch break, silly! If you don’t eat now you won’t be able to do so later, and your patients need you on tip-top condition!”

“But it would be rude to eat in front of you, since you cannot eat before surgery…” Jakurai’s voice sounded sincerely concerned, as he was forgetting his own needs.

“Here you go again” he mumbled, rising to his feet and walking to the doctor’s side. “I’m ok, dummy. I will eat later, and y’know, my Posse will bring me a whoooole feast!” he laughed it off, grabbing the sleeve of his white coat. “Seriously, don’t worry about me. I will be fine! I mean, I’m kinda hungry, but you are working and need to eat”. Jakurai was going to counterattack, but Ramuda shushed him down. “If you don’t eat now Imma get angry! If you won’t do it for yourself and your own health and well-being, then… Do it for your patients?”

The doctor sighed softly, having been hit on his weak spot –his need to help–.

“Very well, then”. Ramuda wasn’t the right one to talk about self-care and preserving his own health, but he left the argument for another day. It was something they both have to keep working on, and they decided to help each other out.

“Bone apple teeth!” Said Ramuda jokingly as he saw him eat the first spoonful, making the older man to raise an eyebrow.

“Fascinating… I think that’s not the proper way to say it; however, it does sound similar”.

Ramuda bursted out laughing, and the doctor smiled tenderly. He would do anything to keep that smile on his face, and was willing to protect it forever.

Between laughs and fascination, Jakurai’s break was over sooner than they would have wanted it to be. The doctor neatly put everything back on his lunchbox before leaving, letting it down for a moment by the bedside table.

“I’ll see you in a couple of hours, then” said the designer, leaning in for a kiss. Jakurai was already on his way to kiss his forehead, so the gesture was well received. After that he nodded, cupping his beloved’s pale cheek.

“I will be by your side by the time you wake up. I will be waiting for you as long as I need to wait”.

Luckily for Ramuda, he wasn’t alone with his thoughts for long; for his dear friends arrived barely 25 minutes after his dear doctor left.

“Hey there man! How ya feelin’, huh?” Dice announced himself in that way, taking the seat by the left side of the bed.

“I’m tootes good! Not nervous at all, nope!”

“Heavens, and yet you dare call me the liar…” Gentaro added, closing the door behind him.

“But I’m not lying...” The writer rose an eyebrow, keeping direct eye contact with his leader. “Geez! Well, okay, maybe I am!”

The writer chuckled, shaking his head and shrugging his shoulders. “As if we didn’t know you enough, dear Ramuda”. The chuckle turned into a reassuring smile, and the leader of the Shibuya division thanked the gesture.

“I know this shit is scary and tough, but you got this! In no time at all you’ll be jumpin’ around again, you’ll see!” Dice smile was broader than Gentaro’s, but it was as reassuring as the writer’s was.

“I’m soooo lucky to have you two!” Ramuda yanked them both into a hug, and although it took them by surprise, they joined as soon as they felt his leader’s arms around their shoulders.

“Yeah, and we’re also lucky to have you!” the blue-haired announced with pride, ruffling the designer’s pink hair.

“As our beloved Dice once said,” Gentaro started saying, clearing his voice in order to make it similar to his partner’s, “we are the best, amazing, bounded-tight Posse!”

“Hey, quit messin’ around!” the impersonated man grumbled, much to the impersonator’s and his only public delight.

Their dialogue was suddenly interrupted by a knock on the door, and soon after a nurse entered the room.

The three members of Fling Posse quickly went to check the time, realising she came to bring Ramuda to the operation room. He took a deep breath, hugged his teammates tightly, and bis them farewell.

“See you later, Ramuda! I’ll make sure to bring you plenty of snacks!” Dice hugged him as tightly as he was being embraced, sad to leave the hug.

“And I will finance that, for our beloved Dice is as penniless as always”.

Ramuda laughed at their bickering, happy to see them as cheerful as always. Maybe it was selfish of him, but he thought they were doing that for him. Gentaro and Dice didn’t want to see his leader gloomy, so they did their very best to cheer him up. The designer thought that perhaps it was selfish to think so; but that was the truth. They loved him dearly, so it wasn’t selfish of him. It was a reassurance that he was loved and cherished.

The hours went by, the clock ticking its way to noon and, after that, to dawn. Three hours passed, and around seven o’ clock in the evening, Ramuda’s top surgery was successfully completed. All that was left was for him to wake up.

The usual procedure would have been to leave him in the awakening room for up to two hours, until he had fully recovered from the anaesthesia. However, Jakurai’s turn finished a couple of hours ago and, after pulling a couple of strings, he managed to let them take him to his room, where he would personally supervise Ramuda until he woke up. The doctor felt he owed him that, but it wasn’t his only reason- he wanted to be by his side when the designer woke up and, if something happened, be the one to tend him.

When the clock hit quarter to nine, Ramuda started to come back to his senses. Jakurai was by the window, watching the neon lights of Shinjuku flicker; but as soon as he felt movement, he rushed by his partner’s side.

It took the designer fifteen more minutes to fully wake up, still a bit disorientated. When he fully opened his eyes, he encountered Jakurai’s vast oceans looking directly at him, as well as his calm smile.

“Wake up, my dear”. He approached his side, taking a seat by the verge of the bed. He tenderly moved his bangs with his hands, kissing Ramuda’s forehead as full of love as possible.

Ramuda smiled sluggishly, still having a hard time focusing. “I’m awake, silly…”

Jakurai chuckled, caressing his hair softly. “I can see that, dear. You did a great job”.

The designer smiled again, reaching to grab his lover’s hand. “Did I?” Jakurai nodded in response, leaving him do whatever he wanted with his hand –which was to cuddle it against his cheek–.

They spent almost an hour cuddling in silence, enough for Ramuda to completely awake. As his energy came back, he felt more and more excited to feel his chest. Thankfully enough, since he was small and slim, the scars wouldn’t be that big. They would be visible under his nipples, but it didn’t matter. He would wear them with pride, as a badge that showed his victory over Chuuoku again. The doctor felt he was fully recovered from the anaesthesia now, and was glad to see him cheerful again.

Ramuda turned to him with puppy eyes, as if asking permission. As much as it pained Jakurai, he left him out of the embrace, helping him to sit on the bed. He understood his look: he wanted to check it for himself.

“I wouldn’t advise taking the bandages off, but you can feel your chest. It should not hurt much”. Ramuda’s smile broadened, and as he muttered his thanks, he put his own hands on his chest. The anaesthesia was wearing off and it was a bit uncomfortable, but the sheer joy of feeling himself completely flat made him forget about that. After years of using a binder, of feeling those tiny bumps under it no matter what, they were finally gone. No more binding, no more swimming shirts and no more hiding. There was nothing to hide now.

Tears of joy started to roll down his cheeks, and Jakurai quickly wiped them for him.

“Congratulations, my love”. His voice sounded full of joy, hope and love. All of that, things that Ramuda and he deserved, and now they were getting. Seeing the designer unable to move much due to the bandages and his own feelings, he made the first move and hugged him, letting Ramuda’s head on his shoulder. The embrace was mutual, the younger man hugging his waist as tightly as his chest let him.

With teary eyes and the brightest of smiles, he looked up to Jakurai, who cupped his cheek and kissed him fondly. They remained like that for a couple of minutes, which quickly turned into half an hour.

“Ramuda?” He asked with a gentle voice, as if he was afraid it would scare him. He then realized he had fallen asleep, and let out an affectionate sigh. He carefully moved him back to the bed, letting him rest after tucking him in. As soon as he was sure he was soundly asleep, he walked to the window, watching the restless streets of his Shinjuku as alive as every night.

Jakurai was happy. He knew this was important for Ramuda, so he tried his best to look calm. Inside, his brain had been worrying about the designer all day, making it difficult for him to focus on his job. He spent all his free time sighing and looking at the clock, which was unusual of him: he never worried about how much of his shift was left; but today he was driven by his own worries and guilt. Jakurai fought bravely against said guilt and managed to control the situation and himself. Still, he couldn’t wait to see Ramuda. He needed to see him alright, and being unable to control the situation was driving him insane.

And now, after a long intervention and an even longer day, it was done. The doctor watched Ramuda sleeping in the reflection of the window, and smiled again. He could see his chest rising softly as he breathed, and that was what ultimately made him keep smiling. All his worries left with that sight, his mind regaining peace.

Fatigue was taking its toll over him, so the doctor decided to sit down by the bed. His plan was to rest his eyes and legs for a bit, wanting to keep himself awake all night to watch over Ramuda. Before he could realize, though, he fell asleep holding his partner’s hand. It had been a long day, and his body talked louder than his plans.

As if the designer knew whose hand was holding his, he grabbed it back in his sleep.

Outside, the hustle of bustle of Shinjuku was never-ending. It didn’t matter to the couple, as they were soundly asleep side by side. At the end of the day, that was what kept them moving forward. They had been through a lot as a couple, but it was their similarities and wills what brought them back together. They still had a lot to work on, but one step at a time. For now, they had earned their peace and happiness, and they were going to spend it doing what their hearts desired the most –although it took them long to realize it– : being by each other’s side.

[slugtranslation-hypmic]

Ik this maybe sounds kinda random but I have a feeling you're latinoamerican Idk why.

Also what are your thoughts on the anime? I really liked the CGI I think it looked very cool and clean!! A-1 pictures did a good job 👏👏 I know it just started but I really hope its successful in japan, so maybe one day we could see Osaka and Nagoya animated :')

That’s probably because I am and am fairly vocal about it.

I live in the US and am racially pretty damn white, but my mother’s family is from Mexico. (Sorta. They’ve been in the US for a while now, and we’re not exactly sure who came across the border when because most old Mexican men can give Gentarou a run for his money when it comes to telling mentiras.) I was raised speaking both English and baby Spanish, but I lost the opportunity to practice it all that often when I was pretty little and as such forgot almost all of it, hahaha. Still, I can understand most written Spanish and a fair bit of common spoken Spanish, and I speak Spanglish with my mom. Growing up mostly white is pretty weird, since I don’t feel Latino enough to fit in with my own family (but they ARE my family) but also not white enough to fit in completely with my white peers. They don’t get how enchiladas are comfort food or how the words “mijo” and “mija” are love incarnate. They don’t get it why my parents have three bags of tortillas in their fridge at all times (it’s because I keep stealing them whenever I run out at my house) or the importance of owning a big-ass olla. It’s like... I don’t want to intrude in spaces where I don’t necessarily feel I have the right to belong, but I also want to acknowledge the struggle of my grandparents who worked as migrant farmers instead of going to school and gave up everything they had to give their kids a better life. I wonder how well I can do that, having forgotten their language and living as so much as a product of “American melting pot” culture. It’s... tricky. Identity is tricky.

Point is, I want to see Dice casually calling Otome “vieja”.

ANYWAY. Anime thoughts. I’ll put them under a cut for anyone concerned about spoilers.

The little kick the Buster Bros did in the opening on “buttobasu” (send ‘em flying) made me involuntarily laugh out loud. So dorky. Love them for that.

I was not sold on the opening back when I saw it in the previews, but I actually liked the full version quite a lot. The rap bits are a lot more impressive than the sort of generic chorus.

Love how it opened on TDD. I hope other episodes will follow suit and give more TDD backstory, because I think it delivers the best emotional impact when you know the reasons the anime boys are duking it out with one another.

TDD Samatoki has giant eyelashes even in the anime. Jesus christ.

TDD Ramuda appeared for about three seconds, and I was appeased.

The Buster Bros bit didn’t interest me too much, personally, but I thought it set the tone for the series really nicely. I also thought that a bunch of random dudes ganging up on these children and being like, “Heh heh, bitch, whatcha gonna do? We have microphones!” is hilarious.

BB rap was fantastic. I appreciated how much of a mix this was between the ARB and manga styles in terms of the way the raps appeared. Having the lyrics on screen was a GREAT thing for me as well. I also really enjoyed the moment where Saburou pushed Jirou out of the way and Ichirou stopped Jirou before he could retaliate. It wasn’t a distraction from the song at all but also characterized the familial interactions so clearly in just a few seconds. Kudos.

My VPN connection died during Ichijiku’s first talk with Otome, so idk what went on there.

I know Samatoki is supposed to be taken seriously, but for the life of me, I really can’t. I kept on snickering the whole time he was talking to the yakuza NPCs and acting tough. All his posturing is ridiculous to me.

Loved that MTC rap, although I kept laughing at that too. MTC is overkill.

I have a love/hate relationship with Samatoki’s speaker ever since I had to redraw part of that motherfucker sometime last year, but it is really damn cool looking. The animation for it blew me away. LOVED THAT.

Riou was there :)

I finally understood the significance of the cigarette kiss between Samatoki and Juuto. It’s to symbolize the whole “I scratch your back, you scratch mine” professional relationship they have, but I did think Juuto was leaning in for a kiss for a really bizarre moment.

Riou showing up to offer food :)

Eat Riou’s fucking food, Samatoki :)

I think Ramuda is a bit smaller than he should be as compared to the other cast members, but I will let it slide

Ramuda’s office is absolutely awful in color, but I will also let that slide

The Fling Posse interactions were a huge hit with me. I love seeing them hang out with one another and horse around the way that they do. Like the BBs’ scene, this was a great establishing shot for them.

I love how Dice rolls with Ramuda’s gratuitous English without missing a beat.

FP song wasn’t as hardcore as some of the other ones, but it was executed very well. Love the wordplay with the end of Ramuda’s and the beginning of Gentarou’s verse.

THE HIGH FIVE AT THE END OF THE SONG... HOO HOO!! NOW THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT, BABY! NOW THAT’S FRIENDSHIP RIGHT THERE!

Hypmic NPCs lowkey piss me off, especially all the “Kyaaa~!!!!” female NPC types. I get that they’re not supposed to be thought about all that much, but seriously...? Why is running from fangirls a plot point that keeps on being revisited?

They left Dice’s money behind... Bruh.......

Love how Doppo and Hifumi barge into Jakurai’s office nonchalantly.

The bit with the nurse establishes Hifumi’s character very well, although I still think Doppo’s being kind of an ass when he pulls Hifumi’s jacket off.

The whole fucking “terrorists on the roof” bit made me laugh again. Some of the Hypmic plot points are so contrived that I find them funny. It’s all silly good fun.

Love that rappers show up to push past the bumbling security guards/police. Excuse me, please, let me through... I’m a rapper.

Jakurai’s speaker was very well animated, but the way it appeared made me think of the Lionsgate logo. The mic animation was pretty cool too.

JAKURAI’S RAP ACTUALLY BLEW ME AWAY. I’m normally not a fan of Jakurai raps, but god DAMN was that cool.

Hifumi and Doppo didn’t drop the ball either. Fuck it UP, Matenrou.

I can’t believe they dropped lightning bolts on two people... especially when one was holding someone else hostage. Is that woman okay? Did she get fucking vaporized? I’ll never know.

Otome’s character model moves pretty stiffly, which I think actually helps her character because of how stoic she tries to act overall.

Ending song was dope. I wonder if they’ll feature other divisions in the endings of other episodes.

Ramuda leaping a good 3 meters in the air in the final shot is funny as fuck.

[kanri-tea]

Demon Slayer! AU (Part 1 - The Beginning)

Ramuda and Jakurai are tossed into a strange new world, but at least they have each other. Things are peaceful at first, but not all happiness lasts.

~~~

“I’m heading out!”

“Be careful,” Ramuda hears Jakurai call out from the depths of the clinic, no doubt busy with another patient. The pattering of footsteps could be heard as children raced around the wooden hut, snow crunching under their feet.

“Are you going to the village today?”

“Ehh? I want to go too!”

Ramuda laughed as the Hanako and Takeo whined. It was almost New Years, so going down and selling charcoal to earn some more money so that everyone could eat to their heart’s content wasn’t a bad idea. Even though Jakurai received many donations throughout the year, even his saintly attitude and charity to every ill and injured person couldn’t keep everyone fed.

“No, none of you can walk as fast as Ramuda. He can’t pull the cart today, so you can’t rest while he gives you a ride,” Suzumi, another live-in patient at the clinic, sighs. The man was still lecturing Hanako and Takeo when Ramuda leaves, waving his goodbyes, but well, that was old man Suzumi for you.

As Ramuda walked down the snowy mountain, his mind drifted. How many years has it been? Five years? Wow, time really has flown bye, he thinks. And it’s probably been even longer for Jakurai. It’s strange, to be stuck in the past with only Jakurai.

Ramuda hummed to himself. Maybe he should buy some fresh eggs – along with mochi of course – while he was in the village! After all, Jakurai always did like having eggs over rice with natto.

They’re facing another bitter and angry person with an illegal microphone. They’re always bitter and angry though, bitter at the changes in the world, angry at their own powerlessness. They’re one of many.

Ichiro, Samatoki, Ramuda, and Jakurai are together, coincidentally, when the man attacks them. They’re not particularly concerned, not at first. They’re known as the top hypnosis mic users for a reason. The Chuuoku is invested in them for a reason.

That quickly changes though when Ichiro disintegrates. And disintegrates he does, starting from his feet and slowly moving up until he’s just… gone. None of them know what’s going on, and by the time they realize what’s happening, Samatoki is already half-gone and Ramuda and Jakurai have already begun to disappear, grain-by-grain.

The perpetrator is laughing now, manically talking about his revenge plans about the Chuuoku, but none of them are listening. They’re frozen, confused and, while they might deny it, terrified.

The last thing they think, before they’re completely gone is: I don’t want to die.

“Well, if it isn’t Ramuda-chan!”

“You really came down on such a cold day? Good work, but you’ll catch a cold, and I’m sure the doctor won’t like that.”

“Oooi! I want to buy some charcoal!”

“Ah, Ramuda! Thanks for repairing my sliding door the other time.”

Ramuda took a deep breath, taking in the scents of the villagers. They’re as busy and energetic as usual, he thinks fondly. Maybe it’s stupid of him, but after so many years in the past and out of the Chuuoku’s control and in better health than he’d ever been, Ramuda couldn’t help but love listening and smelling how people lived and moved… Nah, it was probably the old man rubbing off of him. Eew, Jakurai germs.

“Aaahhh! Ramuda, I’m glad you’re here,” Ramuda turns towards the screaming man. Oof, looks like he pissed off the missus again.

“Can you tell who broke these dishes?! Please help me!”

As the man shoved the broken ceramic towards his face, Ramuda leaned forward to take a whiff. Cat, he thinks, and says as much.

By the time he finishes selling the charcoal, it was beginning to turn dark.

Jakurai’s going to fret again, Ramuda frowns as he makes his way back up the mountain.

“Hey Ramuda! Are you returning up the mountain? At this time? You can’t, it’s dangerous.”

“Huh? I’ll be fine, my nose can smell anything.”

“I’ll let you stay the night, so come. Turn back.”

“But –“

“Enough of that! Come here.”

“Ehh? Mister, what’s got you so scared,” Ramuda sighs, heading over to the hut. Geez, if it weren’t for the fact that Jakurai asked him to play nice with the villagers, he would’ve left Saburo in the dust ages ago.

“Demons will appear,” Saburo replies, with utmost seriousness. Ramuda could practically feel his eyes roll back into the sockets of his eyes. Ugh, every time he thought he was getting used to this place, someone’s always there to remind him that this was the early1900s and people were stupid. Seriously, demons of all things?

As Ramuda settled down for the night, half-heartedly listening to the man’s ramblings about demons, he wondered if the man was lonely. Having lived alone since his family died, Saburo must be pretty lonely. Maybe, Ramuda thinks before drifting off to sleep, he should bring some of the kids to visit next time. He’s sure Hanako and Takeo especially would love the opportunity to meet new people…

Everything is dark… It’s so cold…

He’s drifting, drifting slowly in an abyss of darkness.

Where am I?

What happened?

Ramuda couldn’t remember. Something about an illegal mic, he thinks.

He’s waking up, slowly, and when he does, there’s a familiar scent. Who is it?

“Ah. Good, you’re finally awake,” he hears. The voice is deep, yet gentle and soft, and oh so familiar.

Ramuda turns his head to the side, and then he r e m e m b e r s.

“Jakurai,” he tries to snarl, but his voice is hoarse. It comes out much higher pitched than he’d ever been able to pretend. What the hell?

“Amemura-kun,” the old man greets him, but Jakurai looks much, much younger than Ramuda had ever seen. There aren’t any wrinkles or signs of exhaustion and age that had clung onto Jakurai like a parasite.

“I found you drifting down a river,” the doctor explains quietly, “and I took you back here, to my clinic.”

“Tch,” Ramuda clicks his tongue, “who’d want you of all people to rescue me. Why d’ya have a clinic? Thought you worked at a hospital, or did’ya decide that you’re too good for them?”

Jakurai stills, head tilted, eyes scrutinizing Ramuda. He hates how it feels, the way Jakurai’s gaze seems to burn into him.

“… I see. I suppose you must’ve recently woken up,” Jakurai muses, “you should go back to sleep for now. Rest and recover.”

“Oi, you can’t just say that and not tell me what the hell’s going on!”

“Are you sure you want to know now?”

Ramuda gulped. This felt… serious? He nodded. His vision was starting to darken, sleep trying to pull him into its sweet embrace, but he wanted to know what the hell was going on first, especially with the old man.

“… The illegal microphone, I fear, has tossed us into the past. The Taisho era to be exact,” Jakurai informs him, “I don’t know what happened to Ichiro and Samatoki, but before I found you, I had assumed I was the only one here.”

Ramuda’s vision goes black, sleep pulling him under.

“No. Nononono –“

It’s Suzumi’s body that he sees first, blood soaking the white snow. Underneath the man is one of the kids – Tadashi, Ramuda thinks – and their bodies are cold to the touch and lifeless.

“What – How did this –“

It doesn’t take long for him to see the bloody and broken screen doors of the clinic and the many lifeless and bloody bodies littered on the ground.

Ramuda wanted to scream. What the hell? Suppressing the urge to vomit, he searched through the clinic, hoping to find signs of life.

Hanako, Takeo, Shigeru, Yamato, Sen, Tohru, Sora… The list just went on and on, all the various patients who had come to the clinic in hopes of being healed or saved were dead. The many people that Ramuda had come to love and care about in place of his posse were d e a d.

Jakurai, Ramuda finds though, is still warm. He’s covered in blood just like everyone else, but his breathing was shallow. If… maybe if Ramuda could move fast enough, Jakurai could be saved. Sure, the doctor in the village wasn’t as good as a doctor as Jakurai, but…

Ramuda would save him. He refused to let the stupid old man die too.

He moved quickly to travel back down the mountain, the cold chilling him to the bone and Jakurai’s body acting as a dead weight on his back.

How could such a thing happen? A bear? A bear that didn’t hibernate in the winter?

Fuck, Ramuda thinks, breathing hurts. The winter air was freezing his lung, but he had to move faster. He had to continue moving forward.

I won’t let you die, he thinks furiously, I’ll definitely save you, Jakurai.

He’s… tired. It’s nothing unusual, not particularly, but there’s something about this exhaustion that feels different to Jakurai this time though.

Hunger. There’s an aching sense of hunger in stomach, but why?

The demon! Oh… oh. They were all dead, weren’t they, Jakurai mourned internally. Once again, he was too powerless to protect anyone.

“ – hold it off! I – in you!”

Someone was speaking, but Jakurai couldn’t tell who or what was being said. Why was everything so muddy?

As if the world was trying to convey a message, Jakurai felt himself being flung back, slamming into a tree. He’s being pinned down again, but by who? And why? There’s screaming too, but Jakurai couldn’t make out anything. Why... Why were his senses so dulled? Where was Ramuda? Was he safe?

Bam!

Jakurai’s vision snapped back into focus, just in time to watch as this strange man was pinning him down slam the handle of the katana (what the hell, a small part of his mind whispers, how the fuck does this kid have a katana) onto Ramuda’s back.

As Ramuda’s axe swung towards the man, Jakurai quickly spun into action, breaking free of the man’s hold, and making a grab for the fallen pink-haired boy.

Crouching in defensive position in front of Ramuda, Jakurai glared. He might not know what was happening, but he knew enough that this man could be a danger to himself, and more importantly, to Ramuda.

“I will not let you hurt him,” he tells him, voice hoarse and with a hint of growling for some odd reason.

He hears Ramuda cough, “Finally awake, you stupid old man? Took you long enough.”

Jakurai deigned not to respond, keeping the man within his vision. Ramuda had fallen unconscious, but how did he know this? Everything felt so much clearer and sharper now, his ears picking up even the smallest of footsteps of the critters in the forest to even Ramuda’s heartbeat.

“You,” Jakurai focused back on to the strange man, “Are you… protecting him?”

He doesn’t respond. Was this a trick? Of course he was protecting him. The man in front of him scrutinized them for a couple more seconds, neither party moving a muscle.

“I… I’m going to take a chance with you,” the man slowly says, “but if attack… I won’t hesitate to decapitate you.”

It took a couple seconds of silence, but as soon as Jakurai nodded back, the man turned around, facing a patch of bamboo. With movement faster than his eyes could follow, the man cut the bamboo into pieces.

“Here,” he motioned towards Jakurai. “Bite on this bamboo. It’ll be better than biting the insides of your mouth.”

At this, Jakurai finally noticed that he’d been biting hard enough to taste blood. That was not good. The gnawing hunger was starting to get stronger and stronger, but he now knew better than to fall prey to it. It was a hunger for the flesh of humans, a hunger that only demons had.

Taking the bamboo, Jakurai ripped a piece off his haori and laced it through the sides before securing it around his head and mouth. The bamboo would eventually start biting into his gums, Jakurai realized, but this would do for now. At least until Jakurai had time to meditate and get himself back under control.

“You must never bite anyone. You must never eat a human. If you do, I will cut you down. Do you understand?”

Jakurai pulled out of his thought. Reaching for the bamboo, he moved it aside to answer the man.

“Rest assured,” Jakurai quietly tells him, “My purpose is to serve humanity.”

The man looks startled at the answer, but Jakurai stays firm, light blue eyes never wavering from the man’s darker blue ones.

“My name is Tomioka Giyuu,” the newly named Tomioka tells him, “And when that boy wakes up, tell him to visit the elder named Urokodaki Sakonji living at the foot of the misty mountain. Tell him that I sent you.”

With that, Tomioka began to retreat, leaving Jakurai and the still unconscious Ramuda behind.

“Also, don’t go out in the sun,” Tomioka tells him as one last goodbye before disappearing from sight.

Jakurai let himself relax once the man was out of sight. God, what a mess. Everyone was dead now… And he was a demon? It seems that his original theory of being in the past might not be as accurate as he’d first thought…

But for now, it was time to bury the bodies. If this Urokodaki could help them, could inform them more about this strange world, then Jakurai would go. Ramuda will not be hurt, not by Jakurai, not by whatever dangers this world posed.

Jakurai refused to let another person die, not if he could save them.

Kind, Giyuu thinks to himself as he returns to report to Oyakata-sama. The purple-haired demon's eyes were kinder than any human he'd ever encounter, except for maybe Oyakata-sama. There was an air of kindness and charisma that the demon had that Giyuu had encountered only once before in his life.

It's strange, but Giyuu couldn't help but look forward to seeing what the duo would do. A demon who refused to eat people and a human who swore that he would turn the demon back into a human. Two impossibilities, yet here they were.

Sending them to his teacher was probably for the best. Urokodaki would train the boy to fight demons. The future, Giyuu thinks, might be pretty interesting.

[mc-doppomine]

I love your analysis of Matenro!!!! Its my fav division too 💞

What do you think of Fling Posse? ✨

Aaaahhhh, thank you so much! I’m so glad that others enjoy my thoughts for this series.

As for Fling Posse, I am honestly hoping so much that KR is about to blow the lid on them in this DRB. Because right now, there’s just so mystique about them and a lot of threads that could lead to something bigger but it hasn’t yet. And right now, I think Fling Posse has the most growth to do to catch up with the other divisions. This isn’t me saying they’re not good, don’t get me wrong, but they are missing something for their team. 

(I guess we’re going to actual analysis because we all know I can’t just blurb.)

But I think that solely lies in HOW they came together. Which is distinct despite initially seeming like MTC’s way of coming together. Distinct being that FP are so immensely independent as people that their team kind of has suffered. Unlike all the rest of the divisions, FP was the one team that was only together ONLY for rapping together. And at least until they were at ‘serious’ risk of not making it to the 1st DRB (in the FP vs MTR manga) that they got better. Better. But they continued to strongly be just themselves. Which isn’t bad, it’s just that you have a higher chance of the ‘too many chefs’ problem. 

Lucky for them, they didn’t have that issue so much as simply being bested. It really could’ve gone either way for them. Personally, I do feel a bit more surprised about their friendship. Not saying that they’re not friends but mmm...I think it really depended on the media that came through for me. FP is one of those divisions that seemed a bit different in from the anime vs...almost everything else I’ve listened to? Like I think the anime is more of what FP gets into once they sufficiently convince the other members to go along with them. But that’s the main thing, if you notice a lot of their initial coming together for the track or chapter, they usually are asking ‘why are you bothering me?’ And it doesn’t always come across as that mean-spiritedness of like calling your friend a mean name that they’d laugh about. They do have a good time once it’s a bit of ribbing but there’s always that brash first few steps. 

Which, honestly, is mainly Gentaro being ‘why have you interrupted me this time?’ But to his credit, he’s like the only introvert amongst two high energy friends. And they are also crazy so he needs the time to regain the energy to be straight-faced through whatever bullshit is about to be pulled again. And speaking of Gentaro, he is such a driving force in FP too. Like he’s an unwitting mom friend and he is both aware of it and absolutely exhausted from it. But I do think he cares a lot. Too much to be honest. And I think that may be that part of Gentaro that is kinda romantic at heart. And that he doesn’t want to admit that he only met Ramuda and Dice for one day but if anything were to happen to them, then he’d kill everyone in the room and then himself. A little exaggerated but Gentaro does seem very attached to these guys when he honestly doesn’t seem the type to really make friends. Maybe their energy remind him of his friend or it’s that whole introvert gets brought into a fold because more outgoing person was like ‘I like you, let’s go.’ 

When it comes to his crew, Gentaro does have apprehension with Ramuda though and kind of rightfully so. His ‘liar’s intuition’ was not off about feeling something was strange with their leader and Ramuda KNEW that Gentaro had that feeling. But they never pried into each other. Gentaro because he could tell Ramuda would shut him out, making his snooping incomplete forever. Ramuda because...well, as far as he’s concerned, he already knows all he needs to about Gentaro. They are honestly such observant and calculating people that they kind of end up in cat and mouse deal. I say this because while I do believe Gentaro does care, I do also believe he is still using Ramuda to some extent for some unseen goal. He probably wouldn’t risk Ramuda’s life over it though. 

Ramuda’s whole journey of feelings could best be summed up as him catching feelings and instead of being glad, he’s like ‘No. God. Fuck! WHY?!’ He didn’t ask for this, you bastards tripped him! Like I feel like Ramuda went through this whole time fulfilling his whims because it’s the only time they would ever be filled. And he was running with it never being able to last because all it takes is one order and it’s done. He’s seen it happen. He’s made it happen. There’s no way he can stop it but...because there is some piece of him that aches for humanity. So, he considers his time with FP like sweets, little indulgences he is allowed until eventually he’s pulled away. But Ramuda still feels things and I felt like FP he was much more guarded than he was with TDD because he was still living down the pain he felt for...basically, taking someone important from people he considered friends! He hurt his friends and probably didn’t want to do that to them again. Which explains this false closeness Ramuda puts up with FP. 

Although they did get to him during the 1st DRB because Gentaro and Dice only cared about how Ramuda was and him doing things his way and on his own terms. Sure they didn’t know what was happening but they gave him courage to be unapologetically himself since that is what he wanted but he never thought of the weight of what that means. That sometimes being yourself means that you choose a path that isn’t easy. And Gentaro and Dice would know what that’s like. While I believe Gentaro is well off, I’m sure he’s still seen as a weirdo just because of how he dresses. It is stubbornly outdated when he lives in, arguably, one of the most trendy and up-to-date wards but he doesn’t care. He’s himself and to hell with those that make fun of him. And Dice, well, his habits make him do and say strange things. I won’t say he has no pride but he is...shameless, which can be very off-putting in the context of the things he’s done for money or the thrill. And Dice doesn’t care either. He’s doing exactly what makes him happy and that’s all that matters. Because they know, they could convey the sincerity in wanting Ramuda’s self shining through that it actually got him. With the 2nd DRB (which at the time of writing, the FP vs MTC CD is not out), I hope that they allow for more time of FP getting to deal with Ramuda’s ‘true self’ and Ramuda allowing that to show. Which...from what I’ve heard from those that have heard the full version of Black Journey....seems like a strong possibility.

Finally rounding off and probably both fortunately and unfortunately my shortest would be Dice. *cue my long and frustrated groan* He has so much to do with things but he isn’t used. Truly, Dice is underutilized story wise. And unfortunately I have the least to say because his is straight forward. He just does not care. Not that he doesn’t care about FP but he does not care about all the things THEY worry he wouldn’t like them for. He doesn’t care about their past. He doesn’t care what they’ve done. He doesn’t care who they decide to be to him. For Dice, I think it’s a simple ‘but I’m loyal if you feed me and I’ll never leave you because, well I need the food.’ It’s not actually that simple since Dice has never and would never leave FP despite someone that could possibly continually provide what he wants or needs (this lovely man named Rio exists). But I just think that Dice doesn’t really hold grudges. Even though they haven’t interacted this go around, I don’t think he really hates Hifumi and Doppo since that’s a lot time of time to invest in not liking them and I just don’t Dice giving enough shits to do so. I do mainly think it’s because if Dice respects them not prying into them, they’ll do so and not look into him. And it’s this lack of prying that earns both Gentaro and Ramuda’s friendship because they don’t want that. That and Dice would defend them regardless of if they could’ve handled the situation are not. All because they are friends. And nothing else. 

Phew. This is a lot. Like way more than the MTR one but that’s because it has so many moving parts. Like FP are so individualistic that you need to go for each one specifically. I hope that this was something close to what you were looking for lovely anon.

[hypmic-fic-time]

Hypmic babies pt 1, Announcement

Hello there, this is a series of mini fics including my ships, however, it does include mpreg, this fic is also going to be updated later in order to add another ship

🧡🧡 Sasaro 

"Rosho my teacher darling! I'm home from work!" Sasara said as he came into his apartment. 

"A-ah welcome home Sasara…" Rosho greeted him nervously.

Rosho looked down at the floor before sighing "Sasara I...I need to tell you something important...have a seat…"

Sasara tilted his head but then smiled and nodded "What ever could it be my dear?" He asked as he sat down. 

"Um...what has four limbs...is really cute and is...something we've been trying for since we've got married…?" Rosho asked.

"Ah! A riddle I see!" Sasara laughed "Hmmm...four limbs...super cute...something we've been trying for...ah!" He stood up and walked over to Rosho, wrapping his arms around his waist "are you pregnant my love?" 

Rosho's eyes filled with tears and he nodded "another thing...what comes in pairs sometimes?"

Sasara wiped away his husband's tears as he hummed "you already told me you're gonna have a baby so what could-" he stopped, shocked by what he realized "twins…? You're gonna have twins?!" 

"Y-Yes…" Rosho told him nervously.

The comedian pulled away for a second only to hug Rosho tighter a second later "I'm so happy! Twins right off the bat! You did so well my darling!" 

Rosho smiled and hugged him back, tears flowing again "I love you Sasara…"

Sasara pulled away and smiled, "I love you too Rosho" he said before kissing his husband, he then dipped down and put his nose against Rosho's stomach "and I love you both! My pear of babies~"

"Oh my God that was so dumb…" Rosho said to himself, stifling a laugh.

💛💛

Gendice 

"Dice, you dropped this" Gentaro said as he picked up the thing that just fell out of his husband's pockets, he then looked at the packaging "stop-smoking gum…? Dice?"

Dice looked down at the ground, his hands in his pockets, he shuffled his feet, not saying anything. 

Gentaro walked over to his husband and tried to look at him "You want to tell me what this is about?" He asked.

Without a word, Dice grabbed Gentaro's other hand and placed it on his stomach "it's because of them" 

"Them…? What are you talking-" 

The novelist went silent, tears started flowing down his face making Dice gasp "H-hey! Gentaro what's wrong?!" 

"This isn't a lie right?" Gentaro asked quietly. 

"What? Why would I lie about such things? I'm not you Gentaro" Dice began laughing only to be kissed by his husband before being hugged tightly.

“A baby...you’re gonna have my baby…” Gentaro whispered, “Thank you, I love you so much, Dice.” 

Dice smiled and hugged Gentaro back, burying his face in his neck "I love you too"

"You do know this means no more gambling right?"

"Yes…" 

❤💜

Ichikuko 

Ichiro paced outside of the bathroom, waiting for Kuko to come out, he had been in there for a while when the door suddenly opened to reveal Kuko, holding something tightly in his one hand. 

"Kuko? What's wrong? Are you sick?" Ichiro asked, his hands on Kuko's shoulders, gripping them tightly. 

Kuko looked down and held out what was in his hand to Ichiro, "Look…" he said quietly. 

Ichiro took the object from his husband's hand and then gasped "You're...you're…"

"Yes…" Kuko nodded and lifted it up his shirt just enough to reveal that his stomach was now protruding slightly, "I'm already a few weeks along…"

Ichiro suddenly dropped to his knees and placed his hands on Kuko's stomach, followed by his forehead and a bunch of kisses "I'm so lucky! I'm gonna be a daddy!" He said excitedly. 

Kuko snickered as he watched his husband, tears of joy in the corner of his eyes "Ichiro you're such a sappy guy".

Ichiro stood up and picked up Kuko bridal style before gently setting him down on the bed and then spooning him from behind, his hands on his husband's stomach once more, "I'm just so excited, I love you Kuko and I love our baby too~"

"I love you both too, god if you're like this now wait till the baby is actually born and god knows what your family is gonna say"

"AH!" Ichiro shot up in front the bed "THAT'S RIGHT I HAVE TO-" but he was then pulled back down by Kuko "Alright, calm yourself there, hotshot, we'll call them later".

"Okay~"

🤍🤍

Dopfumi 

"I-I'm home from work Hifumi…" Doppo said quietly as he entered his shared apartment to reveal Hifumi running over "Welcome home Doppo-chin! Thank God you're home early!" He greeted.

"H-hey Hifumi um...remember how I was throwing up before I left for work…?" Doppo asked, rubbing his arm sheepishly.

Hifumi frowned as he remembered, "Of course, you said you'd go to see sensei, you did right?"

Doppo nodded before handing Hifumi a manila folder, tears in his eyes "I'm gonna go lay down…" he said before walking off to the bedroom

"Doppo-chin wait what's-!" Hifumi tried to call out to his husband but he already closed the bedroom door. 

Hifumi's eyes turned to the folder, he opened it and took out the papers inside only to gasp and drop them all over the floor before falling to his knees, reaching for the paper he dropped and then reading it.

(The patient KANNONZAKA DOPPO is seven weeks pregnant, pictures from the ultrasound have been included, please return to the doctor JINGUJI JAKURAI if any problems occur-Shinjuku hospital.)

"Doppo-chin…" Hifumi whispered to himself, he then remembered what the letter said and reached into the folder, grabbing the ultrasound photos and rushing to the bedroom, opening the door to reveal Doppo on their bed wrapped up in the blanket, sobbing gently "I'm sorry...Hifumi I'm so sorry…"

Hifumi frowned and walked over to the bed, pulling the blanket off and crawling on top of Doppo, making him look into his eyes "Doppo-chin...you have nothing to apologize for, don't cry"

Doppo sniffled "B-but I'm pregnant now...y-you may not even want a baby…" he said "You'll have to take care of me more than you already did...I'm sorry…" 

"Did I ever say I never wanted a baby?"

"Huh…?" 

"Did I ever say I didn't want you to have my baby?"

"N-no but…" 

Hifumi hugged Doppo "I've always wanted to have a baby with you Doppo, you said when we got married you wanted a baby, right?"

Doppo nodded.

"So then what's the problem? We have a doctor in place, a big apartment, both of us have nice salaries and we've been planning forever" Hifumi said as he wiped away Doppo's tears.

"Will...you still love me…?" Doppo asked.

Hifumi smiled and hugged him, "Forever and always" 

Doppo smiled and wiped his eyes as Hifumi laid next to him and held up the ultrasound photos "I'm jealous, sensei got to see our baby before me…" he pouted.

"At least you're the reason I'm pregnant in the first place…" Doppo told him. 

💛🤍

Jakuramu

Ramuda hummed as he worked on his current project when he felt his phone buzz in his pocket, he picked it up and smiled when he saw the message from his husband, Jakurai and without hesitation, opened his phone.

(Ramuda, I have something very important to show you :)) 

Ramuda smiled widely as he read the message before texting back.

(What is it??? I'm dying to know~!)

He patiently watched his phone when it buzzed again, another message but this time it was a picture of Jakurai standing in front of a mirror with his shirt pulled up so his stomach was visible.

(Are you trying to seduce me~? You're still at work Jakurai~) 

Jakurai then sent another picture of a large medical machine, in his hand was a small object.

(What's this about? Can't you just tell me already?)

Another picture was sent, this time the head of the object was against Jakurai's exposed stomach.

(What is it? Please tell me!!!!)

One last picture sent, this time it was pointed at the screen of the machine from a minute ago and on the screen was an ultrasound of a baby and what followed was the text from his dearest. 

(Congratulations Ramuda, we're going to become parents)

Ramuda froze, his phone falling from his hand as he stood there silently before jumping up and down excitedly "I'M GONNA HAVE A BABY! I'M GONNA BE A DADDY!" He shouted suddenly, he started dancing around the room with the dress he was working on when he stopped himself again "I gotta go see my darling!" He said to himself, throwing the dress to the side and grabbing his jacket and putting on his shoes as he got to the door and opened it.

"I'm coming Jakurai!!!" 

💙💙

Jyurio 

Rio hummed as he cooked breakfast for him and his husband when he saw said husband come up beside him and set something on the counter and then sit down at the table. 

He picked up the object which turned out to be a folded up piece of paper, he opened it and read what was inside.

"Start cooking extra for my meals, I'm eating for two now"

Rio froze and then turned off the stove, walking over to Jyuto who sat at the kitchen table, checking his phone and then looked up at Rio "So, what do you-"

Jyuto didn't get to finish his sentence as he was kissed softly by his husband. 

"Thank you" Rio said, hugging Jyuto close.

Jyuto laughed and hugged him back, "You're welcome"

❤💜

Jyushjiro

“Jiro! I think we should go to the doctor!” Jyushi said while he stood outside the bathroom door.

Then the sound of vomiting came again and then groaning, “N-no, it’s fine! I’m sure it’s just a stomach bug…” Jiro replied before vomiting again.

Saburo sighed as he stood next to Jyushi, “That dumbass...oi, Jiro I’m gonna hand you something, you’re gonna read what’s on the box and follow the instructions, understand me?”

“What the hell is it?” Jiro groaned, opening the door slightly.

Saburo handed him a pink box and Jiro looked at him confused before closing the door again.

“W-what did you give him…?” Jyushi asked Saburo, tears welling up in the corner of his eyes.

“Just wait and see”.

A few minutes passed and Jiro came out of the bathroom and looked at his husband.

“Jyushi, I’m pregnant” Jiro said bluntly.

Jyushi's eyes immediately filled up with tears, he hugged Jiro as they spilled over.

"H-hey…! Jyushi what's wrong?!" Jiro asked, hugging Jyushi back.

"I-I'm just so happy...you're gonna have my baby…!!" Jyushi sobbed, "a little baby of our own!"

Jiro smiled "Yeah, I'm excited too"

"I guess I can go now" Saburo said as he left the room.

[space-romantic]

A Stain on his Purity

#HypMicRarepairWeek2020 is going intense for now, isn’t it?

Genre: Comedy. Fandom: Hypnosis Microphone. Word count: 2,177 Prompt: Day 2 - First Kiss Summary: A fashion magazine wants Ramuda to participate in the last cover with Jyushi as his model. Ramuda notices Jyushi's innocence while creating the design together with him... but he feels so much desire to stain his purity...

Let me know if you liked it on AO3! (・ω・) /

--

Ramuda's hands had been very nimble in making the sketch of what he wanted. The colored pencils were scattered on the table in his workshop, as if a hurricane had passed through it. With the smile he had, anyone could see on his face how much the new project excited him.

He looked at his sketch again and then looked at Jyushi. For a moment, he imagined the whole outfit finished on him. The lights illuminated his face and the flashes kept coming. It was glorious.

The week had begun with a fashion magazine calling Ramuda on the phone. They wanted a special edition from people on the rise to fame, and they begged him to be there. If he wanted it, the cover was his.

Without much thought, he accepted. Obviously, the money would be good, but the exposure would be better. It was even better when they told him who the model would be. All the screens in Shibuya and Harajuku would be bright with Aimono Jyushi’s face, the “It-boy”, wearing Amemura Ramuda’s designer clothes. The designer and the singer, working together for fashion. It was a match made in heaven.

Taking small jumps of joy, he took Jyushi's hand to make him stand up from the soft pink couch. Jyushi was trying to maintain an elegant, sophisticated stance. A half-smile settled on his face as he looked at the sketch: it was a tall figure like him, with his black and yellow hair in pigtails and a strawberry headdress, wearing an over-the-top Lolita dress. The long sleeves of a pink blouse contrasted with the black dress and the striped stockings. There were chains, ribbons, and strawberries everywhere, a mixture of sweet and edgy that suited his personality.

“Hmm, I won't look half bad in it, right?”

Jyushi's voice was deep and sure. His black eyeliner contrasted with the innocent blue of his eyes. Ramuda paid attention to all those details as he pulled out the tape measure that hung around his neck and leaned over the singer's waist so that he could begin taking his measurements. He would meticulously note down all the data once he was finished.

“Yep~! If everything goes right, you'll look amazing in this dress. It'll be the biggest hit in the magazine!”

“Haha, of course, it will be. When Aimono Jyushi appears, everyone turns to see him.” Jyushi's chuckle was only about self-reliance, a way of repeating to himself that he could make it work. If the magazine had called him to do this, it was for a reason.

“I hope your design is up to my standards, Amemura-san.”

Hearing his words, Ramuda puffed up his cheeks, looking annoyed but not offended. It was obvious that the boy didn’t know who he was messing with. But the pink-haired one couldn't blame him, he was still young and no one had broken his ego... yet. Maybe he should take care of that.

“Onii-saaa~n, you're so mean! I know you're great, but my designs are great too. You'll look so cute!”

Ramuda turned around to go find a stool. For his part, Jyushi looked down and frowned slightly. In some ways, he was having a little trouble keeping it together. He looked down at the couch, looking for Amanda. He could see her sitting on his purse and felt a little bit better. She was the only thing it was making bearable this afternoon. Just having her in the same place made him feel ready to confront anything.

Jyushi thought about how kind Ramuda was, but he couldn’t feel completely comfortable around him. It was not his fault; it was only the fact it’s the first time he had seen him in person. Before Nagoya division had settled, he had seen him at rap battles. He's amazing, Jyushi has said to himself. If someone had told him that months later, they would be making a collaboration, he would have laughed.

Ramuda put the stool next to Jyushi and got on it. He continued to take the measurements of his torso and shoulders and write them down. He hummed a song. That served as a distraction for Jyushi, who closed his eyes and hummed along with him. It was a nursery rhyme, but they both enjoyed it. Jyushi's smile turned innocent as he immersed himself into the melody. The pink-haired one looked at him intently, as if wanting to remember this moment in his memory forever; as he watched Jyushi letting the tune carry him away. He noticed how Jyushi's expression had changed. He was innocent, shining, pure as a white flower. Ramuda felt a strong desire to taint him so badly…

As he came down from the stool, he went to another part of the studio. He took a deep breath to calm his thoughts. The two of them had already stopped humming. Jyushi had relaxed, anyone could tell by the way his shoulders were falling. There was no longer any tension in him, and his smile lit up the studio. To Ramuda, that smile seemed warm and friendly, very different from the ones he gave to people. It was that kind of detail that differentiated a real person from a master of deception like him. In a way, he was jealous of that innocence.

He approached Jyushi again with a pile of hair garters and a comb. He climbed back onto the stool and combed his black hair carefully.

“Oniisan, when did you know you wanted to be a singer? Is it hard to switch between rap and Visual-kei songs? What kind of lyrics do you like best? Would you like to sing something else with me?”

The questions came quickly in Jyushi's direction. His innocent eyes widened, uncertain where to begin to answer. Ramuda continued to watch him, inspecting how the light in his eyes was changing. He enjoyed seeing how the young one struggled to remain in-character, but his real personality was ready to come out. Maybe he just had to force it a little more.

"Jyushi-sa~n, your hair is so long~!"

The garters in Jyushi's hair were arranged to form a pair of braids that fell delicately over his shoulders. As soon as Ramuda finished with one, he placed a black ribbon with a red ornament in the center. He felt that it matched his clothes perfectly and hoped that Jyushi would notice as well. His aesthetic sense was precise, and he would not let anyone tell him otherwise.

"How do you get your hair to be so long and shiny? It's beautiful! I wish I had hair like that too!"

Jyushi didn’t yet realize that Ramuda was doing this on purpose to see if he would fall for it. While Ramuda was faking a pout and playing with the artist's hair, Jyushi was trying to be the same Visual-kei singer who came through the door, not the eager little boy who was about to leave. With a little effort, his gaze became indifferent and his mouth took on the half-smile that had been on his face all afternoon.

“It's because of the moonlight. It accompanies my nightly baths and makes its light imprint itself on my skin and hair.” Jyushi's voice was low again, but it was playful. He tried to sound cool and mysterious, as if his hair had always been like that. “You should feel lucky to be able to touch it like that, Ramuda-san. There are only a few privileged people who can do such things.”

“Yeah, I think I'm lucky too.” Ramuda had come a little closer to her face. His breath was very close to him. He was fixing the singer's bangs and putting a pair of strawberry clips in his hair.

He was greatly amused to see Jyushi's eyes dancing nervously before him. He could feel his Adam's apple going up and down as he swallowed his saliva. His mouth was probably dry from anxiety. But the fun was about to get to the best part.

“Jyushi-san, I think it's fate that has made us work together. I couldn't ask for anything more than a pretty boy like you! It makes me want to... I don't know, kiss you!”

And with that, his lips landed on Jyushi's. The tall one's breathing stopped, and his confidence plummeted, along with a small cry of surprise. Ramuda placed his hands on his shoulders, and with his eyes closed, ran his tongue over Jyushi's lips. As if he had touched a switch on him, Jyushi’s delicate lips parted and Ramuda forced his tongue on him, slowly and softly.

Jyushi closed his eyes tightly, unable to describe what was happening. Once Ramuda prevailed upon him, he could taste the sugar in his mouth, invading it and making it his own. It was strange, perhaps pleasant? He still couldn’t recognize what was going on, only that he liked it. He felt intoxicated. He could feel the color rising in his cheeks and his breathing began to accelerate.

Both the beginning and the end were sudden. Ramuda parted from Jyushi quickly and embraced him by the shoulders. The designer could feel the heat pouring from the singer and was satisfied with it. He put his lips to Jyushi's ear. His voice was no longer high-pitched and youthful, but the voice of a serious man.

“Ah, Jyushi! You are so pure and innocent. You make me want to sully that purity... You're so easy to break."

Jyushi's blue eyes darkened. Ramuda thought it was pure pleasure, that Jyushi wanted more of him, but he was not ready to give it to him yet. The innocent smile returned to his face, playing on his expressions in a way he knew Jyushi would never be able to.

“Do you see, oniisan~? I can't control myself when I'm with you, you're so cute!”

As he got off the stool for the last time and started to tidy up, Ramuda turned his back on him. It was at that moment that Jyushi brought his fingers to his lips and his eyes were like saucers. He couldn’t believe what had happened. If someone had gotten into his head, he would have heard Jyushi screaming inside.      

He took his things and hurriedly said goodbye, bowing 90 degrees so that the pink-haired one didn’t see his red face. Ramuda waved his hand and with a smile said, "I hope you'll come back to visit me soon, Jyushi-kun!" In a way, it was the truth. He wanted to see him again. He felt responsible for him. If anyone was going to sully Jyushi's innocence, it would be him. He couldn't have given that honor to anyone else. He placed a candy in Jyushi’s hand, as a way of marking him. They would see each other again, there were still the dress rehearsals and the photoshoot. Ah, how nice to know that they would meet again!

Pressing the candy against him, Jyushi almost flew out of Ramuda's studio. His steps were long, as if to get away from there as quickly as possible. He was ashamed of himself and didn’t understand anything that was happening inside him.

Once he had walked a couple of blocks, he went into the first café he found. His trembling hands grabbed the cell phone and dialed the most important number in his record.

He sat down in a seat at the café. Amanda was in his lap and he was squeezing her, bringing her closer to his body. The menu was on the table, but he didn't pay attention to it. The sound of dialing made him go crazy. His foot was moving anxiously under the table. In his mind he begged "please answer.”

“Hello?”

He took a deep breath as soon as he heard his voice. He could no longer control himself.

"HITOYA-SAAAAAN! Someone robbed meeeee!" Jyushi's voice was one of despair, with tears about to fall from his eyes. The people around him began to look at him, some with pity and some with discomfort. And Jyushi? He couldn’t care less about them, as he was too concentrated in Hitoya’s voice.

“What?! Jyushi-kun, calm down, tell me what happened to you. What was stolen? Did you see their face?” On the other end of the phone, Hitoya's voice sounded alarmed. “Where are you? I'm coming to get you.”

"A kiss! It was my first kiss and I didn't imagine it would be like this!" The tears that came out wet Amanda. People weren't looking at him anymore. The menu was still on the table, unseen.

At his office in Nagoya, Hitoya was silent, not wanting to believe what he was hearing. How could Jyushi have called for such a thing? He did a facepalm. The only thing that relieved him was knowing that it was nothing serious as he had thought. He looked quickly at his schedule and noticed that he didn’t have much to do that evening. He sighed. That was good. There was something in it that told him this would be a long afternoon…

[kaoarika]

*internally screaming*

It was 4 AM when I started writing this, I attempted to be a good and patient woman to NOT use the internet or see twitter for spoilers or the summary of the BB’s 2nd single Drama Track and I’m still in a whole mess of emotions because I read it after midnight, and it mildly ruined my night (at least not the whole day).

I just want to go back to the days where we all thought that the BBs were the most normal bunch of the original 4 divisions. 

So, uhm... thanks... I hate it :)

In all seriousness, though... spoilers ahead!

There’s LOTS I want to unload right here. From the way King Record releases the lore/info/canon, that leaves not too much into imagination just when they decide to dump EVERYTHING in just a couple of weeks from release from one thing (i.e. manga) to another (i.e. single/album releases).

It’s not only about the fact that it was obvious that Amayado was the Yamada’s dad, once the hints were clear as the day as info was revealed (i.e. Kuroda Takaya was asked in a recent interview about how he was cast as Amayado, one of the things he responded was that the staff gave on detail for his character as “someone who may be the ‘final boss’ and ‘the father of someone’”, or the lyrics from his own song (theorized to be responses for the BBs solos, music PRETTY well inspired by “Ore ga Ichiro”). I mean, come on.

I feel angry at this because, from the looks of it, there’s lots of sh*t that the Yamadas went through when they were younger, and the fact that they were some of the children victims affected by the WWIII thing, and the probability that Amayado (as if he deserves to be called by his name or real last name, lmao) wasn’t the “father of the year” either in the past, and the fact that he can... easily pay Jiro and Saburo a visit to... what? to force them to be stronger, to know their potential, to them betraying Ichiro...? 

Also, dude here is still mysterious as hell, you know... he is DEFINITELY pulling strings behind the scenes, he might have his own interests (and using CW for his own purposes)... and it makes me wonder more about Ichiro and his siblings... what I’m basically saying is that, the heterochromia doesn’t sound more as a “joke”, or for simple aesthetic character design purposes to me, anymore (?) (EDIT - if you go to Amayado’s profile in the official webpage, the subtlety isn’t subtle anymore, and you can see he also has heterochromia, HOWEVER... *insert thinking emoji here*).  “Father of the year”, right here. Ichiro did what he did (lying, more lying) because he wanted to give his brothers a better life... Amayado might be “looking after” them at a distance, but provoking them was such a dirty trick :))).

...The thing about Nemu... I don’t like it, lol. It was SO eventually going to happen that she was going to be recruited to be part of Central Ward in one way or another (it was also somewhat of a popular...? theory I saw back when she was introduced last year)... the last 2 chapters of the BTB manga give the perfect set up about it, actually (as it was ALL PLANNED ALONG): Nemu doesn’t like the way her brother acts and her views of unneeded violence are also pretty clear... heck, it definitely caught Ramuda’s attention, too. 

Now, the thing is... we don’t know if either Nemu is in there in good faith (like, for real, Party of Words seems to have good intentions on the surface, but we all KNOW that below it, it isn’t like that... I mean, if they would give me benefits -as a woman- and promises that the world “might change to a better place”, I MIGHT have wanted to work with them, too)... or that there’s a slight possibility she was brainwashed to be in (also, 19 years old seems pretty young in my book to be working as “vice-chief of internal affairs”??).

There’s also a chance that Samatoki knows it because Jyuto might told him about it. There’s a chance he kept getting released (because he is a Yakuza), not because Jyuto is just doing it because he likes it (or the whole “corrupt cop” thing), but because it was an order from above him - hers, his younger sister. But he blames Ichiro, because the info he received might have been manipulated, too, from starters... that he might influenced her to be part of CW’s government (and Ichiro obvs didn’t know ANYTHING about it until... just this one track).

Speaking of brainwashing, I have been thinking about this for a while, and the introduction of the real-deal hypnosis mic might be it. Clearly, the whole bit about Sasara doesn’t remembering much about why he and Samatoki fought, because it wasn’t like him... doesn’t sound too farfetched to think that the hypmics might be involved in some way or form. May be even the “real deal” one, too (and Ramuda might know about it and he might have taken it and used it, but he simply acts like he doesn’t know ANYTHING). I don’t discard at all it might have been also a base on why TDD disbanded, too (UGH, it’s still hush, hush, lol... but tbh, with all this dump of events in one track... MORE was going to kill us????). We already know they affect the humans’ psyche, after all, manipulating wasn’t out of rule... especially manipulating the users’ emotions.

For one, I really liked that we did saw DTH interaction with other divisions members (even if it was Sasara & Rosho vs Ichiro, and Jiro & Saburo vs Amayado), even if it clears out that there’s really not much bad blood between Sasara and Ichiro (kinda implying it isn’t too much bad blood between Sasara and Samatoki, either), but it was very stressing seeing the whole “KIDS, DAD IS HOME” little act with the other party involved. Really hoping that Ichiro clarifies stuff between his brothers again, and... you know... have all three of them TALK about it.

Hey, King Record, can we have some chill in canon lore material? I know you basically gave the fandom 5 months to chill before DTH and BAT’s reveal, but... I ALSO WANT THE CHARACTERS TO CHILL A BIT? AND NOT JUST IN SONGS?!

Geez, I miss those innocent days from early 2018 quite a LOT.

This looks quite a mess and I accept responsibility for it, it’s juuuusssst... imagine trying to not scream at your cellphone in the middle of a family reunion... and keeping these thoughts for more than 3 hours.

[hypmicdiaries]

Gambling (Fling Posse x Reader)

(WARNING: I'm just writing BlackJack based off of the knowledge on how my family plays it. Sorry for any mistakes!)

Just as you entered Ramuda's office, a pair of arms wrapped around your waist suddenly. You looked down shocked and saw Dice, who looked like a kid from your point of view.

He pointed at Ramuda and Gentaro, who were sitting around a table, and cried out "(Y/n)! They don't want to play BlackJack with me!"

"..And why would they?" Knowing Dice's gambling habits and tendencies to go after money, you could see why they wouldn't want to play. "Dice, maybe you should play some other game that doesn't involve gambling."

Dice's arms just tightened around your waist, and his eyes looked teary as he looked up at you with a pout. He was giving you that look. It was clear what he was trying to ask out of you.

Ramuda and Gentaro looked on in interest. Both wondering what will your answer be. You stared into his eyes, and it didn't take long for you to let out a defeated sigh.

"Fine, I'll play with you. But I'll be deciding how much money I'm betting alright?"

Internally, Dice cursed a bit. He thought he would be able to decide, but guess not. At least he can trick someone of their money now.

"Ah~ If (Y/n) nee-san is playing then I want to play too!" Ramuda said, raising his hand in enthusiasm.

Gentaro calmly sipped at his tea before he chimed in, "I guess I'll play too. Is it going to be the same bet as last time?" At his words, Dice's eyes lit up with a passionate fire.

Yes! Three birds with one stone!

Is what he thought before he remembered what happened last time. "Uh... Maybe we can cut down the bet by half please." Dice's voice changed to a more timid one as he took his seat back at the table and shuffled the poker cards he had brought.

You sat down in the last available seat and looked confused, "How much did the three of you bet last time?" You asked while you opened up your wallet. You had to turn your back to Dice while you pulled out your money, you could already feel him eyeing your wallet.

"We betted 100 thousand yen!" Ramuda said with a proud grin as he placed down 50 thousand yen on the table.

You almost dropped your wallet, how can someone say that so happily!? There was no way you could cough up that much. You originally intended to bet a thousand yen, but that seems like such a small amount compared to the amount of money both Gentaro and Ramuda are putting down.

Dice's stare on your back got even more intense the moment Ramuda announced the amount they were betting. Gentaro and Ramuda only looked amused, those bastards.

"How much will you be betting, (Y/n)?" Dice asked as he handed out the cards, leaving the remaining deck on the table.

Feeling the pressure cast upon you, you did the stupidest thing of your life.

With a shaking hand, you pulled out 50 thousand yen from your close-to-empty wallet and placed it on the table. "I-I'll be betting 50 thousand yen as well..." You could already feel your soul leave your body. You better hope you win this round or else you can kiss your money good-bye.

Gentaro looked at you with a tinge of worry in his eyes, "Are you sure you're okay with betting that much, (Y/n)? If I'm correct, You don't earn as much as Ramuda and I right?"

Before you could answer, Dice, waved his hand casually as he picked up his cards. "It'll be fine~ She can earn it back. First up is Gentaro!"

Gentaro stared at Dice's cards with a calculating look before back at his own. "Hit me." After he received his third card, he set it down. "It's a bust." He went past 21. That made Dice burst out a haughty laugh.

Ramuda peered at his cards and without a second look, he placed it down. "I'll stand!" Dice still kept his confident look, there was no way Ramuda could win against his hand.

All eyes were on you now as you stared at your cards intensely. You could either go for one more card and hope for the best or risk it all. " Screw it, hit me!" Receiving your third card, you let out a defeated sigh as you set down your cards. "It's a bust..."

Dice didn't even bother to hide a big grin as he peeked at his cards and revealed them. "BlackJack! Triple the amount please!" You may have lost, but you couldn't help but glare at Dice. "Ramuda, Gentaro, (Y/n)! Pay up then we can move on to the next round!"

Ramuda and Gentaro easily paid him while you look troubled. 'What should I do!?' You thought to yourself as you internally panicked. The money on the table and in your wallet isn't enough to pay him back!!

Noticing the look on your face, Ramuda reached over and squished your cheeks. "Don't look so frightened, (Y/n) nee-san! Gentaro and I will lend you some money to help pay off the bet and for the next bet~ but you have to pay us back okay?" You didn't know whether an angel or the devil is helping you right now.

You glanced over at Gentaro, wondering if it's alright if he lent you money. He flashed you a smile as he pulled out more money, "Yes, it's quite alright. You only need to pay us back with your body."

At his words, you paled. He couldn't be serious right!? "It's a lie of course. What are friends for~?" He held back a chuckle at your reaction. It was just too cute.

"Thank you so much! I'll pay you both back I promise!"

Dice held the money close to him as he watched the exchange jealousy, "No fair, why are you guys lending (Y/n) money but not me?"

"Because (Y/n) doesn't spend the money willy-nilly unlike you. The moment you borrow money from us, it's gone in a snap." Gentaro said as he snapped his fingers as an example. Meanwhile, Ramuda whispered something into your ear, and you could only nod along.

"Hmph! Fine, let's continue." He dealt the cards once more with a smug smirk. He's sure to win this time. He had complete confidence!

You clasped your hands together and prayed. Gentaro went first as he checked his cards. With a closed-eyed grin, he flipped his cards over. "Blackjack~,"

Dice's eyes widened, no way! Was it going to be like last time!? Is what he thought before he glanced your way. No, he still had a chance to get your money.

Ramuda was next as he peeked at his cards before he flipped his cards over, "Blackjack!" He said with a proud smile. "You have to pay us triple right, Dice~?"

"N-no way... Then what about you, (Y/n)?" He turned to look at you with a sort of pleading look when you checked your cards.

Following with what Ramuda whispered into your ear, you hesitantly said: "I-I'll double down." Those words were kind of like music to Dice's ears. He had a chance to win about 300 thousand yen from you. He glanced over at the deck's cards before sliding a card over to you, praying you to lose.

By pure dumb luck, you got hit with a card that helped you earn an exact 21. You couldn't help it as you excitedly slam the cards down on the table, "BlackJack! Now give me back my money, Dice! Double the amount!"

You quite literally see the color and soul leave Dice's body as he stared at all three lucky hands. "I-impossible..." He quickly shook out of it when he realized he still had his cards. 'Wait! I can still push them back with this!' He thought as he flipped his cards over, expecting a 21 but it was a 20 instead, just an ace short. "Y-you guys are cheating!"

"Says the man who cheated first, right Dice? This is the second time." Gentaro pointed out which made Dice tense up. "Why not you pay back (Y/n) first hmm? We can discuss the payment for Ramuda and me later."

"I-I'm sorry!!!!"

(Sparing you lot from the math)

After a lot of money exchanging later, you hugged your wallet to your chest happily. You had plenty of money left to keep after you paid back both Ramuda and Gentaro.

But you did feel bad for Dice, seeing as he was getting punished for gambling again. Dice was kneeling and had his head bowed down as Gentaro and Ramuda stood in front of him, both with evil ideas in their minds.

Oh well, he got what he deserved. He'll be fine, don't think the other two will do anything too evil to him.

[missramu]

Let’s keep writing about kisses, shall we?

Kiss number 20: on a scar.

I haven't written nsfw in a while, so if this sucks, I'm sorry;; I did my best

// NSFW, scars

 Ramuda has always been the clingy one. As a being created in a rather solitary and neglected situation, the fashion designer has always (desperately) looked for warmth and comfort. Ramuda could not stand the silence nor the cold that being alone meant; because it remembered him of older days, when he couldn’t be himself and had no option but to obey.

However, that had changed, as well as him. As he looked in the mirror, the pink-haired man smiled, softly caressing his own skin. Months ago, he decided it was time to get things done, and, after getting Jakurai’s help and all of Shinjuku’s Central Hospital, Ramuda underwent surgery, getting his so-desired mastectomy done.

At first, he didn’t think this had much to do with Chuuoku; but his whole transition defied their rules, and at first they weren’t willing to accept Ramuda as what he was, a man. As he gained freedom, he went forward: from getting his first binder to starting with the testosterone injections, everything kept secret from the women in power until he decided he had enough of hiding. Now, getting this surgery meant a lot for him, as a symbol of freedom and independence. A symbol of how he would never hide his true self again, because now he had nothing to hide.

Jakurai couldn’t be happier for him. The first thing that crossed the doctor’s mind was the things the younger man could do now that he didn’t have to use the binder, such as going to the beach without worrying about having to bathe with a shirt. Another one of his thoughts told him to monitor the whole process, but since plastic surgery wasn’t his field, he could only help from afar, collaborating with both Ramuda’s surgeon and endocrine.

And, after two months, what remained in Ramuda’s chest were two scars under what once made him feel oppressed, two scars he showed off with pride and allowed him to finally breathe.

He stood naked in front of the mirror, as Jakurai, already wearing his pajamas, watched him from their bed. The dim lights created a sensual yet tender atmosphere, where Ramuda’s smile increased as his fingers traced his own skin, caressing the scars. When was the last time he felt this confident?

Jakurai immediately caught Ramuda’s train of thought and, as soon as a tear of joy fell from his sky blue eyes, the older man hugged him from behind. It was strange for Ramuda, being the one receiving the hug instead of giving it; but he wasn’t going to complain. He felt warm and safe in the doctor’s arms.

“You look beautiful, Ramuda”.

Jakurai whispered, lowering his head to meet Ramuda’s ear. It was close enough to make the younger man get goosebumps.

“Hm~ Jakurai gave me a compliment!”

Ramuda couldn’t help but tease, because it was still difficult for him to accept compliments. Jakurai understood his situation, since Ramuda had always being told he was just a disposable tool and received no encouragement or cherishment (being his Posse the exception); but that gave him the more reason to praise his partner.

“I mean it, Ramuda. I truly mean when I say you are like a sun to my eyes. Full of light and optimism, bringing energy and life into my own”.

Now, the youngest blushed. How dare he be so bold with his thoughts? Ramuda knew he loved him, and he loved him back deeply; but it was difficult to manage so many emotions. He felt overloaded, and a bit overpowered. Jakurai sensed it.

With ease, the doctor took the fashion designer in his arms, carrying him to their bed. Ramuda hugged his neck during the short journey, clinging to him as if his life depended on it. Once in the bed, Jakurai placed the smaller man between the pillows, sitting by his side and caressing his cheeks. Ramuda was eager to read the older man’s intentions, so he raised his body a little bit, just enough to meet his lips and start kissing him while the doctor’s hand travelled from his cheeks to his chest, hazily caressing his nipples and making him shiver in anticipation.

Tenderly, the lavender-haired man broke their kiss, moving his head down to his partner’s chest. With the same delicacy, he kissed his scars, showing he truly meant it when he said he loved Ramuda. This made the younger smile, who quickly dried a couple of stray tears from his eyes, and allowing his partner to devour him with kisses, ones that quickly travelled from his chest to his vulva.

Supressing a moan wasn’t an easy task, and Jakurai took pleasure on that. He took his chance with his sensitive boyfriend, and started kissing, licking and caressing all of his wet spots, making the smaller man tremble in pleasure, unable to hide his voice and moans. As a payback, Ramuda held to his lavender hair, pulling it when the feelings were too much and as his tongue went deeper inside him. It didn’t take long for the designer to reach his first orgasm, breathing shakily and holding onto the sheets and Jakurai’s hair.

The older man licked his lips, tasting the last remains of his beloved as he looked at him, already a flustered mess. His breathing wasn’t exactly steady, and it caused him to cough a couple of times. This made Jakurai worried; but the pink-haired wasn’t done nor had exhausted his stamina. As soon as the doctor tried to reach to comfort him, the designer took his chance, launching himself to his partner’s neck and starting a passionate kiss that quickly developed into a messy and desperate one. With this, they switched positions; and now Jakurai was the one sitting on the bed as the smaller sat on his still dressed lap, taking his chance to stimulate Jakurai’s hardness with his body. Only they knew how to tease each other.

Words were not needed, as they could only think about intimacy. This concept still scared Ramuda, which was quite ironic: the man loved physical touch, but was scared of this level of intimacy. He was scared that he wouldn’t be enough, that he didn’t deserve such a level of closeness, and that he should give up his power. But Jakurai’s kisses made him remember that he was more than enough, his caresses on his lower back reminded him of their now fixed and unbreakable bond, and with his trust, he reckoned this wasn’t about individual power but their forces together as one, just like in the Kuujaku days.

Ramuda was thankful that Jakurai existed, despite everything he had once said. They’ve had their up and downs, but the doctor still cared for him, despite everything. This love, plus the one Dice and Gentaro gave him, made the pink-haired man feel alive, enough and loved. He couldn’t be more thankful.

Blue eyes met with another blue set, pressing their foreheads together. With tender smiles, they said everything that couldn’t be said with words, Ramuda lifting his body so his partner could get undressed too, although he still had his lips free to play with his nipples. Small hands intertwined with long lavender strands of hair, playing with it as they have always done.

Again, the couple shared a vivid kiss, one where their tongues danced together as hands worked their way through it all. As soon as Ramuda felt Jakurai was done putting the condom, he sat back on his lap, this time making sure to embrace his length inside of him instead of teasing it with wet flesh. Both of them left out soft moans, parting their kiss for a brief moment as Ramuda tried to find the most comfortable position to start riding.

This way, the fashion designer still felt like he had power, being the one that could control the pace and thrusts. He was weak to the sound of their flesh clapping together, and that aroused him even more, making him to speed up the rhythm, even though Jakurai’s hard length wasn’t easy to manage. The doctor placed his hands on Ramuda’s thin hips, reminding him to be careful with his body, as he didn’t want him to get hurt. The pink-haired man bit his own lip, trembling in pleasure as he felt his hands holding him, letting lewd moans out of his throat as his wetness produced more sounds around the doctor’s shaft. Jakurai wasn’t holding his groans either, and Ramuda’s sobs and whimpers turned him on even more.

Soon enough, the taller man took the lead again, carefully making the designer to lay on his back on the bed and thrusting into him after he made himself comfortable to receive his member inside again. The first times they did this, Ramuda was tense. They had to stop because he wouldn’t give in, his vagina completely sealed for the fear of being overpowered. However, time heals: the designer knew he could trust his partner, and Jakurai did his best to give him the pleasure he thinks he deserves.

With his legs crossed around the doctor’s hips, the designer brought his lover closer, deepening the thrusts and provoking more moans until they both were satisfied, Ramuda finishing after Jakurai did.

After getting themselves clean, the doctor laid by the designer in their bed, bringing him to his chest and caressing his short hair. He tenderly kissed his forehead, and, after that, kissed his scars again. As a reminder that he loved the real Ramuda; the one that now was free and knew he was important and loved. His partner, his beloved Ramuda.

[missblanchette]

Rumor Has It [7/10]

Series: Hypnosis Mic

Characters: Izanami Hifumi/Yumeno Gentaro; Amemura Ramuda, Arisugawa Dice

Rating: T

Summary: Thousands of hearts broke that day. With tears shed and cries resounding to the heavens, each grief-stricken woman wondered how this could possibly happen. In the year 20XX of the H. Era, Matenrou’s MC GIGOLO and Fling Posse’s MC Phantom were officially in a relationship.

Except they weren’t, actually.

Words: 4,113 words

ko-fi // Ch. 1 | Ch. 2 | Ch. 3 | Ch. 4 | Ch. 5 | Ch. 6 | You can read this on AO3! Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy!  (,, ･∀･)ﾉ゛

Ch. 7: The Heart in a Fog

"Gentarooo~ Why didn't you tell us you and your boy toy were serious?" wasn't the first thing Gentaro expected to hear once he sat down at Fling Posse's usual cafe for their "Play Time" (team bonding, as Ramuda put it; never mind that they stayed at either his or Ramuda's place a majority of the week), but their dear leader had never been the most predictable. The whine of Ramuda’s voice sounded like a tease than anything else, but his baby blue eyes held a scrutinizing glint to them. Cup of tea in hand and a bag of Hifumi's belongings hanging around his wrist, Gentaro supposed this was karma for arriving five minutes late.

"What? You got a boyfriend?" Dice asked between mouthfuls of a crepe.

Feigning offense, Gentaro placed a hand over chest. "Yes, you didn't realize? We've been going out for some time now. He's one hundred seventy-seven centimeters tall, has blue hair, and likes to freeload."

"Sounds kinda ugly." Dice's face scrunched up. "Wait --"

"Nope, nope, nope-y, nope! ★" Ramuda singsonged, booping Gentaro's nose. "I mean the other boyfriend who's one-seventy-nine centimeters, definitely not a real blond, and lives in Shinjuku."

Gentaro's brow creased as he pretended to ponder over the description. "Who ever are you talking about? I would've told you if he existed."

"But you were with him right here?"

Ramuda turned his phone towards him and lo and behold, the picture of him and Hifumi sitting together at Sakuragaoka-cho Street laid on the screen. Barely sparing it a glance, Gentaro took a sip of his tea.

"Ah, but that's not exactly me. That's my doppelgänger."

"Your dopa-what?" Dice said.

"My lookalike, another person who shares the same face as me. An evil twin, as some say."

Ramuda's eyes bulged wide. Making a noise of awe, he looked back and forth between the picture and Gentaro.

"Really, really? Don't they say you die after meeting your doppelgänger?" He tilted his head, lips puckered in bewilderment.

"Oh, certainly. I died not too long after laying sight upon them. My MC name is 'Phantom' for a reason, you know."

Slapping his cheek with a pop, Ramuda's jaw dropped.

"Wow~ ★ How neat, how neat! We have a real ghostie on our team!" He hopped forward in his seat with sparkles surrounding his big eyes. "Can I put my hand through you?"

Before Gentaro could answer, Dice reached out and smashed Gentaro’s cheeks in between his hand. He turned his head left and right, up and down; once more, all around.

"Ghost, schmost. I can touch ya jus' fine!"

Chuckling, Gentaro pried Dice's fingers off his face. "Yes, you've caught me. That was a lie."

"Whaaa, so Gentaro's not really a ghost?"

"I'm sorry to disappoint, but I'm flesh through and through," he said, pulling his cheek to prove it. "Though I will say that I'm appalled that you're using that image, Ramuda. It's old news by now."

"Ah, ah, ah~ It's not old news if it's still relevant." With a finely manicured finger, Ramuda pointed at the bag at his side. "You just don't carry another guy's stuff around for no reason! A~nd I know for a fact those aren't your style."

His years of lying paid off, allowing Gentaro to maintain a straight face at the comment. He hadn't mentioned what was in the bag since he sat down, let alone bring attention to the bag itself. To top it off, it wasn't see-through. Keen underneath the ditziness, Ramuda was an interesting one for sure.

"Damn, Ramuda, what if he's trynna experiment?" Dice piped up, bless his soul. "Guy can't wear what he wanna wear?"

"I merely borrowed these from an acquaintance," Gentaro said, nodding a small thanks to Dice. "I'm meeting up with them later, so I'll be returning these to them."

"An acquaintance you've been texting all week~?"

As if selling him out, the chime of a LINE message rang through; Gentaro's hand an even worse traitor, having reached to pull his phone out on instinct. He caught himself before he could do so, but Ramuda simply smirked at him and Dice raised a brow as he munched away at his food. Gentaro cleared his throat and took a sip of his tea.

"Purely business, I assure you."

"Must be some fun kinda business since you've been so glued to your phone lately!"

"Yeah, actually..." Dice's chewing slowed to a stop. "You said you've been workin' on your next book, but I always see ya textin' someone and smilin' at your desk."

Gentaro shrugged nonchalantly. "What can I say? Business is going well."

Smirk ever present, Ramuda drank the last of his bubble tea in reply, slurping loudly against the cafe's white noise as he sucked up air through the straw. Setting the cup down with a plop, Ramuda's nails click-clacked against the table.

"Y'know, Gentaro --" Like sharing a secret, he scooched in closer. "-- the whole thing with you and that Hifumi really went viral, and that got me thinking 'bout what we can do to boost Fling Posse's popularity for next season."

"Is it choreography? The idol image is very big in Chuuoku."

"Nope! But that's a good idea, I should add that to our next practice session~"

"Fuck no, I can't dance for shit --"

"B~ut, what I had in mind is that me and you should make it seem like we're dating! ♥"

"Hm, a fake dating scenario, is it?" Taking the longer strands of Ramuda's hair, Gentaro twirled it around his finger before cupping his cheek. Ramuda giggled and leaned into his palm. "The love story between a leader and his second-in-command, defying all odds and overcoming their struggles together; a tale of secrecy, mystery, and passion. How romantic."

"Hey, hey, hey, whatta 'bout me?" Dice said. "Can I be in the story?"

"Featuring their idiot third member."

"Shit, bro, after all we been through? Just gonna do me dirty like that?"

Gentaro stifled his snicker behind his sleeve. "Their idiot third member who ends up winning them the grand prize due to his immense luck."

He nodded approvingly. "That's more like it."

Clapping his hands, Ramuda laughed. "See, see! We got the perfect set up for it already so let's give it a shot! ★"

Lips quirking up, Gentaro shook his head.

"As compelling as it sounds, I don't think it's the best idea." He gave Ramuda's cheek a pat before pulling away. "Something like that will only lead to a disaster in the long run."

"Aw, boo-y. 💔" Ramuda pouted, but soon set his sights on Dice. "Looks like it's up to us then, Dicey-Dice!"

"Yeah? What we gonna do?"

He hummed while tapping his chin, baby blues scanning the cafe. "I know! You go over to that corner and I'll kabedon you! Gentaro can take the pic."

"...Shouldn't it be the other way 'round 'cause I'm taller?"

"Yeah, but I'm the leader! ★" Ramuda grinned as he pointed to himself. "Oh, maybe I'll get on Gentaro's shoulders and we'll both kabedon you."

"Hol' up, hol' up! Why's it gotta be me gettin' slammed on?"

"Don't you know, Dice? The elders must establish their dominance over the weak," said Gentaro matter-of-factly.

At that, Ramuda’s laughter filled the cafe and Gentaro joined in with a small huff. Dice squinted and jabbed his crepe at the two of them, whipped cream flying onto the table.

"Oi, who ya callin’ ‘weak’?!"

“The one who owes me a hundred thousand yen,” Gentaro teased. His eyes fell to his watch then, his plans for the afternoon fast approaching. “I’m afraid I’ll have to give Ramuda the honors of dominating you, though, since I have to be going now.”

Pouting, Ramuda tugged on his sleeve. "Awww, but you just got here."

"Forgive me, but business calls." He stood up and drew his arm out from Ramuda’s grip before making sure all his things were in order.

"The fun kinda business?"

"Business is business."

"A'ight, well, we'll be here when you're done," said Dice, waving at him.

"There’s no need to wait for me. It'll be an all day affair."

"Ooh, so the super fun kinda business~? ♥"

Gentaro gestured vaguely, but he couldn't help the curl of his lips. "Business."

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

A ghost of a smile growing on his face, Gentaro pocketed his phone and set off to meet Hifumi. Sakuragaoka-cho Street wasn't too far from the cafe, but he walked with a hurry to his gait and a bounce to his steps nevertheless. Admittedly, Hifumi's invitation had caught him off guard; another meeting so soon, with nary much detail besides "meet me at sakuragaoka-cho!!" and a plethora of stickers and hearts. Gentaro had half the mind to turn him down, but his fingers had worked faster than his head and he accepted.

He didn't regret his decision, though. In between their frequent conversations, the words to his manuscript flowed more easily since their outing; a spark, of sorts, having been lit after all the impromptu stories they created together and the back-and-forth they shared. Contrary to the voice in the back of his head that wished to see Hifumi for desire’s sake, he justified this rendezvous with the notion that meeting up with him would provide insight and bolster creativity.

Ever the punctual one, Gentaro stopped short when he spotted the familiar head of blond and lime standing near one of the sakura trees. Truly "next time" had arrived sooner than he thought it would -- had arrived when he thought it wouldn't at all -- but seeing Hifumi in person again, somehow he didn't mind. Not wasting a further second, Gentaro hurried on.

"Oh, is my watch running slow? It appears you're here on time, Izanami-san." A teasing lilt to his words, Gentaro tapped at his watch for the show of it. Expecting that perky voice of his to crack back, his lips tugged up as he neared him.

But Gentaro heard it before he saw it.

"Of course, Yumeno-sensei," Hifumi said in that flirtatious inflection of his. Given the tone, Gentaro's eyes wandered down to see him wearing his suit -- prim and proper, rather than haphazardly thrown on to avoid his fears. "I'm not one to keep a dear friend waiting."

Handsome as he was, the hands hidden behind Hifumi's back spoke of something more. Tips of red peeped out from his sides, swaying to the spring breeze. Anticipation and apprehension blending together, Gentaro pushed them down.

"What's this? All dressed up in your suit attire, are you?" Gentaro gave him a look, gesturing up and down at his person. "Don't tell me you've called me to act as your shield."

Hifumi chuckled, the once strident noise now sonorous to his ears. "No, I know better than to call a friend out for something so silly as that. I have other plans for us, actually."

"Ah, that's right. You were quite vague about that, though," Gentaro mused, glancing to the mystery he hid from him. "They don't happen to do with whatever's behind your back, do they?"

A flash of his other self seeping through, Hifumi's eyes widened before he recovered with a smile that made his heart flutter.

"Perceptive as always, Yumeno-sensei~" he said, a tilt to his head and dimples to his cheeks. "One of your charm points, for sure."

"Flattery, Izanami-san?" Try as he might to play it off casually, the butterflies in Gentaro’s stomach flapped their wings so hard that they’d started a hurricane. "Have you mistaken me for one of your so-called kittens, by any chance?"

"Nonsense, my dear Yumeno-sensei~ I could never mistake anyone as special as you are for anyone else.” His suit jacket on, Gentaro had heard him speak such adulations to the women who’d passed them by, but the sincerity in his tone threw Gentaro off. “In fact --" With the flourish of a host, Hifumi revealed what was hidden behind his back. "-- these are for you."

A bouquet of roses, presented like a bottle of champagne to his clients; yellow petals matching the hue of his locks, fading into a deep red at the tips. Had Gentaro’s heart not skipped a beat or two, he might have mulled over the meaning of such colors. Eyeballing it, he counted forty-four rose heads. Forty-four roses no doubt a declaration of affection, each petal peering up at him like the irises watching behind them. Numbly, Gentaro accepted the bouquet into his arms. The cellophane rustling in his hold, the flowers weighed heavily and the thorns jabbed into his chest.

Drawing a blank, Gentaro stumbled over his words. "That is -- This is -- These are quite something..."

"Aren’t they? A lovely bouquet for a man as lovely as you~"

He parted his lips to quip back, but Gentaro’s mind had gone askew with racing thoughts -- of excitement, of dread, of feelings he wasn't sure about -- that nothing came out. From their confrontation in Chuuoku that lead to their rivalry, to the fateful night at Kabukicho that changed everything between them, to now, Hifumi had that effect on him. For better or for worse, Gentaro couldn’t fault him for it.

Not realizing his silence, or maybe ignoring it, Hifumi continued on. "Yumeno-sensei, since we're here, may I tell you something?"

Speechless, he nodded slowly. Hifumi's smile grew bigger, beaming brighter than the sun itself. As blinding as it was, Gentaro could not -- would not -- tear his gaze away. Dangerous the sun might be, but its warmth was addicting and he let its radiance sting.

"I know we haven't spent much time together, Yumeno-sensei, but I believe we've made great strides since our first encounter." His voice a resonant melody, Hifumi took his hand in his. Warm yet suffocating, Hifumi’s touch was the only thing keeping him grounded as his senses ran a tizzy. "The circumstances might've been unfortunate, but I'm glad that the incident in Kabukicho was able to bring us closer. Since then, the moments we've shared have been a dream for me, and I've come to see you in a new light. Or maybe it's better to say that you have become my new light."

Bringing his hand close to his chest, Gentaro's fingers grazed the spot above Hifumi's heart. His pulse at his tips, he found that underneath the cool and calm persona of a host, their heartbeats drummed at the same unsteady pace. Lucent irises locked onto his, Hifumi's gaze boring into him filled with a gentleness he'd never seen before. His touch had grown searing hot, but Gentaro did not pull back.

Laced with ardor, Hifumi said softly, "Yumeno-sensei, I believe I've fallen for you."

Whether his heart stopped beating altogether or it beat so quickly that he no longer felt it, Gentaro couldn't tell. What he did know, however, was that he didn't know what to feel.

Rare was it that Gentaro let anyone into his life. Indeed, he could count those close to him with only a single hand -- a digit for each of them: The elderly couple, his parents that'd taken him in, the ones whom he'd started lying for; Atsushi, his best friend when no one else dared speak to him, the one whom he'd started writing tales for; Dice and Ramuda, his posse through thick and thin, the ones he'd fought through hell and back with.

And then there was Hifumi, his rival turned acquaintance turned God knows what, the one he’d faced with ups and downs. Once, Gentaro had thought of him as a gibbering fool without a care in the world; now, he'd come to learn that there was more to him than that -- figuratively and literally. Despite being a man of two faces, Hifumi was endearing all the same. Blunt and outspoken he might be, and other moments too honeyed and charming, but he always meant well underneath it all; the man, much to his surprise, was supportive to no end. Regardless of if the suit jacket was on or off, Gentaro found a comfort in his presence and their rhythm together flowed effortlessly. Yes, somewhere along the line, the bane of his existence became someone he enjoyed being with. From reckless nuisance to cheerful companion, Hifumi had certainly grown on him within a short season.

But, Gentaro wondered, did the moments they share together warrant anything deeper? Was the time spent talking to him any more than fondness? Was the desire to weave more tales with him any more than attraction? Was the need to get to know him better any more than infatuation? His head spun trying to find the answer.

Unsure of whether it was a truth or a lie, Gentaro said the first thing that came to mind: "I -- I -- I -- I can't return your feelings."

His shine faltering, Hifumi's face fell. "I'm... sorry...?"

Moreso to make sense of his frazzled thoughts, Gentaro replied, "That is to say, I can't take you seriously as it is. You're always saying pretty things with that suit jacket on."

Hifumi squeezed his hand, blistering caress burning him. "I assure you that what I say is the truth."

"Just like everything you tell the women at your club?" His words more callous than intended, there was nothing Gentaro could do about them save for watch as they hit the man before him.

A frown marred Hifumi's face, and it was then and there that Gentaro learned that a frown didn't suit him at all.

"There's no reason I would lie to you about something like this, Yumeno-sensei."

"It would make me feel better if I heard it without the jacket on." Uncertainty spoken after uncertainty, doing little to quell the turmoil in his head.

Hifumi's eyes ran over him as if searching for an untruth, gaze soft yet piercing. To be honest, even Gentaro himself wasn't sure if there was one to be found in the first place.

"...Very well, if that's what you ask of me."

A bitter chill replaced the scorching heat of his touch as he let go of his hand. Dazed, Gentaro stood still as a statue as he watched Hifumi shrug off his jacket. The effects were instantaneous and the bubbly, upbeat man took place of the alluring host.

"Yumenon, please believe me!" Without warning, Hifumi grabbed onto his shoulders and shook him; stunned as he was, Gentaro didn't think to push him away. Up close like this, the fervor in Hifumi's eyes cut through him. "I like you so much it makes me crazy! I like you so much it makes my heart burst! I like you so much that I love you!"

Love. What a loaded word that was. To fall for someone could be written off as a fleeting passion, to be in love was an ardent dedication. To be in love meant to share one's life with another; to be in love meant to bare one’s soul to another; to be in love meant to wholeheartedly give one's self to another. Was he capable of such love -- for Hifumi, of all people? Irony of their relationship, mayhaps Hifumi was right when he'd called him out for being caught up in the past for the future looked daunting.

"I... stand by what I said earlier, Izanami-san," Gentaro said, too heavy on his tongue to be the actual truth. "I can't return your feelings."

"...Why... why not?" Hifumi’s voice was a whisper, a strange thing to hear from this side of him. Hands dropping to his sides, his bright eyes grew dull. The rose thorns pierced Gentaro's chest.

In spite of that, the uncertain falsehoods continued tumbling through. "This was a strictly professional relationship."

"...What do you mean?"

"If you'll recall, I said I was conducting research on host clubs for my upcoming novel," Gentaro said, as if a half-truth would soften his hits. "Being a host yourself, I thought observing you would make for a good reference."

Standing before him eerily silent, Gentaro also learned that somberness was an image unfitting of Hifumi. A shame he had to learn these lessons personally.

"Oh... okay..." Hifumi's voice cracked towards the end, gaze darting to the ground. "Um, can we still be friends?"

Quietly, Gentaro dealt the last blow. "I don't think it wise to get close with one’s subject matter."

"Ah... I see..."

Neither a peep nor a hum came from Hifumi, his body stiff against the spring breeze. Doing anything to avoid the unease looming over, Gentaro returned the bouquet; the rose thorns unlatching like a knife being pulled out, prickles lingering on his chest. Without protest, Hifumi took them back with languid arms.

"I'm sorry, Izanami-san," Gentaro said, speaking a genuine truth for the first time today.

Hifumi shook his head with an unnatural vigor, plastering on a smile akin to sunlight without the warmth. Had some of the thorns embedded themselves into his body, Gentaro wondered; they stabbed deeper in and twisted about.

"No, it's fine! I mean, I can't force you to feel anything you don't, y'know?" A warble underlain Hifumi’s voice as he spoke, cracks to his cadence. His eyes, as well, glistened like glass. "Besides, that's pretty cool you used me for inspiration!" He stifled a sniffle. "...Was I any good?"

"Yes." The smile Gentaro gave him took all his effort to wear. "You were wonderful."

"I'm... I'm glad then, that I could help you in some way!" A nod, followed by another and another as if to bounce away the tears. Hifumi's grip on the bouquet tightening, a few petals fell to the ground as if losing the will to live. "I had a lot of fun together, anyways!"

A hush fell over, neither of them quite looking at each other. Hifumi, naturally, broke the silence first --  his smile lacking the spirit Gentaro had come to know and his eyes missing the shine that was uniquely his.

"Good luck with your book, Yumenon -- ah... um, Yumeno-sensei!"

Hearing this side of Hifumi addressing him so formally sounded odd -- wrong, really; but as it was, he didn't deserve to be called the nickname that he'd grown fond of. How easy it would be to claim that everything he'd said had been a lie but even now, he was not sure where his lies ended and truths began. To Hifumi and to himself, it wouldn't be fair if he said anything otherwise. Nonetheless, that didn't stop Gentaro's chest from aching as he watched Hifumi's light die out.

"Thank you, Izanami-san," he managed to choke out.

All that they’d said hanging in the air, Gentaro tore his gaze from Hifumi but his sorrowful visage had already been embedded into his mind. Being a writer, he knew that words could harm no matter how gently they were dealt and so there was nothing left to be said -- nothing more that could be said. Giving Hifumi a small bow, he scurried away.

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

Door slamming shut behind him, Gentaro pressed his back against it and inhaled sharply. The trip back home lasted far longer than it should have, what with the images of Hifumi's lifeless smile haunting him and the sound of his faux cheer on a loop like a broken record. Had it happened months ago -- weeks, even -- he might've reveled in the scene, basked in pushing his rival to his breaking point; as things were now, though, Gentaro felt nothing but guilt for snuffing out Hifumi’s shine.

Then again, it was better this way; to give a rejection as opposed to an acceptance. He’d rather nip what they had in the bud than lead him on with affections that could fizzle out sooner or later. Eventually, they would both move on and it would be as if their affair never happened; they would go back to being no more than enemies, vitriolic adversaries as things between them should have been -- at least, that was what Gentaro told himself, a rationalization to his faults.

Catching his breath, he finally remembered he'd meant to return Hifumi's belongings when the bag bumped against his leg. He hurried to his room and placed it within the furthest depths of his closet; burying the memories of him deep inside, locking away all that he felt for him, keeping that afternoon’s sorry sight from playing over and over again.

In its place was a mantra: he did not care about Izanami Hifumi, he harbored no romantic feelings for Izanami Hifumi, he was not in love with Izanami Hifumi --

(Perhaps if he lied to himself enough, it would become the truth.)

[ethereal-galaxies]

@magical-lollipops

Lamda? “Lamda didn’t shake me but Gen told me what happened to him. But I’m just not really sure I believe it wasn’t a set up. I know how you guys think. But okay. Sure. We’ll meet at the Odakyu Department Store. Two hours from now. Dice’ll be with me.” He looked to Dice and Jakurai then. “See you then…”

After the call, he finally spoke. “Daisu… I got a call from Gen last night after you went to bed. Lamda was attacked. Gen was out on a mission and two… other me’s tried to kill him. But another one stepped in and saved him. But I met one out in Shinjuku before that. He said he was gonna try and be friends with Gen. Then Lamda… I don’t think it was a coincidence…”

He paused.

“We’re meeting up with him in two hours though. He says it’s urgent. But we’ll be ready if he attacks.”

“Another one huh...?” Dice rubbed his head. “They attacked Lamda too now?”

Jakurai tilted his head. “Ramuda-kun, are you implying...” It... made sense, but at the same time it didn’t. ‘Another me...’ What did that mean? Again, Yotsutsuji’s text message... the warning... Ramuda is... “A clone?”

The doctor spoke it in almost disbelief, despite knowing the nature of the medicine he was working on and all of his prior suspicions. “What’s going on?”

Dice rubbed his face, “Well... Chuoku is the reason for all of this. Otome wants our rap abilities... I won’t doubt they’ll be going after other teams too but it seems they’re tryna either control us or pick us off before we become a big threat or something... Ramuda left them, went against them... he...” his voice trailed off. How much was Ramuda comfortable with sharing, especially to Jakurai?

“It’s... alright, Arisugawa-kun. I assume the reason you are speaking of this in front of me is because you might need my help?” The doctor placed a hand over his chest. “I’ll drive you to this meeting location and stay close by. You really shouldn’t be meeting with him at all, risking your position like this.”

The medicine made sense... it was a medicine that sustained life. Ramuda’s. That meant this same medicine was used for these ‘clones’ too.

--

In the meantime, after the clone got off the phone with Ramuda he gathered his things and skipped through the halls. He had a mission, and it seemed to be going smoothly. Well aware of everyone’s doubts, he was just going to keep playing it cool. Maybe he’d even let a few of Otome’s secrets slip out too~!

Either way, no matter what side he ended up on, at the end of the day, he just might get a constant supply of medicine. To him it really didn’t matter who he got it from. He was going to make sure he had it.

The next task in this mission was to gather his things and head out. He went into town and completely changed his appearance. Stepping out of the store’s bathroom stall, he pulled on a black wig, wearing a long-sleeved undershirt with a unbuttoned sporty t-shirt over that, black jeans, and athletic shoes. He went over to the sink mirror and washed off his face, then put in two pink contacts. He blinked, cringing after setting in each one. No one would suspect he was Ramuda, but the facial resemblance was still there. He turned around and took a selfie in the mirror with a peace sign. He texted the selfie to Ichijiku afterwards, mischievously grinning. He wrote: [All ready to go, Ichijiku nee-san!]

[hyphypmic]

JakuRamu: Amnesiac!Ramuda

Anon asked: May I please get JakuRamu with amnesiac Ramuda and Jakurai as his assigned doctor?

Definitely!

Jakurai had no idea what to do with Ramuda. He stared at the shorter man swinging his legs on the too-tall chair in the doctor’s apartment. How he ended up being the assigned doctor was a complete mystery to him.

He did end up bringing Ramuda home though when Dice and Gentato brought him to his hospital. Jakurai nearly had a heart attack when he saw the blood coming out of Ramuda’s head and the fucking bump, but he did his best and sent him to the operating room.

Jakurai had distracted himself by doing other doctor things until it was over.

And when Ramuda blinked awake a few days later, Jakurai’s heart sank when his boyfriend asked who he was... regardless of those diamond rings around both their fingers. Ramuda’s ring was on the side table, but when Jakurai came back to the room to check on him, Ramuda was wearing it.

Jakurai had to excuse himself for a while.

They were supposed to get married in two weeks, and with what Jakurai knows... it would take forever before Ramuda fully recovers. Wedding was as good as cancelled.

Matenrou and Fling Posse took over the cancellations and all that. They all told Jakurai that he should just take care of Ramuda. Besides, they didn’t want to overwhelm Ramuda with their faces and fond (and terrible) memories of him.

The doctor was in their debt.

What they did allowed him a moment’s privacy to cry. It was too much to watch Ramuda be confused and still liking candy and being cute... but it wasn’t the Ramuda that grew in the eight years. This Ramuda... he never knew.

With his head on straight, he brought Ramuda to their home two days later, the penthouse they both shared because of how ridiculously lucrative their payments are for concerts and other performances.

He had no idea what to do with the man that was pulled from darkness, entered the light... and had a head injury that had him losing majority of his memories. The only memories he had were before TDD, when Jakurai and Ramuda weren’t together just yet. For that matter, Ramuda was still in university while Jakurai was rising the ranks in a military hospital. They haven’t even met yet.

So how was he going to explain over eight years of lost memory? He didn’t explain it at the hospital because his focus was his fiancee’s recovery, the shock wouldn’t be that beneficial.

Ramuda looked at the doctor in front of him and down at his finger, the ring he didn’t bother questioning until he was just discharged. He looked at Jakurai’s finger, the sharpness in his gaze unaffected by the memory lost. “Who are you exactly?”

The childish mask was gone, well the usual one at least. Ramuda usually did act younger than he actually was anyway.

Jakurai swallowed. “I’m Jinguji Jakurai. I’m... your friend.” He paused. “Your doctor. This is my home.���

Ramuda got of the chair, albeit a bit unsteadily. Jakurai didn’t swoop in to help him because he knew the younger man hated that. His eyes immediately went to the framed picture on the coffee table in front of him. Jakurai cringed internally. It was a picture of them laughing, Ramuda in his lap and his arms wrapped around his neck.

Ramuda picked it up and stared at it. “It’s us.”

Jakurai took all but a step closer. “Yes.” His heart felt like shattering. He should have taken down the pictures, or at least ask someone to.

Ramuda then looked at his finger, the younger man piecing things together. A part of Jakurai was relieved that that intelligence still remained. “Are we married?”

“No.” Jakurai then sat on the couch. “We were supposed to be married in two weeks.”

Ramuda set the picture down and turned back to Jakurai. “I... I’m sorry.”

Jakurai blinked, not expecting that apology. They stared at each other for a while before Ramuda sat down next to him.

And Ramuda took Jakurai’s damn hand in his and squeezed. “I’m sorry I don’t remember.”

Jakurai coughed, forcing his emotions down. Ramuda had told him to force them down if they compromise you. Deal with them later.

He would follow that.

“It’s fine.” Jakurai internally cringed at the sound of sadness in his voice. “Not your fault.”

Ramuda laughed softly. “It probably is. Must have been some sort of childish accident.”  

Jakurai managed a chuckle and stroked his thumb across the back of Ramuda’s hand. “Maybe.” He looked at the younger man. “But it is you.”

Ramuda smiled and Jakurai felt something like hope flare in his chest. “Maybe you can help me remember?” The younger man asked softly. “Let me... find out why I love you?”

Jakurai felt like choking. “Really?” He asked, that too good to be true.

“You seem... like the type I wouldn’t fall for.” Ramuda giggled. “I want to know what made me fall... and who I’ve been over the last eight years.”

Jakurai managed a genuine laugh at that. “Perhaps it is my height. And that I can carry you on my shoulders.”

Ramuda giggled again and Jakurai felt his heart pound. “Maybe.” He then got silent all of a sudden. He squeezed Jakurai’s hand again. “I’ll be okay right?”

“I hope so.”

“Am I a handful?”

Jakurai only sighed with a soft smile. “Quite.”

[missblanchette]

Rumor Has It [3/10]

Series: Hypnosis Mic

Characters: Izanami Hifumi/Yumeno Gentaro; appearances from Dice and Jakurai

Rating: T

Summary: Thousands of hearts broke that day. With tears shed and cries resounding to the heavens, each grief-stricken woman wondered how this could possibly happen. In the year 20XX of the H. Era, Matenrou’s MC GIGOLO and Fling Posse’s MC Phantom were officially in a relationship.

Except they weren’t, actually.

Notes: Minor violence and blood in the middle section! Please feel free to skip it if you’re not comfortable with that. You should be able to pick up on what happened in the last section.

Words: 3,814

ko-fi // Ch. 1 | Ch. 2 | You can read this on AO3! Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoy~! ^o^)/

Ch. 3: Before One Can Say “Knife”

The eyes of women followed Gentaro as he made his way home, staring daggers into his back. He'd long learned to fake a calm serenity since body language was key to any successful lie, but that didn't make the glares any less unnerving. Once, he'd thought that the wild fans in Chuuoku were too much to handle, but now he'd rather deal with passionate fervor than deranged devotion. The looks waned down when he returned to Shibuya, fortunately, but even in his home territory there were women who would lay their lives down for Izanami Hifumi. Nevertheless, he thanked whatever gods may be that his trip back was uneventful.

Returning to his apartment, he found a curled up ball swaddled in a green coat at his doorstep. Much too big to be a cat, the napping figure might as well have been one; though, certainly, it was better than the sight that greeted him this morning. Pulling down the hood revealed Dice's face, slumbering away with saliva running down his chin. With a shake of his head, Gentaro lips quirked up as he crouched down.

"Dice~" he said, a cheer to his voice. "Now's not the time to sleepin'. Don'tcha see? You won the jackpot!"

"Huh?!" Dice shot up, head darting left and right before his wide eyes landed on him. Gentaro waved his fingers, to which Dice's face fell. "Wha?"

"I take it Ramuda has kicked you out for the day?" Standing back up, he held out a hand to Dice.

"Uh, yeah. He's got some designs due soon and he wants some space or whatever," Dice said, taking it and hulling himself up. "I woulda let you known I was crashin’ here but I lost my phone."

"'Lost' doesn't happen to be synonymous with 'gambled it away,' does it?"

Dice wiped the drool off his chin. "Haha, yeah."

Feigning a sigh, Gentaro threw his hands up. "I suppose I have no choice but to let you in lest the neighbors call animal control."

"Y'know what, I got a nicer guy I can go to --"

Gentaro huffed a laugh, taking out his keys. "It's merely a jest."

"Yeah, yeah." Dice pouted and folded his arms, but that gave way to a look of bewilderment. "Yo, by the way, I found this when I got here?"

Like whipping out coins for a slot machine, Dice pulled out one of those plush dolls of Gentaro that they sold in Chuuoku from his pocket. A noose had been tied tightly around its neck and its stomach had been cut open, the stuffing sticking out from the wound. Gentaro couldn't help the sigh that escaped his lips as he took the doll from Dice's hands. At the very least, his door was left untouched after he took the time to clean it earlier.

"Oh dear, you've caught me, Dice," Gentaro said, lowering his voice with a dark and eerie tone to match it. His eyes snapped towards Dice with a mad touch to them. "I'm actually a serial killer and this is the plush doll I use to plan out my murders. Now that you've discovered the evidence, I'll have to kill you off."

"W-Wait a minute…!"

He leaned in closer as Dice gulped nervously, swinging the doll by the noose's tail before his features returned to normal.

"Worry not, I was lying." Unlocking the door, Gentaro gestured him in.

"Goddamn, dude, you had me there for a sec." Dice's voice echoed behind him as they entered and removed their shoes. "Why you got that on your doorstep anyways?"

"I'm dealing with something worse than a serial killer."

"Oh crap, really? What, like the yakuza?"

"Worse." Doll and noose carefully in hand, Gentaro made a beeline for the kitchen whilst scanning his home for any signs of trespassers. Nothing appeared to be out of place, thank goodness.

"Worse than the yakuza?! You got some loan sharks up your ass or somethin’?"

"Even worse than that." Gentaro paused at his place in front of the cabinets and locked eyes with Dice. He held Dice's gaze, milking the silence as long as he possibly could. "Fan girls."

Brows creasing into a multitude of lines and mouth puckering like he'd eaten something sour, Dice squinted. "Fan girls...?"

Gentaro nodded sagely. "Fan girls."

"You're... shitting me, right?"

"As much as I'd love for this to be a lie, it is not." He returned his attention to the cabinet, tutting at how empty it was. The one time he actually needed it, the plastic bag filled with plastic bags was gone. "This doll is very proof of it. I’d also discovered a message written in blood on my front door this morning."

Dice whistled, low and long. "Damn, bro. Who'd you piss off?"

"You haven't heard, Dice?" Gentaro fluttered his lashes, plastering on a smile as if he were a maiden who'd been forced into an arranged marriage. "I'm having intimate relations with Izanami Hifumi."

"Iza -- Wha? I -- Ooh, oh shit. That thing Ramuda was talkin' 'bout in the group chat?" Dice's nose scrunched up like he'd landed a bad roll. "That was real?"

"Unfortunately, yes, though not in the way everyone thinks. Then again, it's not like anyone cares to think otherwise."

Gentaro sighed, his miniature mirror image staring up at him with dead, green eyes. While the situation was undoubtedly unnerving, the threats themselves didn't scare him so much as the idea of being tracked down and played with so easily. Ramuda holding information on him was one thing, but any lay person locating him was another. If that was the case, then surely they could dig up any piece of intelligence they wished and threaten to manipulate him in any way they pleased. Maybe blaming Hifumi for all of this was taking things too far but though these women acted out of their own will, they waged war in his name -- that alone was enough to put Gentaro off.

Dice clicked his tongue.  "Man, that's tight. You're not hurt are ya?"

"Not yet," he singsonged. Peering deeper into the cabinet, he found a spare bag somewhere in the back.

"Well, damn. Hopefully they back off soon or something." Mumbling, he added, "Can only imagine what that Izanami dude has to deal with."

Gentaro lips curled down. "Is that sympathy for our dear rival I hear, by any chance?"

Making an unsure face, Dice shrugged. "Nah, not really. Just sayin' it kinda sucks having to deal with some crazies, y'know? Like, the fuck they gonna do? Stab you?"

Gentaro hummed in reply. Though no larger than his arm, the doll weighed heavily in his hand. The tail of the noose hung loosely, the rough material that brushed against his skin dispelling any disbelief he had about his mangled reflection. Had he stayed home today, chances were he would have been in this doll’s place instead; hanging from the ceiling with his gut cut open, his one place of refuge becoming his grave. The scene sounded like something out of a thriller, though Gentaro was anything but thrilled to be caught in the middle of it.  

Breaking him out of his thoughts, Dice spoke again. "By the way, I'm starvin', dude. You gonna make lunch?"

"Yes, I will be, but it seems that I'm in need of ingredients." Gentaro twirled the noose's tail around his finger, pointing it towards Dice. "Perhaps you'll do?"

"H-Hey, man --"

"No need to fear, it was another joke," Gentaro said, slipping the hanged doll into the bag. "Although it’s true that I need to do some grocery shopping. I'll let you decide on lunch if you assist me."

"Really? Sweet! Can you make some yakisoba?"

"Very well. I hope you don't mind if we take the long way to the supermarket?"

"Nah, it’s cool."

Securing his headaches and worries with a tie of the bag, Gentaro nodded. "Great."

Lunch had turned into dinner, considering how long they took at the police station. Though Gentaro didn't have a lot of faith in the police, he figured that a false sense of security was better than none at all. If anything, he made a reminder to himself to contact Yamada Ichiro again should he need to take matters into his own hands. Dice stuck by his side throughout the whole process, thankfully, albeit bored. What he'd hoped for anyways was that Dice's presence would deter any more budding rumors, but that yielded less-than-desirable results. Gossip was as gossip went, and word that "MC GIGOLO and MC Phantom revealed their love affair to the public" spread faster than a forest fire by the time they returned to Gentaro's place. Deep scowls and scrutinizing glares from the women they passed aside, he rewarded Dice with the yakisoba he so craved.

One week, then. Gentaro waited one week before daring to venture further than walking distance of his apartment. It seemed that talk about him and Hifumi had died down enough to allow him to leave without feeling the stares of women everywhere he went, but not enough to stop the nasty looks he received from passersby. Regardless of the matter, he couldn't stay cooped up at home for most of his days.

While a week was plenty of time to get progress on his manuscript done, Gentaro scarcely made a dent due to his frustrations. The plot felt contrived and the characters, too, felt stiff. There was that matter of the host as well, and how he couldn't possibly scrap them without changing the entire basis of the story either. An occupation like a bartender was much too mundane for the story, but something along the lines of a prostitute was too shady. What he needed, in that case, was a point of reference. Call him crazy -- and assuredly he would believe it after all that pacing he'd done in his room -- but Kabukicho was the best place for that. Setting aside his qualms and paranoia, Gentaro took to the streets of the red light district once again in hopes that inspiration would hit.

And something, surely, did hit.

With a shout of "Yumeno-sensei!", Gentaro was pushed onto the ground faster than he could process anything. His hands shot out, barely breaking his fall against the concrete sidewalk. Vision spinning, the shrill scream that cut through intensified his vertigo. Picking himself up with shaky legs, Gentaro noticed the crowd forming around him and his eyes followed the people's attention. His breath caught in his throat, seeing a familiar head of blond hair and the back of a gray suit jacket staggering about.

"Hifumi! I hurt you, Hifumi!" A woman wailed as she cupped Hifumi's face with her hands, tears streaming down her cheeks. Hifumi, meanwhile, wobbled backwards as his jacket slipped down his arms. At his feet, drops of red dripped down. "I'm so sorry, I was trying to get that Yumeno bitch!"

Her eyes, crazed and ireful, snapped towards him and pinned him in spot. She pointed an accusing finger at him as if he'd been the one to harm her beloved. Before Gentaro could quip back, Hifumi's laugh filled the tense air. Though a noise he usually found so annoying, the strain laced within it didn't sound right.

"My darling kitten, that's a little rash, don't you think?" Gentaro couldn't see Hifumi's face but he could hear the warble that underlain his flirtatious lilt, watch his fingers tremble as he took her hands in his. "There's no need for violence, love."

"But you belong to me!"

"If you care so much about your precious Hifumi --" Ignoring his uneasiness, Gentaro schooled his expression into one of impassiveness. "-- then mayhaps you should do something about the blood you've spilled?"

The woman scowled, baring her fangs at him. "How dare you!"

Giving no warning, she lunged at him. Gentaro shut his eyes closed out of instinct and raised an arm to brace himself for the impact that never came. Counting down the heartbeats, he slowly opened his eyes to see Hifumi holding the woman back. She squirmed and writhed in his arms, her kicks barely grazing Gentaro. A knife, he saw at last, had been lodged into Hifumi's abdomen and blood seeped through his shirt and the woman's dress. It was a wonder that he was even standing, as her thrashing agitated the handle and caused blood to flow faster. The drops of red beneath him formed a small puddle.

"This is for your sake, Hifumi!"

"Now, kitten, I'd gladly let you sink your claws into me but I won't allow you to harm anyone else." The flirtatious lilt had given way to a serious edge, the timbre unfamiliar to Gentaro's ears. He shuddered, though whether it was from Hifumi's tone, the woman's vehement ardor, or the faint sirens blaring in the background, he didn't know.

"Is this what you call 'love'?" Gentaro jeered at the woman. Never had he seen such hate directed at him, her eyes defiant and frenzied as they pierced through him. "Is your passion so twisted that you care only for your own feelings? That you disregard your beloved's wishes? How selfish."

"Shut up! What do you know?!"

Just as she'd broken free from Hifumi's grasp, the police arrived on the scene and grabbed her before any more damage could be done. Gentaro blinked, the sounds of sirens finally settling into his ears and his heart drumming against his chest. As the police officers took her away, Hifumi teetered on his feet, swaying as stalks in a field did on a windy day, and fell over. Without thinking, Gentaro caught him.

"Yumeno-sensei..." Irises dull like aged champagne, Hifumi looked up at him through lidded eyes. His breathing sounded labored as blood dripped onto Gentaro's fingers, the knife jutting out of his abdomen like a bookmark sticking out between pages. "Are you okay?"

"Have you seen yourself?" Gentaro blurted out.

"A flesh wound is all it is," Hifumi said, the levity in his voice weak. He let out a chuckle, more feeble than irritating. "It's not my first run in with a knife, anyhow."

For once, Gentaro found himself at a loss for words. A writer he was, a weaver of lies and a creator of worlds, but not in his wildest imagination would he have ever thought of a scenario like this: Izanami Hifumi, rival and nuisance, taking a hit for him and lying limply in his arms. The way he reacted so blase, so nonchalantly, as if he'd received a mere slap to the wrist only added to the shiver running through Gentaro’s spine.

Before he could find respond, the EMTs entered the scene and whisked Hifumi away. In his place were blood stains adorning his white sleeves and a heavy weight upon his arms; a chill replacing stifling warmth and a disquiet settling in his core. Gentaro stood frozen as the EMTs placed Hifumi on the gurney. A pit filling his stomach, he swallowed hard as they loaded Hifumi into the ambulance.

"Excuse me," Gentaro said, approaching the EMTs with a lie ready on his tongue. "May I come along? He's a friend of mine."

The EMTs looked at each other before ushering him inside the ambulance. Taking a seat beside Hifumi, he inhaled sharply at the sight of the languid man lying in front of him. The sirens filled the air again, and Gentaro's mind went numb with racing thoughts.

The ride passed like a blur, if anything because Gentaro couldn't quite concentrate. Hardly being able to answer any personal questions in Hifumi's stead, he simply watched as the EMTs dealt with his wound. The next thing he knew, he was sitting in the hospital's waiting room as they ran tests on Hifumi. Though Gentaro was well acquainted with the sterile smell and cold air of hospitals, that didn't make them any less uncomfortable, less harrowing, less sickening. He'd yet to decide if those working here were brave or broken for what they tended to on a daily basis.

His notebook and pen remained untouched in his pocket, his hands idle in his lap for even he couldn't bring himself to use his fake realities as a distraction. He had to wonder, really, why he hadn't left yet. He'd ridden with Hifumi out of obligation, to see him to safety as it was only what one should do. By all means, Hifumi was already safe, at least as safe as a hospital could be; but for some reason, Gentaro sat still as if his legs had turned into stone. Like a phantom, the feeling of Hifumi's limp body lingered on his skin and the image of his pale face staring at him -- so unlike the haughty man he'd faced on stage -- refused to leave his mind.

It might've been an hour or it might've been an eternity before a nurse gave him the okay to see Hifumi. Absentmindedly, he followed them to his room.

"D-Doppo...! Save me...!"

"Izanami-san, please relax. I need you to stay calm so I can insert the needle."

Standing by the door, he saw Hifumi cowering in the bed and a nurse at his side holding an IV line. Gentaro frowned as he hovered by the entrance, one foot inside the room and the other hesitating to follow. If he hadn't been doubting his decision to come along before, then he definitely was now. There was no comfort he could provide Hifumi nor any assistance to the nurse.

"Pardon me," a deep voice came from behind him. Turning, he was face-to-face with Dr. Jinguji Jakurai who raised his eyebrows at him. His guard went up at the sight of Matenrou's leader -- the saint so detested by Ramuda and the humanitarian with a history far too clean to be true -- looking down on him, but Jakurai questioned not his presence and gave him a polite smile. Dipping his head, Gentaro let him pass by.

Approaching Hifumi's bed, Jakurai nodded to the nurse. "Your help is appreciated, but may I ask you to leave? If there are any male nurses available, please send them this way."

With no argument, the nurse took heed and left. Like a switch had been turned off, the apprehension on Hifumi's face disappeared and he reached out for Jakurai with jittery fingers.

"Dr. Jakurai..." The quiver had left his voice, the tone more akin to the perky one he heard during their phone call. Gentaro stood silently as Hifumi clung onto Jakurai. "Thank God you're here, that woman was so scary!"

Gentaro's brows furrowed, noting that odd comment.

"I came as soon as I possibly could," said Jakurai, patting Hifumi's head. "I had a scare when I heard about what happened, but you're quite the lucky one, Hifumi-kun. It's amazing nothing vital was injured."

Sickly pale as he was, Hifumi flashed a V-sign. "It takes a lot more than a knife to get me down!"

Jakurai's lips tugged up, though concern crossed his features. "If I may ask, how did things come to this?"

"It was, like, totes cra~zy, Doc!" Hifumi perked up and shook Jakurai’s hand back and forth. "So I was walking to work, right? But get this: I saw one of my clients carrying a knife! I was like, 'Why's she carrying a knife in public like that?!' but then I noticed she had this super scary look on her face." His face scrunched up, squinting and pursing his lips as if mimicking her expression. "And then! And then, she started running towards Yumeno-sensei --"

With Hifumi gesturing right at him, Jakurai's gaze locked onto his. Gentaro could have written pages upon pages as to what he imagined was going through Jakurai's mind, his face refusing to reveal any of this thoughts.

"-- so of course I had to do something!"

Eyes lingering on him for a moment more than necessary, Jakurai turned his attention back to Hifumi. "That's very admirable of you."

"Yes, indeed," Gentaro spoke up, finally finding his voice. He couldn't tell if what he said next was a lie or a truth. "I appreciate what he did for me, so I felt it right to see him to the hospital."

"Thank you for being there, Yumeno-kun," Jakurai said, his voice even. He might have been reading too deeply into it, seeing things that weren't there, but the smile Jakurai wore appeared to be stiff. "It's rather late so if you wish to go home, you may. I can take care of things from here."

For all Gentaro berated himself for not leaving as soon as he could've, he hesitated at Jakurai's words -- a demand, perhaps, under the guise of courtesy. In contrast, Hifumi's smile was kinder in spite of the weariness in his eyes. Gentaro's stomach twisted in knots. They were rivals on the stage, practically strangers outside the territory battles; he had no place at Hifumi's bedside, let alone seeing him to the hospital. Truly, he had no place here at all.

"Right then, I suppose I'll be taking my leave." Taking a step back, Gentaro bowed his head. "Thank you, Izanami..." He paused, the title hesitant to roll off his tongue. "...-san."  

"Take care, Yumeno-sensei," Hifumi said, chipper despite the fatigue evident all over him. He waved, albeit sluggishly. "Get home safely!"

Without a further word, Gentaro exited the room. His steps slowed down, however, as he heard Hifumi's loud voice from inside.

"Hey, Doc, did you hear anything about that woman? Is she doing all right?"

The conversation trailed off and Gentaro fell to a stop. All he'd ever known of Izanami Hifumi was that he charged recklessly into the future, that he was a man with no filter, that he was a wolf who blindly followed in the steps of of his pack leader. Upon the battle stage, he sung of naive ideals and self-praises; within Kabukicho's nightlife, he dared present himself as a perfect dream. He'd no regard for sensitivities, no sense of sympathy if his dises and careless words about his person had been anything to go by. But here Hifumi had gone and taken a knife meant for him without a second thought, asked him if he was unharmed like the bad blood between them didn't exist, and bade him farewell as if they were friends.

Had the situation been reversed, Gentaro wondered, would he have done the same? The answer to that was a resounding "no" -- or at least, it would've been before the events that transpired tonight. With the pressure of Hifumi's body lingering on his arms and his blood staining his sleeves a deep red, he regretted to admit that. Perhaps he was the one with no regard for others.

With a heavy heart and an even heavier conscious, Gentaro left Shinjuku Central Hospital.

[ethereal-galaxies]

@magical-lollipops

Ramu had fallen asleep so late that light filled the halls and bathed his sleeping frame in color, though even then, he didn't wake. He didn't want to be awake. Being awake meant thoughts would plague him. But today was the preliminary rounds for the Division Rap Battle and he had an alarm set on his phone just for that. When it went off, he grumbled and switched it off. He didn't care. Why go? He wasn't participating. Still. He'd be yelled at if he didn't have Gentaro watch. Fine... He was going to just barge into the room, but... He paused and then knocked, waiting for the man to answer.

Back at the hotel, Ramuda had gotten ready for the prelims and was waiting on Dice, Samatoki at his side. This was Mad Posse's debut performance. It was time. And by winning and working their way through all battles, they would get to Chuoku and win. Then, they would find Gentaro. It was a long road but surely they could do it. "Dice! Hurry up! We gotta go!" he called. He thought back to last night. One of the clones had knocked him out. And Gentaro had alerted Dice and the others. Their friend was still there, but they couldn't call to him yet. Chuoku had a really harsh grip on him. Ramuda popped a lollipop into his mouth. He knew it was time for another dose.

Samatoki had checked his phone, wanting to see if there was a message from Jakurai. The doctor had to be awake and checking his phone by now, right?

“With- with all that’s happened recently, do you really think I won’t pull you down at the preliminary battles?...” A red head was busy speaking with the physician. He rubbed his face. “Sensei, my head is racing and my chest is so tight I can’t feel my throat!”

Jakurai sat calmly in the chair across his client and teammate, Kannonzaka Doppo. He kept a tranquil expression, allowing Doppo to let out his stresses. “Doppo, it’s normal to be this nervous before a performance like this. We’ve made it through this sort of thing before. I don’t doubt that this worry you’re feeling now will turn into great strength when it comes down to it...” Hmm... he thought for a moment. “I recommend some relaxing tea. Preferably chamomile or hibiscus. Remember, the more you let your mind race and dwell over all this, it isn’t healthy for you.”

Doppo took a deep breath. “Yeah... I guess...” He rubbed his shoulder. 

Jakurai continued, “Sometimes you need to walk right into things and embrace the unncertainty. You won’t be alone. You will have Hifumi and I at your back as well.”

Doppo smiled a little. “That’s true... I don’t know, sometimes all these thoughts just cloud my mind- I’m no good--” “Doppo. Those thoughts bother you so much because they don’t come from you.” He moved his wheeled chair backward and opened up a drawer. He wrote down a list of what specific teas to purchase and handed the list to Doppo. “Here, buy these before the battle tonight. And remember to have fun with it. Whether we win or lose, we’re still going to do our best.”

Doppo looked over the list. He returned his eyes to Jakurai and pursed his lips. He nodded, “Thank you... Jakurai-sensei...”

Jakurai nodded too. He didn’t mind at all being there for Doppo. With a smile still on his face, he became minorly interrupted by a beeping of his phone. Eh? Samatoki? 

He read the texts. It... was more or less a lot to process. And as the doctor visibly tensed, the other looked at him worried.

“Sensei, are you all right?” 

Jakurai looked up from his phone. He put a hand to his lips. “I actually am not that sure... Samatoki sent me something concerning Amemura.”

“The leader of Fling Posse? Your old teammate?”

Jakurai nodded. “I’m going to have to contact them, but don’t worry.” He stood. “Try to relax for now. I’ll see you again later this evening.”

--

Gentaro didn’t answer right away. Hnn... already...

He pushed himself up and slumped over to the door and opened it. His eyes were hazy and he slouched drowsily as he looked down. He watched the clone for a moment, standing there.

“Nope.” He spoke out loud with closed his eyes and started to close the door again.

--

Jakurai, now alone in the room, walked over to the window and looked out into the city. His smile was gone, what was left of it left with Doppo. He put his phone up to his ear to call Samatoki directly.