#high school asuka march

[odaka-asuka]

“A group project? Awesome! I wonder what they’re all like!”

「 In Kamiyama High, met through a mandatory group writing assignment, 6 kids from different walks of school life eventually grow to befriend each other over their shared love of mystery and crime (In whatever form that takes!) 」

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Fan Unit: CIPHER: Elements of Crime

~ After they solve mysteries around their school together to feed their writing project, they realize it’s awful fun to crack codes together! When Renji steals a case file from his detective father’s office and see the state of the victims, the teens all abruptly realize how important it is to actually solve a mystery…

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“The Class Clown” - CASE FILE

Name: Okada Asuka

Age: 16

Sex/Gender: Any

Birthday: March 27th

Notable Relationships: Friend of all

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

@miyamoto-yuri

@inoue-misaki

@tsukumo-tsubasa

@nakamura-renji

@utsugi-kyusaku

[strawberryfairi]

“I loved you then…back when I knew you”

Synopsis: 💎 When your old high school best friend, and admittedly, first love randomly shows up at your door one morning after a bit over ten years apart, your memories of him that you once locked away comes flooding back. Are you open to hearing him out after all this time? (In other words…will you take your man back or nah?)

♕Pairings: Kazutora X Black Fem Reader 🤎 (ANYONE CAN READ)🛑Content: 18+ Eventual smut, Some grief, Some angst ~Crossposted On: Wattpad ONLY ~Updating WEEKLY

w.c. 2.6k💠 Released March 28, 2024

NOTE🧚🏾‍♀️✨: This chapter is so rushed and short fr I'm def not proud of this one, BUT due to this fact I'm doing a double post of chapters 9 + 10❤︎ You're welcome teehee.

Previous | Next Chapter Chapters Masterlist

CHAPTER 9; BROKEN

It's been a while now after finding out a bit of Kazutora's past. You were way too nervous to really ask him anything about it as you really didn't want to upset him and ruin your already blurry friendship.

You figured if he wants to share anything about it he will, in his own time.

Today was another one of those school days that were unbearably boring. Though it was actually a bright, clear skied day, the morning was quiet, everyone tired and sluggish from a weekend full of cloudy skies, and rain.

It wasn't until lunchtime that things finally started to get more...exciting for you and your friends.

"Are you deadass?!" You gaped at your friend Hanako-chan, along with the other girls at the lunch table.

"Yup! He asked me out last Friday after school! It was so cute; I couldn't believe it!" Her cheeks were dusty pink as she recalled the memory of her crush asking her out.

"Wooooow! I'm so happy for you, Hanako-chan." You smiled softly at her.

"This is the same guy that came to hang for Halloween, right?" Yumi chimed in, her brows slightly furrowed.

"Yeah! His name's Sora Kobayashi." She swooned hard.

"Oooo! Hanako Kobayashi kinda eats, you know? It's got a lil ring to it." You smirked devilishly, her face turned deep red as the other girls giggled.

"It's giving future husband!" Asuka-chan chimed in, a bright smile on her face.

Suddenly, some commotion going on towards the entrance of the cafeteria caught all of your attention, heads turning nearly in sync with each other.

It was Kazutora, who hadn't been here earlier today, strolling in casually with those two other guys you'd seen with him once before. You already knew what was going on as his eyes locked with yours. A charming grin made its way on his face as he approached you.

"Speaking of husbands...." Yumi murmured with a devilish smile, looking your way for a moment.

"Hey", he nodded towards you, "hey girls." He then acknowledged your friends to which they all smirked.

"Heeeeyyyy." They sang, dragging it out obnoxiously long.

"Ohhh would you look at that, suddenly we all have somewhere to go, right girls?" Miyazaki-chan cut in, clearing her throat and raising a brow so all the girls would get what she's trying to do.

"O-oh yeah yeah! We're needed...elsewhere currently. See ya!" Asuka chuckled, making it so obvious they were leaving us alone on purpose. You sighed, discreetly rolling your eyes.

How y'all needed elsewhere during lunch...?

"Why'd you come to school so late? You dropped me off just to dip out then come back?" You questioned, your brows furrowed. He put on his signature cheeky smile, his eyes closed from how wide it was.

"Uh oh..." You deadpan, already knowing he was up to absolutely no good with that look. "What did you do?" You narrowed your eyes. He shook his head. "What are you doing?" You said next, your expression still the same as the intrigue started to rise more. He shook his head again. "What are you about to do?" This time your brow raised as there wasn't any other variation left that you could think of.

"There it is! I'm bustin' you outta here!" He says excitedly.

"You what?" A playful scoff escaping you as a small amused grin made its way on your lips. Kazutora grabbed your hand with both of his, pulling a bit so you'd stand out of your seat.

"Uh uh! I can't leave!" You pulled against him, trying to keep yourself planted.

"Yeah you can! I do it all the time." He shrugged like it was the most simplest thing ever.

"Yeah but you're not supposed to! And I'm not you!" You frown.

"C'mon goody two shoes, I'm kinda on a time crunch right now."

"No, I can't skip school! Bruh!" You spout rapidly, feeling a mixture of nervous excitement. It was kind of true that you were a 'goody' type of student. Never skipping school, always on time for class, and getting your homework done to the best of your ability was always your thing. Compared to Kazutora you probably were an angelic, perfect example student.

The idea of skipping has never even crossed your mind before, seeing as you figured teachers would worry and highly likely call your mom, which would then petrify her and have an entire S.W.A.T team level search party coming for you. It just wasn't worth it to skip. Besides, where would you be skipping to? For what?

"It's fine! You can miss half'a day." He chuckled, finally pulling you along towards the caf entrance.

"No, I'm serious! This isn't a good idea! I'm gonna get in- You cut yourself off with a gasp, feeling slightly disoriented as Kazutora abruptly pulled you towards him and casually flung you over his shoulder.

"Hey! If you don't put me down!" You blurted out frantically in English, making him laugh. "You're embarrassing me in front of all these-oh my gosh...." You facepalmed in defeat, watching as everyone laughed and took in the scene unfolding in amusement.

"It'll be fun, trust me!" He assured playfully, still keeping you perched up on his shoulder as he and his friends walked out of the school.

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

Kazutora had taken you all over the place today. First it was some street race that he took you to watch together. It was all kinds of older guys and even some your age, dressed in streetwear, smoking and driving really cool looking cars.

You were glad he'd taken you to your place first to change out of your uniform, it would've looked so awkward since everyone else was dressed so amazing.

You were wearing a cute black skater style skirt with a slit by the right thigh, sheer nude stockings and a white cropped top. Over the fit you had on a hot pink cardigan with your first initial stitched in the back, and white two and a half inch knee high, heeled boots. It was fully into November by this point, so the cardigan was much needed. It wasn't necessarily blending with the streetwear vibe, but you were still cute nonetheless.

Afterwards he'd taken you out to get food at this ramen place! It was here that you started to wonder if this was his way of taking you out on a date without actually saying it. He was all smiles the entire time, talking up a storm with you, and insisted on paying for everything.

Then you both just wandered around the shopping district, trying on all kinds of things and even clothes and accessories you didn't even like. He'd even gone out of his way to buy you something you liked a lot. These gold, medium sized hoop earrings with little faux diamonds embedded into them. To say you were overjoyed and flattered would be an understatement. Immediately the jewelry became your absolute most cherished item in your accessories drawer.

And now, hours and hours later, the two of you were off somewhere deep in the city, strolling into some random skyscraper.

"K, what are we doing?!" You chuckle, going along with things as he leads you to a basic looking metal door in the main entrance of the building. The door revealed flights on flights of squared stairs, an elevator on the right upon coming inside.

"You'll see." He replies vaguely, a cute yet mischievous looking grin on his face. The two of you went all the way to the top floor, heading to the door that leads to outside.

Instantly you were met with an astonishing view, other buildings, street lights, and the night sky all greeting the both you. It was almost a fully clear sky up above, thousands and thousands of stars along with the half moon shined so brightly. "This is beauuuutiful! We're so high up!" You beam, smiling as the wind slightly brushes past you, making your skirt and cardigan sway.

"I know. I come up here all the time." He says softly, walking ahead of you.

"Come on!" He urges, giving you a nod. Snapping out of your daze you catch up to him, the two of you walking near the edge of the building.

"Wait...don't go too far, K." You warn, feeling your heart drop slightly as he kept going. The two of you weren't so close where you could fall, but it was enough to make you just a bit nervous.

"It's fine, don't worry." He assures. "I brought you here 'cause this spot is really special to me." He says softly with a particularly warm smile.

Your heart fluttered wildly in your chest at his words, a small smile dancing its way across your lips. "I'm glad you took me here. I really like it."

"Y'know, I'm really happy I met you. I want you to know that." He continues, brushing his hand behind his neck nervously.

"Aaaw, I'm glad I met you too, K! You're my best friend." You admit softly, feeling your cheeks heat up as that's the first time you'd ever told him you felt that way.

"Actually, I brought you here 'cause...I gotta-..I gotta tell you something." He adds hesitantly, looking to the side a bit as his expression turns a bit pained.

This time your heart practically attempts to leap out of your chest. You purse your lips together to try and conceal the fully wide, glowy smile, clasping your hands together. Your little paper bag with your new earrings sat between your fingers. You might be joining Hanako-chan in the no longer single committee real soon!

"Yeah?" You murmur softly, biting your tongue.

Was he actually gonna go and confess his feelings?! Maybe that's why he came and took you out of school. He set up this whole thing just so you guys could end here, and he could ask you to be his girlfriend!

"Um..I don't really know how to say this..." He trails off, still not making any kind of eye contact with you.

"No, it's ok!" You assure sweetly, taking a step closer to him. By now your brows start to furrow a bit, slowly becoming concerned as his expression turns almost stony, and his eyes look hollow.

Maybe this wasn't what you thought it was...

"W-what's wrong?!" You press, placing a hand on his arm.

"I-...I may not..see you again." He finally mutters weakly, his eyes looking up at yours finally.

You blink, shaking your head a bit. Immediately your hand drops from his arm, looking at him as though he just went and slapped you across your face.

"What? What do you mean?" You question, your tone a bit sharper than you intended.

"I'm not gonna see you again. Not for a long time probably-

"What are you talkin' about? What does that even mean?!" You rant, feeling your heart start to crack. He lets out an exasperated, conflicted sigh, burying his hands in his pockets.

"I can't really tell you why, but after tomorrow...I just won't be able to see you again." He explains again, not bothering to expand any further.

"You can't tell me?! You brought me here just to say this?! To just drop me?!" Your chest rises and falls visibly as your breathing becomes heavier, an overwhelming amount of emotions starting to wash over you. Anger, confusion, worry, betrayal, even denial.

"I'm sorry." He replied barely above a whisper. You scoff at his weak response.

"You're sorry?! Sorry for what exactly, 'cause you don't seem all that sorry. What did I even do-

"No no, you didn't do anything! It's not even about you, I just have-

"So if I didn't do anything why are you doing this?! You took me out of school, spent all day playing nice, and brought me here just to tell me you're never gonna see me again, and you can't even at least explain to me why?!" You argued with a shaky voice. By now you'd already started crying, the tears streaming down your face like waterfalls.

"I promise I'd tell you if I could, but I can't." Kazutora says regretfully, a pained look on his face as he tries to reach for your hand.

"You can't or you won't?" You question sharply, snatching your hand away as you take a step back.

He goes silent, looking down and to the side, not even at least trying to answer you.

"Wow. So that's it, you just...say nothing." You scoff, shaking your head, looking over at him as if he were the worst person you knew. "I'm sorry..." He mutters monotonously. "I can't believe you." You grumble bitterly. What you really meant was 'I can't believe I actually fell for you'.

"Well I'm glad then, that you won't see me again, 'cause I don't wanna see you." You scowl, giving him one last look before storming off back inside the building, heart breaking even further when he doesn't bother to try and stop you.

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

You'd went home and just cried and cried and cried all night until you fell asleep. It was so bad your mom could hear your sobs, bursting into your room to figure out what the matter was. You'd managed to tell her the whole story, crying into her chest as she tried to console you as best as she could.

The next day was the worst, the realization that what had happened last night wasn't a dream but very much reality made your heart break all over again. You were in so much pain, everything ached, and your head was pounding.

You didn't eat, you didn't turn on any lights in your room, you barely even spoke.

The girls had been blowing up your chat since yesterday, wanting to hear the 'tea' about how things went with you and Kazutora when the two of you ditched school together. You'd went and turned the group chat and individual chats with them on do not disturb. Honestly you were just embarrassed, feeling so stupid about the way you felt about him since it all blew up in your face. It's the way you really swore he was gonna confess to you, tell you he loves you and the two of you would just...who knows?

None of that even matters at this point? He doesn't want you around so any fantasies you once had before were all turned into pitiful ash in a matter of seconds. Your mom had told you last night that she believes he still cares about you and likes you, but he just went and chose to push you away 'cause he's not ready.

You hated him, hated everything about him, especially the things you used to love the most. Even more so you hated the memories, the memories that would flash through your mind, plaguing and haunting you relentlessly every second of every day.

Each day after felt worse and worse, unlike what your mom had assured you of. Every day that you two didn't speak chipped off pieces of your heart. Everything reminded you of him, the stuffed bunny he got you, your own bed that he'd laid in with you multiple times, when you walk outside and he's not there waiting for you to walk to school together.

School was the absolute worst. You'd gone from Hanemiya-san's princess to Hanemiya-san's ex. Rumors spread all over like wildfire, and of course with Kazutora no longer coming to school people felt completely free to voice their opinions loud and proud. Of course your friends would come to your defense, but now all of you were outnumbered, so it didn't do much to stop anyone from talking their shit.

Finally, weeks turned into months, which turned into years.

It took two years for you to finally free yourself from the depression of being left by Kazutora, college being the exciting new beginning for you.

You'd decided to go home, back to America to really clean off your slate. You met new people, made new friends, though you kept in touch with all of your friends from Japan. It was rough though, talking to your friends in Japan, they'd always remind you of what you left behind....

[mixedkid-matchup]

Anime Bracket

this is the most chaotic mix of multiracial/species ever but listen here i tried. ;')

Entry Rounds will start Friday, March 10 @ 7PM MST

matchups if it's hard to see (i understand):

Entry Round 1: Giorno (JJBA) VS Jotaro (JJBA) Winner will move to round one against Trunks & Gohan (Dragonball Z)

Entry Eound 2: Elena Amamiya/Cure Soleil (Star Twinkle Precure) VS. Asuka Langley (Neon Genesis Evangelion) Winner will move to round one against Eli Ayase (Love Live!)

Entry Round 3: Pony Tsuotori (Boku No Hero Academia) VS. Shiori (Inuyasha) Winner will move to round one against Junko Saotome (Nana)

Entry Round 4: Hattori Heiji (Detective Conan) VS. Nanami Kento (Jujitsu Kaisen) Winner will move to round one against Sado Yasutora (Bleach)

Round One currently consists of:

Inuyasha VS. Rin Okamura

Tamaki Suoh (Ouran High School Host Club) VS. Momiji Sohma (Fruit Basket)

Langa Hasegawa (SK8 the Infinity) VS. Mari Ohara (Love Live!)

Alucard (Castlevania) VS. Eto (Tokyo Ghoul)

[mybeingthere]

The Japanese-Brazilian talent presents powerful new works for her first solo show at Blum & Poe in Tokyo.

"To say that artist Asuka Anastacia Ogawa is worldly is an understatement. Born in Tokyo, she moved to a rural farm in Brazil when she was three, attended high school in Sweden, and then later relocated to London to study at Central Saint Martins. Now dividing her time between New York and Los Angeles, Ogawa draws on these rich cultures and experiences to cultivate an artistic language all her own.

In the dreamy paintings that are currently on view at Blum & Poe in Tokyo, androgynous, doll-like children march and float across monochromatic backgrounds. Their distinctive faces with almond-shaped eyes gaze out beyond the frame and seem to be full of secrets from another time. Resisting any clear interpretation, the enigmatic images instead nod to mythology and ritual, and for Ogawa, act as a spiritual conduit to her Japanese and Afro-Brazilian ancestral lineage. “Two elements I love most about paintings are experimenting with color and developing the faces of my subjects,” says the up-and-coming artist. “While I don’t have a theme when I paint, I am always thinking about my mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and our ancestors’ beauty, strength, struggles, love.”

read more https://galeriemagazine.com/need-know-rising-star-artist.../

[skyflyinginaction]

X/1999 Volume 4 Illustration Comments 

1995 Monthly Asuka April Issue, Cover Illustration

Paper: Kent

Lines: Holbein Color Ink (Special Black)

Color. Dr. Ph. Martin's Color Ink, Liquitex 

I thought it might look cool to see a lady's kimono draped over a boy's high school uniform. Although the effort of drawing all those blossom outlines really tired me out (laughs), I think the kimono ended up looking nicely vibrant for it

1999 Monthly Asuka September Issue, Bonus Poster 

This illustration was for a poster, so the original size was quit large. Because of that I was a little worried about using only Copic markers to color it, so except or the hair and eyes used color ink instead. The gold parts were done with tempera paint. At that time Nekoi was wearing a kimono with a very distinctive pattern. so kind of used that as a motif, although I didn't copy it exactly. I wanted the kimono in the illustration to have a Yuzen look to it, so I painted it without drawing outlines first. And that way the camellas in the kimono also look different from the ones in the background

[Ed. Note: Yuzen is a style of kimono dyeing that was developed during the Edo era.]

2001 August, X: An Omen Package Illustration

X: An Omen was an OVA released before the TV anime series. It's about Kakyo's dream, so he takes center stage in the illustration. Kamui is included as a figure representing that omen. This is the standard-issue Kamui with wings. For some reason, he's wearing a CLAMP Academy uniform coat. The coat never appears in the actual manga, but you get to see it in full color here laughs

1999 Monthly Asuka April Issue Title Page Illustration

Another image of Kakyo as a captive-then again, he's pretty much been a captive his entire life anyway [laughs]. I wanted to create an effect as if there were fireflies flying about, so I left as few white areas in this illustration as possible. Ohkawa told me to make it seem as if he were wearing a thin, black silk summer kimono, and that turned out to be difficult After giving it some thought, I decided to use an airbrush. The background was done with India ink.

2002 Monthly Asuka July Issue. Title Page Illustration 

The colored paper butterflies scattered on this illustration are ones I'd used on an earlier piece. The image is one of Kakyo thrown down and abandoned on el the lavender petals of wisteria. Because his character is the "captive man" type, his leg is bound with a cord. The white cloth draped over him I painted by hand, not with an airbrush. If I'd used an airbrush. the texture of the material would have shone differently

1997 September, Volume 10, Cover Illustration 

Paper: BB Kent

Lines: PIGMA Graphic ink pen

Color: Dr. Ph. Martin's Color Ink, Copic marker

 I needed something white for the image, and I thought magnolia blossoms would be the perfect thing [laughs]. There was a large magnolia tree near my house that was very beautiful. This one is growing in someone else's yard though [laughs].

1998 Monthly Asuka August Issue, Title Page Illustration

This illustration is unusual in that Kamui appears against a blue background. And I painted his eyes violet. Although I did a similar piece later, this time when I was painting I really went extreme with the blue theme. I penciled the rough outline on copy paper and then transferred it to another sheet of paper where I did the inking and coloring.

1998 July, "Midsummer School" Festival Exclusive Calling Card Set Illustration 

This is the illustration for an exclusive calling card set that could only be bought at the "Midsummer School Festival” event. I knew the image was going to be shrunk down radically, but I still used long shots of four characters [laughs]. The people who got hold of these calling cards must have thought the characters were tiny especially their faces [laughs]. I drew them in groups of two for the two calling cards. Their clothes look similar but are different in color, and the forms are slightly different too

2002 March, X Original Offset Print

This image was going to be used to create an offset print, so I put a lot of effort into making it. I was doing a Chobits piece simultaneously, so the building and altar in the background of the two illustrations are actually the same, as are the candleholder and small ornaments. However, the building in the Chobits piece is nice and intact while the X one has been destroyed. I wanted to create matched illustrations that could be enjoyed together as well as separately 

1998 Monthly Asuka August Issue, Bonus Poster

I drew this one on Watson Paper, which has a rough surface. I put down a background wash of Lumocolor sepia first, in order to brighten up the center of the illustration. Fumas wing was done with color ink, and I used an airbrush for Kamuis wing in order to give it a translucent look Ohkawa had asked me to create an illustration that could be viewed in either orientation. so I created a symmetrical composition divided by the water's surface in the center

2001 Monthly Asuka December Issue Title Page Illustration

Karen has a lot of sexy shots like this laughs. I think I did the background mainly in red color ink, with a matte finish to it. I colored her hair and lips with Copic markers. which are great for when I want to give something a glossy texture. The illustration would have looked vulgar if I'd used the Copics too much, though, so I only used them for the important parts

1998 September, X Volume 11, Cover Illustration

This is the back-cover illustration for volume 11 of the manga series The title on the front cover was in dark lilac, so I gave the image a purplish hue. Karen has a Christian background, so she's often drawn together with a cross. The lilies are a reference to the Holy Mother. Karen usually wears sexy clothes, but she's dressed rather conservatively here.

1999 Monthly Asuka February Issue, Cover Illustration

Back then my illustrations weren't as soft as they are now [laughs]. Here the glass Earth is made to look like an egg about to hatch. I used an airbrush for the background and the egg. After inking Kamui, I did the wings and the rest with an airbrush. which meant that I spent more time fussing with masking tape than doing the actual coloring. I'd peel a section off and color it, then put the tape down on a different place, peel another section off and color it... I had to watch the amount of ink I was using too, so it was really time-consuming 

1998 Monthly Asuka November Issue, Cover illustration

This is another older illustration. I remember it being a pretty easy piece to work on. I purposely drew it so that Kamui's face could not be seen. I put down a layer of modeling paste over ordinary BB Kent Paper to create a wall-like look before I started drawing on it. The uniforms were done with color ink, to give them a woolly texture. After I shaded in all the colors I placed another quick layer of modeling paste over them; you can see the colors through the paste, which creates an interesting effect

2000 Monthly Asuka August issue, Cover Illustration 

This is an illustration of Fuma placing his hand upon a pane of glass and looking through the window. I like drawing close-ups of a single character since those are easy to draw [laughs]. I wanted the rain and the parts of the window in contact with Fuma's hand to have a different texture so I used a gloss-type thinner for the Liquitex. It hardens when it dries and creates a nice translucent

2000 Monthly Asuka January/February issue, Mail Order Calling Card and Calendar illustration

This is actually a very small illustration. I inked it mostly using Copic markers and did the cherry blossoms using acrylic gouache afterward. When I draw these two guys I always put nothing but cherry blossoms in the background they would go to waste if I included something superfluous. In this one, I had the cherry tree capture Subaru. Even though Japanese cherry trees don't have vines (laughs].

2003 X TV Anime DVD and Video Trading Card Premium

I happened to have a blackish, dark purple ink at the time, so I used that for the background. The gold flecks are rhinestones produced for nail art; I stuck them directly onto the illustration. I did a lot of work on the background to give it a rich feel, so I mainly used Copic markers for Seishiro to balance that out. Now that I think of it, this illustration may seem a little grotesque since it looks like he's gouging out his own eye

1999 March, X Volume 12, Cover Illustration 

This is the back-cover illustration for volume 12 of the manga series. The "X" on the front cover of this volume was silver. I had used grey on volume 4, and I wanted to make this volume brighter than that, so I had Subaru wear gray clothes against a white background. I wanted him to be up against the wall. The posters on the wall are torn-up bits of an English newspaper that I pasted on then drew "X”s over them

[underpaidimmortal]

I posted 2,594 times in 2022

That's 2,594 more posts than 2021!

213 posts created (8%)

2,381 posts reblogged (92%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@lowestechelonabomination

@drwninglessonz

@bethiewhimsy

@r-a-t-p-o-i-s-o-n

@consultingdemiwitch

I tagged 1,730 of my posts in 2022

Only 33% of my posts had no tags

#iolanthe's misc - 251 posts

#iolanthe's art reblogs - 196 posts

#the moot moots <3!! - 131 posts

#iolanthe's fandom reblogs - 91 posts

#iolanthe's shitposts - 79 posts

#issues iolanthe cares about - 78 posts

#iolanthe's hellsite reblogs - 77 posts

#iolanthe's fruity rainbow reblogs - 74 posts

#iolanthe learns things - 52 posts

#bungou stray dogs - 27 posts

Longest Tag: 140 characters

#miam!!!! miam!!!!!! wahhhhhhhhh this is so cute i love it im hopping on the tecchuu bandwagon i will not hesitate to cry and go whee and. an

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

in which i judge you based on anime you like, with basically no knowledge whatsoever (classics edition)

naruto: either you’re a sasunaru shipper, you like their mentor figure, or you’re a sakura/hinata simp

bleach: swords? 

one piece: you probably live in an asian country. and you’re most likely lgbt.

neon genesis evangelion: 90% of you think asuka is the one for shinji. 10% of you are kaworu x shinji shippers.

literally anything by studio ghibli: i love you please marry me/p

death note: you’re a light stan, L stan, misa stan and/or you ship these three characters with each other (which ship it is i don’t know)

fullmetal alchemist: you like your women blonde and badass

cowboy bebop: mariya takeuchi dominates a good chunk of your spotify playlist

sailor moon: either lgbt or into the nice aesthetics

revolutionary girl utena: sailor moon fan but now you watch anime with more lgbtness

ouran high school host club: either you watched this as a kid or with anime trending decided to check it out. probably headcanon that tamaki is fruity idk

dragon ball z: you were born before 2005 or you died and resurrected 

gundam: used a japanese toy gacha vending machine thingie before

inuyasha: you appreciate badass women in general

yu yu hakusho: damn. you old.

pokemon: how’s that crippling anxiety going?

i did not mean for this to be offensive. but uh yay

136 notes - Posted March 31, 2022

#4

so anyway i started watching mob psycho

195 notes - Posted September 4, 2022

#3

yall know who im talking about

198 notes - Posted September 6, 2022

#2

babe wake up bsd 103.5 leaks just dropped/j

i blame the hunting dogs legal team for this

270 notes - Posted August 11, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

you know a ship is good when it's street cat coded x retriever coded

bonus points if you can't tell which is which

1,015 notes - Posted July 14, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[ashitomarisu]

Music is a powerful thing to me.

Sometimes, I regret not wanting to play in the marching or concert band in high school. If anything, I could have played brass (trumpet or sax). (OP is having Euphonium "Asuka Tanaka withdrawal"; when is the next episode?!)

[izdatazn]

S.U.I.T.S - Terran's Hidden War

TERRAN 10 - GRADUATION! ONTO THE REAL WORLD

Spring has arrived, and today I woke up exceptionally early. I carefully put on a formal kimono that had been chosen by my parents. Looking at myself in the mirror, it was clear that it would be comfortable to wear. The excitement among my parents and sister is palpable as I approach my high school graduation. It is Wednesday, March 21st, 2079… Graduation day.

When I heard a soft tapping on my window, I eagerly moved the blinds aside. Standing on my balcony was Asuka, patiently waiting for me. She too was wearing an exquisite kimono, as she was also graduating from her school. She walked into my room when I opened the door, and danced around showing off her beautiful kimono.

"It's quite chilly out there," she said while shivering slightly. "What do you think of my kimono?" Asuka gracefully twirled around, proudly showing off the kimono she had personally selected.

"It's absolutely exceptional," I replied admiringly.

She walked closer to me and smiled warmly. Asuka wrapped her arm around my waist and whispered, "This is only for your eyes to see, Issei." Her words carried a hint of suggestiveness. "Maybe we can do something later after graduation."

Suddenly, we heard a loud grunting voice from outside. I turned around and immediately saw Ichiro standing on Asuka's balcony with his arms crossed and a stern expression on his face. Quickly removing Asuka’s arm from around me, I took a few steps back.

"Asuka," Ichiro demanded firmly, "Can you not go over there?"

Asuka quickly embraced me and exclaimed, "Why can't I? He's my boyfriend! I have the freedom to do whatever I please with him!" She firmly gripped the door handle and shouted, "Including having sex!" forcefully closing the door and blocking out any view through the blinds.

“Asuka!" Ichiro called out in frustration.

After the graduation ceremony, I joined the rest of the crowd in the courtyard. The atmosphere was brimming with excitement as the third-year students were finally graduating. It wasn't just students; families also added to the festive ambiance. I thoroughly enjoyed capturing moments with my classmates and even with first and second-year students. Among them, Sho stood out as he was a popular figure among younger female students due to his status as a star tennis player.

Feeling a sudden urge for some solitude, I decided to slip away from the bustling courtyard and made my way hastily towards the rooftop. There, I found myself alone for a few precious minutes. As I observed from above, I noticed that not all of the students and families had left yet; they were still lingering in the courtyard.

"I knew you would be here," a familiar voice spoke.

I turned around and saw Hideki and Nanako stepping onto the rooftop. They joined me at my favorite corner of the rooftop while Hideki tossed an energy drink towards me.

I chuckled and replied, "Well, at least this is better than being down there." Catching it swiftly, I said thank you before opening it up and taking a couple of gulps. "Where are Kumiko and Sho?"

"Kumiko is busy celebrating with her tennis club," Nanako took a bite from her snack before continuing. "Sho suddenly became occupied with an influx of younger girls who want to take pictures with him desperately wanting his second button."

"Really?" I asked curiously.

"Well, since you got taken away by Asuka for obvious reasons," Hideki answered playfully. "All of them decided to gather around someone who's considered second best-looking but also happens to be a sports star at school.”

"Well, since Asuka took you away for obvious reasons," Hideki replied playfully, "everyone else decided to gather around someone who's considered the second best-looking but also happens to be a sports star at school."

"Are you okay, Ren?" I asked with concern.

"Don't worry about him," Hina giggled. "His first love turned down his proposal because she's getting married after graduation." We had heard rumors about a third-year student getting married after graduation, but we never expected it to be her. Ren sat on a nearby bench while Hina continued chatting with Nana. It caught our attention that she was holding a button in her hand.

"Where did you get that?" Hideki inquired.

"That's a secret, big brother," Hina replied, holding it close to her heart. "But I'm going to keep it as a memento." Hina and Nana resumed their conversation.

"So, what are our plans after this?" Nanako asked. "Hideki and I told our parents that we're going to work for the national government as part of cover for our SUITS mission abroad."

"I told my parents that I'm interested in fashion," I responded. "So I'm going to follow my friend Nao to New York and intern at her workplace. Instead of pursuing politics like my dad, I want to spread my wings in the fashion industry. My parents agreed and even said there would be a seat waiting for me if I ever get tired of working in fashion."

"I don't know," Hideki interjected. "You seem to enjoy political discussions during school debates."

"Perhaps SUITS politics could be an option down the line," I answered thoughtfully. "But for now, interning in the fashion industry seems intriguing."

I noticed Kumiko stepping onto the rooftop and joining us. She let out a sigh of relief as she joined us.

"You look tired," sympathetically remarked Hina.

"I finally managed to escape from club activities for a moment," Kumiko sighed heavily. She reached out for the drink offered by me and took a few sips from it before complaining, "The tennis club wants to throw a graduation party a few hours later. I really don't feel like going."

"I'm glad I'm not the team leader," Nanako joked. "And as co-leader, I won't be joining either."

"But the others want you and Sho to attend," Kumiko said, taking another gulp from my drink. "As team leader, you don't have much of a say in this."

"Extra-curricular activities are keeping many of us busy at the moment," I chuckled. "What about the kendo club, Hideki?"

"Just one last dance after this," replied Hideki.

We heard heavy footsteps echoing in the hallway and hurried out onto the rooftop, where Sho appeared in his school uniform, looking like a complete mess. He joined us and reached for a water bottle offered by Hina. Sho drank it all without pausing.

"What happened to you?" I asked. "Is your second button missing?"

After finishing the entire bottle, he breathed heavily. "I didn't even notice with so many people crowding around me."

"I think he's enjoying his newfound popularity," Nanako joked. "There are kiss marks on your face and neck."

"I would've enjoyed it too if the most attractive person hadn't been taken away by their childhood friend," teased Hideki. "But silence suits me just fine."

Sho ignored him. "Anyway, I have to go."

"What, do you have a date with your fangirls?" I teasingly asked.

"No, since you guys are busy with SUITS, I'll be bored without you guys," Sho answered. "So I thought I would join the workforce instead of going to university." Sho continued, checking his phone. "I'm meeting up with other graduates at a cafe after this."

"What about the tennis club ceremony?" Kumiko inquired.

"It's probably at the end," Sho replied.  They won't miss anything." He checked his phone again and added, "Anyway, I have to meet up with them."

"Have you met them before?" I asked.

"Nope, I applied on a website and then got invited to a group chat a few days later," Sho answered.  There is an interesting person in the group chat who graduated from an international high school last year and wanted to meet early."

"What's his name?" Hideki inquired.

“I honestly don’t know but she calls herself Mrs. Taylor," Sho answered. "Anyway, I have to go." Sho hurried away, tossed the bottle into the trash can.

“It it a date?” Hideki asked.

“Beats me.”

"I can hardly believe it—Issei Kobayashi actually invited me to hang out!" Aikawa exclaimed, dramatically wiping a mock tear from his eye as we took our places at the coffee shop. The invitation to meet one-on-one had arrived right after our graduation. I found Aikawa's barrage of text messages rather overwhelming. By a stroke of fate, his school had held its graduation ceremony on the same day as ours. A waiter gently placed our coffee cups on the table with a soft clink, but Aikawa was undeterred, continuing with his exaggerated surprise: "Can you believe it? That guy has never once asked me to hang out! The invitation was so out of the blue, I simply couldn't resist coming right over!"

After the waiter finished setting the table and withdrew, we picked up our conversation where we had left off.

"Why do you always do this?" I inquired, my voice tinged with a mix of embarrassment and annoyance.

He chuckled. "Relax, Issei," he replied, lifting his drink. "So, what's the special occasion? It's not often you summon me out of nowhere." Aikawa took a sip of his coffee.

I slid my hand beneath the table, retrieved a concealed bag, and set it atop the table, sliding it towards the middle. "A gift for you," I declared. Aikawa nearly choked on his drink. "This is my way of thanking you for all the assistance you've provided over the past few months."

Aikawa snatched the bag, drawing it nearer to himself. With heartfelt enthusiasm, he exclaimed, "Issei has finally presented me with a gift after all these years!" He theatrically wailed, "Whatever shall I do with this?”

"I asked, flushed with embarrassment, "Can you please calm down? We're in public, you know."

"Why shouldn't I stir up a little fun for my friend's benefit?" Aikawa quipped, his grin betraying a touch of mischief. "It was my intervention, after all, that brought you and Asuka together," he claimed confidently. I waved off his remark with a casual flick of my hand, choosing to disregard his playful behavior. Aikawa, however, was undeterred and deliberately raised his voice in the café, announcing, "And thanks to that unforgettable evening, you now enjoy those intimate late-night encounters with Asuka in the sanctity of your room."

"That night didn't lead to sex!" I countered in a hushed, emphatic whisper.

"Not yet," he retorted, the grin on his face growing wider in devilish amusement as he gave me a knowing look.

I quickly reached for the bag in his possession. "Then you certainly won't be needing that," I insisted. Aikawa wrapped his arm protectively around the bag, holding it close to his chest. After a brief struggle, I relented and diverted the conversation to a new topic while gradually regaining my composure. "So, what's next for you? I heard from Asuka that the University of Tsukuba has scouted you. They're top-notch in track and field," I remarked, taking a sip of my drink. "What's the situation with SUITS?"

"My duty, as assigned by Asuka, was to keep you out of harm's way," Aikawa responded. "And I've accomplished that. Now that you're on your way to securing a job with the government, I'm free to do as I please. Maybe I'll stay in Japan and attend a university, continuing to defend the nation from outside threats."

I nodded in response to his comments.

Aikawa teased, "Unless, of course, you want me by your side to protect you indefinitely."

"No, thank you," I replied with firm refusal.

He let out a chuckle. "Well then, I wish you the best of luck with your endeavors."

"Likewise," I returned the sentiment.

[thoughtfultimes]

Seen "Asuka High School March!" on Netflix yet?

https://www.netflix.com/title/81440819?s=a&trkid=13747225&t=more

I like this show. Full of motivational scenes.

[the-himawari]

A3! 4th Anniversary Book [AIR] Translation - First Gen. Leaders + GODza Profiles

*Please read disclaimer on blog

---

First Generation Leaders

Hinamori Kasumi CV: Namikawa Daisuke

He is the Editor-in-chief of the theatre magazine, “Spotlight”, and he is raising his triplet daughters all on his own. It appears Kasumi is childhood friends with Kashima Yuzo from the OG Spring troupe, as they attended the same elementary school, junior high, and high school together.

Age: 45 (※ as of the first half of Act 3) Height: 176cm Birthday: May 23 Blood type: A Occupation: Editor-in-chief of a theatre magazine Motif flower: Baby’s breath Hobby: Serial dramas, writing fan letters to actors Favourite food: Candied sweet potatoes Least favourite food: Century eggs Family structure: Triplet daughters Special skill: Patchwork, remembering the names of actors

Hyuga Hiro CV: Ono Daisuke

Hiro is a veteran actor who is active mainly in movies and dramas. He loves Tokusatsu* and set his sights on becoming an actor because he looked up to heroes. Starting back in those days, he’s had a cat-and-dog relationship with the first generation Autumn troupe’s leader, and it appears they fought a lot.

Age:  46 (※ as of the first half of Act 3) Height: 180cm Birthday: August 15 Blood type: O Occupation: Actor Motif flower: Scarlet sage Hobby: Tokusatsu, sports in general Favourite food: Fried chicken Least favourite food: Salted salmon roe Family structure: Wife, son Special skill: Crane games

Kuryu Zen CV: Yasumoto Hiroki

Having a Japanese father and Russian mother, Zen trained in both ballet and martial arts since he was very young, as per his mother’s upbringing. He is currently the owner of a show restaurant named “Gentiana”.

Age:  50 (※ as of the first half of Act 3) Height: 187cm Birthday: September 23 Blood type: A Occupation: Owner of a show restaurant Motif flower: Gentian Hobby: TV shopping channels Favourite food: Any cheese Least favourite food: None Family structure: Mother Special skill: Cooking, sword fights, dance

Otomiya Syu CV: Takahiro Sakurai

Born to a family involved in Taishu Engeki**, he was trained in acting since he was very young. Contrary to his beautiful appearance, Syu has a bit of a crude personality. Due to their parents’ interactions, it appears he is old acquaintances with Reni of GODza.

Age:  48 (※ as of the first half of Act 3) Height: 178cm Birthday: December 25 Blood type: B Occupation: Taishu Engeki actor Motif flower: Holly olive Hobby: Urban legends Favourite food: Gyoza Least favourite food: Raisins Family structure: Father, mother, younger brother Special skill: Hyakunin Isshu***, tea-tasting (Japanese tea only)

GODza

Kamikizaka Reni CV: Okiayu Ryotaro

Both GODza’s chairman and theatre director. He has his own personal aesthetic, and he is in charge of all aspects of the production. Reni considers MANKAI Company his rival.

Occupation: Chairman of GODza Special skill: Beautiful movements

Asuka Haruto CV: Ichiki Mitsuhiro

GODza’s number two actor. He is openly competitive, but also has a bit of an underdog side to him. Haruto is admired by the actors and backstage crew of the Theatre.

Age: 25 (※ as of the first half of Act 3) Height: 172cm Birthday: September 2 Blood type: B Occupation: Actor (belonging to GODza)

Arakawa Shift CV: Kageyama Tatsuya

Shift is Azami’s childhood friend. He has an honest and self-assured personality. He is a rookie who was noticed by Reni soon after joining the troupe, and was selected to be the top actor.

Age: 15 (※ as of the first half of Act 3) Height: 185cm Birthday: September 28 Blood type: A Occupation: 1st year Fuko High School student Favourite food: Croquette udon Least favourite food: Food that is too high-class Family structure: Mother, younger brother Special skill: Baseball

Ikaruga Madoka CV: Hirose Yuya

Madoka is Misumi’s younger brother. He has excellent grades and is well-behaved. The truth is, he is writing GODza’s scripts as his father’s ghost writer.

Age: 19 (※ as of the first half of Act 3) Height: 167cm Birthday: March 6 Blood type: A Occupation: 2nd year Fuyou University student Favourite food: Donuts Least favourite food: Tomatoes Family structure: Father, older brother Special skill: Reversi

---

*"特撮" (tokusatsu) is a genre of Japanese live-action film or TV that makes heavy use of special effects **大衆演劇" (taishu engeki) is a genre of Japanese popular theatre that appeals to the general public. ***The "百人一首" (hyakunin isshu) is an anthology of 100 traditional Japanese poems written by 100 different authors

[dilebe06]

THE DRAMA I'VE SEEN UNTIL 2020

JAPAN

ROOKIES

Hana Yori Dango

Atashitachi No Danchi

Hanakimi

Asuka March!

Dragon Zakura

Gokusen

Ikimen Desu Ne

My Boss My hero

Mei Chan

Nobuta Wa Pruduce

Nodame Cantabile

Orange Days

Proposial Daiasuke

Tokyo Dogs

Yamato Nadeshiko

Yukan Club

Yankee To Megane Chan

Yama Anna Kobe Anna

2020

Rich Man Poor Woman

Bloody Monday

High And Low: Story Of SWORD

High And Low 2

Road To High And Low [FILM]

High And Low the movie [FILM]

High And Low Red Rain [FILM]

Thermae Romae [FILM]

Samurai High School

High And Low: end of Sky [FILM]

High And Low: the final mission [FILM]

Sannin No Papa

Kiseki [FILM]

Saint Oniisan [FILM]

Gintama [FILM]

Gintama Mitsuba

Gintama Kimyona

Gintama 2 [FILM]

Karamazov No Kyodai

Wild Heroes

Takane And Hana

KOREA

Coffe prince

Full house

Goong

Great Inheritance

Hong Gil Dong

Hwang Jin Yi

My name Is Kim Sam Soon

Oh Dal Ja's Spring

Que Sera Sera

Queen in Hyun's Man

Soulmate

Still Marry Me

The legend

The Devil

The Greatest love

You Are Beautiful

Witch Amusement

2020

Secret Garden

Designated Survivor 60 days

Strong Woman

Vagabond

Argon

Flower Boy Ramen Shop

My Country: the New Age

City Hunter

One more Time

My Runway

Romance is a bonus book

What's wrong with secretary Kim

Descendants Of The Sun

Splah Splah Love

Live

Memories Of The Alhambra

Mr Sunshine

Abyss

Beethoven Virus

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Book Joo

Chief of Staff

Tell me what you Saw

Babi And I [FILM]

Sassy Go Go

Man to man

Hwarang

Circle

Hospital Playlist

Wedneysday 3:30 PM

Hot Stove League

Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency

Afterschool Bokbulbock

I' m Not a Robot

Queen Of The Ring

Stranger

TAIWAN

Autumn's Concerto

Black and White

Devil Beside You

Hi My sweethers

Hot Shot

Love Contract

Smiling Pasta

Why Why Love

Triad Princess

2020

Emily's 5 Things

Lion Pride

Attention, Love!

Someday or one days

CHINA

The Untamed

Well Intended Love 2

meteor garden

Ever Night

Yanxi Palace

Dragon day's, you are dead

Crocodile and the plover bird

Double World [FILM]

The Lost Tomb

THAI

The Underclass

[hellisoursalvation]

I’m thinking about schools in FairyTail and how the kids would be.

Obviously, Natsu and everyone didn’t go but Romeo? Wendy? Asuka?

Oh god.

Romeo would run the daily morning show with the biggest smile on his face and would send every episode to his dad.

Wendy would lose her marbles over school dances. And I don’t know if you guys had “Grand Marches” at your high school dances, but it’s where they introduce you as you walk in. Best believe Wendy would have one of her brother’s walk her in.

Asuka would bring in any of her guild mates for show and tell, in which her teacher would probably have to explain that she meant “objects” to bring and not people.

Wendy would love gym and would join a couple different sports, since she has so much energy and has nowhere to put it.

Romeo would be a class clown and in any class he has with Wendy - they would be forcibly separated.

Wendy knows all the latest gossip cause her senses simply can’t calm down. She also can’t go into the school bathrooms cause of it.

[strawberryfairi]

“I loved you then…back when I knew you”

Synopsis: 💎 When your old high school best friend, and admittedly, first love randomly shows up at your door one morning after a bit over ten years apart, your memories of him that you once locked away comes flooding back. Are you open to hearing him out after all this time? (In other words…will you take your man back or nah?)

♕Pairings: Kazutora X Black Fem Reader 🤎 (ANYONE CAN READ)🛑Content: 18+ Eventual smut, Some grief, Some angst ~Crossposted On: Wattpad ONLY ~Updating WEEKLY

w.c. 3.9k💠 Released March 21, 2024

NOTE: It’s been too long since I’ve posted another chapter but hopefully I’m fully out of my (ridiculously long💀) writers block! Ngl, this chap kinda ass fr but the next chapter will be longer/better for sure! Thank you all for bearing with me🧚🏾‍♀️💜

Previous | Next Chapter Chapters Masterlist

CHAPTER 8; EMOTIONAL DIFFICULTIES

A Few Days Later

This morning just before classes started, the girls demanded an emergency girls meeting in the bathroom to discuss what happened Halloween night. It was funny to you how they never wanna text or Facetime about these things, they only love to do it in person. It was cute though, and made the experience of sharing your gossip all the more exciting.

"YOU GUYS KISSED?!"

You winced as all the girls shouted practically at the same time. You already knew what was coming.

"I knew it! I knew something happened between you guys! We called it, we straight up called it, Yumi!" Asuka rambled, Yumi just nods her head proudly with that classic devious smile.

"You better not ever come talkin' to us about "Oh, I don't know how he feels guys" again! At this point you'd be a fool to not see it!" Hayashi-chan ranted.

"Wait, but see there's the thing-

"NO! You guys are getting married, and that's final!" Yumi hollers.

"Um, I don't know 'bout married. We're in high school." You chuckle. "But listen guys, 'cause there's something goin' on now that's making me feel weird about the kiss. Afterwards, when we all were goin' home things were so awkward, and now it's like he can't even bear to touch me. You think maybe he regrets it?" You frown, fiddling with your fingers resting on your lap as you sat on the bathroom sink.

All the girls turn quiet in thought, briefly looking at one another as they process what you said.

"Ok well...when you guys touch now does he pull away like "ew, oh my god"? Or is it like "oh shoot, I touched her!"?" Miyazaki-chan questions.

"What's the difference?" You furrow your brows.

"One is that he's like genuinely disgusted to have touched you, and the other is just him being nervous that he touched you." She explains.

"Some guys can get like that! I'm pretty sure you're probably the first girl he's ever gotten this close to, like..ever. It was probably his first kiss too, and now that he did that he's like unsure about how to go about dealing with you. You went from friends to...this." Asuka says, gesturing with her hands towards all of you.

She did have a really good point though, you hadn't thought about it that way at all. You were so pressed about not liking the way he's been acting since Halloween night that you never really bothered to take it a step further and think about why.

"That makes sense. I mean, he doesn't seem disgusted, he's just so jumpy! It's like he calculates every little thing he does and sometimes says now; like a robot." You frown, looking over at Miyazaki-chan.

"Yup. He's for sure nervous." Hanako-chan nods.

"But it's not like I'm not nervous too!" You rant, throwing your hands in the air in frustration.

"Yeah, but when guys get nervous they get stupid. An even dumber than usual kind'a stupid." Yumi explains with a disappointed sigh.

"Facts, that'd be the next thing to warn you about. With what you told us about how he's acting...he's for sure gonna be in his idiot era from now on." Hayashi-chan says with an apologetic smile.

"His idiot era? Ughh no..." You facepalm, not liking the sound of this at all.

"Let's just hope he can character develop fast enough to breeze through it." She adds with an apologetic tone.

The bell signaling for students to get to homeroom rang just as you all finished your little gossip chat. One by one each of you left out of the bathroom, saying your goodbyes and going your separate ways down either side of the hall.

"I'll see y'all at lunch or..whatever class we have together." You giggled, walking backwards as you wave goodbye. Just as you go to turn around, you bump into someone accidentally, almost falling on the floor on your back in the process.

"O-oh, I'm so sorry!" A soft, familiar voice stutters out, quickly turning around and steadying you by the arm.

"Oh! No no, it's my fault-Yamagishi?! I haven't seen you in so long!" You beam, finally noticing who it was you bumped into. His two other friends seeming to be with him in the hallway quickly scurried into their classroom with nervous looks on their faces, leaving the two of you alone. You didn't think too much of that, but it was definitely weird.

"Oh uh...yeah." Yamagishi says in a particularly hushed voice.

"What's been goin' on? Did you do anything for Halloween?"

Yamagishi barely manages to respond to you, letting out nothing but a short "Y-yeah" in response. You furrow your brows in concern at the way his eyes keep darting everywhere but at you. It seems Kazutora isn't the only boy acting stupid around you now.

"Are you alright? What's wrong?!" You ask, starting to get a little freaked out. He looked completely shook, hands slightly shaking and his entire face has gone pale white.

"Sorry, I-I gotta go!" He stammers, pivoting on his feet and darting right into the classroom.

"What the-?!" You were confused and also a little offended. What the hell is wrong with these guys?! Shaking your head, you decide to brush it off, continuing on down the hall.

"Hey!"

This time a male voice you didn't recognize calls from a few feet behind you. You turn around, pointing at yourself with your brows slightly furrowed, silently asking the guy if they were talking to you.

"Yeah." He says, finally catching up to you.

"Uhh, hi?" You greet awkwardly. You've never seen this student before. He was pretty tall, with slicked back black hair and dark eyes to match.

"Just wanted to let you know, in case you were wondering, Yamagishi isn't allowed to talk to you anymore." He scorned, looking at you like you were the biggest nuisance in his life.

"What do you mean-

"You're boyfriend made it clear some weeks ago." He clarifies with a slight grimace at the word 'boyfriend'.

That was all he needed to say for you to understand, and man were you instantly fuming. Is he serious?!

"What did he do?" You grit out lowly. Even though it was a question your tone was demanding an answer, a fully in depth answer as well.

And a full report he sure did give you. He told you the full story exactly how Yamagishi told him and his other friends the day it happened. It was like the more Yamagishi's friend spoke the more your blood boiled, and by the time he finished telling you the tea, you were ready to find Kazutora.

"Oh, I got somethin' for him. Imma deal with his ass..trust." Was all you said before turning on your heels and storming down the hallway to your homeroom.

💎

You couldn't wait not a second more for lunchtime to come around, so when it finally did you jumped straight into action. Of course you told the girls what happened to which even they were annoyed about it. Everyone knows Yamagishi is a sweetheart, so picking a fight with him knowing he's not a fighter all like that anyways is just absolutely ridiculous. First of all, you're not even Kazutora's girlfriend, and second, for him to act so possessive like you can't have other guy friends besides him is childish!

The girls saved your spot at the lunch table, already knowing you were off to find him before he could even come to you. You walked through the halls like a lion hunting for its prey, focused on one thing only until you finally saw him.

There he was by the vending machine in the hallway before you reach the cafeteria, looking all calm and collected.

You storm up to him, the sound of your school shoes making contact with the ground alerting him of your presence. It just pissed you off even more the way his expression brightened when he noticed you.

"Hey! I was just on my-

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" You cut him off.

"-way...?" He finishes, blinking a few times in confusion while looking down at you with his brows furrowed.

"Why'd you beat up Yamagishi?! You told me you were only going to fight Osanai that day! You really had the audacity to tell him to stay away from me?! Who the hell are you?!" You rant, feeling your face starting to heat up with anger.

"You're mad at me because of that? He's the one that let Osanai hurt you in the first place." He shrugged, like it was the very last thing occupying his mind.

"I had already handled Yamagishi that same day though! He said he was sorry, and you already know he doesn't fight!" You defended, throwing your arms up exasperatedly.

"He should've thought about that before asking you out then. He already went wrong right there." He scoffed.

"Are you serious?!" You furrow your brows with a scoff, genuinely shocked.

"I'm very serious. He had no business asking you out knowing he can't protect you at all. He's lucky all Osanai did was give you one black eye! What if he did worse?!" He argued. It actually annoyed you a lot that he kind of made sense there.

You clench your jaw, looking to the side and letting out a deep exhale through your nose.

"Look...I was mad, alright?" He mutters softly.

"You can't just beat somebody up because you're mad, K! Like, I'm mad but I'm not beating you up." You grumble.

He lets out the tiniest chuckle. You both knew full well you'd never be able to beat him up. "I think both my anger and beating him up was justified. I can't let something like that slide; not anymore." He mumbles the last part to himself.

"Not anymore?" You question, looking back up at him curiously. He was already looking down, his hands clenched into fists at each side. You've never seen him look like this before. He wasn't angry or even worried, he just looked regretful.

"It's just-...I used to be the one to watch while someone else gets beat in front of me all the time. I hated that I could never do anything except cry and curl up in some corner." Kazutora explains bitterly, his eyes carrying a hollow, far off look.

You gasp lightly, hovering your hands over your mouth. "What do you mean?" You ask, mouth still hanging open in shock. You really hoped it wasn't what your mind was starting to conclude that it was. He sighs deeply before continuing.

"Before my parents got divorced, my dad would-... he'd beat my mom all the time. I was little, so it was never really anything I could do about it. So when I found out Yamagishi was the one that let you get hurt like that..." He looks back up at you, letting you connect the rest of the dots.

"Ohh." You whisper, suddenly feeling like a fool for pressing him. You had no idea, you just figured he beat him up out of some kind of stupid possessiveness he has towards you, but it was way deeper than that. Without a second thought you wrap your arms around him, resting your head on his chest.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't know any of that." You apologize, nuzzling your face into him in hopes of comforting him.

"It's...fine?" He mutters awkwardly, hesitantly wrapping his arms around you.

It's the first time he's ever shared anything about his family dynamic, and definitely the first time someone's comforted him about it. He felt weird, like he didn't know what to do, but he also felt...a little good about it?

"No it's not. I was all yellin' at you and stuff. I'm really sorry." You repeat, sniffling a little as you start to tear up. You were never strong when it comes to things like this. You could watch someone cry in a movie scene and be bawling your own self. Hearing about Kazutora having such a past...it hurt you somewhere deep. Then to think he got triggered that badly all from what happened while you were with Yamagishi. Of course it doesn't mean hurting Yamagishi is right, but there's clearly some traumatic things Kazutora's been dealing with for a pretty long time.

His father's absolute garbage, and you hope he's completely out of his and his mom's life. Hopefully his mom moved on and found somebody better too; a real husband.

"It's ok. Are you crying?!" He looks down at you in bewilderment. Now the two of you were really out of his territory. You nod slowly, holding onto him tighter.

"Oh. Well uhhh, don't cry, ok? 'S nothing to cry about." He reassures awkwardly, gently patting your back.

His words meant for comfort only made you feel a thousand times worse. Him, the one who went through such a traumatic childhood is saying it's nothing to cry about?! Something's definitely wrong for sure, and you feel terrible for never noticing it. He always looks so cheerful and bubbly, but of course, that's what most people do when they're trying to hide something about themselves that they don't want other people to see.

Once he notices you aren't letting go any time soon he sighs, resting his head on top of yours.

"I don't want you to pity me, ok?" He mumbles softly into your hair.

"I don't. I just don't like hearing that someone I care about went through something like that. I'm sad." You murmur right back into his uniform, sniffling much more frequently. If you kept going like this, your mascara's gonna start running. Kazutora's heart clenched so hard in his chest. He felt butterflies hearing you say he was someone you care about, but it also hurt him seeing you so upset.

"Come on. Don't cry anymore, ok? Please?" He leans up from your hair, placing his hands on your shoulders. You look up at him, your bottom lip slightly pouting, and nod, wiping your eyes carefully.

"Wanna go back to the caf now?" He suggests softly.

"Mm mm. I wanna stay with you." You whine childishly. He laughs lightly at your cute expression.

"But your food's back there. Come on, we'll be alone together anyways when I walk you home later." He chuckled lightly, walking you back into the cafeteria.

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

You had thought, with good reason, that after that emotional moment you and Kazutora shared together he'd be back to normal, no longer acting so awkward and skittish around you. Yeah, no..he's still being like that. You figured that due to the heat of the moment he wasn't really thinking about anything else except comforting you so you'd stop crying.

Now that that moment's passed, things are even more awkward than before.

"So...how was the rest of school for you?" You ask, trying to break the silence that's been ongoing for about seven minutes since the two of you left the school building.

"Uuuh..boring as usual, I guess." He replies shortly with a little shrug.

"Same." You mumble dryly, pursing your lips afterwards.

Aaaand we're right back to the silence. You sigh dramatically in frustration.

"K, why're you being so quiet all the time now? You're acting so weird." You question, looking up at him with a slight pout.

"What? I don't think I'm any different." He furrows his brows slightly.

"Liar. You don't even put your arm around me anymore like you used to." You grumble bitterly, looking straight ahead as you adjust your tote bag strap on your left shoulder.

"Do you want me to put my arm around you?" He asked.

"I mean, not necessarily, I was just pointing out stuff you used to do that you don't do anymore." You answer back as nonchalantly as possible.

"But if you pointed it out doesn't that automatically mean it's something you want me to do?" He probed, leaning down a bit closer to you.

"....Sure, yeah..maybe I do." You reply sassily, trying to hide the embarrassment on your face.

"Then..I'll do it." He affirms, his cheeks already starting to turn pink.

"Ok, fine." You mumble plainly, trying to hold back the excited smile wanting to make its way on your face as his arm hesitantly wraps around your shoulders, bringing you close to him.

Every time you both are close like this it always feels so different from before Halloween. The air becomes heavy, the sound of your heart beat seems ten times louder, your palms get all sweaty, and your face gets unbearably hot. Worst part of it all your mind starts going crazy with thoughts when you get like this.

You think about how you want so badly to kiss him again. To touch and kiss each other again just like that night, maybe something even more than that. It almost feels wrong having thoughts like this when you didn't know for sure if Kazutora thought similar things.

The girls always know how to make it seem so simple, so obvious that he feels the same, but it's so hard to see it when you're in a situation like this in real time.

If I kissed him would he push me away...?

Even if you had the guts to kiss him you knew you probably shouldn't do it. He's already acting different, it would highly likely make it worse. At this point you weren't even sure when you should ever invite him over to your place again. He'd probably completely lose his mind if you were on the same bed together again.

You sigh, closing your eyes and leaning your head just slightly against his chest. This'll have to be enough for now, but in the meantime you figure it's time to whip out the big guns when it comes to boy advice.

💎

"-And then...we actually ended up kissing there, but after we left from the park it was like he was completely different. He wouldn't do anything that he used to, and still doesn't unless I point it out like I did today! That's the only reason he even put his arm around me, 'cause I mentioned he'd stopped doing it."

Your mom listens intently from the edge of your bed, trying not to show her ever growing smile.

"I was waiting for when you'd finally tell me about this boy." She says warmly.

Your jaw drops, completely taken aback by her words.

"Wha-...you knew about him this whole time?!" You gawked, completely shook.

"Girl, I knew from the get-go, don't even play." She chuckles lightly. "I knew after weeks and weeks had passed that you liked him and would come to me about him eventually. I was just waitin'." She chuckled, brushing you off with a hand.

"Well, so...what do you think?" You inquire nervously, fiddling around with your hands in your lap.

"There's nothing to think! He likes you; it's clear as day! You don't even gotta stress about this one, honey."

"But why does he act so weeeeird?!" You whine dramatically.

"Because he likes you, as I just said! That's how guys are. He made a move randomly, 'cause from how you're describing it he definitely didn't plan it, and now he's freaking out because he went and blurred the lines of y'alls relationship." She explains with an amused chuckle.

You stay quiet, brows furrowed as you think over what your mom said.

"Sometimes, there are guys that have a hard time facing their feelings, and unfortunately, this boy seems to be one of them." She adds, placing a hand on your knee.

"Don't decide nothin' for him, ok? You let him figure out his feelings and come to you.We're not chasin' any guys, no matter how cute."

"Why do you think he's struggling with facing his feelings?" You murmur curiously.

"Oh honey, it could be anything. Sometimes they're just nervous, other times it can be a little more complicated than that. If he's strong enough, he'll be able to acknowledge how he feels about you and decide what he wants to do. If he's not, and he keeps teetering around back and forth...then you decide for him, and you keep it pushin'. That doesn't mean end the friendship and walk away, but you make it clear y'all will be nothing more than friends." She explains, her tone more serious now.

You nod, looking up at her.

"Today...we got into a fight but then it turned out to be something sad." You mutter.

"What d'you mean somethin' sad?" She says with concern, raising her left brow.

"Well remember when I got that black eye with the boy from my math class?" You pause, watching her nod as a sign to continue. "Ok so Kazutora had actually went and beat up the guy who did that to me, this dude named Osanai, but he didn't tell me he also went and beat up Yamagishi too that same day. He said he was mad that he didn't keep me safe, but he also said it was because it reminded him..of when his dad would beat his mom when he was younger."

Your mom's lips part slightly, sucking in a short breath as she listens to you. Immediately she was filled with a deeper concern than before. Back when she was much younger, before you were even born, she had spent a lot of time as a youth pastor, caring for the kids who carried trauma and had to deal with neglectful, hateful parents. She's always loved kids, and it would anger her beyond belief when the parents of the kids from her youth group would try and justify why they treat their children the way they do.

"I had started crying 'cause...he'd never told me that, and it kinda clicked. He's always so bubbly and like really upbeat, but I think it might be because he's actually really sad." You explain softly, a deep frown on your face.

"He fights a lot, and before he met me he used to never really come to school. I had a thought while he was walking me home that maybe his dynamic with his mom at home still isn't any better even though his dad is gone." You add, looking over at her again for her reaction.

"Ok...well, there may definitely be some 'things' inside him that he needs to work through. I also think he's probably acting weird around you because you might be the only person he feels safe with, so he doesn't want to mess that up; what he has with you." She says softly.

"Yeah. That makes sense." You sigh.

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

Kazutora's story about his family was all you could think about as you laid in bed. You'd spent a majority of the night worrying about him.

This only made you realize just how much you actually didn't know about him. That was just one little piece of the story, who knows how many more details and puzzle pieces fit into the rest of it. It would probably be wrong to just ask him about his past, you didn't want to upset him or even trigger him in some kind of way. You honestly didn't know too much about mental health and all the nuances and verbiage that comes along with it.

He could have PTSD or..something from what happened in his past. If he does have something like that he's damn good at hiding it...at least around you.

A deep sigh left your lips, letting go of the situation so you could finally sleep. You'd have to figure this out another time.

[jokerfan99]

Until I find you (writing contest) by Alex-kellar

Welcome everyone to the VII writing contest.

How do you participate? Like the previous one, write a Crossover fanfic of no less than 20k words, It can be a oneshot or multiple chapters. The deadline is 4 months from today. that is to say on March 18.

The subject is:

(Looking for Rin, Sakura or Saber in other worlds. basically the girls reincarnated as a character from another series that adapt to them.) Therefore, their names change to those of the series, with their lives. you cannot change the character's birth name to that of the chosen girls. (that is, the reborn girl will not be called Rin, Sakura or Altoria) although the clothing can be changed to the taste of the reborn.

The main male character to be used, as you already know: "Shirou Emiya, in any of her versions or universes, as well as Archer."

In the following list the character that matches the girl from fate that best matches will be said.

Due to the result of the previous contest, each election will be unique. So after someone chooses a character, it will be blocked, so that only that writer can use it.

Characters:

Based on Sakura:

Ami Mizuno --sailor moon

Fluttershy -MLP

Kazumi Tendo --Ranma 1/2

Ruri - Doctor stone --------------------------------------------((locked, it can no longer be chosen.))

Shibata mizuki - Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei

Velvet Scarlatina - RWBY

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

based on Rin:

Asuka Langley Sōryū - evangelion

Louise Françoise le Blanc de la Vallière- zero no tsukaima

Saya takagi - High School Of The Dead

Tsukiumi - Sekirei--------------------------------------------((locked, it can no longer be chosen.))

Weiss schnee-- RWBY --------------------------------------------((locked, it can no longer be chosen.))

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

based on Saber:

Edelgard - fire emblem

Erza scarlet - fairy tail

Glynda goodwitch --rwby

Riza Hawkeye - Fullmetal Alchemist

Note: something important to keep in mind is, even if the characters are reborn as someone from another series, having the memory and personality of Rin, Sakura or Alturia, makes that character's choices take him on a totally different route. .

for example: Sakura as Velvet. why would Sakura go to combat school? (Not impossible, but the reason must be there, and not just by canon.) about her semblance? Knowing how Sakura is, do you think she would have the same Velvet Semblance? and if the answer is yes, why? --------------------------------------------------

And that's it, now to the awards!

Awards:

1º- illustration of a scene from the participant story that the writer chooses.

Special option: if you write 40k words or more and win first place, the prize becomes an illustration of a scene chosen by the winner, be it from his story or another Or simply opt for a commission worth $ 120 he chooses .

2nd-illustration of a scene from the participating story, chosen by me.

Special option: if you write 40k words or more and win second, the writer chooses the scene they prefer.

3rd-illustration of a scene from the story chosen by me (Chibi) or manga style illustration (black and white.)

The following type of Script is not accepted.

Subject 1: hello

Subject 2: Hey! How are you doing?

(You can send me a note if you have any doubts. When your story is ready or started send me the link to put it in the contest art. Throughout the story, I will not comment so as not to influence the writer. So don't feel bad if there are no comments from me until the end.)

Any questions, don't be afraid to ask.

Deviantart: https://www.deviantart.com/alex-kellar

[elexica]

Last Chance Christmas - Chapter 1 {{December 20}}

In honor of the season, I’m pointing my fic Second Chance Christmas on Ao3, and cross posting here! Summary:  The radio had droned on about an incoming polar vortex. How could the weatherman have known that his ex-husband would be on the plane? - - - Following an acrimonious divorce, Joey and Kaiba have managed to co-parent the kids without seeing each other for three years. After Kaiba is caught in a blizzard, Joey is forced to spend the holiday with his ex-husband, and confront certain feelings that he thought were dead. Tags: Jounouchi Katsuya | Joey Wheeler/Kaiba Seto, Kaiba Seto, Jounouchi Katsuya | Joey Wheeler, Tenjouin Fubuki | Atticus Rhodes, Tenjouin Asuka | Alexis Rhodes, Getting Back Together, Post-Divorce, Reconciliation, Family Fluff, Family Feels, Family Drama, Dysfunctional Family, Christmas Romance, Christmas Fluff, Fluff, Domestic, Fluff and Angst, rekindling relaitonship, Christmas Angst, No infidelity!, AU-gust 2020, ygocollablove

Other notes:  Kaiba and Joey were married and have two children – Alexis and Attius (from GX, but you do not need to see GX). This is a get-together-again fic. The divorce was not amicable, but no cheating/infidelity. They’re about 40 in the fic, in honor of them being 40 in 2020 if they were 15 in 1995. Joey is half-American, and his mom and Serenity live in New York, too.

Chapter one under the read more! 

The sleet fell heavily against the car, turning the view through the windshield into an impressionist painting of abstract asphalt and splotchy red break lights.  The drives to the private airport in Westchester were always the worst.  Even though Kaiba rarely accompanied the kids on the flight from Japan, even the haunting proximity to the shiny private jets and the trappings of his ex put Joey on edge.  Not because he longed to be driving the expensive cars parked in the lot or any other petty envy, but because the whole place always reeked of Kaiba’s ghost.  How the man could haunt the freeways and tangled overpasses from thousands of miles away was yet another unsettling superpower of his ex-husband.

The sleet, the traffic, and the eerie nature of the drive allowed frustrated ruminations to wind their way into Joey’s head.  Like the suction cups on the edges of an octopus’s tentacles, little doubts and regrets clung to his mind.

Was it petty to fly the kids back and forth from Japan in the dead of winter for only a week?  Yes, of course it was.  But the custody arrangement hadn’t even demanded that Joey allow that week.  The kids were in school in New York, and it was his year to spend Christmas with them.  They spent the full summer break in Japan every year.  It was Joey’s only time of year—and even then, only every other year—where they all could spend time off together.  He didn’t want to give it up without a fight.  And Joey was still a fighter.

When Mokuba had announced his wedding date for the first week of the kids’ Winter break, Joey was so tempted to force some other concession out of Kaiba.  Joey had been invited as well, but the thought of attending turned his stomach something fierce.  He could see it in his minds’ eye: watching his family, his children, and his closest friends, dressed to the nines, celebrating something so pure.  And him, looking at the ruins of the most significant relationship of his life.  It felt like a mockery, to stand there and watch Mokuba enter a beautiful marriage while he stewed in the wreckage of his own.  Plus, Joey’s self-destructive streak was supposed to have died with his relationship.

So, what remained was that precious promise: every other winter break.  And this one was his.  Sure, his ex-husband was one of the greatest negotiators in the business world, but Joey had thrilled, just a little, and with more than a little guilt, at the thought of bringing him to his knees over this.  The opening was his to take.

He hadn’t quite calculated all the way out—indeed, the long game was Seto’s specialty.  And once Atticus had been informed that he would be both a performer at his uncle’s wedding reception, it was game over for Joey.

Of course, that was so Kaiba, ever on the offensive, always flipping the script.  Stuck negotiating over Christmas and coming to this frustrating solution.  He was a cruel rival and a bitter adversary.  An altogether dreadful ex-husband.

Weaponizing Atticus’s precious enthusiasm was a perfect move.  Which left Joey messing with the logistics and driving in this awful weather.

. . .

The radio had droned on about an incoming polar vortex.  How could the weatherman have known that his ex-husband would be on the plane?

Joey hadn’t noticed him at first—he was too busy catching Atticus’s tackle hug, and patting Alexis gently on the head.  All that warmth and love had blinded him to the frigid bastard standing at the other side of the gate.

But one his heart was full again, the primal part of Joey’s brain was triggered.  Like he could sense the predator lurking, he looked up and saw those stupidly long limbs.  He’d know that silhouette from a mile away.  “What’re you doin’ here?” Joey shouted.  It was so reflexive that he forgot to hide the vitriol from the kids.

Kaiba stalked over slowly, as if he was trying to take too long, waste all of Joey’s time.  “Waiting on my return flight plan,” Kaiba said.  His voice had gotten more gravelly over the years, but his cadence remained  almost robotic.

“Alexis was scared of flying home in the storm!” Atticus laughed, still embracing his father.  “And she said the only way she’d fly back was if Oto-san promised he’d pilot!  It was so cool dad!  Did you know he could fly planes?!”

Joey forced his mouth into a pinched smile.  “I did know that.  That was very nice of him.”

Kaiba looked at him.  “The children anticipated being in New York for Christmas.  I am still a man of my word.”  Joey wondered if he was tired from the 14 hour flight—he certainly didn’t look any worse for wear.  

Frankly, he didn’t look much different than the last time he had seen him, three years before.  He was still unfairly trim and perfectly composed.  The only noticeable changes were the introduction of a few grey hairs, scattered among the deep brown and a pair of wire-frame glasses that looked like he’d always had them.  His black turtleneck was as clean and tight fitting against the prominent muscles of his shoulders and chest as it had been.  His dark jeans were still the same stupid level of tight that looked a little like he hadn’t realized he wasn’t a teenager anymore.  Between the black Armani loafers and black Burberry trench, he looked like he was about to return to a casual Friday in the Financial District and get drinks at the most expensive bar he could find.

Joey had not anticipated seeing anyone other than his kids, and maybe Isono, and felt instantly exposed.  Without the pressure of having to be Kaiba’s arm candy at events, Joey had put on a fair amount of weight, and settled into something of a dad-bod.  He was wearing his comfiest jeans and a puffy winter coat.  The worst part was the recognition in Kaiba’s eyes—it was the same coat he’d had when they were living together, only more faded and a little tattered at the edges and unzipped.  It revealed a shirt that he’d acquired as a volunteer at a concert-fundraiser for Atticus’s youth orchestra.  It was an unnecessarily bright green, mercifully faded by the washing machine.  His white chunky sneakers looked just like ones he had in high school—and only a little less scuffed up.  Overall, the look was one meant for a quick trip to the grocery store, and the last thing he’d wanted be wearing to see his ex-husband for the first time in years.  Joey braced for some comment to that effect.

“Well, I’m glad they’re here.  We should get going, after all—how many days are there until Christmas?” Joey asked Alexis.

“Five!” She announced.

“Yep!  And the tree isn’t even up yet!”  Joey said, in mock shock, and smiled at the kids’ surprised faces.

While Atticus was bemoaning how much crucial Christmas celebrating needed to be done in the next five days, a member of the airport staff approached Kaiba.  Kaiba stepped away to discuss the flight plan, but Joey kept an ear out.  It’s not eavesdropping if it’s your ex-husband, after all.

“Mr. Kaiba, this airport is being closed, effective immediately.  The entire metropolitan area is bracing for a significant blizzard, and you are absolutely not cleared to fly.”

Joey couldn’t make out his husband’s harsh whispers, but relished in how they were tinged with a light panic.  At least the bastard was freaking out a little.  It felt nicer than he would ever admit to know that he made his terrifying ex-husband a little scared.

“Mr. Kaiba, we cannot permit that.  I will personally be turning off all lights on the runway and not approving any plans that you submit.  It could not possibly be worth dying to avoid spending a few days in New York.”

“That is not your determination to make!”  Kaiba’s voice was slightly heated, which was another signal that Joey had gotten to him.

“I’m sorry sir.  You are a valued customer, but it would be deadly for you to depart at this time, and I refuse to be a part of such a flight plan.  As soon as I can permit take-off, I will personally contact you.”

With that terse statement, the administrator marched off.

Kaiba stared at the ground with a combination of fury and focus.  After a few terse breaths, he whipped out his phone and began tapping away.

Joey was about to tell the kids to say Goodbye Oto-san!  But deep down, Joey had done the math too.

“Dad, is Oto-san going to be able to stay with us for Christmas?” Alexis said, looking up with pleading eyes.  “Like we’re a family again?”

Alexis was smart as hell, and even at age six was a master of strategy.  Someday, Joey thought, she’ll be devastatingly skilled at Duel Monsters.  Today, she was inconveniently cunning.

“It depends on what arrangements he wants to make,” Joey deflected, hating that an offer slipped through the cracks.

Kaiba looked up from his phone.  For a second, he did look a bit tired from the flight.  From his life.  It was humanizing, and Joey tried to discard it.

“I could stay in a hotel in Manhattan, and visit,” Kaiba proposed, grip on the phone like a vice.

“That’s not what families do…” Alexis whined.

Kaiba’s jaw clenched.  Joey was familiar with this face—Kaiba was acutely aware of his compromised position.  It felt like they’d never finished the dreaded conversation.  The energy that hung in the air was the same as that trite explanation of divorce.

It still was sickening when Atticus echoed the conversation from three years prior.  “We’re still a family, Lexi.  But Dad and Oto-san can’t stay in the same house anymore because it isn’t—”

It was too much, and Joey couldn’t help himself, “Of course your Oto-san can spend Christmas at the house.  If that’s what he wants.”

“If I’m cleared to fly back to Domino sooner, of course I should return to work,” Kaiba answered the unspoken question, and trailed the group back to the car.  Atticus was already sharing stories of how well his performance at the wedding had gone.

. . .

The house was a nice house—large enough, with a pretty backyard and a pool in a good neighborhood.  It had more expansive grounds when they had been together, but the family didn’t even use the stables or tennis courts, and Joey had sold them off to people who would actually enjoy them.  Kaiba had forced his hand when it came to the mortgage and upkeep, but other than the house and the kids’ schooling expenses, Joey had refused any formal alimony.

At the time, Joey had thought it was a brilliant plan.  If Kaiba really wanted to value his work over all else, then he would have to suffer through watching all of that effort not change a damn thing for his family.  Joey refused to be truly dependent, fifteen years of the golden handcuffs had been more than enough.

Now it was a little embarrassing that the house hadn’t changed a bit more.  Since Kaiba had been gone, more of the children’s artwork graced the ornate walls.  No interior decorators had been hired, so any new pieces of furniture clashed with the pre-existing scheme.  It looked more lived-in, and Joey tried to take some pride in that.

Kaiba was examining a particularly poor crayon representation of the Red Eyes Black Dragon.  The scale was completely off: the face was much too big and the eyes bulged grotesquely.

“Don’t say anything mean,” Joey whispered harshly at Kaiba.  He was shocked when Kaiba obeyed him.  “Now, who wants hot chocolate?” Joey offered, and the kids practically cheered.  Atticus was en route to the kitchen already.  “Seto, could you start a fire in the living room?”

Kaiba nodded, turning towards the room from perfect memory.

The milk was quickly heated, and the cocoa mix dissolved like magic, swirling into a pleasant warm desert within minutes.  Joey had wondered if Kaiba would come into the kitchen to join the family, but he remained in the living room.  The kids ran off to the playroom to mess with whatever new game Yugi had sent them home with.

In the soft lighting of the warm fire, Kaiba looked frustratingly, devastatingly, untouched by time.  In brighter lights the fine webbing under his eyes and frustrated crease between his brows brought attention to forty years of an overburdened life.

But instead the fire burned away the years.  With his glasses stowed away, he looked like the exact same man who he had fought with in the same damn seats three years ago.  Hell, he looked like the same man he’d dueled on the beach of Duelist Kingdom island.

“How much do you want?” Kaiba had asked in that god-awful conversation.  Kaiba spoke coldly, as if it wasn’t his husband standing before him but an uppity secretary demanding a raise.

Joey had the messy manilla folder out.  The old prenup looked fresh other than the creased corner, the bends around the staple proving that someone had read it.

Without a word, he handed it over to his husband.  Kaiba skimmed it, eyes quick and calculating.  Then he tossed it in the fire.

“You’ve always been a terrible negotiator,” Kaiba said, pouring a bit more whiskey in the glass on the coffee table.  The liquor was erasing the bored look in his eye.  For the first time in a long time, Kaiba’s glare looked a little unhinged to Joey.  Like he was as a teenager—barely suppressing his manic energy.  Kaiba took a long, slow sip of his drink before returning to the conversation.  “I’m not trying to hold out on the father of my children.”

“Say what you want, and it’s yours.” Kaiba’s words sounded completely empty of passion, drive.  Everything that Joey had fallen in love with.

The combination of venom and possession in those words made Joey’s blood boil.  How impersonal, as if there was no other important relationship there.  Nothing else that he could recognize.  Just the father of my children, like a job title.  And wasn’t that just like Kaiba?  Generosity as the ultimate weapon.  Proving he cared so little for the entire situation by abdicating any role.  Take whatever you want—none of it matters anyway.

With the paperwork in flames, Joey’s lawyer would have told him that he was entitled to half of everything his husband owned, including those valuable shares of Kaiba Corp.  If Joey had been thinking cruelly and carefully, he might have realized then what he only contemplated years later: that he had been the only person who could have taken Kaiba Corporation away from Seto Kaiba without a fight.  Those shares and the right collaborator… Joey could have taken the whole thing in a matter of months.  Ousted Kaiba, put his ex of the street.  Reminded Kaiba what that felt like.

But of course, Kaiba had played three steps ahead, and even his evaluation of Joey’s demands was insightful.  He had correctly assumed that Joey wanted nothing to do with the company.

“I don’t want any money.  I don’t need it.  I can figure something out on my own.  I don’t need you for that,” Joey said.  Honda had been pissed at him about it when Joey had called the next morning to tell him that terrible bargaining position.  Honda supported any way to make sure that Kaiba got the fullest “Fuck You” that Joey could manage, but he was floored that Joey wanted to have to work, and budget, and live like he hadn’t spent the last fifteen years of his life in a world where money was ethereal, unimportant.  So plentiful that it had lost absolutely all value and meaning.

Kaiba laughed villainously into the whiskey, campfire scent bubbling up.  “Keep the house.  Our children shouldn’t have to move.  This is more instability than they deserve anyway.”

Joey didn’t push the issue.  The instability stung, and the fact that he repeated his parent’s pattern of getting divorced with young children was absolutely searing on his heart.  Instead of mourning, he let the bitterness curdle.  And Joey couldn’t help remarking, “I’d be surprised if they noticed a difference.”

Kaiba said nothing, kept his face schooled in that icy way that sickened the blond.  But it was imperfect to the skilled observer, and his eyes heated up, eyelids becoming just a little wider.

“They should continue to attend their current schools, this cannot interfere with their education,” Kaiba droned, as if it was just another term of a perfectly standard consumer contract.  “And they should spend the summer in Domino.  We can switch off for the winter holidays.”

Part of Joey was waiting for Kaiba to suggest that they split the kids up.  A perfect 50/50 of the children.  It was the worst thing that Joey could think to do, really.  Shove in Joey’s face that he had made the same mistakes as his parents, had learned nothing.  Demonstrate, viscerally, that Joey was going to dissolve their marriage and hurt his kids in the same way that he had been hurt.

But it never came.  In the moment Joey felt so defensive.  So certain that Kaiba would exploit every vulnerability—that was the man he knew.  Ruthless in every sense.

In the years that passed, Joey realized that he wouldn’t have married someone so evil that he’d do that.  That Kaiba’s own pain should have been enough to guarantee he had no interest in splitting the siblings.  But in the battleground that their living room had become, Joey couldn’t trust anything.          

“Fine.  But otherwise, I don’t want to see a cent of your goddamn money.”

This line, which Joey had considered so fucking crystal clear became the core of their most prominent post-break-up arguments.

Joey had always been a crowd favorite at the kids’ daycare, and his transition to part-time employee was seamless.  A quick mention of the divorce was all that it took to silence any lingering questions.  He was good with kids, warm and patient, and he wasn’t far from his own.  The job paid enough, the hours weren’t demanding.

After Kaiba had returned to Domino City full time, the economics of the problem became apparent.

Simply put, the mansion upkeep was entirely unreasonable on Joey’s salary.  Everyone was aware of this, especially Joey.  He was planning on letting the gardens narrow to a level that he could manage on the weekends, drop the security teams, just let everything mellow out.  The household manager was fired on day one.  The maids on day two.  The house was never as spotless, but the traces of dust and dirt were a small price to pay for the lived-in feel that grew.

But the bills never arrived.  No emails, no letters, clearly they were rerouted.  Gardeners that Joey had fired showed up Monday, as if they hadn’t gotten the news.  No house staff returned without a request, and Joey really was going to let it slide.

But the next month Joey received a notice that the utilities had been overpaid.  Not by a terribly extravagant amount, but by about a thousand dollars.  Joey knew better, but he resisted looking the gift horse in the mouth for just one month and accept the refund.

The next month, the refund doubled, and Joey wasn’t going to take it.  When Kaiba answered the phone, Joey didn’t even give him the opportunity to pick a greeting.

“I told you, I don’t want the money.  I’m gonna send it back to you, what’s the address again?” Joey demanded.

“Put it in the children’s trusts.  Put it towards—” Kaiba’s answer was harsh and quick.

“I don’t want the money, Kaiba.  I don’t need it.  They don’t need it.  We’re fine without it.”  Without you, Joey almost shouted.  But Kaiba was smart enough, right?  He should be able to understand that much.

“Fine.”  Kaiba hung up first to spite Joey’s victory, but the refunds on the utilities stopped.  Over the last few years there were a couple more schemes.  Refunds from the school.  Overpaid property taxes.   Every time Joey whined to Honda, his friend told him to give up and just take it.

But Yugi had a different guess.  Yugi pointed out that, well, every time Kaiba came up with a new way to slip money to Joey, Joey called to clear it up.

“I don’t know how many people he talks to, Jounouchi-kun, but maybe… he just wants to call.”

What an entirely too human thing for Joey’s ex-husband to do.  “He has my number, if he wants to talk, he can try, instead of buying it.”

Yugi had shrugged and wisely changed the subject.  The whole thing left an odd taste in Joey’s mouth.  Even though Joey was the one who had asked for the divorce, Kaiba had done his utmost to seem entirely unaffected by the whole thing.  Joey had been prepared for a knock down, drag out fight.  Instead, Kaiba kept such an impartial face, it was as if the dissolution of their union didn’t perturb him in the slightest.  As if it were some sort of contract terminated at inconvenient time, and no more.

Mind returning to the present, Joey scanned Kaiba’s face in the glow of the fire for any sign of humanity.  Any indication that their separation had bothered Kaiba just a fraction of the way it had hurt Joey.

Finding none, Joey handed off the warm mug of hot cocoa.  If Kaiba realized it wasn’t coffee, it didn’t show on his face.

“So, anyone miss me at the wedding?”

Kaiba gulped down some “Your friends were there, of course.  I think they would have preferred to see you than me.” Kaiba took another pensive sip at the cocoa mug.  “Atticus was right.  His piano performance was excellent.”

Kaiba pulled out his phone.  The screensaver of a Blue Eyes White Dragon melted into a sea of icons.  KC must have released a new model in the intervening years.  Joey took a bit of joy in the fact that he hadn’t even noticed.

The screen dissolved into Kaiba’s photo album within a few taps.  The grid was full of almost identical images of their kids at the wedding, and Kaiba had to scroll for a bit before tracking down a video.  It pricked at Joey’s chest, just a touch, to see how many duplicate photos Kaiba had taken of the little subjects.

Finally, Kaiba pressed play and there was nine-year-old Atticus, fluffy brown hair tamed in the back just barely in a tiny low ponytail.  Between the hair and his light blue suit, he looked like a baby Mozart, Joey thought.

The image of him at the white grand piano began to move, and the boy played some classical music that Joey couldn’t identify if his life depended on it.  It sounded pleasant, the notes flowing and smooth—clearly the little guy had been taking his lessons seriously.

“He is good, huh?” Joey smiled, looking at Kaiba.  The radiant satisfaction in Kaiba’s eyes hurt to look at for too long.

Kaiba handed him the phone and stood up.  “I’ll check on them.  They’ve been quiet for too long, I don’t trust it.”  Kaiba rose with his usual dignity.  Even without the trench coat, the man swept out of the room with such presence.  For better or worse, Joey’s house had lost the melodrama without him marching about.

His ex-husband’s phone sat heavy in his hands.  The new release was slim, all flawless and shiny and new.  It was a little hot.  And it was unlocked.  He could search through anything—did Kaiba really still trust him that much?

Joey smirked, and continued to look through the wedding pictures.  The rest of the reception looked very precious.  There were many attempts to capture a decent shot of Mokuba and his new wife Yui smiling with the kids.  From the number of goofy pictures and the relative paucity of serious ones, it had been an uphill battle for Kaiba to get one decent picture that he could put on his desk.

The next series appeared to be taken by Atticus, a legendary phone thief, and was largely shots of Kaiba’s arms and hands grasping for his phone.  Joey’s own phone had more than enough pictures like that, and sometimes he couldn’t bring himself to delete them either.

There were a couple of cute shots of Alexis challenging Yugi to a duel.  She could read the majority of the cards.  Joey didn’t know how she convinced Kaiba to let her bring her duel disk to the wedding, but he was always a sucker for the kids.

There were some pictures what were just Kaiba and Mokuba, and Joey couldn’t help but gaze at his ex-husband.  Standing next to his brother with that small smile that looked so hauntingly like the photo in Mokuba’s locket.

They weren’t teenagers, but the pang in Joey’s chest was not convinced.  

The next few photos hurt even more, just Kaiba and the kids.  Alexis, duel disk still strapped faithfully to her arm, appeared to have requested to be held, and Atticus stood in front making little peace signs and sticking his tongue out.

Kaiba was smiling that tiny, genuine way—still.  Through rows of photos, he didn’t stop, except for a few when Atticus jumped to try and steal his sister’s duel disk.

Joey’s eyes pricked with tears, and all of that curiosity was silenced.  He had meant to do some snooping—follow up on some headlines about a secret lover that Honda had sent him—but any curiosity was stamped out.

Joey decided it was because he was sad to miss their friends, not their life together.  And that everyone had been playing quietly for too long.  He abandoned the phone on the couch to see what had happened in the playroom.

The playroom was a nice, cute space.  Light blue walls, big windows facing the gardens, plush tan carpeting.  Back when they had maids, the room was always tidy, but now Joey had given up.  It was for the kids to play in, anyway, so if the train set and crayons and common Duel Monsters cards littered the floor, who really cared.  Against the wall, there was a fairly large grey couch that had seen better days.

It was almost too much, to see Kaiba, passed out with a book in his lap, and the kids on either side snoring away.  Alexis’ hair dripped over the side of the couch.  Atticus was leaning against his father.  Joey leaned over to collect Alexis first to take her to her bedroom.

The soft vision was hard to face, and Joey couldn’t resist the simple thought that “this is what I wanted.”

At the movement, Kaiba stirred.

Joey resisted smiling at the spacey, sleepy face.  Kaiba blinked tiredly, slowly collecting himself and gathering his bearings.  It took quite a lot of effort.  “I’m putting them to bed,” Joey said.  Kaiba nodded and ruffled Atticus’s hair.

By the time Atticus had been dropped off at his room, Kaiba was missing.  But Joey had a decent guess where to find him.

. . .

“So, who’s the secret lover?” Joey asked, wandering into the room that had once been Seto’s study.  Joey hadn’t changed anything about it.  He hadn’t even removed the decanter of expensive Japanese whiskey or the two crystal glasses that sat next to it.  To be honest, he hadn’t spent time in the room at all, except occasionally dusting when he remembered.  After the kids were asleep, it was Seto’s usual haunt back in the day.  Seto was nothing if not a man of certain preferences.

The decanter was already wide open, and Seto was making significant progress in draining it.  He looked quite at home for a man who had been threatening to stay in a hotel.  His cheeks were just a little flushed and Joey could tell the liquor was affecting him because Seto laughed at Joey’s comment.

“Please.  You don’t have some sort of web alert on my name, do you?” Kaiba said, raising his glass like there was something to celebrate.

“Nah.  But Honda does,” Joey answered, and was rewarded with another one of Kaiba’s signature cackles.  It was close enough to friendly that Joey decided to take the companion chair in the study.  Joey hadn’t sat in that chair even once in the three years since Kaiba’s departure.  Leaning into the plush velvet, he realized he had missed it.

“Of course.  There is no one, naturally, just that endless speculation.  A man continues to take care of his appearance and he can never do it for his professional image and personal health,” Kaiba pulled his phone from his pocket, scrolling absently.  “It must be for a lover.”  The echo of blue light from the phone contrasted the warm yellow light from the study’s art-nouveau inspired banker’s lamps.  It traced Kaiba’s high cheekbones in a flattering manner.  It made Joey instantly more insecure about his own softer face.

Between the baggy sweatpants and charitable flannel bathrobe, he felt like no one would accuse him of taking up a new lover.  If anything, he had spotted a few unflattering headlines in the last couple of years.  The attention died off dramatically after Kaiba was all the way out of the picture.  “Well, I’m sure you’re not worried about me finding anyone else.  Don’t think anyone’s interested these days, I kinda let myself go.”

Kaiba’s eyes snapped away from his phone and back to Joey with a fierceness that Joey hadn’t expected.  “First of all, I do not tolerate anyone talking about the father of my children that way,” Kaiba spat, the liquor making him slur the edges of some of the words.  “And second,” Kaiba huffed a short breath, “you really have no idea what’s going on in my head.”

“Y’know what, Kaiba,” Joey challenged, “I really fucking don’t.”

Kaiba downed the rest of the drink.  “I was thinking that you look just as attractive as the day I met you,” and Joey could spot that hunger in his eyes, seductive as ever.  “Your hair is still always tousled, like you’ve been playing outside all the time.”

Kaiba returned his full attention to the decanter.  “And I can’t look in your eyes without my heart absolutely aching,” Kaiba said as he refilled his glass.  He sounded a bit angry to deliver the compliment.

The heat rose in Joey’s cheeks with the compliments.  Joey released a sad little laugh before commenting.  “Why do you gotta hold back on stuff like that ‘cept when you’re drinkin’ or whatever?”

Kaiba didn’t answer.  He put his drink down and leaned in, so close that the heat of his breath tickled Joey’s cheek.  Kaiba’s hand floated up to Joey’s face, the pad of his thumb running tenderly over the stubble on his jawline.  Those haunted blue eyes saw straight into Joey’s soul.

“Even though you have done nothing but break my heart for the last four years, you are just as irresistible as ever,” Kaiba whispered, before pulling Joey in.  There was no force behind the touch, as if he didn’t quite believe he was allowed to.

Maybe, Joey thought, if he hadn’t had such a dry spell, if he wasn’t so intoxicated by Kaiba’s praise and presence, then Kaiba wouldn’t have been allowed to.  But the combination of loneliness, yearning, and unspoken regret was too heady.  Always, Kaiba had to be too powerful.

And the kiss could have been their first kiss.  It could have been the kiss that sealed their marriage at their wedding.  It could have been the kiss after Joey first saw Kaiba hold Atticus.  The kiss after they brought Alexis home from the hospital.  It was tender and warm and peaceful.  It was so right it felt like nothing had every happened to them, between them.

It was soft, and chaste.  And too loving.

After Kaiba released, he must have noticed the tears that had leaked involuntarily from Joey’s eyes.  The next kiss was not nearly so pure.

For one thing, Kaiba couldn’t seem to resist sticking his hands in Joey’s hair and pulling him in.  If that first kiss was asking for permission, the second was to put Joey on notice that he was going to be devoured whole.  It was hot and the lingering whisky all but burned Joey’s mouth.  The campfire smell was almost too much—a warning that this was a bad idea.  That they were both vulnerable and volatile and misguided.

But that hot mouth once again overpowered good sense.  It always did, after all.  And Joey only broke the make out in order to rise from his seat and straddle Kaiba’s hips in the opulent chair.  It was clumsier than the last time they had done this, and Joey felt a bit insecure and out of shape, too much on display.  But before the could undo his bold move, Kaiba grabbed him by the hips, long fingers artfully playing with the band of his sweatpants, dancing under his shirt and to his back.  Kaiba smoothly scraped his nails down the soft flesh.  Kaiba’s efforts were rewarded with a full body shudder, and he smirked back, as if to say “I’ve still got it.”

Joey moved in for another kiss, just to get that stupid, self-satisfied smirk off of his face.  He was interrupted by his own moan at the sweet sensation of Kaiba grabbing and kneading at his ass.  It was sexy as hell, and he felt so wanted.  Like Kaiba was drinking in every second of his time with him.  Like the last four years had faded away—or maybe never happened.  

Joey knew enough signature moves to reduce his partner to a quivering mess.  He decided to run his own nails over Kaiba’s scalp and was instantly pleased when Kaiba purred into his mouth.  Putty in his hands.

As they proceeded, Kaiba continued to make desperate, needy noises.  After his shifted his hips up and whimpered, Joey determined that something was up.

Well, something else.

After he pulled back and rose shakily to his own feet, he offered a hand to his partner.

Kaiba stumbled.  He caught himself, but only by relying on Joey’s stability.  He looked a little dizzy just to be standing.

“Goddammit.  You’re really drunk Kaiba.  And you probably didn’t even take breaks or shifts on the flight over, so you’re exhausted too,” Joey sighed.

Joey should have caught on faster, should have known better.

“This is so totally you, so fucking classic.  You haven’t changed.  This is why I fucking left, and never looked back.  You’re exhausted and want to pull something and just… I really just get the dregs of you.  Like you give your all to every single thing on earth, anything, so that you’re a mess by the time that you get to me.  I’m the last priority every damn time, below even your desire to fuck off.”

“Jou…” Kaiba said his name on the exhale, and it evaporated in the room.

“You haven’t changed a bit in three years. I’m wasting my breath, you’re too much of a mess to even appreciate this.  But I’ll tell you I feel like you bought me, and our relationship comes last.  I’m your child-rearing assistant, the head nanny, and you don’t even have to try to be my partner.”  Joey could feel his face going read with anger.  “I get the worst of you, every time.”

Kaiba was silent.  One of the most frustrating things about Seto was that no matter what he was going through, the processing power of his mind was rarely genuinely diminished.

“I am a good father.” Kaiba said, more to himself than to Joey.

“Yeah, but you’re a shit husband.”

Joey regretted it the second he said it.  Hearing it out of his mouth felt unpleasant, like he was possessed by someone else.  Someone a lot crueler, more dismissive.

Kaiba had no comment, no stinging rejoinder.  He leaned onto Joey’s shoulder, long brown strands falling against the flannel bathrobe.

“C’mon, you can sleep in the guestroom.” Joey’s arm wound around Kaiba’s waist as he dragged him through the hallway.

[flipomatic]

A New World Chapter 6: Drumming Along

First Chapter Previous Chapter

As the bell rang, signaling the end of her final class for the week, Ako couldn’t help the rush of excitement she felt. Finally, she would be able to leave her school books behind and get to let loose over the weekend.

There were so many things she wanted to do this weekend, and not nearly enough time to fit all of them in. NFO had a big content update coming, Edogawa Music was holding a sale on drum pedals, and a new cool ninja film was opening in theaters. Ako couldn’t decide what she wanted to do first. She wanted to do them all at once.

Ako pulled out her phone to check if any of her bandmates were free. She loved spending time with them and doing all sorts of things together. Rinko played NFO with her, Sayo had a great eye for the best instrument parts, and Lisa enjoyed the same films that Ako did. She sometimes hung out with Yukina too, but they didn’t really have an activity.

As Ako clicked into today on the master schedule, her heart sank. All of her bandmates were busy this afternoon, off living their university lives. The master schedule Lisa made was so convenient, but also super depressing.

It felt like they were always busy these days, without any time to hangout like they used to. Ako hadn’t played NFO with Rinko in weeks. She had only seen her other bandmates at practice and at one group meal.

Ako slumped forward on her desk dramatically, resting her head against its surface. It was cold against her cheek, a welcome feeling.

What was she going to do now? She could always go do things alone, but it wasn’t the same. There was some homework she could work on too, but that was extra boring and she could just do it later.

Everything was different this year and Ako didn’t like it. For a moment, she wallowed in her misery.

She looked over to the right, catching sight of her other friends talking next to her desk. Oh, how could she have forgotten them, even for just a moment? They were still in the same year as her; they didn’t have insane schedules filled with extra classes and projects and rehearsals that were at the worst times.

Ako sprung up from her chair, with the seat making a loud noise as it was pushed back. Rokka flinched, clearly startled by the sound. She clutched her guitar case, as if to shield it from danger.

“Are you alright, Ako?” Asuka asked, with one of her eyebrows arched. She was leaning against the neighboring desk.

“Fu fu fu.” Ako brought one hand up to cover her mouth. “More than alright! Through the overwhelming power within, I am compelled to seek your company!” If she had a spotlight, that would make this pose perfect.

Askua didn’t seem impressed. “Meaning?” She deadpanned.

“Do you wanna hang out?” Ako rephrased her assertion as requested, returning her hand to her side. She looked between Asuka and Rokka with wide eyes, hopeful that they would say yes.

Rokka, having recovered from being startled, nodded. “I heard Hello Happy World is playing in town today, we could go see them?” She spoke softly, phrasing it as a question. Her hands fidgeted on the handle of her guitar case.

“Oh, yeah I heard about that.” Asuka replied. “Near the shopping district.”

“Let’s go!” Ako always loved to see other bands, and anything was better than thinking about what her bandmates were up to. She scooped up her bag, heaving it over one shoulder.

The trio started walking towards the exit, passing through the hallways and stairwell of the school. Now that they were second years, they went to class on the second floor. Ako forgot sometimes, until she looked out the window and realized just how high they were.

Once they were out of the building, they walked to the market district. It was a warm enough spring day, with only a few clouds in the sky. The three second years followed the sidewalk towards the market. On the way they chatted about class, about the weather, and about bands.

Rokka told them that Raise A Suilen was still performing often. They had been playing around Tokyo, trying out some different venues and setups. Ako and Rokka were walking next to each other, with Asuka a step behind.

“Chuchu wants to become the best girl’s band in Tokyo.” Rokka explained as they walked. “She’ll find the stage where RAS shines the brightest.”

“How’s that been going?” Asuka asked, sounding genuinely curious. Ako was also eager to hear the answer.

Rokka sighed, scuffing one of her feet against the sidewalk. “Not great.” She admitted, frowning down at the ground. “Nothing seems to be good enough. She’s been so moody about it too…”

Ako wasn’t sure if she understood Chuchu’s, but she was certain that a couple of her bandmates would. “I’m sure she’ll find it.” RAS shined on every stage Ako saw them on, so she had not doubt that Chuchu would succeed.

“For sure!” Asuka’s response was insistent.

This brought the smallest hint of a smile back to Rokka’s face. “Yeah, you’re right.” She brought her hands up to her guitar case strap, straightening her back. “I was actually planning on coming today to watch the guitarist.” Her fingers tightened around the strap.

“Kaoru?” Ako was pretty sure she was Hello Happy World’s guitarist. She had gone to Haneoka and graduated along with Ako’s bandmates.

Rokka nodded, “Yes. There’s a lot I can learn from her.” Her eyes were cast straight ahead, looking out towards the distance. Ako glanced that way, but she didn’t see anything special. “I need to keep improving, so RAS can shine.” She looked so cool like this, like she did when she played guitar.

Asuka whistled, chiming in from behind. “That’s pretty impressive.”

Rokka’s head snapped back, her shoulders shrinking down. “Not really.” All her confidence from a moment before had faded.

“It sounds like fun.” Ako had spent a lot of time watching her sister, the best drummer in the world, play the drums. Almost everything she knew about the drums, she learned from her. Guitarists could probably learn the same way.

Ako wondered if she should do the same, during the concert today. The drummer for Hello Happy World was… Ako had to think for a moment to recall her name. She had blue hair and didn’t go to school with Ako. She had graduated as well, and oh her name was Kanon, Ako finally remembered.

The three stopped at a crosswalk, waiting for their turn to go. They were only a block away from the performance, which was being held at an outdoor stage. Hello Happy World seemed to play outside often, which Ako thought fit their style of music.

They crossed the street and soon reached the venue. A small crowd had gathered in front of the stage in anticipation of the concert. Many different groups of people were gathered there, from students to the elderly. There were even some small children, who stood in the front of the audience.

Ako and her friends found a spot in the middle of the crowd, where they were able to see the stage clearly.

They still had at least twenty minutes until the performance would begin, so they continued to chat. Asuka told a story about how Kasumi had recently been messing around with fireworks. She wanted to use them for Poppin’ Party performances, but didn’t know the best way to do it. Luckily, Arisa had been there with a bucket of sand to put out the fire.

Ako shared how Roselia was doing this year, that their practices were going well. She withheld the more unfortunate details, which involved the master calendar and lonely afternoons. The girls continued to talk while they waited.

A few minutes after the scheduled start time, the show began. The curtain onstage was pulled back, revealing Hello Happy World. Kokoro stood in the center of the stage, mic stand in hand. Kaoru, Hagumi, Michelle, and Kanon were all arranged with their instruments around her.

“We are Hello Happy World!” Kokoro beamed out at the audience as she introduced the band. “Lucky! Happy! Smile! Yay!” The crowd cheered at the signature phrase. “First up, Egao no Orchestra!”

As if on cue, Michelle hit the samples to start the song. The rest of the band followed, with the song blasting out over the audience. This song, like all their others, brought life to the crowd. It was full of spirit and cheer.

Ako glanced over at Rokka, who had her eyes locked firmly on Kaoru. The guitarist was alternating between playing and flourishing at the audience, causing some teenage girls near the front of the crowd to cheer each time.

Remembering what she thought about earlier, Ako looked over at Kanon. The blue haired drummer was entirely focused on her music, unlike Kaoru. Ako honed her ears in on the drums, listening to the beat.

The drum parts were quite different that the ones in Roselia’s music. This reminded Ako a lot more of a marching band, with tighter and faster drumming. Kanon kept her hands low as she played. She mostly drummed through the wrist, only bringing her hands up when she needed to hit the cymbals.

That was different than Ako, who tended to play with wider arm motions. It was interesting to see, perhaps something she should try next time she practiced. Especially for songs that stayed more on the lower drums, she could have better timing if she kept her movements smaller. Rushing was a problem Ako contended with regularly.

As the band transitioned into their next song, Ako kept watching. She watched as Kanon maintained the rhythm perfectly, how her smaller motions still made great drum sounds, and how her drums blended in with the rest of the band.

Next to her, Rokka had a notebook out and was hastily taking notes. Ako could see the word “fleeting” was written there at least one after Kaoru said it during an emcee.

Ako wasn’t going to take notes; she could remember what she saw well enough.

When the concert wrapped up, with the band members taking a bow in the center of the stage, Ako thought she should do this again. At just this one concert, she had picked up a couple things to try. If she saw more drummers, she would certainly learn more and more techniques.

Ako remembered all of her drummer friends, and started to wonder what kind of cool techniques they would show her.

Besides, with how busy her bandmates were she had plenty of time to spend watching bands. Her afternoons, which used to be full of Roselia practices, were free. Learning from watching other drummers would be a great thing to fill them with. This wasn’t a complete substitute for practice, but it would help her improve.

Then she could be the drummer Roselia needed.

Also, and most importantly, it was super fun!

Next Chapter