#higuchi's hair is RIDICULOUS

[frankenjoly]

"I look ridiculous in this." "You look breathtaking in that." + higugin?

“I don’t think this is going to work.” Higuchi said, pulling the curtain and exiting the changing room. “I look ridiculous in…” She glanced down, pointing at the dress she was wearing while a frown appeared on her face. “... that. Sure, I’m used to dresses, but this feels too fancy. They’re going to mock me.”

It was a miracle that Gin registered her words at all, for the second Higuchi entered their field of vision, focusing on anything but her looks became quite difficult.

“You look breathtaking in that.” Those words exited his mouth almost on their own, as if taking advantage of Gin being distracted to flee as fast as possible. Not like she regretted complimenting Higuchi, but… wow.

“... Oh.” Was the only thing Higuchi replied, and Gin did nothing to break the silence either. Instead, they glanced down, glad the mask hid their creeping up embarrassment. 

Had she made things awkward? Had his comment helped Higuchi instead?

“Huh–” Speaking of Higuchi, she cleared her throat after a while, then Gin could also hear her taking a deep breath before talking to them again. Or talking at all, by that matter. “Thanks, Gin. Hm, can you– can you help me with my make-up? I can handle styling my hair alone, but eyeliner is kind of a struggle.”

They instantly looked back up, nodding twice as confirmation.

(Also on ao3.)

[spatio-rift]

wait i remember now what i wanted to draw last night about strky. i wanted to draw them a few years older like imayoshi and okamura w their bad dye jobs miyaji with a ridiculously short ponytail (makes me laugh) higuchi i think would just style his hair differently to look more mature or something and then kasamatsu looks exactly the same which imayoshi teases him for but then takes himself out by imagining kasamatsu still looking exactly like that but old and gray and suddenly being hit w a wave of emotion like oouggg i want to spend the rest of my life w this guy grow old w him until he looks like that.

[hellcatinnc]

Bungo Stray Dogs Season 4 Anime Review

This season started where I didn't expect by starting telling a story about Fukuzawa and Ranpo. It was sweet watching him become Ranpo's like mentor. I also learned alot about Ranpo in this season as well, like his parents died in a accident and he wasn't even from the city he came to. He had a keen sense with things but has no ability and he is funny when he gets in a place with food especially sweets he is too cute. I respect Fukuzawa for giving him somewhere he could belong that was honorable of him. Also can we talk about why he was attractive when he was young like whhhaaat??!!?? It was funny when he gave Ranpo the glasses the cheap ones that he trained Ranpo to think was the only time his powers worked keen. Its funny because before this season I thought Ranpo was supposed to be like sherlock holmes since he said he was the best detective in the world I didn't realize its because Fukuzawa told him he was that he believed it not cause he really was.

Then we got to talk about Ranpo's "Mooing" the fact he got kidnapped knew he was going to but then tells the kidnapper he drowned him cause he was bored hearing him. He then says all he hears is mooing and then he continues to moo as the guy talks omg never laughed so hard in this show til then. Sad it didn't last long because when Fukuzawa showed up he was so angry with Ranpo for playing his own life and then smacked him across the face. Watching Ranpo broke down brought me to tears. This is a boy who had no one and now only Fukuzawa and then he hits him. I feel like Ranpo is just a scared little boy sometimes. I get the strictness trying to teach him but still uncool to make Ranpo cry like that. Like this moment broke my heart.

The hunting dogs was a definitely unexpected thing to me wasn't expecting to see them and damn Saigiku Jōno & Tetchō Suehiro are hot as fuck... like so wasn't expecting that at all. Also guess Saigiku, him having his eyes shut all the time and white hair reminds me of Saint Germain. Anyways their powers are bad ass but the moment Chuuya came to save Kunikida, Kenji, Tanizaki, and Akiko, the way he used his powers to make even them look like little lost puppies. I love Chuuya he is so damn epic and sexy as hell when he was on that helicopter. As time goes on in the show the less I like the hunting dogs it seems they are killing some of my favorite characters off one by one. Every time I turn around something was happening I didn't see coming, it definitely kept me on the edge of my seat.

Watching Kunikida die broke my heart however because Fukuzawa doesn't think he is dead I'm hoping to see him in season 5. The powers the hunting dogs has is ridiculous however I can see how they are the good guys in the end not my favorite because they are trying to destroy the agency members but I realize its only because they believe them the enemy. Dazai getting inside of Fyodor's head to know how his plan works is genius and Fyodor doesn't shut up he just keeps talking. Ango who used to be friends with Ota & Dazai surprised me to be on the good side but I never knew his powers til now being able to see someone's truth in this case this is a good thing for the agency.

Lack there of Chuuya in this season sucked and I never say Akutagawa once except on the intro to the show. Never realized how those two being my favorite I missed them when they won't there. As for Tachihara I was surprised he ended up being one of the hunting dogs however he wont me over like he was never a huge favorite of mine was easy to forget him however that one time he brought the others to help Higuchi now I understand. He tells a bit of his story and how he wanted to be out of his brothers shadow and honestly I think he became a good man and one of my favorites in this season. Sure he is in the port mafia undercover but he actually cares for his team mates as well as he knows the truth no that the agency was framed so I'm sure the next season he will be working to try to clear their name as well.

I do think once the agency is cleared of this mess the hunting dogs will be allies to them. This season will keep you on the edge of your toes and still leaves on a cliffhanger to clear the agencies name. You don't know who to hate or to love. You won't know who to trust or who will even live or die. There is more than one enemy but also more than one good guy. You will learn more about Akiko Yosano's past as well as Ranpo, Fukuzawa, and Tachihara. I love all the moments you get more Atsushi and Kyōka moments though. Even when they try to put Lucy in the picture alot I love how some may ship them but he literally goes right back to Kyōka every time. Some may say they are more like siblings but I beg the difference the way they look at each other and would die for each other there is way more there than that and Lucy can't even come close to that.

Nikolai was cool looking but annoying. I waited seasons to see him thinking many times he would be such a cool character instead he is insane, his power is kinda cool but he also the biggest reason or part of that the agency was framed. I still love in the end Atsushi is the same man I loved from season one. He goes out of his way to help the people he cares about, and never wants to let someone die before realizing they have a right to live. I feel like thats the root core of his character and I love that about him.

All in all, same as any season before it won't let you down. It will bring some of your favorite characters back but add many new ones as well. Stay tuned to see how season 5 goes next.

[captainhysunstuff]

@deathnotetober 23:  Yotsuba

Yotsuba caricature pose party.

[sips-tea-cutely]

There's love above love and it's ours if you love me as much

osamu dazai, atsushi nakajima, ryūnosuke akutagawa, chūya nakahara, fyodor dostoevsky

to fall in love is an odd term don’t you think? how could you devote yourself entirely to a single person? he had never understood the term ‘falling in love’ until he met you.

cw fyodor 😱🦶🦶lol tbh this is just a bunch of thoughts i had abt lovesickness so its a lil disorganized

#Osamu Dazai

to make dazai fall in love with you, you’d have to be someone who has seen the realities of living, how people behave in the face of danger and even so, believe to see the best in everyone with utmost trust. he thinks its quite strange since he, himself, does not believe in true good but maybe it’s to see a sliver of good in a hopeless reality— perhaps it’s true, opposites do attract!

dazai is oh so badly attracted to people who aren’t stuck in a fantasy. someone who thinks of the realities as well as a great strategist. he wouldn’t mind if you’re a dreamer though, he’d love to hear all about your vivid descriptions of a world that does not exist.

dazai would try to court you by his little gestures— buying you coffee, talking to you more often and not even asking you to join him in a double suicide, so romantic!

when dazai loves someone, he’d act like you’re the only thing happening to him in such a big world. or to put it plainly, he’s obsessed with you. not in a yandere way, not quite; talking to you would be the highlight of his day, he’d constantly think what you’re doing, if you think he’s a weirdo, or would be recalling conversations with you.

#Atsushi Nakajima

for atsushi to love you, you’d have to be somewhat of a ‘perfect woman’; kind, patient and gentle-faced. atsushi’s ideal partner is one who would rely on him to protect them as well as someone who would let him cry into their arms, someone who’d see all his ugly parts and still love him unconditionally.

atsushi would be head over heels for people who reassure him and his flaws. he’d be so love drunk every single time you’d say “you tried your best and saved as many as possible.”. he can’t save everyone, some people are just bound to die— he knows that now because you’ve told him over and over without ever getting mad, could you get less perfect?

atsushi’s not the greatest with affection, it’s quite well-known, isnt it? he’d ask the agency members for advice— buying you lunch down in cafe uzumaki, complimenting your clothes, buying you small trinkets

atsushi would be so hesitant to indulge in his small crush, but even so, he can’t find it in himself to stop himself from thinking about the things he loves about you— your personality, your smooth hair, your tactfulness, everything about you just makes his cheeks flush a vibrant pink.

#Ryuunosuke Akutagawa

to earn akutagawa’s love, you must be someone who gets along with most people, especially the black lizard! ryū has faith in his subordinates social opinions since he, himself is not one to mingle with a crowd. if they (most especially gin) adore you then perhaps this time, akutagawa will let his heart rest as he falls in love.

he’d especially admire if you were someone high-ranking within your own job, you worked hard to earn your position and it is admirable in his eyes. perhaps you could spare time to explain your work ethic? no, this isn’t a date, what a ridiculous thing to say! (if you want to call it a date though…)

noticing akutagawa’s crush is incredibly subtle, however not unnoticeable. he’d be kinder talking to you compared to higuchi and various others, he’d also be quite loyal to you, as well. like with dazai, he’s willing to help you with chores or groceries.

akutagawa is closed off. out of everyone here, he is the one most scared of falling in love. living in a world filled with pain has not done good to him. he has learned of how cruel the world can be and not to mention the many lives he has taken, would you really love someone raised in slums?

#Chuuya Nakahara

for chuya to fall in love, you’d have to be someone with an unending loyalty, someone who can defend themself as well as someone who knows when you have to ask for help. he’d dislike someone who is a helpless damsel (yuan cough) but, he’s still wants you to rely on him, he is your boyfriend after all!

chuya loves someone who can be passionate— about him, art, talents, hobbies, anything, he simply loves the passion and fire in your eyes when you talk about something you love.

chuya would show his interest with materialism, did we expect less? of course, this isn’t all. he’d also be more interested in talking to you rather than his busy schedule. who cares what mori thinks? there’s still tomorrow to finish it.

chuya is reserved with love. he’d be uneasy to fall in love, let alone just developing some platonic relation with you. but seeing your gleeful smile and sweet eyes is something that would just be worth seeing even if it just leads him to more pain. in the mafia, any day could be his last so why not let his dying memory be your face?

#Fyodor Dostoevsky

to catch the devil’s interest, you’d have to be quite an oddball; someone who is shunned by society and rejected by humanity. someone who has lost their faith in virtues, morals and the world. dostoy’s ideal would be someone so faithless so that he could give them new hope, him. he wants you to stay by his side, he might even call you his own personal assistant, don’t tell ivan though! this is something to be kept between you and him.

fyodor would also be interested in someone as insightful as him. he’d love someone he can share thoughts with— philosophy, literature, strategy. it’d be so nice to finally talk to someone who isn’t blind like everyone else.

fyodor’s crush is almost unnoticeable tbh. the only exceptional treatment of his is privacy. he’d talk to you as he types away on his computer, helping you with the games you play and maybe even seeing your insights on a strategy of his.

dostoevsky is possessive. he wouldn’t dare give anyone a chance to take his cute myshka from him. that’s why surprisingly, he’d be one of the firsts to confess his affections. fyodor knows exactly what he wants and what he wants is you.

[everythingsinred]

Let's Talk About NatsuMikan: Natsume (pt. 25)

Hi there.

According to Wikipedia, the term "star-crossed lovers" refers to a couple "whose relationship is thwarted by outside forces". Furthermore, "such pairings are said to be doomed from the start". Often, the tragic end of these pairings can be seen from a mile away, even though the audience may hope and wish desperately for things to be different. In fact, the relationship between Romeo and Juliet is immediately revealed to end tragically, with both of them dead. It's just a matter of watching the heartbreak unfold.

The same is true here. Natsume and Mikan are "doomed" from the start. You hope and wish desperately that fate will be kind to them, that certain things will be different, that they can be happy, but it's not to be and you know it, deep down. All you can really do is watch the specific way it all goes up in flames. Now that we know they're both romantically involved, star-crossed to be separated, we're about to see a tragedy unfold. Let's suffer about it.

Chapter One Hundred and Forty

The school was being invaded, and the only one of Shiki’s conditions that the ESP could not accept was Mikan being out of his reach. In order to save the school, Mikan allowed herself to be put into the ESP’s custody under the condition that she cannot be harmed or manipulated.

But Chapter 140 doesn’t start by checking in on Mikan or even showing the others’ reaction to her absence. Not yet.

Just in case you didn't know how this would end to begin with, Higuchi will let you know now. It will not end well!

The chapter starts with a monologue from Ruka about the lengths Natsume would go to for Mikan, but also pleading for him not to go anywhere. This is unsubtle foreshadowing. We see a glimpse of the future, of Natsume’s presumably dead body, and the misery his death brings. We can see more evidence of what we already knew: Natsume thinks so little of himself that he’s willing to sacrifice anything for others, never considering that his absence will cause utter despair in the people he leaves behind.

At this point, it becomes even more obvious that the story will end with tragedy, and Natsume's probable death will be part of it.

We finally get to the real start of the chapter. It’s winter again. Ruka is musing on life at the academy without Mikan. They all talk about her often, even after months of not seeing her. They don’t even know where at the academy she is, or what she’s been up to.

Just for a glimpse. ;-;

He recalls Yuka’s funeral. The children were instructed to leave the area, but it was the last time they’d see Mikan, so they all stay. Natsume doesn’t even have an umbrella despite the rain. Mikan was then escorted from Yuka’s grave by the ESP. Her classmates want to know where she’s going, concerned that she’s in trouble. When the ESP threatens Shiki for not disciplining them, Mikan smiles and promises to see them again.

Fate does not smile upon them.

Natsume watches, and although they’re all surprised and concerned, he seems more so than anyone else. The last time he saw her there was a lot left unsaid. She had confessed her requited feelings telepathically and he’d had to say goodbye over and over and over. But Mikan hasn’t used up all of the telepathy stone quite yet, so he’s able to promise her that he’ll do everything he can to find her. She smiles, tears in her eyes, and that’s the last image of her he has for a while. He will find her. That’s his new mission, his new reason for living.

Back in the present, Natsume finally appears to join the group. He’s been missing, looking for Mikan. He spends most of his time running around campus trying to find her. The telepathy alice stone is the only tie they have to each other now. It’s all he has to go off of.

He smiles upon joining the group. Mikan isn’t there, but he’s still smiling. It might not be entirely genuine. He’s smiled like this before, to make Ruka feel better before the Z Arc. He has to have hope, too, because he can’t die before he finds Mikan. Submitting to the misery will only mar his chances.

Ruka knows that Natsume’s long absences are due to his search, that he spends hours and hours looking for her, calling for her, waiting for a response.

Yes, Shiki, and as a minor, he CANNOT consent to being a member of a group that has "war potential" because that's against international law and you should be charged with human rights' violations. Also, since he's a child, even being a criminal wouldn't justify this kind of punishment either, on account of him not even being a teenager yet.

Natsume is still a Dangerous Ability type. Shiki urges him to transfer out, but Natsume can’t. He has to stay, because as a DA type he can search in more areas that are off limits to normal students. In general, the DA class is more comfortable now that they’re under the management of the Middle School, not the ESP. Still, it’s described as a group “with war potential” and he wants to feel like he’s doing something to protect the people important to him rather than simply standing by. Natsume’s mindset of always having to protect people, to the extent that when he cannot protect people he feels useless and worthless, is damaging. He thinks he has to do these things, and although the narrative paints the DA class choosing to remain as them choosing to protect people, it’s kind of ridiculous that a school would put such a task on students’ shoulders in the first place. They’re the ones who should be protected, not the other way around. No matter who is in charge of the DA class, sending kids on dangerous missions where they could get hurt is still child abuse and endangerment.

In any case, he’s told it’s useless to try and find her, that the barrier hiding Mikan is too powerful, but he won’t listen. He won’t let anything anybody says get in the way. Just like he said when he first rebelled, no matter how much somebody tries to convince him not to, he’ll do whatever it takes to protect her.

Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Two

Tsubasa is also opting to remain in the DA class. It’s easier to be in on the action that way, for one. He also wants to help Natsume because he’s concerned about his alice shape. Natsume and Misaki both tease him for this, and Tsubasa chases after Misaki. Natsume watches them wistfully. Tsubasa doesn’t even seem to realize how lucky he is. He can hug Misaki, tease her, apologize, talk to her, see her. Natsume misses Mikan and he’s jealous that Tsubasa is able to have with Misaki what he’d love to have with his own girl. So, naturally, he sets his hair on fire.

God, Tsubasa, have some sensitivity!

Back at the dorms, Yuu laments that Mikan won’t be allowed to attend the Christmas Ball, and it’s unlikely she’ll be allowed to graduate with them either. Hotaru comes up with the idea of sending Mikan Christmas presents, and everyone is immediately on board. They all try to come up with present ideas, but Natsume’s a step ahead, already making another alice stone for her.

Hotaru notices and immediately tears him apart for it. He knows the stone won’t make it through the examination, and the fact that even making alice stones takes a toll on his body will only make Mikan worry. In addition to all that, Mikan already has his alice stone, so there shouldn’t be any worries on the “love tradition” front.

Hotaru is Mikan’s best friend, someone who knows her pretty well and whose opinion Mikan cares about. This criticism wouldn’t hit as hard if it was some random person, or even just another kid in Class B. Because it’s Hotaru, he has to take it seriously. Hotaru is calling him out and he’s embarrassed and defensive, but she’s a step ahead of him, having thought of a much better present.

Natsume's like, "I'll be her prince!"

She gives him a story book, about Rapunzel. The story is similar to Mikan’s--a girl is trapped in a tower with no way to escape. She found a prince and they were able to escape together and live happily. All Mikan needs is to find her prince and the story would fit perfectly.

Natsume likes this story a lot. He wants to be Mikan’s prince. He has to be her prince. He doesn’t have a choice but to save her, because that’s all he’s living for. And letting Mikan know that a prince is on the way seems an important enough mission that everyone wants to help get Rapunzel through the examination. They will all send story books to make Rapunzel seem less suspicious. Of course that doesn’t stop Hotaru from claiming that the prince in her story is actually more useful than the one in Rapunzel, implying that Natsume is a subpar prince as well.

Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Three

It’s time for the Christmas Ball. Mikan isn’t there, so Natsume is morose. Just like last year, he finds refuge in the tree. Last Christmas was pretty nice, all things considered, because he got to kiss Mikan.

It's just not fair. All he wants is a smooch. And to save her and keep her safe but. The kiss too.

At the time, he’d thought it was a one-off, his only chance. He was just going to kiss her real quick because he was convinced Ruka already had, and then when it was done he would run away and never do it again. She wouldn’t want to kiss him over Ruka anyway, right? But apparently Mikan loves him too, something he had never even considered a possibility, so maybe she’d want to kiss him again?

Except that Mikan isn’t around and the only way he can see if she wants to kiss him again would be if he found her.

How come everyone is calling him out so boldly lately? You guys DO realize his days are numbered, right? Not even double digits? So cruel.

Sumire is talking about dancing with him this year, but he’s only thinking about Mikan. Koko calls him out for it, saying there’s someone in the tree thinking about kissing. It was such a strong thought that it took Koko by surprise, even.

There’s a present exchange and Yuu again expresses sadness that Mikan isn’t with them, wondering if she’s spending Christmas all on her own. This spurs Natsume to get the hell out of there. He can’t sit around for too long, after all. He wants to find her and he won’t find her at the ball for sure.

He’s out looking for her, just like he does every day and every night. Shiki might be a hopeless romantic, or feeling guilty for having Mikan watch the ball on TV, so he loosens the barrier on Mikan enough for Natsume to be able to find her.

Shiki is also a NatsuMikan shipper... You a legend for that one, fam.

He hasn’t seen her in months, not even after searching every corner of the school over and over again, but tonight he has finally found her.

Conclusion

Although in many ways, Natsume's story was set up to be tragic from the beginning, these chapters establish for good that something horrible is coming, and we know that to be Natsume's death, in about a week. I'll talk more about the star-crossed lovers aspect in the upcoming parts. It's an aspect of their relationship that I find very interesting.

Thank you for reading this far!

Y'all have caught up to where I'm at, more or less. I won't post tomorrow because there'd only be a chapter of content to post and that's no fun. I'll spend the weekend getting ahead a bit and then on Monday I'll continue. In no time at all, we'll be wrapped up! It's all so exciting!

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[akutagawasbitch]

Aku, Atsushi, Chuuya, Higuchi, and whoever u want--how do they act when they're black out drunk??? Absolutely shit faced?

Of course my love, I had so much fun writing these. Let the crack commence <3

Chuuya

As we all know he can fly but when he's drunk he'll fly into shit all the fucking time. The side of a building, random walls, the window of his penthouse. You name it he's probably flown into it and face planted it while drunk

He also suffers from short man syndrome and will not hesitate to punch anyone. He has been kicked out of many bars for throwing the bartender when they cut him off

He likes to flirt but when drunk, he turns into a mess. Slurring his words, mixing up pickup lines and or just forgetting how to speak. It's all happened to him before but if dazai is around? He turns into the best womanizer in all of Yokohama for the sake of his pride

His favourite drunk food is ramen, he'll make shitty 99 cent ramen in his penthouse and devour it

His normally refined palette goes out the window

While he can be aggressive, if you're friendly to him, Chuuya will be your friend and be an absolute sweetheart back. He's made many a friend on drinking nights who he never remembers but they remember him

Amazon and drunk Chuuya are his wallet's greatest enemy

He will spend hours scrolling through and buy himself the stupidest shit ever

He once bought a massive playhouse because he wanted one

He'll also buy himself hats

Buys ridiculous shit and has it delivered to Dazai's apartment

One time he had hair removal cream disguised as shampoo order and dazai used it

Loves to dance while drunk

He will fucking get down with any song and is amazing at dancing

Loves going to karaoke bars, gets super into it. He will sing any song and is always surprisingly good at it. 

Passes out super quickly and easily so he never stays out too long 

Dazai 

Doesn’t like drinking too much as it reminds him of when him and Oda would go to Lupin together.

When he’s drunk, he swears he can hear Oda talking to him telling him what an idiot he’s being. 

He’s either an incredibly happy and elated drunk or a horribly suicidal depressed drunk. It depends on how much he has to drink. If he’s tipsy, he laughs a lot and feels a genuine sense of happiness, not the fake happiness he feels most of the time. If he is blackout drunk, he’s depressed and highly suicidal but in a more serious way. No more mushrooms or trying to drown himself, he goes for knives and pills but he always wakes up.

He will trip a lot and be incredibly clumsy when drunk. His bandages come undone which he doesn’t notice causing him to trip on them. This happens regularly 

When drunk he’s more prone to bumping his head on things since he isn’t paying attention. Ceilings, fans, lights, door frames. No matter what drunk dazai is a tall bastard with no spatial awareness

His flirting goes through the roof when drunk. He will flirt with anything that moves, he does not care. 

You know what else goes through the roof when he’s drunk? His d- appetite. This man can rival Kenjii or Atsushi in how much he can eat when drunk. He orders 6 different plates of crab and devours them like he’s never eaten in his life. 

His self restraint goes out the window and he’ll go break into Chuuya’s apartment just to mess with him and steal his hat or something along those lines. Drunk Dazai loves to fuck with people. 

He’s also more relaxed and will happily let Naomi or Yosano do his makeup if they asked nicely enough. He’d brag about how he’s the “prettiest princess of them all” before passing out

Aku 

You think Akutagawa has no filter? Wait until you meet drunk Akutagawa. This man doesn’t even know what a filter is. 

He deadass looks at Chuuya and stares at him before commenting “You’re short” with a deadpan look. 

He also has a surprisingly high tolerance and enjoys strong alcohol over wine. 

His lack of filter gets him into trouble more often than not and he gets into fights a lot. He actually uses his fists while drunk over using Rashomon mainly because he can barely speak a word without hiccuping 

He has trouble speaking, he either hiccups through every sentence or slurs his words to the point where they are unintelligible 

He is more chatty than normal but don’t expect a Dazai or Chuuya level of chatter. 

He likes to drink spiked teas 

He does enjoy drinking with others and enjoys accompanying Chuuya on nights out

He will devour a massive bowl of curry while drunk. He rarely eats when sober but when drunk? He’ll eat anything put in front of him

He is still pretty quick on his feet and agile but he is prone to falling over

He literally once woke up Gin because he fell over their couch when walking into their apartment and he just lay on the floor cursing out the sofa

He’ll roast the fuck out of Dazai and Atsushi while drunking and make various death threats

Aku ends up being rather protective of others while drunk and has scared of a number of creepy men making advances on uninterested women, he’s like a guard dog in that regard 

He will pass out fairly quickly once he gets home, refuses to pass out anywhere other than his bed 

Higuchi

As we found out in the PM Onsen CD, Higuchi cries when she’s drunk. She’ll cry over a cute puppy or cry over a mission going wrong or she’ll just cry because she got praise from Akutagawa. 

She also will talk for hours on one specific topic. Either its Akutagawa or something completely random. She’ll rarely talk about her sister but when she’s drunk she’ll open up more about her and tell everyone how much she loves her sister. 

She is also a lightweight and will pass out fairly quickly 

She likes sweet things when drunk and will eat something sweet that’s near her. 

She also has to hold Akutagawa back from fighting people or prevent him from getting punched because his no filter talk insulted the wrong person 

She isn’t an aggressive drunk but an emotional one. 

Gin

Gin isn’t a big talker, but she’ll talk more if she is drunk drunk and comfortable enough with the people she is drinking with 

She will laugh a lot while drunk and smile but it's hard to tell with her mask on 

Gin as we all  know is insanely fast and agile but when she’s drunk? All her agility goes out the window and she will face plant the floor if she tries any of her tricks.

I think she has a sweet tooth, so I can see her enjoying mochi ice cream while drunk

She also would love to watch people do karaoke, she won't participate since she’s too shy but seeing Chuuya and everyone else do it makes her laugh so hard her sides hurt

She lets out her more soft side and tries to pet all animals she sees

She once stole a duck and brought it home, Akutagawa wasn’t happy 

Atsushi

He will be a mess

100% a giggly drunk, he’ll find everything funny, even Kunkida’s dad jokes.  

He’ll accidently activate his ability and be walking around with a tail and not even notice it. 

Speaking of his tail, when drunk he likes to chase it as he gives into his more cat like tendencies, Dazai has a video of Atsushi chasing his tail for a good 20 minutes  

This boy will devour an entire restaurants worth of chazuke, if he could while drunk 

He likes to climb trees and he’s good at it, Kunida once found him at the top of a tree curled up asleep 

He’s also more blunt and will roast the fuck out of Akutagawa 

He also roasts Dazai a little bit but not as much as Akutagawa

He likes to transform into is tiger form and nap when drunk

He’d probably curse and then say fuck because he cursed and then just spiral into a stream of fucks 

He will try catch cats to cuddle, he once followed a cat two blocks just to pet him

I imagine him enjoying amusement parks so he’d go to once while drunk and have the time of his life until he got nauseous on the rides 

I also imagine he like play video games so when drunk he’ll do that and have the time of his life

Suddenly sweet baby atsushi is cursing and swearing like a sailor

He’ll pass out pretty quick and once he’s passed out, he’s out like a light for the rest of the evening.

Junchiro 

He likes his alcohol delivered in baked goods

He will try drunk bake/cook

He will pass out quickly and just cuddle his own sweater

He tries to flirt with women but naomi does not like it

My man will be shirtless trying to make a souffle at 2am

This was so fun to write, I’m sorry it took so long but I hope you enjoy this crack <3 

[soukokuwu]

hi !! angst scenario request? imagine chuuya engaging in one of his corruption form rampages. his s/o trying to calm him down, and in this state he kills her without understanding who she is? when he comes to (w help of dazai’s ability) he realizes what happened, finding the mangled body of his s/o laying in front of him. if u could write this i think i’d cry

➥ angst [chuuya x reader]

➥ warning/s: death, very slight gore

➥ word count: 1.7k

➥ a/n: hello anony thank you for the idea i absolutely love it & i tried not to make this too heavy, but i hope you enjoy reading this 🤍✨

➥ info: tanzaku — small pieces of coloured paper

This is life.

Its beauty lies in the fact that it can be so wonderfully or horribly unpredictable at times; it could make you feel on cloud nine one day and the next it takes it all away.

But he knows better than to blame life. No, this is all his doing. If he hadn’t been damned with this ability, you would still be here, next to him, holding his arm and kissing him with those gentle, soft lips of yours. He still remembers the feeling of it pressing against his cheek. Will he ever be able to forget it? No — he better not. He doesn’t want to ever forget it, because he can’t have it any more.

Don’t let me forget. Please.

The redhead doesn’t know who he’s begging to. Life? The gods above? It’s useless, but a part of him says it’s better to wish than to not. Which part of him was that again?

You.

He still remembers the words you uttered that day, fresh in his mind like it was yesterday.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

A year ago.

“What are you going to wish for?”

Chuuya chuckled, already penning down his wish. “I thought we weren’t supposed to share wishes?”

You pouted and scoffed. “Fine then, be that way,” you resigned, before hurriedly scribbling your wish on the tanzaku.

“What are you wishing for?”

“Nah, you’d probably think it’s stupid.”

“Then why’re you still wishing for it?” Chuuya had asked, watching curiously as you smiled looking over your wish.

“Better to wish than to not, right?” And you flashed him such a sweet smile he remembers it so clearly until this day.

It was your seventh month together, and it fell on the seventh day of the seventh month. You had had an idea to drive up to a shrine a half hour away from Yokohama to celebrate tanabata; the day the star-crossed lovers would be able to meet.

The two of you hung your wishes up on the same branch that dusk. You looked so wonderful that day, in your blue floral yukata. You chose that because it resembled the color of his sky blue eyes, you had said. You had asked him to get one of a similar color, so that the two of you ‘would look better together’.

It didn’t matter though, because Chuuya believed you looked beautiful everyday. It was just you — the way your lips curled up in a smile, the wrinkles forming as your eyes turned into crescents as you laughed, the way they sparkled every time after he kissed you. It would never be the same with anyone else, he was sure of it. No one could make him feel the way you do. Never.

And as the two of you continued to appreciate the festival after hanging your wishes, Chuuya couldn’t help but feel the warmth building up inside his chest everytime he looked at you. He helped you secure your wish around the branch, and he accidentally caught a glimpse of it.

I wish to stay with Chuuya forever.

Chuuya remembered the way your hands felt, with fingers intertwined in his, as you bounced from stall to stall, getting him to try all sorts of snacks and sweets. He remembered the melodic sound of your laugh travelling to his ears, he remembered how fluffy your hair looked, with the moonlight threading in between your gorgeous locks.

But then an urgent call from Mori got in the way. An incapacitated Akutagawa meant trouble for Higuchi and the other grunts — and possibly all of Yokohama.

He still remembered what you told him from the passenger side, still all smiles despite having your evening interrupted.

“Hey, Chuuya?” you called.

Chuuya didn’t even glance in your direction. He just replied with a “yes, princess?”

“Will you take me here every year?”

This time he stopped at a red light and looked over at you, hands cupping your cheeks. “I promise you, next year we’ll be here and nothing will disturb us,” and he places a kiss on your nose. “And every year after that.”

You were satisfied with that, because you giggled and bit your lower lip, probably to keep yourself from smiling too hard. “I’ll hold you to that, Chuu.”

Chuuya chuckled and ruffled your hair before turning his attention back to the street. He hated that nickname, but he always let it slide with you. It sounded so good rolling off your tongue. Only you.

It was a bloody sight, so many grunts knocked out by the time he got there. By a… monster. Huge, unforgiving.

He needed to use it. He needed corruption. It was too destructive for anything normal to be able to knock it out; heck, even Akutagawa was passed out. He still remembered the desperation in your eyes as you pleaded with him, but there wasn’t time to fight. If he didn’t stop it here, it would destroy Yokohama and everyone in it. He knew you didn’t want him to, but some things had to be done.

“Oh, grantors of dark disgrace. You need not wake me again.”

The next thing he remembered during the fight is your voice, coming to him all muffled and stuttery.

“He’s coming,” he heard you say. “So please, please baby, please hold on until then.”

He remembered seeing your face, smiling even through all your tears, trying desperately to hold onto him, your arms tightening around his waist. You kept calling his name, pleading for you to stop, and for a moment he felt like he had control over his limbs again, for just that split second. But it vanished just as soon as it came.

And it was like in that moment, both of you knew what was going on in each other’s minds. Chuuya was panicking, he willed every part of him to stop. He knew what was coming.

No, no, no! No, stop, don’t —

But his hands were already moving. The hands that only knew how to destroy, how to kill. And you knew that. Yet you still smiled so sweetly up at him as you gave him a last embrace.

You were mumbling against his chest, but he heard it somehow, loud and clear. “I’m happy enough to have been with you, Chuuya. I love you, always.”

There wasn’t even a scream, he was almost sure you held it back. He was sure you didn’t want him to hear that scream as the last thing that escaped your lips. You wanted to leave him some good last words, didn’t you?

When he came to, the first thing he saw was a familiar pair of brown eyes looking down at him. So that’s who you meant was coming.

And then he recalled what happened earlier. And then his heart fell. He needed to find you.

Please don’t be dead.

It came in an instinctive prayer.

Every muscle in his body was screaming at him to stop moving, everywhere ached, but he had to find you. He struggled but he managed to stand up, and spotted you where everyone else was circling around.

And even from that distance, he could see your arms and legs a little twisted, and the blood that pooled around you.

“Chuuya!”

He could hear Dazai calling out to him but he didn’t care.

When he got to you, he fell to his knees, hunched over your body, arms not knowing whether to even touch you; your body was so... mangled.

That night he stayed by your side, all the way, wherever they brought your body, until Kouyou had to pull him away and get him to rest.

He was wrong.

The monster wasn’t the thing that tried to destroy the city. The monster... was him.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Even now he winces at the memory.

Chuuya looks up at the colorfully decorated bamboo branches. The same spot where you had hung your wishes with him a year ago. It feels so much emptier without you next to him.

He looks down at the urn he brought.

“Here we are, princess, just like I promised,” he croaks out.

The leaves of the trees hanging overhead sway in the breeze, and he instinctively presses the urn tighter against his body, like how he would do to you, because you always got cold easily.

He looks down at his hands, opening his palms. The same hands that killed you. He sees the same yukata he’s wearing that same day you died. Your voice is clear in his mind as he recalls your words, “well, doesn’t my executive look so handsome today?”

Rain starts pelting down, interrupting his thoughts. And he should really go for shelter, but he doesn’t. He doesn’t want to move from this spot. Though he does make sure to cover your urn with his sleeve. He crushes the tanzaku in his hand. It doesn’t deserve to be hung up. He doesn’t deserve to wish for anything. Everything is the way it is because of him anyway.

He recalls that second he saw your wish. He remembers how warm it felt. To see you wish for the same thing as he did. He had written: For you to be with me forever.

And now? In his hand?

I wish for her to come back.

How absolutely ridiculous; to wish for something that is impossible. And still he tries to give you what you wished for; to be with him forever, always carrying you wherever he went, with the exception of missions.

How absolutely ridiculous all this was. And yet, as he continues to stand in the rain, Chuuya keeps repeating it in his head.

Please come back to me.

Even as your last words replay in his head.

Please come back to me.

Even as he grabbed on tighter to your urn.

Please come back to me.

Even as nothing happened.

Please come back to me.

Even as he fell to his knees and screamed until he choked on his own tears.

There’s only one thing he wants.

Please come back to me.

This is life.

And it is hell.

tags: @yokelish @gogolparadise @fyowyn-writes

[birdies-be-free]

Thoughts on Akutagawa's fate following ch. 88

Throwing my hat in the ring on this subject following new developments, because as a prior vampire fanatic and Akutagawa Stan I've been trying to come up with some possibilities. I base a lot on themes throughout BSD as well as what we know of the real life authors here, touching a little on vampire tradition. I also feel a bit more confident in these thoughts under the premise that this is the final arc of the series.

Spoilers for the latest chapters/anime only:

There's a lot of debate on whether Akutagawa was truly dead or not before being turned by Stoker. We've seen him and various other characters survive grave injuries without mystical intervention (ie. Yosano), so it's not totally out of the question that he was still technically living at the time. Fictional works with vampires vary tremendously, however when it comes to mythology and legend it tends to be the case that vampires come from the dead. Because of that I believe he did legitimately die, but there's plenty of opportunities for that to change based on BSD lore. Considering we see Gin change over almost instantaneously after Higuchi's attack, it's hard to say that there's time for death to occur before turning, so that process could function differently from being changed via the main source (Stoker in this case).

All the same I'm not entirely shocked over the possibility that Akutagawa will be dead by the end of the series. Before everything became revealed, I was concerned over his respiratory health plus the fact that real life Akutagawa eventually killed himself. Once it was hinted that he would parallel Oda in a way, I felt even less confident that he would make it. We've seen evidence of Akutagawa changing and growing as early as ep. 11 with Higuchi's rescue when he steps up and apologizes to her, and from that point his treatment towards her seems improved/he's not physically or verbally assaulting her anymore. The changes continue as he cooperates with and acts as defense for Atsushi and gives his support to Kyoka in redirecting her path to a meaningful life. Even at times where he's fighting back against Atsushi, he makes statements towards the good Atsushi has in his life and tells him that his past in the orphanage being abused and ridiculed doesn't define who he is today.

We did see a genuine smile from him before going down, so perhaps he does feel enough at ease by saving Atsushi and therefore fulfilling something meaningful to his dedication to Dazai and drive to make him proud, not to say Dazai is the only basis in this action (we likely wouldn't see him smiling if that was the case). Rather than lose them both by not acting, Akutagawa could get Atsushi out of danger to regroup and continue the fight. I've seen others note how his keeping the promise to not kill by just knocking out the man attacking them in the ship led to Fukuchi getting distracted catching up with him and others, allowing Atsushi to properly escape without being tailed. We see in their tremendous capabilities combining Rashomon and Beast Beneath the Moonlight as well as in the cafe scene in the Beast AU that Atsushi and Akutagawa are kindred souls, yin and yang (their hair colors being the most obvious symbolism). In circumstances that do not automatically have them pitted against each other, they laugh and relate to each other, and I feel with that continued freedom they would become incredibly close and be a major source of healing old wounds together.

If inevitably he isn't revived, I think Asagiri will give us a meaningful last scene for Akutagawa. Asagiri has a wonderful way with writing deeply emotional, meaningful scenes, such as Dazai's response to Atsushi over the death of the orphanage director, and in a very major character death I'm confident we'd get the same efforts. Akutagawa's certainly done a lot of evil and destruction in his life yet in the end acted in unity and for the greater good, not just to prove himself or please Dazai. It would be late, but I have a lot of hope on the idea that Dazai would act very symbolically on the matter. Make sure he was laid to rest somewhere meaningful maybe? Hell I go as far to consider that when this arc is over that Dazai may finally commit suicide following Akutagawa's death, just as real life Dazai had, though in this case it being more of Dazai feeling that he did his part in becoming good, saving the innocent while combating evil, and forgoing his past rather than as an act of grief. Dazai creates a lot of humor surrounding his mental illness, but it is a major point to his character pulled directly from the real Dazai. Once again referring to the Beast AU, he follows through with committing suicide once he has done his part in the universe to bring Atsushi and Akutagawa together and to give Oda the chance to live peacefully, even if it means losing his friendship.

So that's my major thoughts there! Feel free to share any thoughts on the subject(s), and we'll see in the coming months how things begin to progress!

[uraharasandals]

Hey could I have a request for Akutagawa and his female s/o also being work partners in the port mafia and her ability is fire, like Dabi from BNHA? Like it damages her body when she uses it cause she isn't immune to her own super strong flames? And angst and fluff?

Hi anon! First off, I know you requested angst and fluff but I'm sorry I went a bit overboard with the angst and there's probably zero fluff available here! Nonetheless, I hope you like it :) and it hopefully does stick to what you were looking for <3 feel free to request again if it doesn’t!

Also there’s apparently a formatting issue that prevents me from separating paragraphs. Just for clarity’s sake, I’ll add in // to show that it’s meant to cut off there. 

  He knew you were more than capable than taking care of yourself. That was one of the main reasons you caught his eye after all; he wouldn't even cast so much a glance towards the so-called 'strong', and definitely not the weaklings. Furthermore, you were to be his partner. The notion of doing otherwise would be ridiculous. 

  Akutagawa supposed that, at the beginning, your strength was what attracted him. And that was true; he didn't care for something so flimsy such as feelings. But as time passes, he felt...some kind of warmth from his chest whenever he looked at you. And somehow, he had became captivated. The flowing ink of your hair. The determined fire kindling in your eyes. The lithe form of your body, resembling that of a hunter as you fight. Most importantly, the outline and flash of flames as you release your ability, and the writhing form of the enemy in agony, before crumbling to ash. Beauty in its rawest form. 

  (People often say that Akutagawa was a ruthless killing machine with no regard for human emotion and aesthetics. That wasn't true. It takes a certain aesthetic to captivate him, and somehow, you were it.)

   And captivate him you did. He always thought that fire had a strange beauty in it; a fiery flare of glory and then dying down just as quickly. Exactly the way he meant to be in battle; and the irony of his partner wielding flames as her ability did not escape him. He lives, he fights, and he dies. What more joy would a partner holding the same principles bring him? 

   Except, the irony of your ability was not felt much, much later. 

//

      It was a stupid thing. The most stupidest thing really, but he had been so accustomed to you watching his back and fighting alongside to him that he had no qualms about tearing his eyes away from you, and the lack of necessity to protect you made having a fighting partner so much more easier. Until Akutagawa - he who does not have faults in battle except the occassional temper and frequent coughs - stumbled, and somehow found himself surrounded, paralyzed. How did that happen, again? 

   And like an emergency flare, you came to his escape in a burst of fireworks, anger and worry taking over, successfully incinerating the enemies in columns of fire. What he did not expect, however, was you burning up as well. 

   " - gawa-senpai! Are you okay? I heard a scream - ________-san!" 

   Higuchi's gasp was as annoying as ever, but for once was he glad the woman was there; cradling your body, his mind was in such a state of shock that nothing made sense to him except the heat of your frame, much warmer than usual, as if your flames were coursing through your very own veins. Thankfully, your body was intact, but Akutagawa had been through enough battles to recognise first and second-degree burns when he saw them. His hands felt cold - probably so damn hot that his system couldn't handle the shock - but he ignored it. Because nothing mattered at the moment except reviving you. 

   For the first time, Akutagawa felt a sudden panic seize his heart. 

    "Akutagawa-senpai." Someone was shaking his shoulder. He was still in shock, looking at your limp form, the feverish red on your face, the patches of pink skin on your wrists where the flames were the strongest, the movement of your chest that reassured him that you were, at the very least, alive, the -- 

    "Akutagawa-senpai. The medics are here." 

    He unwillingly let the medical team take you away, lifting your body onto a stretcher and carrying you onto a white van. What he only registered though, was your hand dangling over the side of the stretcher, the soft and warm skin that he had loved so much to caress and hold between his own now littered with burns and the red characterizing heat. For a split second, he thought he could see faint growing crimson lines where your veins were; another blink of his eyes told him it was his imagination. 

    "Akutagawa...senpai?"

     Only Higuchi's quizzical face made him realise that he was still  kneeling with his ears ringing, and his head full of confusion. Akutagawa stood up, stumbling slightly - but waving his assistant away as she surged forward to help him - and shook his head to clear his thoughts. Taking a deep breath and trying to ignore the invading smell of smoke that just brought back memories of your burnt body, he cleared his throat, and spoke. 

    "I'm fine. You're in the way, Higuchi." 

    "I-I'm sorry, senpai!" 

    Annoyance. That was what caused a sharp surge of heat inside his chest, before he felt a stab of guilt. Ryunosuke! Treat her nicely, will you? For some incomprehensively stupid reason, your voice suddenly surfaced from the back of his mind, chiding his apparently 'distateful' behaviour towards his subordinate. How could you be so mean to a girl?! 

    Strange. He'd never really paid attention to how he treated Higuchi, not exactly. After all, she was a pawn of the Port Mafia and someone expendable. Besides, it didn't matter exactly how well or how bad he treated her, because it made no difference.  But now, as he straightened up and glanced back, just slightly, he saw a flicker of hurt flash over Higuchi's face before she re-composed herself. 

   In that split second, he thought he heard you scolding him again.

//

   Loneliness. For the first time, possibly since he was born, Akutagawa started to have a sense of hollowness spreading from his chest, and numbing the rest of his body. He wondered what it was, before a teasing remark by Tachihara gave name to it. 

   At first, he thought it was ridiculous. How could he feel lonely? But then, after staring at the never-ending pile of paperwork stacked on the desk in front of him, Akutagawa felt a sense of ache in his heart, and he couldn't concentrate on his work. Not any more. Not when all his head was full of was you.

    Usually the go-to situation for anything remotely like this was to initiate a sparring session with someone, anyone in the Port Mafia. Or even in the Detective Agency, because despite their love-hate relationship, Akutagawa had to grudgingly admit that a fight with the man-tiger left him somewhat...more refreshed than before. But apparently, that solution wouldn't work today. Not just because of the fact that you were stuck in the Port Mafia hospital and he wouldn't want to go anywhere else (forcing him back into his office already took  a ton of energy and he had Higuchi to thank for that, yet again), but also there was a sense of strange weariness clinging to his limbs, dragging him down and making him listless. The sense of tiredness reminded him of that time he fought with Chuuya, when he was hit by gravity and forced onto the ground. This wasn't like that either, though. At the time, he was pumped full of adrenaline (likely because it was in the heat of battle, but still) and was determined to get back up. Now, he felt like lying down and not getting up, not even to ease the strange ache in his chest. 

    Akutagawa wondered if there was something medically wrong with him, and whether he should head to the hospital for a check-up. However, instead of freaking out over him like she always did, Higuchi merely placed a cup of warm tea by his side, gathering some of his completed paperwork, before quietly slipping away. Oh well. If Higuchi thought it was no big deal, then surely there wasn't something too serious with him.

    For the first time, he yearned for your presence next to him, in the office, by his side. 

 //     "Ryunosuke, I recently figured out how to properly use my ability! Do you want to see it? I'm sure it'll be great in supporting you in battle." 

     "Later, ________. I need to finish a report for the Boss - " 

     "Sure! See you at the practice rooms then! I'll ask Higuchi-san to - " 

//

    To what? That was a long ago memory, and when Akutagawa came to he found that he was still at his desk, but head side down on the wooden surface. The blasphemy of falling asleep at work didn't even occur to him as he blinked sleepily, before realising the sun had gone down and it was dark outside. He shifted, attempting to sit up straight, before feeling the weight of something on his shoulders. A blanket. Someone must've snuck in, saw him all tired, and drapped a blanket over his shoulders. 

     And that someone had left a note at his desk as well, in Higuchi's neat handwriting. Before his brain could fully wake up, Akutagawa was already out of the door after skimming the message through once, bolting down the corridors to the hospital, with his mind full of, and only about, you. 

     ______-san had waken up. You can go see her now.

     He didn't notice the small darkened dots on the paper, already dried, but clearly discernible as tears. 

//

     "_________" The first thing that left his lips was your name, right after he burst through the doors like a madman. The hospital staff remained unfazed even from the commotion, and merely left the room silently, leaving him alone with you. 

    You. Akutagawa had been yearning for your touch ever since the day you were taken from him, but somehow at the sight of his partner bandaged up and confined to the bed he froze up, limbs suddenly uncooperative. At the sound of his banging around and the sudden departure of the medical staff, you weakly raised your head to see what was going on, before focusing your eyes onto the man in front of you. "Ryu....nosuke?" 

   The weakness in your voice made his heart felt like it was going to break into a thousand pieces, though he held it in with a swallow, before forcing himself forward.  "It's me." Akutagawa perched cautiously onto the chair at your bedside, before mentally chiding himself for the lame reply. "H...how are you feeling?" 

   "Like I'm banged up in ten different parts of my body." Somehow, you still managed a weak smile in that kind of situation. "I'll be fine though. I heal soon." 

    He supposed you wanted to cheer him up, though the false sense of cheeriness was overwhelmed by the slight trembling in your voice. "You should rest. You were pretty hurt earlier on." Akutagawa insisted, and there was a weak chuckle letting itself through your lips. Looking at your severely injured state, he suddenly felt a surge of anger. "Hey, _____. Who amongst those bastards did this to you? I'll go back and hunt them down."

     "No one did, Ryunosuke." Was it his imagination, or were your eyes strangely bright under the light? "It was me. My ability did this." 

      "Do you mean your ability defected - " 

      "No." You cut him off, and turned to look him full in the eyes. It wasn't his imagination then; your eyes were suspiciously bright, and a tear spilled over, trailing down your cheek. Before he knew it, Akutagawa had reached out to brush it away, and you caught his hand midway. "It's a stupid side effect. If I use it too hard, it'll come back to hurt me." He was startled at the sudden revelation, caught off guard and wasn't sure what to reply. Apparently you took that as his silent rejection, because your trembling hand had let go of his. "I know. It's a defect that rendered me weak and defenseless. I know you don't like people who are weak, Ryunosuke, so - " 

    Akutagawa wasn't sure what had came over him, but instinctively he had surged forward and kissed you. Maybe it was the habit of you doing so to shut him up endearingly that caused him to do so. Maybe he was trying to release that pent-up sense of exhaustion and frustration from the afternoon. And yes, maybe he was desperate. 

   When he finally pulled away, he saw that the sadness in your eyes had already given way to surprise, before a sense of love that he'd only saw when he was heavily injured or sick. Which was strange, because you were the one heavily banged up now, and yet...

    "Thank you," You whispered, tears already spilling over onto the bandages. "I'm sorry." 

     At the feeble apology, Akutagawa felt his heart torn apart again, but the words struggle to get through his mouth, getting stuck in his throat and effectively choking him. So he didn't say anything of substance. Instead, he planted a palm onto your hair, patting it somewhat cautiously and hoping you wouldn't feel much pain. "Get some rest, ________." 

[writing-radionoises]

attraction

ship: shin soukoku / akuatsu, kunikidazai 

genre: slow burn romance

prompt: akutagawa is pining and has no idea what to do about it

notes: ada akutagawa, sequel to satisfaction 

It’s been at least a month since the announcement of Dazai and Kunikida’s wedding, a month since Ryunosuke left that dreaded anonymous love letter on Atsushi’s desk.

And yet, Atsushi has not figured out who wrote the love letter. Or maybe he did, and Akutagawa just didn’t know, or maybe Atsushi is even avoiding him…

God knows, all Akutagawa knows is that he’s locked in the bathroom on his former mentor’s wedding day while Atsushi bangs on the door.

“Ryunosuke, you are coming to the wedding, you fucking lawnmower!” He yells from outside.

Akutagawa puts his head into his hands. He’s ready, he changed up his normal top to a short sleeve white blouse without ruffles, it revealed all his scars and bruises, but it was a cute top that Atsushi picked out. Atsushi even tied his tie, fixed his hair, and everything, but here he was, insecure once again.

“He probably doesn’t even want me there…” Akutagawa responded from the bathroom.

“Then why would Dazai-san invite you?” Kyouka said from outside the bathroom, her tone much softer than Atsushi’s.

Ryunosuke had actually forgotten she was there…

Atsushi sighed, “Even if he didn’t want you at his wedding, which he does, I would want you there. Ryuu-san, pleeease!”

… The truth is, Akutagawa could never say no to Atsushi, especially when Atsushi uses his personal nickname for Akutagawa.

The sound of it alone brings color to Akutagawa’s sickly pale face.

“... Okay,” Akutagawa hesitantly agrees, fixing the little cat hair clip in his hair before unlocking the door to the bathroom and opening it.

Atsushi is in a similar outfit to his agency wear, a short sleeve white button up with the addition of a bowtie instead of a typical tie, as well as tan suspenders instead of black.

Kyouka, on the other hand, is wearing something a little more fancy than Akutagawa and Nakajima, simply because she’s the flower girl. Her dress is a tank top, knee length white dress with a dark blue lace collar, a dark blue ribbon around her waist as well. Atsushi has placed a flower crown of blue hydrangeas on her head, as well.

… She’s quite adorable.

“Are we ready to go?” Kyouka asks.

The trio leave the apartment, and make their way towards Fukuzawa’s house.

--

It’s awkward. It’s horribly awkward for Akutagawa. It’s such a small wedding, it’s really only the agency there, with the addition of some guild members, Gin, Higuchi, and a small appearance from Chuuya before he quickly leaves.

Akutagawa had never felt so much relief seeing Chuuya leave.

He ends up sitting next to his sister and Higuchi, Gin wearing a dress Akutagawa had bought her for her sixteenth birthday a few months ago, and Higuchi wearing a simple suit as they watch Kunikida and Dazai.

Fukuzawa got ordained specifically for this wedding, and probably only this wedding. So, up at the altar are Fukuzawa, Dazai, Kunikida, Atsushi, and Ranpo.

There wasn’t a need for a whole set of groom’s men, so the two best men were picked out and left at that.

… Akutagawa found it hard to look at anything but Atsushi. Looking at anybody else made him feel awkward and out of place.

… But Atsushi was a safe ground, the reason Akutagawa went to this event in the first place.

If it was hard to not look at Atsushi, it was even more difficult to not imagine being up at the altar with him. Declaring vows, holding hands, kissing… It made Ryunosuke giddy, feeling his face heat up.

Kyouka poked fun at him earlier about it, saying that him and Atsushi were probably going to be married next.

It’d be so nice… Akutagawa thought, But I don’t think he thinks of me in that way.

Pining is awful, so Akutagawa has discovered. It’s fucking painful.

When the reception starts, Akutagawa makes a run to the bathroom and locks himself in a stall for at least 30 minutes.

He washes his hands and hand at least ten times, as if trying to wash away the thoughts of Atsushi.

They don’t leave.

--

Akutagawa is sitting at a table at the reception awkwardly, watching Kyouka and Atsushi dance from a distance with some others when Dazai approaches, taking a seat beside Akutagawa.

“You don’t look like you’re having a lot of fun, huh?” Dazai starts.

“... I’m having a hard time with feelings, but congratulations on your marriage. Please don’t let my feelings concern you,” Ryunosuke replied, looking back over at Dazai, “It’s supposed to be a happy day for you.”

Dazai smiles a bit, shaking his head. His attire isn’t much different outside of the flowers in his hair, and a new brooch on his chest. His coat has been forsaken somewhere, probably Kunikida’s car.

“Thank you, but your feelings won’t upset me. I know they don’t have a whole ton to do with me,” answered the brunette, “Your feelings have to do with the kitty cat over there, huh?”

Ryunosuke blushed, looking away from Dazai, “Don’t tell him.”

Dazai lets out a fake gasp, putting a hand to his chest, “Ah, I would never! For this is a Romeo And Juliet tale, a beautiful romance written by Shakespear himself! And yet, I am just a supporting character for sir Romeo.”

“If it wasn’t your wedding day, I would kick your ass.”

Dazai chuckles, “You should, anyway. But anyways, I hope things go well for you, blah, blah, blah, all the other shit you’ve probably already heard. You need anything?”

Akutagawa fell silent, shrugging as he looked back at Atsushi, smiling and laughing with Junichiro.

“I think I know what you need,” Dazai responds, standing up from his seat as he holds his arms out to Akutagawa, “A good, old fashion Dazai hug!” Akutagawa smiles a bit as he stands up, taking the hug from Dazai as he rests his head on his former mentor’s shoulder.

… Dazai’s hugs aren’t nearly as nice as Atsushi’s, but it feels nice to finally get attention from Dazai after all these years.

--

Fuck it, tiger lilies, Akutagawa thought, quickly pointing to them on the menu for the cashier to place the order. He paid for the flowers, and was given a date to pick up the flowers as Akutagawa left the flower shop, pulling out his phone and beginning to dial a familiar number.

“Kunikida Doppo speaking, what can I do for you?”

“How did you tell Dazai-san you liked him?

Kunikida sighed from the other end of the phone while Akutagawa starts his walk down to the train station, “Not even a hello?”

“Hello, Kunikida, how did you tell Dazai-san you liked him?” Ryunosuke quickly rephrased.

“Well, it’s difficult to say because I truly didn’t end up telling him.”

“So he was the one who confessed?” “In a way, yes. We are talking about Osamu here, he already figured out that I loved him through his connections to just about everyone in Yokohama. So what happened was Osamu invited me to dinner, told me he knew about my feelings, and that he returned them. We started dating shortly afterwards,” Kunikida explained.

“Ah, you had it easy... “ Akutagawa replied, nervously tapping his fingers on his knee, “... I can’t seem to get my love interest to pick up on my feelings. They’re oblivious.”

“Hmm, you’re in a tough spot, then.”

“I don’t know who to go to anymore… I’ve spoken to Dazai-san, Higuchi, my sister, now you…” Akutagawa sighed, “It seems like no matter what, they can’t seem to figure it out, and I don’t want to be super blunt about it either… That’s just embarrassing.”

Kunikida fell silent, “I have an idea. To understand someone who is oblivious, you should talk to someone who was oblivious. You should talk to Poe, Ranpo’s boyfriend, they were in a similar situation. Poe might be able to give you some advice.”

Akutagawa smiles a bit as his train arrives to get back to the agency, “Thank you, Kunikida, I’ll get to it. I have to go, have a good afternoon.”

--

“Jinko, please think about this for more than five seconds. Please,” Ryunosuke says sadly, watching Atsushi pause from walking into their shared kitchen with the tiger lillies Akutagawa had just bought for him.

Atsushi turns back to him, “Think about what?”

Ryunosuke feels himself freeze up, trying to quickly come up with a response before eventually stuttering something out, “N, nevermind. Don’t think about it.”

Atsushi gives him a strange look, and then shrugs as he goes to put the flowers in the vase, and Ryunosuke goes to make some tea. His heart aches as Akutagawa pulls down a tea bag, then coughing into his hand.

“You look upset,” Atsushi comments, standing besides Akutagawa. Akutagawa hadn’t even noticed that his face was scrunched up into something of hurt. It’s understandable, but now was not a good time for that.

“... Do you have any idea how long I’ve been trying to tell you this? You just keep brushing me off, if you don’t like me, please just say it,” he replied, the words fell out of his mouth without a thought. The moment he said it, Ryunosuke felt a wave of regret wash over him as he quickly tried to distract himself, continuing to make his tea.

There’s a moment of silence. Akutagawa can’t bear to even look at Atsushi, so scared of his response, scared to burst into tears just by looking at the other.

“... Ryunosuke. I like you a lot, you are my very best friend. I don’t know what you’re trying to say, though, and I can tell it’s hurting you,” Atsushi replied, his voice is calm and full of worry, “What are you trying to say?”

“Think about it. Just… Think about it, please, Atsushi. I’ve been so obvious, practically the whole agency knows,” Akutagawa pauses to rub his eyes on his sleeve.

Atsushi reaches out and places a hand on Akutagawa’s shoulder, spinning his friend around to look at him. Akutagawa’s eyes are watering as he holds his entire cup in his hand, then setting the cup down on the counter.

“Do you just… Not get it? What else do I have to do? Jinko, this is fucking ridiculous, we’ve been doing this for months now. Are you really this dense?” Ryunosuke said, to which Atsushi fell silent, not responding.

Akutagawa didn’t know what to say, just staring intently at Atsushi with his heart pounding when Atsushi reached out for Akutagawa, cupping his face in his hands and bringing their lips towards in a swift motion.

Ryunosuke is left in shock for a moment, he had never really kissed someone before. Higuchi kissed his cheek once, though that might be the most he’s ever gotten.

… Regardless, it’s nice. Akutagawa quickly relaxes against Atsushi, moving his hand over the one Atsushi has on his face.

And when Atsushi pulls away, Akutagawa has to resist from pulling him back into the kiss. Atsushi smiles at Akutagawa, he is still holding the other’s hand as he speaks.

“Was I right?”

Ryunosuke nodded, “Yes, you were.”

“I didn’t think you actually liked me back,” replied Atsushi.

“... Please say you’re joking.”

“I wish I was.”

Akutagawa chuckles, hiding his smile behind his hand, “Jinko, you are dense.”

Atsushi smiles once again as he pulls the other into a hug, “Yup!”

… They are not going to hear the end of this from Dazai.

[astxlphe]

Day 4 / Desperate //  Akuhigu 

@bsd-rarepair-valentines-week​

Higuchi falls in enemy hands and Akutagawa will do anything to bring her home.

(Oof sorry in advance this is mostly unedited)

CW: Violence / threat of torture / blood 

"What do you mean, she is gone?”

Mori sighed. “While yesterday’s mission was successful – we could put a stop to their stealing of our supplies and found out the traitor’s identity – their organization was not destroyed.”

He raised a knowing eyebrow at Akutagawa, who stood, frozen, brain reeling with the new information.

“So, it’s revenge?”

“Or they want to know where are supplies they stole from us.” Mori crossed his fingers in front of him. “Either way, they will probably kill her — if it’s not already done.”

“They won’t.” In his pocket, Akutagawa’s fingers clenched into fists. “If it’s information they want, they won’t kill her yet.”

“You are not usually this optimistic.”  

Higuchi was capable. She couldn’t just die. She was his subordinate because she wasn’t as likely to get herself killed stupidly as any other.

Mori talked more — something about what a shame it was — but Akutagawa didn’t exactly care. When he was dismissed, he bent down in a sharp bow, and left.

He walked back to the Black Lizards office fast, and pulled out the reports and plans they had made in prevision for their mission. He remembered the location — the warehouse they had raided last night, the abandoned building near the construction area which served as their headquarters.

He hesitated. He should do nothing. Higuchi’s own carelessness had gotten her captured and there was no reason to dispatch anyone to bring her back. If there was a need, the boss would order it, and he hadn’t.

Well, Akutagawa wasn’t known for following orders to the letter anyway.

The boss would consider her replaceable, and would not risk sending a team to bring her back, not when she was probably already dead and their mission successful.

Except that Higuchi couldn’t die. Her place was by his side.

“Are you going to go?”

He put down the papers and turned back toward Gin. “I—” He paused, thinking of the time Higuchi pulled him out of enemy hands, defying the boss’ orders. No matter how much trouble he brought her, she always seemed to follow him right through it. “I owe her a debt,” he justified. “The boss won’t mind.”

He was not blind to Mori’s leniency when it came to him — he had rarely been punished even for his most reckless endeavors; even when by all logic he should have been.

But that was mostly because his disregards of orders came with results. Today he wasn’t sure the boss would, even if he was successful, consider the result worth the trouble.

“Wait here,” she told him. “I’ll go get Hirotsu and Tachihara, we will go together.”

+

Higuchi’s head throbbed, and she breathed through her teeth, through the pain in her ribs.

She tried to slip her wrists out of the ropes binding her to the chair. She tasted blood on her tongue where she had accidentally bit herself when her captor had hit her face.  

Wrinkling her nose, she cursed herself for not seeing that coming.

Akutagawa would be pretty disappointed in her, letting herself be captured like this.

Her captor sat lazily on the table, playing with her weapon. She had been eyeing it since she had woken up, trying to think of a way she could take it away from him and escape. So far, her train of thoughts had been broken too many times by the man trying to get information out of her for her to have an actual plan.  

But she was a Port Mafia operative, and a leader of the Black Lizards. She could escape and go back to headquarters herself, whether they came for her or not.

“Where did you hide our supplies?”

“Yours?” She scoffed. “They belong to the Port Mafia. You stole them.”

”You stole them, we stole them in turn, it’s ours now.” He stood, moving towards her. “We have ways to make you talk. This time I won’t be as nice.”

“You think I don’t know that?” She gulped, hard, trying to keep her composure. “I can deal with it.”

She almost winced when he brought out the large, extremely sharp looking knife. “All right then. Is there a finger you like less than the others?”

Before he could make use of his blade, the door flew open. “Sir! We have a problem.” The newcomer wrung his hands together. “The Mafia is back.”

“What?” He glared down at her as if it was her fault. "How many?”

“That’s the thing, sir.” He grimaced. “Just one.”  

There was a crash from further away, and someone screamed.

+

Akutagawa walked towards the building and the armed guards at the door immediately readied theirs weapons.

Rashomon reared its head, red eyes glowing,

Don’t kill, a little voice murmured at the back of his head, sounding way too much like the weretiger for his taste.

The guards screamed as Rashomon ripped through their arms, their guns fell and Akutagawa walked past them without sparing them a glance.  

This was what this ridiculous, annoying promise led too, and only two months into it. He should have wiped that little gang as soon as he got the chance. But no, he hadn’t killed the lot of them and now they had taken Higuchi.

The glass door closed behind him, and he found himself alone in the half-constructed lobby. The building was, for a long time, supposed to be an office block, but it had never been finished, and everything had been left half done.

Higuchi had to be somewhere here. That idiot. Always needing him to get out of trouble.

Too busy watching his back she didn’t pay enough attention to hers.

He took the stairs, heading for the first floor. On the corner of his eye, he could see the camera follow him.  

Soon after, he heard footsteps coming from each side of him, and more armed men came at him.

He didn’t have the time for this, and Rashomon extended, cutting through hands to disarm them.

Bullets flying around him, his ability eating them when they came too close.

He turned at a corner. Rashomon wrapped itself around one of his enemies, dragging them after him, and he ran into an empty room, closing the door behind them

“Where is she?” He bared his teeth. “Speak before I rip your throat out.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He drove Rashomon through his shoulder, and pulled back. Blood sprayed and he fell. Akutagawa left him groaning in pain on the ground.

Wiping the blood off his face, he went on.

+

All things considered, going alone may not have been his brightest idea.

He ducked in a corner, narrowly avoiding another wave of bullets, and a bright, burning pain spread from his side. He let himself fall to the ground, clutching at the wound, gasping for breath.

Blood seeped out of a large cut. The bullet hadn’t pierced through. It had somehow slipped through his defense. It was enough to hurt, but not enough to be lethal.

He was still good to go.

Pushing himself back on his feet, he ignored the pain. The enemy was getting more and more desperate. He had to be close.  

He took the stairs again, this time to the second floor. Quickly, he moved out of the camera’s way, trying to be more discreet. He would usually not be this prudent, but he didn’t want to rush in and risk Higuchi’s life.

Hearing more footsteps, he flattened himself against the wall, hoping to be quiet enough not to attract more attention. With the ruckus he’d made, they would be looking for him all over the below floors.

“You said there was only one?”

“Yes.” That voice — the traitor, the one who had sold Port Mafia supplies to a rival organization. “Only one that our men could see — it’s probably Akutagawa, he’s the most likely be sent alone.” He scoffed. “Still, I can’t believe the Mafia would send him, or anyone, to rescue Akutagawa’s useless subordinate.”

He twitched. Don’t kill, the voice chanted in his head. No matter how much he deserves it. You promised.

“It doesn’t matter. If he tries to get to her, we will be here to stop him.”

Their voice grew quieter as they walk down the stairs, obviously intending to meet him before he could reach the right floor.

Akutagawa peaked out of his hiding place. There was no one left, so he opened the first door he found, leading to an empty office. He kept going, stumbling into more and more empty rooms, frustration growing which each step..  

+

Higuchi had managed to free her right hand and was in the process of untying her left one when someone brutally kicked the door open.

She froze in her movement, starring, wide eyed, as who she believed to be her captor came back. It took her a few seconds to realize who the man standing in front of her was.

“Akutagawa?” She tried to say something more, but she couldn’t do anything but stammer out questions. “What— how—why—I’m—”

“I—” He found himself unable to align three coherent words.

Drying blood stained the corner of her mouth and the side of her head, sticking to her hair. The hand she was using to free her still bound wrist was red, rubbed raw by the rope.

“You came to get me,” she ended up saying.

“It’s my job,” he told her, and she snorted.

"No, it’s not. You’re not supposed to be the one protecting me.”

“You are my surbordinate,” he insisted as Rashomon made a quick work of the remaining rope, “and my responsibility. It’s my job.”

Higuchi was fast on her feet. She winced, pressing a hand on her ribs.

“Thank you,” she started. “I’m sorry about—", but Akutagawa shook his head.

“Later. We need to go.”

They heard yelling — several people, footsteps, unclear orders being shouted — from below them. 

“They have reinforcements.” She took back her gun, making sure it was still loaded. Then, ignoring her aching body, she followed him out of the door. 

The corridor was still empty, but they didn’t linger.  

Good thing, too, because it didn’t take long for them to run straight into the enemy.

Akutagawa grabbed her wrist, pulling her closer to him. She fired three times, hitting her mark every time, and Rashomon opened a path for them.

They ran down the stairs, her head swimming, until a sudden pain flared in her leg and she stumbled.

Barely slowing down, one of Rashomon’s tendrils wrapped around her, keeping her on her feet. “Stay up,” Akutagawa ordered, and his ability curled tightly around her waist, almost pulling her against him.

She took down another enemy coming from behind them and hissed in pain when Akutagawa suddenly skidded to a stop, forcing her behind him.

“Get out of my way,” he snarled, “I don’t have time for you.”

Higuchi looked over his shoulder and scowled, recognizing the man who was now trying to prevent them from going forward.

She remembered talking to him just the day before, she remembered him suddenly hitting her over the head and slamming.  

“You don’t? What, are you scared of losing? Or are you going soft?”

Anger flared, and she clenched her hand on her gun. Akutagawa did not have time for him, but she sure as hell did.

She shot him.

He staggered, looking down at the blood pooling from under his shirts.

Nobody moved for a second, then Akutagawa walked up to him. “Tell me again,” he demanded, “how useless my subordinate supposedly is?” When he didn’t answer, struggling to breathe through the blood, Akutagawa smiled wryly. “Thought so.”

He turned back to her. “Let’s go,” he said. “We have to go back to headquarters.”

From then, they found the lobby again quickly and walked out. The cold air of the night hit Akutagawa’s face, prickling at his skin, and he allowed himself to breath.

Higuchi was okay.

“Senpai?” Higuchi’s voice caught his attention. “Why did you—” She looked away. “Why did you come or me? I didn’t think the boss would order—”

“He didn’t” He took in her bloodied face and her limp.  What else could I have done? I—” I can’t handle the thought of you dying, or of having any one else by my side. “I need you,” he managed to say.

Close enough.

Her face turned a strange, pinkish color, and she looked down, stammering thanks. Then, she stilled. “You’re hurt!” She wrung her hands together. “You’re bleeding, I’m so sorry!”

Adrenaline had dulled in his side, but now that he was calmer, he was starting to feel it — his clothes sticking to the wound, soaked with blood. Each step made it spike.  

“I’ll be fine. I can still drive.”

He pulled her closer, his arm around her waist to help her walk in spite of the wound in her leg.

They were almost at the car when they heard quiet footsteps, followed by the snap of a gun being charged. They froze, Higuchi reached for her weapon, and Rashomon came to life.

“I believe I told you to wait for us.”

Gin leaned against the car, her arms crossed, looking at Akutagawa sternly.

On the hood of the car, Tachihara groaned. “They didn’t even need us, what are we here for again?”

“Getaway car.”

Akutagawa’s relief was noticeable. “Gin,” he mumbled.

“So I count for nothing uh?” Tachihara jumped off the car and opened the back door. “All right, get in there, chiefs. We’re driving you back.”

They both collapsed on the back seats. Only then did Akutagawa’s fingers slid off her wrist. Silently, Rashomon extended around Higuchi, covering her protectively.

“Hirotsu is still at headquarters,” Tachihara went on as Gin took place behind the wheel. “Keeping the boss busy.”

“Aren’t you going to get into trouble for —” She gestured vaguely around herself with her free hand. “—this?”

“It didn’t worry you so much, last time.”

“But—” It had been different. It had been for Akutagawa.  

“Higuchi.” Akutagawa stared at her in mild annoyance. “Stop worrying over nothing.”

She nodded, even if it made her feel like her head was filled with cotton. Rashomon felt warm around her, and she slumped on her seat, leaning against Akutagawa without thinking about it.

His hand came to rest on hers and she relaxed.

“Don’t fall asleep.”

“But I’m exhausted.” Her eyes slid shut, until something stung her on the arm. She yelped “Hey! What —”

“I said, don’t fall asleep,” Akutagawa repeated. The red spark of Rashomon faded. “You have a head injury.”

“Are you going to do this every time?”

“If I have to.”

“Then I’m safe, right?” She smiled. “With you.”

“I—” He stuttered and looked way. Higuchi was sure he was blushing, but she was probably too out of it to really tell.  “Yes,” he admitted, “you are.”

[ichigopanhpff]

BNHA Fic: Blink! Ch. 17

Read Ch. 16 | Masterlist

SPOILER ALERT: We in the U.A. Festival Arc now. You’ve been warned!

The final preparations in U.A. were in full swing and tomorrow was the big day. Everyone was so busy, no one in 1-A had time to goad Ren about the sleeping photo, much to her relief. But that didn’t stop Tomoe and Seri from tag-teaming their interrogation skills while working on finalizing staging props and curtains.

“We all fell asleep in the common area. That’s all that happened. I swear,” Ren hard confirmed, holding up defensive hands.

“Do you want me to cut his hands off?” Seri glowered and transformed her nails into talons.

“N-No!” the pink-haired girl stuttered out. “And put those away! You’re gonna tear up the curtain!”

“Think he has a thing for you?” Tomoe asked in a teasing tone while tending to the curtain’s draw rope. “It’s not uncommon, y’know.”

Ren choked on her rice ball upon hearing that and chased the stuck kernels down by chugging her bottle of green tea. She sighed aloud having the coughing fit pass.

“I assure you, he doesn’t,” she deadpanned. “Admittedly, he has been much more sociable as of late and is making the effort to change himself,” she finished with a small smile on her lips.

Her two friends audibly hummed and looked on with deceptive interest, their chins resting on their hands with matching single arched brows.

“Seems like you’ve been paying a lot of attention then,” Seri ridiculed with a devilish smirk.

“I have to write weekly updates to Aizawa-sensei to let him know his hatchlings are behaving!” she defended with a huff.

“If you wanna put it that way, sure,” Tomoe dismissed with a tone of dubiousness.

“Okay. You got me.” Ren heaved a loud defeated sigh and crossed her arms. “You guys obviously know something I don’t, so you may as well spill it.”

Seri and Tomoe looked at each other with a blank stare and then back to their annoyed but lovable friend.

“You’ve been smiling a lot more,” they simultaneously blurted out.

“Well, it’s not necessarily a bad thing,” Tomoe added.

“But you’ve been changing as well, Ren-Ren, as oblivious as you are with most things,” Seri finished with a gentle smile. “Our juniors have had quite the influence on you.”

Before she could respond, a sudden slap of a harisen* slammed down by their feet, making all of their shoulders jolt from shock. The three gingerly creaked their heads up to see their very irate Miyake staring down.

“I see your lips moving more than your hands. Isn’t that nice you three can be this free the night before the festival,” 2-A’s class rep glowered with obvious irritation. A visible vein pulsated on his right temple.

“Holy shit, his aura’s pitch black,” Tomoe quivered out and nervously gulped.

“C-Class rep, we’ll be fine,” Ren stammered unconvincingly. “The rehearsals are going fine and the costumes are nearly done. Tomorrow will be–”

A sudden high-pitched scream interrupted the conversation. The entire class ran to the center of the gym to see a girl with long ink black hair keeled over, holding her ankle and sobbing.

“Hayasaka! Are you okay?!” one of the performers asked.

“I think… I sprained my ankle,” the girl whimpered out and winced when she tried to move. “I don’t think I can stand.”

“I’ll take her to Recovery Girl. You guys stay put,” Miyake instructed and carried the injured girl bridal style. While their classmate was being examined, dress rehearsal grind to a halt. 2-A stood idly by with worry until they saw their class rep come back alone moments later.

“How’s Yui-chan doing?” Seri asked with concern.

He heaved a heavy sigh before answering.

“Sprained ankle and turns out she had small stress fractures on her tibia,” he gravely announced. “Recovery Girl’s done what she can, but the swelling won’t go down for a few days.”

“What are we gonna do?! The show’s tomorrow and she’s one of our leads!” one student panicked.

Miyake closed his eyes and took a deep breath before pointing to Ren.

“Takahiro, you will take Hayasaka’s place tomorrow,” Miyake declared.

“Wait, me?!” she exclaimed and pointed to herself with a startled look. “I don’t even know the choreography, let alone fit in the costume!”

“We don’t have anyone else!” he barked back, the stress finally overtaking him. “I originally let you slide in performing because I wanted you to focus on the manuscript. And our class already lacks the manpower due to our size!”

“Takahiro please,” her classmates pleaded.

“This is your show and we all worked so hard at it,” Ito requested.

Lightly gritting her teeth, Ren clicked her tongue in annoyance and ruffled the back of her head. It would be a damn shame to the guests if they couldn’t perform because of one small mishap. Everyone put in their maximum efforts to produce this. She had to shove her pride aside.

“… I’ll do my best,” she grumbled out with slumped shoulders. The whole class erupted into cheers of relief. She then turned to Higuchi, the choreographer. “Just give me the basics of the moves.”

“We’re going about this in a very lassiez-faire way. If you want to improv, you’re more than welcome to,” Higuchi encouraged.

Rehearsals continued with Ren in the mix, trying to nail down the feelings of a scene, choreography and frantic last minute costume adjustments. Hound dog-sensei eventually came by to kick them out at 9pm when making his rounds. A sense of unease bubbled at the pit of her stomach.

Of all the people to injure themselves, it had to be one of the primadonnas of the show!

Hayasaka Yui was the class beauty of 2-A and had talent to boot; her quirk was perfect to fill the role too. On top of that, she’s the class rep’s girlfriend. Taking Yui out of commission put a lot of pressure on her to perform.

If Ren were to make a comparison, it was like replacing a graceful dancing Japanese Red Crown Crane with a muskovy duck.

What shitty luck, she thought to herself and face palmed. Her brain at this point was running on fumes and didn’t want to think anymore. The balls of her feet were aching and so were her deltoids from holding proper dance form for over three hours. She entered the dorms the same time as the rest of 1-A, where they tiredly greeted one another. Dragging herself to the common area, she flopped down on a free spot next to Iida like a rag doll.

“Senpai? You okay?” Kaminari voiced out. “You look like you aged ten years.”

“If I wasn’t so tired right now,” Ren groaned out. “I’d punch you in your stupid face.”

She told them what happened during dress rehearsals today and revealed her sudden impromptu involvement.

“That’s very unfortunate to hear,” Iida commented with a sympathetic tone. “I hope your classmate recovers soon. But you’ll be able to pull it off. You’re a very capable senpai, after all.”

“Where will your performance be anyway?” Jiro asked. “I wanna see it after we’re done with ours.”

“I think it’s at Gym Gamma...” she blurted out tiredly and rubbed her face. “We’re one of the last shows of the day after the beauty pageant.”

Ren heaved out a heavy sigh like she was near death.

“Maybe if I keep telling myself ‘it’ll be fine’, it’ll happen.”

“You’ve gone through worse,” Todoroki voiced out. “You’ll be fine.”

“Oh, the boyfriend speaks,” Ashido chided.

“Boyfriend?” Ren asked with a confused tone. Her body suddenly found the energy reserves and jolted up from the couch upon remembering the photo. Her ears started going red. “N-No! Mina-chan! It’s not like that!”

“That photo said otherwise,” the pink girl teased in a singsong tone with a grin.

“Todo-kun! Explain what happened that morning!” Ren demanded. He merely stared at her in confusion.

“She’s talking ‘bout this, dude.” Kaminari pulled up the photo to show him.

“Don’t show him the picture!” Their R.A. whisper screamed since some people already went to sleep and gripped her hair by the roots.

Todoroki glanced over at Kaminari’s phone and simply let out an “oh.”

“I can see how that can be misinterpreted,” the hetero-chromatic boy realized. “Ren-senpai just looked really comfortable to sleep next to, that’s all.”

“She does have some really good shoulders to lean on,” Jiro admitted. “Like all your worries are whisked away.”

“Okay. Neither one of those statements helped. At all,” she blankly responded with a drooped shoulders.

“But you were though,” he repeated with a sense of innocence. Jiro, Kirishima and Kaminari were snickering and not trying their hardest to hold their laughter in.

“I’m gonna go shower and sleep.” Ren immediately got off of the couch and detached herself from the conversation; she knew nothing she said now would fix the misunderstanding.

“Do you need Todoroki to cuddle you to sleep tonight too?” Jiro playfully teased.

Not having enough energy for a verbal threat, the R.A. merely walked away flipping her off. She went up and grabbed her stuff before teleporting down to the girls’ bathroom to wash up. Feeling completely relaxed and refreshed 20 minutes later, she zipped back up to the 4th floor and saw the silhouette of a familiar two-toned hair colored boy waiting by her room door in the dark hallway.

“Todo-kun, what’s wrong?” she whispered to grab his attention, trying not to wake up anyone else.

All he did was point to the door, indicating he wanted to talk inside. She opened it and let him in before gently closing it. Perhaps it was the mood lighting in her room at night, but he found his heart slowly calming down after entering. He parked his seat on the carpeted floor right at the foot of her bed.

“So… what’s up?” she spoke softly and went into the bathroom to drape her used towel onto the rack before coming back out to sit across from him.

“Did I… do something wrong?” he suddenly asked.

“I… don’t think so?” she replied in confusion with matching eyebrows.

“It’s just that you seemed upset about the photo of us Jiro sent around.”

“I wasn’t upset, just...” She awkwardly rubbed the back of her neck. “I don’t like misunderstandings, is all.”

“What was there to misunderstand though?” he asked with genuine confusion. “We were all sleeping in the common room together. So why did they make a big deal with just us?”

Ren didn’t know whether his mind was really that pure or he really didn’t have a clue as she stared at him incredulously.

“It was the way we were sleeping,” she elaborated. “And when I was trying to move away this morning, you pulled me into your chest. This is stuff… couples do.”

She stared at him as he processed what she said and the look on his face was like a light bulb going off.

“Oh. Well, we should clarify it with everyone.”

“I think we’re well past that point,” she replied with a tone of dejection with a wry smirk. “Just leave ‘em be. Anything we say now will just make it worse.”

“I’ll be better next time,” he apologized and scratched the side of his face with his index finger. “I’ve never been good at reading social situations like these.”

“As long as you’re making the effort, it’s fine,” she reassured with a small smile.

“I’m just glad we cleared things up,” Todoroki said with a gentle grin gracing his lips. “You really were comfortable to sleep next to though,” he confessed.

Ren couldn’t do anything other than let out a chuckle and lightly shook her head.

“Was I really?” she playfully questioned and crossed her arms over her chest.

“It’s one of the better sleeps I’ve had as of late.”

“What do you mean?”

He shrugged his shoulders and said, “I’m just… able to fully relax when I’m around you for some reason.”

The pink-haired girl could immediately feel the apples of her cheeks get warm and gripped the hem of her over-sized pajama shirt.

“You should… phrase your words better, Todo-kun,” she blurted out and looked away. “Were you to say that to anyone else, they may think you’re interested in them romantically.”

“Is that so?” he blinked dumbly. “I’ll be more careful.”

Todoroki shifted from where he was and made his way next to Ren. He then gently placed his head on her right shoulder, catching the fresh scent of her apple and mint shampoo with a hint of eucalyptus on his nose and closed his eyes.

“Todo-kun?”

“I just need five minutes, then I’ll go back to my room,” he spoke in a hushed manner by her ear. The bass in his voice shot tingles down her neck.

Huffing a light sigh of defeat, she let him remain and naturally found herself leaning her head on top of his.

“Just don’t fall asleep here. We’ll never hear the end of it from everyone.”

* Slapping fan made from paper

[datura-foxglove]

a gift for both

Thank you @bsd-secret-santa for organizing this event and answering a lot of my questions! Merry Christmast @neonfigs, I hope for a happy holiday to you, from you secret santa hahaha XD I hope you are satisfied with this DaAku fanfics!

(Akutagawa and Dazai meeting each other in christmas party)

Everything in that huge ballroom repulsed him.

The bright and colorful lights that hurts his eyes, the cheerful conversations that not quite overwhelmed the soft background music, the mouth-watering scents of various kinds of dishes arranged like art on the tables, the carefree smiles from both the mafia and the agency people…

Akutagawa Ryuunosuke stayed on the corner of the room, the only one who radiated aura that repulsed others just like how they repulsed him. The only taint in the painting of myriad colors and happiness.

He covered his mouth with his hand, familiar tinge of copper coated his tongue as his lungs racked from another cough fit. He stubbornly washed the taste down with water from the glass he had acquired earlier when a waiter foolishly approached him with a tray. The only reason why the weak waiter dared to approach him at all was the oath that both Mori and Fukuzawa agreed to in order to have this party. An oath to have both sides refrained from hurting and killing anyone for tonight, the night of celebration party for surviving their latest catastrophe. Any old grudges and strife must be forgotten for this night only, a night of peace after days of gruesome war against the Hunting Dogs. Every member of mafia couldn’t disobey that oath, for they didn’t wish to humiliate their Boss. That was why Akutagawa had to bear the muzzle that restrained his fangs, replacing his usual black coat with ridiculous party get up that Chuuya had coordinated himself. Gin had said that he looked good, but Higuchi was clearly unable to look at him without stuttering like a fool.

But Mori’s order wasn’t the only thing that forced Akutagawa to leave behind his coat, his only absolute safety and most treasured possession, to attend this party that he wished nothing to do with. No, Akutagawa’s reason to attend the party despite his misgivings, was the possibility that man would also attend this party. Akutagawa had done more terrible and more dangerous thing for that person that this sacrifice of comfort was laughable, yet he still stayed in that party. His sharp eyes looked for each corner of the room, hoping to see even the shadow of that person…

His patience was nearing his limit of having to hear the joyful laughter of the weretiger, so near to him but unable to silence with his black beast when his phone suddenly rang. His annoyed growl made everyone around him flinched and backed away, avoiding his ire as Akutagawa yanked out his phone from his pocket. However, all of that barely contained anger went down the drain the moment he saw the name of the caller. Without wasting any more precious second, Akutagawa accepted the call and hurriedly brought the phone to his ear with shaking hands. It felt like he waited forever until he heard that voice. The only voice that would erase everything from his mind so that he could focus on the owner of that voice alone.

“Hi, Akutagawa-kun.”

The messy and tangled thread of his mind slowly unraveled the moment he heard him calling his name. “Dazai-san…” he stood up straight and his eyes sharpened until people around him felt like he could cut them with just his gaze alone. “Do you need anything from me?”

Dazai calling him meant that he got an order for him. An absolute order that Akutagawa would risk even his life to fulfill, no matter what kind of order that was. He waited attentively, like a soldier ready to strike. However to his confusion, Akutagawa heard laughter from the phone. He had never heard Dazai laugh before, at least not from genuine amusement.

“No need to be so tense, I don’t have any order for you.” Akutagawa felt his heart sank to his stomach. Dazai must be able to see his face, because he heard that laughter again. “Don’t look so forlorn, Akutagawa-kun. I do have a request for you though.”

“What is it, Dazai-san?” Akutagawa immediately responded, the only response he would give to anything Dazai wished of him.

“Look up.”

Akutagawa raised his head, his eyes scanning the second floor balcony. Among the fewer people partying their life away on the second floor, he saw his former mentor casually observing him with both arms leaned on the railings. Just like Akutagawa, Dazai had discarded his usual beige trench coat with a formal suit. The left side of his hair was brushed behind his ear, which made Akutagawa’s heart stopped beating for a second. He knew Dazai looked good usually, his female fans back when he was in the mafia proved that, but it was unexpected that just a change or hair style could completely shut down Akutagawa’s brain for a moment.

He knew he was staring, but he couldn’t help it. Dazai noticed it too, but other than a smirk he didn’t say anything. He heard the call on his phone suddenly got cut off and Akutagawa felt the same disappointment and anger as that day when Dazai and the weretiger tricked him to chase after the wireless communication device when in the end Dazai hung up on him.

Dazai stood up straight, just like Akutagawa thought. He was going to leave him again, gaining amusement from how Akutagawa chased after every scrap of attention Dazai deigned to give to him. To his surprise, instead of just leaving cruelly like always, Dazai’s hand raise in front of him. He made a motion as if grabbing something from the thin air and pulled it gently towards him. Unconsciously, Akutagawa’s foot moved on it’s own and he stepped forward.

He saw a glint of satisfaction in Dazai’s eyes and that pushed him to move his foot again. Step by step, he walked closer. When he reached the stairs, Akutagawa had already forgotten everything. The party. Boss’ order. His own disappointment. Everything was unnecessary, so he discard everything away to chase after his former mentor. He even didn’t realize that he had started running, only his body’s hard trained instinct that enabled him to evade the other guests in his chase. He saw Dazai walked away, but his hand was still making that tugging motion.

As Akutagawa chased after that man’s shadow, he realized that Dazai was tugging the invisible chain that bound both of them together. Chain that Akutagawa wore himself years ago, in gratitude for giving a meaning to his life. That deep respect that wouldn’t be erased, no matter how the harsh Dazai trained him to life in the mafia. No matter how many times he was betrayed.

He ran and ran, his barely able to think mind in awe of how Dazai could keep the distance despite how relaxed he walked in comparison to Akutagawa’s frantic sprint. Dazai led him towards a secluded part of the hotel, outside of the noisy ballroom. Akutagawa remembered the blueprint of the hotel for emergency situation and his mind helpfully informed him that they were in the lobby. The mafia rented the whole hotel for tonight’s party and the whole staffs were busy servicing the party, so no one was in the lobby since there wouldn’t be anymore guest coming. But there should be guards patrolling the area…

“I had distracted the guards. We have around fifteen minutes before any of them back.” Dazai turned around and faced him, finally stopping. Akutagawa’s feet also halted, his whole body frozen when he had the full attention of his former mentor. “Let’s talk for a bit.”

Akutagawa didn’t know what to do. What was it that Dazai wished to say to him that he went out of his way to ensure privacy for them? His mind thought of many possibilities and only one seemed the most plausible in his mind.

“Do you want me to kill someone for you?” Akutagawa could only think that. Dazai was working for the Agency now and he may be unable to eradicate anyone without consequences like when he was in the mafia. He knew that Dazai could kill someone and leave no trace behind, but using him was the easiest. Akutagawa was infamous for his reputation as the mafia’s rabid dog, people wouldn’t bat an eye if he killed. Although… he had promised the weretiger to not kill for a while, in order to challenge him again. Of course, he could discard that promise if that became an obstacle in fulfilling Dazai’s order. Although, that would leave a bad taste after his hard work for months in restraining himself from killing his targets.

Dazai smiled, as if expecting his words. “No. Beside, didn’t you make a promise with Atsushi-kun to not kill? I had heard about it, how you managed to keep that promise until now. Even when your opponents were the Hunting Dogs.” Dazai closed his eyes, his expression became a bit more genuine. “I am proud of you.”

Akutagawa’s whole body froze, his widened eyes stared at Dazai in disbelief. “What…?”

“Before, no matter how many times I ordered you to restrain yourself, you keep showing no mercy and killed your opponents.” Akutagawa barely able to hide the wince as he remembered Dazai’s harsh punishment, and from the way the smile disappeared from Dazai’s face he knew that he couldn’t hide it from Dazai. “But you have grown now. You are able to keep to your words, no matter how hard you have to retrain your natural killing instinct and how much more difficult it was to fight tough opponents.”

He remembered the fight with the Hunting Dogs, of how much he had to restrain Rashoumon from targeting vital spots in his enemies’ body. Despite how his hesitance dulled his blade and made it easy for his enemies to corner him.

“You are still in the process, but you will someday outgrow the shadow that I left behind.” Dazai’s words were like hammer that completely destroyed him. “My role as your mentor is over.”

Rashoumon responded to the turmoil in his heart and raged, tendrils of black beast ripped from his clothing, familiar and strange at the same time. Akutagawa was used to pain. His life was full of painful experiences, but everytime he managed to grit his teeth and bear it. But this pain, like there was an invisible blade stabbing through his chest, was unlike any other. He couldn’t deal with the burn behind his eyes nor the way his heart felt like it would break into pieces. So Akutagawa sought for comfort from other feelings that he knew better.

Anger.

Hatred.

“Why!?” Akutagawa screamed, his eyes wild like a mad beast finally unleashed. “Why do you keep leaving me behind? Why—“

He felt a touch on his cheek, and the tranquil that washed over him was familiar. No Longer Human forced Rashoumon back, leaving him defenseless without his most powerful weapon and shield. Akutagawa hissed as he pulled back his fist, trying to prove to Dazai and himself that he wasn’t weak just because his Ability was nullified, but Dazai caught his fist as well.

“Calm down. I said that I am no longer your mentor, but that doesn’t mean that our relationship is over.” Dazai kept his fist and Ability sealed, but it was his words that completely bound him. “This just means that we are equal now.”

Akutagawa slowly pulled his hand back, staring at Dazai in disbelief. “Equal…?”

“I have done a lot of horrible things to you in the past out of necessity and I know you won’t blame me for it because you thought it made you stronger. I can’t make things right if you don’t even wish for it in the first place.” Dazai caressed his cheek, making Akutagawa shivered. He didn’t know if it was from the skin contact or Dazai’s words. Maybe both. “So let’s start over from the beginning. I am not your mentor and you are not my subordinate.”

In despair, Akutagawa reached forward and grabbed Dazai’s suits. “But… if I am not your subordinate anymore, then what am I to you now?” His meaning to life, his only ambition and desire, was to someday meet Dazai’s expectation of him. If Dazai wasn’t his mentor anymore, the meaning of his life would be forever unattainable.

Dazai gently touched his trembling hands, the gentleness unfamiliar to Akutagawa that he couldn’t help to flinch. The shine in Dazai’s eyes darkened a bit at that, but his touch stayed gentle. “Now that you are no longer my subordinate, you are someone precious to me. Akutagawa-kun, you always stay loyal to me, even after I have left you behind in the mafia. I don’t deserve that loyalty, but you give it to me anyway. I had expected you to discard me as you seek power, but you keep me in your heart still.”

Dazai leaned forward, until his lips were right beside Akutagawa’s ear. “I want to see more of your growth, with me by your side.”

Akutagawa could feel warmth radiated in his chest from Dazai’s words. It made butterflies flew around in his stomach and the corner of his lips twitched outside of his control. Dazai leaned back, his widened eyes stared at Akutagawa in somewhat stunned look. It took Dazai a few moments before he smiled. An awe filled him, similar yet different with the awe he felt when he looked at calligraphy.

“What a beautiful smile.” Dazai chuckled as he said that. “Is that my Christmas gift?”

Akutagawa was shocked. He didn’t realize that he had smiled at all. He shook his head to protest, because he was sure that Dazai’s smile was much more beautiful than his.

“Now that I have received such a nice gift, I have to give you one too.” Dazai whispered, a sharp glint appeared in his eyes that made Akutagawa instantly wary. “Close your eyes.”

Akutagawa closed his eyes, still used to instantly obeying whatever Dazai ordered him to do. Dazai made a rueful sigh sound, but he didn’t comment on it. Akutagawa waited for what Dazai had planned, but nothing prepared him when he felt something soft and warm touched the corner of his lips, light like butterfly’s wings.

Akutagawa immediately opened his eyes, his gaze immediately fell on Dazai’s face right in front of him. There was a naughty smirk on his face, although that smirk disappeared quickly when both of them heard the footsteps of the guards returning.

“It seems time is up. We should return.” Dazai walked ahead of him. Akutagawa thought he would be left alone with his brain still is mush with what happened earlier, but Dazai turned around and offered his hand to him. “Will you go back with me?”

There was no longer invisible chain binding Akutagawa to this man, yet he still feel the pull to follow him. His hand gingerly accepted Dazai’s, both of their cold hands warmed by each other. Dazai pulled him along gently with him and Akutagawa stepped beside him, walking side by side as they returned back to the still ongoing party. All the way and even after they returned, their hands still intertwined with each other.

(A bit of bonus, since I can’t decide between this fic and the other I had made. You can take this as a sequel from the first one, although it’s not really related.)

Akutagawa woke to the sound of Gin cooking in the kitchen. He looked at the clock by the side of his bed and frowned. It was rare that he slept for more than three hours. The morning chill made his chest uncomfortable, but he ignored the discomfort as he started his morning routine.

Gin had already prepared his breakfast, light and just the bare minimum, with a plate of figs as dessert. Just the way he liked it. They ate in silence, with sometimes Gin talking about her upcoming missions as he nodded along.

Suddenly, his phone rang. Akutagawa pulled it out from his pocket, expecting sudden missions. To his surprise, a short message from Dazai was the one that appeared on the screen. Gin hid her knowing smile behind her mug, making Akutagawa wondered if he was that easy to read.

Still, the butterfly on his stomach fluttered as he read the message.

“Today is Christmas. How about a date?”

Dazai didn’t have to ask. Akutagawa would drop any unimportant things if that meant he could spend time with him.

“Yes, Dazai-san.”

“Great, I will wait for you at the station at ten then.”

“Understood.”

Akutagawa put away his phone and stood up, already about to leave for the station when Gin stopped him by pulling his coat.

“It’s cold outside, it’s better if you wear more layers. It will be bad if you get sick while you are with Dazai-san.” Gin reasoned, her smile kind. “It won’t take much time at all. I will help you.”

Akutagawa relented as his sister wrapped him up with scarf and thicker coat, the material warm and light. Gin picked a pair of black gloves to keep his hands warm. In the end, he looked almost ridiculous with all the extra layers despite Gin’s insistence that he looked really great.

Despite still having a lot of time to spare, Akutagawa almost sprinted outside if not for Gin walking halfway with him as she was going to her work.

When Dazai finally appeared just in time, Akutagawa had been waiting. He frowned when he noticed how pale Akutagawa looked. Dazai stripped off one of his gloves and touched Akutagawa’s skin, his frown deepening when he felt how cold Akutagawa’s cheek was. He took Akutagawa’s hand and brought him inside of a café nearby. Akutagawa didn’t resist as Dazai made him sat in one of the tables, wrapped him in a blanket the café provided, and ordered a hot green tea and hot coffee for both of them.

Dazai sighed as they wait for their order. Akutagawa thought that Dazai would reprimand him, but Dazai kept silent. Wordlessly, Dazai pulled Akutagawa’s gloves off and then hold his hands. The warmth of Dazai’s hand felt really nice on his cold skin.

“I got tickets for calligraphy art exhibition.” Dazai’s thumb caressed the knuckles of his hands. “You still like those, right?”

Akutagawa nodded. Even if he didn’t like it, as long as it was with Dazai he would follow wherever he would go. But he was honest when he said that he still liked calligraphy. The strokes of the blank ink on a white paper was the closest thing Akutagawa could feel to awe at any beauty.

Dazai’s frown melted into a small smile. “Good. I already reserved a place for dinner, but do you have somewhere you want to go for lunch?”

“Anywhere is fine.” Akutagawa nodded. As long as he was with Dazai, anyplace was fine.

“That is actually the hardest to choose, you know?” Dazai chuckled a bit. “There is a restaurant nearby the museum, do you want to try that place?”

Akutagawa nodded again, probably to Dazai’s expectation. Their conversation was interrupted when a waiter brought their orders; a coffee for Dazai and a hot green tea for Akutagawa. Dazai let go of his hands so Akutagawa could hold the better source of warmth, but Akutagawa preferred the warmth of Dazai’s hands than the hot cup of green tea.

They talked a bit more, their conversation light as they relearn everything about each other. Some things had changed, while others remained the same. Akutagawa etched everything Dazai told him in his heart, memorizing every words. It wasn’t long at all, but they finally left the café after finishing up their drinks and Akutagawa’s body had warmed up.

The cold bit into his skin when they braved the cold weather outside of the café, but this time Dazai stayed close and held his hand. Akutagawa felt like he turned into a sponge that absorbed any warmth given by Dazai. The walk from the café towards the museum was quite long, but spending it with Dazai by his side made it barely noticeable. The warm air inside the museum made the two of them breathe a sigh of relief, although Akutagawa’s attention was quickly distracted by the myriad of calligraphy proudly displayed on the walls.

They took their time to visit and appreciated each one of the calligraphy. Each calligraphy, even with the same kanji, had different brush strokes that attracted his interests. When Dazai excused himself to search for a toilet, Akutagawa revisit each one of his favorites and made sure to remember the calligrapher in his mind.

They left the museum hours later, not noticing how time had gone. It was too late for lunch, so they bought a nikuman at the nearest convenience store that they shared. Both of them ate very little, so they didn’t want to ruin their appetite for dinner by eating too much.

Dazai broke the hot white bun in two and offered one to Akutagawa as they walked. “There is still time until dinner, do you want to go somewhere? I won’t accept answers like ‘anywhere is fine’.”

Akutagawa froze a bit, completely troubled. Dazai’s teasing smirk didn’t help at all. Akutagawa tried to postpone his answer by taking a bite of his steaming bun, but Dazai only waited patiently, not letting Akutagawa escape at all. When he had eaten the last bit of his nikuman, Akutagawa finally remembered something. “How about the traditional garden?”

Dazai knew which one Akutagawa talked about. “The one Kouyou-nee likes? Since it’s winter, there will be less people there.”

Akutagawa nodded. He preferred places with less people than the crowded ones. “Can we go there?”

“Sure.” Dazai smiled and took Akutagawa’s hand once again. “Anywhere you want.”

The act of kindness, no matter how many times Dazai had showed this side of him, had never failed to send his heart aflutter. His cheeks reddened and he followed beside Dazai as Dazai took him to the station.

They went to the park. Then they had dinner in a nice restaurant with a secluded room for privacy. The food was delightful and not heavy enough that his stomach protested at the end of the meal. The whole time, they had small talks about everything and nothing at once. It was a really nice date for Akutagawa, he even got a dessert takeout for Gin. Time passed by so quickly, surprising Akutagawa when the sky was dark the time they left the restaurant.

The end of their date was slowly coming. They had to return soon because tomorrow their presence would be demanded by their work place. The Port Mafia for him, and The Detective Agency for Dazai. The peaceful day they enjoyed would soon be chased by days of fighting once again. Today was like an oasis in the harsh desert of their life.

When they reached the station where they met up in the morning, Dazai let go of his hand. His hand felt achingly empty and cold without Dazai’s to hold. But Akutagawa gritted his teeth and endured his dissatisfaction. Both of them looked at each other, hesitating to say goodbye.

At last, Dazai smiled wistfully. “Merry Christmas, Akutagawa-kun.” Dazai took out a small box of present that he hid on the pocket of his coat.

Akutagawa’s eyes widened. He didn’t expect that both of them would exchange any gift. “I—My apologies, I didn’t—“

“It’s alright. I already received it.” Dazai leaned over and brushed his lips on Akutagawa’s cheek. “Today is the nicest gift you can give to me.”

Akutagawa’s cheek burned on the spot where Dazai kissed him. His trembling hands accepted the small box, his breath hitched when the paper that enveloped his gift had a print of calligraphy on it. “Is this--?”

“A set of calligraphy brushes and charcoal ink.” Dazai grinned. “Make sure you show me your calligraphy soon, okay?”

He had never tried calligraphy himself, despite his interest in it. But now that Dazai was expecting him to do it, the fire of determination burned him. He would make sure he could create a calligraphy art that would make Dazai proud of him. “I understand.”

Dazai sighed, although his eyes watched Akutagawa with fondness. “See you again, Akutagawa-kun. Say ‘hi’ to Gin for me.”

Akutagawa hesitated, which made Dazai frowned a bit. He saw Dazai opened his mouth to ask what’s wrong, but Akutagawa quickly stepped forward. He grabbed Dazai’s coat and pulled him closer to plant a kiss on Dazai’s lips. Dazai’s eyes widened for a moment, before mischief bloomed in those dark eyes and Akutagawa was surprised when Dazai deepened the kiss. It was just an innocent kiss, but it took his breath away unlike the way his illness usually did. It felt way more pleasant… and it warmed Akutagawa’s heart and body. Akutagawa whispered ‘Merry Christmas’ to Dazai’s lips as Dazai kissed him again.

They would have to part ways soon, but this moment, this single moment… was all that they need.

[heavenzfiend]

Top 10 Otome Husbands

Oh @rubyleeray, thanks for tagging me! This took a lot of thought to put together! I never know if I have a ‘type’ of guy I like in otome games so maybe someone can help me figure it out from this list :P Without further ado in no particular order…

1. Jumin Han, Mystic Messenger

Jumin would be the most perfect husband in the world. Despite being ridiculously rich, he would not hesitate using his money/power to help his friends or others in need—it really shows that he deeply cares about others, especially the RFA and his family, even though some people assume he’s cold and dominating. I like how he is extremely hard-working (Jaehee herself confirmed this) while also having such an unexpected cute side of cat-lover and cross-stitching aficionado. What is not to like about this man?

2. Jihyun Kim (V), Mystic Messenger

V… honestly, he was the first character I liked as soon as I played MM for shallow reasons: He looks hot (the blue hair was really eye-catching and appealed to me for some reason) and his voice was so soothing. His voice really makes me feel like everything will be okay. I can only say my love for him grew as I found all the crazy stuff he went through which triggered my maternal instincts (?) to protect him. I really, truly want the best for him……….and a kiss scene. Please. I need it, Cheritz.

3. Kojuro Katakura, Samurai Love Ballad: Party

I would feel so safe with Lord Kojuro. He would protect me from the scary world of Sengoku Jidai (well, when Masamune doesn’t also need to be saved) and he would push me to be the best I can be. I love how he trusts and respects MC. Also a bonus that he is an experienced lord *wink*. I can’t decide if I like him with his hair up more or natural hair ‘down’… but why am I even contemplating this? Oh Lord Kojuro *whimper*…

4. Hideyoshi Toyotomi, Samurai Love Ballad: Party

He’s so intuitive and cheeky, which really appeals to me. You really can’t hide anything from him and he would be able to get out of any situation using his wits. He rose from the bottom of the social class, which makes him humble and understanding of people of any background. Most of the time he’s smiling and it makes me feel happy to be around him. Also, he has these bedroom eyes that… ah… Anyways, can’t pinpoint a specific reason why I like Hideyoshi so much… but all that matters is: Hideyoshi. Is. Bae.

5. Toshiaki Kijima, Irresistible Mistakes

I didn’t think I would like him much when I played the prologue but I realized how caring and hard-working he is and I have fallen hard for Toshiaki. Hard. The dude looks so sad most of the time; I need to give him a hug (and never let go). People might think he is boring and doesn’t care about others but I think the truth is quite the opposite—he cares way too much. He would be a difficult, yet rewarding boss and supportive boyfriend/hubs. Toshiaki’s sad smile still lingers in my heart~ oof.

6. Toma Kiriya, Irresistible Mistakes

OH TOMA IS GREAT. Yeah, really great. I think it will be great to have a boyfriend/husband like him in real life too! I love the dynamic between him and MC—the joking, teamwork, sexual tension emitting from office romance—just great! Sometimes he does say things that can ‘hurt’ and I’m like, “Toma, why did you say that?!” but he himself is quick to realize his mistakes and makes up for it. Plus, I can’t ignore the swimmer body and looks-wise he’s extremely handsome. Glasses only makes him look smarter AKA hotter in my books.

7. Yuri, Nameless ~The one thing you must recall~

When Yuri isn’t a flirty, womanizing mess he’s actually a wise man—err, doll. I really fell for him during his route but even moreso in Tei’s route! Since he is normally a very flirty character, when he acts sincerely, I think the impact was more strongly felt. Maybe I also liked how he is the only adult doll in the group thus becoming a teacher and creating the thrilling teacher-student relationship… I personally just like age-gap romance *shrug*. If I close my eyes, I can still hear Yuri calling me “my darling” and it makes me smile and feel special.

8. Tei, Nameless ~The one thing you must recall~

Tei, Tei, Tei… why do I like you so much? I actually didn’t like him for the longest time and was deathly afraid of him (hahahahaha *nervous laughter*) but then after playing his route I finally understand what’s wrong with him and just want to say, “Tei, it’s okay. I still like you no matter what.” I feel like ‘Mom Tei’ will take care of me so well and I can really just depend on him. There literally isn’t anyone else who loves MC more than Tei and I just find him so hot. I literally kept saying “oh no no no Tei... no… please” and was scared and aroused at the same time XD. I think a MAJOR reason I like him is because of HIS VOICE ACTOR (I literally became a fan of Hong Beomgi and listen to all his radios and clips and am so grateful I’m Korean because of it—but that’s going way off tangent here.)

9. Misao Higuchi, Rose in the Embers

I just started playing Rose in the Embers so maybe I will end up liking someone else more but for now, I just love Misao so much. First of all, he looks absolutely gorgeous. I mean, maybe it’s the character design/graphics of the game, but Misao is so amazingly hot?! And the way he just looks at you and can see your soul and all your deep thoughts and feelings and just expose you like that… gosh. Despite having a really scandalous reputation, I like how he won’t push MC to do anything she’s uncomfortable with physically even months after they’re together. Master Misao, please paint me like one of your French—err, Japanese girls… *blush*

10. Wilfred Spencer, Be My Princess: Party

Being the first otome game I played, everyone from BMPP has a special place in my heart. That being said, I think Wilfred is the best hubs for me. He is very mature, thoughtful, quiet yet bold, gentlemanly yet has unexpected perverted moments and just overall a perfect prince.  Actually, talking about BMPP makes me miss it and realize that I should buy the BMP paid version since I have Love365 app now to see how all the stories differ from the party version!

Whew, that was long. I’ll tag some people I would like to hear from but you guys don’t have to do it! :) Tagging: @kawa-akarin @zennyshoneybunch @jachan-art @fabricatedghost 

[serenity-writes]

Top 10 Voltage Men Tag ;)

I had a helluva time picking these haha... And ranking them was even harder! So I really ended up sticking to ten ish :p. Thank you for the tag @rosewatereyes​~ Without further ado, to the husbandos!

#10: Misao Higuchi (Rose in the Embers)

I can’t really explain why the heck I like this guy, but I do. I really, really do. 

#9: Soryu Oh (Kissed by the Baddest Bidder)

I kind of like the way he pulls out his gun to threaten people, haha! Plus there’s just something so damn sexy about him. I love the way he’s so tender towards MC. 

#8: Ichigo Sato (Dreamy Days in West Tokyo)

To be honest, I was going to put Takashi, Haruki, and Ryuzo up here with him but decided I shouldn’t be so extra haha. I love Ichigo the most out of all of them. I’m always weak to a tsundere and I love the way Ichigo grows over the years.

#7: Huedhaut and Aigonorous (Star-Crossed Myth)

Sorry! I couldn’t choose between the two because I love them both so much. Hue’s story is so beautifully written while Aigo is just endlessly adorable.

#6: Kyohei Rikudoh (Scandal in the Spotlight)

I really LOVE his main story. I love everything about it. And I really feel Kyohei’s passion and drive throughout the game. Plus, he’s sexy as hell. I found this GIF on google and it has officially wrecked me with sexiness. 

#5: Makoto Morimachi (My Last First Kiss)

Kay, he’s smart, he’s cute, and he’s a total sweetie. All I’ve ever wanted in a man. Makoto is the childhood friend trope done right!

#4: Sosuke Kikuchi aka Sailor dude (Finally in Love Again)

I totally brushed past him when I first read his character sheet. Then I read his story and I was blown away. He is TOO CUTE. His patience and his utter adoration of MC is too much to handle. I fell for him completely!

#3: Shunichiro Tachibana (Irresistible Mistakes)

He’s the hot older man I’ve always dreamed of... Though sometimes he is rather perplexing, he oozes sex appeal and his route is one of the steamiest. The boss is always a trope I fall for; Shunichiro is no exception.

#2: Ryoichi Hirose (Seduced in the Sleepless City)

One of my first Voltage routes, so he will always have a special place in my heart. It was really the “Try Love” story of his that made me fall head over heels for him. If you haven’t read it, check it out! It’s so ridiculously sweet and adds so much depth to the relationship.

Aaaaanndd... #1 is...

Tsumugu Kido!

(Are you surprised it’s not Eisuke? Lol, I kid.)

I honestly am not a huge fan of the other routes in Our Two Bedroom Story except for this one. Somehow Tsumugu and his messy ass hair and odd accent waltzed right in and stole my heart. He and MC have such a #goals relationship and they banter and play off each other so amazingly. His backstory is so well written, and his family is adorable. He reminds me a lot of my own partner, so maybe that’s why I like Tsumugu so much. Someone described him on reddit as a ‘strawberry loving hick’ and I think that’s the perfect way to encapsulate him, haha! <3 My favorite.

Anyway, I don’t think I can think of anyone I’m following who hasn’t been tagged yet so... If you want to do it, you can say I tagged ya haha. ;)