#i bet makoto is tracking it T~T

[imkazz]

imagining the kokomins praying "oh god let me take on her period pains" and its kokomi struggling not to yell at them with all her feminine/menstrual rage

[thequietmanno1]

Thelreads, Vigilantes 68, Replies Part 1

1) “I HAVE BEEN RESURRECTED FROM THE DEPTHS OF HELL”-

2) “But enough of that, I`m back, and I`m ready to continue from where we left on vigilantes, right as Pop caught Koich and Makoto ready to frick frack paddy whack FUCK. Now let`s see how that won`t happen, on Chapter 68: Partner.

Oh, the Cowboy AU chapter? I heard about it…”-Partner. The word implies somebody equal, trusted, dependable, reliable…and whilst Koichi is all these things for Pop, she’s now realising that she’s not really any of those for him, even if he sees it differently. She needs to carve her own way in the world, stand on her own two feet, and not ride Koichi’s coattails all the time, just like Uraraka resolved to become a capable hero who could fight alongside Izuku rather than a love stuck girl who let her emotions impact her effectiveness on the field. 3) “Alright Makoto, you still have the spotlight, time to shine and give Pop a hell of a bad time.”- All it takes is patience, focus and the determination to power on through Koichi’s titanium- strong denseness, and she makes more progress towards a relationship with Koichi in half a chapter than Pop managed in many and over an in-universe two year period. That’s gotta sting. 4) “Pop, are you sure want to hear this? Things are about to get steamy…. Actually they won`t, but I want to give you a scare so you realize its time to act for fuck`s sake woman”- Oh, she’ll act alright, but first she needs to see how Makoto handles her own confession towards Koichi, in order to gauge what she should do to properly compete with her on this private battlefield of their. It’s not like Koichi will be giving a definite answer anytime soon anyway, he’s still getting used to the idea that a girl would see any benefit in a long-term relationship with him.

5) “Oh damn, Makoto gave a hint but downplayed it a little, knowing this boy is too stupid to catch it. Well, I bet that even if she wanted to confess he wouldn`t understand it… Now to the Bathroom of justice he goes! There`s no time to waste!”- Oh, she’s gonna make damn sure he understands, one way or another! No comical misunderstandings happening tonight! 6) “Now time for some post-hugging coffee, those two are extremely kinky by the looks of it. Damn, now that everything was quickly explained and brushed aside I`ll have to stop with the jokes about them fucking ): “- Makoto didn’t travel halfway around the world for her sincere confession to get swept aside that easily. 7) “Ah, I already see where this is gonna go, Makoto will talk about a guy she likes without giving names, and Koichi of course will think its someone from America, and yadda yadda nothing of productive shall come out of this, its like when I sit down to write.”- Makoto’s writing the script of this conversation, and she didn’t become that famous and respected by being unproductive in America, now did she? She not about to quit now. 8)“But anyway, back to the master of romance, about to completely miss the point of the conversation. Go on Koichi, make me proud of your status as a shonen protagonist.”- Not even the world-class defences of Koichi’s utter denseness could deflect Makoto this night, for she came here with a mission in mind, dammit!

9) “Huh, interesting. Makoto is extremely smart and confident, but even so she`s not arrogant, she is well aware that her luck might change or that she can screw up in a monumental scale and end at the bottom of the well.”- Pride Goethe before the fall, and high as she’s risen, Makoto’s not arrogant enough to believe she’ll always be on top of the world. It’s an intense rollercoaster of a bucking bronco, a position that constantly demands effort and focus to remain on top, and in that kind of environment, somebody like Koichi, plain, dull, ordinary, but stable, safe and reassuring, would be exactly what Makoto needed to help her keep on track, understand when it’s time to walk away, and exit with dignity and grace, rather than over-reach and lose it all. 10) “Holy shit Makoto is pretty much saying to his face that she likes him, that his presence calms her and that she wants him by her side and HE STILL HASN`T NOTICED WHAT SHE IS SAYING FUCK`S SAKE KOICHI I`M GOING TO FUCKING DECK YOU”-Koichi’s mental defences are working overtime trying to keep him from that lightbulb moment, but Makoto’s not giving up anytime soon. 11) “SHE IS FUCKING CONFESSING TO HIM WITHOUT ANY WAY OF DOUBTING WHAT HER INTENTIONS ARE AND HE STILL HASN`T NOTICED WHAT THE CONVERSATION IS ABOUT

HOLY. FUCK.

MAKOTO DID CONFESS

I WASN`T EXPECTING THAT ONE”- Rather than dancing around the issue and allowing miscommunication to ensue, Makoto just cuts straight to the point and tells him outright, being self-confident enough to admit her feelings and not get overwhelmed by her own insecurities mid-sentence like Pop, getting further than she ever did as a result. Never forget the basics when talking to another human being you want to properly communicate with, especially one with ignorance on Koichi’s level- Keep It Simple, Stupid. 12) “HOLY SHIT HE UNDERSTOOD IT

WHAT

WHAT THE FUCK

HE NOTICED WHAT SHE WAS SAYING

HE REALIZED THIS WAS A ROMANTIC CONFESSION

WHAT

WHAT AM I READING DID SOMEONE TOOK OVER FURUHASHI`S SPOT AS A WRITER OR SOMETHING?”- Koichi: (Hears Romance confession) Does Not Compute! L: (Realises Koichi understood a romance confession) Does Not Compute! 13) “She caught both of us off-guard there my boy, not gonna lie. Both her and Furuhashi. But anyway, the confession was given, now for the answer: no. But Koichi has a few months to give that one, Makoto is a patient girl after all.”-She arguably waited 2 years before she was good and ready to give her confession when it was convenient for her and her career, unlike Pop who waited two years because she kept putting it off out of fear of rejection. 14) “You definitely don`t have, but even so, we know you will. Even though there was no romantic build-up besides Pop saying she had a crush some 50 chapters ago, which was actually over two years before, and even though you never showed any romantic interest on her, we know you will pick Pop, first girl always wins in those mangas, its a rule that is more ingrained in romantic sub-plots than the fucking law of gravity “- Well, Pop’s at least going to do her best to make sure she’s making equal strides in getting Koichi to see her in a romantic manner first whilst she gives her own confession, just so he gets that she really means it and isn’t playing catch-up with Makoto out of jealousy. 15) “Ah, there we go, now the denseness is back. Makoto, can you explain to him with all words? Otherwise he won`t understand it.”- Flow charts and diagrams may also be required. 16) “HOLY SHIT SHE ACTUALLY DID SAY IT CLEARLY WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON WHY ARE WE SUDDENLY GOING AROUND ALL THE TRAPDOORS OF MISUNDERSTANDING THAT I WAS EXPECTING?!”- Makoto came back to Japan driving the plot train, and she’s making sure everybody gets on board with her.  17) “Alright, calm down there koichi, the way you worded that make it seem like you two did talk about romance or dating or whatever during those last two years, but she always acted like a fucking tsundere and avoided it.”- Guess that’s one thing to be glad we skipped over anyway. @thelreads

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #856: The End of Summer (Persona 5)

6:23 p.m. at the Smash Beach.........

Lavenza: (Takes a Deep Breath While Watching the Sunset) Such a beautiful sight to behold.....

??????: Enjoying the view of sunset there, Lavenza?

Lavenza: (Happily Nodded at Morgana Who is Sitting Down Next to Her) I'm most certainly am. It always amazes me how it managed to show off it's color and vibrance very well in a place like this.

Morgana: (Smiles Brightly) Well, that's the beach for ya. They always have the best viewings in certain hours. But between this and the moonlight we saw in the beach in Isle Defino, which one would you say is your favorite?

Lavenza: Hmmm......That does seem like a tough choice to choose from....But if I must, I would say....the Moonlight is my favorite. I still adored how breathtaking it looked at the time. What do you choose?

Morgana: The sunset. It makes me feel more realized and fuzzy inside every time I see them in general.

Lavenza: (Simply Nodded) Understandable reasoning. Speaking of which, what makes you want to be human again today? Is it for a special occasion?

Morgana: (Smiles Sheepishly While Rubbing Back of his Head Back and Forth) N-Not really. I just....felt like being one today, you know? It's not a strong enough reason, but....(Shrugs) It's whatever.

Lavenza: I see. (Smiles Softly) Well, regardless, I still believe that you look as handsome as ever~

Morgana: (Immediately Starts Blushing) T-Thanks. You look beautiful- (Eyes Begins Widened and Blush Turning Bright Red Once He Realized What He is Saying) Pretty!- I-I-I mean WELL DRESSED!...Yeah. You look well dressed I think you're always well dressed.

Lavenza: (Giggles Softly) Oh Mona-Chan~ If there's one thing that never fails to put a smile on my face, it would be your sweet and adorable nature~

Morgana: ('Sigh') Thanks, Lavenza. (Starts Rolling his Eyes) Still not sure if I should be in the cute category though.....

Lavenza: Perhaps. But I know a few of our lovely peers that would happily say otherwise.

Morgana: ('Sighs in Defeat') I know.... But cuteness aside, it is kinda of shame that summer is coming to close in a few days.

Lavenza: Yes. But, in the words of the late Geoffrey Chaucer, "All things must come to an end eventually". And the seasons themselves are no different towards that knowledge.

Morgana: True. But....at least we had fun along the way, right?

Lavenza: (Smiles Brightly) Oh absolutely. I will never forget the memories- ('Yawn') We've shared together.....

Morgana: (Turns to Lavenza) You're doing okay there, Lavenza?

Lavenza: (Simply Nodded) I am. I was admiring how lovely the sunset looks that it might have put me into a drowsy state. But just in case.... (Yawns While Slowly Placing Her Head Onto Morgana's Shoulder) Do you mind if I rest my head upon your shoulder for the time being?

Morgana: (Starts Blushing Again Once He Felt Lavenza's Head on his Shoulder) Oh! U-Uhh...Sure. No problem.

Lavenza: (Smiles Softly) Thank you....Once again, your kindness shows no bounds.

Morgana: (Chuckles Lightly) Ah. It's no big no deal. I'm just glad to help you out, you know?..... Actually....(Looks Back at the Sunset) I'm glad for a lot of things really. Having friends, family, tuna in some occasions...But the one of things I'm thankful for the most.....you know, besides being alive and stuff, is.... (Turns to Lavenza with a Sincere Smile) having the chance to meet an amazing girl like you, Laven-za?

Lavenza: (Already Fallen Asleep on Morgana's Shoulder) Zzzzzzzzzzz........

Morgana: Huh. She's already asleep. Can't blame her though. (Turns Back to the Sunset) The sunset can be relaxing view. ('Yawn') Whenever it wants to be....

A Few Minutes Later......

Futuba: (Walking Alongside With Ren) Trust me, Ren. Once I do my research before our movie night, I'll finally be prove to you guys once and for all, that the Candyman is a- ('GASPS') Ren, LOOK!~

Ren: (Smiles Softly as He Sees Morgana and Lavenza Sleeping With One Another) Ah. There's the little rascals. Already tuckered out and everything.

Futuba: I know, right?~ They look so cute sleeping together like that~ I bet the sunset made them sleepy.

Ren: Oh it was definitely the sunset. Remember looking at it once. I was knocked out sleep on the sand for like twenty and a half minutes.

Futuba: (Giggles Softly) Geez, man~ Hope you didn't get pinched by a crab or something.

Ren: Nah. I didn't get pinched or anything. Just splashed in the face by a bucket of cold wate-

Makoto: (From a Distance) REN! FUTUBA! HAVE YOU FOUND THE KIDS YET!?

Ren: We have!! We'll be there with you guys in a sec-

Futuba: Wait a minute! Before we regroup....(Starts Sprinting Quickly) I need to get my phone to take some pictures first!

Ren: What? For blackmail?

Futuba: (Scoffs While Stopping her Tracks) No! I'm trying to capture the beautiful moment here. And THEN use it against Mona if necessary. So if you'll excuse me....(Resumes Sprinting) HARU!!! GET YOUR PHONE!!! CUTENESS OVERLOAD HAS BEEN SPOTTED IN THE NEAR DISTANCE!!!

Haru: (In the Distance) ('Gasps') Really!?~ I'll find it right away!!~

Makoto: Guys, we don't have time for this! It's already starting to get dark!

Ren: ('Sigh') The things people do for cute things.... (Turns to the Sleeping Kids With a Soft Smile) I envy you kiddos sometimes, you know? You don't have to worry about adulthood in a couple of years. (Shrugs While Sighing) But it's whatever. Good things have come and go sometimes. (Looks Back at the Closing Sunset) Until next time, Summer. Adios.

Again, the Morgana as a Human Kid Idea Was Inspired by None Other Than: @soaptaculart

@princekirijo

@keyenuta

@caleb13frede

@26shann

@cyber-wildcat

@albion-93

@illyrilex

@italian-love-cake

[jokerrenwriting]

Off the Books - Drabble

I pulled my pajama shorts on after my shower, already in my oversized T-shirt and damp hair brushed out, getting ready for bed.

Knock-knock!

“Huh?” I wondered, leaving my room to go get the door. It was 9:30PM in September and getting dark out. Who would be visiting this late---much less on a weeknight? I supposed an adult who didn’t have school as early in the morning as I did, but... adults still had jobs...

I crept down the stairs as quietly as I could so I could get a glance through the peephole. If the visitor was someone I didn’t know, I just wouldn’t answer the door.

Unfortunately, I recognized him. So I opened the door, despite being in my pajamas. “Detective Akechi,” I greeted, going for polite and quite possibly failing miserably. I probably sounded irritable and tired. Oh well. It was his fault for visiting so late. “To what do I owe this visit?” I gave him my most saccharine smile, saturating it with sarcastic sweetness. A test to see if he was as observant as people thought.

“I’m here on business,” he said. “I have some questions for you.”

I leaned against the doorframe and folded my arms. “Oh?”

“It’s about your boyfriend.”

“I beg your pardon?” I demanded, affronted. “I don’t have a boyfriend.”

“I thought that young man with the glasses and messy hair was romantically involved with you.”

“No!” My protest was a little shrieky---it was embarrassing but less so than being accused of dating Ren. “He and me---I mean, Ren and I... we’re not like that. He’s just a friend. I don’t... I don’t date.”

“My apologies, in that case. Still. I’d like to discuss him with you.”

“What about him?” My tone was definitely hostile but Akechi didn’t seem interested in acknowledging it.

I didn’t let Akechi into the house. I wasn’t going to trust him like that---especially when my parents weren’t home for the week.

Akechi didn’t seem to mind. He didn’t ask me to let him in and didn’t seem uncomfortable standing on the porch. “He is on a year’s probation for assault, is he not?”

I clenched my jaw and fists. “Legally, yes. But he’s not who and what you think he is. Before you go judging him for getting slapped with a criminal record he doesn’t deserve, maybe you should hear his side of the story.”

“And you believe it?” Akechi asked innocently, likely feigning the tone.

“Ren has no reason to lie to me.”

“Unless he wanted to win your heart over to his side.”

I scoffed. “Pfft. You really do believe the worst in people, don’t you? I’m surprised you’re as popular as you are, with an attitude like that,” I snapped. “Ren told me his side of the story when I was a perfect stranger. We didn’t know each other. We had no intention of knowing each other. It’s easy to talk to someone you don’t know because who cares what they think of you, right? He had no reason to lie to me. Then or now. The fact that we later became friends was unrelated to his record or trying to sway me to his side.” I took a deep breath. “So, yes, he is legally on probation for an assault he didn’t commit. Happy?”

“Intrigued, more like. I tend not to let emotional reactions like ‘happy’ interfere with my work.”

“That’s such bull-crap.” I snorted and rolled my eyes. “You’ve just convinced yourself that your emotional reactions are logical ones.” Akechi opened his mouth as though to protest, but I cut him off. “Now. What else do you want to know about Ren?”

“How would you describe your relationship with him?”

“I already told you. We’re just friends.”

“As I recall. However, that wasn’t exactly what I meant.”

“Then be more specific when you ask open-ended questions.”

“If you insist. In the case of your friendship, how honest with you is he?” Akechi asked. Warning bells went off in my head. Maybe it was just my anxiety, but I had a feeling I knew where this line of questioning was going.

Still, I was an honest girl, and half-truths were still truths in a way. “Extremely. Ren is an honorable young man with an open heart who isn’t guarded enough to lie.”

“Would he tell you if he’d ever associated with the Phantom Thieves?”

“Yes.”

“Has he told you?”

Whoop there it is. Called it, I thought.

“The phrasing of that question makes it difficult to answer without ambiguity,” I chided. “If I simply say ‘yes’ it’s possible to imply that I meant he has confirmed an association, though the question actually refers to whether or not he has told me about any possible associations. So allow me to answer unambiguously: he has told me that he has no connection with the Phantom Thieves. And again: he has no reason to lie to me. Our friendship is built on a strong foundation of honesty I have no reason not to believe him---and neither do you.”

At this point in the conversation I was getting really annoyed and downright ready to slam the door in his face, but I didn’t want to put Ren in “danger.” I didn’t want to make Akechi suspicious of him.

Akechi regarded me curiously. “You have quite the intellect,” he said.

“So do you. I thought you’d appreciate it.”

“Oh, I do,” Akechi said. “It’s not often I meet someone who can keep up with me. Your friend Ren and yourself are a refreshing breath of fresh air.” He smiled.

I didn’t trust him or his smile. I didn’t care that the media loved him. That didn’t mean I had to. I wasn’t interested in pandering to him. As long as I did my part to keep him off the scent of the Phantom Thieves and our true identities, I didn’t have to play nice.

“Happy to hear it,” I said flatly. “May I ask why you’re visiting and interrogating me this late at night?”

Akechi chuckled awkwardly. “Well, truth be told, this line of questioning is... off the books. I was merely curious about Ren and thought you would be my best bet on getting a third-party opinion. I thought a third-party would be... most likely to be honest. Ren himself could lie to me about himself. You were less likely to do so.”

Less likely but I’m still doing it, I thought. “Why did you want to know about Ren?”

“It’s just... I wanted to make sure his information was trustworthy. But if what you say is true, he is a rather honest person.”

I nodded. “He is,” I confirmed. “He’s a good young man---with a good heart. It’s everyone else around him and society in general who labelled him as ‘bad’ and ‘a criminal’ based on his actions from someone else’s point-of-view.”

“You speak about him as though your feelings run deeper than you let on.”

I flared my nostrils but controlled my temper. “If you’re quite finished with your baseless accusations, detective, I’d like to get to bed,” I said.

“I’m sorry for taking so much of your time. Have a good evening.”

“Goodnight,” I said. I shut and locked the door.

Once I’d run back upstairs, I pulled my phone out, immediately texting the PT groupchat. 

Me: Guys, Akechi came to my HOUSE asking about Ren.

Ryuji: Seriously?!

Me: Yeah.

Makoto: What did he ask and what did you tell him?

Me: He asked about Ren’s crim record and any possible association with the Phantom Thieves.

Ann: What’d you say?

Me: I told him Ren was a good person and snapped at him not to jump to conclusions. I also said that yes, Ren told me there was no association with the PTs.

Yusuke: And he believed you?

Me: I think so.

Futaba: That’s a relief.

Me: He also...

Me: He also “accused” me of DATING Ren, in a roundabout way.

Ren: ??? Really?

Ryuji: FOR REAL?! XD XD XD HAHAHAHA!

Me: -_- Watch yourself, Ryuji. I’m better with my daggers than you are with that bat.

Ryuji: Lighten up. I’m just astounded that he thinks Ren is good enough for you!

Ren: HEY!

Futaba: XD

Yusuke: An amusing idea to entertain certainly. I never thought the two of you were the other’s type.

Me: Uh... Thank you?

Makoto: Back on track here, guys?

Me: Yes. Please.

Me: Anyway.

Me: I think we should discuss it in person. I don’t think he’s onto us being onto him. Anyone too busy to drop by LeBlanc tomorrow after school?

Ann: I have a modeling gig...

Makoto: We’ll catch you up to speed after it. I really want to at least get what Star’s got.

Ryuji: Hey, no codenames in the groupchat!

Ann: Shut up, Ryuji. Okay! Just make sure you catch me up, Makoto!

Makoto: I will.

Me: So, tomorrow, LeBlanc, after school

Ren: You got it.

Ryuji: We’ll be there!

Futaba: I do want to hear in greater detail Akechi “accusing” you of dating Ren.

Me: That was a bad word to use. It’s really not that dramatic.

Yusuke: Only a proper, in-person explanation will tell.

Me: Whatever you say. Night guys.

I turned my phone off and got in bed for the night.

[shsl-shipper-gamer-fangirl]

A/N: I feel like Kaede would have shared the SHSL Hope title if she was in dr1. Okay but if Kirigiri was in v3 she wouldn’t do a half-ass detective investigation. She’d test out traps and know a rigged game when she sees one. SPOILERS on the mastermind.

Other switch AUs: luckster | togami | naegi | troublemaker | detective | maid | liar | protagonist dr1/sdr2 | protagonist dr1/ndrv3 | protagonist sdr2/ndrv3 | heroine dr1/ndrv3 | heroine sdr2/ndrv3 | fem protag dr:ae/ndrv3 | mastermind

Heroine in the Wrong Game - Kaede and Kyouko

“We’re going to be alright. If we all just work together, I’m sure that we can get through this!”

She says this for the nth time already. She’ll say it as many times as she needs to. Sure it took them a few trials and more dead bodies than one would have liked, but she thinks that maybe she’s finally getting through them.

“Might I remind you that one of us is the killer? I don’t care if you peasants start holding hands but do not include me in your incompetent schemes.” Byakuya brushed her off just like he always did whenever she brought up cooperation.

“Geez, would it kill you to get off your high horse for once!” Kaede huffed at him.

“How dare you t-talk back to Master Byakuya, you… y-you bitch!” Touko yelled the insult with surprising volume especially on the last word.

“Bitch?!” Kaede was offended but she knew better than to engage in a pointless verbal warfare with the writer. She sighed. “I really shouldn’t be the one you’re shouting at. You could at least hear me out first.”

“Don’t worry, Kaede-chin! I’m placing my bets on you! My fortunes say that you’re on the right track. I’ll take the payment in cash later!” Hagakure gave her a thumbs up.

“Are you extorting money from me in exchange for your support?” Kaede asked disbelievingly. She tries not to think about the fact that his fortunes are only correct 30% of the time and how those aren’t exactly great odds.

“I don’t know… Our friends just keep on dying. Worse is that we just keep on finding out a friend who’s betrayed us every time. I don’t think what we do makes any difference.” Asahina admiited hopelessly.

“You’ve got that wrong!” Kaede shouted in protest. But despite her loud yell, her next sentence is soft and comforting. “I know. It’s frustrating and sad and heartbreaking finding corpses of our friends and… finding out that they were murdered by… our friends too. But we can’t just let it end here. If we did then that would mean that we lost. Haven’t we already lost enough? I don’t want us to lose any more.”

“I agree. It’s too early to give up. I know we’ve been fighting for so long now but just because we haven’t won yet doesn’t mean we already lost.” Makoto seconded her speech with one of his own.  "We can’t lose hope. As long as we hold onto the hope that we can still get out of this together, we’ll be fine. I just know it!“

"Wow, you’re really great at this motivational thing. If I didn’t know better, I would’ve said it was your talent.” Kaede stared at him in awe and respect.

“Well, optimism is my one redeeming quality.” Makoto sheepishly scratched his head at the sudden attention. “Your words honestly touched me too. That’s why I want to support you with all I’ve got. I’m sure that if you hold on to those words, to that hope, everyone else will eventually listen to you too!”

Kaede’s still working on getting her classmates together but she thinks she’s getting there. One person at a time.

“Alright, team! We can do this! We have the enemy outnumbered!”

Meanwhile, in another class…

“We’re not voting.”

She says it so suddenly and with so much authority that it has the whole class uncharacteristically quiet.

“Nyeh? What do you mean, we’re not voting?” Himiko although being the slowest among them, was surprisingly quick on the uptake. It must have been the shock.

“Exactly what it means.” Kyouko calmly confirmed.

“Gonta is confused. Don’t we need to vote?” Gonta asked, scratching his head in thought.

“We were TOLD that we need to vote,” Kyouko clarified. “There is however, no real reason for us to vote immediately other than a time limit ill-imposed on us.”

“So what? Are you telling us to just die all because you thought we could get away with not voting? Why the hell should we listen to Kyoucum here?” Miu loudly expressed her concerns with all the unnecessary insults.

“I’m telling you not to vote because this is a trap.” Kyouko narrowed her eyes. “Clearly, not all of the mysteries have been solved yet and we’re already asked to vote. Doesn’t that seem suspicious to you?”

“Does it matter? We already figured out that it was Shuichi who did it.” Maki countered, eager to just get this over with.

“No, we didn’t figure out anything concrete. He’s only the suspect not the culprit.” Kyouko corrected her. “We have yet to confirm if his trap did in fact work.”

“But there’s no other way that Rantaro could have been killed, right?” Kirumi asked in an effort to further the discussion.

“Not necessarily. I have a theory…” Kyouko paused, placing a hand on her chin in thought. “I would like to discuss it with all of you first before we finalized our votes.”

“Listen, I know you two are buddies because you’re both detectives but there’s a limit as to how much you should protect your friends…” Ryoma warned her darkly.

“It’s precisely because I’m a detective that I can’t let this slide so easily.” Kyouko counters vehemently. “Jumping to conclusions without irrefutable evidence is just sloppy work. Whether or not Shuichi is my friend is irrelevant. I am a detective first and foremost, and I am here to solve ALL mysteries.”

“That’s enough, Kyouko.” Shuichi who has been quiet all this time, finally spoke up. His hand was trembling as it clutched his hat. “I’ve… I’ve already accepted my crime. There’s no need to prolong the inevitable. Just vote for me… and all of you can survive.”

“…” Kyouko just stared at him. Disappointed. She let out an audible sigh. “And you call yourself a detective?”

“I… Does it matter anymore?” Shuichi sadly smiled. “You’re clearly a better detective than I am, Kyouko. If it’s you, I’m sure the whole class would be fine even with me gone.”

“…If you have nothing better to contribute then I suggest you just observe. You should know better than to just rely on confessions without any concrete proof.” Kyouko pointed out. “I don’t care which of us is the better detective. As long as you also hold the title, I suggest you stop acting like a victim and start acting like a detective.”

“As expected of Kyouko-san! Between her and the degenerate male, she is clearly the more superior detective!” Tenko squealed.

“While it does not wound me to hear your support, I would like to keep this strictly professional.” Kyouko brushed a few locks behind her ear, hiding her embarrassment. “Any opinions of either of our work ethics should be decided only after we’ve proven ourselves in this trial.”

“Kukuku… How beautiful! Spoken like a true detective! You have truly risen to your role! It fills me to the brim with excitement thinking of just what is the solution to this mystery you so desire to earnestly solve!” Korekiyo laughed.

“…Let’s move along.” Kyouko did not want to humor him.

“Nyahaha! Atua has a question! See, Angie has been thinking this whole time… Isn’t it strange? Isn’t it strange? Angie said it twice for effect haha! How come we get to have two detectives hmmmm?” Angie asked with a coy smile.

“That’s… actually a good question.” Kyouko doesn’t deny it even if it brings the heat to her. “There is no necessity to have a duplicate in terms of talent. This redundancy has been bothering me ever since I learned of what my true talent is.”

“Yeah, usually getting doubles in characters counts as lazy writing but apparently it doesn’t count if one of them is a fan favorite.” Tsumugi casually drops.

“Who cares if there are two detectives? They’re different people anyways so there shouldn’t be a problem.” Kaito innocently reasoned.

“No, that’s wrong.” Kyouko objected. “There’s nothing inherently wrong or suspicious with having two detectives gathered however… given our circumstances, it should have been obvious that we were all selected to have unique talents. And yet, we have two people with the same talent. For what reason?”

“Ah, but wasn’t your title originally SHSL ???, Kyouko? You couldn’t remember your talent like Rantaro but you eventually figured it out during his body’s investigation.” Kiibo brought up.

“That’s another mystery. Two people who can’t remember their talent. We may never know what Rantaro’s talent was but mine has been revealed to be exactly the same as Shuichi’s.” Kyouko bit the inside of her cheek in frustration. “There are so many redundancies to ignore.”

“You’re thinking too hard on this, Miss Detective! There’s obviously a simple solution to this!” Kokichi tutted and then smiled sweetly. “And that is… You’re lyiiiiing!”

“…Would you care to explain your theory?” Kyouko encouraged him, unfazed by the accusation.

“You keep pointing out all these weird character points but if you look at the source, they’re all about you! Who’s to say that you really can’t remember what your talent is? Maybe you just faked that story once you heard our beloved Rantaro introduce himself as not remembering his. Who’s to say that your real talent is at being a detective? Maybe you’re just that good at shadowing what our poor Shuichi does. See, you say it’s weird but really, it’s not. You’ve just been lying to us! And I hate liars!”

“Well that was… certainly less farfetched than most of your lies.” Kyouko admitted that much. “But that just now was a lie too, isn’t it? You don’t really believe I’m lying.”

“Awww, you seriously are better than Shuu-chan.” Kokichi pouted but she could see through his feigned disappointment. “Welp! Guess there’s no use in you pretending anymore either. Now that we’ve cleared up your suspicion, Kyou-chan, I think it’s safe to start pointing fingers at the mastermind!”

“M-Mastermind?” Shuichi looked on with horror. “But the trap failed! It didn’t kill the mastermind, it only killed Rantaro instead!”

“Again, do not let me repeat this more than necessary. While it is unfortunate that Rantaro has been killed, it has yet to be confirmed that it was your shot put ball that did it.” Kyouko stared at Shuichi with an unreadable expression. “You set up the trap to lure the mastermind, right? Your original goal was to kill them after. In a way, the trap had only been fifty percent effective.”

“Fifty percent?” Shuichi’s eyes widened in shock. “The mastermind is obviously not dead since we’re having a trial so… does that mean… you really did figure out who?”

“Yes, I’ve had my list of suspects but after enough evidence has been presented in this trial, I have narrowed it down to one.” Kyouko crossed her arms. “There’s still a possibility that my theory is wrong but that is why this trial exists. That’s all the more reason we should not vote and continue discussing instead.”

“Nishishi! Don’t keep us waiting in suspense, Kyou-chan!” Kokichi cheerfully interjects. “Tell us already who’s the sicko that had us trapped in this stupid killing game!”

“Very well. Given all the evidence at hand, there is a concerning possibility that the mastermind is none other than…” Kyouko scans the trial room until her eyes land on a particular someone. “Tsumugi Shirogane.”

…

“Eh?”

“WHAAAAAAAAAAAAT?”

“Tsumugi’s whereabouts during the murder had been the most suspicious. That alone shouldn’t have been sufficient but her actions during the whole trial had led me to believe that she has been steering this trial to serve a goal that’s more than just our survival.” Kyouko narrowed her eyes at the now quiet supposedly plain girl. “Isn’t that right, Tsumugi?”

…

“Oh, dear… It’s only the first trial and we already have a mastermind reveal…” Tsumugi sighed, resigned to this lazy writing. “This is what we get when we let the fans choose a comeback character.”

Kyouko casually flips her hair.

“It doesn’t matter what kind of mystery you throw. I’ll solve them all.”

The two heroines continued to struggle with trials of their own and unbeknownst to them that they were in the wrong class.

[albatrossmuffin]

MakoHaru Gift Exchange 2017: Do Over

Merry Christmas everyone! This year, the amazing @anunyun has put together a MakoHaru Gift Exchange, and my gift is for the lovely @catasakura! Merry Christmas friend!!! I hope you enjoy this story :D

Fanfiction prompt: “first kiss under the mistletoe”

Title: Do Over Rating: T     [Ao3 Link   FFnet Link] Summary:  A holiday party over winter break goes awry when Nagisa has had enough of Makoto and Haruka’s unspoken feelings towards each other, and decides they could use a little push. To think that their first kiss would happen such a way—? In which friends are “helpful,” and Haru is having none of it. 

Rei tried his best to keep his gaze focused on the table as he determinedly tried to keep his mouth shut. He did not like being an unwilling accomplice in Nagisa’s occasional pranks on their friends. And sneakily hanging mistletoe on the overhang between the kitchen and the living room while Makoto helped Haru with the dishes definitely counted as a prank. A pretty big one, in fact. Rei (and everyone else) could tell that there seemed to be some kind of ‘more than friends’ vibe going on between Haru and Makoto, so Nagisa apparently felt like they needed some kind of push. However, Rei didn’t think that it was something they should be involving themselves with.

Rei lifted his eyes slightly to look at Rin across the table. He was pretty sure Rin had also seen Nagisa hang up the mistletoe, but he didn’t seem to have any problem with the situation. On the contrary, he almost seemed to be enjoying it actually. So he agreed with Nagisa then.

 Rei let out a little sigh. He could not understand his friends’ sense of humor. He looked over at Nagisa, who was sitting next to him. It looked as if he was barely restraining himself from bouncing up and down in excitement as he tried to patiently wait for the pair to finish washing the dishes.

 Rei considered his options. He could always just tell them…but he immediately dismissed that idea for the sake of his own safety and well-being. The one time he had listened to his conscience and had given away one of Nagisa’s pranks, he’d never heard the end of it. For weeks, if not months.

 No, it would be best if he just kept quiet. I’m sorry Haruka-senpai, Makoto-senpai, Rei thought sympathetically as he calmly waited for the inevitable…or was it? Theoretically speaking, he hypothesized, this only works if the two leave the kitchen at the exact same time. And the probability of that happening is very low…

Rei stole another glance at Nagisa. The blonde was grinning from ear to ear, mischief sparkling in his magenta eyes.

Clearly he had a plan.

At long last, Haru washed the last dish and handed it to Makoto to dry before he started to head back into the living room. He’d barely taken three steps when—

“Haru-chan, STOP!!” Nagisa yelled, and Haru stopped in his tracks under the overhang, more than a little confused.

“What is it, Nagisa?” Haru asked. In the meantime, Makoto finished drying the last dish, and turned to catch up with him.

“Nagisa, is something wro—”

“Mako-chan, STOP!!” Nagisa yelled again, and the two stared at him in further confusion as the blonde practically did a victory dance in his seat. 

“Really Nagisa?” Rin said suddenly, making a face at him from across the table, “That was your plan?” 

“Not beautiful,” Rei couldn’t help but add in agreement.

“Who cares!” Nagisa exclaimed, finally unable to hold back any longer as he stood up in triumph. “It worked, didn’t it?!”

Haru and Makoto looked at each other before looking back to Nagisa. “Nagisa, what are you talking about?” Makoto asked.

Nagisa grinned before striking a dramatic pose. “You two are standing under the mistletoe! Now you have to kiss!!”

“What? Nagisa, there’s no—” Makoto started, but trailed off when he noticed that Haru’s eyes were focused on something hanging over their heads. Makoto swallowed before he looked up. The mistletoe was there, golden ribbons cheerily reflecting the holiday lights as if to mock them. 

Makoto took a calming breath before looking back at Nagisa. “Nagisa, we’re not going to kiss,” he said, starting to step into the living room. 

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you!” Nagisa said leadingly, causing Makoto to hold off from moving. “If you don’t kiss, you’ll be haunted by the Ghost of Christmas!!”

Haru rolled his eyes, but Makoto let out a small squeak. “Ghost…of Christmas?” he couldn’t help but ask. 

“Yes, the Ghost of Christmas!” Nagisa went on in a haunting voice, “He lurks behind Christmas trees and in corners where the Christmas lights don’t reach, waiting to punish those who deny the traditions of Christmas! Like kissing under the mistletoe,” he added helpfully at the end of his scary speech.

Makoto shuddered before he looked down at Haru, who was giving him a deadpan look. “Makoto,” he said firmly, “he’s lying. There’s no such thing as the Ghost of Christmas.”

Makoto’s frightened expression quickly morphed into a frown. “Nagisa!” Makoto complained, “I almost believed you—”

“Just give him a little kiss already,” Rin jumped in, cutting Makoto off. “What’s the big deal?” he questioned Haru with a sideways grin.

Haru stiffened at Rin’s implied sarcasm. “This isn’t funny,” he said with a warning in his tone. He could see what his friends were trying to do, and he was having none of it. 

“We’re just going to keep bugging you about it until you do, so you might as well—”

“T-Theoretically speaking,” Rei said, trying to diffuse the situation, “if you had given him a small kiss already, the subject matter would already be closed for discussion.”

“I know Rei, but the point is there’s no need to—nmn!?” Haru suddenly felt Makoto’s hand under his jaw, turning his face to tilt it towards Makoto’s so he could receive a quick but thorough kiss on the lips. Haru barely registered the sensation of soft lips on his before it was gone, and Makoto was staring at him apologetically, his face as red as a fire engine while Nagisa’s whoops and cheers echoed throughout the room.

“N-Now they’ll leave us alone, and we can get on with the party, right?” Makoto said, trying to justify his rash action, “It’s no big deal, just like Rin said.” Makoto offered Haru a weak smile before he finally entered the living room.

Haru blinked, still trying to get over his surprise as he barely resisted the urge to bring his fingers to his lips. “…Right.” 

Except that it was a big deal. 

—((Later))— 

The rest of the Christmas party passed with the usual outlandish level of merriment and shenanigans, and soon Haru and Makoto were saying goodnight to the others; Makoto had opted to stay behind to help clean up. After the door had closed, Haru wordlessly retreated back into the living room to start clearing the table.

He was still plagued by the feeling of lips on his.

Contrary to their friends’ obvious opinions, these feelings between him and Makoto were not being ignored; they were simply not being addressed yet. They hadn’t explicitly talked about it, but Haru knew that Makoto knew that when they felt they were ready they would do something about it, that they would cross that bridge when the moment was right…it might even be a little romantic too…a very special moment just for them— 

But now Nagisa had gone and tricked them with mistletoe. 

Haru couldn’t help but feel that the moment had been…cheapened, somehow. Like their special moment had been forced, ruined by their friends’ misguided intentions. 

“Haru.” 

Haru heard his name in a gentle tone, and he turned to find Makoto still standing by the door, his head hung low. 

“Makoto?” 

“Forgive me.”

Haru immediately went over to him, concern evident. “What for?”

Makoto lifted his head then, and his green eyes were filled with dejection and regret. “I ruined it. We’d been waiting so long for our special moment, and then I went and…I ruined it,” he finished quietly, looking away again. 

Haru put a hand on his arm, wanting to comfort him. “It wasn’t your fault, Makoto!” Haru insisted, “It’s not like they were giving us a choice…I bet if you hadn’t done it, we’d still be standing over there.”

Makoto let out a short, mirthless laugh. “You’re probably right. But still…” He sighed in defeat. “I can’t shake this feeling that I ruined our first kiss.” 

At that moment, Haru felt a calm determination settle over him. They would not start their new relationship with the two of them feeling like this, they would not. They had been planning to have a special first kiss so dammit, they would have one. “You didn’t ruin it,” Haru emphasized as he stepped away, heading towards the kitchen, “because we’re going to have it right now.” 

Makoto looked over at him in confusion. “But we already…Haru?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Come here, Makoto.” Haru stood under the overhang where Nagisa had left the mistletoe, waiting for him.

Makoto felt his stomach flip as he approached Haru, coming to stand before him underneath the mistletoe. The Christmas lights sparkled all around the two of them, and Makoto could see their soft glow reflected in Haru’s expressive blue eyes. 

“Kiss me.” Haru commanded quietly, trying not to blush as Makoto looked down at him with his heart in his eyes. 

Makoto brought a hand up to gently caress Haru’s cheek, tipping his chin upwards slightly. “Haru…” he murmured as he brought his lips down to press against his. There was no rush this time, no embarrassment or urgency. Haru felt tingles spread throughout his body as Makoto’s lips tenderly brushed his; he wrapped his arms around Makoto’s neck to pull him closer, seeking his comforting warmth. Makoto’s other arm wrapped around Haru’s waist as he pressed his lips against his more firmly, quickly getting used to the sensation. Haru matched him step for step, bringing his body even closer as their mouths moved together with more enthusiasm and passion. The hand on Haru’s chin slipped into his hair, and Haru made a noise of approval. Makoto gave his hair a firm tug before he pulled back, panting. 

Haru dropped his head to Makoto’s shoulder, also trying to catch his breath. “I think we’re going to need a lot of practice.” 

Makoto chuckled in agreement, tightening his grip on Haru’s waist. “You know Haru,” Makoto said, taking in the almost magical setting provided by the twinkling lights and the festive decorations all around them, “I don’t think we could’ve asked for a more perfect setting for our first kiss.” 

Haru nodded in agreement before he pulled back enough so he could give Makoto another leisurely kiss. “And second.”

Makoto smiled before he started to lean in for another. “Maybe we owe Nagisa a thank you?” he suggested.

Haru stopped Makoto’s approaching lips with a finger. “I wouldn’t go that far,” he said in reply, “…but I could be convinced to buy him some Iwatobi Bread.” 

Makoto laughed. “I think he’ll get the message. But for now, you mentioned something about practicing?” 

Haru’s only response was to bring Makoto down to him once again, this time for a more serious kiss. Practice, indeed. As both of Makoto’s arms tightened around his waist, Haru decided in that moment that he could definitely get used to this. He thought briefly about all the other moments that awaited them in the future, and smiled against Makoto’s lips. 

He couldn’t wait. 

—((Meanwhile, Outside))— 

“See?! I told you we didn’t ruin anything,” Nagisa said in a loud triumphant whisper as he watched with his nose pressed to the corner of a window as Makoto and Haru kissed passionately under the mistletoe. 

Rei, who was not watching as closely as Nagisa, thank you very much, pushed his glasses further up his nose. “Indeed, it does appear that way.” The trio by the window (Rin was standing with Rei; he also didn’t need to see that “sappy stuff”) couldn’t hear what they were saying inside, but the end result was pretty positive to say the least. “I still think you got lucky, Nagisa-kun,” he finished, starting to walk away from the window. 

“Nah, Nagisa did the right thing.” Rin said, surprisingly agreeing with the blonde, “They just needed a little push. Now let’s leave them be.” He started to follow after Rei, and Nagisa soon fell in step beside them. I can think of someone else who could use a push like that, Rin thought, his musings causing him to think of a certain butterfly swimmer who just would not make a move. Maybe I should just…no, that’d be too embarrassing.

Although Rin’s expression didn’t change at all during his thought process, Nagisa looked over at him shrewdly. “Rin-chan, you said Sou-chan is coming over your house tomorrow, right?”

“Yeah,” Rin replied automatically, still distracted by his internal debate about move-making. 

“Great!” Nagisa said as he started quickly moving down the steps, leaving the other two behind. “Come on Rei-chan, let’s go put mistletoe on every doorway in Rin-chan’s house!”

This finally shook Rin from his thoughts. “What? No!” he protested as he started to chase after Nagisa. “Come back here, you little matchmaker from hell!”

Rei sighed to himself as he followed after the pair. Nagisa was out in full force tonight, it seemed. Rei wondered if he, the bystander to these tricks, would escape unscathed this time. He continued his leisurely walk down the stairs, allowing himself a small smile as he reached into his pocket, feeling the edges of a bit of mistletoe he had there.

For once, Nagisa wouldn’t be escaping this time; that was for sure. As much as Rei didn’t like all of his pranks, in order to be able to surprise Nagisa, sometimes he supposed they were necessary.

Theoretically speaking, of course. 

—((The End!!))—

Have a wonderful holiday everyone!!

[eggoreviews]

My Top 25 Games Advent Day 15 - Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (#11)

​​“On that day, when the sky fell away, our world came to an end.”

​​​​It would be an understatement to say I was late to the party when it comes to Smash and even fighting games in general, after my first experience being stumbling upon a copy of Brawl amongst my boyfriend’s old Wii games, before picking up the 3DS one for myself. There in front of me was some of the most fun I’ve ever had playing a game, especially with other people, and a roster full of characters I’d barely heard of. I found myself drawn into the Smash hype circle, getting to know each and every character, their movesets and what characters/stages could turn up in the future. This meant I was in the perfect spot to be blisteringly excited for the game’s latest installment and, for me at least, it is by far the best fighting game ever made, as well as most ambitious and well-executed crossover event conceived.

​​Smash at its base level embodies fun, both for casual players (like me) and those who prefer the competitive side of things. The controls are intuitive, but take time to master, and it’s so accessible I genuinely feel as if I might be competent at it. To make matters even better, Ultimate is the most refined and fast-paced in the series, blending perfectly responsive controls, moment-to-moment fighting and revamped movesets to accommodate these changes, this truly is my definitive Smash title. I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve whittled away just playing the CPUs (actually, yes I can, because my Switch tells me), because I genuinely just have that much fun with it.

​​As I mentioned before, I was pretty much immediately sucked into the hype cycle that came with Ultimate and I was unbelievably excited for each and every character that came in. That’s the great thing about Smash; the fact that the lead-up is arguably better than its release, purely due to the giddy speculation of what characters from our favourite franchises could make the cut this time around, even if most of the characters that came in I’d purely heard through other people.

​​In March of 2018, Nintendo dropped a sneaky trailer showing off the inclusion of the Inklings before the game was even announced at the end of the trailer; Inklings are fun and cool and I was into it. Skip to E3 and oh god I’ve never been this excited in my entire life. Fucking everyone is coming back from every previous game, along with highly requested big boi Ridley and slightly less requested Daisy (who I still main sometimes) and that’s when I sort of lost it. Following that up with the likes of the Belmonts, K. Rool, Ken, that beautiful plant, my bois from Persona 5 AND DQ11? And some 90s twunk in a baseball cap? This roster couldn’t get any better if it tried (except it can, because there’s more coming). Each and every stage that accompanies these characters is perfectly realised, with the whole game brilliantly utilising its bright, consistent art style, which is especially impressive when you consider the fact they needed to balance the aesthetics of the likes of Solid Snake and Isabelle. Everything in this game is just brimming with Sakurai and the Smash team’s dizzying attention to detail that packs as many references and callbacks to specific characters and franchises as possible. The vast majority of stages maintain the overall visual design of its home franchise, as well as including camoes from other NPCs from those games. And the S O U N D T R A C K. Basically a thousand tracks worth at this point, peppered with remixes for every franchise, even ones that wouldn’t have been necessary but are just a testament to the amount of time and effort put into making this game the ultimate crossover. Even putting aside the massive amount of original tracks and older remixes, newer ones like Termina Field, Guile Stage, Beneath the Mask, literally everything from Mega Man and Castlevania. It’s all just so GOOD. 

​​However, by the time release was starting to inch closer, one gripe remained. What, if anything, were they going to do about single player content? Because Smash is not famed for its myriad of stuff you can do alone and Smash is basically half the fun without someone to play it with. In Melee, you had Adventure Mode, which was just kind of there. In Brawl, a grandiose campaign complete with unique bosses and wonky platforming, Subspace Emissary. And I’ll be honest, while I loved the cutscenes, I eventually couldn’t finish it due to the sheer length of time I spent competing with the slightly off platforming sections. And famously, Smash 4 was almost completely devoid of any single player content, with the exception being the inevitable classic mode. But all my concerns melted away when they unveiled the opening cutscene of their cool new story mode, World of Light. I know this had mixed reception, but I personally loved it, because it focused on what you’re actually meant to be doing in Smash; fighting things. Add on top of this a vague story about killing eldritch beings and collecting over a thousand shiny JPEGs and yeah I’m hooked on this. It’s still wild to me that so fucking many of my absolute favourite characters are collectible in one place, from Mipha to Makoto Niijima, my DQ11 lads to Ricky the kangaroo. World of Light was an absolute blast and I loved playing it and discovering all of its secrets.

​​And now, prepare for the smallest paragraph in the world as I take you through my two (2) tiny gripes with this game:

​​1. They kinda fucked with All-Star mode. I preferred the sort of gauntlet thing from the previous game, though that is just nitpicking at this point.

​​2. Two tracks and no spirits was apparently all they could find for Final Fantasy. I suppose we can’t blame them, I bet they looked. Probably buried underneath all that Squeenix royalty money. Maybe they’ll dig up some more content one day.

​​There’s my gushing review on my absolute favourite fighting game I’ve played. Maybe I’m biased considering this is packed with my favourite series and full of characters I’ve come to now through the game, but I consider this to be the definitive Smash. And there’s still more coming! I’m going to explode!​​

​​Standout Moment Award: Today’s standout moment is the only one on this list that’s going to something that occured pre-release; that is every Nintendo Direct that gave us a brand new character. That build-up, that giddy excitement of knowing you’re about to find out who’s next to join, is something little else in gaming can match.

Standout Character Award: Joker. Nothing can really top the excitement I felt at my perfect boi dropping into the Game Awards.

​​Tomorrow: No. 10; Space captain and all-around sex machine goes on a universe-spanning, pest control adventure.

[thepathsofdestiny]

Two of a Kind

~*~ On a trip to the amusement park, it turns out that Akira, Ryuji, Ann, and Shiho have a lot more in common than they thought. A follow up to Small Steps. Read it on AO3 here.  ~*~ “It’s not a date,” Ryuji had said, adamant, when they were first making plans. “It’s just four friends hanging out. Just, y’know… two dudes… and two girls… at the amusement park.” Akira had looked up at him, Ann’s invite half-typed on his phone. “So…” Akira blinked. “Think I should get dressed up?” “Dude,” Ryuji sighed. “Don’t make it weird…” ~*~

Tokyo Dome City truly lived up to its namesake. A massive, sprawling entertainment district in the heart of Tokyo, with the Tokyo Dome itself the jewel in its crown. And on a beautiful, cloudless day, Dome City amusement park sparkled like a jewel in the sun. Akira stood, gazing up at the city of blinding lights and metal spires rising up around him. Ryuji sidled up beside him, bumping an elbow against his. “Close your mouth, dude,” Ryuji grinned. “You look like a tourist.” “I am a tourist,” Akira shrugged. “I’ve only been in Tokyo a few months, remember?” “You live here; that’s different,” Ryuji said, looking up at the monolithic form of the Tokyo Dome dominating the horizon, silhouetted by the rise of a rollercoaster before it. “Still. Hell of a place, huh? Can you believe they don’t even charge admission here?” “That’s to get in the park, not to get on the rides,” Akira said. He jerked his head towards the Dome. “Besides, I bet all the real money’s in stadium tickets.” “You ever think of seeing a concert in there?” Ryuji asked. Akira shrugged. “Depends on who’s playing.” “How about a baseball game?” Akira smiled. “Ditto.” Ryuji grinned. It always came easier when Akira was around. “So, where’s Morgana?’ Ryuji asked. It was rare that Akira’s bag was missing from his shoulder. “I left him sleeping and sunbathing on my bed at Leblanc,” Akira replied. He caught Ryuji’s gaze, his glasses flashing in the light. “It’s just you and me.” There was something about Akira’s eyes- meek and unassuming one moment, piercing and calculating the next. Ryuji felt his cheeks go hot. He told himself it was just the sun. “Yep… just the two of us dudes… here at the amusement park… together...” Someone called out from behind them. Ann was waving from the gate, tugging Shiho along by the hand. “Oh, the girls are here!” Ryuji blurted out. “Maybe we can, y’know… pair up…” Akira laughed and shook his head. “Whatever you say…” The pair that approached them was as different as night and day- Shiho, limping, composed, quiet, cool; Ann leading the way, flaxen hair shining in the sunlight, loud, bright, and warm. Akira glanced knowingly at Ryuji, the other loud, boisterous blonde he knew. “Hey, you guys!” Ann squealed, practically bouncing on her heels. “You ready for this?” “I’m sorry we’re late…” Shiho said meekly. “I, um… I kind of have to take it slow…” “Hey, it’s no biggie,” Ryuji said. “Shiho, this is Akira Kurusu. Akira, Shiho Suzui.” “We’ve met,” Akira said, catching Shiho’s eyes.   “We did,” Shiho nodded. “When you and Ann helped me back up to the roof. ...Not really the best impression of me.” “Then let’s start over,” Akira said. He offered his hand. “Akira Kurusu.” “Charmed,” Shiho smiled- a slight, subtle thing. “Shiho Suzui.” “And I’m Ann Takamaki!” Ann chimed in. “We all know who you are,” Ryuji rolled his eyes, grinning. “Come on, guys, it’s no time to stand around! The roller coaster’s waitin’!” ~*~ Akira stared up at the roller coaster snaking its way across Dome City’s skyline. It was huge. It even had the audacity to go through the ring of the ferris wheel- and how, exactly, did that ferris wheel work without a central hub? That was either a marvel of engineering or an accident waiting to happen. Or both. It could be both. Ann casually leaned her elbow on Akira’s shoulder. He practically jumped out of his skin. “You, uh… You okay there, fearless leader?” Ann asked, blinking at him. “I have a, uh, thing. With heights.” “A thing.” Ann sounded dubious. “Don’t judge,” Shiho said gently. “Don’t you have a thing with bugs-” “Oh god, is there one on me?!” Ann shrieked. “Volume,” Akira grumbled. Shiho smiled in sympathy, rubbing a thumb across Ann’s knuckles. “Save your screamin’ for after you get on the ride,” Ryuji said, returning from the ticket booth. Ann turned to Ryuji and shrieked again. “Oh my god! Ryuji!” “What! What?!” “It’s you,” Ann said, dissolving into laughter. Akira joined her, unable to stop himself. Even Shiho had to cover her mouth so Ryuji wouldn’t see her smile. “Alright, alright, laugh it up,” Ryuji muttered, poking his thumbs through his belt loops. “I’m gettin’ a whole lot of attitude for someone who bought your tickets.” Akira blinked. “Um. I mean. I gave you that money.” “Yeah, well I stood in line, so…” “Thank you for this, by the way,” Shiho put in softly. “You didn’t have to buy our tickets, too.” Akira didn’t mention how or why he had so much money to spare, nor how he’d be getting an earful from Makoto for using the Phantom Thieves’ operational funds to spend a day at the amusement park. “Any time,” he said instead. “So, who’s up for that Thunder Dolphin?” Ryuji grinned, handing out everyone’s tickets. “I always thought that was a weird name for a rollercoaster,” Ann said. “I’m sure all the girls at school love the ‘Thunder Dolphin’,” Akira said, deadpan. He saw Shiho staring. “...You know, because it sounds like a-” “She gets it,” Ann snapped. “Wait, I don’t, actually,” Shiho murmured. “What are we talking about?” The four of them made their way up onto the boarding platform. Ryuji flashed a set of four passes to the attendant, who waved them through. They made their way to the front of the growing line, trying to ignore all the dirty looks. “I went ahead and got the skip passes,” Ryuji explained, grinning. “No lines for us!” “Is it too late for me to sit this one out?” Akira muttered, staring up at the metal arches of the rollercoaster. “What are you, scared?” Ryuji grinned. “Don’t worry. I’ll be right here.” “My hero,” Akira said, with just enough sincerity that it gave Ryuji pause. It was their turn to board. Their car conveniently held four people. Ryuji sat in front, and Akira reluctantly climbed in beside him. “Wait a sec,” Ryuji hissed. “Sit behind me. That way-” “Yeah, yeah…” Akira said, taking the seat behind Ryuji. Ann came up next, rolled her eyes, and joined Ryuji in front, while Shiho settled in beside Akira in the back. She looked at him. “Um… Are you actually going to be okay?” Shiho asked. “You don’t have to do this…” “I’ll be fine, thanks,” Akira forced a smile. “...Also, Ryuji already bought my ticket.” “You’re welcome!” Ryuji called from the seat ahead. “You can hold my hand,” Shiho said. “If you want.” Akira smiled. This time was more genuine. “I’ll be fine.” Shiho nodded. The safety bar lowered in front of them. The ride began with a hiss of steam. The track began to climb… ~*~ Akira stepped out onto the platform. Excitement buzzed in the air around him, but all he felt was mildly lightheaded. The crowd dispersed around them. Ryuji’s hand clapped into his back. “What. Did you think. Of that.” Ryuji asked, grinning from ear to ear. “Um.” Akira blinked. “I blacked out. I don’t remember a thing.” “Whoa. Seriously?” Ann asked, leaning over to look Akira in the eyes. He pushed his glasses further up along his nose. “I’m sorry, dude,” Ryuji said. “I shouldn’t have pushed ya.”

“It’s alright,” Akira shrugged. “Long as you guys are having fun.” “Hey,” Shiho called. “Come look at this.” Shiho had joined a throng of people who’d gathered around a booth on the way off the platform. A bank of monitors sat overhead, each one displaying a picture of a roller coaster car. “There must be cameras set in the track to take souvenir photos,” Shiho said. “And then you can buy the prints, right?” Ann asked. She pointed. “There we are, in car number one.” It was a color photograph of the four of them coming down the Thunder Dolphin’s steepest drop- Ryuji and Ann screaming their heads off in the front seat, Shiho implausibly poised but still delighted in the back, and Akira, his expression unreadable, his glasses seemingly opaque from catching the light at just the right angle. “Oh man,” Ryuji said, squinting up at the screen. He turned to Akira. “...That’s a great shot of you.” “Thanks, Ryuji.” “I kinda wanna buy the print.” “With my money, I bet.” “Excuse me,” Shiho said, meekly raising her hand like she was still in class. “Would anyone like to go again?” “Me, me!” Ann bounced on her heels. “I’m down,” Ryuji said. “I’ll pass,” Akira groaned. “Okay,” Shiho smiled. She started rummaging around in her purse. “Because if this is one of those kinds of roller coasters, there’s something I’ve always wanted to try…” ~*~ “You didn’t have to stay with me,” Akira said, waiting on a bench by the exit platform. “It didn’t feel right, leaving you alone,” Ryuji said. “You feeling okay?” Akira waved his hand, dismissing the thought. “Don’t worry about me. You go and have fun.” “Dude. You sound like my mom.” “That’s a compliment, coming from you. You love your mom.” Ryuji sighed wistfully. “Yeah… You know her birthday’s coming up?” “Oh, yeah? Thinking of getting her some chocolate?” “What? Dude. No. You give chocolate to girls.” “Oh, so your mom isn’t a-” “Shut up. You know what I mean.” “That’s a dumb rule. Everybody loves chocolate. It’s not just a Valentine’s Day thing. Look at Ann.” “Oh, dude, Ann’ll eat chocolate any day…” The roller coaster car arrived at the platform with a hiss of steam. Not long after, Ann was bounding towards the guys’ bench, clutching an envelope, while Shiho trailed behind, a sheepish smile on her face. Akira was taken aback by her smile. Because, really, how often had he seen it before? Every time he’d seen Shiho before today- and, granted, that wasn’t a lot- she’d seemed so burdened, so haunted. But here, she was smiling, like the moon on a cloudless night. And, god, there was a smile worth protecting. “Take. A look. At these!” Ann announced brightly, slapping the envelope down on the bench. Ryuji reached inside. He didn’t even get the photo all the way out of the sleeve before he started cracking up. “Did it come out okay?” Shiho wondered. “If I had known, I’d have brought a shogi board…” Akira took the envelope from Ryuji and slipped out the photo. It was their roller coaster car, with two other folks screaming their heads off as they came down the drop… and Ann and Shiho right up front, unfazed, playing a game of cards. Akira laughed, taking in the jarringly absurd scene. “Oh, man,” Akira grinned. “That’s going up on a wall.” “So,” Ryuji said, clapping a hand on Akira’s shoulder. “What’s next?” ~*~ To Akira’s chagrin, the teacups were next, and once they were inside, the booths weren’t the only things that were spinning. It seemed only fitting that they’d take a break from vertical motion sickness and sample it horizontally instead- truly, a well-rounded experience. After Ryuji’s bizarrely intense insistence that they switch partners, Ryuji was with Shiho in a neighboring teacup, while Akira shared one with Ann. He was pinned against her shoulder by centrifugal force, his glasses seemingly opaque in the light. First the Velvet Room, then the incident with Kamoshida, and now, it seems, even physics couldn’t resist pushing them together. Ann, for her part, seemed to take it in stride. “You okay, fearless leader?” She asked. “This may come as a surprise, but I’m not much of a ride person,” Akira said, Ann’s voluminous hair whipping in his face. “Aww! Why would you treat us to a trip here if you weren’t going to have fun?” “I’m having fun,” Akira protested. He pointed to himself. “This is my ‘having fun’ face.” “If you say so,” Ann shrugged. “Hey, is it just me, or is Ryuji acting kinda weird?” “I just figured he really likes roller coasters.” “No- well, yeah. But isn’t there something else, don’t you think?” “I don’t know,” Akira said, sheepish, rubbing the back of his head. “He’s been in a weird mood ever since we first planned this trip. For some reason, he really wants the guys paired up with the girls.” “What? Seriously?” Ann rolled her eyes. “Ugh, that is so him! He better not be trying anything funny with Shiho! I bet he’s talking about something weird right now!” ~*~ “...So, you’re not going back?” Ryuji was asking, their teacup spinning ‘round. Shiho shook her head. “I can walk now, but it’ll be awhile until I can even consider playing volleyball again. I don’t think Inaba even has a volleyball team.” “Well, if it did, then. You still wouldn’t join?” Shiho smiled, tinged with sadness. “No. I think my days as a student athlete are over.” “That’s a damn shame. You were great out there.” “Thanks.” “Are you gonna miss it?” Ryuji asked. “‘The grind’?” Shiho giggled. “Training every day, people shouting in the stands? I will, a little bit. But overall, it was a little too much for me. A little too loud, too overbearing. I’ll miss the team, though.” “They’ve got a new coach now, you know that? After… y’know. Mishima talks about you. He’s gunning for your old position.” Shiho smiled. “Yuki…” Ryuji blinked. “Whoa. You’re, uh… you’re that close to him, huh?” “I am now,” Shiho admitted. “But he’s, um… don’t tell him this, but, he’s, uh… not very good.” “Maybe not before,” Ryuji said. “But now, he’s really giving it his all. He said he’s doing it for you. Maybe you can come see him play sometime.” “Maybe I will,” Shiho smiled. “In the meantime, I think I’ll look somewhere outside of sports. Maybe in medicine. I could be a physical therapist.” “You ask me, that sounds way harder than joining the team,” Ryuji said. “What about you?” Shiho asked. “I dunno,” Ryuji sighed. “Shujin’s reinstated the track team. I could go back, but… eh. I don’t know. Honestly, I haven’t thought that far ahead.” “It’s okay,” Shiho said gently. “You still have time. Anything can happen.” ~*~ “Ugh,” Ryuji groaned, grinding the heel of his palm into his eyes as he walked, Akira beside him. “I messed up, dude.” “What? Why?” “Because all I could talk about was sports, and, like, school stuff!” Ryuji whined. “Girls don’t want to hear about that crap! I couldn’t think of anything, I dunno, romantic to say!” “Don’t you think you’re trying too hard?” Akira asked. “Don’t you think you’re, maybe, missing the forest for the trees?” “I literally don’t know what that means, dude.” Akira sighed. “It means-” “We’re back!” Ann announced, returning across the concourse with a plastic cup in one hand and a trailing Shiho in the other. “Sorry to keep you waiting,” Shiho said softly. “No worries,” Akira said. Ryuji jutted his chin towards the cup in Ann’s hand. “Ann, only you could leave to go to the bathroom and come back with a smoothie.” “It’s bubble tea,” Ann corrected. “And joke’s on you, because it’s sweet almond and it is delicious.” “Um,” Shiho spoke up. “Where should we go next…?” “About that,” Ryuji said, flipping open a brochure, “I had just the place in mind…” ~*~ Ann looked up at the entrance of the dimly lit tunnel, with a waterway filled with flower petals. She raised an eyebrow. “I don’t remember this ride. How long has this been here?” “Must be new,” Shiho said. “‘Tunnel of Love’,” Akira read aloud. He shot Ryuji a sardonic look. “So, about that whole ‘trying too hard’ thing…” “Dude, just get in line,” Ryuji groaned. ~*~ The tunnel was built to mimic a romantic boat ride across a moonlit lake- if the ‘lake’ were six inches of water in a concrete ditch, the ‘moonlight’ was strips of LEDs set into the walls, and the ‘boat’ was a painted wooden swan with a bench seat that rolled along on tracks just beneath the water rather than being carried by any current. Still, it was a little place of reprieve from the huge, thronging, chattering crowds, and it was the first ride today where Akira didn’t immediately feel sick. So that was a plus. Akira trailed a hand through the water, parting curls of flower petals with his fingers. This place was alright. Maybe he just wasn’t enough of an artist, or a romantic. He was sure Yusuke would love this place, though. Akira sat back in his seat and let out a contented sigh. “This is nice,” Shiho said, beside him. ~*~ Further down the tunnel, Ryuji was in his own boat, resting his chin in his hands. “Figures I’d be stuck with you,” Ryuji grumbled. “Yep. You’re never getting rid of me,” Ann grinned, sipping her bubble tea. She held out the cup. “Want some?” “Sure, whatever.” Ryuji pouted and took a sip. He blinked. “Huh. That is pretty sweet.” Ann gave him a strange, smoky look. She leaned in close, and whispered in Ryuji’s ear: “...That’s an indirect kiss.” “ARGH! Ann!” Ryuji exploded. “Don’t make it weird!!!” ~*~ “It’s nice to have some peace and quiet, don’t you think?” Akira asked. “It is,” Shiho said softly. “All the crowds and the noise were getting a little... “ “Overwhelming?” Akira offered. “Yeah.” “How are you feeling?” Akira asked. “Me?” Shiho giggled. “What about you? You’re the one who passed out on the rollercoaster. Even now, you look pale… like you might cry. Or throw up.” “That’s just my face,” Akira shrugged. “Seriously, though. Are you okay?” “Well… my legs are a little sore,” Shiho admitted, sighing. “This place is bigger than I thought it would be. We’ve been walking a lot. And being around so many people is kind of… draining.” “I know the feeling,” Akira said. ~*~ “Being around you is kind of exhausting, you know that?” Ann rolled her eyes. “Yeah, Ryuji, girls love to hear that.” “I’m just stating a fact,” Ryuji explained. “I meant it in, like, a good way.” “Uh-huh.” Ann blew a stray lock of hair out of her face. “You’re such an ass,” she teased. “Yeah, but I’m your ass,” Ryuji grinned. “Excuse me, my ass is perfectly toned. You, on the other hand-” “What the hell’s that supposed to mean?” “I’m saying, someone’s falling behind in their training!” “Oh! That’s rich, coming from the girl who’d never been to a gym until I took her! Until I wrote up her damn training regimen! What- did you just want to get in shape so you could start making moves on Akira?” “Oh, like how you were chatting up Shiho? That’s my best friend!” “That’s my best friend! And- And you were flirting with him!” “You were flirting with her! Why are you getting so jealous, anyways?!” “I’m not!” “Yes, you are!” ”I’m not!” “Meathead!” “Ditz!” “Momma’s boy!” “Sweet-tooth!” “‘Sweet-tooth’? Is that really the best you can come up with, you… blonde-” “You’re blonde too!” “Oh, shut up, you- you- twink!” “TWINK?!?!” ~*~ “Please,” Shiho was in the middle of saying. “You’ve already paid for my ticket. You don’t have to worry about me, too.” Akira shrugged. “Isn’t that what friends do?” An otherworldly feeling overtook Akira’s senses. A shadow in armor moved behind his eyes. I sense a kindred spirit, came a woman’s voice from within him. Valkyrie, one of his Personae. There was something up ahead. He saw it, flickering in the darkness of the tunnel- a butterfly. A white butterfly, trailing whispers in its wake... Having fun, Inmate? You already have a source of Strength. Have you forgotten about us already? Or do you think there’s still enough room in your heart to take on another vow? Akira exhaled, and the ghostly voices receded back into their halfway place. “Friends…” Shiho sighed, beset by a sudden melancholy. “I have such wonderful friends. Ryuji can be surprisingly insightful when he tries. Just now, on the teacups, we got to talk about our careers…” “Huh,” Akira mused. “He had a pretty different take on that conversation…” “He has a good heart, though he’s a bit shortsighted,” Shiho said. “And as for Ann… well. Where do I even start with her?” “She sure is something,” Akira said. Shiho nodded. “Ann is… a treasure. When I thought I had nothing, I had Ann. When I thought I was nothing, I-” Shiho caught herself, and looked away. Maybe it was a trick of the light, but Akira swore he saw a flicker of yellow in her eyes. “You really care about her,” Akira said. “Don’t you?” Shiho smiled, but it was a troubled smile. “I do,” Shiho whispered. “And somehow, I know… I know you understand.” Akira nodded, silent. “You’re so easy to talk to,” Shiho said softly. “There’s something about you, Kurusu. Something in your eyes… Ann has beautiful eyes. They’re bright, and sunny, and warm. Ann saw me, even when I thought I was invisible… but you, Kurusu. You see right through me.” Shiho exhaled, staring ahead into the dark. “Please don’t say anything,” she said softly. “I’m not… I’m not ready.” Shiho turned and met Akira’s eyes- not bright and sky-blue, like Ann’s, but a secretive, stormy gray. Akira didn’t say anything. He only smiled. Nodded. And he understood. ~*~ Ryuji and Ann were waiting at the exit, arms tight across their chests, pointedly not looking at each other. “Hate you,” Ann murmured. “Bite me,” Ryuji shot back. Their argument in the tunnel had turned… undignified, to say the least. But the longer they stood there, waiting for Akira and Shiho to arrive, the harder it was for them to stay angry. It was one of the things Ryuji and Ann had in common; they were both quick to anger, and just as quick to cool. Ann sighed, dropping her arms to her sides. “We are… so stupid,” Ann laughed. Ryuji smiled, then laughed along with her. “Oh man. We’re idiots. I’m sorry.” “Yeah. Listen, I’m sorry I asked you if you also bleached your-” “Ugh, okay, don’t- don’t say it again.” Akira and Shiho’s boat pulled up to the platform and they disembarked, Shiho wincing as her feet hit the floor. They shared a wordless exchange, returning to their fair-haired counterparts. “What happened to you two?” Akira asked, noticing some scuffing on their clothes. “I might have punched him,” Ann admitted. “I might have literally, not figuratively, kicked her ass,” Ryuji said. “Please,” Ann scoffed. “It didn’t even hurt.” “Maybe it would’ve hurt if you were more perfectly toned,” Ryuji muttered. “You know what? I-” “You two are such good friends,” Shiho drawled. “Yeah,” Akira agreed. “Maybe they should date.” Ryuji and Ann stopped. They looked at each other. And then they burst out laughing. “Me? Date Ann? Are you serious?” Ryuji laughed in disbelief. “That’d be so weird!” Ann said, wiping a tear from her eyes. “Dating Ryuji would be like dating my brother or something.” “Besides, have you seen me?” Ryuji grinned. “Totally out of her league.” “What?!” Ann cried, indignant. “You’re out of my league!” “Yeah, okay. What sport are we playing, here?” “Ugh! I can’t believe I almost said something nice about you, you little-” “Guys. Guys!” Akira stepped forward, his palms out. Ryuji and Ann quit their bickering and looked at him. “First of all, volume, because we don’t have this park to ourselves,” Akira said, ever the voice of reason. “Second of all, if it makes you two feel better…” Akira smiled a trickster’s smile. “... I don’t think I’d date either of you.” “What?!” Ryuji and Ann cried out in unison. “Are you kidding? I’m a model! Look at me, I’m a perfect 10!” “Dude, take that back! I am one hundred percent dating material!” Akira ran, and Ryuji and Ann chased after him, shouting their protests and indignation. Shiho followed after them, laughing, a hand over her mouth so no one would see her smile. ~*~ The sun was setting, and the ambient warmth of the summer day was dying down to a cool evening. The sky was lit through in orange and gold, and the crowd at the amusement park was changing- all the families with small kids and baby strollers were going home, replaced by young professionals let out of work, students, and young couples. The four of them were arrayed on a park bench. Ann had an arm around Shiho’s back, and Shiho’s legs were draped unselfconsciously on Ann’s lap. Ann was pressing a cool water bottle against Shiho’s aching calves in lieu of an ice pack. Ryuji, meanwhile, was laying down, his legs hooked over the bench’s side rail, his head in Akira’s lap. Ann and Shiho were kind enough not to comment. Akira, though… “This is nice,” Akira said, smirking. “Shut up,” Ryuji muttered. “There wasn’t enough room for me to sit down.” “Yeah, okay,” Ann snorted, but Shiho shushed her. “You comfy down there?” Akira asked, stopping short of petting Ryuji’s hair- Ryuji was already flustered enough. “Y-Yeah,” Ryuji muttered. “...Although, uh, this better be your wallet.” “Don’t make it weird.” Ryuji sat up, looking up at the others. “So. Think we should call it a day?” “It’s getting late,” Shiho said. “How much longer will they be open?” “We’ve got time,” Ann cooed. “If you’re still feeling up to it.” “Well,” Akira said, digging out his brochure. “It’s starting to get dark. Which means there’s one more place we have to go…” ~*~ “This was absolutely zero percent the place I had in mind,” Akira muttered at the entrance to the haunted house, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Oh, let’s go! It’ll be fun!” Shiho exclaimed, bouncing on her heels in excitement. Akira frowned, since that must surely be painful for her. “Uh… guys…?” Ann blinked. “I don’t know about this one.” “Come on,” Ryuji said, taking Ann and Akira by the hands and pulling them inside. “We’ll all go together…” ~*~ “Ryuji,” Akira whispered. “What?” “You know how, sometimes, celebrities will go into one of these haunted houses, and they have people with night vision cameras and stuff follow them around so they can see more clearly…” “Yeah?” “Do you think it’s any less scary for the guys with night vision cameras?” “Why would it be? They can see. They’re not… inching their way through in the dark…” “I dunno. Maybe, sometimes, it’s scarier to know exactly what’s out there, instead of just having a feeling…” “Dude, it’s a haunted house. It’s not that deep. It’s just darkness and strobe lights and cheap-ass jump sca- aaaaAAAWFUCK!”” ~*~ Elsewhere… “Shiho? Shiho, listen to me. Just listen. I know they went down this hallway. Everything’s going to be fine. It’s going to be fine. We’re going to find the guys in no time. There is nothing… nothing… to be afraid of. Okay? Okay. I’m right here. It’s going to be fine. You’re going to be fine.” “Ann, are you okay?” Ann scoffed. “‘Am I okay’? Pfft. This is- This is nothing I haven’t seen befo- ohhhhHH!” “Ann. It’s just me. That’s my hand.” “Okay. Okay. Okay.” “Ann.” “Okay.” “Ann.” “Okay. Um… can… can I hold your other hand, too?” “Ann, how are we going to walk, then?” “I dunno. Sideways?” “Alright… oh. Oh. Oh god.” “What? What is it?” “...Ann. I’m… holding both your hands, right?” “Yeah.” “Oh.” Shiho’s voice went small. “...just checking.” A pause. Shiho screamed- ~*~ “I… am so… sorry...,” Shiho said, bowing deeply at the waist. “Hey, hey, it’s fine,” replied a hapless park employee nursing a bloody nose. “You’d be surprised at how often this happens… or… well, maybe it’s not that surprising. Anyway. Please, enjoy the rest of your stay at Dome City Attractions.” Shiho shuffled back to the bench where Ryuji and Ann were waiting, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “I’m sorry I got us kicked out,” Shiho murmured, slumping down beside Ann and burying her head in Ann’s shoulder. “Are you kidding? That was a hell of a punch,” Ann smiled sweetly, trailing a hand through Shiho’s hair. “I did it for you,” Shiho smiled. “What a hero,” Ryuji muttered, grinning. “Wish I coulda seen it.” “It’s a shame you two didn’t make it to the end,” Akira said, returning with an envelope in hand. He tossed it to Ann. “You guys missed the best part.” Ann struggled with the envelope, one-handed, unwilling to pull her other hand away from Shiho’s hair. Ryuji reached over and tugged the envelope down for her, and Ann pulled out what was inside- a glorious color photo of Ryuji and Akira recoiling in terror from an off-camera assailant, Ryuji all-but hurling Akira in front of him in his panic. “Geez, Ryuji,” Ann snickered. “Way to throw Akira to the wolves.” “Oh, yeah,” Akira smirked. “That’s going up on a wall.” “Listen, man, I’ve thought this through,” Ryuji said. “I hurt my leg, dude. Can’t run like I used to. But if the two us are getting chased by monsters, I only need to run faster than you.” “What a hero,” Ann muttered. “Listen, Ann, you gotta be able to make these tough decisions…” “Your glasses always catch the flash in photos, Kurusu,” Shiho chimed in, peering over Ann’s shoulder. “We can never see your eyes. What are you hiding in there?” “All my secrets,” Akira said, deadpan. “Like how to make lockpicks, or how to make the perfect onigiri.” “Dude, they’re just rice balls,” Ryuji said. “There’s no secret to making a good one.” “I guess that means you’ve never had a perfect one, then.” “Are you offering to cook for me, bro? Because I’ll eat you out of house and home.” “He will,” Ann admitted. “Um,” Shiho spoke up. “I… I hate to be a pain about this, but I should really be going soon. Is there anything else you all wanted to do?” “Yes, actually,” Akira said, tucking the photo away and pulling out his brochure. “There’s just one more thing…” ~*~ Call him old fashioned, but Akira Kurusu truly believed that a trip to an amusement park was never complete until you’ve had a ride on the ferris wheel. That was, until he saw just how tall the damn thing was. He stood at the base of the boarding platform, staring up at the world’s first hubless ferris wheel, that was also unfortunately-named. “‘The Big O’,” Shiho read, on the placard. “...Isn’t that that old show, with the mecha…?” “I mean,” Ann said, her cheeks red. “That’s, uh, not the first thing I would think of.” “Yo, I slipped the guy running this thing 1000 yen so we could all ride foursies,” Ryuji announced. They piled in, Ryuji and Ann in the middle, with Akira and Shiho on either side- two nights framing the day. Slowly, they began to rise. “You gonna be okay?” Ryuji asked. “It’s, uh… It’s a long way up.” “I’ll be okay,” Akira smirked. “I have you.” Ryuji shook his head, but couldn’t hide the tint to his cheeks. “Man, here I am, trying to be nice, and then you hit me outta left field with a line like that…” There was plenty more where that came from, because soon enough, they made it to the top of the wheel, and all of Tokyo stretched out around them, ablaze with neon light that blotted out the stars. For a moment, just a moment, they sat at the top of the world. Shiho clung to Ann’s arm, silently nuzzling Ann’s shoulder. Ann reached over and ran her fingers through Shiho’s hair. “Tired?” Ann asked, her voice soft and warm. “I know. We’ll be back home soon.” Ryuji decided, at the moment, to try a technique he’d only seen done on TV. He stretched his arms above his head, and when his arms came down, they settled around the shoulders of Akira and Ann beside him. Ryuji let out a contented sigh, as both Akira and Ann drew in closer to him. “...You know, you guys are, like, my best friends,” he said, completely sincere. “Yeah,” Ann exhaled, affectionately bumping her head against Ryuji’s, like a cat. “...But, if you’re gonna keep acting so sappy, I’ll never let you hear the end of it.” “It’s a hell of a view,” Akira said, innocently. Ryuji turned to him and barked out a laugh. “Dude. Can you, like, not look right at me when you say stuff like that? At least look at Ann or something. She always looks great.” “Aww, Ryuji said two nice things in a row! I think I might faint,” Ann teased. “Oh, shuddup,” Ryuji said, but he was grinning from ear to ear. He squeezed Akira’s shoulder. “And you. We’re having a moment, alright? Don’t make it weird.” “Listen, man, you put your arm around me.” “We’re high up and you’re afraid of heights,” Ryuji muttered. “I just didn’t want you to get dizzy or whatever.” “Uh-huh.” Ryuji sighed. Smiled. Just, y’know, two guys, at the amusement park, cuddling on the ferris wheel… “Hey, Ryuji?” Akira mumbled into Ryuji’s chest. “Yeah?” “...Do you work out?” Ann snorted. Ryuji just grinned and shook his head. “Dude. What did I just tell you about making it weird?” ~*~ They joined the trickle of people leaving Dome City, stepping out of the park and back into the real world, with its grimy streets, and neon lights, and men in cheap suits scurrying past. “Thanks for this, Akira,” Ann said, smiling bright. “You too, Ryuji. Today was a blast. We gotta do this again. And, hey, next time, it’ll be on us.” “Can I get that in writing?” Ryuji asked, and Ann socked him in the arm. “How much longer will you be in town?” Akira asked Shiho. “One week, maybe two. Then it’s back out to the countryside for me,” Shiho replied. “Then I hope I’ll see you again,” Akira nodded. “Me too,” Shiho smiled- small, but warm, like a candleflame. “I… don’t really get out much, aside from some dinners with the volleyball team, so, um… this was nice. And… well… just in case I don’t see you again… thank you, for tonight. It means so much.” Shiho offered her hand, and Akira took it. Out of the corner of his eye, a white butterfly flitted past. “Any time,” Akira smiled. The girls waved and then disappeared down the street, hand in hand. Akira watched them go. Ryuji lingered by his side, sticking his thumbs through his belt loops. “Those two,” Akira muttered, thoughtful. “...They’re good for each other, don’t you think?” “Yeah,” Ryuji nodded. “Y’know, they kinda remind me of us.” Akira raised an eyebrow. “Is that so?” “N-Nevermind,” Ryuji muttered. Akira only smiled. “Come on,” Akira said. “I’ll race you to the station. Last one there’s got to buy both our tickets.” “Oh, c’mon, dude, I’ve got, like, no cash left on me…!” Ryuji called out. “Then you’d better win!” Akira grinned, and kept running. ~*~ The attic at Cafe Leblanc felt so small and quiet after spending the whole day surrounded by crowds. Akira flopped face-first onto his bed, suffused with that oddly satisfying full-body ache of having spent the whole day out with friends. His limbs were heavy. But his heart was light. Morgana only barely stirred from Akira diving into bed. He opened one sleepy eye, shining blue in the dim light. “H-Huh? Whoa… How… How long was I out?” Morgana wondered. “It’s night already,” Akira shrugged. “You could just go back to sleep.” “Sounds like a plan,” Morgana said. He shrugged, if a cat could be said to shrug, and closed his eye. The blue glow disappeared, and Morgana returned to being a shadow with white mittens at the foot of Akira’s bed. Akira’s phone chirped. He held it up, and saw Makoto’s stern-faced icon in the group chat. Akira. About these recent expenses… I can explain, Akira sent. Let’s talk about this in the morning. Akira closed the group chat with a sigh, and laid back in bed, exhausted. That should have been the end of it. But something nagged at the edge of his senses. A glimpse of yellow eyes flicked across his vision. Voices swam through his head… ...a treasure… when I thought I had nothing, I had Ann. When I thought I was nothing, I… ...I know you understand. You see right through me… ...just in case I don’t see you again… ...thank you, for tonight. Akira exhaled. Maybe it was nothing. It was probably nothing. But if it was something, and he ignored it… Akira sat up. He held up his phone and tapped the app icon, a red eye with a star for a pupil. He heard the familiar chime, and the familiar voice. “Welcome to Metaverse Navigation. Please state your query.” Akira raised his phone to his lips. “Shiho Suzui.” There was a chime… ~*~

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #613: Off for Thanksgiving (Persona 5)

9:23 a.m. at the Niijima's Residence......

Sae: (Checked Out Something on Her Phone) Huh.

Makoto: What's up, sis?

Sae: My boss just sent me a message not too long ago. (Shows Makoto the Message) It says here that I'm actually going to be off this year on Thanksgiving.

Makoto: (Smiles Brightly) That's great! We can finally spend the holiday together.

Sae: (Chuckles Lightly) I'm glad you're excited. (Frowns a Little) Though, I do wish he could've sent me this news a lot sooner. I would've gotten everything we needed for the occasion. (Place her Hand on her Chin While Crossing her Arms) Then again, my cooking skills has always been lacking since day one. So attempting to cook a turkey might be good idea after all.....

Makoto: (Comes Up With an Idea) We can celebrate Thanksgiving at the Smash Mansion. You know, the one you visited last year to see Ren and I?

Sae: Yes....I do remember spending my time there with you.....(Gasps While Suddenly Getting Eager and Hopefully) Is Banjo-kun is gonna be-

Makoto: (Sighs While Playfully Rolling her Eyes) Yes, sis. Banjo-kun will indeed, be there in the mansion as well. You do know him and Kazooie-san lives there now, right?

Sae: (Immediately Starts Blushing in a Bit of Embarrassment) Oh. ('Clears Throat') Yes. I know that already. I .....(Flips her Hair Bashfully) Just so happen to forgot is all.

Makoto: (Smirk Grew a Bit Wider) Riiiight~

Sae: (Gives Makoto a Sisterly Glare) Oh, be quiet. You know I speak the truth here. And besides, I bet the only reason you even suggested us to go to the mansion in the first place is so you can spend more time with your Ren-Ren.

Makoto: (Immediately Starts Blushing as Well While Glaring Back at Her Older Sister) T-T-That's not true!! All of our other friends are gonna be there as well, ya know!?

Sae: That's all well and good, but I'm pretty sure you wanted to see Amimaya the most. I bet the both of you want cuddle with one another all day long there too.

Makoto: (Blush Turns Bright Red While Stomping her Feet) DO NOT!

Sae stares at Makoto's flustered eyes for a brief second before losing her usual serious demeanor, turns away and.........

Sae: Ahahahahahahahhahaha! (Continues Laughing

Makoto: (Raised an Eyebrow in a Bit of Confusion) Sis?

Sae: (Finally Starts Calming Herself Down) Ah....My apologies, sister.... It's been so long since I've seen your adorable, blushed cheeks that I couldn't even help myself.

Makoto: (Rolled her Eyes While Smirking) Well, I'm glad my embarrassment was enough to put a smile on your face today.

Sae: (Shrugs While Smirking as Well) Hey. It's not entirely my fault you get flustered too easily, little sister.

Makoto: (Sticks her Tongue Out at Sae)

Sae: (Giggles Softly) As much as I would love to stay and make fun of you some more, I really do need to get to work.

Makoto: ('Sigh') I suppose you're right. I'll be sure order takeout for the both of us tonight.

Sae: Much obliged as well. (Place her Hand at the Door Knob....Only to Stop at her Tracks and Turns Back to Her Sister) Makoto....

Makoto: Yes, sis? What's- (Immediately Gets Pulled Into a Tight, Loving Hug) W-Wrong?

Sae: I know I never show it or...even told you this up until now, but.... You always mean the whole world to me and....I love you. I love you so much, Makoto. I really hope you understand that.

Makoto: Sae, I.....(Slowly Starts to Smile Softly While Hugging her Older Sister Back) Of course I understand. (Tears Starts to Falling Down from Her Eyes) ('Sniff') I love you too. Always.

@princekirijo

@keyenuta

@26shann

@miki-13

@albion-93

@cyber-wildcat

@ma-lemons

@italian-love-cake

@personaparadise