#i have such strong feelings about sumire alright

[chaoticlycharlie]

Sumi should've gotten a chance to lose her shit and lash out at Maruki. To tell him that erasing her identity and turning her into her sister made him no better than everyone else who kept comparing her achievements to Kasumi's and made her feel like she wasn't enough. That if he was truly wanting to make people happy, he would've brought Kasumi back instead of turning her into Kasumi. Instead he just proved to her that even he agreed that it would be better if Kasumi lived and that Sumire died.

[spypidgeon]

At a Cost Chapter 1

Before reading: This was a fic I initially only posted to ao3, but I've decided to put it here too and see who else is interested in reading it.

Idk how to center text on tumblr, if it's possible, I can edit this and the other chapters to include it.

WARNING: This fic includes sensitive topics such as suicide, so if you are uncomfortable with this, don't read.

Story:

*splash* *splash* *splash* *splash* *splash*

Sumire ran through the rain as water streamed down her face. Was it rain or tears? Sumire didn’t know, she didn’t care.

All she wanted was to just disappear. Nobody would care if it was her. They all wanted Kasumi anyway…

“Su-ire!” A voice called out to her in the distance.

That must be Kasumi, running after her… Why couldn’t Kasumi just leave her alone?

“Sumire!” The voice repeated, much closer now, but still some distance away. “The light’s red!”

The… light?

She felt the pavement beneath her feet switch to asphalt as she continued running. Sumire turned her head to the right and saw a massive truck heading directly toward her. Time seemed to slow down as she saw just how close it was to her… There was no way she could run past it in time.

Sumire began to close her eyes. Is this it?

“Sumire!”

Sumire felt herself get tackled, it was Kasumi. They were almost fully out of the way of the truck when-

*crunch*

When her whole world went black.

***

*beep beep beep beep be-*

Sumire slowly opened her eyes, taking a bit for her pupils to adjust to the light. Her head felt fuzzy as she looked around. There was… a heart monitor to the side of her bed. Was she in a hospital?

It took a little bit for her to remember what happened, then she shot straight up in her bed, her heart rate spiking as she did.

“Kasumi!” Sumire yelled.

“I’m right here…” Kasumi groaned from nearby.

“Oh, thank goodness!” Sumire was suddenly filled with relief, tears running down her face. “I’m so sorry!”

“It’s okay…” Kasumi smiled gently at her. “I’m just glad you’re alright.”

Sumire winced. “No, it’s not! If I hadn’t run off we wouldn’t have been-”

“Shhhh, Sumire… It’s really fine.” Kasumi insisted. “You should lay back down though, Mom and Dad will be here soon and we shouldn’t be exerting ourselves when we don’t even know how injured we are.”

“A-Alright…” Sumire nodded as she laid back down in her bed.

Injuries…

She couldn’t really feel much of anything to be honest… They were probably both on some strong painkillers. She could move her arms and back though… but nothing lower than that. It’s probably nothing… Just a result of the painkillers…

The door opened, admitting both of their parents into the room.

“Sumire! Kasumi!” Akahana, their mother, shouted as she rushed between their beds. “Thank goodness you both are alright…”

“You gave us both quite the scare…” Shinichi said. “Do you know exactly what your injuries are yet or…?”

“The doctor hasn’t come in yet, sorry.” Kasumi shook her head.

“Well… How are you two feeling?” Akahana asked.

“Uhm…” Kasumi thought for a bit. “I don’t know? I can’t really feel anything… and I can’t really move my legs…”

“It’s the same for me…” Sumire told them. “I think it could be the pain killers?”

“Let’s hope that’s the case…” Shinichi replied, considering what the two had said.

At that moment, the door opened again and a doctor walked inside.

“Oh good, everyone’s here.” The doctor said as he looked around.

“Will my babies be okay!?” Akahana shouted in worry.

Sumire was slightly embarrassed by what her mother said, but was also curious about her and Kasumi’s situation. So she kept her mouth shut.

Unfortunately… The doctor shook his head.

“I’m sorry…” The doctor told them. “Your daughters will live but…” He tapped on his clipboard. “Based on the damage we’re looking at right now? They’ll never walk again.”

Sumire’s heart sank.

“Wh-What?” Kasumi asked, blood draining from her face.

Sumire and Kasumi looked at each other. They both knew what this meant…

No more gymnastics. Ever.

As if reading their minds, the doctor turned to them with a sympathetic expression.

“You two are athletes, correct?” He asked to which the two nodded. “I’m afraid you’ll have to quit.”

“Oh…” Kasumi replied sadly.

Sumire, for her part, was more concerned about the fact she ruined their dream for Kasumi… Sure, she enjoyed doing gymnastics, she even strived to be Kasumi’s equal in that field… But to be the reason they could no longer practice together?

That hurt worse than no longer being able to do gymnastics.

“Kasumi… I-I’m so sorry-”

“It’s fine, Sumire…” Kasumi took a deep breath. “I’m not upset with you, I’m just… sad.”

“Kasumi…” Sumire muttered.

Despite her sister’s words, Sumire still felt guilty… She may have had her frustrations recently… but she still never wanted things to turn out this way.

Still… she kept silent as her father spoke up.

“So… They can’t perform anymore…?” Shinichi asked, to which the doctor nodded.

“I’m sorry, but they physically will no longer be able to do any of those activities.” The doctor reiterated. “However, other than mobility, we aren’t seeing anything else of major concern. Every other injury they have will heal with time.”

Their parents breathed out a sigh of relief at this.

“Honestly, you should consider this a miracle.” The doctor told them. “That truck could very easily have killed both of them.”

That wasn’t very relieving to Sumire… What were they supposed to do now that they couldn’t do gymnastics?

“I see…” Shinichi replied. “Thank you, doctor. How long will they have to be in the hospital?”

“Well… From the X-Ray, we took when they got here…” The doctor flipped a page on his clipboard. “Their legs are all broken and they have some fractures along their spine and neck… So a surgery and a few weeks to recover, possibly shorter since physical therapy isn’t really an option, but they’ll have to wear casts until they heal afterward.”

“That’s…” Shinichi shook his head. “Well it’s better than nothing… They wouldn’t be starting school till the 11th of April anyway… Oh wait.” Shinichi sighed as he turned to Sumire and Kasumi. “You two were going to go to Shujin this year on scholarship…”

Shinichi thought to himself for a bit.

“I’m going to make some calls, can you watch over them, hun?” Shinichi asked Akahana, who nodded her head. “Thank you.”

Shinichi left the room, leaving Akahana, Kasumi, Sumire, and the doctor alone.

“Alright, we’re going to take a more in depth look at these X-Rays just in case we missed something.” The doctor told them before bowing. “If there’s an emergency please alert us immediately.”

With that, the doctor left too.

Sumire sighed and rested her head back on her pillow. Guess this would be her life for at least a little while…

Silence filled the room, as no one felt like speaking. Eventually, after about thirty minutes, Shinichi entered the room once more.

“Good news.” He told them. “You two will still be going to Shujin, so we don’t have to redo paperwork for another school, you’ll just be there without the scholarship. So from what it sounds like, you two will be ordinary students there, not honor students.”

That was fine to Sumire, she didn’t really like all the attention that honor students got anyway.

“Okay…” Sumire spoke up and nodded her head slightly.

“Kasumi? Do you have any issue with that?” Shinichi asked.

Kasumi didn’t reply though. Sumire at first thought that maybe Kasumi had wanted to be an honor student… but when she turned to look, Kasumi was lightly snoring. She did sound tired when Sumire first woke up…

“I’m sure she’s fine.” Sumire spoke for Kasumi. “She never seemed to particularly care about being an honor student before.”

“Alright.” Shinichi nodded. “Well… It’s been a long day for both of you, so you should probably get some rest. We’ll tell you if the doctor says anything else, alright?”

Sumire nodded her head. “Okay…”

Following her father’s advice, Sumire closed her eyes. She figured it might have been difficult to fall asleep, but she had no trouble drifting off to sleep at all.

***

Weeks later, Sumire woke up in her bed at home and turned her head to the side. She saw her wheelchair next to her bed, in a perfect orientation that she could lift herself with her arms onto it without any help.

Sumire attempted to move her legs, a fruitless effort she knew, but she couldn’t help but try every day.

Of course, they wouldn’t budge, and Sumire sighed to herself.

With a scoff, Sumire pushed her quilt off of her body until it was only covering her feet, then she slowly and carefully crawled to the edge of the bed. Once on the very edge, she put one arm on her bed and the other on the further armrest of her wheelchair. Then she lifted herself up and brought herself onto the wheelchair seat.

Sumire let out a breath she’d been holding in as she readjusted her seating and put on her glasses that were resting on her bedside table. She moved her legs with her arms to the resting position on the wheelchair, then rested her back against the chair. Sumire then turned on the wheelchair and left her room, going down the hall to the kitchen.

Today was her first day since her surgery without her cast on, which was why she was able to get into her wheelchair without any help. Though as she went through the house, it appeared she was the only one awake right now, which made sense. It wasn’t until tomorrow that she and Kasumi would be starting school at Shujin, so today was a very much needed day off from any stress.

Not that being stuck in a wheelchair all the time was a particularly fun or relaxing time…

Sumire shook her head, there was a more important part of having the cast off today: She could finally cook for herself again.

Sumire imagined it’d be more difficult in a wheelchair, but since she wasn’t at risk of injuring her legs while doing so, she was a bit more confident in trying now. Technically she wasn’t supposed to be cooking without help, but for the sake of being able to at least cook on her own, Sumire decided to do so anyway.

First things first: What does she want to eat?

Hmmm…

Sumire went towards a low easy to reach cabinet, grabbed a pot, and put it on the countertop. That was easy enough, and she gained even more confidence in her ability to cook whilst disabled as a result.

Sumire then decided to start getting some ingredients. She got some rice from another cabinet along with a few other ingredients before closing it. She then went back over to where she left the pot and placed them there.

Sumire began humming to herself as she got back into the familiar routine of cooking, and she actually smiled for the first time in weeks.

“Now… What else?” Sumire asked herself. “Ah! How about some spices?”

Sumire then turned her chair and headed towards the spice cabinet before stopping suddenly.

It was too high above the counter for her to reach while stuck to the chair.

Sumire looked down at her legs. She tried to kick with them, to stand up, to do anything.

No response. Sumire groaned.

Sumire thought about leaving the kitchen to get her mother or father to help her… but she quickly shot down that idea in her mind. This is one of the few things she could potentially do on her own.

With that thought in mind, Sumire reached up to the counter and pushed herself up above it with both of her arms. Once her waist was above the counter, she turned herself to sit on it. Sumire adjusted her position until she was sure she wouldn’t fall, then reached up to the cabinet and opened it.

She then took a few spices out of the cabinet as well as a couple of seasonings and placed them on the counter next to her. Now… the difficult part.

Sumire lifted herself up with her arms once again, with the intention to get back into her wheelchair and bring the spices and seasonings to the other ingredients. However, this quickly proved to be quite tricky, as she couldn’t seem to leverage her weight properly to get back into the chair.

As she was working out how to get back into her chair, Sumire’s hand slipped off of the counter.

“Woah!” Sumire cried out as she fell off.

She landed on her chair with only her upper body, which ended up pushing it away from her, then she fell forward onto the floor, her glasses flying off her face in the process. She managed to break her fall with her hands and arms, but it still hurt.

“Owww…” Sumire groaned as she found herself face first on the floor.

Before she could get herself off the floor and back to her wheelchair, she heard someone enter the room.

“Sumire!? What happened!?” Akahana cried out as Sumire lifted her head to see her mother.

“I… I wanted to cook…” Sumire admitted shamefully.

Akahana quickly made her way over to Sumire, lifting her up and back into her wheelchair before looking her over. Once satisfied, she grabbed Sumire’s glasses, which were surprisingly not broken, off of the floor and gave them back to Sumire, who put them on.

“You don’t seem to be injured…” Akahana let out a sigh of relief. “...But what on earth were you thinking!? If you wanted to cook you could have just gotten me to help you!”

“I wanted to do it on my own…” Sumire muttered.

Akahana sighed again, this time in empathy. “I understand, Sumi… But please, for your own safety, please ask someone to help you next time!”

“Okay…” Sumire muttered with a nod.

Akahana then looked around. “Well, you said you wanted to cook, and it seems you already managed to get everything…” She thought for a bit. “How about this: You can cook on your own and I’ll be in the other room. If you need anything, please call for me though, alright?”

Sumire looked up to her mother and nodded. “Thank you, Mom…”

Akahana smiled gently. “You’re welcome, Sumire.”

Akahana left the room soon after, and Sumire grabbed the spices and seasonings, bringing them to the other ingredients. With a somber sigh, Sumire began cooking.

She just can’t do anything anymore, can she?

***

“Hey! Do you want to hang out later today?” Kasumi asked a friend she was calling on her phone.

“I’m so sorry, Kasumi!” Her friend replied. “I actually made plans with some of our other friends already…”

“Oh that’s okay! I can just join you, right?” Kasumi asked. “My casts are off now, so you don’t have to worry about hurting me!”

“We were going to do a jog though…” The friend responded. “I’m sorry, Kasumi, maybe next time?”

“Fine, fine.” Kasumi cheerily responded despite the pit that formed in her stomach. “If you guys go to a movie, you better invite me though!”

“Haha, definitely! See you soon, Kasumi!”

“See you!”

*click*

Kasumi frowned as she set her phone on her bedside table. She looked down at her legs. She tried to shift them around, move them, kick them, do something with them. Something to prove she could join her friends.

…Nothing.

Kasumi groaned to herself as she threw her upper body back against the pillows on her bed and spread her arms out. To be completely honest: She hated this.

Kasumi wanted nothing more than to go outside, to be active, to do something besides just stay inside all day… but her legs denied her that privilege at every turn.

*crash*

Kasumi lifted herself up into a sitting position and stared at her door. What was that?

“Sumire!? What happened!?” Kasumi heard her mother shout.

Did Sumire fall?

Kasumi quickly lifted herself off of her bed and onto her wheelchair. She then left her room and went down the hall to hear what was going on, stopping right before she’d be in view of the kitchen.

“-What on earth were you thinking!? If you wanted to cook you could have just gotten me to help you!”

Sumire wanted to cook…? She didn’t even get their mother for it?

“I wanted to do it on my own…” Sumire replied almost inaudibly.

Kasumi sighed to herself. She’d almost forgotten how hard all of this was on Sumire…

Well… Kasumi’ll just have to do her best to keep a smile on around Sumire. To maybe try to improve Sumire's outlook on all this… Regardless of how Kasumi herself felt.

Kasumi returned to her room and shut the door quietly, then brought her wheelchair to her desk.

If she can’t go outside today… She supposed she’ll just have to read through her school material to be prepared for tomorrow.

Kasumi took out a math textbook and began studying.

Next Chapter

[kaibutsushidousha]

Memory in Children: Mechanical Choices (Sagrada Reset 3) - Epilogue

[INDEX]

Two years ago, on April 28th, Asai Kei met Souma Sumire.

It was around 6 PM on the tetrapods.

2 years and 142 days later, the two were on the tetrapods again.

Considering the time erased by Resets, that gap would be longer. But regardless, the two were together again on August 28th.

This time they were in opposite positions. Souma was sitting on the tetrapods and Kei walked to her.

If she were on the rooftop of the southern school building, he would have brought Haruki with him, but since Souma was on the tetrapods, Kei came alone.

It was around 6 PM, just like when they first met. But since they were in a different season, the color of the sky was completely different. The tetrapods were engulfed by the sunset on April 28th, 6 PM. But on August 28th, despite the sun starting to sink, the sky was still blue. Things aren't like they were back then.

Seeing Kei's standing figure on the tetrapods, Souma smiled.

"Hi, Kei."

Souma's voice. As leisurely as it was 2 years before.

Kei laughed, baffled.

"Hi. It's been a long time, but not to you, I guess."

"Yeah, to me it feels like we met 3 days ago."

"When was that?"

"In my mind, Mari's mother tried to leave Sakurada 3 days ago."

"Ok, that's all sorted then."

Mari's mother tried to leave Sakurada on August 13th. Three days after it was—August 16th. That was when Sasano Hiroyuki photographed Souma Sumire.

Kei put his hands on the ground and sat next to Souma. It was like he was retracing her every movement.

"You've grown a lot taller. I'm a bit surprised."

"It's because I used to be short. Now I'm my class' average."

"How have you been doing in these past two years?"

"It's been alright. A lot happened. Both nice things and tragic things."

"Are you getting along better with Haruki?"

"A lot better than 2 years ago. Haruki changed. She's a pretty normal girl now. And she'll still change more."

"Yeah."

Souma smiled. A regular smile with no good or ill intent.

"Are you fine with that, Kei?"

It wasn't a question he'd hesitate to say yes.

"Of course. It's great that this is happening."

And yet, Souma disagreed.

"But didn't you fall in love specifically with the Haruki from 2 years ago? The invariably simple girl with a sense of self? Didn't you fall in love specifically with the girl who resembled the concept of pure good?"

"I'm not sure. I don't remember anymore."

Souma put on an amused smile. She had many smile variations.

"I can tell you went through many different experiences and got quite strong."

Kei didn't clearly understand what she meant by "strong". He thought he knew before but he could tell that he was misunderstanding it. It was difficult to understand the meaning of strength when all your previous knowledge of it was wrong, he thought.

Since he couldn't tell, his answer wasn't a yes or a no.

"I can at least tell that I changed in some way."

"Do you have an example?"

(Do I...?)

After some pause, Kei answered:

"If a girl invited me to watch the sunset with her, I wouldn't refuse."

"Even if you have a novel to finish?"

"Yeah. I can take my time to read after it's dark and I'm back home."

(What would have changed if I had gone to watch the sunset with Souma on the day of our last conversation? Would I have managed to get a deeper understanding of her?)

"I have two questions for you.", Kei brought up.

"Only two?"

"For now. Two are enough as a starting point."

"Fine by me. Then what's the first?"

"It's about something that happened two years ago, before you fell into the river. You recorded your voice to send to yourself with Tomoki's ability."

ー Can you hear my voice?

Souma sent this simple message to herself two years in the future.

"I did, what about it?"

"I never got to hear the exact time. When you will get the message?"

Souma Sumire shifted her gaze to her thin wristwatch.

"In about 5 minutes from now. I set it for 6:30 today."

"Makes sense."

Now he could tell why she prepared that.

It's the Swampman question. Was the girl in front of him the real Souma Sumire or someone else who just happened to be identical in every way? She had the tools necessary to get a concrete answer. If she was Souma Sumire, she would get the message addressed to her. And if she wasn't, she wouldn't.

(That must be what this is about.)

"And what's the second question?", Souma tilted her head.

Kei nodded and asked:

"Why did you die?"

An accident is not a reason to die when one has Future Sight as their ability.

She chose her death. In cold blood. Immediately after a Reset. She intentionally timed her death in a way Kei and Haruki's powers combined couldn't hinder it.

Despite the dark subject, the sky's blue remained as clear, deep, and quiet as always. Souma's answer had the same tone as this sky.

"She had her reasons why her death was necessary."

The girl sitting next to Kei said "She".

She referred to the Souma from two years ago as "She".

"Reasons necessitating death.", Kei repeated dodging the pronoun detail.

"Yes. Reasons to die a sudden and sloppy death that would look like an accident."

"But you're here now."

Just as Souma Sumire planned two years ago. It wasn't an ordinary suicide since she went out of her way to revive later. What was the need to die?

"Everything was necessary. Both her death and the origin of her clone, me."

"Why?"

"That's a secret. Let me keep it to myself. It won't be for long."

He didn't even want to imagine what reasons would necessitate a girl's death.

But he had to. Because Souma Sumire died. Even if the girl next to him is the real Souma Sumire, it doesn't change that she died once.

"You have the right to hate me. I did enough to deserve it.", she mumbled with hints of solitude.

He didn't have an immediate answer.

Souma Sumire's death scarred Haruki—or to be more accurate, Kei was the one scarred by her death. But hurting Kei simultaneously hurt Haruki. So much so that it distorted her ability. It scarred Haruki so bad that she could no longer use her ability by her own command.

Souma knew this would happen. She knew everything.

Kei sighed and agreed.

"Right. I can't forgive you."

What she did wasn't justifiable.

Souma slightly lowered her gaze.

"I'm sorry. I mean it. But I really had to. I can't stop what was set in motion, even though it hurt you and will still hurt you more."

(Of course it will. She chose to die and come back to life. That can't be the end of the insanity. It was obvious there was more to come.)

Kei looked into her eyes with a prayer in his heart.

"What's your goal?"

She lowered her eyelids before speaking.

"Say, Kei, do you know why I named the black stone MacGuffin?"

The MacGuffin. The stone used to unite Kei with the persons with the necessary abilities and to indicate Souma's machinations. A worthless pebble, just charged with overblown rumors.

"A MacGuffin is the prop that invites the protagonist to the plot."

The plot device that leads a specific individual to where they can be the story's protagonist. A MacGuffin could be a mysterious suitcase forced on their hands, an indecipherable letter, or anything of the sort.

Souma nodded.

"I chose you to be the protagonist of the story I arranged. Every event this far has been in preparation for that."

"And what's the plot you prepared?"

That was her goal.

A girl's reason to die and come back to life.

"If you got that black stone, then you already know."

Under that painfully blue sky...

Souma watched Kei with eyes deep as the sky itself.

"The owner of the MacGuffin will control all abilities in Sakurada."

What she said was overblown.

Absurd.

Kei sighed again. (Not very convincing.), he thought.

Next, he asked:

"Did you get to hear your voice?"

Souma Sumire's voice from two years ago. ー Can you hear my voice?

It was already past 6:30. She already had her answer.

She slightly tilted her head.

"Which do you want the answer to be?"

Late to the job, the lowest part of the sky was starting to turn red.

"I'm sure your choice will be the right one."

Her voice was quiet, but certain.

[letsplayballet]

alright, losing my mind about october 3rd in my persona 5 royal replay in 3, 2, 1, go!

first off, this whole thing SUCKS. hearing the vice principle talk about a dead girl and her grieving sister as "wastes of effort" is so infuriating i don't have the words. why is this school the absolute worst (but also why isn't is further out of the realm of possibility)

but onto the important bits that i missed my first run through:

starting off strong is this tasty piece of dialogue, bc that's the problem, isn't it? sumire *isn't* kasumi, even when she thinks she is. she's still anxious and unsure, still unsatisfied with herself to the point of having significant mental health issues (though sumire-as-kasumi is headed towards perfection-seeking overworked burnout, instead of her more typical major depression).

side note: the fact that maruki insists she's better off like this really shows that he thinks about pain and trauma very... shallowly? i guess would be the word? it's very surface level, instant gratification stuff. is she less actively suicidal? yeah! is she actually better? of course not! bc she is *still sumire* and still has those thought patterns and instincts that lead her to that mindset, but instead of having the tools to deal with those thoughts in a healthy manner she has an "i'm happy and perfect :)" mask that she feels she has to live up to. repression isn't healing. maruki do your fucking job challenge.

anyway.

so we get the keywords from her pep talk and a random couple, get sucked into the palace, and hunt her down to find her confronting what you THINK is her dead sister your first run, but is pretty obviously sumire herself on repeat plays:

this dialogue didn't make a lot of sense to me my first run, to the point i forgot it was there, but DAMN does it hit this time. her guilt over her sister's death, her complete inability to face it, is VERY apparent. sumire gets so upset over seeing maruki's cognitive version of her, and you really get the impression that she's not even sure *why* she's so upset. sure, it's her dead "sister", but we've already seen her brush that off pretty easily the first time we went to odiba. and given the headache she gets right after, it's pretty clear the real sumire is close to breaking out of the kasumi mask.

and when the shadow attacks the cognitive sumire, she goes down easy.

which is indicative of something maruki says in the third semester: that he thinks sumire is TOO WEAK to handle her own trauma. that the only way she can live at all, much less happily, is by being someone else entirely. that sumire *doesn't even deserve a chance to try*.

... this is NOT the post for my rant about maruki's god complex and how it undermines any "help" he's supposedly trying to offer, but these images are here just so you know it exists

luckily, sumire is able to fight back:

and i do think this is elements of the actual sumire coming through! i'm not sure if sumire's idealized version of kasumi would be fazed enough by criticism to get angry about it. and we know their promise to each other about gymnastics is important to sumire, especially as the only sister left to fill it. if i'm remembering her third semester confidant stuff right, it seems to be one of the few totally positive memories she has of her sister, even with how much pain constantly being compared to kasumi in gymnastics has brought her.

and these pieces of sumire breaking through the brainwashing are probably why she's able to awaken to a persona, even though she literally has no idea who she actually is (and thus shouldn't be able to confront her true self and get one). ESPECIALLY since her persona references the fact that she's not herself!

i did not manage to grab "if those really are the shoes you've chosen..." but that also applies, as does the fact that her hair comes down for her transformation (the way sumire wears it, instead of kasumi's ponytail) but is put back up by the end.

this got, uh. long. but the point is i love her dearly and maruki can go fuck himself.

[phantomuheist]

@epitomees​ said:

your  name: Sumire Yoshizawa

your age: 16

your perfect date: A nice walk in the park sounds like a lovely idea! I know there's birds and ducks that frequent the area. Perhaps we could spend time feeding them peas and enjoying the atmosphere. It's always pleasant when I go there on my own. Afterwards, perhaps a quaint little restaurant for dinner! Or we could spend dinner indoors. Your cooking is superb and I'm sure you'd make a great meal for us!

make out in private or in public?: Oh!! Uh...this isn't r-really necessary, but...if you want to never mind that! How about cheek kisses? In...private...

do you like to cuddle?: I would love to! But uh...again, it's not entirely necessary unless that's something you're alright with Senpai.

tell me something about you: Well...what don't you already know about me? You've seen things I've never told others, never even told my own family until recently, and yet you still want to keep in close contact. I have a deep appreciation towards you. You have a kind heart, something I haven't seen in a very long time. And- WAIT! Sorry! This is supposed to be about me! I'm so sorry, I got off track. Uh...w-well you know I have a strong passion towards my hobbies and I'm a very independent person. Or...I'm trying to be. I'm trying to be a better Sumire...

why do you want to be my valentine?: Because...you mean so much to me. I don't think writing it down or putting my feelings into written words can properly relay that, but please trust me! I know what my heart feels, I can hear it clearly, and maybe...it's better telling you in person. Or showing you. But in any case, I do want to spend more time with you. Just you and me together. I miss you.

Valentine’s Day application | Accepting

“That’s a very long card...” Akira couldn’t help but admire Sumire’s efforts to sound genuine and nervous while writing this. She must’ve spent a long time trying to find the right words. It was clear that she cared a lot about him and he felt the same way. But God, telling her face to face gave his stomach butterflies... in a good way. Cuddling with her and even getting the chance to kiss her cheek made his heart skip a beat!

Then he found himself chuckling quietly. “How could I ever turn that down? I’d love to spend the whole day with you, Sumire. Just you...”

[the-silver-peahen-residence]

How about some Headcannons with Makoto and Sumire my friend.

((Hello dear. Hope your alright so far. I think I might have something but It might not be a lot since they don't really interact.))

Silver butterfly mun/Peahen mom

~~Headcannons with Makoto and Sumire~~

*Both the girls were unsure about how to feel when meeting Robert but they can tell he was pretty strong. Even if he was new around here, the two made him feel welcome.

*Sumire was the first to notice him before Makoto noticed second. They did feel a bit shy after getting to know him but he was pretty sweet in the most case.

*They love to learn about him or spend time with him so they can understand a bit more about him from time to time. However, they learned even more from him to visit a lot more.

*Both the girls find him even more cuter when he's being a gentlemen to them but they repay him back with showing that same kindness back.

[mickey10213]

I totally forgot that I wrote this out, and I've got to be honest, I'm kinda shocked with myself here. ☠️

While I may still dislike BoruSara as a ship, my grand feelings have slightly changed.

I still don't like that the ship is constantly force fed down our throats as much as it is. Like, there's barely any hint of subtlety to it at all, but I've come to the acceptance that it most likely will be canon if the series ends on a light note like NARUTO did. Right now, BORUTO is in chaos right now and our main boy can't catch a freaking break 💔.

But I must say, I have come to appreciate that the series has flipped the script a little bit on NARUTO'S trope of having the girls pinning for the guys and having that be their personalities. I like that Sarada doesn't openly admit whether she has romantic feelings for Boruto or not, and actually gets either annoyed or dodges the question when people shove that opinion on her. And Boruto is the same way, granted he's not the one constantly asked or hinted at about his feelings for Sarada. I like that they just genuinely care for each other and want to protect one another to the best of their abilities. It's a true camaraderie and that's what made me soften up just a tad on my dislike for them. Do I ship it? No. Will I ever? Never. But will I be alright if it does happen? Of course, cuz despite the red herring they're trying to throw by making Sumire the typical female love interest by having her openly pin for Boruto and having Kawaki be the one to comment on it as others have done to Sarada, it's been damn near established since day one that they intend to have BoruSara be endgame.

As for my comments on Sarada acting like Sakura, I take it back, but mildly. I think she's a better character than her mother or a majority of the NARUTO girls ever will be. She's strong, she's goal oriented, and she's not a simp. Her personality is fine and I don't really hate her. She's not my favorite by any means, cuz I still prefer Sumire to her, but she's also someone I don't want to see put to waste in the manga. I genuinely got so annoyed when - SPOILER - they made Sarada the reason Boruto got his scar. To me it was obvious he was gonna get it from protecting someone, whether it be her or his sister, but the way they went about it irked me. I hate they made her pull a genin Sakura move of just standing there with a kunai as someone she knows is actively and openly going to attack her. Like, not only did she witness and prevent Kawaki from attacking Boruto with a fireball blast mid fight, but he threatened her after the fact, and even Boruto said he was being serious, and the best she could do after actively aiding already, is stand there with a kunai and randomly proclaim her ambition of being hokage. Even as he comes at her, she stands there and it's up to Boruto to cover her, resulting in his scar. I HATE IT! It was so dumb and degrading towards her character, especially since she gave impassioned spiel after spiel about protecting him leading up to this moment. To me, that was a mark on her likability for me, but again, only cuz I think they did her dirty by doing that to her.

Now this leads me into the fandom. I honestly can't stand the BORUTO fandom to be honest. At least when it comes to shipping. Idk if other fandoms have ever been this obnoxious about shipping, but it gives me a headache with having to do mental loops to find the one piece of content about something related to the series without someone making it about the romantic probability between characters. Especially with the arguments regarding Sumire and Sarada's romantic feelings towards Boruto and Kawaki. Like, omg! It's so annoying🤦🏻‍♀️. For instance, the latest chapter that came out in February that contained the aforementioned scene of Sarada pulling a Sakura. The debates that have been held about who loves Boruto more and how this and this pushes a romantic agenda, or how this negates so and so's feelings towards said boy, or why this is the reason it shows she likes him more are so trivial and dumb and baseless to me. Like, is it not exhausting jumping through loops to explain why Sarada chasing after Boruto and Kawaki after finding out he intends to kill him again while Sumire, the only person left who was there to monitor Eida and Daemon mind you, stayed behind means that Sumire doesn't care about Boruto as much as she claims she does, and therefore negates her feelings she's openly voiced to others for him compared to Sarada's? And then to say her rationality in the situation over Sarada's emotional reaction proves that her love isn't the real deal because why would she just sit by if the man she loves is gonna be killed?

I just don't like the fandom, to be real. The shippers over analyze anything to prove or disprove a romance, regardless of it's romantic or not. Neither Sumire or Sarada were right or wrong in the situation, but to act like Sumire's feelings are lesser because she followed orders and aired on the side of caution is ridiculous. And again, she was the only one capable (aka not affected by Eida's charm) and the only one around after everyone else left to chase Kawaki to watch the possibly biggest threats to their nation right now. If she left, Eida and Daemon would be left unchecked, which was the whole purpose of Boruto and Kawaki staying with them. Who knows what the writers would have them do had everyone gone to fight.

Anyway, I'm rambling as per usual, but this post of mine popped up again and I wanted to share my evolved feelings on the ship. Thanks for listening! 👍🏻🫰🏻

Do you ship borusara?

Not one bit. 

If they had left their relationship like it was at the end of the BORUTO movie, I may have been fine with it. But no. Instead, they have to keep shoving the ship down our throats in the most forced way I have ever seen. 

For no reason, people keep bringing up how they make a good couple in the anime, but a reminder, these two are, like, barely 12 yet and all they do is bicker when they aren’t working together… How exactly is that a good couple?? Also in the anime, Sarada has suddenly adopted her mother’s 12-year-old self’s bad attitude towards Boruto and constantly puts him down sometimes like how Sasuke and Sakura did in their genin days. I don’t get why they’re making her have this 180 personality change from how she was in Gaiden and before the whole graduation period and her deciding to become Hokage. I used to be all for Sarada because I felt bad that Kishi put her in the situation with her parents but she still came out a badass, but now she is turning out just like young Sakura and I’m hating it. 

And then another reason I can’t stand the ship is because of the damn fandom. People are drinking up the blatant fanservice of Boruto and Sarada being constantly told they’re good together by their friends. And then these people either say that BoruSara is either the next NaruSaku or SasuNaru and maybe even the next SasuSaku if these people aren’t being biased against the Uzumaki because of Hinata. These two kids can’t have a moment of friendship without the fans going crazy and then I’ve also gotten TWO BoruSara fans to hop on a couple of my post and bait me with suicide threats and insult me for either not liking the ship, liking other ships, not liking Sarada or her mother, or liking Hinata and Sumire. I hate rabid fans that can’t keep their love for something fictional in check and not threaten real people because of a difference of opinion. 

And I know some people may call me hypocritical because I’m saying BoruSara is forced and shoved in our faces because I like NaruHina. I see people say that NaruHina was forced and now it’s being shoved in our faces, but then in the same breath, say that NH was underdeveloped and Hinata barely had any panel time and that they were forced together because of her. Ridiculous, I know. -_- 

But yeah. To answer your question, No I do not like BoruSara one bit. And these are some of the reasons why. I’m fine if you like them because that’s your opinion and your preference, but they’re a big no-no for me. Thank you so much for asking! I hope you have an awesome day/night!

[kittytheartist]

oml i’m glad that i managed to help!! and, sorry, but i gotta ramble here cause oml u and mari-san caught me in this wonderland au as well!!

first of all, hell yeah!! i think that shijima, being the queen of hearts who wanted wonderland to be perfect as an honor to her dead sister, is probs pissed at nene at first since she was uninvited to enter her territory and probs touched something that she shouldn’t have touch. at first, she wanted nene’s head or become one of her prisoners that are waiting for their execution until shijima is intrigued with their alice that she lets her go — and so, it leads to shijima inviting nene to that dinner-forgot-the-name, which also leads to it becoming chaotic since the entire cast is present.

and there is kako himself!! I think that instead of sleeping his old ass off, he is somewhere in wonderland after making his granddaughter, mirai, the ruler of the reds. no one knows where to find him (though tsuchigomori or the rabbit twins might have an idea or two of his current whereabouts) but kako knows where to find u and u can meet him if he visits u first (so mirai and akane still gets their grandpa visits once in a blue moon) — nene met him more than twice and doesn’t know that she’s talking with the actual red king since she’s new in wonderland, and just sees him as a cryptic old man. and similar in canon, kako stands in the sidelines and watches shit go down in wonderland.

and ur scenario of duchess sumire!! it does fit her ngl and kou as well of being both the cook and chesire cat! and it is hilarious to imagine that kou went insane with his cooking to the point that he repeats "pepper" when he's nervous.

also civil but furious and strong yako the gryphon?? fuck yeah civil but furious and strong yako the gryphon!!

then there is terukaneaoi!! god these three unhinged bitches deserves an entire page of talking about them because it’s going to be long

alright!! so first — aoi, the white queen!! i think that she was forced to become the queen and she hates it so much because she doesn’t want to rule, she wants to be in her garden and sink her hands into the dirt instead of strategizing on how to kill the red queen and her personal knight. her side is on par with shijima’s perfectness, like it’s too peaceful and too neat and too perfect that it feels so wrong but it’s difficult to explain — and nene might not see it at first but would later realize that those in the red side are more free (chaotic but can control themselves and still enjoy what their side offers) than those in the white side that are almost like dolls.

aoi hides her selfishness and pride behind her kind demeanor, having to put up the selfless queen that will do anything for her subjects — when in fact, she will save her own skin than the ones she once promised to protect.though she is genuinely kind at times and wants the best for them, the idea of being close with someone or sharing herself makes her paranoid at how it would make them be disappointed with her real self and hates her so she self-isolates.

she is good friends with nene!! taking her to her garden, having picnics with her, letting her sob on her shoulder — which makes nene a bit more biased for the white side and to her train of thought that the red side is evil because how could her best friend be cruel? but aoi still uses her as a pawn in her own chess board because why should she dirty her hands with blood when she had her own personal knight and alice to do it instead.

and then terukane!! god i ran out of brain juice for them and will come back for them i promise but i agree on terukane!!

and oml i fucking forgot about the princess and mitsuba!! shame on me a hundred times for that!!

ok so at first, i thought of mitsuba to be dodo or the human!mitsuba and supernatural!mitsuba to be that egg-human twins (tweedledee and tweedledum??) but reading of how u put tiara as dodo, i offer having both mitsuba and tiara having that role!! — like, those two would argue considering their age differences with mitsuba acting as her guardian/big brother after (unwillingly) stole something together for the first time but, surprisingly, they worked well as a duo of robbing good shit from their unfortunate victims (and imagine mitsuba arguing with a literal child but stands firm on the ‘hurt tiara and i will steal ur goddamn heart and eat it’ hill!!). also imagine the humiliation u will get for getting urself robbed by a fucking 5-y/o and her girly guardian that shrieks every 5 seconds!!

that's all for my ramble!! i promise to be back with terukane i just ran out of brain juice cause of aoi

OMG HI ANON EHEHEHE

MITSUBA AND TIARA BOTH?? THATS PERFECT!! so fucking hilarious! and Nene just like "oh a race? ok, now I need to give prizes? I don't have any" and then gets totally robbed of her shit by this little pipsqueak that couldn't even reach across her dress to her pockets, and a sissy girly faced boy that is completely terrified after the race but let Tiara issue it anyway, so he helps Tiara to Nene's pockets, and Nene is completely dumbfounded! (I also really like how we took the Dodo and made them a crime seeking wonderlandian duo, 10/10 decision)

also Mitsuba immediately jumping to eating her heart if Tiara is harmed. hilarious

and man did you get Aoi on point! I'm not really an Aoi writer much so I'm glad I have Anon here to fill in my faults ahaha~ I had that in mind but you just sealed the deal with explaining it! ty Anon you help me complete my wonderful au

anyways about tweedle dee and tweedle dum, honestly I'd like to cut them from the whole au! because I fucking HATED that part of the book, honestly I'd rather listen to a fucking bird or egg go on about nursery rhymes or poetry. BUT TWEEDLE DEE AND TWEEDLE DUM???? NAH

but if it were real!Mitsuba and fake!Mitsuba, I may have changed my mind because their constant "no it's like this!" and then agreeing to battle but never actually doing anything, and then randomly complimenting their rhymes but it's bc it's something THEY would say

but both being Dodo is pretty funny, and we could have Mitsuba attend the trial or the feast because he's trying to keep Tiara from her family, because Kou is looking for her, and Teru is out there stressin

can you imagine the MitsuKou? after the cook was abruptly put aside because Natsuhiko (the sleepy mouse) explains what it was made of instead of Kou's anxious "pepper" Kou was pushed of the stand and Mitsuba was snickering to himself, and Kou marches over there while the trial is in chaos, only to accidentally say "pepper" before he could even ask why he's laughing, which caused Mitsuba to make fun of him so bad, he now calls him "lame ass pepper cat guy" and it makes Kou go feral, Mitsuba loves making fun of his tail!

anyways besides MitsuKou

yes Nene is so biased and vents to Aoi about her encounters on her way to also become a Queen, and was saying how like, Akane tried to kidnap her but thank goodness the oh so handsome and charming white knight was there to rescue her! and Aoi's like, oh, you means THE red knight? oh my, right, totally don't personally know him or anything.. he's totally horrible (she met him once in person and it caused quite the stir, seeing as the knight was supposed to kill the queen, but instead he was awestruck, and when Teru arrived he was in such distress letting him get by, but only to find they were talking about tea! and not to mention the jealousy that welled up in Teru once he saw the red knights face! he'd only ever smiled at Teru once after a good fight! now he's giving his charismatic smile to the queen....so he kicked Akane out of their side of the board REAL quick, so that he'd have to continue fighting HIM, not talking to the white queen, he gave a very sly smile when he threw the red knight out, but Akane still gets to see the white queen from afar once in a while, he's very joyous about that)

oh yes and mysterious Kako! so fun, and when Nene gets a chance to civilly speak with Akane she asks about him but Akane has no idea what she's talking about because he could have sworn Kako didn't go to that event, it made Nene very confused about this supposed Red King, another thing she doesn't understand in wonderland...

it's practically Kako's job to be mysterious and civil in wonderland, and avoiding Akane because he knows Mirai has just put even more work on him and is practically fuming at the fact that Kako just let her do this! anyways I love the clock keepers ehehehe

and yes of course Shijima needs to honor her late sister, so Nene just coming in her BEAUTIFUL garden, off her head goes,

anyways thanks Anon this was fun!(I just woke up again but with some more strength then yesterday)

I love talking about this with you because you completely understand where I'm coming from with this au! ehehe TeruKane rant next? yes yes yes, I wanna hear your ideas about them!

[solartranslations]

AF2 Pace Chapter 4 (12/26): Saint Stephen's Day

After the shock of what happened on Natale, she just can’t get the sight of Sumire injured out of her mind…

~*Scene: Felicita’s Room*~

Felicita: *Zzz*

Gli Amanti: Greetings, Ojou-san. You seem quite worried about Il Giudizio’s condition

Gli Amanti: You care deeply for her, and she does you as well

Gli Amanti: It also seems like she missed out on telling you something important

Gli Amanti: That is all I can tell you. What happens now is up to you…

Felicita: That was…Gli Amanti. And Il Giudizio must mean Mama?

Felicita: Mama was trying to tell me something? But it’s already so late…

Fukurota: Hoot

Felicita: ……

Felicita: (Gli Amanti said it was up to me, but was that a call to take action…?)

Felicita: (Well, it’ll be worse leaving for Nordia with this to worry about)

Fukurota: Hoot hoot!

Felicita: Alright. I’ll go see Mama

~*Scene: Mondo’s Room*~

Felicita: Mama…

Sumire: Ah…ugh…

Felicita: Mama…!

Felicita: Mama, are you awake?

Fukurota: Hoot?

Felicita: …No, she’s just talking in her sleep

Sumire: Ugh…I’m sorry…I couldn’t…tell you…ugh

Felicita: It sounds like she’s having a bad dream…

Sumire: I didn’t tell you…even though I knew…

Sumire: About how…Pace

Sumire: Still doesn’t…have much time left…

Felicita: !!

Fukurota: Hoot…!

Felicita: Yeah, I heard. She said Pace still doesn’t have much time left…

Felicita: ! This is what Mama wanted to tell me…?

Felicita: But it can’t…!

Felicita: Ah, Papa…

Mondo: ! …It’s you?

Mondo: What’s wrong?

Felicita: I was worried about Mama…sorry for sneaking in here

Mondo: I see. …How is Sumire?

Mondo: She’s asleep again…

Felicita: Where did you go, Papa?

Mondo: Sumire wanted water so I went to get her some

Mondo: She seemed in pain, but her condition was stabilizing

Felicita: …That’s good…

Mondo: Listen, my daughter

Mondo: I understand that you’re worried since your mother was injured

Mondo: But Sumire is a strong woman. And I’m with her. So don’t worry and get some rest

Felicita: …Okay

~*Scene: Hallway*~

Pace: Well…this isn’t good

~*Scene: Alchemy Room*~

Pace: Huh…?

Jolly: I don’t believe there is any problem with your hearing

Pace: But…what do you mean my symptoms are worsening?

Pace: Didn’t you say the problems I had before are gone?

Jolly: Yes. Thanks to the powers of Ojou-sama’s “The Lovers”

Pace: Are you saying her powers are weakening?

Pace: That can’t be. We’re as lovey-dovey as ever

Jolly: I am not saying that is the problem

Jolly: “The Lovers” are unique. They will assist Ojou-sama as long as they receive love in return

Jolly: But, it remains unknown if their assistance is stronger than your compensation

Pace: …Does that mean mine is stronger then?

Jolly: Do you understand what it means for human greed to no longer be satisfied?

Jolly: A change of taste, for example…

Jolly: Or…a temporary sense of lethargy due to a loss of sensation

Pace: …

~*Flashback: Dining Room*~

Pace: But this lasagna is really…

Felicita: It’s good, right?

Pace: Huh? Really? Isn’t it kind of bland?

~*Flashback: Hill*~

Pace: It’s like I’m holding the star in my arms!

Felicita: Enough, put me down…

Felicita: Wah!!

Pace: Phew! That was close~

Pace: Sorry, I really didn’t mean to

Pace: I lost the strength in my arms for a second there

~*End Flashback*~

Pace: Ah…

Jolly: Only you can tell if I have guessed correctly

Pace: Can’t you do anything?

Jolly: No matter what I do, it will progress

Jolly: But I do not know how long before your time comes

Jolly: That is the conclusion my research has come to

Pace: …

Jolly: I thought I should tell you before you left for Nordia

Pace: …Alright. Thanks

Jolly: Hah…it feels strange to be thanked for giving bad news

~*Scene: Hallway*~

Pace: Only I can tell if he guessed correctly, huh…

Felicita: Could those both have been bad signs…?

Felicita: But I don’t want to worry Pace

Felicita: I should just act as usual

Felicita: Oh, isn’t that…

Felicita: Pace…

>I want to hear his voice right now

(+10 Amore)

>I’ll just watch over him

(No Amore)

Felicita: Maybe it’s just me worrying too much

Felicita: I’ll feel better if I hear his voice

Felicita: Pace!

Pace: Huh, Ojou? What are you doing at this hour?

Felicita: I should be asking you

Pace: I was feeling a little down, so I’m happy to see you

Felicita: Me too

Felicita: (What should I do, I didn’t expect to see him…)

Felicita: (And right after I told Pace we shouldn’t hide things from each other)

Felicita: (I don’t feel like I can keep my promise right now. It’s…frustrating)

Fukurota: Hoot…

Pace: Hm, did I hear Fukurota?

Pace: Ah, I knew it. Ojou and her little owl

Felicita: Um, were you going somewhere?

Pace: …What about you?

Felicita: It’s…a little odd

Pace: Not like us at all

Felicita: (…I really can’t hide anything from him when we’re face to face)

Pace: Hm. Should we take a walk?

~*Scene: Courtyard*~

Pace: Mama really said that…

Felicita: Well, she wasn’t conscious when she said it

Felicita: So I think it’s fine. It’s not definite

Pace: I hope that’s true

Felicita: You believe it, Pace…?

Pace: No. I was just told something similar

Felicita: Huh…?

Pace: By Jolly. It’s why I was feeling down

Pace: I’m not going to keel over right away, but he said there were bad signs

Felicita: What…!

Pace: But, I have a feeling

Pace: If our hearts grow stronger, we can overcome the Tarocco’s fate and the problem of my lifespan too

Pace: Whenever I was unwell before, I’d feel better just by thinking about how much I love you

Felicita: Really!?

Pace: …I think so…

Pace: Well, only the Tarocco knows what it wants

Felicita: I think there definitely must be a reason why Gli Amanti won’t tell me anything directly

Pace: Yeah. And it’s wrong for me to say we have to be in love or else “The Lovers” won’t work

Felicita: Yeah. I want to be with you regardless

Pace: Same here

Pace: We have to fall in love naturally to be together, after all

Felicita: Naturally…are you going to keep this a secret from everyone?

Pace: It’s not a secret. Both of us know

Felicita: That’s weird

Pace: It’s not weird. Secrets bring people closer together

Felicita: …That sounds like something Debito would say

Pace: You’re sharp. The one who taught us that trick was the governor of Nordia, Agata

Felicita: Nordia. That’s the place we’re going…I wonder what she’s like

Pace: Makes you excited for what’s coming, right?

Felicita: …Yeah. I feel a little less worried now

Pace: Just a little? Oh, then maybe a kiss will—

Felicita: ! *running*

Felicita: Buona Notte, Pace!

Pace: Ah, she ran away

~*End of Scene*~

(Continue to Common Route December 28)

(Back to Directory)

[clockworkspider]

January 20th, Penguin Sniper

“You should be more considerate of your friends’ feelings before inviting me to another one of your bonding activities.” Goro said, out of the earshot of the others. The rest of the Phantom Thieves were trickling out of Penguin Sniper.

Akira raised an eyebrow. “You are part of the team, Akechi. If anyone had an issue with your presence, they’d have let me know.”

“Do you really expect your friends to report to you if they take issue with frolicking with their parent’s killer? Or are you being deliberately daft?”

Was he? Perhaps he was. Akira would like to think he makes an effort to be considerate, but perhaps he was getting a bit too comfortable giving orders and having them followed without question. (From everyone except Akechi, apparently.)

“It’s a little demented, don’t you think?” Akechi asked.

“Demented is a very strong word,” Akira said. “Look, I’ve actually spoken to Haru and Futaba, they’re willing to accept you. I wouldn’t have forced this on them.

He paused for a moment, considered. “What about you? You came.”

“I have nothing better to do.”

Akira raised an eyebrow.

“—And I enjoy the company,” Akechi added, more softly. His voice was flat, which meant he probably wasn’t lying. These moments of honesty were… Well… It made Akira felt like spotting a treasure chest.

“I’m glad,” Akira couldn’t help but smile. He sighed with fond exasperation. “Listen, I’m not under the illusion that…” he scratched his head a bit harder, “that things can ever be okay between you and Haru. Or that all of us have to like each other. But Haru is… well, she’s an incredibly generous person. Anyway, common interest aside, you are part of the team, and they’re all curious about you. I’m sure you’ve noticed Ann and Sumire’s numerous efforts to include you."

“Takamaki pities me because she thinks I’m a victim,” Akechi snorted under his breath, “and Yoshizawa doesn’t know me for long enough to be wary.”

“Are you?” Akira asked, “A victim?”

Akechi stared back at him. “What do you want to hear?”

“I don’t know,” Akira scratched his head, “I’m just asking. It’s not a trick question.”

Akechi scowled. “Then I have no answer to give you.”

“Alright, then,” Akira said, neutrally.

“What about you, Leader?” Akechi asked. “Do you consider me a victim?”

“Well,” Akira scratched his neck, “it’s a matter of perspective, right? We can all be made into victims of our circumstances, but your choices have always been your own.”

Akechi stared at him flatly for a moment, and then said, “You’re right.”

“I find it admirable, in a way. Not saying that I can agree with all your choices, but the fact that you’ve made them at all. You didn’t just… let life take you.”

Akechi sneered. “Is that suppose to make me feel better?”

“It’s just an observation,” Akira said. He paused for a moment. “You know, if you weren’t there with me, I might have taken Maruki’s deal.”

Akechi’s eyes narrowed. “If you’re tempted to change your mind, do not keep it from me.”

“I’m not.” Akira lifted his palms reassuringly. “I don’t think it would be right to rob people of their choices, even if it would bring them pain. But that’s all ideological, right? Realistically, I just want my efforts to be rewarded. I don’t want…” He sighed. “At times, I feel like I’m always fighting a losing battle. It can be a bit exhausting.”

“If you dare turn tail and run, then you’re not the person I thought you were,” Akechi said, warningly.

“Then, as your rival, I can’t disappoint,” Akira said with a wink. “See, this here. This is why I need you, why we need you. You’re fundamentally incompatible with this world. You’re so…” He couldn’t help but let out a laugh, light and untethered, “You’re so you.”

By this point, Akechi’s eyes have already narrowed into two slits. “If I want to get psychoanalyzed, then I’d have gone to Maruki.”

Well, there was probably a reason Akira enjoyed his conversations with Maruki so much.

“I’m not psychoanalyzing you,” Akira chuckled under his breath, “I’m just… I’m just happy you’re here.”

Akechi’s glare not so much softened as it faded. He closed his eyes and didn’t respond.

“Hey Akechi,” Akira said. From this distance, he was close enough to count Akechi’s eyelashes, close enough to reach out. “When all this is over—”

“It’s late,” Akechi’s eyes opened. The spell was broken. “We should go. Call me when you plan to head to the Metaverse.”

“I will.” He backed off as they headed towards the exit. “You should spend some more time with the others. Isn’t it nice, having friends?”

Akechi paused in his steps.

He didn’t answer.

[amenomiko]

Yeah I don't do SLBP fictions but I'm just curious. What if SLBP characters meet with IkeSen Characters?

Nobunaga

IkeSen Nobu: .....

SLBP Nobu: .....

IkeSen Nobu: Well? Does your MC allows you to drink sake from her lips?

SLBP Nobu: What-

IkeSen Nobu: Hm. I see that your MC is not bold as mine, then.

SLBP Nobu: Hooh? Does your MC do it for you?

IkeSen Nobu: *Grins* Always.

MC: Say it again or you will see darkness once I touch your bloody neck Nobunaga (✿❛◡❛).

-----

Hideyoshi

IkeSen Hide: ☺ Nice to meet you.

SLBP Hide: Hehehe same here ᕕ( ՞ ᗜ ՞ )ᕗ!

IkeSen Hide: You are very young aren't you?

SLBP Hide: You can say that ☺. But I admire you so much! You have lots of fan girls 😲✨

IkeSen Hide: They are just a bunch of lovely ladies. I am not that popular ☺

SLBP Hide: ...Senpai 😳✨✨✨

IkeSen Hide: What- who taught you that--

-----

Masamune

IkeSen Masa: HAH! What's life if you don't ride your horse like this ٩( ᐛ )و! *Ride his horse by STANDING on it*

SLBP Masa: *Went pale* Uhh..

IkeSen Masa: Come on, lad! You only live once (˵ ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°˵)✨✨✨✨

SLBP Masa: But I don't think that is safe..

SLBP Kojuro: Exactly. What in the world.. Hey, you just let your master do those dangerous act?

IkeSen Kojuro: This is not a first time. Besides, I'm happy as long as he is happy uwu✨✨✨

-----

Mitsuhide

IkeSen Mitsu: *Grins*

SLBP Mitsu: (´・ｪ・｀)...?

IkeSen Mitsu: Ah, pardon me. I'm just thinking on how lucky you are, living in a castle without having a mother hen in it ( ͡^ ͜ʖ ͡^).

SLBP Mitsu: Mother hen? Well yes, since our food supplies like chicken is placed separately away from the castle.

IkeSen Mitsu: And it is to my knowledge that your MC is very pure?

SLBP Mitsu: *Smiles* Yes, she is. She is very kind too. How about your MC? I heard that she is a strong lady.

IkeSen Mitsu: Yes. She is over there (˵ ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°˵).

MC: *Takes Mitsuhide's gun and pointed it to a cockroach* PEW PEW MADAFAKA OAO

SLBP MC: *Already fainted from so called cockroach +A+*

SLBP Mitsu: (　☉д⊙)....

-----

Mitsunari

IkeSen Nari: (ㆁᴗㆁ✿)🌸🌸🌸🌸

SLBP Nari: (눈‸눈)....

SLBP Nari: You are a tactician you say? Sorry not sorry to say this but you don't look like it.

IkeSen Nari: Am I? Oh.. You don't have to be sorry. Being honest already explains that you are a kind person (❁´◡`❁).

SLBP Nari: No. I'm clearly mocking you here.

IkeSen Nari: Eh? But you don't look like it. Because you are like Ieyasu-sama. He may look strict and firm, but he is very kind (*´ω`*)

SPBP Nari: You are beyond help are you?

IkeSen Nari: See? You even want to help me! I'm honored ((o(*>ω<*)o))!

SLBP Nari: .....*groans*

IkeSen Ieyasu: *Appears beside him* Welcome to the club.

-----

Ieyasu

IkeSen Yasu: 😒😒😒😒

SLBP Yasu: 😒😒😒😒

IkeSen Yasu: What's with that clothes for war? Your helmet is weird.

SPBP Yasu: Heh. Unlike you, you don't wear anything on your head. Don't blame me if an arrow stab across that messy hair of yours.

IkeSen Yasu: Your skills doesn't need to be used on battlefield at all, as your bright yellow armor hurts people's eyes.

SLBP Yasu: And your clothes still have those puffy ball scarf, that's not an armor, that's a winter clothes.

Both: *HISSES* OAO

Sasuke: IkeSen Yasu and SLBP Yasu, my dream came true (´；A ；`)❤❤❤❤❤

-----

Kenshin

IkeSen Kenshin: (눈‸눈)...

SLBP Kenshin: (*´ω`*)🌸🌸🌸🌸

IkeSen Kenshin: Your room.. Is this even a room? What's with this small rocks with weird shape, and those dry flowers, and those mushrooms? Is this a storage room given to you as your chamber?

SPBP Kenshin: *Gasp* QAQ don't call my beloved baby rocks that way! They have a name! You see, this one is Hana, Sumire and Kanae, and..

SLBP Kanetsugu: He gave it a name. Great. Just great (-"-;)

IkeSen Kanetsugu: (눈‸눈)....

IkeSen Kenshin: Be quiet. You are disturbing my peace in drinking this sake.

SLBP Kenshin: Ooooh OAO✨✨✨ you drink sake with plum??

IkeSen Kenshin: Yes. It's the best pleasure ever. Hm.

SLBP Kenshin: *Gasp and take one of the plums in his hand* Can I have this? This plum is so beautiful 😳😳😳✨✨✨ I've fallen in love ❤❤❤❤

IkeSen Kenshin: ...What. *spills his sake onto the floor instantly*

SLBP Kenshin: Yaaay! New friend ((o(*>ω<*)o))!

SLBP Kanetsugu: GAHHH LET GO OF ME! SOMEONE HAS TO SMACK HIM OUT OF HIS SENSES \(OAO)/

IkeSen Kanetsugu: *Holds SLBP Kanetsugu casually* (눈‸눈)...

-----

Shingen

IkeSen Shingen: (˵ ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°˵)✨✨✨

SLBP Shingen: ( ͡^ ͜ʖ ͡^)✨✨✨

IkeSen Shingen: (˵ ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°˵) Dango?

SLBP Shingen: ☺☺☺ Sure.

IkeSen Shingen: Your hair really represents Takeda as a whole, eh. I like that.

SPBP Shingen: 😏😏😏 Heh. It's also like a charming point, as it captured both men and women's heart.

IkeSen Shingen: So.... You even do men like the rumors said?

SLBP Shingen: *Grins* Well, up to you to believe it 😏

IkeSen Shingen: Oh.. *Turns away and eat his sweets with a straight face*

IkeSen MC: You are lucky that your place has some BL 😒

SLBP MC: Pardon? What is a BL O.O?

-----

Yukimura

IkeSen Yuki: ಠ_ಠ...

SPBP Yuki: (´。＿。｀)...

IkeSen Yuki: You eyes are so blue. Are you a barbarian's child? Wait- Even your lord has red eyes. Uh.. Okay.

SLBP Yuki: Well it is created that way. My brother has blue eyes too.

IkeSen Yuki: So.. Your MC. *looks left to right before turning to SLBP Yuki* Does she run like a wild boar?

SLBP Yuki: Huh?? What- (　☉д⊙)??

IkeSen Yuki: Our first encounter was bad. Not only she run and bump onto me roughly, she even make us nearly fell off the cliff.

SLBP Yuki: W-wow. People from the future sure have lots of energy (°д°).

*Suddenly, a R18 book landed in the middle of the place they were sitting* PAP!! Σ📚

Both: *JUMPS*EEEEEKKKK \(O//////A///////O)/

Sasuke: *Takes note* I see, I see, no matter which game he's in, his mind is still a pure virgin (´・ｪ・｀).

-----

Sasuke

IkeSen Sasuke: (´・ｪ・｀)....

SPBP Sasuke: (˵ ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°˵)✨✨✨

IkeSen Sasuke: *Looks from his chest to SLBP Sasuke's toned and bulky chest and back to him* I see. So this is the feeling like those anime characters with flat chest compared to those who has plump chest. *sigh* (´・ｪ・｀)

SLBP Sasuke: Don't let it get to you! I trained for years to get this too!

IkeSen Sasuke: It's alright. I don't think my MC has interest in Jojo-Like Humans as we are all created with a normal toned body.

SLBP Sasuke: Jojo who 🙃?

IkeSen Sasuke: Do you say ORA ORA ORA ORA when you attack your enemy?

SLBP Sasuke: ...No ʕʘ̅͜ʘ̅ʔ.

-----

MC

IkeSen MC: (✿❛◡❛)

SLBP MC: (ㆁᴗㆁ✿)

IkeSen MC: So you can cook?

SLBP MC: Hehehe yes. My family runs a restaurant. And you can sew, right?

IkeSen MC: Yes, I'm a seamstress in the castle (*´ω`*).

SLBP MC: Woww..! That's nice 🌸🌸🌸 I heard that you are brave too..! Unlike me.. My hair were cut into half and.. I was punched and.. *sighs* (´；ω；`)

IkeSen MC: *Sweats* Uh... *Gulps*

IkeSen MC: I'm glad I'm so sassy and just got locked up and the men swoon to my smile. Heh. Heheh. Phew. ʕʘ̅͜ʘ̅ʔ

[otenamihurricane]

takt op. character introductions!

i've seen a lot of hype around the anime trailer but barely anything about the game, so i thought i might as well put the intros up for anyone interested ^^

post below the cut!

Destiny

"You are the fate I have chosen."

Full name: Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67 Designation: Musicart 01 CV: Kaede Hondo

A graceful lady. She does not often raise her voice, and always conducts herself in a polite manner. However, she follows a very strong set of values, and absolutely refuses to bend on her ideals. She is known to act very spontaneously from time to time, and may end up saying the wrong thing.

Jupiter

"Leave it to me! I'll knock down everything in our way!"

Full name: The Planets, Op. 32-4 - Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity Designation: Musicart 02 CV: Natsu Yorita

A girl who wears her energetic personality on her sleeve. She is quick to laugh and quick to anger. She is very sociable, and is very easy to foster a feeling of closeness with. Her mannerisms and way of speech can be rather rough; but she treats everyone with the same behaviour no matter the situation, so try not to take it personally.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star "Alright! Star-chan's gonna show you all her special talents!"

Full name: "Ah vous dirai-je, Maman", K.265 (300e) - 12 Variations in C Major for Piano Designation: Musicart 03 CV: Maria Sashide

Her appearance and personality are very naïve and childish, perhaps due to her popularity as a nursery rhyme. She can often act rather spoiled and is quite the attention-seeker, but the other Musicarts are willing to let her rely on them for support. She's quite clumsy, but makes up for it by always being able to make those around her smile.

Die Walküre "I fight to protect those I must."

Designation: Musicart 04 CV: Sumire Uesaka

The winged goddess of battle, known as the flower who blooms upon the battlefield. Her deep solemnity is only matched by her deep stubbornness. She is a very prudent individual, and always treats her duty as her highest priority. Due to this, she often finds herself at heads with the impulsive Jupiter.

Carmen "Come, let's dance, until we burn up and disappear."

Designation: Musicart 05 CV: Yumiri Hanamori

This dancer has a deep sense of self-confidence, which can be seen in her appearance and mannerisms. She shows no hesitation in using her own beauty as a weapon against others. Whether on purpose or just incidentally, she is known to charm all she interacts with, and is known to use her skill at beguiling others to her advantage.

The Nutcracker "The weather in Symphonica is lovely today!"

Designation: Musicart 06 CV: Aya Suzaki

This girl has a warrior's spirit and won't give up under any circumstances until the battle is won. No matter how tough the conditions get, she aims to keep on smiling though it all. Her hobby is gardening, and enjoys watching the growth of the crops she puts so much time and effort into raising.

Boléro "The only thing that we should be thinking about is our strategy for victory. Everything else is trivial."

Designation: Musicart 07 CV: Yuu Serizawa

A girl who may be mistaken for a boy at first glance. She greatly dislikes letting herself be controlled by her emotions. She does things her own way, and pays little attention to others. Her concentration is second to none, and once she's set her mind on something nothing can snap her out of it until her task is complete, becoming deaf to the voices of those around her.

Die Fledermaus "Hehehehe... She who controls information controls the battle."

Designation: Musicart 08 CV: Ayaka Asai

An optimistic troublemaker. She loves nothing more than hearing and spreading gossip. She's known for her impertinence, and enjoys teasing others just to get a reaction out of them. Her hobby is tinkering with machines, and will often spend an entire day engrossed in a particular contraption.

Moonlight "There is much you can learn drifting upon the lake."

Full name: Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 27-2 Designation: Musicart 09 CV: Tomoyo Kurosawa

This Musicart carries an air of maturity, level-headedness, and intellectuality. However, her true personality is much more detached - she is prone to absent-mindedness, and in conversation her responses have an airy, almost dreamlike quality. Nobody, not even herself, can tell whether she's perpetually deep in thought or has nothing going on in her head at all.

Takt Asahina (no character quote)

Designation: Conductor CV: Kouki Uchiyama

A conductor who has laid dormant deep within the Berlin Symphonica for many years. He has the ability to command the Musicarts, and lead them to victory.

[stellacolletore]

08.21.2020

though i would hide it, in my face it still appears (it is true i love) anime: chihayafuru characters: oe kanade, mashima taichi/ayase chihaya summary: with a love like theirs, Kanade’s sure Taichi and Chihaya will be alright. note: covers the events from season 1 (had to rewatch a looot, taichi/kana brotp still the best), seasons 2&3, and my post-queen’s match headcanon (see 7 wonders of mizusawa for details)

i.

President Mashima swipes block over the stalker’s number, and suddenly, Kanade feels things fall into place.

He’s in love with Chihaya-chan.

There isn’t enough room for celebrating her newfound discovery as she laments over the fact that she’s the only one around with eyes that see this. Ergo, she’s the only one who would be knowingly standing along the sidelines, watching wherever the depths of love would take two of her dearest friends. Surely, there’s nothing more frustrating for a lovestruck girl than that.

Chihaya-chan gapes at her phone, totally lost on the purpose behind Prez’s gesture. Kanade sighs.

This love will really take its sweet time, won’t it? 

ii.

He’s just won his most important match to date and still, they find him only thinking of her.

“Chihaya, get up. Let’s go,” Prez is tugging Chihaya-chan’s limp arm, voice tinged with unusual urgency. Dazed at the turn of events, Kanade’s mind is unable to make sense of what’s happening in front of her. The match had gone most unexpectedlyーopening with Prez effectively losing the unnerving level of concentration that has kept him unbeatable throughout four straight games, continuing with the tension (and fault)-filled Class B finals that kept her, Chihaya-chan, and Hanano-san on edge until the last card, and ending with him donning a worried expression in place of a happy one after reaching the long-elusive Class A title.

Her inner voice spells the situation out for her. 

He’s taking her to Wataya-san. Prez thinks Chihaya-chan’s been watching the wrong match, the wrong boy, all along.

That certainly explains the oddly messy game he played with Yamamoto-san. 

But that’s not right.

Kanade’s about to shake him out of his self-sacrificing behavior when Chihaya-chan beats her to it.

“Omedetou, Taichi. Y-You’re Class A now. Congratulations.”

Like mirror, President Mashima’s eyes reflect Chihaya-chan’s glassy ones. Euphoria washes over him as he finally acknowledges his achievement. Kanade wishes she could capture the moment like a photograph, could mark it in long-lasting verses of poetry.

See, Prez? She cares for you just as much. It’s Wataya-san’s big match, too, but she’s only thought of you.

iii.

Prez is playing the game with his heart on the line, and finally, she’s looking at him.

Hanano-san sees this, too. Beside her, Kanade once again admires her kouhai’s pure love, steadfast in the face of heartbreak. It bears the same signature as the President’s, and a twinge of bittersweet feeling swirls in Kanade’s heart. She prays for Hanano-san’s own happiness before bringing back her attention towards the final and most personal match of the Yoshino tournament, sincerely hoping.

Please keep looking, Chihaya-chan. He’s there because of you. President Mashima’s made it there because he loves you.

iv. 

When President Mashima leaves the club, he takes a part of Chihaya-chan with him.

Kanade’s well-aware of what it is, and so she picks up the fallen microphone on the ground, abandoned in the wake of Chihaya-chan rushing out after him. Even though she’s equally left in the dark about Prez’s decision, she understands. That is why, with tears brimming in her eyes, Kanade holds the microphone to her lips, wills her voice not to waver.

You can leave this to us, she thinks, it’ll be alright. 

Needless to say, things are the opposite of alright after that, and soon enough, Chihaya-chan parted ways with the club as well.

Doubt, fear, and helplessness cloud over the remaining members of the Mizusawa Karuta Club now that their sun and moon are missing. Still, Kanade learns to find comfort in the fact that the string of fate tied between President Mashima and Chihaya-chan won’t easily give way. 

A wave of loneliness sweeps her with the chilly night air on the road home. Kanade draws warmth from a poem that sympathizes with her deepest hope of the moment:

Swift waters Parted by jagged rocks Are joined By the river’s end.

v.

Chihaya-chan is a formidable force, poise unbent and passion blazing just as strongly, even in the middle of unmet promises and a missing loved one. 

She pulls them in the classic team huddle. And talks about the fear and the hope she’s been avoiding since he walked out on the club and out of her life. 

“Mashima Taichi, a person who made the karuta club with me, quit the team, but… I believe he will be back someday, maybe years later, or tens of years later. In the meantime, I will become the queen. And...while I wait for him, I will make Mizusawa into a karuta powerhouse like Hokuo Academy…”

The karuta she plays against Wataya-san is one they’ve never seen before, but feels inexplicably familiar. 

It takes Kanade a remainder of the match to realize why. 

Poem 16. 

vi.

President Mashima comes back to fight for the place closest to Chihaya-chan.

In the end, the match went in Wataya-san's favor; leaving everybody in tears at President Mashima’s defeat and Wataya-san’s sincere display of gratitude at the Prez’s valiant effort in playing karuta. 

Kanade just dried her own tears off when she turned towards Chihaya-chan. “P-President Mashima gave it his all, did he not, Chihaya-ch…”

At the sight of the girl before her weeping with strong, bitter tears, Kanade’s thoughts come to a halting stop, untilー

If her tears are indeed for President Mashima,

Then he may just have reached the place closest to Chihaya-chan after all.

vii.

Nobody could believe it.

Chihaya-chan is going for the win, as if she hadn’t been on the brink of losing two matches ago. Taking Wataya-san’s advice of entering her own “arena”, Chihaya-chan played the third and fourth games as Mizusawa’s Ace, pushing the limits of her hard-earned skills and natural talents to get cards for her team. Kanade feels honored to be a part of Chihaya-chan’s strength.

Chihaya-chan swipes the last card at Wakamiya-san’s formation, and just like that, they’re down on the luck of the draw.

Kanade checks the two remaining cards on Chihaya-chan’s side. 

No way. 

There are a hundred cards in karuta, a hundred poems in Hyakunin Isshu, and yet those two cards remained. If this isn’t fate, Kanade doesn’t know what it is.

Kanade looks over at Wataya-san, watching Chihaya-chan’s match after claiming the Meijin title a game ago, and her suspicion is confirmed. The se card belongs to Wataya-san. 

And, of course, the tachi card is Mashima-kun’s.

This is more than sending a card, Kanade realizes. 

Fate is asking Chihaya-chan to choose.

She remembers a strategy Chihaya-chan has always followed as Harada-sensei’s star pupil. 

“Since I’m an offensive karuta player, I would send my special cards to my opponent, and it’s because I want to get some things badly that I would part with them. And I would go into the fight with the resolve to get them no matter what.” 

Chihaya-chan moves to pick up a card.

“Challenger Ayase-san sends ‘tachi wakare’...”

viii. 

“‘Let’s play karuta forever, Taichi’ーSince when?! Ayase-senpai, since when did you like Mashima-senpai? What do you just mean by ‘play’? Is it play, play or play as in let’s date and get married and live happily everーhmhm, mph!” Kanade cuts off Hanano-san’s tirade, noting Chihaya-chan’s rapidly reddening cheeks and startled eyes. “Hanano-san, shouldn’t you congratulate your senpai before anything else?” 

Hanano-san recovers quickly enough, her own cheeks flushed in embarrassment, and says, “Omedetou, Ayase-senpai. You’re incredible.” 

Chihaya-chan merely blinks at them in reply, and Kanade’s instantly worried that her brain has gone haywire after being cornered with Hanano-san’s frank questions. She lays a comforting hand on Chihaya-chan’s arm, thinking about what to say to divert her attention. “Chihaya-chan, Harada-san’s waiting at the break room for you. Shiranami Society’s already throwing a party there, why don’t we goー”

“I just don’t want him to disappear again.” Chihaya-chan’s looking straight at Hanano-san, a mixture of desperation and determination swirling in her eyes. “Apart from chiha, the card that I won’t absolutely let go of is tachi. I want to show him how much I want to get to him by sending and getting the card butー” her eyes start to glisten, her voice shaky, “ーbut he didn’t see me, didn’t he? He’s not here, he’sー”

“Chihaya-chan,” Kanade tries to conjure a warm, reassuring tone. “Don’t worry. If he hadn’t seen youーwhich I highly doubtーthen you’ve just got to show him again, right? You’re an offensive player, Chihaya-chan, I’m sure you won’t give up without a fight.”

Thankfully, those words are enough to quell Chihaya-chan’s despair. She fixes her posture, her resolve following suit, and her eyes twinkle with a newfound passion. She smiles, “Thank you, Kana-chan, Sumire-chan.” 

Kanade beams. President Mashima might have been MIA as of the moment, and Wataya-san is fast approaching with a look that tells he’s about to have a long, overdue talk with Chihaya-chan, but it’s all right. 

With a love like theirs, Kanade’s sure Taichi and Chihaya will be alright.

[akechicrimes]

ok alright there’s been some talk about sumi’s outfit being modeled after joker and how this is disappointing, so today i’m getting on my soapbox and we’re talking about:

sumi and akechi are foils of each other through foiling joker.

this breaks down really easily. it’s literally like math.

sumi wants a happy ending so badly that she’s willing to sacrifice her entire identity, sense of self, even the physical manifestation of her soul, to become like kasumi and model herself after joker. she is heavily invested in the damsel-in-distress narrative, and models herself after it. she’s so heavily invested in it that she conscripts joker into performing it with her (take a look at her showtime and how she grabs his hand to make him dip her). and ultimately, as we already know, this means that she literally is destroying her sense of identity as “sumire” in order to become literally someone else (kasumi and also joker).

akechi is... the opposite. of literally all of this. not only is he not into happy fairy tales, he actively embraces villain aesthetics. especially in royal, he has a strong sense of self and sticks to it, even when it pisses off other phantom thieves members, even going so far as to antagonize them with it. he spends less time cooperating with joker as he does asserting his independence and arguing against joker. on the note of akechi arguing against joker, akechi actively advocates against a “fairy-tale” ending, 

in sum: akechi is joker’s opposite--his antithesis, if you will. sumi is joker’s replicate--his identical. 

so of course sumi’s outfit is identical to joker’s.

sumi, i think, is a really interesting observation that in some way, sumi’s erasure of herself is exactly what joker does throughout the game: he erases his self, hides who he really is, all for the sake of pleasing other people’s social links and narrative arcs. in the same way that sumi is trying to fulfill kasumi’s narrative arc post-death, joker can model his answers to whatever will help the other person’s personal story, and the game actively rewards you for modeling joker’s personality after s links according to the person. dating sumi, especially in the valentine’s day scene, feels like fulfilling all her princess-in-a-castle dreams, and joker successfully models himself after the same fairytale narrative that sumi’s modeled herself. 

akechi, by contrast, asks the exact opposite: he wants to see akira’s true self, wants to see what akira’s really made of, wants akira to choose reality and truth over a manufactured happiness. (i don’t think it’s a mistake that akira as a character with a personality is far more prevalent in akechi’s storyline than sumi’s.)

(again, not to make it LGBT, but i think it’s worth noting that the fairytale aesthetic is one of the most insidious forms of heterosexual scripts, employing men as the masculine savior and women as delicate and in need of saving. as lesbianakechi mentioned, sumi’s adherence to fairytale heterosexual scripts feels a lot like comp het that she’s conscripted joker into. by contrast, akechi, the coded queer love interest, gives less than a negative fuck about heterosexual scripts, and instead pushes an alternative romance script in which both partners are religiously equal to each other in power and agency, respect each others’ decisions as individuals, and are unafraid to disagree with each other while still remaining dedicated to each other.)

if we’re taking it as a fact that both sumi and akechi are more or less presented as opposite love interest options for joker, what ends up happening is that they become paired up as two completely opposite ways of going about a relationship with someone. and in pairing the two of them up, royal is able to demonstrate the pros and cons of both situations. the comparison means that royal walks away with pretty consistent and strong message about what a good romance should be--hell, what a good relationship in general should be. 

royal says that it’s actively harmful to erase oneself so be in a relationship with someone else. royal actively pushes against sumi’s erasure of her own identity and asks her to be--well, sumi. royal’s bad ending is akechi’s free will and his identity being erased. royal’s good ending has them all returning to reality, in which the phantom thieves go on to pursue their individual interests and don’t have their selves erased to fit into some perfect ending, and this reality includes the fact that akechi picked being true to himself and his ideals over being alive (insofar as he was aware), and also this reality includes sumi having to do the terrible, horrible work of actually being herself at the risk of being hated for being imperfect.

basically, insofar as i can see, sumi’s not just there to distract from the amazing amounts of shuake in royal. sumi is struggling with the core problem of royal’s storyline all by herself, which is the need to sacrifice oneself and one’s free will and one’s truth for a mandatory perfect, happy ending. takuto struggles with the same issue from the other end, in that he’s sacrificing other people’s free will and truths for a mandatory perfect, happy ending. akechi and joker are obviously struggling with the same issue, but for each other (”if only akechi were just NOT an asshole to all the thieves, people could be friends... if only akechi WEREN’T dead, we could have a fairytale ending...”)

ironically, what sumi does seem to be there for is to illustrate the ways that shuake, for all its arguing and fighting and the fact that both parties have attempted to kill each other, is a relationship that’s founded on respect for each other’s autonomy and individuality. their rivalry has an appreciation for the ways they’re different, rather than merely tolerating the differences or working around them. akechi disagrees all the goddamn time with the phantom thieves, from the minute he shows up in the interview newsroom at rank 1 all the way to the moment he tells joker to return to reality even if it means akechi will die. and this is shown as a good thing, and this is especially obvious because sumi is there to demonstrate the opposite situation in which nobody argues and nobody is honest and we achieve happy perfect endings at the cost of everything else.

according to royal, a romance in which someone erases their selfhood to fit a (heterosexual) fairy-tale script is a deeply fucked up thing, and we should not do that. royal says that sumi is making a mistake in trying to be kasumi and trying to be a perfect damsel--or should i say, perfect waifu.

the irony about sumi is that in this light, her storyline is really a self-inflicted crime. she’s hurting herself at its core. it has nothing to do with romance or joker or being a cute waifu. her adherence to fairytale scripts is a means of self-destruction. which, in my opinion, is a pretty bold fucking plotline to pitch for a female character: that her adherence to feminine-coded roles and heterosexual interactions are actively destroying her as a person.

[cognitivefunk]

La Papessa and La Morte: A Courtship

@amagicalduckling​ So I hope this is alright! It’s Nova x Reader (from 2nd person POV) with Nova flip flopping dominance, with an isekai reader insert hahaha. 

Fandom:  La storia della Arcana Famiglia (otome) Pairing: Nova x Reader  Rating: E - Explicit (smut, porn with somewhat of a plot) Warnings: Blood (Vampire AU), biting, oral, secondhand embarrassment Word Count: 5,559

*Disclaimer all characters depicted in this work of fiction are 18+ images below are from the official artwork from the game (Sarachi Yomi - HuneX)

The air was warm against your skin as you walked the street at night. The soft sound of crickets and the occasional rustling of leaves from the warm summer breeze that kissed your skin were the only other sounds apart from your own footsteps on the paved flagstone ground beneath you. It was a familiar path in Regalo, one that you took almost every night on your way back home since your arrival. The days seemed to bleed together, and it was difficult to think of a time when you weren’t a part of this humble island. You weren’t from this region originally. In fact you weren’t even from this reality, having lived a perfectly normal life in modern day society before waking up in this place. Your memories were largely fragmented, and you found it easier to not dwell on the things you were unable to remember, instead focusing on your survival here.

So far, you had flown largely under the radar after the Tarocco had chosen you to host La Papessa: The High Priestess but you knew that soon you would likely be integrated into the famiglia as a member of the major arcana. You had always had a strong sense of intuition, and perhaps that’s why La Papessa had chosen you to wield the power of precognition. If only it had been a stable power. Alas, your current ability was far from perfect, and you would receive fragmented visions of what was to be. Visions that may or may not come true based on the free will of others, or outside intervention to alter the course of future. Perhaps if you trained your power you could improve the accuracy of the visions that plagued you, but it would likely prove to be a long journey ahead.

You kicked a pebble, watching it skip and dance along the path before you as you became lost in thought. Your eye caught sight of a dark alleyway, causing your body to freeze; the mark of the Tarocco tingled on your forehead, hidden beneath your bangs, and began to emit a hazy lavender and cerulean mist around you. Your bangs lifted as the power danced to life, your eyes misting over, the present melting and fading into a prospective future. You saw a young man with dark black hair which reflected blue highlights, but his eyes were a vortex of cobalt and crimson which seemed to bleed into his sharp gaze like blood on water. Usually you would see these visions as a sort of spectator, but you couldn’t help but think that his gaze was locked onto yours.

His fingers twitched at the hilt of his sword which hung from his hip, nestled against his black uniform, the crest on his collar signifying he was a member of the famiglia. The crimson continued to bleed across his vision until not a speck of blue remained, a dark shadow casting over his features as he lunged forward. You let out a silent scream and turned to run, stumbling over a curb in the road as the vision melted away, leading you back to reality where you were sprawled out on the ground after tripping over the dip from where the stone ended and faded to grass. Thankfully, you had landed on the softer of the two surfaces, but your tights had been scratched on the way down and you let out a groan of frustration knowing you would need to buy a new pair. You decided it would be best to not dilly dally around and picked up your pace on the way back home for the night.

--

Morning rays peeked through the curtains in your modest bedroom, filtering light through the room to wake you. You blinked your eyes blearily, wondering what time it was for the sun to already be peering through your room. “That vision must have really taken a lot out of me,” you mused to yourself, pushing the blankets off of you when you heard a knock at the door. It sent a small wave of panic through you since you were still in your nightgown and you hadn’t been anticipating company today. “Just a minute!” you called to the stranger outside, scrambling around your room to get dressed and make yourself decent. You multitasked by brushing your hair with one hand while digging through your dresser with the other. You decided that time was of the essence and darted to the closet to tug a dress over your head after changing into clean undergarments. You smoothed your clothes out and answered the door, a cheery smile trying to mask the embarrassment you felt from being caught sleeping in.

Your eyes trailed up to a large man with no hair and a bold mark of the arcana on his right temple and wrapped around to the back of his head. What was probably most striking was his lack of eyebrows, yet there was a tuft of hair that sat neatly on his chin. A cigar hung from his lips, and it appears he had begun smoking while waiting on you to get dressed. You had heard of a man fitting such a description and realized he must have been Dante, an esteemed member of the family who generally patrolled the seacoast. “To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?” you asked, doing your best to use formal language, a reflex to identifying his status.

He waved a hand in a casual manner, in an attempt to lighten the atmosphere and grinned widely, his broad features softening at the simple gesture. “Good afternoon,” he placed his hand out to shake yours, and you grabbed it in what you hoped was a firm and professional handshake. It was almost comical how small your hand looked in his grasp and he let go quickly as not to prolong contact. “My name is Dante, and I am the Executive Chief of the Arcana Famiglia. Can I borrow a moment of your time?” You stood to the side, opening the door wider and waving your arm in gesture for the man to come inside. “Please have a seat; I’ll make us a cup of tea!”

As Dante sat at your small, rounded kitchen table, you turned the handle on one of the gas burners to light a fire, the clicking noise filling the silence of the room, and the fire offered a comfortable background noise. As you pulled two cups from the cupboard and sifted through your tea collection to divvy up among the cups Dante cleared his voice and began to speak once again, “I’m sorry for showing up unannounced like this, but there is something important I must discuss with you.” The kettle whistled, and you poured the hot water into the cups, allowing the tea to soak in each cup, providing a small bin to toss the tea bags away once it came to the right flavor content.

You placed sugar and a dainty teaspoon out on the table before offering Dante a cup of tea before grabbing your own and taking a seat across from him. You had known this day would come, you just weren’t sure when. Weeks ago, you had a fragmented vision of someone from the family visiting, but you weren’t able to see a face to the stranger until now. “Is it about the Tarocco?” you asked, preferring not to beat around the bush in this situation. You lifted your bangs, showing the mark that was etched into your skin, standing out starkly on your forehead, before letting your bangs cover the stigmata once more and moving to blow on your hot tea instead.

Dante made a gruff noise of agreement, nodding once and stirring his drink idly. “Indeed it is. I’ve been instructed by Papa to inform you that you are to report to the headquarters and accept your assigned role as a member of the famiglia. We will offer training on how to wield your arcana, as I’m sure you may have realized can have rather dangerous side effects if left unchecked.” His eyes were sharp, but there was warmth to them that allowed you to relax, given the situation. It was framed like a choice, but you knew better. “Will I be able to keep my house here or will I be required to move?”

You had hoped to keep your privacy and be able to commute, but this too, you assumed was not a choice. Dante looked at you sympathetically and shook his head, “I’m afraid not, especially for a new recruit, for security reasons it’s best that you pack your things and come with me. If you like, I can wait outside while you get your things,” he began to offer, not wanting to intrude too much considering he was the one in charge of uprooting you from your current way of life, but you shook your head and offered a smile. “No, it’s alright. Enjoy your tea, I don’t have many items anyway so it won’t take me long to pack my things.”

Dante smiled, sipping from the cup offered to him. “You’ll have another chance to come back and get anything you aren’t able to bring today. Normally we would give you a larger notice, but given your ability, time is of the essence.” He fidgeted slightly, and you wondered what he of all people would be nervous about. But that nagging voice in the back of your head told you it had to do with last night’s vision. The one that had been stronger than the others, and left you feeling on edge.

--

The mansion and housing quarters were expansive and your jaw dropped in awe when you were shown around your new living accommodations. It was fancier than your tiny home from before, but knowing that it didn’t truly belong to you made your heart pang for some reason. The maids were gracious and helped you put your things away while you were swept away to a large room to discuss your new job. The meeting was swift, but Mondo, Dante, and Jolly filled you in on most of the details you would need to know to get started. Sumire was also present during the meeting, primarily offering moral support, but also as a source of wisdom and comfort, having worked as a fortune teller for many years.

You learned that you were to work alongside the Cups division, but with special supervision from the intelligence division, or in other terms, Dante. You were nervous meeting so many people in one day, and it almost felt like a dream with how surreal and quickly things were moving. One minute you were sleeping in on your day off, the next you were a member of the local government and receiving duties to protect the people of Regalo. You silently cursed the arcana, which was becoming more of a plague with each passing moment than you first realized.

You came across a room that appeared to be an office of some sort with a notepad in hand to make sure you had gotten the right place. You knocked tentatively only to receive a “You’re late,” in response from the other side of the door. You turned the handle and stepped in, nearly jumping out of your skin when the owner of the voice turned around. Dark hair, which reflected blue light and reminded you of the night sky neatly framed the man’s boyish features. His sapphire eyes narrowed in annoyance at your hesitation and you stepped inside, gulping quietly and offering a handshake to cover up your nervousness.

He glanced at your hand for a moment before taking it briefly in by far the quickest handshake you have ever experienced before he let out a small sigh. “My name is Nova, and I am the head of our security division, leader of the cups. Dante has already filled me in about you, La Papessa,” his words were curt but there was  no real hostility held within them. It was like night and day when you thought of the way he had looked right through you in that disturbing vision. You looked closer, and couldn’t see any of the red in his eyes either.

The intensity of your stare caused him to furrow his brow and fidget slightly, clearly uncomfortable. “Is there something I can help you with?” his words broke your concentration and you blushed, suddenly feeling awkward. “Oh, uh, sorry for staring. You looked familiar, that’s all,” you offered a half-truth as explanation, hoping it would ease the tension. He frowned and shrugged his shoulders, “Well probably, I do patrol the area frequently, I’d be surprised if you hadn’t seen me before.”

--

Bizarre as it may be, that was the start to your stay at the headquarters of the arcana famiglia. Instead of sulking about your new situation, you threw yourself into your new line of work. You might as well make the best of the situation, seeing how you had gotten used to life on the island once before already. Nova did not go easy on you because you were a girl, and subjected you to several long and grueling duels, many of which you did not leave unscathed. You had no prior fighting experience, but working with the mafia family, it was integral that you learned to not only defend yourself, but to be able to defend others to maintain the peace of Regalo. It was amazing, truly, how the family was simultaneously feared and loved by the locals of the island. Once blood was spilled, he always ended the duel and instructed you to clean up for the day and practice harder for the next sparring lesson.

The patrol work was rewarding, but you couldn’t help but notice how Nova was never on the daytime shift. You wondered if it was more dangerous at night, only to be reminded of that scene again, the one that sent your primal fight or flight instincts into overdrive. He couldn’t possibly be a vampire, right? Did those even exist in this world? Sure, there was magic with the Tarocco, but supernatural creatures were on another level. Or so you told yourself. There had to be a perfectly reasonable explanation for the lucid vision. Maybe it hadn’t been a prophetic vision after all. Maybe it was just a dream that had gotten you in this state of confusion.

--

Night had fallen on another day and you were helping Luca and the maids clean up the kitchen after dinner. You had helped cook that night as a way to give back to the others for being so friendly and open with you during your stay. It was nice having a pleasant camaraderie, and you were really starting to feel like you were part of a team together. As you placed a stack of dishes into the sink, you heard a crash come from across the hall, near where Nova usually got ready for his nightly patrol. You shook the water from your hands, “I’m going to go check on that. Thank you for helping me with dinner tonight!”

The others smiled and told you not to worry about anything as you took off around the corner to inspect the source of the noise. It looked as though something had fallen in the hallway and you called one of the maids over to see if they could clean up the broken glass so nobody got hurt. You wanted to investigate the source to see what had happened here. Maybe a stray animal had gotten inside? Some of the paintings on the wall were lopsided, as though somebody had leaned against them on their way out of the main hall. You stepped outside and your hand found its way to the weapon on your hip, gripping it for a sense of security. Something didn’t feel right, but you couldn’t put your finger on it.

You found yourself walking the security route, the same one that Nova was taking that night, noticing not many people were out at this hour, even though it was late summer at this point. A deep sense of déjà vu crept up on you as you approached a dark alleyway. Your pulse was picking up, and you could feel your heartbeat in your ears as you turned at the sound of rustling coming from the alley. Your eyes were met with the crimson gaze of the man you had sparred with many times before. There was something wild about his gaze, and it made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

“What are you doing here!?” his words sounded pained, and he slumped against the rough wall next to him, his breaths strained as he clutched at his chest and winced. You stepped forward, pushing the worry from your mind as you tried to focus on determining if he was hurt instead. You slowly put a hand out in front of yourself, to show him you were approaching, much like you would do to a wounded animal. He screwed his eyes shut and took a shuddering breath, a pathetic whine emitting from his throat. Something was definitely wrong with him. When you were within an arm’s length from him he panicked, “Don’t come any closer. I can’t..I can’t..” he couldn’t finish his thought, he could smell the blood in your veins. The sound of your pulse was rushing in his ears, beckoning him. But he also didn’t want to lose control and really hurt you.

He opened his eyes, a vortex of crimson swallowed the blue in his gaze, and his pupils constricted. He lunged forward and grabbed your wrist, pulling you toward him and pushing you up against the dirty wall he had just been leaning on. He was slightly shorter than you, but you were of similar height. He shuddered, locking his eyes onto the curve of your neck, watching the quiver of your pulse as the fear settled in. He grit his teeth together and punched the wall beside you, a dent from the force crumbling beneath his fist. “Nova?” you found your voice, noticing how it cracked from how dry your throat had suddenly become. You wet you lips with your tongue and let out a shaky breath of your own.

As preposterous as it seemed, you were able to put two and two together. “Do you need blood?” your question weighed heavily in the air, and you could feel him tense in front of you. He stayed still while your eyes darted around, trying to think of the best way to handle this situation. You had gotten to know the male in front of you rather well over the past few months you had been in his company.  You knew that he wouldn’t ask for it, and it seemed to be causing him great pain. You were actually impressed because it seemed he was fighting his obvious bloodlust with everything he had. “It’s ok.”

His eyes snapped back to yours in an instant, daring you to repeat what you had just said. “Nova, it’s ok if you need blood. Just..be gentle, ok?” you offered sheepishly, casting your gaze to the side, feeling embarrassed for some reason. “Don’t regret it later,” was the only warning you got before his fangs sunk into the flesh of your neck. There was a sharp sting at the start of his bite and he groaned loudly, nearly wantonly, completely overwhelmed by the taste of your life essence on his tongue. It sent a shiver down your spine, and he swept his tongue back and forth over the widening wound, a tingling sensation replacing the pain.

Your body started to heat up, everything felt too hot, and you panted softly, lost in a murky haze while he drank from you. He pushed his knee between your legs, steadying himself, allowing him to wrap his hands around your body. One hand settled at the nape of your neck, cradling your neck toward his mouth, while the other trailed down along your hip, gripping into the soft flesh with another shudder running through his body. You unintentionally moaned and he responded in earnest, sucking a hickey onto your neck, right on top of the puncture marks on your skin. He pulled back, his eyes lidded with an unmistakable lust that lit a fire in your belly.

“Nova,” you breathed, and he leaned forward, capturing your lips in his. He pulled your lower lip into his mouth, gently biting until blood filled your mouth and he used his tongue to sooth the wound, tasting you. He pressed his hips closer to yours, a bulge forming in his pants, showing you how excited he was getting. “Y/N..” he whispered against your lips, moving to kiss you with a sensuality you did not know he possessed. Normally he was rude, and a little hot-tempered. But at this moment, he had cast a spell over you and you didn’t want it to stop. His touch was needy, and he pushed at the fabric of your skirt, his lips capturing your jaw as he gave into his pent-up lust.

The sound of a throaty, velvety chuckle broke the spell and your face turned a darker shade of red, mixed with the horror of getting caught. Nova stiffened, his hands frozen in place as his own face turned crimson. His eyes returned to their deep sapphire color and embarrassment etched across his features. He dared not turn around and wanted to disappear, chewing on the inside of his cheek. He contemplated using La Tenebra Addormentata to escape the embarrassment, but he didn’t want to deal with Debito once he woke back up.

“My my, what do we have here~ I didn’t think you had it in ya!” Debito’s voice was filled with amusement as he teased the younger male, stepping out of the shadows to lean against the wall beside the both of you. He leaned in closely, far too close for comfort, his handsome features taking on a flirtatious grin. “Hey, Bambina~ If things don’t work out between you two, you just let me know,” his fingers dexterously reached out and wrapped a lock of your hair around his finger, bringing it up to his lips. “Or, I could join you right now if ya like?”

Nova looked like he was about to explode, his embarrassment dissolving to anger. There was metaphorical steam coming off of him as he glared at the other man, smacking your hair out of his tanned hand. “Debito. Enough.”

The mischievous man merely chuckled once more and shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. “Never miss an opportunity squirt,” he put his hands up to signal he didn’t want to fight when Nova’s hands started to unsheathe the katana he was carrying. “Whoa, whoa, hey I’m just kidding! Jeez, calm down,” the man let out a sigh, rubbing the back of his neck and turning so he was facing the entrance to the alleyway. “Anyway, how’s about you two lovebirds call it a night, hm? I’ll take it from here, but only ‘cause I owe ya one. Now get out of here before someone sees you. Unless the offer is back on the table that is?”

Nova grabbed your hand possessively and gave a curt nod, having sheathed his weapon in favor of heading back to the mansion. “Thanks, Debito. We’ll talk tomorrow.” He started walking, leading you with him. You looked back to Debito and gave him a small smile, mouthing thank you. He grinned back and gave a wink, “Oh we’ll talk tomorrow alright. Ciao Nova! Bambina~”

--

About halfway through your trek back to the mansion, Nova picked you up with surprising strength, in order to sprint back to his room, undetected. He set you down on his bed, brushing a hand through his hair, and letting out a heavy sigh. “I’m…sorry about what happened back there, I—“ he cut himself off, unsure how to properly apologize for biting you and then trying to fuck you in an alleyway. His cheeks were still burning, and you were pretty sure it wasn’t from physical exertion.

You couldn’t help but giggle, seeing him like this was absolutely adorable. He fidgeted with his uniform, setting his katana down near the door for easy access. “Nova, it’s fine. Really, I would have pushed you off if I didn’t want you to keep going,” another giggle spilled from your lips, and specks of crimson started to form in Nova’s sharp gaze.

“Do you think you could push me off?” his tone was firm, and he approached you, pushing you back on the bed and straddling your hips, hands on either side of your head. “I’ve been holding back so much. You can’t even handle sparring with me on most days. Do you really think you could escape?” there was a cruel laugh that ended the statement. He pressed his lips against your jaw, and you could feel your pulse quickening. Was it fear or something else entirely? Your head felt dizzy.

“Y/N…do you have any idea what you do to me?” he murmured softly, almost a whine. “I don’t want to hurt you, but I want you so bad…” his confession had you reeling. You had to admit, you had feelings for the young man pressing you into the mattress. Even if you were still a little afraid of him due to his unpredictable bloodlust, you really did care for him. “What is it you want?” you breathed, reaching a hand up to cup his cheek, smiling when he leaned into your touch affectionately.

“I want to touch you, I want to drink you…I want to lo-love you,” the last part was quieter, as though he was afraid to say the words out loud. Your smile widened, “You idiot, I like you too.” You brushed your thumb soothingly over his cheek, turning your head to kiss one of his hands. He let you take his hand in yours, and lift it to your mouth, a mischievous glint in your eyes as you began kissing each of his fingers individually. His gaze was intently fixated on yours, and you flicked your tongue out onto his middle finger, bringing the digit into your mouth and sucking gently, letting your teeth graze his skin ever so slightly.

Those eyes of his darkened, and were swirling with crimson and sapphire, almost sparkling in the dim light. “Please don’t tease me,” he groaned, shifting his hips above yours. You could feel his bulge growing again, and you rolled your hips up, creating friction that made him gasp. “Y/N..Don’t. Tease. Me,” he grit his teeth, giving you a look of warning as he pulled his hand from your mouth. “I won’t be able to stop.”

“Then don’t stop. Better yet, lay down,” you offered, gesturing for him to take your place on the bed. He was hesitant but moved to lay down, his eyes questioning you with a glint of excitement. You straddled his hips, grinning widely while your fingers busied themselves unbuttoning your blouse. Nova’s face flushed a bright red, watching as you slowly disrobed down to your bra. He shakily placed a hand on your breasts, cupping them over the fabric and holding back a groan. “Can I see them?” his voice was cautious, reading your face for any uncertainty. His sincerity was heartwarming, and your face flushed suddenly feeling shy under his hungry gaze. He was still a man, inexperienced as he was.

You reached behind your back, unhooking the bra and letting your breasts spill out into his waiting hands. He kneaded them in earnest, pushing your breasts together and reveling in the softness. “Beautiful..” he was mesmerized, pulling you down toward him. He took one of your breasts into his mouth, his fangs barely grazing over a pert nipple, sending electric shocks of pleasure down your spine and setting your skin ablaze in his wake. He sucked on one nipple while using his thumb and index finger to play with the other, gaining confidence every time you writhed or mewled at his actions.

He pulled away from your breast, his chest heaving with arousal. “Can I taste you?” he asked, his eyes darting down to where your skirt was hiking up over your thighs. You gulped, your mouth suddenly feeling dry again. He gestured for you to sit on his face, but you didn’t want to be the only one receiving pleasure, so you turned yourself so that your head was facing his groin, and his head had access to yours. He ran his hands up and down your thighs, tugging your stockings down so he could kiss the soft flesh of your thigh.

The feeling was ticklish and you giggled before gasping loudly when you felt his fangs pierce into your flesh unexpectedly. You shivered at the gentle lapping that followed, and busied your hands with his pants, fumbling with the button before you were able to open his pants to expose his boxer shorts, strained against his hard length. You felt fingers press against your clothed core, running along the length of your panties. He could feel how wet you were getting and it made his cock twitch.

You tugged at his pants, signaling him to lift his hips so you could get his boxers down and free his aching cock from its confines. Your underwear followed suit, leaving you exposed to him. “Lean closer” he instructed, gripping your thighs down toward his face, and you positioned yourself so he could comfortably lick the length of your dripping heat, lapping at you languidly. You let out a low moan, your hips twitching against him instinctively. You took his penis into your hand, stroking it and feeling the velvety texture on your fingertips before slipping the tip through your lips, sucking on the head.

It was Nova’s turn to moan, reverberating against your pussy, which sent vibrations throughout you. It was a strange but delightful sensation. You took him further into your mouth, doing your best to suppress your gag reflex, and using your hands to pump what you couldn’t fit in your mouth, swirling your tongue around his length. He buried his face between your thighs, hips bucking against you while yours rutted against his mouth, both of you lost in pleasuring the other and being pleasured in return. The heat coiled in your belly, and you let go of his length with a deep moan, rolling your hips into that wonderful mouth. “Nova, I’m so close! Aah-aah,”

It was almost too much stimulation. He gripped your thighs tighter, using his fingers to massage against your clit while he wrote love letters with his tongue, silently begging you to release for him. You came, your head spinning, singing his name on your lips. He continued to run his tongue along your core, cleaning the essence you spilled as though it were his sole purpose in life. You jumped a little at the sensation, even the lightest touch sensitive now that you were coming down from your climax. You went to take him back in your mouth but he stopped you, gently moving you off of him and sitting back on the bed with his hands supporting his weight. “I…want to watch you,” he stated, and you smiled, slipping off the edge of the bed to kneel between his legs instead.

You took him back into your mouth, looking up at him through your lashes and watching the blush roll across his cheeks while he watched you suck him off. “Could you…use your…breasts?” he sounded so shy when he asked, but the heat in his eyes encouraged you to no end to do as he pleased. You cupped your breasts in your hands, pushing your chest out to rub against his cock, sucking on the head once before bobbing your head up and down, setting a comfortable rhythm.

The dark haired man dared not close his eyes, watching intently, trying to catch his breath while he watched you, and you could feel him thicken in your mouth, pulsing beneath your touch. You could tell he was close, and he grabbed your hair, pushing you down onto his cock while he rutted against your mouth. He moaned loudly as he spilled his seed into your mouth, encouraging you to swallow it by keeping your head in place as he thrust shallowly, riding out his orgasm.

You let his cum slide down your throat, swallowing everything he had to offer before he let you go, collapsing back onto the bed, blissfully satiated. You crawled back up onto the bed, laying on his chest, and playing with the collar on his uniform that had become disheveled from your activities. He wrapped his arms around you, pulling you closer. “Stay here tonight, I need to ensure you’re well rested for tomorrow’s lessons,” he was obviously using that as an excuse to have you sleep in his room, but you decided not to call him out on it. He decided to rest alongside you, stroking your hair absentmindedly and watched you drift to sleep in his arms, smiling before kissing you on your forehead. “Don’t ever leave.”

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 27: A Picture Still Unclear

After Madarame and Yusuke left Ren, Ann, Ryuji, and Sumire were standing there. Ryuji looked frustrated. “What the Hell was that Takamaki?!”

“What?” Ann said, confused.

“Don’t ‘What?’ Me!” Ryuji shouted. “You were like putty in that pretty boy’s hands. What was that about?”

“Don’t tell me…” Morgana said. “Was it… love at first sight?”

“No! Of course not” Ann said. “But… he said I was pretty enough to paint. He he. Imagine that.”

“I think it’s lovely,” Ren added.

“Wha?” Ryuji said.

“I agree,” Sumire pointed out. “It’s nice to get complimented once in a while”

“Totally” Ann said. “It’s been a while since someone complimented me and it felt genuine.”

“Genuine, huh…” Ryuji said. “Hey Ann,” Ann looked at him. “I think you’ve got a nice rack.”

Ann punched Ryuji so hard he hit the sidewalk. “NOT LIKE THAT, YOU MORON!”

Morgana giggled. “You lack tact, Ryuji.”

Ryuji got up, rubbing his sore spots. “Ugh…”

“Like this” Morgana said. “Lady Ann. You are more beautiful than any flower. More amazing than any sunset. More valuable to me than gold. You effortlessly take my breath away any time I see you.”

“Yeah! Like that” Ann pointed out. Morgana’s jaw dropped to the core of the Earth. Ren giggled slightly.

Ryuji seemed confused. “Eh, that whole spiel seems a bit too flowery and fake.”

“Maybe, but it’s effective,” Ren said. “It might even work on you.”

“Ummmmmm, no,” Ryuji said. “I would not be moved by someone telling me that I was ‘more beautiful than any flower’.”

“Well, not in those exact words,” Ren admitted, “but imagine if some cute girl walked up to you and said you’re a big, strong guy, and she had never seen a hunk of man meat like you.” Ryuji got slightly embarrassed, then chuckled a little.

Ann laughed a bit. “If that were to happen, it’d be my job to bring him back to Earth.”

“But wasn’t that what he was doing with you?” Sumire asked.

Ann looked at her, surprised. “Well...uh...I guess…sorry…”

Ryuji looked at Ann. “It’s fine,” he said. “I get it. It’s nice to receive compliments and stuff. Especially from pretty boys like him.” Ann blushed a little.

Sumire giggled. “You know, I think you two go well together.”

Ryuji and Ann got embarrassed quickly. They turned away from each other. “Huh! As if! I would never go out with a moron like him!” Ann said.

“Yeah? Well, I wouldn’t go out with you either! You’d just drive me up a wall!” Ryuji mouthed back.

Sumire didn’t know what was happening. “Um, I meant as friends…”

Ann and Ryuji were somehow even more embarrassed now. “Oh” they both said.

Ren swooped in and put her arms around the two of them. “Anyways, we have a mission to work on. Let’s go meet up with Jose and talk about it, OK?” Ren started walking off. Soon, everyone else did.

Ren looked down to see Morgana still in pain. “My… My compliment…”

Ren smiled. “It’s OK kitty” she scratched his head.

They kept walking. As they did, Ryuji felt a bit guilty. “Hey Ann,” he said. Ann looked over at him. “I, uh, didn’t know you liked that sort of flowery talk. It’s just that, since I’ve known you, you’ve always seemed so above that kind of stuff. In a way, I admire that about you.”

Ann blushed and smiled a little bit. She then got a little mad. “Now why couldn’t you have said THAT, instead of commenting on my boobs?!”

“Well, uhhhhhh” Ryuji stammered.

“Oh, come on Ann-senpai, go easy on him,” Sumire jumped in. “You can see he’s trying.”

Ann looked at Ryuji. She sighed. “Yeah, I guess. Thanks.” Ryuji cocked a grin. They kept walking.

They made it  to Kosei. “Wow. So this is Kosei” Ren remarked.

“It looks so much more impressive up close” Ann said.

“I’ve been here before,” Sumire pointed out. Everyone looked at her. “Well, uh, they were also looking at recruiting Kasumi and I, but in the end, we settled on Shujin…”

“I see,” Ren said. She slowly grabbed Sumire’s hand to show support. Sumire looked up at Ren and smiled.

“Well, now that we’re here, I guess we need to find Jose,” Ryuji said.

“Hey guys” Jose said, appearing in front of them, wearing his Kosei uniform.

Everyone was surprised. “Well that was fast” Ryuji remarked.

“I knew we were beginning our investigation today, so I waited out here” Jose said. “Are we ready?”

“Uh, yeah” Sumire said. “I think so anyway.”

“We are,” Ren said “Let’s go find someplace to meet.”

“Alright then” Jose said. They started walking off.

“By the way,” Ann said as they were walking, “you look really adorable in your uniform.”

“Heh he. Thanks” Jose said, blushing.

Ren whispered to Ryuji. “See, even Jose likes it when he gets complimented.”

Ryuji gently shoved Ren. “Shut up.” Ren giggled.

They walked to one of the subway stations, but in the middle of one of the access halls, Ryuji squatted down. “Man, between midterms and all that walking, I’m exhausted. Can we just like meet here or something?”

Ren looked around. “Sure.”

“Wait, for real?!”

Ren nodded. “I doubt we’d get interrupted. People are coming and going, so I don’t think people will notice particular parts of our conversation. If everyone’s up for it, I’m fine with meeting here.”

“Sure,” Sumire said.

“We have been walking for a while now,” Ann said.

Ren nodded. “Alright, so let’s tell Jose what we know.” They turned to Jose. “So, basically, on our way here, we saw a poster for an art exhibit by Ichiryusai Madarame.”

“Oh, so you think that that Madarame, and the Madarame mentioned are one in the same” Jose said.

“How do you know about Madarame?” Ryuji asked.

“I’m going to Kosei now,” Jose explained. “He’s known as a masterful artist. Plus, he’s mentoring a second year there.”

“Yusuke…” Ann said, slightly worried.

“Yeah. How’d you know?” Jose asked.

“Oh, well, we kind of ran into him,” Ann said.

“More like he ran into us” Ryuji snidely remarked.

“Either way, we met him and Madarame,” Ren said. She got out her phone. She looked at her teammates. “Wanna test it out?”

“It’s the only real lead we have going for us at the moment” Morgana pointed out.

“Besides, the dude seems to be heavily influential,” Ryuji stated. “Even if we do find another Madarame, I doubt they’d have as much power.”

“Yeah,” Sumire said. “Around the time he came on Good Morning Japan, I started to hear rumors as well.”

They looked at her. “What kinds of rumors?” Ann asked.

“Well… I heard that he doesn’t treat his students all too well” Sumire explained. “I also heard some mumblings about stealing, but I didn’t quite catch them. ...I’m sorry.”

Ren lifted Sumire’s face. “Hey, it’s OK. You have a lot on your mind right now. It’s OK that this slipped your mind a little.”

“Besides, we have the information now, don’t we?” Ann said. “I was only asking to see if it could help. I didn’t mean to make you feel bad.”

“Hmmmm” Ryuji wondered.

“What’s on your mind Ryuji?” Jose asked.

“It’s just,” Ryuji began, “if Madarame is as big in the art world as he’s been made out to be, why would he steal? Or what for that matter? He could probably buy whatever he wanted to right?”

“Actually, according to Madarame himself, he prefers a more humble life” Jose said. “He lives in a small shack that by any definition wouldn’t be considered extravagant.”

“You’re kidding,” Ryuji said. “That seems odd.”

“Well, I guess we’d need to investigate, but I think we might have a good foothold to begin with,” Ren said. She raised her phone to her face. “Ichiryusai Madarame.”

“Match found” the phone replied.

“Woah! So it is him!” Ryuji said, surprised and excited.

Ren raised her finger at him. She looked at the phone. Much like last time, Madarame’s name was in black. Similarly, there was room for one more line of text to be in black, and another for white text. Ren spoke again. “Shack.” “Match found” her phone said, revealing the second line of black text.

“For real?!” Ryuji shouted. “How’d you figure that out?”

“Well, I guessed that it couldn’t be the exhibit because that’s only for a limited time” Ren explained. “It was the only other location we could link Madarame to.”

“Oh. I see” Ryuji said.

“So, we have two of the words, but we don’t know the third” Ann surmised.

“And THAT’S the take over word” Morgana reiterated.

“Which means what, exactly?” Sumire asked.

Ren looked at her phone. “It means it’s the word the attacker is using to morph Madarame’s distortion. For Shiho, it was ‘Revolution.’”

“I see…” Sumire said.

“Well, two outta three ain’t bad” Ryuji said.

“Well that’s true, but we do need all the words to begin an infiltration” Morgana reminded him.

“Well, we have the perfect chance to investigate” Ann said, holding her ticket out.

“What is that?” Jose asked.

“Oh, right, sorry” Ann said. “When we met up with Madarame, he gave us tickets to his exhibit. But since you weren’t there…”

“Oh” Jose said. “Well don’t worry. All Kosei students were gifted a free pass for the exhibit. The teachers told us it would be helpful to see such mastery.”

“Oh” Ann said. “Well then, it seems like we’re all set. Let’s all meet up and head there tomorrow.”

“But what would that do?” Sumire asked. “Sorry. I don’t mean to be rude, but we already know the stuff we’re getting from Madarame after all.”

“No, that’s actually a pretty good question,” Morgana said.

“I agree,” Ren said. “So here’s what’s up. Whoever is taking over has to know Madarame to some extent. The fact that they’re already taking over means that they have to be close. So we might be able to find them and figure something out.”

“I see,” Sumire said. “What a wonderful plan.”

“Well then, I don’t know about you, but I’m a bit exhausted,” Ren said. “I’m going to go relax now that midterms are over.”

“Same,” Ryuji said.

“Yeah,” Ann said. “Let’s meet here tomorrow.” They all nodded and headed back.

Meanwhile, Kosuke entered Leblanc. Sojiro looked at him. “How may I help you?”

Kosuke looked around. “Ah, sorry” he said. He sat at the counter. “I heard about this place from a few friends, and I wanted to see if it’s the real deal. I’m starting a new job tomorrow, and I’m looking to celebrate.”

Sojiro was confused. “Don’t people usually go to bars for that?”

“And be hung over first day on the job? No way” Kosuke said.

Sojiro smiled. “Well then, what can I get you.”

“You know what?” Kosuke said. “I trust you. Dealer’s choice.”

“Hm, very well.” Sojiro got him a cup of coffee and some curry. “Here you go.” Kosuke began dining. “Mmmm. This is very good.” Once he finished, he turned to Sojiro and said “Thank you very much. This was delicious.”

“You’re welcome,” Sojjrio replied.

Kosuke put some money on the table. “Keep the change.”

“Oh, uh, thank you, sir” Sojiro said.

Kosuke looked around. “You know, I think her work would have suited this place.”

Sojiro was concerned. “Who?”

“Huh? Oh, nothing” Kosuke said. “I’m just talking to myself. Thanks again.” He left.

“Man, what a strange guy,” Sojiro said. “He seems nice enough though.” Ren walked in. “You’re back? How are you doing?”

Ren yawned. “I’m a little tired. Midterms and all.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re taking your studies seriously,” Sojiro said.

“I’m going to my room to relax for the rest of the day.”

Ren started walking. “Hold up,” Sojiro said. Ren stopped. “I just had a generous customer come in. Here.” He gave her some of the extra money.

Ren smiled. “Thanks.” She continued upstairs where she vegged out for the rest of the day.

The next day, Ren, Morgana, Ann, Ryuji, Sumire, and Jose met at the access hall. “So, ready to see if we can’t find anything?” Ann asked.

Ren nodded. “Let’s go.” They walked to the exhibit.

When they entered, they were a bit overwhelmed by the large presence. Sumire grabbed onto Ren’s jacket. Ren looked at her. She reached her hand over Sumire and placed it on her shoulder, rubbing it. “So, this is the art world” Ryuji remarked.

“Ah, you made it,” Yusuke said. They all turned to face him. “Huh.”

“What is it?” Ann asked.

Yusuke stared at them. “To be honest, I wasn’t sure if you all were coming.” Yusuke turned to Jose. “Wait, aren’t you that new student?”

Jose nodded. “Yup. I’m their friend.”

“Yeah, we were going to meet him when we met up” Ann said.

“I see,” Yusuke said. “Well, I’m glad that you’re here. Have you thought about my offer yet?”

“Well, uhhhh” Ann said.

“Hm” Yusuke said. “I see you’re still indecisive. Well perhaps a tour of the exhibit will change your mind.” He offered his hand. “What do you say, Miss… uh…”

Ann chuckled. “Takamaki. Ann Takamaki.”

Yusuke smiled. “Very well. Will you please accompany me, Takamaki-san.”

“Uh, sure!” Ann said, taking his hand. Morgana’s and Ryuji’s faces turned pale.

“Very well. Let’s go!” Yusuke said. The two of them walked off.

“Why’d she do that?!” Ryuji yelped.

“No, this is good,” Ren said. “If we split up, we can cover more ground.” Sumire gripped Ren tighter. “But I think some of us are better sticking together.”

“That’s it… It’s just tactical…” Morgana said.

“So, how about you and I go together, Ryuji?” Jose asked.

Ryuji was confused. “Us two?”

Jose nodded. “We’re friends, but I sense you don’t know or care that much about art like this. As a Kosei student, I shall take you along and help you understand.”

“Um, but, we are also going to look for information, right?” Ryuji said, worried.

“Yep,” Jose said. “Now follow me!” Jose grabbed Ryuji’s arm and the two of them split off.

Ren looked at Sumire. “Well, then it’s just the three of us. Let’s get going.”

“...Three of us?” Sumire asked.

“Did you forget about me?!” Morgana shrieked.

“Not so loud!” Ren said, trying to muffle Morgana.

“Oh, right,” Sumire said. She giggled. “Sorry Morgana-senpai.”

Morgana reveled in being called ‘senpai’ again. “All is forgiven.” They walked off.

Each group looked around the exhibit. They were impressed with what they saw. They also kept their eyes and ears open for anything suspicious.

Soon, a bunch of reporters came in. They passed by Ren, Sumire, and Morgana. However, the last reporter was stopped by two security guards. “What?” she said.

“Madarame told us not to let you in,” one of them said.

“Come on guys, it’s just an exhibit,” the reporter said.

“Sorry. Them’s the breaks” the other guard said. They began to forcefully escort her out.

“Hey! Let me go!” the reporter said, shaking the guards off. “I can leave myself.” She began leaving. Ren and Sumire looked at each other and nodded. They left to follow the reporter.

“Excuse me?” Ren said, getting the reporter’s attention. “Um, why did Madarame have you kicked out?”

“Tch” the reporter scoffed. “He just doesn’t like me because I’m on to something.”

“Like what?” Ren asked.

“I’m not telling you!” the reporter said. “I’m not going to give away any juicy info.”

Ren seemed defeated. Sumire felt like she had to do something. “Well, what if we gave you some info? Then it would be a fair exchange.”

Ren, Morgana, and the reporter were shocked. “Ha ha. You’ve got guts kid. I like that. OK, what information can you give me?”

Sumire was in shock. “...I’ve got guts?... Ah! Sorry. No one’s ever told me that before.”

“Ha ha!” the reporter laughed. “It’s alright.”

Sumire refocused. “Well… I’ve heard Madarame has a history of abusing his students… And I’ve also heard a few things about him stealing something… But that’s all I know for sure…”

The reporter looked at them. “Huh. Well, I’ve definitely heard about the abuse…” Sumire seemed disappointed, “but the stealing thing is new to me,” Sumire perked up. “Huh. Alright, I’ll give that to ya. So, where did you hear this?”

“Huh?” Sumire said.

“Well, if I wish to continue investigating, I need to know sources” the reporter explained.

“Oh, um, gosh, I don’t want to get anyone in trouble…” Sumire stammered.

“Ha ha! Aren’t you just the sweetest thing?” the reporter said. “Relaaaaaax. I promise I won’t name names.”

Sumire was still a little hesitant. “...Good Morning Japan. Ssssssome of the crew were talking about it behind the scenes.”

The reporter was surprised. “Wow, I’m impressed. Alright, a deal’s a deal. So, I have heard tales that if someone becomes Madarame’s pupil, and he isn’t impressed with you, he will make sure you don’t have a career in art. I haven’t heard anything about a new Madarame pupil emerging onto the art scene for a while now, and that couple with the abuse rumors has me worried.”

“I see,” Ren said. “Thanks.” They were about to leave

“Wait!” the reporter said. She got out two business cards. “Here. In case you find anything else juicy.” She gave them to Ren and Sumire, and walked off. They looked to find her name. “Ichiko Ohya.”

Meanwhile, Ryuji and Jose stayed behind when the news cavalcade came in. The reporters surrounded Madarame. They heard him give a few folksy answers. “Man, this stinks, let’s keep a move on” Ryuji said.

“Wait,” Jose said. “This is our subject, no? We might earn something.” Ryuji stuck around.

They watched Madarame give more answers. However, someone caught his attention: Kosuke. He turned back to the crowd. “I’m terribly sorry, but that’s all I have time for right now” Madarame said. “However, I will be available for the remainder of this exhibit. So no need to worry.” He walked past the reporters toward Kosuke.

“Woah! Did you see that?” Ryuji wondered.

Jose nodded. “Let’s follow them.”

“Right,” Ryuji said. “Oh, but uh, be careful. We don’t want to be spotted by him.”

“Noted,” Jose said. The two of them followed Madarame, and managed to not be seen by him.

Madarame confronted Kosuke. “I thought I told you to never show your face to me again! Do you still have foolish dreams of being an artist?”

“Heh heh” Kosuke said. “As much as I wouldn’t like to see your face again either, it can’t be helped. See, I’m the head of the security team.” Madarame was shocked, as were Ryuji and Jose. “I’m not on duty as a security guard today, so I thought I’d come by and see how everything was going. Has the security team been to your liking?”

Madarame was unsure of what was happening. “...Yes” he replied.

“Good. We wouldn’t want anything to happen to you” Kosuke said. ”After all, you’re important.” Madarame shuttered at that. “So, enjoy the adoration, Madarame.” Kosuke grinned menacingly. “It’ll be the last time you ever will.” Kosuke walked off.

Madarame was still a bit shaken up. However, he composed himself. “Hm. What can he do?” Madarame walked off as well.

Ryuji and Jose turned to each other. “Well, I think we’ve found who’s corrupting Madarame’s distortion.”

“Indeed” Jose said. “But don’t you think Madarame was taking this a bit too well?”

“Nah, that’s just his pride talking,” Ryuji explained. “Which means he’s rotten to the core.”

“I… don’t get this,” Jose explained.

“Don’t worry” Ryuji smiled. “Just like you know art, I know scum like him well. Basically, what’s happening is that even though Madarame got threatened, he’s still holding onto his glory because he thinks that whatever that guy does won’t be worse than what Madarame is hiding.”

“I see…” Jose said. “So, if a human is too proud, they will fail to admit certain things.”

“Yeah, you’re getting it,” Ryuji said. “Let’s see if we can’t find anything else.” Jose nodded and the two of them continued.

Ann was being led around by Yusuke. He was pointing out all of the different intricacies in the art pieces. Ann was impressed. They came to a certain piece. Ann looked at it with high interest. “Hey Yusuke, can you tell me about this one?”

Yusuke looked at it and was frozen. “Urgh. Um, there’s not much to say here…”

“Really?” Ann said. She looked at it again. “But it’s so well done. I think this might be my favorite piece so far.”

“That’s preposterous!” Yusuke said, trying to conceal a blush. “Now let’s move on.”

“Woah, what’s the rush?” someone said. The two kids turned to see Kosuke. Kosuke walked forward. He looked at the painting. “My, it is indeed wonderful.”

“That’s enough!” Yusuke continued.

“Oh, don’t be so modest,” Kosuke said. “After all, you made this right?”

Yusuke was shocked. Ann was confused. “Wait…” she said. “She looked at the plaque by the piece. “But it says it was done by Madarame.”

“Oops,” Kosuke said, disingenuously. “Well, I guess the cat’s out of the bag now. Oh well.”

“Leave at once,” Yusuke demanded.

“Hm. Very well” Kosuke said. “But soon, you won’t have to worry about this kind of thing ever happening again. You can trust your big bro Kosuke, right?” He waited for an answer that Yusuke wasn’t ready to provide. “Well, seeya.” He waved and walked off.

Yusuke was shaken. Ann looked mournful. “...Kitagawa-kun.”

Yusuke was alerted to reality once more. “Ah. My apologies. Please let nothing of what that vagrant may have said dissuade you from becoming my model. Ah. Let us exchange numbers.” Ann threw him a bone. “Thank you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to… uh…”

Ann smiled. “I understand.”

“Thank you” Yusuke said, bowing. He walked off.

Ann frowned. She looked at the painting once more and smiled. If it would look that good, then I’d let him do it. She then focused. But I think we need to take care of some business first.

After their exploration through the museum, the thieves all met up outside by the entrance. “So, how’d it go on your guys’s end?” Morgana asked. “Did that Yusuke character try anything funny Lady Ann?”

Ann looked sad. “No… But I found out some things.”

“What are they?” Ren asked.

“Well, I figured out what Sumire was talking about when she said Madarame was stealing,” Ann elaborated. “Madarame is stealing the art of his pupils!”

“WHAT?!” Ryuji yelled. “That’s INSANE!”

“How do you know?” Jose asked.

Ann looked a little sad. “Well, some guy came up to us when we were looking at a painting. Yusuke was acting weird about it, and the guy said Yusuke painted it.”

“I see,” Jose said.

“Wait” Ryuji interjected. “This guy? Did he look really strong and have spiked-up hair?”

“Ummmm, yeah,” Ann answered. “How’d you know that.”

“Tch. They guy also had a run-in with Madarame where he threatened the dude” Ryuji explained.

“What?!” Ann exclaimed.

“Well, at least we know he won’t get back in,” Sumire said. “The security team is top notch.”

“Yeah, we saw them kick someone out before they got within ten feet of Madarame,” Ren added.

“I’d like to agree with you, but the man said he was the head of security,” Jose explained, shocking everyone.

“Yeah. Dude has a full access pass to Madarame so long as this exhibit is going” Ryuji added.

“Well then, it seems like we have a deadline,” Morgana added.

“So, did you find anything on your end?” Jose asked Ren.

“Well, it’s not as much as you two…” Ren said, embarrassed. “But we learned that Madarame will make sure pupils of his won’t have an art career if they don’t live up to his standards. And it seems he has some pretty high standards.”

“Tch. The dude’s a dirtbag!” Ryuji shouted.

“But we’re still no closer to figuring out that third word” Sumire pointed out.

Ren smiled. “Well the information we have is great. We know who is taking over Madarame’s distortion, we know how much time we have, and we can confirm that we have the right Madarame.”

“Wait that’s it!” Ann said. “Why don’t we ask that Nakanohara guy for more information? He might have some good insight.”

“Good idea,” Ren said. “I’ll contact Mishima in the morning to see if we can set that up.”

“All and all, I’d say we did great today,” Morgana said. “We’re this much closer on our next target. Full steam ahead!” Everyone nodded, then they all went home.

The next morning, Ren got an urgent message from Mishima. 

Mishima: HEY! We need to talk!

Ren: Funny, I was going to ask you the same thing.

Ren: What’s up?

Mishima: A user by the name of “hidden_kitsune” contacted me personally and asked if I knew who you were.

Mishima: He wants to set up a meeting.

Mishima: He says he thinks he knows how you do your Phantom Thieving!

Ren looked at her phone. “Oh damn.”