#like where does her yukata end

[vectorisheree]

can i req vinestaff :3?

You can!! ^^

[thesharktanksdriver]

The star above wano still shining (platonic)

Sorry for the long wait on another determination. I’ve had uni, my wisdom teeth being pulled and other things going on so life has been pretty hectic. I’m still working on the law and Corazon part but somehow wrote this in like 2 days. Sorry if some people are out of character, I haven’t yet made it to wano so I went off of mainly clips online and the one piece wiki. Also I haven’t written in awhile so I’m probably kinda rusty, so sorry for that lol

U guys get some crumbs of lore for waiting so long And As always everything is platonic.

Guess which character is my favourite based on how long their section is lol

Warning: child death, described gore, spoilers for wano, don’t read if you don’t want to be spoiled for some parts of wano. Read at your own risk

𝐓𝐚𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭: @peachsuka28 @emptynessinmyworld @badluckinfrench @j-s-l-m @tigerfang-rage @madokamagicaa @rymtea @angstylittleb1tch @badluckinfrench @emmbny @kenkenmaaa @yunho-leeknow @chibiduck

You once remember wano being a place of peace the first time you visited it all those years ago

Roger had went to the country to eventually drop off Oden when the adventure was coming to an end

It was a place you’d considered ever laying low in if the time came

And though it wasn’t a long stay there (maybe only a day or so) you had throughly enjoyed the minimal time of the land in which the sprawling greenery and light pink of Sakura created an indescribable beauty

It had been so long since you’d been there

So much so that you hadn’t realized you had woken up there once more

Wano was shrouded with an air of oppression upon the people you once saw flourish

Oden despite his short time on Roger’s ship had taught you all about the place he called home

And whatever happened here was certainly something that wouldn’t happen under his eye

So you go off to investigate yourself

Feeling yourself drawn somewhere you can’t quite place your finger on

Black Maria

For a long while you walked aimlessly within wano, sticking out like a sore thumb due to your clothing

While everyone else wears kimono’s or yukata’s your just in full on pirate gear

It isn’t exactly the best thing since it seems travellers here weren’t exactly common

So much so that you decided to try and stick to alleyways and quiet streets during the night

But even then the city was bustling, though it did still give a better opportunity to blend in

And it’s there sneaking through alleyways and criss-crossing from place to place you end up behind a brothel

The beautifully dressed women on break taking a look at you with lidded painted eyes that were quickly filled with worry

Bruises and scrapes covering your legs, unwashed hair with things stuck in it along with the clear clothes of a foreigner within the land where no one could leave of get in

The pretty women quickly drag you in the brothel, making sure to avoid occupied rooms and taking you to a spare one as they got to work on sprucing up your appearance

Even giving you a patterned yukata if your own

The hiding your old clothes away beneath the floorboards as they whisper amongst each other

And it’s then after they quickly finished a large blond woman enters through sliding shoji doors

Raging Anger appearing in her eyes before they land on you

A small child with bruises still on your small form and bandages that covered some of your cuts

Her anger disappeared as does the geisha woman who silently gives you a look “don’t tell her”

It is there you meet the woman Black Maria, the owner of this pleasure house and apart of the Beast pirates

You’ve heard of those pirates before, how people shuttered at just the name itself as if it were a curse

But as Maria gently looks you over, large hands examining your bruises with a gentle touch you can’t help but think you probably got lucky

Especially when seeing the initial anger that then bubbled away

Manicured nails making sure not to cause you more harm as she grazes over wounds

It’s there she asks where your parents were and you answer truthfully, that their long gone and it’s been you on your own

You didn’t think it was possible but her eyes softened more, a turquoise blue reminding you of precious jewels

She contemplates for a minute, then eyes then hardening a bit as she asks you if you’d like to work for her as a delivery/message bringer and you agree

Working under Maria is certainly an…odd position

Though you worked delivery for Sengoku at Marineford working for Maria is much different for you

Especially since the horned woman seems to coddle you

When she’s not entertaining customers or doing her work she often spends her time with you

Helping style your hair with ornate hairpins or picking out patterned kimono’s for you to wear

Fretting over your scraped knee’s as she chastises you in being more careful

Teaching you to play the shamisen and being proud when you pick it up with flying colours

Singing you to sleep on the nights you find yourself restless

She reminds you of a mother, maybe not your own but an extremely dotting one

But despite all this you still see some of her cruelty towards others

Though it’s not directed at you, you’ve sometimes run into her punishing others

Getting a sick glee from hearing screams and bones crack beneath flesh

It’s disturbing…especially when she does completely switches when your around

A distinct contrast from the motherly persona she puts on for you

Kissing your forehead good luck in the morning as you set out to deliver before then killing someone in cold blood just minutes later

In some ways it’s terrifying but by now on the sea you’d seen and met so many people that it’s lost its punch it might’ve when you initially set out

So you go off, delivering her letters and such to others in the beast pirates ranks

A golden hairpin of a spider crawling across a branch of flowers added to your obi to signify your protection and status as her messenger

When you come back to her personal residence she pats your head and then tells you to eat up the meal she’d had prepared specially for you

It’s nice, perhaps even a bit nostalgic for you

And after checking you over she sends you to bed in a renovated room she gave you that’s near her own

She says it’s more convenient that way, for you to be onsite and close for when she needs more deliveries

But she doesn’t tell you about how she checks on you in the night when your small cries while asleep can be quietly heard through the thin walls

Doesn’t say how she personally threatened the other commanders that if they lay a single hand on you she’d deal with them herself

Doesn’t admit how she itches with a sort of possessiveness in knowing you work for her when others begin to gain a curious interest in the small fearless child she now calls her own

She likes the gentle feeling of warmth you give her heart

Likes how she can find herself to be kind and caring with you

Enjoys the fact you value her company over business or pleasure

When you smile at her it’s genuine

And the woman who weaves webs decides that one day a new spider would take her place

Perhaps you’d take that role

But for now your her dutiful little messenger

A cute little treasure she’d take good care of and nurture as if you were her own child

Because perhaps she considers you that

When a mother spider catches a brightly shining firefly in her web, she’s hardly content in letting it go after all

“Which would you like for today?” Black Maria questions as she holds out several folded up kimonos. Each look to be high quality, all with patterns and warm comfortable material to protect from the wano weather.

You look up towards her, tilting your head a bit in confusion. “Are you sure I need so many? I’m just your delivery-“

“Don’t be ridicules dear” she cuts you off, then placing a gentle hand on your head. Normally she’d ruffle it but she had already put in the effort of styling it and didn’t want to ruin her work. “You work for me. And I can’t have my precious little messenger underprepared for the weather. Besides, I have plenty spare kimono that are wasting away not being used.”

“I’ve survived with worse before. One time I was forced out in minus 10 weather while in nothing but shorts and a shirt”. That might’ve not have been the best thing you could’ve said cause her expression shifts to horror. “But it’s fine though!-“

She sighs, then lightly flicking your forehead. “Whoever did that to you better be dead or else.” She holds out the kimono again “no ifs, ands or buts. Now pick”. Under her fierce and loving gaze you choose one of the folded bundles, a dark blue kimono with the pattern of fireflies in a field is the one you decide on

Sasaki

You meet the green haired fishman when delivering a letter to him while he was drinking

It was right before your mandatory lunch break Maria practically forces you to have when hearing that you ran around all day without stopping

So after delivering the letter you decided to stay with the relatively laidback looking who invited you to join due to his curiosity

You find Sasaki to be a relatively odd figure, not only for his relatively lax demeanour but also his burning ambition

He wants to become an All-Star within the beast pirates ranks by defeating one and taking their place

As does his colleague Who’s-Who

To be honest you haven’t really cared to learn the hierarchy of this crew

All you knew is that it seemed like these “All-stars” were the highest on the chain besides their captain Kaido

Speaking of which, Sasaki talks about him quite a bit while sipping his sake

The clear alcoholic liquid being chugged as if it were water

Sasaki holds him in a high regard, but for others on the crew…not so much

Sure, there were a few that had earned his respect for them but in others he seemed to find them too haughty

Luckily for you it seems you’ve gotten on his good side

his easygoing and your calm mix well together, a laid back charm between the two of you despite being very different in other regards

It’s due to this that on your breaks the green haired man seeks you out

At first it’s the occasional asking if you’d like to join him for some food as you start your break

But later devolves into practically kidnapping you to join him and his subordinates to party

Typically at parties adults aren’t too keen on letting you sneak some alcohol but the fishman either doesn’t care or thinks it’s funny until Black Maria and more responsible adults are on his ass about it

Speaking of which, Maria can’t help but be a little exasperated that of all people it had to be Sasaki who was the first to get attached to you

Something he rubs in the face of others later on

And uses as a sort of leverage? Your not really sure how that happened but he’s definitely holding that above Who’s-Who and Ulti as if it were a gift from the gods

But either way you find him to be fun, especially when asking him about his devil fruit or his time as his own pirate crew

Both things he talks about in high regard

While on the sea you’d actually heard about his crew, and though you’d never met them it does pique your interest

Especially since how can someone as prideful as Sasaki go from being a captain of his own crew to being an underling to another?

It’s odd

But something kinda intriguing since something like that happens very rarely

Since typically the captain is killed

But instead Sasaki was able to rise in the ranks

He’s not at the top like he wants but it would be somewhat naive to say he isn’t powerful or lucky in his own regard

His devil fruit also interests you cause….dinosaurs!!!

You’d got to see some firsthand on your couple of times waking up on little garden (and then being quickly eaten by said dinosaurs if Dorry and Brogy weren’t there)

But getting to see one that doesn’t actively try to kill you is super cool

Especially since you get to examine without being stomped like a pancake

Sasaki seems to take pride in how amazed you look, especially when you start spewing out Triceratops facts

Some from first hand experience like “did you know they have the capacity to tear off your head if the wanted too-“ and “their hardened skin allows for defence against other predators!”

To be honest after a long while of using his devil fruit the amazement effect of it had worn off

So having someone fawn over it is kinda nice

Sasaki feels appreciated by you, like he’s being listened to when he goes off on a partially drunken regal of his pirates days

And in a similar fashion Sasaki listens to you

For a unassuming kid you talk as if a library of knowledge was directly in your head

Along with that you seem to throw safety to the wind like the time you almost got into an arm wrestling contest with Ulti before he had to drag you away

Because who in their right mind would do that when she for sure would somehow accidentally kill you

You have guts for sure, something he definitely respects

But also leaves him worried shitless because what’s next? King have a tea party with you or something?!

Him and Who’s-Who made bets about whether that would happen or not and he has his good booze on the line if you somehow make that happen

And he prays that won’t happen for not only the sake of his booze and his own sanity

“Oi kid! Wanna join for some lunch?”

“I have one more letter to deliver-“ before you can finish the horned man picks you up by the scruff of your kimono giving a laugh.

“Eh don’t sweat it. I can send someone to do it for you after. You’ve been on your feet all day, you need a break”

Who’s-Who

Similarly to Sasaki, Who’s-Who is a relatively odd but interestingly determined figure

You had delivered stuff to him a few times but actually get to know him through Sasaki’s forced lunch breaks

He’s stone faced at first

But over time you see the chipping away of his somewhat serious disposition

Especially when people seemingly get on his nerves and his anger flares up

He has…quite the barrage of insults, so much so that the typically loose mouthed Sasaki covers your ears

But to be honest you’d probably heard worse with your years on the sea

Anywho (hah) you listen to a lot of his rants about his backstory

Specifically something to do with CP9? It was something government and marine related

Sounded vaguely familiar but to be honest you typically forget about the specifics of most things and people after a certain amount of time

So you just nod along as he keeps going off

Until he starts getting into stuff about history that’s blatantly wrong

Specifically about fishmen

So you correct him and that ends up in a landslide of rebutting his points with hard facts

And in that verbal exchange despite his biting tone you keep calm and explain what was wrong

And seemingly because you stood your ground he gained a liking for you?

Your not sure how but you guessed he thought you’d be a pushover (it depends on the situation)

But for a kid who’s job was being a messenger you seemingly proved yourself to him in some weird convoluted way

Though that might’ve also been because you answered some of his questions about some myths he had been interested in

The sun god and the star god

Apparently he’d heard about the two while in jail, the stories giving him hope of one day being free and having the power to achieve his goals

Two enigmatic beings that surpassed even you in how old they were

Two shining beacons acting as hope for the hopeless and shackled down

Giving people the power to rebel and achieve their dreams

Even you hadn’t heard too much about the two, just odd myths here and there

But with what you did have seemed to satisfy the pink haired man

But that brought up the question of how you knew those myths

Something you don’t really reveal and just write off as “heard it somewhere”

But at this point Who’s-Who didn’t care enough to question it

Let alone try and get you into trouble when you’ve been one of the only people to actually be able to give him more information

So he’s satisfied

At least for now

Sometimes you run into him on your way to deliver things and he joins you for a bit of the way if he has nothing to do

You slow down a bit to a brisk walk as he leisurely follows suit

Conversation following quickly after on a wide variety of topics

He’ll be damned to admit it but your way too good of a kid to be stuck here

Let alone be kinda working for the beast pirates considering their reputation

But he supposes that every has their reasons

And it doesn’t seem like you’d be able to leave anytime soon considering Maria practically dotes on you like your her own flesh and blood

But he won’t say that aloud

Not when the blond woman would throttle him

And you’d probably look at him all confused

For such a mature kid your still pretty naive and clueless in some departments

I mean come on! Do you not see how the scariest woman on the damn island is basically wrapped around your finger

She almost attacked Sasaki for sneaking you some sake and it was only because of you politely asking her not that she didn’t

He’s definitely partially convinced you have some sort of friendship devil fruit or something

That thought is only becoming more prominent when you somehow befriend Ulti

“So you and Sasaki want to become an “All-Star” right? How does that work?”

“Either Kaido elects you himself or you prove yourself by defeating an All-Star and taking their place”

You nod, then asking “so who do you wanna beat?”

He smiles “doesn’t matter, as long as I become an All-Star is the goal”

Ulti

The cutesy and hot tempered young lady is one you run into by accident since Maria didn’t trust that she wouldn’t blow a fuse somehow if you had to deliver a letter to her

But nether the less you both meet

And seemingly like Black Maria she finds you to be cute

Which means you have less of a chance to be victim to being attacked by her unless you reallly provoked her somehow

But luckily you haven’t! Especially when you can see subtly gestures as to when she gets irritated

She gets volatile pretty quick but it’s just as easy to be able to calm her down when you call her “lady Ulti”

She seems to like the idea of being a polite lady of high society and maturity

So much so that when she’s not angry she tries to fit this image

And she also seems to like cutsy girlish things

Both of which you indulge her in which gets you in her good graces much to everyone’s shock and amazement

To be honest you don’t really get the deal? This might be you just being desensitized to this kinda stuff but she’s honestly not to hard to deal with

Calling her “lady Ulti” or buying her a few cute charms with some of the money Black Maria gives you seems to placate her anger in most instances

Something that others seem to be thankful for

Though she’s a fierce-some pirate with a temper she also enjoys some of the more simple things in life

She likes to have tea parties with you and do mundane things like shopping or having her hair braided

Perhaps due to being the older sister and caretaker to her brother after their father died she hadn’t had much a childhood to experience such things

Not that you mind, you can’t even really remember your childhood before taking to the sea

Your parents faces blurred and distorted, voices lost like whispers in the wind, their warm hugs dissipated into cold nothingness

So you enjoy your time with her, reliving a time of innocent happiness just as she does

She gets a bit over excited at times not realizing her strength like the time she almost crushed your spine in a hug

But she slowly begins to realize how in comparison your much more fragile than her and others around her

Page one definitely helps her with this quite a bit, especially considering she was like this when they were kids and back then she also had to regulate her strength around people (aka him with her death hugs)

Speaking of her brother she actually pretty happy she’s found a friend?

He’s not really sure how it happened but he’s genuinely happy for her, (also cause she doesn’t cling to him as much, she still does occasionally but now your her main target lol)

She acts a lot like how a sister would

Though she’s sometimes bratty she’s still caring and mischievous in a fun way

Often dragging you away to play games or browse through the shops nearby

It’s honestly pretty nice (when she’s not angry)

But with this comes some genuine moments with her

After their dad died Kaido had taken her and Page one in

As the eldest she decided she needed to step up

And while she did do that she felt like she lost time in enjoying her childhood, of spending time with her brother and forming genuine connections

Being in the beast pirates is a constant power struggle

People always trying to climb to the top no matter the cost

She’s lost a portion of herself in establishing stability for both herself and Page one

Now trying to make up for it even if he saw her clingy affection as annoying

Because at heart she does care

She cares a lot about the few who’ve made the effort to see her

And even if she snaps like a twig when things don’t go her way she doesn’t really mean to

It’s just how she reacts and she can’t really hone it back despite her attempts to do so

But you see that when others don’t

And she deeply appreciates it in her own way

So when she barges in and takes you shopping it’s her trying to show how she appreciates the efforts

Or when she picks you up and sits you atop her shoulder so you can see above the crowd and not get lost

Black Maria is certainly in for a surprise when she finds the two of you having a tea party but decidedly joins in

It’s odd seeing Ulti so happy without snapping in the span of a few minutes but Maria is pleasantly impressed

Though she does get a bit annoyed when Ulti then starts hounding her to send more letters so she has more excuses to play Hanafuda with you (you let her win each time)

Everyone seems to pity your eardrums for when she squeals in joy

“Hey lady Ulti, do you wanna get matching Omamori charms?” You say holding up two of the small luck charms, she turns to you eyes widening with delight.

“Kya!! Really!”

“Sure, it’s why I asked”

Yamato

You met Yamato completely by accident not knowing who he was or why he was in the walls

But at this point you don’t question anything as he freezes in place and you just ask “yo…are you alright? Should I go orrrrr?” In which shakes his head

And then you leave

But then a few days later he finds you while on your way back to Black Maria’s

In which he talks to you

In many ways you find Yamato to be aspiring as you feel his determination burn brightly and strong

He’s faced adversity yet he stands tall admits it all

And….well seeing him idolize Oden and even pick up his mannerism is kinda oddly comforting to you

It must have been years (how many exactly you don’t know) since you last saw Oden but it feels like yesterday

You remember talking with him on the Jolly Roger

Remember him regaling proudly of his homeland and of the Whitebeard pirates who welcomed him aboard

Remember his goodbye to the Roger crew and his joyous hug before stepping off the ship into what now feels like a shadow of what used to be his home

And now your faced with someone who acts like him

Oden was a friend who felt like an old one despite how little time he truly spent with you

And as quickly as he came into your life he was gone like many others you’d met, and all the same it stings and burns like acid

You’d never met his family like he promised

Never had that giant feast he promised Shanks, Buggy and you when you’d all visit

Never got to fulfil in fully raising Momonosuke

Never had the chance in fulfilling his life before his spark was snuffed out

But as you talk more with the young prince you see that while he isn’t Oden himself it certainly feels like in some sense your talking a bit to Oden again

Seeing how Yamato seemingly fights against his father

Against all those you’d somehow come to know while technically working for the beast pirates is inspiring

Especially considering how strong they all are

You didn’t need to see them fight to know how powerful even non All-Stars were

I mean, Kaido wouldn’t be named an “emperor” of the sea and was able to conquer a nation if he wasn’t a powerhouse

Yet Yamato keeps fighting

Because Yamato wouldn’t back down…no he couldn’t back down

Just like Oden wouldn’t

You have to sneak out to hang out with the red horned prince but no one really bats an eye

Not when they just assume your being a kid

So at night Yamato and you hang out

And you tell him your experiences with Oden yourself

And much to your surprise he believes you

He believe you wholeheartedly so much so that it makes you confused

Until he pulls out an old book, partially withered by age yet loved and cared for to keep its contents in surviving longer

And in that book in which Oden wrote while on the high sea with the likes of Whitebeard and Roger

He mentioned a young sailor child that was on Roger’s ship, one he nicknamed within the book as “Chīsana hoshi”

Little star

An affectionate nickname the Daimyo would give to you

The mysterious child whom told stories of the stars and of tales untold

One with what felt like great burning stars in their eyes and wormed their way into the hearts of many

One that sang with the sea and knew secrets untold

To be honest you’d be more touched by the sentiment if Oden didn’t tact on to the end a stick figure drawing of you

Cause wow….for someone who was well educated and wrote so eloquently he really just outed you with a stick figure

Speaking of which, you’d gone years without there being proper photos or drawings of you to escape the world governments attention

But it’s a stick figure

A god damn stick figure

You can’t tell if your upset or kinda impressed

Either way it’s safe to say that Yamato hounds you with questions

But you can’t say you don’t enjoy it as it refreshes your memory a bit

Something you never mind especially when you find yourself remembering details your quickly forgetting over the years

And Yamato seems to notice this as you go blank for a few seconds trying to remember

The slow look of horror as you find yourself not being able to recall some moments

Some things completely lost to the static of your mind and time

And the ecstatic enthusiasm faded from Yamato seeing how broken down the more you try to recall

And realizing you can’t

So he instead shifts the topic

Talking about his yearning for freedom

Anything to take your mind off remembering

And it doesn’t work until he mentions a catalyst to this

Ace

“Ace…as in Portgas Ace?” You question warily watching as Yamato’s expression lights up. He practically springs up, taking out a small piece of paper you recognize as a vivre card

“You know him!” He exclaims excitedly.

“Yeah i helped raise him” you say pulling out the small sun charm as Yamato’s eyes widen in surprise.

“WHAT?!?”

King

Once more you meet him via deliveries but Maria gives you a fair warning about him

Announce your presence and do not go in without his permission lest you end up as ash pile on the ground

Fun

Though probably not one of the worst ways to die

You’d know that personally

But anyways you end up where his office should be

Never going this far into the fortress before now

To be honest the layout was a bit confusing but you made your way after asking a few passerby’s for directions

Them then giving you pitied stares as you go on your way

This guy can’t be that bad right?

And then arrive at the office announcing yourself with mail for him from Miss Black Maria

Keeping the honourifics just in case

For a moment there’s silence and then you hear movement

And the squeaking of something?

Why was there squeaking? Was he in leather pants or something-

And then the shoji doors open

And wow…..you didn’t expect that

Is he in…did you interrupt him or something???!??!

Your staring at this leather wearing head to toe dude with spikes and shit and- did he have a live flame in his back??

Yeah…this is weird even for you and that’s saying something

You hand him the letter and quickly scurry off

Not noticing the flame above him shining a bit brighter than usual

But he does

That’s Odd? Is what he notes to himself

When you deliver to him again it’s relatively the same routine as last time

Though you notice he pays closer attention

Watches your uncomfortable expression as you wait for him to take the letter and let you leave already

And when he does you scurry off again

For some reason though it happens again

His plume burning brighter than it usually would, an almost golden yellow colour rather than the typically orange and red he was used to

That hadn’t happened before

And now looking at it again did the fire begins to change shape?

But that….no he muses to himself that can’t be

It sounds vaguely familiar to something he once heard before the testing and before he lost his homeland

A legend whispered as comfort from a mother he can’t remember in his sleep

Something about a star and its burning flames

But king shakes his head

He’s suspicious but he doesn’t have much to go off now especially since the legends of his people are mostly lost

Besides not even he can remember the myths of his home

Barely old enough to even walk before being stripped of it and shipped off by the world government for testing

He wouldn’t be able remember much let alone remember it actively

Let alone know about a god they used to worship when barely anything is known of them compared to that of Joyboy

Plus your just some kid Maria took pity on, one that a few of the others seemed to have also taken a liking to

Nothing more and nothing less

But something deep in him told him the opposite

Like a small lick of a flame from a candle in the dark

A quiet glow in the sea of shadows

Faint and minuscule but there

Like a single star in the midnight sky, there shining but small and alone

…or at least that’s what this emotional constipated bird man says at first

Because you had apparently survived your delivery to King without being turned to ash has led to other messages being sent through Maria to you to him

Maria was enraged at first but you somehow talked her into it along with the fact that she gets more profit by charging for this service

Soo…. You end up meeting the learning wearing giant of a man

And somehow make conversation with him

To be honest not even he’s sure how it happened

It just did

Cause he asked about how your parents felt about this and it went into a long discussion with you

Specifically about how

A) their dead

B) you don’t remember them

And C) it’s been so long on your own you didn’t even remember where your home was

All of which he understands more than anyone else

To be honest that small question opened a floodgate in him he didn’t expect nor want

But either way it was opened and he couldn’t close it

Because every time he looks at you now he sees himself

Eyes that have seen too much for their age

Eyes that used to be wide and full of wonder reduced to that of tired ones

But unlike him at that age you don’t have the resenting anger he did

To be fair he perhaps had more to be angry about yet it also leaves him confused

How did you turn out the way you did despite it all?

A child who ended up in one of the worse environments possible yet thrives

A child who befriended or got on the good sides of notorious criminals and killers

A child despite seemingly loosing everything still keeping the spark to still find happiness

He sees in which you enjoy the rain despite the cold chill it leaves and the threat of sickness

Watches as you feed your packed bento from Maria’s cooks to a murder of crows even when your stomach grumbles

Observes while you keep strumming a guitar or keep walking even when your feet or fingers bleed

In a lot of ways your like him yet also the complete opposite

And it leaves him confused

And makes him watch

And-

“You don’t have to watch from the shadows you know?” You say not looking up from feeding your crow as he perches on your outstretched finger. You sit on the edge of the railing of a balcony, dangerously close to falling with a simple breeze “I don’t mind the company”

“You noticed me?” The lunarian man mumbles walking out from the doorway and stands by the rail as you continue to feed the bird. He watches the small winged creature, it caws in curiosity at his arrival and tilts its head curiously at the sight of his similar wings.

“You’re not too hard to notice to be fair….but it was your flame that sounded me off. It’s subtle but it’s there” you turn to look at him, petting the feathered little friend. “You notice that kinda thing after a while of being on your own. Even the smallest shift in the wind can alert your mind, giving the hope that someone else was there…but I get the feeling you know that already”

“I do”

A smile appears across your face. “Great minds think alike” your tone is somewhat joyous yet he hears a somewhat sad edge “don’t they Reggie?”

“Reggie? Is that the bird?”

“Yep, raised him and the flock myself!”

“You…raised them all?” Red eyes look out to nearby tree’s, at least 40 beady eyes stare out at him.

“Found them half dead after some villagers tried to kill them. Bad luck or whatever, but sounds like whack superstitions to me” you hold out Reggie to him (leaving out that these were the descendants of those same birds) “wanna hold him?”

King reluctantly takes the bird, the small gentle creature hopping onto his finger. It reacts….positively to him? Much to his surprise. King goes silent for a few moments, watching the midnight feathered bird then rubs its head against him. “I’m confused about you”

“Oh?”

“How are you the way are despite everything?” It’s a broad question “aren’t you angry at the world?”

You give a laugh “of course I’m angry. It took a long time to realize I was, so much had happened to me” you go a bit quiet at the last part but suddenly perk up again as you add “but I’ve met so many good people, seen so many beautiful things. And maybe…just maybe that makes me more content than it does angry. Don’t get me wrong, I still get upset but I have people there for me, some kinda healthy ways to deal with it I guess”

Reggie nudges king as the All-Star goes a bit quiet watching as you then stand on the balcony railing. He quirks an eyebrow beneath his mask, what are you doing-

“Wanna see something cool?” Before he can answer you raise out your arms leaning back dangerously, things practically go in slow motion for him as he races to grab you before you can do your trick

“WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!?, do you have a death wish or something?!?”

“death isn’t that bad? There are worse things than death, believe me. But I was gonna-“ dear gods if he didn’t have white hair already then it would be after that

After that king for some reason keeps thinking about that moment

More specifically your mindset of death

And what the fuck have been through?

But he’s not wondering that in concern of course (definitely not)

More-so curiosity and how it could benefit Kaido (of course)

So he keeps thinking about it

And you

And ends up worrying that you’ll do something stupid again so he goes to find you

And make sure you didn’t do something stupid again that killed you

And wondering if you know how many near misses with death you have on a daily basis

So he goes back to watching silently

And…then joining you when you point out you know he’s there

And it’s not his fault that you seem to ease up to his company

And that you aren’t as annoying as his colleagues (when your not doing near death stupid shit)

And-

Oh fuuuuuuuuuuuuck

He quite literally goes through the 5 stages of grief

First is denial, of course he didn’t care for you

You were just some kid Maria employed and it was just more convenient to make sure you stayed alive- oi why the fuck is queen trying to drag you on stage for his stupid concert

Second is anger, and he’s unsure if he’s angry at you, himself or the situation because honestly how could he possibly somehow get attached to a kid of all things?! Let alone a weird one that seemingly relates to….him and loosing a home he doesn’t remember

Third is bargaining, no! He’s in control here! He’s can just stop talking with you and stop worrying….wait didn’t you just say you were gonna go out in the beast infested forest

Fourth is depression, because oh god he’s attached. The literal only other person he’s attached to is Kaido for obvious reasons. He didn’t think he needed other attachments to others but now he cares and god does it suck when you a god damn extrovert who’s also a magnet for trouble

And finally is acceptance, because he’s attached now god damn it and it’s simultaneous yours and (mostly) his problem

To be honest you don’t really mind at this point

Coming to enjoy his more quiet company after getting over his…odd attire (something which you now poke at him for)

Plus his wings and fire was cool

Oh! And his rad devil fruit too!!!

Dinosaurs were cool in general so it’s definitely an A+ in your books

Not gonna lie the dichotomy of chill sweet kid that everyone has a soft spot for and literally the scariest dude out there is one you find hilarious

Especially after you walked past a confused Sasaki who got a “yo” from you and a death glare from king

It definitely causes heads to turn while king doesn’t care you just find it funny as hell

You find him to be like…a scary big brother

Sure, he rolls his eyes sometimes at your jokes but you know he cares in his own ways when he stopes you from falling down another flight of stairs Cora-style

He seems to express this by just being around you, listening and protecting you

It’s nice

And also gives you the warning that he’s more attentive than most others

Honestly he seems to have a sixth sense for when you try and hide yet another scrape or cut

Like you could have the smallest splatter of mud on your kimono and he’s already figured out you fell earlier

and then calling you an idiot before dragging you to the nearest doctor employed by his crew

It’s honestly impressive and a bit worrying

So you definitely are careful about some of the things you say

But you still tell him stories

Regal your woes of adventures but frame them as being on Wano

And he listens to them all the same

Soaking up your words

One day you give to him a charm fashioned of moonstones, a small piece of gold you carved into a small star,and spare feathers of your crows whom had come to immediately love him (especially perching on his shoulders for warmth)

And in return he give you one of his feathers, one freshly plucked from his wing that you later turn into an earring

What you don’t know is that of the little things he’s remembered of his home is that the gift you gave him was something akin to a lunarian’s gift towards a close friend

He knows at this point with his flame still turning a bright gold and changing shape it can’t be coincidence

But for now he leaves it be

That can be answered later

Especially when for once King feels like Alber again

A lone boy who lost his home who yearned to find someone like him

And though he didn’t find another Lunarian he found someone else instead

But that was fine for him

“This may be a weird question, but do you ever wish you could fly high enough to touch the stars?” You asked one night looking up towards a brightly shining night sky.

Alber looks up for a moment wings involuntarily flexing at the thought of it “it’s all I ever wanted”. It had been a dream of his ever since he had been locked away and prodded at, to fly so high to the stars that would comfort him with their warmth compared to his barely flickering flame. To let a god whose name he can’t remember hear his prayers.

You both share this silent moment both realizing something about the other

For you it’s how his flame shines a light gold, dancing as they formed a familiar four pointed star you’d yet to forget

While for him it’s the fact that for a moment he sees in the depths of yours eyes the brightest star in the sky that used to reside over his home

Queen

Once more you get a warning from Black Maria about him and you think it can’t possibly be more weird than king

You walk in on this dude having a full on concert whilst the crowd of beast pirates roar in cheers for him

Somehow you begin to believe that maybe Kaido hires the most insane weirdo’s out there

Like Roger literally sometimes found random people on the street and asked them to join

But this, this is a new level of finding people

He also gives you kinda off vibes

So you stay clear, handing the note to one of his men and asking forgot it to be delivered when his performance was done

Dodged a bullet there

Though you would admit his song was kinda catchy

…separate the art from the artist? Nah, he probably did some war crimes or worse

Next time your not so lucky though

Catching him just before his concert as apparently one of the lead guitarist flunked out due to being too hungover

Queen, not being to keen to really talk to anyone because this would fuck up his concert and he was very very fucking upset over that

Like borderline really dramatically upset about it

I mean, you guess you can’t blame him but still

He was taking it a bit far by throwing someone against the wall though

You’d rather not start a civil war if Black Maria heard he accidentally squished you like a stress toy so you step up instead

Taking the lone guitar held up by a relatively scared pirate and take a Quick Look at the sheet to memorize it after a minute or two

Looks like your deliveries would be on a bit of a pause until this was done

You just thank whatever gods there are that Maria is a forgiving boss (to you at least) and that over your many years alone on the barren sea you picked up just about every instrument you could and mastered them (partially to pass time and keep sane)

Though this was also partially due to Brook and the Rumbar pirates

Turning to the still scared shitless assistant yelling at him to tell you what you need to play

Which seemingly gets the attention of the large blond who was now looking down at your curiously

Picking you up by the scruff (why did everyone do that and why was everyone so damn tall here???) to get a proper look at you

Inquisitively trying to figure out just exactly who you were before seeing the hairpin Maria gave you

But then that brings up new questions

Ones he’s about to ask before you tell him that you’d fill in for the first half of the show as long as he’d get someone for the second half and take the mail you have for him

He quirks a brow asking if your any good

And just say that your rusty but good enough to get the job done

With that he puts you down, somewhat relived that at least you’d be somewhat competent

And with that the crowd keeps cheering waiting for him to come on stage

You tie up the sleeves of your kimono for more movement and ready your hand movements

It’s been awhile since you played guitar or even a bass but it would have to do

You would always prefer you ukulele anyways but you were decent with other instruments

So with that you enter the stage via a staircase up and through a side door

Just before queen is literally launched on stage

And then you begin as the crowd goes wild

Typically when you’d play you were by yourself so you could never really gauge how good you were

Like sure, you could sometimes see your progress but in other times it all sounded and played the same

In a sense it was lonely but filling at the same time

You were always a solo, yet it filled the sound of the quiet waves and relative silence you’d normally experience

A silence that sometimes became chilling as you laid there

Days to weeks on end

With no one

With nothing but memories

With nothing but your mind to fill it

It’s why you had found yourself taking to so many hobbies

If only to fill time and oblivion

You’d hands move on their own as you pick up on what was slowly lost to you

Becoming more complicated and impressive as you find yourself having fun with it

You even pull off a few tricks if only to make the show better

Might as well show off a little when you have people to show off too

Queen keeps singing as do the chorus of fans

Eh screw it

Lifting the guitar behind your head is more a challenge due to its weight rather than you playing it

You’d perfected the party trick after many many many attempts and practice

And after a moment of getting used to it again the muscle memory kicked in

The crowd goes wild and your not sure if it’s from Queen or your performance

Probably Queen

You close your eyes in concentration

It was easier that way when getting into the groove of it for you

Closing your eyes and concentrating

Just letting yourself play as the world around you faded out into a darkness that you’ve familiarized yourself with

Keep going even if your sweating buckets

Keep playing even if your things go numb and bleed

You dealt with worse

There was that time your hand was chopped off and you were left to die

To bleed out

You know the feeling Almost intimately

The pain

The drowsiness

The want for sleep

And then finish

Your hand strums down and the final cord rings out

You open your eyes and ears to the crowd silent for a moment

And staring at you

As does Queen and the others on the stage

Wow were you that bad-

Deafening cheers then ring out and you stand there looking around confused for a moment

Then spotting the new guitarist frozen and almost paper white, he must’ve been horrified at your performance

Hand him the guitar you pat his back

Giving him a small smile and a “break a leg out there” before rummaging through your pockets to hand Queen the letter

You look to the still cheering crowd and their hands already raised to catch you

Giving a peace sign to performers on stage and then you dive into the crowd

Letting them throw you into the air before catching you again multiple times, then eventually get you to the door

Not long later Queen tries to get you to sign a “music deal”?

Your not sure what that is but King quickly intercepted by kicking the door down and burning said paper

He’s still trying to get you to preform again

“If you think that was good, you should see my ukulele game. It’s my favourite” you say picking up the same guitar you preformed with last time, distantly in the crowd you see Sasaki, Who’s-Who and Ulti who seemingly dragged along Page One.

“Kid, I don’t think that will make you much money” Queen responds as he readies himself

“It’s not about money, it’s for fun. Besides, I’m not that good at guitar anyways”

“Say that to the crowd”

Kaido

While staying in wano and traversing the place of the beast pirates home you’ve noticed an odd pulling sensation

You noticed it when you first came to wano, but as you got closer to the layer of beasts it got stronger

Pulling and directing you deeper into the almost literal lions den

You’d yet to find out what it was but you’d sometimes come closer to it

As if it moved within this place

But today you’d have the opportunity to perhaps find it, apparently Maria wanted to drag you along to a meeting issued by Kaido himself

Why? Well you weren’t all that sure but it was something along the lines of Kaido’s curiosity and her deciding that it was best for you to get more Involved

Whatever that meant

You had the feeling she was wanting you to officially join

Something of which that others seemed to agree on

Normally when this would happen you’d have somehow died or run away but…your not sure what’s holding you back this time

Maybe it’s that mysterious pull

That’s what you chalk it up to yet you know there are other reasons

Maria for sure is one

King is another

Both for some reason are people you can’t quite want to say goodbye to

But you know it will come eventually

So you push the thoughts away for later

Maria eagerly dresses you up today, doing your hair with the upmost precision

Gently directing your head while she adds she light touches of makeup

She looks proudly at her work (or is it you?) before explaining what the meeting was about…pirates politics or something

You didn’t really get it but just nodded along as she giggled

Booping your nose and saying all you had to do was just be there

Which you were more than fine with

So you go with her

Deeper into Kaido’s territory

That odd pull getting greater and at the same time somehow weaker

Like a frequency on a radio

You hadn’t even noticed it but your now at the door to the meeting room

King crouched down to be closer to your eye level asking if your ok

You haven’t even noticed how much of a daze you were in

You nod, just saying your alright

He accepts it but clearly still has a bit of worry

And in you enter

Everyone but Kaido inside

Page one being Ashley’s with hugs by Ulti

Sasaki and Who’s-who glaring daggers as Queen and then King

Maria has you sit down beside her, cooing over how adorable you apparently look

Ulti then joining in

Other in the room giving you pitied stares

But that’s before shoji doors slide open

And everyone straightens in their seats

For a moment there is silence

And then

You hear your name

Looking up you catch eyes with the somewhat elusive Kaido but for a man who’s said to be bloodthirsty and stoic his face is molded into that of guilt?

Guilt, surprise and perhaps a tinge of sadness

Everyone’s eyes are on you now but all you can focus on is Kaido’s

Pools of gold tinged with recognition

He knows you

Or rather knew you

You try to think back

He knows you, you must’ve met him before but…you don’t remember

you didn’t remember him…..

You don’t remember

You don’t remembeṙ̶̖͖͍͖̺̹̗̘͖̔͜

You don’t remembė̵̡̬̰͓̜͚̰̤̯̈́̀̒̎ṙ̶̖͖͍͖̺̹̗̘͖̔͜

You don’t rememb̶̧̝̕ė̵̡̬̰͓̜͚̰̤̯̈́̀̒̎ṙ̶̖͖͍͖̺̹̗̘͖̔͜

You don’t remem̴̨̛̼̺̤͙̑̿͗̔̉̀͜b̶̧̝̕ė̵̡̬̰͓̜͚̰̤̯̈́̀̒̎ṙ̶̖͖͍͖̺̹̗̘͖̔͜

You don’t reme̵̢̟̤̠̥̓m̴̨̛̼̺̤͙̑̿͗̔̉̀͜b̶̧̝̕ė̵̡̬̰͓̜͚̰̤̯̈́̀̒̎ṙ̶̖͖͍͖̺̹̗̘͖̔͜

You don’t rem̴͕͈̥̣͌͑̈̚e̵̢̟̤̠̥̓m̴̨̛̼̺̤͙̑̿͗̔̉̀͜b̶̧̝̕ė̵̡̬̰͓̜͚̰̤̯̈́̀̒̎ṙ̶̖͖͍͖̺̹̗̘͖̔͜

You don’t re̸̤̎m̴͕͈̥̣͌͑̈̚e̵̢̟̤̠̥̓m̴̨̛̼̺̤͙̑̿͗̔̉̀͜b̶̧̝̕ė̵̡̬̰͓̜͚̰̤̯̈́̀̒̎ṙ̶̖͖͍͖̺̹̗̘͖̔͜

You don’t ̸̮̓́̎̊̉̕͘͠r̵̬͈̣̭̎̾̔͗̓̕͜e̸̤̎m̴͕͈̥̣͌͑̈̚e̵̢̟̤̠̥̓m̴̨̛̼̺̤͙̑̿͗̔̉̀͜b̶̧̝̕ė̵̡̬̰͓̜͚̰̤̯̈́̀̒̎ṙ̶̖͖͍͖̺̹̗̘͖̔͜

You don’t̸̺̪͈͔̮̫̉͊͆̓́̔̎͘͝ ̸̮̓́̎̊̉̕͘͠r̵̬͈̣̭̎̾̔͗̓̕͜e̸̤̎m̴͕͈̥̣͌͑̈̚e̵̢̟̤̠̥̓m̴̨̛̼̺̤͙̑̿͗̔̉̀͜b̶̧̝̕ė̵̡̬̰͓̜͚̰̤̯̈́̀̒̎ṙ̶̖͖͍͖̺̹̗̘͖̔͜

You don ̴̛̺̋́͌̌̓̍̃̇̂t̸̺̪͈͔̮̫̉͊͆̓́̔̎͘͝ r̵̬͈̣̭̎̾̔͗̓̕͜e̸̤̎m̴͕͈̥̣͌͑̈̚e̵̢̟̤̠̥̓m̴̨̛̼̺̤͙̑̿͗̔̉̀͜b̶̧̝̕ė̵̡̬̰͓̜͚̰̤̯̈́̀̒̎ṙ̶̖͖͍͖̺̹̗̘͖̔͜

You don̷̡̰̰̳̳̥̲͎̅̒’̴̛̺̋́͌̌̓̍̃̇̂t̸̺̪͈͔̮̫̉͊͆̓́̔̎͘͝ ̸̮̓́̎̊̉̕͘͠r̵̬͈̣̭̎̾̔͗̓̕͜e̸̤̎m̴͕͈̥̣͌͑̈̚e̵̢̟̤̠̥̓m̴̨̛̼̺̤͙̑̿͗̔̉̀͜b̶̧̝̕ė̵̡̬̰͓̜͚̰̤̯̈́̀̒̎ṙ̶̖͖͍͖̺̹̗̘͖̔͜

You dơ̶̗̱̅̑̒̅͂n̷̡̰̰̳̳̥̲͎̅̒’̴̛̺̋́͌̌̓̍̃̇̂t̸̺̪͈͔̮̫̉͊͆̓́̔̎͘͝ ̸̮̓́̎̊̉̕͘͠r̵̬͈̣̭̎̾̔͗̓̕͜e̸̤̎m̴͕͈̥̣͌͑̈̚e̵̢̟̤̠̥̓m̴̨̛̼̺̤͙̑̿͗̔̉̀͜b̶̧̝̕ė̵̡̬̰͓̜͚̰̤̯̈́̀̒̎ṙ̶̖͖͍͖̺̹̗̘͖̔͜

You d̵̯̰̈́̐̈ͅơ̶̗̱̅̑̒̅͂n̷̡̰̰̳̳̥̲͎̅̒’̴̛̺̋́͌̌̓̍̃̇̂t̸̺̪͈͔̮̫̉͊͆̓́̔̎͘͝ ̸̮̓́̎̊̉̕͘͠r̵̬͈̣̭̎̾̔͗̓̕͜e̸̤̎m̴͕͈̥̣͌͑̈̚e̵̢̟̤̠̥̓m̴̨̛̼̺̤͙̑̿͗̔̉̀͜b̶̧̝̕ė̵̡̬̰͓̜͚̰̤̯̈́̀̒̎ṙ̶̖͖͍͖̺̹̗̘͖̔͜

Yoų̶̛͚͈̫̯̻̩͙̍̾͠ ̷͍͇̮̙̼͙̤̜͊́͗̓͠d̵̯̰̈́̐̈ͅơ̶̗̱̅̑̒̅͂n̷̡̰̰̳̳̥̲͎̅̒’̴̛̺̋́͌̌̓̍̃̇̂t̸̺̪͈͔̮̫̉͊͆̓́̔̎͘͝ ̸̮̓́̎̊̉̕͘͠r̵̬͈̣̭̎̾̔͗̓̕͜e̸̤̎m̴͕͈̥̣͌͑̈̚e̵̢̟̤̠̥̓m̴̨̛̼̺̤͙̑̿͗̔̉̀͜b̶̧̝̕ė̵̡̬̰͓̜͚̰̤̯̈́̀̒̎ṙ̶̖͖͍͖̺̹̗̘͖̔͜

Yö̶̹͕̩͓͉̤̲̟̟́̾͜ų̶̛͚͈̫̯̻̩͙̍̾͠ ̷͍͇̮̙̼͙̤̜͊́͗̓͠d̵̯̰̈́̐̈ͅơ̶̗̱̅̑̒̅͂n̷̡̰̰̳̳̥̲͎̅̒’̴̛̺̋́͌̌̓̍̃̇̂t̸̺̪͈͔̮̫̉͊͆̓́̔̎͘͝ ̸̮̓́̎̊̉̕͘͠r̵̬͈̣̭̎̾̔͗̓̕͜e̸̤̎m̴͕͈̥̣͌͑̈̚e̵̢̟̤̠̥̓m̴̨̛̼̺̤͙̑̿͗̔̉̀͜b̶̧̝̕ė̵̡̬̰͓̜͚̰̤̯̈́̀̒̎ṙ̶̖͖͍͖̺̹̗̘͖̔͜

Y̸̢̰̼̟̱͉̏̇͊͠ö̶̹͕̩͓͉̤̲̟̟́̾͜ų̶̛͚͈̫̯̻̩͙̍̾͠ ̷͍͇̮̙̼͙̤̜͊́͗̓͠d̵̯̰̈́̐̈ͅơ̶̗̱̅̑̒̅͂n̷̡̰̰̳̳̥̲͎̅̒’̴̛̺̋́͌̌̓̍̃̇̂t̸̺̪͈͔̮̫̉͊͆̓́̔̎͘͝ ̸̮̓́̎̊̉̕͘͠r̵̬͈̣̭̎̾̔͗̓̕͜e̸̤̎m̴͕͈̥̣͌͑̈̚e̵̢̟̤̠̥̓m̴̨̛̼̺̤͙̑̿͗̔̉̀͜b̶̧̝̕ė̵̡̬̰͓̜͚̰̤̯̈́̀̒̎ṙ̶̖͖͍͖̺̹̗̘͖̔͜

Your forgetting more and more

You know some things have been a bit foggy but you didn’t think you’ve forgotten someone again

How many times this has happened you’re not sure, is this the first? Or one of many?

You didn’t want to forget

But you had already forgotten your parents

Your home that now resembles an empty house within your mind

The distinct smell of something wafting in the air that’s familiar and sweet and warm and forgotten to your taste buds

Their voices muffled like hearing them rooms away, hearing but never distinguishing just what their saying

Your neighbour’s like blots of colour through the window as they tend a garden

Your old friends…..But did you have any in the first place?

You don’t know

You don’t know the answer to any of those questions anymore

But with the look in his eyes he knows you

But you don’t know him

And some sort of fear wraps around your heart

Squeezing it

Sweat running down your shaking form

Like a fawn in the jaws of a bear

Your head pounds with unease

You don’t know what to do

What are you supposed to say? Sorry I can’t remember you cause I’ve lived so long that I’ve began to forget stuff?!?

What do you do?!?

His eyes says he wants answers but even if you give him one you see the outcome

You see a possessiveness

Like a dragon and a horde

You’ll be stuck here like wano’s resident with the only difference in your case being that your given a special status

Like a prized pet

So

You run

Maybe it’s the cowards way out but this was coming either way

No matter how hard it always is

You knew this wasn’t forever and now your forced to do this

You have to die yet once more

Running through the halls with Kaido and many of his commanders on your tail isn’t a fun experience

But your small

And quick

And have ran for your life too many times to know your advantages here

Ducking and slide across wooden floors

You manage to loose them all after a small bit of running

Them splitting up to find you quicker

It’s too bad it ended up like this

Too bad you couldn’t leave on good terms

Or find that pull

But now comes the end

It’s ironic that it’s the balcony you sat on with king that one day

One that you were gonna jump off of regardless but now it’s not a trick where your crows would’ve caught you

And it’s even more iconic now that it’s king that notices you stand and then fall from that edge

But like before he catches you

Hand grabbing yours in an iron grip

His flame sparking up intensely

Your not sure what he’s feeling or what he’s saying

All you can focus on is static

And saying a small “I’m sorry” before slashing his hand with Maria’s hairpin

It cuts at the leather, for a moment you feel his human skin before you slip

Let go

And fall

His flame sparks up once more coming to the shape of that familiar four pointed star you’d see in moments once more

Gold light engulfing your vision

There’s a crack and then pain

And laying on the cold hard ground as blood pools

Reaching a bloody hand up you hold a small spark

Warm and familiar as you feel Maria pick you up in her own

It’s odd but she had been the closest thing you could compare to a mother

You wish you could’ve told her that but the spark holds your attention

Cradled in your palm

You bring it close to your chest in which it collides with

Sparks shoot out at the collision

Before a calm washes over you as cracks begin to form and you break away

“Oden?”

[freestyle-crocodile-trashpile]

Sister

Summary: Sukuna walks in at the perfect time.

Type:Scenario:Gore/Horror: Sukuna & M!Reader

Version:Jjk

⚠️WARNING! it does get pretty graphic, and there's some cannibalism!⚠️

~

Sukuna kicked aside another useless body, dark chuckle coming from him as be crushes the head of a weak woman.

"Pathetic...I figured someone would put up a fight," Sukuna looked down at the now crushed head of the woma, shaking his head as he started walking again.

It was a wonder how Sukuna's yukata wasn't stained, even as he walked through the bloody field of the small village. Uraume walked close behind, looking out for any living being or a suitable corpse for Sukunas' next meal. Eventually, they walked by a small house, stopping at the sound of soft thuds and grunts.

"Sir." Uraume pointed, but Sukuna was already eyeing the door. The thuds sounded...wet almost.

Sukuna narrowed his eyes, walking over to the door. He had to dunk his head to step inside, now facing a much smaller form beating someone.

His four eyes stared into the back of your head as your fist came down repeatedly, some sobs and grunts coming from you. The body under you was of an unknown woman. She was unmoving, clearly dead for a hot second. Your tear fell down onto the mess of blood under you, your yukata soiled with blood and gore. Your arms ached, but you refused to stop. The face was already mangled, but somehow, your brain could still make out the face of her, of the bastard that caused all the pain.

This was revenge, and it was like feast for Sukuna. Every cry, every thrust of your fist, every snap, squish, and thud filled Sukunas senses. The smirk on his face on grew as he watched you.

Your fist were practically beating the ground at this point, her head so destroyed, beaten into the ground so much that it was a pile of mush and goo. Even her skull had been crushed under your fist.

Yet, you've never been strong. Always been the weaker one of your siblings, and your sister took advantage of it. She treated you like a servant, treating your weakness as a method to keep you under her. You were never strong enough to fight back. You'd only end up on the ground bloody by your father while your sister faked cried behind him. So when you found her terrified and hiding, sobbing for you to hide her, you took advantage. You've never moved so fast before, she tried to fight back, but her adrenaline didn't last long enough to fend you off her. The screams didn't process in your head as anyone else's but her own. You beat your sister while Sukuna massacred your village. Yet, you only registered those screams and crys as your sisters.

You palms landed on the mush of flesh under you, keeping your hands pressed against it as you breathed heavily. Loud breaths and gasps came from your mouth as you gained your breath. With trembling hands, you grasped your shoulders, leaning your head back and taking deep breaths. When you opened your eyes, you saw a knife, placed perfectly in reach from you. Leaning over your shaking fingers wrapped around the knife, pulling it to your chest before moving down on your sisters lifeless body. The knife dug into her neck, at the edge where her head used to sit. Slowly, you dragged the knife down, cutting it like the skin of a deer. When you had a nice tear in her skin, you grasped it, tearing the skin from her ribs. The knife dropped from your hands. Staring down at her exposed sternum, with a gulp you raised your hands, clasping your hands together before slamming them down on her sternum.

The sickening crack of bones was music to Sukunas ears, his smirk only growing as he watched you toss her broken sternum to the side.

Your shaky hands grasped her still and cold heart, yanking it out of chest.

"Your heart has always been cold...hasn't it...sister," Your voice surprised Sukuna, it sounded so broken yet sweet. But sweet in a soft way, no. Sweet in a dark and broken way, sweet in the way only a crazed person could see murder. Which is what he saw, a murder, a broken man in need of revenge.

And Sukuna was willing to help.

Your eyes stared at the heart, it spilled blood everywhere, dripping onto the ground. With a gulp you brought it to your face, hesitating before biting into the heart. You were so famished, the heart looked delicious. After a few chews you gagged, but swallowed. Keeping it down as you took another bite, you were so hungry it seemed right at the moment. When the heart was consumed you gasped, choking slightly before shakily standing up. Coughing out blood- blood that was not your own. Slowly and shakily walking backwards, suddenly your back hot a solid surface. Your eyes slowly moved to look up as a strong arm wrapped around your waist.

"Bravo..." A large hand grasped your face, tilting it up to look him in the eyes.

It wasn't every day someone looks the king of curses in the eyes, yet you held his gaze with a tired look. He tugged your head closer, making you stand on your tippy toes. The mouth on his hand licked at the blood on your face, as well as the mouth on his stomach, but licking at your soiled clothes. The blood all over you was delicious.

Uraume walked over to your sisters corpse, choosing her as Sukunas next meal.

Sukuna let go of your face, letting your feet hit the ground again. Not for long though, his arm easily picked you up, tossing you onto his shoulder. You were like nothing to him, so small you could be mistaken as a child.

"You'll do perfectly." Was the last thing you heard before passing out.

~

[A/N:Sorry for the cannibalism guys, I just wanted something wild in this. I hoped you enjoyed]

[adachimoe]

PSC V Ep 10 - The Return of "Ah-ha, I SEES it!" (and also the last one (i think?))

Last time: Ep 1 + Explanation, Eps 2 + 4, Ep 5, Eps 6 + 7 (no Q&A), Eps 8 + 9, Eps 10 + 11 (plus PSC Cafe), Eps 12/13/18/19, Eps 20/23/24, Eps 25/26

Persona Stalker Club ended at episode 26, then was reborn as Persona Stalker Club V to cover Persona 5. V went for 10 episodes but the Q&A segment didn't return until episode 10. The guests on this episode where Rina Sato (Makoto's voice actor) and the return of Tomokazu Sugita (Yusuke's voice actor, who last showed up on episode 7).

V Episode 10: (I paraphrased #2's question / answer)

Q: When Makoto trails Joker around, she's shown hiding by reading a shonen manga magazine. Is her Persona the result of her reading shonen instead of shojo? A: Per the Official Design Works, Makoto enjoys reading, regardless of the genre. She reads shojo, sci-fi novels, etc. Q: Do the protagonists all get enhanced physical ability when inside Palaces and Mementos? Or are they their usual selves in Palaces aside from their clothes? A: To get straight to the point, their physical ability gets enhanced thanks to their spirit of rebellion. Q: Yusuke looks great in his yukata during the fireworks part. Did he buy it himself? Also, did he dress himself? A: It's not documented anywhere, but I think he bought it himself. Additionally, since Yusuke majors in Japanese-style painting, I imagine he has painted people wearing Japanese clothing before and is well-versed in the subject, so I think he dressed himself. Q: Why does Yusuke only wear a white shirt with his uniform when Hifumi wears a uniform with a dress shirt and blazer? What about the symbol on his shirt? A: It's his own shirt. The symbol is a lily emblem which is used in Europe to represent royalty. I guess he picked it because he likes it. In Japanese flower language, a black lily communicates "love" and "curses", hinting at how Yusuke develops during the story. Furthermore, the aforementioned flower language originates from a woman in the Sengoku era whose name was Sayuri. There's no connection between this and P5, but I do recall later being surprised by the coincidence when I realized it. Q: What is in Akechi's attaché case? Did he draw that circled "A" himself? Asked by: Adachi's Tie Clip A: Presumably, it contains his laptop and material related to cases he's working on. The "A" is the "A" in "Akechi", and he made it himself. He must want to stand out. At the same time, the "A." (w/emphasis on the period) is an expression of his intellect, as if all the "A"nswers to a case can be found within.

The answer put an emphasis on the period - being that it's used to indicate the end of a sentence, I guess the emphasis is also to symbolize like... a case being over?

The "Design Works" being referred to in some questions is the P5 Official Design Works which has character info and concept art and notes and other things.

Also, clearly, Yusuke has no money because he spent it all on a yukata.

Wew I think that's all of the questions and answers from PSC.

[probablysya]

Half The World Away - Gojo Satoru x Kamo!Reader

chapter one ⟡ Eveything I Never Wanted

Synopsis: Summer Festival is around the corner and the summer heat made Kamo (Y/N) remember the day she was thrust into the world of sorcerer. She feels changes inside her as time goes. Her grandfather wanted to know everything and ask regarding her relationship with the infamous Gojo Satoru. 

Warning: curse words, blood, gore, forced restraint, choking, ritualistic elements (the bloody gore and all will only be in the intro but it will be occurring as the series progress)

pls read author’s note below, ty

(also this is a repost. I had to fix some of the errors as in the earlier draft, I already had a name for the reader but decide to scratch the idea, link in the masterlist is also updated)

—

Autumm 1996

By the time she found her way in the room she was told to, she noticed the room was filled with Ofuda and Talisman paper and lit candles as the light source. She saw some familiar faces and many unfamiliar faces in the room. In the middle of the room, her grandfather, her father and two men that she doesn’t know stand there with tense expressions on their faces. One of the men, a Kannushi, is holding some sort of goblet cup, not too big but definitely it is not a small cup either. They’re all wearing formal attire, an attire that she rarely sees but she understands it’s a big deal if both of them wear it. 

Every step feels very heavy, not to mention all kinds of prayers being chanted as she walks to her father. She felt like she’s being commanded to walk to them. She is very confused. She was in her study room when she heard a knock from her door. The family servants notified her that her grandfather, the head of the Kamo Family, was waiting for her. Kamo Family, one of the big three families in Jujutsu Sorcerer Society, Kamo Family is viewed as conservative and orthodox faction due to how much they value tradition and blood lineage above anything else.  The family has long rooted history all the way to the Golden Age of Sorcery. But what does she know about any of this, she’s six years old. 

Before she came to the ‘ceremonial room’, she was dressed in white yukata and her hair was kept simple in a braid. After they finished preparing her, she asked them, “what is this for? Where’s my mother?”. But she got no reply, all of them left but one. This one servant kept her head down. She looked around and noticed that the whole house was dark and only used candles as the light source and there were a lot of candles lit, this sight brings chills to her spine. “What’s going on?” But she still got no answer, it frustrates her so much. 

(Y/N) stopped her steps as she saw a hand signed by her grandfather, he later ordered her, “Sit”. (Y/N) did as she was told, though she is still confused about what's going on. She took small glances to her left and right and there she noticed, all of their palms are bandaged. Her brows frowned but later looked up as her grandfather said, “My family, you are all gathered here, to witness the rebirth of a miracle. My granddaughter, (Y/N), has shown signs of an inherited gift we’ve been waiting for. A female sorcerer with Blood Manipulation Technique. Daughter of Kamo Family” It follows by answering, “as written”.

(Y/N), who is still confused, wanted to talk but she felt like her lips were shut tight, even if she opened her mouth, no words came out from it. “My dear, I can feel that you’re scared and confused”. The head clan took a step down and made (Y/N) look at him by holding her chin up, he can see her eyes shaken in fear. She felt that her mouth was finally listening to her and screaming to her grandfather, “Grandfather, what is going on? Why’s everyone here and their hands are being bandages?”. She only got an answer from him, “It’ll end soon, my dear. Accept the blessings and set your soul free” What is that supposed to mean?

The Kannushi walked down towards her as her grandfather walked back and stood next to his son, (Y/N)’s father. The Kannushi walked down and people in the room started to recite prayers. The room became so suffocating to her and her vision started to blur. She wanted to get up and leave. The people in front and guards noticed that (Y/N) wanted to leave, in their eyes, she wanted to flee. They went to her and held her down. (Y/N) later struggled to be free, “No! Let me go” 

The guards restrained her firmly and  pressed her legs hard to the cold stone floor. One of them grasped her face, fingers almost digging painfully into her cheeks, forcing her mouth open wide. The Kannushi now stood in front of her, still holding the goblet with both of his hands and stared her down, and he later chanted, “May the blood of Kamo shall set your soul free”. Wait, the goblet— it’s all of their blood? She asked herself: Did Grandfather make all of them cut their hands for all that blood?

The Kannushi tilted the ornate goblet, the thick blood cascading over her lips and down to her throat, leaving (Y/N) no choice but to swallow it. (Y/N) stared back at Kannushi, as he was still pouring the goblet to her. Her white yukata is stained red due to the blood. She tasted the goblet’s content in her nostrils, in the roof of her mouth, in her cheeks—it was sticky and warm, the taste was odd, iron-like, the smells were off-putting and strong. (Y/N) swallowed as much as she could, but she couldn’t swallow anymore due to the overwhelming taste and smell. She knocked the goblet with her head, and she fell. She coughed a lot and spitted some of the blood out. Her body shakes and laying down as trying to adapt to the content she drank. Something’s wrong

Everything went silent, but she could tell that their mouths were open and chanted prayer. She felt everything inside her starting to feel the effects from the blood she drank. Her body changes, adapting. She felt she could listen to everyone’s thoughts inside her room—No, every Kamo’s thoughts and it's so loud. “Stop talking” she said, covering her ears but that didn’t stop her from hearing all the voices, it became louder. She can sense from her surroundings. It's like there’s many fireworks inside her, to be exact her brain. With her new found sense, she looks for her mother but she’s nowhere to be found, and it hits her—Mother is not a Kamo. 

Her eyes have been closed since and she just realized. But when she opened her eyes and stared at frozen expressions around her, Why is everyone stay still? She asked herself. But her answer was later In front of her as she felt an explosion of light within her view. She looked in the direction as there she saw a young woman. She’s wearing the same white yukata as her. Young one, she said. You have now opened the memories of all Kamo in this room and the ones that came before them, all of them are relieved inside you. When (Y/N) can feel her mouth that has been frozen since she noticed time stopped for her, she asked, “Why? Why me?”

Because you are a female sorcerer with Blood Manipulation Technique, there has not been any female with Blood Manipulation Technique in four hundred years, she answered. “But I don't want any of this. I don't want to be a sorcerer!” She replied, pleading. You have to, even if you want it or not—your body still adapting, being burdened with memories of Kamo since the dawn of Jujutsu Sorcerer is too much for a young child. (Y/N) is still trying to process what's and why’s, but then (Y/N) felt a pang in her. Memories flashed through her eyes so quickly, it's so overwhelming that she wanted to scream. The woman comes close to (Y/N), covering her eye with her hand. She’s so close that (Y/N) felt shivers in her seizing body and whispered to her ears,

Open your eyes

(Y/N) opens her eyes and she feels a flash in the eyes, before everything was monotone color but now her color vision is back to what it was, but it's so much vibrant? She heard cries of her name, screaming it's a miracle in front of them. Someone eased her to a sitting position. She was trying to process what just happened. Everything was so much for her to understand that she didn’t even realize her gray eyes turned red. Her father and grandfather took a good look at her and understood that her cursed technique had awoken. Her grandfather praised, “Bless our salvation. Bless our Holy Daughter”. Then everybody repeats what her grandfather said, some even had tears come out from them. (Y/N) clutched to her blood soaked yukata and just watched. Voices and bells ringing overwhelm her hearing. This is not real, this is not real, this is not—

“(Y/N)!”

“(Y/N) WAKE UP”

—

June 2006 

She opened her eyes and saw the sky and Haibara looking down at her. She can feel the grass in the back of her body. Wait, how long did I sleep? she asked herself

“You okay?” Haibara asked, offering a hand for her to help stand up, which (Y/N) accepted. “Yeah, I just had a long dream”. She looked behind Haibara and there’s Nanami leaning to the side of the pole with his hand crossed. Haibara was grabbing her pole arm while she looked at her reflection from the black screen from her phone. Thank god it’s not red. She heard it again, the bells. Haibara and (Y/N) looked at the sound direction and they saw the Kannushis and Mikos ringing the bell, although the temple is very far from the school field, the sound of the bells can be heard all the way. “Guess it’s their way to celebrate the upcoming Matsuri” Haibara said. He stared at (Y/N), who kept looking at the temple and how the Mikos ringing the bell, she got lost in thought. Somehow it brings her bad memories, Haibara thought to himself.

“(Y/N) '' Haibara touched her shoulder, snapping her out from her thoughts, she looked at Haibara and smiled. “Sorry, I might have overdone it” She told him. 

“Wanna go to the clinic? Nanami and I can take you there, '' Haibara offered. She looked down, afraid to look at his face. Haibara has been nothing but kind to her. A sunshine, she said to herself when she met Haibara for the first time. Yu Haibara, first year of Jujutsu High along with Naomi and the other guy, Nanami. Haibara is cheerful and optimistic, it wasn't hard to see that Haibara sees good in everyone, even he’ll probably see good in criminals and would defend them if he has the chance. Haibara has been the bridge between her and Nanami. Both of them were quiet, although (Y/N) still talks and not completely shut herself off from everyone, Nanami however…probably it’s easy to tell about him. That is why she is grateful for having a friend like Haibara. He made the team dynamic work, despite how odd the outsider thinks. 

“It’s fine, Haibara. It’s just the heat. Although it’s good for me, at least that’s what the doctor told me, Vitamin D and all that” she shrugged. “But that’s morning sun rays. Right now it’s 12pm” Haibara complained. Nanami who was walking towards them later asked (Y/N), “Did you drink your meds?” To which she replied by nodding. “That’s good. Come now, it’s lunch time. Probably those three are already there by now” Nanami told them, walking ahead.

Those three. Nanami was referring to their three seniors who are a year above them. Two males and one female, the same as the first year. Personally, she is not really close to them but she’s not on bad terms either. No it’s a lie, (Y/N) is close to Shoko Ieri. Ieri is a neutral force between Suguru Geto and Satoru Gojo, scratch that— when the two fight, she would remove herself and find a place to smoke until both of them stopped choking each other to death. She and Ieri are close due to both being the only female students in school and because Ieri’s care towards (Y/N) being anemic. (y/N) viewed her as an older sister. 

However with the other two. (Y/N) is okay with Suguru Geto. There is nothing wrong about him. Geto was always kind and mature, he helped and guided (Y/N) when both got assigned to missions together once. Suguru once borrowed a hair tie from (Y/N) and always forgot to return it to her but she didn’t mind and would always give her spares when Geto asked. They would talk about Geto’s previous mission and his view of jujutsu sorcerer’s standing in humanity and all kinds of stuff. They have mutual understanding and have been on good terms.

With Satoru Gojo? Heavens Above, she rather not think about it. Come to think of it, her first impression of Gojo wasn’t the pleasant thing that ever happened to her. Compared to Geto and Ieri’s first meeting, two things happened to (Y/N) when she met Gojo for the first time. First, Gojo was overwhelmingly bragging and was so full of himself, he barely took an interest in her when the now Second year trio was assigned to give a tour of the school to the newly first year. But their official meeting was when Gojo ran into her when she had just arrived at school, waiting for Yaga and Geto in the temple. (Y/N) wasn’t religious herself but due to growing up in such conservative family, she sought solace in praying. 

Gojo was stunned to see a new face in Jujutsu High’s temple. Another new kiddo? He thought. Gojo stares at the girl who hasn’t noticed his presence and just watches, hiding behind the tree but nothing can hide Gojo with his height. She noticed an overwhelming amount of curse energy and thought there’s a special grade curse behind her wanting to kill her, it's not the first time (Y/N) was in danger, many wanted her dead, many wanted her blood. But when she looked back and saw Gojo and his otherworldly blue eyes (he forgot his glasses as he was in hurry due to Geto kept spamming call him, Gojo overslept), (Y/N) thought she was pulled in another oblivion, the same feeling when she drank Blood of Kamo chalice. So this is the Six Eyes’ user?

(y/n) did think Gojo came to kill her, but no. They just stand still. Spring wind breeze can be felt on their skin but none of them cared. Till this day, (y/n) still can’t tell what she felt when she stared at those blue eyes. Experiences unrolled before her eyes for a moment. A flash of memory came to her head but she couldn’t tell what that is or whose memory it was. It was like seeing a lecture projection from school projection during class but the image changes quickly and blindingly faster…. So quickly before she can understand what that is. But she felt something else, pain in her chest. She didn’t realize that tears were running down her cheeks but she saw what’s in front of her. 

Tears running down on Satoru Gojo’s eyes as well. 

“You need to stop getting lost in your own thoughts, (Y/N)” Nanami said, pulling (Y/N) back to reality. She chuckled apologetically and replied, “Sorry, Ken. There is something that is kinda bothering me”. Ken, shortened from Kento, Nanami’s first name. Aside from Ieri, Nanami was another person that knows (Y/N)  a bit well (well she tells them what they need to know, not all of it), where (Y/N)  can comfortably talk when she’s in need. Don't think about anything else, (Y/N)  loves and trusts Haibara so much but Haibara is too kind, too pure to listen to (Y/N)’s stories and problems. Poor boy would always try to find a way to make (Y/N)’s  not wrong from her problem and all, he cannot help it, Haibara always sees good in everyone, it’s what he is. Nanami is blunt, honest, straightforward and wise. Because of his bluntness, (Y/N)  needs it. She needs to know an honest input and Nanami has been doing so. They talked a lot to the point, she started calling him Ken, much to his displeasure. “Is it because of the bells?” He asked. Right on point, Ken, she thought. 

(Y/N) looked at Haibara who already walked first, making sure he doesn’t hear any of this, despite how much she hates keeping Haibara in the dark, one day she’ll tell. “That one and another thing. I feel something in me, like something awoke inside me, slowly” she told him. Nanami stopped his walk which made (Y/N) do the same, “What do you mean by that?” He asked. (Y/N) looked the other way, through the window, “Like a monster is waiting for the right to awaken”. Nanami took a step forward to (Y/N) and what Nanami did next shocked her, he patted her. “You worry too much, (Y/N)” he said, looking at her glassy gray eyes as those eyes looked up to him. “Maybe. But still—“

“WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN THIS THING IS NOT SPICY?!”

“ITS PEPPER, SATORU. NOT FUCKING CHILI POWDER”

“YOUR TASTE BUD IS ATROCIOUS!!!”

“YOUR TONGUE IS WEAK”

“WHAT DID YOU SAY?!”

Nanami later growled In frustration as he heard, (Y/N) smiled in defeat. So we are greeted with this, at lunch?! I thought they went on mission since morning, where have they been? She asked herself. Nanami already walked inside the dining hall. Haibara is trying to calm Geto and Gojo down, Ieri who feeling very unbothered drinking her ocha. Nanami is taking his seat while (Y/N) sat between Haibara and Nanami. Ieri noticed (Y/N) sat in front of and smiled so happily, “Oh thank goodness you’re here”. (Y/N) smiled back and started to stir her soup to make it less hot, it’s what she believed in reducing the heat, “Ieri-Senpai, how’s your day so far?”. Ieri sighed defeatedly and points her finger to the corner of the room, “as you can see, I aged faster as I keep up with their bullshit”. That made (Y/N) laugh at that. Its true, wherever Geto and Gojo argues at anywhere, none of them could stop them except two things, they just end it on their own or……ummm..;;

“CUT IT OUT YOU TWO” 

A sudden loud booming voice comes through…along with two head punches sound, Oh heavens above. “Can you two for once not create war everywhere you go?” Yaga said, crossing his arms and looking down at Geto and Gojo who sit down in defeat. “He started it,” Gojo said, pointing at Geto without looking at Geto directly, only causing Geto to choke Gojo’s neck. “Enough” Yaga said, ending the bickering. Yaga left the two troubled children alone and left the dining hall but stopped his steps as he remembered something, “(Y/N)-kun, your grandfather called, said that you need to accept his calls”. Suddenly, it was like swallowing thousands of pins to her throat when she heard it. 

Female Blood Manipulation Technique Sorcerer is as rare as Six Eyes User. Last record of the female user was four hundred years ago. The Kamo Family put highly of their male descendants but they do celebrate when a female that was also blessed with Blood Manipulation is born. The tradition of Kamo’s Blood of Ancient is not recorded well by the Jujutsu Society as Kamo family kept it hidden. Its mystery is the same as the information of Gojo Family’s Six Eyes. (Y/N)’s grandfather wanted (Y/N) to keep in contact with him and update all of her activities and especially her technique development to her. “Thank you, Masamichi-Sensei '' she said her thanks and slowly ate her food. The others (Nanami, Haibara, and Ieri) can feel (Y/N)’s uneasiness but they hold themselves back as it's obvious that it's not the right time to ask her.

Back to Geto and Gojo, what the fuck they argue about? It’s literally about Miso Soup being too spicy for Gojo. And Geto wasn’t wrong, the soup had chili powder in it because Gojo failed to notice the many spice bottles in front of him and randomly added it to his soup without reading the label. Having had enough of their bickering, (Y/N) swapped her soup that hadn't been added with anything with his. Ieri who noticed shook her head, “I wouldn’t do that if I were you”. (Y/N)  chuckled, “better this way than hearing him complaining about it”. Ieri let it pass as she continued eating while Gojo and Geto went back to their seats, much to their irritation. 

As they continued eating in silence and enjoying the food. (Y/N)’s phone vibrated, all of their attention shifted to the vibrating phone, on the screen written, “kei ♪(´ε｀ )”. (Y/N) choked her drink as she saw the screen, immediately excused herself and answered the call, “what is it, Kei?”. 

(Y/N) walked a bit further from the dining hall so they (Y/N) really hear but it's not that hard as Izumi talked really low in general. Nanami and Haibara continued their doing as usual but the dark haired senior is curious, “who is it? Her boyfriend?”. Haibara laughed as she answered, “No way, if (Y/N)  has a boyfriend, both of us will know. Besides that’s (Y/N)’s friend from middle school”. Geto hummed while Shoko was having a conversation with Haibara. Nanami stayed quiet and Gojo looked at the direction where Izumi went. 

——

“That’s screwed up” (Y/N) commented on the story Kei told her. Apparently Kei’s friend from high school accused her of wanting to steal her boyfriend when Kei herself was being harassed by the boyfriend of her friend. “I know right. God, I really want to pull her hair out. The boyfriend is not even my type” (Y/N) can tell Kei is rolling her eyes, irritation can be heard from her tone. “Though, enough about me. How are things from your side?”

“Nothing ordinary,” (Y/N) replied, leaning into the wooden wall carefully. “It’s actually not bad here”

“I know i said this but everyone surprised you applied to different school than you initiated” 

(Y/N) sighed, “well my grandfather’s insisted, so—“

“Enough about him. What about yourself?”

True. (Y/N) never got the life she really wanted. For years, her grandfather dictated her life, and (Y/N) never faltered and obeyed. But there are times where (Y/N) wished she did this differently. But she was molded into a perfect girl, a perfect woman, a perfect wife material.

(Y/N) is not heir to the Kamo Clan but she's not completely “wasteful”, words that came out from his Grandfather. (Y/N) is beautiful, blessed with black hair and grey eyes, Kamo’s physique and visual trait that has been passed down. She’s elegant and poised. Many call her “Aoko”, Moon Child. She was born when the moon shines the brightest. But the Moon is in a lonely orbit, same how (Y/N) feels in her family. 

“(Y/N), if you wanna run away, say the word and I'll make it happen,” said Kei, trying to cheer (Y/N) up. Kei and (Y/N) have actually been friends since childhood. (Y/N) snuck out from her ancestral home, avoiding a family guest that’ll bore her. She ran into the kids playground and found Kei there. They started playing sandcastles together. Although their playtime was cut short as (Y/N) was found by her grandfather’s bodyguard. But then, they met again in school, and have been close ever since. 

Chuckling at those words, it did touch her heart by how far Kei would do for her, no one has done that length for her. “Thank you, Kei. But I'll stick around a bit” she answered with a smile. 

“Fine, but you know I got your back right?” 

(Y/N) smiles, “i know and likewise, Kei”

As the call ended, she stopped to smile as she remembered to call her grandfather. She went away to find a more secluded place, not wanting to be eavesdropped. 

(Y/N) always wondered what her life is gonna be when she is not who she is currently. (Y/N) has been trying to tell herself that this is not the right life she’s leading on, she’s just her grandfather’s pawn, and how long can she last of just being a pawn, she’ll never know that answer. 

(Y/N) hates that she’s burdened with everything she never wanted in the first place. 

A call with her grandfather is always suffocating. Her grandfather doesn't call and ask how she is and all that. She asked for her progress in school, anything new with her technique, always the same. But now, he asked a new question, “Did you meet him?” 

Him? Ahh Satoru Gojo. “Grandfather, I'm her junior, of course i’d run into him from time to time” she said in annoyance, what is he up to this time?

“I'm just merely asking, my child” he chuckled and exhaled his breath. He knew his granddaughter would be short tempered, so much like himself when he was young. “You guys dont talk..or anything?” he tried to pry again. She cursed in a low voice so that her grandfather’s not hear anything, “we barely have anything in common, grandfather. Please, are you trying to set me up with him?”

He laughed, ah my granddaughter can be so funny. “Come now, I only wanted you to be friends with him. That kid maybe difficult but i'm sure you young folks can sort it out” 

“Unless you’re scheming something, i'm not going to” 

Silence…he is always amazed by his granddaughter’s sharp wits and all, “Oh my sweet child, how can I do such a thing?” 

Irritated, (Y/N) sighed and started to ask another thing but she knew she wouldn't get the answer she wanted, “How’s my mother?”

“That woman is doing fine, (Y/N). Don't divert your focus on something else” as expected. 

“Okay, Grandfather. I have to hang up the phone. I need to train again” (Y/N) stood up again as she was leaning to the side of the wall.

“Alright, (Y/N). Do not push yourself and please…don't be hostile towards Satoru Gojo. Maybe being in good terms with him would be good for you” 

“Good day, Grandfather” she hung up.

——

When (Y/N) walked in the dorm hall and turned left to the stairs, she found Satoru was sitting on the stairs. Looking back and saw (Y/N) stood not far from here, he scooted to the side, though (Y/N) couldn’t pass through due to him sitting in a manspread position (yes, it was actually the truth). “You’re not with Ieri and Getou?” She asked, which shocked him. 

“Oh, Suguru and Shoko went to the convenience store to buy snacks. I think Nanami and Haibara tag along” He replied, and (Y/N) responded with a hum and walked down. 

“Wait,” Satoru hesitated, but now that she looked back at him, he regretted opening his mouth. “I—“

“Yes?” She tilted her head in confusion.

“I ...wanna know your favorite garigari-kun” he said in a hurry so it shocked both himself and her. “You– you know. Like I said, Shoko and everyone else are buying snacks. So i thought to let them know”

Garigari-kun? The popsicle? “Oh the popsicle right?” She stared at him blankly while Satoru was beating himself up inside. “Well..the blue one of course” she answered with a small smile and left him alone.

Satoru, who is a blushing mess, beating his head to the wall. What the fuck was that?! What do you mean, what's your favorite garigari-kun?! Fucking idiot. But Satoru looked back to see how the sun dipped toward the horizon, casting a golden glow across the sky. And he just sighed, titling his head back.

I knew that already. 

—

author’s note :

i finished my thesis weeee, felt a short relief…wait i have to my thesis defense (￣^￣)ゞ

Does anyone know Garigari-Kun Popsicles?? I remembered it well from watching Naruto ages ago and i’ve always wanted it to try lolol

Female reader is inspired by Kuriyama Mirai from Kyokai no Kanata and shes my favorite character for years

The Ofuda and Talisman…I took inspiration from Yuuta and Yuji’s first interaction scene with Gojo. You know the torture room and all

Kannushi,, I believe it's Shinto Head Priest. I looked up the wiki but i'm not so sure as i do not know of how Shintoisme works as i don't practice the religion so if its wrong interpretation and offended it, im deeply sorry 

i'm currently in progress for chapter 2, please be patient as it will be a very slow update 

lastly, thank you for reading, hope you all have a nice day

ALL RIGHTS RESERVES. please do not translate, copy or plagiarize any of my write work.

[heli-writes]

 A marriage of convenience, part 2: tolerance.

Pairing: Yoriichi x you

Summary: Yoriichi's friends think that Yoriichi is too lonely and needs a wife and family to take care of him. They propose a marriage of convenience to a woman who's in need of a husband. The arrangement of the marriage is simple: both parties live their lives as before, y/n takes care of Yoriichi as a wife and Yoriichi keeps unwanted men (and demons) away. Love is not required, friendship is appreciated. However, how detached can one be when living so close to each other?

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9

Series Masterlist

*~*~*~*~*

“Are you sure that this is alright?” asks Sumiyoshi as he stares at the key in his hands. “Yes. Take it. You’ll need a bigger house with another one on the way and I don’t have any use for it anyway”, Yoriichi reassures him. “Still... What if this marriage doesn’t work out?”, Sumiyoshi asks. “It will, I guess.”, Yoriichi answers. Sumiyoshi does not look convinced by this statement. “Well, if anything goes wrong, we always have an open door for you.”, the smaller man states. Yoriichi nods, “Thank you, now let’s go. There won’t be a wedding if we remain here.”

The ceremony was simple. Only a few selected people were invited, including the Kamado family and some close friends. (Y/n) wore a plain uchikake kimono and Yoriichi wore his usual attire. His friends tried to convince him to wear the traditional black and white attire but he didn’t want to wear the one he already owned and saw no need for buying a new one. After the ceremony, the wedding party gathered outside of (y/n)’s cottage where food and drinks were served. While most weddings are celebrated deep into the night, this one ended before the sun disappeared behind the forest trees.

(Y/n) and Yoriichi tidy up most of the dishes as soon as the last guests leave. Meanwhile, (y/s/n) looms behind them, still unsure how to deal with this new situation. Yoriichi could sense that the boy still mistrusts him. He couldn’t blame him for this either. Not every day a random man appears and marries your mother within a couple of months. They dry the dishes more slowly than necessary, prolonging the time when it was time to lay to rest. It is the first time they would spend the night together in the same room. They still didn’t know each other well which makes the whole deal a tad uncomfortable. After the last plate has found its way back into the cupboard, (y/n) turns around. “It’s time for bed, (y/s/n). Why don’t you show Yoriichi again where our bedroom is?”, she says. (Y/s/n) nods and takes Yoriichi by the hand. Yoriichi already knows where the bedroom is. (Y/n) gave him a tour of the house during one of his visits before the wedding. 

As they enter the bedroom, he notices how his futon that he brought with him this morning is already laid out for him. (Y/n)’s futon is right next to his and her son’s much smaller futon is on her other side. “Come on then, take your yukata. Let’s go brush our teeth.”, she says as she takes her own sleepwear that is folded neatly on top of her futon. As they leave for the bathroom, Yoriichi has a moment to breathe. He quickly changes into his own sleepwear and waits for the two to return, so he can go to the bathroom as well. After he brushed his teeth, he enters the bedroom again. (Y/n) and her son are already settled in their futons and (y/n) is reading a story from a book to her son. Without interrupting them, he settles into his own bedsheets and stares at the ceiling while listening to (y/n)’s soft voice. It’s a story about a blind boy who gets lost in the mountains and finds his way home by listening to the trees and creatures around him. He likes the way (y/n) is telling the story. She changes her voice when she is reading the different characters which makes her son giggle in glee. When she’s done, she kisses (y/s/n) on top of his head, wishes Yoriichi a good night and blows out the candle beside them. Left in the dark, Yoriichi listens to their soft breathing. He thought it would be harder to fall asleep in this new environment but before he notices, sleep takes hold of him.

*~*~*~*~*

The next few weeks are characterized by the three of them finding a new rhythm in their everyday lives. Yoriichi learns that (y/n) spends multiple days a week tending to her garden, collecting herbs, and mixing ointments and medicine in her workshop at the back of the cottage. Twice a week, she fixes up a small cart which she takes to the local villages to sell her products. These days, she gets up before the sun shows her face on the horizon. Often it happens that Yoriichi just returned from slaying demons and (y/n) is already up, preparing her trip. (Y/s/n) is still asleep in the bedroom. Recently, (y/n) has started to prepare breakfast for the both of them before she leaves and Yoriichi lays down to rest. Up to now, (y/n) still takes her son with her on these trips. Yoriichi suggested that he can also watch over the boy, so (y/s/n) doesn’t have to get up so early. However, (y/s/n) does not like this idea and still gets up early these days. 

“Give him some time,” (y/n) says, “he eventually warms up to you. I’m sure.”. They’re both currently in the kitchen eating the onigiri (y/n) has prepared for the both of them. It’s one of these early mornings again when Yoriichi has just returned home. (Y/s/n) stumbles into the kitchen with one shoe on, pointing towards the other one in his hands. (Y/n) gets up to help him. As she turns around again, she says: “We’ll be off then. There’s lunch for you in the cupboard over there.” Yoriichi puts down his cup. He raises an eyebrow in surprise. “It’s earlier than normal. Don’t you usually leave at first light?” (Y/n) nods, “Yes, but the village we’re selling at today has a fair today. Which means we have to be there early to get a good spot.” Yoriichi shifts in his seat. “I see. However demons may still lurk in the shadows around this time. It’s dangerous to walk the forest alone.”, he says. (Y/n) smiles and says: “Don’t worry. I know these woods like the back of my hand.” Yoriichi crosses his arms in front of his chest. “Still, you never know when a demon decides to venture into the woods in an attempt to find shelter from the sunlight.”, he argues. “Well,”, (y/n) says, “I guess it’s a risk I have to take." Yoriichi rises from his seat. “I’ll walk with you.”, he says determined. (Y/n) seems embarrassed at that. “It’s alright, Yoriichi. You have a long night behind you. You should rest instead of following us around.” Yoriichi shakes his head. “I’m fine. It’s been a slow night.”, he points out.

They've been on the path which leads outside the forest for a while now. (Y/s/n) is running ahead inspecting the plants and insects that live next to the path. “He shouldn't walk so far ahead. He should stay in our sight.“, Yoriichi remarks. His hand rests on the sword at his side. He feels anxious about the boy walking all over the place. (Y/n) should have more control over him, he thinks. However, (y/n) seems to be relaxed about the entire situation. “Don't fret Yoriichi. He's a child. He wants to explore things. You would sense if there is a demon around, so I think he's safe.“, (y/n) calmly states. “You put too much faith in my abilities.“, he solemnly states. (Y/n) laughs lightheartedly. “You're too modest. I've heard about your reputation.“, she states. Instantly Yoriichi feels embarrassed. He doesn't like people talking about him like that. (Y/n) suddenly looks thoughtful. “I'm surprised you haven't heard about me before. I often work together with demon slayers.“, she says, “but maybe you're just so good, you never need my services.“. Yoriichi feels his cheeks heating up a bit. “Please stop. I'm not worth that praise.“ (Y/n) has to laugh at Yoriichi's flustered expression. “I am sorry. I did not mean to embarrass you.“, she says as they continue their way to the village.

The morning and early afternoon were quiet for Yoriichi. After their arrival at the village, (y/n) set up shop alongside some other merchants. People passed by their wagon and (y/n) sold medicine for colds, small injuries and fever. Meanwhile, (y/s/n) chased after the village boys in an attempt to play with them. Yoriichi watched both from afar. Around noon, the daily market started to change. The vendors who sell vegetables and everyday objects pack up shop and new vendors arrive that sell candy or toys. Eventually, (y/n) packs up shop too and calls back (y/s/n). “I’m really hungry. Are you up to getting something to eat before we join the fun?”, (y/n) asks Yoriichi. He nods as he stands up from where he was seated. (Y/s/n) hops up and down excitedly. (Y/n) chuckles. “I know that face. That’s the face of someone who wants to eat yakitori, am I right?”, she says. The boy nods vigorously. “Let’s go then”, she says.

After having a good lunch at one of the food stalls, the small party of three starts wandering over the fair. They play some games at some of the stalls. (Y/s/n) tries to win a ball at a fish-the-duck stall with no luck. They try their luck again at a shooting stall. Since (y/s/n) is too small to shoot an arrow, he convinces (y/n) to shoot by pushing the bow into her hands. However, (y/n) proves to be a terrible shot. Eventually, they convince Yoriichi to take a shot. Even though it’s a child’s game, Yoriichi feels the expecting glances from (y/n) and the boy. Luckily for both of them, Yoriichi does not miss and wins an ugly stuffed pig. (Y/s/n) couldn’t be happier and presses the stuffed animal against his cheek in joy. Eventually, the village children catch up to them and ask if (y/s/n) wants to play a game of cards with them. (Y/n) agrees and the children wander off to play their game. (Y/n) sighs deeply. “I never know with these children. Sometimes they want him to tag along, sometimes they don’t want him to play with them.”, she states. Yoriichi hums in agreement. “Don’t worry too much. They’re children.”, he says in response. “Yes, and children are cruel.”, (y/n) points out. Pointing to the stuffed pig, she says “Well, at least he got this thing. I hate to say it Yoriichi, but I think this is the ugliest thing you could’ve possibly won for him around here.” Yoriichi shrugs and says: “As long as he likes it, I’m glad.” (Y/n) laughs at that which is something Yoriichi hasn’t heard a lot since he moved into the cottage. It suits her, he thinks. “I guess this also made you his new hero. Expect him to now always wanting you to win things for him. So far he had no luck with me. I’m terrible at these games.”, she shrugs. They continue to wander aimlessly over the fair as an uncomfortable silence befalls them. There are many couples at the fair. They’re giggling and holding hands. They’re posing for artists to sketch them and sharing dango with one another.

“What a beautiful couple! You two look like you would like to have a memory of this wonderful day together!”, a salesman chants from the side. Awkwardly Yoriichi mumbles “No, thank you.” but either the salesman overheard him or pretend to not have heard them. Either way, he comes up from behind (y/n) and Yoriichi and pulls them toward their stand. “You see, we make candles in the shape of your hands. A perfect memory and a perfect decoration for your home. Let’s perpetuate your hands, lovebirds!”, he explains. By then, both (y/n) and Yoriichi are too shy and too embarrassed to explain that they do not want a candle, especially not if it means holding hands. Before either of them can gather the courage to speak up and tell the vendor no, he already prepared the molding paste and looks at them expectingly. Awkwardly, Yoriichi extends his hand and (y/n) grabs it lightly. The vendor pulls their hands forward and sticks them into the paste. “You’ll have to wait a while until the paste thickens. It’s best to look into each other’s eyes while waiting and enjoying the moment.”, the salesman muses. Yoriichi tries to look anywhere but (y/n)’s eyes. However, nothing holds his attention but the feeling of (y/n)’s soft warm hand in his. The moment feels like forever and not in the way that you don’t want it to end. Eventually, the vendor carefully pulls out their joined hands and (y/n) and Yoriichi watch how the mold gets filled with red wax. Once the wax hardened, (y/n) awkwardly takes the candle and gives the vendor the money they owe him.

It’s gotten pretty late by the time, the two of them decide to look for (y/s/n) to start their way back home. While walking and shouting for the boy, (y/n) takes a moment to look at the candle. Her hand looks significantly smaller in comparison to Yoriichi’s hand. While the whole situation was uncomfortable and unwanted, (y/n) decides that she actually did not find it bad holding Yoriichi’s hand. Eventually, they find the children behind a booth playing their card game. After they’ve collected the boy and (y/n)’s cart, they start walking home. The sun is already starting to set as they reach the outskirt of the forest. Yoriichi rushes them a bit so that they arrive at the cottage before nightfall. He also keeps a close look on (y/s/n) who tries to run ahead again. Yoriichi calls out for the boy who immediately comes back, grabbing Yoriichi’s hand and hugging his pig happily. Yoriichi is surprised by the boy’s action but he also has to admit to himself that it gives him a warm feeling in his chest. (Y/n) pretends to not have seen the scene, but can’t help to smile in secret at the two of them. Maybe this whole marriage thing was indeed a good idea, even if it’s just for (y/s/n).

Once they arrive home, (y/s/n) is so tired that (y/n) immediately takes him to bed. Before going to bed themselves, (y/n) and Yoriichi have a cup of tea outside of the cottage. This time comfortable silence stands between them. Even if they don’t want to admit it yet, they both enjoyed the day together. Even the candle found its way on top of one of (y/n)’s shelves in the living room.

[esre13]

theory abt tbhk

i was rereading tbhk and i realized something, the story really uses whenever yashiro was in the past to create what happens in the future. Yashiro when she meets hanako when he is around 6 at the star festival. Or summer festival whatever

especially in this moment!! this is crucial because he actively wishes to see her again, but we will get to that later!!

each time tsukasa is asked the question, "are you yourself? (tsukasa)" he always enthusiastically answers, "i am" or whatever, he always gives validation that he is himself. i had a old theory that the supernatural underneath the red house was burrowing inside of tsukasa like a skin-suit but using each moment that yashiro goes to the past and add it to the next events!

tsukasa is in the red house, which there is no conception of time

kou and nene visit the red house, hearing the noises of the monster that pretends to make noises of a kid

nene tells tsukasa of the future, which makes him eager what will happen next

this results to both him and the supernatural in the red house to leave at the same time! more importantly, the two of them sharing a body

I thought this was a stretch at first but if you realize every moment that tsukasa is seen "scary" or "inhumane"? his characteristics are seen has hollowed mouth or hollowed eyes

why does he have random moments where his eyes and mouth are hollowed and moments they are not? It represents the human and supernatural of him, why would the mother suspect something as well? It would make sense if they made rituals to see if he was actually possessed, but he was not, because he was just PARTIALLY possessed! He still had control over himself! Which can tie to the moment he burned down the red house, you can align that even RIGHT after he was found in the streets, and just, appeared. He was not seen from the earth at all because he was connected to something un-earthly.

So back to the summer festival!! When hanako sees yashiro when he was yugi amane, he spends his festival with nene while she tries to get the red tag from him. But after realizing another way to get herself out of the past, she hands the rest of her tags to hanako in the hopes of changing his future, no, but this action forwards it. He wishes to see her again, so he would possibly remember her if he ever saw her again, right?

Thats when i thought of the moment when she was in the room of doors, the place that was no where. When she found the door of the old building, she met the young hanako again. And if you have the volume of those books, volume 5 to be specific, it shows a small little short story

I didnt think of this as the story making fun of her ankles, or rather hanakos "problem" with daikon legs but I thought of it as a "realization" of hanako remembering yashiro for her legs because if we remember!! baby amane calls her out for her legs!!

he remembers he which if we are thinking relatively to his pov, he will realize that, "what the frick?!? how did she not age when I was young and even now?" even anyone could come to the realization that they are from different time lines! And to prove that point, hanakos reaction when he sees her wear the same yukata!! it only proves his theory further...

was the real reason why he killed himself and his brother was to see nene again? was it to get rid of the creature that is burrowing in his brother? was the reason why he had her as his assistant will be in the end to save his brother and family to be rid of supernaturals and be human again, with yashiro?

[baileypie-writes]

~My Thoughts on Wonderful Precure: Episodes 21-25~

~~~🎀~~~🎀~~~🎀~~~

~~~🎀~~~🎀~~~🎀~~~

Episode 21 - Mayu and Yuki’s School Life:

I loved this episode! It was so funny!

As expected, Yuki’s good at pretty much everything in school. I wonder if there’s gonna be anything she’s not good at. Maybe there’ll be an episode surrounding that.

I just about died when she tried squeezing into Mayu’s chair, and then tried getting that kid to move out of his, so she could sit next to her. She clearly doesn’t get how assigned seats work. But I guess she’s content enough with having to sit behind Mayu instead.

The whole embroidery thing was super cute. I love how Mayu’s kind of teaching Komugi and Iroha how to do it. Also, I just wanna brag that I knew exactly what the girls were trying to embroider, even though it looked terrible😌.

As a little critique, I thought the whole “backstory” about Mayu and her old friend was really random. It just came out of nowhere, with almost no foreshadowing whatsoever. Yuki treated it like some big, serious thing, but I feel like it’s probably not gonna be mentioned again.

Next, I just wanna take a moment to gush over the “Nyanderful Precure” part. I was really hoping that would happen! I wonder what Satoru and Daifuku would say when if they become Pretty Cures. I don’t know what sound rabbits make in Japan.

I like how the first thing Cure Nyammy does with a Kirarin Animal’s power, is turning Cure Wonderful into a tire. Just thought that was funny. She didn’t bother turning herself into one. Nope, just Komugi.

We also got a new animation for Lillian and Nyammy for calling the animals home. Though, I wonder if they’re using Wonderful and Friendy’s suitcase, or if they got their own and we didn’t see.

Overall, I loved this episode! I can’t wait for the next one!

My Rating for This Episode:

8/10 - B-

~~~~

Episode 22 - Wonderful Go!:

This episode wasn’t my favorite. I’m not a fan of sports/athletics episodes. But it was still alright. I mean, it was super cute. So it couldn’t be awful.

I was a bit confused on how Komugi didn’t understand Iroha’s first commands, because she understands human language perfectly. And she usually obeys every other time. But I guess it was just for the sake of the plot.

It was pretty cool how in sync Wonderful and Friendy were during battle. The platforms were a nice idea too. And it’s great how even though this episode was focused on them, Nyammy and Lillian still got plenty of screen time. They even did the finishing attack.

Lastly, I just wanna express how excited I am for next week’s episode! The festival episodes are always some of my favorites. I love seeing all the pretty yukata designs, and the cute hairstyles! Komugi looked absolutely precious in the preview, and Yuki looked so beautiful!

My Rating for This Episode:

5/10 - F

Episode 23 - Making Wishes, Wao~~~~~n:

I always love the festival episodes. They’re always so fun! And this one was no exception!

Everyone’s outfits were so cute! Komugi’s was definitely my favorite. Precure always puts so much care into designing yukatas for their characters. Well… except for Satoru, I guess. His was so plain.

Mayu’s mom finding out that Yuki can turn human was disappointingly underwhelming. I was expecting her to be overjoyed, but she was so casual about it. But oh well, at least she accepts her.

We also got some foreshadowing to Daifuku becoming a Cure(hopefully)! According to Yuki, he’s no ordinary rabbit! And of course, we also got some cute little crush moments from Satoru. The part where he helped Iroha with her sandals was so sweet!

Also, all the Kirarin Animals are back! But it seems something else is coming…

I hope we get some real villains soon! Maybe then, the Pretty Cure will actually start fighting!

Lastly, I gotta talk about the new ending.

It was so good!

I can’t decide if I like this one better, or the first one. The song is just so cute and upbeat! And it sounds so unique compared to all the others! It is a bit sad that they got rid of the expensive models though..

I wonder how they’ll add the midseasons to it. Maybe, we’ll get a whole new song entirely? Though that’s probably just wishful thinking…

My Rating for This Episode:

9/10 - A-

~~~~

Episode 24 - A Very Strange Egg:

This episode was alright. Not my favorite, but it was good!

First thing I wanna get out of the way is that I had no idea Niko-sama was a girl. I always thought of her as a boy haha. Not that it matters, but I was just shocked for a second.

I’m very curious as to what Niko-sama will look like. Judging by the horn on the egg, it’s clear she’ll be at least a bit unicorn-like. But Mey-Mey said that there are no other animals like her, so she might be completely unique. Although, unicorns don’t exist, so she might just be one. But at the same time, horses are almost identical. Hmm.

I was super excited that the egg only lit up once everyone was touching it, including Satoru and Daifuku! Hopefully this is a sign of them becoming Cures! Also, it’s super weird how the egg keeps teleporting to Iroha’s house. I wonder why it does that…

Next, I’m gonna mention the new version of the ending! We got a Nyammy and Lillian duet! I really like it. It’s very sassy and cool!

I’m not super excited for the next episode. It’s clearly a beach filler episode, which I’m not a fan of. But I do have to say this: Komugi’s swimsuit is adorable! I want it for myself!

My Rating for This Episode:

6/10 - D-

Episode 25 - Summer! Beach! Homework!:

Just as I suspected, this episode was just filler. But it was still alright.

I really liked the design of the girls’ swimsuits! I want to own all of them! Well… except for Satoru’s. Did the designers even try with his outfits?

I surprisingly learned quite a bit about sea turtles. I didn’t know that the temperature could determine the gender! Thanks, Satoru!

I found it pretty odd how the focus and drama all of a sudden shifted to Mayu and Yuki during battle. It just felt really random. The drama was really laid on thick too. It really wasn’t all that necessary.

All in all, this episode was fine. But I hope the next one will be better.

My Rating for This Episode:

6/10 - D-

~~~~

Overall Score for These Episodes:

68% - D+

~~~🎀~~~🎀~~~🎀~~~

~~baileypie-writes

[ruiniel]

Remember

Fandom: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Pairing: Kokushibō x fem!Reader

Count: 1.2K

Rating: Explicit🔞

On AO3

Part I - Part II - Part III - Part IV - Part V - Part VI - Part VII - Part VIII - Part IX - Part X - Part XI - Part XII - Part XIII

XIV.

The quietude is pressing as you finish your telling: fractured moments that appeared so vivid in your imagination, that stayed with you into the waking hours: the garden, the pond, the swords, him. A child’s laughter. A separation, tear-stained clothes.  

He listens with his head bowed, the posture stiff and straight of one attending a funeral. 

“That’s all,” you murmur, a feeble attempt to obtain a reaction from that stony countenance. You rub the material of your ragged yukata between your fingers, recalling his own touch, gliding down your cheek earlier. The gesture had been so sudden, as unsettling as most of your contradictory emotions when it concerns him and… whatever this is. 

“There was a samurai.”

You look up. His pose hasn't changed. You see nothing in his expression, not a muscle in his face to give its smooth features life.

He places his hands on his knees. “Long ago, lifetimes ago, when war tore through the country. The son of a great vassal to their region’s lord, well to do by all means. Both he and his brother. He, however, had training as befitted the heir of his house, and steadily grew into the role as custom demanded.”

Finally, he looks up, fixing you with his gaze. “He was blessed with a family. His childhood friend became his wife, and there were… joyous moments. He thought he loved them.”

“Thought…” you repeat, biting down on your lip.

“He often had to leave to fight, and they were separated many times despite their youthful union. But… he always returned. Somehow he did. For those years, you could say… he had all one could dream of.”

At this, he rises slowly to his feet, walking to the other end of the room and sliding back the shoji screen to let in the night breeze. “But it was not enough.”

His words begin to press down on your rib cage like a heavy stone. “Not enough, why?” 

From where he stands with his back at you, he raises a hand, curling it as if to trap a faraway star, before it falls lifelessly back to his side. “He was proud, and burned with envy. He wanted a higher purpose and let that envy rule him, and made a choice. And thus, he left… abandoned his family to join a fight ongoing to this day. The path of the demon hunters.” 

“Demon… hunters?” Now that you think of it, there usually is more than one unchallenged faction in all matters.

“They exist, for nearly as long as altered beings you call demons have walked this earth. There must always be balance, remember?”  

You do. You think about a night not long ago, standing together before your house; his words about the unseen gods and their great errors. 

“Hm. But you see… life has ways to grant the wishes you burn to fulfill… in the strangest of turns. Soon, the samurai was dying.”

Your breaths are shallow. One word and the lips uttering that word are a constant resurgence in your thought, nearly drowning out his voice. But you want to hear, you want to know. “And then?”

“He betrayed them all. Chose a new master. Cheated death.”

You take a breath, then another.

“He gained more time than he could ever dream of, yet still never reached his goal. When he realized what was important, it was too late: the war tore apart his household… scattered his family.”

You don't want to ask. “What happened to them?...”

“Believing him dead, his wife was forced to marry another. He never saw her again and… that was for the best, in the end.”

He pauses his story, half turning towards you. Your gaze is drawn magnetically to his, your lips parting to ask the question forming itself in all its jarring, frightening clarity. “... what was her name?”

The demon tilts his chin down, and for the first time since your encounters began, there is a different light in those eerie, crimson-gold eyes. “Does it matter now? It shouldn't.” 

“Her name…” you try repeating, but your tongue stumbles over the sounds. Your muscles are shaking, and that bitterness from your dreams, that ache, burgeons into the realm of your reality, sprawling with thorns of regret and weakness and yearning through your blood. 

He sighs, long and tired. “Why don't you tell me?”

You shake your head, “How am I t-to know?! …I…” you’re standing, nearly falling over the low table in your attempt to right your posture, forgetting about your walking predicament as pain surges up your leg.

You never fall. Faster than you can blink, you're being supported by his arm, wrapped around your waist. Your palms press against his chest, against the black kimono you gave him when he sought you that night, wounded and falling apart at the seams. “You said, no more questions.”

You want to crawl away from his touch, to scatter into dirt and be thrown wayward by uncaring winds. You want to stay trapped here until you rot. 

How is freedom an illusion?

How is his hold like an imprint, both deepening and assuaging a grudge centuries old? 

A cold hand cups the nape of your neck. “Say her name. You already know his.”

Fresh tears sting your sight. “It’s… it’s not fair…” you stare at the inhuman light of his vicious gaze, feel the rise and fall of his chest beneath your hands. Despite it all, he still breathes. Your own eyes close, mouth uttering the word sewn into the fabric of your waking life. “Hisami…”

“Hisami,” he repeats, eyelids lowering in a daze. 

Hearing it spoken in his voice breaks a barrier holding back a tidal wave. “You… you knew… you kept me for a fool and all this time, you knew! You enjoy watching your pawns squirm and beg, then?” You push against him while craving the closeness to desperation.

“No. Not at first. How could I?...” 

“As if I’ll believe anything you’d say about it—”

His hold tightens but there's no warmth in it, the force pressing into your lungs. “Did it ever seem like I intended to linger, human? What would I have to gain? When I did know, I wanted to kill you and be done.”

Your eyes widen. But this is him, not some idealized image of honor your fancy always pushed forward despite all proof. “Stop it, stop it, please, don't say any more…”

“I tried walking away, but you called me back, didn't you?” Michikatsu says, the words calm yet curt. His gaze deepens on you, drifting down your face, your lips, to the mark adorning your neck. 

The near crushing grip slackens. Fool that you are, you remain still, forehead falling against his shoulder. 

His voice vibrates through you as he speaks. “You thought I was haunting you… yet you haunt me just the same.”

So many things, too many, all details, return and mill about like night moths beating wings of chaos through your head. Before you know it, you push against him with gathered strength—he does nothing to stop you, arms slackening from around your body.

In silence you turn away and reach for the cane, then amble towards the entrance. 

“She would never have forgiven me,” he says. Toneless. Dispassionate. Frigid. 

You do your utmost to take another step forward, refraining to turn back around. Not now. Not even... It's a fight against yourself to take distance, to gain space, to think.

“No, I don't believe she would,” the words leave as you do.

Part XV

[alexdelray1]

Mizu tells you to hide from confrontation from a singular or group of adversaries. You, peaking though a hole in the wall see Mizu struggling, but soon coming out on top. You were so anxious that you confess your feelings.

Mizu x Gn! Reader!

Ordered by: Anonymous.

Warnings! Blood, death, murder, lesbians or hetero idk I'm new to this, english isn't my first language!

-Mizu... I was looking for you... Where were you th-- I couldn't finish the sentence. Mizu took my hand and crouched down, forcing me to do the same.

-Quiet.- he said, covering my mouth and started listening to the uninvited guests.

After a moment, he stood up and started heading towards the room off to the side. I wanted to go with him, but he quickly put his hand on my shoulder and held his finger to my lips. I was afraid something would happen to him, but I wasn't a great warrior myself, just a doctor.

I stayed and he went on to the room next to us. Suddenly I heard screams in the next room. I wanted to know what was going on and I saw that there was a small hole in the wall through which I could see what was going on.

Mizu was probably always great at what he did, but now he wasn't good at it. There will simply always be someone who is better than you at something you do.

My friend fell to the floor and probably lost consciousness after killing 24 people and still had two left. One of his opponents raised his katana above him and was about to aim it at his neck. No... I won't allow this to end...

'AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - I shouted with all my strength to get their attention and at the same time so that Mizu could wake up.

My plan worked and the opponents looked at the wall I was behind. Mizu woke up and in half a second he killed two enemies with his sword and got up. He left the room and turned to me. He saw me already standing next to him with a serious expression on my face.

-Is that the end for today? - I asked him and he smiled slightly and looked the other way.

-For me, yes, but I think that you will still have some work for today. - he said, fainted and fell into my arms.

-Let it be.- I muttered under my breath. I took him and started to head towards the exit.

When I came out I saw everything covered in snow. Fortunately, the fight was on the outskirts of the city and at that time most were asleep and the minority paid no attention to us. I guess they are used to barbarism and other bloody events.

I quickly entered the forest, looking for the hot springs we had found earlier.

After about five minutes I saw the place I was looking for. I placed Mizu on the grass next to the hot springs and began to undress him. After all, it won't be the first or last time I will see a man's penis for medical reasons.

I took off his hat first, then his glasses, and let his hair down. Strange, he looks a bit like a woman. I took off his cape and yukata. He had terrible bandages on his chest. Does he want to suffocate or something? I took them off and saw... breasts? Wait no. Maybe it's some kind of disease? Wait. I looked at his 'shorts' (underwear, panties) and didn't notice a bulge.

-Maybe nature didn't give him a big penis...- I muttered to myself and took off his shorts. Instead of a small penis, I saw a vagina.

-Oh, dick. Well, actually no.- I said with surprise. So she is one of those women who hide their gender to have a better life. A smart move. I removed the weights from her hands and legs. I covered her with a coat. I took some water in my hands from the hot spring and started washing her face. It was obvious that she hadn't washed for a while and I didn't want anything getting into her wounds.

I washed her entire body and started bandaging her smaller and larger wounds. When I finished, I dressed her and covered her with my coat again. I was cold too, so I hugged her and fell asleep too.

Time skip.

I woke up and saw that I was alone, covered with a cloak. I sat up and looked around for Mizu. I noticed her sitting on a rock.

-Good morning, Mizu. How was your night? And I'm sorry for getting close to you. It was a bit cold. - I said and she opened her eyes.

-You saw who I am. Why did you stay? - she asked calmly.

-Why wouldn't I stay?- I answered the question with a question.

-I lied and not every woman wants to be saved by a woman.- she said and looked away.

-You know, I don't see any difference. It doesn't matter whether you are a woman or a man, I still... love you... - I replied and Mizu turned her wide-eyed gaze to me. She came and crouched down to me.

-So you promise to love me even when I will pretend to be a man? - she asked and grabbed my hands.

-I promise, even if by some miracle you're two at the same time.- I promised and smiled. Mizu kissed me and fell on two knees. I grabbed her cheek and moved closer to get more of the kiss, which almost made my coat fall off me, but Mizu grabbed it and pulled it over us.

The end.

[evoblue]

Moon Maiden Contest Entry: Dance of Flames

At first, there is nothing but darkness and the slow, steady beating of a taiko drum.

The stage is dimmed despite the early morning hour, with only a kneeling silhouette visible at the center. The shadows surrounding the crouching woman start to blend and merge, forming the towering figure of a Ceruledge that now looms over her. A flash of magenta lights up the immediate vicinity as the pokémon opens its eyes, its fierce pink irises staring straight ahead into the crowd as the beat of the taiko intensifies.

A captivating bluish ball of flame unexpectedly emerges at the front of the stage, followed by another, and another. The flames weave an intricate swirling pattern across the stage and around the two figures in the center until they illuminate the entire platform in a brilliant blaze, revealing Blue now standing in the center of a circle of flames. She is dressed in a deep blue yukata with a light blue and white floral pattern, fastened with a silver obi. She looks beautiful with her hair elegantly styled and adorned with a sparkling crystal Butterfree pin. As she holds out the sensu in her hand, her eyes seem to glow in the flickering light.

art by @greenxprof, who is the entire reason for this performance <3

The distinctive sound of a shamisen cuts through the air. Blue sweeps her free arm upward, then slowly raises the pleated fan overhead to showcase its beautiful pattern. With a graceful twirl, she moves to stand beside Ceruledge, holding the sensu closely to her chest. The pair seizes the moment to bow deeply to one another before the dance begins.

The shamisen and taiko resonate together in harmony, and both trainer and pokémon allow their tune to guide them. With eyes downcast, Blue takes smooth, deliberate strides as she dances around Nova, every step and sweep of her sensu punctuated by purple sparks and flames. The Ceruledge is nimble in her movements, her blades glowing with purplish ghostly energy as she compliments her trainer’s gestures with arcs and sweeps of her blades.

As the music crescendos, so does the intensity of their moves. Blue’s eyes flutter shut as she focuses on feeling, not sight, relying on her bond with Nova to anticipate where the Pokémon’s blades will strike next and visually parrying the moves with strokes of her sensu. The two are locked in a dance of fans and blades, simulating the heat of an epic battle, until Blue suddenly stops, her back to the crowd as she faces Nova.

The heart-pounding instrumental music comes to an abrupt halt as she snaps the sensu shut. The gentle sound of a flute now fills the air as she turns to face the crowd, her face illuminated by the ghostly flames. Her sleeves flutter like the wings of a Butterfree as she gracefully sways her arms and then opens the sensu again with a flick of her wrist. Nova remains as still as a statue behind her, focusing all of her emotions on her blades until the flames glow incandescent blue. The Ceruledge's eyes gleam once more as she summons a whirl of ghostly flames to coil around her trainer while Blue is absorbed in her slow dance.

As the tempo of the music coasts down, Blue sweeps the fan in front of her face and holds it out just as it catches in cerulean flames. The stage is once more enveloped in darkness as Nova extinguishes all the pyrotechnics, the music gently fading away. In the darkness, Blue and her partner both take a bow as their appeal comes to an end.

[bengiyo]

Our Dining Table Ep 9 Stray Thoughts

Last week, Minoru and Yutaka broke up in the most painful way possible: with Minoru misreading Yutaka and believing he had offended him with the kiss. Yutaka didn't feel that way, but he's not yet able to express how much Minoru means to him. Instead, everyone is suffering, including the dad and Tane.

We literally just started and I'm mad about the motion ghosting.

It's only a week between Christmas and New Year, so there's a lot of angst being crammed into this week with Yutaka being bummed that Minoru hasn't reached out to him.

Tane is such an easy kid to love. He wants to see Yutaka, realizes something happened between them, and says the obvious that they should just go apologize together.

I'm not sure how I feel about the older brother's added context about Yutaka also being distant. He definitely wasn't great in Yutaka's memory, but I feel like I have to respect his frustration at Yutaka being closed off their entire lives.

And now Yutaka realizes that a core memory of being cared for, that he recently projected onto Minoru, was actually his stepbrother. Fascinating. I like that there's no apology. Just an acceptance of what has happened. In any case, to Hozumi family seems to care about Yutaka's well-being.

Yes, Yutaka! Run! RUN!!! RUNNN!!!

Minoru has been in the same slumped position and in this grey look while missing Yutaka. I'm gonna need him to get it together.

Thank you, Papa Ueda. Pick his ass up by the scruff and tell him to fix it before the year ends. He said, "Bring my future son-in-law back and mend it."

I love how we can see the light returning to Minoru over the course of this conversation on the swings.

Well that kiss was lovely. The build up where Yutaka reveals that Minoru is also important to him, and that he does want Minoru to touch him. I like the reciprocation from Yutaka at turning to meet the kiss. Breaking the moment after with giddy humor at the relief of being close again really worked for me.

I like that Tane is starting to call Yutaka brother as well. "ni-Yukata" is adorable. He and Yutaka have such an easy rapport.

The pinky touch still belongs to the gays!!!!

I also like Ohata a lot. It's been fun how her issues somewhat feed Yutaka's anxieties, but also encourages him to take care of his things.

Genuinely looking forward to the conclusion for this. Pain and loss have been big themes of this series, so having them face the fear that they might lose each other as the final hurdle feels appropriate.

[luchicm04]

lost in the forest - part 37

Masterlist

Summary: After so many tensions and problems, the future couple takes a well-deserved break to strengthen their ties.

Pairing: Senju Tobirama/Original Female Character

Tag: #lost in the forest fic

posted on ao3

Word Count: 3.3k

I know that tecnically this fic has an odd nomber of chapters, but ignoring that... WE'VE FINALLY REACHED HALF OF THE STORY!! (sort of) Thank you all for the support it has been recieving since I started writing it like a year ago and for reading. Please leave comments and kudos :3

Also, for the users who said I used too much the pronouns, I got news for you. I used 43 times the word 'know' in this chapter hehe... Let's see how you like it😈

Overall warnings: canon-typical violence, adult content, time skips, angst

Leaving aside the vertigo due to being on the edge of a striking precipice where the abyss’s air seeps through her traveling yukata with ease, running over her goose-bumps-covered skin... a part of her clings to the armor of the shinobi who carried her like a suitcase. The other admires the panorama bravely. She doesn’t know how to describe it.  

The emotion catches in her throat and Karen can’t help but analyze each part of the structure, or what she can see from a distance.  

“It’s beautiful.” Her voice is upright, as it is so different from what she has been seeing in this reality since she let herself be dragged into the routine. Neither the gorgeous facade of the Daimyo’s castle, nor the shinobi sobriety of the clan, is as breathtaking as what she continues to take up calmly.  

“...” Tobirama, being the bad partner that he is, does not comment on anything else. Despite the fact that they will soon be married, their relationship did not get as close as she hoped... or so she thinks. So, she cannot help but arch her eyebrow at him. “I have nothing to say.”  

“You’re not even trying.”  

“I have no reason to.”  

“You are as dull as dishwater,” Karen complains with a long-suffering sigh, feeling that hand squeeze her waist with an obvious sense of irritation. “And you should stop doing that... it’s annoying.”  

“Do not talk, then.”  

“We’ll be close associates soon; all I ask for is a little more friendship. It’s the least you could do for making this so difficult.” The civilian is honest in what she has been talking about for a while now. She sees the red eyes not at all fascinated by the idea... almost expressionless and annoyed.  

She’s not sure, and she doesn’t want to make assumptions with so little. She learned through Hashirama that she may be confusing things considering the culture shock they still have.  

Tobirama turns around, focusing again on the building that opens up before their eyes. The sober outlook of an ancient oriental temple crowning a mountain range full of nature and simple sounds is the only thing he observes. Karen gets tired of waiting for an answer to her question.  

“How will they get out?” she decides to ask, looking around and seeing nothing but a poor bridge as unsafe as nature in her world. Without wanting to, she imagines too many ideas of how to die in a matter of seconds, clinging to who is at her side. The heat is no longer bothersome or uncomfortable; she has come to the conclusion that that it is something she will not take notice on too much.  

Ever since he first carried her... she feels like a bag of potatoes at the end of it all.  

“They do not have to go out.”  

“Really?” She frowns. “Then what is the bridge for?”  

Tobirama looks at her with a flat expression that is not different from his typical one. Only a blink indicates that he is thinking about answering her or not. Karen blinks some more, insistent and quite challenging, promising to be annoying if he doesn’t. He is a shinobi capable of throwing her off the cliff; it’s foolish to have faith that he won’t do it no matter how much she bothers him. “It is to go in.”  

“Ah?”  

“The monks come by vocation. It is the initial test.”  

“Huh... I didn’t know they could apply that. It’s just like an entrance exam,” the girl chuckles, easily understanding his words. “So, they don’t come out?”  

“I already said no.”  

She blinks with a frown at such little information.  

“It is a matter of the temple. I am not able to explain their customs.”  

“Then why did you bring me?”  

“So you could see it.”  

“I’m sure that’s not true, but I’ll pretend I believe you,” the girl comments, feeling a gripping firm hand as a warning of their change of location. She closes her eyes out of normal inertia. She may be almost used to this type of transportation, but the emotion in her stomach is still the same tight anxiety of each space jump.  

She listens to the branches, the wind blowing through them, hanging on more and more to the body that carries her. She hears an amused snort that she easily ignores just when the ground is finally felt under her feet. She blinks... the civilian whistles excitedly, not paying attention to her dizzy state.  

Visiting the temple up close feels more intimidating and mystical.  

They are greeted by a man with a bald head and typical Buddhist clothing with slight adjustments to the culture of this reality. Large rosary-like balls are hung around his neck and his closed eyes indicate that despite not seeing them, he is attentive to their figures. “Welcome, Tobirama-sama... Karen-sama.”  

“Dharma-san.” The Senju bows respectfully. The civilian, although late, does the same in her own way, not surprised that they know her name. She assumes her future husband has sent notice of their unexpected visit, so she smiles at the one who still hasn’t opened his eyes.  

“We have been waiting for you,” is the only thing the stranger points out, bowing and letting them through. The creaking of the old wood can be heard, making her look up just as the doors slowly open. Karen opens her eyes widely... it’s a completely different world.  

She can almost point out references to the cartoon her sister watched. Avatar... something? One of the few times where she saw a temple just as amazing.  

Like an air temple.  

──

She had visited some hot springs in the north of the country, hidden among caves that had become a regular tourist center when she had free time and money. This one is different. Wide, with rocks jutting out subtly scattered along the warm lake, which makes her look at the sky. There is no roof, showing the beautiful view of the mountain peaks peeking through the walls.  

Karen can’t help but laugh. Although shocked by the way the temple is run and how she was kept away from the key points of secrecy, she has discovered that religion is a rather severe thing. She didn’t know that Tobirama was so knowledgeable on the subject.  

Explaining to her the ins and outs of every detail that she didn’t know.  

She was never the best at listening to mystical things. She did like history and topics on that matter though, but sometimes her interest would be lost when they focused on the appearance of a lady who had to be locked up by her children.  

This is not like the stories she knows... it’s weirder.  

“Mph... I guess this is what I get,” she says to herself, closing her eyes. She feels the warmth begin to completely relax her from the tension she has been dragging around for days. First because of her friend’s wedding, then because of those kisses he gave her along with a farewell that she saw through, even though she didn’t feel anything.  

Karen touches her lips absentmindedly... she remembers the feeling and it’s frustrating to recall how naive she had been.  

“You should not fall asleep,” someone points out, startling her. She sits up, leaning on the stone she had been using as support in the hot water, looking accusingly without understanding the origin of the voice.  

She recognizes it... but it’s impossible, right?  

“This is a mixed bathroom,” the man comments again, making her blush as she hides under the water in frustration for not seeing him.  

What is Tobirama doing here?  

“Uh... a warning would be nice,” she complains angrily about such an embarrassing scene. She is not used to being taken by surprise naked since they always tend to respect her space.  

What has changed?  

The girl can only hear his inexpressive snort, hidden somewhere.  

Karen deigns to let this pass, as long as he doesn’t come too close... so, she drops the matter to force herself to relax, leaning against the rock again and looking at the sky, frustrated at not being able to sleep. “You know, where I can from, there are no mixed hot springs baths.”  

“That is not something that interests me.”  

“I know, but it doesn’t hurt to explain my surprise,” she says casually with her heart so agitated by the strange situation. “So that’s what you get.”  

The man stays silent for a while. “Still, you should not sleep here. We are not in the compound.”  

“It’s a temple.”  

“There are men like me... they can also come in.”  

“They are monks.”  

“I will not explain this. You know what the issue is,” Tobirama states slowly. It bothers him that she uses that ‘stupid’ tone that makes him bite his lip. “You were very exposed and vulnerable.”  

“So that’s why you came in?”  

“...”  

The girl doesn’t know whether to laugh at such a strange excuse. “You should have warned me before. I almost spit my heart out because of you.”  

“That is impossible.”  

“You know what I mean,” Karen rolls her eyes looking at the sky again. There is a comfortable silence... She closes her eyes again, relaxing a little more.  

“Falling asleep in the hot springs is dangerous,” the shinobi explains calmly.  

“Really?” Karen huffs. “You know, I didn’t know you were this annoying. I’m sure when you go to the hot springs, you don’t let anyone relax.”  

“It is none of your business.”  

“I know that many things are none of my business, but... I really want to endure what we’re going to do the best I can, you know?”  

“Why? ...It is just a facade contract.”  

“I know what it is, but we will be living in the same house.”  

“As long as you do not get in my way.”  

“Tobirama, please?” Karen snorts tiredly without taking her eyes off the view in the background. “I want to get to know you better since we’ll be in the same house. Your quirks, your favorite foods, colors...”  

“...”  

“What foods you hate, what teas you prefer... also, what area you will use for work in the house and the hours when you usually arrive to eat. Of course, with Kaori’s help.”  

“You said you had never thought about marriage before... You do not have to overthink things.”  

“I’m not overthinking things... see it as payment for being stuck with me.”  

“...”  

“Besides, I’ve caused a lot of trouble,” she adds angrily again, meaning on the rock. Karen feels too much for so little that she doesn’t understand or handle it well. It’s not the same as working in a company or helping shinobi with their bureaucratic matters... Love is a subject she will be touching anytime soon, although she knows that upon her return, she will have to face Hashirama and Mito.  

She won’t tell them... it’s for the best, but she feels bad about it.  

“It is not your fault,” Tobirama brings her out of her thoughts, making her frown. ...Does he read minds?  

“You don’t know what I think.”  

“I know what torments you.”  

She growns, remembering how embarrassed she should have been when she cried out of frustration for not having realized. “...Did everybody really know?” she questions.  

“Your question is stupid.”  

“It’s not for me.” Karen crosses her arms, still naked under the water. She remains silent for a while. “You know... I really thought it was friendship. He’s a good friend... a very kind person.”  

“My brother has always been like this.”  

“Yes, an angel,” she easily accepts, thinking of that man. “But... love...? I am too old, even for you.”  

“Age has nothing to do with it.”  

She wants to tell him that age does have a lot to do with it, not only in terms of performance in bed, but also in terms of interests and everything that can happen in forced cohabitation. It’s not just 5 years that she is older than them... although she doesn’t know their exact ages, she estimates that they are younger than her by about 8 or 10 years.  

She doesn’t know, and although time here is so different... she is no longer 30, although there are almost no physical changes, nor wrinkles, she mentally thinks.  

“It’s hard to explain.” The woman decides to leave the point before her confidence goes away with the wind. “I like mochi... I don’t like sake, but I do like the green tea that Kaori prepares with honey,” she begins to ramble on about things that are less tense than her problems and various thoughts.  

“I know.”  

“Huh?”  

“You like to look at the landscape between the compounds, the numbers; you are good and organized; you hate that men underestimate your work and bother girls to such an extent that you are capable of going against them, despite your obvious disadvantage or danger of death,” Tobirama comments in a mechanical tone that she does not know how to receive. “Stupid in trusting and foolish in observing too much only what you want.”  

“I don’t know if I should be offended by that.” Karen stands up, leaning on the stone without looking around beyond where she knows the shinobi is. “It’s unfair that you know me more than I know you, isn’t it?”  

“You do not need to know me. You are a civilian; it is easy to observe you.”  

“Have you been watching me?!”  

“I will not answer to that.”  

Karen snorts at such an insolent comment after saying so much. “Tobirama... it’s unfair that you don’t answer me.” She falls silent for a bit more. “I’ll ask Hashirama,” she sits back down in the water, annoyed.  

The shinobi, too, stays silent. “I like fresh fish. I enjoy reading, researching and experimenting. I do not like sweet food, red tea and working with Uchihas.”  

“You have to get over that last thing,” the civilian laughs, surprised by such comments. “Wow... you are so normal, you know? You would have a lot of fun in my world. There is so much to read...”  

“I can imagine.”  

“Plus, you learn languages very quickly,” the woman agrees easily leaning on the stone.  

“...”  

“Thanks, I guess... for telling me,” Karen comments casually, thinking a little more. “We need to adapt a space in the house for reading and a room for your experiments.”  

“No. It is fine the way it is.”  

“Come on, I wouldn’t like you to not see that house as a home,” she states, imagining the space to read, placed with some pillows and a large window where the fresh air could sneak in. “Of course, if it’s possible.”  

“It is.”  

“Oh, really?”  

“I can work on it.”  

Karen doesn’t know if he’s showing off or hogging the activity. “I can help.”  

“No.”  

“Seriously... I can also design the area. I would like it to have a very large space, with a huge window where the light could enter.”  

“I shall write it down.”  

“Haa... you won’t even let me participate. You’ve down a lot of the housework.”  

After a tense silence, Tobirama speaks. “I enjoy it,” he admits.  

“Oh... I see.” Karen sets the point aside without any kind of stubbornness in the middle. “You should have started there. Have you thought about doing architectural missions?”  

“There are not many.”  

“I know but, in the future, maybe with more renown and more clans with us, we can promote those missions.”  

“...”  

“I wish people could have those opinions... if they are not fit to kill.”  

“We are shinobis.”  

“I know you are, but sometimes there are more sensitive people and even if they don’t admit it, they are affected by so much murder...” She sighs, remembering what she has talked about with Hashirama during each meeting. “The Yamanaka are really good with the mind.”  

“They are. When facing one, they are annoying, but physically weak.”  

“Hashirama told me that they have good mental techniques. I wouldn’t be surprised if they studied the mind and its ills.”  

“What you can psychology.”  

“Yes. It would be good if applied on shinobis, as an extra support to not break on their ninja path.”  

“It sounds logical,” Tobirama replies with a tone of wisdom from having seen so much in these years, despite being so young... She doesn’t say anything else. Karen closes her eyes quite satisfied with this exchange... She doesn’t know when she fell asleep.  

However, waking up in her room already changed was surprisingly embarrassing.  

She snorts... of course, the man has seen her naked before during those bad days that she’d rather forget... so, she stays in that room a little longer, peering out the window to see the enormous room.  

Karen prefers to settle back down to sleep, unaware that she was being watched...  

──

When they left, the feeling of that coldness that the man radiated was less dense than before. Karen still feels that this outing is a success if it will make their coexistence less annoying and forced than she thought, so she does not avoid looking at him that morning with a smile on her face.  

“What?” the man huffs indignantly at the door of his room, already bathed and with his armor on just as he passes through the exit hallway.  

“Nothing... you know, I feel better after yesterday’s conversation.”  

Tobirama doesn’t show anything, but she can almost see him rolling his eyes. “It was not much. You still do not know a lot about me.”  

“I know, but it’s progress, isn’t it?”  

“As if that would help.”  

“Maybe not for you, but for me, I don’t know... maybe one day I’ll prepare fresh fish for you. Kaori-san taught me how to fish.”  

The Senju looks strange for a few seconds. “Let us go. We will arrive at the compound this afternoon.”  

“So soon?”  

“I received a message from Hashirama. The response from the Nara, Yamanaka and Akimichi clan arrived.”  

“Oh...” She blinks, looking at the point where he is going. “I see...” the girl sighs because she had become accustomed to this more relaxed atmosphere. It’s not that it bothers her to see the leader... she just feels it will be uncomfortable.  

“I will be with you.”  

“I know you will,” she agrees without paying enough attention to the thorough details of her future husband. A mistake, she would later realize. Karen looks around in detail to record in her mind. “It’s a shame we have to leave soon.”  

Tobirama doesn’t say anything as he starts walking, almost leaving her behind. “Izuna is an idiot.”  

“Oh... something else happened, then?”  

“I will explain on the way,” the man accepts, bidding farewell to the monk who was already at the door. She blinks, smiling and thanking him wholeheartedly for the attention in such a short time. “Let us go home,” Tobirama whispers very closely to take her carefully.  

He’s different... less cold and more personal when he carries her with care.  

“?!” She can’t help but be surprised, silencing any sarcastic or shocked comments that the woman might express. The albino, even though he doesn’t say anything, looks at her with a slight frown. “I didn’t say anything.”  

“No, but I am sure you are thinking it.”  

“You know me,” the woman states shamelessly, guessing that she can’t hide enough from the shinobis. Something terrifying when remembering well what he said in the hot springs, but she stays quiet. “Home?”  

“Home.” The shinnobi presses her against him. Karen doesn’t notice any of the extra care she’s receiving this time. She feels something has changed, but it is lost in the speed at which they shoot off, listening to the man’s murmur, giving details of what happened in their brief absence.  

Sure, with the exception of the bureaucratic and political chaos that Izuna caused with the Hyūgas, the rest was alright. ...How can they throw away months of negotiations in just one day?! She will discover it when she returns and maybe, just maybe... she will ask Tobirama to kill the Uchiha for her.  

Whose idea was it to leave him with her job?  

A/N: For a moment, I had author’s block on this story, so I brought it up slightly... As you can see, their non-relationship has become less tense, although of course it was for Karen since Tobirama cared a lot about it (not really, since he was aware of every detail, the house, the wedding, etc. But that’s something she doesn’t pay enough attention to, claiming it’s because she’s not familiar with the culture), the civilian thought a lot about how they should be more cordial.

A significant change for her... a very big one for Tobirama who, the more he interacts with his future wife... he feels... he is more confused, although quite observant and careful with Karen because of her weakness and lack of chakra (he lies to himself)

How will she see Hashirama? What did Izuna do to offend the Hyūgas? ...That’s why people should be trained and not thrown into a job they thought was easy to get her out of the game while Hashirama settled down with his wife and stopped thinking about Karen and the kisses he stole from her.

Poor guy.

Thank you for your kudos/notes and comments.

Author-chan out! 

[lycheesuwa]

End Story: Golden

Listen to: Daylight (Taylor Swift: LOVER album)

Osamu x Reader x Suna [Fluff/ Angst]

Summary: The closure

Ft. Watanabe siblings, Kita Shinsuke

link to part 8 | series masterlist | My masterlist

Natsuki’s glowing. She's dressed in a soft pink and red kimono that flows around her ankles. “How am I so lucky?” Natsuki whines to you as the professional make-up artist does her face.

You smile at her. “You're lucky because you found your soulmate, Natsuki.”

“As if ya didn't,” she giggles to you. “When d’ya think ’Samu’s gonna propose?!”

“We're not in any rush,” You shake your head. You and Osamu have just moved in together, since Natsuki moved out to live with Kita. The move across the street was hardly an issue, but the small Hyōgo apartment had been much, much kinder to you than the cities you've lived in, and you know you’ll miss it sometimes.

“Do ya think you and ’Samu woulda gotten together sooner if ya met in uni?” Natsuki asks.

You pause to consider her question. “Maybe,” you say. A lot of the pain and frustration you had would be spared, but your love with Osamu is sweet and golden instead of the cold blue that Suna brought you. Osamu holds you when you sleep and always makes you breakfast in the morning. He’ll hold your hand on the street and even introduced you to his brother as ‘ma girlfriend, (Y/n).’ Osamu is everything you never knew you needed in a partner.

“I'm glad ya found someone fer ya,” Natsuki smiles at you. “And I know that Shin is glad fer ya guys too.”

You give her a smile as her face brightens at mentioning her soon-to-be husband.

When you walk to the front of the altar behind some of Natsuki’s highschool friends you met once before the bachelorette party, you catch Osamu’s smile from the middle of the groomsmen’s line. You know you have to walk next to Rēn, one of Kita’s closer friends, but you catch Osamu mouthing at you, “beautiful.”

Natsuki’s crying when Kita reads his homemade vows and she barely gets through hers. Apparently they had more interactions in highschool than anyone knew about, and even through university. They are so infatuated with each other you're surprised she even applied to jobs around Shizuoka city, even though you know that's where her brother was. Regardless of the journey, they made it here today, standing together to be united for the rest of their lives.

The second he gets to the end of the willow branches that are bent over to make an archway, Osamu picks you up in a hug, and nestles his face into the crook of your neck, leaving a small kiss. “You look so beautiful today,” he murmurs.

“You look so handsome,” you say back, running a hand along his shoulder over the amber-red of his Yukata.

As everyone breaks from the Watanabe house to prepare for the reception held at Kita’s house, you find Osamu and yourself helping clean up a little before the festivities move. 

“Hey, (Y/n),” a low voice says to you.

You turn and see Suna standing there. 

Suna's eyes are ochre in the bright sunlight. His hair is getting long, bangs brushing his eyes instead of resting above his eyebrows like he prefers for games. He’s wearing a light grey yukata, and holding a small box as a gift for Kita and Natsuki.

He showed up alone. You don't see the girl from a year ago with him, although you hadn't seen her at all. Maybe she hadn't chosen either him or Atsumu, something that makes your heart ache for both of the men.

“Hello, Suna-san,” you say. You feel Osamu’s gaze on you, and turn to wave your hand towards him. You've been posting pictures at Onigiri Miya more often, and hinted at moving, and you'd be surprised if Suna doesn't know. “Are you well?”

“I am. It's nice to see you're doing well, too.”

Osamu slides his hand along your waist, to rest under your obi wrapper. “Shii-chan couldn't make it back ta Japan?” Osamu asks him.

Suna shakes his head. “She's on a business trip at the moment.”

Osamu nods thoughtfully. “I’m gonna start tha’ car. I'll be waitin.”

He turns and you catch his face, pulling him in for a quick kiss. “I'll be there soon.”

When you turn back to Suna he’s grinning. “I figured,” he muses.

You hum, not sure of what to say to him.

“I'm sorry I was a jerk to you all those years,” Suna says.

You hold your hand up. “Stop, Suna-san. It's okay, I know you had a lot going on with the other girl and volleyball. And now that I have Osamu… I'm seriously happy.”

“I'm glad,” Suna let out a breath he was holding. “Are you going to get married?”

You shrug and turn for the car. “Some day. C’mon, today is Natsuki and Kita-san’s day.”

Suna tucks his hands into the folds of his Yukata, and bows his head. “You're definitely happier with ’Samu, so I'm glad I never returned your feelings.”

“That's why?” you roll your eyes. “Your ego is bigger than I thought.”

Suna chuckles along with you. “Guess so,” he mumbles.

“I spent new years with Osamu,” you tell him as you reach the car. “We watched the sun rise together… and I think that's when I realized I need to be with someone who I can stand in the sun with, instead of hiding me in the shadows.”

“I was really  a jerk,” Suna says softly. He opens the back door to climb in. “You look better in the light, anyway. More… gold, or something.”

You lean over the console to kiss Osamu’s cheek. “What's this about being golden?” he asks, taking your hand.

You gesture at the field before the car, the grasses lighting up under the sunlight. Slowly you lift his hand to your lips. “You are my light, and golden love, Miya Osamu.”

Fin.

Thank you all so much for sticking with me through this mini series! Hope you all enjoyed it~

(also i made the banners go me :3)

[ecargmura]

Ayaka: A Story Of Bounds and Wounds Episode 8 Review - Festival Time

After all the warm fuzziness I felt seeing Yukito hanging out with his friends at a festival, that feeling went away towards the ending. Man, that ending was quite shocking. I didn’t expect the endgame to come this soon!

This entire episode was Yukito hanging out with his friends and it was super cute! The way Yukito chats with his friends and then spending quality time with them in their yukatas was so cute. They’re so cute! I’m so happy Yukito’s getting friends. Although he never had friends, he is very considerate of them. They’re all so considerate towards each other too! Like when Ibara got a blister, they were asking if she’s okay and they offered to get a medical kit for her. I think the way Yukito said that he also feels uncomfortable in clothes he’s not used to wearing caused Ibara to smile and it’s cute!

I think the best thing about Yukito in this episode is that he managed to put Jingi in his place. He was rather baffled when Jingi was wanting to sponge off of him and when he went to the shrine to pick up Yako and Chataro, he snitched about Jingi to Haruaki, causing the former to be forced to work by the latter. For once, Yukito bites back and it’s nice to see. Though, he does have appreciation for his mentor as he thanks him towards the end of the episode after he calms himself down after his powers got a bit out of control. He’s such a good boy.

Ibara gets a lot of ship tease with Yukito in this episode. She blushed when he complimented her yukata. She then takes pictures of her friends, but only Yukito is visible in the picture while the other two are in the background and cut off. Poor them. I think her bluntness towards Yako and Chataro throughout the episode was hilarious. She’s like “I was glaring at Haruaki because he’s Aka’s enemy” and then Yako was like “You’re not glaring at us, despite us being Haruaki’s disciples”. Her response? “Well, it’s cause you two are weak.” Talk about a blow to their ego. I also found Aka calling Yukito and asking if Ibara is having fun super cute. Maki teased him having fatherly affections for Ibara, which does seem to be the case; it’s also nice to see Aka have some care for his subordinates in a way.

I’ve always theorized that Yukito was the water dragon and I think that theory is all but verbally confirmed in this episode. In the beginning, Yukito gets the usual dream of him being submerged in water, but it gets an extension where he meets the fire dragon in his dream, causing him to almost drown and wake up from his dream. It feels like a sign that the fire dragon is calling out to him. When Yukito’s powers start going out of control, he isolates himself from his friends to a secluded area. In dim light, Yukito sees his shadow take the form of a dragon. The spirit of his father visits him, praising him and then mentioning “the truth about his true self”; note that Yukito is unable to recognize him because his face was covered. Then, at the end of the episode, the Fourth Island’s volcano gets erupted, signaling the fire dragon’s reawakening. I hope it’ll be fully confirmed next episode, but given that we have four or five episodes left, I feel like it’ll drag on; it better not.

I’m worried about what’s to come. What’s going to happen with the island? What will Yukito do to help out? Will our main characters team up to stop it or will it be a solo mission for Aka? I just hope that this sudden endgame route will be handled well.

[shino-mina-324]

The Thunder Hashira

Chapter 9

Warning: none

1.3 word count

Third Pov

A girl could be seen running through a forest. She wore a plain black yukata with a white tucked in haori. Her sword was out ready to attack any demon she came across. Her blade was also different it was long and thin until the very end where it came out and pointed like a normal blade. The tips of her black hair also faded into a bright purple. Her face was set into a straight poker face not giving a reaction to anything.

She didn't chop the head off a single demon she came across either, merely rushing past them with a flick of her sword, but they could be seen in the background choking and falling to the ground dying.

She reached a clearing in the woods and stopped. She calmed her racing heart and after listening for any demons sheathed her sword. She took a second the stretch. Her name is Shinobu Kocho and her final selection had begun only three days ago. It wasn't very hard for her, except for the occasional demon she didn't see coming. Like right now.

Shinobu was caught off guard when a demon tackled her to the ground. She was barley able to pull out her sword in time but it was rendered useless aside from keeping the demons teeth away from her face as the handle was caught in its mouth. She tried to push the demon off herself but having little strength in her arms that didn't work out so well. She kept being pushed down into the ground. She closed her eyes preparing to push all her weight one last time until suddenly the weight pushing her was gone. She opened her eyes and looked up. The demon was now across the clearing crouching down as it rubbed its head. Her eyes then drifted to the person standing over her. She wore a torn yukata that looked so dirty she couldn't tell what color it was. It was covered in dirt and blood so thick, there was more of it than cloth. She weilded a dented chipped blade and her dark red-ish black hair was long but uneven in some areas. Her skin was almost as dirty as her clothes and she couldn't see her face cause of the angle.

The girl didn't say anything, not even looking at Shinobu. She stared at the demon with what Shinobu guessed was a blank face.

"You...!" The demon hissed at the girl. It then charged but in one swift flick of the girls arm its head was chopped off and it was dead, already disintegrating. The girl just stood there, frozen and unmoving. Shinobu slowly stood up.

"Thanks." She said wiping the dirt off her clothes. The girl didn't move for a few seconds then slowly turned around to look at her and Shinobu realized that she wore a white fox mask over her face. It looked specially crafted with a pinkish scar like mark on one of its cheeks. She stared at Shinobu quietly for a second. Shinobu shifted uncomfortable about to say something when she finally spoke.

"...ho-how...long..?" Her voice cracked and sounded strained as if from a lack of use. She sounded like she was supposed to have a soft gentle voice, sweet to the ears but could get harsh when needed. But cause of the cracking and strain it sounded distorted and dry. Shinobu tilted her head, why was her voice like that? And now that she thought about it what was with the dirty clothes? They've only been in the forest three days, it shouldn't be that dirty.

"How long since when?" She asked.

"La-last....the last...fi-final selec-" she wasn't able to finish with strain on her voice. Shinobu then realized how bad it was when the girl reached up to run her neck in pain. Luckily Shinobu was able to figure out what she was going to say.

"A year. Final selection happens yearly." Shinobu said and crossed her arms. "Does it hurt to speak?" The girl stared at her for a second then slowly nodded.

"T-t-too long..." She said. She seemed frozen and deep in thought. She then gulped and looked at Shinobu. "H-help.."

"Hm? Help with what?"

"G-get out... get out o-o-of for-fores-est." she finally made out. Shinobu tilted her head confused. Didn't she know anything about survival? Or her way around? It was only three days, did she get lost already? And what was with her weird questions?

"Yeah sure, I'll help you."

After that they began to walk, or more like Shinobu did and she followed. She was so odd too, Shinobu didn't know what to think of her. Shinobu was about to shove aside a hanging branch and walk forward again when she felt a small but rough hand grab her. She looked back to see the girl had grabbed her.

"N-not there." Shinobu blinked at her, what did she mean by that?

"We have to head this way."

"G-go a-around..." She then took off, pulling Shinobu with her. She was about to argue when the girl brought her finger up to her mouth telling her to be silent. For some reason she felt like she needed to oblige. She soon found out why. There wasn't just one but a nest of demons in the area she was about to walk into. She then realized how quiet the girls footsteps were. Listening she realized she wasn't making a single sound. Her steps also seemed calculated, as if.... Shinobu thought to herself trying to add up all the weird habits the girl seemed to have. She then roughly shook her head, no that's impossible. Someone can't survive here that long, there wasn't even edible food here!

~

They soon stopped by a small ravine. The girl dropped to her knees and put her hands in.

"We should keep moving." Shinobu interrupted her.

"No."

"No? We need to keep moving, demons can pop up any minute and we have to get to the other side in time." Shinobu snapped. Yeah she could just leave the girl but for some reason she didn't want to. Don't get her wrong, if she had to she would, but she had the strong feeling that she should stay... maybe it was to figure this girl out? Honestly she didn't know.

"Safe."

"Huh?"

"Safe."

"How's it safe?" Shinobu crossed her arms annoyed. The girl didn't answer, only pointed at the sky. Shinobu looked up and there leaking through the trees were rags of sun. She blinked and then realized it covered the entire clearing they were in. The girl was right. They were safe here. "How did you know this was here?"

"..." She didn't respond but what she did do was adjust the mask on her face to the side. It still hid her face from the view Shinobu had. She was about to lean down to get a look but suddenly the girl put her head down and into the water. She rubbed her face a bit and came back up, she cupped her hands and put them back into the water. She brought her hands up to her face and drank it, which made Shinobu cringe. Yes it was water, but it was water in a demon infested forest. How could she be sure it was safe to drink?

The girl readjusted the mask back onto her face and sat back.

"Stay sun day. Travel night." She turned her head to look at Shinobu. "Rest. Dangerous." Shinobu tilted her head and narrowed her eyes at the girl. Her voice box must really be damaged if she has to talk like that to communicate.

"Ok, we can rest but only for a little bit."