#makoto: what the hell did i get myself into. jesus.

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #692: Teenagers React to Everyone Losing in Mario Golf World Tour (SSBU)

Mario

Mario gets hit by a Green She'll and turns into his little self on Screen.

Futuba: Wait. (Eyes Widened in Complete Disbelief at the Screen) THAT CAN ACTUALLY HAPPEN TO HIM!?

Ren: We've seen this man get stabbed, detonated, and knocked out many times than any of us can count. And none them ever resulted him into being little.

Lavenza: Perhaps it's the Green Shell's doing......(Place her Hand on her Chin and Starts Thinking) Hmmmmm.........

Futuba: (Turns to Lavenza) Anything on your mind, Lavvy-chan?

Lavenza: This might be hunch, but....How about we try devising a plan? Where we can try hitting Mario with a Green Shell ourselves.

Futuba: That way, we can see if he can turn into a small plumber or not. (Smiles Brightly and Excitedly) That's GENIUS!

Ren: (Has a bit of a Curious Smirk on his Face) Wouldn't mind being a part of that plan myself. I think my throwing skills has gotten better overtime.

Futuba: Mines too!

Makoto: (Immediately Gives the Trio Her Signature Cold Niijima Glare) We are NOT throwing a Green Shell at Mario.

Ren: There it is.

Futuba: (Starts Giving Makoto a Disappointed Pouty Face) Makotooo.....

Lavenza: (Genuinely Shocked and Disappointed) But why ever not, Ms. Queen?

Makoto: Because it's very rude and completely uncalled for. I mean seriously, what would Peach say if she saw you three going through with plan? She would be very disappointed. As I am with you three for even thinking about doing this.

Futuba: Come on, sis! Can't we just-

Makoto: (Stares Piercing her Glare) The answer's no and that's final.

Ren/Lavenza/Futuba: (Straighten Themselves Up in a Bit of Fear) Yes, ma'am!

Lavenza: (Genuinely Surprised) Goodness! I have no idea the Queen could be so terrifying....

Futuba: (Starts Shrugging) That's Makoto for ya. Her glares and motherly attitude are completely outmatched in our ragtag group. You know, besides Haru.

Haru: (Happily and Gently Scratches Under Morgana's Chin While He's Sitting and Purring onto her Lap, Causing her to Giggle Softly Altogether)

Lavenza: I see.... So I suppose nothing could ever try and faze her in some occasions, yes?

Futuba: For the most part.

Ren: (Smirks Like a Love Struck Dork) That's one of the million reasons why I love that beautiful woman after all~

Makoto: (Pouts at Ren) Stop trying to flattering me, Ren-Ren!~ The answer's still no!

Ren: (Chuckles Lightly) We know that already, 'hon~ I just wanted to tell you how much I love you is all~ (Kiss Makoto on the Cheek)

Makoto: (Lays her Head on Ren's Shoulder Once She Begins to Blush) Dummyhead~ (Hugs Ren Afterwards) Love you too~

Futuba: (Puts on a Deadpinned Look on Her Planned) Unless your name is Ren-Ren and try making her blush like a strawberry.....

Lavenza: Fascinating.....

Coco: (Writing Down Somthing on her Notepad)

Tails: Writing down possible theories and methods of any of this makes sense?

Coco: Yup!~

Luigi

Luigi sadly slouches down onto the floor and gets licked by a Boo on screen.

Yoshi: I dunno which is sadder.... Seeing my Luigi being sad or seeing him getting licked by a random Boo.

Pit: (Starts Shrugging Slowly) At least he didn't call himself a loser that time.

Yoshi: Yeah.

Peach

Peach dramatically faints, with heartstrings playing in the background, on screen.

Sonic: ('Sigh') There goes mom being dramatic again.....

Amy: (Happily Resting her Head into Sonic's Shoulder) I feel like you've gotten that from her as of late.

Sonic: ('Heh') Yeah right. Like I can be a drama as well-

Amy: Ice cream on Chili Dogs.

Sonic: (Eyes Widened and Gasps Loudly From his Girlfriend's Sudden Words and Dramatically Points at her) How DARE YOU say those words in front of me!? Your own BOYFRIEND!

Amy: (Giggles Softly at How Adorable her Sonic is Being Right Now) I rest my case~

Yoshi

Yoshi went into his egg in a very sad manner and starts rolling around the area before falling down on screen.

Ann: (Place her Hands onto her Mouth) Oh my gosh! This is so hard to watch!

Shiho: (Hugs Ann's Arm) This is so sad....

Haru: And so adorable at the same time!~

Morgana: (Sighs While Rolling his Eyes)

Futuba: (Raise her Hand) All in a agreement to hug Yoshi later on, say aye!

Ann/Shiho/Haru: (Raises Their Hands as Well) AYE!~

Lavenza: (Raises her Hand as Well) I would also like to join in this event as well!

Dark Pit: (Smirks Smugly at an Already Annoyed Yoshi) Guess who's back on his cuteness bullshit?

Ryuji: (Chuckles Lightly) Yeah.

Yoshi: For the love of...(Gets Up From his Seat) Why does everyone in this room thinks I'm cute?

Ann: Because you are-

Yoshi: Okay. I get. I flutter jump, I turn into an egg, and I admit, I do have a cute face. But for GOD SAKES, I know Kung Fu! I-I know how to drive a car with little to no problem! (Got Out his Trusty Nunchucks) I even learned how to use Nunchucks and everything!!!

Ryuji: Come on, man. You're overreacting.

Coco: Yeah. There's nothing wrong having a little cuteness in ya. (Happily Gives Yoshi a Thumbs Up) I think it suits you perfectly well.

Yoshi: (Turns to Tails) See, even your girlfriend thinks I'm cute, Tails!

Tails: (Eyes Widened at What Yoshi Just Said) Wait.....

Tails/Coco: WHAAAAAAAAAT!!!!!?

Coco: (Starts Blushing Herself) B-B-But weren't not dating! We're best friends!

Tails: (Starts Blushing as Well) E-Exactly! A-And besides.....(Chuckles a bit Lately) I-I'm pretty sure Coco wouldn't really be interested in dating someone as boring as me-

Coco: ('GASPS') (Pouts at Tails) Miles Tails Prower, how could you!!?

Tails: (Taken Aback by Coco's Sudden Change of Attitude) What? W-What did I say?

Coco: How could you say that about yourself!? You are absolutely NOT boring to me at all!

Tails: Y-You think so-

Coco: (Grabs Tails' Hands and Gently Squeezes Them) I KNOW so, mister! You're the most smartest, brilliant, precious little cinnamon roll I've ever met and anyone who thinks otherwise are dumb and stupid!

Tails: (Almost at a Loss of Words) Coco.....

Coco: I mean it, Tails! I don't EVER wanna see you put yourself down like that ever again, you hear me!?

Tails: I won't do that anymore! I promise!

Coco: (Stares at Tails For a Brief Second Before Sighing) Good. (Gives Tails a Loving Hug) I'm glad we come to an understanding. I love you, bud.

Tails: (Chuckles Lightly While Hugging Coco Back) I love you too, Coco. Thank you.

Almost Everyone: (Stares at the Best Friends Hugging Each Other) (Yeah. They would SO be cute couple together.)

Amy: (So CUUUUUUUUTEEEE!!!~)

Daisy

Daisy tries calming herself down before taking one look at the camera and starts angrily stomping and looking away on screen.

Ryuji: Sheesh. Even when she try to calm down, she still gets angry....

Yoshi: That's my mom for ya. Always a low-key bad sport.

Donkey Kong

Donkey Kong starts slapping the ground angrily before a random barrel came down and hit his head, causing him to fall down unconscious on screen.

Yusuke: That has to be a painful experience to go through.

Futuba: Tell me about it. I highly doubt that any normal human could survive a random barrel falling down on their heads.....or their entire body.

Ryuji: I envy that gorilla sometimes....

Diddy Kong

Diddy Kong lazily eats his banana, throws the peel on the floor beside him, gets up, ,immediately slips on the peel and fell on screen.

Ren: Yeah. No. He had that one coming.

Everyone: (Nodding and Completely Agrees to What Ren was Saying) Yeah./ Very True./ Uh huh.

Wario

Wario gets struck by lightning on screen.

Ryuji: (Eyes Widened in Complete Shock) JESUS! Where the hell did that lightning came from? It's not even raining outside!

Yusuke: Perhaps there's more to this universe than we originally thought....

Waluigi

Waluigi starts acting dramatic to losing before falling down into a black hole, that suddenly appears out of nowhere, on screen.

Futuba: Wha-Wha- WHAT!? How is even possible!? W-W-WHERE DID THAT BLACK HOLE EVEN CAME FROM!?

Morgana: (Shakes his Head Slowly) I don't even know anymore, Futuba....

Futuba: Damnit! (Looks Up Into the Ceiling in Anger) NONE OF THIS MAKES ANY SENSE!!!

Lavenza: There's a lot of things that doesn't make sense, Big Sister Futuba.

Bowser

Bowser angrily punches a camera on screen.

Ryuji: WOAH WOAH WOAH! What the hell was that all about!?

Ren: A evil, giant turtle getting mad over a simple game of golf....Kind of sounds a lot sadder when I say it out loud.

Ryuji: Right!? It's just a frickin' golf game! Why do they have get so hell-bent over it everytime they lose!?

Ren: I don't think anyone really knows at this point, man.

Bowser Jr.

Bowser Jr throwing his usual temper tantrum on screen.

Morgana: (Starts Sighing While Rolling his Eyes) Here comes another Bowser Jr's cuteness hour.....

Futuba: (Teasingly Pokes Morgan's Cheeks) Getting jealous there, Mona?~

Haru: (Immediately Pulls Morgana into a Loving Hug) Oh my sweet, little Mona-Chan!~ Please don't be jealous of Bowser Jr-kun anymore! I promise I love you with all of my heart!~ (Begins Kissing Morgana's Cheek)

Morgana: (Starts Getting Ticklish by Haru's Kisses) Haru! Come on! I believe you already! Really!

Lavenza: (Turns to Futuba) What exactly is happening here right now? Is Mona-Chan really jealous of this Bowser Jr character?

Futuba; (Simply Nodded) Oh big time. He thinks Haru thinks that the little guy is more cuter than he is.

Lavenza: ('Gasps') That is crazy talk....(Turns to Morgana) Mona-Chan!

Morgana: (Turns to Lavenza) Huh? What's wrong, Lavenza?

Lavenza: (Gently Grab Both of Mona's Paws) There us no need for you feel any jealousy towards Bowser Jr. While it is true that his overall appearance is cute to look at, you are and always will a precious feline in my very eyes!

Morgana: (Eyes Widened in Genuine Surprise While Blushing) Y-You.... really mean that, Lavenza?

Lavenza: Why, of course I do. (Joins into Morgana and Haru's Hug) I wouldn't be here, telling you this if I don't.

Haru: Lavvy-chan is absolutely right on this, sweetheart. You're a lot more precious than give yourself credit for. So please don't be jealous anymore, okay?

Morgana: (Sighs While Being Overwhelmed by the Group Hug) I'll try not to....(Smiles a Little) Thanks, you guys.

Futuba: (Smirk Softly at the Trio While Silently Taking a Few Pictures of Them ('Heh Heh') Dorks.

Rosalina

Rosalina faints....and accidentally fell down on the Lumas, who were trying to help her up, on screen.

'Thud'

Most People in the Living Room: Oh!

Yoshi: That has got to leave a mark.

Pit: I know. I kind of feel bad for those poor little Lumas....

Dark Pit: They're floating, magical stars with eyes, Pit-Stain. They'll be fine.

Birdo

Birdo angrily shoots eggs at the camera on screen.

Ann: (Really Glares at the Screen) Really?! What is with these people and breaking camera screens!? Do they honestly even know how much those things cost!!?

Shiho: (Simply Shrugs) I guess they really can't stand the fact they've lost a game golf.

Ann: Right!?

Toad

Two Toads tries to cheer up the main Toad by cheerleading on screen.

Ren: Huh. Cheerleading Toads.... That's a new one.

Makoto: It's cute how they try to do whatever they can to support each other.

Ren: I agree. It's also ironic how this is the most normal reaction of losing out of everyone else we've seen so far.

Makoto: ('Sigh') Yeah.....

Nabbit

Nabbit hides under a bag....only to get eaten by a Piranha Plant on screen.

Dark Pit: Alright. I'm about to lose it in a matter of seconds, if someone in this room don't tell me why in the hell does that dumbass thought that having a Piranha in his bag was even remotely a good idea!

Ren: ('Sigh') Yeah. I think we're done here.

..............................................................

Sonic: Sheesh....That was a lot more insane to watch through than I thought it would be.....

Yusuke: Not the most cringe worthy event I have ever seen so far, but it was still rather.... interesting to watch, to say the least.

Amy: I know..... I had no idea they would took golf so seriously...

Ryuji: You're telling me. I mean, really, I can't believe these guys were making a huge deal about losing one single game of golf! GOLF!! Probably one of the most boring sports in all of the frickin universe!!

Ren: Well, knowing Mario and the gang, I'm pretty sure they found a way to make the sport more fun to them.

Ryuji: That might be the true, but that doesn't make what we just saw, any better, bro!!

Ren: ('Sigh') Yeah. It.... really doesn't.

Futuba: (Found Something Interesting on his Phone) Huh.

Pit: What you found, Futuba?

Futuba: (Shows Everyone Beside her Phone) It says here that Mario and the others are hosting an all new golf tournament next month. It's called the "Mario Golf: Super Rush Tournament"

Yoshi: (Takes a Look at Futuba's Phone) Yep. Seems pretty legit to me.

Everyone: (Nodded in Agreement)

Makoto: They're going to embarrass themselves in that tournament, are they?

Ren: I'd be surprised if they didn't.

Makoto: You're gonna record the whole thing, are you?

Ren: (Chuckles Lightly) Oho yeah.....

@keyenuta

@26shann

@princekirijo

@cyber-wildcat

@albion-93

@lovekittynoir

@italian-love-cake

@ma-lemons

@craftyfreakdragonuniversity

@caleb13frede

[rae-arts777]

Who are you?

Summary: welcome, meet ultimate despair Dorothy and Makoto

Notes: what’s this? Rae wrote her Danganronpa X GrePre crossover that’s not as dark as the last one that will never see the light of day? :000

TW: death/blood/world destruction

Again it’s Danganronpa inspire.

~~~~~~~~

Makoto stop mid monologue about how TC were hypocrites. His expression went from a face full of anger, to boredom.

Lowering the sword he yawned and looked up at the ceiling, “Jesus Christ I told you this be boring. Let’s just get on with it already. Their expressions are so plain.”

Everyone in the room looked confused. Akemi looked at Laurent thinking this was part of TC’s plan, Laurent looking at the director thinking it was some act she made Makoto do.

“Hey, bitch I know you can hear me” Makoto continued “Get on with it, or I might just throw myself out the window from boredom”

Familiar laugh to half of TC echo through the room. Laurent’s eye widen, scanning the area fractionally looking. It wasn’t in his head, everyone heard it, even Oz was looking.

The doors swung open and out she step. Flipping her white hair over her shoulders. Her blue eyes sparkling, her iconic pink lip stick vibrante as ever. But something was off. The way she smiled didnt set off any brightness or joy, it sent a chilling feeling down everyone’s spine.

“Gheez Makoto! Did you have to stop half way? I was actually enjoying your performance!!” Dorothy walked to him and threw her arms around the Japanese man smiling “ah! I could just tell every word you spoke plunge even more despair into all their hearts!! You’re such a good actor! Oh you’ve come such a long way from that kid I found on the streets!” She pulled at his cheeks cooing him.

Annoyed, Makoto pushed her off “It was boring. Their reactions were so predictable.”

Everyone stared in confusion. No one knew what was going on, how did they know each other? Dorothy was alive?

Laurent took a step towards her “Dorothy.? Is it really you?”

“Yup! In the flesh Laurie!” She smiled and grabbed Makoto’s shoulder “and you’ve all meet my little successor Makoto Edamura. Such a talented young man, is he not?”

Oz looked at his son “so this whole time...you-“

“Yes I knew.” Makoto cut him off “I’ve worked under her since you left”

“That long?!” Oz spoke in shock

“Better to teach them when they’re young right?” Dorothy laughed “again, such a talented young man. You have to admit, his performance was phenomenal!!”

Akemi spoke up “I do not understand. Who are you? What is going on?”

The one thing Laurent could agree on with this woman “what is going on.? How do you two know each other.?”

“Right I should probably reintroduce myself” Dorothy pulled out little hair pin, it was the head of a cartoon bear, the left white and the right black. She pinned it in her hair and took a bow

“Dorothy, I’m the ultimate despair. And this!” She gestured to Makoto “it’s Makoto Edmaura, my partner, and the second ultimate despair.” She patted his cheek smiling proudly.

Makoto’s expression remain blank. Everyone looking at the two like they’ve lost their minds.

Abby growled “ok virgin, enough with the games. Did you hit your head or something? Stop this.”

“You’re annoying.” Makoto snapped at her “when you were a suicidal manic you didn’t fear death. So boring. You couldn’t even appreciate the despair that came with death. People like you annoy me”

“I’m going to knock the sense into you!” Abby tried to get up was was still restrain.

However someone did take action.

“ENOUGH OF THIS.” Yao grabbed Makoto by the collar raising his fist “I don’t know what game you’re playing but I have enough.”

Makoto remained unpashed, sighing “shame, you would have been a good blacken for the game”

Dorothy nodded in agreement “well, looks like nothing can be done now.” She pulled out a remote and pressed a button.

A loud buzz was heard through the room. Before anyone knew it, spears came flying, shooting into Yao. He let go of Makoto who step back, a slight smile dancing upon his face.

Everyone looked in horror, as blood ran down the spears, Yao’s body twitching.

“T-the hell...?” He muttered “I don’t....how did you even....? You....damn....bastards...” The spears retracted, and Yao fell to the floor dead.

Ishigami let out of blood curling scream and threw an arm up to shield Akemi, who had her mouth covered in horror.

Laurent knelt down and checked for a pulse, praying this was some elaborate con Makoto set up to get even. There was no pulse. Yao was dead.

Laurent looked up at Dorothy with a pain expression “but...we don’t-“

“We don’t kill people? Old news. Old life. I can’t believe I stuck to those morals, how boring, death is so wonderful” an insane smile danced upon her lips “did you see it Laurie? That expression before he died? Such despair...ahhh!” She hugged herself laughing “such a wonderful feeling! I remember how amazing it felt when I thought I was going to die! The thrill! The excitement! Despair is truly such a wonderful thing!”

Liu step forward, his face stonecold “tell me what is your motivate here? What do you two so call ultimate despairs want?”

“It’s simple really” Makoto explained “as we speak right now, the whole world is falling apart.” He took the remote Dorothy had, making a TV appear. Switching on the channel, everyone’s face snuck into deeper despair.

The world was literally burning. People were rioting, there was death on every corner.

“No that’s not real...” Cythina spoke “there’s no way that’s real.”

“But it is.” Makoto said. “Of course we didn’t do it alone. We had some help.” He switch the board cast again.

Salazar walked away from Casano’s burning mansion, the sounds of gunfire behind him, people of LA rushing to kill each other for the name of despair.

Clark stood in front of his people giving a speech. The crowd erupted of cheers, as everyone took to the city. Fire roar, soaring as high as the planes that flew overhead dropping bombs. Clark watched with a smile as his kingdom fell into despair.

Thomas walked through an art gallery, covered in blood. He walked over to a painting, and smeared the blood on him onto the painting. He smiled recreating the painting in his image. Smiling at his proud work, he took the painting down, and walked out of the gallery. He sat on the bench waiting, and watch as the gallery exploded. People on fire running screaming. He pulled out his paintbrush and started to paint the beautiful despair that London had caught.

Cythina cried and shook her head “no! That can’t be real! Thomas would never do that! Never!”

“But Cythina” Dorothy grabbed her chin smiling “he did. Everything you see is live.”

“We almost forgot” makoto switched the channel “are special little warriors of hope”

Cohen along with the others who were sold the trading company, sat on top of piled of rumble, smiling and watching the adults demise. From their safe haven, they threw water balloons full of gasoline to spread fire below.

“If it was true why hasn’t someone come up to warn us?” Akemi said “I think we hear everything going on, and-“

“That’s cause you’re on an island.” Makoto pulled back the shades to reveal the ocean “that’s a whole other thing but it’s too boring to explain”

Akemi’s face dropped again. She covered her mouth thinking of her son back in Japan. Was he alive?

Oz growled, snatching the sword from Makoto; and pointed it to Dorothy.

“Enough! I don’t know what you’re playing but this is enough!”

“Careful Ozzy” Dorothy’s voice dropped “you don’t want to end up like Yao do you?” She gestured to his dead body.

Oz shook at the venom that dropped from her lips. Slowly lowering the sword he tried to keep a stonecold face.

“Please this isn’t real..” Laurent said stepping towards Makoto “edamame please. You got me ok? We’re even. You can drop the act.”

“If only it was an act” Makoto said “I assure you, this is all true, Laurie.” Makoto pulled out a picture and showed Laurent.

Dorothy with one hand upon a teen Makoto shoulder, and another on Miki Edmaura’s back, they were in the hospital. All of them smiling. There was a get well soon ballon along with flowers by Miki’s bedside.

Laurent wanted to believe it was photoshopped, but, something told him it was very much real.

“She was so nice” Makoto said “the one person I really cared for. But I knew in order for thing to move along, she had to go”

Everyone felt another harsh chill run through their bodies.

“Makoto....” Oz spoke “did you.....kill your mother...?”

“In a way I guess I did. The despair finished the job really. When you’re only child gets taken away to prison while you’re bedridden, it must leave a big empty hole in your heart. I think the despair killed her, not the sickness”

Abby felt herself shaking, in fear, this was not their Makoto.

“Who are you?!” Abby yelled “who the hell are you?!”

Makoto looked at her “My name is Makoto Edmaura, ultimate despair, successor of ultimate despair Dorothy.” A big smile spread across his face.

The first time they seen a smile on this despair Makoto. Makoto’s smile use to bring such brightness, and now...such darkness.

“Welcome contests!!!!” Dorothy spread out her arms smiling “to the very first killing game!!!! Broadcast live across the world!!”

Makoto laughed smiling “will you find that shining hope you think still exist? Or shall you plunge into the claws of despair?”

Anguished filled the room. Everyone stared hopelessly, their lives at the mercy of the ultimate despairs.

[destination-despairing]

Sleep aid

Guess who wrote some Kuzuhina (hint: It was me and River) Read here on AO3

Fuyuhiko knew the signs of sleep deprivation. He'd suffered from it himself on more than one occasion and it wasn't exactly pretty. 

Obviously he didn't care that Hajime looked about ready to collapse. Wasn't his problem. But he was sorta their leader and they needed him, and if no one else was gonna notice how bad he looked well... Fuyuhiko had to take matters into his own hands. 

He felt stupid and awkward as he always seemed to when preparing to face Hajime, but he shoved it aside and knocked on the door to his room.

Fuyuhiko felt worried when it took a long minute for Hajime to come answer the door. When he did he looked down at Fuyuhiko like he was trying to process the steps it’d taken him to get from whatever he’d been doing to answering the door. 

“Yeah?” Hajime said slowly. 

“Geez, you look even shittier than yesterday,” Fuyuhiko snorted, more to deflect the fact Hajime looked pretty even exhausted. 

“... Thanks?” Hajime sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Can I help you or did you just stop by to insult me?” 

Fuyuhiko actually felt kind of bad. He glanced away and shoved the bag he’d been carrying into Hajime’s hands, blushing horribly. “Here. I know sleeping in this place sucks but you have to eventually.” He hoped Hajime wouldn’t put too much thought into the gifts, which Fuyuhiko most certainly had. “I got your meeting with Makoto today canceled, told him you weren’t feeling well. They postponed it to next week.” 

Hajime fumbled a bit with the bag, eyes going wide. “W-what?” He stammered. “You thought I couldn’t handle it?” He seemed to shrink on himself, shoulders falling. 

“No!” Fuyuhiko said quickly, guilt twisting in his gut like a knife. “You’re the strongest person I know, course you could handle it. Doesn’t mean you should have to all the time.” 

“You’re right, I’m sorry.” Hajime pressed his hand to his forehead and then let it run through his hair, tousling it worse than it had already been. “I’m not myself… Thanks for helping..” He lingered a bit with his hand on the doorknob. 

Fuyuhiko tried and failed to not be slightly enamored with the way Hajime’s hair fell messily on his head. He imagined running his own fingers through it and blushed. “You gonna go try and get some sleep? Cuz I can take my gifts back if you’re not gonna appreciate them.” He joked. 

“Yeah, sure.” Hajime gave a weak smile. “I’ll uh, see you later.” 

That should have been the end of it, but… 

“Did you want help?” Fuyuhiko’s blush worsened. “There’s some tea in the gift bag I could make for you, wouldn’t want you burning yourself or some shit with how tired you are.” It was a lame excuse and he knew it, but he was concerned and wanted to keep an eye on his friend. 

Hajime looked like he was considering the offer. “If you like,” He stepped aside for Fuyuhiko to come in, something in his posture showing relief.. 

“No need to sound so happy about it.” Fuyuhiko rolled his eye as he entered the room, being snarky more so to alleviate his own nerves. He didn’t want to overstep and make Hajime uncomfortable, but the worry he felt outweighed his anxiety and pushed him forward.

 He wanted to know Hajime was okay… Which was normal, right? After all they’d been through, they were friends and Hajime was their makeshift leader. It was fine to care, and he cared a normal amount. 

The current hotel the Future Foundation had them set up in was nice enough that they got suites, there was a kitchen and a sitting room attached to a bedroom and bath. 

Once they were both inside Hajime flopped onto the couch, loosening his tie with a huff. 

Fuyuhiko pointedly ignored Hajime’s everything in favor of grabbing the tea out of the bag and escaping to the kitchen. 

He knew now wasn’t the time to be… feeling things. Especially new things. He could explore that later, when Hajime was in a better space. 

Fuyuhiko headed back out to the living room a few minutes later. He immediately noticed how Hajime had undone the top two buttons of his shirt which wasn’t distracting at all. 

He sat on the coffee table across from Hajime and offered him the mug. 

“Thanks,” Hajime blew on it to cool it and looked thoughtful a minute. “It’s really that obvious?” He asked. 

“Nah,” Fuyuhiko let his tone soften. “No one else knows, you’re a good actor for someone going on… What, four hours of sleep in the last two days?” He guessed, raising an eyebrow. 

“... Zero.” Hajime admitted, looking away quickly. 

“Jesus…” Fuyuhiko shook his head and sighed. “What do you need? I mean this shit was just guesses.” He gestured to the gift bag. “Anything you need, I’m here.” He normally would’ve felt embarrassed at proclaiming that but… He cared about Hajime, just like he cared about the rest of his classmates. 

He wasn’t gonna let him suffer alone. 

Hajime looked a little helpless. “I don’t know, sorry. I’ve tried everything I’ve got… I just can’t do it.” He took a sip of tea from the mug, then leaned down to press the mug against his forehead, closing his eyes. 

“Guess I’m gonna have to stick around until we find something that works then.” Fuyuhiko smiled slightly. “I’ve got more tricks up my sleeve if these don’t help. I’m the ultimate Yakuza, I’ll get you sleeping like a goddamn baby.” 

“Thought it was ‘sleeping with the fishes’.” Hajime joked, chuckling quietly. 

“That’s for the people I don’t like, and thankfully for you I do like you.” Fuyuhiko grinned at Hajime’s stupid joke. 

“I’m grateful. Don’t know what I’d do without you.” Hajime said, leaning back on the couch. He winced at the movement. 

Fuyuhiko noticed the wince and felt that worry gnaw at him again. He got up, draping his jacket over the arm of the couch and moved behind Hajime. Before he could fully register what he was doing he started massaging Hajime’s shoulders gently. 

Hajime made an obscene sound at the touch and it made Fuyuhiko’s stomach twist. He was grateful to be behind Hajime so he couldn’t see the fact his face was scarlet. 

Hajime leaned forward, putting his mug on the coffee table and giving Fuyuhiko more room to work. “God, please keep doing that…” Hajime groaned. 

Fuyuhiko chuckled deeply. He didn’t have any intentions of stopping unless Hajime asked him to, and clearly he was enjoying himself. He couldn’t help but feel sympathy. The muscles under his skin were clenched tightly, like he was prepared for a fight that was never going to happen. No wonder he was wincing, if they’d been stuck like that for awhile. 

Once some of the tension was gone he decided to take a gamble, slipping his hands under the bottom of Hajime’s shirt to massage his lower back. 

A shiver ran down Hajime’s spine and he chuckled. “Your hands are cold,” He pulled away and passed the mug of tea to Fuyuhiko before taking his shirt off. “There. You can warm them up.” 

Fuyuhiko froze, ignoring the fact that the mug was just a bit too warm and the longer he held it the more it burned. 

Of course when they'd come out of the simulation things were different, they weren't the highschoolers they thought they were, rather adults. And Hajime of course had the Kamukura project affecting him. 

Still Fuyuhiko wasn't prepared for those back muscles. 

He suddenly felt very warm.

“Hey, careful.” Hajime took the mug away. “I thought I was the space ca…” he yawned. “..det.” 

“Shut up,” Fuyuhiko mumbled, his face bright red. “You want me to keep helping you or not?” 

"Not if it bothers you." Hajime set the mug aside. "Sorry, I didn't mean anything pulling my shirt off like that... I'm so tired I forgot how weird that would be, didn't want to make you uncomfortable."

Fuyuhiko took a breath and carefully started massing Hajime’s shoulders again. “You think you’re the first guy I’ve seen shirtless?” He snorted. Yeah maybe the only other guys were in the locker room at gym but Hajime didn’t need to know that. “It’s fine.” He assured. 

“Good…” Hajime nodded, then he laughed softly to himself like he was having some private joke.

“You know there’s stuff for a bath in that gift bag if you want to relax more.” Fuyuhiko offered. “No wonder you haven’t been sleeping. You’re probably stressed as hell with all the shit that’s been going on.” 

“Shit never stops,” Hajime agreed. “I’d like a bath but I’m enjoying talking to you. I know I’m supposed to be sleeping but it’s nice to spend time with you.” He turned and rested his chin on the back of the couch, looking up at Fuyuhiko.

Fuyuhiko felt his heart flutter and put a hand over his chest to try and stop it. "Not like I'm going anywhere, we live in the same building." He mumbled. "Plus I'd.. Stick around. Anything you need, remember?"

"That's nice of you," Hajime yawned, leaning more heavily on the back of the couch. "I'd like it if you were still here when I woke up... if I ever sleep that is."

"I mean I can stay." Fuyuhiko mumbled. "Maybe it'll make you feel more at ease if you have a bodyguard." He joked, trying to ignore how much Hajime's words made him want to smile.

"Heh," Hajime chuckled. "Maybe I'll try that bath and then try this sleep thing again. You can kick around here if you want, I've got snacks you can steal."

"Nah, let me make myself useful." Fuyuhiko grabbed the bubble bath from the gift bag and headed to the bathroom before Hajime could say anything else. Rolling up his sleeves, he started the water. Once it got warm enough he let the tub fill, adding some of the bubble bath to the rising water. He actually let out a stupid giggle as a bubble hit his nose. 

He'd have to thank Peko again for letting him borrow the stuff, he knew it wasn't easy to come by nowadays.

Fuyuhiko wiped his hands dry and loosened his tie a little as he walked out to find Hajime. He was in the bedroom waiting.

 "All set for ya. Go relax, that's an order."

Hajime just stared at Fuyuhiko after his command, something unreadable in his eye. 

"You okay?" Fuyuhiko asked, mildly concerned. He reached up to press a hand to Hajime's forehead, but his hand was warm from the water so it didn't do much. He frowned. "If you think you're getting sick from lack of sleep you need to tell me."

Hajime’s knees seemed to weaken and he leaned into Fuyuhiko’s touch looking weary. 

"Woah there, don't go falling on me." Fuyuhiko wrapped his arm around Hajime's waist to help support him and brought him into the bathroom, sitting him down on the edge of the tub. He tried very hard not to be distracted by Hajime's chest, which was a losing battle. Still though he felt worried. Hajime looked exhausted and a little pale. He wondered if he should call Mikan.

Hajime seemed to take a moment to process the movement from one room to the next and eventually nodded. "Yeah. Thanks, I'm sorry... don't know what happened..."

"You're tired out of your mind is what happened." Fuyuhiko said with an unusual amount of gentleness. He pressed the back of his fingers to Hajime's cheek, looking at him with concern.

"I really am so tired..." Hajime said quietly, tears filling his eyes. He huffed and tried to scrub the tears away. "I'm going to get in the bath now," he said as he stood. 

Fuyuhiko looked almost pained as he took a step back. "Yeah... I'll uh, I'll wait out here okay?" He really didn't want to leave Hajime alone, not when he was upset and looked close to passing out. He turned and put his hand on the door, then paused. 

"Maybe I should stick around? Would hate for you to pass out in the tub and drown..." He offered softly, fully prepared to be kicked out.

"... yeah," Hajime said quietly. "Stay."

Fuyuhiko felt the tension leave his shoulders. He waited until he heard Hajime step into the water to turn back around. He undid his tie and the first few buttons of his shirt, the steam from the bath making him feel warm.

He watched as Hajime sank into the water, resting his head on the back of the tub.

"Thanks for using something like this on me," Hajime said, moving his hand through the bubbles. "I haven't done this since I was a kid."

Fuyuhiko sat on the floor, leaning back against the sink cabinet. "Yeah me neither," He smiled a little. "Peko loved the stuff when we were kids. I used to steal it for her. It was the one thing I could think to do to repay her."

"Cute." Hajime smiled. "Tiny little Robin Hood." He sank further into the tub as if to try and hide his grinning, leaning against the side.

"Fuck off I'm not tiny!" Fuyuhiko shouted on instinct, crossing his arms over his chest. He groaned a little. "Would you believe I was taller as a kid?" He shook his head slightly, annoyed at the truth and the fact he was telling it. "Was taller than Peko until she turned eight and shot up into space."

"Pretty unfair of her," Hajime replied, playing idly with the bubbles.

"I should've learned to use swords so I could cut people's legs off." Fuyuhiko grinned but it faded fast as he realized how horrible that sounded. He wondered if he actually did things like that, or ordered Peko to, leaving people to suffer in pain and despair for hours before they bled out. 

He put a hand over his mouth and looked away, suddenly feeling a bit sick.

Fuyuhiko heard the water splash as Hajime moved. "... hey, this stuff is really rare these days, I don't think I should be the only one to use it up," Hajime said suddenly, worry seeping into his tone, "You could join me..." 

"What?!" Fuyuhiko looked over at Hajime so fast he hit his head against the cabinet and swore loudly, rubbing where he'd hit. "J-join you?" His face was red and heart beating way too fast, his previous train of thought forgotten as he looked over Hajime's chest which was dripping wet.

He was so fucked.

"Whoa, are you okay?" Hajime hissed in sympathy and made a move to get up, but he seemed to think  better of it and kept a good portion of himself still concealed.

"I'm fine!" Fuyuhiko said hurriedly. He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to force himself to calm down. He was overreacting, he knew that. "Sorry, fuck just... Wasn't expecting the offer." He mumbled.

"Hey, it's cool, look." Hajime seized a nearby towel and quickly stood and wrapped it around himself. "You can just take a bath yourself, huh? I think I'm going to try to sleep."

Fuyuhiko felt... Disappointed. He shouldn't be taking advantage of Hajime in his sleep deprived state though, so it was good he supposed that he didn't jump in.

"You said you wanted me to stay with you, so I'm gonna. I don't need a bath."

Hajime shook his head. "You're so loyal... take care of yourself too." He reached out a hand to help Fuyuhiko up.

Fuyuhiko blushed and took Hajime's hand a little hesitantly. "It's not about being loyal, it's called being your friend and caring about you. Dumbass."

Hajime smiled. "You're still a sweet guy."

"Come on big guy, you really need to sleep. You're getting delusional, thinking I'm sweet." Fuyuhiko snorted and kept their hands intertwined so he could bring Hajime out to his bedroom.

Hajime seemed to have reached his limit, or at least his body had. As soon as he was close enough to the bed he collapsed onto it, not bothering to change into clothes or try to get under the covers. 

Fuyuhiko shook his head fondly. He disappeared back into the bathroom for a moment to grab another towel, which he used to dry Hajime's off to the best of his ability without moving him. Once he was done he tucked the covers around him. He watched him for a moment, seeing his body move slowly with each breath.

Fuyuhiko brought a chair over to sit at Hajime’s bedside and reached out to gently stroke his hair. 

He was grateful Hajime could finally get some sleep. 

Fuyuhiko stayed by Hajime’s side as he slept, playing around on his phone, cleaning the bathroom, keeping the blankets securely around him. 

When he heard Hajime start to rouse he got up and grabbed a glass of water which he set on the nightstand before sitting back down.

Hajime slowly opened his eyes. “Fuyuhiko…” It was the first word out of his mouth as he reached out for him. 

Fuyuhiko felt his heart stutter and he was surprised it didn't stop completely. 

He met Hajime's hand that was reaching for him and took a hold of it gently. "Sleep well princess?"

"How long?" Hajime asked, pulling Fuyuhiko's hand closer like a cat dragging a prized toy to its den.

"I'd say a good eleven hours." Fuyuhiko smiled a little at Hajime dragging his hand closer.

"And you stayed..." Hajime said happily as he pressed a kiss to Fuyuhiko's fingertips.

Fuyuhiko turned scarlet at the kiss and his heart felt ready to burst out of his chest. "W-well yeah. You asked me to, remember? Said you wanted to wake up to me or some crap..."

"Still, the whole day went by." Hajime yawned. "Mm... I could sleep more..." he admitted, squeezing Fuyuhiko's hand like he was afraid he'd leave this time.

"So sleep more, you probably need it." Fuyuhiko said gently, wondering briefly how Hajime's soft lips would feel on his.

"C'mere?" Hajime asked quietly.

Fuyuhiko slowly crawled into the bed with Hajime and hesitantly put an arm around him. He knew that feeling of desperately not wanting to be alone, of needing someone physically near. He could do this for Hajime, ignore the frantic beats of his heart and just be there for him. Hajime of all people deserved it. 

"Now get some sleep." He ordered.

Hajime let out a small sob. He curled up with his head on Fuyuhiko's chest, fingers curling in his shirt.

"Hey it's okay," Fuyuhiko wrapped his arms tighter around Hajime, feeling a surge of protectiveness. "I've got you big guy, I've got you." He knew how stressful it was to lead, and he knew his experience was nowhere on the same level to what Hajime had to do on a daily basis. Of course he was burnt out and tired. 

He wanted to ensure it never got this bad again…

"Love you..." Hajime muttered, wrapping his arms tight around Fuyuhiko.

"Love you too..." Fuyuhiko said, wondering how Hajime meant it, if he did at all or if he was still sleep deprived. 

He ran a hand through Hajime's hair, curly from sleeping with it damp.

Fuyuhiko decided, as Hajime fell back asleep in his arms, that ultimately it didn’t matter. He cared about Hajime, so he would be there for him, whenever and however he needed him. 

He pressed a soft kiss to Hajime’s forehead, and slowly drifted to sleep.

[shnuggletea]

Love Lost Ch 14

New chapter, yeah!

Fanfiction click HERE!

AO3 click HERE!

Read on then.... well read on!

Thank you so much to those of you who read my AUs last week and reached out. It really made a difference. One note of clarification: This was not done by trolls or an unknown. These weren't guest reviews or critics on our works. These were other authors, ones we know and shared things with, ones we considered friends, that are now going around the fandom spreading lies about darkenedhrt, myself, and all of my friends. If it were just some guest talking crap, we would have ignored it and moved on. Because that's what we always do lol. Typically, I ignore people like these but they are attacking friends so I had to say something. Thank you again to those you have shown your support. DarkenedHrt loved all of your words. Those who read and review are the best people in this fandom. Those who just read are pretty awesome too.

Chapter 14

"I have poured my heart out ….

And now I am empty."

― Ranata Suzuki

He took in the sight of the warehouse, filled with bodies in motion. Neph sparred with Makoto and Kun with Minako. But he sparred with Zoi and Usagi with Jad. His irritation was on high that morning, having only dreams of his second life, fights with Usagi. She was absolutely adorable in all of them, blush raging on her cheeks and biting her lip when she tried to think of a comeback. He, however, was a complete jerk. Not much worse than how he treated Usagi when they met in this life. Or the life before that. Was he destined to make a bad first impression with her?

His focus was on her now, watching as she danced around. A punch here and a kick there, flipping back out of the way, spinning to catch Jad's jaw with her heel. It was definitely entertaining to watch such a small person get the upper hand on James.

Jad put a hand on her, somewhere he did not like and his irritation returned in spades. Allowing Zoi to knock him right in the jaw.

He took a step back, gripping his mouth and glaring at him. Zoi smirked, shrugging in response. "That's what you get for getting distracted. Although, I can't say I blame you."

They both looked up at the couple, the two of them up on the catwalk now.

"YOU TWO!"

They both jerked their heads, Kun glaring at them while Minako looked annoyed.

"Quit lollygagging!"

Zoi chuckled, "Lollygagging? Kun, you are showing your age man."

"Keep it up and I'll show you just how much age I have on you boy!"

He could actually hear Zoi swallow at the threat. "Hey don't blame me, he's the one who is distracted!"

Zoi shot a thumb over at him, ratting him out. Kun glanced over at him, up at Usagi, and back to him with a smirk. "When is he not distracted by her?"

"Maybe if you partnered us in a spar, I would be able to give you my full attention."

Kun made his way over to them, Minako going to sulk somewhere having lost her partner. "You and I both know that I would still not have it. In fact, I would have less of your attention than I do now."

He huffed, "Like you have any room to talk. I do pay attention sometimes and I keep managing to do so when either you or Minako is on top…."

"Enough." Kun's grimace quickly turned into a sneer and worry invaded his belly. "Tell you what, I'll make you a deal. You beat me in a duel and I will partner you with Usagi."

"What? That's insane."

"Oh, I am serious though. As it stands now, you are not ready to go against her. But if you were to beat me, then you would be able to handle it, I think."

At some point, Makoto and Neph had also stopped, coming over to join in the 'fun'. "You think?"

"What's going on down there?"

He looked back up, Jad and Usagi bringing themselves to a halt with all the excitement. Usagi leaned her over the rail, her head in her hand, tilted slightly to the side as she looked down at him.

"It's a deal."

They moved over to a large opening, Jad and Usagi coming down to join the circle that the rest were forming around them. Zoi grabbed up the swords, picking up the one Kun had insisted he use.

"Jesus Kun, you've been making him use a weighted sword?!"

Kun smirked while Zoi tossed the heavy sword back onto the pile, grabbing him a brand new sword. "How else was he ever to get any better than me if I didn't push him."

Sword in hand, he pointed it at him. "You are going to pay for that, my back has been aching for weeks!"

"Oh? Then tell me, how does that sword feel in your hands?"

He tossed it back and forth, it felt as if it weighed nothing. "Feels like victory."

"So, what exactly is going on here? Is Mamoru finally going to beat the shit out of Kunzite?"

He shot Jad a grin, "Hell yes."

"Oh good! Took you long enough!"

Neph glared over, "Chill Zoi, it's been a month."

"I don't just mean in this life idiot."

"Enough! The rules, no magic! That's it. Are you ready?"

"I'm re…"

Kun charged him, catching him off guard. He barely got his sword up in time to keep Kun's from going straight through his chest. Thrust and parry, thrust and parry. The two of them made their way around the warehouse, jumping on and off of anything in their way. Kun swiped at his legs and he jumped over his sword, managing to land his feet on his chest, sending Kun backward. Landing flat on his back from the move, Mamoru did a press up, getting back to his feet in one swift move. Kun walked slowly towards him, applauding.

"Very nice your highness."

"Excuse me?"

Kun just grinned, "But we are not even close to done."

~*O*~

Both men were dripping with sweat, the fight had lasted well past 30 minutes now. She just stood and watched, the two of them moving like a choreographed dance and not an unplanned sword fight.

Minako stood next to her, her eyes glued on Kun. "Kami, this is hot."

She glanced at Minako, but her eyes remained on her man, so she looked back at the two, focusing on Mamoru. Sweat had his shirt sticking to him and darkening the material. Deep down inside, she knew that if it were anyone else, she would find it disgusting. But with Mamoru….she found herself wanting to press up against him, sweat and all.

It probably had something to do with that image Mamoru shared with her, even though it was an accident. Every time she dropped her guard, the image popped back up along with all the feelings it evoked in her. She would feel flushed all over and her heart would race all while a chill ran up her spine.

She was getting the same feeling watching him now, heating up all over. She was pretty close to sweating herself, even in the chill of the warehouse.

Makoto moved from her spot to stand behind them, leaning into both their ears simultaneously. "You guys know what they are fighting for right?"

"Um...to win?"

Makoto giggled at her, "No, not just that. Mamoru is fighting for you."

"ME?!"

Minako gave her a look and she wasn't sure if it was out of worry or jealousy. "Yeah if he beats Kun then he gets you as his sparring partner."

Worry. It was definitely a look of worry. "Usa, be careful."

"I know, I know. But...he just won't listen to me."

"Did you tell him? Upfront?!"

"No, but...I don't even understand it myself, how am I supposed to explain it?"

"What are you two talking about?"

They broke away from the staring contest they were having, looking back at Makoto. "Usagi hasn't told Mamoru about Endymion yet."

"Who's Endymion?"

"According to Minako, he is my husband…"

"HUSBAND?!"

They both hushed her, placing their hands over her mouth in hopes of keeping her from gaining too much attention. Everyone was so focused on the fight, they didn't even stir at Makoto's outburst.

"Since when are you married Usagi?!"

"Since the Silver Millennium."

Makoto visibly relaxed. "Oh, well that doesn't count."

"Exactly!"

Minako shook her head at both of them. "The fact that she is married doesn't matter obviously. It's who she is married to! Endymion is not someone to mess with!"

"If he is so fierce, then where is he? Why hasn't he shown up and swept me away or whatever?"

"Because he hasn't awakened yet. He doesn't even know who he is yet!" Minako whispered, frustrated.

She turned back to the fight, letting Mamoru's muscles distract her from things she didn't understand. "I don't even know who he is and yet, I am expecting to fall at his feet whenever it is that he arrives. Well, he's got another thing coming if he thinks I'm going to just go willing with him wherever he pleases."

Kun and Mamoru got in close to one another, holding each other off with very little wiggle room between them. Their blades were at opposite angles, the only thing keeping them from slashing each other's faces was the blade in their own hands.

They stayed like that for a moment, pushing back and forth slightly, but no one overpowering the other. Then Kun glanced her way for second and grinned.

"If you fail Mamoru, I'm going to partner Usagi with Zoicite. And he is very handsy. Especially when he fights with one of the girls. But, I'm sure you remember that don't you?"

A roar came from Mamoru and Kun was thrown back. The next several blows came from Mamoru, his sword hitting Kun's over and over again, hard. It was as if the last 45 minutes had never occurred, Mamoru's energy back at the top. While Kun's was waning.

Mamoru took another powerful swing, barely missing Kun's hand and Kun lost his blade in the process. The metal flew far across the warehouse, clattering loudly in the distance while Mamoru pressed his blade to Kun's throat. They both panted but neither moved, glaring at one another. Until Kun burst into laughter that is.

Everyone was deathly still and silent. "Well done, Prince."

Mamoru stepped back, giving Kun room to breathe and lowering his sword. "You're dehydrated and delirious."

"Well then, go calm your prize."

Mamoru looked back at her, only to turn back to Kun in a second. "What..now?!"

Kun clapped a hand over Mamoru's shoulder, still out of breath. "The enemy won't wait, so neither should you."

"He means to bring about an awakening."

Jad, who had been silent the whole fight, was watching Mamoru and Kun intently. "Awakening?"

He didn't say anymore, just pushed her towards Mamoru with a hard shove. She glanced back at Minako, who gave her a warning look, but also said nothing. Makoto looked like a giddy schoolgirl. And Neph looked like he was waiting for something, just like Jad. Zoi settled in, all that was missing with him was some popcorn.

Slowly she stepped up to Mamoru and Kun just waved her over like she was some kind of present. In defiance and self-preservation, she crossed her arms over her chest. "And just why should I go along with this? No one asked me what I wanted."

"Do you want to spar with Mamoru?"

Her eyes involuntarily danced from Kun to Mamoru, both of them watching and waiting. Of course, she wanted to spar with him, having him touch her and her him, both of them all sweaty...what was wrong with her! She couldn't be having these thoughts, not now, not when Mamoru was about to touch her. He would see, hear, and feel all of it!

She needed to get her mind off of it, give herself something else to focus on besides Mamoru's large, warm hands...on her…..

"Alright, but if I win, I get taught swords!"

Kun chuckled but Mamoru smirked. "And if I win...you can no longer call me Chiba-san."

The room got silent again, everyone waiting to hear what she would say to such a challenge.

"Fine!"

"A gentleman's agreement!"

One of the boys shouted it out and everyone laughed. Except for her and Mamoru. They continued to stare one another down. Their contest had already begun.

~*O*~

He was already tired, the fight with Kun wearing him out. What was the point of all this? No way Kun wanted Usagi to win, he didn't want to teach her sword fighting. Hell, he wasn't sure why he taught him! Before it was a means of protection when he was on the moon. Now, what need did he have for it? He should be working on his magic, getting it stronger.

So why did he want to spar with Usagi again? She had a lot more practice in hand to hand and magic and his energy was low. He was struggling to remember why this was a good idea to begin with.

Oh yeah, other guys, touching her.

One thing was for sure, he was going to touch her, a lot, in this fight. Most guys, hell any guy, would find that a huge bonus. But most guys didn't share their deepest darkest secrets with one touch. He still couldn't believe he had shown her that the other day. It was completely involuntary. If he hadn't opened his fat mouth, talking about his dirty thoughts, it never would have happened. The bright side, Usagi shared as much with a touch as he did. The mind-reading thing was new and neither of them knew how to control it. Usagi was the only one to come close, cutting off what used to be an endless flow to a dripping tap.

It did give him an excuse to touch her, although not a very good one.

From the looks Usagi was currently giving him, he wasn't sure he wanted to know the inner workings of her mind at the moment. It was awkward, how do you even start a fight with Usagi? If he went by his memories, he just had to insult her hair. He was pretty sure she didn't need any encouragement at the moment, looking as if she was more than ready to tear him apart.

Someone turned the stereo on, the music helping some to break the tension in the room. But then he listened to the lyrics.

"Who put this on!"

Zoi gave him a small wave, grinning from ear to ear while everyone but Minako and Kun laughed it up. He didn't follow all of the song, he just caught stuff like, "Going to bend you over", and it was enough to give him the gist.

"FOCUS!"

Kun barked at them, even though he was pretty sure that was all about him as Usagi looked well into the 'zone'. She flexed, rolling her shoulders back and pushing her chest out. Was she doing that on purpose?

He didn't want to make the first move, of that much he was sure of. And he knew just how to get her to. "Ladies first, Odango."

She glared at him and he did his best to smirk in response. Then she took off, running straight for him and he readied himself. When she stood right before him, she jumped up, flipping over his head. Before his tired brain could catch up, she elbowed him hard in his ribs from behind.

He bent over and then down, sweeping for her legs and hitting nothing but air. When she touched back down, she kicked him in his shoulder, sending him backward and sliding across the floor. Doing a press up, he popped himself back onto his feet just as she tried to roundhouse kick him. He caught her foot and threw it up, forcing her other foot to leave the ground and flip her over completely. She landed hard on the ground and didn't move. He could hear her soft sobs and in an instant, he was by her side.

"Usagi?! Are you okay?"

Her fist connected with his face, sending him across the room. "You are too easy Chiba-san." Standing, he wiped away the blood at the corner of his mouth. She frowned, "And you are pulling your punches. Don't you want to win? I thought you wanted this?"

"Don't worry, I won't fall for your fake tears again!"

"You know, Zoi says the same thing every time and yet…"

He ran to her. She was distracted, too busy trying to rattle him and he had the advantage. Taking a stance, she anticipated his move, but she expected the wrong one.

He dropped his whole body, sliding into her like a base on a baseball field, and she fell on him hard. Her feet knocked out from under her completely, she was lucky he had been kind enough to break her fall. And as much as he was enjoying her on top of him, that was not the point. That was not the point!

Throwing her off, he forced himself to be rough and she rolled away. He popped up to his feet again and she did the same, running at him and jumping. She intended to knock him down with her weight. Too bad she weighed a bit less than that sword Kun had him swinging.

He caught her, holding her again. This time her knees were bent and one on either side of his ribs with his arms under her butt. He kept his fist clenched tight, keeping his forearms on her cheeks and nothing else.

She quickly recovered, punching him in the face a few times while he was defenseless. He probably should have just dropped her, but the last time he held her was the day Tokyo U was attacked. Even with her assault on his face, he struggled to let go. He had a better idea.

It didn't take much to pull the memory up, letting it flash in his mind, knowing it would mirror in hers. Her whole body tensed and a gasp escaped her lips. Then another image flashed in his in response. This one came from her and from the look on her face and how she scrambled out of his arms, she didn't mean for him to see or feel it.

He showed her how close he came to kissing her after she turned off their connection, letting her feel just how much he wanted to press his lips to hers. While she showed him the fight he just had with Kun from her point of view. He felt the heat she felt and how hard her heart pounded in her chest. And how her eyes took him in.

Blood rushed to her face and down her lovely neck. Now he felt heat rushing through him.

"You two taking a break already?!"

He glanced over, everyone still watching them intently. The song changed and so did Usagi, running up to him and staying firmly on the ground. She punched and kicked and he blocked, over and over again, catching every hit they sent one another. With every touch, their minds connected, showing one another just what they planned to do next, making it far too easy for them to anticipate one another's moves.

She kicked high, aiming for his head, but he caught it again, this time holding onto it. It was an impressive move, having to stretch her foot high over her own head to reach his face. And it had her in a lovely position which he held her frozen in at the moment.

"Would you keep your dirty thoughts to yourself?!"

Just as she said it, she involuntarily sent him another thought, just as dirty as the one he had been having.

"You first!"

He released her foot, letting it return to her. Only to have her send it sailing back at him again. This time when he caught it, she sent him an image of sparring with one of the boys. Zoi it looked like, and him grabbing and touching her as they fought.

Anger boiled up, intense, from somewhere he didn't really know. Before he could think to stop it, sparks of electricity went through his hand and into her.

She squealed and he released her, remorse and guilt spreading across him in an instant.

He wasn't even really sure how he did it, but now Usagi was panting heavily across from him, her eyes to the floor. Then she started to laugh. "So, that's how you want to play it?" Her head popped up, a smirk on her face, "Okay then."

[lynneshobbydomain]

How It Starts (OwaMiki Week 2020)

((I feel like I’m just finding ship weeks and just tossing myself at them without really knowing what I’m doing here. Anyway, thank you OwaMiki Week for hosting this event!))

Prompt: Crush

Rating: T (Mondo has a mouth what do you want from him?)

You can read under the cut or at my AO3

“You’re staring again.”

Mondo quickly looked away and turned his attention to Makoto, who was looking like he was trying to hide a smile around the straw of the juice box he was drinking from. The courtyard had a good amount of students scattered about to eat lunch underneath the sun and the trees. Both of them were near the fountain since the breeze carried the mist onto them, cooling them down from the heat.

“Shut the hell up.” He grumbled as he looked back over his shoulder. Mikan was walking along with some of her friends, heading towards a clearing in the courtyard to hang out. Probably to picnic underneath the trees.

Ever since he had to visit the nurse’s office once because he accidently opening his wound during P.E, he couldn’t deny that Mikan caught his eye. She was gentle and sweet. She had a soft voice that was soothing and definately could soothe a scared animal. She knew exactly what she was about, and she wasn’t afraid to tell him to sit down and not move when he threatened to open the wound further. 

The unfortunate thing was that Mikan was easy to scare. The poor timid nurse flinched at any loud sound that was made. He noticed that her friends, if he could even call them that, belittled her and taunted her like a school-ground bully. The bandages that were wrapped on her body would always be in different places, but he was certain that someone was hurting her. He wanted to approach her and ask her if she was okay, or at the very least ask if she needed him to scare someone off. However, even that approach could go wrong...because of his nervous tick. 

“You can just talk to her, you know.” Makoto said lightly, as though it was the simplest thing in the universe. It was...in hindsight. It was the easiest thing that he could possibly do. Just go up to her, say hello. Maybe control his “indoor voice” as Taka would note was already at a loud volume. “I heard from Hinata-kun that Tsumiki-san is actually very sweet. She’s just shy. Uh...think of her like a frightened puppy if that helps?”

“Are you seriously comparing a woman to a bitch?” Mondo stared at his best friend, who quickly started to raise his hands and backtrack. Mondo’s mouth twitched a little. It was easy to fuck around with Makoto like that. He took things too seriously sometimes. He was about to open his mouth to assure Makoto that he was just teasing when he heard a loud scream and turned around.

The position that Mikan was in was...compromising to say the least. Her skirt was flung over her head, exposing her panties and her legs were sprawled out from underneath her as though she had been tossed onto a bed. Her blonde haired friend was giggling and a lot of the other students were either turning away out of embarrassment, or were also giggling nervously. It raised Mondo’s blood pressure up and before Makoto could try to talk him out of it, stomped over towards the girl. 

“Here.” Mondo reached down and grabbed Mikan by the wrist, hauling her up onto her feet and keeping her steady. “You good?”

“Y-yes! I-I’m so sorry!” Mikan stammared. “Yo-you didn’t have to he-help me like that.”

“No probs.” Mondo’s gaze flickered to the blonde who suddenly went still. He supposed the message that he was sending was clear, but so was hers. Whatcha going to do about it. It was loud like a challenge and Mondo wasn’t one for subtlety. “You’re coming with me.”

“Ah-ah?!” Mikan startled as she was suddenly dragged. “W-where?! A-are you go-going to hu-hurt me?”

“What the fuck?!” Mondo let her go, his voice already raised. “Course I’m not gonna hit you. What do you take me for? Some sleazy bastard? I’m tryin’ to get you to sit with us so that your bitch of a friend doesn’t do anything more to embarass you!”

“Mondo that was so loud.” Makoto had a bead of sweat go down his face but he gave Mikan a grin as they approached the fountain. “Hello Tsumiki-san!”

“H-hello!” Mikan stammared. “I-I hope that I’m no-not both-bothering you with my, with my presence at all.” She started to lick at her lips and then started to fidget with her hands. “I t-trip eas-easy so there was real-really no need to wor-worry.”

Both Mondo and Makoto exchanged a look. Mondo would put a good amount of yen against Celeste about who it was that tripped Mikan. He turned his attention over to her group of friends that were watching the scene. The redhead and the blonde were appearing to be arguing. Whether or not it was over the scene that had been caused or what, Mondo didn’t know. Nor did he really care. He turned back to Mikan. “It wasn’t okay for them to fucking’ treat you like that or offer you help to get up. Shitty friends if you ask me. My gang looks after each other, and that’s that.”

“Tha-that’s right. Yo-you’re part of a biker gang.” Mikan looked fearful and Mondo wished he just kept his mouth shut. That 10 streak losing game was going to turn 11 if he didn’t find a way to shut his trap. “Yo-you must deal with a lot of injuries the-then.”

“If you can get him to admit when he has a bruise,” Makoto helpfully chimed into the conversation. “Then I think we’d get somewhere.”

“Shut the hell up. Jesus Christ.” Mondo groaned. 

Mikan let out a soft giggle and Mondo could swear he never heard anything brighter or prettier than that. “W-well. I-I think that I shou-should go back to my frie-friends.” She said timidly. “They really aren’t all that bad when yo-you get to know them.”

“If you’re sure.” Mondo deadpanned. “Because I’m not willing to let you go back if you’re just gonna get hurt again.”

“I’m f-fine. I’m us-used to it. It’s not like they ha-hate me. I do-don’t mind.” Mikan grinned and both Mondo and Makoto froze at her words. “Th-thank you again for-for helping m-me out. I’m really so-sorry I cause so-so much tro-trouble!” Before Mondo could even attempt to tell her otherwise, she took off, already nearly tripping over the cobblestone path to begin with.

“Well look at the bright side.” Makoto offered lightly. “You got to have a decent conversation with her without the yelling.”

“Oh. Hell yeah!” Mondo beamed as he turned towards Makoto. “I didn’t fuckin’ yell!”

“Now you’re yelling though.”

“What the fuck do you want from me!?”

They both missed completely how Mikan had turned her attention back towards them when she heard their voices carry to where she was sitting with her friends. A light blush staining across her cheeks, easy teasing fodder for Hiyoko to latch onto. 

[mindless-self-pudding]

Mondo couldn't stay still the entire time Kyoko was patching Mitsuo up. He was pacing around the room at the same speed his mind was going at, his eyes glancing at his partner with every circle he made of the entire space. The whole time, Mitsuo just stared ahead with glazed over eyes. The only noises he made were winces every time Kyoko touched a particularly sensitive area with the alcohol wipe, which of course would make Mondo tense up immediately. Who had done this? Who almost took Mitsuo's life? Why? The swirling thoughts in his brain were screeched to a halt as he saw Kyoko set a bandage in place on top of the wound. As she left to dispose of the trash that resulted, Mondo rushed to Mitsuo's side. He could only regard Mondo with a soft mumble of his name; the attempt to move his head to look made him whimper in pain. In something he could only describe as a nurturing frenzy, Mondo pulled Mitsuo's hoodie off his body, only to replace it with his own long coat on second thought. He kept looking at the bandage, as though thoughtful, analytical Kyoko could've made a mistake while she was setting it. His hands hung in the air a moment later, until Mitsuo tiredly took one of them in his own. His grip on Mondo's fingers was weak but still as steady and grounding as he could manage. It was only then that he could let out the breath he didn't know he was holding. Somehow, by the grace of whatever gods controlled the universe, Mitsuo was alive. "Do you remember anything about what happened when you were attacked?" Kyoko's sharp voice brought Mondo sharply to attention, and without much thought the anger he felt towards the culprit that hurt Mitsuo bubbled out. "Jesus Christ, you can't give him a minute?" he snapped, "The guy just came back from the dead and you're already pokin' at his fuckin' scrambled brain?" Kyoko didn't acknowledge Mondo in the slightest, and his teeth began to grind down into each other. He was about to say something more when he felt Mitsuo gingerly squeeze his hand. "It's okay," he whispered, his voice hoarse, "I'm...I'm good. I can answer..." Slowly, he brought his head up towards Kyoko. "I was just, uh...taking a walk around the building. My insomnia was being a pain in the ass, so...I tried to tire myself out before I took a nap." "What about the incident itself?" Mitsuo licked his lips. "Um...I went into the bathroom to splash some water on my face. I was kinda hot, y'know...? And then...someone came in, and before I could say anything, they smashed my head into the sink. I guess I got knocked out pretty quick, 'cause I don't remember anything after that..." As Kyoko nodded, Mondo felt his throat dry up and his eyes wedge closed. God, if he had just gone with him, none of this would've happened. He could've fought the guy off, taken him back to the bathroom in his dorm, something. Just as he felt himself start to spiral into a pit of self loathing, Mitsuo squeezed his hand again and just barely shook his head. "What about the person that did it? Did you see their face in the mirror or catch a glimpse of anything special?" "Not really...all I know is that they were...shorter than me? Which is weird that they could pull something like that..." Another nod. This time, Mondo was squeezing his hand. "Is there anything else you can remember?" At this, Mitsuo was quiet for a long time. For a moment, Mondo was scared he could fall over again, and his free hand went to press against his lower back to preemptively steady him. Kyoko could see. Any other time, he would've been freaking out at the thought of anyone seeing them being remotely affectionate with one another, but at this moment, he could care less. Besides, she could keep a secret...right? Seconds later, Mitsuo finally opened his mouth. "...I was really tired...I was up all night, studying for exams. I was just...so stressed out. We were alone, I think...it was a classroom...I...I told you I wanted to travel before college. To not think about school for a while...you...took my pinkie, and...made a man's promise to take me all over the country...after we, uh, graduated...um..." Mitsuo's brow furrowed as Mondo just stared at him, his mouth hanging open. What the hell was he talking about? Exams? College? Even if they were in a normal school environment, nobody would be studying all night for regular tests yet, let alone end of term ones. Whatever just came out of his mouth made zero sense. Still, if he thought about it for a few seconds too long, Mondo felt his brain start to itch, and an uncomfortable feeling would shoot down his spine. Mitsuo let out a breathy chuckle and let his head tilt towards the ground. "Sorry, I think I just dreamed that when I was unconscious," he murmured, "It just...felt so real. Enough that it felt like a memory..." Kyoko said nothing in response; just another nod. Mondo scooted his body closer until their thighs were touching, and he felt himself sag further into a sense of calm as he felt Mitsuo's cheek press into his shoulder. "I don't remember anythin' like that; think you were right when you said it was a dream." Another itch. He ignored it. "But, shit, if that's what you want, Mitsu, we can do that." The thought of the idea alone was enough to knock off the rest of his uneasy feelings, and a huge grin had spread across his face, unbeknownst to him. "Yeah, yeah! We can do that! You, me, my chopper, and the open road," he exclaimed as his body thrummed with enthusiasm, "Soon as we get outta here, I'll take you anywhere and everywhere. Promise that, man to man." He did promise a ride to Makoto first, though. Maybe he'd understand if he told him he'd have to postpone it. Or maybe he should just go on the ride with Makoto first? The bell from the television yanked him from his mind as the murder announcement video was played over the screen. Mondo wanted to laugh; Monokuma was terribly slow on the draw this time. There wasn't a murder to solve, the class trial would be pointless. Whoever was really in charge of this joint was getting careless. Just as he was about to completely disregard it, from somewhere down the hall he heard panicked, sprinting footsteps. Both Mondo and Mitsuo were paralyzed. Kyoko, ever clear-headed, moved briskly to the door. Before she left, she looked back over her shoulder. "Mondo, I trust he'll be safe by himself with you?" she asked. He could only nod in reply. His voice was gone; he felt Mitsuo's hand start to shake as their fingers wound tighter around each other. The second the door closed behind her, Mondo felt himself pull Mitsuo as close as he possibly could. The only thing he could even consciously think about now was the pit of dread and despair that had been punched back into his stomach. ------- hnnnggghhrrfghhh its done im not sure if i should make another part; i got an idea for the murder but im scared the story might get too long winded we will see i spose .u. anyway time for sleeping

[keyofjetwolf]

Jet Wolf Summarizes Act 43, pt2

The manga and I kind of hate each other. This is unfortunate, but still, I’m determined to come out of this with something. Rather than spend energy on a liveblog that’s increasingly negative, I’m reading each manga act (mostly) silently, and then writing up summaries at the end. I won’t pull my punches. There’s going to be criticism and snark about the manga, either wholesale or in details. If that isn’t a thing you feel like reading, please skip this post!

[READ PART ONE HERE]

So for exactly no reason whatsoever, Rei, Ami, and Mako are wistfully lamenting the absence of the Outer Senshi and the many, many, many times they provided succor to their adoring young counterparts. 

Minako says, wondering how much of that vodka she’s gone through. As it turns out, Minako’s hiding a deeper secret. For reasons unknown, she’s lost the ability to transform.

Later, she confesses this to Artemis -- and Luna, and Tiny Kitten who happen to be the room. Minako would, naturally, be completely blasé about sharing deeply upsetting and personal information with them, so this makes perfect sense. Artemis gives Minako a pep talk, beginning with his confidence that Minako has the power inside of her and she can totally do this, and finishing with one of my favourite panels so far.

If you were following my posts earlier today, you know where this is going. We hurtle toward it, unable to alter the course of our destiny, ineffective passengers strapped in our seats and riding the bullet train to hell. It comes.

IT COMES

But I’m going to skip this for a moment. Before I loose my shit entirely, I want to talk about what COULD have been good about this issue. It brings up such an interesting idea, and I would have dearly loved for the manga to have done absolutely any of the work necessary to set this up (see also, This Summary Part One), or follow it through.

What’s blocking Minako from being able to transform isn’t (I’m assuming, this is sort of a two-parter) anything the Dead Moon are doing, it isn’t some fiendish enemy plot. It’s Minako’s own feelings of inadequacy because her friends and teammates won’t shut the fuck up about how awesome and inspiring the Outers are. And, by implication, how unnecessary SHE is.

I have no confidence whatsoever that the manga is going to follow through on this, BUT. I love so much this as a problem Minako has to overcome. She’s finally maybe coming to terms with her own fame and notoriety fading before Usagi, she’s enjoying the benefits of being part of a team rather than going solo. Only there’s this hole in Minako that she’s always trying to fill with the attention and adoration of others. It’s why she wants to be famous, why she wants to be a pop idol or an actress. And in her “real” job, it’s her girls that fill that need. The way they turn to her for confidence and strength, for support and strategy.

Except the fucking Outers are doing all that now, AND THEY AREN’T EVEN HERE.

Minako feels she’s losing the respect of Rei, Ami, and Mako, and it fucks her up so badly that she can’t even transform any more. As you can tell just from these few paragraphs, this idea is SO INTERESTING to me. What it says about Minako, what it says about her feelings for the others. That she gets so immediately obsessed about being special in SOMETHING that she falls right into a blatantly obvious Dark Moon trap. IT’S LITERALLY PRINTED ON THE BUSINESS CARD.

I’ll get back to the actual summary here in a second, as the concept begins to fall apart as the issue wears on. Minako makes increasing stupid and bad decisions, which are by far more of a threat to her credibility as leader than Ami imagining she and Pluto had a conversation once. But the IDEA is so interesting and solid, and as with all the most frustrating things, it’s the unrealized potential in it that gets to me most. Takeuchi CAN come up with really interesting character-driven ideas, she just doesn’t give a fuck most of the time, and nobody in editorial seems to have either the power or the will to hold her feet to the fire to see it through.

OR TO STOP HER FROM MAKING REALLY GOD AWFUL DECISIONS LIKE TURNING ARTEMIS INTO A GODDAMN PERVERT FOR NO FUCKING REASON. Don’t worry, we’ll get there, friends. Oh, we will get there.

So having had enough of listening to the others sucking some quality Outer Senshi dick, Minako runs off. It should be HER dick, dammit, HER DICK. As she’s running and crying, she gets spotted by a talent scout, who invites her to an idol audition. Attention soothes the savage beast, and Minako returns to her friends with a business card and a hair flip. “Minako, this blatantly says ‘Auditions by EvilCo, Death Guaranteed’,” Rei points out. “WHAT’S THAT THEY LOVE ME YOU’RE RIGHT REI NO MORE DICK FOR YOU BYEEEE.”

As soon as she’s out of there though, Minako curses herself for not noticing (IT IS LITERALLY HALF OF THE WORDS ON THE BUSINESS CARD MINAKO), but then decides to turn this into an opportunity to bust the Dead Moon Circus herself and prove she’s a great leader.

BY NOT LEADING ANYONE I’LL NOTE BUT OKAY MINA THAT’S HOW THAT WORKS SURE

When she gets there, though, there are so many people that she isn’t sure she’ll be able to save them all herself. She considers putting out a call for the others, but there’s a problem.

ALONE THEN YES GOOD VERY LEADERLY.

I honestly feel torn between all of this. On the one hand, Minako is CLEARLY not reacting rationally, and that not only makes sense given where she’s at right now, but it’s pretty consistent with Minako’s character to lash out in extreme ways that have absolutely no bearing on good decision making. On the other, I don’t trust Takeuchi’s ability as a writer whatsoever. So is Minako doing this because it’s in-character, or because Takeuchi’s just not thinking it the fuck through? HOW MUCH DO I WANT TO ARGUE THIS SHIT I GUESS IS WHAT I’M ASKING MYSELF.

And the answer is “It’s 7:30 and you’ve been on this one issue since noon”. Yes, good, well argued, Me.

So Minako keeps flying solo through this entire fucked up audition that includes a group of children trapped up on a trapeze platform. YES REALLY

Minako will abandon them for a little bit later, by the way. Since noon, since noon. Right. Moving on.

Everyone at the competition begins to go evil and shit’s not looking good for Minako. She’s about to be crushed by boulders (yes, boulders, I’ve looked five times and I can’t figure out where they come from, just go with it) when Mako shows up out of nowhere, hops between them and Minako, and blasts them into a thousand pieces, because Makoto Kino is all that is good in the world.

ALL. THAT IS GOOD. IN THE WORLD.

Seriously, Mako simultaneously loving Minako enough to be nearly CRUSHED TO DEATH BY BOULDERS to save her, and so pissed off that the first words out of her mouth after are “SHUT THE FUCK UP” is some goddamn A+ Makoto Kinoing. As frustrated and furious as I am at this issue, I give it up for this moment.

The others are pissed because Minako went to fight the bad guys without them, and I just have to say again I would so love if this were an ongoing THING with Minako, that they’ve had honest to god “YOU CANNOT KEEP DOING THIS TO US” talks about it and shit. And you KNOW Minako would lose her shit if any of them did it to her? Imagine her FURIOUS that Rei risked herself by storming off and going it alone, and then Rei calling her right the fuck back on her hypocrisy. How fucking delicious would that be, jesus wept, I want it so much.

ANYWAY WE DON’T HAVE THAT WE HAVE THAT WE HAVE THIS. Under pressure now, Minako tries again to transform, but can’t. Completely unable to face her friends, she runs off again. She pulls herself together though and tries to save the kids. SURPRISE THEY’RE NOT KIDS. Minako’s fallen right into the Quartet’s trap now. They brainwash her to take the ginzuishou from the others, but before she can try, Artemis appeals to her sense of innate goodness and reason.

But the Quartet spring yet another trap! Minako is plummeting to her doom! Artemis saves her again, disregarding all known laws of physics.

And with boulders raining down on Artemis now, that’s where the issue ends.

OKAY SO LET’S TALK ABOUT THE PERVY CAT IN THE ROOM AND HOW FUCKING ENRAGED I AM BY WHAT IT’S DONE

There are SO MANY levels on which I’m so fucking upset and furious about this Artemis thing, including:

Takeuchi’s repeated genuinely distressing thing about animal/human romance

The idea that any meaningful non-familial male/female relationship must inevitably have that element of sexual attraction

EDIT: @docholligay REMINDED ME ABOUT THE CONSTANT CHIBI-USA AND MAMORU SHIT AND I HAD TO SCRATCH THE NON-FAMILIAL PART WHY WERE WE BORN TO SUFFER

Artemis not just violating Minako’s privacy and trust, but sneaking around as he does it, meaning HE HIMSELF knows it’s wrong, he just doesn’t care

The introduction of this as a thing he’s both willing and capable of, forcing the question of how many times he’s done it in the past

The soiling of their friendship and partnership, which is one of my favourites in the entire franchise fuck you so hard Takeuchi

Some extra creepy issues centered around how Artemis is Minako’s MENTOR for fuck’s sake

How it ruins EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS ENDING

I love the idea of Artemis saving Minako. I love that he’s in this with her, looking out for her, believing in her even when she believes in herself so little she can’t even transform. I wish I could just adore everything about this.

BUT I CAN’T

I can’t, because for NO FUCKING REASON I COULD EVER FATHOM, we’ve now introduced lust into their relationship. We now know, incontrovertibly, that some part of Artemis views Minako as sexually desirable. It colours his motives entirely, however much I wish they fucking didn’t. And because it came out of nowhere IN THIS VERY ISSUE, FOR NO APPARENT REASON, it makes it even MORE dubious that there isn’t some part of Artemis trying so hard to save Minako because he’s “in love” with her.

WHY IS THIS EVEN A THING I HAVE TO FUCKING QUESTION NOW WHY WAS IT SO BLOODY NECESSARY TO PUT THIS IDEA OF ALL IDEAS OUT INTO THE WILD

This has utterly fucked Artemis and Minako’s relationship in the manga for me. I can’t unsee this, I can’t wipe it away. THESE HANDS ARE TAINTED. I may have to go try and flush my brain with some Artemis and Minako hijinks from the anime, to try and prevent rot from setting in there, too.

And I’m so ... ANGRY that this is where I am. And why? What payoff could there possibly be? How myopic was Takeuchi that she didn’t see a problem with that? Or that she thought it was what, sweet? Romantic? NOT LITERALLY SKEEVY AS FUCK AND RUINING SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL

That this is a thing I’m having to deal with, though, it’s such a microcosm of the manga for me. It came from nowhere, it wasn’t thought out, it was probably decided on a whim, and it fucking sucks.

I’M SO SO SORRY ARTEMIS

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #454: Another Phantom Thieves GroupChat (Persona 5)

Ren: Morning my peeps.

Makoto: Good Morning everyone.

Ryuji: 'Sup.

Yusuke: Good Morning.

Futuba: Yo!

Haru: Hello.

Mona: Morning.

Ann: Good morning to you too, my beauties!~ How's our favorite married couple doing on this fine day?

Makoto: We're not married, Ann.

Ren: But back on the question at hand, I say we're both doing great. Especially my queen right beside me :)

Makoto: Yes. Well.... I'm doing a lot better now than I was yesterday actualy.

Haru: What do you mean by that? What happened?

Makoto: Nothing too serious. I went to the cemetery to visit my father.....

Haru: Oh my.....

Ann: Aww.....

Yusuke: Oh dear....

Futuba: :(

Ryuji: Damn.....That must've been pretty tough for you to go there, wasn't it?

Makoto: It was. In fact, I even expected to walk back home depressed......

Haru: Makoto.......

Makoto: But I am so glad that I was wrong, because Ren was right by my side that day and made everything better. He even took me to a nearby fair afterwards and won me a huge, stuff Buchimaru-kun plushie!

Makoto: Uploaded Buchimaru-kun!!!.jpg

Ann: Awwwwwwwwww!!~

Haru: It looks sooooo cute~

Futuba: And frickin' huge!

Makoto: I know, right?! It's soft, fluffy, and I love it!~

Ryuji: Man, you are literally doing everything to make the prez happy, huh bro?

Ren: Hell yeah I am, bro. Makoto's my Queen and I love her.

Ann: Awwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!~

Haru: So precious~

Ren: Uploaded AKissFromMyQueen.jpg

Yusuke: Beautiful.

Futuba: Oh barf.

Ann: Okay, Seriously! Are you sure you two aren't married yet?!!!

Makoto: Yes, Ann. I'm sure. We're just a couple who loves each other very much.

Ren: We also cuddle :D

Makoto: A lot apparently lol

Futuba: Honestly...... You two are too Adorkable for your own good.

Mona: Adorkable? What the heck does that mean?

Futuba: I'm glad you ask, Kitty-Bro.

Morgana: When will you ever stop calling me that?

Futuba: Never!! :D Now as what I was saying, Adorkable is a mixture between being cute and acting like complete dorks at the same time. Which is exactly what those two clowns on my left are right now!!

Makoto: You'll never gonna let us live this one down, are you?

Futuba: What do you think? >:)

Haru: Well, regardless, I'm really glad you're feeling much better now, Senpai. I know how difficult it could be to think about your father's passings sometimes..............

Ryuji: Haru, I'm starting to see a lot of ellipses on that sentence. You alright?

Ren: Yeah. Did something happened?

Haru: I'm okay, everyone. Really. I was just thinking a bit about a terrible dream I had last night. About my father.....

Makoto: Haru.....

Ann: Sweetheart.......

Futuba: :((

Haru: Please do not worry, everyone. I really am okay. In fact, I'm feeling so much better now that my precious little Knight is with me.

Futuba: "Precious Little Knight?" You're talking about Mona?

Mona: She is, actually. I was able help her get through the night.

Ryuji: For real?

Morgana: Yeah. I saw Haru crying on the kitchen table, so I decided to help out. I originally wanted to try making her coffee, but she was worried that I might hurt myself. So we talked instead.

Haru: And words cannot express how blessed and thankful I am of the talk Mona-Chan and I had last night. It really made my day so much better today :')

Ann: Awwww~

Ryuji: Well whaddya know? The cat does have a heart after all lol

Mona: Of course I have one, Skull. Haru was sad and I did everything I could to help her. Because she's important to me. Just like each and everyone of you here.

Futuba: :O

Ren: Mona, you really mean that?

Mona: Of course I do. We've been through a lot together that.....I already considered you all as family. I know it sounds weird to say, but it's the honest truth.....

Futuba: Okay. Haru, remind me to give this kitty some hugs and kisses the next time I see him please!

Ann: Yeah! Me too!

Haru: Why, of course. But I'm afraid you must wait your turn. Because I'm already giving him love right now!

Haru: Uploaded MeAndOurPreciousMona-Chan.jpg

Ann: My God! Can this day get any more precious?!!

Makoto: Given what's happening in this chat right now, I would say so, Ann lol.

Ren: I believe it. Also, look at us. We're already starting to act like a huge family, don'tcha think?

Yusuke: I believe so, my friend. It seems that our friendship and bond have gotten stronger to the point of that being the case.

Futuba: I agree! I see every last one of you as my actual family! Mona as Little Kitty-Bro, Ann and Haru as doting Big Sisters, Ryuji as a Big Bro, Inari as Inari, Sojiro as Coffee Dad, and Ren and Makoto as Older Siblings who just gotten themselves married.

Makoto: For the last time, Ren and I are not married!!

Ann: Well, shit, Makoto! You might as well be! The both of you are too cute together!!!

Ryuji: Plus, you guys are already acting like one. Soooooooooo......

Ren: That's cause we love each other very much. I mean, granted, I guess you could say that our love has gotten stronger to the point of having that assumption come up, but still.

Futuba: You knooow.........

Ann: What?

Ryuji: What is it?

Ren: Futubaaaaa.....Why am I seeing a giant ass smirk on your face, young lady?

Futuba: I meant to tell you guys about what happened last year.....

Makoto: Oh no......

Yusuke: About what, exactly?

Ren: Nonono.....

Futuba: About the time.....

Ren: Futuba Sakura, don't you dare!

Futuba: My so called "cool" big brother, Ren.....

Ren: I swear to literal Arsene!

Futuba: Had indefinitely...... Blurted out.....

Ren: Jesus Christ, Futuba! Stop!

Futuba: THAT HE WANTED TO MARRY MAKOTO ON SCHOOL THAT DAY!!! :DD

Ann: Oh.......My.........GAWWWWWWD!!!!!

Ryuji: LMFAO!! Holy Shit, Dude!! Seriously?!

Haru: Oh my goodness, that's absolutely wonderful!~

Mona: Congratulations?

Makoto: Yes. What Futuba is saying in this chat is the absolute truth. And now my boyfriend is laying down on my lap in complete, utter embarrassment as we speak. And yes, it's adorable.

Makoto: Uploaded MyPreciousEmbarrassedJoker.jpeg

Ren: Makoto, please.....

Makoto: Well, it's the honest truth, my dear. You are being adorable right now. Not that I have any problems with it, mind you ;)

Ren: Well, excuse me for having a little sister blurting out the most embarrassing moment if my life.....

Futuba: Hey, don't blame the messenger, big bro. I'm just stating out the facts.

Yusuke: The picture you showed us is somewhat exquisite and fascinating. Would you made if I borrow this as inspiration of my upcoming artwork?

Makoto: By all means, Yusuke lol. Just try not to go too extreme with it, okay?

Yusuke: I will try my best.

@keyenuta

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