#nezumi is also the love of my life

[scatteredshowersposts]

Playing God (Paramore)

How can that be logical? Just keep on cramming ideas down my throat

2. STFU! (Rina Sawayama)

Silence, finally in my head But it’s too late, you already left You’re preaching, even though I’m dead

3. Je me promets (Meryem Aboulouafa)

كيفما سارت ا لأقدار و رفعتني عاليا ثم لطختني مع ا لأ رض و اشتق عظمي و سال دمي أعدني أني سأحيي فخري من الرماد الحمر الداف و أولع من عدمي حتى تشتعل في الحياة

However fate goes, if it lifts me high then sullies me with the ground and my bones split and my blood flows, I promise myself I will revive my honor from the warm red ash and blaze with my nothingness until life goes up in flames

4. Dig Me Out (Sleater Kinney)

Dig me out, dig me in Out of this mess, baby, out of my head Dig me out, dig me in Out of my body, out of my skin

5. Nada (Lido Pimienta)

Yo te soy sincero Y no le tengo miedo A la muerte Si es que me quiere Aquí la espero de frente y sonriente

I’m honest with you And I’m not afraid Of death If she wants me I’ll wait for her here, facing her and smiling

6. Magnet (Bikini Kill)

You don’t own me, fuck! You hold me down like a magnet And this is not the life for me

7. Courage to Change (Sia)

World, I want to leave you better I want my life to matter I am afraid I have no purpose here

8. I Bet on Losing Dogs (Mitski)

My baby, my baby Tell your baby that I’m your baby

9. A Girl in Trouble (Is a Temporary Thing) (Debora Iyall)

She's on the mend and knows that she's earned The scars and the lines By and by - one step at a time Her love can dazzle and delight - she transcends

[mercyll]

Is Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury the first anime series to depict a married same-sex couple?

Given the rings and comments from the staff (excluding Bandai) it's pretty clear that both Suletta and Miorine are married. And looking at older anime couples I can't find another one where the characters are actually married to one another.

There are series that depict engagements and proposals (implied or otherwise with queer characters).

Some examples would be:

Yuri & Viktor from Yuri on Ice, where it's implied that they want to be engaged.

Ranma & Akane from Ranma 1/2, both find themselves in an arranged engagement but end up falling for each other anyway. Ranma is canonically genderfluid in both the anime and manga and Akane is attracted to Ranma as both a man and a woman. And this is ignoring all of Ranma's other fiances who know about their curse and want to be in a relationship with them anyway.

Utena & Anthy from Revolutionary Girl Utena, while the circumstances of their engagement are out of their control, the two of them fall deeply in love with one another despite that. And in the movie they kiss.

Other LGBT anime couples are together or in love but next explicitly depicted as engaged or married would be:

Michiru Tenou & Haruka Kaiou from Sailor Moon, they are very much together and in the Crystal series end up living together and adopting a baby.

Yukito Tsukishiro & Touya Kinomoto from Cardcaptor Sakura, who are in love with one another.

Eiji Okumura & Ash Lynx from Banana Fish, who are in love with one another. And it hurts.

Yuu Koito & Touko Nanami from Bloom Into You, who are two girls who fall in love with one another. And in the story you watch them grow and get closer.

Nezumi & Shion from No. 6, a sci-fi drama where two boys fall in love. This one also hurts.

And countless other examples, none of which I could find have the characters taking their relationship further than dating or engagement.

So, is Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury the first married same-sex couple in anime?

On a minor note, there have been several gay weddings depicted in manga.

Some examples would be:

Our Dreams At Dusk by Yuhki Kamatani, which was written by an asexual, X-gender author.

Until I Meet My Husband by Ryousuke Nanasaki and illustrated by Yoshi Tsukizuki. This manga was written by a gay man and based on his own essays about his life. The manga is auto-biographical.

I Married My Best Friend To Shut My Parents Up by Kodama Naoko, who has written several other LGBT manga, most of which are Yuri.

And there are several more!

Bonus:

Shoutout to Episode 7 of the 80s anime Dirty Pair for having a wedding between a cis man and a trans woman in one episode.

[allthefujoshiunite]

Entryway to heavens, a.k. the BL genre!

As requested by @weiying-tododeku-2023 , who wanted to dip their toes into the genre, I, Nora, am once again here to compile a recommendation list that you can take a peek. Most titles here won't be any news to my seasoned fujin frens, but it's always interesting to think of which manga or anime would be the best for a newcomer!

BL ANIME

We don't have many options to choose from when it comes to anime, so I might as well start from here.

Stranger by the Shore: This 1-hour, gorgeous movie is an adaptation from Kii Kanna's manga of the same name. Since it's short, I think it's better to focus on what the plot has to offer instead of expecting a deeper dive into the characters individually.

Sasaki and Miyano: Another manga adaptation, but this time it's 12-episode series (with a +1 OVA). Very sweet and emotionally rich coming-of-age story with a fudanshi as its MC. A must see!

NO.6: Less like a BL and more of a sci-fi anime with queer MCs, NO.6 is not exactly suitable for a newcomer, but I still wanted to include it because of its tender story and the companionship between Shion and Nezumi. So you shouldn't expect a big emphasis on romance.

Bonus: This Boy is a Professional Wizard: This is a 4-episode short anime. It's honestly gorgeous and cute, but not very "deep" as every episode is around 8 minutes. You can finish it in one sitting!

There are so many other popular (and great) BLs or action/sports series that have queer characters out there: Given, Banana Fish, Yuuri!! on ICE, Doukyuusei, Case Study of Vanitas, The Case Files of Jeweler Richard, The Night Beyond the Tricornered Window, Antique Bakery, Yes No or Maybe? etc. They are already popular so with a quick search you can find more about them as you finish the ones you've started!

BL MANGA

Now, this... is a challenge. There are SO MANY good stuff that it's hard to pick, so I decided to go with my gut xD

I Didn't Mean To Fall In Love (Suzumaru Minta): There's something in this series that just.. UGH! It hits me. I have reviewed it before so you can head over there to find more information, synopsis, and my thoughts.

Love Tractor (Hmmyongyong & Angrymonster): I started reading it for the sake of the challenge I mentioned above but what a joy this one turned out to be!! Has great balance of fun and drama, gorgeous to boot. The main story is finished but there'll be a continuation! Here's my review.

Here and There and Us (Thanat): This is a very interesting work (as any other Thanat work, I'm a huge fan of the artist) and it's less focused on the romance and more on the main characters and their friend circle navigating their high school life and the the ever-changing relationship between them. If you're looking for something that's more slow burn, this should be your go-to BL.

Under My Skin (Usui Iroha): People tend to stay away from spicy recommendations for newcomers but I say, why not give it a go! Usui Iroha has a way of drawing sultry gazes that'll make your heart skip a beat! I'm taking a break now, but I normally review a new BL title every Friday, and I've also reviewed Under My Skin before because it's THAT good.

Dream Away (Hana Lee): If you like a sprinkle of supernatural on your plate, then this is for you. The art style is simple yet eye catching, it's short and completed, the characters are wholesome; what more you could ask for!

Bonus - Swing Baby (Mudan): This manhwa, again, is a bit different. It does feel like it has supernatural elements at first and is a bit confusing (bc there's an interesting stylistic choice in narration) but it'll feel worth sticking to! Here's another Friday BL review if you'd like to check some screenshots out and read the synopsis.

And that's it! Welcome aboard and hopefully, at least one of these titles will be to your liking. Thank you for sending an ask, see you around!

[beanghostprincess]

Favourite One Piece openings and/or just songs in general?

You can't ask this to a music student and guitarist/singer! I can't choose! there are too many good songs in this anime-

Sogeki no Shima deeee. Umareta Ore waaa. Hyaappaaatsu Hyaku Chu. Lulu Lala Luuuuuu. Nezumi no Medama mo (Lock on!!) Omae no Haato mo (LOCK OOOON!!!) SOOOGEKI NO SHIMA KARA KITA OTOKOOOO LULULU LULU LALAAA SOOOOREEEENIIIGEEEEROOO Sogege Soge Soge SOOGEEEKIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING

Okay, no, jokes aside (it isn't a joke. I genuinely ADORE Sogeking's theme) my true rankings (No. I'm not writing essays about them. This post would be too long. If you're curious about my genuine long opinions about a song, send an ask bc otherwise this post will be too long):

Openings:

Crazy Rainbow (this is the song I want all of you to think about when you think about me because it's MY song. I LOVE IT. It's me. It talks about me, actually. I am crazy and I'm a rainbow and a star. Twinkle twinkle rainbow star!!! I heard it once and it became my favorite ever. It's my alarm. I wake up with this banger every day. My friends hate me for this take but honestly, they're the ones who don't appreciate a good set of trumpets and guitars with tropical imagery as background).

Hope (The chorus is WILD. The visuals are so comforting it makes me cry every time. This is the energy I want all of my fanfics to have. It's the representation of my writing turned into music, I think. These are the vibes I want. The lyrics??? Are fucking insane??? Also, Sanji-themed, and it hits close to home).

We go! (I don't need to explain this one, but I wanted to mention that the way he screams BRRREAK OF ROMANCE DAWWWWN rewired my brain completely and that lyric appears on my mind every damn day)

Jungle P (Average opening. Not even that good. It's just cool and happy. HOWEVER! Have you considered that LIFE IS ADVENTUROUS BE AWARE IT'S DANGEROUS WHO'S GONNA BE ONE OF US AND THE TRIP GOES ON BECAUSE WE DA PIRATE OF THE MASS TO THE WEST TO THE EAST GONNA FIND MY WAY SAIL AWAY ALL THE WAY TO ONE PIECE)

Brand New World (The energy this song has makes me literally want to scream in the happiest of ways. The chorus, man, it's insane).

Hikari E (The Catalan Dub makes it better. I'm staying loyal to my native language this time. This is fucking amazing in Catalan. The lyrics are so fucking good they make me want to cry. It's very dear to me, too).

The peak (Really cute! Fun! Such a relief opening to end Wano <3 It's just beautiful visually and stunning. But also it has such peaceful and joyful vibes!! My beloved).

Kokoro No Chizu (This one is awesome. I love everything about it. My fav thing about it is my reaction to watching OP with full screen for the first time. Really fun experience of 'what the fuck is this and also THIS SONG IS A BANGER??')

Bon Voyage (Also my alarm because no other thing besides BON VOYAAAGE being yelled against my ear wakes me up in a better mood. Also, really fun opening. The chorus are basically the best part, ofc, for obvious reasons).

Believe (Once again saying this one hits different in the Catalan Dub. The lyrics are beautiful but also it gives sooo many 2000s opening vibes. I enjoy this song every time)

Endings:

Raise (I am not explaining this one because I think it's obvious why it deserves top 1)

Run! Run! Run! (Who the fuck is focusing on the song when Sanji being silly is right there???!?!??! Fun fact, I had a whole ass moment when I saw this ending for the first time and I had to take a break from watching the show because I went on a full crazy spiral of 'Sanjisanjisannijssnaisanjisanjisansajisanjisanji'. But also, really great song and it makes my brain go brrrrr).

Shouchi no Suke (BROOO THE VIBESSSSS THIS IS SO FUCKING GOOD I COULD LISTEN TO THIS FOR HOURS)

Dear Friends (This one makes me want to k word myself so I think that's a very good way to express how fucking good this ending is and how much it hurts me every time)

Eternal Pose (I am vibing. I like vibing. It's the vibes only).

Free Will (I want to hug Robin so tight. This one makes me so emotional. I am in so much pain, please).

(Not even a top 10, this was supposed to be a top 5 but I couldn't leave Free Will behind).

Character songs (with little to no explanation because I work tomorrow and I have to go to sleep but I want to post this now):

River of Freedom (I want to fuck Sabo nasty after hearing this and I am so not ashamed of posting this publicly. My thoughts aren't in the bible).

Dr. Heart Stealer (I want to fuck this man to oblivion and I am a lesbian and asexual. Imagine how hot you have to be for this to happen).

47 Todoufuken Gen Ima Cruise (Yakko Warner would love this).

Hajimari to Owari no Machi (They put drugs in this one).

Girls ni Kubittake (I like submissive Sanji).

Smile for Freedom (I kin Nami)

Save My Heart (The depression of some is the fav song of others)

Headliners (Kidlaw sex)

Usopp Drop (I am in love with Usopp)

Moulin Rouge (I am in love with Sanji)

[stuffnonsenseandotherthings]

5 QL Adaptations I'd Love To See in 2024 (or beyond).

2023 was definitely an eye opener for me in terms of finally (oh so finally) getting a chance to properly immerse myself in QL media and oh boy have I had a lot of fun with my journey so far. There have been highs, there have been lows, there have been laughs, and there have been tears. There have also been many many amazing shows and adaptations, quite a few of which I still have to catch up on.

Still, just because I have a backlist (is that the right term to use here? Probably not) as long as my arm, that won't stop me from dreaming and looking ahead to the future and look to the future I will because, up until this year, I was definitely I was definitely someone who got most of my QL fixes through reading them rather than watching them and, as a result, I have some suggestions, requests, and some wild dreams from books, webtoons, and mangas I would love to see brought to life in 2024 (or in 2025, I'm not fussy).

1. Our Dreams At Dusk - Yukhi Kamatani

Tasuku Kamame has just recently moved to a new school when a classmate nearly outs him as gay. Struggling accept his own desires and scared of facing future filled with rejection and social ostrisization, Tasuku is contemplating doing the unthinkable when he meets a mysterious woman named "Someone". This chance encounter introduces Tasuku to the local drop-in centre, a place where he finds community, friendship, and a chance to discover who his is and who he wants to become.

First serialised in 2015 this four volume masterpiece of a manga series is frustratingly and upsettingly difficult get hold of nowadays but oh my god it should be required reading everywhere (and I'm only half joking). A truly queer work with representation spanning nearly all the LGBTQIA+ acronym across a multi-generational cast of characters, it's a work with so much love (and magic) at its heart.

This could be a breathtaking drama, Japan, all you have to do is reach out and grab it.

2. Concerning Our Daughter - Kim Hye-Jin

An unflinching look at the prejudices which permeate modern Korean society (and the world all over as well), Concerning My Daughter centres around the fraught relationship between a mother and her queer adult daughter. Told from the perspective of the mother, struggling to come to terms with her daughter's choice to live openly and proudly as a lesbian as opposed to living a "normal" life, this story works to examine and unpick what it means to "fit" within society's boundaries.

A scathing but equally moving critique of homophobia, heteronormativity, ageism, discrimination, and tradition, Concerning My Daughter is not a fun ride by any means, but it is important and, in the right hands, it has a potential to be an earth-shattering drama.

3. No.6 - Atsuko Asano and Hinoki Kino

This might not be gays in space but it is gays in a sci-fi setting and that's more than enough for me. Set in the seemingly utopian city of No.6, this series tells the story of Shion, a boy born to wealth and privilege and who seems set to live a "good" and "productive" life but who finds his life completely de-railed after a chance encounter with the mysterious and enigmatic Nezumi.

A series full of adventure, intrigue, and shady government plans and topped with themes of sexuality, gender expression, class, and environmentalism, No.6 would be an incredibly fun drama to watch (although the production company might have to shell out Alice In Borderland level funds to make it reality).

4. Sasaki and Miyano - Shō Harusono

A BL manga series about BL manga, Sasaki and Miyano is honestly just a whole lot of fun. The series follows the two eponymous high schoolers after a chance incident leads Sasaki to discover Miyano's deep love of BL manga (and a bout of curiosity leads him to ask for recommendations). The story that follows centres around the budding friendship and eventual romance between the two, leaving plenty of time for comedy, hijinks, and deep dives into different BL tropes, as well as an (un)surprising amount of self-discovery, growth, and growing up.

It's fun, it's funny, the relationship is On Point 👌 and Sasaki and Miyano are two of my favourite characters I've ever had the pleasure of reading about. Make it, Japan, make it now and no the anime was not enough for me.

5. Ordinary Men - Lesh

A sweet, lively, and quite frankly lovely story about the very frazzled and done-with-it-all Nurse Jiyeon and his younger, puppy-like admirer Dr Kim, this webtoon had me tuning in every week while it was coming out and still has me coming back for more. The ups and downs of their courtship and eventual relationship are truly a joyful (and at times hilarious) ride but it's characters; their endearing traits, their growth, their relatability, and their love for each other that really makes Ordinary Men shine. You can see why they love each other, because you love them too.

Anyway, it is no secret that Korea excels at hospital dramas so now I think it's time for it to turn its hand to making Ordinary Men come to life, preferably in full length drama form.

5.5 Honourable Mentions (it's not cheating if I keep it brief)

My Gorgeous Fiancé - Kwak Sae and Teunteun

Centering around two guys getting engaged to each other because of a bet between their parents and grandparents, My Gorgeous Fiancé was perhaps the most enjoyable fever dream I've ever had and now I want to see it on screen.

You Get Me Going - Moscareto and Oh Doyeon

Bed Friends but make it Korean, that's all I'm going to say.

Our Youth - Hinoon

Take all your straight-A student x school bad boy stories and add a heaping helping of tears, I actually felt this one deep in my heart, as in I actually felt my heart lurch reading this. Yes it's a high-school romance but it's also so so much more than that and I'd quite like to share the experience with the BL watching world.

[no6secretsanta]

This is my secret santa gift for @mariaashby64 Happy Holidays, and I hope you enjoy!

If anyone had asked Nezumi what he thought about dogs when he was younger, he would have immediately insisted that he was not a dog person. He had kept rats since he was middle school aged, and they had been far better companions in his opinion. But, then he had met someone, and fallen for someone, and that person just happened to come with a dog. Shion, and his fluffy slobbery St. Bernard Fluffy. The name made sense, with the knowledge that Shion had named the dog when he was a middle schooler. And with Shion and Nezumi both getting into college rather young compared to their peer group, it made sense that the dog was only just beginning to slow down the year they graduated and moved in together.

Slow down didn't mean much when it came to the dog, though. He was a couch potato in the heat of the summer, but during the winter the dog was insistent about being outside and active. It worked out well, though. It was hard to stay active in the winter, but both of them wanted to be more active. So, the dog kept them on top of things even when the cold had them both wanting nothing more than to stay in for the day.

The schedule that Shion kept Fluffy on, though, had proven to be a problem in one regard. Evenings out. If Nezumi wanted to go out for the evening, Shion would often stay in with the dog, to make sure he got fed and let out according to the schedule that had been kept for most of the dog's life. On the rare occasions that Nezumi could drag Shion out in the evening, they would always need to stop by the house.

"You know, our anniversary is in a few weeks. I was thinking we should hire someone to watch Fluffy, for the evening," Nezumi wasn't expecting an argument about this, necessarily, just some level of convincing.

"We can stop by and let him out, it won't take that long," Shion didn't look up from the article he was reading. It wasn't a rude gesture, Nezumi had learned that by now, it just took time for Shion to switch focus from one thing to another. After another moment of his eyes trailing over a sentence, he looked up.

"We could, but we could also spend the entire evening together, without having to worry about rushing home, or traffic," Nezumi pointed out. He had some vague ideas of where he wanted to plan to spend the evening together, and all of them were far enough away that they would have to take a cab or an uber.

Shion contemplated the suggestion for a moment, before he gave a nod. It was the sort of nod that meant he was thinking, though. So, Nezumi gave him a few more moments. And then, "All right. But we should find someone he knows."

"Yeah, I've been thinking about that. We could always ask Inukashi," a childhood friend of Nezumi's, and whose family Shion had worked for during college. They were young, but dogs were their thing. And they had worked with Fluffy before.

That seemed to be a choice that Shion was content with, because he gave another nod. "All right. I'll text them and see if that will work."

And it did. By the end of that week the plans were laid. Nezumi had gotten the evening planned out for himself and Shion, and Inukashi was set to watch Fluffy that evening.

-

The day before the anniversary, fresh snow had fallen. The roads were well cleared by the early afternoon, so the plans remained unchanged. In the early evening, Inukashi showed up to the house, and with that Nezumi and Shion went on their way.

Fluffy wasn't a dog that struggled with separation anxiety, but within minutes, the dog was trotting over to the door and pawing at it as a request to go out.

"All right, all right. I'll let you out. You won't want to be outside for very long, though. It's cold," Inukashi got up from where they had settled on the couch and walked over to the back door to open it. They hadn't seen the sheer love that the dog had for snow, so they were taken by surprised when Fluffy marched straight outside and charged into a drift of the soft snow. It had been cold enough that none of the fallen snow melted and condensed. It was practically powder, and the large dog barelling into the snow drift sent a cloud of it everywhere.

Rather than be frustrated, like some might be, Inukashi could only give a bemused laugh and follow the dog outside. "You like the snow, then, do you?"

A delighted woof was the response as the large dog flopped down to wriggle in a pile of snow. The brown parts of his fur were now dusted white.

Inukashi watched the dog, but stayed on the porch. One part of their work at their family's boarding and grooming facility that they had always loved was finding what really got a dog excited, and using that to burn off energy. And they didn't even have to search for what Fluffy loved. The dog had practically told them. All that was left was to take the dog out for a walk so he could truly enjoy the snow.

"I'm going to get your leash, then we're going for a walk," the dog paid Inukashi no mind, still playing in the drifts of snow in the back yard. Only the sight of the leash when Inukashi returned got Fluffy to leave his snowy wonderland and wander over.

"No one's going to be at the dog park when it's snowy and cold like this. Let's go," Inukashi got Fluffy ready, then went out of the side gate to take the snow covered dog outside. They weren't always the most considerate person, but they knew letting Fluffy drip water all throughout the house to go through the front door wouldn't be appreciated.

With that, the two went on their way towards the dog park.

-

Elsewhere, Nezumi and Shion had a wonderful start to their evening. First a small theater performance, at a local theater where Nezumi had performed in the past when he still had extra time on his hands. Then, a restaurant the two of them both liked.

The final leg of their evening was an outdoor ice rink. It had been something that Nezumi had suggested for years, but this was the first time that they had taken the time to go. It was a learning experience for Shion, though. As a child and a teenager, Shion had been too bookish to go out and try things like ice skating. And then in his college years he had spent far too much time studying and trying to make friends that it had never been important enough for him to try ice skating.

As he had come out of his shell in college, he had grown to appreciate trying new things. And this was no exception. Even as his ankles wobbled to keep balanced over the skates, and even as he slid around the ice without much control, he was delighted.

"We should do this more often!" Shion insisted. He was holding tight to Nezumi's arm as he got the hang of how to move on his own.

"I don't see a reason why we can't, so long as we make time for it," Nezumi kept an even pace as he skated, so Shion could copy his movements and get the hang of it. The rink was busy, but there was a section roped off for people who weren't confident enough to skate in the main area.

The conversation died down into quiet concentration as Shion did his best to balance on his own. He was getting used to the way he needed to hold his weight on the skates, and as his confidence grew his grip on Nezumi's arm relaxed.

"I think you're about ready to go on your own for awhile, what do you think?" Nezumi asked as he felt Shion all but let go of his arm.

"I think so," Shion gave a nod. His expression was focused, though, and he was paying far more attention to the ice than he was to the conversation. Finally, he removed his hand from Nezumi's arm entirely, and copied the way Nezumi had been moving before to glide across the ice. For a moment, Shion had to stretch his arms out to the side as he felt his balance go, but he recovered, and took another sliding step forward on the ice.

As Shion skated forward, Nezumi slowed to a stop so he could watch him. They both took to new experiences so differently, but Nezumi loved to watch Shion experiencing new things. The mix of concentration or wonder, over such mundane things, was refreshing. He watched Shion skate a small circle in the roped off area of the ice, before Shion was making his way back over.

"It seems like you've got the hang of it now," Nezumi commented. He offered a hand back out to Shion. This time, they were able to just hold hands. Shion didn't need to hug Nezumi's arm to keep his balance.

"I think so," Shion smiled. "How about we go back over there, now?" With his free hand he gestured back to the more populated area of the ice. It was a much larger portion of the rink, which would allow them to skate without having to turn as often to avoid the walls and the rope.

Nezumi nodded, and the two made their way back. Both of them were content to skate at a more relaxed pace, just enjoying the snow and each other's company. They spent the rest of their evening that way, talking and skating. But, eventually, it got close to the time that they needed to return home. So, they turned in the borrowed skates, and began their way home.

The ice rink was the only part of their evening that was close enough to their home to walk. So, they set off on their way. By that time the snow over the sidewalks had either been cleared away, or tamped flat by people walking over it.

As they walked, Shion mused, "Do you think Fluffy is sulking because he didn't get to enjoy the fresh snow?"

"Knowing Inukashi, they're both covered in snow and half frozen," Nezumi had zero doubts that Inukashi would have picked up on the dog's love of snow. Whether they would be willing to go out in the cold, though, was another question.

"I think it would take more than a few hours for Fluffy to decide it was too cold," Shion pointed out. And he had a point. Because, as the two passed the dog park in the neighborhood they lived in, there was a lone dog and a lone human in the wide open area.

By the gate leading out of the dog park, Inukashi had Fluffy, but the dog was stubbornly sitting in place. He was a well trained dog, but even the best behaved dogs had their quirks, and this was his. When it was time to go in from the snow, he wouldn't budge.

When Shion caught sight of the two, he turned off of the sidewalk to go towards the gate with Nezumi in tow.

"Come on, it's cold, we've been out here forever," Inukashi gave an exasperated groan as they dug their heels into the snow and tried to tug the dog along. The trail of marks in the snow that followed them showed that Inukashi had gotten the dog to stand and walk a few steps at a time, several times.

It was a sight that had Nezumi chuckling. "Finally find a dog that won't cooperate with you?"

"Shut up, just tell me how to get him home," there was no real venom behind the glower that Inukashi sent in his direction.

"That's not my job. You'll need to ask him," Nezumi motioned to Shion.

Thankfully, Shion took mercy on Inukashi. He walked to the gate and hauled it open, struggling to get it through a snow drift. "He only goes inside if I'm the one to take him. Sorry, he can be a bit stubborn when he likes the weather."

Shion took the leash, and after a bit of coaxing the dog got to his paws and wandered after him.

"Thank you for looking after him! He looks like he had a good evening," Shion offered a smile to Inukashi. A smile that made it hard to stay mad about the last half hour that Inukashi had been attempted to get Fluffy to go home.

"Yeah, sure. Here's the keys you left with me. I didn't leave anything at your place. I'm going home before I freeze," Inukashi tossed the keys to Nezumi. "I'll watch Fluffy again, if you want, but not if it's been snowing."

"What, you didn't have fun? Maybe we could set him up to pull a sled next time," Nezumi snarked. He was met with a middle finger as Inukashi left in the direction of their own house.

Thankfully, with Shion taking the lead, it didn't take long to get Fluffy home. The next day, Shion sent Inukashi a gift card to a coffee shop, to get a warm drink to make up for the cold evening that the dog had caused.

[griseldabanks]

Let Me Count the Ways ask game

I've been wanting to do something like this for a long time, and finally decided I might as well just go ahead and do it. Send in a prompt and a duo, and I'll write a short fic for you! Feel free to reblog or alter for your own purposes.

"I missed you."

"You're my idiot."

"You're not a burden."

"I trust you with my life."

"I love you. Yeah, for real."

"I'll never give up on you."

"I can't imagine how I lived without you. I mean, I can remember it, but I can't imagine how I considered that living."

"I've got you."

"Don't EVER scare me like that again!"

"I thought I lost you…"

"How could you do this to me?"

"I know this may be hard to believe, but I'm on your side."

"Of course we're best friends. No one else would put up with your shenanigans."

"Do you trust me?"

"What? I meant it as a compliment."

"I can't do this anymore."

"Are you just going to keep walking by my house or are you going to come in?"

"Dude. It's three in the morning."

"Where are your clothes?"

"I can't believe I'm telling you this."

"I should have told you this a long time ago."

"Why are you helping me?"

"I feel like we've met before…."

"No, I don't care what 'they' think."

"Can't believe this drive is going to take 10 hours…. You wanna play I Spy or License Plate Poker?"

"I'm still mad at you. A broken elevator won't change that. Get away from me. That's YOUR side."

"Leave you? You know how hard it was for me to TRAIN YOU to deal with me?"

"Why does my blanket smell like you?"

"It's not my fault."

"Trust me."

"I wish…"

"Forgive me."

"Thank you."

"I'll keep you safe."

"Why did you do it?"

"Where are we going?"

"Now what?"

"Stay with me for a while."

"Did you really do that?"

"I love you. You know that, right?"

"I have no idea what just happened."

"What are friends for?"

"Please don't be mad."

"You're not wrong."

"I never told you, but…"

"Stop! Can we think this through?"

"Whatever happens, don't forget."

"We should eat something."

"I haven't slept in days."

"I know that face."

Note: I'm only going to write for platonic relationships. There's plenty of great romances out there, but I want to focus on friendships and familial relationships. Even if you send in one of my OTPs, I'm going to write them platonically. Also, I'm perfectly happy to write about my usual blorbos, but I think it would be a fun challenge to try to write characters I wouldn't normally go for. Check out my main blog @novelmonger for my main fandoms, or go ahead and send in some characters to see if I know them. I'd love to fill all of these prompts, so feel free to send me LOTS :D

Non-exhaustive list of duos I'd like to write:

Ed and Al (FMA)

Ed and Mustang (FMA)

Steve and Bucky (MCU)

Steve and Sam (MCU)

Sam and Bucky (MCU)

Frodo and Sam (LotR)

Legolas and Gimli (LotR)

Sam and Dean (Supernatural)

John and Sherlock (BBC Sherlock)

Rakka and Reki (Haibane Renmei)

Link and Navi (Zelda)

Fai and Kurogane (Tsubasa Chronicle)

Shion and Nezumi (No.6)

Hyakkimaru and Dororo (Dororo)

Nate and Sully (Uncharted)

Nate and Sam (Uncharted)

Joel and Ellie (The Last of Us)

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan (Star Wars)

Beat and Rhyme (The World Ends with You)

Kara and Alice (Detroit: Become Human)

Hank and Connor (Detroit: Become Human)

L and Watari (Death Note)

Din and Grogu (The Mandalorian)

[nvrcmplt]

2024 - Ship Tags for COPYandPASTE - Part 3

» | × | Tatzel&Axel || Rough Fucks In The Open. Carpet Burns On My Elbows - Bitemarks On Your Neck. ||, » | × | Tsuru&Nezumi || I Want To Spend The Rest Of My Sunsets With You ||, » | × | Tyler&Howl || Oh For Fuck’s Sake Here We Go Again Just Get In The Blanket Fort ||, » | × | Tyler&Liam || XxX ||, » | × | Tyler&Lucio || Pillow Suffocation and Accidental Demon Summoning ||, » | × | Tyler&Nyarlathotep || In The Shadowy Solitude My Longing For Them Grew So Frantic That I Could Rest No More ||, » | × | Tyler&Rider || Meeting You Feels Like Walking Into A Dream ||, » | × | Tyler&Sebastian || Spring Cleaning Intervention or DVA Gets Thrown Out ||, » | × | Tzvult&Lysandra || Even Within War Did The Storms Bless The Chaos ||, » | × | Uekawa&Mayuri || Sweet & Sour Brainstorm ||, » | × | Uemura&Louren || XxX ||, » | × | Václav&Aina || XxX ||, » | × | Václav&SuJin || We Will Be Monsters Alone In This World With Only Each Other ||, » | × | Velkan&Vukaxin || Fearless Children Who Love The Old Gods ||, » | × | Vincenzo&Hector || A Love That Is Not Easily Buried ||, » | × | Vincenzo&Susano'o || Sitting On A Rooftop At Two Am & Talking About Life ||, » | × | Vuir&Jirou || You Were Wrong For Trusting Me ||, » | × | Weissager&Apollo || Of Soothing Downtimes Shared In The Bliss Of Company ||, » | × | Weissager&Nanami || Spoken Words Like Moonlight ; You’re The Voice That I Like ||, » | × | Widow&Láeg || New Achievement Unlocked! Spider Queen's Blessing - You Are Now Comrades! ||, » | × | Wingates&Thierry || I’m Hearing Your Echo And Whispers Calling My Name ||, » | × | Xevulum&Bear || Please Stop Framing Me For Murder I Didn’t Do That One This Time ||, » | × | Xiv&Nezumi || Fearless Children Who Love The Dark ||, » | × | Yanna&Kaede || An Old Witch And A Crazy Dog Step Into A Bar ||, » | × | Yanna&Nanami || What Came First: Humans Or Despair? ||, » | × | Yasushi&Nina || XxX ||, » | × | Yomi&Doflamingo || Like Art He Is Beautiful But Like Art He Is Also Complex ||, » | × | Yomi&Mitsuhide || Beat Your Stress Into Me ||, » | × | Yomi&Sailor || XxX ||, » | × | Yuriy&Elliot || Hard To Keep Hands Off The Nude Model ||, » | × | Zabnki&Mùyáng || Your Smile Lifted The World Off Of Me ||, » | × | Zackery&Solana || I understand you more than anyone else in this world ||, » | × | Zackery&Zahir || You Look Cute When I’m Doing You ||, » | × | Zateros&Ozymandias || The Viper In His Shadow ||, » | × | Zayde&Nina || Cotton Candy Paw Prints All Over My Heart ||,

[isekai-crow]

Doctor Elise Ep 3-4

I cannot express enough how fun of a potato chip this show is. I had a fever this week and this was a great lil show to watch that didnt require me to think.

As a self proclaimed shonen bro whose not normally into shojos, I enjoyed the manga, and the anime is doing a good job despite not being one of the "big names". It might also be my love of medical dramas from the early 2000s peaking in. I can turn my brain off to watch it and just have fun by going "WTF w h y", and poking fun at how broken some aspects of this world are while still thoroughly enjoying it.

It's definitely the kind of show that probably won't hold up to scrutiny for the world building, so. Just. Don't think too hard about the specifics of what's happening! Then the power fantasy pieces won't break through your suspension of disbelief! Because IV bags did not exist during the Crimean War in the 1800s which seems to be where this fantasy setting is taking place.

But I'm gonna go and point out all the broken bits below because its so much fun (not bashing at all!).

Also my favorite boy shows up! Doctor Graham!! We love a boy whose not there to be a rival or love interest, and respects the Lady and they get to be bros!

Look at this silver haired ponce of a bishonen, he's delightful, ascot and all!

He's voiced by Hosoya, Yoshimasa - Rainer Braun from Attack on Titan, Nezumi from NO.6, WOLFWOOD FROM THE NEW TRIGUN STAMPEDE!! Tokoyami from BNHA, and Sousuke from Free!

DAMN THEY PICKED A GOOD VOICE FOR MY BOY.

More spoilers/screen shots below the cut!

Elise shows up for work as Rose at the No Cultural Touchstone For Mother Teresa Hospital, the genius young doctor Graham is supposed to take care of her but he's busy and assumes like everyone else that a young well-off lady will run from the sight of blood soon enough, and so sticks her in the HOSPICE WARD.

HHMMMM I WONDER WHY ALL THESE PEOPLE ARE ON THEIR DEATH BEDS???? COULD IT PERHAPS BE... UH... SANITARY REASON?? SHOULD HOSPITALS BE SANITARY??? NAHHHH THE DIRTY ROTTING BANDAGES ON THE FLOOR AREN'T MAKING THINGS WORSE, NO WAAAAAAAAY.

These poor overworked shift nurses seem to have no idea what they're doing, but thankfully we have a returner with concepts of modern day sanitation who cleans the place up!

She then finds a dude with bed sores and realizes no one knows what SEPSIS IS, and is like. Get me a scalpel, it's my first day, I've never held a scalpel in my read:this life, I'M DOIN' A SURGERY TODAY. I'VE GOT GALAXY BRAIN TO HELP ME.

I love these shots they're great.

SHE PROCEEDS TO CUT INTO THE DUDES BACK LIKE SHE'S DRAWING FREE FORM SELECTION ON MS PAINT AND THEN JUST HITS CTRL-X DELETE.

That's not A tissue, that's HIS (necrotic) tissue! I sure hope this dude has pain killers or is drunk off his ass with vodka because DAMN.

All the other in-patients are so happy she's here, they feel better already with her bright and happy personality! Normally this would feel really creepy and sexist, but this juuuuuust squeaked by as not coming off that way.

Jump cut to the King! Only 12 people in this world know what diabetes is! How is Elise going to get away with having known about it?? Probably more hand waving!!

Now, we either get a time skip, or she's literally been working all night, but Dr. Graham walks in on her dozing, thinks he's got the wrong place, and proceeds to scold her for performing surgery without permission. But then he takes her on rounds and we're in a medicial show!!!!

IS THAT A FUCKING IV BAG?

IT IS!!!! THOSE WEREN'T INVENTED UNTIL THE LATE 1800s!! At least its a glass bottle, and not a plastic bag like I initially assumed?? But I guess the Crimean War was in the 1850s and this type of open glass bottle IV was from the 1900s so... Wooo Fantasy Europe!! -waves hand rapidly to shoo you on-

This man is having a time trying to figure out what the fuck. But he's pretty.

It takes him a bit to come to terms with her abilities but then he's just so happy to have another Doctor Bro who Actually Cares that he's behind her with full support! Which yay! But also becomes a tool of sorts, to kind of hand wave away the concept of sexism in the medical field to the point where it doesn't seem to exist. Which is also what makes this such a light show, because it doesn't even try to handle said topics, it just erases them completely with regards to medicine.

Equal numbers of men and women as doctors! The women aren't relegated to nurses! Yay! No critical thinking needed here.

My favorite part of this though, is that they DO tease at it. When Elise makes a different call from the doctor she's following in Ye Olde ER, he kind of stutters and is flabbergasted and panicked, while the female doctor is immediately like, I GOTCHU SIS, and steps in to help her as she proceeds to STAB A DUDE IN THE CHEST WITH A SYRINGE.

She's so pretty with blood on her face.

We're in episode 4 by this point, and its the "Festival Episode" common to many isekai romance manhwas, but of course, Elise is a doctor and so she's working the ER instead of attending.

However this is the episode that proves there is magic in the world, and WE GET A SECOND VA FOR THE PRINCE. He transforms into "Lord Ron". We also get a glimpse of his tragic back story!

His bodyguard gets a knife pulled on him and THEN A GUN. New Technology Discovered: Guns! I should hope they had those figured out before IV tech, but you think they'd know about general sanitation being important as well.

Dude's been shot in the SPLEEN!!! OW MY SPLEEN! They don't have a splenectomy in Fantasy Europe, oh no!

Elise puts up such a persuasive argument, and the dude is dying, so they might as well let her try to save him. And look, the prince Lord Ron has field surgery experience and offers to help!

SUDDENLY THERE IS ELECTRICITY. WHAT WERE THOSE OIL LAMPS IN THE GRIMEY DEATH WARD???

MS PAINT SCALPEL FTW!! It's not bad for the limited time they likely had to anime each episode, and the fact that they're putting more emphasis on the conversations. For comparison, this scene in the manga ↓

Surgery is a success! Yay! Elise is asked to write up a report abotu the surgery as it will be the first ever recorded splenectomy.

and then. Blushing Prince is Adorable, even in disguise. Love us some blushing boys.

But by far the most accurate part of this show so far...

Even in a Fantasy Europe Hospital the doctors have shitty handwriting lmfao

[ardenrabbit]

Hi....If you don't mind, can I ask, what are your top 10 (or top 7) favorite media (can be books/ manga/ anime/movies/tv series)? Why do you love them? Sorry if you've answered this question before......Thanks....

What a fun question! Thank you for asking! I think I already answered an ask about favorite characters, but here's a list of some of my favorite media in no particular order 💜

1. Avatar the Last Airbender: If you didn't grow as a person if/when you watched atla I just don't know what to say to you. Watch it again I guess? Learn self-love and empathy and healthy coping tactics

2. Lord of the Rings, by Jolkien Rolkien Rolkien Tolkien, especially Peter Jackson's Fellowship of the Ring, Extended Version: Favorite movie. Nostalgia factor. Gandalf. Viggo Mortensen ruining all other men for me. Boromir being a Good Man. The soundtrack of this movie is Home to me.

3. The Goblin Wood, book by Hilari Bell: Friendship, magic, and angry, vengeful witches. Anti-colonialism. Great take on magic. Questioning dogma and learning how not to be a cop. A crotchety goblin named Cogswhallop who is my best friend.

3. Big Fish: Movie with Albert Finney, Ewan Mcgregor, and Marion Cotillard my beloved. Whimsical, heartwarming, and profoundly bittersweet story about people learning to communicate and share in each other's lives. I really just fucking love this movie.

4. ⭐ A Silent Voice: Japanese animated movie about a former bully learning to not hate himself, a deaf girl learning self-worth, and a lot of people learning to be friends. Fucking stunning visuals and music. Another profoundly bittersweet one with a happy ending, and one I wish I'd seen earlier in my life. Content warning: two suicide attempts.

5. Mo Dao Zu Shi, by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu: Chinese web novel with several adaptations, about a lot of fascinating topics with oceans of nuance because MXTX is a genius tbh, but largely about questioning convention and doing the right thing, the different ways in which people can love, the meanings of bravery, and some zombies. I also love her novel Tian Guan Ci Fu but have to analyze the themes a little more before I can confidently talk about what it means? It's fucking incredible though (and like twice as long lol)

6. No. 6, by Atsuko Asano: Japanese web novel with a manga and anime adaptation (manga is the best): honestly just a fun time about destroying The System with gay love and bees. Deuteragonist is an edgy dumbass who lived in a cave, blows up government vehicles, and quotes too much Shakespeare. To this day I am endlessly entertained by Nezumi.

7. The Kingkiller Chronicles, by Patrick Rothfuss: Book series comprising The Name of the Wind and Wise Man's Fear. Someday will include the final book, Doors of Stone. Epic fantasy story about a bard-rogue-wizard with delusions of grandeur giving his memoir after all the damage he's caused. Involves the COOLEST magic systems in one world, does an amazing job of establishing a truly low-fantasy-feeling but simultaneously deeply mystical environment, and has exactly the kind of compelling eccentricity that I love in characters. Beautifully poetic prose.

8. Dragon Age: rpg video game series about a series of Unfortunate World Events. You play a different character in each game, the protagonist at the center of one catastrophe or another, and they all tie in beautifully in the overall world story progression. The characters you meet are multidimensional and SO worth analyzing, because they're all fascinating and flawed people (except Varric Tethras, who is Perfect and The Love of my Life (my wife knows and accepts this)).

9. ⭐ Gates of Fire, by Steven Pressfield: Okay, FUCK THIS BOOK for being about the battle of Thermopylae where you know EXACTLY how that ended for the defending army and MAKING YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH THE CHARACTERS ANYWAY. Insanely well-researched historical fiction. Sympathetic to the subject and emotionally and socially insightful to a devastating degree. The best representation of the camaraderie and friendship in warrior culture without all the awful macho bullshit we've come to expect and loathe. They really ask the question "what is the opposite of fear" and come to the answer "love." I have broken down sobbing while reading a story three times in my life, and TWO of those times were from this book. Seriously, fuck this book. I will never write half as well as Steven Pressfield.

10. ⭐ It's Such a Beautiful Day, by Don Hertzfeldt: Remember the animation show on YouTube, that absurdist hand-drawn animation with the robots? Yeah that guy made a whole emotionally gutting, bittersweet movie about the nature of life and coming to terms with the end of it. Intergenerational trauma, chronic illness, and a lot of introspection. Beautifully paced storytelling. This is an Important Movie. It's not immediately stylistically accessible to everyone, but seriously, open your heart and branch out. This movie made me a little more whole.

If I had to pick three of these to shove in people's faces, it would be the starred and red ones lol. Not enough people know about them or have taken the time to appreciate them.

[translationandbetrayals]

Ableism, elitism, and other social issues in the dystopian city.

This time I want to explain a short personal analysis about my favorite anime, No.6. (Yeah, No.6 again).

Those who know dystopian fiction works such as "1984", "Brave New World", and others will be able to quickly understand the plot of the novel, manga, and anime No.6. But I admit that I didn't usually have much interest in social issues when I was young, so I delved into these deeper issues thanks to this story.

This seemingly perfect city hides many secrets to justify its apparent "functionality" in the middle of a world devastated by what seems to have been an apocalyptic war that left most of the earth uninhabitable. In the system developed by the "founders" of No.6, social conditions are determined by the "potential" they can project in the long term in people, the new and future citizens as they are born into this world.

That’s why our protagonist Shion, having outstanding results in the IQ test at 2 years of age, was assigned to a special class only for children who were also like him; this event would guarantee not only his elementary education and his specialty, but would also condition him to be one more link in this chain of productivity that the system was promoting by "separating" people based on their intellectual abilities. Because, of course, in this world full of conspiracy and censorship, other types of intelligence were not "productive", the formation of critical thinking was sought to be avoided, and therefore there were no characters who dedicated themselves to the humanities or the arts. What's more, Shion's counterpart, Nezumi, was the representation of that "non-productive" world for the No.6 system. Shion, before meeting Nezumi, had never touched a physical book or read a classical text, much less had an approach to an old library or a piano. Among many other reasons, Nezumi became special in his heart because he showed him everything that until then had been hidden about "the real world".

In Shion's environment everything was technology, science, modernity, and "vintage" things was considered old-fashioned and obsolete. In my opinion, that world is dehumanizing.

Btw, his only friend, named Safu, a girl with the same intellectual potential as him, was harassed in class for wearing the sweaters and clothes that her grandmother had left her. Although the anime and manga don't go into much depth about the characters within the same "privileged reality" of Shion and Safu, I can notice a particular difference between these two children and their peers. Shion, despite being raised and educated to remain submissive and ignorant, having autistic traits in combination with his cognitive intelligence and motor clumsiness, was not an easily influenced child (in fact, the first and only one to influence him was Nezumi) and somehow intuitively "knew" that what his life had been until then was not "perfect" in reality.

Safu, on the other hand, I also dare to say is a neurodivergent character, even an alternative representation of the autistic spectrum, in its most "feminine" variant: she, in love with Shion since childhood, was rational and direct when expressing her affection to him (rather, she was extremely direct), she expressed herself with an encyclopedic language for delicate matters and she mastered with great expertise her field of interest, which was the endocrine system and the functioning of hormones in human beings. Despite her apparent confidence and pedantic behavior, she was empathetic and open-minded to others, in that sense both characters tangentially departed from the rest of the “social elite" bubble they were growing up in. She was also able to notice the feelings Shion was developing for Nezumi before he realized it himself.

Both characters were the only ones within this privileged context -and who didn’t know beforehand the history of the founding of No.6- able to question the system around them and feel "uncomfortable" in the midst of other people who blindly obeyed, like sheep in a flock, the way of life that had been imposed on them (in which, among other things, they had to wear a bracelet all the time, and swear loyalty to the city everyday).

All of these elements caught my attention considering that the original novel began to be written in 2003 (the story is based on the "future" period of years between 2013-2017), and linking the neuroqueer representation present in the work, which was most likely also given unconsciously by the author (since under old paradigms in other cultures, neurodivergence was interpreted as a "personality type" and was made invisible), makes me remember in an analogous way the old diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome, which historically speaking also had a controversy for being considered ableist and "separating" autistic people based on whether they were more capable and potentially productive for society or not. These two characters had the future in their hands, since within their individual peculiarities, they were brilliant students, just what this modern city and in search of absolute control of its population, was seeking to enhance for its own benefit.

I really recommend this anime and manga to those who like dystopian novels or want a first approach to the genre, I assure you that in more than one aspect it will make you think about many social problems that are present in our tangible reality in almost the same way.

-Alejandra Lermanda

[twinclownsoflotuspiers]

What if I tried to categorise my favorite characters according to whatever reasons I fave them for?

[I have a few top faves who I'm super biased for even amongst faves. They are namely (in order of oldest to newest): Gaara, Rukia, Jiang Cheng & Wei Wuxian, Helian Yi, Diluc & Kaeya, Collei. Some don't appear often in categories but doesn't lessen my bias for them]

1. The Cane - (by that I mean the stem and not a walking cane) blorbos who come off as kinda stiff, stubborn, headstrong, have gone through traumas and would like to say "Fuck You" to the world and keep existing out of sheer spite, some of them are kinda angy. Ones I have the most fun breaking. Notable egs: Jiang Cheng (ofc lol), Wei Wuxian (Laozu version at least), pre Shippuden Gaara, Diluc, recently Mikaela Hyakuya.

2. The Indulgees - some of them have slight to loads sadism potential. Either misfits or also traumatised or both. Mido's "youngest child" syndrome characters AKA who I'd indulge in every possible way. They could commit murder and I'd smile and enable them. Enjoy angst of but don't enjoy whump. Notable egs: Kaeya (big one. I will gib him everything, including but not limited to Ayaka's stolen sword). Kuya (bitch cucks every single one of my nukani pulls but I unfortunately love him still). Zhuzhi-Lang. Wen Qing(? Maybe?). Nezumi.

3. Greek Tragedy Heroines - there's nothing but angst going on for them. My heart breaks for them and I want to give them happy endings but canon broke them so badly that I am stuck still trying to figure out how to go about it. Notable egs, Shen Jiu *sobs*. Yue Qingyuan *sobs even more*. HELIAN YI. Tong Ru. Han Muchun.

4. Sunshine Personified - the few "feel good sweet af wonderful characters who have never done anything wrong in their lives" I genuinely love and am interested in. Notable egs, Eiden, Han Muchun once again, Amber, Liang Jiuxiao *sobs*, NOELLE, Collei (hush. She's never done ANYTHING wrong in her life).

5. Wife. WIFE - favorites mostly for gay reasons. Yes they're all girls. Some have genuinely great backgrounds I love though, like added treats to the gay. Notable egs, Rosaria (can she impale me with her ice lance?), Yae Miko, Wen Qing (again), Rukia, Yoruichi, Lumine (both Abyss & Traveler versions, coz she's got range)

6. Wet Dog - you're Pathetic (affectionate). No, I will not elaborate. Notable egs, Jiang Cheng, Luo Binghe, Edmond, Dante.

7. Emotional Baggage - tragic af but not Greek Heroine levels. I would like to hug them tight and tell them they did well. Notable egs are MOST of my top faves, but also Xiao, Jin Ling, Yatogami Kuroh.

8. Terrible Child - I don't even know why I like you. You're awful (affectionate). Notable eg, Tartaglia, Kuya (yes, him too). Zhou Zishu & Wen Kexing (they come as a pair, equally terrible)

9. Gremlin - they're usually very layered but I also love them best for being menaces. Notable egs, Wei Wuxian, Venti, Kaeya, Eiden, Yae Miko.

10. Daddy Issues - so many of my top faves share this theme, I take it as a running joke by now. They all sit at the table together to stew in silence over their papas fucking them over. Notable egs, Jiang Cheng, Gaara, Kaeya, Diluc, Rosaria, Luo Binghe, Helian Yi

I don't even know why I did this but oh well. This is mostly an accurate categorisation according to why I like my faves. A lot of them feel similar as characters but I like for differing reasons strangely enough.

[lured-into-wonderland]

So, he was not only straightforward but also not very communicative. But that was all right. She could be the one to do most of the talking. She didn’t mind it that much. As long as Nezumi wouldn’t openly scold her, or tell her to keep quiet, Nunnally would simply go on. It was helping her to remain confident. To pretend remaining confident.

Nezumi seemed anxious to her. But was he truly or was it only her anxiety that she was extrapolating on him? If she was sure about his feelings (and his intentions), she would have told him that they were s a f e for the time being. The barrier she had created, combined with the will of the house, would keep away any newcomers from her world. But it may also be dangerous for the incomers from the human world, if they were to come too close. But something told Nunnally that Nezumi wouldn’t like the latter, so she shouldn’t be troubling him with that unnecessary knowledge. She needed to protect him. Also from himself. After all it wasn’t wise what he had done. To rush to her aid in such a way. Though it was sweet, too. No-one had ever done something similar for her.

“Trust you….?” – she repeated absent-mindedly. How could she trust him? Trust was earned and not given. And she didn’t trust anyone right now. She used to be a trustful girl, almost naïve, but it had changed slowly until she was made "her". Did she trust her own father? ‘Yes!’; would be her reply if anyone asked, but, somehow, Nunnally wanted to be honest with herself (which wasn’t happening that often). She wouldn’t say there was trust between her and the king. Love: yes, respect: yes, but trust? She knew better than that.

But Nezumi? Could she trust him? As naïve and innocent as she found him, her instant reply would be 'no'. But his words were smoothing; she wanted to believe in them so much! She wanted to have someone by her side who thought it was just fine that she was scared. That she wanted or didn’t want things. Nunnally wanted someone who thought she had a right to choose.

The demoness knew these were dreams that would never come true, but was it that bad that she wanted them to be true? Wasn’t it that wrong if she’d try to live her dream even if for a short while?

“I…” – she wanted to go to the ball with him. To go to the swimming pool. To learn how to drive. Nunnally licked her lips. It was this time when she had to decide. Although Nunnally had already made that decision. When she helped him to escape. When she went through that gate. She nodded: --

“I…”

“Are you serious, Nezumi? Do you truly mean it...that you’ll be there with me?  For me? That you will not leave me? Despite that I… -- will disappoint you at some point – “…that I am not one of your kind…that I am a demon?” - was he a demon hunter? With that weapon of his, he might be...thought Nunnally didn't feel frightened.

“If you truly mean it, I’ll accept. I will trust you.” – she solemnly nodded her head again and reached her hand towards him – “Shall we now make some sort of blood pact or something?” – it was a serious question – “I’ve read it’s how you people tend to deal with demons.” – she pondered something for a moment – “My blood would probably extend your life time.” – oh, that was something she’d have to solve. His lifespan. It was short. But she’d think about that later.

“Nezumi…” – she added after a while – “I’d like to go to the opera with you...”

"Salome...they forbid me to go and watch it back then..."       

Nezumi glanced at Nunnally from beneath a curved brow. He chose not to answer Nunnally's question and hoped she meant it as rhetorically as she sounded. He wasn't going to get into a debate of basic manners, sincerity and rudeness for he didn't think his response was impolite — merely straightforward and honest.

While Nunnally swamped him with questions, Nezumi got them out of the garden. He had no time to respond to her inquiries because, unlike her, he needed to focus on keeping both of them safe. He would have asked her to stay quiet so that he could hear any possible danger approach, but — given her nature — he didn't think that would have been received well.

Besides, there was a point when Nunnally asked about his comfort food, and the first thought that popped into his mind was a bottle of whiskey and a double espresso. Not exactly the typical comfort food, but it said more about him than he wanted to admit or think about right now.

Perhaps, somewhere down the line, he could reconsider his comfort choices and fix his lifestyle, but until they were trapped in an overgrown garden with a demon at their tail, he had no mind for introspection.

"I know," Nezumi turned towards Nunnally when they made it out. He placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed. He fixed the jacket — his jacket — firmly around her shoulders and held her gaze. "I know you're scared and it's alright to feel that way. But the world out there isn't as bad and scary as you think it is. I'm from out there, too." He pointed to himself. "If you can find it within yourself to trust me, perhaps you can find a way to trust that you're safe in my world one day as well."

"Look," Nezumi thought, glanced over Nunnally's shoulder — just in case — and continued: "We still have balls and receptions. Those things exist. And theatre and opera, too. A lot of what you remember from your time is still practised by society nowadays. And you can wear any dress you like for it. Nobody will make you wear something you don't want to. The choice will be fully yours."

"I can't make you do anything you don't want to, Nunnally — And I wouldn't want to, alright?" Nezumi reassured, hoping that, this time, he would be able to get through to her even a little. "I want you to feel good and safe. I want you to be comfortable. I do like the outside world. It isn't perfect nor is it the same as yours, but there are good things in it. And good people, too."

Nezumi clasped both her shoulders, grounding her as he held her gaze. "But the only way to know is to experience it for yourself. And when you're out there, I'll always be there for you — I'll do everything in my power to protect you, can you trust that?"

[no6secretsanta]

The one who is wise in mind sits apart in meditation

To/giftee: @aowyn

From/URL: @whims-of-insane-fandoms

Happy Holidays!

Dear aowyn,

I hope that I met some of the prompt for your Secret Santa assignment! Unfortunately, I got sick after finishing this fic so I couldn’t edit it so excuse any bad grammatical errors. Barring that, I loved doing this and this also challenged me to do a pov that is not Nezumi or Shion’s. I have never written a Safu pov so thank you for allowing me to do so and especially in a Safu lives AU (mostly based on the manga). I didn’t get to do everything from the prompt, but I hope that the narrative was enjoyable for you. 

I think Safu and Nezumi can become best friends in due time and I’d like to believe Nezumi doesn’t really leave in this au. Safu and Shion are platonic soulmates and Nezumi and Shion are romantic soulmates. The three of them bond with their love that was strained thanks to No. 6’s actions but they’re the winners. Safu, Shion and Nezumi win in this au. 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

-whims

Safu had become used to staring aimlessly up at the ceiling, arms and legs outstretched in the bed. It had become a strange habit of her to lay in bed like this, but the habit had been unbroken for two weeks. She had become used to the freedom of being able to move her limbs, to not have her limbs strapped down in the operating table or to have her conscience exist outside of her own body. The softness and warmth of her bed was always a grounding reminder that she wasn’t in that dreadful and cold correctional facility and her nightmares of that place could only harm her mind rather than her body.

Surprisingly, she had woken up today without a scream being ripped from her throat due to the memory of those dark days. The less she thought about those painful memories, the foggier they became. It was helpful that she had become preoccupied with other thoughts and memories.

Safu slowly eased her way to the edge of the bed where her wheelchair was waiting for her. The reminder of her current condition made her want to curl up in bed and stay there. However, she refused to do that. She was lucky and grateful to be alive. 

She was lucky to have a working body at all, was lucky that Elyurias had taken pity for her plight and had preserved her body and conscious after the destruction of the correctional facility. Science deemed her resurrection impossible and Safu still thought it was impossible. She was dead, her brain ripped out of her body with no way of being a human again. 

Shion and Karan called her resurrection a miracle. 

She could still remember the moment she had awoken in a hospital bed, wondering if the afterlife really was real, and felt a warm hand on hers. She remembered turning her head to see Shion asleep holding her hand, a blanket covering his shoulders. There had been fresh tears on his eyes, and, for a moment, she thought she was dreaming.

This is no dream, a voice inside her head had told her, think of this as my gift to you to truly make you happy. 

When Shion had woken up, it had been to the embarrassing sight of her crying, thanking Elyurias for letting her have this chance to live, to see Shion again, to let her live alongside Shion and for truly making her feel satisfied. 

Safu got on the wheelchair with no trouble this time. She’d become particularly good at maneuvering her way through it after so long being wheelchair bound. Despite Elyurias saving her life and reuniting her with her body, the goddess could not completely negate the effects of her brain being outside her body for a long period of time. Her body needed time to relearn things she had taken for granted before, like walking or running or easily curling her toes. Until she fully recovered, she would have to use a wheelchair indefinitely. 

It didn’t matter to Safu how long she had to use the wheelchair for.

All that mattered is that she was still alive. 

Safu wheeled her way to the door, opening it and wheeling out to the hallway. It was still early in the morning, so she wondered if Shion was awake yet. Recently, he woke up much later than normal, staying in bed until he couldn’t anymore. A traitorous and green-faced side of her reminded her that he had a very human-shaped reason to stay curled up in bed, but she ignored that thought and headed to the kitchen.

“Safu, you’re up early!”

Safu was startled to see Karan, Shion’s mother, already awake and finishing a batch of bread for her bakery. Her hair was up in a high ponytail and Safu noticed it had gotten slightly longer. She had some flour in her apron and she was smiling brightly. 

Safu was grateful to see Karan. Ever since she had been found in the ruins of the correctional facility, there had been talk about where she would go after being discharged. Her old home had been already sold and she had no other living family. However, it was Karan that had shut down all conversations and demanded that Safu come live with her and Shion. Karan had been the one that had advocated for her by talking with the doctors on her behalf. Karan had done so much for her when Shion had to deal with issues regarding the dissolution of No. 6 and West Block and other outdated things No. 6 had. 

It was Karan that was by Safu’s side almost every day since she awoke when Shion had to deal with other matters. Karan was the one that always attended her visits with the doctor as they checked on her progress. Karan was the one that helped her bathe in the first days, before Safu could properly move her arms. 

In these two weeks, Karan had become Safu’s closest friend.

Safu smiled, “Good morning, ma’am, I thought you’d still be in bed.”

“I couldn’t stay asleep any time longer and decided to get a head start. Do you want some bread? Fresh off the oven.”

“Yes, please.” 

Karan set down a plate of food and Safu noticed there was another plate and a mug with steam rising from it. With a start, Safu realized someone else was awake and, based on the smell of coffee, it was the one person she still had a hard time understanding.

“Morning.”

Nezumi strolled in from another part of the house, nibbling one of Karan’s breads. His hair was down, an unusual thing to see from him since Safu had mostly seen him with his hair up, and he was wearing some of Shion’s clothes. She remembered that Shion had told her that his clothes were dirty and had to be washed. 

There it was again, that pit on the bottom of her stomach that made her feel green. Safu recognized it easily, she wasn’t oblivious to her feelings. She was jealous of Nezumi. She buried those feelings away, but they always found a way to creep back without her wanting them to come back.

She’d wondered a lot who Shion loved. What was that person like? That curiosity had stemmed many years ago since Shion had adopted that faraway gaze, his eyes always seemingly looking at something none of them could see. His eyes were always gazing into a distance, the look that were described in books when wives waited for their husbands to come back after a long separation. 

It had resurfaced again that day when they’d encountered the mouse, before she left to study abroad and when she had made her intentions and feelings clear. While she had confessed, Shion had still remained with that calm and cool expression. It hurt to remember it and it also hurt when she remembered him finally show emotion and chase after the phantom he longed for.

Even when she desperately wanted to see Shion during her captivity in the correctional facility, her thoughts had still wondered to who that special person in Shion’s life was. Who was the person that made Shion act so differently? Who was the person by Shion’s side?

When she first met Nezumi, she understood.

“Is Shion still in bed?” Karan said in a tone only a mother could pull off.

Nezumi shook his head, “Yes and no to that. He’s awake, it’s just the prince is planning for today’s trip.”

Karan smiled, “Oh, right. Shion was talking to me yesterday about all the different places he was going to show you and Safu. Safu, are you excited to explore the area that used to be West Block?”

Safu smiled and nodded, “Of course. I’m especially excited to properly meet Inukashi. Shion talks very fondly of their hotel and their dogs.”

On the third day of being back in her body, Shion had talked to her about West Block. About Rikigia, Inukashi and even the children that Shion had come to talk to. He talked about the dog hotel and his days spent helping clean the dogs and about the theater and the many different shops. He especially talked about the place that Shion called ‘home’, the place where he and Nezumi lived during his time away from No. 6. 

“There’s so many books, Safu!” He’d excitedly chattered that night, curled up in the bed next to her, “So many books that I know you’ll want to read. It’s really cozy there too so you can stay there for hours reading. Nezumi and I can read with you there!” 

Yes, she was very excited to see these places she’d only heard of. Places that made Shion’s eyes glint with joy and mirth in a way that No. 6 could never truly invoke from him. It was also the difference in how he saw her and how he saw Nezumi. The comparison made Safu sick because she was comparing herself to the same No. 6 that tormented her, Shion, Nezumi and countless others.

Karan sat down, eating some bread, and offering Safu her own plate as promised. Safu thanked her and the three of them began to eat their breakfast quietly. Safu found the silence enjoyable. It felt so easy to eat breakfast when she had such good company. 

“Don’t get too excited with the dogs, Safu,” Nezumi warned, “Shion and Inukashi really like them, but those mutts are a handful.”

“Nezumi,” Karan chided him, “they’re very lovely animals. Oh, Safu, you’ll simply adore them. Their fur is very soft, and the dogs are so mild mannered. Inukashi is also very respectful and kind.”

“They only appear that way with you, ma’am. Inukashi is very rude so prepare yourself for that.”

Safu chuckled as Karan playfully scolded Nezumi while Nezumi cheekily spoke with her. Nezumi was so witty, a testament to his brilliance that Safu was aware he had. It made sense that he was brilliant, she’d noticed how intelligent and intense his gray eyes were the moment they met. Even if the two of them had not been in the best shape when they first met, she knew Nezumi was brilliant. 

After all, he was the one Shion had fallen for.

“Good morning!”

Safu turned her head and saw Shion grinning at them from the hallway. She offered her own smile as Shion grabbed one of the breads that Karan offered him. He ate it and hugged his mother. Karan laughed, chiding him softly, as Shion turned to look at her. Shion enveloped her in a warm hug and Safu felt herself feel lighter. 

Shion hadn’t changed completely like she’d feared. Yes, Shion had lost that faraway gaze of his and he was more open in his affection. He had more confidence now, too. However, there were parts of him that had been irreparably changed due to what No. 6 had done to him. 

Shion’s pale white hair and his striking red eyes and the red snake-like scar that was all around his body replaced the image of the boy she had grown up knowing. His eyes, his hair and his skin were so different. There were also nights where she was made aware of his mental and psychological changes when she heard him screaming in the dead of night. Shion never talked to her about it, only asking about how she was doing, and it worried Safu. Like he felt that he couldn’t truly tell her the extent of his pain, of his trauma.

Do you talk to Nezumi about it?

Safu wanted to ask Shion that question so desperately. What was the extent of Nezumi’s position as the one Shion allowed to stay by his side, the one Shion loved? Was Nezumi the one comforting Shion after his nightmares? Was he sweet and gentle with Shion or was he callous and cold? Did the two of them exchange horror stories about what No. 6 had done to them? Did they find comfort tangled in their shared bed, gripping their hands, and knowing that this was all real? Safu could not relate, could not understand, when she woke up to nightmares with no one by her side. 

What a depressing thought. 

“Safu, whenever you’re ready, we’ll get going!” Shion said, pulling back with his eyes glinting in excitement, “We have so much to see today!”

For some reason, Safu felt a sharp pain in her chest looking at Shion. Something about his smile looked so. . . un-Shion-like. It was more strained and almost rehearsed. She wanted to ask what was wrong, but Nezumi spoke first, asking him to at least let them enjoy their nice breakfast. Shion took time convincing to do that but, luckily, the four of them were able to enjoy a nice breakfast before she was going to have her grand tour.

After breakfast, Safu, Shion and Nezumi made their way to what was formerly West Block. Thanks to Shion’s efforts, the wall had come down and there was easy access to and from the two areas. Shion had also advocated for aid to be given to the poor individuals that had been forsaken by the unfeeling officials of No. 6 so there were still many tents at the old border. There were medical tents where doctors gave the residents free checkups and food tents that gave the needy free food so they would not go to bed hungry. Overall, Shion expected there to be a lot of people they had to carefully navigate through as they were the “talk of the city” as Nezumi so eloquently put it. 

Sadly, Karan could not go with them in their venture to the slowly recovering slums since she had to tend to her bakery. There was an explosion in clients due to her amazing baking skills, all of them clamoring for a taste of her delicious pastries. Safu was sad that she wouldn’t go with them, but she didn’t mind so much when Nezumi and Shion were such good guides.

Shion helped push her wheelchair, pointing at markets where Nezumi would haggle for their food while Nezumi added a comment or two to make fun of him. Sometimes, Nezumi would be open with them and admit to something that had happened to him in the years he first spent living in West Block. Those stories painted a very tragic picture of Nezumi’s already horrific past, but Nezumi waved away her sympathy.

“He does that often,” Shion whispered to her as Nezumi went to get them some snacks from a place Shion loved to eat from, “He doesn’t like to be pitied, despite how sad it was for him.”

“He’s very proud, isn’t he?”

“Proud and too stubborn to let anyone see him as weak,” Shion agreed.

“You two better not be gossiping about me.” Nezumi shot back.

“Never,” Shion said, looking at Safu and shooting her a wink. 

When she laughed, Nezumi looked a bit annoyed but, surprisingly, was also smiling when he saw Shion smiling. Now that she thought about it, Nezumi looked more relaxed than she ever remembered seeing him. He was still on edge, but it was clear that was a result of habit rather than feeling unsafe. He glanced over his shoulders and his hand inside his jacket pocket clutched something he no longer had there.

He also kept looking back to look at Shion, another habit that apparently formed because he didn’t want to lose Shion in the crowd. Every time Shion led them somewhere with excitement, Safu could see the fondness and adoration in Nezumi’s eyes. 

Nezumi loved Shion, just as much as Shion loved him. They didn’t express this love openly, but they didn’t need to. Sometimes, Nezumi would linger close to Shion, eyes fixated on the boy who was engrossed in something else. Other times, Shion would touch Nezumi and continue touching him even if he didn’t have to. It made Safu jealous to see this because she still loved Shion despite everything.

However, it was clear that Shion loved her too.

While Shion stared at Nezumi with love, he didn’t hesitate to look at her with a similar gaze. She knew it was love, just not romantic. Shion didn’t have that faraway look when he looked at her. He was actually looking at her, smiling at her, basking in her presence. 

It occurred to Safu that her near death experience and their separation had truly rattled Shion. While he had loved her before, his expressions told her that he loved her more deeply now. When he stared at her now, it was as if he were looking at something extremely precious. . . or could it be possible that Shion always looked at her with this level of affection, but she had been too busy focusing on his faraway gaze to notice the extent of his love for her?

Shion was a mystery, she concluded, and he kept mysterious company.

“The hotel is right around here,” Nezumi said, looking bored and disgruntled.

“Nezumi, be nice,” Shion laughed, “Inukashi misses you. You’ve been avoiding going to meet them here.”

Nezumi huffed, “It’s because of Shion.”

Safu frowned, “Shion. . .?”

“Not me,” Shion clarified, “Shion is a baby that Inukashi is taking care of. I found him after. . . I found him when he had no one to take care of him. That’s around the time Nezumi and I were picked up by the correctional facility, so I sent him to Inukashi.”

“And Inukashi has been attached to the little kid since,” Nezumi snickered, “Who knew they had any parental instincts? Maybe their mother did actually gave them positive qualities.”

Shion rolled his eyes and, with that, rolled Safu in the direction of the hotel. True to his word, the place was filled with many dogs and, just like Karan said, they were kind and soft. Inukashi was exactly as Nezumi and Shion described them. Karan could see the positives that Shion saw while also seeing those other traits Nezumi talked about.

“So you’re Safu, huh?” Inukashi asked, eying her with sharp eyes.

They were clever and inquisitive, reminding her a lot of Nezumi. They also had a foul mouth but, like Shion had told her, they were honest and charming. Unlike Nezumi, however, Inukashi was less guarded with her. Safu thought it was not their norm based on what Nezumi had talked about and she was proven right when they redirected their attention to the small baby they were taking care of.

“So, as someone who lived in that horrible place, what do you think of our charming, shitty neighborhood?” Inukashi asked, bouncing the baby on their leg.

“It’s very. . . real.” Safu admitted, “Nothing about this place is artificial. Everything here that is beautiful is because it’s natural. It’s nothing like the beautiful places in No. 6. It’s so. . . lively.”

“Great, you are as smart as Shion said you were.”

Safu smiled, “And you are just as described. Less rude than Shion and Nezumi made you out to be, though.”

“Give them a minute or two.” Nezumi retorted. 

Shion laughed, patting Inukashi’s head, “Trust me, Safu will never see that side of Inukashi. Not while baby Shion is here.”

“Hey, don’t make me out to be too nice,” Inukashi said, almost pouting, “I have a reputation to hold, Shion!”

“Ah, of course, the world will end if people know you’re soft on your friends,” Shion said, winking at Safu.

“Hey!”

Shion and Inukashi led her through the hotel, Nezumi pushing her wheelchair when she got tired of wheeling it. Shion pointed out many dogs and said their names while Inukashi told her that there was another pregnant stray they had found. Based on the dog’s physique, Inukashi figured they would give birth soon and asked if Shion could come to see the birth. Shion promised he and Safu would be there, and she found it odd that Nezumi would not join them for the puppy birth.

They ate food in Inukashi’s hotel, enjoying the light breeze and the sunlight in their outdoor picnic. Inukashi and Nezumi bickered playfully while Shion pointed out to her more dogs. Inukashi kept praising Karan’s bread and Safu asked if Inukashi would let her spend a night here with one of their dogs. Nezumi tried to discourage that, but Shion said it would be a great idea for a sleepover with her, Karan, and himself. Again, strangely enough, Nezumi was absent from this plan.

By the time they left the hotel, Inukashi informed them that Rikigia had gone to visit Karan in her bakery so they wouldn’t be able to visit him. Instead, Shion decided that this was the perfect time to go to the place where he and Nezumi lived while Shion was in exile. Nezumi agreed and, with that, they set off to that old, quaint room filled with books that Shion always talked about.

“Welcome, Safu, to our home!”

It was a small room, as expected, with things like a bed, a cute table in the middle, a couch, and other knick-knacks. It was nothing compared to the luxury of some of the homes in No. 6, but Safu immediately loved this place. Not only that but, true to all the stories of this place, this room was filled with books. Safu had never seen real books like this, used to the e-papers that No. 6 relied on. However, upon touching the spine of a book called Don Quixote, she realized she was equally enamored by these books. 

“Do you have every book in existence?”

“No, I’m not the Library of Alexandria.”

Safu snickered, picking up a book with no title, “Can I read these?”

“That’s what books are for,” Nezumi replied, picking up a book and giving it to her, “Try this one.”

“Hamlet?”

“I think you’ll like it.”

Safu nodded, opening it to the first page. She began to read, finding herself engrossed by the story as she learned about the ghost of a dead king appearing before people. As she began to read about the succeeding king and the heir, the titular Hamlet, she could see that Shion and Nezumi were moving around the room. She was going to ignore them until she saw Shion give Nezumi a bag filled with things like matches, water bottles and other supplies.

“What are you two doing?”

Shion jumped and Nezumi closed the bag. Shion looked at her and gave her a strained smile, as if he was going to lie to her. Nezumi did nothing but stare at her, as if already expecting a scolding for something.

“We’re just-.”

“Packing.”

“Packing? To move this stuff to your mom’s house, Shion?”

Shion hesitated before shaking his head. Nezumi opened his mouth, as if to explain when Shion grabbed his arm. Something was wrong. Something had changed. No, that wasn’t correct. Nothing changed, it was just that she was going to finally get clarity on . . . on what? What was it that she had not realized.

“Shion? What’s going on?”

“Safu. . .” Shion sighed, sounding defeated in a way that made Safu’s chest ache, “Nezumi is. . . Nezumi is leaving.”

Safu’s eyes widened as Shion avoided her gaze. Nezumi was quiet, still holding onto the bag. She looked at the two of them again and could see how defeated Shion looked. His shoulders were slumped, and she finally understood why Shion had looked so sad before. 

“Where is he going?”

Nezumi shrugged, “I’m leaving this place and going out to the world.”

An exploration? It fit Nezumi’s wandering, inquisitive nature.

“When will you come back?”

Nezumi shook his head, “Safu, I don’t have a place to come back to.”

Shion put back a book on the shelf, avoiding her gaze. She knew that he did that when he didn’t want her to guess how he was feeling. Safu knew exactly how he felt. Shion must have been destroyed.

She knew what Nezumi was to Shion. Nezumi was a thief that had stolen a part of Shion’s self for himself, and Shion had stolen a piece of Nezumi for himself. They were intertwined, star-crossed lovers that were hopefully meant to live together for a long time. One without the other was lost and they would rather die together than have one live and the other die. They would do anything for each other, would be willing to live on for the sake of the other despite their traumas and scars. 

To hear Nezumi wanted to leave and leave Shion behind as if those bonds were not there, as if Shion’s pain couldn’t destroy him. . . it was too cruel. Safu didn’t want Nezumi to leave. He couldn’t leave. Not when she was beginning to understand this person.

Safu liked Nezumi. Her affection towards him could never be the same as how she felt about Shion, but she had come to hold Nezumi in high regard. Nezumi was the one that had broken through Shion’s seemingly apathetic existence and breathed life into him. Nezumi had been the one to protect Shion, had nearly died for Shion and had lived for Shion.

Nezumi was kind to her, even if it was in his own way. He had understood her intentions in the correctional facility, had honored her wishes and had even mourned her. While Karan and Shion were the ones most involved in her care, Nezumi was the one that had made her laugh for the first time after returning her body. Nezumi had been the one that had not treated her like she was fragile. He respected her and it made her respect him, in turn.

Nezumi was kind, intelligent, witty, scholarly, strong, rude, and cynical. He was able to be vulnerable and open despite being so jaded and cruel. How could he leave when she was barely learning all of these things about him?

How could he leave them?

“. . .No. You can’t leave.”

“. . . What did you say?”

Shion still wasn’t looking at either of them, making an expression Safu couldn’t see. Nezumi gazed at her and Safu felt naked under that intense gaze again. Nezumi’s beautiful eyes were just like the boy himself – beautiful, intelligent, and dangerous. Safu had a hard time composing herself.

“You can’t leave.”

Nezumi raised an eyebrow, amusement washing over his features, “Are you playing the role of my mother, Safu? I don’t need your permission to leave this place. I was just telling you.”

Safu felt herself frown, “If you leave, then you can never show yourself in front of Shion again.”

“Safu!”

This made Nezumi frown, a dark expression crossing his face. That was an expression Safu didn’t think he could make. He wasn’t just angry, he looked hurt and upset. He looked on edge, as if the threat had hit a nerve. Good, she was glad that he was angry too. She was livid.

“Who are you to make that decision?”

Safu lowered her friend, clutching the arm of her wheelchair, “I’m the person that loves Shion the most in this world and he is the person I love the most. It doesn’t matter anymore if that love is romantic or platonic but it’s true. We love each other. Because of this, I know that you leaving will leave Shion torn. It doesn’t matter if he has his mom, Inukashi, Rikigia or me in his life. You. . . you are his precious Nezumi, the one who did what no one else could and breathed new life into him. Leaving him when you don’t have to. . . how selfish is that?! You are so selfish!”  

Safu was so angry at Nezumi. How dare he throw Shion aside, leave his side on purpose, when that had been the position Safu had been dying to occupy? She wished she had been in Nezumi’s spot even when she thought she’d die. Her desire had been to remain at Shion’s side, to stay with him, to live with him. Nezumi had everything she had wished for when she had been dying and he was throwing it away. 

It wasn’t fair.

Nezumi scowled at her, “I’m selfish for wanting to leave this place for my own sake?”

“Yes.”

“Then are you not also just as selfish, Safu? You don’t care about my feelings on this matter, you only seem to care about your own and, by extension, Shion’s.”

“I am selfish,” Safu replied, “I won’t deny that, I won’t be a hypocrite. I, unlike you, try to avoid hurting others with my selfishness.”

“I’m not trying to hurt others but I’m not going to sacrifice my wants for others. I’m not that self-serving. I refuse to be that selfless.”

Safu was angry and Nezumi was angry too. Just when she thought that she understood Nezumi, he did something like this. Why? Didn’t he care about Shion? About Karan, Inukashi or her? Was he not thinking about how lucky he was that he had all of this? 

They could have died two weeks ago. For a moment, she and Nezumi had truly died and left this world. They could’ve left behind this world that, while cruel and broken, was filled with beauty and the people they loved. They were lucky to be alive, lucky to continue living and enjoying the small gifts of being alive. How was Nezumi willing to throw it all away for a selfish whim? Why couldn’t he just appreciate what he had right now?

“You’re so-!”

“Stop it, please.”

Safu and Nezumi turned to look at Shion who had a single tear roll down his cheek. He was clutching his coat tightly and his lower lip was wobbling. He sniffed, blinking away his tears. She could see Nezumi turning to look away, as if guilty. 

“This day wasn’t supposed to end in a fight,” Shion muttered, wiping his tears, “I just wanted to enjoy this day with two people I love so much. You’re both so important to my life and I almost lost you both. I thought this day was a dream come true. . . please. . .  please don’t fight.”

Safu pointed at Nezumi, “He’s the one that wants to leave. It’s not my fault that he doesn’t understand that no one wants him to leave, not even me.”

“She’s the one who won’t consider my point of view.”

Shion shook his head, “Unbelievable. Two of the smartest people I know . . . and you’re both idiots.”

“Hey!” Safu and Nezumi shouted.

Shion smiled weakly, “Safu, I don’t want Nezumi to leave either but that’s his decision. No. 6 has hurt him badly. . . it has hurt us too. Our scars that remain from that pain remind us that it happened, and we can’t erase that. No. 6 imprisoned Nezumi and took away his freedom, even when Nezumi was no longer in their hands. No. 6 is gone and Nezumi is truly free. Safu, I-I don’t want to be another jailer for him.”

“But you love him,” Safu whispered, putting her head down, “Why would you let him leave if it’ll hurt you?”

“Because it’s what he needs.” Shion smiled, crouching down to hold her hands, “Safu, it would not be an eternal farewell. Nezumi would come back, I know that. I don’t want him to leave but I can’t chain him down to stay by my side. You understand that, right?”

She did. She understood it because, when she thought she was going to die in that dreadful correctional facility, Elyurias had asked her if she had wished for Shion to die with her. The answer had been that Safu loved Shion enough to not be that selfish. She wanted her beloved Shion to live, to live on and change the world, even if it meant she wouldn’t be by his side. She squeezed Shion’s hands tightly, conveying her understanding.

“Oh, Safu,” Shion said with adoration and love, “I’m happy that you’re my friend, my irreplaceable and precious Safu. . .”

“Shion, I just don’t want you to be sad.”

“I don’t want that for him, either,” Nezumi admitted, “I just don’t truly have a place for me here, not in this place that holds too many memories. Good or bad, these memories are something I need to spend time figuring out. I need to. . . I need to understand certain mysteries.”

Safu felt horrible for yelling at Nezumi, but she didn’t regret it. Nezumi looked upset but not devastated. Clearly, he wasn’t just being mindlessly selfish about leaving. He had clearly thought about this decision a lot. She couldn’t begrudge him that. She had just been shortminded in thinking that he was mindlessly leaving out of selfishness and that he hadn’t loved them all enough to stay. She hated this feeling more than the jealousy that sometimes turned its ugly head.

“Nezumi, how about a deal?”

Nezumi looked at her, raising an eyebrow, “A deal?”

“My deal is this: you can leave No. 6 only after I’m fully healed, and I can walk again.”

“That could take months, years or maybe it’ll never happen.”

Safu nodded, “You’re right, but I think I will recover eventually. It’ll leave you enough time to think about leaving right away. You don’t know if you’ll regret leaving months after you’re gone.”

“You think I’ll change my mind, Safu?”

“I hope you do, Nezumi. I really don’t want you to leave and I’m sure Shion, his mother, Inukashi and even Rikigia won’t want you to leave either. But, like Shion said. . . you’re free. We’re not your new jailers and forcing you to stay. Once I’m recovered and you still want to leave. . . we won’t stop you. Just don’t leave right now. We still need you here.”

Nezumi’s eyes were soft as he looked at her. What did his eyes see? Her fear, her jealousy, her anger, her pain, her guilt, her lack of guilt? Her genuine wish for him to not leave? She wasn’t sure what Nezumi saw as he stared back at her. She wasn’t even sure what she saw when she looked at him with the same calculating eyes. He reached out his hand and Safu took it. She could see Shion looking up at Nezumi, also anticipating Nezumi’s answer.

“. . . Alright.”

Safu and Shion smiled, looking at each other and reflecting their relief at each other. Shion hugged Nezumi, burrowing his face against Nezumi’s chest. Nezumi looked caught off-guard, but he melted into Shion’s hug, releasing a sigh that sounded so tired. Shion turned to look back at her and hugged her too.

“Thank you, Safu!”

Safu patted Shion’s back, “I just bought us more time.”

“That’s all I need! All I need is more time with people I love- you, Nezumi, my mom, Inukashi and Rikigia. I’m just so happy to get it.”

Shion was so easy to make happy, Safu thought with a start. She was surprised how easily he had gotten happy with a deal that could still lead to his first love to leave him and, possibly, never return. Some things truly never changed, she supposed. Shion had been easy to make happy too, before that day that Shion was stripped of his elite status, and she was glad that it was a trait that had never been robbed from Shion despite how much the world had changed him.

Shion slowly left her embrace and walked away from Nezumi and Safu. The two of them exchanged puzzled looks as Shion stopped in front of the bed, staring at it for a good minute in silence, until he laid down.

 “Come on, let’s take a nap right now.”

Safu wondered if her confused expression was mirrored by Nezumi’s. Shion patted the bed, staring at them both, and repeated himself. Despite repeating himself, Safu was still unsure what Shion wanted so she continued to stare. 

Nezumi shook his head, “We won’t fit. Your Highness needs plenty of space to sleep.”

Shion glanced at him, “We will fit if we squeeze together.”

Nezumi groaned and made his way to the bed. Safu smiled and was about to head to the couch to continue reading Hamlet when Shion turned to look at her. He smiled, eyes still red-rimmed with tears, and patted the bed. She felt herself realize that the “we” Shion was referring to wasn’t just limited to Nezumi. The invitation was for her too. 

Safu got out of her wheelchair, leaving the book on the chair to read later, and squeezed into the bed alongside Nezumi and Shion. Shion grabbed Safu’s hand and Nezumi’s, closing his eyes. Nezumi sighed, leaning closer to Shion’s side.

Safu stared at them and thought the three of them made quite the sight. Three heavily scarred people that No. 6 tormented who, despite the actions of vile and careless individuals, survived. They had gotten the last laugh, able to live on in a world that they would change for the better. This is how it should be.

They had their roles to play that could, eventually, lead them down separate paths. Nezumi’s nature was to be a wanderer, free as the wind and trying to see it all in search of himself. Shion’s nature was to be someone who remained, ensuring that the wanderer had a place to return to. Her nature was to be an observer, watching everything and keeping memory of the world around her. 

It was possible that Nezumi would leave even after the deadline of her walking expired. However. . . However, that didn’t matter right now. What mattered right now was the warmth that Nezumi and Shion had, how tightly Shion held her hand and showed her that he loved her deeply. Nezumi’s head was leaning against Shion’s, eyes staring at Shion with a saddened look in his eyes.

“Go to sleep, Nezumi,” Shion whispered, opening one eye, “Don’t stare at me like that. Besides, I’m taking you both to the theater tonight.”

“Ugh, I don’t want to see any bad performances tonight.” Nezumi groaned.

Shion snickered, turning to look at Safu, “Nezumi used to be an actor called Eve.”

“Don’t tell her that.”

“He looks so beautiful onstage, and he has the most beautiful singing voice. When you see him perform as Eve, it’s like a whole different person. I hope you see that one day.”

“Before you leave, then,” Safu said, clutching Shion’s hand, “Nezumi, you have to perform for us. One last performance.”

“I have to be paid to perform.”

Shion moved and she heard Nezumi give out a soft groan. Based on their position, Safu knew that Shion had elbowed Nezumi slightly. The guarded young man, tough and strong as he was, shared her weakness – a soft spot for Shion. No doubt that, if it had been someone else, Nezumi would have retaliated. But he didn’t with Shion. . . not with Shion.

“Fine, it’ll be a free performance. However, I won’t do it in front of others. Just you two.”

“And Shion’s mom.”

“. . . Fine, in front of her too.”

“What about Inukashi?”

“They’d have to pay but I can give them a discount for the baby.”

“What about Rikigia?”

“He pays full price.”

The three of them laughed. Shion asked Nezumi which of his plays he’d perform. Nezumi replied he was open to any suggestion. Safu asked them if she could browse the books later and get to choose the play which Shion agreed with. Eventually, Nezumi caved in and said that Safu would get to have the choice of which play he’d perform.

The three of them stayed like that, muttering ideas and plans for the future. Shion tried to get up to write some of them down, but Safu and Nezumi pulled him back into the bed. It was too comfortable right now for any of them to move. Shion, a pushover for their demands today, obliged and said that Nezumi would have to remember all of their plans. Nezumi reluctantly agreed, teasing Shion that “his majesty’s wish is my command.” 

Safu found that she didn’t ever want to leave this room. She wanted to stay in this room with Nezumi and Shion and forget about the world outside. She wanted to stay here a bit longer and forget about what the future would hold. For a moment, she wanted to stretch this moment into a lifetime. She wanted to remain this happy, at least for a little bit longer. 

Safu turned to look at Nezumi, feeling herself growing drowsy, “Can you sing for us?”

“What, like a lullaby?” 

“Mmhmm.”

Nezumi smiled and Safu thought he looked younger when he did that with no malice, “Alright, then.”

Safu closed her eyes and a beautiful yet sorrowful song echoed in this cozy and warm room. Safu let herself drift between waking and sleep, feeling herself as light as the song. The hand holding hers was still warm and the voice was so soothing. She felt like she was floating just like when she no longer had a body. However, unlike before, she knew that she had two people right next to her, floating with her. 

“You have a beautiful voice, Nezumi. . .”

Whatever happens later didn’t matter anymore. 

All that mattered was the present as the wanderer, the one who remains, and the observer drifted into a restful sleep in a room where they could be safe and sound. 

[griseldabanks]

Let Me Count the Ways ask game

I'm down to my last couple of requests, so I think it's time to send this out again. I've crossed out the prompts I've already written or am in the process of writing.

"I missed you."

"You're my idiot."

"You're not a burden."

"I trust you with my life."

"I love you. Yeah, for real."

"I'll never give up on you."

"I can't imagine how I lived without you. I mean, I can remember it, but I can't imagine how I considered that living."

"I've got you."

"Don't EVER scare me like that again!"

"I thought I lost you…"

"How could you do this to me?"

"I know this may be hard to believe, but I'm on your side."

"Of course we're best friends. No one else would put up with your shenanigans."

"Do you trust me?"

"What? I meant it as a compliment."

"I can't do this anymore."

"Are you just going to keep walking by my house or are you going to come in?"

"Dude. It's three in the morning."

"Where are your clothes?"

"I can't believe I'm telling you this."

"I should have told you this a long time ago."

"Why are you helping me?"

"I feel like we've met before…."

"No, I don't care what 'they' think."

"Can't believe this drive is going to take 10 hours…. You wanna play I Spy or License Plate Poker?"

"I'm still mad at you. A broken elevator won't change that. Get away from me. That's YOUR side."

"Leave you? You know how hard it was for me to TRAIN YOU to deal with me?"

"Why does my blanket smell like you?"

"It's not my fault."

"Trust me."

"I wish…"

"Forgive me."

"Thank you."

"I'll keep you safe."

"Why did you do it?"

"Where are we going?"

"Now what?"

"Stay with me for a while."

"Did you really do that?"

"I love you. You know that, right?"

"I have no idea what just happened."

"What are friends for?"

"Please don't be mad."

"You're not wrong."

"I never told you, but…"

"Stop! Can we think this through?"

"Whatever happens, don't forget."

"We should eat something."

"I haven't slept in days."

"I know that face."

Note: I'm only going to write for platonic relationships. There's plenty of great romances out there, but I want to focus on friendships and familial relationships. Even if you send in one of my OTPs, I'm going to write them platonically. Also, I'm perfectly happy to write about my usual blorbos, but I think it would be a fun challenge to try to write characters I wouldn't normally go for. Check out my main blog @novelmonger for my main fandoms, or go ahead and send in some characters to see if I know them. I'd love to fill all of these prompts, so feel free to send me LOTS :D

Non-exhaustive list of duos I'd like to write:

Ed and Al (FMA)

Ed and Mustang (FMA)

Steve and Bucky (MCU)

Steve and Sam (MCU)

Sam and Bucky (MCU)

Frodo and Sam (LotR)

Legolas and Gimli (LotR)

Sam and Dean (Supernatural)

John and Sherlock (BBC Sherlock)

Link and Navi (Zelda)

Fai and Kurogane (Tsubasa Chronicle)

Shion and Nezumi (No.6)

Hyakkimaru and Dororo (Dororo)

Nate and Sully (Uncharted)

Nate and Sam (Uncharted)

Joel and Ellie (The Last of Us)

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan (Star Wars)

Beat and Rhyme (The World Ends with You)

Kara and Alice (Detroit: Become Human)

Hank and Connor (Detroit: Become Human)

L and Watari (Death Note)

Din and Grogu (The Mandalorian)

[ichorblossoms]

*poke poke* 19, A, B and E for Grimm?

19) What is their favorite number?

dunno actually. at least nothing has presented itself as a recurring number in the story yet so ??? for now

A) Why are you excited about this character?

dog imagery babey! specifically coyote imagery <3

B) What inspired you to create them?

i talked abt it a bit here, but grimm was initially inspired by nezumi from no. 6 in that they're both ppl who have been raised in really harsh worlds who have a pretty bleak outlook on life. also the dark hair/grey eyes deal hehe it does look a lot like meis from promare but that was more of a coincidence than intention

tht being said there's also my love for coyotes and i wanted a character to really explore dog motifs with. i'm not one to really make characters who are literally dogs or anthro characters all that often so humanoid dogperson it is yeehaw

E) Are they someone you would get along with? Would they get along with you?

mmm. we would get along, but only on a surface level. that's bc grimm is so adverse to connecting with people, but isn't bad at talking to people. i know i'm decently chatty, so i feel like there would be a substantial amount of conversation, but everything on grimm's end would be a heavily omitted truth or just a straight up lie, the way they treat nearly everyone