#now I need Keiko to make one of these videos too

[putschki1969]

What's Inside my Bag 【Request】

Hello, this is Hikaru. Thank you for watching! This time, I decided to show you the contents of my bag since I got some requests in the comment section of previous videos👜 I wonder if I did a good job introducing all the items...? 😂 Please send comments and submit requests!

Ohhh!! I really enjoy seeing all the stuff that Hikaru carries with her when she goes to the studio. Also, I had no idea that Hikaru has a personal trainer (who apparently also designs bags XD) Hikaru really is the type to use this type of bag instead of something fancy and branded.

[hanmaitani]

Jealousy

PAIRING - Bodyguard!Matsukawa x Reckless!Reader, Oikawa x Reader WC - 2.4K GENRE - smu, angst CW - Jealousy makes you do stupid shit. Consensual recording of sex. Unprotected sex. Creampie.

PREV PART | MASTERLIST | NEXT PART

You panted heavily. Head thrown back as his hands guided your hips back and forth along his own. “Oh fuck, just like that.” He mumbled against the bare of your chest, tongue licking up against the salty skin of your breast before sucking softly on it, careful not to make a mark.

Your hands twisted into his brown curls and tugged, whining when his dick thrust against your insides and tapped against a sensitive spot. You tried not to feel anything other than the pleasure curling inside of you now.

You knew. There was no way that you couldn’t know. Keiko and Matsukawa always being unavailable at the same times. It was a subtle type of jealousy that crawled its way around your heart. One that you didn’t realize was there. One you couldn’t name. One that you wanted to leave.

You tried to handle it the only way you knew how. Revenge. Specifically, a revenge fuck. He was sleeping with one of your friends so maybe you’d repay the favor.

“Come onnnn.” You whined and begged, leaning on the center console of the SUV so your head poked between the empty passenger seat and where Hanamki sat in the driver’s seat.

“No.” Hanamaki was trying not to laugh, as your dramatic self flopped on the console, trying to give him puppy dog begging eyes. “I’m not going to fuck you.” You’d been trying for about ten minutes now, and failing for about ten minutes.

You huffed for a second before you smiled sickly sweet up at him, “I’ll let you cum in me?”

He couldn’t help the laugh he barked out then. Hanamaki sighed and pushed his shades onto the top of his head, subsequently pushing his strawberry tinted blond hair back as he turned to face you completely. “Kid,” he started, a small smile still playing on his lips as he ruffled your hair, “I know that you know this is just those self-destructive tendencies you’ve got.” He sighs again and it’s like you can feel his pity rocket straight into your heart. “I’m not gonna fuck you just because you and Mattsun are playing some game of who’s being more pussy about your feelings.”

You blink up at him in shock for a moment, trying to register what he’d said. “Wait.” You shake your head. “No, I don’t have feelings for Mattsun and he doesn’t have feelings for me, it isn’t like that.” But you’re speaking fast and it’s like you’re failing at convincing even yourself so you steer the other direction again. “This isn’t about feelings, it’s like…. A dry spell?”

“Kid, you know I’m in love with your brother, right?”

You roll your eyes at the unsurprising information, as though you’d not been watching the way Hanamaki looked at your older brother for years. “Yeah and? You like girls too, right?” It was rhetorical but he opened his mouth to respond until you kept talking. “You can’t confess, I can’t confess, so let’s just-”

“Thought there wasn’t anything to confess?” He looks at you like he’s just caught you in a trap and you freeze. He doesn’t give you the chance to redefend your point, however. “Listen, I love you. I have seen you at your worst, I’ve been there through it all. This,” he gestures to the state you’re in right now generally, “isn’t it girl. You’re like my younger sister. Woman up.” He ends it with a soft flick to your forehead as a pout grows on your lips. He flips his shades back over his eyes, his soft hair easily falling back down to cover his forehead as he turned back to the road. “Which club tonight?”

You knew that he was right. Hanamaki was never the right option. You’d decided you needed a different approach. That’s what brought you in front of a video camera again. You could see the image of yourself and your partner on the computer screen on his desk.

You couldn’t see your face, the camera cut off at just under your chin. It was commonplace to never show your face on camera, your father’s work putting you in the public eye too often for comfort if you were to be publicly found out. Your partner however, had no such qualms. His face was only not shown at the moment because it was pressed between your breasts, licking strips up your skin as he pulled your hips down onto him repeatedly.

Your thighs shook as they spread across his hips, having a harder time keeping your body up as he continued to fuck up into you. Your breath shook, you wanted to cum but you were so focused on trying to stay up, to keep your face out of sight that you couldn’t. You whined in protest and the request came tumbling out. “Oikawa, can’t st-ah. Can’t stay up.”

Oikawa’s head came up from between your breasts and took in the look on your face, a mix of pleasure and frustration. He chuckled a bit but nodded. He moved you easily, lifting you from his lap, keeping your face out of the frame as he slipped out from under you. “Turn that way.” He nodded his head towards the wall opposite the camera and you took the direction, turning your head and letting your hair shield your face as he moved behind you.

Your chest was heaving still, your breasts bobbing slightly as he held you up, your body tired from how long the two of you had been at it. It was the first time you’d met with him, he’d been just a follower, a number and user on your screen until recently. He had a huge following and you’d needed a boost to your account anyways. When he’d asked to collab you’d had the perfect idea.

He chuckled as he pressed your upper body into the bed, hiding your face again before pulling your hips up for him. You whined as he did this, not being coherent enough to move yourself and kind of loving the way he just moved your body how he wanted. Oikawa’s hand reached out for the camera, winking at it before directing it down towards his view of you.

“Dick just so good she can’t keep upright anymore.” You rolled your eyes at the cockiness in his tone but didn’t respond. The camera picked up the way your tangled hair spread around where you buried your face in the pillow, exposing the delicate skin of your neck. He trailed his finger, and the camera from there down your spine and how it curved for him. Down until he got to your ass, grabbing a handful and pulling it from the other. You whined at how you could feel your lower lips part from the grip, cool air brushing your wet core. The camera caught it too.

“Oikawaaa.” You whined his name as you reached back, your fingers finding his cock and trying to drag it back to your entrance. The camera caught the way your perfectly manicured nails guided his tip to your wetness and the way his cockhead spread your cunt open before he pulled back out, your wetness shiny on the rubber covering his cock. “Take it off.” It was almost too quiet, but he and the camera heard you perfectly. Especially when your fingers tugged slightly at the bit of space left at the top of the condom when he pulled back.

“Look at what a freak she is.” He was talking to the camera, not to you. “Want me to fuck you raw?” You whined in response, a show for the camera, you really couldn’t care. He was already pulling the condom off and letting it drop next to your knee before pressing his cock back to your entrance.

There was a slick squelch from your cunt as he bottomed out in one motion he groaned lowly and kept the camera trained on how your body swallowed his cock thrust after thrust. This was easier for you to do. Nothing you had to focus on except for pressing your fingers to your clit and chasing your own orgasm. It was easy then, feeling the coils twisting and tightening, close to snapping as his hips got quicker.

Your orgasm was underwhelming but was relieving after having unconsciously holding it off. Oikawa followed soon after, hips stuttering and then halting, tip still inside as he came inside of you. His cum leaked out around his cock, dripping down your thighs as he pointed the camera at it. He zoomed in on the way it pooled next to your knee, tauntingly flowing onto the discarded condom before he trained the camera back up to where it continued to leak out of you.

Matsukawa tossed his phone down on the couch in irritation as he stood over your form in your shared living room. “You fucked Oikawa? Are you fucking kidding me!?” You actually weren’t aware of how close he and Oikawa had been until after you’d posted the video. Oikawa had mentioned something about how ‘Mattsun will never believe this.’ It had made you freeze.

You rolled your eyes and feigned nonchalance, pretending like it didn’t make you a little bit proud that Matsukawa was upset about the situation. “It’s just good business, Mattsun.” A smirk formed around his name as you stared up at him, you could see his fists clench out of the corner of your eye. “Tooru’s got a great following.” You let the name slide off your tongue, Oikawa’s first name. It had Matsukawa’s jaw clenching, the vein on his neck seeming to pop.

“That’s not just business.” He growled in irritation. “You let him cum in you.” So he had watched the whole thing. You had to shove down your temptation to laugh at him.

“But Mattsuunnnn.” You drew out the last consonant in a bit of a whine, missing the way his breath hitched at the sound of his name falling from your lips like that. “Look how popular the video is. It’s gonna make soooo much money.” You put on your sweetest smile. You weren’t wrong and Matsukawa knew it. The video had done better in one night than most did in their first week up. “People like to see cum.” You giggled but gasped when he grabbed your arm and started to drag you towards the bathroom. “Hey! What are you doing!”

He rolled his eyes and placed you in a sitting position on top of the toilet seat cover. “Sit there.” You opened your mouth to speak but he cut you off again. “Quietly.” You rolled your eyes but complied, intrigued as you watched him riffle through the cabinets before taking out a bag you recognized from the back of the space. “Open.” He instructed as he broke one of the Plan B pills out of their packaging. You laughed at him but stuck your tongue out with a dramatic ‘ahhh’ sound and let him toss the pill into your mouth before giving you a glass of tap.

When you were done swallowing it you laughed and put your arms on the counter, leaning forward to watch as he turned to the medicine cabinet looking for his next goal. “Really? I would have done that after breakfast, you know.”

“No one wants a mini Oikawa running around. Have you even taken your birth control yet, today?” He dropped the foil packet on the counter when he found it and you barked another laugh.

“I’m not a baby, you don’t have to remind me.”

“Yeah? Well today’s is still in that packaging so if I don’t you’ll end up having one.” He snapped and you scoffed as you grabbed at the packet of pills.

“I’m not gonna get pregnant, Mattsun.” You assure as you pop the tiny pill in your mouth and take another swig of the tap water.

“Not if I can help it you won’t.” He says it like he’s protecting you. He pretends that’s the reason too. Because protecting you is his job. He won’t admit that some part inside of him just absolutely hates the idea of Oikawa possibly being able to lay a claim on you like that.

“So.” You kick your feet in the air over the side of the couch. You’re laying on it sideways so that you can still see Matsukawa in the kitchen making dinner for the two of you. “If I can’t see Oikawa again,” he had strictly forbade it after a long and heated discussion between the two of you earlier which led to him insulting Oikawa and telling you that you’d sleep with him again ‘over his dead body,’ “is there any friends you could hook me up with?”

Matsukawa doesn’t even bother looking over his shoulder to entertain you. His voice is monotone as he responds. “I don’t have friends.”

You snort lightly. “Fine, I’ll just ask Makki.”

“Makki doesn’t have friends either.” Matsukawa shot back his answer so quickly that you had to almost find it kind of impressive.

“You know, Tooru mentioned one guy that y’all used to hang around with a lot… what was his name?” You pretended to think for a second, tapping your chin and humming. “Wasn’t it Iw-”

“No.” Matsukawa answered quickly, cutting off the line of conversation before you could even fully finish saying his name.“Fine.” You groaned as you let your head flop back on the couch. “You know, I could set you up with one of my friends. I’ve got a ton that would like you.” You miss the way that the muscles in his back clench at the offer, a stiffness flooding his body as he glances at the way you’ve seemed to melt back into the couch, staring at the ceiling now. Your mind is spinning about who you would let have him. Something from the back of it screams ‘no one!’ You ignore that. The biggest thought in your brain is, instead… anyone other than someone who was so close to being you, but not you. Anyone but Keiko.

a/n oikawa be being a lil shit without even knowing it

TAGLIST - OPEN

@boosyboo9206 @faumpje @miyamizuna

@all-in-the-fandoms @pearl-blue-musings @qichun

[mazeofyeni]

⭕. !!: ° ... YOUTUBE : WHAT'S IN MY BAG !! ‧ ₊˚

↺ ▪️ ࣪ ˖ ∿ 08.27.24 , what's in keikos bag !

「 keiko's masterlist 𖹭 」

╰┈➤ ❝ THIS IS MY FIRST VIDEO ALONE IM NERVOUS 𓂃 ! ❞

"i got home from work and realized i never did a what's in my bag." she said , "so now im all washed for the night , and it's quiet so i decided to do it now."

"i do have a lot of bags , but this is the bag i use the most , and it's the louis vuitton bag i got from fashion week." she said , showing the camera the bag.

"i take good care of this bag , it was a gift so i cherish it , and handle it with care." she said. "it also comes with a wallet , you can't put anything inside the wallet , but cards so of course that's what's in there — and i can't show you guys that of course." she laughed , "so let's just move on the bag , let's see what's in here."

"of course it's the obvious thing." she said pulling out her device. "my phone."

"what person goes anywhere without their phone , it's essential." she said. "most of the time i have a bag , but if it decide one day , hey i don't want to bring it , i still always make sure to have my phone." she said. "okay let's see what else."

"speaking of devices , my one and only true loves my headphones."

"this attachment things on them , sohee bought them , i saw them online and he got them for my birthday." she smiled. "i think they're so cool , they're like butterflies , isn't that cool?" she said.

"okay moving on from devices." she said. "we have a mini perfume." she showed the camera.

"it's by heretic , it's vanilla scented." she said. "i have a bigger one that i leave here , and this i take out for the day if i need to freshen up, or when i travel.

"okay next is my glasses , i do have a case don't worry , they aren't just in there." she laughed.

"i wear my glasses most of the time , except on stage of course , i wear contacts , but i wear these mostly , you know i don't really like contacts , but they helpful."

"and of course my babies , my sonny angels."

"my babies are clothed , they do not go out of the house naked , they're not heathens , i even made them little necklaces." she said. "i have like 10 of these little dolls , but these two come with all the time."

"and the last three things, besides my phone , these are also essential for me , my clawclip my lipgloss and hi-chews ."

"i feel like these are essentials for most girls, well not the hi chews that's probably just me — well no , maybe i don't know." she laughed. "and lip gloss of course, can't have dry lips." she said. "and claw clip , when the day is over and im too overstimulated , my hair just gets in the way , so gotta have that."

"okay , well that's everything." she said. "everything i carry with me to work or out on town." she said. "that's it , i guess ill be back soon with another video." she smiled , "bye I love you guys!"

©MAZEOFYENI

[akihabaradivision]

Otaku Corps Drama Track 1 - Living Life By One's Own Rules, Not Someone Else's

Pt. 3

— Hiromi Residence, Akihabara —

[An old-timey house, nestled in the heart of Akihabara, stood as a testament to the past amidst the city's modern bustle. This was the home of Criss's grandparents, where she had lived since her parents, both an explorer and an archeologist, mysteriously stopped sending her letters and gifts from their travels when she was 16.]

[Her room was a mosaic of memories, walls adorned with maps and photos from her parents' expeditions. Each artifact, each letter, a piece of the puzzle she yearned to solve. Her determination to uncover the truth about her parents' disappearance was what drove her to become a paranormal investigator. Though there were times she often thought they had abandoned her, she still refused to accept that as answer, determined to find out the truth, someday.]

[As she thought about her parents, her phone suddenly buzzed, snapping her back to the present. It was Keiko, calling her to action. With a glance at the unsolved mystery that haunted her, the paranormal investigator grabbed her jacket and headed out, her resolve as strong as ever.]

Criss: *To herself* One day, I'll find you guys. But today, my friends need me. See you both later.

— Tokyo University, Keiko's Dorm Room —

[The kitchen was alive with the sounds and smells of baking. Keiko, in her element, was preparing a spread of sweets and snacks. She glanced at the door, anticipating Criss's arrival, hoping her friend would understand the new journey she was about to propose. Her friend, Nikki, who thankfully, was in a good mood, accepted Keiko's invitation, though the manga artist knew that the e-gamer was wondering what the purpose of all of this was.]

[She caught a glance at the woman in question, who was sitting on the couch in the living room, fiddling with her phone, a bored look on her face. Nikki had arrived shortly after Keiko had asked for her and Criss both, and was now patiently waiting. The manga artist hoped Criss would arrive soon before Nikki grew frustrated and left. Keiko needed both of them here at the same time, as talking about what she had planned to the both of them would be a lot easier.]

[It had been several days since Keiko had her meeting with the Prime Minister about her entry into the Division Rap Battle. Because of her entry, Otome had put Keiko's daily duties and responsibilities on hold for the time being, wanting her to be completely focused and prepared for the tournament. Although she still had to make weekly status reports, she was basically free from work for the time being. Although Keiko would miss seeing her superior, Nemu-san, for a while, she was grateful for this slight reprieve.]

[Despite that, Keiko knew she only had a few days left to finalize her team and complete her registration into the D.R.B. It was for this reason she had invited both Criss and Nikki over for a snacks and a quick catch-up, in hopes that it would put both of them in a more amicable mood. Truthfully, she wasn't worried too much about Criss, as Keiko knew she'd gladly agree to joining the D.R.B. The real problem was Nikki, whom Keiko knew wasn't going to be as easily swayed as Criss was. Hence, the reason for her currently making sweets.]

[Hearing the blue-haired recluse sigh once more, the mangaka rolled her eyes. Her boredom was palpable, a cloud of disinterest that hung heavily in the room.]

Keiko: Would you please cool it with the 'sighing' already? I told you this wouldn't be long.

Nikki: *Irritated* For your sake, I hope it isn't. Some of us had things to do today, Keiko.

Keiko: *Rolls her eyes again* Oh, you mean like wasting your life away playing video games?

[Nikki didn't deign to reply, only giving her a 'scoff' before she went back to browsing her phone. Keiko, for the third time, rolled her eyes and went back to checking over her food, secretly hoping Criss would get here soon. Thankfully, her hopes were answered as a few minutes later, a couple of knocks were heard from the door to her room. Peeping out of the peephole, she sighed as she on the other side was a familiar-looking albino girl with circular glasses.]

[Opening the door, Keiko was immediately glomped by the girl in question, the warmth of their friendship evident in the embrace.]

Criss: Keiko! Thanks for inviting me out!

Keiko: *Groans softly* Sure thing, Criss. Good seeing you too.

[Letting go of her friend, the paranormal investigator then noticed her other friend sitting on the sofa, ignoring the two of them.

Criss: Nikki!

[Running up to her friend, Criss immediately stopped as the e-gamer held up a hand, her eyes never leaving her phone.]

Nikki: *In a serious tone* Don't.

Criss: *Pouts* You're no fun.

[Watching the spectacle made Keiko give a small smile. Truthfully, she was grateful for these two. Despite how famous she was now, in high school, despite how smarts and looks, she was frequently teased and bullied by her peers. She remembered how she was called a "brown-noser", "a teacher's pet", "a bootlicker", etc. Though there were days when she paid that no mind, even she had to admit that there were times it got to her.]

[She was fortunate that she had met her two friends, Criss and Nikki, who, like her, were also outcasts. Criss was frequently bullied due to being an Albino and for not her mom and dad not being there, whilst Nikki was bullied for her anti-social personality and for being more interested in the digital world than the physical. It's unknown how they all befriended each other, but eventually, talks and discussions were had and friendship soon blossomed.]

[Soon after, the room was filled with laughter and the clinking of plates as the three young women settled in, the table a cornucopia of Keiko's homemade treats. Criss regaled tales of her latest exploit, while Keiko provided input. Nikki did nothing, save keep her attention on her phone and provided one-word answers. The conversation was light, a dance around the topic Keiko was hesitant to broach.]

[After several more minutes, Nikki, who had just finished one of her mobile games, sighed as the battery was almost empty. She then looked up at the manga artist, slightly irritated.]

Nikki: *Impatient* Okay, Keiko. What's this all about? You wanted the both of us here because you had something to tell or ask us. Well, we're both here, so what is it?

[Hearing her friend's words, Nikki looked at Keiko, slightly surprised as she had a cookie in her mouth.]

Criss: Huh? You mean, this wasn't just a get-together?

Nikki: *Gives an annoyed look* No, this isn't. Keiko has something up her sleeve, and I know it, more or less, involves us. *Looks at Keiko* So, what is it?

[Keiko sighed, somewhat annoyed at how smart and perceptive Nikki was.]

Keiko: You're right. There is... something I need your help with. *Looks at Criss* ...Both of you.

Nikki: *Rolls her eyes with her arms folded* Yeah, we already got that. So quit beating around the bush already, and tell us.

Keiko: *Sighs again* ...Fine. Give me a sec.

[Leaving the living room for a second, both Criss and Nikki looked as their friend reappeared about a minute later, a huge metal suitcase in one of her hands.]

Criss: What's that?

Keiko: *Sits back down* It's what I needed to talk to you about. But before that, you guys have to promise to keep what we're about to talk about a secret. I don't want anyone else finding out about it right now.

Criss: *Eyes wide* A secret... what is it, Keiko?

Keiko: *Sighs, readying herself* ...First off, do you guys know about the Division Rap Battle?

Criss: Division... Rap Battle? *Looks up, thinking about it* ...Oh yeah! It's that huge rap tournament, right?

Nikki: Yeah, the one sponsored and run by our very own Japanese government. *Looks at Keiko, not liking where this is going* ...What about it?

[Taking a deep breathe, the manga artist, with her hands steady, opened the suitcase to reveal the Hypnosis Microphones that were laid out inside. The surprise on Criss and Nikki's faces was a mirror to the emotions swirling within her.]

Nikki: *Slightly surprised* Are those...?

Keiko: *Nods* Yes, Hypnosis Microphones.

Criss: Hypnosis Microphones... *Looks at them in awe, before realizing something* Wait... wait, does... does this mean that... *Looks at Keiko, surprised* ...you're entering the D.R.B., Keiko!?

Keiko: *Resolutely* Yes, I am.

[The revelation hung in the air, a tangible force that drew Criss and Nikki’s full attention. Keiko's confirmation was the spark that ignited a flurry of questions and emotions between the three friends.]

Criss: *Eyes sparkling with excitement* That's amazing, Keiko! But why the D.R.B.? And why now?

Nikki: *More cautious, her curiosity piqued* Yeah, Keiko. You're not exactly the rap battle type. What's going on?

[Keiko took a deep breath, her resolve firming as she prepared to unveil the truth behind her sudden decision to enter the rap battlegrounds.]

Keiko: *With a serious tone* It's… complicated. There's a team that's entered the D.R.B. under… questionable circumstances. A team that I have a personal stake in confronting.

[Criss and Nikki both leaned in, their interests clearly piqued, sensing the gravity of Keiko's words.]

Criss: *Intrigued* A team? Who are they?

Nikki: *Frowning* Keiko, what aren't you telling us?

[Keiko hesitated, the weight of her secret pressing down on her. But these were her friends, her allies. If she couldn’t trust them, who could she trust?]

Keiko: *Looking down, then meeting their eyes* The team is called Oculus.

Criss: *Raises an eyebrow* 'Oculus'? Who's that?

[To her friend's question, Keiko stood up and walked to her room, coming back a second later with a vanilla folder, similar to the one that she was shown back in Chuohku from Otome.]

Keiko: *Places the folder down* They're a team based out of Minato. They aren't the official team, though.

[Opening up the folder, the manga artist showed the files of each member of the Minato team.]

Keiko: *Shows Nadya's file and photo* This is the first member of the team, and the leader.

Criss: *Looks at the photo closely before her eyes widen* ...Wait, I think I know her... Isn't she...?

Keiko: *Nods* Yeah, Nadya Kuromiya. That former scientist that killed herself in a fire years ago. Police officially ruled it as a 'suicide', but they never said why she did it.

[Truthfully, Keiko knew that her departure and her apparent 'suicide' had something to do with Chuohku, but she couldn't exactly say that out loud.]

Criss: *Astonished* So... she's still alive?

Keiko: *Nods* Yeah. Alive, and apparently running the 'Oculus' team.

Criss: *Still surprised* Wow.

[While Criss was surprised at the news of the former scientist's revival, Nikki, however, merely raised an eyebrow, her expression one of skepticism.]

Nikki: *Unfazed* I never buy into the news without proof. Guess I was right. She's playing the long game, huh?

[Keiko then flipped to the next file, revealing Meari Miracle, the banshee-voiced heavy metal singer.]

Keiko: *Moving on* This is Meari Miracle, "Bloody Mary." She's known for her… let’s say, unique vocal talents.

[Criss clapped her hands together, a mix of shock and admiration on her face.]

Criss: *Excitedly* No way! Meari Miracle? I've been to her concerts! She's intense!

[Nikki shrugged, her response noncommittal.]

Nikki: *Indifferently* I've heard some of her tracks with Scorpion Den. Some are decent; others are just noise.

[Finally, Keiko hesitated before showing the last file, the one that hit closest to home—her mother, Aika Yumi.]

Keiko: With a heavy heart And… this is Aika Yumi, "VeeXn." My mother.

[The room fell silent as Criss and Nikki looked at Keiko, understanding the gravity of what she was facing, and why exactly this was so personal for her.]

Criss: *Sympathetically* Keiko… that’s got to be tough.

Nikki: *Nonplussed* Yeah...

[Truthfully, both Criss and Nikki had differing opinions on Keiko's mother, whom they had never met, but had heard about. While Criss could certainly understand Keiko's feelings, a part of her disliked her friend's disrespectful attitude towards her mother.]

[While her feelings on intercourse and other such topics were a little difficult to understand (especially since she was still trying to understand her own relationship with her current girlfriend, Kanade), Criss didn't think porn was so bad. While she admitted she could never see herself doing it, she didn't judge those who did. And the fact that Keiko cut off all contact with her mother simply for that reason alone... it didn't sit well with the paranormal investigator.]

[She especially disliked it when she talked about her mother in such a way that made it seem like she wished her mother didn't exist anymore. Criss knew Keiko meant nothing by it, but considering her own parents were missing and that she hadn't seen them in years, it always made Criss a little upset, and made her want to lecture her friend on talking like that.]

[Nikki, though she didn't share her paranormal friend's feelings, also didn't really care much for Keiko's opinions on her mother. However, this was due more to the fact that Nikki didn't really care about Keiko's mother's profession; not surprisingly, Nikki didn't really have an opinion on most topics, and this was one of them.]

Keiko: *Determined* So... you can see why I'm interested in the D.R.B. *Looks down* And... that's why I called you both here today.

Criss: *Confused* Huh? What do you mean?

Nikki: Isn't it obvious? *Looks at Keiko, frowning* She wants us to join her in the D.R.B., and participate in her little crusade, is that it?

Criss: *Surprised* Really, Keiko?

Keiko: Well... yes, but it's not a crusade!

Nikki: Oh? Because if memory serves me correctly, you stated you're joining this tournament just so you can oppose your own mother.

Keiko: *Frowns* It's a bit more than that, but yes.

Nikki: What exactly is it then, Keiko? Because from what you've told us, it seems the only reason this team has your attention...

[Nikki picks up the the file of Aika, her photograph plain for Keiko to see.]

Nikki: ...is because of your mother. If she weren't a part of it, would you even have given them a passing glance, or even made plans to join this tournament?

[Keiko's mind raced as she faced her friends, the weight of her secret pressing against her conscience. 'How do I convince them to join this fight without revealing too much?' The thought of lying to Criss and Nikki twisted her stomach, but the truth was a luxury she couldn't afford—not when the stakes were this high.]

Keiko: I need to appeal to what drives them, to the heart of why we're friends in the first place. Criss's love for adventure, Nikki's competitive spirit—they're not just traits; they're the keys to unlocking their support.

Keiko: *Takes a deep breathe* Alright, I won’t lie—my mother's involvement is a catalyst, but it's not the whole reason. I've been doing a lot of thinking, and I've realized something important.

[Standing up, Keiko walked to the window in her living room, which, although showed the courtyard of her school's dormitory, it also showed the city of Akihabara, itself.]

Keiko: *Looks outside the window, showing it to her friends* We've always stood up for what we believe in, right? For the culture and community that made us who we are.

Criss: *Nods in agreement* Yeah, we've always had each other's backs.

Keiko: *Nods with affirmation* Exactly. The D.R.B. is more than just a competition; it's a platform. A platform where voices can be heard, where messages can be sent. It's about making a statement, about showing the strength of our convictions.

Keiko: *Continues with conviction* Akihabara has given us so much. It's where we found our passions, our dreams... *Looks back at her friends* ...and our friendship. Joining the D.R.B. is our chance to give back, to protect it from those who would use its influence for harm.

Nikki: *Raises an eyebrow, not entirely convinced* And what, you think we can make a difference in this… rap battle?

Keiko: *Meets Nikki's gaze with determination* I do. We each have our strengths. *Looks at Criss* Criss, your creativity and spirit. *Looks at Nikki* Nikki, your strategic mind and competitive drive. Together, we can show that Akihabara's true strength isn't just in its technology or entertainment, but in its people—their integrity, their talent, and their heart.

Keiko: *Looks at her friends* But... I can't do this alone. Not without you two. So... I'm asking, will you both help me? Please?

Criss: *Smiles, excited* I'm in! It sounds fun and interesting!

Keiko: *Smiles at Criss, before looking at Nikki* Nikki?

Nikki: *Skeptical* Let's say I do join you, what exactly do I get out of it? There is little to nothing that would interests me in wasting time joining some rap contest.

Keiko: *Sighs* Nikki, stop looking at the D.R.B. as a contest. Think of it as something that you have keen knowledge on... a game.

Nikki: *Frowns* ...A game?

Keiko: *Nods, locking eyes with her friend* Nikki, you've conquered every game you've ever played, right? You're at the top of the leaderboards, a legend in the gaming community. But the D.R.B… it's a different kind of game. It's live, unpredictable, and the stakes are real.

Nikki: *Raises an eyebrow* Go on.

Keiko: Imagine it as the most immersive game you've ever played. The crowd is your audience, the rhymes are your weapons, and the rhythm is your strategy. It's not just about quick reflexes; it's about outsmarting your opponent in real-time, reading their moves, and countering with your own.

Nikki: ...And what exactly is the win condition?

Keiko: *Smiles, knowing she's got Nikki's attention* Victory in the D.R.B. isn't just about points or rankings. It's about proving your worth on a stage where everyone is watching. It's about using your skills not just to win, but to make a statement, to change the game itself.

Nikki: *Nods slowly* And you think we can win this… game?

Keiko: *With confidence* I know we can. With your strategic mind, Criss's creativity, and my determination, we'll be unstoppable. We'll show them that Akihabara isn't just a place for games—it's where legends are made.

[Although she didn't want to, the E-gamer felt herself being swayed by her acquaintance's words.]

Criss: *Pleads* Come on, Nikki! Please?

Nikki: *Looks at both of her friends, annoyed, before sighing* Do either of you even know the first thing about rapping?

[At the kuudere's question, both Keiko and Criss opened their mouth to speak before they slowly closed it. As enthused as the two of them were, their friend's question made them both realize something: this was a rap contest, which required rapping. And admittedly, none of them even knew the first thing about it.]

Nikki: *Frowns at her friends' silence* Yeah, exactly what I thought.

Keiko: *Embarrassed* Well... I won't deny it'll be hard, but if we all work together and study on our own time, I'm sure we can make something work.

Criss: Yeah! I can listen to some when I'm studying or exploring, and write some in my free time.

Nikki: *Still frowning* I think you two are drastically underestimating this.

Keiko: *Trying to compromise* Like I said, if we study and make some time when we can all practice together, I'm sure we'll be fine.

Criss: *Nods* Yeah! *Looks at Nikki* So come on, Nikki! Join us!

[Frowning once more at her friends, the E-gamer groaned as she removed her glasses, rubbing the inside of her eyelids. Her friends smiled as they knew she had made her decision.]

Nikki: *Groans, talking to herself* I just know I'm going to regret this. *Looks at her friends, still annoyed* ...Fine, I'm in.

Criss: Yay! *Moves to hug her friend*

Nikki: *Holds up her hand, stopping Criss* Don't.

Keiko: *Smiles at the display* Thank you, Nikki. I really do appreciate it.

Nikki: *Frowns at Keiko* Don't be so quick to thank me. I didn't say I'd help for free.

Keiko: *Frowns, before sighing* And how much is your help going to cost, exactly?

Nikki: I'll let you know at a later date. *In a serious tone* And let's get one thing straight.

[Hearing the seriousness in her voice, both Keiko and Criss stopped and listened, giving the kuudere their full attention.]

Nikki: If we're sure about doing this, then we're playing to win, got it? I don't abide losing, no matter what the situation is. I'm not joining unless you two are absolutely serious about this. Therefore, if you two aren't going to give 100% on this, then you can count me out.

[Looking at both of her friends, Nikki let known her feelings, and both Keiko and Criss could see just how serious their friend was. Of course, this wasn't too much of a surprise. For as long as they've known her, Nikki always had a competitive streak. She despised losing to the umpth degree.]

[The good thing was, it was rare for the blue-haired kuudere to lose. If, in the unlikely event she did, she didn't wallow in self-pity; she picked herself up and got back to work. After all, how could she have been the #5-ranked E-gamer in the world, otherwise?]

Nikki: *Looks at the both of them* ...Well?

Keiko: *Nods, a determined look on her face* You don't have to worry, Nikki. I wouldn't have asked you both to join me if I didn't give my all for it. Of course I'm in.

Criss: *Nods, excited* Same here! I'm always up for something new, no matter how hard or strange it is.

Nikki: ...Fine. *Sighs, before going back to her regular deadpan expression* ...And one more thing.

Keiko: *Raises her eyebrows* What is it?

Nikki: ...We're going to need to pick out a team name too.

To be continued...

[roppongi-division]

Mireya's Thoughts on Otaku Corps

Keiko Yumi

"Ah, so this is Aika's wayward daughter that she's told me so much about. Looking at her now, I can see how she and Aika are so similar. She's literally the spitting image of her mother. ...It's for that reason that I'm so upset and disappointed in her. Aika's told me all about the problems that she and her have. And while I won't deny that Aika does share some of the blame, you're not entirely guiltless in this either, child."

"Aika has told me that she's tried to talk to you numerous times in the past, either to apologize or to make up for her shortcomings. But what do you do instead? You simply brush her off and refuse to even give her the time of day because you feel she can never be forgiven or redeemed. And to make matters worse, you even went so far as to join Chuohku, all to get away from the woman who gave birth to you."

"I understand you may feel like your mother has committed some unforgivable sin or crime. But in the big picture child, she's done nothing of the sort. Like I stated, she does share some of the blame, but so do you. I know I'm not entirely the best person to speak about relationships with mothers. After all, my relationship with my own is terrible. But the difference between mine and yours, is that at least your mother is allowing you to live out your life the way you want, and isn't forcing her beliefs or opinions on you."

"So forgive me for saying this, but you seriously need to get over being angry, because you have no reason, whatsoever, to be. Your mother did the best she could with the best resources she had available. And for you to despise her and not even try to communicate with her because of that is inexcusable. I hope and pray you realize that before it's too late."

Criss Hiromi

"Zakari's told me about this young child. Apparently, she's a... 'paranormal investigator'? I take it that means she goes diving into abandoned ruins and places searching for ghosts? He's even shown me some of her videos on YouTube. ...While I don't fault her enthusiasm or her love for exploration, I sincerely hope she's taking care of herself. Take it from me, most people don't appreciate you going into places that are 'abandoned'. Why? Because they prefer it to stay that way, less someone comes poking around."

Nikki Yoshie

"Kai and Zakari know more about this young girl than me. All I know about her is that she's apparently one of the most popular and talented video game players in the world. I sadly have no interest in them, but I know Zakari does."

Otaku Corps

"Like my husband mentioned, this is the second Akihabara team, after Pixel Syndicate. I forget which team came first, but both represent Akihabara rather well. I know that sooner or later, the two of them will have a battle to see who will be the team to represent their city. ...But as it stands right now, my vote goes to Pixel Syndicate. Nothing against these young women, but... I have a deep lack of respect for Keiko and her ways. Unless she agrees to make peace with Aika, then I want nothing to do with her and her team. I'm sorry to her teammates, but my vote goes to Pixel Syndicate."

[kayhi808]

The Assassin - Pt 2

Previous

For the rest of the day, he couldn't get Keiko Luciano out of his mind. He ended up going for a run to distract himself. He just returned to his loft when he gets a call from an Unknown number, "Russo."

"It's Keiko." Speak of the Devil. "You sound out of breath. Were you in the middle of getting to know your hand better?" Billy can hear a smile in her voice.

"I just got back from a run. I'm about to take a shower."

"Perfect, let's video chat!"

"Maybe another time," she makes him smile. "How'd you get my number?"

"Bill Russo. You paid with a company card at my club. Your people at ANVIL forwarded my call. It's not rocket science."

"Why are you calling? To change plans? Or are you canceling?" Bill's voice turn low and velvety, "Darlin' you know my heart can't handle that." There's silence from Keiko's end. Quietly, "Wait…are you canceling?"

"I need to change the location & time. Saka Mai at 7? Lower East side, on Ludlow."

"I thought you didn't want to do dinner? Something about it being too much of a committment." Bill laughs, "Our relationship seems to be progressing fast. Should I propose? Should I get a ring?"

She practically purrs, "You're free to gift me diamonds. I won't stop you." She clears her throat, "Look, are you available tomorrow night or not?"

"I'd meet you at 5 in the morning if you asked me to."

Sighs, "Men are always willing to jump through hoops for sex. If you think i'm going to spread my legs because you're paying for a plate of food, then you're mistaken."

"Who said I was paying?" He hears her laugh. "Look, Keiko, I'm not trying to have sex with you. Its just dinner. I promise."

"Fine. See you at seven. And Bill…"

"I know. I won't be late."

*****

Bill gets to the restaurant 5 minutes to 7p. It's a nice place. It's the first time he's been here. Looking around there are a lot of men in black suits, tattoos...missing fingertips. He did a background check on Keiko. She's the child of two very prominent crime families. Her grandfather was a 2nd Lieutenant "shateigashira" with Inagawa-Kai. The first Yakuza family to move their business outside of Japan. Her father is a Capo with the Genovese, the largest Family in the Italian Mafia. Now, she brought him into a sushi bar filled with gangsters.

He sees her talking to a man across the room, her hand resting on his arm. She's in a deep maroon dress and matching heels. Her dark hair pulled up into a tight bun, showcasing her elegant neck that Bill's already thinking about kissing.

He makes his way towards her, "You're on time. This is my friend, Tanner, he owns the restaurant."

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Russo," escorting them to their table. Catching the attention of a waiter, "You look like a whiskey man. Timothy, bring this table a bottle of Yamazaki 18. Compliments of the house. A friend of Keiko's is a friend of mine. Now if you excuse me. I'm going to greet some acquaintances of mine. I hope you two enjoy dinner."

Bill hold her seat out for her, "You look beautiful tonight."

"Thank you, I'm happy to please," smiling up at him.

"That makes the 2 of us," winking. "See, we already have one thing in common. You seem to have a lot of connections."

"It's all about connections. You should know…being a business man and all." Tanner walks by with his aquaintences who nod at Keiko, which she in turn, gives them a sweet smile.

"Who are those 2 men?" Bill eyeing them up.

"Why? Jealous?" She arches an eyebrow at him and picks up her menu.

"Maybe," cringing at the surliness he hears in his voice.

Putting her menu down & leaning forward, "They are Hector & Marco Ramirez. They're brothers. They belong to the Yamauchi-gumi. Yakuza loves this place."

Three heavy-set men walk into the restaurant & sit at the bar. Your senses go on alert &. Billy's too damn observant, "Don't tell me you know them too."

"No," focusing on Billy.

"What exactly is it that you do for a living? I know you own the 11:11 Club. I have a feeling you're involved in other endeavors."

The waiter came back with the Whiskey. "Thank you, Timothy." A look passes between Keiko and the waiter, or is Bill just reading into things because he's actually kind of jealous. She proceeds to pour a tumbler for Billy. "Have you tried Japanese Whiskey? It's very good...so I'm told," placing the glass in front of him. "Do you think I'm a Yakuza princess? I'm a business woman."

"What kind of business?" taking a sip of whiskey.

"I own 11:11, a cafe & a funeral home."

Chokes on his whiskey, "A funeral home. Interesting choice."

Keiko smiles, "Are you ok??" Sighs, "Everyone dies. Why not profit from it? Besides, there's something fascinating about death. We spend our life rotting away until one day our bodies cease to function. Unless the person is murdered."

"That's an interesting take on things. You talk about murder like its nothing." Billy's interest is definitely piqued even more so now.

"We kill animals all the time. If people slaughter one another at the same rate we slaughter animals, we'd be extinct in 17 days. Human's are natural killers. Why is taking a human life different from taking an animals."

"You cant be serious."

Tilts her head to look at him, "Would you walk out the door if I was?"

"No, I'd stay."

"Why?" She tilts her head the way a panther would right before they ripped out your throat.

"Because I'm pretty damn hungry." Calls the waiter over to order.

"All right, let's eat," giving Billy a bright smile.

*****

Dinner is easy & enjoyable. Billy Russo is so much more entertaining than she thought he'd be which was a very bad thing. Her head needed to stay in the game. She's here to do a job and needed an alibi.

"Why did you choose this restaurant?" he asked, taking a bite of the wagyu steak.

"What do you mean?" Enjoying her vegetable tempura.

"Most entrees have beef, pork or chicken. I thought you were giving up meat. You said it was unsatisfying."

Brushing her leg against his, "I like to tempt myself."

Lust surfaces in his eyes, "Are we talking about food or something else?

"I'm here with you, aren't I? She traces the inseam of his pants with her foot, halting at his crotch. The sole of her shoe pressed firmly against him. She feels him harden immediately. Carnal desire surges through her. He's resisting the urge to rub himself against her foot.

His hand grasps her ankle and move it away from him. Gritting his teeth, "I'm 3 seconds away from bending you over this table." It looks like he's forcing himself to continue eating. "But I want more."

"More?" arching an eyebrow. "I had no idea you were so kinky. We have another thing in common. What's your favorite kink? Mine is when people watch." Tracing the line of her cleavage, "Do you like to watch, Billy?"

He inhales a sharp breath & tries to get himself under control. She's killing him here. He licks his lips, "I do have a kink," giving Keiko a slow sexy grin, that she can't help but mirror. "Let me get inside that pretty little head of yours."

Slouching back in her chair with a pout, "I'd rather you bend me over." Billy laughs.

@idaofinfinity @imagine-a-fictional-boyfriend @e-dubbc11

Next

[daja-the-hypnokitten]

Jukebox reviews part 23! For context, see my post “A Project”     under this same tag. If you want to see a full list of his EMCSA   stories, they can be found here, sorted alphabetically.And if you want to see some of his drabbles, check out his blog at @jukeboxemcsa

Pretty Vacant

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3/18/2012                                     mc ff

Docile is SUCH a good word, and it doesn't get used nearly enough. And this is a really good premise! Such a good "I'm agreeing with you and you're agreeing with me and now I'm creating your thoughts" progression, too! It's solid all the way through, and satifyingly straightforward in motivation and process. I just wish we had a bit more sense of their relationship after this conference. 8/10 spirals. 

 Automatic

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3/24/2012                                     mc ff

This is a good intermediate step in a long process, and I really enjoy seeing Bev struggle against it and fail. Clearly she hasn't yet learned that struggling to resist - and FAILING to resist - just makes the descent into control all the more inevitable. Which can be loads of fun to do, when you want to. The level of catching herself obeying without realizing it, just to try to stop again and be unable to ... mmm, I might need to steal that for my own use at some point. 9/10 spirals. 

 Waking Up in Vegas

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3/31/2012                                     mc ff

Another case of "I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS." Granted, much of that is because I'm not someone who does gambling at all; I won't even do Blackjack except for fun, and that one is as much math and probability and tracking cards as it is luck. And don't ask me to bluff; I don't know HOW to bluff. So I don't have any concept of, well, ANY of this world. But Keiko at least will be in good hands with someone who will care about her, and Jennie won't have to face too many repercussions of her bad behaviour ... though I have to wonder just how she's going to explain the money, since AFAIK casinos do require you to be 21? Maybe Keiko is old enough to be the reason for that? It's very low on the process part I enjoy, though, so I do wish it had more of that. 8/10 spirals. 

 Unbelievable

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4/14/2012                                     mc ff hu

Ok, things that are true about Guinness aside - and there are many things about Guinness's book of world records that make some of the records ... eh, they're vanity projects, really, Hbomberguy has a whole THING about that in one of his videos, it's worth watching, the one on the Oof sound in Roblox, but that's neither here nor there - I've SEEN faster inductions, if only because the induction for this one truly starts when she's asserting that her claim is true. And because adding kinesthetic elements when you have to cross a distance does slow an induction down some. Not that any of that MATTERS to the very interesting view of what, exactly, is going on in Sara's head as all of this happens, as she's so seamlessly convinced to ignore the problems in Veronica's CV... it's a good story, with the sex clearly there but somehow not a focus at all. Too bad hypnosis doesn't entirely work that way, alas. 8/10 spirals. 

 X-Ray Specs

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4/21/2012                                     mc mf fd

Heee, Ruth and Jon are *cute.* This is a sweet, silly sort of suggestion that I'd give someone if I wasn't concerned about "but will it creep other folk out to see their reaction though??" which means in fantasy it's all good fun, since no humans were creeped out by Jon. It's just a fun story of the hot sort of fun a clever hypnotist and their skilled hypnotee can get up to. 10/10 spirals 

 The Tide Is High

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4/28/2012                                     mc ff

That's one way to break down someone's lying to themselves about who they are. Not an ETHICAL way, necessarily, but an effective one in this case! I'm not sold on it, for obvious reasons - y'all have been reading along, you knwo how I am on good consent practices - but it's fun to watch it come into effect! I do think I'd have liked it more if Janet had let Cindi walk away, and we had a jump cut to Cindi returning, knowing exactly what she's walking into? But that would have broken up the flow of the story Jukebox chose to tell, so *shrug* fair enough! I swear, Jukebox's hypnotists get SO much milage out of the "you can't be made to do anything you dont' want to do" line - which is ... oversimplified at best! - but I wonder how many of their victims actually *have* that belief, given Hollywood being Hollywood... Still, digressions aside, good story, and watching Cindi accept her own desires is satisfying in many ways. 8/10 spirals. 

 Mother’s Milk (Jukebox)

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5/6/2012                                       mc ff la

*makes note of Scatterbrain as a potential trance trigger* Right, so, that's a clever idea, using the idea of thoughts scattering away like that. And the outcome is exactly as expected in an EMCSA story, so it's unsurprising what's in play. I do wonder if the milk is *actually* being used for the supposed purpose, but I suppose it doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. Kylie's clearly enjoying herself. The Octomom reference is maybe a little dated now, but it did make me laugh, to remember how big of news that was back then... 7/10 spirals 

 Quality Control (Jukebox)

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5/12/2012                                     mc ff

... As a QC person myself, I have to object to this horrible characterization. She should have at least asked why Roberta - Bobbi - wanted to return the package when she wasn't billed for it! (Bad) Jokes aside, though, this is fun; we all know just how mind-numbing hold music can be, so why not make it literal? And the shift in name, from Roberta to Bobbi is done well, too - though I had a moment of "wait, if Suzi's calling her Bobbi, why is the narrator still... aah, there we go" with the shift, but it makes sense in context. I'm entertained by the double-meaning of quality control, though, and I do hope the partners I get all dominant at are satisified with *my* quality control ;) 8/10 spirals. 

 So What

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5/20/2012                                     mc ff

The interplay here is really good, but not enough to override the fact that the control is both effectively magic and also significantly off-screen. For sheer banter, the story gets a 10 out of 10; our unnamed controller's just got a way with words I love. But the cleverness can't make up for the fact that there's little enough I enjoy in the control. 6/10 spirals. 

 Just a Girl

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6/9/2012                                       mc ff

On the one hand, finding ways to resolve problems without the police? Yes good. But would-be thieves making restitution through sex? ehhhhh, that doesn't really feel like it does much to fix the harm they caused, to me. I'm glad they've learned to behave better, but .... I'd rather they find a different way to make restitution to Charlene, and to the others they've stolen from in the past. I think this is my least favourite of the Girl(tm) stories so far, for that reason, but the hypnotic eyes and strawberry lube that I swear has its own mind controlling effects? They make sure the story still hits some things that make me smile. 7/10 spirals.

[keikoh]

In terms of shinigami abilities, what are Keiko's strengths and weaknesses? (and maybe likes/dislikes -just because they are good/bad at something doesn't always indicate if they like it or not)

STRENGTHS:

Keiko's extremely brave, to a fault perhaps! She'll face down bullies and stand up for others, she doesn't shrink down or shy away. Rangiku's shown her how to perfectly punch motherfuckers in the face without breaking a nail.

Sharp! She's a fast learner and absolutely talented in her observational skills -- being able to catch onto patterns and other details within moments of it appearing, an active and honed mind, making her also better equipped to unleash some lethal sarcasm and wit at the drop of a dime.

She's an agile little fucker, slippery, hard to pin down or catch because she zips around so quickly. This translates over into Keiko becoming excellent with Shunpo once she learns and grasps the art.

To follow in her dad's footsteps, Keiko focuses a lot of her training around kenjutsu, and while she's relatively sloppy with it when she's younger, she refines this as she ages and turns her relentless charging tactics of her childhood into a terrifying flurry of quick attacks which can easily overwhelm

Basically, she's a speedy gremlin

WEAKNESSES:

Kido. One hundred percent it's Kido. She's awful at memorizing those long incantations and sees no reason in stopping, pausing a fight, leaving herself vulnerable, only to fire off something that probably won't even be strong enough to hurt her enemies. Her low motivation to actually master this art leaves her fairly vulnerable in facing against Kido, too, as well as generally not coping well with scenarios that call specifically for Kido. She knows basics.

Keiko isn't physically strong, at all, and it'd take maybe one decent hit for her to be down and out. She really needs to work on her durability.

Can become highly emotional, riled, or otherwise discouraged during battle. Keiko has some insecurities about being able to measure up to her parents, who are both titled Shinigami, whereas she feels like nothing truly special beyond her lineage. It's a sore spot, leaving her prone to acts in attempts to prove herself perhaps falling flat on its face, shattering her self-esteem.

Over-compensating independence: she'll isolate herself unnecessarily or face things alone without reasoning beyond 'I can handle it' and a blood-given inability to ask for help.

LIKES:

Food. Snacks. Especially things to munch on, specifically if it's junk food from the human world. Her parents live a fairly traditionalist lifestyle, so Keiko enjoys stuffing her bag full of convenience store snacks to bring back to Soul Society with her during World of the Living visits.

Tech, namely her phone. She has an iPhone 6s that Gin gifted her for one of her birthdays via Urahara's shop. It's in pristine condition, despite now being several years old, and runs smoothly. Keiko guards it carefully. She also enjoys video games ( Hotaru showed her them, and she got hooked; she likes either simply watching or playing them with others, she doesn't like solo-playing them ) and watching Youtube, especially hair and makeup tutorials.

Winter festivals, particularly when there are firework shows and games. It's a tradition in her family to go to them yearly, and they always make her feel warm, safe, and nostalgic. She likes getting prettied up for them, too, even if she initially didn't like the yucky kimono when she was younger -- too busy trying to emulate her dad. Rangiku's helped her with embracing femininity a lot.

Training with Gin, in any setting. She feels like these are the cherished moments between just the two of them where she can ask him anything and he'll answer. The bonding and experience she gains from each session makes her ready to break anyone's nose who tries to badmouth her father.

DISLIKES:

Being coddled. Even if she wants it, she hates the feeling of being babied or being sheltered away from the truth. She doesn't like it when her parents use that hushed tone around her, the 'we'll talk about this later when she's not here' voice. It grates at her trust and makes her feel like they're keeping secrets from her, like she can't handle them.

Cowards. Anyone who talks shit but then scrams as soon as the threat of getting hit pops up. People who have no problem making assumptions and accusations at her and her family while thinking they can just run away from consequences or cry out if she strikes at them for it. Keiko'll get in trouble again and again because of these loud-mouthed babies, and she has no shame in it.

Mayuri. What the actual fuck is that guy? He looks like a clown from those scary haunted movies she's discouraged from watching ( but she definitely snuck out and watched ) and now she has nightmares that pop up every now and again about his weird painted face and lipless mouth.

KIDO. Seriously, she hates this shit. Why is it a required skillset in the Shinigami Academy? Most of the Shinigami, even seated officers, almost never use Kido in battle!!! This isn't fair!! Who has time to shout a paragraph at someone!?

[eunsthings]

Museums

Part 3 I Questions?

Part 2 II Series masterlist II Part 4

Back in your class. the professor in front of you was talking about parasites. The last lecture for the day had passed with a series of slides filled with “fascinating” illustrations. With your back hurting, you subtly stretch your body; careful not to draw unnecessary attention. It was a long day, yet it was only two in the afternoon.  

“Thank goodness I have time to relax,” your lazy self has emerged once again.  

The click of your dorm door and the welcoming presence of your bed was the greatest feeling ever. Painfully switching your attention, you prepare for a quick shower. You took your phone to put on your bed, took some clothes to change into afterwards, then proceeded to head to your floor’s communal bathroom.  

As the water was pouring down on you, thoughts invaded your head. It had been the other day that you were hired for a huge job. They still haven’t reached back out yet and you aren’t able to do anything regarding the job since you had no idea what to do. They… or Tsukishima rather, hadn’t contacted you despite saying he will­—within a day or two. It had almost been 48 hours.  

“Why am I such an over-thinker?”  

You recover and assure yourself that it was all fine. It’s out of your control anyway. They can message you anytime. After all, you had given him your number.  

Finished, you dry yourself up and change into your fresh clothes before heading out and back to your room.  

You're greeted by the presence of your roommate sitting on your bed—the bottom bunk.  

“Hey,” you called out to her.  

“Hello,” she replied, eyes not meeting yours, still occupied with her phone.  

Holding your used clothes, you proceeded to fold them and put them away to be washed along with your week-old towel. Now your self-relaxation can begin… but where was your phone?

Lazing around would not be complete without it, you needed to scroll through YouTube comments while watching a video.  

“Wait just a minute-,” you face your roomie. “Isabella…”  

Whilst sitting on your bed, she gave you a cheeky expression; caught scrolling through your phone. “Sorry. Couldn’t help it. It was just sitting there.”  

“How did you even know the password?” A kind of annoyed amazement washed over you. You had nothing to hide anyway so there was no major problem.  

“In case you forgot, I live up–” she gestured to the top bunk, “–there.”  

“Dumb. Dumb as hell,” You had been careless. She could peek from above.  

“Anyway… Who is this guy?” Her tone was teasing with a mischievous face to go along with it. It made you worried.  

“What guy–” Oh no. It can’t be. Can it?  You grabbed your phone from her and saw why the idiot was smirking. It was a message from Tsukishima.  

     The message was straight to the point and yet your blockhead roommate still kept giving you knowing looks. She didn’t even know the reason for the message. She was jumping leaps and bounds to conclusions. This, you felt, was not going to go away anytime soon.  

“I was hired for another job”  

“Yeah, yeah. Sure~” She got up from your bed and languidly went for her desk. “Just don’t mind me, I’ll be studying here...” She dramatically gestures to her small workspace.  Facing her, you couldn’t help but feel embarrassed yet wanting to take that grin off her face.  

On your bed, you go back to the message. “On Wednesday.” It is a few days from now.

Checking your schedule, you were free on that day and the morning after. The timing though. Well, it wasn’t as if you were complaining, in fact, it was very good news. One less problem for you.  

You replied to Tsukishima then. The anxiety was eating you. A simple reply yet so many ways to screw up.  

“WHAT. DID I SEND?! Did he really leave me on ‘read’? Anyway~” So that is done. Now to relax. No need for self-criticism.  

On Wednesday, nine on the dot, you arrived in front of the museum.  

Draped around your neck, you show your loaned ID to the guard and pass through on to the building. Inside, some big boxes and various pieces have been placed on the hallway’s floor.

That must be for the event... wow they are already starting this early on. It again dawned on you how big of an event it is; starting to make preparations this early on. The pressure was beginning to feel real.  

“Hello.”  

“Oh, that voice again” you turn around to greet him but you didn’t get the chance to.  

“(L/N), this is Kazumi Keiko, my fellow intern,” he gestured to the lady beside him. Looking up at her, she seemed friendly, motherly almost; her long hair tied back and with freckles on her face. Although you take it, she was older than you and Tsukishima.

“Hello, nice to meet you Kazumi,” you reply although softly. She smiles a warm smile at you.  

“So now we're just waiting for Kazumi’s partner, Ike--- never mind she’s here”

“Hey guyssss!” A female about your age was waving behind the glass doors. Kazumi was gesturing with her hand beckoning the girl to enter. “How come she gets to be partners with Kazumi and I’m with the boy Tsukishima? This will just be utter awkwardness from me I bet,” you try to see the reasoning why it couldn’t have been you partnered with Kazumi.

“Hey, I’m Ikeda, Satsuki,” she was very direct, it caught you off-guard.

“Hi. I’m (L/N), (F/N).”

 “Wow, nice name! It’s foreign, I like it. Do you want a Snickers?” Glancing down, she had in her hand a Snickers bar being handed out to you. “Uh, no, no, I’m fine. You--” you got caught off by Kazumi. “(L/N), you better just take that or we’ll be stuck here a long time.”

“Oh ok, sure. Thank you, Ikeda,” you take the Snickers bar from her hand giving her a tight but genuine smile. She returned the gesture. From what you observed, she has a pretty happy-go-lucky character and you realize why Ikeda might be partnered with Kazumi; it was to manage Ikeda, Satsuki.

Tsukishima continued, “So for today Mr. Yasuhiro instructed us all to divide the work and just find a plan around it...”

That meeting ended about 15 minutes ago.  Now, you’re walking the streets of Sendai, side-by-side, with the tall man of partner for work. How did it come to this...?

The central matter you discussed was how the work was going to be divided. You and Tsukishima were to handle the main big projection for the event while Team Kazumi will handle multiple small displays around the museum. You didn’t get into too much detail but for now that was it. The details were to be discussed by the pair. Great... By the time your gathering finished it was past noon; late lunch.

“There’s still the rest of the day so I’m bringing Ikeda with me to lunch. We’ll be talking about ‘this’ after.” Kazumi was definitely wasting no time. “How about you guys?” She faced Tsukishima.

Oh no...

“Uh...” he glanced at you. Oh no. No, no. “You don’t have anything to do this afternoon right?”

I have no escape from this. “Yeah, my whole day is free”

“Well, I guess we could all get lunch.” He asked Kazumi now, “Where are you guys going?”

“A Western inspired cafe just a walking distance from here, it just opened so I wanna try it out”

Tsukishima took his coat and bag then went for the door. “Let’s go then.”  

“Wait... I still have to buy some things along the way, I want Kazumi to come with me. Can you two go ahead and reserve seats for us?” Ikeda protested, as childish as ever.

Kei halted, “Uh, yeah sure. I don’t see how that’s a problem.”

Not a problem... right.

“(L/N), are you fine with this?” The ever-motherly Kazumi made sure to check up on you.

Without any excuse whatsoever, “Yes, I’m ok with anything guys.” Darn it. Social Interaction.

“Ehem...” After a rather long walk of silence. Tsukishima cleared his throat. “Are you fine there?”

“Hmm...” You glance up at him; not expecting any talk. “Oh yeah, I’m fine here. You?”

“Uh-huh. Same here”

Awkward...but still you continue to walk side-by-side.

“You know, I’m not really a talkative person,” Tsukishima started again, “but Mr. Yasuhiro told me to ‘make an effort’ because you ‘tend to be shy,’” oh, is that how this guy sees me too? Ouch.

“I get what he means but...” he side-glanced to see you, it made your eyes meet his for a small while, “…some people prefer not talking at all and some are uncomfortable doing so. In short... I’m asking you if you would be comfortable with me trying to talk to you...”

Ohhhh... man, this guy is considerate. What a nice person.

“Yes, yeah. I’m really fine with people talking to me first. I just don’t really like to initiate a conversation plus I don’t want to be a nuisance to them... and like you said, I ‘tend to be shy.’”

“So, are you fine if I ask you questions?”

“Yeah, sure. Of course.” You really felt delighted; a person actually respected that not all people are the same in terms of talkativeness. It’s not every day you meet someone like that.

Unbeknownst to you, it was Tsukishima’s goal in earnest to make you comfortable around him; to the best of his ability.  You do have to work on a project together after all.

A few moments of walking and you both arrived in the café. True to her word, what Kazumi said by “western inspired” actually really means an absolutely western café.

Tsukishima, the unexpected gentleman, opened the door for you as you both entered. You give him a smile in thanks; he returned a small smile too.  

Looking around, it seems like rush-hour has passed and the café is almost empty. That means you don’t have to worry about reserving seats for Kazumi and Ikeda, then.  

“Would you prefer seats by, or away from the window?”

You imagined eating by the window as others pass by... “I think away from the window”

“Same here.” He then led you to a table for 4 by the wall. He breezily pulled a chair and motioned for you to sit on it as if it were no big deal.  

Oh my. This is kind of flustering.

Tsukishima received a text from Kazumi saying that they’ll be late and to order and eat ahead of them; and so, you both did. A waitress handed you menus then left the both of you to choose your orders. He ordered smoked salmon while you went with lasagna. For dessert he asked you what you wanted but you’d told him you’ll have bobba instead; he got a strawberry shortcake.

“So, while waiting for our food, and Kuzumi, I do have to bring back the fact that we're going to be working together on this project and we barely know each other. So...” across from you, he gives you a “you get where I’m headed with this” look on his face.

You nodded. “Mhmm”  

“Right, should we ask each other questions?”

“Yeah, I think that’s the easiest way.”

“Ok, I’ll go first. You’re in university, right? What are you studying?”

“Oh, I’m a veterinary student”

“Oh, wow. That’s very impressive.” You responded with a smile and small chuckle, “Oh, no... not really.”

It was your turn. “If I recall correctly, you are in the museum as an intern. What are you doing if you’re not there?”

“Well, aside from attending school, I also have volleyball to face but that’s all.”  

Confused with his vague answer, “Volleyball?”

“Hm... uh,” for the first time ever since you met him, the usually stoic guy looked... bashful. “I play for V.League Division 2,” he looks unsure if you knew what it was and made an attempt to explain it. But when he saw your eyes wide with amazement, he stopped fidgeting with his hands. “I’m taking it that you know what that is...”

You didn’t really dabble too much in sports, volleyball was no exception. Sure, you watched an anime about volleyball; got addicted, and friends mention volleyball from time-to-time too, all that was enough to know what V.League meant. “Now that’s impressive.”

He grinned. “Heh. Well, I don’t really know about that…but now it’s my turn to ask. How did you get into animating?”

“Oh,” you let out a heartfelt laugh, caught unaware of the question.

Hearing it, Kei couldn't help but suppress his blissful smile.

“I always liked animating but it was a friend who forced me to actually do something about it,” remembering your laziness and your pestering friend was a goofy memory but a treasured one.

“Is this the same friend that left you in the museum?”

Joy came over you and you chuckled again, “how did you even remember that?”

“I mean, that was just a few days ago and who can forget someone who got left behind by a friend?”

“She isn’t bad, she just had to hurry out. I swear, she’s a reliable person most times.”

You haven’t noticed it but Tsukishima's goal was slowly realized as the air of awkwardness and tension gave out. You were too giddy to realize anything; you felt weirdly safe and became chattier.

In front of you, Tsukishima looked to be amused; a rare smile plastered on his face. “I had a somewhat same experience back in high school,” again, he sported a surprisingly charming smile on his face.

Curiosity overtook as you continued to prod, “what happened in high school?”  

“Well, simply put, I wasn’t overly fond of volleyball then. A lot of people paved the way to make me love it. In a way, I relate."  

“Wow, your friends were really good for doing that.”

“Hahaha.. yeah. I was kind of forced the first time around,” he muttered under his breath. “It’s your turn to question.”

“Oh, right.” Attention span of a goldfish. “What position do you play?”

“I... Am a middle blocker”

“Well, that’s fitting to say the least. Is it fun playing your position?"

“Yes. I find it fun especially seeing anguished faces across the net after a good block.” You cracked a smile at that, he didn’t seem to be the type to find fun in that manner.

 “My turn to ask. Are you comfortable talking to me now?” Upon asking that, he faced you with genuine concern, you didn’t even realize you were talking to him casually and without uneasiness.

“Yeah, I think so.” You finish it with a smile.

He flashed a quick smirk in response. For he, after a lengthy while, has finally made progress with the person in front of him.

Part 2 II Series masterlist II Part 4

Notes:

Y/N doesn’t really use Tsukki’s name in her head’s dialogue cause she’s still uneasy🤕

and yes we use messenger... pls don’t mind 🥺

guys this is a veryyy slow burn i hope you guys stickkkk around☺️

it’s been a very long time since the last. but better late right??😅😅

𝑨𝒍𝒔𝒐𝒐𝒐. 𝑷𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒈!!! ^-^

𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈♡

=tags below=

[putschki1969]

Not a question really. Just listened to Keiko's "Nobody knows you" and It's EPIC! It gave me chills down my spine! I can easily see that play in a movie / TV drama! One of my favourite songs of her so far!

I KNOW, right?! It's such a cool and dramatic song, I LOVE it! I bought the FLAC version last night and played it on full-blast, needless to say, it did give me crazy chills too. There is just something about the beat, the use of instruments (especially the cello!!) and Keiko's smooth vocals that blends so well together to create this thrilling piece of music. Keiko mentioned in her latest fan club video that the song becomes better the more you listen to it and I think she is right about that. Don't get me wrong, I did like it from the get-go but by now I have reached a point where I can confidently say that I am utterly in love with it. Definitely a better fit for Keiko's voice than some of her other single releases. Cannot wait to hear this live again in one of her upcoming concerts. The overall vibe of the song also goes super well with this sort of "upper-class lady meets badass gangster" image she likes to convey XD.

KEIKO’s newest single “Nobody Knows You” is now available for purchase and streaming in digital format on various sites. If you have the means, please make the effort and buy it. Streaming is nice and all but artists hardly make any money from it.

It is on mora ~ Tutorial

It is on OTOTOY (no registration/credit card needed)

Check your local iTunes store

[muffinrecord]

Keiko Voice Lines

Keiko’s voice lines! This is the last one (for now). She’s dead before the story starts. :(

Orihime Hoshimoto | Alta Hamekawa | Mitsuki Kasasagi

Self Introduction 1: Heyo! I’m sorry, I can’t talk too long-- I’ve got a full schedule, but I’m Keiko Akari! Ahhh-- listen, listen, come follow me as I move on, I can’t lose an inch of time! Self Introduction 2: Well hey there! I’m Keiko Akari. I do ballet and I fight witches and all that. It’s busy work, but I kind of like it, you know?

Story Chapter End 1: Don’t talk to Kyubey, Orihime. Nothing good can come of it. Story Chapter End 2: Mom... Please... I can’t keep going like this.  Story Chapter End 3: I’ll be watching over you. I promise.

Story Select 1: Do you think my mom would forgive me if I gave up...?  Story Select 2: I just want a day where I can do nothing. Story Select 3: Ehh~~ Math is my favorite subject, actually!  Story Select 4: Refine the body, focus my mind...  Story Select 5: I love Sayu-Sayu! I wish I could see her sword collection? Story Select 6: I want to flow like water. You know?

Strengthening Complete: Practice pays off!  Strengthening Max: I’ve reached my peak!

Episode Level Up: Thanks for getting to know me better.  Magia Level Up: There’s always room for improvement, too-- you get me?

Magical Release 1: People always tell me that liking knives is creepy... Do you think that too? I just really like how they look... It’s not like I want to hurt anyone.  Magical Release 2: Ehh~~ You won’t believe it but I’ve been going to a welding class. It means I’m even busier than before but I really look forward to it!  Magical Release 3: Working with metal is kinda brutal, yeah, but the end product is so refined! It reminds me of ballet, in a way?

Awaken 1: I feel a little stronger. But I feel more conflicted than ever...  Awaken 2: I don’t think it’s right to make a wish when you’re this young. That’s what I’ve decided. That’s why I keep fighting-- so others don’t have to. Awaken 3: Ballet... Welding... Witch-hunting... Even mathematics, gaming, singing... I’ve done a lot of things, but I want to keep changing. I want to keep being a new person, day after day. Don’t you want to know who I’ll become?

First Login: Oh, hey there! Listen, I’m sorry but I only have a few minutes to spare. Today’s a busy day with ballet practice, then maybe a witch hunt, and then studying, ya know? Login (Morning): Mornin’! I’m doing some stretches, wanna join with me? Let’s have some lemonade afterwords. Login (Noon): I don’t make my own lunches, my mom does. She always gives me a lot of protein, see? I need that energy. Login (Evening): Let’s go, let’s go! We don’t have time for walking around! Run, full blast! Login (Night): Hey there! Aw, I’m sorry, but I gotta go to bed early, right? I can’t be too tired, or else I fall behind...    Login (Other): Man, I just want a nap... There just isn’t enough time in the world, right? Login (AP Full): Do you feel that? There’s a witch nearby! Come help me out, I gotta get to my recital right after this...  Login (BP Full): Man, I just want to steal some of my copies and use ‘em so that I can get everything I want done faster. Ya know?

Tap 1: Ever since I’ve gotten taller, I’ve been hitting door frames, sometimes the ceiling... I kind of like my new height though. Tap 2: You have to be careful with your Grief Seeds. Ideally, you want to have at least two on you at a time-- make sure you plan your moves carefully, yeah? Tap 3: Don’t trust Kyubey. Don’t make a wish. You hear me? We’re not the same person every day, so how can you make a wish that will fit you best for the rest of your life?  Tap 4: A boyfriend? What makes you think I have time for that!? I think I’d pull my hair out if I had to factor dates into my schedule too...  Tap 5: My mom was a ballerina before me. I’ve seen videos of her performances-- they take my breath away. I want to make her proud, but...  Tap 6: Augh, Orihime is sooo spoiled. I wish my parents could be as accepting as hers... Tap 7: Hm? Oh, do you need me to reach that for you? I got ya! *Hup!* Here you go! Feel free to ask for more help at any time, you hear?  Tap 8: I think my fighting style really suits me! I kinda dance across the battlefield... One of these days, I want to bring some music with me as a soundtrack so I can practice for real. Wouldn’t that be fun?  Tap 9: Hey. Want to see my knife collection? (:

Battle Start: I’m ready for a little warmup.   Battle Victory 1: An amazing performance, right?   Battle Victory 2: I feel like I’m on top of the world!  Battle Victory 3: We make a good team, ya know?

Doppel: Why did I make that wish?  Dying: Rest...

[unlockthelore]

Willful Promises

Chapter 1 of 3 for Love Language on Ao3. 

Part 5 of the Guns and Roses series. For more updates, follow the guns and roses tag on this blog.

For this specific fic, follow love language on this blog.

Since the return to Sarayashiki following the Dark Tournament, slipping back into the role of Minamino Shuuichi was Kurama’s foremost priority. Maintaining his cover was imperative to keeping his place in the Ningenkai but also avoiding worrying his mother.

He tried to limit his “jumpiness” as Kuwabara put it, though he couldn’t help eyeing the doors and windows, ensuring that his home was adequately protected against any demons hoping to challenge him. After finding Roto knew of his mother and where he lived, he could only assume that other demons were given that information as well.

Hiei took the opportunity to hone his skills on any of the challengers who stepped forward but Kurama guarded Shiori up close. If that meant walking her home from work and lingering at home when he yearned for the open air, then so be it. No harm would come to her and he did have his garden to supplicate the need for the other. A taste of his former self had reminded him of the best parts of his old life and the worst.

While logic told him that it was necessary to secure a victory and their continued survival, he couldn’t help but wonder. What did they all think of him? Did they hear the stories that others whispered in their surroundings of what he was? The crimes he committed?

Thoughts such as that consumed him even during his waking moments, imagining their admiring faces and genial smiles twisting into disgust.

Hiei would understand, surely — but Kuwabara was human, there were certain things beyond his comprehension, and his heart was far too good to level to Kurama’s previous way of thinking.

Atsuko and Shizuru were acclimating to the existence of demons and the other world remarkably well. And Keiko was extremely resilient, but he couldn’t imagine the look she’d have if she knew everything.

Botan was aware but to what extent had the Reikai given her information, and what had they left out? Kurama doubted that even they knew of all he’d committed in an act of escaping boredom.

Genkai was less likely to care. It was in the way she regarded him, silent with a bit of apprehension dissipating as if she gathered it was easier to disregard the past than dwell in it. After finding her connection with Toguro, he could understand why.

Then there was Yuusuke.

Yuusuke had been the one to listen to his story without judgement, risking his second chance at life to save Shiori’s, and refusing to kill Hiei despite the fire demon’s slight against those precious to the fledging detective. Not only that but he nearly acted out of anger, almost shooting Bakken when he apparently continued to assault Kurama’s person when he was unconscious. Hiei seemed to take great pride in the detective’s reaction, and Kurama could tell that it endeared Yuusuke to him a bit more.

And left quite an impression on Kurama himself.

Though he couldn’t help but wonder. Yuusuke accepted what he told him but that wasn’t all. He didn’t know everything that Kurama had done. Children he’d left parentless, and parents he left grieving, treasures stolen, hearts broken, a number of things all to sate this need to fill the void he’d been living in.

A void that steadily closed with the appearance of people who were willing to stand beside him. Someone who could see the best in him despite not knowing everything.

He wasn’t sure if he’d be able to take seeing Yuusuke look at him with contempt. No, he could stomach it but that didn’t mean he had to like it.

“Shuuichi, is everything alright?” Shiori’s quiet voice interrupted the slough of thoughts threatening to drag Kurama further into his mind. He jerked his head upright, remembering where he was across the table from her, his breakfast untouched while her own smaller portions were almost gone. “You’ve been a bit…”

She struggles for the word but so does he. There’s nothing that he can say that will likely appease her worry. Shiori is far too perceptive for her own good and he always did hate lying to her at least about the small things that he knew she’d forgive. Her lips parted but the soft chime of the doorbell interrupted her. Slowly, he moved to rise to his feet but she held out her hand, getting to her own.

“I’ll get it, Shuuichi. Try to eat some of your food, okay?” With a warm smile, she turned and headed to the door with a call that she was coming.

Kurama sighing and glancing down at his food though his ears were trained on the conversation at the doorway. His mother exchanging kind words and soft awe-filled gasps, the smell of something unknown entering their home mingled with her own scent as the door closed and she walked back to the kitchen. Looking up from his own food after taking few bites, Kurama’s eyes widened at the array of flowers tied off with a red bow. He knew these flowers well, their blooms fully opened — reddened with a golden-yellow center.

“It looks to me that you have a secret admirer,” Shiori said, a touch of hope to her words as he walked over to her, taking the bouquet into own arms.

The flowers carried a heavenly scent and he glanced over the bouquet for a sign. For someone to give him flowers as a warning would only result in retaliation. Nature bent to his will, not the other way around, but this seemed more like a peace offering. A gift. And while part of him had enough of the gifts given by his “fans” during the Dark Tournament, it was an interesting gesture. Quite the difference in approach instead of giving him gifts and trinkets.

“Was there not a note with them?” He asked, running his finger against the blooms and delighting in how they quivered and pressed closer.

Shiori hummed distractedly as she searched through the bouquet, pulling out a white rectangular card, her gaze flicking over it. Kurama tilted his head as he watched a smile form on her lips and her eyes light up with mischief, handing the card to him.

“Actually, yes.”

Kurama arched a brow, taking the card between his fingers and bringing it close to read as he shifted the bouquet to the crook of his arms. There wasn’t any printed lettering or a blank message but a familiar slanted hastily written scrawl.

I promise that I’ll always have your back. — Y.U.

Kurama’s smile widened as he read it, looking over the note once and then twice. Y.U. If anything, he had to give him points for attempting to hide his identity. Subtlety was never his strong suit but as Kurama glanced at the flowers, he had to admit that Yuusuke could stand to surprise him. Opening his mouth to ask Shiori if he could be excused, she waved her hand slightly, ushering him out of the kitchen.

“I’ll heat your food for you to eat in your room, go on.”

He nodded sheepishly, pressing a light kiss to her cheek before heading upstairs. In the comfort of his room, Kurama allowed himself to smile and a number of thoughts raced through his mind. How did Yuusuke plan this and did he know what these particular flowers meant?

Kurama’s first instinct was to make a plan of attack on how to ask but he grabbed his phone from his bedside table, disconnecting the charger and flicking through his ever-growing list of contacts for Yuusuke’s. The bouquet finding home in a proper vase for the time being, his fingers running over their blooms as he waited for the call to connect.

After two rings, the call connected.

“Yeah?” Yuusuke answered, his voice rough and laden with sleep, a soft rumble that went to Kurama’s core. He remembered hearing that voice on some early mornings where Yuusuke would sleep in his bed. An arrangement made between Botan and the other girls, allowing him to sleep in Keiko’s with her until a certain time before he was ushered out to his and Kuwabara’s room.

At times, they would stay up until the early hours playing video games to try and rid their minds of the threat of death looming. Kurama would watch them with bleary eyes until Kuwabara passed out and Yuusuke would nudge his shoulder, nodding toward the door leading to Kurama’s room shared with Hiei.

The fire demon wasn’t there, another night where he struggled with the Dragon’s taming and was lost to the forest surrounding the hotel. Yuusuke occupying a place next to him and muttering softly against Kurama’s chest. Somehow waking up even more tangled with him than he’d been before.

Kurama smiled warmly at the memory, wandering from his desk to the side of his bed. “How are you feeling?”

“Somewhere between like shit and like hell..” Yuusuke chuckled weakly, the light click of a lighter telling of what he was up to. Kurama rolled his eyes as he laid back on his bed, hair fanned out against his comforter. It was a comfort and smelt like the detergent Shiori used to wash their linens.

Much different than the mixture that the hotel staff used on the island and he was happy to bury his face against his pillow as he listened to the crackling of Yuusuke’s cigarette and the deep exhale as he took a drag.

“You?”

Kurama nestled his cheek against his pillow and closed his eyes, content to lose himself in the husky sound of Yuusuke’s voice. “Better now..”

“Oh yeah?” Yuusuke seemed more attentive now and Kurama smiled to himself. That’s what he liked about him most. How reactive he was, genuinely involved when his attention was present. It was nice being the center of someone’s affection genuinely rather than facetiously.

“Someone left me a gift and it did help my mood,” Kurama opened his eyes slightly to see the morning glories and the sunlight catching on their red blooms.

“A gift, huh?” Another drag along with the muffled whisper of his exhale across the receiver. “Well don’t leave me in suspense, what was it?”

To Yuusuke’s credit, he didn’t slip up in his effort to remain stealthy.

“Flowers. Morning-glories to be exact..” Kurama shifted to lie on his back with the back of his hand resting over his eyes, heels dragging across the comforter as he made himself comfortable, smiling faintly. A fluttering in his stomach as he heard Yuusuke hum, practically envisioning the smile on his face. “They have an interesting meaning if you want to hear it.”

Yuusuke laughed again, this time quieter and his voice smoky as he muttered lowly. “Sure.”

“Willful promises…” Kurama’s voice trailed off when he heard the slight hitch in Yuusuke’s voice. Plucking the card from his nightstand, he lifted it to the air and turned it once way then the other. The dried ink and the scrawl etched into his memory. “The card was interesting as well.. I think I’ll keep it.”

For a moment Yuusuke said nothing and Kurama almost thought to call him out on the gift itself. Perhaps it was too soon to be playing these games, with what they were, he could understand how that would be so. But Yuusuke’s voice came through, quieter than it’d been before, and a touchy shy.

“You really liked it that much?”

Kurama’s eyes softened and the urge to seek out the detective, pull him into his arms and hug him close was only suppressed by the knowledge that Yuusuke was waiting for an answer now. He wasn’t fragile by any means but his emotions were delicate in a way. He felt strongly about what he was passionate about and when he put his mind to it, he could be quite thoughtful. Though that thoughtfulness ran the risk of rejection, and Yuusuke toed that line carefully.

Weighing his words carefully, Kurama brushed his fingers along his hair, tucking a lock behind his ear. “Is it that surprising?” He asked, somewhat surprised by the softness to his own tone and the hint of vulnerability.

“Flowers are kinda your thing, doubted they’d surprise you all that much…”

There’s something unspoken in those words and Kurama’s hard pressed not to seek him out now.

“They came from you,” Kurama emphasized, trying to press as much meaning in those words as he could. “They’re more special to me than I could tell you…”

They both need their rest and Kurama didn’t want to leave Shiori on her own so soon with the threat of something lurking near by but Yuusuke was a man of action rather than words. Although he could make the inspiring speech when given the right motivation. And Kurama was more than happy to show him how much he liked the gift and how much he meant to him.

“Card gave me away?” Yusuuke finally said after a moment of silence, chuckling sheepishly.

“That among a few other things…” Kurama admitted, smiling to himself as he listened to that laughter. His gaze flicking to the group photo on his nightstand. All of them together, smiling at the camera, happy that they survived and on their way home. “Thank you Yuusuke, this means a lot to me.”

Kurama’s eyes drifted shut and he felt that he could breathe a bit easier.

“Anytime, fox boy…”

[lucretiadecoy-fics]

Chapter 17: Here I am

“It looks good,” Keiko greeted her, holding up a video case.

Botan looked down at the case in Keiko’s hand. One half of the cover was half of a man’s face, up close, and the remainder was white, but depicted a small image of a hand, raised in the air, with a long, gleaming black blade stabbed through the centre of the palm.

“What is that?” she asked quietly.

“It’s called “Hybrid Animal Demon”,” Keiko replied. “It’s the sequel to “The Evil Eye”.”

Botan took the case from Keiko, studying the cover more closely. The longer she looked at it, the more the half-face on the cover started to look like Hiei. She noticed his eyes were red, subtle shaping around his jawline and cheekbones were unmistakably like Hiei’s.

“What’s it about?” she asked. “Is it scary?”

“You can sit with me, sweetie, I’ll keep you safe.”

Botan looked up from the video case in her hand and found herself looking at Shizuru, already sitting on her bed, her back resting against the wall, her legs crossed in front of her. Keiko and Yukina were sitting on the floor in front of the bed, picking through an assortment of soda cans and foil packets of snacks. Botan looked about the room, wondering when she had moved from the back door to Shizuru’s bedroom.

“What’s this about?” she asked again.

“I don’t feel in danger, Shizuru.”

Botan turned to Yukina, who’s remark seemed out of place, especially as she kept her head down and continued sorting through cans of soda on the floor.

“You’re not, sweetie,” Shizuru said. “But just… Sit here with me, okay?”

“You think I’m too fragile to be here,” Yukina said.

Botan frowned, unsure if she was missing something. Although it sounded like Shizuru and Yukina were talking to each other, they were not looking at each other, and Keiko seemed entirely unaffected by their conversation.

“I’m glad that you’re here, Yukina,” Shizuru said. “It’s important that you are. But please, just sit down here with me.”

“You don’t need to protect me,” Yukina said.

“Well… Maybe I want you to sit here to make me feel a little safer,” Shizuru replied.

“Now you’re mocking me.”

Yukina sounded unusually irritated and tense.

“Okay sweetie, cards on the table,” Shizuru said with a sigh. “I’m getting tired, and the cold helps me stay awake.”

There was a short pause before Shizuru continued.

“I need you here to keep me awake,” she said. “Please, sweetie.”

“Alright.”

Botan hesitated, expecting Yukina to move over beside Shizuru. When she did not, when instead she remained where she was, on the floor, organising soda cans by flavour, Botan moved over to the bed, crawling onto it and taking her place at Shizuru’s side.

“This is going to be weirdest film ever,” Shizuru said as Botan rested her head on her shoulder.

[ffamranxii]

I draw a manga/write a light novel series based on that manga, which is essentially an amalgamation of my favorite series and giving some of my favorite characters, who I feel were shafted in their source material, a better ending. That series is called C’est la Vie 5, because it originally featured five fandoms that I LOVED enough to have created an original character for.

Now, like many people, I’ve created a fuckton of OCs for a fuckton of series. However, unlike, say, Dragonball Z and Pokemon (RIP to Son Mei and Cissy the Eevee breeder), I still use these characters. I am still active in these fandoms. Some of these characters are nearly as old as I am. Some have gone through so many iterations that they’re nearly unrecognizable from their original forms (looking at you, Haruhi, Suzuka, and Kinoko). But they have ALWAYS been there.

C5 the way it is now started as a fun little project in college to help me memorize my Japanese vocabularly. It was a series of one shot or 4koma doodles in the margins of my notebooks, featuring PGSM+Hina. Then the doodles got mutated. I replaced Makoto with an original character named Sun Hwa, who then was replaced with Ayumi Yamada from Honey and Clover. I added in Hagumi Hanamoto from H&C too. Ami was renamed Moeco, and her appearance changed. I ended up splitting Ami in two, because I loved her Dark Mercury arc so much, and ended up with Moeco and Akumi. I added Mio Kuroki but called her Arisa Kuroki, because my Usagi at the time was called Mio. I added Mikasa from Attack on Titan. Misa Amane (named Erika after her actress in the live action). And it spiraled from there. C5 went through a TON of iterations as well over the past ten years. There was a character called Haruhi, but she was from the Haruhi Suzumiya series.

Now it’s pretty ironed out. The cast is so big I’ve split the series into a set of volumes into one big volume, so it doesn’t become Naruto. Each volume has a set of plots, two of which are contained within that volume. It’s pretty easy and I like it.

HINA is a mishmash of three fandoms (two if you count PGSM and Sailor Moon as one fandom). I fell in love with Boys Over Flowers (the Korean version) after discovering the live action Sailor Moon, and had a complete fit the entire time that Jandi chose Junpyo. (WHY, Jandi. WHY. Jihoo was BETTER for you. BETTER!) I had a Korean friend in my Japanese class, and it was at this period that my Makoto doodle was replaced with Sun Hwa (another Korean) and that Hina Kusaka (who is exclusive to PGSM, and whose name I stole for my OC) became Hina Ku (after the actress who played Jandi, not Goo Junpyo). Hina and Sun Hwa had small side conversations in Korean that my friend taught me, while the group as a whole reinforced my Japanese lessons. C5 has plenty of Boys Over Flowers characters (a mix of the Korean, 2019 Chinese, and Japanese versions), but I never made an OC for the series. Hina filled both roles. In PGSM and Sailor Moon I kept her name as Kusaka, but in C5 it’s Ku, and she is a zainichi - Korean-descended. Hina also plays a different role depending on which series I’m using her in. In PGSM, I used her as Sailor Sun. Sailor Sun has been a character I’ve had since I was five years old. She’s changed style and looks considerably over the years, but she’s always been there. In every other iteration of Sailor Moon, I prefer the theory that Naru and Unazuki are Sailors Earth and Sun, and Hina is one of Usagi’s many friends. In the pre-C5 era, she, Usagi, and Erika were part of the 3 Bakas, for their bad grades. 

AKIHO is my newest OC and holy shiiiiit I have cleaved to the Persona series hardcore. Rather than create a new OC for each entry in the series (though I may change my mind when Person 6 comes out), Akiho’s look, style, and role in the story changes (I reconcile this to be something akin to Clara Oswald in Doctor Who). In P5, which she was created for, she’s a Phantom Thief. The idea came to me when I learned there has never been a playable character of the Temperance arcana, Hifumi was supposed to be a PT, and the general consensus that Mishima and Shiho should have been PTs. Akiho has been through several iterations herself but her general look is based on Tae Takemi from @scruffyturtles ‘s Adult Confidant AU. Her personality seems very calm and serene, but she is a secret metal head and a huge fan of Eikichi Mishina’s band Gas Chamber. Her PT mask is based off a butterfly. Her role in C5 is a shrine maiden, where she gets along with Rei (Sailor Moon), is the sister of Akira Kurusu (who is a separate person from Ren Amamiya), and the daughter of a pair of mobsters.

KINOKO is my second oldest OC, having been around since I was twelve. Her original name was Cherry (like every other Tokyo Mew Mew OC) and her original animal is lost to the sands of time. Luckily, my favorite animal is a red data animal, so she can be fused with that now! Kinoko has been through so many iterations it isn’t funny. In the TMM world, her hair is an auburn, a dark brown with red undertones, mimicking how some mushrooms (where her name comes from) appear. (It’s a callback to her original name). Her Mew outfit has also changed considerably and I still haven’t settled on it completely. The Mew Mews are not a unit in C5. Zakuro is a model with Ann and dating Minto, Ringo (LOVE Ringo) is a middle schooler who hangs out at an arcade and is best friends with Bu-Ling, Ichigo is a waitress with Berii, Retasu works with Ryou. And Kinoko works at a karaoke bar, chasing troublemakers like Bu-Ling out. She also interacts with the new Au Lait boys.

SUZUKA is also an old OC, her name having originally been Meiling. She’s from Fushigi Yuugi, which I was obsessed with as a child. She’s nearly as old as Kinoko - I was introduced to the series at around the same time. Suzuka’s original role as Meiling was Miaka’s attendant and general Mary Sue, and she was one of my first attempts at exploring fanfiction (along with Kagami the cat demon and Teiten the Thunder Sister from Inuyashs, RIP), because I couldn’t decide which of the original Suzaku warriors I loved most. Everyone had such a wonderfully tragic, lovely backstory, and I needed to give them all blankets and hugs, and Miaka was just a dumbass, okay? (I think I settled on Tasuki. Love me some Tasuki.) Anyway. Suzuka eventually morphed into the Priestess of Kouryuu once I learned that Fushigi Yuugi was based on real Chinese legends, and one legend sometimes included Koryuu, the Yellow Dragon of the Center. (Fun fact: There’s a video game that explores this option, but in it, Kouryuu, is treated as a false god.) In my OC world, Kouryuu is the Great Unifier, only able to be summoned once the first four priestesses have summoned Suzaku, Seiryuu, Byakko, and Genbu, and it is he that will stop the war that threatens the four countries of the Book of the Universe of the Four Gods. In C5, Suzuka works at a bookstore owned by Hifumi Togo that specializes in rare books.

HARUHI is the last old OC, but she’s also new? Haruhi was, for the longest time, existant in a stage of limbo. Fruits Basket was introduced to me as a teenager, when I was about thirteen or fourteen, and I didn’t quiiiite embrace the message, behind it. I couldn’t get past the art style (I was very picky about what I visually consumed back then), I couldn’t get into the anime for the same reason, and I couldn’t quite get past the whole “it’s called Fruits Basket wtf and also they turn into animals? And it’s not a magical girl anime? What in the actual fuck?” But like many things I of course loved the characters, I adored my baby Kyo, and I of course made an OC specifically for him, because I back then did not ship Kyoru (sacriligious, I know). I don’t even remember what Haruhi’s original name was. I just decided that she was a Sohma and the rooster, because the curse of the original rooster was broken, and broke a long time ago, so it was entirely possible for Kyo to have a love interest who was a Sohma and the rooster who was around his age (in my teenage mind). That old Sohma OC, is of course, RIP. I can’t even. And recently, I discovered Fruits Basket Another, and I somewhat resurrected that OC in the form of Haruhi, but as the child of the OG cast. Sawa needs more friends, more protectors, and there’s no tsundere besides Hajime. It always bothered me that Kagura never got any canon love interest or story wrap up after she let go of Kyo, and then in Another she doesn’t have children. :( I love Kagura, so Haruhi is hers! I’m also sad that no one in Another dresses in kimonos when so many in Furuba did (Ritsu, Akito, Shigure, Kazuma, Kunimitsu), so Haruhi dresses in them when she isn’t in school. 

KEIKO is special. Not only is she the newest, but she is also the only character exclusive to C5. While the other characters in C5 are based on characters from other fandoms and have their personalities and such shaped by the new series, Keiko is entirely unique. Her name is a combination of the two things that birthed the series: Sailor Moon and Persona 5. Keiko is for Keiko Kitagawa, the actress who played Sailor Mars in PGSM; and Makigami is for Kazuya Makigami, a major character in Persona 5 the Daybreakers. Kazuya is also Keiko’s brother in C5 and he is... not a great person lol. Neither is Keiko. Her appearance is based on how I wear my hair irl and the clothing of Jim Hawking from Outlaw Star, my favorite anime of all time. (I sadly never made an OC for that series. I tried but I am not good at space opera.)

None of the OCs ever cross paths in C5. It would create a temporal paradox and probably result in one of them fainting or dying lol. Since they’re all essentially the same person. Fun fact: I, Ffamran (known in-universe as Bideru the author) also occasionally make cameos, and I also cannot cross paths with the OCs. Luckily Tokyo, where C5 is set, is a very big place. 

If you stuck with me through this very long post about OCs, thank you! I just really wanted to go off about them since I’ve been in a writing mood and I’m on volume 2 of C’est la Vie 5 now. 

[hereticpriest]

Social Media Drabbles

Sero’s brows furrowed as a notification popped up on his phone, but he smiled when he noticed it was only that a TikTok had been uploaded by a friend. He flicked it open lazily with his thumb while chugging a bit of his recovery drink, and nearly spat the drink out when the video began to play.

Bakugo Katsuki, also known as Ground Zero, was cooking in a brightly lit kitchen. The camera was set up in one corner of the room, seemingly propped up on a shelf. He wore a black crop top advertising the hero Augment, a pair of low-slung grey sweatpants, and a white apron. The hero was tossing vegetables in a large pan, and he paused for a moment to shout over his shoulder -

“Babe, do you want food?”

The song ‘My Type’ by Saweetie began to play as the hero added a splash of oil to the pan and began to stir. A woman with pink roots and white hair danced into the room in a pair of skin-tight leggings and an oversized Red Riot t-shirt. She gave a couple of twerk-like movements while grinning and gesturing to the blond in front of her, then danced her way over to him and began pelvic thrusting barely an inch from his back while lip-syncing the song. A scowl marred Bakugo’s face as he turned to see what she was up to, sensing her presence even though he didn’t hear her. His whole act was softened by the fact that he didn’t even try to push his girlfriend away, even when her hips ground into his ass. A white hearing aid was visible in his right ear when he turned his head to look at her.

“You’re a fucking gremlin. Offer you food and you start humping my leg.”

The woman gasped, then punched her boyfriend directly in the left ass cheek before the video cut out and replayed.

@therealAugment 08-04

Stupidly hot? Check. Tsundere? Check. Chef of my dreams? Check!

#thatsmytype #groundzero #augment

Sero stared in a sort of awed horror, tapped the like button, then sent the video to one of his many groupchats with his old UA classmates.

ZerotoSero: http://vm.tiktok.com/b2k3mzc

ZerotoSero: Why ru coming for my brand Kei?

PikaPika: The fuck? What kind of loser gets mad at his gf for grinding on his ass?

Gremlin: IKR? My phenomenal sense of humour is wasted on this man

RedRiot: K but that ass punch looked like it hurt

ZerotoSero: Well deserved

PikaPika: Where the lie tho?

Splodeyboi: SHUT THE FUCK UP YOU NERDS

Splodeyboi: Who tf changed my nickname in chat?!@

Gremlin: Who tf doesn’t know how to use his phone?

Splodeyboi: I’m going to WRECK YOU

Gremlin: Promise?

PikaPika: Oop

Pinky: I left you idiots alone for five damn minutes...

~+~

Mina let out an excited giggle when a notification popped up mid-way through an intensive scrolling session on Instagram. She opened up her Snapchat and tapped on the unread message. Keiko was sprawled out over Bakugo’s lap, her cheek pressed to his shoulder and a hand tracing the column of his neck. The blond was clearly invested in the movie they were watching, as he didn’t react much when Keiko nipped at his jaw.

“I look intimidating until I smile check.” She sang, pressing her lips to his cheek, then blowing a raspberry right below his ear with her nose pressed against his hearing aid. Bakugo laughed and smushed his hand in her face, pushing her away so he could dive in to bite and kiss at her neck. Keiko giggled wildly, nearly dropping her phone before she could turn the video off.

“Fuck, those losers are so damn cute.” Mina said with a soft sigh, sending back a stream of coloured hearts in the chat.

~+~

“Aw damn it!” Kaminari dropped his controller in his seat as he stood up, brushing himself down exasperatedly, “I’m gonna get a drink. S’your turn Kiri.”

“Can you grab me a beer?” Kirishima requested, picking up the controller and flopping down on the abandoned armchair. Kaminari waved a hand in acknowledgement as he headed into the kitchen. Keiko pouted at the sight of him, putting down the bowl of diced tomatoes she’d been about to mix into a dip she was making. An answering pout from Kaminari had her opening her arms and hugging the hero as he shuffled in to cuddle her.

“You okay Pikachu?” Keiko asked in her poutiest baby voice. He gave her a little whine and a pout, drawing a soft ‘Tch’ from her, followed by a laugh.

“You’re becoming more and more like your boyfriend.”

“Am I? I didn’t think Katsu would hug you. Do you guys cuddle often? Can I join in? Go on, sparkplug. I’ll bring out some beers and some chips n’ dip.” Keiko promised.

“Yeah, yeah, okay. Sarcasm queen.”

Kaminari headed into the living room again and collapsed in a chair, watching as Kirishima and Bakugo tried to find and kill eachother in the game. Keiko soon joined them with a six pack, a bowl of homemade tortilla chips, and a bowl of a homemade salsa-esque dip. She laid everything out on the table, popping the caps on three beers and setting them out for the boys. Kaminari tried to yank Keiko into his lap to distract Bakugo via jealousy, but Keiko dodged his hands easily and headed down the hall to her bedroom to grab a hoodie. Bakugo’s hoodie, of course. Kaminari was on his phone when Keiko came back into the room, circling the wooden dining chair Bakugo was sitting on. He quickly began to film as Keiko eyed her boyfriend for a moment from the side, then carefully slid into his lap facing him, snuggled tight up to his chest.

Bakugo grunted but didn’t protest, simply adjusting his arms around her so he could continue playing his game. Keiko hummed happily, nuzzling her face into his neck and letting her arms rest around his shoulders loosely. When he won, the blond leaned over to put the controller down on the table and replaced it with one of the opened beers, his hand grasping Keiko’s bum to keep her from sliding down his thighs when he leaned forwards. He swigged from the beer while Keiko barely even reacted to the movement, just kissed her boyfriend’s throat as he drank. Kaminari snickered, zooming in on his hand on her butt, then gasping as it gave a squeeze. He flicked the camera up to Bakugo’s smirking face, crimson eyes fixed on the camera.

“Shit.”

The video was later sent to Keiko and Bakugo, and the only reason he didn’t get murdered was Keiko insisting the video was adorable. Keiko trimmed out the ‘butt grab zoom’ and posted the video to Instagram, tagging Kaminari as ‘the creeper with the camera’ just to make him laugh.

~+~

The notification light flickered on Kirishima’s phone, so he dropped the weights he was lifting and grabbed his phone and water bottle to take a quick break. He squirted some of the water on his face, then downed the rest of the bottle before finally unlocking his phone.

Precious: Eiji-boo!!! Honey, come visit us! I wanna film a tiktok with you.

Precious: Have you seen the one I posted with Katsu?

Eiji: I haven’t! I’ll watch it on the way over.

Precious: See you soon Eiji! I won’t tell Katsu, he’ll be so happy to see you

Precious: You know, in his way.

Kirishima smiled, heading to the locker room to get changed and shower, but pulling up TikTok on his phone on the way. He opened Keiko’s page and grinned at the sight of her latest videos. A good half of her videos were dance videos, and the other half consisted of her pissing off her boyfriend to varying degrees. Bakugo didn’t use social media much, but he had Keiko to manage his public image with his PR rep, so he didn’t really need to. Kirishima liked that Keiko always respected Bakugo’s boundaries with what she posted or sent to them. He’d seen her record a video, show Bakugo, notice he didn’t like it and immediately delete it. It wasn’t often, however. The blond hero seemed to have endless levels of patience with his girlfriend’s antics. It seemed Keiko was the only person he had any sort of patience for.

The most recent video began with Bakugo lifting weights. Music played in the background as he bent over to pick up a weight, and as the music began to crescendo, Keiko darted onto the screen and slapped both of Bakugo’s asscheeks in time with the two claps in the music. She tried to run away after, but Bakugo caught her ankle and yanked her back to him, pinning her to the floor. The screen went black, then came back with the music repeating. Bakugo was shirtless now, and doing pull-ups in a doorway. Keiko watched him shamelessly, standing when he dropped back to the ground. She approached Bakugo, her posture and the sway to her hips saying he was about to be a very happy man. She slowly skimmed her hands over his stomach, leaning in for a brief kiss, then slapping his pecs in time with the claps in the music once again. She didn’t even have a chance to try and run. Bakugo picked her up and slammed her up against the wall, her legs around his waist and her wrists in his hands. The video ended there, and Kirishima was finally able to breathe. If anyone else had ever done that to Bakugo, he was sure they’d be murdered. He remembered (mostly fondly) when Kaminari and Sero went through their ‘fuck with Bakugo’ phase, and the many nurse office trips that resulted in.

~+~

It’s Present Mic who shows Aizawa the video. The Instagram video is exceptionally popular, but Aizawa wasn’t really a social media guy, so he never would’ve seen it otherwise. It starts a trend that is now blowing up, and Mic admits that he’s already filmed a response video. Of course he has. Dork.

It opens with Keiko on a flat grey background. She’s wearing her hero costume without her gloves, but the heavy scarring on her hands is obvious. As is the fact that she can’t close her hands fully.

“I am Augment, the unyielding hero. I have permanent damage in my hands from backlash of my quirk. I will never again be able to close my hands fully, or open them fully. My grip strength has also been reduced. My ability is not defined by my injury. I stand alongside the disabled, and those who have been permanently disfigured. Your disability does not define you. You too can be a hero.” Keiko offers a smile to the camera. Bakugo steps up beside her in his hero costume, his hearing aids clearly visible. He’s wearing his home ones, not the ones created as part of his hero costume. He swiftly fingerspells his hero name.

“I’m Ground Zero. I’m hard of hearing, but that hasn’t stopped me from being the number one hero, so you losers better step up too! Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do something, or else you’re just as weak as they say you are!” Katsuki shouts and signs simultaneously. He tended towards simcom, and always had, even when the hearing loss was minimal.

“What Ground Zero means is that true weakness is giving up to fear, while true bravery is acknowledging fear and doing what needs be done regardless.” Keiko says, then gives the camera a peace sign, “Real heroes are defined by their heart, not their power!”

“Hey! That’s not what I said stupid woman!” Bakugo shouts, and the video ends. The comments are full of linked videos of other people saying the same sort of things. It swiftly has expanded to include mental illnesses, mental disabilities, addictions and personality issues.

After a ton of needling from Present Mic, Aizawa will eventually make one about the backlash of his own quirk. All of his previous students end up commenting on it, and Aizawa will forever deny crying over it.

[stories-by-rie]

10 Tag Game

I was tagged by @jess---writes on my main (rokokokokolores) but since this is my writeblr, I hope it’s okay I post it on this blog. Thank you so much for tagging me, the questions really were wonderful! I am very lazy, however, so I just answered them and didn’t create new questions on my own. Everyone who reads them and likes them, feel free to do them as well!

1. What’s surprised you most about your current project(s)?

I am currently working on The Assassination of Keiko Ito, and the whole thing was the most extreme form of pantsing I ever did, so every new scene was a surprise. But I think that moment where I introduced a random object in chapter two and my MCs ended up ‘needing’ it in chapter twelve was a big surprise.

2.  Do you characters serve your plot or create it? How?

Both? Both. Both is good. Honestly, I don’t really think about this concerning my writing at all, and I haven’t read on this matter enough to give a solid answer. But with my projects, I think characters are more important, because a good character can be a plot, but a plot can’t be a character. Does that make sense? I don’t know.

3. What piece of writing advice always stays with you?

This one where eight authors share advice and everyone thinks it’s a joke. Every single one of them, and I am absolutely not kidding. I think this is the only writing advice I need to follow and I am ignorant to all the rest.

4. (eesh this one’s a bit of an essay... but I can’t stop thinking about it now!) Maggie Stiefvater wrote about the fact her characters were questions she asked. For example, Gansey was questions of privilege and what you owe the world when you have it. (click here to read the article) What questions would some of your characters be?

This is such a hard question, which is the reason I actually answered it last ^^ I actually think I  create my characters in a similar way?

Kora – Kora asks the ethical question of the trolley-problem. It fascinated me since my youth and in taoki she is confronted with it, and decides to make a decision.

Simon – Simon is the questions of what happens when you have solid principles and how you react when they are challenged to their very fundaments.

Keiko – (how vague can I phrase this without being too spoilery?) Keiko is about inner conflicts with yourself. *awkward cough* I’ll just leave it at that.

5. Have you ever cut scenes you love for your project? How did you come to that decision?

Yes, I totally have. There are three or four scenes in total that I cut out of taoki even if they made sense plot wise. They were good scenes generally, but I figured that I had just created them to info-dump and that is not a good reason for a scene to exist in my opinion. Some were really cool, but didn’t match the ending once I rewrote it. So there are several reasons to cut a scene for me, but not in a ‘kill your darlings’ way. That’s actually not a reason why I would cut one. Even if it’s not necessary to the story, a ‘filler’ scene can still be useful. If I love it, someone else will like reading it too. I could ramble about this forever, probably ^^

6. What do you struggle with as a writer? How do you try to overcome that struggle?

I would say style is very tricky for me. I know I could improve more if I read more, but with uni I got just enough time to write, so it’s a bit hard at the moment. I also struggle with settings a lot. It just never seems so relevant while I write? Or I have a clear imagination of it but can’t find the right words to make it clear. So I work on it in later drafts and check with betas, but it’s definitely hard.

7. Do names of characters and places come to you out of nowhere, or are they a conscious decision? If they’re a conscious decision, how do you come to that decision?

Oof. So. Both. Again. With some characters I will just assign a random name and accept it. Some characters get a name because they have a special meaning and it’s some sort of (lazy) foreshadowing or just something for me to be happy about. Examples would be Simon form taoki, a random name, and Kora who I named after Persephone, since she is an assassin, so it seemed to fit to call her after the goddess of the underworld. With places, it also is both. I usually use some generators for towns and the like, but also I ask myself: How do we name places in our world? So that’s how I decided on Goldstein (Goldstone) in In the Land of Twilight. It’s a town that was built in front of the Goldberg (Golden Mountain) so they built the houses with its stone and hence named the town after it. Does it make sense? I hope so ^^ But even with names of places from generators, I try to think of a sense. Annville in taoki has got a tiny myth tied to it, even if I took the name from a generator. It’s a great chance to work on world building!

8. What’s the deepest rabbit hole of research you’ve fallen down for any of your WIPs?

So. Many. Probably astronomy to built and define taoki’s magic system though. The magic in it comes from the stars and it gets deep into physics (I think I chatted with you, Jess, about it once on your discord? Don’t you study something with Physics?). I watched countless youtube videos about it, interviewed about four people who understand it more than me and I was so obsessed with it. I still am.

9. What sort of scenes do you look forward to writing?

Hm….. Emotionally packed ones, I think. Or the ones responsible for a WIP’s existence (even though those tend to get cut out of it in the end? Really weird).

10. What are your favourite things about writing?

EVERYTHING! Just kidding, absolutely not everything. But a lot. I love the process which allows me to escape in a different world, to create and use my fantasy. I love to assign personalities to characters, to see them interact with others. I adoooooore creating magical systems. The sound of my keyboard when I am doing a sprint. To interact with other writers. To read some of my writing after a long time and finding out that it isn’t as trashy as I thought it was. All of that.