#ren x makoto (mentioned)

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #1204: Exciting News!~ (Persona 5 x Sonic)

Futuba: Great news, everyone!~

Futuba: Gotta enough money to buy a brand new video game today!~ Which will go lovely for our upcoming sleepover at café later on tonite if any if u lovely people are interested~

Mona: Sure

Lavenza: We'd love that very much~

Omega: Invite accepted

Tae: That depends.

Tae: Will my dear Sae be there too?

Futuba: U know it!~ I already asked her join

Futuba: And u know as well as i do that she couldn't say no to this face~

Futuba: Puppy Dog Oracle.jpg

Tae: Lol nice~

Yusuke: What game have you purchased this time, Futaba?

Futaba: The sequel of this masterpiece of a gem!

Futaba: Hades 2.jpg

Futaba: Really good thing I got it in time too. It was last one they have in the shelves lol

Tae: Wait time out.

Tae: You kids used to play Hades at one point?

Mona: Yeah a long time ago actually

Mona: It was so much fun~

Futaba: So much fun~

Lavenza: And the artstyle and the soundtrack the previous game has offered are both equally as breathtaking~

Yusuke: Yes, indeed.

Yusuke: That game, to tis day, has inspired me into bettering my skills in drawing and painting

Yusuke: It even got me to creating a portrait of Lady Aphrodite of my interpretation.

Yusuke: Goddess of Love & Beauty.jpg

Tae: Impressive.

Lavenza: Very lovely indeed~

Omega: Your artwork continues to not disappoint the eyes of many beholders

Yusuke: Thank you.

Yusuke: It's still a Work in Progress, but I refuse to rest until I could completely capture the beauty and elegance the goddess herself, has effortlessly grace upon the screen.

Futaba: Wow, Inari!~ I didn't know u find the Goddess of Love affective~ 😏

Yusuke: I do to some extent.

Yusuke: But she could never reach the status of true beauty and magnificence as you do in my very heart, Futaba Sakura.

Futaba: iyggbtt ft jgchj ft ykjghikndfonnf

Yusuke: Futaba!?

Tae: I wouldn't worry about her too much, kid.

Tae: Texts like that mostly indicates your partner blushing up a storm right now. Common occurrence really.

Mona: You made Sae blush during a text before, haven't you?

Tae: Guilty as charged~ 😉

Omega: Common occurrence is an incredible understatement considering the fiftieth times Rouge would make Knuckles blush in their texting conversation

Lavenza: I've made Mona-Chan blush twentieth times on our texts!~

Mona: Sufeeszxgy Lavenza! They don't need to know that here!

Lavenza: Oops!~

Lavenza: Sorry my love!~

Futqba: INARIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Futaba: At least warn a girl before u start making her cheeks flare up like that!

Futuba: I nearly dropped my phone on the floor cuz of u!!

Yusuke: Apologies, Futaba.

Yusuke: I never realized my text would give you that much of a reaction. Hope you are well.

Futaba: Yeah, I'm fine don't worry about it.

Futaba: I feel a lot better now knowing our favorite lover kitty boi here is wayyy more of a blushing mess than I am~ 😏

Mona: Oh shut up!

Mona: At least I don't carelessly drop my phone on the ground after receiving a compliment!

Futaba: Better than getting flustered over twenty times in the row!

Mona: IT HAPPENED SEPARATELY!

Futaba: Press D for Doubt!~

Omega: D

Mona: OMEGA DON'T HUMOR HER!!

Omega: How else do you expect me make Futaba feel better more than she currently is?

Futaba: AWWWW!~ Love u Big Guy!!~ 😊 😊

Omega: 👍 👍

Mona: Oh barf.

Lavenza: Morgana, be nice

Lavenza: So Futaba-Chan, how exactly were you able to afford this game?

Tae: Yeah, I heard they're crazy expensive

Futaba: Oh I just saved a few money I have left on pocket

Futaba: Add thay with the money I've earned winning another bet Sojiro and I made a while back ehehehehe!~ 😈

Mona: Oh god. What did you two bet on this time?

Futaba: Well, u see, my kitty bro, to answer that question, allow me to present u all the second of the spendid news we have today

Futaba: Guess who about to get hitch in the near future?

Futaba: Here's a hint: it's the one couple who's been acting like a married one since the day they became a thing!~

Mona: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Tae: Is it who I think it is?

Lavenza: Ren-Ren and Makoto are going to get married!?~

Futaba: Ren-Ren/Makoto AND Ann/Shiho are both getting hitched!~

Futaba: And the best part about all of this is.....Makot.and Shiho are the ones gonna do the propose!~

Tae: Damn really? And here I thought Guinea Pig would be the one to do it lol

Mona: Wait, is that what you guys been betting on?

Mona: See who gets to propose first?

Futaba: Yeeeup!~

Futaba: Victory couldn't be any sweeter

Omega: Congratulations and wedding gifts will be in order when the time is set to motion

Futaba: Ooh Omega! Wanna share a gift with me to give?

Futaba: I wanna consider this thx for being the best robot bro ever!~ ☺

Omega: I would be honored ☺

Lavenza: Awwwwww~

Tae: Adorable

Mona: Still barf

Lavenza: Mona!

Yusuke: Just to be certain. Makoto and Shiho-san are the ones that are going to propose, yes?

Futaba: That's what i said!~ Possibly later this year actually. Why?

Yusuke: Oh I was planning on informing the others on this glorious news.

Futaba: Sweet!

Futaba: Just don't mention any of this Ren and Ann. It's a secret for them to find out on their own

Yusuke: Roger.

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

Meanwhile at Okmura Residence.........

Ryuji: (Immediately Gets Up From his Seat Along With his Girlfriend, Haru) HOLY SHIT!

Haru: (Clasps her Hands Together With Happiness and Excitement in her Eyes) They're getting married!?~

Ryuji: It's finally happening!~

Haru: I'm so happy for all of them!~

The couple hugs each other before hopping around and cheering in rejoice over the exciting news.

Haru: This is truly wonderful!~

Ryuji: I know, right!? About damn time those lovebirds get hitched!

Haru: There's so much to plan and prepare for- ('GASPS') (Grab Hold of her Boyfriend's Shoulders) RYUJI! We need to find ourselves the perfect wedding gifts for both parties ASAP-

Ryuji: (Gently Place his Hand Onto Haru's Arm, Helping her Calm Down a Bit) Woah, woah. Easy there, hun, relax. They said they'll propose later this year, right? We have all the time in the world to get ready by then.

Haru: ( Sigh in a Bit of Relief') If you're certain. I just hope the presents we pick out for them will be at least presentable. (Grabs her Chin While Thinking) I wonder if Yusuke is doing an open art commission at this time......

Ryuji: It's possible. If not, I could always try convincing him to- (Etes Suddenly Begins to Widened Before Facepalming Himself and Groaning) Shiiiiiiiiiiiiit.........

Haru: (Starts Getting Worried) What's wrong?

Ryuji: I just remembered the bet he abd I made a while back on which is gonna propose. And guess who now owes the guy fifty bucks?

Haru: How much do you have now? I could help you pay it off.

Ryuji: (Takes His Wallet Out of his Pants Pocket and Opens it Before Looking For Something Inside) I got like....twenty bucks left I think? (Turns to Haru) But you really don't have to go out of your way to help me.

Haru: (Gives Ryuji a Reassuring Smile) True, but I don't mind at all. (Forms a Playful Smirk on her Face) If you so something for me in return~

Ryuji: Up! (Smirks Back) There's that catch I've been looking for. What you want in return?

Haru: Ohh nothing grand~ (Hugs Ryuji Again) I just want to spend the rest of the evening here with the love of my life~ Talk over dinner, movie, under the stars..... (Starts Smirking Seductively) Maybe doing something more sensual afterwards if you behave well enough~

Ryuji: ('Heh') Sounds like hell of a good compromise to me. You got yourself deal, gorgeous~

Haru: Good~ (Gives Ryuji a Kiss on the Lips) Pleasure doing business with you my dear~

Ryuji: Ditto~

The couple resume back to their making out session, having it yurn more passionate real fast.

@princekirijo

@ma-lemons

@albion-93

@decibelcoatl

[macirollfights]

Cookie run x Persona

Featuring Gim cookie as Makoto Yuki

Herb cookie as Ren Amamiya / Joker Lemon cookie as Yu Narukami

Yeah I wanted to draw this crossover for a while, Till I Felt confident and just said screw it, I wanted to put even more high effort into it, But I noticed some stuff were just impossible for me to make, So I just went with this, Anyways, I always thought these cookies would fit as well as persona protagonists

Well, Before anyone gets to me about roguefort being joker instead, I'll explain one thing, I wanted to use herb as joker/ren for reasons like, Because they both fit their characteristics, And I feel like their personalities would blend in, Not to mention how They both take care of a potted plant, And how they both are baristas. I see herb as more of a perfect too, Not to mention, Roguefort's outfit, Fits well as to maruki.

But yeah, As for gim cookie, Well his for starters, And because they both relate to spirits and death one way or another, For lemon cookie...Come on now...Its hugely obvious lmao, It made me think whether lemon cookie was a yu narukami reference or not

I also added in some bonus panels below my drawing, For what I also had in mind (Along with the protags that i could have drown too like espresso, Latte, And croissant)

But yeah, Enjoy! I did have a hard time on which should be which tbh

[akirawrites24]

Dark themed Persona 5, you say? Hehehehehehe

I'd like to order a jealous Yusuke, who's convinced that he and fem!reader are in a relationship despite it not being established, fucking MC after seeing her being friendly with other men (bonus if it's other Phantom Thieves) while saying the most fucked up but sweetest shit like, "You will learn to love only me, My Beloved Muse,"

Maybe dub-con if not non-con? (Your choice!)

Make sure you eat today btw!

~Yusuke Lover Anon

Welcome back, Yusuke Lover Anon. And yessssss, dark content for sure! (Eat well today too!)

Jealous!Yandere!(?) Yusuke Kitagawa x Female!Reader

Warnings: dub-con (reader doesn't give consent but doesn't seem to mind it), death threats, jealousy, I REPEAT, JEALOUS YANDERE YUSUKE, mentions of Ryuji Sakamoto. Smut. Tying up.

________

How could you break his heart like that? He is giving you everything and here you are, flirting with his fellow Phantom Thief.

Well, you weren't flirting. You were just talking about upcoming exams with Ryuji, but Yusuke saw it. He wasn't happy.

Even during meetings, he just had to sit next to you, touching you, watching you the entire time. No one noticed it, except for Ren and Makoto. Akechi would also come to notice once he would join the team.

At some point, all three of them would have asked you if you and Yusuke were together.

"No, we aren't. We are just very good friends", is what you would say.

It made Yusuke feel bad everytime. And you knew what he would do if you were to say that. He did it before once after all.

_______

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but people who are 'just friends' don't do this together, right?", Yusuke said while having you tied up to the bed.

And thrusting into you.

It is always like this. You don't know why you keep falling for it.

Oh wait, you don't. When on a mission in Mementos, he purposely gets lost. No one seems to mind it, Mementos is a huge place after all, so you all go looking for him.

And then he caught you, brought you back to the real world.

And fucking the living daylights out of you.

"Stop i-it..ah..", you moaned out. But did you want it to stop? Maybe you did, maybe you didn't.

"If you wanted me to stop, you would be crying", Yusuke said, the politeness not in his personality anymore right now.

"You aren't going anywhere after this, I am tired of being ignored!", he grunted out with a sharp and hard thrust, seemingly to punish you.

"You are going to learn how to love me, and only me, my beloved Muse.."

[project-neo]

Awakening yourself

Game/Anime: Persona 5

Charakter: Akira kurusu/ Ren Amamiya (Protagonist),

Ship's: Akira X Fem! Reader, Guyana X Yusuke, Ann X Ryuji, Haru X Makoto.

Warnings: mentioning of child abuse, gore, mentioning of self harm, death, mentioning of suicide, fluff, blood.

A/N: This was an idea from myself. I just love Akira/ Ren and he ist just argh. All talk parts are coloured as follows: Akira, Ryuji, you, you brother, your persona. Others are white Now let's start

It was simpl, really. You knew that your boyfriend Akira was involved with the Phantomthieves ever sense the Kamushida incident. However you didn't though that he wer they're leader. Unaware to him, you hade followd him and his team in EVERY single Castle and fought your way through the shadows behind them. NONE of them notice't. Not even Akechi. But then they got in to the Castle of your Brother. And that's were you drew the line.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"How dear you!? I WILL DO AS I WISH!!!"

You brother screamed at Joker, Holding hin in the black Tentacle that came from the back of his torso (like kaneki from Tokyo Ghoul!). He squeezed Your Boyfriend so hard that he started coughing blood.

"joker!"

Skull's voice echoed through the big room they were in. All of the other thieves trapped in a cage. You saw it all. How your partner was so close to dieing. Everything rushed back. All the trauma that you hade to experience! A flashback rolled Infront of your eyes:

____________________________________

"You are useless!"

You looked up to your mother who was in Rage about what you just hade done. All the progress she made was gone and you caused it. She grabt you by the neck, holding you, as you started to suffocate. Your throat sore and you body unable to move.

____________________________________

You feeld a pain in your chest. Seeing this happing to Akira too made you incredibly angry. So you just wend for it!

"Oi!!! Lett him go Nee-san!!!"

With one leg in a rock you stood there. All eyes on you.

"Y/N?"

Your boyfriend's voice was quite and broken. You jumpt from the statue you were standing on, in you hand a pistol. Said pistol was now pointed at your Older brother.

"Why? Why should I Y/N!?"

Y/B/N shouted. You smiled softly.

"because the boy you are currently suffocating if my fucking Partner"

And with that you Shot you brother in the tentacles, causing him to drop Akira. You made sure that Akira was safe and ready to figth before you lett your guard down. Your Brother looked at you. Then he started screaming again:

"if it wasn't for you Mom and dad would never be in jail rigth now!!! And Grandma would also be alive. I hate you so much!!!!"

You looked him directly in the eye's. His face looked like the one of a zombie. Patches of skinn weren't even there, wich mend you could see muscle and bones. But you still looked at him with confidence:

"I am done listening to you going on and on and on about me being the problem. You are just spoilt rotten! And I will no longer bow to you!!!"

Suddenly you heard a voice. A male, calming voice.

"you hade me waiting quiet a while Y/N. Will you continue take the blame? Or will you make your own path?"

A sharp pain flue through your body. You started to Shake. But you didn't give in to the pain.

"I am not going to fool myself any longer! I am done!!!"

"well then. Let's form a pact shall we. I am thou, thou art I! Call you my name! Let everyone hear your Roar of revange!"

You mask appeared on you face. It looked like Akira's just in black withe a red base.

"now way! Y/N too?"

Morgana yelled. But you paid no minde.

"I hear you..... Come to me....."

Your ripped the mask of your face. Blood everywhere.

"Karma!!!!!"

The blood truning to blue fine as you finally activated you full potential. You're persona Standing behind you. A men in shackles and chains. The red outfit reviling much of his none existent Body. Your on the other hand got some real glow up. Your Withe hier was in a high ponytail, the ends now pure black. But you outfit spoke for itself.

And your weapon? A very,VERY large fan (just like Temari from Naruto) with your secondary weapons being a gun. You smiled and clutched your Hands into a fist. Then you took you Fan and got ready to Atack your brother.

"you are beautiful darling"

Akira was right next to you, ready to end this once and for all! And so you did.

"so this is the backslash? Dean it not only Hurts but I am tired as heck."

Your were Laying in Akira's bed after returning from the Metarverse. Everything hurt and you couldn't really stay awake. Awakening your rebel self had taken a good tal on you. But you didn't mind. Afterall you are in Akira's arms rigth now. Its just you 2. The others were already gone and Morgana out for a walk.

"are you okey?"

Akira's voice was soft but you could see that he was worried.

"I think I should ask you that. Y/B/N nearly crushed you."

Akira Smile's at your comment.

"I'm fine. Now go to sleep"

And that's exactly what you did.

[arcsin27]

genshin x persona

ive mentioned it before but i wanna go real in depth this time. still not certain on every detail so some have multiple options

this post will be updated as i get more ideas i swear ill remember to update it lol

Naoya - anemo sword/bow/catalyst (sword because he has a sword, bow because he has a gun, catalyst because only spells can hit any enemy in the grid system of the game)

Skill: yeah ive got nothin lmfao. maybe something about summoning the monkeys seimen kongou holds?

Burst: ?????

Tatsuya - pyro sword

Skill: uhhh maybe he summons a motorcycle made of fire and rushes around running enemies over?

Burst: nova kaiser. he creates a shockwave of AoE pyro damage. enemies caught in the blast will be in a state of stasis for a short duration

Maya - cryo bow (bow because guns also make projectiles)

Skill: diamond dust. it creates a field in which characters and enemies are applied cryo, and characters are healed (because she also knows dia)

Burst: omni dimension. similar to venti, she creates an orb of cryo in the air and draws enemies into it, dealing cryo damage

Makoto - pyro sword

Skill: dark hour. during its duration, a burning moon appears above all characters, boosting attack damage

Burst: great seal. while makoto is on the field, he will periodically take damage, restoring the health of all characters. also triggers the dark hour moon (im not really sure about the balancing here... maybe it should still take effect even after switching him out? but then it feels op yknow?)

Kotone - pyro polearm

Skill: same as makoto?

Burst: same as makoto?

Narukami - electro claymore

Skill: midnight channel. similar to keqing, he can either press or hold the button to place two square portals beside himself and a short distance away (get it its shaped like a tv screen but purple because genshin mechanics). he will then jump into the square beside him and appear through the other one. maybe he deals AoE electro damage when he pops out?

Burst: idk i have a couple ideas. maybe he creates a field of fog that deals electro damage until he cuts through it dealing massive damage? maybe he summons an other self made of electro that also attacks with him?

Ren - hydro polearm (hydro because it seems to relate to morality and justice and tbh eiha looks blobby and liquid, polearm because its a dagger on a stick)

Skill: beneath the mask. ren rushes forward and performs AoE hyrdo damage, placing enemies in the range under the mask effect. this lowers their defense

Burst: sinful shell. just kinda makes a giant hydro explosion around him lol

---

edit: someone in a discord server proposed that ren (but i think maya could be considered too) is actually a catalyst and their method of casting the spells is gun. i imagined they like summon an elemental construct in the shape of a gun and use it to shoot snowballs and water balls lol

[epitomees]

@silver-strings-of-fate​ | continued from here: X 

Right, as if that so-called ‘gentleman charm’ had any decent effect on Shujin’s student council president. They don’t call her an ice queen for nothing. 

“I’m not so sure you can confidently state such an assumption when you haven’t properly investigated, and confirmed, with your own eyes.” She hadn’t looked his way just yet, but Makoto knew Ren wouldn’t easily be taken down by a mere rebuttal. “Perhaps it’s because Sis has mentioned you many times during our own conversations. You two work closely together, after all.” 

[ren-the-glitch]

Just a quick animatic of Makoto an Ren-Damien. I should also probably mention again that Ren-Damien is a guy, since I know that some people can't tell. And yeah, this is OC x Canon.

[my-two-cents-about-everything]

Have you ever heard of the persona series? If so which games and do you ship anyone.

Yes, I played P3, P5, and PQ. I haven't play P4 but I played P4 arena, watch a little of the anime but stop short. (I'm just not into their cast much.)

As for who I ship.

From P3 Mitsuru Kirijo and Makoto Yuki

From P5 Makoto Niijima and Ren Amamiya

Won't explain why yet but I just love the idea of these four together.

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #1122: Worrisome Phone Call (Persona 5 X SSBU)

8:54 p.m. at Niijima Apartment.......

Makoto: (Finishes her Assignment While Sitting on her Couch) ('Sigh') Okay. There's a three more questions to answer left. ('Starts Yawning a Bit') Might be more trickier than the last, but-

'Cellphone Ringtone of Makoto's Theme Song'

Makoto: (Picks her Phone Up From the Coffee and Answers the Call) Hello?

???: (Calling From the Other Line) Makoto?

Makoto: (Immediately Recognizes the Voice) Oh hi sis. How's it going? (Smirks a Tad Bit Playfully) Is your date night with Dr. Takemi-san going well so far?~

Sae: ('Sigh') It went as well as we hoped. (Rolls her Eyes) 'Till a certain Ren-Ren came by the café, covered in bruises.

Makoto: (Eyes Widened in Complete Shock as She Quickly Gets Up From her Seat) WHAT!? HOW!? WHY!? W-WHAT HAPPENED!!?

Sae: He got himself into a bar fight. Apparently some..he.. big demon guy came in and punched him out of nowhere.

Ren: (Voice is Heard on the Other Line) Don't forget he has horns!

Sae: ('Sigh') Big demon guy with horns, punched him.

Makoto: ('Sighs in a Bit of Relief') I take it he's doing okay right now, huh?

Sae: Yep. His injuries will take a little while to heal properly though. Wanna talk to him?

Makoto: Yes, please.

Sae: (Gives Ren her Phone) Ren, here. And please refrain yourself from making my little sister worry more than she already is right now.

Ren: When have I ever made your sister more worried about me?

Sae: .........................

Ren: N-Nevermind. I see your point. (Starts Speaking to Makoto Thru the Phone) Hey, honey. How are you tonight?

Makoto: (Sits Back Down on the Couch) Worried about you as always. Was what sis told me just now is true?

Ren: ('Sigh') Yeah, I got my ass handed to me earlie-AHHAHA! (Suddenly Winces in Pain)

Tae: (Speaking on the Other Line) I can't treat your wounds properly if you gonna keep jumping around like that, Guinea Pig.

Ren: Well, maybe WARN me before you start rubbing that on my cheeks! It stings like hell!

Tae: Well, using 91% of Rubbing Alcohol could do that to ya. Best you can do is wise up and take it like a man. (Continues Rubbing a Alcohol Filled Cotton onto Ren's Bruised Cheeks as She Snickers a Bit at the Sound of his Pain Enduced Pain) You baby.

Makoto: Best to listen to the doctor, Ren. You can do it~

Ren: You're laughing at my misery too, aren't you?

Makoto: (Trying Her Hardest Not to Expose Herself in her Laughing) N-No! No, of course not, I would never. ('Clears Throat') I'm just happy hear you speaking.

Ren: (Smiles Softly) Good. I'm sorry I made you worried for like the hundreth time now.

Makoto: Actually, you've made me worried one hundred and thirty seventh time in the row thus far.

Ren: (Sounds Surprised) Oh god. It's THAT many?

Makoto: (Snickers Again) No, I just made those numbers up. But it is close to that. But in all seriousness though, for real this time, how are you feeling right now?

Ren: Well, other than exhaustion and stingy amount of- PAIN! (Felt an Alcohol Filled Cotton Touched his Cheek Again)

Tae: Sorry. Forgot to warn that time.

Ren: (Let's Out a Heavy Sigh) I'm just glad to be home right now.......

Makoto: ('Sigh') You and me both. I always figured going to college would be an advanced challenge, but I didn't imagine it would be this tiring....

Ren: Yeah, it tends to do that to your psyche. But don't give in just yet. I know you have what it takes to make it big one day.

Makoto: (Happily Nodded to Ren's Words) I never planned on it. Do you....still want to work at the bar after what happened earlier?

Ren: Yeah, I think so. The bar fight sucked, but I'm not gonna let it get to me forever. I'm more worried for Uncle Rodin if anything.

Makoto: Oh right, Mr. Rodin! How is he? Is he okay?

Ren: Last time I saw him, he was pulverizing the big, horns guy to a pulp hard enough to transform into his Devil form. No way in hell I'm getting near that crossfire.

Omega: Ren, your mothers are calling you on your portable phone. Shall I answer and give them the update of the current situation?

Ren: No! Omega, whatever you do, don't answer that call! Just let it ring.

Makoto: (Eyes Begins to Widened Again) What!?

Sae: Ren Amimaya, are you planning on keeping this under wraps from your own mothers?

Ren: Not forever! Just for tonight. And maybe in the morning too.....

Makoto: (Sighs While Pinching the Bridge of her Nose) Oh my god, Ren.....

Sae: ('Sigh') Dear lord......

Tae: Wait, time out. You have moms now, Guinea Pig?

Ren: Yep. A witch and a goddess. My actual parents disowned me long while ago, so they decided to adopt me as their own. You should need 'em sometime they're great

Makoto: How about meeting them right now, Doctor?

Ren: ('Sigh') Makoto-

Makoto: Nonono. Don't you "Makoto" me, mister. You know as well as I do that not telling them will only lead to more problems.

Ren: I know that! But they're on their anniversary date right now and the last I want to do is ruin it by making them worry. And possibly killing Uncle Rodin.

Omega: Phone is still calling!

Ren: Keep letting it ring, big guy! They'll quit eventually.

Makoto: Highly doubt it.

Sae: You realize you're delaying inevitable, right?

Ren: The inevitability for me to fall asleep?

Sae: ..........You know what I'm talking about.

Tae: You are really poking a hornet's nest here, aren't you, Guinea Pig?

Ren: Just being cautious here. It's not like they're gonna drop everything and come over-

Futuba: (Downstairs) OH REN!~ YOU GOT SOME COMPANY!~

Ren: ......It's.....probably Ryuji or-

Bayonetta: RENNYYYYYYYYYYYY!~

Palutena: WHERE ARE YOUUUUUUUUU!?~

Sae: You were saying?~

Ren: ('Sighs in Defeat') Already standing corrected. Omega, tell them I'm upstairs, will ya?

Omega: Affirmative.

Omega's footsteps echoes through Makoto's phone a bit.

Makoto: (Smirks Playfully) I'm guessing it's time for you see to see your mommies now, hm?~

Ren ('Sigh') Seems like it.....Congrats, Doc, it looks like you'll be meeting them after al- AH! SERIOUSLY!?

Tae: Apologies. The excitement got best of me there.

Ren: LIAR!

Sae: Ren Amimaya, are you accusing my girlfriend of lying!?

Ren: YES I-

Sae: ........................

Ren: No! Nope....I-I'm not accusing anyone.

Sae: You better not.

Makoto: (Giggles Softly at Her Love One's Banters Between One Another) As much as I would love to hear more of your banters, I really have to get back and finish up my assignments for the night. But I'll come by and visit you first thing tomorrow morning, okay?

Ren: Sure thing. Make you get some sleep afterwards, alright?

Makoto: (Giggles Softly) Worrying about me now, aren't we?~

Ren: Can't have you looking out for my well being and not do the same, you know?

Makoto: I suppose not. I love you so much, Ren-Ren~

Ren: I love you too, my queen~

'Ahem'

Makoto: ('Sigh') And I love you as well, sis. Thank you so much for looking out for my boyfriend this evening.

Sae: Don't mention it. Your Ren-Ren has been a pain in a neck as always-

Ren: Hey!

Sae: But he's still a good boy regardless.

Tae: You forgot the reckless part, 'hon.

Sae: Ah, yes sorry. He's a good, reckless boy, I mean.

Ren: I hate you two so- AH!

Tae: Okay, that one was actually on purpose this time~

Ren: (Gritting his Teeth) I can see that, Doc.......

Makoto: (Syarts Giggling Once More) Okay~ I see you three are clearly busy now, so I'll leave you be then. Have a goodnight!~

As the phone call finally ends, Makoto begins to let out a huge sigh of relief before going back to her assignment studies for the rest of the nest.

@keyenuta

@princekirijo

@cyber-wildcat

@albion-93

@caleb13frede

[headcanonstation]

Phantom Thieves X Animal Crossing headcanons

In spirit of Conductor Galaxy playing Animal Crossing for the first time, its time for some animal crossing headcanons!

Ren/Akira

Has been playing the series for a long time

He aims to get villagers that reminds him of his friends! Whether it be through their looks or personalities, if they remind him of one of them he wants em

His favorite type of villagers is cats. He loves cats

One villager he really really wants is Raymond. Yet for his life he just can not get him no matter what

Ren is a pretty busy guy, so he doesn’t get to have a lot of time to play the games. So he is kind of “behind” in the game as it were. 

Wouldn’t time travel, at least not often

The flag on his island is definitely the phantom thief logo

Island is still a little of a mess and could use some sprucing up, but it looks pretty decent. He wants to make it look nicer

Ryuji

Dogs. Dog and jock villagers.

Did I mention dogs? He wants dogs and jock villagers. But he does like some of the cuter villagers

However his favorite villager is Fauna oddly enough he got her through Makoto. 

Wasn’t really into the series until Ren

His house. Someone help. Its a mess

Speaking of mess his island is a mess. For example he really doesn’t pick weeds and kind of just leaves them there. Only really cleaning some of them in some areas but for the most part leaves em alone

Weed cleaning is not what he is here for thanks and come again

While Ryuji does enjoy the game, he doesn’t play it too often. Simply because he is more into other games rather than Animal Crossing

Decided to make his town flag the Phantom Thief logo- but the first version of it, his version

Ann

Has been playing for a while, but not as long as Ren.

Her island is super clean and pretty and organized. 

All her villagers are just the typical cute/pretty ones 

Her absolute favorite villager is Judy and she’s mad because she still doesn’t have her

What’s a girl gotta do 

Hates the gorillas and monkey’s 

Shari was one of her starting villagers and she worked fast to get her off her island

She reset her game a few times to get the native island fruit she wanted, which was peaches

Yusuke

Doesn’t really play video games and it was mostly through Futaba that he started to play Animal Crossing

Yusuke’s island is pretty and no one should expect any less

He likes the more weird/unique looking villagers, of course the pretty ones too

Two of his favorites happen to be Blanche and Croque. He doesn’t have either of them though and he’s kinda working on it

He made outfits for all his friends based off their Phantom Thief attire. 

He’s definitely more meticulous when it comes to his island 

He really really doesn’t like Redd. At all. 

And he’ll talk about it, he’ll talk about his dislike should he come up

Makoto

Like Ryuji, she wasn’t really into the series. She had more pressing matters to attend to and put all her focus into. No time for games

But Ann actually introduced her to it. She said it was really relaxing and just cute, suggesting Makoto maybe give it a try

Makoto ended up really enjoy it and did find it pretty relaxing. 

She keeps her island very tidy, but it isn’t all that magical in the creative department. She doesn’t really change the layout of her island or anything

Her favorite villager is Pashmina by far, no questions asked

She doesn’t really put too much effort into making her island super pretty or anything, she just wants things to be organized for the most part and “make sense” as it were. 

Futaba

what a mess

First off, her favorite villagers are Coco and Ribbot

And she definitely has both

Has the most hours clocked into the game compared to all the other thieves. Ren could probably “rival” her, but can’t cause he doesn’t have lots of spare time

She loves weird looking and ugly villagers. A good chunk of them are exactly those types

Has Audie, mostly because in a way it reminds her of her mom. 

Also has Ankha, because she likes Egyptian stuff. Plus the expression on Ankha’s face brings her joy

Haru

Doesn’t really play video games like Yusuke

Was also introduced to it through her friends

Much like Ryuji, she hasn’t put much time into it. Mostly because she just isn’t that into video games

A villager she really wants is Tia. She saw her in Ann’s island and fell in love with her

She doesn’t really look up any of the villagers or anything. She more so lets surprise happen than anything

Compared to everyone, she’s put the least amount of time into the game. So much so that she has practically still only just turned on the game

She got started with Muffy and Sparro. Found she really has a soft spot for Muffy

[foxcantswim]

Ann x Makoto - Beneath The Stars (Mentioned Ren x Sumire)

Makoto gets grabby in her sleep. Ann is v e r y gay. (No Strikers spoilers but it is based on a scene just before the 2nd Jail)

[toku-explained]

The Swordsman of All

SSSS.Dynazenon: Sizumu finds some kids looking at what he dubs a failed Kaiju, Zaiohn it goes away, later spraying paint on a sleeping Gauma. Yomogi and Yume go to Futaba's workplace, but he quit a while ago. Koyomi recalls Inamoto showing him a stash of money she found and suggesting they run off together, he ran away. Recalling his recent dealings with her, he goes to throw a rock at a window when everyone is called by Gauma, wanting the paint spreading Zaiohn found. Yomogi and Yume find it easily, it's quite sad cute, and convince Gauma not to kill it since it's not being used by the Eugenecists, he tries using Instance Domination on it unsuccessfully, the others try as a joke, and Yomogi sees a weird vision. They're spotted by the GridKnight Alliance. Sizumu takes the Eugenecists out. Anosillus and Knight explain Kaiju have sources, which must have been spread around based on their appearance locations, which are fed by human hearts, both silent when Gauma asks how they know so much when they aren't Kaiju, warning to keep an eye on Zaiohn. Mujina excels at bowling, Onija at tennis, Juuga just worries about relaxing instead of finding Kaiju. Gauma looks at the Kaiju while wondering where his princess is. Gauma fell asleep and Zaiohn escaped, Sizumu suggests a movie, Tarabaman, Onija and Mujina are weirdly of one mind about things now. Knight meets Yomogi and helps him look, as Zaiohn, now bigger, keeps going, they talk about if its possible it has a human heart. Knight acknowledges some Kaiju have human hearts, but others will deceive, and hesitating to kill one that then causes real damage isn't okay, if it's a threat, he will kill it. Koyomi and Gauma leap into action to try and lure Zaiohn from the city, panicking crowds separate Yume from Chise. Knight tells Yomogi that at the size it is, Zaiohn needs to stopped, they go into battle. Reacting to GridKnight, DynaSoldier converts into the Dynamic Cannon, which he wields. Yomogi is unsure on killing Zaiohn. When it starts damaging the building, and learning Yume is inside without DynaWing, he tries Instance Domination, having the same reaction and it looks right at him, Yomogi forces himself to use Dynamic Fire. Afterwards Yomogi is unsure of himself. The seed Chise found now resembles a kaiju frame. Sizumu is the only one of the Eugenecists who was even aware of the battle. Yume asks Yomogi to grab food together.

Heroes' Odyssey: Zero talks about the traitor to the Land of Light, Ultraman Belial, and his own battle with Kaiser Belial and Arch Belial, before talking about Tiga battling Geozark, leading to Masaki Keigo stealing the Sparklence and the fragments of the other statues, using it to revive another Ancient Giant of Light as Evil Tiga. Guardie attempts and fails to get through to the heart of the original giant, his friend, and is killed, before Tiga arrives and manages to stop him.

Saber: Yuri explains that Luna singling out Touma marks him as the one who will inherit Wonder Worlds power. Kento believes Touma might be able to change fate, but Kurayami is still showing him the World's destruction, Tassel's bird flies by. Master Logos shows Storious his new book, explaining if it absorbs the other books a new Seiken will be born, allowing him to fulfill his ambitions. Sophia explains her attempt to replace Kuna and disrupt the ritual, apologising for not revealing she's an artificial human, but everyone accepts her. Mei notes Wonder Story is partly blank. Touma needs to save Luna and receive power. Ryoga explains to Reika that the Shindai clan have a duty to protect Master Logos, and if they deem him unworthy of that title, there is only one thing to do. With the golden Calabdolg in hand, Master Logos uses the Omni Force Wonder Ride Book to bring darkness, the Northern Swordsmen rush to face him, he mocks his predecessors for not seizing the infinite power, and humanity, rejecting his duty when Yuri mentions it. Master Logos uses Omni Force to become Kamen Rider Solomon, the Swordsmen use their strongest forms against him. He overpowers them, then create seven books in the air in major cities worldwide. An image appears from each work, Izaak introduces himself, declaring he will rule humanity, he tells the survivor of war amongst humanity will be saved. Ryoga now knows what he and Reika must do, Bacht ponders things. The prophecy about Rekka tells how Touma can receive the power to face this, but all the Swordsmen must be aligned. Ogami and Daishinji seeks Ren, Yuri Kento. Ren reflects on recent events and his Masters advice to always seek strength, hiding with Desast when they come looking, Desast points out he actually does want to fight with them. The Shibdais confront Izaak, who rejects the name Master Logos, and prepare to remove him, all three changemand fight. Rekka reacts, and Touma can tell Durandal and Sabela are fighting Solomon. Kento tells Yuri the book will destroy everything, Yuri can tell he plans to engulf everything, himself included, in shadow. Solomon is able to counter the siblings' techniques, mocking them for continuing their familial duties, when Saber and Blades arrive. Durandal has a moment of stubbornness but is convinced by Touma to fight with them. Yuri knows, as Kento does from his visions, that if Touma receives Wonder World's power he'll become it's Guardian and have to remain there, Kento finds this unacceptable, but Yuri thinks even this can be changed now, he should believe in Touma, then goes to get the others to safety. As Kento wants to join Touma but thinks it's too late, Sophia appears to him.

Zenkaiger: Boccowaus is getting frustrated, Barashitara intends to deal with things before Ijirude finishes his work. Zyuran and Magine run into some kids, but they're only fans of Twokaiser, Zyuran is frustrated by the Goldtsuikar's and the others acceptance of them. Katatsumurui World appears, slowing everything else in an area to a snail's pace. Twokaiser arrives, but is also slowed on entering the area. The others arrive, but Flint from CrocoDaiOh warns them off entering the slow area. At Colourful Flint explains the powers, trying to help them make a plan, insisting it's just to save her brother. Zox is keeping his spirits up, while Magine and Zyuran listen. Barashitara orders Katatsumuri World to eliminate the ones he has captive, but when he attacks it emerges Zox had used the waiting time to prepare attacks in advance. Ijirude is finishing his work, but Stacey wants it now. The others arrive, using Turboranger to speed up the others to normal speed, they get Katatsumuri World, then empower others in the area. While they all change and announce themselves, Twokaiser refuses to be included in the team. When Katatsumuri World tries to slow them again, Zenkaiser and Twokaiser both use Turboranger to counter (Blue Turbo for Zox), and swiftly finish things. Dai Katatsumuri World arrives, ZenkaiOh ZyuraGaon battles first, but the tough shell makes things hard. Ijirude finishes his work and sends out Stacey, who arrives in his Battle Caesar Robo toattack ZenkaiOh. The twins decide to try Flint's new modification to CrocoDaiOh, and so using Katana's Kikai side, Twokaiser brings out Twokai-Oh Katana. Stacaesar uses the new arrival to focus on ZenkaiOh exclusively, Rekka Daizan finishes Dai Katatsumuri World, and Stacaesar leaves so Twokai-Oh doesn't interfere. Zyuran and Magine are frustrated by Zox still.

Saber X Ghost: 3 followers of Danton have captured Kanon, and are using her to try and find Makoto, or "Leon" as they call him. Kanon wonders about in a trance looking for him, spotted by Desast, who smells that she isn't human and grabs her, spotted by Youma and Mei. Saber fights Desast but Kaanon is still in a trance, throwing Desast away after e beats Touma. At Daitenkuu Takeru has the book Ghost Ijinroku, Javel brings Condor Phone over, whoever is on the other end tells him Kanon is missing and he runs off. They briefly run into eachother, each momentarily distracted by the other's main item. Takers encounters the 3 followers, who aim recreate Danton's Ultimate Lifeform. Definitely some novel continuity here, as Takeru specifically refuses to allow them to harm Chloë with their plan. One turns into a Ganma Superior to hold him off. Javel runs into Touma and Mei, both groups essentially looking for the same thing, Kanon and Desast both quickly arrive. Kanon flips out and beats off Desast and runs after Touma becomes Saber, Desast and Saber chasing, Javel aims to help with his own abilities, but he doesn't have them anymore. The fight continues between Saber and Desast over Kanon when Javel and Mei arrive, Javel fails to appeal to Desast's better nature, and Takeru and the Ganma arrive as Kanon wails on Saber, then brutalised Touma only to snap out when he promises to help find her brother. Takeru and Touma properly make introductions, and become Saber and Ghost to fight Desast and the Ganma, who make a quick deal for Kanon. Facing Desast, Ghost uses Musashi, while Saber unable to do anything, until Takeru lends him Ghost Ijinroju, kept at Daitenkuu for generations. The form represents Ghost and the 15 Heroic Spirits, and Ghost switches to Grateful, the two together finish the Ganma, and Desast runs off. After some talk Takeru promises to help find Makoto, and Javel takes Kanon to the temple, but on the way back they're ambushed by the remaining followers, who drag Kanon away.

Dogengers Nice Buddy: Great Z tells Riku he's determined to bring about his justice. Yabai Kamen prepares to run away, but is caught by Shaberryman right before Riku gets home. Riku is given pause by Yabai Kamen's words, reminded of something Yamashiron said to Great Z, then sweet talks Yabai Kamen into staying with them, before getting an alert they need Nectaris and Uzagi. Filming has a giant Uzagi via camera trickery, before Great Z arrives to fight Nectaris and the Karamis. Watching on TV, most of the Dogengers rollout, leaving Fukuokaliber with a despondent Yamashiron. After a couple of attacks from Nectaris, Great Z begins a heroic speech when he has another attack, seeing images of teasing from eyeless children, and the child being teased's anger. Fishing out a pill, he angrily recalls his experiences with the Dogengers thus far, takes his medicine and brutally attacks Nectaris, everyone watching turning from amused to concerned. Getting ahold of himself, he pulls Nectaris up, and summons Great Daizenshin for a finish, Uzagi jumps to Nectaris when filming is disrupted by police cars escorting the remains of the Kitaqmachine and El Brave, Kitaqman, Ohgaman, Rookie and Kitaqman Metal arrive. After indulging Ohgaman's cop drama bit, they try to survive Great Daizenshin's onslaught, Yamashiron is scared watching but Fukuokaliber has him wait and eat, a meal specifically involving Bell Peppers, which Yamashiron digs into. He's reminded of how the 3 of him learnt to cook together, and now feels ready to fight again. The building that makes their base shakes, and emerges from the ground in front of the others, atop a giant yellow robo.

[bonkers-4-hatter]

Haruka X !Chubby Reader - Laughing Affect

Here’s a commission piece for a lovely dear! This was interesting to write and I hope you guys enjoy it! Remember to stay safe and healthy out there my loves! All characters 18+

“What the hell are you talking about Makoto?”

The brunette swimmer sighed before he started to explain everything again, but this time you could actually understand him. You were relaxing at home, it was the weekend, nothing to do but whatever you wanted, but a phone call from Makoto brought that all to a halt.

It made you confused at first because Makoto was blubbering about something, you only caught a few words.

“Laughing gas?!” Your brow rose up sharply, perplexed and honestly a little taken aback at what he was telling you. Apparently there was some riot or protest going on downtown where Haru was shopping for groceries and someone was throwing what they thought was tear gas cans, but it turned out to be filled with laughing gas, and now the usually stoic and quiet man was laughing his ass off over nothing and you could hear him in the background. 

“I know, it’s crazy, but I’m calling because I need you to come and look after him.” You were about to interrupt, but he kept going. “I have to go and take Ren and Ran to their soccer practice and I don’t want to leave Haru here like this alone.” It was silent on the line as you took in his words, the only thing was Haru’s uncontrollable laughter coming from somewhere in his house. 

“I-I guess I can.” 

Makoto let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you (Y/N)! No need to worry, he’s totally out of it so just make sure he doesn’t do anything crazy. I don’t even think he knows I’m here to be honest.” 

You rubbed your temples before making your way to your bedroom to change out of your comfy sweats to something more suitable. 

“Not a problem Makoto, I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”

“You’re a lifesaver (Y/N).” Saying your goodbyes, you hung up the phone and let out a sigh. This was not how you imagined your weekend going. At all. Shaking your head, you shuffled through your dresser and pulling out jeans and a big soft sweater, your favorite actually. Quickly changing into the comfy clothes, you made sure you had everything before walking out and locking up your house. 

Trekking to Haru’s place, you were more than aware of the looks you were getting, you always got them, but it never bothered you, well, not anymore at least. You were a bigger girl compared to many around you. You didn’t think much about it, you’re confident and you know you’re beautiful. People are just narrow minded is all. Continuing your trek to Haru’s house, you made a quick stop at the convenient store to grab your guys’ favorite snacks and drinks. I’m sure after this whole laughing gas issue, he’d be grateful for the snacks.

–

Before you could even make it to the door, you could hear what you could only guess to be Haru’s hysterical laughter. Hearing it over the phone versus hearing it in person were two different things and it took you aback. The swimmer was usually very stoic and neutral when it came to emotions and hearing that laughter was so odd. Shaking your head, you sharply knocked on the door as the pattering of footsteps could be heard.

With a few noises and clanks, the door opened as Makoto’s radiant smile came into view. “Thank you so much (Y/N), really!” He ushered you into the house, you took off your jacket and shoes leaving them by the front door as usual. The house became somewhat quiet, the only noises being made were the now softer giggling coming from the living room.

“As you can hear it’s coming down, now he’s at a quiet giggle, but he’s still really out of it, I’ll give you a call once their Soccer practice is done.” Giving a nod, he gave you a quick hug before dashing out the door. Sighing, you locked the front door not taking any chances for a doped up Haru to run around the streets, giggling like the Joker. 

Before you could turn around, arms wrapped around your soft middle, pulling you flush against a hard chest as Haru’s soft giggles invade your ear; feeling him hide his face in the crook of your neck. His hands started to gently stroke your bulging tummy making heat rise to your round cheeks. 

Haru never touched you like this before; he never really expressed much emotion around anyone and having him touch you like this now was hard to fathom. 

Letting out a few giggles, he mumbled into your neck, “You’re so soft…just like (Y/N).” Your body went stiff at mention of your name falling from his mouth. Haru’s giggles brought you back to reality as he continued on. “You should meet (Y/N), she’s great.” 

Before you could answer him, he started to pull you into the living room, letting out random laughs or giggles along the way before plopping onto the couch, pulling you to sit next to him on the soft piece of furniture. Once more, his arms were wrapped around your softness, head on your shoulder too. 

He didn’t say anything further, just laughed. You gulped as your mind went to what he said a few moments ago. You had to know more, what did Haru really think about you? Was it wrong to ask him when he clearly didn’t know it was you that was looking after him at the moment? Yes, of course. However, if you didn’t find out now, you probably never would. 

“S-So, do you like this (Y/N)?” 

He just laughed for a moment, his hand coming down to caress your leg, the touch sending jolts down your spine. Even in his doped-up state, his touch was still soft and delicate. “You remind me of her.” He continued to stroke your leg, looking at you with a glazed over expression. You weren’t sure if it was the laughing gas effect, or something…something else? 

Before you could question Haru’s gaze, he began to speak about you once more. “She’s so nice and caring and,” He stopped to give a few quick chuckles. “She’s so cute without even trying, her smile makes everything better…I want to tell her how I feel, but I can’t.” His chuckles turned into short scoffs, a frown forming on his face for the first time since you’ve been there.

“Well, how do you feel about her?”

His smile returned as he gave a particular loud laugh, which startled you a bit, your chubby hand placing itself over your now racing heart.

“I love her! I’ve loved her for years, but I can’t tell her.” Your eyebrow quirked up at his words. With your head tilted, you simply asked, “Why not?”

“She won’t return my feelings…” He trailed off, not really saying anything else. 

He was completely wrong in what he said. You’ve actually developed a really strong crush on the lithe swimmer. As much as you wanted to deny your bubbling feelings, as the years went on, you just couldn’t and you pretty much knew it would be a one-sided love, but now, his words really changed everything. You would return his feelings in a heartbeat if only you knew about it and honestly you never picked up on any feelings, he would have for you. Of course, you could’ve always had them fly over your head if he ever did show signs.

“Have you shown her that you loved her?” 

Your words brought Haru out of whatever other funk he was going through, his gaze settling back on your form once more. Letting out a small giggle he shook his head. “I haven’t, but I feel like anything I try to do for her won’t be enough, she deserves the world.” His words made heat rise to your round cheeks.

You deserve the world? Those were words you never expected anyone to say in your life. Your adoration for Haru just grew tenfold at his confession.

“M-Maybe you can start showing her your feelings, if she’s as great as you say, I’m sure she’ll accept any show of love from you.” You spoke your true feelings to him, even though he wasn’t fully there, but it was a start at least.

“I could…” Trailing off, Haru gazed at you again, hands cupping your heated, round cheeks. “She has soft cheeks like yours…your lips look plump like hers too…” He started to lean toward you, his lips coming closer to yours, you could feel your eyes flutter shut, before they shot open. Your lovesick mind remembering that Haru was still under the effects of that damn laughing gas. You couldn’t take advantage of him like this, that was taking it too far. Haru’s eyes had fluttered shut, still leaning in until you gently pushed him away even though it hurt you greatly to do such a thing.

“I’m glad I remind you of her, but don’t you want to kiss her? Save that kiss for her, not me.” You gulped after saying those words. No matter how much you wanted to kiss him, you’d wait until he was in his right state of mind. 

A string of giggles escaped him as he nodded, scooting away from you a bit, leaving some space between you two still seated on the couch. “I’m sorry, you’re right, you just remind me of her…I’ll save everything for (Y/N).” Smiling at the still out of it swimmer next to you, you gave a sigh as a blanket of silence fell upon you both. Soon, soft snores filled the room, your eyes shifted and landed on a sleeping Haru; head leaned back onto the soft back end of the couch and arms limp at his sides. 

A soft smile tugged at your lips seeing him like this. Getting up from the couch, you grabbed a soft looking blanket that was thrown over the back of a chair nearby and placed it over the tired swimmer so he wouldn’t get cold as he slept. 

Without much to do, you settled into the chair where you grabbed the blanket so as to not disturb Haru on the couch. You distracted yourself by browsing on your phone, checking all the various social media you had installed, but of course you weren’t really paying attention to what was on your screen. Haru’s words kept replaying on loop in your head, the way he spoke about you, it was like something from some romantic comedy; the guy confessing his love to the girl he loved under some goofy circumstances and in this instance, having him under effects of laughing gas was totally a viable circumstance indeed. 

You scoffed at the situation, of course the one time in your life when a guy confesses his true feelings for you, he’s not even fully there. I mean, you didn’t expect anything drastic or overly romantic like some Disney movie, but come on! Shaking your head, you just smiled at a sleeping Haru as you could slowly feel your eyes flutter close as you settled into the softness of the chair, sleep enveloping you.

–

A shaking motion jolted you awake as your eyes shifted around you looking for the source of the shaking. Your eyes locked onto Haru’s. You could feel your breath catch in your throat as his eyes softened a bit looking at you.

“I hope you know, you snore in your sleep.” 

You chuckled at his monotone words, but the next words made you stop your carefree laughter. “It’s cute.” Was he still under the laughing gas? You waited a few moments, nothing but silence in the air. No laughs, giggles or…anything. 

“Makoto told me what happened, sorry you had to watch me.” You waved him off as you got up from the chair, raising your limbs and stretching them into the air, hearing satisfying pops of your joints. 

“It wasn’t a problem, at least you’re okay now…right?” You looked him over, spending a moment longer staring into his eyes and seeing no sign of a glazed over expression in them. 

“I’m fine now, thank you (Y/N).” Before you could respond, large, warm hands enveloped themselves around you, gliding up your back and before you could comprehend what was happening, Haru was hugging you. Not giving it much thought, you hugged him back, it was nice to have this kind of contact with him, it felt natural to you.

“I had a dream while I was under that gas,” He started to say this as your eyes bulged at his words. You were glad you both were still hugging so he couldn’t see your expression. Haru pulled away from the hug softly and kept eye contact with you, hands keeping a gentle grip on your shoulders. “It made me realize that I need to tell you how I feel about you.” You could see the start of a blush forming on his face. “I…I love you (Y/N). I have for years, I just didn’t think I was good enough for you…you deserve so much and I don’t thi-.” 

You couldn’t help it, but you quickly pressed your lips to his, promptly shutting him up, your arms snaking around him to pull him closer to you. Groaning into the kiss, he ran his hands down the expanse of your soft body, gripping your full hips and keeping you flush against him. When air became an issue, both of you pulled away; panting and smiling. 

“I love you too Haru.” 

The swimmer only grinned at you and pulled you into another passion filled kiss, wanting to show you how much he loved you through his actions. You fully accepted this and planned to tell him soon that he said plenty a few hours ago, but right now, your kisses did the talking. 

[thepancakeboi]

74. “I can’t take the loneliness anymore.”

Divergence AU Part I

Next | AU list | Prompt source

Fanfic under cut

10/9

Ren: Have you played never have I ever?

I stare at Ren’s most recent text. Where is this coming from all of a sudden? He’s been unfortunately busy the past several days, as he’s lamented to me over text. Perhaps he found himself some free time. A little curious about the reason for his text, I quickly text him back a response.

-x-

Goro: I have not, but I am familiar with the rules.

Ren: Would you wanna play?

Ren: Ann, Makoto, and Futaba will be there too

Goro: If you don’t mind me asking, why are you inviting me to play?

Ren: I like hanging out with you

-x-

Something about that response, the fact that he enjoys my company, makes me...happy. It’s not the first time he’s said it. He has told me over and over again that he loves being around me and that he would always try to make time for me if I wanted it. I look back down at the chat as I notice another text from Ren.

-x-

Ren: And they’ll gang up on me if you’re not there

Goro: I see... you have ulterior motives.

Goro: Not that it matters.

Goro: I highly doubt that they would “gang up” on you, though.

Ren: Trust me Akechi they will

Ren: Do you wanna play?

-x-

I take a minute to think it over. I don’t know his friends that well. This could give me an easy opportunity to get to know them a little better to improve my plans for them all. Having made my decision, I text him back.

-x-

Goro: I would be delighted to join you.

Ren: Yay! :D

Ren: We’re meeting up at Leblanc at 5

Goro: I’ll be there.

-----

I arrive at Leblanc a few minutes early. Ren perks up as the bell over the door rings, immediately grinning when he notices it’s me. He leads me upstairs to his room up in the cafe’s attic. “Hello,” I say in greeting, noticing that the others are already here.

“It seems we’re all here,” Makoto remarks when I sit down beside Ann, Ren taking the seat next to me. “Who wants to go first?”

Futaba nearly jumps in her seat as she answers, “I will! Never have I ever worn fake glasses!”

“I told you,” Ren remarks while putting down a finger. “I’ll go next. Never have I ever not attended high school.” Futaba makes an overly dramatic wounded expression as she puts down her own finger. She should have seen that one coming.

“Your turn, Akechi!” Ann says.

“Very well,” I reply, mulling over a response in my head. “Never have I ever attended Shujin Academy.”

Futaba laughs as Ann, Makoto, and Ren all have to put down a finger. “This one’s in my party now!”

“I thought you were on my side,” Ren says, pouting a little.

I shake my head. “I wasn’t targeting you in particular, Amamiya-kun. It was simply an option that applied to a lot of people.”

Ann smiles, apparently already having her statement prepared. “Okay, my turn. Never have I ever taken mock college entrance exams.”

Makoto and I both put down a finger while she thinks of hers. “Never have I ever...been told I look drop-dead gorgeous?” I’m glad Ren doesn’t say anything as I put my second finger down, although he looks like he’s tempted. Ann has to put one down as well.

Futaba grins eagerly, clearly still bent on going after Ren. “Never have I ever been in a bathhouse.” Ren somehow has the nerve to smile when I realize Futaba’s statement is also true for me. He’s definitely remembering that day from last month. Futaba seems a little surprised at this. “Hey, I got a two-hit combo there!”

“Never have I ever slept for longer than 48 hours in a row,” Ren immediately shoots back.

My turn. “Never have I ever been to a beach.”

I give a little giggle as everyone is affected besides me. Ren looks at me, curious. “Wait, you haven’t?”

“I’m afraid not.”

“That’s it. Next summer, I’m taking you to the beach.”

...I don’t need my mind telling me that he won’t be alive long enough for the sentiment to matter.

Luckily, Ann is able to draw me out of my thoughts. “Never have I ever fell asleep studying.” Great. I put down my fourth finger. “Wait, you have?” she asks in disbelief.

“It was really cute actually,” Ren says for me. “We were studying together downstairs and he fell asleep leaning against m-”

“I think that’s enough information from you, Amamiya-kun,” I interrupt. “Niijima-san, I believe it’s your turn?”

Makoto nods in acknowledgment. “Yes. Never have I ever spent over 100,000¥ in one purchase.”

Futaba looks straight at Ren as both of them have to put a finger down. “Never have I ever committed a crime IRL!”

Ren looks almost distraught as he sighs, now only having four left. Whether or not he’s being overly dramatic about it is left up to debate. My right index finger twitches, as if my subconscious is tempted to be honest. I can’t, though. If they knew the truth about me...besides, there would be too many questions that I simply couldn’t answer without spinning a giant web of lies. It’s simply too early for that, but...could I really-

“Futaba, that statement applies to you as well,” Makoto remarks.

“Whaaa?”

“Hacking government websites is a crime.”

“Aww, man,” Futaba groans.

Ren smirks, looking rather smug at the moment as he says, “Okay, never have I ever...”

The game continues on for a little while. Ren is the first to be eliminated, largely due to Futaba targeting him, although I am the one to take him out (and not on a date like he suggested when I said as such). Makoto ultimately wins in the end. We’re all departing when Ren asks if I want to stay and play some chess. I accept the offer, surprisingly enthusiastic. I’m not even paying much attention to the game itself. Something is on my mind. Why is it that I am eager to spend so much time with Ren? I know I need to get close to him, but I’m genuinely enjoying the time spent with him. Am I getting too close?

“So, Akechi...what crime did you commit besides being drop-dead gorgeous?”

I nearly drop the rook in my hand, startled. “Huh? What are you getting at?”

“Don’t act like you haven’t. I saw your finger twitch. You wanted to put your finger down, didn’t you?” I don’t bother answering, instead deciding to place the rook down on a new spot. The game is almost reflective of the current situation. Ren has me cornered. “Knew it. But who would’ve guessed? Ace detective Goro Akechi, secretly a criminal? Come on, spill the details!”

“Do I have to?”

“I told you mine. It’s only fair if you tell me yours.”

“Very well...I robbed the 777 in Shibuya when I was eleven years old,” I easily lie. “Happy now?”

“I would be...if you were telling the truth.” He moves his knight, taking the rook I had moved earlier and trapping my king. Checkmate. “If you really don’t wanna talk about it, that’s fine. I won’t force it.”

I’m silent for a few minutes. Ren, true to his word as ever, doesn’t try to force me to talk. Finally, I say, “You won’t like the real answer.”

“You can tell me if you want. I won’t judge.”

His words bring me to a decision. I just hope I don’t come to regret it. Sakura-san isn’t here, leaving me free to say my next words. “We should find somewhere else to talk, preferably somewhere where no one can eavesdrop. Surely you know such a place...Joker.”

His head jolts slightly, the only indication that the name I had heard him being referred to as in the Metaverse means anything to him. I find this confusing. I would have expected him to have a stronger reaction. “I do. Let’s go.”

Ren remains surprisingly silent after that. Normally, I would welcome it, but this silence is...unnerving. He’s rarely this quiet around me, and when he is, he still manages to constantly remind me of his presence. This is different. Right now, it feels like he’s trying to hide in the backdrop and make himself inconspicuous. What is going on in that head of his? I’m almost tempted to ask him what he’s thinking about if only to get him to say something, anything. I don’t. There will be plenty to talk about soon enough.

The time both drags on and speeds right along as we arrive in Shibuya. We exit the train, Ren leading the way up to the station square. He pulls out his phone, looking at me to see if I am ready. I nod. This is it.

The familiar dizziness signals our entering the Metaverse. It’s a feeling I may never get used to. My outfit has changed to my white princely attire. Good. I don’t know if I’m prepared to reveal that just yet. I turn to see Ren in his own thief attire. “How did you find out?” he asks, his voice finally breaking through the uncomfortable silence. His demeanor has changed. He seems more confident, and he has a sort of aggressiveness that he rarely exhibits in the real world. Even his gaze is sharper, more intense. I may know him as Ren Amamiya, but right now, the one I am facing is Joker.

“Your friend...I believe he goes by Skull here? He should learn to keep his voice down.”

“Are you gonna turn us in?”

“I should arrest you.”

“Should?”

“But I won’t.” Not yet, at least.

“And you have a Persona?”

As expected, he’s asking so much, trying to figure me out. I’m not going to stop the flow of questions. “Yes. I do.”

“How did you discover the Metaverse?”

“A couple of weeks ago, I was trying to get evidence of your group’s identity as the Phantom Thieves. I must have been dragged inside.” It’s partially true. I had been gathering evidence to later blackmail them, but I had gone into the Palace on my own volition. That and I’ve been here many times before that day.

“You’re lying.”

I raise an eyebrow, even if he probably can’t see it under my mask. “What are you talking about?”

“You didn’t just discover the Metaverse recently. You’ve known about it for longer than that.”

“And what evidence do you have to support your deductions?”

“That day at the TV station. You thought you heard something about delicious pancakes, but...Morgana was the only one who mentioned them.” I stare at him. Does he mean to say what I think he is? “You know, the cat,” he adds.

So the cat in his bag is the small black and white creature that accompanies them in the Metaverse. And by hearing him in Madarame’s Palace, I- “...Oh.” Now I understand. If I had been telling the truth, I should not have been able to understand the cat in June. “So that’s how you figured it out.”

Joker nods. “What are you hiding from the Phantom Thieves...and from me?”

I turn my back on him. There’s only one thing left for me to do. “Maybe it’ll be best if I show you.”

One of these days, I knew I would be showing him my true colors. Never had I anticipated it would be like this. My outfit shifts and morphs in an explosion of black and red fire crawling up my body. White and red is replaced with black and blue. I turn to face him just as the transformation is complete, the world tinted red by the lenses of my mask.

“A black mask,” Joker whispers. It’s clear he’s trying to process the truth of the matter, that I’m the person he’s been hunting down since Kaneshiro’s Palace. To his credit, Joker doesn’t look incredibly surprised, even if I’m sure he is. He hides it well. “You’re...”

“That’s right,” I reply, my voice nearly a snarl. “I’m the one who’s causing the scandals everyone has been talking about. The mental shutdowns. The psychotic breakdowns. They’re all because of me. Oh, and Okumura? He’s as good as dead.”

There’s that look of surprise I’ve been anticipating. “You killed him?”

“Yes. I did.” I take the mask off, looking right at Joker as I say, “You wanted to know what crimes I’ve committed. Well, there’s your answer.”

“Why?” he finally asks.

“Why what?”

“Why are you doing this?”

“This being?”

“All of it, I guess.”

“My Metaverse activities are all part of a plan that’s been two years in the making,” I start, being purposefully vague. This isn’t where I had been expecting this conversation to go.

“A plan?”

“Yes. A plan to settle a...very personal grudge.”

“Who’s this grudge against?” I put my mask back on, hiding my facial expression. Joker’s latest question is one I cannot answer. He’s not satisfied. “What’s their name?”

“I thought you said you weren’t going to force it.”

“I just wanna help,” he says, about to approach me. “Please-”

“I don’t want your pity!” I yell.

He stops, realizing that right now may not be the best time to get near me. “I’m not pitying you.”

“Oh, really?” I hiss. “Then why go this far to help me!?”

“Because I care about you.” He...cares about me? How could he possibly...? I don’t understand. He should be hating me right now! Yet he claims that he cares about me, even now. “One more thing. If you’re not wanting my help, then why are you telling me any of this?”

My response comes unfiltered, hiding nothing from him. “I...I can’t take the loneliness anymore.”

Joker’s response surprises me even more. “You’re not alone. I’m here. I’ll always be here.” He says it with no doubt or hesitation. He truly believes that he’ll be there for me when I need him. As selfless as ever. But I won’t rely on him. I refuse to let him help me because whatever ridiculous savior complex he has tells him to. As if sensing my thoughts, he adds, “We could make a deal instead if you want.”

“A deal?”

“I’ll help you with your plans if you help me find the man who accused me of assault.”

That has me on edge. “Just what are you planning?”

“I want to help, no matter what it takes. It’s not pity, Akechi. I want to prove that.”

“And you think that, by striking a deal with me, you’ll be able to convince yourself it isn’t? Don’t make me laugh.”

“You wanted to help me, remember?” His question gives me pause. I had offered to help, yes. When he rejected my offer, I had even tried to insist on helping, but he refused to budge. “I wanted to deal with it on my own, just like you. I told myself, ‘It’s just a year.’ But we’re doing this the wrong way. We’re strong, but I don’t think we should be doing this alone. So, let’s do this...together.”

“How idiotic could you get? We’re enemies-”

“Rivals,” he immediately interjects.

“Fine. Rivals. But we’re not meant to work together.”

“Even rivals team up sometimes.”

“You...” I manage to hold back a laugh as I continue, “You have some strange logic sometimes.”

“So?” Joker extends his hand. “Do we have a deal...Goro?”

It takes me a few moments of sputtering over him calling me by my first name to get out a response. I take his hand in mine, making sure not to accidentally jab him with my clawed gauntlets. “Fine. I accept your proposal.”

[shnuggletea]

Another WIP Wednesday! Chapter One is now LIVE on Patreon! 

Synopsis: Everyone has stories in their family. Ones of love, pain, happiness, and struggles. With these four families so close, blood has little to do with their stories since they share their lives anyway. And these stories show how Mamoru x Usagi, Ami x Zoi, Mina x Kun, Mako x Neph, and Rei x Jed fall in love despite conflict and promises not to ever fall in love with each other.

Chapter 23 of Love Lost is also live on my Patreon. Chapter 24 (the finale) will be live soon. Probably first week of December. The first chapter of this fic in there as well as many others for your consideration and access to the Kissing Booth where you can create your perfect kiss between your fave OTP. Subscribe today!!

They had rented this house every year for as long as the oldest of the horde of nieces and nephews could remember, so they knew exactly how to get to the game room at the back of the house. Soon, they were deeply engrossed in a game of Uno.

“I say we up the stakes!”

“Oh yeah?” She teased the eldest boy, Ren, “And just how do you suppose we do that?”

“Losers have to do whatever the winner says!”

The other four children groaned so Usagi compromised. “How about we just tell a secret?”

“Yeah!” They all cheered.

Usagi had little to fear, the four of them weren’t the best of players. Still young, they didn’t quite get how to ration their cards to work to their advantage. She tried not to beat them too badly, but it was hard not to!

“Uno.” She said softly but strong. 

They all groaned again, this time in defeat. She pointed to cue them, starting at the youngest and going upwards in age. Little Sora twisted her fingers in fear above her belly. “I peeked at my presents this year.”

Usagi mocked shock and disappointment at the small girl but really that was an impressive feat. “You shouldn’t do that, Sora!”

Nagomi went next. “I put on Mommy’s lipstick when she’s not around.”

Usagi only clucked her tongue at that one, moving on to Youta and his fidgeting. “I hate my Math tutor. She’s just mean!”

“I think you do like her, Youta!” Ren teased and they all giggled at the red-faced boy.

“Your turn, Asahi,” Usagi recalled.

Twisting a little finger in her hair, Asahi blushed heavily. “I don’t have a secret.”

“Come on! Everyone has a secret!!” Ren pushed.

She shook her head and Usagi gave her a break. “Ren, why don’t you go then?”

“Fine! I’m not scared!! I’m in love with….” He stopped as if he lost his courage in a breath but then suddenly found it again. “With Auntie Usagi!”

Mocking surprise, she gave the little boy a show. But Usagi had known for a while now that the kid had a crush on her. It was clear. And his mother Rei kept telling her that he had one. It would be more embarrassing for him if she knew before he confessed. So instead she gave him a big hug.

“Thank you, Ren. I love you too.”

“Are you and Ren going to get married?” Asahi asked with a sad look on her face.

Usagi had a good feeling Asahi’s secret was that she liked Ren but she would wait and let the girl tell him herself. “Well, Ren is too young.”

“Do you love someone else?” 

Busy giving Ren some comfort for refusing him, Usagi popped her attention to Youta and his question. “I do.”

“So you have a boyfriend?” Sora asked.

Nagomi reprimanded her, “Hey, she won remember!! She doesn’t have to tell a secret!” 

“It’s fine, I’ll go in Asahi’s place. I do have...a someone...”

“Go wash your hands, dinner is ready.”

They all flinched, the cool tone of his voice and startling appearance had them all fearing Mamoru as he stood in the doorway, looking pissed. She offered the kids a warm smile, helping a few to their feet from the circle they made on the floor. They still coward a little when passing by the eerie demon at the door. While it made Usagi feel annoyed. 

“This is a Christmas party. Don’t take out your issues on us.”

“My issues? You're the one talking about boyfriends with young and impressionable children.”

She made sure he saw her eyes roll as she passed him. “Yeah, my degree in education didn’t prepare me at all for talking to kids about such things.”

“You shouldn’t be talking to them at all about it since it’s not true.”

Spinning on her heel, she glared at him and he glared back. “What do you know? Huh? How dare you say it’s not true!”

“If it’s true then why didn’t you say anything about it last week?!”

Glancing around, she found them alone. Everyone else was already at the table or making their plates in the kitchen, where the two of them should be. “Like we tell one another everything at those stupid lunches!”

“I told you about Saori!”

How much of her cringe at the mention of his girlfriend he caught, she didn’t know. But she thought it best to move on quickly from it before it became an issue. “You told us you were bringing her to this only so Makoto would make enough food. It’s not like you told us to share anything.”

“Are you going to tell the family tonight?!”

He had his arms folded across his chest but she could still see him shaking a little. “Why does it matter?? And why do you care?! Shingo and Toki are my brothers, not you!!”

Even with the reminder, she was sure he would never see her as anything more than that little girl who’s pigtails he used to tie to the chair. No matter what she did, how she grew and changed, she would never be free of him unless she broke free herself.

Tagging...

@master-ray5​ @sailorsilverladybug​ @knowall7k​ @astraearose93​ @fandomartlover​ @egosolivagant​ @fawn-eyed-girl​ @neutronstarchild​ @ruddcatha​ @sapphirestarxx​ @orientaldancegirl222​

[berri-hopefulspouse]

-- Moonstone --

Fandom & Characters: Danganronpa, Emotionally Hopeful [Makoto X Ren], Kyoko Kirigiri, Aoi Asahina [Mentioned], Yasuhiro Hagakure [Mentioned]

TW: Suggestive Themes [Mostly implied], Flashbacks, Hallucinations, PTSD, guns, injury, 

Word Count: 9.9k words

Summary: It’s been over three years since the events of the original Killing Game...and Makoto has to ask himself; is he ready to take that next step with his partner?...And if so; can he set up the perfect date for them?

AN: This is one I’ve started to write since like...early November. Thanks Executive Dysfunction. Anyway, big story time!!! ;w; This took wayyy too long but I hope yall enjoy it! <3

The rain had always found a way to calm them down. 

It was something they had known for a long time, even with their memories getting erased. Something about the somewhat gloomy atmosphere, the sound of the rain tapping gently against the windows… It stopped their thoughts, at least for a short time. 

It was why, at the time, Ren had been sitting by one of the windows of their apartment, head rested on the windowsill and watching the sky- a softer shade of pinkish gray- swirl as the shower lightly tapped at the windows. For the first time in a while, their thoughts were quiet, just focused on the little patters outside. Part of them wanted to stand outside, take in the rain...but well, not like it was particularly safe. With so much pollution in the air, it made for really bad acid rain episodes. Without some form of protection, it could get someone really sick. And it HAS gotten them sick, numerous times.

...So maybe that wasn’t the smartest idea. Sitting by the window and letting the lack of thoughts bring them peace of mind was enough for them, anyway.

Sitting up a bit, trying not to doze off at the windowsill, they stretch their arms over their head with a drowsy little yawn, tossing dark brown locks out of their face. It had been a long while since they dyed their hair- hell, it had been a while since they even cut it...maybe they should contact Asahina about helping with their hair later that day.

What interrupted that train of thought, though, was the sound of the door behind them closing- getting a smile out of them.

“Koto!” They got up from their chair, headed over to meet their boyfriend at the door- messy brown locks falling into their eyes as they peered around the corner- earning a little laugh from him.

“Well, hey!” Seemingly surprised at their energy, Makoto barely had time to take off his work jacket before feeling their arms wrap around his torso. Chuckling some more, he ruffled their hair a bit before returning the gesture.

“Welcome back...Did everything go well today?” Their tone was quiet, yet sweet- it was the one side of them no one else really got to see but him. He was thankful for that much, and he nodded quietly.

“Yeah, the plans are going well...Everything’s going according to schedule, and if we’re lucky- the school will be open again in another year or so.” Makoto responded, brushing back their curls to lightly kiss their forehead with a smile, “I still can’t believe you of all people talked me into doing this.”

Sticking out their tongue, they pout a bit.

“What’s that supposed to mean?!”

Dropping the topic with a light little snicker, the two went further inside- Ren returning back to their little spot by the window, and Makoto headed to grab a coffee from the little kitchenette area. For a couple minutes, there was quiet- the rain and the sound of coffee brewing being the only noises that went through the apartment. Soon enough, though, Makoto walked back over and leaned over their shoulder- watching the rain outside for a moment before raising an eyebrow.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

“Hm?” Looking over their shoulder to him, they flustered a bit before quickly looking away again with a slight pout, “N-Nothing, jeez. For once, it’s...quiet.”

“Really? Huh.” Makoto gave a bit of a smile at that, arms wrapping over their shoulders- a mug gripped in his right hand, “Is it the medication?”

“No,” They shook their head, leaning back into his touch with a soft sigh, “It’s just the rain…”

“Is that why you like rainy days so much?” He asked, out of curiosity, and they nodded quietly. For another few moments, there was quiet- occasionally Makoto taking small sips from his coffee mug and Ren just staring off out the window, lost in the silence and their partner’s arms.

“Things finally seem to be calming down, huh?” They asked, after a couple minutes, “The biggest threats have been dealt with, the world’s...starting to rebuild itself. Big-stakes missions are finally slowing down...it’s finally almost over.” 

Makoto didn’t really think much about it before, until they had pointed it out- but it was true. It had been almost 3 years since the events of the first Killing Game had taken place, and for the most part since then the two had been working at Future Foundation up until the last 6 months or so. While they were still working closely with them, it was Ren who had brought up the idea of setting their sights elsewhere. The idea of rebuilding what made Hopes Peak what it was...run it better than the past… it was all on them. Of course, though, Makoto was the one who was mostly overseeing the construction of it all. 

It was really all starting to calm down. 

“It really is, isn’t it…?” He remarked with slightly widened eyes, “This war we’ve fought...everything we’ve been through… it’s almost over.”

Nodding to themselves, they quietly take the cup out of Makoto’s hand and take a joking little sip from the coffee, watching the boy pout before he quietly snatched it back.

“You don’t even like the coffee I drink!” He exclaimed in a faux offense, watching the brunette burst into a tiny fit of giggles and lean further back into him with a little smile. 

“I don’t,” They agreed, before that smile turned into a mischievous little smirk, “But I do like taking things you own.”

“Clearly,” Makoto gestured to the fact that, at the time, all they had on was his hoodie. Ever since he started working at Future Foundation, they basically had claimed it as their own. “Am I ever going to get that back?”

“Nope.” They joked, that impish grin on their face only widening, “It’s cozy and reminds me of you.”

…If that didn’t make Makoto’s face go from zero to a hundred in the fraction of a second. Trying to hide his flustered face into the rim of his cup, he huffed a bit. Of course, he didn’t mind that they wore his jacket- in fact he found it endearing. But god damnit all- if the little things they said to him sometimes sent his mind for an absolute tailspin…

Still, as he watched them from the corner of his eyes- still hiding his face into his mug- he realized something...or rather, remembered something. 

‘When all of this is over...when I don’t have to fear for our lives whenever we leave the apartment anymore... I want to be yours. I want to be only yours, and I want to marry you one day. I...is that okay?’ 

‘...O-of course… I’d love that.’ 

That was a promise made almost a year and a half ago. That was a promise they made to him... something he didn’t even think about at the time- given the circumstances of everything going on around him. And just like then- he didn’t even realize that everything was just about over. He didn’t realize until they had pointed it out earlier…

...He wanted to be the one to make a move. He wanted to give back to them, the same way they have poured everything they had to him. They had always been the one to remember anniversaries, birthdays, all of that...and sometimes Makoto was left scrambling to make sure he did something they’d appreciate.

He wouldn’t mess this up.

However, he was drawn back out of his thoughts with a quiet little yawn, blinking for a moment before looking down to Ren in mild surprise for a moment, before managing to speak.

“You look tired...wanna lay down and get some rest?” He already knew their answer, but it never hurt to ask.

Sure enough, they shook their head and tried leaning closer to him, “I’m...I’m alright…”

Quirking a teasing eyebrow, he gave a little smile, “You sure about that?”

“Mmmhm…” The rain seemed to calm them down enough to be drowsy, they could hardly keep their eyes open. Makoto laughed to himself, ruffling their hair a bit more and setting the now empty cup of coffee aside.

“You wouldn’t even come to bed for snuggles?” He teased lightly, trying to do a slight pout but instead having a look akin to a cheeky smile- of trying to hide his laughter- rather than a pout. He knew already any form of affection would easily persuade them, so it was always a bit fun to tease them a bit. 

And, like a lost little cat, they whimpered and nuzzled into his hand.

“...Fine.”

Chuckling to himself in a silent victory- all while trying to still hide his internal laughter- he helped them to their feet to get them to at least go lay down. It took a few moments- some shambling steps and Ren practically yanking off the buttoned up shirt Makoto had on, as well as the work tie. He chuckled nervously to himself- no matter how many times they reassured him...he was always a bit shy about how he looked to them. But when they sat at the edge of the bed, they gently yanked the speckled brunette into their lap, causing him to squeak.

Not unusual. Still always surprising, though, at least to Makoto.

Still, with his back to them, he felt sleepy hands trace over his stomach with a drowsy, but amused little hum.

“I love you, you know that right?”

“Uhm...y-yeah,” He was trying his best to sound as confident as he could without physically squeaking, “I love you too…”

Gentle fingertips grazed over his skin, and he felt their mouth gently press small kisses along his shoulder.

“You’re so...pretty...too pretty f’r someone like me.” They mumbled quietly into his back. If it wasn’t for the fact they were being way too adorable for their own goddamn good, he’d probably chuckle at the fact that they couldn’t even reach his shoulderblades due to their height. 

“You know that’s not true…” He mumbled, quickly adjusting the way he was sitting before their little hand movements sparked too much in him, instead turning to- unintentionally- straddle them, “You’re gorgeous too, you know.”

“Mmm,” As he cupped their cheek, gently, they leaned into the gesture, “You say that a lot for someone who beats himself up.”

“Look who’s talking,” He remarked somewhat bluntly, though managed to quirk a smile a moment later, “You know I mean it everytime I say it, Mx. Living Lie Detector.”

He felt them pout into his palm, sleepy brown eyes darting up to his with a look of flustered annoyance.

“Shhhhtt…” They shushed him, the sound muffled a bit into his skin, causing him to laugh.

“I’m right.”

“Shhhhh…” He tried to hide his laughter more, tilting their chin up and leaning in to give them a few kisses- however only resulting in the two falling back into the mattress in a fit of small giggles and muffled mumbles.

It took a bit of banter back and forth, but eventually, the two had settled into bed- Ren nestled into Makoto like the puzzle piece he had missed his entire life. They were starting to doze off, occasionally stirring enough to nuzzle towards him- or move slightly. Being a restless sleeper with insomnia, it often took a bit to get them to sleep- no matter how tired they were. Restlessness was prominent, and half of the time Makoto stirred awake in the middle of the night to see that Ren was almost going to fall off the one side of the bed from moving around so much in their sleep. Still, with one arm wrapped loosely around them, the other toyed with their hair, at least calming the restlessness down. Slowly, but surely, they settled back down, curling in a bit on themselves. He hummed softly, feeling them start to further relax and sink into the mattress. They hummed along to the mindless song with him, listening to them grow quieter...until they were silent.

Once he knew they were about out, he felt the drowsiness of work seep its way in, and with a mumbled little ‘I love you,’ into their ear- he let himself drift off to sleep as well...dead set on coming up with a plan.

»»————-　★　————-««

The following afternoon, Makoto had headed out on one of his off-days...Of course, he usually did spend his off-days with Ren, since it was rare in-and-of itself for the two to have a day to themselves. It was rare to get a break, up until recently. Most of Makoto’s work these days was just file work, planning, and hiring other construction workers. So, it left for many off-days, usually only working on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule. That day though, Ren was with some of the others- getting their hair trimmed up and re-done. Despite none of them ever really cutting anyones hair before, Ren only seemed to trust their fellow survivors. Made enough sense, with how the last three years have gone- it often seemed like they always were up against someone else. All the same, it was good for him- he had to make some sort’ve plans...and the only person he trusted enough to help was…

“Naegi?” The voice behind him jostled him from his thoughts, causing Makoto to turn around and smile towards her.

“Hey, Kiri!” He waved, although it definitely seemed a bit more lethargic than usual. He turned back to look outside… he was leaned up against one of the rails- one that overlooked the sea. It felt like forever ago he was looking out from here when dealing with the remnants- paranoid to the bone of being spotted. Kyoko slipped in beside him, gently gripping the rail before speaking up again.

“It’s been awhile...how have things been for you two?” She asked,  casting a look through soft violet eyes. Makoto smiles a bit, and exchanges a look in turn.

“It’s been going well. Of course, there’s still moments where it doesn’t seem like it’ll ever be okay again but...we’re both managing,” He responds with, “But things do seem to finally be calming down.”

“Tell me about it. I’m actually able to start focusing on things other than dealing with the after-effects of Enoshima’s crimes.” Kyoko mumbled with a sour little huff, “It’s almost shocking, really.”

“Seems like just yesterday we were waking up in Hopes Peak, huh?” He asked, watching his best friend nod beside him.

“It really does…” She trailed off for a moment, before glancing beside her and giving a slight smirk, “So, are you going to explain why you invited me over here in particular, or are we just going to do idle-talk for a good hour or two?”

Laughing to himself, he rubbed the back of his neck, “That obvious, huh?”

“Normally if you just wanted to hang out, you’d invite Ren with you. So I can only assume this is of the utmost importance, or…” She glances out of the corner of her eyes once more, “This is something about them.”

“Got me there, but its uh...it’s a bit of both.” Makoto mumbled shyly, feeling flustered even at the idea of explaining it. 

Kyoko remained quiet, giving a small gesture of her hand to explain what he meant by that statement, and he sighed, looking out towards the ocean in thought. 

“...Back before that whole...thing...with Future Foundation happened, during when we were dealing with the Remnants… Ren and I shared a promise,” He rubbed at his promise ring in nervous thought, gently twirling the ring in his hands, “Once everything had settled down...once we weren’t at a constant risk of losing our lives...we’d get engaged. That was almost two years ago, and...well, all the loose ends have mostly been...at least, managed.” 

“So you want to finally seal the deal, hm?”

“That’s putting it lightly but...yeah. I want to propose but I...I want it to be special. I want to just give a shred of what they deserve... I mean, the rest of their life from what they told me has been such a mess...I just want to make sure one part of their life isn’t as messy, if that makes sense?” Makoto explained, rubbing the back of his neck, “Especially considering I mean...they deserve so much. After everything they’ve been through, they deserve so much love and care...and I want to give them that.”

Kyoko listened intently as Makoto rambled, before giving a quiet smile, “I’m guessing you have no clue what to exactly do?”

“...” He shot her a look, clearly embarrassed as his face flushed red, “You didn’t need to say it so bluntly!”

Laughing to herself, she shook her head, “It’s alright Makoto. While I don’t quite know Ren as well as you do, they do confide in me often enough for me to understand why you’d choose me out of anyone else.”

The brunette gave a soft nod, nervously tapping his finger idly against the rail as he looks down, “I just don’t want to mess this up for them, you know?”

“I think you’re worrying too much,” She responded, raising an eyebrow, “They’d appreciate any sort’ve gesture you give them, putting their past into perspective.”

“Yeah, but this is different, Kyoko! This isn’t just like an anniversary, or like a date, or anything of the sort! This is going to be a proposal!” He exclaimed, a hint of frustration in his voice as he ran a hand over his face. 

“No need to be so crabby, Naegi. I’m just saying what you already know.” 

SIghing to himself, he relaxed a bit, “I know, sorry… I just don’t want this going wrong. Like so many things for the last few years, I don’t want this going wrong.” 

Kyoko remained quiet for a moment, almost awkwardly so. She never was one to handle social situations the best...all the same, she remained composed, not showing her anxiety before speaking up again.

“Well, what’s something they’ve wanted to do that you two haven’t gotten to do yet?” She asked, “Something that they’ve really wanted to do?”

Makoto remained in a quiet thought for a little while, watching as Kirigiri turned and leaned back against the rail instead. 

“Hmm...I think I have a good idea.” Makoto eventually resolved, turning to Kirigiri, “Can I run this over with you real quick to make sure it’s a good idea?”

“Hmm. Of course.” She smiled a bit. Even after all this time, he still respected the opinion of others- but he no longer let it shake his confidence. 

Still, as she listened to the idea he had in mind, she raised her eyebrows in surprise. Not only did he really think this through quite quickly, but it sounded genuinely sweet... Not to mention, likely something they would both enjoy. She found her face flushing a bit to herself, remembering her brief little crush on the luckster during her time at Hopes Peak. 

Kyoko did snap out of it, however, when he chuckled to himself and rubbed the back of his neck, “How does that sound?” 

“That...sounds like it’d probably work…” She mumbled, underexaggerating her opinion through her teeth. Jealous? A bit. They were so, so lucky they had him…

“You really think so?” The way his eyes lit up when she confirmed this however, made her settle back down. 

“Yes...they’ll love it, if all goes well.” She further assured him, causing Makoto to hug Kyoko tightly with an excited grin, “Thanks Kirigiri! You’re amazing!!” 

Surprised for a moment, Kyoko wasn’t sure how to react, before slowly- but gently- hugging the luckster in return, “Of course. You two mean...a lot to me. Anything to help, I’ll be there.”

That genuine little comment made Makoto just smile all the wider, giving another gentle squeeze before letting her go, “Anyway, that being said, how about we go get coffee before Ren’s done with their little ‘hair appointment’ with Hina and Yasuhiro?” 

“Sure, as long as you’re paying,” She teased lightly, earning Makoto gently elbowing her in the side. It, at the very least, lightened the mood and got the two to laugh- before heading off for their little outing before it got any later. 

»»————-　★　————-««

Meticulous planning, patience, and praying to whatever god might be listening that his bad luck didn’t get in the way again. That’s what the next few days looked like, between doing his own bits of research and calming his own pure anxiety. Between looking around for just the right ring- with Togami’s help- and picking out something that looks nice.

All he had to do was ask them out. No big deal. No big deal. Right?

Still, the more he thought about it...the more nervous he felt. 

All the same, he knew he did have to ask...so, he did, when they were getting ready for bed. 

Ren was in the middle of idly scrolling through their phone, eyes heavy from drowsiness. It must’ve been late, Makoto hadn’t really noticed it. He had just finished setting things up with Togami for the following afternoon, and leaning back in his chair, he sighed with a little huff before looking over to Ren over the side of his chair, head lolled slightly to the side.

They looked surprisingly so calm. They had their headphones on, quietly humming to a song on their phone and staring quietly at the screen. Occasionally, they’d smile a bit, or laugh, but it always fell back to that quiet little look. Soft, entranced, relaxed. A look he came to love, because it usually was one of calmness- which was the stark contrast from the hyper & anxious persona they usually had up with everyone else. 

Getting up from his work space, he meandered over to Ren, practically collapsing on top of their form- somewhat tired from all the work he had to put in the last few days. It definitely was nothing compared to some missions he went on, but the anxiety alone of it all had definitely taken a toll on his energy.

They looked up on that note, sleepy eyes meeting his own endearing ones. It was all he could do to keep from kissing them then and there… 

…Actually, fuck it.

Giving a cheeky little grin to himself, he scooted a bit further up to gently kiss his partner, who gave a soft little hum of acknowledgement as they gently pressed towards him. When he did draw back, they rose an eyebrow, sliding off their headphones to greet their freckled partner.

“Hey.”

“Hey!” He couldn’t help but smiling...they meant so much to him, and seeing them so calm at least calmed him down, in some aspect.

“Whatcha doin there, luckster?” They gently teased, gesturing to the fact that he was laying on their chest. He only grinned, nestling a bit further into their chest which got them to laugh.

“Not moving?”

“Mmm...No.” He responded, closing his eyes and focusing just on the warmth of their skin against his cheek. Listening to their heartbeat, he felt a bit more at ease. He hummed softly, trying not to fall asleep like that before looking to them.

“Hey, Ren?”

“Hmmm?”

“Mind if I get you up early tomorrow?” He felt it’d be wiser to play it casual, rather than make a big display of it- lest they catch on to his plans- “I wanna take you somewhere, just the two of us.”

“Oh, really?” Curiosity found its way into their tone, “Sure, darling...that sounds really-” A yawn interrupted them, sleepiness slipping into their voice, “-really….nice.” 

“Yeah...I figured it’s been a while since we had a proper date, you know? Between work and everything, I figured a little date out would do us good.” He mumbled, looking up a bit to give them another kiss. They leaned into the embrace, another low hum of contentment thrumming through their throat as their hands gently snuck under his t-shirt, and over his back. It gave the luckster a soft shudder, melting into the feeling. When he finally drew back- after realizing the slightly swimmy feeling in his head was from, in fact, the lack of oxygen- the two were breathless. For a few moments, there was quiet- aside from them catching their breath, before Ren mumbled- almost shyly.

“I wish oxygen was not a thing necessary.” 

It got a cheeky little laugh out of Makoto, who silently wrapped his arms around their neck- hands curled into their curly hair, “If you want me to kiss you more, you know you can just say so.”

“Hmm, should I get some sleep, or do I wanna be awake for a few more hours,” Ren replied, tilting their head with a faux contemplative look on their face. Makoto could only chuckle for a brief moment before they gently pulled his chin to them, a curl of a grin on their face as their mouth met his.

“I can sleep on the ride there,” They mumbled softly into his lips for the brief moment they pulled away, before sitting up to properly embrace him. 

»»————-　★　————-««

The following morning, after nearly dragging Ren to get up at a time more reasonable than noon, he was practically fidgeting on the spot trying to get them ready to go for the day. While Ren was in the shower, getting cleaned up and ready, Makoto simply couldn't help but pace in thought. He couldn’t…mess this up. 

Would they even want this now…? 

No, he couldn’t...shouldn’t...doubt himself over this. He knew already what he wanted- as much as he knew months ago. Years ago, at this point. 

He sighed, fidgeting with his hands, twirling the promise ring back and forth...Unsure of what to do while he waited. He had freshened up not too long before Ren did- though he didn’t let them see how he looked, taking their glasses before practically shoving them into the bathroom in a fit of chuckling from the two.

Still, he felt...nervous. Sure, he dressed a bit formally for their previous anniversaries and such- but this was much different than that.

It wasn’t even that he was nervous of their response- they had shown many times in the past that he’s the only one they have eyes for- but… rather, he was nervous of not making this something they’d remember. Despite what Kyoko said- the idea of, somehow, failing them, scared him.

“Koto?” Their voice was spoken softly from the bathroom, and he made quick strides to approach with a curious tilt of the head.

“Yeah?”

“Can you help me with this? I’m not sure how well this fits…” 

“Oh, sure,” He knocked gently to make sure it was okay first, before after a little acknowledging hum, opening the door gently. 

Inside, his eyes fixated towards his partner’s outfit, feeling his face flush a bit as he slowly stepped inside. 

They adorned a maroon colored suit- one they had worn once or twice, but not often enough for Makoto to not get any less flustered whenever he saw them in it. They always thought it was cute to wear something with “his colors”, and it was cute in a way that he had to suppress an internal little yelp. The item in question they were struggling with, was the dark green tie, trying this way and that and only making it even more messed up. He saw in the mirror how badly they were cringing, and his flustered state broke into a small fit of chuckles.

“Okay, stop doing...that...and come here,” He gently came up behind them, leaning over their shoulder to kiss the side of their cheek before turning them around to fix the tie, “You do it like this…”

As he helped them with their tie, he could see from the corners of his vision as they stared up towards him, mouth slightly agape in soft awe.

“...You uh….you look...nice.” They stuttered out softly, biting their lower lip. Makoto smiled softly to his partner, adjusting the collar of their undershirt so it covered the bruises along their neck.

Of course, he had dressed better for the occasion, himself. Wearing shades of softer baby-blues and teals, with a white tie. 

“I know you can say more than that,” He teased lightly, lightly booping their nose, “Am I right?”

“What, do you want me to call you handsome, hot stuff?” They seemed to quickly rebound from his cheeky remark, draping an arm over his shoulder. Flustering up, the luckster gave a sheepish little chuckle- unable to meet their intense little gaze.

“N-now that’s...not fair,” He remarked playfully, only to finally look back over to them when they rested their head against his chest. 

“Just like you in that suit isn’t fair, but we do gotta sometimes deal with shit not being fair, huh, darling?” Smriking to themselves, they watch Makoto’s face turn even brighter shades of Red, before pushing them gently off of him.

“Now you stop that, we’ll never leave on time if you keep doing that-” He said with a little laugh, gently running a hand through their hair, “You ready to go?”

“Mmhm. Can I have my glasses back by chance?”

“Oh, right! Here!” As he went to fish out their glasses, he almost grabbed the small ring box- which he kept in the same pocket. Panic for a brief second brushed over his face, but he handed the glasses off with ease.

“You okay, angel?” Ren picked up on his anxiety easily, “You seem really...nervous.”

“Pfft, you always make me a bit nervous when I take you out like this,” Makoto quickly brushed it off, “Plus, I thought I left your glasses somewhere for a second there. Don’t worry about it too much.” 

Ren rose an eyebrow of doubt, one that made Makoto even more nervous...they were pretty good at picking at other people’s lies… was he caught already?

And it was true, Ren did pick up on Makoto’s nervousness...but, they also knew Makoto didn’t lie often without good reason behind it. 

“...Alright…?” They decided to let it go for now, “If you say so, let’s get going then!!”

 Smiling to himself in relief, he offered his hand to them- one they took with an excited pep in their step- before headed out to see what the day awaited them. 

»»————-　★　————-««

“...Darling. I don’t, persay...question your decisions but uhm...is this really the wisest choice?”

Ren’s voice came out as a soft squeak as they stared outside the window of the helicopter they were seated in alongside their partner. Makoto, knowing the reluctance was coming, put a hand on their arm.

“Okay, okay, I know what this might look like…”

“Like a bad decision?”

Outside the window, a looming figure sat just in the distance. The looming figure of construction- a construction site that was empty today. What was once Hope’s Peak Academy...the project that was being rebuilt- under Makoto’s strict guidance. 

“...Yes, that,” Makoto admitted to himself, “But... I figured...we could make better memories here. Just for today, let’s just...let go of what happened, and have some fun in the town we were going to grow up in.”

To which, he once again offered them his hand as he got up. Hesitant for a few moments, they look back out the window...ever since the Killing Game, they’ve had frequent nightmares of what happened. Of what they almost did, and who did die. Part of them knew, in their soul, that this was a terrible idea…

…But they trusted him.

So, they took his hand once again, letting him help them to their feet and off the helicopter. 

Stepping around the ‘No Trespassing’ signs, Makoto lead Ren inside. Most of the building itself was done, that was true- but there were still some things...mostly plumbing, electricity, stuff of that sort, as well as the basement and top floors.

The building itself was massive- back to its five story glory- but the design was entirely different from how it used to be. Not only allowing for more accessibility, but the ability to have the access to mental health accessibility as well- as Ren basically demanded he do for the sake of the students. 

As they meandered inside, they observed the main entranceway- which was one of the few things very reminiscent of their memories of Hopes Peak. A decorated, somewhat plain room- with places marked out for trophy cases and plaques and flags. It was oddly desolate, the lights having not been installed yet- which Makoto dealt with by turning on his phone’s flashlight. 

It almost reminded them of...that...day…

Their heart seized gently in their chest, making their face scrunch up as they tried not to focus on their panic. It’s fine, it’s okay...they weren’t there anymore, they just had to remind themselves that. 

Makoto seemed a bit preoccupied though, not quite noticing how the brunette at his side was panicking lightly. 

“It’s coming along great, Makoto…” They mumbled, unable to keep their tone any louder than that- careful not to shatter the silence that filled its newer halls. It’s less bloodstained halls.

“Isn’t it? I can’t believe we’re going to be changing the course of history together.” Makoto’s eyes sparkled at that, and Ren gave a soft, melancholy smile and leaned into his side.

“Yeah...changing history. Changing what happened in the past...we can’t erase it...but we can heal from it.” They mumbled, relaxing once more. Makoto smiled at his partner, not quite noticing the slight traces of distress in their eyes as he further led them into the halls of Hope's Peak.

Most of the afternoon was spent like that, going through the halls of Hope's Peak- hiding away in secret corners of the school to kiss, goof off; do all the things that the killing game had robbed them of- the feeling of the past being their own. The two may be adults- well past it; Ren was around twenty-one at this point, and Makoto was just a little older by a few months- but they still acted like the goofy nineteen year olds they still were at heart. 

Still, the further they followed him- the further they felt...uneasy. Not the sort’ve uneasy of a shady date, or that you were being watched walking home at night...but the sort’ve uneasiness that makes one feel quite...sick.

...The sort’ve uneasiness that came from building a school atop a graveyard.

“Darling,” Ren spoke up as they were headed back down towards the main hall, “Do you think it might’ve been a...bad...idea...rebuilding Hopes Peak in the same spot as its predecessor?” 

Looking down towards his tiny partner, he wraps an arm over their shoulders with a soft little sigh.

“I did realize that, yeah...but by then, it was definitely too late into construction to really...take it back, y’know?” He admitted, his opposite hand awkwardly rubbing at the back of his neck, “So we kinda just gotta...roll with it. If anyone does ask, we should probably be honest but...So long as no one asks, right?”

As he thought aloud on the matter, he steered them in the direction of a blacktop area towards the back of the school. Sure, they weren’t kids anymore that exactly REQUIRED a playground, persay- but Ren thought it would be wise to have the option open for those who dislike sitting during most of the school day...to at least give others the opportunity to- in between classes- get some space to be as overly hyper as they want. Makoto also designed an overhang- so that even if it was raining it could still be available. 

“I suppose so...the less people know about the history of the past Hope’s Peak, the better. It’d be bad for the reputation of the school- and of us…” Ren mumbled to themselves as they followed behind, only to slowly come to a stop in the double doors of the blacktop. Makoto had gone ahead only for a moment, only to slowly stop and look back to them.

“Ren?”

“I...ah..” The words had all but left their mouth. It wasn’t because of anything he had done, no...but the surroundings just suddenly felt so...much. Their eyes were trained to the fencing that surrounded the blacktop, struggling to clearly focus. Sure, they were able to ignore the feeling before in the main entranceway, and they were able to...ignore the unease going about the halls of the school- able to ignore the feeling of otherworldly presence. 

...What they CAN’T ignore, is the almost petrifying grip on their heart at remembering the last time they stood before a chained fence in this school.

Echoes of their own screaming rang in the distance of their thoughts, and the feeling of their palms stinging made them feel...nauseous. They wanted to look- to check their hand to remind themselves they were okay...but they couldn’t tear their gaze off from the- seemingly- middle distance. 

“Ren? Ren, hey!” Makoto quickly made his way back to them, putting a hand on his shoulder, making them flinch. The fear in their eyes spoke for itself- they had to be having a flashback episode... Makoto wasn’t a stranger to this- having a few himself and having witnessed Ren go through many, many episodes of this in the past. 

He couldn’t be more wrong...Their vision was starting to warp, a distant dissociative fuzziness making their heart ache. All they could see was...blood. It stained the corners of their vision- stained him…

And all they could be reminded of, was one simple...plain fact- at least one that was plain to them.

‘If it wasn’t for his luck, he would’ve been killed. And its your fault.’

“I-I…” Makoto watched them trying to say something, no words coming out. By then, he quickly sat down on the steps of the blacktop, gently bringing them to sit with him, a hand gently tracing shapes into their palm in a weak attempt to try and get them to stop dissociating in a...non-disruptive manner...He wasn’t sure what to do- despite all these years he hadn’t quite learned how to bring them down from an episode. He knew what to do after- and how to prevent one from even happening but...what caused the episode to begin with…?

And it was only the moment after he asked himself that, that he realized his fatal error.

Sure, like himself, they had PTSD. 

What he forgot about, was how potent their emotions are...and by proxy, just how absolutely batshit cruel their PTSD and other mental illnesses were on them.

But, before he could turn to ask if they wanted to leave the school for a few hours while they calmed down and explored the remains of their city, they got up- turning on heel and bolting back off down the hallway.

“Ren!”

But they didn’t hear his call out to them, instead all they could hear was the pounding in their ears, the exclamation of a cry from the past; the blood that dripped from their hands from their grip on a rusty metal fence that they gripped too hard…

All they could feel, all that they were- was that small period of time. A small period of time that should’ve been so, so insignificant to them, compared to all the other BULLSHIT they’ve dealt with in Hopes Peak… but scarred them so deeply, that it practically haunted them in their dreams.

All they knew was to run. Run away from their feelings like they always did. Run away from their past like they ALWAYS did...but what else could they do? They couldn’t...they couldn’t just pretend those feelings didn’t exist- THAT sure as hell didn’t work before. They couldn’t face those feelings- they just...made them that much worse.

So they did the only thing they could know that worked. Run. Run away. 

They didn’t look up from their hands, simply hiding their eyes in their palms- lest they see anything else they didn’t want to see. They just...they knew they just needed to get out and away from the school. They had to get away from that graveyard....where all their friends lie.

They tripped. Many times, they tripped, and fell, scuffing up their jacket and scraping their knees against pavement. Everytime, they just as quickly peeled themselves off the ground though, taking off further into the city. Their head felt so...swimmy.

They could’ve sworn they heard Makoto behind them- calling out to them, trying to chase after them...they couldn’t bear to face him though, not at that moment- not when they still smelled blood from the previous executions, not when they failed to protect him in the past. 

How could he even stand to be around them when they were a failure?...

Their thoughts were abruptly broken though, tripping over something else and landing flat on their face. Their blood was pounding, and they tasted iron in their mouth, shaking a bit as they made a slight effort to sit back up…Their thoughts had seemingly flooded back out their ears, everything was almost...eerily quiet…

...Save of course, for a very familiar whirr of a blaster- one that, upon looking up, was aimed right at their temple. 

‘...So this is how I die. Huh. Would’ve thought I got myself first.’

Though, like many times before, this wouldn’t be their death- and like many times before, it was because of Makoto. Squeezing their eyes shut, they prepared for the inevitable- however when the sound of another blaster went off...they found they were...fine? 

Looking up, they saw Makoto behind them- not too far behind- one of the blasters in hand.

“Makoto…” The name slipped out of their mouth before they could think twice on it, “I-”

“It’s alright, apologize later,” Makoto reassured them, quickly walking over to offer them a hand back up. However, his concerned expression shifted to a stern one upon looking up from their form. More of those dual colored...creatures….? Robots?...He still didn’t quite know what the little monokuma-bots were- all he did know was that there were more of them. Pulling them to their feet, Makoto shifted his suit jacket to cover them, hiding their face into his chest as he fired the blaster again. 

“I knew they were likely still in the city, but seriously- How did it get this bad?!” He mumbled to himself, switching the settings on the blaster and firing again, successfully at least distracting them for a few moments.

“C’mon, let’s go!” He whispered to them, moving his jacket a bit more to look to them. His poor partner looked on the verge of tears… How did he manage to mess up this badly?! 

‘I can scold myself later,’ He had to remind himself, as he grabbed their hand and went to peel off- them in tow, ‘I just need to get us somewhere safe for now.’

Luck wasn’t...exactly always on his side though. As the two were making a sprint back relatively towards the school, the luckster could only have the time to hear and process the whir of another blaster from beside him, before turning and trying to yank Ren out of harms way. Of course, this didn’t get them...completely out of harm. Something he realized when they stumbled and fell back onto the ground, a hand over their mouth as they struggled not to scream. Makoto stopped, dropping down to pick them back up- and saw the tear in their pants- right by their ankle...and the searing burn mark just behind the torn cloth.

Swearing lightly to himself, he set them down only for the briefest moment to give another shock of electricity to the damn robot that dared hurt them- an almost threatening shimmer in his eyes. 

‘Whoa.’ Ren blinked in surprise for a few minutes, despite the tears now actively trickling from their cheeks and onto the pavement. Though, they had little to no time to think about it, as within the next moment the blaster was holstered and Ren was scooped back up unto Makoto’s arms.

“You’ve certainly gotten stronger…” They muttered, trying to crack a bit of a joke despite their voice cracking from the pain in their leg. 

“Ren…” He shot them a look that portrayed that, no, now was absolutely not the time for jokes. Nodding to him, they hid their face into his jacket as he quickly ran back off once again, knowing he needed to get them both out of that situation.

It took a bit, having to set them back down a few times to clear a good path back towards the school, but eventually he got them to sit back down on the steps- catching their breath and processing what the hell just happened.

But with it, came that feeling of guilt...on both sides.

“Makoto I’m-” Ren went to say something first, put he put a hand over their mouth to quiet them down.

“Don’t...I-It was my mistake to bring you here without any warning or anything...Or not noticing you weren’t feeling well.” He reassured them, “I’m just glad I didn’t lose you…”

That being said, he pulled them close to hug them tightly, needing a moment to just...remind himself that they were here. Injured, yes, but still alive. Still okay. And the way their hands shakily went to bury themselves into his back reassured him that.

...What didn’t, was the soft little hiccup of a shaky breath, and the weep that followed. 

“Ren…”

“I just...I don’t feel safe here. I don’t feel- I can’t- I…” They stuttered over themselves, hiding their face into the crook of his neck and trying to keep from screaming- from completely bawling their eyes out, “Our friends...died here. Died on these grounds...YOU almost died, I almost lost you and-”

“-And that wasn’t your fault, Ren.” He’d been here before...he had this conversation with them many times, a hand gently entangled into the curls of their hair in attempts to calm them down a bit, “I chose to do that...I chose to do that to protect you, and Kyoko, and Hina, and everyone. Because if we lost Kyoko...or even if we lost you…I don’t think we would’ve gotten out of there alive.”

Ren just shook their head, muffling a sob into his collar, “It still...it still… haunts me.”

“I know…”

“It still hurts…”

“I know…..” 

He just cradled the back of their head, gently, a familiar ache in his heart hearing them sob into his shoulder. Even after all this time, they both still had so much further to go. Even after all this time- they both still had to grow, a lot, in order to embrace the past. 

..Or rather, step within fifty feet of the past without having a panic attack, at least. 

He hid his face into their shoulder in turn, muffling a soft sigh of relief with the fabric of their somewhat scuffed up jacket. Even after all this time, he didn’t know what to say to at least assure them that...their feelings were okay. Not too much, not too little, but...okay. 

“I’m here for you, Ren,” Was all he eventually said, “I’m here.”

He felt them sigh, pulling away from his embrace only just enough to look to him, mumbling something to him that was indecipherable. Shifting his palm from the back of their head to their cheek, he tilts his head.

“What was that?”

“...C-Can we just...head home, please? I don’t...feel safe here.” They repeated, eyes slightly reddened from crying, face flushed with emotion. He watched their movements for a moment, leaning a bit into the palm of his hand, nuzzling towards his touch- the same hand with his promise ring on it. 

Though his heart sunk at the realization that his plan had completely and utterly failed, in pretty much every aspect...he can’t even say he was too surprised. His luck wasn’t always the best, and maybe...just maybe… he over-thought of how to do things.

‘Kirigiri’s going to rip me a new one...’ He thought to himself as he nodded softly, managing a soft smile.

“Yeah, let’s go. There’s a first aid kit in the helicopter anyway, we can patch up the burn there.” Makoto mumbled with a resolute little nod, getting back to his feet and helping the brunette to theirs- although having to dead-man-carry them due to the limp in their step. 

The whole time, he really did think about how to apologize for the disaster the day had ended up being- and wondered how long they had been uncomfortable but just...didn’t say anything. He remembered how they were acting even before they stepped out of the helicopter, and could almost feel the imprint of the mental facepalm he did. 

All the same, all he could do for now was...damage control. Almost quite literally. While they were headed back, Makoto spent most of his time in the helicopter tending to the wound on their leg. Thankfully, it wasn’t too bad, just a bit of a burn...if Makoto hadn’t been paying attention, that thing would’ve definitely taken their leg out.

...Or worse.

Some antiseptic, a little bit of a cooling pad, and a bit of gauze around their leg, and they were alright. The limp in their step seemed to mainly be a pulled muscle, they’d be fine in a few days...he should thank the stars above that they seemed to have lucked out. Some cuts here, scrapes there- the most damage that was caused was to their suit jacket and pants. Which he already planned on paying for a new one, once he can afford it.

The ride was mostly quiet, Ren having put on their headphones to listen to some music to calm down on their way back to their apartment complex- a future foundation complex. And of course, that silence was accompanied with Makoto stirring in his own thoughts. To be honest- this whole idea...wasn’t his original plan. The original plan- the one he ran by Kyoko a few days prior- was one that involved visiting their hometown. But he wasn’t sure HOW they’d take that, given what they’ve told him about their family. He panicked, and threw something else together. 

...Kirigiri was absolutely going to murder him, if Ren didn’t first- once they calm down.

»»————-　★　————-««

Time passed by slowly once they got back...Makoto went to go take a shower- again- since he wasn’t also without being a bit scuffed up from chasing after them. Under the heat of the water, he just hoped that he could make it up to them for the disaster of a day...and that they didn’t blame themselves too much for the whole thing. 

Despite this, when he stepped back out from the shower- dressed back down into his usual attire of a hoodie and sweats, he found them sitting on the floor, hands running through their hair as if trying to get a grip on themselves. He found himself at their side in an instant, a hand on their shoulder.

“Ren?”

The only response he got was a low whine in the back of their throat- he hadn’t gotten them to speak much since they asked to go home...which, by then, was a few hours ago. 

“Hey,” He rubbed circles with his thumb into their shoulder, “Talk to me, please?”

“I’m sorry…” Their voice was above a whisper, “I-I made a mess of things...I made such a mess of things.”

Sighing, and having expected this, he got up for a brief moment to get them a bottle of water… he didn’t want them to get too dehydrated. 

“You didn’t make a mess of things, Ren…” He assured them as he went back to them, instead sitting in front of them.

“I fucked things up...it’s not even the same school, it’s not what it was, and yet I-” 

“-You had a flashback episode. That’s fine. Ren that wasn’t your fault. That wasn’t anyone’s fault.” Makoto quickly intercepted their train of thought, “...What you remembered...Ren, it was about my execution, right?”

“...” Their silence said enough, unable to meet his gaze as they took the bottle from his hands and took a cautious little sip of it. 

Sighing, Makoto just looked down and fiddled with his jacket, “I can’t ever ask you to completely forget about the whole thing. I can’t ever ask you to put your feelings aside, but what I can assure you of...is that no matter what, I’ll still be here for you. I’m not going to just up and leave you that easily.” 

“I...I know,” They mumbled, “I just… I almost lost you. I almost lost someone else in my life because- at least, at the time- it just...felt like someone else wanting to get away from me.”

“Ren…”

“Why did you...bring me there, Makoto?” They asked, their tone starting to lace with something he could only recognize as a frustrated desperation, “I...Fuck, fucks sake Makoto- You should’ve known better.” 

Can’t say he didn’t deserve that. Still didn’t stop him from reeling a bit in surprise.

“I-I’m….sorry, Soren,” He mumbled, a mix of surprise but guilt in his tone- remaining genuine all the same, though equally starting to panic, “I...actually had other plans for today, but I wasn’t sure how you’d react to those either and I kinda panicked and…”

“Makoto, why did you want to take me out so badly anyway? I mean, we’ve had dates out before, but not to such a...grand scale! You were always usually fine with just planning nights in and such, what happened?” They questioned, eyebrows furrowing in concern, starting to ramble as well, “Is it me? D-do you want me to do more, put more effort? A-am I not doing enough?”

“No, no!” Makoto quickly interjected, starting to panic even more at their nervous panic, “That’s not it at all- I just wanted to treat you to something nice-”

“But why?!” 

“Because I just want to marry you, Soren!”

...The silence that followed could be broken with a pindrop. Makoto had quickly slapped a hand over his mouth following his sudden exclamation, face turning as red as a tomato. 

He literally just said that, didn’t he? His luck couldn’t get much worse tonight. 

Still, as he tried to- and failed- to think of what to say...what to even respond to his own little outburst... All he could do was watch, frozen, as Ren equally froze up for a few seconds in shock, before blushing and quickly looking away with a little giggle.

“Well...o-of course I do wanna marry you too, Koto,” They sheepishly respond, before Makoto quickly shook his head.

“N-no, no, that’s not what I…” Snapping out of it, he stuttered before giving a little sigh, running a hand over his face in his own self-frustration, “...Soren, listen.”

He started rifling through his pockets, as he continued to speak, “When we met...Rather- when we FIRST actually met, in Hopes Peak...you were the only person who knew how I felt. You were the only one who understood what it felt like, to feel like you didn't belong. And we...we grew together. When we got our memory erased...It was like everything had reset. All pretense of who we were, all of our memories...and yet, somehow we were still...drawn to each other. You saved me from losing my mind in that...hell...And I saved you from actually losing your life.”

That got Ren to at least laugh, which got Makoto to loosen up a bit. 

“Even after we basically had our entire minds wiped to before we started going to Hopes Peak, we were still...always kind’ve drawn to protect and be there for eachother. You were there for me when I found out Maizono originally wanted to...betray me… and I just...I want to be there for you. Forever…”

“Makoto…” Ren giggled sheepishly, flushed a bit, “It almost sounds like you’re…”

Their voice trailed off when he took their hand, squeezing it gently to get them to look to him, to which he only gave a shy little nod. Watching them start to tear up with the realization as he finally found the ring he tucked into his pocket...Wait- where the hell was the box?...

...Screw it, he’ll just roll with it- everything else today has been a bit messy.

Taking out the ring, he smiled a bit to himself before chuckling and feeling his face flush even more.

“I guess what I mean to say is… you’re the one I want to be with. Would you...do me the honor of marrying me?”

It was then, he showed Ren the ring he had picked out- a Moonstone ring...he remembered it was one of their favorite gemstones, wrapped delicately in soft green and blue much tinier rhinestones and stainless steel. They were already starting to cry, watching them struggle to process what they were being told for a few moments before taking his hand- the one that was still gently squeezing their own- and giving it a gentle squeeze of their own before managing a smile.

“Koto…” Their voice was cracking as they tried to keep it together, “I- Jeez...t-this is what you wanted to do today?”

“Eheh...I may have...overthought the whole thing,” Makoto admitted, about to start explaining his whole discussion with Kyoko- only to get bowled over by his tiny brunette partner, who gave a soft little squeak of elation. 

“Whoa-!”

“Yes, you huge dork, yes!” They exclaimed, hugging him tightly. Makoto laughed and returned the gesture, only responding with, “You know, you can’t keep tackling me every time you want to hug me- I only have a set amount of ribs!” 

“Ehehe, sorry!” They giggled a bit and freed him of their embrace, sitting back up to let the poor luckster get back up. Still, sitting up- close to each other, he smiled, offering them the ring. 

“May I?”

Giggling like the lovesick little cat they were, they nodded, offering their hand- to which Makoto swapped the fidget-promise ring they had adorned for all these years with the real engagement ring. Ren was still teary, and embraced him again with a fit of giggles and tears. 

“I love you, you big goober…” They whispered to him, affectionately kissing his cheeks and nuzzling back into his neck. Kissing their hair, he chuckled a bit and gently squeezed them to him.

“Does this make up for the disaster of a day?” He asked them, which got him lightly smacked on the arm and only got him to laugh even more. Still, when they retreated from his neck, they only gently cradled the back of his neck before pressing a gentle kiss to his mouth.

“Angel, no amount of shitty days would make you owe me for them,” They reassured him, “However…”

They got up, despite the slight limp they had on their foot, slowly starting to back up with a very familiar chaotic smirk on their features, “This is...absolutely...not going to stop me… from telling Kirigiri how you fucked up that date~!” 

And then they turned on heel and booked it right out the door. Laughing to himself, he quickly got to his feet and ran after them, knowing they were- mostly- joking. 

“Ren, don’t you fucking DARE-!”