#saki shows up in the opening and chapter 8!

[pjsk-story-summaries]

Wonderlands x Showtime Main Story Summary

TL;DR: Tenma Tsukasa, an egotistical aspiring actor, auditions for a cast member position at Phoenix Wonderland. He is picked up by Otori Emu, an optimistic dreamer, at the run-down Wonder Stage. They encounter the mysterious director Kamishiro Rui performing alone within the park, who upon invitation into the troupe also brings along his shy childhood friend Kusanagi Nene.

The four of them work to put on a show, but disaster strikes when Robonene runs out of battery halfway through the show. Tsukasa yells at Nene out of frustration, sparking Rui to leave the troupe.

Tsukasa goes to the SEKAI to reflect, where he finds Usa-chan, one of the plushies, crying. Through his attempts to cheer her up, he finally remembers the true reason he wanted to be a star: to make others smile, especially his dear younger sister.

Tsukasa apologizes to Emu and Nene, who both decide to rejoin the troupe; however, Rui is not convinced. The three of them put on a new show in the SEKAI that ultimately causes Rui a change of heart, officially re-forming Wonderlands x Showtime.

Official English Youtube upload / Song (The World Hasn't Even Started Yet) / Animation

Chapter 0: The story begins with Tsukasa narrating about the show he had seen as a little kid with Saki, sparking his dream to be a star that makes everybody smile. After a hard cut to the present day, we find Tsukasa preparing for an audition at Phoenix Wonderland. Saki comes up to talk to him, which eventually reaches her asking why he wanted to become a star in the first place. Tsukasa can't remember. Suddenly, his phone flashes with the new Untitled song, transporting him to SEKAI. Miku and KAITO introduce themselves and the place, but Tsukasa denies it all.

Chapter 1: Tsukasa arrives at his interview. He introduces himself with his standard stardom speech, shocking the interviewers but catching the ear of a certain onlooker. A short time later, Tsukasa receives his acceptance letter with arrogant pride. Both Rui and Nene overhear him talking to himself about it, but don't interact. Kigurumi (Mascot) leads Tsukasa over to the Wonder Stage, much to the latter's disappointment. Suddenly, Emu leaps down from the rooftop and reveals she's the one who invited Tsukasa.

Chapter 2: Emu had specially requested Tsukasa after he failed the initial audition. Tsukasa is less than impressed with the current state of the run-down stage and lack of an audience. He tries giving Emu his autograph before leaving, but Emu tackles him instead, saying she had made a promise to do shows at this stage specifically. Suddenly, the stage projector switched on to reveal Miku. When trying to call and resign, Emu finds Untitled and clicks it, sending the both of them to SEKAI.

Chapter 3: Tsukasa encounters Mikudayo, who soon reveals herself to be the actual Miku. She pushes him into the show tent, where KAITO and Emu are preparing for a show. The Virtual Singers explain the concept of SEKAI. Tsukasa insists he knows what his true feelings are, but the Virtual Singer's aren't so convinced. Usa-chan, a talking stuffed rabbit, also introduces herself. Tsukasa panics and passes out.

Chapter 4: After regaining consciousness, Tsukasa demands to leave the SEKAI. Emu promises to help find Tsukasa's phone only if he promises to do shows at the Wonder Stage with her, to which he reluctantly agrees. Back in the real world, Kigurumi attacks Tsukasa for "kidnapping" Emu, intimidating him to the point where he fears going back on his word to help her out. Tsukasa and Emu then set off to find more cast members. They find some small robots, who lead the pair to Rui's performance.

Chapter 5: Rui begins telling the tale of an alchemist who loves theater. However, his story is cut short by Security chasing him out. The next day, Tsukasa learned the strange performer is a new transfer to his school. Rui had been waiting for him on the rooftop, following his movements with a drone. Impressed, Tsukasa offers him a spot in his new troupe as director. Rui declines.

Chapter 6: Rui explains that he wants to do the shows he wants to do, ones that exist to make the audience happy. Tsukasa affirms that he'd perform any role given to him "to 12,000% satisfaction". Rui catches a glimpse of Nene walking down below. He decides to accept the offer, if and only if Tsukasa would take one other member. Later, Tsukasa takes Rui to the Wonder Stage and introduces him to Emu. The two instantly hit it off.

Chapter 7: Rui introduces the other two to Robonene. Tsukasa is hesitant on the concept, but after Nene's display of skill, he reluctantly agrees to accept her in (though he's more worried of losing the limelight than anything else). Afterwards, Rui and Nene chat about the new adventure in front of them.

Chapter 8: Tsukasa and Saki chat. When things take a melancholy turn, Tsukasa begins reciting script lines to cheer her up. Saki thanks him and talks about how he always used to do shows like this when they were little, especially with a small bunny plushie. The next day, Tsukasa brings the rest of the troupe the newly completed show script, along with a proposal for a troupe name. It was bad and immediately shot down. Through Emu's ramblings, Rui suggests naming their troupe after the different worlds the stage can become through showtime. Emu adds an x to represent the multiplying wonderlands, giving birth to Wonderlands x Showtime.

Chapter 9: Rui runs over the script with everyone and suggests some extreme stunt ideas, much to Tsukasa's horror. Nene tells Emu about Rui's history with this, and how most people avoided him afterwards. Despite the outlandish ideas, Tsukasa and Emu warm up to them. Later, Nene comments on how much happier Rui looks now. The next day, the troupe works together on the show. Emu suggests going to "that place" to look for inspiration and sends the four of them to SEKAI.

Chapter 10: Rui immediately begins analyzing the SEKAI and wanders off. KAITO gives Tsukasa and Emu advice while Miku greets the real Nene hiding somewhere else. Nene's too shy to have a conversation, however. Before the four leave SEKAI, Miku again questions what being a star means to Tsukasa, who's true feelings are still unknown.

Chapter 11: Wonderlands x Showtime finishes rehearsals for their show. Emu thanks Tsukasa and the others for performing shows with her here at this stage. Rui and Nene stay late to rehearse a little longer. The next day arrives, and the show begins.

Chapter 12: The play starts off as a hit! Halfway through Nene's song, however, Robonene loses power and crashes into Tsukasa. They try their best to recover, but any momentum they had gained was lost. The play was ruined.

Chapter 13: Tsukasa lashes out at Nene for the mistake. Rui tries taking the blame instead, while Emu desperately tries keeping the peace. Despite Rui's insistence, Tsukasa continues his outrage. Nene runs off. Rui tells Tsukasa that "you can't stage great shows alone", and that Tsukasa's selfishness means he will never become a star. Rui officially quits the troupe. Later, Rui goes to apologize to Nene for making her join the troupe. Tsukasa goes to the SEKAI for advice.

Chapter 14: Tsukasa runs into Usa-chan crying. Though his dance only made things worse, he managed to distract her by immitating Emu's wonderhoy. He spins it to form an improv play and invites Usa-chan to join along, to which she happily agrees. After playing for some time, Tsukasa notices the name "Saki" written under her foot. Tsukasa finally realizes the SEKAI is full of things from his memories, and a memory of him cheering up a sick Saki in a hospital room. Tsukasa finally remembers his true wish to make others happy, and how grateful he is to have met the other members of Wonderlands x Showtime. Tsukasa resolves to set things right with them.

Chapter 15: Tsukasa finds Emu by the ferris wheel, so they ride together. Emu tells Tsukasa about how her grandfather had built Phoenix Wonderland and the Wonder Stage specifically, but had sadly passed away a year prior. Emu's family would save the Wonder Stage if Emu managed to attract enough visitors by the end of spring break, but since their show only made everyone sad, she'll have to say goodbye to it. Tsukasa tells Emu that she's a part of everyone needing to be happy and asks if they can try to save the stage one more time. Back at the Wonder Stage, Nene went to retrieve Robonene and reminisces on how much she'll miss theater again.

Chapter 16: Emu and Tsukasa find Nene singing on the stage. Nene runs away, causing the two to chase her around the park. After Emu catches her by jumping from a gate, Tsukasa formally apologizes for what he said and asks if she would want to rejoin the troupe. Nene tells the two about how she had messed up the lines of her performance when she was young and became too anxious to stand on the stage anymore. Tsukasa tells her that making mistakes is how we get better, and that he's truly sorry for yelling at her for trying to learn. Nene officially rejoins the troupe.

Chapter 17: Nene reveals she and Rui are neighbors and takes the two to meet him. They find him continuing the story of the alchemist on the street: the alchemist had found acceptance through their shows, though short-lived. The townsfolk and alchemist simply thought differently, so they left, leaving the alchemist all alone once again. Tsukasa tries to apologize to Rui, but he doesn't believe he's changed yet and leaves. Emu and Nene don't want to give up on him, either.

Chapter 18: Rui walks around the streets, remembering the fear and harsh words of his past classmates over his show ideas. Suddenly, Emu, Tsukasa, and Nene ambush him and send them all to SEKAI. They begin a play made specially for him. A traveling troupe consisting of an arrogant showman, stubborn clown, and shy songstress meet a lonely alchemist and invite him to the troupe. The alchemist builds a doll for the songstress to sing behind and other inventions. However, when the doll broke during a show, the showman lashed out and broke apart the troupe. A cute fairy had reminded the showman of his true desire to make people happy through shows, driving him to make ammends with the rest of his troupe. Though the clown and songstress agreed to come back, the alchemist didn't believe him. The three decided to make a play to show him their true feelings. KAITO asks Rui what he thinks will happen next, to which he questions if they thought this would really work through just a monologue. Fortunately, the alchemist is now here to help them improve.

Chapter 19: Suddenly, Tsukasa's phone flashes as Untitled changes into a song: The World Hasn't Even Started Yet. Tsukasa asks if the others would sing it with him, since the song is just as much theirs as it is his own. Afterwards, he thanks Miku and KAITO for their help before returning to the real world. Emu finally tells the others about the fate of the Wonder Stage, but they realize there's still hope to save it. They put their show back together and begin saving the stage once again with an enthusiastic wonderhoy!

Chapter 20: All of their remaining shows went spectacularly, even though they had to do so many in a row. Their efforts had paid off, however; the Wonder Stage was officially saved! Wonderlands x Showtime decides to keep putting on shows there, too. The story ends with Emu and Tsukasa's laughter echoing in the distance, all the way into SEKAI.

Card Stories: Tsukasa / Emu / Nene / Rui

Virtual Singer Chapter 1 (Pre-Chapter 0): Miku, KAITO, and the plushies prepare a show to help Tsukasa remember his true feelings. Miku runs off to put on the Mikudayo costume to match with the plushies. There's one of KAITO, too, but he refuses to put it on. Tsukasa finally arrives in the SEKAI, but Miku is now stuck in the Mikudayo costume.

Virtual Singer Chapter 2 (After Chapter 4): Miku is disappointed she couldn't put on a show with Tsukasa and Emu, so to cheer her up, KAITO puts on a magic show for her. KAITO teaches Miku some magic tricks after. Miku is a bit sad that the show has to end, but KAITO reminds her that without an ending, there can be no beginning.

Virtual Singer Chapter 3 (Concurrent with Chapter 14): Usa-chan is upset Tsukasa didn't remember her. Miku and KAITO decide to put on a show to cheer her up, but it doesn't work to well. Tsukasa arrives in the SEKAI halfway through, but before the Virtual Singers can greet him, they find a crying Usa-chan already talking to him. Miku goes to help, but KAITO stops her, opting to watch things play out instead.

Virtual Singer Chapter 4 (After Chapter 20): Wonderlands x Showtime goes to SEKAI to thank the Virtual Singers for their help, and to ask if they could watch one of their shows for inspiration. They decide to put one on in the flying train. Emu and Miku fall out the window, so Tsukasa, KAITO, Rui, and Nenerobo save them.

[peachsukii]

𝔥𝔬𝔩𝔩𝔬𝔴 𝔥𝔢𝔞𝔯𝔱

( chapter 6 - Tourniquet )

『 ♡ bakugo x fem!reader ; pro-heroes au | friends to lovers 』

꒰ summary ꒱ Devastating news is dropped in your lap about your future career as a pro hero. A few days in the hospital leaves you listless about life in general before being sent back home to reality. Even though your environment hasn't changed, your world has been rocked and coming back down to earth feels impossible. Thankfully, Bakugo's more than patient with you and willing to walk you back into normalcy, one day at a time.

꒰ tags & warnings ꒱ suggestive themes (nothing graphic), PTSD, cursing, talks of trauma, lots of medical talk & diagnosis | sweet confessions, soft bakugo, angst with happy ending, emotional hurt/comfort, mutual pining, friends to lovers

꒰ masterlist // cross-posted to ao3 // word count: 8.1k ꒱

~ TIME: 7:15AM - Hospital (One Hour Earlier)

"I'll help you back into bed and then we can go over your test results." Saki carefully assists you out of the wheelchair and lifts you into the hospital bed, gracefully tucking you into the sheets.

"We received the toxicology report and bloodwork results while we performed the MRI. We were unable to decipher what drugs were administered during your time in the compound, but it affected your quirk factor tremendously."

"What does that mean?" you question. Before all of this, you had no idea a quirk factor could even be manipulated, let alone damaged. 

"In plain terms, your quirk being forced to activate caused it to weaken in strength. Your bloodwork thankfully confirmed you do not have any bacterial infections from the injections you were given, however," Saki pauses to grab her clipboard from the countertop. "The EKG results showed signs of an arrhythmia, which is common among drug related issues."

You don't say anything, too weary to form a cognitive thought about everything she's telling you. 

"I know this is a lot to process, we don't expect you to make heads or tails of it today. We'll be keeping you for one more day for observation while we create a treatment plan for your recovery. This means you may not be able to return to pro hero work for sometime." Saki takes your hand in hers. "Get some rest for now. I'll be back in a bit to check on you."

All you can do is nod while settling into the bed, trying to get comfortable enough to sleep. The thoughts swirling in your head are making you dizzy alongside the pain killers they've hooked you up to. It doesn't take long for your eyes to feel too heavy to hold open, drifting off to sleep, avoiding the weight of your reality for a little while longer.  

~

A familiar figure approaches you in an empty room, a shadow standing in front of you.

"Hey," a familiar voice greets - your voice. "Didn't think I'd see you again."

"I don't know who you are."

Yes, in fact, you do. You're too afraid to face the truth. Demons don't vanish overnight, they become apart of you.

"What do you want?"

She moves closer, extending her hand out to you. "Come with me."

Calm down, it's only a dream...right?

You take her hand, walking with her into the nothingness of your mind. She halts, staring forward before turning her gaze toward you. It's the same reflection you saw in the compound that one night, but she looks...sad, not wicked. 

"We're in this together now."

We?

There's no way she's comforting you right now.

"Don't believe me? Think about what I am."

That's when it hits you all at once - she's the manifestation of your trauma. She’s gotta be, there’s no other explanation. Or is she a leftover hallucination from the drugs?

"You can't erase me, I'm part of you now."

You begin to speak as she's fading away into the ether, hiding in your thoughts as you fall into too deep of a sleep to continue dreaming. 

~ TIME: 8:40AM - Hospital (Current Time)

Bakugo's hesitant to ask for clarity. "What...does that mean?"

Saki continues. "The narcotics she was forced to take are unlike anything we've seen in recent years, which is, unfortunately, to be expected from an underground experimental drug ring. It's all homemade and untraceable, but what we can conclude is that it did do detrimental damage to her quirk factor by forcing it to activate against her will for long periods of time. It also explains the mild heart arrhythmia we found during her EKG."

Silence cuts through the hallway, the world going quiet as Bakugo ruminates on her words. If only he was faster that night, none of this would have happened. You'd be safe and sound, lying on the couch together without a care in the world.

That day feels so long ago.

"I know this is tough to swallow," Saki says quietly. "But it's not impossible for her to regain strength. We have a specialized rehab program for quirk degeneration that would benefit her recovery, it'll be awhile until she's back to full strength. The hospital offers a wonderful PTSD therapy program as well." 

"How long's awhile?" Bakugo presses. 

"It's hard to say for certain as it depends on her recovery speed. Some see results in a few months, but it could be a year or more."

A whole fucking year? All because...no, he can't keep blaming himself. But goddammit, he's furious about the whole situation.

"I have a few other patients to get through this morning, but I'll be back soon to check on her and let you know any further updates," Saki adds as she's hurrying down the hall and into another room. Bakugo exhales the breath he was unconsciously holding as he returns to your room and sits in the chair by the window, picking up his book to pass the time. 

He may as well be carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders knowing his intuition was right.

~ TIME: 9:17AM - Hospital

It wasn't long until Midoriya showed up to the hospital with your mother in tow, quietly peaking into the room to see if you were awake. Bakugo looks up from his book, giving them a silent nod of acknowledgement. He gets up from his seat and ushers them out into the hallway to avoid disturbing your much needed sleep. Your mother locks her arms around Bakugo before he can reciprocate, squeezing until she couldn't anymore. 

"Thank you, Katsuki," she mumbles into his chest. She lets go of him, taking a step back to compose herself. "Do you know when she'll wake up?"

"She's not in a coma," Bakugo explains. "Just restin' up. Nurse told me the painkillers make her sleepy."

The immediate look of worry drops from your mother's face. 

"Oh, okay. Do you know anything else?"

Midoriya glances at Bakugo - his expression doesn't give Midoriya confidence on your condition. 

"Her quirk factor's been damaged. Otherwise, she's fine." Bakugo tries to keep it together while giving a minimal explanation. He knew the more information he'd pile on to your mom, the more she'd spiral and endlessly worry about your condition. "Said there's a program to help her strengthen it again. I'll let her fill in the blanks for ya when she wakes up since I haven't gotten a chance'ta talk to her today."

"That's great news!" Midoriya chirps, trying to lighten the mood. A brief pause falls upon the three of them when a noise comes from your room, a groan and the sound of rustling sheets. Your mother takes a step back and peeks inside to see you moving around, signaling that you're awake - alive. 

"Honey!" she cries, running to your side to scoop you up into an awkward hug. "My sweet girl, I am so glad you're alright."

You're barely awake enough to register who's speaking, let alone touching you. Your eyes flicker open to see the boys at the foot of your bed while your mother's face is burrowing into your shoulder. 

"M-mom?" you question. "Not...not so tight. Everything still hurts."

She lets you go, apologizing under her breath and moving to cradle your face in her hands. "I'm sorry sweetie, I'm happy that you're safe."

"It's okay," you murmur, groggy from all the medicine flowing through your system. 

Midoriya walks to the opposite side of the bed to place a hand on your shoulder and offers you a bright smile. "How are you feeling?"

You know Midoriya means well, but that question may as well be an invisible gun, locked and loaded with all your traumatic memories ready to fire at any time. It's only a fraction of a second, but one glance in Bakugo's direction tells him all he needs to know. Your eyes hold a certain type of despondence to them - not rage or fear, but grief. 

"I'm alright!" you affirm, a fake smile plastered on your face. "Dizzy, but okay."

Bakugo's heart sinks. 

He knows you're lying through your teeth.

"Tell me everything," your mother pleads as she takes one of your hands in hers, carefully running her fingers over your palm like she used to when you were a kid. She winces at all the bruises littering your arms, tears pricking the corners of her eyes from seeing her little girl in such a weakened state. As if she was summoned, Saki appears in the doorway once more, returning from her round of checkups.

"Oh! You've got a full house," she jokes as she treads over to your mother. "Hi, I'm Saki, Y/N's nurse. You must be mom, pleased to meet you. The boys have been very kind and understanding while your daughter's been in our care."

"What can I say, they're both one of a kind." She wavers, thinking of how to phrase the dreaded question rattling in her head. "Can you go over all of the test results with us, please?"

Saki takes a minute to rummage through her stack of files and flips one open. 

"Of course, have a seat."

Medical Chart Patient: Y/N Age: 23 Gender: Female Hero Alias: Y/H/N Admitted @ 11:30PM - BP 132/81 (Hypertension) - Upper thigh wound - Patient conscious but severely dehydrated & dazed - Victim of a drug experimentation ring, unknown substances consumed for 30+ calendar days - Started IV of nicardipine/vitamin c/saline to lower BP & re-hydrate - Dissolvable stitches & adhesive for thigh wound - Administered 5mg of morphine IV for pain relief 2:40AM - EKG, MRI & Bloodwork/Toxicology performed - BP 121/62 (Elevated) - Administered additional 5mg of morphine IV for pain relief - Started second round of saline solution via IV to flush leftover substances 7:00AM - BP 114/58 (Normal) - EKG Results: Irregular heart rate - mild heart arrhythmia detected - MRI Results: No abnormalities or long-term internal damage Bloodwork Results: CBC (WBC: 3,200 RBC: 2.9, HGB: 10.1) Metabolic Panel (Glucose - 45mg) Unknown substance found in sample, potentially causing health degeneration  Diagnosis: Patient is clear of any long standing terminal illness, no internal injury found during testing. Return for a follow up EKG and determine if beta blockers are needed for arrhythmia. Unknown substance found in toxicology report - appears to be non-lethal but has acted as a poison to the patient’s body, causing an infection. Bloodwork revealed low levels of Glucose as well as lowered red & white blood cell counts. Quirk factor has been affected, rehab is needed to regain strength. Patient recommended to finish a round of antibiotics during detox. Patient should refrain from working until further notice. Follow up with a psychological evaluation for further treatment regarding potential withdraw and PTSD. 

"Do you have any questions?" Saki queries, eyes trailing back and forth between you and your mother.

"So..." Her words start sinking in as you struggle to find your own. "My quirk regressed due to the drugs, gave me a blood infection and a potential heart problem. And I can't continue to be a hero?"

The room stills, your question anxiously hanging in limbo. Saki's response cuts through the dead air like a knife. "That is correct."

Everyone around you begins to press further, but it all becomes TV static to your ears as your vision tunnels on the tiniest specks in the linoleum flooring, finding anything else to think about. The weight of your current reality is catching up to you and the only response you can muster is to shut everything out. 

Seems like you're fresh out of miracles.

~ TIME: 9:49AM - Hospital

After the nuclear news about your health, your mother decided it was best to head back home, leaving you in the loving care of the boys. 

"If you need anything, please call me, honey," she sighs over your shoulder in an embrace. "I'm happy you're back, safe and sound. Don't worry, you're a strong woman, sweetie. You'll get back on your feet in no time."

Yeah...strong. 

What if you didn't want to be strong? What if you want to fall apart and let it all go?

"I love you. Please call me when you get released and let me know what's going on. If you don't," she shifts her focus to Bakugo. "I'll call Katsuki, he doesn't sugar coat anything."

"Mom!" you whine, shaking your head in embarrassment. "I'll call you, promise."

She nods while walking to the doorway, Midoriya tailing behind her to drive her back to Musutafu. He gives you a nod as he disappears into the hallway. A few seconds pass until you have the guts to look in Bakugo's direction at the end of the hospital bed. His eyes are cautiously studying your body language, trying to decode how you're truly feeling, but goddammit, he's terrified to ask. 

"Kat?" Your voice is meek, barely above a whisper. 

He can practically hear his heart begin to fracture at the crack in your voice. He knows what's coming. And honestly? He's not sure if he can handle seeing you in such a broken state. Your dream was shattered in front of everyone you love.

"Yeah?" 

You can feel your lower lip start to wobble as you hold the words on your tongue, eyes screwed shut and the sheets tightly balled in your fists. 

"Can you...hold me?"

Bakugo reaches for the collar of his shirt and pulls on it timidly. He can't be gutless right now, you need him - now more than ever. You hear the shuffle of his feet approach the side of the bed, followed by the sheets being gently lifted to make room for him to sit down. When you finally look up with glassy eyes, his head is tilted with one arm extended in your direction, welcoming you without any further uncertainty. You blink a few times, tucking your legs inward and carefully stretching them over his lap, scooting closer until you're curling up into his chest. Strong arms make their way around your body, encasing you with a comfort you've hopelessly missed. The embrace he wraps you in feels like a homecoming and  stronger than any armor you could wear.

"S'only you and me," Bakugo whispers, cradling your head against him. "I got ya."

It hits you like a hurricane, the storm of emotions surging through you with an intensity you've never felt before. There's no use in holding it in anymore. And so, you let the rain fall, sobbing, snotty and sniveling, shrinking into a scared little girl in his arms.

He's always despised the rain, but in this moment? Bakugo's found a new hatred for it.

~ The Following Day: Discharge - Hospital @ 5:53PM

Two days in the hospital and its felt like an eternity. A handful of antibiotics and withdrawal medication, a recommendation to a psychiatrist and quirk rehabilitation treatment plan later, they're ready to send you on your merry way. The boys have been a blessing in the last two days with Midoriya taking care of your mom while Bakugo's been by your side for whatever you need, no matter how big or small. Bringing you comfy clothes, sneaking in snacks, and reading a book out loud until you fell asleep being the short list of niceties.

How the hell are you ever going to being able to pay him back for all these selfless sweet nothings?

"Ready to go, Lite-brite?" Bakugo double-checks while taking a second glance around the room, a backpack thrown over his shoulder. "Izuku's at the checkout desk to get all your paperwork for the agency."

You nod. "More than ready. Let's get the hell outta here." 

Bakugo holds out his hand for you to take. Without meaning to, you pause. 

"What?" He pouts, taking a half-step back to give you space. "Don't wanna hold my hand?"

"Of course I do." You take his hand and intertwine your fingers with his. "Didn't mean to make you think otherwise."

He hopes you don't notice the obnoxious amount of sweat coating his palm under yours, or the intense thumping of his heartbeat through his fingers. Thank goodness you two are still in the hospital - he might actually faint over holding your goddamn hand. As you two approach the lobby, Midoriya waves at you from the checkout area, signaling for you to come over to the desk. 

"I ran copies of your paperwork over to the agency earlier, so you are free to head home. They told me they'd call you later to review everything and want you to get some rest," Midoriya informs. "I called your mom as well to let her know you're heading home. The agency did recommend that you shouldn't stay at home since the kidnappers have your address. They're in custody, but better safe than sorry."

"Then she's stayin' with me," Bakugo declares, tapping his fingers along the back of your hand for assurance. "I'll look after her."

"That's for the best. Oh, right!" Midoriya exclaims as he reaches into his bag and hands you...a new phone?! "Here. We were able to take all of the stuff from your old one and transfer it, too."

You're staring at it in disbelief as the lock screen flashes a picture of the three of you.  

"I'll pay you back," you say with a bittersweet smile. "Thank you, Izuku. You didn't have to do that."

"Don't worry about it! Kacchan and I split the cost."

Bakugo rolls his eyes and turns his head away from you. "S'no biggie, y'dont owe us shit. C'mon, let's go home." ~ Bakugo's Apartment: 6:45PM

Walking into Bakugo's apartment for the first time in over a month fills you with tranquility, the aura of his home welcoming you with open arms. Would you have loved to go back to your own place? Of course, but you have no idea if anyone from the drug ring knows where you live, like Midoriya said. It's one more stressor you don't want to think about until you need to. 

"Are ya hungry?" Bakugo questions with a hand on your upper back. "I can make you somethin'."

You flash him a smile, but it fades away as fast as it appears. "Not right now, I desperately want a hot shower."

"Knock yourself out, y'know where everythin' is. Grab whatever clothes you need from my room. Leave yours in the bathroom and I'll wash'em."

Oh...right. You didn't bring anything with you except the clothes on your back. 

It's not like you haven't worn Bakugo's clothes in the past, but it feels way more intimate than ever. Imagining him doing your laundry makes you blush something fierce, suddenly self-conscious about it. You have to force yourself to shake the thought away. He's folded your underwear for years and vice versa. You’ve showered here plenty of times. Hell, you’ve slept in his bed numerous times. 

What's the big deal?

"I know that face." Bakugo comments. He caught on to the anxiety emanating from you the second you walked through the door. Being apart for a month didn't seem to weaken his ability to perceive your true emotions. "Quit your worryin', wouldn't offer if I didn't wanna do it."

"Alright," you mutter lowly. "Sorry, still feeling a little out of it."

Bakugo pats you on the head. "Don't be sorry. Go shower, I'll make some dinner for us. You're gonna be starvin' afterward, and y'should eat before takin' any more meds."

You might not be hungry, but can't deny he's right.

“Alright. Thanks, Kat. Mind if I leave the bathroom door cracked?” 

A brief wave of sadness crashes through him at your tone. What did they do to you to make you so paranoid? He knows it’s gonna take time for you to acclimate back to a daily routine, but it doesn’t make it any easier to watch you walk around with a cloud over your head. 

“‘Course not. Yell if ya need me.” 

You slink back into Bakugo’s bedroom, waltzing over to his dresser to pick out a set of clothes to wear. It takes an embarrassing amount of convincing to open his underwear drawer, barely looking and blindly grabbing a pair for yourself to change into. You pick out an old All Might t-shirt as well and head off to the bathroom before you change your mind and make things even weirder than they needed to be. You pause at the sink to stare into the mirror, unable to stop yourself from making a mental checklist at every little detail that’s changed in your appearance. The lifelessness in your stare makes your stomach sour, unable to keep eye contact with yourself longer than a few seconds. It reminds you of the last time you looked in a mirror for too long, that shadow-self taunting you to set her free. You can't risk encountering her again - not today.

Bakugo waits for the shower to turn on, only continuing to shuffle around the kitchen in search of ingredients when he hears the water running. He hasn’t gone shopping in a few weeks, living off of protein bars and shakes instead of his usual prepared meals. His appetite waned while you were gone, unable to bring himself to eat consistently like he used to. He’s about to turn the stove on when he hears your voice echo faintly down the hallway, dropping what he’s doing and hurrying to the bathroom door. 

“Need somethin’?” Bakugo calls out, loud enough to be sure you hear him over the sounds of the water and ventilation fan. 

“This is gonna sound so needy,” you whine, feeling ashamed to keep asking him for help after all the trouble him and Midoriya have gone through. “Can you…stay in here and talk to me? Being alone is giving me stupid anxiety.”

He sighs, slipping through the door and perching himself on the vanity. "You're not needy, don't say shit like that. What do y'wanna talk about?"

What the hell do you talk about? What he did while you were gone? The weather or the news?

"Uhh...what's for dinner?"

Good enough.

"Was thinkin' something basic like chicken and rice. Don't wanna make you sick by eating somethin' too rich off the bat."

The pause in conversation is gnawing on your nerves. Bakugo clears his throat. "That sound okay to you?"

"Mhm."

Popping open the bottle of shampoo, the familiar scent invades your senses and forces nostalgia upon you that you didn't even know you had tucked away. A handful of memories come back in flashes - movie nights, late night dinners, 3AM phone calls, early morning workouts, afternoon coffee runs during patrol breaks...it hits you like a train, crushing you mentally to know you're using everything that's his, consuming pieces of him that you've craved after being apart for so long. Something as simple as goddamn 'Pine Trees & Campfire' shampoo is destroying you all over again. You try to stop the hiccup in your throat from being heard, but it's too late.

"You alright in there?" Bakugo asks when he hears it, worried he upset you. "I can make whatever y'want, I'll run to-"

"That's not it," you interject awkwardly. You can't tell him that you're distraught over a stupid fragrance, no way in hell.

"Do you...want me to help you?" He stumbles through the words, embarrassed to be thinking about your bare skin and the potential of seeing you in such a vulnerable light, the only thing keeping you hidden from his sight being a thin layer of steam and suds.

"I..." you start while continuing to rush through the rest of the shower routine as a distraction, but it doesn't work. Of course it doesn't - there's no shoving this down anymore. What good would it do now to lie to him about how you feel? You might as well tell him the truth. 

"I realized how much I missed you."

Bakugo's head falls into his hands, heat radiating from his face and warming his palms. There's so much you two need to talk about. You've both gotten through the confession portion, but the weight of it all is becoming too much to bear. He's, for lack of a better word, dying to hold you, kiss you, to bask in your presence like old times. 

"Yeah, missed bein' able to call you to talk about stupid shit and hear your voice. Did a few times the first week. Old habits die hard."

The bathroom falls quiet when you turn off the shower, the subtle squeak of the metal rack as you pull the fresh towel behind the curtain being the only sound filling the room. It sends Bakugo into an unexpected cold sweat. You're about to walk out in nothing but...that. 

Should he leave? Do you want him to leave? Is he...allowed to see you in only a towel?

His eyes shoot to the floor the second he hears the curtain rings clink together, white-knuckling the edge of the vanity like his life depended on it. 

"Katsuki," you laugh, gripping the top of the towel draped over your body. "Don't be such a nerd about this."

Bakugo's eyes whip back to you, eyebrows scrunched together with his cheeks slightly puffed. He's adorable like this, a strawberry hue spreading like wildfire across his features. 

"I-I'm not!" he argues. "You wanna walk around in nothin'? Be my damn guest."

Shit, that's not what he meant to say.

You start to snicker, devolving into a cackle that has you in tears, holding your side and wiping at your eyes. 

"Stop laughin' ya brat!" he shouts, not able to keep a straight face himself once he sees the real you come to light, the radiant girl he loves. It brings him comfort knowing he can still make you laugh until you cry happy tears after the hell you've been through. Your giggles are music to his ears - an angelic choir. He launches himself off the vanity and heads for the door, mumuring "Get your ass dressed already" as he's shutting it behind him. 

After staring at the pile of clothes for too long, you throw on the chosen shirt and pair of boxers, savoring the warmth it fills you with as the fabric lays atop your damp skin. Maybe things will be easier than you think and you won't turn into a phantom that listlessly wanders through life. Maybe, just maybe, Bakugo's the key to finding your old self and stepping back into her shoes. Exiting the bathroom, you're about to head into the kitchen when you overhear Bakugo fidgeting with something in his bedroom. You patter down the hall and peer into the room, curious with whatever he's messing with. He catches your silhouette out of the corner of his eye and nearly jumps out of his skin.

"God, you're like a fuckin' mouse!" Bakugo yells, dropping the box in his hands. "Thought y'were still in the bathroom, scared the shit outta me."

"Sorry," you apologize with your hand over your mouth, holding in a laugh and covering up the sneer tugging at your lips. There's a small box on his dresser, a coral colored jewelry case of some kind. "What's that?"

Bakugo groans dramatically and slumps his shoulders. You've caught him red handed.

"Dammit. It's somethin' I bought a long ass time ago." 

His fingers graze over the cotton material delicately, reminiscing about that day from years prior. The two of you had gotten the approvals for your apartments in Tokyo, ecstatic that you were able to find places within a mile walking distance of one another - Midoriya, too. After meeting with the realtor in the city, you two were free to wander around for the day. Bakugo remembers how adorably ecstatic you were, tugging him toward the train station to go to Shibuya and celebrate, a.k.a window shop through the square, play arcade games until he berated you for wasting money, and bar hop to indulge in the best food and drinks for hours.

Who was he to say no to you?

While roaming through the shopping district, you'd stopped to fawn over a piece of jewelry in a window display, your wonderstruck stare that had him melting as you squealed with delight. "Wow, look how pretty that is!"

Bakugo's too spellbound on how gorgeous you appear in the golden hour sunlight to focus on the words you're saying. He's transfixed by the luminous glow reflecting on your skin, convinced this sunset was handcrafted to your intensify beauty. He finally tears his gaze away from you to see the necklace shining back at him in the window. 

"Lockets are so sweet, I love their sentiment," you swoon mindlessly. "And this one has a teeny carnelian in the middle. They're meant to keep you driven and motivated."

He couldn't deny it looked nice, a small rose gold heart locket with the stone nestled in the middle. Bakugo looks at the price tag and winces - $300 for something so...dainty. 

"Damn, did they dig this outta the dirt themselves for that price?"

"It's how you know it's real and won't leave a green ring around your neck. Carnelian actually reminds me of you, Kat. Nothing gets in the your way of your dreams, your ambition is truly unmatched."

Bakugo's body heats up, such a casual compliment enough to have him bursting into invisible flames. 

"S'there a rock for nerds like you, too?" he grins, playfully poking at your side.

"Ha-ha," you huff sarcastically. "C'mon, I'm starving. Let's go to that bar around the corner."

He takes a mental note of the store name, the street you're on, and the name of the locket on display. He'll come back for it in a few days, hiding it away for the right time to give to you. Maybe at your birthday, or whenever your hero ranking jumps into the top 40. Or he'll keep his feelings locked away with it, letting it waste away in the back of a drawer somewhere with no intention of it ever seeing the light of day.

"Are you gonna tell me, or should I act like I didn't see it?" 

Your voice shakes Bakugo out of his daydream, realizing he's been standing there staring at the box for god knows how long. You two have somewhat confessed to one another, what's he got to lose? 

"C'mere," he instructs, motioning for you to sit with him on the bed. You blink at him curiously as you follow his lead, plopping down on the mattress next to him. His mouth forms a tense line before exhaling heavily. "Turn around."

And you do, albeit puzzled, but compliant. Bakugo opens the box and fumbles with the necklace, untangling the chain from where it laid on the satin pillow inside. He leans into your back, hands coming into view from behind and the weight of something resting on your chest. After a few tries with shaky fingers and mumbled 'fuck's, he gets the clasp to successfully close, pulling your dampened hair out of the way and letting the chain lay across your nape. 

"Bought this after that trip to Shibuya with my first check. I went back'ta get it after you wouldn't stop lookin' at it. And..." he pauses. "Ya said it reminded you of me, so it felt special."

He's had this locket hidden away for years?!

"I didn't put anythin' in it, figured we could find somethin' together."

No one's ever loved you this deeply, so blisteringly profound as Bakugo. How could you be so blind to it all this time? His pining for you is clear as day. All those times you questioned it and how you could've been together this whole time.

You swing around and collide with Bakugo, sore arms wrapping securely around his shoulders. His arms instantly encircle your frame as the two of you topple sideways onto the bed, entangled in one another. You stare up at him through your lashes with a soft pout stretched over your lips.

"You really are force to be reckoned with, huh?" you tease. "Thank you, Katsuki. I love it."

You move up to comfortably lay your head next to his on the pillow, noses practically touching as you navigate the stars in each other's eyes. You can hear Bakugo swallow roughly - he’s nervous. He goes to say something, but you place a finger to his lips, shaking your head nimbly to cut him off. 

"And you."

Your hand moves to caress his cheek as you inhale a trembling breath, taking in all of his gorgeous features. He melts into your touch. The usual flames in his eyes have dimmed into embers, ruby irises flickering under the bedroom lighting. Every ounce of your body feels like an inferno, the equivalent of Icarus flying too close to the sun. The only difference? You don’t mind the burn - you welcome it this time. 

The final piece of the puzzle clicks into place as your lips connect with Bakugo's, the world fading away around you two and transporting you into a luscious dreamscape full of stars. Everything from the last month begins to dissipate into nothingness, his kiss draining the negativity from your soul and replacing it with sickly sweet love. The two of you have waited for what feels like an eternity for a chance like this, and despite the circumstances, it has brought you two together in a way that you've only fantasized about. The fact that it's actually happening? You may explode, overwhelmed by the emotions traversing the avenues of your heart. 

Bakugo pulls away to catch his breath, unable to fathom the reality unfolding in front of him. You're here, in his bed, wearing his clothes and the locket he thought would never see hanging from your neck, snuggled up and kissing him like he's the last person on earth. His head is in the clouds, way beyond the stratosphere and floating through deep space. He's convinced this is nirvana, the perfect slice of heaven. But one thing is missing - three little words he's dying for you to hear, straight from his heart. 

He snakes an arm around your waist and tugs your body to be impossibly close to his. Bakugo pecks your forehead, nose and cheek and hovers over your lips. You can feel the infatuation exuding from him, comforted by the way his chest rises and falls with yours in quick successions.

He feels like home.

"I love you," he finally confesses, his throat tightening as the phrase spills out of him. It's no longer out of fear, it's the enthusiasm of finally being able to say it with confidence. 

You can't help but chuckle while remembering his text, leaning forward to kiss him before answering. "Why don't you remind me how much?"

The way Bakugo's cheeks glow scarlet at your question makes your heart swell - his sudden bashfulness is exhilarating. He takes a deep breath as his fingers rub circles on your lower back absentmindedly, staring at your lips until he has the strength to make eye contact again. 

"I should'a told ya ages ago how I felt. And from now on, I won't let a day go by without tellin' you."

Even though you knew how he felt about you, hearing Bakugo say it aloud makes the swarm of butterflies in your stomach flutter violently. The feeling is almost uncontainable, overflowing in ways you didn't think was possible.

"I love you too, Katsuki. Like a stupid fucking amount," you smirk, relishing in the way his irises gleam when you quote his original confession. He tilts your chin upward to slot his lips onto yours once more, eager to consume every drop of adoration pouring out of you. It's innocent, tender, the spell he's been dying to put you under for years. The mood shifts into something more sensual when your hand roams to the hem of Bakugo's shirt, slipping underneath to run your hand up his back, desperate for skin contact and sinking into a deeper kiss. You're tingling, a new sensation beginning to build in your belly when he experimentally sucks on your bottom lip, opening your mouth for him to swipe his tongue along yours. You squeak in surprise at his advance, but melt into him all the same, a groan rumbling in his chest at your pliancy. His hand starts to wander down your figure and sneaks under the oversized t-shirt, mimicking your touch and tracing your spine with his finger tips. 

Oh my god. 

This is real. 

This isn't a dream. 

He feels so fucking good pressed up against you, intoxicated by the way his fingers ghost over your skin, sending sparks of electricity rushing through your veins. You want him viscerally, no - need him. Maybe it's the touch starvation talking, but you could consume him whole and it wouldn't be enough right now. He's everything you've ever wanted, and even thought you literally have him in the palm of your hand, something about this continues to feel illusive. 

You're lost in him. Everything fiber of your being is screaming Katsuki, Katsuki, Katsuki. 

In the heat of the moment, you pull away from the kiss and press your lips to the underside of his jaw, slowly leaving a trail of featherlight pecks down to his collarbone. You can feel Bakugo shiver under your touch, his fingers applying firmer pressure on your back. His reaction gives you the courage to push further, delicately sucking on the pulse point in his neck. The noise that floods out of him makes your thighs clench, one that you've never heard him make. His whole body twitches, fingers moving to squeeze your side in an attempt to keep himself together. 

"Fuck," he sighs harshly above you, breathing heavily and immediately biting his lip to prevent any other flustered sounds from spilling out as your lips continue their plush assault. When your hand inches slowly down his back and to his hip to graze the waistband of his sweats, Bakugo freezes. His hand rockets to your wrist to stop you. He breaks away from your embrace and the sight of him is enough to knock you out; eyes half-lidded, out of breath, lips swollen and face flushed cherry red. 

God, he's so beautiful. 

"W-wait," he stutters, removing his grip from your wrist and sliding his fingers to tangle with yours. "I...I don't wanna rush this."

Oh.

"N-not...shit. Not that I don't want to," Bakugo continues while biting the inside of his cheek to calm himself down. "I wanna earn you, every part of you."

Oh. 

That might be the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to you.

He notices your eyes beginning to well up with tears and panics, thinking that you're taking this as a rejection rather than his true intentions. "Hey, I didn't mean-"

You interrupt him with another sweet peck to his lips. "I know. You're right, and I'm sorry for smothering you."

Bakugo didn't mind that one fucking bit, he's waited years for the chance to kiss you. Shit, he wants you to touch him, to explore every scar and muscle that adorn his figure. He wants to memorize the way your delicate fingers set him ablaze as you roam his body with your touch. And he can't dare to think about the seductive journey of mapping out every inch of your skin, worshiping you from head to toe for hours. He screws his eyes shut momentarily to collect himself for a third time, shoving that thought into the back of his mind to save for a rainy day.

"Nothin' to be sorry about, sweetheart." Bakugo pulls you into him, cushioning your cheek with his chest. "M'happy like this for now. Don't wanna spoil all the surprises right away."

Sweetheart.

Your heart pitter-patters in your chest at the new pet name, loving how it sounds falling from his lips. 

"But if ya ask me with those puppy dog eyes'a yours, I might turn into a kid on Christmas morning and unwrap everything in one night." He snickers, the vibrations mixing into the strong bass of his heartbeat in your ear. The pulse becomes a comforting lullaby of sorts, blanketing a sense of calm over you and letting you drift into a blissful daze. 

The trance is broken by the rumble of your phone incessantly buzzing against Bakugo's dresser. Reluctantly, you push yourself out of his grasp and lurch to grab it from across the room, the caller ID making your stomach plummet. 

~ INCOMING CALL: AGENCY

The time has come. It's now or never to hear what they have to say. You click the "Accept" button and raise the phone to your ear. 

"Hello?"

"Hello, this message is for Y/H/N. If this is correct, please press 1."

They couldn't even bother to call you themselves, but sent a recording instead?

"What is it?" Bakugo asks as he sits up in the bed. 

"Bastards at the agency sent a recording, it's not even the board members themselves."

He gives you a look of disgust, appalled they'd treat one of their fellow heroes like a number in their system. Well, maybe he shouldn't be surprised, all things considered. Those suits only care about appearances at the end of the day. 

"Throw it on speaker," he insists, patting the bed for you to sit next to him. You plop down on the mattress, press 1 on the screen and click the speaker icon. 

"Y/H/N, we are pleased to know you've returned safe and sound. Deku and the others went a bit rogue to rescue you, but we are willing to excuse it this one time due to the success of their tribulations. Thank you for sending over your paperwork from the hospital. We've contacted Deku, as he's one of your emergency contacts, for further information to allow you to properly rest. He informed us you'll be under Dynamight's care until we can confirm your home is safe to stay return to. We will be reaching out to him momentarily in regards of this matter and how to proceed in the coming weeks. As of now, your status in the hero database has been changed from "Missing in Action" to "Leave of Absence." You will be paid 75% of your normal salary during this time and your ranking will be reset. In order to return to physical hero work, we require a written recommendation letter from your doctor and therapists, including progress reports and evaluations regarding your quirk's strength. You will, unfortunately, need to re-apply for a position and re-take the agency's entrance exam. In the interim, you may complete office work at your leisure after three months of leave. We will be following up in a week for updates on your health and then monthly going forward. If you have any questions, please reach out to the agency's HR department. Thank you, and we wish you luck in your recovery." 

A few seconds of static linger in the air before the line ends. The phone feels heavy in your hands, a weight you can't hold on to for much longer. 

Shh...stop thinking. Push it down. Lock it up. Keep that dread buried six feet under. 

As much as you don't want to listen to your inner critic, she's right. For now, you've gotta suffocate that existentialism and shelve it for another day - preferably one when Bakugo's not around to witness another breakdown. You notice him staring at you with the similar face he made in the compound, one filled with worry about the impending doom and gloom. It's obvious he searching for something to say, anything to get your mind away from being told you're potentially losing your job. 

"It's okay, Katsuki. You don't need to say anything," you assure as you take a deep breath. "Are you still offering to make dinner, or should we order something?"

Is that a good sign? He can't determine whether or not you're upset or accepting the inevitable. Bad news be damned, Bakugo's confident he can take your mind off of things, even if it's for a few hours at a time.  

"Whatever you want, I'll let you pick."

As much as you'd kill for some fast food to mask the panic building in your chest, a home cooked meal - specifically a Katsuki Bakugo home cooked meal - sounds incredible right about now.

"Cook me the best dish you've got in your arsenal, that's what I want."

Bakugo's lips upturn into a grin, fired up for the challenge to impress his best...no, girlfriend. 

"Lemme go to the store on the corner an' pick up a few things. Go get comfy on the couch in the meantime." He takes your cheeks in his hands, squishing them together playfully to leave another kiss on your lips. "Dinner and a movie, right where we left off."

"Where we left off and then some," you joke, leaning in to kiss him on the cheek. "Thank you, Kat. For everything."

"Don't mention it," he waves you off, a dusting of pink crossing the bridge of his nose and coloring the tips of his ears. "Be back in twenty. Try not to miss me too much.”

With a nod, you let him go. He stops at the door of his bedroom, turning to face you. 

“I love you,” Bakugo repeats. "Wanted to remind ya, in case you forgot."

“You’re so cute, I love you too. Don’t trip and fall off the face of the earth on your way there.” 

“I'm not cute!” reverbs through Bakugo’s apartment as he shuts the front door. You lay back in his bed, twirling the sheets in your fingers as his scent lingers in your space. You could get used to this, a life full of sweet nothings with him by your side. Dreams can begin to replace your nightmares, and hope seems fathomable once more. It won’t be an easy journey, you’ve got multiple glass ceilings to break through before returning to normalcy. And she’s here to remind you of every hurdle along the way. It’s only been a few hours since your release from the hospital, but this is the best you’ve felt in a long ass time. 

Until your reality comes crashing down around you. You've really gotta stop asking for trouble.

Everything contrasts, your throat constricting and limiting the breath reaching your lungs. The doctor warned you about the potential side effects of drug withdraw, but couldn’t pinpoint exactly how these symptoms would appear. How could they know if they couldn’t identify the drug itself? You try to grab your phone, but you can’t find the damn thing in your hazy vision, frantically patting around on the bed in search of it to call Bakugo for help.

Don’t panic, breathe. 

"I can't!" you pant between shallow breaths.

Yes, you can. Don't let it take you back into that cell. 

Is this the psychosis they warned you about? It's terrifying, but therapeutic in the same breath. You’ve gotta trust that intuition - it may not be malicious in nature anymore.

Lay on your back, hands and feet against the bed. Let me pass through and you’ll be safe, don't be afraid of me. 

You ground yourself to the bed and breathe deeply. In and out. In...out. In. Out. After a minute, your breathing stabilizes, eyes opening cautiously to surprisingly clear vision. 

See? We don't need to be enemies.

What the fuck was that, a panic attack? It felt too quick to be one. The creak of the front door opening and rustling of bags distracts you from spiraling further about it, Bakugo's voice carrying down the hall. "Lite-brite, I'm back. Grabbed ya a few treats, too."

Are you able to move? You flex your fingers, your toes, and then roll your shoulders back as a test. Everything seems to be back to normal. No use in worrying him further, the episode's passed and you're okay - that's what matters. You'll tell him after dinner when the night winds down. You can't ruin the mood he's crafting for you two after everything he's done. You can unload that another time, and pray it doesn't happen again anytime soon.

"Everythin' okay while I was gone?" Bakugo presses while tossing the bags on the counter.

One more white lie won't hurt.

"Yeah, all good. Can I help with anything?"

⇢ HH tags; @bakugouswaif @k1tk4tkatsuki @bells2319

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⇢ all tags; @kirishimaeijiromyman @strwbrrykthv

[sunshine-overload]

[BSTS] 4th Anniversary ‘Outsider’ Event Story - Part 2

Part 1

Chapter 8

-starless break room-

saki: Good work today, everyone.

ran: Oo it's Nee-chan! Ya came to watch us again today did ya?

nekome: It's been tough for Saki-chan too hasn't it~? Picking the cast members and coming to watch all our shows, you've got your hands full.

saki: Oh no, I haven't been doing much... Compared to you guys this is nothing.

taiga: I can't deny the fact that it's been difficult, this show especially. Like seriously, what was up with that improv part? The air still feels tense even now. 

ran: Hm-? I love that about it though, ya get used to it eventually!

taiga: Uegh, as if... There's no way I could get used to such a nerve-wracking show. Though, I guess I am a bit more used to it than the first performance.

kasumi: You really have to keep your guard up more than usual.

ran: This survival theme's great! It makes ya wonder if this is what it'd be like if we really did all try to kill each other. Ain't it exciting~?

nekome: That's quite a disturbing train of thought.

ran: No seriously, aren't ya curious what it'd be like?

taiga: Geh... Just imagining that happening is horrific enough.

kasumi: Since I'm a mob character I guess dying first would be my destiny~ When I consider that, it's reassuring.

taiga: No, what. Normal people wouldn't find that reassuring.

ran: Oh! So ya saying ya would still fight then, huh Taiga?

taiga: I wouldn't say I'd fight exactly... I'd make use of traps or something and survive as long as I can, basically. I ain't the sorta character that would fight head on in a bold fashion. If I were to run into Kokuyou he'd beat me to a pulp in three seconds flat.

nekome: Kokuyou does seem to be the type that would kill you quickly.

ran: Ahahaha, you're probably right! He'd take ya down the moment ya cross paths. However when it comes to those that are strong at hand to hand combat, all ya gotta do is take 'em out first by throwing a bomb or somethin'.

taiga: Hmm, a more guaranteed method would be better. Like setting up a poison trap from the same distance and then delivering the final blow whilst they can't move. Rather than planting your own bombs, defusing them and rubbing it in your opponent's faces is more fun.

nekome: You're really raring to go there Taiga, impressive impressive. However, aren't those sorts of crafty characters the ones that end up self sabotaging themselves in the end?

taiga: Geh... Don't say that.

ran: That's when Ran-chan would make his grand appearance. I'd show up an’ wipe out any of the remainin’ tough guys in one go~ ☆ Wouldn't it be the best if we were legally able to kill each other?

saki: (This conversation keeps heading in even more disturbing directions...)

taiga: Dude don't go full psychopath on us. Look, you're freaking Saki-san out.

ran: It goes without sayin' that no matter what happens, till the very last moment, I would plan to protect ya, Saki-chan. So don't worry!

saki: Ahaha...

—end

-

Chapter 9

-starless restaurant area-

aogiri: ...That's everything you ordered. Please enjoy yourselves.

female guest 1: Thanks. I've gotta say, your smile is so healing, Aogiri-san~

female guest 2: I know right. And you're so gentle and polite too, almost like a butler. I love it, I might become a stan~!

aogiri: Thank you, I'm honoured. I'm still only a trainee for now, but if I do get to be on the stage one day, I'll look forward to having your support.

-sceen pans to kei-

kei: Hm... He does not appear to be lacking in ability.

sin: Are you saying he's already grasped the upper strings then? Eloquence and secrecy go hand in hand. The tune that the crested ibis plays on the koto could easily become a melody that opens the gates.

kei: We cannot yet determine that. We of course still need to continue with caution but... If that's the case it may be safer for us to keep him under surveillance. How is the matter of the costumes progressing?

takami: Things are going well. I'm slowly learning more about how the external duties work. I was considering having him try and make a prototype costume for himself as well, what do you think? Well, first of all I think we should get him to show us what he’s capable of.

kei: ........

-behind starless, night time-

ran: Aaaand, there we go. Whew, today's been a lot.

-takami steps outside-

takami: Good work, Ran.

ran: Ooh, hi Takami, you too~

takami: How have things been going recently in Team B?

ran: Why ya askin' all of a sudden?

takami: I was wondering how Hinata's been handling things. Do you think he'll make for a good understudy?

ran: Ahh that's what ya meant. It's been tough for y'all on the temp management team huh. Hinata gives it his all during training, even though he's still got a lot to learn. But, the understaffing issue should be better now!

takami: That's good to hear. I'd heard he has been a big fan of Team B for a while now, so I was worried he might've just been slacking off.

ran: Yea he's a fan. The day Iwami-san brought him was the first time he'd ever been here though, right? This store is pretty underground, and minors rarely ever visit. So I was wonderin’— How on earth did he discover Heath then?

takami: Who knows. Perhaps he must've seen him in videos online?

ran: Ahh, he did say that, he did. That he saw a video of us! Well at any rate, don't worry, we'll make sure to take reaaal good care of him!

takami: I see, thank you.

ran: Imma head on in then~

-ran leaves-

takami: ........

—end

(tl note: I recommend listening to this ran takami convo voiced, I tried my best but it’s hard to convey that they clearly both know there’s something else going on, and that Hinata probably didn’t learn of B just from some video, its SUS)

-

Chapter 10

-rehearsal room-

kongou: Let's take a short break.

gui: Ok.

kongou: Make sure you keep your fluids up, Heath.

heath: I know.

-maica walks in-

maica: Hey, is Mizuki in here?

gui: He went out.

kongou: Did something happen?

maica: I came to tell him that his prop has been repaired.

kongou: Thanks. By prop you mean his weapon right?

maica: Yeah. He said the light wasn't working so it needed to be fixed. 

kongou: I see, sorry for the trouble.

maica: It's fine, I'm going to go and tell Nekome the same thing.

kongou: The close range weapons are more prone to breaking considering the circumstances huh.

maica: Sure, but he was still being way too rough with it. Mizuki almost hit me in the face the other day.

heath: That's because Mizuki's been going all out.

maica: And where did that Mizuki who’s skipping rehearsal go exactly?

kongou: He's not skipping. He's with Hinata who needed to go and buy a support brace.

maica: Oh? Just until recently he'd been going on about never letting you guys have an understudy ever, what changed his mind?

kongou: Now that you mention it, I don't actually know the details either.

gui: Mizuki told me to join B once before too. Is this different from that time?

heath: It wasn't because Mizuki changed. It's probably the opposite.

maica: That so?

kongou: In the end you didn't join B huh, Gui.

gui: My team is Team K.

kongou: Hahah, that's true.

maica: Well I'll get going then.

heath: Thanks for the help.

maica: Make sure you tell Mizuki to not break it next time.

—end

-

Chapter 11

-starless hallway-

-unei trips-

saki: Are you ok...!?

unei: Ow... I-I'm sorry~!

menou: Yawn... What are you doing?

qu: You really do lose your footing quite often hm? Let's pick up all these flyers first Unei-kun.

unei: Uwah, they really went all over the place... Would you two mind helping me out!?

menou: Don't wanna.

qu: I don't mind...

saki: I'll help too.

qu: Thanks, sorry for the trouble.

menou: Saki-chan shouldn't need to help out.

-menou picks up a flyer-

menou: Huh? This is from when he went on our onsen trip.

qu: And this one over here is for 'vow of love'. Time sure does pass you by quickly, it's already almost been a year since then.

unei: Every time our anniversary comes around I'm reminded just how much time flies. Wait, this isn't the time to be getting all sentimental, I need to tidy this mess up...!

-hari walks up-

hari: Qu, so this is where you were.

qu: What is it?

hari: Today's rehearsal location was changed to the second room, I came to tell—

mokuren: What the hell are you two doing? Rehearsal is starting right now. Oh Princess, what a nice coincidence, you should come and watch us practice too.

saki: O-ok.

-mokuren grabs hari and drags him away-

menou: Team C seems like it's been quite lively lately.

zakuro: Yes, it is as you can see. It is due to the number of sacrifices having increased from one to two. I shall tread carefully as to not be chosen as the third. So long.

-zakuro leaves-

qu: Everything’s tidied up here so you can go on ahead too.

unei: Yes, the flyers are all together again, thank you Saki-san.

saki: Is that so? Then, excuse me.

-saki leaves-

menou: You're not going, Qu?

qu: I will be. I just need to finish up here first.

menou: Hmm, to me it looks like you don't want to go. Your improv parts are pretty boring aren't they? You only put in the bare minimum. Were you always this bad at improv?

qu: Well... I wouldn't say it's the improv that I'm bad at. If it's to protect a country, a position or a person then I can act it out no problem. But when it comes to having to protect myself, to kill someone to do so... For some reason I just can't get a grasp on it.

menou: In that case you mean to say you'd be fine with it if Aogiri kicked you out of your spot and you became an understudy? If the options are fighting or being killed, then being killed is the easier option no? 

menou: Hari's performance is so interesting, since he's desperately fighting up there. Meanwhile, you just seem frightened Qu. Well whatever. When we're on stage together make sure you come at me like you're really trying to kill me, kay? Yawn, I'm going back to sleep.

-menou leaves-

unei: Ah, thank you!

qu: .......

qu: He really doesn't change does he...

—end

-

Chapter 12

-starless restaurant area-

maica: Looks like the fourth anniversary show is finally coming to a close.

akira: Ah... I'm so tired...

hinata: It's gonna be ending soon isn't it? It's kinda sad.

aogiri: I've learnt a lot, when I think about that I feel the same in wishing we could see more. Most importantly though, I'm glad the performances can come to a close without there having been any trouble.

hinata: Ahaha, yeah true.

-iwami walks up-

iwami: Yo, how are things?

hinata: Ah, Iwa-san-! Could it be you’ve brought gifts? Afternoon snacks?

iwami: Yeah, I picked out some sweets. They're for everyone.

hinata: Heck yeah! I was just getting hungry too~♪

maica: You've been visiting an awful lot lately huh.

iwami: That's just because I'm worried about you guys. Speaking of, there's a face I'm not familiar with here. Is he a newbie?

hinata (while eating): Das Aogiwi. He jus’ joined wike me.

aogiri: Nice to meet you. Um, and who might you be...?

iwami: I'm Starless' previous owner. But well, nowadays I'm just a regular fan of the place.

akira: Uwah, could you sound any shadier.

iwami: Leave me be. Well, we might run into each other every now and then, so let's get along.

aogiri: Understood. Speaking of the owner though... Where is the current one? I've yet to introduce myself to them yet.

iwami: Ah, Haseyama you mean. You don't have to worry about meeting him any time soon. It appears the store can run just fine without him here too.

aogiri: Is that so...?

hinata: I was wondering the same, why's that guy never come here anyways?

iwami: It's not that he isn't coming here, he can't. He got shot and is currently still in hospital because of it.

hinata: Huh? Wait what, you're being serious?

iwami: That's not all either. After that Saki-chan was kidnapped... It was a very troublesome string of events.

hinata: Whaaat, that's so scary.

maica: Oi, what unnecessary things are you filling the newbies' heads with. You're being inappropriate.

iwami: It's not unnecessary. If you don't tell them now it'll only affect you later, won’t it?

maica: That's...

iwami: Did they really not tell you anything about it when they employed you?

aogiri: No, this is the first I'm hearing of it.

maica: Um... Just make sure you're careful. There's recently been some bombing incidents nearby here too...

akira: Well, public safety ain't doing the best job in that case.

aogiri: ...Is that so. I had read this place was a cozy and well managed workplace though.

maica: Cozy? As an adjective for Starless?

aogiri: That's what was written on the job application page on your website.

akira: Sorry to say but you got duped, I feel bad for you~ 

aogiri: I do find it to be a workplace that's teeming with inspiration though.

—end

-

Chapter 13

-starless restaurant area-

saki: (Today's show was amazing as always. The other guests seem to all be fired up as well.)

female guest 1: Today's performance might have just been my favourite one out of all the fourth anniversary shows. Rindou was just so wonderful.

female guest 2: The way he endured villain Sotetsu's torture only to overthrow and defeat him in the end was so hot wasn't it~♪

saki: (Rindou-san's performance really did feel even more impressive than usual...)

-break room-

rindou: Is that so? If the guests enjoyed it then that's what’s most important.

saki: Yes. Everyone was really impressed by both you and Sotetsu's acting.

rindou: And what about you? Did you enjoy the show?

saki: Of course. It really was wonderful.

rindou: I'm happy to hear you think that. I'll do my best to keep that momentum going until the closing show.

saki: Yes, I'll be cheering you on. I'll go and tell everyone else my impressions too then.

-saki leaves-

sotetsu: You two seemed to be having fun. Was it about our improv? It was a pretty great show huh.

rindou: You're talking like you weren't involved. Half of the credit goes to your acting as well.

sotetsu: Really? I was just sticking to playing an easy to grasp villain though.

rindou: And that's exactly why it worked. It made it easy for me to choose the best direction to go from there. Thanks to that, I think it ended up being a great show.

sotetsu: Well that makes two of us. You seem to be looking well recently.

rindou: ...Yeah. For better or worse the situation hasn't changed but... I have no intentions to allow my personal feelings to affect the stage in any way, so don't worry.

sotetsu: I see. At this rate you could even take Kei on. I'll be expecting an exciting show.

rindou: You say it like that’ll be easy.

-starless backrooms-

ran: Rindou seems like he's back to his usual self.

maica: Yeah, thank god... By the way.

ran: Mm?

maica: I don't plan to get involved again but, I just want to confirm something. Have you made any progress regarding the Black Card?

ran: Nope, not at all. Of course I've still been gatherin’ info an’ stuff though.

maica: I see... I hope things can continue peacefully like this...

-break room-

rindou: Well, I'll get going.

sotetsu: Sure, see ya.

-rindou leaves-

sotetsu: So the card hasn't moved then huh... In that case...

-he looks to aogiri down the hall-

sotetsu: I guess it’s about time I start looking into this matter instead.

—end

To final chapters

[bunnis-babes]

Something About the Stars Chapter 3: First Day Part 2

You stared blankly at the now empty gym. Morning practices had just ended and now you were patiently waiting for your guide, Kuroo, to finish changing. Your feelings about Kuroo were somewhat neutral at the moment. He seemed alright, he was very good looking despite his unkempt appearance, and he was funny in a teasing kind of way. Now that you thought of it, he reminded you of a black cat, which was fitting. You chuckled to yourself, very proud of your connection.

“What’s so funny?” you heard next to you.

You whipped your head to the voice and found none other than Kuroo. You let out a breath and shake your head. Yes - very much like a black cat.

“Nothing, just thought of something…” you trailed off awkwardly, not quite ready to be buddy-buddy with this - pretty much - stranger.

He shrugged off your response with a smirk.

“Alright. Now are you planning on sitting there the whole day, or are you going to let me show you around?”

You nodded and stood up, gesturing in front of you “Well lead the way, my guide.”

He chuckled and began walking with you alongside him. You made sure there was a respectable distance between the two of you as to not give anyone the wrong idea - rather, any ideas at all. The two of you walked in a mostly comfortable silence; Kuroo only piped up to either announce what part of the school you were at or give a comment when he deemed it necessary. Some of his more clever comments even made you hold back a giggle or two, and you somehow felt relaxed around him - it was all very strange to you.

“Do you know what your schedule is so I can, you know, show you around a bit better,” he said expectantly

You sighed and pulled your bag off your shoulder, shuffling through its contents until you pulled out a piece of paper with all your information on it. You handed to him and allowed him to scan through its contents with little hums of amusement. It felt like he was ridiculing you for a second, but he handed it back with a smirk.

“Looks like you really like torturing yourself,” he chuckled, you didn’t find it amusing, and you were sure to show him with the dead look on your face.

‘I’m kidding,” he threw his arms up in defense, “but seriously, you’re taking several college-level courses, that’s going to be tough.”

“I can handle tough.” you retort.

“And I never said you couldn’t. Anyway, we’ve got two classes together, so I can help you out with them if you need,”

You eye him suspiciously, “Which classes?”

“Physics and Calculus.”

You look at him in surprise, you didn’t take him for the hard-working smart type. Then again, who were you to judge, you probably looked like a dumb angsty first year to him.

“Wow, I’ve only known you for a couple of minutes and I’ve already left you speechless.” he teases, and you actually have to fight back a blush and a smile.

“Can you just show me to my classes, Kuroo.” you sigh.

He gives you a Cheshire grin that makes your stomach feel weird.

“Of course, my lady.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Your first and second-hour classes were uneventful, just the usual reintroducing students to a new school year. You knew absolutely no one in those classes, so you hardly interacted with anyone and sat silently in your seat doodling on your paper. Your third hour was Calculus with Kuroo. Once again the same thing, but this time you had Kuroo who occasionally spoke to you when he wasn’t catching up with other students. Fourth, fifth, and sixth you had with that excitable girl from earlier. Saki- Sara- Sachi- something like that. She tried her best to talk to you, and even get you to talk to some of her friends. Seventh hour you had Kuroo again, which was fine. Your teacher was much more interactive in this class than all the others, and you knew physics would be an enjoyable class here.

Finally, your classes were over, but you stayed in your seat for a moment. Clubs were about to begin, and you were struggling to decide on whether or not you wanted to join one. You were given a list of the clubs in a packet before school started, but you only find yourself interested in three. The volleyball club was tempting, but you knew Nekomas female team was mediocre at best so you scratched that off the list right away. You could go for art club, but you’d rather not interact with the art teacher more than you had - he gave off weird vibes. Finally, there was the student council, it seemed alright, if only it wasn’t writhing with the teacher's pets and suck-ups.

With a sigh, you stood. It was most likely best if clubs stayed on the back burner now, you should wait to see how well you can balance homework and homelife before you add in clubs. You walk yourself silently through the mostly empty halls and take in the school as a whole from what you’ve experienced. You decide you don’t hate Nekoma. Sure, it didn’t have Bokuto or Akaashi or anyone who could understand your soulmate dilemma, but it was alright.

You allow your mind to settle on this thought for a moment and walk yourself to the front gates.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Your route home was the same route you took to school. It was also apparently the same route Kuroo took home as well - thus lead to your current situation of the two of you walking side by side to your houses. You lived in the same neighborhood as him and this was just the fastest route for both of you, you assumed. Still something bout this bothered you, you had so many coincidences with this guy it was getting strange. Then it clicked.

“Kuroo, why aren’t you at volleyball practice? I feel like as the captain, it's your responsibility to show up.” you mused.

Maybe things worked differently at Nekoma with club captains, but you highly doubted it.

“Coach decided to give us a break for the first day of school,” he said nonchalantly.

You hummed, that did make plenty of sense. Still, it was oddly convenient.

“Alright, it’s been bugging me for a while,” Kuroo suddenly spoke up “how’d you become friends with someone like Bokuto.”

“He didn’t tell you?” you questioned.

“I never asked him, never even thought to until I actually talked to you. You two don’t really seem like you’d fit together well.” he chuckled.

“Well, neither do him and Akaashi, but they make it work.” you counter

You wished you could ass ‘because they’re soulmates,’ but you didn’t know what his stance was on that subject, and you did not want to get into a heated debate with this guy.

“Touché,’ he chuckled, “but seriously tell me, you don’t have a forced reason to hang out with the guy.”

You nodded, he had a point.

“Well, it was my first year at Fukurodani, and I was never really social so I didn’t join any clubs. For the first half of the year I just… hid in teachers' rooms after school or went to Juku.

Then for some reason, I don’t even remember what, I decided I would just hide-out in the gym after school. I didn’t really pay much attention to the guys first, but I eventually found my attention captured by them and the sport, and so instead of doing homework I watched volleyball.” you paused for a moment, wondering how to explain Bokuto’s actions but was rudely interrupted.

“Is that why you were creeping on us today, you like Volleyball?” he teased.

You gave him a harsh glare.

“Yes and no, just shut up so I can explain.

As I was about to say, Bokuto approached me first, because I wasn’t about to talk to someone as intimidating as him. He just talked to me like a person, and we somehow melted into a friendship over our mutual love for volleyball and other things, as cheesy as that sounds.”

Kuroo hummed thoughtfully at your story.

“Believable, I feel like you watered down Bokuto’s forceful-friendship a bit, though.” he joked.

You laughed - laughed out loud at his blunt statement. It wasn’t funny because he was right, Bokuto was forceful with his being friends with you or anyone. There was something about it being said out-loud so blatantly, however, that made you want to laugh about it. Kuroo eventually started laughing along with you, once he got over his initial confusion. Surely both of you look like idiots, but it felt so nice to laugh with someone different that you can't bring yourself to care.

“S-sorry,” you said through giggles, “it’s just… r-really nice to laugh about something with someone different for once.”

“I get what you mean, it's nice to have different people around to talk to sometimes,” he assures.

“Ah- this is mine…” you said, a bit disappointed your chat with Kuroo was over.

Kuroo nodded and complimented your house politely, as most people who see it does. You both said your goodbyes and made your way in opposite directions. You were about to open the door when you heard Kuroo call out to you.

“You should come to tomorrow's practice, and I’ll walk you to school too!” he shouted.

“I don’t want to get up that early.” you retort.

He laughs at your stubbornness.

“Don’t worry, no morning practices tomorrow, just the one after school. What do you say?”

His offering is really considerate, and who are you to decline.

“Be outside my place at 8:30 sharp, or I’m leaving without you!” you manage to joke.

You feel your heart swell with pride in yourself when he smiles and gives you a thumbs up.

(I apologize for how sloppy this is, I’m incredibly tired right now.)

[dokidokivisual]

Gochuumon wa Usagi desu ka? ~Sing For You~ BD review

It’s been a while since the new Gochiusa OVA has been released and everyone probably already watched it through various means, which is good since I will discuss some of the content in this review, so if you don’t want any spoilers, watch the OVA first.

So, I’ve got a limited edition Sing For You Blu-Ray ordered on Amazon with no store bonus, and it cost me 5660 yen + shipping. It comes in a nice thick box, the same size as Dear My Sister BD and thicker than Season 1 BD BOX. Which reminds me, did I ever do a Dear My Sister BD review? I thought I did for sure, but I can’t find anything... Anyway, let’s see what’s inside! 

The disks are contained in a special 3-fold packaging which initially looks like Cocoa/Chiya are on the front cover, but it folds out so you can see all the characters divided into sub-units (Furimawasare-tai, Chimame-tai and Furimaware-tai). There are also three booklets including a disk guide, script and a hardcover(!) score for Komorebi Seishunfu, one of the songs from OVA.

The included disks are Sing For You Blu-ray itself, a DVD-ROM with “high-definition audio” (basically it contains a bunch of .wav files!) and a regular CD Mix For You, which is a DJ mix produced by PandaBoY. It’s not often that you see Blu-ray, DVD and CD in the same packaging.

Let’s look at the booklets. The disk guide shows various costumes used in the episode, with commentary by Maya, Megu and Tippy. There’s also an interview with director Hiroyuki Hashimoto, producer Kentaro Hattori and sound producer Naotaka Fukihira. And also song lyrics and track lists for the 2 musical disks.

Next, just like with Dear My Sister, there’s a script book which is very useful if you’re like me and can read Japanese better than listen to it. The top half describes what happens on the screen and the bottom half is the characters’ lines.

Next we have the crown jewel of SFY limited edition blu-ray packaging which is a hardcover sheet music book containing the chorus arrangement of Komorebi Seishunfu. There are only 12 pages, but it feels very expensive. In the score there are four vocal melodies, which are Main Vocal (=Chino), Soprano, Mezzo Soprano and Alto, and there’s Piano accompaniment. The lyrics for vocal parts are written in hiragana. By the way, the lyrics are quite poetic and expand on the metaphor of “sunlight through the trees” representing “sheet music of our youth” which makes it rather fitting that an actual sheet music is provided.

Now a few words about the OVA itself. The first thing you might notice is that it’s quite short, just slightly longer than a regular episode, and it adapts only one chapter of the original manga (vol. 5 ch. 8 “Cup of Chino”). The animation apart from a few scenes doesn’t particularly stand out either, so you might wonder why couldn’t have this been a regular episode? Well the official answer is that a lot of songs had to be recorded for it. All the songs featured in the OVA, including Cocoa’s bread song, have a fully recorded version. Komorebi Seishunfu was recorded with Suginami Junior Choir. Some songs were reused though, such as Sharo/Rize and Cocoa/Chiya song. Interestingly while Sing a Song Poyapoya Melody is considered to be a “theme song” for this OVA, it’s not actually used in it (in fact there’s no OP song at all), except on Blu-Ray menu as an instrumental. However Petit Rabbit’s and Chimame-tai versions of this song are included on Disk 2.

The episode opens with a flashback sequence with little Chino humming a song which would clearly become plot relevant later, but also take note of Tippy’s eyebrows there. There’s a bit of inconsistency with the original Tippy depiction, because in s1e9 flashback Tippy looks identical to the current form, but in the manga at some point Koi have decided to draw original Tippy with different eyebrows and now it’s reflected in the anime version as well. Although maybe Tippy’s eyebrow change is related to Saki Kafuu’s passing somehow?

When Chiya’s grandmother calls her “modern-day Scheherazade”, this is a reference to Chiya’s name (千夜) having its roots in Japanese title for 1001 Nights (千夜一夜物語).

Another reference is Aoyama Blue Mountain referring to rakugo story Sanpo Ichiryoson (三方一両損, ”three sides lost 1 ryo [old unit of currency]”). In it, a character finds a wallet with 3 ryo and tries to return it to the owner, but the owner, being a true Tokyoite refuses. The guy who found it, also being a true Tokyoite insists on returning the wallet. Eventually they end up in front of the judge, who pitches in 1 ryo and gives 2 ryo to each. The guy who found the wallet found 3 ryo, but got 2 ryo, losing 1 ryo. The guy who lost the wallet also got back 2 ryo instead of 3 ryo, losing 1 ryo. And the judge also lost 1 ryo in the process.

Before the OVA was released, Nana Mizuki was announced as the voice of Saki Kafu. Nana Mizuki was basically an idol to Inori Minase (even her stage name is similar to Nana’s) so the casting is quite appropriate. However she doesn’t have any speaking lines until the very end of the OVA. In fact the first time we hear her voice is the song Gin no Spoon (”Silver Spoon”) which also serves as an ED. In the song she basically wishes for happiness of her daughter, Chino. This is also the song Chino hums in the beginning. In the ED they sing as a duet, but the original Saki Kafu single is also included on the music DVD. I thought the ending was quite moving and unexpected following the silly shenanigans of the OVA. Chino’s mother appears a few more times in the manga, even with speaking lines so I wonder if Nana Mizuki will come back for season 3.

By the way, did you notice that the flashback scenes have a different, wider aspect ratio? But just before the ED it switches to standard 16:9 ratio again.

Anyway, that was Gochuumon wa Usagi desu ka?? ~Sing For You~ and now let’s look forward to the new season of Gochiusa in 2020!

[thekaijudude]

So was R/B set in Orb’s universe or in a different universe that R/B and Orb happen to stumble on?

Hi!

I actually covered this in-depth in several posts but I would like to add in wake of Ep 0 and pv 2 as well as new information of the true origins of the R/B siblings

Before we take into account of the new Taiga info, lets examine this in chronological order, first with Orb which I highly recommend you read this first to grasp how complicated Orb’s universe by itself is:

https://thekaijudweeb.tumblr.com/post/177624078038/so-what-universe-is-rb-set-in-for-sure-i-want-to

Now I would like to supplement the above with new ideas as Orb was also shown the ability to harness the alternate forms of his fusion components while in a fusion as exemplified in SZ, and if we take a closer look at HS and ES, you would realize that the Zero component used had the Ultimate Bracelet equipped, which means that technically speaking, HS and ES would have access to the interdimensional travel ability of Ultimate Zero.

Or the Tiga and M78 Ultras in Orb’s universe could just be alternate versions of the main continuum as exemplified in the Superior 8 Brothers and X Movie

Now onto R/B, we still have no idea whether Cereza nor the R/B siblings has the ability to travel interdimensionally, nor did we get a concrete answer as to whether planet O-50 is even in the RB universe

But we do get new information on the true origins of the RB Siblings, apparently they were technically born on Planet Sanja but gained their powers from the VoL on O-50

Onto Taiga to close up this chronological loop, we see a scene where the Tri Squad is together with Taro and behind him was the LoL.

With all of that being said, its really difficult to give a concrete answer but here are the few possible answers to your qn:

1. R/B is set in Orb’s Universe

But this does not necessarily mean that O-50 is in said universe (To prove that it does or dosent, that’s opening a HUGE can of worms as youll see later)

This would also mean that there are possibly alternate versions of the M78 Ultras as well as Tiga but the original versions could possibly exists via interdimensional travel by M78 Ultras and/or Gaia movie logic for Tiga which has too many holes if that were the case

2. R/B is set in another Universe that Orb has not visited

This assumes that the VoL has the ability to send its warriors to other universes which would explain how Orb got to the main M78 Universe and R/B’s Universe to have a run in with Cereza

But this will also mean that Cereza has the ability to travel to other universes somehow which is quite a stretch

And this also means that the R/B siblings were transported by the VoL just like how Orb and Fuma was

3. R/B is set in a Universe that Orb HAS visited but is not the universe where Planet O-50 is situated

Now this will assume Cereza does not have the ability to travel to other universes

But this also assumes that the alternate/original versions of the M78 Ultras and Tiga also exists in the same universe which is plenty of issues with it in and of itself

This is a legit possibility as Saki was the first sibling to overheard the news of the VoL which grants the ability to become an Ultraman, this shows that somehow, people in this universe knows about the existence of an Ultraman

And this would assume that the VoL has the interdimensional transportation ability as previously mentioned

4. R/B is set in a universe that Orb HAS visited and IS the universe where Planet O-50 is situated

A Universe is pretty darn huge so its possible that Orb and the R/B siblings were teleported to different areas of the universe

This would help to fix the continuity issue that when the Triple Origium Ray was used, the figure of Orb Origin and not Orb Origin the First appeared behind them. And thus this would at least tell us that the events of R/B happens either between the end of Chapter 0 of the Orb Chronicle to current time.

But its really hard to explain the existence of the other Ultras in this universe

5. The VoL exists in every universe

This is the motherload, this helps to segregate Orb, R/B and Fuma events which means that we take the possibility of the individual capacity to be able to travel interdimensionally out of the equation (Not so much for Orb but its the best I can come up with at 1am lol) and isolate the continuity and universe hopping issues to each Ultra.

Which means that the events of Orb, ever since he hiked with JJ to the Warrior’s Peak took place in a separate universe with the canon universe hopping courtesy of Zero taking place exclusively to that Universe and the M78 Universe.

And the R/B siblings journey from Planet Sanja all the way to Reugosite in a separate Universe (This would also support the hypothesis that the VoL in each universe is linked as it patches up the holes in the Triple Origium Ray issue)

Fuma meeting Taiga and thus forming the Tri Squad happening possibly in the main M78 continuity??? Before being forcefully transported into another universe by Trigger

But this would mean that there are other Ultras that exists in the R/B Universe that have also got their Ultra forms from the VoL but Orb is NOT one of them

SO YEAH

Each possibility has their merits and otherwise

Theres plenty more different possibilities cause I literally had to exclude other different factors such as Trigger, the events that happen in the RB Movie, more facets of the VoL, alternate timelines and alternate Ultras etc and I purposely exclude other concerns of each possibility or else I wont finish this post but I provided the major issues with each one 

And this qn is made even harder to answer as the R/B siblings themselves have never came face to face with Orb or another Ultra prior to and within their series and Cereza isn’t really giving a good answer to that either

So its really, REALLY difficult to give a concrete answer to your qn

So as of now, all we can do is just not think about the continuity issue (At least that what im doing for now) and hope that Fuma or any subsequent O-50 Ultra would provide some clarity to this conundrum

Thanks for the question!

[recentanimenews]

Sorcerous Stabber Orphen Stage Play Returns with New Cast Members This Summer

    A new stage play adaptation of Yoshinobu Akita's fantasy light novel series Sorcerous Stabber Orphen, titled Sorcerous Stabber Orphen -The Stage- Ver.2, is set to be performed at Theater 1010 in Tokyo from July 23 to August 1, 2021.

  Along with the new TV anime series, it had two stage play shows in 2019, the first one Sorcerous Stabber Orphen -The Stage- in August and the second one Sorcerous Stabber Orphen -The Stage- The Tower of Fang Chapter in November.

  While the first two shows' script writer Takehiro Yoshida (Infini-T Force, W'z stage plays) and director Ichidai Matsuda (Magical Suite Prism Nana, Wake Up,Girls! stage plays) are confirmed to return, the main cast members will be changed. 22-year-old Hyuga Nakatani, a member of the nine-member performance unit Enjin, is newly cast as the protagonist Orphen. This is the first time he has played a leading role in a stage play.

  Applications for the official website's advance lottery for tickets will be accepted from June 19 to 27, then general sales will start at on July 17.

    ���台「魔術士オーフェン はぐれ旅 -The Stage- Ver.2」 2021年7月、上演決定！ ​ 【公演概要】 日程：2021年7月23日(金)〜8月1日(日) ※全14公演 劇場：シアター1010（東京） チケット：公式HP先行 6月19日(土)11:00〜 詳細は⇒公式HP https://t.co/5RMd7eOclr 　#オーフェンザステージ pic.twitter.com/Kw4Sw3gzAZ

— 舞台「魔術士オーフェン はぐれ旅 -The Stage- Ver.2」公式 (@ssorphen_stage) June 18, 2021

    Main cast:

  Orphen: Hyuga Nakatani

Claiomh Everlasting: Yumeri Ohta

Majic Lin: Kaito Kumagai

Kirilanchero Finlandi: Kazuki Soejima

Childman Powderfield: Iku Masaki

Komikron: Sol Miyazato

Hartia Ehrenford: Hinata Matsumoto

Azalie Ketsey: Miyako Maikawa

Forte Packingham: Shogo Maruyama

Letisha McCready: Saki Funaoka

Volcan: Sho Kadono

Dorchin: Masaru Kamigoe

Mariabelle Everlasting: Ayame Tsuzuki

    【出演①】 ​ オーフェン：中谷日向(円神) クリーオウ・エバーラスティン：太田夢莉 マジク・リン：熊谷魁人 キリランシェロ・フィンランディ：副島和樹 チャイルドマン・パウダーフィールド：正木郁 コミクロン：宮里ソル(円神) ​https://t.co/5RMd7eOclr ​#オーフェンザステージ pic.twitter.com/xw43rnvBO1

— 舞台「魔術士オーフェン はぐれ旅 -The Stage- Ver.2」公式 (@ssorphen_stage) June 18, 2021

      "Sorcerous Stabber Orphen -The Stage-" key visual (August 2019):

    Opening sequence:

    "Sorcerous Stabber Orphen -The Stage- The Tower of Fang Chapter" key visual (November 2019):

      Source: "Sorcerous Stabber Orphen -The Stage- Ver.2" official website / Twitter

  ©Yoshinobu Akita/TO Books/Stage Play "Sorcerous Stabber Orphen" Production Committee 

  By: Mikikazu Komatsu

[shadow-is-upon-us]

Dark Turtles AU

If your whole life has been a lie, how does one tell the truth from the lie? And what can make someone double take on everything they’ve ever know – friends, family, even their own past… and doubt every second of it? That happens, when you fight your ally, because you never saw the enemy next to you.

Link to chapter 1 [here] Link to chapter 2 [here] Link to chapter 3 [here] Link to chapter 4 [here] Link to Chapter 5 [here] [AO3] [Fanfic] Link to Chapter 6 [here] [AO3] [Fanfic] Link to Chapter 7 [here] [AO3] [Fanfic] Link to Chapter 8 [here] [AO3] [Fanfic] Link to Chapter 9 [here] [AO3] [Fanfic] Link to Chapter 10 [here] [AO3] [Fanfic] Link to Chapter 11 [here] [AO3] [Fanfic] Link to Chapter 12 [here] [AO3] [Fanfic] Link to Chapter 13 [here] [AO3] [Fanfic] Link to Chapter 14 [here] [AO3] [Fanfic]

Chapter 15 [AO3][Fanfic] 

The blades pierced through flesh and bone as the body dropped, the crimson liquid spilling onto the hard ground. Behind him, another body dropped, windpipe broken as the human struggled to breathe. A noise announced someone crashing into a wall, followed by two metal weapons piercing the chest. The final one rolled from the rooftops onto the ground, to the trio’s feet, as the fourth silently jumped down. He stood by the broken body, still alive and begging for his life, but couldn’t deliver the finishing blow. A sai through the man’s chest ended his misery as the fourth closed his eyes and looked away.

“…Still can’t do it?” Leonardo asked, gently, setting a hand on his shoulder.

“No, I’m sorry…” Mikey shook his head, eyes looking at his bother with guilt.

“It’s fine as long as Shredder doesn’t find out,” Raphael muttered, wiping away the blood.

“Don’t worry about it, we’ll take care of it,” Donnie assured, giving a weak smile.

“Thanks you guys…”

“Anytime. Now let’s go – the sun’s coming up and we need to give our report.”

When they returned home, things went as usual. A quick report, a comment and a dismissal. But the youngest couldn’t help the feeling of Shredder watching him from high above his throne. He passed it off as his imagination and when they were allowed to leave, he was the first out the door.

The next time it happened, Shredder addressed the issue, but the brothers all lied as best they could. Saki knew something was up, but let them pass anyway. For now.

The same kept on happening for a long time, months even, with Michelangelo being unable to kill his enemy while his brothers finished up after him. It was a secret they kept to themselves and although Tiger Claw had noticed something, the older mutant never asked about it. For a time, they all believed they could get through this without incident. But they quickly saw they wouldn’t be able to keep it a secret much longer…

Three of the brothers had begun to… change, ever so slightly. The countless deaths resting upon their shoulders made them all more distant, more reserved. Donatello would spend more time in his lab, coming up with different weapons for the clan or working on new contraptions to help in the field. Raph had grown more violent, was prone to quicker outburst of anger and hatred. He would still argue, yet would quickly use his firsts instead of his words. Leo looked so tired every time, and his eyes turned cold and harsh. He rarely showed much of how he felt, or was actually unsure how he felt. Mikey on the other hand, managed to pretend as if everything was still alright, even if guilt was present more than ever. And it didn’t take long for Saki to catch up on this as well…

Almost a year after their regular missions began, a year of killing – or not in the youngest case – Oroku finally called Mikey out.

“You summoned for me, Master Shredder?” the mutant asked carefully as he kneeled down in front of the stairs, keeping his head down.

“Yes,” Saki only narrowed his eyes, almost glaring down at the turtle. “Tell me, Michelangelo, why do you still disobey my orders?” at that, the mutant looked up in both shock and surprise.

“I – I don’t understand,” came the reply and Mikey really wasn’t sure. What did he do? He’s followed every order so far, so why-

“I have given you more than enough time to rectify your failure! So why do you keep repeating it?” this time, the man in metal stood and the ninja winced from the raised voice. He didn’t like this one bit…

“I did not train any of you to be weak, so way can your brothers do it while you waver like some sort of coward?” and it was then that it finally dawned on the youngest.

“Answer me!” as the Master walked down and stopped before the mutant, Michelangelo swallowed and tried to gather his thoughts. He found his mind empty and his tongue twisted. What is he supposed to say?

“I don’t-!” before he could actually finish speaking, he felt a blow to his plastron that sent him onto the ground.

“Do not lie to me, turtle!” the human hissed, pressing his foot on his shell.

For a few seconds there, the mutant had no idea what to even do, so he stayed silent and tried to get some air into his lungs. It didn’t take long before Saki spun him around and held him in the air, eyes burning into his skull.

“When I give an order, I expect it to be followed! Why you do not, I do not understand, but I shall make you see I am not to be defied!” the man unleashed his blades and memories flashed before Mikey’s eyes. He acted out of instinct when he kicked the Shredder in the chest and freed himself, however he was in momentary shock. The many times he’s seen those blades cut and tear through his or his brother’s flesh was burned into his mind.

“So, there is some fight in you after all…” Saki was back on his feet almost instantly, and this time, both his gauntlets were ready.

“Show me that you are not as weak as you seem!”

“I’m worried you guys…” Donnie muttered, staring down at his latest project. He couldn’t even focus on it for his fear for Mikey.

“You an us all,” Raph grumbled, taking up a corner and petting Spike. He hadn’t really moved from there since arriving.

“There’s no telling what Master Shredder could be doing to him, but we need to stay put. Anything we do will probably make things worse,” Leo was standing by the door, arms folded as he kept an eye out for any new information.

“And if we don’t do anything, things will be okay? I doubt it!” the hot-head let out a bitter laugh, getting an even more concerned look from the brainy one.

“Why was he even called in?” Don started fiddling with his tools to fill his hands.

“I don’t know Donatello, but it can’t be good…”

Mikey wasn’t sure how long he’s been here, he just knew he had to keep going. Most of the time he was relying on instinct anyway, but that was just keeping him alive. And he had the scars to prove it. He was scared. This is unlike any other time he’s been punished. It looked like Shredder just might kill him this time around.

“Pathetic,” he heard the man sneer as he stood above him. The cuts on his arms and legs were bleeding, his plastron was had deep cuts and there was a line running down the side of his head. He was tired, in pain, bleeding and probably had a few broken bones. Could he really be blamed for not getting up anymore?

“Have you learned your lesson?” was the cold question, to which Mikey only coughed up some blood on the floor.

“Answer me!” he felt a kick in his side and something cracked – either his shell, plastron or bone. Either way, it was hard to breathe and he was fighting really, really hard not to let the tears drop.

“Y-Yes,” he choked out, spitting blood along with it and taking in heavy breathes of air. But as he said that, the blood splattered onto the Master’s armor, coating his mask in blood. Suddenly, something snapped as his eyes went wild, and he swung his blades again. Michelangelo had no time or energy to react, so he only raised his left arm to try and shield himself and closed his eyes to try and ease the pain. A moment later, the arm felt… weird. Numb and in pain at the same time, while there was plenty of a sticky liquid on his face. Opening his eyes, he saw red – literally – and finally the pain hit him. He saw his whole arm past the elbow was a mangled mess of blood, flesh and bone and screamed. It reached far out, through the entire building and even down into the sewers where a giant looking rat twitched its ears and looked up in fear and horror.

The screaming didn’t die down, even after Michelangelo was taken to the infirmary. His brothers had rushed towards the room, only to find Bradford already taking the youngest out. Donatello was allowed to go along, while Xever was sent in to help Leonardo keep Raphael from attacking Saki.

Tiger Claw stood guard after the other two, while Donnie actually helped with the operation. The brainy turtle hid it very well, but he was really close to throwing up each time he saw the mangled mess his baby brother was.

The arm was dead and needed to be amputated – they did that with hot metal and more screams followed, since they couldn’t risk putting him under just yet. His ribs were broken and there was blood in his air-way – that just might kill him if he goes under. Donnie managed to hold himself together through the operation, but once it was over and Mikey was out of danger of death, the tallest brother staggered to the nearest bathroom and puked his previous dinner, lunch and breakfast. He couldn’t hide the tears as they rolled down his face and he heard someone enter. A familiar three-finger-hand on his shoulder and he didn’t care which older brother it was – he just buried his face in his plastron.

Raph had gone back to the corner, but Tiger still left Xever there to watch him, just in case. With Leonardo checking on Donatello and later probably Mikey, the feline found himself confronting Shredder about what happened.

“My intention was not to dismember him,” Saki answered, his back to the kneeling mutant. “I merely wished to teach him a lesson.”

“You went too far,” Tiger Claw was a bit nervous about talking like this, but his anger was stronger than his fear.

“…I do not deny that…”

“His arm was… unrecoverable…”

“…Tell Donatello to find a way to fix that problem. Michelangelo might be down an arm but he is not useless.”

“Are you suggesting a prosthetic one?”

“Whatever it takes,” Saki finally turned and his eyes were unreadable.

“…As you wish, Master.”

Leo came back to the Lab with Don in his arms, passed out. Raphael almost jumped to his feet as he asked question after question, about both their younger siblings, and Leonardo only brushed him off until he settled the brainy one down.

“Mikey will pull through… He lost his arm however. Donnie isn’t sure if – what will happen now that he-,” Fearless couldn’t finish his sentence and just put his hands over his face, taking a few calming breathes.

“…” the hot-head only looked in horror, trying to comprehend what had happened, before he just collapsed on his knees. He was blinking in confusion, as if his mind had shut down.

“Poor kids…” Montes said to himself, quietly leaving the room and the grieving brothers.

Tiger came in about an hour after that, asking to see Donnie. Despite the protests of his brothers, the tallest turtle was woken up and the situation explained. It seemed he found new light and hope, as he nodded fiercely to the idea and explained it in short to the older two. No one was sure how this would work, and they didn’t really care Shredder suggested it – if there was a way to make sure their baby brother wouldn’t be killed off because he was ‘useless’ now, they were going to take it.

So, while Donatello worked on blueprints and ideas for the new arm, the elder two decided to visit said brother. Leo actually spent the most time with him, while Raph kept losing his cool and was told to leave more than once. He took up training with Xever to let off some steam, but he did still check in every so often.

Michelangelo himself was… in shock. He still had phantom pain, despite everything done to ease him, and his eyes just seemed… empty. Being with his brother helped him greatly it seemed, but he was still worried about his condition and what lengths Donnie might go to fix him up. Fearless assured him that it was okay, and he had nothing to worry about. Just that he should get some rest and make sure he’ll be strong enough for when the arm is finished.

Tiger Claw came to visit Mikey a few times as well, usually when no one else was around. But it was in his latest visit that he saw something… something he hasn’t in a long time. And even then it was just in a mirror.

“Just because you have lost a part of yourself, does not mean life is over,” he had spoken then, getting the turtle’s attention.

“When I lost my tail, I never imagined I could fight again. But I did. I learned new ways, better ways. It is not over, Michelangelo,” he gently set a paw on his left shoulder, keeping eye contact with the youngest.

“…Did it hurt?” came a weak question.

“At first, yes. The memories were still fresh. But it gives you something to fight towards. To make sure this… disability does not define you – that you survive past it, and show it you are stronger than it.”

“…So, it can be done?” there was a spark of hope in those green eyes.

“Yes. But it will take hard work, lots of training and time,” he wanted to make sure the ninja understood what he meant.

“I’ll take any chance I can,” and that spark turned into fire, as Tiger Claw gave a smile, squeezing the shoulder just a bit more.

“And you’ll have your brothers and me along the whole ride. You need not do it alone, as I did. And when you are done, you shall be much stronger for it.”

Alright everyone, I got an announcement to make: I won’t be posting or writing anymore about this Dark Turtles AU – this is the last chapter. Don’t be too surprised really – there’s hardly been ANY feedback for the story. There was some and those who did - I love you to death! And honestly, I’m getting kinda overwhelmed with all the stuff going on in real life. If you’re lucky or whatever, you might find someone else to write this, but I’m off of it.

Hope you all can understand this and not come at me with fire and pitchforks, and that this last chapter was what you crazy sadists wanted.