#so glad to know there are other mystery gang fans out there with a taste for historical fashion

[lolacucaaa]

My last official Edwardian Scooby-Doo post! I can’t wait to do Scooby and Shaggy outside of my costume design class

[danpuff-ao3]

Ah, what can I say about Arrisha (@arrisha-ao3)? What a gift to fandom she is! (Or a curse, if you've read her work and are still curled up in the fetal position over them.) (But let's be real...still a blessing!) (Having your heart and soul broken to that extent is brutal, yeah, but it also builds character!)

That is to say...I am blown away by Arrisha's skill. Everything is built for maximum impact. The detail, the prose, the rhythm of her work; the characterizations, the relationship development, the knowledge of human nature, the thoughtful portrayal of emotion...Geez Louise. This is one smart, skillful lady. And she uses all of that mastery to emotionally torment us create art. Not only great works in of themselves, but very bold works. Not merely a clever stringing of words, or an interesting plot, but fearlessly charging ahead with the demands of her muse, and not shying away from brutal tales or tragic endings. Not everyone is built for that sort of storytelling, let alone the risk inherent in sharing said works, not knowing how they will be received. Spine of steel this one, I swear.

So okay, I'm a fan, yeah, what about it? Can you blame me?? But Arrisha is more than just a remarkable creator. She is a very sweet, humble, smart person. One so passionate for fandom, and creation, and with an excellent taste in ships, let me tell you (hehe.) Also, in fics! I made a very wise choice the day I traipsed through her AO3 bookmarks. What a legend, she is! I am so glad to share a fandom space with her, and so glad to know her!

So here are a few fics you should definitely check out. And as a bonus, you can listen to her interview on the Snape Chat podcast here!

Ab Intra, Ab Extra

Harry/Severus. Rated: E. Words: 156,694. Postwar. Character study. Abuse. Dysfunctional relationship. Possessive behavior. Slow burn. Big angst. Series (2 parts.)

Severus Snape has been in prison for the past six years, but it’s not what you think—life in Azkaban is never boring. Yaxley’s atrocious gang is on the rampage (again), the canteen’s newspapers are absolutely scandalous, kitchen duty pays well, and smuggling in potions from time to time grants Severus protection and free tobacco. 

His peace of mind is disturbed when Harry Potter comes to visit. 

(Now, surely a mischievous secret must be hiding behind that. Only it’s not the one Severus thinks.)

Molly's Advice

Harry/Severus. Rated: M. Words: 7,189. Infidelity. Hinny. Harry/others. Snarry Swap 2014.

Arrisha's other works are highly praised, and rightly so, but this is my personal favorite! It ticks all of my boxes. A short fic that packs a punch. Mega angst. Postwar life not being all Harry hoped. The difficult Snarry dynamic. Chef's kiss, truly, I'm in love!

Snape used to have a secret; Harry only now begins to realise his own.

The Syntax of Things

Harry/Severus. Rated: M. Words: 200,436. Creator Chose Not to Use Archive Warnings (reader discretion advised.) Canon compliant. Student/teacher. Slow burn. Fluff & angst. Drama & romance. Forbidden love. Enemies to lovers. Tragedy. Character Study. One of the best!!!!

A short-lived series of private lessons took place after Christmas in Harry Potter's fifth school year, during which Severus Snape attempted to teach Harry the skill of Occlumency. The lessons were ultimately cancelled when Harry was caught prying into Snape's memories, discovering the strangest things: A mysterious prophecy connected Harry's fate with Voldemort's, Harry's dad was an insufferable bully, and Severus Snape had been in love with Harry's mum. Naturally, Harry now has a million questions. Snape would prefer to answer none.

The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes. The same question arises in every soul: "For what, for whom, must I kill and be killed?"

...Or, a classic approach to stubbornness.

for an explanation about Mutuals March, or to figure out why i wrote you a thing, please check out this post.

[dragonprincequotesimadeup]

Question and answers from the Offical Q&A's in The Dragon Prince Discord Server: Series Questions

Q: "How many seasons are there going to be of the dragon prince? It is a really good story.”

AE: The Dragon Prince saga = seven seasons!

Q: “I wanted to know if this season of the dragon prince was more like ground work to set up other seasons?”

JR: Season 4 does pull forward many of the plotlines and questions from the first three seasons, but it also lays new ground that Seasons 5, 6, and 7 are being built upon. After the Battle of the Storm Spire, the world of Xadia has had some large changes! Humans and elves are having more contact with one another, in some cases even living in the same city or getting married. That doesn’t wipe out all those years of war and mistrust, so there is much to unpack for our gang, as well as Xadia at large. Book Four: Earth is about both playing out where we were headed as well as pointing the story in new directions for the future.

AE: Season 4 = Earth = “ground work” haha

Q: "Why calling the Season "Mystery of Aavaros" instead of "Where is Aavaros?" or - will we see a lot more of him in he next season? Biggest disappointment of the whole season, that the most interesting character had not even 5 minutes of screen time (and you know, the fans want him!). Especially after advertising so much with him."

SJ: “Mystery of Aaravos” isn’t the name of Season 4! Instead, it’s the name of the larger story we’ll be telling over the course of Seasons 4, 5, 6, and 7. This means two things: One, you’ll continue to see the “Mystery of Aaravos” logo and subtitle used for future seasons. And, two, you definitely haven’t seen the last of Aaravos. There will be plenty of opportunities for you to not only properly discover what exactly is so mysterious about the Midnight Star, but also enjoy a lot more screen time with your favorite Startouch elf. (With that said: Can we all just agree those five minutes were absolutely murderous? His verbal smackdown, heretofore known as the Aara-roast, was just [claudia emoji].)

Q: "Love the new season but now i can’t wait [for] it to continue. Is Season 5 in [the] works already?”

SJ: We’re so glad to hear that you enjoyed Season 4 of The Dragon Prince! (And, like you, we can’t wait to dig deeper into the “Mystery of Aaravos” and for you to see how that story unravels.) To answer your question, though: Yes! Seasons 5 is currently in development—as are Seasons 6 and 7. We’ve been working on this set of seasons for some time now, which means the gap between Season 4 and Season 5 will be much shorter than the gap between Season 3 and Season 4. In fact, we’re looking to release Season 5 later next year!

Q: "Honest question, which of the writers had the obsession with fart jokes this season, and why was an entire scene dedicated to Terry’s farts intercut with the scene of Viren having a panic attack? Many viewers including myself felt those jokes were in rather poor taste, especially with previous statements of the series supposedly being more mature in terms of tone and story elements”

AE: So, first, I will offer a learning, and then an explanation. First, the learning: I think we went too far with fart jokes this season! To be clear, we have done jokes like this in the past, but Episode 402 (“Fallen Stars”) had too many too close. I think that threw a segment of our audience and made them feel the show was too young. In retrospect, I would have gotten rid of some and toned some down. But, second, an explanation: The exchanges between Claudia and Terry in front of Viren were sort of MEANT to be awkward and cringe. Claudia is trying to show off her new boyfriend, and how great their relationship is—and she's excitedly sharing lots of inside jokes with her dad because of how proud she is, also because she's just happy to have him back. Like the fact that they call their high fives a “high four-and-a-half,” and then asks: “Isn’t that hilarious?” "The petrichor exchange was supposed to be an example of Claudia oversharing, so it was supposed to be wildly inappropriate, which it was, and make Viren uncomfortable, which is did. But, explanation aside, our goal was never to make our fans uncomfortable. I think we missed the mark in this case because obviously there's been a strong reaction. So, lesson learned. We're keeping an eye on things for future seasons and will pull back anywhere we think goes too far again.

Q: "will the following seasons have a more mature tone? while s4 definitely had its dark moments the overall tone of the season didn't feel any more mature than before, and arguably quite the opposite more often than not (many moments which i personally think should've been handled more seriously ended up with jokes inbetween). i wonder if this will be the case for the remaining seasons or if there will be a "full commitment" to darker stuff at some point. like maybe by the end of the series?"

AE: We see now how, for some people, some of this season’s jokes may seem to contradict the more mature tone of the story, and we own that. But the truth is there is always going to be a balance. The show will go deeper and darker with each new season, but there will always be humor as well. Certainly, we don’t want that humor to step on or overshadow emotional moments, and we are as mindful of that as we can be (and will be even more mindful moving forward)… but sometimes Soren, being Soren, is going to say something silly during a deep moment and that’s just who he is! In addition to tackling more serious subjects, that’s also what The Dragon Prince is. And that playfulness isn’t going to change or go away, no matter how high the stakes may get.

Q: "the lack of subtitles for amaya’s sign language is intentional? i know gren does the interpretation most of the time, but there are several scenes (especially during seasons 2-3) in which amaya is alone. it’s a way to make a statement about the general public not knowing sign language?"

SJ: We wanted all of Amaya’s scenes to feel very intimate, but also authentic for the audience who may or may not know ASL, so we made an intentional choice to not subtitle her lines unless a translator (like Gren) was present.

[roseprincesskristina]

New Year Love

((Since this is the true conclusion of 2020 despite of all the gun violence, pandemic, deaths, sadness and such. But now, everyone begins with a new chapter for 2021. For this story, humans and reploids are more prepared for the millennium of a lifetime, saying goodbye to the old year by making way for the true beginning of the future. While the two Maverick Hunters are, on the other, are enjoying their new year celebration by spending with each other in private at HQ, especially Zero's room. Before reading, it involves yaoi. So if you are not a fan, then you don't have to read this fiction. But, if so, you're welcome to enjoy this story. Anywho, without further ado, please enjoy reading and Happy New Year! 😊🎉🎉🎉🎇🎇🎇))

Midnight has slowly made its way by the appearance before the starting event of this evening's New Year extravaganza party here in Abel City, where the white diamond orb of light ascended into the middle of the dark sapphire skies, sided with a few stars twinkling beautifully like the precious gems or the clear oceans. Crickets created a quiet chirping sound for the soothing mood when it comes to nighttime, fireflies brighten their bottoms into the flashy shade of green for an even more peaceful atmosphere all across the earth. Humans, along with reploids, are surely hyped up for the conclusion of this previous year due to the endless cycle of maverick revolution ruled by the infamous king of all irregularities and former commander of the band of hunters, Sigma.

Few or many lives have been revoked into death, cities crumbled from certain attacks, and to cease the existence of all mankind to all the strongest robotic kind to rule the universe for eternity.

With every bit of hope have almost been decreased hastily, but thankfully, a duo of elite crime busting hunters have intervene the former mad commander's ambitions as well as to destroy his schemes in puny smithereens. One of them is the pure hearted B Class gun user who despises the unyielding feud between machines and man with the possessed potential. The other one is the serious, too cool for school A Class beam saber wielder with a non reckless strategy and lacks the practice of mercy towards enemies. Together, they're known as Maverick Hunters. Humanity's last hope for achieved freedom from disasters. Battling their paths throughout a horde of those who would follow their master's footsteps, especially the eight criminals that use to be hunters from before. Dueling against the arrogant rabble rouser in purple named Vile, and finally, ending the nightmarish nightmare by defeating the big boss himself. Numerous times in fact, no matter how many times he resurrected himself, but always dismantled by the irregular hunting crusaders. Peace has been restored at last, cleansed by the virus of villainy, where everyone began to applaud towards the hunters of foiling their enemies dreams. And this, where it all began, the true combination of both reploids and mankind living as one.

Meanwhile, back at the present time where everyone, as well as the Maverick Hunters, have began their special occasion at the Hunter HQ garden fields. Decorated everyone including the new year drop ball for the later countdown. While the guests are partying, having a wonderful time together, chatting, enjoying foods and drinks, taking turns with their speeches about others who made their lives even better if it wasn't for them during the crazy year, and lastly, telling of their new years resolution. Folks and reploids are remaining by having a blast. Even the rousing young prototype who is now a hunter, Axl.

Elsewhere away from the gang, the two droids, X and Zero, are relaxing in one piece alone inside of each other's room, enjoying their new year solo time in the dark. Mouth connected all night long without ever wanting to stop, caressing their backs smoothly, grinding on one's  armored bodies to force out the satisfy moans from the lower part of their stomachs.

"U...Unh~ Oh Zero~ Please don't stop yourself from polishing my body~ I... I kinda love it when you massage me~" Moaned the shy hunter of the 17th unit, intrigued by his crimson partner's soft touch across him. Letting out his pinkish tongue before panting, pleading for more.

"X~ You know I love it when you're enjoying my hands placed on your gorgeous little ass along with your body~" Aroused the blood colored mentor, kissing his lover's entire body with a starving attitude. "I want more of you, baby~ Your softness and nature have cured my cursed bloodlust from the past~ I lost control of myself, but now that you're here by my side, I felt peacefully comfortable around you~"

"Zero~ Zero~ I don't wanna live in this new year without you~ You're even more important to me that lifted my spirits~ Reminding me of your inspiration has made me the symbol of peace, helping others in need and beating Sigma with my full power and your courage that help me succeed~ It's all thanks to everyone who guided me, especially you, my love~"

"X~ You also done the same thing when I was acting too serious during my missions~ Refusing to accept anyone's help but to work on my own turfs, becoming stubborn every time someone wanted to help, and I'm very sorry for calling soft because of your emotions and sympathy towards your foes~ It really inspired me to be myself and still as cool thanks to you~ Nothing would put a smile upon my face more than your words of kindness which filled my cold broken heart~ So, thanks again, baby~ You really made my day~"

Influencing each other with the gallon of appreciation, sided along a plate of love, the cuddling couple resuming their enjoyment together by lip sucking like there's no tomorrow or next time. Making out all crazy on the bed, tongue kissing, giving one a naughty spanking for being a bad reploid. Comforting each others well beings or souls by their warmth, ignoring useless judgements by flushing them, along with hatred, down the toilet where it belongs. Living within their less colder shadows with full confidence, snuggle into one's shoulders without getting lost in the middle of nowhere but ridicules from anyone possessing a haughty personality. Watching out or got their backs when it comes to danger, filling in due their absence from missions or meetings.

"Zero~ What would be your new years resolution~?" He asked, but was already aware of that answer.

"It's obvious, babe~ To stay by your side for as long as it takes~ Cause I'm not going anywhere now that you're alone with me~" The upperclass hunter replied, pulling his cerulean closer to him for a deeper smooch as well as the desperate taste.

"I would think of doing the same thing~ I felt very strong hearted around you, Zero~" The kind spirited lower class smiled, responded with a kiss while being pulled towards.

"Mmmm~"

"Mmmmm~"

Their longing silent mouth connections have shut off the horrible memories that bother them, as well as their focuses, replacing all of it with each other's images to help them relax and regain control once again. Leaving everything in the past behind them or to never look back. For a harmonious year to come very shortly, two hearts have finally conjoined into one.

"Zero~ I love you~ With all my heart~"

"I love you, X~ Even if it means to sacrifice my life to protect you~"

"And I will always be your guardian angel to help you rise up when you're going to give up~"

"And I'll be your undying strength when you're giving out~"

Outside the Hunter Base, the entire crowd is completely prepared for the exciting countdown to be announced. Their hearts began to pump a rapid beat to helping the blood increase greatly. Even the teen shape shifter has felt this hyped up since his first promotion of becoming an irregular destroyer. They all have directed their attention upwards the skies for the fireworks to burst after the millennium ball has descended.

Inside, both the maverick stoppers wrapped themselves into each other's arms for a permanent embrace. Cherishing their hearts with tenderness and softness clothing their surroundings to form a private barrier around them without interruption from anybody.

"Thanks for being here with me all these years, Zero~ Having you by my side has really put a grin on my face~" X said gladly, feeling the endless warmth from his mentor's hand keeping him company.put

"Anytime, X~ You've done the same for me since we met~ Everything would be a living hell without you~ I'm glad that peace has been brought back because of you~" Replied Zero, smiling towards his young lover into his grasps. Happily being with one another forever, away from the densed insults showering them. But to be praised by those with positive traits around them that assist their mysterious potential to proceed further instead of stopping. Earning complements and friendships that never ends. Also, to be there for all reploids and humans.

"And mostly ~.... "

"But most of all~...."

And finally, the backwards counting has commenced as everyone joined in. While the two lovers would approach each other for a new year kiss.

The crowd starts to count: "10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!"

Both irregular fighters have reached into their faces saying this before the reunited lip mashing.

"You are my everything~"

"You are my everything~"

The entire audience have shouted "HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!" as they cheer roaringly, while both lovers have kissed at last. Hearing the booming effects of the bursting fireworks into the air, lighting on their armors into the middle of a occasional deep smooch. All kinds have continued their fun during the beginning of the new millennium, hoping for it be far more better than this year. And as for the B and A Class heroes, well, everyone is already aware of their new year resolution: Staying by each other's side no matter, even when it means to sacrifice their lives.

"Happy New Year, Zero~"

"Happy New Year, X~"

"And... I love you~..."

"I love you too, baby blue~... Never forget it~"

"Oh Zero~"

"Oh X~"

"Zero~"

"X~"

"Zero~...."

"X~...."

"Zero~..... " Whispered the peace admiring buster bearer, proceeding his face towards his loving partner closely.

"X~...." Same goes for the scarlet swordsman, meeting his cute teammate's face for a preparing lip to lip sucking as well.

The duo are now continuing their holiday moment with each other alone by meeting lips once more, allowing the rest to enjoy their evening as well. Hopefully, this new and improved chapter will become much more tranquil than the unending disasters happening from the old year. Wherever there's trouble hidden itself out of suspicion without ever to become noticed, the inhuman hunting dream team will always get the job done quickly and over with. All humans and reploids will forever live as one, no matter the difference or appearances, everything will be possible.

The End

Happy New Year, everyone!

[irisvseyelash]

[Part 1] B-But my thingsss is just either sleep, eat, having existensial crisis while doing nothing (esp during this lockdown), staring at my ceiling for hours, checking any Batarou content for hours too, or making super random hcs. So yeah, I'll do it anyway! It's already halfway done, btw✌ Also good chance to try how that submit button will work I'm honestly curious, too 😗 Lmao the teachers had already fed up for these 2 rascal kids, they're so done with all shoujo love drama between them 😂

[Part 2] I believe Bang will pester Garou by asking anything about Badd EVERYTIME like a nagging father. Bang: "When will you make Badd my son-in-law?", Garou: "I'M NOT EVEN GRADUATED FROM HIGHSCHOOL PLZ CHILL, OLDMAN!!". Zenko: "Ma, bigbro has a new bf. That's why he insisted to make extra lunchbox every morning", Badd: "Zenko NO-", Mom: "WHA-, BADD WHY YOU DIDN'T TELL MA, HUH?! NOW CALL YOUR BF HE MUST GOING TO DINNER WITH US TOMORROW". They adore Garou very much in the end. Good! 😆

[Part 3] It's OK to write our emotion out! Sometimes I also write comfortfic/sickfic when I'm depressed, depended my mood atm. But happy end always there, even it's in "twisted" way, huehehehe~ *suspicious evil laugh* 😈 When I make my OTP die: "oh no poor soul.. let me do it in a quick merciful way 😢😇". When I make my disliked charas die: "YASS SWEET PAINFUL DEATH TASTED SO GOOD, MMHMM.. NO MERCY FOR YOU OHOHOHO-- 💀😈" (and yesss plz talk more about your Batarou Hanahaki!AU 👀✨)

[Part 4] Aww THANK YOU, IRIS! I'm glad that you think I'm one of the best anon or I've provided good Batarou hcs this year, I feel honoured too tysm I LOVE YOU TOO aaaa-- 😭🙏💖💗💘💕💞💝🌸 (wha? I never joined any discord, only lurking around on tumblr as anon or ao3 as Little1993lamb lol 😜). Also, I'm glad that I could meet you in this fandom. Because what? TWOSET GANG!! SOUTH-EAST ASIAN GANG!! FELLOW BATAROU FANS!! YOOO~ WE (and the rest of fandom members) ARE AWESOME!! 🙌🙌

[Part 5] OMG I FORGOT TO MENTION, Temperans-sama made another DemonAngel Monster!Batarou again it's so magnificent I'm fangirling at it rn I'M CRYING I'M MELTIN-- *incoherence babling mess*. Lol sorry for that, but seriously plz checked on her newest art! Despite labeled as nsfw, there's no actual explicit content in it. Only implication, the rest is our imagination.. 😏 Badd's wings in the art, bro.. I can't stop looking at his soft fluffy wings. The lighting made him looked like HOLY BEING 😳✨

Me: Hm... Wonder if Dyan's replied yet

This 5-Part ask: hELLO THERE

Me: *literally startled enough to drop my phone*

Ah yes anyway, your things is indeed a big mood but don't you have like... Work, to do? I mean mine's just a mountain of assignments and schoolwork ( ;- ;)

wEll I guEsS NOt ¯\(°_o)/¯

It's halfway done? 👀👀👀👀👀 can't wait to reaaaad ugghhhdhdhdh and looks like the mystery of a post submission is gonna be solved soon wheeEEEEE

Okay but the teachers being So Done™ with the two of them is a big mood like who wouldn't be if they were probably the type to literally skip class just to escape school and hang out at the arcade or the manga store or sumn (*cough* Date *Corona*)

Also, your little convo of the typical teen and their s/o is PERFECT I CAN SEE IT HAPPENING 😂😂😂😂👌👌👌 Bang's just going "I want to see grandchildren before I die" and Garou just going "dAD NO—" AND BADD'S MOM GOING ALL "LET ME SEE MY FUTURE SON-IN-LAW *SCREECH*" and Badd just looking around at the shopping centre like "Mom.. Mom stop... Mom people are looking sTOP" because they would be at the grocery store looking for the ingredients to buy and his mom dragging him because she wants to know ALL about this charming young man that successfully charmed her hard-head of a son

And when they meet one another they just. CHARMED. CHARRRRMMMMEEDDDDDD YOU HEAR MEEEE

Garou's arrival would be like *steps into Badd's mom's view* *imaginary roses start appearing out of nowhere because he REALLY DRESSED UP for this* and his mom turning to Badd like "If you're not gonna marry him I will" and then Badd just proceeds to choke because this old woman wants to marry an 18 year old like no bro nooooo

And Badd would be just. Baby. He's baby enough that Bang would fuss over him so much that Badd accidentally snaps at him and Bang goes all "Oooooh feisty. You chose a great one, Sonny" and Badd has his back almost folded in half by how hard Bang smacked him and Garou just flusters and stutters amd is just overall Embarassed™ not for himself but for his 'Dad' whose making Badd a little overwhelmed at how he's acting

Idk man my teacher said writing with the ink called emotion's not good. Like the readers can see that you utterly despise or adore that character or situation. Which in my opinion is great, but I guess not

ヽ(｀⌒´)ノ

But yess killing off that one character you hate the most just gives you so much satisfaction that you just... Can't help but grin when you write out their death.

And Imma write up the Hanahaki AU in the reblog of this post... Soon. Cause I needa finish reading Azfa Hanani (my literature book) for tomorrow's quiz D': AND YES DYAN YOU DESERVE ALL THE LOVE FOR WHATEVER YOU'RE DOING RIGHT NOW I LOVE YOUUUUUU

*squints suspiciously* that wink looks very sus and even if you ARE in the discord gang, Fiji is the twosetter there and YES TWOSET GANG (wait a damn minute) ASEAN GANG AND BATAROU GANG WE COOL (EVERYONE TOO)

AND TEMPERANS-SAMA POSTED ANOTHER ART?! HDHDHDGSGGD OH NOOOOOO ITS NSFW I CANT LOOK AT THATTTTTTT I'M 15 (°ﾛ°٥) *snurt* Oh there's no explicit content? Oho okay~ AFTER FINISHING MY BOOK.

And BABBLE ON ALL YOU WANT DYAN

Temperans-sama's art is ✨magnifique✨ and is just simply on a whole other level. SO I TOTALLY GETCHU.

I WAS A WHOLE BABBLING MESS WHEN Y'ALL STARTED TO INTERACT WITH ME TOO MY FIRST WAS CAIN THEN EIR AND THEN YOU AND THEN THE DISCORD GANG AND I LOVE, APPRECIATE AND ADORE ALL OF YOU—

*clears throat* Excuse me. Anyways, since I'm a little restless today, my mind made another au but Azfa Hanani style and I can't wait to finish the story so I can just write a whole AU for my boys :')

So anyways when I've seen the art I will simply simp harder for them I see 👀 I am unprepared but then again just when are we, amirite?

[princeasimdiya12]

Piqua Falls Part 2

So here is part 2 of the Captain Underpants Gravity Falls AU created by @tornrose24 along with @jackie-sugarskull @nintendogamergirlexe and myself. But we highly encourage any and all fans of CU and GF to participate in this AU either by sharing ideas for characters, potential plotlines or funny memes and fanart. This is an open discussion that all are welcome to join in on. The first part along with the last reblog can be found here.

Ooo yes. Definitely. Absolutely. Weird Al would be a perfect fit for the Several Times boy band and the gang would be hyped to see and interact with him. Since there’s no cloning of any kind, would you like there to be some other abnormal activity that he’d be involved in or him just being himself would be more than enough of the adventure?

And okay, I’ll be fine with Sawyer as Abuelita. I’m not sure where that post was where you made the comparison but I’ll be sure to find it.

I can see Erica wanting to work at the Mystery Shack despite Krupp being an overbearing and ruthless boss. She needs a challenge to test her endurance and mental capabilities. And it would be fun for her to rub it in Krupp’s face when she shows how capable she is. I also have some thoughts on what her character arc would be about. I was thinking that she’d be like a foil to George who is also an academically smart kid who has what it takes to achieve higher standing and seeks challenges that are stimulating to her. She represents George but if he was focused more on himself and what he could accomplish rather than just having fun in the moment and not accessing that potential. And to add on to it, he also has his close friendship with Harold which gives him more reason to have fun and not think of himself as much. Thus, Erica would come off as more detached from other kids her age. She’s friendly and willing to interact with them, but she doesn’t have the same bond as the boys have with each other. It’s something that perplexes her and sometimes she feels jealous that George has something he deems more valuable than his own potential.  (And it would be cool if she was hiding some of her own secrets. Particularly if she conveniently found a way to deal with the monster of the week that no one sees coming. Do you think she’d be part of the same government agency that Rhee and Yewh work at, thus setting her up as a potential Judas? Or is she from another dimension who is trying to keep Piqua Falls safe from the imminent threat of ‘He Who Must Not Be Named’. Because you end up laughing for hours on end if you hear or speak his entire full name.)

I’m really happy that you love the ideas! And I think that would be adorable! I love that Bo and Gooch would get to show off their musical talents. I’m not sure if the Bobeesas would allow it, what if as part of their mansion party, they hold a talent show in their mansion encouraging the youth of Piqua Falls to come and display their musical talents for the town and uppercrust. Bo and Gooch already have their banjo-organ duet set up but they take a drastic turn when they meet Annie Manda Presto (animando presto which is Italian for ‘to be fast in spirit’) a fierce girl with a serious attitude and a protégé opera singer. So while the boys try to get her attention for music advice, they also start to worry about their own music and may end up in conflict over the other’s musical taste. As for Harold, I take it that something happened in which Billy had to uphold his end of his deal with the devil which ended up crushing Harold either because of what Billy had to do or some misunderstanding. The gang tried to take him to the party to get his mind off of it but he was still in a slump. That is, until a mysterious masked boy with an aquatic necklace offers him his hand to dance…

You also make a valid point regarding Anthrope. It’s hard to imagine her being as insane or deadly compared to McGucket. Although her having emotional mood swings would definitely help her in that regard. (It’ll be kinda like Junko going through her personality changes in the last trial right @jackie-sugarskull ?) But if you’re not completely sold on Anthrope for the role, we can always change her for someone else.

That totally makes sense for Melvin. He’d be an established rival of the Shack since he’s trying to win over the public with his mechanical wonders. Made even more wonderous when he finds the second Journal and uses it to his advantage. His reputation in the town is often tarnished thanks to George and Harold publishing comics about Melvin that demean him and paint him as a laughable dweeb (this is one of the few times Krupp is okay with them making comics and even offers to copy them himself so there’s plenty for everyone). I’m thinking that he would end up creating his own monsters of the week in order to terrorize the gang while also trying to find a way to break through and learn of the Shack’s secrets. He’d still have his obsessive crush on Erica and would try to woo her with his smarts and superiority. And Erica returns the gesture with a knuckle sandwich.

Ooo I just had an idea. What if Krupp originally hired Melvin to help him rebuild the machine after he learned from the papers about him being a prodigal genius when it comes to inventing. So he brought him over to the shack with the promise of him being the next Einstein if he could figure out the machine and get it up and running. To Krupp, it actually seems like a miracle since the kid is a whiz at machines. But just because Krupp hires him doesn’t mean that the partnership is easy. Melvin is as insufferable and nitpicky as ever while Krupp doesn’t want him to ask too many questions and wants him to get it done asap. So while Melvin looks around the computer room, she comes across the Author’s loose notes and personal entries where they discuss the machine in vague terms while also referring to the danger of Poopypants as a powerful cosmic entity. Something clicks to Melvin that he becomes drawn to the entity and learns about the other journals which can lead him to personally communicate with him just like the Author did long ago. But Krupp realizes what’s about to happen and doesn’t want a repeat of his past mistake. So he stops Melvin from leaving with this new info by using one of the memory wipes left lying around. Thus, Melvin no longer remembers anything about the portal or him working for Krupp. But he knows  that something big is hiding underneath that primitive shack and he wants to find out what it is. And fortunately, he already knows where to look thanks to a note book page he stashed on himself that reveals the location of Journal 2.

And after that scuffle, Krupp becomes even more secretive regarding the portal and the shack itself. Even if the boys make fun of him for it, no one is learning his secrets on what’s underneath the shack.  Huh, I’m honestly seeing a lot of symbolism regarding the crummy shack that everyone knows and sees followed by the secret portal that no one knows about and how it harbors his darkest secret.

Awww that’ll be adorable. And if they do time travel back, then they may just meet only CU. If CU lived in Piqua Falls his whole life then Krupp wouldn’t have been around at the time. Unless of course he came to visit for a reunion of sorts thus giving the boys the chance to meet both men at the same time.  Aww now I’m imagining CU in his cape and underwear trying to ‘help’ people while freaking them out.

I’m really glad you like that zodiac sign for him. Lol And for the other characters, maybe we can include Lisa’s who’s symbol would be a musical note. Or the emblem belonging to her family which has a musical theme. Billy’s would be a seashell with a star in the middle; the shell representing his heritage and the star to show how his wish inspired him to change in different ways.

THE FOLLOWING CONTAINS SPOILERS THAT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN, TEENS AND ADULTS WHO HAVE NOT YET WATCHED GRAVITY FALLS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.

Ahh I see what you mean. Well if necessary we can base them on the villains that are directly from George and Harold’s comics both in the book series and the animated series. ( The Wicked Wedgie Woman, the Egg Salad Manwich, the Turbo Toilet 2000, the 3 Robo-Boogers, Sir Stinks A lot, the Jorts Alien, the Socktopus, Jessica’s evil twin sister Messica etc.). As for Edith, it would make the most sense considering that neither she nor Krupp would willingly throw their frustrations at each other like the Stan twins. To quote Phineas Flynn, “Yes, yes we do.” And in all fairness, it’s hard not to make him suffer considering all the messed up things he does to everyone in every adaptation of CU ever. He brought this on himself and we’re at least thoughtful enough to give him a happy ending in any AU. Provided that he works for it. :p And yeah, Edith isn’t one to hold a grudge so she’d be willing to let Krupp into her life. But she does need a lot of time to readjust to every that happened in her absence along with ensuring that Poopypants isn’t successful in crossing over.

*ominous Latin music plays in the background even louder*

Ahh alrighty. Either way, it still sounds like a great outfit idea. :)

[recentanimenews]

Crunchyroll Features' Most-Anticipated Anime of Summer 2019!

2018 is almost over so it's time to forget the past and look forward to the new year (once we're all finished with Anime Awards). Many of Winters biggest shows are doubtless to be the huge continuing titles from Fall, but there are plenty of new anime to be excited about. Our editors have looked forward to the fresh new titles and each picked the 3 they're most looking forward to.

  Peter Fobian

  Most of the biggest shows from Fall are continuing in Winter, and the ones that are finishing up are being replaced by even BIGGER titles, so 2019 is starting off pretty crazy. Winter in particular looks great since one of my favorite manga and favorite anime are seeing new releases!

  The Promised Neverland

    I’d read up to volume 3 of the manga before Shonen Jump made their entire back catalog available then caught up with the ~100 remaining chapters in a single sitting. The Promised Neverland is one of the best manga currently running in Weekly Shonen Jump that’s extremely hard to describe to people without spoilers. Smash Death Note and Coraline together and you start to get an idea of what this series is about. I’m really looking forward to seeing some of the most chilling moments from this series in motion.

  Mob Psycho 100 II

    Mob Psycho 100 was one of my favorite 2016 anime on multiple levels. One’s storytelling and characters are excellent, but BONES really elevated the source material by making the surreal psychic combat of the series an animators playground of sophisticated and obscure animation techniques. The anime is so fun to watch, and I really get the sense that’s because it was fun for the animators to make. Match that with maybe the BEST anime PV I’ve seen in my entire life

  Boogiepop Doesn’t Laugh

    I’ve been meaning to watch Boogiepop Phantom for as long as I can remember, and this series is finally going to make me do it. Supernatural mystery is totally my jam and Boogiepop has maybe one of the biggest reps in the genre, possibly even surpassing Hell Girl. The preview shows off some amazing visuals and has a seriously sinister aura I’m just in love with so… mess me up, Boogiepop.

  Ricky Soberano

After such a whirlwind of a fall season, I’m ready to become a blanket burrito and kick off my New Year’s resolution: Watch anime that will make me feel 100% happy to think about looking forward to it and step outside of my usual shonen safety zone.

Mob Psycho 100 II

    I am super psyched for this new season! Yes to see how Mob’s powers have progressed and how they can look even more aesthetically mind bending but I actually just really want to see his progression as a loveable awkward human. I want to see him challenged on both the psychic and behavioral fronts.  

  The Rising of the Shield Hero

    It appears we have a dark horse. Having seen so many isekai’s in which the hero is essentially awesome all of the time almost from the beginning gets boring pretty quickly for me. However Shield Hero has the odds and the world against him from the very beginning and I’m sadistically here for it. I’m ready to see how the ‘Get shit done by any means necessary’ survivor attitude comes out, how he grows through the underdog struggle, and what this journey will do to his moral compass. Catch me on the flipside watching the anti-hero isekai unfold.

  Saint Seiya: Saintia Sho

Truthfully, I haven’t watched any previous Saint Seiya anime so I’m coming in with the cleanest slate possible and I am hella hyped. This legendary piece of work is gloriously luminous with a gem color palette, follows the goddess, Athena’s personal maidens known as Saintia, and has a fight against one’s predetermined fate.

Nate Ming

One of my Fall favorites (Hinomaru Sumo) is still running this season, but what will fill the Honda-san and Sugimoto-shaped holes in my heart? Ahh, yes… horror never fails me--horror involving children, horror involving ghosts, and just plain ol' body horror. Winter 2019 ain't messin' around!

The Promised Neverland

    One of my favorite new manga is finally getting the anime treatment--I can't wait to see newcomers' reactions to the suspense, twists, and horror that The Promised Neverland never fails to deliver.

Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh

     Boogiepop Phantom was probably one of the best blind buys I made back during the VHS days, so I'm super hyped for more. The original was clever, thoughtful, and creepy--here's hoping for more of the same in the new series.

Dororo

     One of Tezuka's most violent and most badass stories is coming back in 2019, with the ronin Hyakkimaru hunting down 48 demons who stole his body parts (which he's replaced in the meantime with lots and lots of swords). Anybody ever play the PS2 game, Blood Will Tell?

Nicole Mejias

After this last season, I’m somewhat glad that for my tastes Winter seems a bit slim, but there are also so many shows continuing that I’m going to still need to find some time to catch up! That said, there are a few that are just must watch shows for me, including the return of my beloved Mob Psycho!

Mob Psycho 100 II

    This is my biggest anime for the upcoming season. I’m so excited to see more of Mob, Reigen, and the rest of the characters. While others might be looking forward to One Punch Man’s new season, I always preferred One’s more personable and down to earth writing for Mob and the gang. I can’t wait to see what they get up to in this season, and you bet I’m going to check out that special premiere in theaters next week!

The Promised Neverland

    I’ve been wanting to read the manga for this for some time now as I keep hearing from friends about how interesting and creepy it is. I love horror stories, but I just hadn’t had a chance to pick up the manga and see what all the fuss was about, so now I’m glad I can check it out this season! I don’t really know much about it, other than it supposedly gets very tense and creepy, so I’m on board for some good scary drama!

Dimension High School

I’m a big fan of Japanese live action comedy, animated comedy, and frankly just Japanese comedy, so this weird blend of live-action and CG anime featuring some huge voice talents, like Junichi Suwabe (Viktor Nikiforov, Abacchio), Shouta Aoi (Ai Mikaze, Himself in Pop Team Epic), and more, is right up my alley. The series follows 4 boys transported to an animated realm to… solve puzzles at the bidding of a giant Sphinx? The trailer won me over with a very self-aware “Where are my hands?!” joke, so I’m interested to see more of this one.

That's all for this list. Unsurprisingly, the latest Shonen Jump adaptation in The Promised Neverland and the continuation of anime's most beloved child, Mob, in Mob Psycho 100 are topping out everyone's lists! As always, we're looking forward to seeing our predictions pan out and getting pleasantly surprised by some of the new shows we weren't expecting to like.

What's your most anticipated anime of Winter 2019? Sticking with your continuing series or think a dark horse will surprise us all? Let us known in the comments below!

---

Peter Fobian is an Associate Features Editor for Crunchyroll, author of Monthly Mangaka Spotlight, writer for Anime Academy, and contributor at Anime Feminist. You can follow him on Twitter @PeterFobian.

By: news+feed@crunchyroll.com

[lizzybeth1986]

Quick Thoughts on TRR Book 2 Chapter 18

• Predictions I had made for the two Finale chapters (probs not on my blog but I did say this to several mutuals):

1. Chapter 18 would be filler, Chapter 19 would be likely where shit hits the fan.

2. Diamond scenes would be split between the chapters, 2 LIs per chapter: Hana and Maxwell this chapter, Drake and Liam next chapter.

3. Why? Because Drake was the only LI with a diamond scene last week, and because given how ominous Liam’s future would be, there is a chance they will up the drama/tragedy quotient by having his diamond scene just before it strikes (remember how we got a love scene just before the fiasco at Coronation??). Hana and Maxwell have not had diamond scenes since NY, so obviously they would get a lion’s share of this chapter.

4. LIs would have significant conversations with the MC about their relationship during the diamond scenes. The scenes will be priced at 30 diamonds each - that was exactly how much they priced “last moments with LI” in Book 1. (I see they didn't do this for Maxwell possibly because no sex compared to what the other LIs are getting) (Future prediction: I think Drake’s scene might have some stuff on his real role in court but I can’t be sure, and hopefully Liam’s will expand on family history).

5. Another future prediction: We may or may not get another plot related diamond scene (similar to Olivia’s in the Book 1 finale).

• I didn’t anticipate the impromptu photoshoot or Bertrand and Savannah reuniting or Madeleine appearing at the end (tho I wasn’t exactly surprised she did, we were bound to see her sometime or other). But the rest? On. The. Money 😎

• Okay let’s start this shizz fam!

• Today’s title: Noble At Heart. Though it actually should have been I Got Land and A Fancy Title Only Because Pixelberry Wants to Justify Getting Me Involved In Some Really Complicated Political Shit The Next Book.

• We’re still not done impressing people. In fact we’re never going to be done impressing people. I fail to understand why the MC is so surprised about this. Boo, this is what you signed up for by being royalty/nobility. You’re not GOING to have a life of your own from now on *shrug*.

•

The epic shade Bertrand Beaumont, Duke of Ramsford, gave to Prince Leo tho 😂

•

I KNEW naming my duchy Daniel Henney was a good idea! 😁😁😁

• There are mixed responses on Liam’s new suit but I kinda like it? It defines his chest quite nicely I think xD xD I wish it had been a slightly duller/lighter shade of blue tho, similar to what we saw on the cover. The blue suit on the cover wasn’t this bright.

• I really wish his bow could have been silver instead of gold though? Blue and silver are Cordonia’s national colours and it would have been fitting to have him wear those to the Homecoming Ball.

• Also I think the extra diamond scene if you’re engaged to Liam is such a lovely bonus, even if I think the dress for that picture was a little too top-heavy for my tastes and WTF why does my MC have two left hands. But the picture looked sweet xD

(See the skirts are flowy and wonderful and the sleeves are lovely but I feel like there’s too much going on with the bodice!)

• Sample this dialogue exchange (if the MC says “we would have still found a way to be with each other”):

Liam: I know we have our share of history [in the palace ballroom], but to me, it will always be the place where I first saw you in Cordonia…the moment I realized you had come into my life to stay. Since then, I’d wondered time and again if I would ever stand beside you like this. Now that we’re engaged, there are a million memories I want to make with you.

MC: No matter how bleak things were, or how hard it got…I knew we’d find a way through.

Brb crying 😭😭😭😭

• I have a feeling there might be some emotional importance to this photograph later if you buy it - esp if something happens to Liam or they are not able to get married yet. It could be a reminder of happier, more hopeful times, or Liam could look at this and view it as motivation for a future he wants to give the MC. IDK how it will work out but it would be great if they did that.

• MC: Together, we’ll be unstoppable.

Liam: I think we already are.

Hold on to that thought, you two. You’ll need to prove it pretty soon the way this book is going.

• @feisty-mary pointed out that we get a caption for impressing Justin and speculated on a likelihood that it might have some importance in the future. That kinda depends on how the writers are going to spin his cryptic “our paths may cross again”. Ally? Enemy? He’s like Madeleine now, you don’t know yet which direction this character will be headed.

• Why did they make Hana’s selection look like an over-frosted cupcake? 😣 Stop doing my fashion queen dirty.

• Olivia’s selection was nice but I’m not sure about the tiaras for either.

• It’s interesting how they have gowns that are custom-made to suit what Liam is wearing (Hana mentions this): the pink gown I’m guessing is meant to suit Liam’s blue suit overall, and the gold one to match his bow.

• Fam this tiara is clashing with my pretty gold hairclip help.

• Now that Olivia has found out who was responsible for the threats, can’t do anything about it because it would hurt Liam, and basically feels she has nothing left to investigate, her work seems done. But is it really?

• There’s still so much story left to Olivia. Esp re: her parents. That’s why they’re keeping her appearances limited to just helping the MC this book. Book 2 is supposed to be about the MC clearing her name and defining her relationships, but Book 3 will undeniably be about Cordonia. Olivia’s story is a big part of that history so I guess it makes sense for them to put it off till then. @ladynevrakis and I have this theory going on about how Olivia’s parents might have been trying to protect Liam’s mom - I personally think that would be a great way to tie those two stories together!

• Only Olivia Vanderwall Nevrakis, Duchess of Lythikos, would suggest placing her future queen in a dungeon. Only Olivia 😂

• I’m not going to say much about the Hana lake scene, esp since it’s largely a sex scene and the non-diamond buildup is just as important, BUT HANA STANS CONGRATULATIONS I’M SO HAPPY FOR YOU.

• So Hana’s going to stay with us, Drake might stay/visit, Maxwell might visit, Olivia might return to court when she hears about Liam and Liam…man that depends on what happens next chapter 😟 So we’re kinda starting to get a clearer idea of where the gang will be at.

• The scene with the guys, Bertrand, Savannah and Bartie was sweet, but my lack of investment in Bertrand/Savannah doesn’t really let me enjoy it. I think PB did all three characters (Bertrand, Savannah, Maxwell) a disservice by handling that story the way they did. Savannah’s story started out as this very emotionally charged mystery that kept Drake going in Book 1, and people got invested enough, but IMO it was handled so shoddily you end up feeling irritated at Savannah and Maxwell for how they handled things, and saddened because Bertrand’s entire character gets shortchanged so that the only thing he seems to care about anymore is Savannah (which is fine, but the reason I liked Bertrand in the first place was the way he was depicted before she came along). So Savannah is still a big part of Drake’s story, and the Beaumont brothers’ history, but the investment in her is simply not there anymore. At least for me. Sigh.

• Also CONGRATULATIONS MAXWELL STANS! The screenshots I saw looked sweet and I’m glad they had that all-important chat about how they want to move forward. I’m guessing Maxwell’s relationship will take time since they’d just confessed to their feelings in NY and they’d need a lot more development as a couple before they reach that stage. But I’m guessing that will happen in Book 3! Splurge on those diamond development scenes like your life depends on it till then! XD

•

If Liam is sending his personal security detail to guard me…then who’s guarding Liam?? 😱 😱 😱

• Adeleide looks very happy for the mother of a thwarted almost-queen. But she did mention that becoming royalty was changing Madeleine for the worse so I’m guessing she thinks her daughter almost dodged a bullet there. Plus, free booze.

This is Adeleide when she talks about Madeleine.

• I’m totally waiting for you to get that “hip hopera” of yours’ ready, Maxwell. Like Elvis Presley would say…

• I like the idea of Bertrand getting some love in his life…I just want to be able to enjoy the good ol’ curmudgeony go-getter Bertrand we all grew to love while we’re at it. Is that too much to ask for, PB? Is it?

• “Will Madeleine spoil your big night?” - I don’t think you would have placed her so early in the next chapter if that was the case, PB, cmon (then again, the message at the end of Chapter 18 last book didn’t sound that threatening either and look what happened there. So I could be wrong). Plus, I think we have bigger threats to worry about, threats we don’t even know about yet.

• So I saw a screenshot of what would happen if you’re with Liam and tell Hana you still want her, and she seems okay with it. I have the same problems with this scene that I have with the other scene - in fact more so because at this stage the MC is officially engaged to the other LI. But you know what worries me more? That there was such an intense reaction when Liam did it (including people stating they were glad they did not choose him and comments on Liam’s “integrity” - thankfully most of the people I followed pointed out how OOC it was) but almost-radio-silence when it came to the other LIs doing the same thing. I mean Drake last chapter still got to imply that he’d be more than happy to take us up on that offer if we chose the “tour of the room” option, and Hana here immediately agrees to what the MC wants if she implies that she is willing to cheat on Liam with her (unless the MC has Liam’s consent on this, that’s what it is). Very few actually commented on either. That’s not fair, fam. You can’t hold one LI accountable for something like this and not say anything about the others.

(People who may have taken the option to have sex with Liam while being with the other LI, and continued the chapter, does the MC inform their LI about this development?)

For me, the problem in both cases is that the MC doesn’t bother to ask the other person. She doesn’t say “look this is what I want to do, but I want to talk to both you and my fiance before I move forward”. She just takes what she wants from whoever she wants and the LIs just let her. It makes me feel sorry for them and really angry at her.

• Is it me or will Hana have an outdoor kink too? Homegirl has her first time with the woman she loves just as the setting sun kisses the lake xD

• Next chapters the finale, fam. The sex is going to be HELLA. The drama is going to be HELLA. And the wait for Book 3 is going to be…not hella.

• Will Liam finally have sex with my MC in a bedroom? Or will we find some other nice outdoorsy place since the hedge maze is already done? Whatever it is, we’d better get a scene absolutely worth 30 diamonds. No fade-to-black bullshit. LIAM STANS WILL RIOT.

• This is my MC to Liam next chapter:

Credit to @callmetippytumbles the genius who began the trend of putting gifs on her “Thoughts” posts. I can’t imagine NOT using them now thanks to you 😂

[jadehqknb]

OMG yay, thank you I'm so glad!! ^-^ I've read some of your scenarios and I found them really amazing!! You're such a great writer I just have to request some more hahah xP I want another Ki-chan (srry, Kise trash here!), how about spending his bday with s/o-cchi? Something sweet and heart-warming (possibly tear-jerking) would be nice ♡♡♡ ;) thanks a lot!!

You sweet angel thank you for your flattering words, seriouslyI’m so happy that you enjoy my work so much. Thank you for being SO PATIENT. I haveNO IDEA why it took me so long but I really hope this hits the mark of what youwere looking for.

Kise sighs, a slightly melancholy look on his face as hestares out the window. You watch him for a moment before making yourpresence known. When he turns to look at you, his bright smile is plastered onhis face but it doesn’t reach his golden eyes.

“_____-cchi, I didn’t hear you come in,” he says rising up.Gathering you in his arms, he takes another deep breath, inhaling your scent.

“Ryouta,” you say softly, pulling back to look in his eyes. “What’swrong? If anything I’d expect you to be extra happy, it is your birthday afterall.”

He shrugs noncommittedly, smile dropping a few degrees. “Idon’t know, I just feel…”

His response is cut off by a knock at the door. Notexpecting anyone but you today, he frowns as he moves to answer it. At the doorstands a delivery man, a warm smile on his face as he asks, “Kise Ryouta?”

“That’s me,” answers your boyfriend.

“Sign here please,” replies the man. Kise does so and ishanded a brown box with small holes poked in the top.

“Who’s it from?” you ask trying to read the return address.

“I don’t know recognize the sender, looks like it camedirectly from a distribution center,” he answers sitting at the kitchen tableonce more. He grabs a knife and slits the tape to open the package. From withinhe draws out a plastic container holding two goldfish. Next comes a prettyglass bowl and a bag of bright blue and yellow shiny pebbles.

“What an odd thing to send someone!” you exclaim. “Is therea note or anything?” Kise shakes his head but he’s already distracted by thepretty fish swimming around in their makeshift home. “Well,” you go on, “whydon’t you get them set up while I fix us some lunch, hmmm?”

Kise nods, moving to the sink to fill the bowl with waterbefore taking it to the living room and placing it on the coffee table. You humto yourself as you prepare the ingredients for onion gratin soup. Soon thescent of simmering onions and butter fills the room. You’re working on choppingvegetables when the doorbell rings.

You see Kise get up from the couch and open the door, surprisedto find another delivery person, this one female, standing in the threshold.You chuckle under your breath at her expression; Kise is rather overwhelminglygorgeous and if you’re not expecting it, he’ll catch you off guard. After amoment of silence you hear him say, “Yes, can I help you?”

“Sorry!” she exclaims and you almost laugh out loud. “Deliveryfor Mr. Kise, is that you?”

He nods and she gains his signature before profferinganother box, this one white with a blue ribbon and local bakery insignia on it.He thanks her and shuts the door turning to look at you. “Did you order this?”

“Nope, looks like it’s another surprise. See if this one hasa name attached to it.”

He looks over the box but there’s no clue as to who thesender is. Setting it on the counter, he opens the lid and finds a decidedly largeand decadent looking chocolate cake nestled within. “Another mystery, huh?” youask and he nods as he locks eyes with you.

“Did you do something?” he questions suddenly.

“Me? The only thing I’m doing is making my boyfriend hisfavorite meal for lunch on his birthday.” You shrug returning your attention tothe simmering liquid in the pot. “Maybe your more determined fans aresending you birthday gifts now.”

“If that’s true, I’ll have to move,” he mumbles under hisbreath. It wouldn’t be the first time some crazies got a hold of his privateinformation. While he loves being a full-time model now, it does come with someundesirable side effects.

“I wouldn’t worry too much, Ryouta,” you comment taking ataste test and adding more salt. “It’s probably your family and they justforgot to put a card in or something.”

He pouts a bit but doesn’t argue with you further. The soupis almost done so you turn off the burner and set the broiler temperature toheat up the bread and melt the cheese. Five minutes later, you and Ryouta takeseats to enjoy the soup of your labor.

“This is always so good, _____-cchi,” he says taking aspoonful.

“I’m glad you enjoy it,” you hum.

Lunch finished, you glance at the clock; your present shouldbe here any minute now.

“______-cchi, I was thinking for today we could-“

Again Kise’s sentence is cut off by a knock at the door.

“Oh what is it now?” he asks flinging open the door only tochoke on his breath. Standing together before him are Kuroko, Aomine, Akashi,Midorima, and Murasakibara, all clad in shorts, t-shirts and sport shoes.

“Wha…how…you…” Kise stammers.

“Oi, get a move on!” shouts a voice Kise recognizes asKagami’s. Kise’s five former teammates make their way inside, each offering hima happy birthday. As Kagami comes into view, Kise is further startled to seeKasamatsu, Nakamura, Hayakawa, Moriyama and Kobori. His apartment, while ratherlavish, still feels tight with all his former teammates in it.

Turning around, Kise’s tear brimmed eyes lock with yours andyou nod once. He rushes forward, gathering you into his arms in a fiercelytight hug. “Thank you,” he whispers into your ear.

“I knew how much you were missing everyone even if you tryto hide it so I called Akashi-san to see if he could help me,” you admit.

Kise looks at his former junior high captain who shrugs buthis face holds a surprisingly warm smile. “What’s the good of having a privatejet if I never use it for my own pleasure?”

“So,” you go on drawing Kise’s attention back to you. “The lot of you are going to go to the court in downtownand play ball. Then, when you’re done, we’ll all meet at the hotel they’restaying at to get cleaned up and ready to go out to dinner.“

Kise smiles widely but a look of confusion floods his face. Turning around he considers for a moment then points to Midorima and Murasakibara. “If you guys were already planning on being here, why did you send those gifts ahead of time?”

“What on earth is he talking about?” Midorima asks looking atMura who shrugs.

“The…the fish! Aren’t they my lucky item Midorimacchi? And the cake! Who else but Murasakibaracchi would send such a huge dessert?”

“Your sisters,” you answer stepping up to his side to show atext message conversation between you and the two other most important women inhis life. “Both of them did send cards but they were lost in the transit.”

Kise flushes in embarrassment but you kiss his cheek andencourage him to go get ready. He hurries off to his room while the rest of thegang say their official hellos to you. You give Akashi a particularly long hug.“Thank you so much for your help, you really should let me pay you back or atleast pay a portion for the hotel.”

“Nonsense, ______-chan,” he says evenly, “It’s no trouble atall. Please don’t worry about it.”

Kise is back quickly, eager to get going. The twelve menclamor down the stairs and flood into the street, the sound of ribbing,teasing, arguing and just generally catching up flooding through the openwindow. You look out of it, watching as they go pleased at sight of the biggestand brightest smile you think you’ve ever seen on Kise’s face.

With a sigh, you flop onto the couch, immensely glad yoursurprise came off so well.