#so happy to see new art from sensei!

[anjizu]

「黒子のバスケ 15th ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION」🏀

In celebration of knb's 15th anniversary and the start of the manga serialization- there will be an original art exhibition!

[lifeafterartsch00l]

The answer is yes, yes they have plz see below~

✨MY FAVE KAKAIRU FICS✨

A change of pace this week from the usual sasunaru programming to celebrate Naruto’s gay dads, feat. my terrible memes

As per usual, I’ll try and find the authors to tag them, if you know who they are on tumblr, plz tag them in the comments! 💖

He ships it

Worship by decaf_kitty

Careful it’s hot 🥵

Beloved decaf kitty, may your coffee never be bitter, may your pillow be the perfect temperature, and you never get writer’s block ❤️ amen! Please read this one shot it’s AMAZING

“Additional Tags: Slow Build, Romance, Resolved Sexual Tension, Explicit Sexual Content, Begging, Inappropriate Use of the Sharingan

Summary: Late at night, Kakashi and Iruka randomly meet at a ramen stand... One little conversation later, they're in Kakashi's bedroom, with Iruka on his knees, and a blushing Kakashi staring down at the sensei between his bare thighs”

Kintsugi by The_Rivers_Dark

She ships it

I excitedly followed each new chapter release of this fic 💕 most incredible descriptions of intimacy, a fantastic writer 💕 also Tsunade tries to meddle and it’s just terrific (read it to find out if it works tehe) 💕 so wonderful, a comforting fic like a warm hug (but also really sexy idk man I’m not a writer clearly haha).

“Additional Tags: Mutual Pining, Hurt/Comfort, less hurt more comfort, Comfort, hurt comfort that turns to comfort, hurt comfort that turns to comfort erotica, comfort erotica, Erotica, mutual pining to mutual love, Love, Romance, Smut, Shameless Smut, Sex, Explicit Sexual Content, come for the erotica stay for the comfort, come for the comfort stay for the erotica, if it’s broken fix it and never let it out of your sight again, painting with muted colours never suited my literary palette, Tsunade as a cockblock device and a meddler, plot arc what plot arc, pacing what pacing, Whirlwind Romance, we’re all about the comfort here, Roommates, And then they were roommates, Eventual marriage, Marriage, they get married at the end, Getting Together, Sweet/Hot, Happy Ending, for all you Kakashi-level perverts out there sexy tags include but are not limited to, Frotting, Mutual Masturbation, Oral Sex, Anal Sex, Anal Fingering, Hair-pulling, Nipple Play, 69 (Sex Position), Spanking, Fingerfucking, Blindfolds, it doesn’t count as a threesome if one of them is a shadow clone, Sweet, Spicy, sweet and spicy, Rimming, Snippet beta we die like Akatsuki villains only to be resurrected again, Domestic, Cuddling & Snuggling, Idiots in Love, Light Bondage, versatile lovers, Top Hatake Kakashi, Top Umino Iruka, Belonging

Summary:

Kintsugi: The Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. As a philosophy, it treats breakage and repair as part of an object's history, rather than something to disguise.

(Iruka gets heavily injured in a mission gone wrong. Problem is, Tsunade knows he won't stay in the hospital long enough to recuperate. Kakashi finds himself volunteering to be his carer. As they get closer, the tension between them reaches a boiling point. Complete.)”

Unspoken by RenGoneMad

Incredible canon-compliant rewrite where Kakashi and Iruka meet much earlier (kind of, you’ll see). And Kakashi has a long time cruuuuuuush 😜 the banter/flirting is really cute. The pacing and development of the relationship is so so good! The way the author gets into their heads is just great. Both 🔥 & heartwarming! ❤️

“Additional Tags: Romance, Slow Burn, Anbu Hatake Kakashi, Fluff and Angst, Hatake Kakashi-centric, POV Hatake Kakashi, Secret Identity, Canon Compliant, Canon - Manga, Complete, Kissing, Sexual Tension, Obsession, But not unhealthy or creepy, Pining, Stalking, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Character Study, Implied/Referenced Suicide, (as complies with canon)

Summary: The memorial stone should be a place to mourn the dead, a place to remember the many sins and failures that haunt Hatake Kakashi.

To Iruka, it's a place to speak to his parents, and the mysterious ANBU who listens.

Follows Kakashi from ages 14 to 29, and the many ways Iruka changes his life”

The Outcasted by yeou_bi

Sensual, erotic, all without anything explicit (yet?). They way they’re falling in love is so cute 😭 Just lovely ❤️ I hope the author writes more chapters! 😊🤞🏽

“Chapters: 3/?

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Additional Tags: Hospitalization, Illnesses, References to Illness, Loneliness, POV Alternating, Present Tense, Skin diseases, Slow Burn, Denial of Feelings, Nausea, Touch-Starved, Touching, Hurt/Comfort, Pandemics, Dysfunctional Relationships, Developing Relationship, Implied/Referenced Homophobia, Internalized Homophobia, Bullying, Discrimination

Summary: During the outbreak of a mysterious disease, Kakashi finds himself sharing a clinic room with Iruka.

What begins as simple moments of sharing the same burden slowly turns confusing. When physical touch could mean an infection, it also becomes a commodity that's hard to come by for those who are recovering”

Thank you to all the talented authors! 💕

[just-null]

I just discorvered your blog and whilst I am primarily a choso enjoyer I do think noritoshi is also a really cool character, and I really hope he and choso get a chance for a proper interaction at some point! I'd love to know what your opinion is of choso and how you think he would interact with noritoshi :) also your art is really pretty

[UPDATE] this post was made before Gege revealed that Choso was a shit teacher and before the Kamos ever interacted. This was just my assumptions at the time.

I also want to see them interact... strap in fam, bc I never shut the fuck up

I may describe Choso as a bit OOC since I don't know much of the manga, but I do know bits and pieces!! also what the wiki told me, heh.

[Choso thoughts]

Choso feels like that big brother who's stricter when training/teaching, but lenient when doing literally anything else involving his younger sibs. Although he's wearing a bored expression the entire time, he's actually super happy when around them.

I really like big brother characters so he might climb up my favorites when I see him in action. from that one popular screenshot of him giving Jogo a goofy smirk, I can tell he's got this tiny side of playfulness to him. He can be annoying if he wants to, and he sometimes does that with his brothers. 10/10 guy!

I've seen fanart and some headcanons of Choso, and I can firmly say that he's a green flag. He's the guy who would fix you without trying. HE'S NOT DOING ANYTHING, YOU JUST FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE TO CHANGE FOR THE BETTER FOR HIM.. OR SO I HEAR

[more details under the cut!]

[Choso + Noritoshi interaction thoughts/headcanons?]

Choso and Noritoshi are like super distant cousins/uncle/nephew right?? They came from the same jujutsu hitler, so Noritoshi is like Choso’s many greats cousin/nephew. Be fr though, if there's someone younger than Choso and is related to him in some way, that's an instant lil sibling of his. WHICH IS WHY, their relationship has two sides to it. (imo)

First up is the teacher/student aspect. 

It's no secret that Noritoshi is weaker compared to Choso, therefore, he'd want to train under him. Choso is a strict teacher, he wants his lil bros to be able to protect themselves if he's unable to be there for them, which is perfect since that's Noritoshi's comfort zone. He wants to hone his abilities to reach or even surpass Choso, so he needs someone who'd nitpick him. 

I can see them sparring, and Noritoshi having an awe struck face every time he gets taken down with a new move Choso has yet to teach him. "How did you do that? You must teach me that next, sensei!"

Choso would probably chortle and lightly nudge Noritoshi with his foot, but internally, he's screaming. Imagine your little brother saw you do something cool, and he's shouting at you to show him how to do it. That's the same feeling Choso would get. Of course, he'd show him eventually, but Noritoshi needs to get the hang of the moves he's tasked with right now before adding more to his plate.

They're both beaming with joy when Noritoshi shows progress. Well- as much as two guys who barely emote can beam. Noritoshi is proud of himself for constantly improving and Choso proud of his lil bro for getting stronger!!!!!!

I imagine they bicker often but when they're in teacher/student mode, they rarely cross each other. Noritoshi knows he's training under a teacher and Choso is teaching his lil bro how to beat ass.

The second half of their relationship is the.. older brother/older(?) brother aspect.

whereas Noritoshi is getting little brother treatment from Choso but doesn't want it and Choso annoys/coddles Noritoshi like the best big brother he is... also my favorite aspect, as shown

Noritoshi is independent. He likes his space and prefers to do things on his own. Because of this he involuntarily became the big brother of Kyoto Tech. People go to him for advice, criticism, help with assignments, and when needing to make a responsible decision, they think, "What would Noritoshi do?" You can say he got comfortable with the role of "big brother." 

So when this new guy comes along who's revealed to be family, Noritoshi deems him as a higher authority. Noritoshi's quick to go back to his old ways of respecting his superiors and it's not that difficult. Choso is older, stronger, experienced, and generally a lot more capable than Noritoshi. However, the downside is that Noritoshi would never grow a close bond with Choso if he kept this up. You can't tell your boss your worries, that's not proper! Choso, knowing this, told Noritoshi to knock off the formalities pretty early on.

I imagine this is the first time they'd ever bicker. Choso tries to get Noritoshi to loosen up a little because they're family, but Noritoshi protests that it's because they're family that he should show extra respect!

Choso probably told Noritoshi to call him brother/uncle or something so they can grow comfortable around each other. Let's be honest, Noritoshi calls his mom "mother," you won't catch him dead calling someone who he currently sees as a superior "brother." They compromise by just using each other’s name without honorifics.

Now that the introductions were out of the way, Noritoshi was now stuck with Choso coddling him. Sure it was nice at first, someone in his family who doesn't yell at him for every mistake he makes and genuinely cares for him, but.. Noritoshi feels… annoyed. Choso reminds Noritoshi of a more tolerable Todo, but he feels like Choso still treats him like Noritoshi needs him. He doesn't need Choso around, but he keeps seeing him everywhere! 

It'd be entertaining to see their dynamic. Noritoshi, the younger brother who doesn't wanna be the younger one and Choso, using that to his advantage to grow close to Noritoshi, by being the annoying older brother. He never takes it too far. just far enough that Noritoshi is saying stuff like “Preposterous!” or “This is slanderous!!” I imagine Noritoshi takes it as a personal defeat when Choso brings him food or treats him to an outing. He allowed himself to get little bro’ed..

Noritoshi would try to take the leadership role again and "big brother" Choso back in a respectful way. Maybe suggesting things he should do. Choso probably lets out breathy laughs and pats Noritoshi's head when he tries this. Then promptly goes back to doing whatever he was doing. Choso sees this as "my little brother scolding me for something." Another defeat for Noritoshi..

I can see these two bickering about the smallest things. And by bickering, I mean Choso annoying Noritoshi because he wants to take care of his little bro!!! and Noritoshi getting upset because he's not!!! little!!! he can do it himself!!!

I feel like Choso and Noritoshi would get comfortable with this though...

Choso would get a side of Noritoshi he doesn't often give to most people. They have a special bond that unites them both. Whether it be their cursed techniques or their similar childhoods or some other third option, they stick by each other. The same is true for Noritoshi, he finally has someone that cares about him and not his status. While yes, Choso can be annoying at times, Noritoshi is growing used to having him around. It would seem too quiet if Choso wasn't making him annoyed in some way.. 

of course, they'd have their calm moments. Having siblings is both a hurricane and shallow waters.

These two are stoic fucks, so I can see them communicating wordlessly. The full fucking package like nodding, shoulder shrugs, huffs, BLINKS, you fucking name it and they just had an entire conversation. They say they make it obvious on their faces, but literally, no one can tell. Some people (Arata) think they speak telepathically..........

I hinted at it in the little doodle above, but Choso would probably help Noritoshi with calligraphy. Choso is OLD so he's got to have seen some old old Japanese cursive... He'd use his knowledge to help Noritoshi improve!!!

The whole thing with Choso cooking for Noritoshi.. Its what older siblings do to coax their younger sibs out of their shell. Who doesn't like free food? Choso learns pretty quick from what i've seen and with coffee being Noritoshi’s favorite drink, he's using that.

Choso: there’s a coffee shop downtown.

Noritoshi: what

Choso: we’re going together

Noritoshi: I never agreed to this

Choso: don’t forget your jacket, it could get cold.

And then they go.

Noritoshi enjoys company if it doesn't bother him. So if Choso walked into his room and sat down to do something quietly, Noritoshi wouldn't bat an eye. and That's how they hang out sometimes, just in the same room and they both have a blast.

this one is just me fucking around but I can see Choso asking for advice on how to approach Noritoshi like a father asking how to approach his teen kid. Noritoshi is similar, but he's asking why this guy is doting on him and being annoying. They ask around because I doubt either of them know how to use a phone. Noritoshi is old-fashioned while Choso is just old.

hmm... I can't decide whether Choso would use Noritoshi's name more often to attach the name to a better person or give Noritoshi a nickname to avoid using it....... I want to lean into the former but hmm......

that's all I got! This could be so ooc but fuck it! I like it. Sorry if this was all over the place, i was throwing spaghetti at the wall!!!!

[my ranting, its not important skip this. theres also slight spoilers]

im sitting here analyzing your wording. youre implying they HAVENT met properly?????? ITS BEEN A FUCKING WHILE. LET THEM MEET AGAIN WHAT THE FUCK IM PUNCHING THE WALL. WASNT THERE AN ENTIRE REVEAL THAT YUJI WAS HIS SUPER DISTANT LIL BRO implying that he also has some relation so to noritoshi too which is super cute now that i think about it.. stoic bitch with a sunshine guy who wont shut the fuck up... wait i love that sm..... but regardless WHAT THE FUCK??? LITTLE BROTHER MY ASS.GEGE YOU HAD NORITOSHI RIGHT THERE. FYM NEW LITTLE BRO YUJI. NORITOSHI IS GOING THROUGH IT LIKE EVERYONE ELSE BUT THIS GUY IS ALONE... I JUST WANT HIM TO HAVE SOME FAMILY BRO. GEGE WHAT THE FUCK. AND CHOSO HAVING THOSE DREAMS AND FANTASIES OF HIS BROTHERS TOGETHER. PUT NORITOSHI IN THERE. BRING NORITOSHI BACK YOU ONE EYED CAT FUCK..... I WONT FORGET THIS GEGE, WHEN I CATCH YOU GEGE WHEN I CATCH YOU GEGE WHEN I CATCH YOU GEGE.....

[k-looking-glass-house]

Happy 4th anniversary Twst!

I can't believe it's been 4 years.... I started playing it when I was Sam's age...now I am ....Vargas's age....

But trust me my interest and passion for Twisted Wonderland started around 2018... When Yana dropped such "a bomb" on her twitter with a Disney collab and a thank you 100k followers sketch with Crewel, Crowley, Trein/Lucius and the Yami no Kagami.... I was doomed when I saw "le fanart" of Malleus rising of a coffin then.... I was like....OMGGG ooohhh monnn dieeuuu....that art Yana-senseiiiii....isn't it Maleficientttt!!! I became such ....such the most platoniiic lover/fan-girl ever of Malleus *staring at him with dead fish eyes and not speaking* My kakkoi dragon fairy, Maleficient grandson!! And I literrally "harassed" my partner in crime @twiwoncrackpopcorn everyday with it, being a 90's baby Disney's fan and Yana-sensei's one too.... I was searching every infos on the internet, every little crumbs about it!! Waiting for the game release....and thanks god during covid-19 I had Animal Crossing New Horizon and...Twisted Wonderland games...(my work as a nurse was.... I can't even tell you how "interesting" it was to see and witneeeessss how humans are humans...more like sh**it as**ole tr*u du c*l de m*rde* *screaming*...... *breathing*) Anyhow I am thankful to have entered this fandom and universe, and tried my best to share my passion with people around the world!! I met such amazing persons here!!!..... I am so so so grateful... fandom can be hell....but not for me here... Thank you all!!!! Also thank my non blood sibling @twiwoncrackpopcorn..... Best person in the universe....I MEAN IT!!! ^ Don't read I am shy^..... I am happy to learn that the game is still developing and under good care !! And happy to see more fans from everywhere under this same passion!!

Also.....

.....

......................FINALLLYYYYYYYYY

WE WOOOON NRC STAFF FANS.....WE GOOOOT ITTTT!! MY EMOTIONAL SUPPORT TEAM LET'S PARTY AND DRINK CHAMPAGNE AT SAM'S ALL NIGHT!!!

LE CONTENUUUUUU

THE CONTENNNNT

AFTER 4 YEAARRRRRS LITTLE ONEEEEE

WAKE UP RISE AND SHINE DARLIIINGGGG!!!

BECAUSE THE STAFF IS HERE!!!!!

Yes now we only have to wait their SSR!!!!

Create your own happy anniversary celebration here!!

Also...I couldn't write Cass...because maybe a*s..... I mean it ...It was kind of cute but too bad for my nickname then....

Also little K. Oswald Junior 101's key as they will make a remake of "Epic Disney Mickey" rebrushed!! Congrates Oswald the lucky rabbit!!! *teary*

Spoilers please be careful illustration with a twist~

...Did I just put myself among the staff...and their wonderful groovy.......

"Yes.....and...?"

With Crewel being done, Sam spotting everything...and Trein-sensei being the best aduuuult xD!!!

Alsooooooooo....Crowleeeyyyyy are you drinking Champagne in the rythmic game....

Gimme....Gimmmmeeeeeeee!!!!!! Too late I spotted it gimme!!!!

....Vargas....We are both 30....we are both 174 cm....and both french....I am so scarred....

I just saw the tiny space... I was like...omg let me fit ....like cat meme..... *move crooow* I love that they also added the Ghost!!! In Wasteland all those ghosts have a very important place and they even got names.... but maybe that's some spoiler.... Let's wait!!!

See you little ones very very soon!!!

I'll be back with a little surprise game for you!!

Also all the feedback and thank you for your kindness...omg you're so sweet~

Also yes...

I got the french translated manga of Heartslabyul with the artbook!!

I am glad my country has such connexion and interest (since a while by now I wasn't even born...haha) with Japan !! We can have such things here !!

Thank you french team twst !!

[k-martins]

I'm late, but what matters is posting the results, so hello!

Let's move on to placing them:

BIGGEST ITFS SUPPORTERS ON CANON!!!!!

RYOMEN "You finally got a role" SUKUNA

Also known as the one who is intimately aware of our couple's desires, desires and fears (after all, he shared a body with both of them), Sukuna is the main plot device when it comes to bringing Itafushi even closer together. It's thanks to your existence that ITFS started, isn't it? LOL.

He's a threat, he's a calamity, he's a bored old man, but most importantly, he's responsible for the line "congratulations, you've won a role" where he not only recognizes Yuji's new power, but also that our pookie pink haired girl is ready to save her sea urchin. After all, it's quite propitious for Yuji to save his soulmate in the domain called "pure and mutual love" LMAO!!!!

Fortunately, Sukuna comes in last place because he gave several traumas to ITFS, including murder, body snatching, mental and emotional manipulation, violence and a lot of anguish. He's a bad bitch we love to hate!

((I couldn't get any art from them that wasn't a ship T-T ))

3TH PLACE:

NOBARA "Boys are disgusting" KUGISAKI

It was a close battle with second place, but I confess that not even Nobara could compete against him T-T. Our beautiful queen full of thorns is the most common third wheel in the canon, being present in moments that helped in the growth of ITFS, such as their conversation after the exchange event (where we see Yuji blush and smile after Megumi praised him hihi) and when our boys take each other's hands as a sign of trust after the fight with Kechizu and Eso. She's also the queen who helps these two idiots notice their feelings in fanfics, so what better than third place for her!!!!

It's a shame we can't see her reaction when she hears the phrase "so start saving me, Itadori", but I bet she would scream something like "get a room, you two, gay idiots!".

Anyway, Nobara, know that you will always be famous and our boys will make you proud as they finish off Sukuna and ride off into the sunset T-T

2TH PLACE

YUTA "THIS IS PURE LOVE" OKKOTSU

Who but the main advocate of love to come second? Yuta has shown himself to be a huge supporter of itfs since his return to the post-Shibuya manga, from helping Yuji deal with his inner demons to agreeing to save him because he was someone important to Megumi (shoot me in the head if Megumi didn't ask Yuta save Yuji when he learned that his senpai would be the executioner).

He also had to watch from a box seat the dramatic ITFS meeting after the horrors in Shibuya, so he knows how serious Megumi and Yuji are about protecting each other. Yuta is also doing everything he can to make these two stay together, not taking long to jump against Sukuna to save Megumi and opening his beautiful domain of PURE AND MUTUAL LOVE!!!! Yes girls, Yuta is the last romantic on earth and he will be the key to our ITAFUSHI coming back to us T-T.

This boy is just not in first place, because first place belongs to him alone.

1st PLACE

SATORU "Personal feelings?" GOJO

THE HONORABLE!!!! MEGUMI'S FATHER!!! THE MOST ROMANTIC EVER!!!! SATORU GOJO TAKES FIRST PLACE!!!! He was the first to notice ITFS in the SECOND EPISODE and makes a point of always bringing these two boys even closer with his discreet (and some extravagant) plans. An example of this is his readiness to accept saving Yuji because it was a request from his dear son, going against the ENTIRE JUJUTSU WORLD just because he knows what it's like to love someone who is condemned to death (stsg tears run down my eyes).

He also placed the boys next to each other, supported their relationship, blessed them, and was willing to save his son so that none of them would suffer (someone shoot me).

YOUR FIRST PLACE IS DESERVED!!!! I'M SURE ITFS WILL BE THE HAPPY VERSION OF STSG AND WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE ITS SENSEI PROUD!!!!

Official results!

This is the end, but we'll give some honorable mentions.

- Toji Fushiguro (his VA said that Toji would find Yuji a bit annoying at first, but would soon like him too, which is understandable, since Yuji is fantastic)

- Choso (Anyone who loves Yuji will be loved by Choso)

- Nanami Kento (no explanation, I just feel it)

- Tsumiki Fushiguro (I don't need to see this to know your opinions)

- Grandpa Wasuke Itadori (HE WOULD LOVE MEGUMI, FIGHT ME IF YOU DON'T AGREE)

- Aoi Todo (He would always support Yuji, no matter how annoying his crush is)

- Gege Akutami (come on kitty, we all know you secretly love itfs and stsg and are cooking a beautiful and wonderful wedding for them, no need to be shy about it ;) )

[detectivestucks]

A Jealous Hokage XIII

18+ content, Minors do NOT interact

Pairing: Kakashi x F!Reader x Obito

Summery: You go on your first mission and come home to a loving Kakashi, he trains you before your next mission where reality sets in.

Warnings: NSFW, canon violence, fingering, oral sex

Word Count: 10.3k

Art Credit: @akirasukuna

A/n: Just realized this was my 50th fic. Fun fact, part 1 was my first.

Part 12 New here? Check out Part 1

You and Naruto leave the Hidden Sand after a successful negotiation. Naruto had noted how easy it was to sway the Sand’s counsel of advisors this time compared to others. Usually Gaara has to work harder to make negotiations reach an agreement but the elders were nothing short of appreciative words and submissive smiles when they found out your name. Apparently everyone on the council already knew who you were. You did your best to assume it was because of your work but you were terrified to know if they knew of you before or after the mess at the gala. 

The entire ordeal was far more diplomatic than you were expecting and didn’t seem to garner a hint of danger. …leave it to Kakashi to find some loophole that makes you ‘active duty’ without being active. 

It almost made you wonder why he was so hesitant to do this to begin with. It was barely dangerous. You doubt that Naruto has used a single jutsu in the past year if these are Kakashi’s missions for him. It almost seems like a waste of his talents. Except the kid is crazy likable and powerful enough that people who don’t like him still respect him. 

Either way, you go as a group to look at the ruins and you make quick work of the translation. Much to the surprise of the Sand’s governing body and to the chagrin of their intelligence team, it takes you 4 days to work through all the tablets. Before you left, Gaara even asked to speak to you about a permanent position with his administration. As tempting as the offer was, you thought about Kakashi and Shiho and your cousin. You didn’t want to move far away from them like that. 

“The Leaf is very lucky to have you. Of that I am certain.” Gaara says in reply to your rejection. 

You shrug and give him a cocky smile saying, “Maybe tell them that sometime.”

Gaara gives a small chuckle, not entirely sure what you mean, but he makes sure to bring it up in his raven back to the Hokage thanking him for your visit.

–

Jumping tree to tree you notice how keen Naruto is to get back to the village. It makes you happy to see the boy’s eagerness to see Hinata. You wonder if Kakashi would’ve been that way had the two of you met sooner. Your mind starts to wander to Obito. He had once said how he’d teleport back home even during missions so he could be with you. You bet Obito would have the same look in his eyes that Naruto does. 

The thought pangs you. The way Obito’s eyes soaked in your presence the last time you saw him. The love you feel from him with nothing more than a single look, it touches your soul. Part of you wishes he'd stop looking at you that way, the other part of you knows a little piece of you will die the day he does.  

You shake the thought from your mind as you near the village gate. You’re home and ready to see the man you chose, the man you’ve been in love with from the start. Much to your surprise, Kakashi is actually at the village gate waiting for you. 

“Angel.” he greets with relief laced through his voice. He instantly pulls you into a strong hug. Both arms are wrapped around your smaller form and you feel as if he might crush you from his strong hold. 

“Hi baby.” you say in muffled tones. You could barely breathe let alone talk from the way Kakashi held you. 

“Kakashi-sensei, do I have permission to turn in the report tomorrow.”

“Go home to Hinata. We can talk tomorrow.”

“Thanks Kakashi-sensei.”

Naruto’s face says it all. The boy is madly in love. Similar to the man holding you hostage at this very moment. 

“Kashi, you didn’t have to be so worried. Everyone was very friendly. And Gaara is Naruto’s friend. There wasn’t any danger.” you whine. 

“There’s always danger when I let you out of my sight.”

You think back to the event shortly before you left. Now it feels like a lifetime ago but maybe for Kakashi it was too soon. He did have the trial while you were out of the village. Perhaps for him this is all too fresh.

“Kashi, I’m fiiine.” You struggle to say as you reassure him. “And can you please stop crushing me? I can hardly breathe.”

Kakashi gives you one last harsh squeeze before loosening his grip and settling for just a hand around your waist. The two of you walk across the village to your home so you can shower and change into less sweaty clothes. 

“How was your trip?”

“Very productive. I assume you already knew that though since Lord Kazekage sent a raven.”

Kakashi gives you a proud smile. 

“Four days.” He says. You crack up at the implication. “I bet his translators were pissed.”

“Oh they were. They gave me death glares.”

“See? I told you it was dangerous.”

“Oh please.” You roll your eyes with a smile. “I think they all believe I’ll be responsible for their unemployment.”

“Ah, so you are thinking about the job offer.”

You study Kakashi’s face at this remark. He was joking but his eyes were dark with sadness.

“No, I wasn’t.” you correct him. “Did Gaara seriously tell you about that?”

“He asked me to have you reconsider.”

“Hey,” you coo as you lift your hand to brush his cheek, “I didn’t even consider it for a second. I don’t wanna leave the village.”

The worry on Kakashi’s face remains. “I’d think after everything that’s happened…”

You stop in the middle of the street and turn to face him. “I’m not leaving. I wanted a break, not a relocation. I’m happy with my new position. It makes me feel a lot better. Thank you.”

The puppy dog look in Kakashi’s face melts your heart. You had the man utterly wrapped around your finger. You weren’t sure you were comfortable with the influence you had over one of the most powerful men in the village. It could be dangerous if you are in the wrong mood. 

You walk in comfortable silence the rest of the way home. 

The second you are through your front door, Kakashi dotes over you. You walk in to find all your favorite takeout is already waiting in the fridge, fresh flowers are at the table, and he had all the fixings for a lovely soak in the tub waiting in your bathroom. Kakashi heats up your food and then moves to get your bath ready while you eat. You can’t remember a time you’d been pampered so much in your life and it has you worried that Kakashi did something wrong while you were away. 

He comes out of your bathroom, his sleeves rolled up, rubbing the suds off of his forearms. He paces over to where you are sitting, happily slurping away at your noodles, and plants a wet kiss on your forehead.

“Your bath is ready my Angel.”

“Oh?”

His eyes twinkle down at you.

“Will you be joining me in said bath?” you ask as you walk your fingers up his shirt.

“Only if you agree to sit in my lap.” he whispers into the shell of your ear.

You close your eyes and hum at his sultry tone. 

“Here” you say, trying to feed him some of your noodles with your chopsticks. “You’re gonna need your energy.”

Kakashi happily takes several bites, letting you share your supper as his hands wander under your shirt. 

Once your noodles are gone the two of you practically sprint over to your bathroom, stripping as you go. He loves how even though you are much more muscular now, you’re still soft and pliable like you always were, just with some extra hidden strength below the tender flesh. He slips into the bath, holding out his hand to let you in. You sink down beneath the bubbles and lean against Kakashi’s hard chest. He somehow remains in exquisite shape even after taking an office job. You wonder how much training a Hokage goes through to stay sharp in the face of a true village threat. You allow yourself to settle against his warm milky skin and turn your head so that your ear rests on his heart. His arms wrap around your waist just under your chest. 

You breathe deeply, taking a moment to appreciate the epsom salt relieving your muscles. You look around to the lavender candles lit along the rim, the purple bubbles filling the tub up to your shoulders, and listen to the soft music playing in the background. The man knew how to draw a bath. 

You nestle into him a little deeper and feel his member stiffen a bit in the small of your back. You sleepily let the tiniest giggle slip out when you notice.

“You think it’s funny, huh?”

“Yeah, it’s funny.”

“You’re the one pushing against me.” he says as he draws shapes on your arm with his finger.

“I know.” you simper. “I can only imagine how your fangirls would feel if they found out I gave you a boner and didn’t do anything about it.” That thought really pulls at the corners of your lips.

Kakashi scoffs. “My fangirls…”

“I’m sure I could fuel their little fires for a year with that tidbit of information.”

“Don’t go telling anyone about your Hokage’s boners, now. Especially not my fangirls. That’s an order.” he punctuates with a playful kiss to your cheek.

You hum. Him giving you orders is very seductive and the mood this bath is putting you in has you pliable to suggestions. 

“Why? Afraid of an international incident?”

“You might start one.” he jests, now kissing your neck. “What if my fangirl forms an alliance with a fangirl from another nation? I’m quite famous ya know.”

“Oh I’m well aware. Some girls from the Sand were asking me about you.”

That piece of information doesn’t sit well with Kakashi. He knows that he made a fool of you in front of the representatives of other nations at the gala. He also knows that’s part of why you were so furious with him. He wishes he could take it all back and never put you through that humiliation. 

“Kashi,” you hush with gentle strokes along his forearm, “it’s okay. I’ve gotten over it. I forgive you.”

Kakashi lets out a breath he didn’t even know he was holding in. 

“Since when do you forgive me?”

“Now that you’re letting me go on missions. It’s a lot easier to forgive when you feel at peace.”

“So you- you feel at peace?”

You sleepily nod against his chest. 

Kakashi responds by cradling you protectively, relief flooding through his muscles.

“Word’s already spread that you’re doing international visits. I got three ravens while you were gone.”

“Oh?”

“One from the kazekage thanking us, one from the Hidden Waterfall, and one from the Hidden Stone.”

“That’s a good thing, right?”

“It is. You’re a powerful resource. But it also means you might be targeted.”

“How so? They’re gonna capture me to interpret a dusty scroll?” you laugh, “Let them.”

“Y/N, I’m serious.”

“Sorry.”

“The more of these visits you do, the more S class intel you know about various nations. Rouge shinobi will want to capture you for that knowledge. They will interrogate you and possibly torture you.”

“I guess I hadn’t thought about that.”

“That’s why I never entertained this idea before.”

You chuckle.

“What’s so funny?”

“You thought about sending me to other nations before?”

“Of course. My first week in office.”

You snort. “...knew it.”

Kakashi’s hand plays with yours. His thumb brushes your knuckle as you interlock and unlock your fingers with his. 

“We’ve got to be at the training grounds early tomorrow.”

“We do?”

“Yes, I promised I’d train you.”

“Right…”

You nestle into Kakashi further, making sure to wiggle an extra amount down below, earning a grunt from the man. 

“Y/n…” he warns

“What?” you pout with doe eyes, “I thought maybe I’d earn some extra credit by doing a pre-workout tonight.”

The wolfish glint in his eyes excites you. You feel him spring to life against your lower back and the lazy conversation you just had washes from your mind as your hormones replace it with thoughts of more engaging activities. 

Kakashi raises a hand to your chin, turning your head and kissing your neck slowly. Your eyes close and you feel your entire body relax. His lips move slowly over your skin, allowing you to feel the gentle tickle of his soft lips and warm breath. You tilt your head out of his way, granting him further access. 

He moves both hands to your waist, gripping you firmly and pulling you against him. You roll your hips backward providing him with friction while one of your hands reaches backwards to tug at his hair. One of Kakashi’s hands slides down between your legs, his fingers finding your clit and rubbing slow circles.

“Fuck Kashi…” you whisper 

Kakashi hums into your neck, continuing his gentle strokes. You struggle to catch your breath and use your free hand to grasp your chest. Your fingers pressing into the fat of your breast, adding to the building sensation in your core. 

Kakashi’s hand kneads the muscle on your hip as his other hand lowers, slipping two fingers into your folds. Your breath hitches with the insertion followed by a low moan. Teeth graze over your skin and goosebumps erupt all throughout your limbs. 

Kakashi strokes his fingers in and out of you lazily, allowing you to bask in the feeling. He’d occasionally pull all the way out to rub a few circles around your nub before sinking back in, stealing your breath away completely. You tried to keep swirling your hips against him but soon you were unable to keep rhythm as his fingers distracted you from all thoughts and actions. 

Enjoying how he threw you off your game, Kakashi shoves in a third finger, stretching you out. The bathwater began lapping at the edges of the tub as his hand quickened in and out of your hole. His fingers curl upwards to stroke where you like it most. Your feet push against the front of the tub, your legs stiffening from ecstasy. Your back pushes into his chest as you squirm in pleasure. The faster he stroked the more you moved causing the hand on your hip to grab around your waist and then ultimately grip you at your breast, your hand still cupping the other one. 

“Going somewhere?” He taunted

“Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck.” is all you could pant. Breathing out the words like a mantra. The hand that had a death grip on Kakashi’s silver mane found a new home clutching the rim of the bathtub as you braced for your impending orgasm. Your legs straightened against the tub, shoving you fully into Kakashi’s abdomen. He gives your chest one last squeeze before lowering the hand to whirl around your clit while he dug four digits into your straining cunt. He finger fucked you till your walls spasmed around his knuckles and chocked moans are all that mingled with the sounds of the splashing water.

Your eyes rolled back and your body went limp. Kakashi could feel how your walls trembled with aftershocks from your release. Your heart was beating heavily in contrast to the near lifeless state of the rest of you.

Kakashi chuckles into your ear. “Greedy girl, giving me a boner and then getting herself off. Tsk tsk.”

His voice was smooth as honey and his words made a wave of chills wash over you in the warm soapy bath water. Kakashi fed you his fingers before he used one to trace along your cheek and jaw bone, musing aloud, “I guess I’ll have to take care of this myself or risk getting blue balls. What a shame that I have such a selfish girlfriend.”

“Kashi…” you whisper, exhausted from both your mission and your orgasm 

“Yes Angel?”

Too fucked out to form a sentance, you instead lazily turn around in the tub and push Kakashi’s legs together so your knees could rest on the outside of his hips. You prop yourself up on his chest and lay your head in the curve of his neck. You line up your entrance over his hardened length and slowly sit down. You hear him suck in as he sinks inside of your gummy walls. There is a slight twitch inside of you but you’re too tired to care. Instead you drift off, falling asleep and napping while cockwarming him inside of you. 

Eventually you find yourself in your bed but you don’t have any recollection of how you got there. You’re dry with comfortable pajamas on and your boyfriend’s arms wrapped around you. It was quite blissful. If this is what being home from missions is like, then this is by far the best career move you’ve ever made. 

*************************************************

The next morning, Kakashi decided against going to the training grounds and instead had you running up and down the stairs leading to the cliff above the great stone faces. While this was once a workout you relished in, you never had to do it so many times in a row and you were never expected to spar afterwards.

“Kakashi, we’ve been going at it for hours…” you pant, bent over with your hands perched on your knees.

“Wrong attitude.”

“Babe, I mean it” you say sternly, trying to communicate that you were at your limit.

Kakashi ignores your tone and only charges at you, forcing you to block several strikes with your forearms. You catch him smiling below his mask. 

“It’s not funny” you grunt between blocks.

Kakashi’s slick fingers pull out a kunai as he continues his attacks. You can’t believe how relentless he’s being. You feel like you might collapse and he still chooses to pull out weapons. 

Obito was harsh but Kakashi was down right dangerous. He backs you up to the cliff’s edge and you almost fall over. A gasp slips from your lips in fear. Kakashi feels the length in his pants twitch at the familiar sound. However he ignores it and keeps pushing forward till you fall off the side. You draw the last of your chakra to catch yourself before you plummet to the ground and what would have been certain death.

“You’re a mad man!” you shout up at him with every spare drop of energy you had. 

All you hear is laughter coming from your boyfriend atop the cliff.

“Dick…” you grumble while you pull yourself back up to where he stood. 

Exhausted and unable to stand, you crawl to his feet before falling over on your back, eyes closed as you face the sky. Kakashi continues to chuckle and you open one eye to glare at him. 

“Something funny?”

“Oh nothing…”

That’s when you realize a tent is pitched in his pants. “Did you seriously get a boner from pushing me off a cliff?!”

Kakashi’s face blushes, small laughs still rocking his chest. “Whatcha gonna do about it?”

“I hate you so much right now.”

Kakashi lowers himself to the ground, beginning to whisper in your ear as he hovers his body over yours.

“Sorry, you make your bedroom noises while you train. It’s quite distracting.”

If you could roll your eyes you would’ve, but instead you just lay there collecting your breath.

“Hmm, your lack of response is really quite concerning. Perhaps you need more motivation.”

You go to swat at him but instead he grabs you by the waist and throws you over his shoulder as if you were no more than a sack of potatoes, marching off to a wooded area with you like the spoils of war. 

Once there was a little bit of privacy Kakashi sets you down against a tree, the trunk helping you sit up. 

“Tsk tsk, still unresponsive. Maybe we should work on your breath control to improve your cardiovascular endurance.”

You give him a questioning look as a wicked smile stretches over his face. Oh no. You feel Kakashi fist your hair with one hand as he frees his hardened length with the other. 

“Open.”

You look up at him pleading. You’re so exhausted, you can barely keep your eyes open let alone give head. He holds the base of his cock and lightly beats your cheek with it. “I said open slut.”

As you feel the weight of his girth strike you in the face you flinch but you comply, opening wide so he could stuff his salty member between your lips. Your eyes nearly close at his taste, your tongue instinctively tracing up the underside of his shaft.

“Good girl” he coos as his thumb brushes your cheek before both hands settle into your hair. 

You relax your jaw and stick out your tongue as Kakashi strokes lazily into your mouth. His tip prods at the back of your throat, slipping all the way in before pulling out. Your tired breathing is interrupted by selfish pleasure. You cough around him still winded from before. 

“Hmm” he hums disapprovingly. “Let’s try that again, shall we?”

He slides himself all the way in and holds you there. Your exhausted body begins to wake up, half heartedly pushing him off of you. He pulls back allowing you to pant and catch your breath. 

“Again.”

He shoves himself back in, hands holding your head captive. You struggle and cough with him shoved all the way down but he just tauntingly slaps the side of your face with his hand before loosening his grip so you can breathe. 

“I think the lesson’s starting to stick. Let’s try one more time.”

Your eyes look up at him begging for mercy but there’s none to be had in his lust-fogged mind, he buries himself in your throat again. Your head is pushed up against the tree’s bark, no way for you to get off of him. 

You try inhaling but there is just no way for oxygen to get past his girth. Kakashi pinches your nose, shaking it side to side. The evil teasing is causing a surprising amount of wetness between your legs. He starts to stroke in and out of your mouth.

“You know, you never returned the favor last night. Maybe it’s time to remedy that.”

You’re dreading his words, knowing what they mean. Both of Kakashi’s hands grip your hair, threading his fingers through your locks as he widens his stance. “Relax your throat for me Angel.” Given how tired you were, you were barely capable of tensing up. You were so oxygen deprived that your chest was heaving and your mind was fuzzy but that didn’t stop the puddle of arousal forming in your underwear. 

His fingers tighten and that’s your cue. Kakashi throws his hips into your mouth, fucking your face with reckless abandon. Wet ragged breaths are pulled down your windpipe between thrusts. Kakashi’s quick to cut off your air supply with his manhood. Your tired arms claw at his thighs making an appeal to be granted a breath. Gurgling sounds are all that are emitted from your mouth as he abuses your throat for his own pleasure. Your watery eyes look up at him but his head is lolled back, looking towards the treetops. More choked breaths lead to him twitching inside the column of your neck. 

“Fffffuckk…” he grunts, his pace slowing down. 

You feel hot cum spring out of him and travel down your throat. “Oh shit… Angel... Fuck.” He draws a breath through his teeth as he trusts in and out of you, emptying himself in your mouth. He finally withdraws and leans his forearm and head against the tree, holding his softening cock in his hand. You pant with your mouth open, tongue hanging out, the back of your head perched against the tree. 

Once Kakashi catches his breath he tucks himself away and squats down next to you. One hand cupping your cheek, he releases you with the words, “I think that’s enough training for one day.”

You close your eyes and fall limp against his chest. “Thank gods.”

He chuckles as he holds you, brushing your hair and cradling you in his arms.

*************************************************

You were only home for three days before Kakashi caved and sent you on your next mission. During those remaining two days, Kakashi had you run drills with Naruto so you could get used to his fighting style and practice defensive formations that would allow you to escape while Naruto restrained and eliminated enemy nin. 

At the end of the day, no matter how strong you might become, you could never compare to the power of an Uchiha susanoo like Obito and Sasuke or a tailed beast like Naruto and Kuruma. That was why Kakashi left the responsibility to Naruto to fight off the enemy single handedly while you ran for safety. He was not about to risk your life fighting when Naruto could do it for you and do it easily at that. 

During these training sessions you became rather familiar with Naruto and grew to enjoy the boy quite a bit. He was turning out to be a fun teammate and even entertaining to fight with. Kakashi’d actually have to break a sweat when fighting him which you found endlessly humorous after he spent so much time beating up on you. 

Inevitably though, the day came that Kakashi would be forced to say goodbye and send you off on another mission. This time you were to visit two villages before returning home. First you are headed to the Hidden Waterfall to interpret markings found on a cliff face. Then you are to make your way to the Hidden Stone to evaluate a set of scrolls that the village was too hesitant to transport to the Leaf. According to Kakashi, the Tsuchikage had been asking for the Hokage’s permission to have you look at these scrolls for quite some time. 

You couldn’t help but notice how well respected you were by other nations. You also couldn’t help but contrast that to how you were being treated here at home. Doing your best to not dwell on the comparison, the thoughts still slip through and it causes a tightness in your chest. 

—

Naruto and you leave the Hokage’s office bright and early that morning. Another goodbye riddled with emotions as Kakashi looks at you like it’s the last time he’ll ever see your face. 

Once out of the familiar village your mind is able to focus. The mission was clear. Transcribe for the Waterfall then send a raven to the land of earth when you are on your way. 

It was going to be a longer mission. Partly due to the amount of distance you’d have to travel but also because you were unsure how long each interpretation would take. The mission could easily turn into a two month project. That was a long time to be away. Especially for Naruto. You wondered about how Hinata felt about his long absence. Especially one with a questionable return date. 

“Naruto?”

“Yeah?”

“How does Hinata feel about you always being away on missions?”

“Well back when she had missions of her own she didn’t mind at all. Sometimes we even had missions together.”

“Aww, that’s sweet”

“But now that we’re thinking of trying for a baby, I know she misses me.”

“You’re…congratulations!”

“What for?”

“Trying for a kid is a big deal!”

“Is it? Well gosh. Thanks I guess!” he says with a nervous scratch to his head. You feel a sudden wave of guilt wash over your mood as you contemplate how Kakashi is risking Naruto’s dream of having a family to save your skin. What a sacrifice for him to make all over a small possibility of someone trying to abduct you over some silly language skills and intel you may discover in the process. Before he was doing normal diplomatic visits. No risk involved whatsoever and now…the way Kakashi made it sound had you nervous. 

Your thoughts are broken by the sound of your name.

“-huh?”

“I said, why did you ask?”

“O-oh, cause Kakashi seems to be struggling with my absence. And well, he went on missions for a long time. So he should understand this lifestyle better than any other boyfriend I could have-”

“Maybe that’s what’s making him nervous. He knows how often we come home by some stroke of luck or by the skin of our teeth, ya know?”

“But, I have you. How could he question if I’m gonna make it home?”

“Kakashi-sensei knew me when I was nothing more than a hard headed kid. He might not view me the same as the rest of the village.”

You chuckle remembering how crazy he used to be. Kakashi had shown you his official ninja ID photo just yesterday.

“What?”

“Did you know your file still has that crazy photo of you with red and white paint?”

“It does?! Aww man!”

You laugh and shake your head. “Thank you Naruto.”

“What for?”

“For protecting me. And for being the reason why Kakashi is letting me do this. I needed this…more than you might now.”

Naruto did know. He knew exactly how the village turned on you when they found out you had been secretly seeing the Hokage. Not to mention the events the day before you were assigned to him. He wasn’t going to say anything but he could imagine just how much you needed a break from the Leaf after all of that.  He remembers when there was a time he needed a break from it too.

“...You’re welcome.”

You smile to yourself and continue your travels to the Hidden Waterfall in comfortable silence.

*************************************************

The Hidden Waterfall was even more beautiful than you expected. Both the landscape and the people were gorgeous. You felt like you entered a fairy tale while you were there. The hieroglyphics you were tasked with deciphering were etched into the side of the cliff by one of the waterfalls. It was a harrowing climb and the job was definitely not for the faint of heart. You suddenly became grateful that Kakashi shoved you off a cliff during your last training session but like hell you were ever going to tell him that. Despite the bodily exhaustion of getting to the engravings, the actual symbols themselves weren’t too far off from a dead language you had learned for fun a couple years back. 

Your first visit to the site, you were accompanied by the village leader, an archaeologist, and two linguists with Naruto serving as your chaperone. However, once you got to work and they saw how quickly you began stringing the pieces together, the next day there was an extra person watching you. Then the next day there were three new faces, and by the fourth day you had to express your discomfort because a total of 12 additional strangers had come to stare at you as you clung to the side of a cliff trying to wraith and decode simultaneously. 

On the fifth day you had written down all the symbols on a scroll along with your initial thoughts of the translation so you didn’t need to climb back up again. When you started trying to blend the message together, you found that some parts of the cliff didn’t weather so well and the symbols must have been distorted with time. Being the perfectionist you were, you drew what you believed the original shape was and worked till the meaning made sense. 

To your great surprise, the cliff held clues towards a secret hidden power within the city’s walls. Something similar to the secret star in the Hidden Star Village.

This must be the kind of thing Kakashi was worried about me learning. 

“People will already notice you because you are beautiful. They will pretend that is why they are staring at you. Pile on that you are a genius, the hokage’s girlfriend, and the amount of village secrets you know and it’s a recipe for abduction.” Kakashi’s words of warning run in your mind. 

All those people. What was their motive for watching you? Cause you were the pretty girlfriend of the hokage, or because they were impressed with your skills? Were they interested in what you were doing or were they observing with nefarious intent? 

Either way, you were relieved that the head of the village was respectful of your wish to be alone. He would not allow you to be completely alone, of course. He needed to make sure you didn’t make a copy of the translation for yourself or a copy to sell to other nations. But he was very polite in the way that he asked to sort through your belongings at the end of your stay and you made certain to assure him that you understood his intentions. 

Ever grateful for your help, they sent you off on your journey with copious amounts of rations and per Naruto’s request, provided several packs of instant ramen. Many people involved in the project waited at the village entrance to waive you off as you left. You felt like a small celebrity as you reentered the forest.

“Is this how you feel all the time?”

“What’d you mean?”

“Everyone recognizing you and waving at you as if you know them.”

“Well…I guess sometimes, yeah.”

“Does it ever bother you?’

“No. There was a time where everyone knew me but they either ignored me or gave me looks of hate. I’m much happier knowing no one thinks of me like that anymore.”

The boy once more tugging at your heartstrings. Naruto was just so wholesome, it was impossible not to like him. No wonder Kakashi used him for all his diplomatic dealings.

As you smile at Naruto, you notice his face drop into a stern expression. He peered over his shoulder, nodded, and then looked forward again. 

“What was that for?”

“Huh?”

“Don’t play dumb with me. I saw that”

“Saw what?”

“Saw you nod at something- or someone. Is someone there?”

“No, I just thought there was.”

You didn’t appreciate how Naruto brushed you off like you were stupid. He had just watched you bring an entire village to marvel at your intelligence. Clearly you were smart, so what was with playing coy?

What you didn’t realize is that Naruto sensed familiar chakra. A certain Uchiha to be exact. The worried aura appeared suddenly and as Naruto glanced over, his suspicions were confirmed. Obito had teleported over to see how you were doing. Naruto gave him a reassuring nod to which the Uchiha nodded back. It wasn’t the first time Obito had checked in on you nor would it be the last. The idea of you being so far from his protection was extremely distracting and though he had fought side by side with Naruto and knew his strength, he was still haunted with worry after he wasn’t there to protect you from Aoto’s attack weeks prior. So even if it was in secret, he'll pop in and check on you, just for his own peace of mind. 

*************************************************

At last you made it to the Stone and to your great surprise, you were greeted with a small entourage and a young woman. 

“Hello, Y/N I take it.”

“I, uh, yes. I’m sorry, who are you?”

“I’m Kurotsuchi, the fourth Tsuchikage.”

“Oh!” You immediately bow, “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude. I was expecting an old man.”

“You mean my grandfather!”

She laughs and puts her arm on your shoulder signaling for you to stand up. 

“It’s okay, how would you know? You were pretty distracted the first time we met.”

“We’ve met?”

She bursts out roaring, almost making herself cry. You weren’t a fan of being kept in the dark so you stood there growing in frustration till she explained that you had met the same night that Kakashi blew up an entire street fighting with his best friend. 

The blush that took over your cheeks is so bright it can easily be confused with a sunburn. 

Kurotsuchi clutches her side, “Oh,” she wheezes “I don’t think Kakashi will ever live that one down.” Your blush now growing to your ears, you wished you could’ve dealt with the old man. You doubt he would’ve cared about idle gossip as much as his granddaughter did. You quickly clear your throat to cut her off. 

“So I understand I was summoned to look at a set of scrolls?”

The tsuchikage calms herself before clearing her throat like you, “Yes, we’ve been holding on to these for quite awhile. Please follow me.”

You follow her though the village, several armed guards convoy after the three of you. 

“I apologize for all the security. We’ve been concerned about these scrolls for quite some time and we need to make sure you are protected while you’re here.”

“Thank you. I’m sure Kakashi would appreciate it.”

“They are also here to guard the scrolls from you.” You’re left a little stunned into silence. “While we cannot help what you will learn in this process, you will not be permitted to write anything down and take it outside of the secured area.”

You exhale as you comprehend. “Oh, no worries. I handle classified information all the time. I understand.”

She leads you to the village headquarters and through several doors that are locked with both ID cards and chakra signatures. You walk through windowless corridors and realize though the intel is likely just as precious to the village, it is a very different environment from your visits to the Sand and Waterfall. You couldn’t help but notice how much more severe the people of the stone were. They were quick to laugh but equally quick to scowl. 

Your eyes continue to wander around and your appreciation for Naruto’s company grew. You would never want to be behind so many locks and doors without an ally on the inside. Eventually you come to the end of a hallway and are asked to raise your hand. You comply and see a chakra force field materialize. Kurotsuchi weaves signs and then pushes your hand into the force. You feel a warmth tingle against your palm till suddenly your arm falls through. She pulls you through but you stop halfway across the threshold.

“What about Naruto?”

“He can guard from the outside.”

“No.”

“Did you just say no?”

“I’m not going anywhere without him. Kakashi’s orders.”

“These are classified village secrets. You’re in no position to determine who does and does not have access to this room.”

“And I am a world-class mind. You’ve been holding onto these scrolls for a year looking for someone who can interpret them. I know what value I bring and so does my Hokage. Hence why he sent me with a jinchuriki bodyguard. I am not going to put myself in a more compromising situation than I already am by being a foreigner in a distant village. Either he enters with me or we leave.”

You see her face twist in anger. 

“If you need to discuss it with your village elders, we can wait.”

She begins to chew on her bottom lip in thought before she nods and gestures for Naruto to put his hand on the chakra barrier. 

You both step through and enter one final door before you are greeted with a floor to ceiling bookcase of scrolls. 

“Wow” you whisper, barely audible as you gawk at how much work awaits you. 

“May I?” you ask, turning towards Lady Fourth. 

She gestures for you to move towards the scrolls. You stride up to the shelves and grab one at eye level. You unfurl the paper and scan down the old parchment. The symbols looked familiar but also very strange. You wished you were at home where you had several textbooks that you could use as reference but alas they were too far away. 

“How many are there?”

“One hundred and twenty three. We wondered if it was an intentional amount.”

Naruto lets out a small groan, surely distraught at the idea of missing Hinata’s ovulation window.

“Why didn’t you warn us that this was going to be a lengthy job?”

“The less information the better.”

“I disagree. Having adequate expectations and perhaps an idea of what resources from home I might need would’ve sped up this project. It could be entirely possible that we will have to return home before I’m done.”

“Are you saying you can’t do it?”

“I can, but if I had a small sample of this writing, there would’ve been a couple textbooks I would’ve brought for references.” You purse your lips together in thought. “I’ll do what I can. If I get stuck we will have to come back for a second visit.”

While Kurotsuchi didn’t seem pleased about your answer, she didn’t seem displeased either so she left two guards in the room with you and Naruto and made her departure. 

“Oh, and by the way, we will provide for all your needs while you're here. You just have to promise to stay within the main part of the village where my Anbu can see you at all times.”

“Understood, Thank you Lady Tsuchikage.”

You turn back to the scroll in your hand. “Naruto, I’ll do my best to make this quick. I won’t keep Hinata waiting.”

“Thank you Y/N, but don’t worry about me. There’s always next month.”

“Here, grab the scrolls on the top shelf for me. I’m gonna need to see if there is a numbering system. Maybe I can put them in order.”

Fortunately for you, the numerals used in the language of the scrolls weren't too archaic and you figured them out without reference but the language of the scrolls themselves was perplexing. They could almost be read in three different languages but none of the sentences made sense when read as any of them. You were really wishing you had your textbook. The one in your office in the bottom drawer of your desk. Why didn’t you just think to pack it just in case?

You turn to one of the guards feeling a headache coming on. “May I take a walk outside? I need to clear my mind.”

They bow and lead you through all the barriers and doors, bringing you up to the front of headquarters. The final rays of sunlight can be seen through the glass doors. Naruto follows your lead and steps outside with you. The sun’s fading light causes you to realize you’ve neglected your needs the entire day. Soon you hear Naruto’s stomach call for food. 

“Let’s get something to eat.”

“Thanks.” He said with a grateful smile. The two of you head off to a local ramen shop, not feeling adventurous about your food choice. Naruto stuffs himself then heads to the bathroom, leaving you alone at the table. You pay the bill with the money left by the tsuchikage and decide to wait outside in the sweet smell of dusk. 

Something about the way the fresh air fills your nose and the falling darkness of night comforts your mind, brings you peace. That is until a heavy hand lands on your shoulder frightening you. You spin around, ready to attack. 

“Princess, relax! It’s me!”

“Obito?!?!”

Your fear quickly melts to relief as you jump into the man’s arms. He holds onto you like a precious treasure. 

“What are you doing here?”

“I was worried so I decided to check in.”

“Did Kakashi send you?”

“No, he thinks I’m still on my mission.”

“Are you still on your mission?”

“Technically, yes.”

You let out a little giggle. You missed him more than you realized. Your arms restrict around his upper body in an impossibly tight hug. Obito hugged you back and spun you around like you were weightless. Setting you down where he first startled you. 

“Wait, Obito, I just had an idea.”

“What is it Princess?” 

“This assignment, it’s going to be long. Like really long. But I think I have a textbook in my office that could help me figure out the language. Would you Kamui back to my office and bring it to me?”

“Kakashi would know I’ve been visiting you then.”

“Is that a problem?…aside from the fact that you’re supposed to be on your own mission.”

“Well he specifically didn’t want me checking in on you.”

You hum, “I’m surprised. I’d think he’d want reassurance that I was alright.”

“He’s insecure about our relationship.”

You don’t respond. If the roles were reversed you’d feel insecure too.

“But I’m sure Shiho will keep quiet for me.”

Your eyes light up at this. “Really?! It would make the translation go so much faster.”

“Sure. I can’t say no to you.” His face softens significantly as he stares down at you. It warms your heart to look at him. He was too good for your silly love triangle. He deserved better. He should be someone’s first and only choice. Why did he choose to love you?

“It’s the biggest book in the bottom drawer of my desk. You can’t miss it.”

“Care to tell me the title at least?”

This brings a small laugh to your lips. “I could but it’s in a language you don’t understand so I doubt you’ll remember it.” 

“Odjebi”

You gasp at his profanity pretending to be insulted before you break into a smile.

“You remembered!!”

“Of course I remembered. I remember everything you tell me.”

“Aww Obi”

“Stop swooning I just told you to fuck off” 

You giggle and wonder how many of the curse words you taught him that night he still knew.

“Still doesn’t mean you’ll remember the book title. Just ask Shiho if she’s there cause if anyone moved it, it would’ve been her.”

“Fine” he grumbles. “I’ll be right back.”

In a blink he swirls away, leaving you alone once more, just outside the noodle shop. You can’t help but think Naruto must be having a terrible time on the toilet if he’s taking this long. You wonder if he hadn’t relieved himself in a while. Fortunately you don’t continue musing on this thread much longer as Obito reappears in front of you holding one massive textbook. 

“You weren’t kidding when you said I couldn’t miss it.”

“Thank you!” you say as the weight of the pages is transferred into your arms. “Anyone see you?”

“Nope.”

“You’re the king of sneaking around.”

“You don’t know the half of it.”

“And I never plan to.” you say with a curt nod. Obito only smirks at your response. 

“Stay safe, Princess.”

“Same to you Obi.”

Before he goes, he wraps his arms around you and kisses the top of your head. “I’m proud of you, miss hot-shot interpreter.”

You sink into his chest. He really does give the best hugs. “Thanks Obi but you’re embarrassing me.”

“Oh I embarrass you huh? Should I make a scene?”

“Obi!” you shove him off to which he laughs with a jolly and boisterous chuckle. “I’ll see you back at the village.”

“Not if I see you first.”

“Gonna keep spying on me then, huh?”

“Absolutely.”

Your face softens into a grin. “Niiiight!” you sing at him

“Night Princess.” and with a twinkle in his eye you watch him vanish.

Holding the text to your chest, you wait for Naruto while the warmth of seeing Obito fills your weary mind. 

“There you are, Y/N. What’re you doing out here?”

“Hm? Oh, just enjoying being outside. We’re going to be indoors a lot over the next couple weeks. I wanted to say goodbye to the sun.” You finish the last sentence in a dramatic fashion earning a chortle from the golden haired boy. 

“Hey, uh, Y/N?”

“Hmm?”

“Where, uh, where did you get that book?”

“Oh! I un-” Should you tell Naruto about Obito? “I-I bought it from a shop nearby.”

You weren’t sure if lying to Naruto was the right thing to do but you also weren’t sure how he would feel about Obito following you. He would be loyal to Kakashi for sure but how would that loyalty manifest?

“Is it gonna help you with the scrolls?”

“Very much, yes.” you beam.

The two of you turn towards your lodgings and head back for the night. You had weeks worth of work to get to in the morning. 

*************************************************

You did your best to go through all the scrolls in a timely manner. The first one took the longest, about two days to work all the way through. But by the fourth scroll you got the hang of the language. Naruto’s eyes widened as he watched you graze through the fifth scroll. 

“How’d you do that one so fast?”

“I don’t know. It just kinda made sense.”

“But you read that like it was in Japanese.”

“That’s how it is for me. Languages are easy. Once I get it, I’m fluent.”

“Woah. No wonder Kakashi-Sensei likes you. You’re even smarter than he is”

“Be sure to tell him that for me.”

He sniggers at you.

Now that you have the hang of the language you are able to run through the scrolls at a substantial pace. You could decipher about 7 of them in a day. Your speed was so fast in fact that there was quite a bit of buzz coming from the Anbu who were aware of your reason for being in the village with the infamous Naruto. 

Of course you’d draw attention wherever you went. The kid was one of the most famous ninja in history. Plus you still gained quite a few stares for being the significant other of the Leaf’s Hokage. It was impossible for the Tsuchikage to hide your presence in the village which only made concealing your reason for being in there that much more of a challenge. You only hoped that all the paparazzi that followed you around were there for celebrity reasons and nothing more. 

Kurotsuchi ensured you always had Black Ops over your shoulder but they didn’t make you feel nearly as safe as Kakashi’s student did. For all you knew, the Black Ops were ordered to eliminate you as soon as you were done. You were sure the Tsuchikage had thought about it. If she had any real clue what the scrolls were  about then it was definitely a possibility. They told of a hidden weapon within the Land of Earth, in a remote part. If it were to fall into enemy hands, it could destroy the village and all surrounding areas. But this weapon also could put a target on their backs. Other nations might conspire against them to ensure it is never used. 

You had contemplated if you should be sharing the intel with Kakashi. Maybe during a time of war but not during a time of peace. At least that’s what you tell yourself. 

The scrolls were fascinating to say the least. They told the story of why the weapon was created and how it was developed. Along with all the instructions on how to use it and ways it was used before. There was so much history and culture embedded in the text. You were certain that historians, intel officers, and shinobi captains were anxiously waiting for you to finish. After only 19 days from start to finish, every scroll was transcribed and put back on the bookshelf in order. You stand before the reorganized bookshelf internally patting yourself on the back. You hold the stack of parchment containing your translations in your hands. That is when Kurotsuchi pulls you into her office for a debriefing.

“I have to say. I am incredibly impressed with how quickly you completed all one hundred and twenty three scrolls. The rumors about you do not do your work justice.” She speaks as she leaves through the pages of your handwriting. “Now our alliance with the Leaf is still somewhat new. While we couldn’t have done this without you, and believe me we tried, we still would like to ask you not to share what you’ve learned with anyone else.”

“Understood.”

“My men have told me you didn’t share your findings with Naruto. Why is that?”

“Yes, well you didn’t want him in the room so clearly you don’t want him knowing what the scrolls said.”

“This is true.”

“Like I said, this is an S rank mission and I am quite familiar with S class intel. It’s a little unusual keeping the information away from my comrades, but if this is the kind of thing I am going to be doing, I should show respect to every village I visit.”

“That is appreciated.”

“Please note, if you ever try to use the information from my translation to hurt the Leaf, that is where my loyalty ends.”

“I understand. But I must warn you in turn, if it is discovered that you share the information you learned during your time here, my Black Ops will be after you.”

“I expect them to.”

“So we understand each other?”

“We understand each other.” 

“Then you are free to go. Please share my gratitude with your Hokage” 

“Will do my Lady.” you say with a bow.

You open the door to let Naruto come in and say his goodbyes. He and Kurotsuchi are friends and fought together in the recent war. They laugh together before parting. The both of you making your way to the village border and soon you and Naruto are back on the road. This time headed home.

Home. 

You hadn’t been there in so long. It had been over a month. You were anxious to see Kakashi and tell him all you could about your travels. The beautiful Hidden Waterfall, the strange Hidden Stone, the people who followed you around and asked for your autograph. How proud you were of yourself for deciphering both projects in record time. Though you were a confident woman, you still really appreciated the validation from others.

You and Naruto are gifted food from some of the villagers you had come to know over the past few weeks. Naruto couldn’t help the look in his gluttonous eyes as the boxed lunches were handed over to you. You stored some in a sealing scroll and the rest you shoved in your pack.

You traveled the majority of the day but stopped eary. Choosing to make camp around supper time when you grew hungry. You pull out the meals from you backpack and begin to eat, Naruto wolfing his down like a teenager. You smiled and shook your head at his unrefined behavior. 

“You know you’re gonna give yourself a stomach ache like that.”

The boy shrugged but sure enough, thirty minutes later he disappeared to use the bathroom. Naruto always put a lot of distance between himself and you when he needed to ‘go’ on the road. You decided to lay out the tent and your sleeping mats, even crawling in yours though it was not yet time for sleep. 

You heard twigs snapping underfoot.

“Wow, that was shockingly fast! You ready to turn in?”

Instead of hearing the  familiar voice of your teammate a shuriken slices through the wall of your tent. 

You panic and immediately slip out of your sleeping bag. You slip your hands into your tactical pouch and pull out two kunai ready to  defend yourself. When you run out of the tent you see them standing in the trees. One rogue Stone Black Op and eight rogue shinobi. What made it worse is that you knew them. All of them. The Anbu man was the main guard who stayed in the room with you. The very one who complimented your talent and walked around the village with you the most. A few of them were people who you noticed following you and made you uncomfortable. But four of them, the last four were shinobi who had helped you out throughout your stay in the village. One of them was the one who had given you the rations…shit, what if they poisoned Naruto?!

You come to terms with the realization that you will likely fight this battle alone. You know as soon as you scream for help you will be forced to start fighting. So before engaging, you center yourself and draw a deep breath. 

“NARUTO!!!!!!!”

The name barely passes your lips before the first knife is thrown. You run to the side of the clearing, putting the men in front of you rather than surrounding you and weave the signs for Mind Confusion. All nine men fall to their knees clutching the sides of their faces with their hands. Some of them fight against the swirling feeling you stirred inside of their brains. 

You run up to the ones who begin to stand back up and pool your chakra in your fist before punching them in the back of the head, successfully knocking them unconscious. 

Two down.

You do it again, bringing them to their knees with your jutsu and knocking them out with a heavy blow to the back of their heads.

Threes more, that makes five.

You head to the sixth shinobi who begins to rise but he throws a shuriken at you and you have to backflip away to dodge the blade. You begin to weave signs again but three of them round on you to begin hand to hand combat so that you are denied the opportunity to weave signs again. Fuck.

You hold your own against the three, oftentimes dodging their attacks so that they hit each other, letting them do the work of fighting for you. However soon the fourth remaining attacker tries to restrain you. 

“Come ‘ere pretty girl. I don’t bite…hard.”

You glare at him and channel your chakra for another punch. This time directed at the attacker’s mouth. 

“Aww, seems she didn’t like that Botan. Better luck next time.”

“Yeah, sorry Botan, you just got your jaw broken by a girl.”

There is a round of laughter among the group. You were in the fight of you life and these fuckers were laughing. It killed you knowing you were no match for all these men but Naruto could wipe them out in ten seconds. You needed Naruto. Where is he? Is he okay?

Your anger helped you command your chakra and you were able to land blows on two more of them but still all four conscious men were able to continue the fight. You tried, you really did but you were taking on four targets at once, one of whom was a member of the Stone’s Anbu. You struggled to free your hands. If you could use Mind Transfer on him, then maybe you could use him to fight his comrades. But even as the thought entered your mind you were slammed against a tree by that very Anbu. 

“Sorry sweetheart, but you know too much. Maybe the Tsuchikage was willing to let you live but I’m not so trusting.”

“I wouldn’t share village intel. I have no need for it.”

“Maybe you don’t but we do.”

“Hey, didn’t she go to the Hidden Waterfall on her way here? Maybe we should find out what she knows before we kill her.”

“Shut it Koko! I’m in charge here.”

“I’m just saying… Plus it’d be a shame to put such a pretty face to waste.”

You see how the man currently holding a knife to your neck eyes you. He pushes himself against you and you know you’ve lost. Your mind is a swirling mess of fear, worry for Naruto, and flashbacks to the bathroom at headquarters. Strength you didn’t know you had exuded from your body and you begin to push the shinobi back but then two more come to his aid, restraining you against the tree. 

Suddenly a blue giant appears before you, so massive that all you can truly see is its foot. Then following a crack of thunder all the men around you are beheaded. It happens in an instant. You blink several times as your mind registers the bodies falling limp at your feet. Blood gushing from their necks as their hearts pump their final beats. Your entire face, chest, and arms are drenched in blood from the severed bodies that once restrained you yet now lay heavy against the ground.

You look up at the garganchuan and realize it was Obito’s susanoo. Tears burst forth from your eyes as your mind registers what happened. You’re safe…Obito saved you. He relinquished his susanoo and returns to the ground. You run to him as he marches towards you. But before you can hug him he grabs your wrist, snatching you into his void. 

“Obi wait! Naruto! Our things!”

“FUCK YOUR THINGS!”

“Obi?”

“YOU ALMOST DIED! AND YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR THINGS?!”

“But what about Naru-”

“I DON’T GIVE A RAT’S ASS ABOUT NARUTO! HE CAN TAKE CARE OF HIMSELF!”

“Obito…”

“You’re going back to the Leaf. NOW!”

Obito pulls you out of his void and suddenly you are just outside the Leaf’s headquarters. Despite nearing the end of the day, there are still quite a few people around. Obito drags you by your arm, his large hand wrapping around your bicep. You stumble beside him through the halls up towards Kakashi’s office. The blood that’s coating your face, chest and arms is beginning to dry on your skin and make you itch. 

“Obito, slow down!”

The man just huffs as he pulls you up to the double doors, kicking them open and throwing you inside.

“KAKASHI, WE NEED TO TALK!”

Part 14

Masterlist

[tomodachimeter]

HELLO.

It's been a very long time (I have no excuses and I'm sure no one is interested) and I've been far more active on Twitter, and I'm late to the game either way, but I just had to announce Wazawa-sensei's newest manga, Adashino Kishokan! Someone's already started translating it, so I'm hoping to direct fellow Mononokean fans over if they're interested!

I made a short Twitter thread but I'll just reiterate my points here (probably faster to read at the link above though):

Adashino Kishokan (Paranormal Inspector Adashino)

Content warning: horror, animal harm

Setting:

Stars a red-haired protagonist named Adashino Abi (last, first name), a 15-year-old paranormal inspector working for the Paranormal Bureau and goes around solving paranormal incidents.

Set in Japan a bit in the past (Late Meiji to Taisho era if I had to guess) where paranormal incidents regularly occur

Being serialized in Monthly Shonen Gangan magazine, releasing a chapter every month!

You can buy the digital version of the magazine for about 680JPY on any supporting platform. This one's Am*zon's: https://amazon.co.jp/%E6%9C%88%E5%88%8A%E5%B0%91%E5%B9%B4%E3%82%AC%E3%83%B3%E3%82%AC%E3%83%B3-2024%E5%B9%B48%E6%9C%88%E5%8F%B7-%E9%9B%91%E8%AA%8C-%E3%82%B9%E3%82%AF%E3%82%A6%E3%82%A7%E3%82%A2%E3%83%BB%E3%82%A8%E3%83%8B%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E3%82%B9-ebook/dp/B0D49KNVP9…

Trivia:

Abi's name (both first and last anyway) also start with "A", just like "Ashiya" and "Abeno."

Japanese title and hashtag for manga is: #/あだしの奇象官

Official Twitter account is: @go_mononokean (rebranded to official author account from Mononokean)

Personal thoughts so far:

I'm so happy to see a new work from Wazawa-sensei!!!

Abi is very cute

Art is beautiful like Mononokean's, looks like a more shonen story with horror (hinted from Mononokean) and I still love their style of Japanese paranormal stuff!

Other stuff regarding Mononokean and this blog if you're interested under the cut:

I'm behind (understatement) on a lot of Mononokean content I promised to translate, put up, etc and Wazawa-sensei out with a new manga has given me some motivation. I don't promise anything fast but I'm hoping to be a little active here again. Thanks to anyone who's stuck around!

[millennial-star-gazer]

Bound by Fire and Fate: A Demon and Fairy's Eternal Love

Read This Poem and My Other Works on Tumblr, FF, and AO3

1.FF

I. Main FF Link (Click Here:)

II. Secondary FF Link (Click Here:)

III. Alternative FF Link (Click Here:)

2. AO3

IV. Main AO3 Link (Click Here:)

V. Secondary AO3 Link (Click Here:)

3. Comprehensive Master Post of All My Works

VI. Master Post 1(Click Here:)

VII. Master Post 2 (Continuation of the Original Master Post) (Click Here:)

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Important Note: The Master Post(s) are also pinned to my Tumblr profile for your convenience.

The font legend, disclaimer with additional content warnings, and other important details, including the actual poem, are located below the cut. Scroll down past if you'd like to jump straight to the content. For those interested in preliminary information such as genre, rating, etc., that will be available in the FF and AO3 versions once posted.

Rating: T-M (for language, subtle mentions of blood, violence, steamy content, and mature/adult sexual themes—all consensual). Reader discretion is advised (you've been warned!). However, it is safe for work. AU (Alternative Universe)

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For @gymjunkie412, I'm your Secret Santa—hope you enjoy your gift!

A/N: Hi everyone! I hope this message finds you well. It's your girl, millennial_stargazer (aka millennial_fairy across most social media). It's been a while since my last post—long time no see!

This piece is my entry for @allaboutnalu 's gift exchange and my gift to GymJunkie412, as I had the honor of being their Secret Santa this year. After a long break, I'm excited to share this: my first submission in a while and one of many Fairy Tail WIPs/new projects.

Before diving in, I want to mention how much I absolutely love GymJunkie412's art and other amazing content. It's such an honor to create something for someone whose work I admire so much!

This poem is a fantasy-romance AU set in a reimagined version of Earthland, focusing on the NALU/E. pairing. In this version, Natsu is a fire dragon-demon hybrid, and Lucy takes on the role of a celestial fairy and fae. The story draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, including the original Fairy Tail anime/manga, various fanfictions and AUs, and media I love—from novels like the Throne of Glass series to TV shows, anime, K-dramas, international dramas, and games. The Elder Scrolls, D , Arcane/League of Legends, and my own ideas also served as key influences in shaping the world and overall inspiration for this fanfic.

There are other details and explanations I'd love to share, but I'll save that for the end of the note. Parts of this poem are intentionally open-ended to encourage different interpretations and spark the imagination. I wanted to leave room for readers to visualize how certain plot points or character arcs might unfold in this unique take on Earthland.

Thank you for reading! Without further ado, here's the poem. GymJunkie412, I hope you enjoy this, and to everyone else, happy reading!

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Available on: Tumblr, FF , and AO3.

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Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail, which belongs to the one and only Hiro-sensei! The bottom A/N contains discussions of emotional and psychological trauma, as well as references to armed conflict and bigotry. The poem also features mature, steamy content, references to blood and violence, and explores adult themes in certain sections Reader discretion is advised.

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Legend:

Italics: Poem

Italics outside of main story: Quote

Bolded Italics outside of main story: A/N

"You are my sun, my moon, and all my stars."

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(E.E. Cummings: I Carry Your Heart With Me)

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Welcome, weary travelers! How do you fare? Enter this humble establishment— A well-known tavern on the edge of town, A cozy waypoint for intrepid explorers like yourselves!

Oh, how the frigid wind howls! The icy rain— It soaks to the bone, like shards of glass from a frozen sky. And this cold? This cold, this bitter chill in the late autumn air? It is here to stay, I'm afraid, through winter's reign.

All this—the glacial grip of frost and more— Will endure until Spring's tide swells anew. Persephone will return, Flora will arrive, Bringing the promise of new leaves and lilies In a fragrant breeze that whispers of life reborn.

But alas, we're suspended in the icy hands of time, Shackled by its unyielding chains.

Oh, please, enter— No need to linger in this dreary weather, In this wretched storm that misfortune has brought upon us.

Won't you come in? Do come in, away from the wind, the rain, and the cold.

Now, come inside.

Shed your drenched cloaks,

Bask in the cozy warmth of the room,

And dry your hands by the glow of the hearth.

Come,

We invite you to take a seat.

Why not make yourselves at home?

Grab an ale and gather around,

As we regale you with the tale of starlight-touched lovers—

The most epic love story of our generation,

The grand saga of a celestial fae and a fire demon,

Ever told.

Once, there were two immortals, Seemingly worlds apart. One was a man, a fire dragon-demon Of tremendous power and strength— A figure both feared and revered.

His name, you ask? Etherious Natsu Dragneel E.N.D., as he's known by many, A denizen of Tartarus, Hades itself. Inhuman, yet— Handsome he is, with those roguish, boyish good looks, A mane like coral, skin of olive, scales glimmering faintly, Arresting emerald eyes, That can turn crimson.

A dazzling grin, sharp as his fangs, That sets hearts aflutter and knees weak. A physique like chiseled marble, Dark, infernal Adonis.

Wings unfurled, horns curving— A testament to his demon heritage. Many say, some would claim, As if he were crafted by the hands of both Heaven and Hell, A being forged from light and shadow, all in one.

This man, His captivating allure, However dark and seemingly unholy, It's the envy, The awe, The pull of Lasses and lads, Souls of every kind, Be they non-binary, two-spirit, or beyond, From all realms.

But amid all this, There are those whose beauty rivals the very stars themselves, And among them, the lasses—

How could we forget? Lucy Heartfilia, A fairy of the stars, a fae of the cosmos, A celestial maiden, An ethereal beauty, With otherworldly looks so fair. Her flowing tresses, Like spun gold, Her delicate face—

It is said her beauty could launch a thousand ships, Much like the fabled Helen of Troy, Her skin, pure as ivory, glowing with otherworldly grace.

Cinnamon eyes, Endless pools of wonder, In which mere mortals, demons, fae, sorcerers, or any soul could lose themselves for hours.

Petal-soft lips, That all desire to kiss, A longing that stirs the heart.

Why, she's a celestial fairy, A fae of great mystical power! A maiden touched by the heavens themselves. Haven't ye heard? She can command the cosmos with a whisper. The magic of constellations pulses through her veins, The power of the zodiac thrums in her blood. Her gift to conjure the cosmos? Ah, quite the grand feat, no doubt.

With pointed ears, And silken wings of rose and lavender, That shimmer and swirl in a symphony of light. They glisten like pastel diamonds in moon— A sight to behold, indeed.

Now, we recall the time of their fated meeting, The destined connection of two souls, A demon and a fae. Some may wonder, ponder— How could such a thing be? After all, are they not two beings from worlds apart?

Indeed, that rings true, A verity that resonates.

One is an Etherious, A prince of Hell, Born in a kingdom Forged in fire and ash, Iron and blood.

Rumors whispered, That this man, A dragon-demon hybrid, Spawned by a she-demon and a dragon of hellfire, Adopted son of the Flame Dragon King Igneel, Half-brother to the Black Wizard Zeref, Otherwise known as E.N.D, Was destined to ascend To the throne of Alvarez, Ruler of all dark dragons, demons, Sorcerers of black magic, And all that is unholy in Tartaros. Yet, despite his bloodline, He was not entirely malevolent, For even in the heart of darkness, A flicker of light could still burn.

The other, A child of the Fair Folk, Star-blessed, touched by the heavens, An ethereal being imbued with both cosmic power and divine grace. A denizen of Ishtar, Born of Fae King Jude and the Celestial May Queen Layla, She was a princess of the stellar realm, A wizard of immeasurable magic and prestige. In her heart burned kindness as vast as her strength, Her presence a beacon of light, Like a cosmic angel descending upon mortal lands. Primed to unite the divided Fae realms, She was destined to wear the crown, Queen of Earthly Magnolia and Crocus of the Sky, Empress of the Gossamer Lands— Long may she reign.

Bards sing of Natsu and Lucy's praises daily, Weaving tales of their fated connection. Their paths, as though etched by divine hands, Were destined to intertwine. It was written in the stars, The grand design of the gods, For these two kindred souls to find each other. Both had many friends within the renowned wizard guild of Fairy Tail, Where bonds of camaraderie fortified their spirits.

Their first meeting was as innocent children, Crossing paths while at play, unaware of the threads of destiny binding them. Years later, their lives converged once more, As adolescents on the cusp of discovery— He at fifteen, she at fourteen, Both carrying the weight of their lineage, Yet drawn together by a bond neither could yet comprehend.

Lucy, practicing her magic, Summoning her spirit guides, Weaving her spells, Casting celestial enchantments, Formations of stars, bodies, and light, Each one a radiant masterpiece.

Natsu and his exceed companion, Happy, Watching with rapt attention, Gazing in awe as stardust shimmered, Dancing above their heads.

Never had they witnessed such exquisite sorcery, Appearing before their youthful eyes, In all their short years. Peals of Lucy's silvery laughter, Ringing out like a cathedral bell in the summer air.

Oh, how they longed to hear it again, The sound of Lucy, the celestial maiden's joy, Delight so pure, like the sweetest of melodies, Filling the hearts of a demon and his cat companion.

As she conjured her magic, They marveled at her power, Lucy, a force unlike any they had known, A being born of stardust, A child of the cosmos, Her every movement a celestial dance.

Alas, their moment of revelry disrupted, By who, you may inquire? Why, by no more, no less than an unsightly man of low class and moral standing, Too desperate was he for Lucy's hand.

Lecherous stares, A fumbling word or two, Insulting remarks that fall flat and unworthy. Oh, how Lucy, Still a novice in her magic, Sat with poise, And yet, she was forced to endure.

Such harassment, Fueled by the fear of retaliation from a brutish man, With the grace of a wild beast in a porcelain shop. Panic set in, Alarm bells ringing in the fairy's mind, Her heartbeat pounding like the frantic rhythm of a drum. No other choice but to remain, it seemed.

Lucy's tight smile betrayed only the distress of her quickening pulse, A sound well-known to fire demon's and winged feline's ears. Joy faded, A protective fury simmering in the dragon's veins, A wild, untamable creature who could not be restrained. Natsu's world turned red— Or so the story goes, as far as we're told.

Lucy's fear rose as she frantically sought an escape, From such a dire situation. But salvation was at hand, Natsu and Happy to the rescue, Natsu's gleaming canines bared, growls rumbling, fist aflame— While Happy, with wings spread wide, let loose a sharp, fearless screech, A thinly veiled threat sending the scoundrel fleeing, tail tucked in retreat.

A flash of a radiant smile, sweeter than honey, A wry smirk, An exchange of gratitude, And an engaging discourse, Were the sparks for a new friendship that day. Camaraderie between demons, cats, and fae. Lo and behold, an intimate bond like no other was forged.

The seasons wheel, The sun and moon in endless pursuit, Years flow by in the river of time.

Unbreakable camaraderie, Adolescent years filled with warmth and delight, Laughter abundant, echoing all around, Friendships planted with care, Blossoming into a love as tender as lilies in spring.

Friends to lovers, as destiny wills, their journey unfolded into an unbreakable union.

Eighteen's philia and storge's nineteen, Merge into one, As eros awakens and ludus flourishes, Two hearts, Dragon and fairy.

Once friends, now intertwined, In pragma's dawn and love's design. Oh, isn't it grand? Their connection blossoming into something more, A bond that transcends the years, the moments, Their hearts drawn together in the cosmic dance of fate.

Their first kiss was nothing short of grand Natsu's lips sought, chased hers with such fervor, With a kiss, igniting a fiery, electric dance, Sparks flying, the air crackling with desire and pleasure, A touch so sweet, it could burn the world. In the heat of the moment, A sigil of love—unseen but deeply felt, A symbol of passion, fierce and unbreakable.

Incendiary nights of longing and passion, Tender couplings that followed, All in many days' work for a demon dragon and his beloved. The celestial beauty is his most treasured, Soul-bonded in this life, this world, And the next—forever entwined

For it is foretold that dragons, demons, and hybrids Do not merely mate for life—but for all eternity, Bound by a love that transcends time and space.

Love and prosperity endured for a long while, Regrettably, such peace could not last. Escalating tensions rose like plumes of smoke, Or the molten core of a rumbling volcano. Tempers erupted, War broke out and spread across the land in all the realms, Much like a great plague. The life blood of soldiers from opposing factions was shed, Soaking the earth, Leaving it stained, The very soil tainted with the scars of battle.

A thousand tears fell from widows, Alike the rains of a relentless monsoon. Wails of children's anguish echoed in the streets, For there was much weeping and gnashing of teeth. Amidst the suffering and despair, A glimmer of hope endured.

Yet, fear not, All hope was not lost. Natsu, Lucy, and their comrades Fought for the fate of all innocents and beings, With unwavering courage and unyielding resolve, Until the terrible calamity was vanquished, and harmony restored.

Amid the ashes of war, a new dawn rose, Treaties signed, to end the strife that tore and froze. War criminals punished, justice restored, And a promise made—Never again, peace shall be poured.

Natsu and Lucy, in love's true embrace, Married with honor, crowned in their rightful place. Empress and Emperor, ruling as one, A future forged together, their reign had begun. Lucy, now Natsu's, bound in every way, Their souls entwined, come what may. The Celestial, Fae, and Tartaros joined in their might, Alongside Earthland, united in light.

Side by side, they rule with unwavering care, Uniting all realms, a bond beyond compare. With friends and family from every land, Their reign was gentle, yet firm, as they made their stand.

They watch over us now, with loving eyes, As humans and all live their best lives, With Fairy Tail, by their side, strong and true, A family of love, forever renewed. A legacy built, on love's pure light, Guiding us forward, through the darkest night.

A lesson to learn, from the strength they've shown, In unity and love, we find our own. Their story continues, through time and space, A reign of peace, in a vast, endless place.

And so their tale stretches into the sky, A bond unbroken, a love that will never die. The realms they guide, their hearts entwined, Forever remembered, in stories redefined.

________________________________________________________

A/N: END Scene. This poem has truly been a labor of love, and I sincerely hope you all enjoyed it. As always, please don't forget to like, comment, and share/reblog! It was a joy to write, despite a few hiccups along the way. I'm also really satisfied with how this turned out overall—it's been a journey, and I'm so happy with the final result.

While this is a work of fanfiction, I've also aimed to include diverse and inclusive representation, which is deeply important to me as a proudly sapphic queer woman on the bi/pan spectrum, as well as a neurodivergent person—making me a member of two marginalized groups in addition to being a woman. I am also a feminist, humanist, and egalitarian who believes in an intersectional approach to allyship. I stand for equal rights, respect, and an inclusive society for people from all disenfranchised groups, including loved ones, readers, mutuals, and followers. This perspective helps me understand the significance of intersectionality and diverse representation. My hope is that anyone reading from a diverse background feels seen and heard in some way.

Quick note on two-spirit: it refers to a specific identity within Indigenous/Aboriginal communities within the queer spectrum. However, it doesn't apply to all Indigenous/Aboriginal people. Regardless, all BIPOC, queer, and marginalized identities are valid, and I believe they deserve acknowledgment, especially in the face of societal struggles, human rights violations, and injustices.

As for this poem—there's always potential to expand it into a sequel or even a fanfiction series if time and inspiration align. Feel free to adapt it into your own fanfiction AU, should that be something you'd like to explore!

Now, as for why I've been a bit quiet on the writing front—I've been working on multiple WIPs (including new chapters), original projects, and edits, but delays have happened. Life has been busy with work commitments and managing energy levels from my ECE job schedules. Along with personal challenges, physical and mental health struggles, including anxiety and the aftermath of multiple traumas, writing consistency has been tough. One medical challenge I've been facing is vertigo, which I've had for the last 2.5 years. My PCP suspects it may have been caused by a virus (possibly from a stomach flu at one of the daycare centers where I worked or as a side effect of undiagnosed COVID). While I stay up to date on vaccines and take proper precautions, vertigo can mimic symptoms of a traumatic brain injury, and it has been affecting my brain, body, and overall well-being. As a result, my brain isn't functioning the same as it did just a few years ago, despite the fact that the transition from 30 to 33 shouldn't be that drastic. This also exacerbates challenges tied to my learning disability and impacts my writing. I often need to write in shorter bursts now, depending on how I'm feeling, but I'm still a good writer who's working on my craft.

Other factors like internet troubles in November (my old modem dying due to my ISP phasing out their legacy network) caused delays, too—resulting in 2.5 days of lost time until a technician could come and get us set up with a new connection.

That said, I'm determined to get back into a regular writing routine, even if it means writing in short bursts spread out over a couple of days. I promise I'm still working hard to get new chapters and projects out, and I'm hoping to post them as soon as possible. As always, keep an eye on my Tumblr, FF, and AO3 profiles for new chapters and WIPs. Feel free to connect with me across other social media platforms, too. Links to everything are in my Tumblr bio, this post, master posts, and various profiles depending on where you're reading from!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Blessed Yule/Winter Solstice, Happy Kwanzaa, and all the best to you during this holiday season. Whether you celebrate any or all of these, I hope this season brings joy, peace, and love to your heart. Happy holidays from Canada to all my readers, mutuals, followers, and everyone from diverse backgrounds, no matter how or which celebrations you observe. Until next time, please take care of yourselves.

[demonslayedher]

Things that went through my head while watching this episode: --This was a great episode to notice during the OP that in the clip right after Muichiro throws the sword and Tanjiro goes rushing forward in a strike presumably with that sword, you can see Yoriichi in the back lined up next to Tanjiro--almost like the pose Tanjiro strikes with Pillars in the OP! (Hmm, how are they going to do that for the Pillar Training Arc?)

--Kanamori, in some not very well-placed exposition, says that Tanjiro asked him to be understanding of Muichiro, and that is why as Muichiro's new swordsmith, he looked into who used to smith his swords. First of all, when? We only saw Tanjiro interact with Kanamori the day or two before this all goes down, but Kanamori already has Muichiro's new sword ready and stashed away in the same shop where Haganezuka is busy putting his life on the line for polishing a sword even before Gyokko shows up. The first we see of Tanjiro even hearing of Kanamori being responsible for Muichiro's sword is when Muichiro woke him up maybe an hour or so ago. This means Tanjiro had to have known this and had an opportunity to talk to Kanamori long before he even witnessed Muichiro in the Swordsmith Village. Perhaps Tanjiro brought it up as general advice to Kanamori who expressed feeling pressure for being assigned to a Pillar, and Tanjiro just wanted to be encouraging to him based on what little impression he had of Muichiro at the Pillar Meeting and whatever he heard from Shinobu (and Shinobu did tell Tanjiro Muichiro's name, at the very least). But also, perhaps Kanamori started this endeavor to understand Muichiro after completing his first sword for him, because Tanjiro only said this to him yesterday? In which case, was this truly a matter of Tanjiro seeing that Muichiro is in need of that kindness, or was it Tanjiro throwing his hands up and saying, "I don't know what to make of him, you try!"

--And that, friends, is how you can dig too deep into canon to find fanfic ideas.

--Kotetsu-kun truly is a brave kid whose response to seeing his friends in pain was to attack instead of run away. I love how close-knit everyone in the village is, they all know (and recognize!) each other by name. --Muichiro is the kind of person who would walk around a modern art museum saying, "I could do that." Kotetsu would be the one saying, "but you didn't." Gyokko, of course, is the worst of modern artists. There must be a modern day AU which Gyokko leans a bean in Chicago and Muichiro starts a "paint the bean pink" event.

--Gyokko deserves some credit here for his cleverness! Although what Muzan would have preferred is Gyokko finding Ubuyashiki or the blue spider lilies, Gyokko has honed in the Corp's weapons and focused his efforts on eliminating those. Maybe he was merely lucky to have found a clue about the village, but he developed a technique, I assume specifically, to deprive swordsmen of their Breath.

--Being taunted for having "a dull life" and an existence with no meaning sure adds weight to that "I was born to be happy" statement. --Kimetsu Academy answered some of my wishes by having Uzui-sensei and Gyokko hang out and talk art, but what I really want is to see Shinobu see those fishes.

--I love the BGM and sound effects for Love Breath. Mitsuri is just so special, you guys. I love hearing her in this Taisho Secret showing off her sword skills to Tanjiro & Nezuko, and a sound that lives in my head rent free is the the sound she made in the previous episode's Kimetsu Academy short as she falls to her knees. --One of my favorite background characters in this whole series is the guy who tried to protect Tecchin by charging at the fish monster with a naginata. ----First, naginata. I have bias. ----Second, such upstanding character! That is not a man who runs away even when the swordsmen have been slain. ----Also, while Tecchin and the other guy who got his head bumped are shameless in fishing for Mitsuri's care and attention, this is the guy who had the view up her skirt and who made no mention of it whatsoever. ----That might be because he was so rightfully distracted by the sight of her sword instead, and he gave us some smoother exposition with which to appreciate it. --Another random thing, but I love the nighttime lighting in this season! The BGM in general feels more experimental and sometimes takes me out of it (opposed to how the Yuukaku spin plunged me deeper into it), but when it slaps, it slaps, like on the new variation as Tanjiro attains a lightsaber Red Blade. Also also, there are a lot of characters in this one with peculiar and kind of old-timey ways of speaking (Kanamori, Tecchin, Hantengu's clones, etc.) that are still distinct from other characters (like Rengoku). I don't know how much of it comes across in translation, but my ears enjoy the extra characterization.

--I love--and the first time I watched this, my friends loved it too--how Nezuko and Tanjiro take turns carrying each other when they lose consciousness. It keeps the pacing fast and desperation high, while also illustrating their bond really well. What also gets me is how Tanjiro frets and tells her to let go of the sword because her fingers will get cut. It doesn't feel like a big concern because we know she's already lost a forearm and being impaled through through the torso and neck tonight, but any reasonable brother doesn't want to see his sister's fingers cut off, much less sliced with a sword at all.

--I love how Sekido is the only demon around here whose perspective is worth anything

--Quickly jumping to the end of the episode to note how we see the base of Aizetsu's neck and the top of his head still intact, so that implies that Genya munched on the bottom half of his head. In general I'm not much into ship content, but I know there is a fandom for Aizetsu and Genya out there, and I do find the idea of it being one-sided infatuation on Aizetsu's part an amusing premise. With that in the back of my mind, I could also imagine Aizetsu mistakenly thinking Genya was going to make out with him and how quickly and shockingly he'd have his hopes dashed. --Okay, so, HINOKAMI KAGURA WITH A RED BLADE AND THE MARK, TIME TO DIAL UP THE ANIMATION

--And they do

--And it's so sad Haganezuka doesn't get to see it --Like, after how much the fight with Rui blew up and the internet collectively lost their minds, we tend to just expect this from Ufotable, so the beauty they accomplish doesn't always stick out because they have to work harder and harder to stand out from what they've already given us, but this attack on Karaku, Urogi, and Sekido is a thing of wonder and it is highly worth appreciating.

--The lighting! The fluid motion and changing camera angles! But also the ability to show changes in expression, and to differentiate Tanjiro in the marked state from his usual state.

--But, again, the timeline has me in knots. Tanjiro says he was "always" thinking about that last strike on Gyutaro and how it felt different, but when would he have had time to do that, since he's spend so much of his wakeful life, like, fighting for his life against a mechanical doll? He's of course had downtime, but given the Taisho Secret in the hand-out at the early Mugen Ressha showings, I suspect comatose Tanjiro spend a lot of time analyzing and replaying that moment and doing image training. --On the first watch, when Tanjiro is thinking about how his will is tied with that of everyone around him, and even if he can't do it, someone else will take over for him, it's easy to get wrapped up in "THAT'S RENGOKU" or "this is foreshadowing all the hands in that truly final battle with Muzan!" but, I can't wait to think back to this scene when he's talking to Giyuu in the next season. Giyuu is the first person he thinks of, but also, Giyuu's hand is absent from among the ones on Tanjiro's back.

[chosen-hero-inari]

Whumptober Day 11: Loneliness

Packing Up

Akira: Almost ready? 

Yusuke was done packing an hour ago. He didn’t have much to bring to the dorm, and he doesn’t have much to take when he leaves it.

Yusuke: A couple more minutes

Akira: U sure u don’t need help?

Yusuke: Yes, I just need a moment.

A large duffle bag and a few boxes are all he needs before heading to the train station to his new dorms at Osaka University. 

The others are going to drive him down to the train station and see him off, and childishly, Yusuke wants to hide in the closet so he doesn’t have to say goodbye. That’s what he did when Nakonahara left.

But he’s the one leaving now, after spending his senior year with half his friends outside of Tokyo.

Osaka University gave him a good scholarship. Room, board, a meal plan, and a stipend for the school store. It’s the most generous offer he’s received of any of the school’s he’s applied to, and his friends were so happy for him.

Now instead of seeing half his friends occasionally he’ll be all alone on the other side of the country.

Maybe he doesn’t have to go, maybe he can stay in Tokyo, work part-time jobs and make his art on the side. Get his own apartment and visit with his friends and not have to face truly living alone for the first time.

But, that wouldn’t make him happy, would it? He wants to make a name for himself, to finally overcome Madarame’s name being attached to him, and to prove his former Sensei hasn’t ruined the careers of everyone in his care.

And it’d be nice, wouldn’t it? To go back to Tokyo a successful artist, purchase and renovate the atelier, and turn it back into a place filled with pupils, but one that actually cared about its students. That stood behind them and advocated for them, everything Yusuke wanted but never got.

He can’t get there working part-time and living in a small apartment.

A BFA means connections, more people seeing his work, more resources to help those future pupils, and learning how to teach from people who aren’t frauds.

All it means is leaving his friends behind, at least for a little bit. Being truly alone.

“Hey, there you are!” Ryuji wraps his arm around Yuskue’s shoulder and pulls him into a side hug. “You’re gonna miss your train!”

“Yusuke?” Ann says. “You’re crying.”

Yusuke turns to see Akira, Morgana, Ann, and Ryuji facing him. 

“What’s wrong?” Morgana asks. “You’re not gonna miss this place, are you.”

“I’m going to miss you all,” Yusuke says, wiping his sleeve.

“Awwww, come on, it’s not like we’ll never see each other,” Ryuji says. “We’ll have vacations.”

“Plus we’ll probably text every day,” Akira says. “If Ann can keep a conversation going from Italy, she can certainly keep one going from here.”

“Not that you’ll need it!” Ann says quickly. “Becuase you’ll make a bunch of art friends in Osaka and talk about stuff like Pluralism or whatever?”

“Pluralism isn’t an art movement,” Yusuke says. “And I’ve never made friends before.”

“Hey, what are we?” Morgana asks. 

“You barged into my house and tried to badger me for information on Madarame while he was in the house, and then I threatened to call the cops on you so you would leave,” Yusuke points out. “That’s not the same as making friends by simply meeting people.” And before them, he was completely alone.

“Ok well, definitely don’t call the cops on them,” Ann says. “And don’t ask them to model nude.”

“There’s probably a nude drawing class I can attend.”

“There, and after that class you go up to someone and ask if they want to get lunch!” Ryuji says. “Food’s like the fastest way to make friends.”

“Or tell someone their art sucks,” Ann says. “That’s what Shiho did.”

Yusuke frowns. “I would never do that, I want to encourage people’s art.”

“Of course,” Akira says. “You’ll figure it out. Don’t worry. And if you’re really lonely you can head to Kyoto and bother Zenkichi all day.”

That makes Yusuke crack a smile. “I suppose.”

Morgana hops off Akira’s shoulder and onto Yusuke’s. “You’ll be finneeee,” he says. “You’re gonna kick ass and in four years you’ll probably have your own art show in Tokyo that Ryuji can’t afford to attend.”

“Hey!”

“I’ll reserve tickets for you,” Yusuke says.

“Yeah, yeah,” Ryuji says. “But come on, let’s get you on that train first.”

[seeingteacupsindragons]

Okay so since we can talk about the new cover art, any thoughts? Naturally I love Sherly's possessive husband chair lean but so many of the characters look serious or sad and I can't decide if it's just for The Aesthetic or if I should be worried 😅 😂

I have so many thoughts about so many things. First, that sensei's art style looks a little funky this time around. It's definitely Miyoshi's art, but there's a different feel to the cover.

I do enjoy seeing Sherlock as gay for his husband as ever. That's important to know. And also everyone working together. They're all one unity.

I think there's definitely an element of the Aesthetic, but there's possibly a lot of poor feeling about this criminal organization being reborn situation.

For characters that look serious, we have:

Mycroft (his default face, tbh)

Louis (also his default face, tbh)

Fred (Fred's always been kind of unexpressive in the first place)

Moran (Moran looked serious faced even in the center color for the chapter when he beat some people up for cheating him better at cards)

Liam (also his default face. He doesn't look particularly sad here, honestly)

For characters that don't look especially concerned:

John: I think John would be more worried if we were supposed to be worried. He's our moral compass.

Albert: Albert would not be happy if we were meant to intuit meaning from this that Liam or anyone was in trouble

Bond: Default face

Anyway, mag covers really rarely have any deeper meaning for the chapters inside. Even the chapter covers rarely do, honestly.

Let's not take it too seriously and instead just enjoy the first look at our boys for next week.

[nijigasakilove]

I’ll never be the same after watching this show. The way these girls have altered my life’s story won’t be forgotten. Called it AOTS from episode 1 and it firmly stayed that way throughout. What a special anime and group of girls. Thank you Yaku sensei and Doga Kobo for this masterclass.

Kano overcoming her past and fear by delivering the performance of a lifetime was so beautiful to see. That wouldn’t have been possible without Mero telling her to look forward at the “aquarium” art Kano built on the buildings was such a great scene.

So many people, myself included thought Mahiru was snakey for working with Yukine, but it ended up being the best possible gift for Kano and the others. I just wish we would’ve been able to see more of the performance :/ we all know how good Doga Kobo can do idol performances.

That escalator reunion scene with Mahiru and Kano was everything to me. Them going in opposite directions initially before linking up was basically their relationship summed up. And Kano finally found her reason for singing! I love love love how it progressed from having no reason to sing, to Mahiru being the reason, to wanting to bring joy to peoples’ lives and help people who were lost like she was move forward.

In some more cliche stories, they would’ve kept it with the simple “I sing for you”, but that’s not really sustainable long term. You have to do things you enjoy for you.

Yukine finally acknowledging Kano as who she really is brought tears to my eyes man. All she wanted her entire life was to live up to her mom’s standards and make her happy. She also fulfilled her promise of selling out Tokyo dome with the number of live viewers 😭 I can’t man this was amazing. It’s so Yukine to not give a direct apology with words, but with her actions.

“Graduation” is a fitting literal and metaphorical way to end the episode. Everyone finally moving past their trauma and insecurities and just starting a new phase of life. Yukine showing up to Kano’s graduation and congratulating her was so sweet. I’m happy for them.

Mei trying to lift her skirt up for the farewell video got me dying 💀 she so slow man.

Is that Mahiru’s dad?!! Wow this was a perfect ending for everyone man. I don’t get the “rushed” complaints. Everything that needed to be wrapped up and addressed got addressed. And there’s still the LN for anything else. We will be reading.

Review: https://myanimelist.net/reviews.php?id=528446

[matt-the-radar-techncian]

I may or may not have just guessed the ending of JoJoLands

Jodio Joestar will end up being the main villain. The final battle will be between him and Dragona, a battle between brothers mirroring Part 1. This would be a beautiful and heartbreaking way to end JoJo once and for all, and it would be a new type of enemy that Araki hasn't explored before: betrayal from one's own family.

Jodio himself seems to have all the hallmarks of an aspiring villain. (His name is literally Jo-Dio?? Too easy.) He's already shown himself to be violent and greedy. Sure the two people he beat up were police officers assaulting his brother but it still felt a bit over the top. He also works for some kind of mafia, and not for any noble reason like Giorno; he just wants to get, in his own words, "filthy rich." (And what was Dio's motivation at the beginning of Part 1?) The first interaction we see in his daily life is him selling drugs to someone at his high school, which couldn't be a more obvious subversion of Giorno's morals. Even in the way he views his relationships and society. He looks down on people who are good-natured, only caring about getting favorable results, (a common theme with villains in JoJo) viewing society not as driven by uncontrollable fate which everyone must navigate, but as a "mechanism" to exploit for its benefits

Then there's his character design and especially his stand. Tell me this wouldn't fit right in with the lineup of main villains' stands it's just so menacing

My first thought was that it looked a lot like Fun Fun Fun from Part 8, and that Araki wanted to bring back a cool-looking design. But it also looks a lot like D4C Love Train

It also has these spikes on its shoulders, just like the feathers on Dio's outfit when he became a vampire and Made in Heaven

As for Jodio himself, when I first saw him I couldn't help but think his outfit was very similar to Toru's, with the sleeveless hoodie with lots of ornamentation

It'll only be about 15 years until we see if I'm right

(Araki-sensei if you're reading this please don't change your ending just because of a prediction one person on tumblr dot com made after reading one chapter. I'll be happy as long as your vision for your art comes true. That's what JoJo has always been about to me more than anything else)

[13as07]

Friends #1

(Rock Lee/Shikamaru Nara)

[Art work is not mine! Credit to unknown]

Requested by: Myself

Word Count: 3,733

Warnings and/or Pre-Notes:

Slight angst

Also Rock Lee and Shikamaru love triangle (kind of)

———————————————————————

My back aches as I lean down, reaching for the ground as I stretch myself out. Working out is such a waste. I could be at home relaxing or doing literally anything else, but no. Asuma keeps insisting I keep exercising so my 'joints don't get stiff as I recover'.

It's a small injury, a couple of stitched-up slash wounds that Asuma refuses to overlook, insisting I can return to duty once they're removed. I think he's just being overly cautious but that's the kind of Sensei he is. He cares about me and the rest of the squad more than anything. Even if I don't want to be on medical leave, I should at least get to relax and enjoy it.

But again, no, so here I am, on one of the training grounds of the village. Twenty-seventh maybe? Or maybe twenty-eighth. I don't know, it's a big empty field giving me plenty of room to play around with my tricks and jutsus.

A long sigh spills out as I tug myself back up, standing straight so I can stretch out my arms. "This is going to be such a drag," I mumble to myself, instantly scrunching my face up in disgust when the last word tumbles out.

I'm spending too much time around the chief's son. I need more friends than Shika, Ino, and Chojo. I spend more than enough time with them on missions and training assignments, I don't need to spend my free time with them too.

Though, I've been spending a lot more time with Gai's mini-me. He's a funny guy, straightforward about almost everything, totally work-ethic driven, and competitive enough to put his sensei's competitiveness to shame. Lee is cute for how weird and unaware of a guy he is. His eyes interest me, how round and full they always seem to be.

My recent interest in the Taijutsu user has been the newest topic among team ten. Well, the newest topic for Ino to talk about. Chojo never knows what's going on and Shika only cares if Lee is being a 'gentleman'.

I think it's just Shika's chief-like worries filtering in now that we're getting older and the fate of him taking over for his father is a constant topic among the clan. I find it funny, how unbothered-ly worried he is, especially since Shika isn't much of a gentleman himself.

Ino is a bit pushy about the subject, with a million questions spilling from her after every hangout I have with Lee. She can be mean sometimes, sly comments filtering around me 'settling' or Lee's looks, along with poking at the lack of jutsus Lee uses.

     I'm happy with Lee, in whatever it is we are. The older boy is confusing sometimes, courtesy of his obliviousness. Nonetheless, I enjoy his company and the time we spend together, even if there isn't a title tacked on to it.

     However I'm hoping with Shika's date with Temari this weekend, Ino's focus will shift from my situation with Lee to the new romance blooming for our teammate.

As for Chojo, he's just oblivious to the world, almost on Lee's level. Every time, Ino's 'What did you and Lee do?' question is followed by Chojo's 'You’re friends with Lee?' question.

I shake my head at the thought of Chojo's dumb behavior, focusing back on my stretches. I sink to the ground, finishing out my stretches with my legs. I butterfly them, stretching out my hips and my lower back.

"You're not doing that right," Someone calls from behind me, startling me out of my blissful peace.

"This is going to suck," I mutter to myself, hanging my head backward to see my peace destroyer.

Lee's ears must have been ringing because here he is, standing behind me with his usual big smile. "Let me help you, Nara-San," he chirps, working his way around me.

     "Lee," I groan, shifting my weight to my hands. "I've been telling you for weeks to stop calling me that," I grumble, head flipping back up.

     "Well, what should I call you?" Lee asks, sitting across from me on the ground, eyes as round as ever as he looks at me.

     "I don't know. Anything but 'Nara-San'. That's what people call Shikamaru, not me."

     He sits on my request for a while, eyes slowly blinking at me as he's away in La-La-land. "So..." he starts, life finally back in his dead eyes now that he's present on Earth again. "You want a nickname?"

     "I mean," I start heat rising to my cheeks. It's embarrassing feeling like I asked Lee to give me a nickname. You don't ask for that, it's something that just happens. "That's not what I'm saying, but it's not - not what I'm saying, I guess."

     "I'm confused."

     "Me too," I mutter, dropping my eyes to the ground. Maybe I should have ignored Sensei and stayed home. Lee's obviousness tends to lead me to feel stupid about a lot of things. Mostly about whatever we are. Friends? More than friends? Companions? Hell if I know, and sure as hell if Lee knows.

     "I will think of a nickname. For now, let's fix your posture!" Lee cheers, leaning closer to me. "If you're not sitting straight your muscles won't stretch right," he explains, one of his hands pushing on my spine as the other one pushes my shoulder, forcing my spine to straighten.

     "Maybe I don't care," I answer back, rolling my eyes at the exercise nut.

     "Lotus-Chan!" He yelps, hands jumping from me to his chest. "Stretching is the most important part of exercising. If you don't stretch beforehand you can cause joint pain or even damage your muscles. If you don't stretch after you're more susceptible to injuries. Please tell me you stretch after your workouts."

     I stare at the boy, stuck on the quick-witted nickname. I can't tell if I like it or not. "I don't stretch afterward, no," I mumble, continuing to roll the nickname over. "Lee?"

     "Lotus-Chan?"

     My eyes flicker at the dumbness rolling off of Lee, my question sticking in my throat. He has to know what Chan means right? Or maybe he doesn't, he's pretty naive. "You're dumb," I finally squeeze out, shaking the situation out of my head as I stand up.

     Lee looks up at me, his bushy eyebrows scrunched together in confusion. "Why did you say that? Do you think I'm dumb, Lotus-Chan?"

     "Of course not, Lee. I'm just teasing," I answer back, patting his head to reassure him further. Despite the constant reminders, I somehow tend to forget how unaware he can be. "Kind of."

     "Kind of?" He asks, quickly climbing to his feet to stand next to me. "I do not understand."

     "Rocky?" I tease, throwing out my nickname for the dense shinobi.

     "My name is Rock, not Rocky."

     I sigh at the boy, my patience quickly running thin. "I know, Lee. It's a nickname."

     "Oh."

     "Give me your notebook," I order, reaching my hand out and wiggling my fingers at him.

     "Of course, Lotus-Chan!" He says in his usually overly peppy tone, saluting me before digging out his notebook.

     I take it from him, tugging out the pen clipped to the cover before flipping through the pages. I scrabble down a book recommendation, one of the many books littered around Asuma-Sensei's house: Are They Flirting? by Bashira Suzuki. I thought the book was pathetic at the time, but maybe it'll help Lee a bit.

     I tear the page out, tucking it into Lee's pocket before giving him back his stuff. "I wrote you a note."

     "I saw," he mutters, nodding his head as he focuses intensely on me.

     "It's a book I want you to read before we hang out again."

     "Why?"

     "Because I said so," I drag out the first word, walking away from the confused boy as I finish my sentence. "I think it'll help you."

     "Help me with what?" Rock asks, trailing after me as I walk further into the field.

     "Us," I mutter, getting embarrassed even though I know Lee won't take it in the way I mean it.

     "Oh, so it'll help me be a better friend. I shall do my best!" His arms pump to his sides, mind set on accomplishing the 'not actually a mission' I gave him.

     "Um, sure," I hum, smiling at the dumb boy who can't take a hint to save his life. "Hey, Lee?" I call, stopping in my tracks.

     "Yes, Lotus-Chan?" He calls back, falling still next to me.

     "Do you kiss all your friends?" I say, referring to the last time we hang out alone.

     During that night, we chilled at his apartment, like we usually do. Well, I chilled and Lee did hundred-something headstand push-ups. The night ended in a few kisses, five or six before I left. It was nice, but even more confusing.

     I've tried to talk to him about it, but the conversations usually end with me angry and Lee confused so I left it alone. It's hard talking to him sometimes and I sure as hell can't talk to Ino about the situation. Or Chojo. Shika usually just shrugs and tells me it 'sounds like a drag' so he's no help either.

     "No, just you," Rock answers, making me feel better. "Do you kiss your friends?"

     "Not usually," I answer, smiling at the dumbie I've fallen for. "Rocky?" I hum, settling on not working out today.

     "Lotus-Chan?"

     "I like you," I mutter, trying to confess again. Maybe it'll click this time. Maybe I should try harder to confuse my feelings but 'I love you' seems too strong at the moment and leaves just as much room for misunderstanding. 'I want to be your girlfriend' seems too straight forward though.

     "I like you too, you're a really good friend."

     "Dear Lord, Lee," I groan, before sighing through my nose. I know he's not doing it on purpose. Lee isn't the kind of person to mess with someone's emotions, but still. He can't possibly be this dumb. "I'm going home."

     "Oh, okay. I'll see you later, Lotus-Chan!"

     "Dumbie," I huff under my breath, storming away from the emotionally unintelligible shinobi. Maybe I should have said 'I want to be your girlfriend' instead. 

—————————————

     "I hate Lee," I mutter just loud enough for Shikamaru to hear.

     "No you don't," he corrects, chuckling at my empty words.

     "Feels like I do," I bite back, eyes trailing after Naruto who's stumbly dancing with Hinata in the yard.

     Lord Hyuga is away on a business trip so Neji and Hinata threw a small house party. Booze, buzz, and leaf shinobis galore. Hence, Shika and me on the porch as a buzzed Naruto dances with Hinata and a wasted Neji dances with Tenten.

     "It's just the alcohol in your system and the blood rushing to your head," Shikamaru continues, tugging me from my hunched-over position on the porch. "I don't know what you see in him in the first place."

     "He's nice," I answer, in search of my drink. The Nara prince shifts it back to me, palm cupping the opening so it's covered. "A little paranoid, aren't we?" I tease, sinking back to lying down, this time with my head in Shika's lap.

     "You can never be too careful," he mutters, fingertip repeatedly poking my forehead to try and piss me off.

     It's a common misconception that Shikamaru and me are a thing. We're close, mostly from the fact we're both from the Nara clan, which means we've grown up together. The closeness was only encouraged when we landed in the same squad.

     People aren't completely wrong. Shika and I have hooked up a few times; drunk stupors, long missions away from the village, and of course curious first times during our youthful days. Nothing ever came of it, of course, but that doesn't mean it never happened.

     "I don't think any of our friends are going to drug me."

     "You can never be too careful," he repeats before tugging my drink back out of my hands. Shika takes a swig of it before giving it back, too lazy to get up and grab himself another drink.

     "I hate Lee."

     "I hate Temari."

     "Shut up. You like her," I tease, poking his ribs with the bottle in my hold. "If you didn't you wouldn't have taken her on a date yesterday."

     "At least I can get a date," he mocks, flipping my hair into my face. "Miss 'why doesn't he like me back', 'why can't he see I like him', 'why can't he-"

     "Ya, ya, ya, I get your point, Shadow Boy," I groan, sitting up straight before finishing my drink. "I'm going to go get another one. You want one?"

     "Ya," he answers, watching as I stumble to my feet. Maybe Shika is right, maybe all my blood did go to my head. "Don't fall on your face."

     "Shut up, Jerk," I shoot back, gaining my balance before heading my way back inside.

     As I walk through the house, thoughts of Lee circle my head. More specifically, thoughts of our kisses. I want kisses. From him. Right now.

     My path switches from finding the drink coolers to finding the dumbie I haven't seen in a few days. It doesn't take long, he's in the lounge room, in the middle of an arm wrestling match with Kiba. I'm not surprised, the two most competitive shinobis of our generation are always testing each other. A group of people are around them, some that I know but most that I don't.

     Lee's laugh and Kiba's groan echo through the room, notifying me of the winner without having to look. People exchange money as I weasel through the small crowd, some pretty happy and others a bit huffy from their losses.

     "Hi," I say, once I fall in front of his view.

     "Hello, Nara-San!" He calls back, a smile on his face as he looks at me.

     "Stop calling me that. I don't like it," I whine, shifting closer. I snuggly fit myself between his knees, fingers curling into his hair as I rest my face on top of his head. "I like it when you call me Lotus-Chan."

     I shouldn't be saying that I shouldn't be standing here, I shouldn't be talking to Lee because he pisses me off beyond belief. But I can't help it. I feel good and I want nothing but his attention right now.

     "You do? You seemed pretty mad last time we talked."

     Dumb, dumber, and dumbest. "That's not why I was mad," I mutter, a bit upset that Rock won't touch me back. "Rocky?"

     "Lotus-Chan?" He calls back, a bit cautious as he looks up at me.

     My hands slide from his hair down to cup his face. "That's me," I hum out, setting my forehead against his. "And you, my dear ninja, are a dumbie."

     "Why am I a dumbie?" Lee asks, his already big eyes going even bigger as he stares up at me.

     "Because you're not touching me. You're really dense. You have a drunk girl clinging to you and you won't even touch me. Why won't you touch me back, Lee?" Even with the alcohol in my system, I feel stupid when the words dribble out.

     "It's not right to touch a drunk person. They can't properly consent," he answers, head tilted in confusion.

     "Oh my Lord, Rock Lee," I mutter, climbing into his lap. His eyes go wide again as I shift myself around, letting my legs hang as my arms wrap around his neck. "I want kisses, and your hands around my waist, and your attention. I'm not asking you to fuck me. That'll just confuse me even more."

     "Oh, well you can have that any time you want," he says, his hands resting on my waist before gently squeezing me. "Why would... um... intercourse confuse you more? What are you confused about?"

"Us," I whisper, dusting kisses across his cheeks and nose. "Do you like me? Do you not?"

"Of course I do. If I didn't like you we wouldn't be friends."

"Dumbie," I repeat, rolling my eyes at the dense man under me. "I like you in a not friend way."

"Then what way do you like me?" Lee asks, his face starting to go red as his body heat rises.

"I like you in an 'I want to be your girlfriend' way," I answer, pecking his lips as I scoot closer to him. "I like you in a 'we should find an empty room to make out in' way," I continue, pecking his lips again before climbing out of his lap.

"Oh... oh!" Lee says, quickly shooting up after me. "I don't... I wasn't - "

"Ya, I know," I cut him off, taking hold of his hand before leading him out of the room, in search of any sort of privacy. I want kisses and I want kisses now.

"I got the book you told me to get," Lee says as he trails after me.

"And you haven't read it yet?" I state more than I ask, the answer is very obvious from the last couple of minutes.

"No, not yet. I'll do twenty laps around the village to make it up to you."

"Or you could just make out with me," I mutter, pushing a door open. There's a bed and no other people, good enough for me.

"I shall do both." I don't even have to look at him to know he's got that determined look in his eye and his head is nodding in agreement with himself.

I tug us into the room, closing the door behind us before plopping on the bed. "Come here," I call, tapping the spot next to me. Rock does as I ask, settling stiffly in the bed next to me. "Rocky?"

"Lotus-Chan?"

"Do you like me back or do you still like Sakura?" The question hurts to ask but I want to know the answer.

It hurts even more watching as Lee looks down at me, no answer coming from him. "I still like Sakura." The answer hurts, making me feel sober and sad for a second. "I like kissing you though, I just..."

"Think of Sakura when we kiss?" Why do I keep asking questions I know are going to hurt me? Why was I wrong about Lee not being the kind of person to play with my emotions? Why did I spend so much time believing he was just naive? Why didn't I see him friend-zoning me so much?

"Ya." Silence falls between us, filling the air with heaviness as I think about the answers I got back.

"Neji told me sometimes people will kiss and such without liking each other. If I knew you liked me I wouldn't have kissed you back the other day. I thought we both didn't like each other and we just... kissed sometimes." The explanation hurts even more, just further proving to me Lee really is a nice guy and that we just suck at communicating. "I'm sorry, Lotus-Chan."

"Just call me Nara-San," I whisper, focusing on the ceiling.

I can feel Lee's eyes on me, staring down at me. "I really am sorry."

"Please leave." Lee stays put for a second, eyes still on me for a beat before he does as I ask, leaving me alone in the room with my heart ache. Why does he have to be so nice? Why does he have to be so dense? So dumb?

After a couple of minutes of heartache and tears, I drag myself out of bed, my mind set on washing away the night, the moment with Lee, his answers to my questions. My goal is set on washing out any inkling of Lee from my mind. He never existed.

"Shika?" I call, scanning the lounge for him.

My heart stings when my eyes land on Lee cozying up to Sakura. I can't bring myself to be mad at him. It's not his fault I fell for him, it's not his fault I didn't communicate better, it's not his fault we didn't talk about our expectations after we first kissed.

"You called?" Shikamaru's voice rings out from next to me. I turn to look at him, his face instantly scrunching up as he looks at me. "Are you... were you crying?"

"Um... if I say no, can you leave it alone until the morning?"

His face scrunches up more, scanning the room of people before settling on me again. "That depends on whether you were hurt or not."

"Physically, no. Mentally, kind of."

"Kind of?"

"Kind of," I repeat, walking away to finish my original reason for reentering the house.

"You can't just say that and then walk away," he calls after me, gripping my wrist as he follows behind me.

The coolers fall into my view, my salvation for my recked night. Shikamaru stays quiet but keeps his hold on me as I kneel, pulling out two drinks. I hold one between my legs, snapping open the other one before chugging it.

"Wow, wow, wow!" Shika calls, trying to grab the drink from me. "Maybe let's slow down."

I shift away from him, finishing my drink before handing the empty bottle to him. "Two things," I start, popping open the second drink before taking a swig. "First, that was terrible but at least it'll hit me quicker."

"Well no shit," he mocks, a smug smile on his face as he rolls his eyes at me. Despite his cockiness, he takes the bottle from me as he eyes the second one in my hand.

"Second, if I asked you to fuck me, would you say no because of your date with Temari?"

"Christ, was your hookup with Lee that bad?" He mocks, making tears form in the corners of my eyes. "Oh shit, I didn't... I'm sorry." His words are rushed, panic on his face from accidentally making me upset again.

"Rock Lee still likes Sakura," I mumble the confession, embarrassment, and sadness filling my chest. How could I be so blind to the situation I was in?

"And I'm still single," Shika says, hand sliding down to tangle with my fingers. His head dips down, pressing against the side of my head as he whispers in my ear. "Let's go find a room."

———————————————————————

———————————————————————

[ukokunet]

Doumeki's Tattoo (chapter 51)

Apologies if just the title is a spoiler (I tried with the tags 😭), but I wanted to share my speculative information on Doumeki's tattoo, so folks outside discord could see it too.

As most folks know, Yakuza sometimes get elaborate tattoos called irezumi, usually on the back and arms, which mark them out as outsiders from society. I'm not going to go into the techniques and history here, that stuff is easy to find with a search of course. I'm just going to look at the content of the tattoo.

Source: my useless college degree, and my irl pals in the tattoo industry.

First I'll add: "Doumeki has a secret tattoo" was definitely something speculated by the fandom. Good job, everyone. 👍

We don't get to see a complete image of Doumeki's new ink, we only see a couple flashes under his shirt, and one larger panel of the "reveal". It's basically a swirl of motifs (you can find people posting it on the terrible-bluebird-site if you haven't seen). I think it's shown this way because Yashiro wouldn't really "see" any specific image or theme, and would only see a mishmash of typical fancy Yakuza-esque motifs. That's the point between our boys, of course, since it "proves" Doumeki is a "real" Yakuza and can never go back to "normal" life.

The motifs we see are: • a long thin snake or dragon • peacock feathers • edges of swirling robes on a (maybe feminine?) humanoid • a lotus With a traditional irezumi tattoo, the image choice is somewhat picked by the artist, and then discussed with the recipient. (I think the idea is they're supposed to be "inspired" by the "sense" of the individual.) Normally, Yakuza want images that enhance their tough-guy image, of course. Buddhist themes, along with other traditional cultural symbols like koi, sakura, and samurai, are very typical choices for tattoos.

• The lotus is a standard symbol in Buddhist images. Many Buddhist deities are depicted either sitting on or holding a lotus.

• Dragons are of course common for tattoos, and would be appropriate for a tough-guy, but we don't see any claws/horns/heads etc here, plus the body is very long and thin. Therefore I think this is a snake and not a dragon. There are various uses of Buddhist snake symbols.

• Robes would of course indicate a Buddhist deity if the rest of the theme is Buddhist, as opposed to some other humanoid like a samurai or kabuki figure. Some readers felt there was a feminine quality to the figure though maybe that's hard to tell.

• Peacock feathers are the most interesting point here. They are indeed a symbol used in Buddhist art. Naturally we all expected bird themes for Saezuru. But specifically peacock ones really narrow down the image, I think.

My conclusion is this tattoo features Kujaku Myōō (孔雀明王), known as Mahamayuri in Sanskrit. She is a Wisdom King, a class of protective deities, and she is generally depicted as female. She rides a peacock and holds a feather in one hand, and a lotus in another (and other symbolic objects). Peacocks eat snakes, and therefore symbolize protection from poison, both literal and spiritual. Kujaku Myōō is invoked for the removal of poison and pain.

Interestingly, most Wisdom Kings are depicted in "wrathful" aspect, looking like angry demons; Fudō Myōō is a popular deity in Japan and would be a very typical tattoo choice, especially for a tough-guy. But Kujaku Myōō is always shown in "merciful" aspect with a peaceful loving face.

All of this is very interesting to consider for Doumeki. It's perfectly possible that Doumeki himself would not actually be familiar with any of this symbolic meaning, and not be intending to mean anything in particular outside "I'm a dedicated Yakuza". It's also possible that Yoneda-sensei also doesn't mean anything so specific, but only picked the motifs for more vague reasons ("peacocks are birds"). We'll have to wait to see as the plot unfolds. But even as a happy accident, we have a great symbol for Doumeki, don't we?

(I'll also note, there seems to be a hiccup in the timeline. Doumeki's back was partly revealed several chapters ago and there was no tattoo. But not enough time has passed realistically to get such a large one. So either (a) they didn't know how long tattoos actually take to get, or (b) they forgot to draw it on that panel. A mistake either way, but let's just pretend we didn't see it, okay?)

[tricks-tickles]

Birthday Gift

happy birthday to my favorite boy who i want all the best for <3

word count: 1163

pairing: Lee!Todoroki & Ler!Midoriya

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

January 11th was a completely normal day.

This is why Shoto woke up at his usual 6:30, had breakfast, went for a run, then got ready for class in peace.

It’s why he sat through English and Art quite happily without anyone talking to him, spare Yaoyorozu asking for a sharpener.

It’s why lunch was an uneventful affair, with Midoriya chatting to Uruaka about a new hero who'd just debuted, a conversation that Shoto listened to but did not contribute.

It’s why he was paired with Ojiro for close-range training and spent an hour dodging his tail and trying not to set his classmate on fire. 

And it’s why, finally, once they got back to the dorms he planned to retreat to his room to do his homework in peace. 

And of course, since this is a normal day, his plans got disrupted. This came in the form of Midoriya, who knocked at his door.

“Uh, Aizawa-sensei said this came for you.” He said, holding out a white envelope, with Shoto’s name written on it in familiar handwriting.

 Shit. 

See today was a normal day, or at least he wanted it to be, but it also happened to be the day he was born, 16 years ago. Nothing worth celebrating, in his eyes, but his sister disagreed. And so, a card. From Fuyumi. For his birthday.

Midoriya peered at the letter, clearly curious but unwilling to ask. Shoto considered shutting the door on him, but they were friends after all. Besides, the day was nearly done, what harm could telling him do?

So Shoto opened the envelope, took out the money, and skimmed the card inside.

Dear Shoto, it read, I hope you have an amazing birthday! I’m sorry I can’t celebrate with you, so I’m sending this card instead. Use the money to buy yourself something cool because I have no idea what you’re into.

Lots of Love, Fuyumi

Shoto smiled, a little, and then set the card on his bedside table. When his eyes came back to Midoriya, he was frowning.

“Wait, when’s your birthday?” He asked. Shoto glanced to the side, then responded,

“Today.”

At this, Midoriya gaped at him, outraged.

“And you never said? I didn’t get you anything!” He cried.

Shoto sighed. “Well, clearly I didn’t expect anything.”

Midoriya pouted, jutting out his lower lip in exaggerated dismay.

“What if I wanted to get you something?” He asked, “We could have had a little party.”

Shoto made a face. “I’m fine just… not doing anything, I don’t need a party.”

Clearly, Midoriya was running out of patience, as he punctuated his next sentence with several pokes to his chest.

“Yes, you do. Even if you don’t think so.” At each poke, Shoto twitched a little, a detail that did not go unmissed by Midoriya. 

“In fact, I’m quite upset that you didn’t tell me, your trusted friend.” Upset, but there was a sly grin spreading across his face, yeah right. “Maybe I should show you how upset I am.”

Shoto knew where this was going, and took an anticipatory step back, then another, until he was tripping over his futon and landing lightly on the mattress. Midoriya followed, his sly grin turning predatory as crouched next to him, his hands coming up to rest on Shoto’s sides.

“Midoriya.” He said, warningly. Midoriya just giggled, beginning to wiggle his fingers into Shoto’s sides.

“Todoroki.” Midoriya responded, mimicking Shoto’s tone. Shoto gasped, his hands flying up to cover his face as he fell backward onto the futon.

“Nooo,” Midoriya whined, moving to squeeze his sides, “Show me your cute smile!” 

Shoto just shook his head, pressing his hands against his mouth where he could feel giggles building up. Midoriya went back to scribbling, then, made a fatal move.

As his fingers gently teased Shoto’s sides, he moved to shift himself into a different position, putting pressure on Shoto’s right side, which caused a surprised yelp of laughter to come from him, slipping out from his fingers. Midoriya stilled. Shoto stilled. The whole room froze. Then, 

“What was that!” Midoriya said, laughing.

“I dohon’t kn- WAIT Midohorihihiyaha!” Midoriya’s fingers were now pressing down against his right side, scratching harshly. It tickled so bad. He’d always felt like his left side was more ticklish, but this was easily matching it. He tried to squirm, but his body felt limp, weakened by the laughter now pouring from his lips.

Curious, Midoryia shifted his hand to the other side, still tickling. Almost immediately, the sensations died down, leaving him giggling weakly. 

“Huh.” Midoriya said, then began tickling his right side the same way as before. He yelped again, flushing in embarrassment as he weakly kicked his legs, trying in vain to fight off the sensations. Experimentally, Midoriya stopped tickling him, then fluttered his fingers over his left side. Shoto squealed, wiggling away a little.

“Huh.” Midoriya said, again.

“Whahahat?” Shoto asked, still laughing. 

“It looks like you’re ticklish in different ways, on different sides. So if I do this,” He pinched roughly along Shoto’s right side, making his back arch a little as he laughed, “Or this,” He spidered his fingers along his left, giggling as Shoto’s knee jerked up to defend the spot, “Then you must have different sensitivity levels, it must be due to your quirk, maybe your ice side is worse for rougher tickling because the cold has made the skin thicker, or tougher? And the fire because the heat makes you more sensitive? That would mean maybe your body experiences pain differently too, which could have an impact on thewaythatyoufightthatyoumaynotevenreali-”

“Midoriya! Pleheahase!” He begged, still caught under Midoriya’s tickling hand, which had been crawling toward his stomach as he mumbled to himself.

“Oh! Sorry, Todoroki.” He said, sheepishly, removing his hand and letting Shoto breathe. 

“That would mean, though, that the most effective way to tickle you is- Where are you going?” He said teasingly, as Shoto had been making to roll onto his side. 

“Uh.” He said, intelligently. 

“I’m still upset, you know! Consider this your birthday gift.”

Shoto flushed, then cackled as Midoriya’s fingers descended on him again. One hand clawed at his ribs, the other scribbled gently. His long-forgotten hands sprung up to hold Midoriya’s wrists, his legs kicked weakly at the floor, and he laughed, high-pitched and desperate, at the sensations that were crawling along his body. 

“Maybe since you’re sixteen I should tickle you for sixteen minutes.” Midoriya mused.

“Nohoho, pleheahase dohohon’t!” He cried.

“Aw, but you love it, don’t you Todoroki-kun?” Just when Shoto thought his face couldn’t get any redder, he felt heat crawling to his ears and down his neck. Still, he didn’t deny Midoriya’s claims.

When his hands started pulling at Midoriya’s wrists, he took the hint and stopped, leaving Shoto to gasp for breath.

“Happy Birthday?” He tried, and Shoto huffed a laugh in response. 

“Sure, thank you.”

Maybe January 11th didn’t have to be a normal day after all.