#teru hasn’t tried a single one yet.

[dailyterumob]

adult terumob taste testing wedding cake flavors together 🥰

this prompt had me shaking. i was on the verge of tears the entire time. teru loves feeding mob… he is like this is my sweetheart everyone is going to be witness to this moment right here right now because we are getting married soon. and mob is like “oh this cake is pretty good.”

[ampheenix]

I need (a human’s touch)

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.

SUMMARY:

Set during the last episode of Mob Pyscho 100, in which Shigeo has taken over Mob completely.

But Teru is desperate. He hasn’t given up yet.

And he can only think of one thing that might shock Mob enough to break him out of… whatever this was.

TAGS:

terumob, angst and fluff, love confessions, 1.8k

He was hot.

Dangerously hot.

And well, Teru was always dangerously hot of course, but this was actually a huge problem. Teru was sweaty, all over, and could feel his breath coming faster and faster.

The searing pain of several stitches echoed from his core, cuts and bruises were littered all over his skin, his limbs were so tired he could fall asleep right then and there…

Teru hadn’t felt this degree of exhaustion since the last time Mob had lost control, when he had blown his school to bits.

But this degree of destruction triumphed over that event, easily.

Teru gritted his teeth, staring hard at his friend.

Piercing white eyes stared right through him, unblinking, unflinching, in the worst way.

Usually, those eyes could appear as apathetic to someone who didn’t know Mob well, his expression seeming perpetually bored and aloof.

But after knowing Mob for so long, Teru could always spot a slight gentle tinge to his gaze, a small crinkle of humour to the side of his lips, a shine in coal-black eyes. Just because Mob wasn’t very skilled at expressing emotion didn’t mean there was nothing there.

But this… this was different.

These eyes were nothing. Empty. Single-minded destruction.

It was jarring. Teru wasn’t sure he could even call the entity “Mob” anymore. Even so, he had to keep trying.

“MOB, COME ON!” He yelled hoarsely, breath coming hard and fast as he darted out of the way of another attack. Teru desperately tried to force his voice through the psychic energy swirling all around them. “YOU NEED TO WAKE UP! LOOK AROUND YOU!”

He grimaced, as deep down, he knew there was no point to it. These words hadn’t worked before, in the forest, when he’d tried to gently de-escalate the situation. He doubted they’d work now.

Teru’s brow furrowed. Nothing he was doing was even getting through to Mob. And his psychic barrier was chipped and full of cracks – he didn’t know how much longer he would last.

He had to do something. Now. Before it was too late.

And even whilst his mind was racing, trying to come up with sort of half-baked strategy, rattling through letters of the alphabet to devise a plan A, plan B, plan C, plan D, he was having to dodge rubble, save civilians, save MOB.

And keep his hair this time, if he could. It had been a pain growing it back out last time.

Teru clenched his jaw and fists, feeling his energy slowly come back to him. He had to do this. He owed it to Mob, for getting him out of that toxic mindset that had carried him through the first fourteen years of his life.

He owed so much to him.

Maybe… maybe what Mob needed was a huge shock. That was what Teru had needed back then, something BIG that had turned his world upside down – and at the time, Mob had certainly delivered.

(floating naked and bald in mid-air whilst sapped of all power did that to a guy. Yeesh.)

Could something like that bring Mob back? He’d been fighting against whatever had been consuming him, clearly he was still in there… somewhere… right??

Maybe…

Teru shook the idea off immediately. That would be- be awful of him, it’d be taking advantage, it’d practically be assault and wrong in so many books of moral code. There had to be another way.

That idea probably just came to mind because of Teru’s own biases, there was no way it would ever… It would ever…

Despite himself, Teru paused for a brief moment, feeling his cheeks warm. He… could he really-

A searing pain on his arm brought him back to his senses. He let out a yelp, darting away and instantly regretting getting distracted as he glanced down to see a fresh cut on his arm.

It went deeper than the others.

Teru paled, looking up. “Mob” had become distracted too, seeing as Teru hadn’t been directly attacking him for a while, and had just been frantically thinking up a plan (which he still didn’t have!!) but it seemed the entity had its head back in the game.

This was bad.

Teru had already been tired before, but he was feeling more and more sluggish with every minute that passed. He needed to nip this in the bud.

And as Teru watched the dark, swirling mass that was Mob slowly move forward, sending huge cracks skittering through the ground wherever he stepped…

It was still Mob, at the end of the day. Right?

Steeling himself, and wishing that his heart would slow down, Teru hoped in vain that his best friend wouldn’t hate him too much for this.

(He also wished retroactively that he’d remembered to put on chapstick this morning because his lips were very dry, and that didn’t tend to be the vibe when it came to finally kissing the guy you’ve had a crush on for a frankly humiliating amount of time.)

Teru walked forward, his expression soft. Mob’s eyes (?) narrowed, and honestly at this point, Teru hoped he’d be able to get within a metre of him without being blasted away.

His walk slowly became a jog. Then a run. Then a flat-out sprint, as a he used the last dregs of his energy to dodge and zip through all the attacks being sent his way, breath rattling through his lungs.

Within a blink of an eye, Teru was in front of him.

And he knew he had to make this quick.

Teru’s eyebrows furrowed in determination, pulse pounding in his ears and bruised ribs screaming in protest.

“Mob, I like you.” Teru’s voice cracked, and he hated himself. He continued, eyes shining. “I really, really like you, and I hope you’ll forgive me for this.”

And without further delay, he leaned in and pressed his lips to Mob’s, as hard as he could and with all the feelings brimming in his chest.

Teru had never actually kissed anyone, despite the amount of girls he’d gone out with. The most he’d done was a hold a few hands, and posture and flirt a bit. A dazzling smile was enough to make most of them fall to their knees, anyway.

He hoped, hopelessly, that blind devotion would make up for lack of skill.

(Deep inside swirling black, Mob was absolutely losing it.

“Let me out!! Please!! you have to- Teru just KISSED me!!” He exclaimed, hand on his chest, red as a tomato.

Shigeo Kageyama looked at him with disdain. “We literally are on our way to confess to Tsubomi right now.”

Mob narrowed his eyes, fists clenched. “No, YOU are. We just had that discussion. I want you to let me out so we can stop destroying everything and I can tell Teru I like him too.”

Shigeo’s voice was even flatter now. “Since when do you like Teru. That has never been a thing.”

Mob somehow, impossibly, grew redder. “I… I don’t think I really realized until now.” He shook himself, determination now defined. “You need to let me out. Y… You can still confess to Tsubomi, but I need to see Teru, right now.”

“Please.” Mob’s voice is resolute. It’s not a question, and Shigeo lets out a sigh, glancing outside to where Teru’s mouth was pressed against his.

“You’re serious? After all of this? And his lips are chapped, you know.”

“Wh- why would I care about that?! Ours are as well!” Mob gave him a look of despair, trying to claw his way out of the space. “Let me out, right now! Before he pulls away – before you kill him!”

It wasn’t like Mob hadn’t been trying before, too, but his desperation was renewed now. He had been lulled into a sense of defeat, watching himself tear everything he loved apart, but now he knew.

“I’ll hold you to it.”

Shigeo’s voice is quiet. Decided.

“Hold you to what?!” Mob exclaims with furrowed brows, completely and utterly frustrated.

“You’ll still confess to Tsubomi. You have to.” Shigeo’s eyes are deadly serious. “You will. Or else.”

“I… okay. I’ll do it, but only if you let me out right n-”)

With a jolt, Mob realized he was in the middle of his first kiss.

His eyes flew wide open, darting all around, but just as he tried to commit everything to memory, Teru’s lips left his.

Teru was looking at him, eyes equally wide. Teru was there, golden hair matted with sweat and covered in blood and bruises.

Teru was alive.

With tears prickling in his eyes, and with equal ineptitude both in kissing and in words, Mob went for the next best option.

Within a blink of an eye, his arms were wrapped around Teru’s torso, tight and snug, head tucked into the other’s neck as he blindly hoped that this would make up for all the thoughts he didn’t know how to convey.

There was a beat of silence. Mob tensed up, ready to immediately draw back the second he sensed he’d made Teru uncomfortable.

And then, he felt the other melt into the embrace, arms winding around him and pulling him closer. A shaky hand cradled Mob’s inky-black head, stroking his hair and trembling like a leaf, as if still in disbelief that it was there.

Then, came Teru’s frantic words.

“I’m- I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.” He drew further away, hands on his shoulders and Mob instantly wanted to tug him back, to where he had been stroking his hair. “I hope- I hope it was okay, I just wanted to shock you enough to break you out of- whatever that was- I just-”

As Mob watched the stammering, insecure words fight their way out of Teru’s mouth, it felt… wrong. Those words didn’t belong there. That shaky, unsure expression didn’t belong on Teru’s face.

And before even Mob had figured out what he was doing, he was pulling at Teru’s shirt, tugging him closer and shutting him up with another kiss.

It was… really nice. Especially since he got to experience all of it this time. Teru’s lips weren’t very dry at all, they were soft, and Mob liked how the other relaxed into him.

Teru’s hands came forward, cupping his face, and Mob liked that too.

After another moment of savouring the feeling, he slowly pulled back. Teru was looking at him like he’d hung the stars in the sky, cradling his face, his mouth positively agape. “You… you actually…”

Just as Mob was wondering if he needed to kiss him again, to really prove his point (and it’s not like he would mind) Teru smiled, a genuinely happy smile, soaking it in.

Because this was it. This was requited.

“I’m here. I’m sorry I wasn’t before.” Mob said, as he took both Teru’s hands in his. He bit his lip, not knowing where to start. “I… I have a lot to explain.”

Teru gave his hands a reassuring squeeze, sending him  the softest smile he’d ever seen.

“We’ve got nothing but time.”

[damedamedame]

Hi hi! Can I have a scenario/oneshot where Teru has an admirer that really loves him and he pretty much hates them? He doesn't know why but he hates them so much for things his fangirls does yet he doesn't hate his fangirls. She gets heart broken after he rejects her and over time falls for Kou. Teru realizes he really like her but cant take it back cuz Kou also really likes her too and Teru would never hurt his brother like that. So now he has to watch his brother date the love of his life. :D

TERU MINAMOTO X READER - ONESHOT

- “Too late.”

WARNINGS: angst enough to make a simp weak me

NOTES: my heart hurts and this is why it took 2+ months to write this thank u (also kinda tweaked it a bit, hope you don’t mind!)

( unedited + fem ! reader )

Was there a lifetime waiting for us in a world when I was yours?

At least, those are the god-forsaken words Teru murmurs in the deepest depths of his mind, tired eyes piercing at both you and Kou through the glass of champagne that he’s had far too many of. The married couple, he won’t ever admit how bitter he feels when the two words rolls off the tip of his tongue, were laughing, fingers intertwined as the rest of the people in the venue smiled at how gorgeous and how... happy you two looked.

He zones out a second after, the composed self he’s managed to keep throughout the wedding was irritably divided into immensely vexing thoughts that have haunted him since the first time he’d accidentally walked into the first time Kou had the nerve the courage to kiss you. 

‘Would she have been better off with me instead of him?’

God.., he hasn’t been this infuriated over you since he was once a high-schooler, since he’d been the ‘School Prince’ and the person that you’d been so overly head-over-heels for. Except these infuriating problems about you that have been clouding his mind for what seemed like an eternity were conflicting now. Before, the sight of your face, the smile etched on your lips, the warm pink hue spread upon your cheeks...

He hated every single one of it. 

You were only a naïve fan of his, a part of the majority who offered him utmost praise and raced to be the one sitting by his side. However, unlike all his other fans, you were the only one who affected him in this way.

The only one to make his heart pang when you’d mention his name.

The only one to stop him from sleeping due to the overdriven thoughts he had of you.

The only one who’d get his attention when his wandering eyes unconsciously scan the classroom.

He wanted to stop this. He wanted the feelings in the pit of his stomach to stop because he didn’t want this, he’s never wanted this to happen... but there it was. 

In the form of you, holding a simple love letter in your hands and your face a blushing mess. Teru looks at you for a minute before turning you down. It’s a harsher let-down than his usual ones, he remembers the words ‘I’ve never thought of you that way’ and ‘I never will like you, (Y/N).’ coming out from his mouth, all blatant lies, of course. 

You ran away after that, hands clutching onto the same love letter you held, now crumpled. Guilt filled him up completely once he’d seen you crying your eyes out, but rejecting you was the best decision he could make if he wanted to get rid of aching feelings for you.

That’s what he thought, a lifetime long ago.

Now you were here in a white wedding gown, now a new addition to the Minamoto household, but not with him. You opted for his little brother instead, Kou having lent a comforting hand after seeing you just sobbing away in the back of the school’s gymnasium. 

Teru watched it the love story between you and Kou, smile evident on his face as he tries to ignore how empty he feels. If it were someone else, if it were anyone else but you, he would have been the happiest brother alive. He wouldn’t be smiling too widely in the wedding pictures, and he wouldn’t have been drinking three glasses of champagne as he watches you both on the dance floor. 

But, God, all he could imagine was the ‘What if’s’. 

If he had let down his worthless pride, give you the chance of happiness you dreamed of, and accepted the feelings that had been brewing within him... could he have had this? 

‘There’s no use dwelling on the issue now’, Teru gives the smallest of frowns, but brightens up when he saw Kou walking towards him. 

“Kou? Why aren’t you with your blushing bride?” Could you have been his blushing bride?

“Don’t worry, Teru-nii, she’s still talking with her friend... and...”

Teru’s guilt tips over at the simple words. 

“I’m really happy to have you as my big brother and at our wedding!”

Kou’s smiling, so genuinely and so sweetly, but he doesn’t see how his own big brother is nearly tearing up. ‘Not today.’ Teru thinks to himself, standing up and patting Kou on the back with a quick and muttered, “Thank you.” before leaving to go to the bathroom.

He notices you glance at him, eyes twinkling with the happiness that he now realizes he wanted to give to you, and he can’t help but walk faster.

Yeah, he’s not going over to Kou’s for a long, long while.

.

END NOTES: it’s 1:06 am and i’m crying over teru minamoto good nyt

i should really start listing down names for the taglist : @YAKO IK YOU’RE THERE SOMEWHERE COME GET UR TEA *cough* @moryi @tokoyamis-luv @akaneaoisartblog @astrxrism

[starymintss]

Please enjoy an essay on why mitsukou has so much fucking potential and why they’re great together

by Elena~

I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a connection like the one that mitsukou shares. This ship literally has true canon potential. I have hope and believe that we may be victorious in mitsukou becoming canon- I mean god dammit guys they are “SEMI CANON”-

kounene obviously won’t be endgame. In Houkago Shounen Hanako Kun (the spin-off series) they played a game in which the person who pulled a king card was able to get to command a person that was playing the game to do something no matter what. When Kou pulled his card- he literally decided he wanted his brother Teru who was there and Nene to have a romantic connection (hence- him saying and I fucking quote, “This will make senpai happy!”) He could’ve done it to his own benefit- to maybe earn a kiss or do something of his own benefit. But he didn’t, instead choosing to make his senpai happy.

Besides Hananene is basically canon already like what the fuck

As for Mitsuba he’s a gay coded character and hasn’t denied the guys aren’t his type. Some people who deem Mitsuba straight might use the scene where he tells Kou “Is this a love confession? Sorry but lame earrings aren’t really my style.” That still does not confirm that Mitsuba doesn’t swing that way. A really great piece of evidence is the bonus comics at the start and end of a manga- one titled, “Tell Me, Mitsuba Kun,” in which Kou asks if he ever had a crush on other girls- Mitsuba responding that there are simply no other girls cuter than him. In another bonus comic he says the same thing again when he tells Yokoo and Satou he wants to fall in love. When asked to name some girls he thinks are cute, he asks if it's possible that he was the cutest one of all. On the other hand, Kou has stated that he likes someone with a pretty smile (do I have to explain that) which is a pretty open explanation of his type (not denying or confirming he doesn’t like guys). Obviously as a Mitsukou shipper I can point out different actions that I’ll admit looks pretty gay.

It’s not the fact that it’s very common in manga like this that there’s the straight couple and then the other two people in the group are automatically paired together- they are so much more than that. They have a deep connection, and both Kou and Mitsuba are somewhat aware of that themselves. Mitsuba is willing to protect Kou from harm- he’s willing to stop him from getting himself hurt for others because Mitsuba cares, and he knows that he’s too reckless and caring and fearless for others in a way that isn’t healthy?

Kou likes to be everything for everyone and the reader can see in chapter 64 that Mitsuba really did try to talk to him about the behavior. Yes it’s weird to see Mitsuba actually show true concern to people--because it’s his character to be a jerk and an asshole, but that doesn’t mean Mitsuba is incapable of not having true genuine feelings for people he seems as his friends.

Obviously, Mitsuba trying to talk to Kou didn’t happen due to other events that occurred. But I think a lot of people agree that the moment would’ve been so beautifully written and truly played an extremely important part in Kou’s character development.

As for Mitsuba, Kou is generally a sweet guy. It’s stated he will give up his life for anyone, it was what he was taught growing up as an exorcist and a fighter. Those words do not fail his actions, and anyone can see Kou will die for literally anything which is really messed up. He’s 14 for fucks sake.

Someone against Mitsukou could use that as an argument but we see here in the manga that there’s simply something different about this said connection. Kou is first introduced to Mitsuba in chapter 30 something, and he remembers who he is after Yokoo tells him--what happened to Mitsuba that was ultimately the end of his life. Mitsuba does again by his rumor being changed, and being stabbed by Hanako- but it’s the fact he cries and loses sleep and just cannot let him go for anything that moves me. May I point out that he actually decided to process the photos even after Mitsubas death? He didn’t have to do that. Not at all. But he did anyways. It’s seen that Kou wants to find a way to help Mitsuba get away from Tsukasa and help him fit in more- he wants to be a friend. (Note: after he’s reintroduced to Mitsuba; this Mitsuba being a pure apparition with no memories.)

Mitsuba is deeply insecure about himself, and feels he doesn’t fit in. He’s lonely, and doesn’t have friends even as a ghost. But Kou is there. He’s there to be by Mitsubas side.

The deep connection the two of them have is strong and that’s especially shown in the picture perfect arc. At the beginning Kou first sees Mitsuba as a human and obviously it’s freaking him out because-he’s a ghost you know. But once him and Nene meet Shijima Mei, and are told they must kill Hanako (Amane) and Mitsuba, it’s disturbing to them. At this point in the series literally everyone know Hanako and Yashiro share a connection as lovers. I mean- its the couple that the series revolves around. But Kou is deeply disturbed because he doesn’t want to kill Mitsuba. Yet- Mei also reassured them that things will be alright since after all this is a fake world and there’s no need for hesitation. But it’s still affecting Kou and he’s carrying this information on his back as he learns beside Mitsuba in school and has fun with him while cleaning the pool. At night, when the two of them are walking on the school building and watching the stars from the window, Kou confronts Mitsuba about this (note: by now Kou knows that Mitsuba knows). Mitsuba goes on to reveal his true form, and uses his powers to show Kou the past. He tells him about how he learns about his past self. And he states to just feel so… “envious”

Mitsuba grows angry with Kou- because he can see how he’s looking at the true Mitsuba with such a gaze the fake Mitsuba knows he won’t ever get.

Things lead to one another and he smashes the window in fury. (“It’s that Mitsuba you want, right?!” And I dare you to tell me that doesn’t sound like a fucking quote from a bittersweet romance novel.)

Kou insists on getting Mitsuba out of there. And can I please just point out that Mitsuba says: “What are you doing?!” He asks Kou if this isn’t what he wanted- if this isnt the life they want to live from here on out where they can be happy together along with their friends. This reminds me of a direct parallel to Hananene, in which Hanako is confused as to why Nene wouldn’t want to stay here, and Nene tells him that this isn’t what she wants. Kou says the same thing to Mitsuba.

Kou drags out embedded feelings Mitsuba has as they fight, and he says quotes that are really important to their development. Things such as:

“But… who else is there?! Who else could grant my wish?! Even you, Minamoto- Kun!”

“You see… even you don’t care about me. It’s that “Mitsuba,” isn’t it?! I don't even MATTER!!”

“I’m Mitsuba’s fake, but let’s just call it real! This is a world where the “Mitsuba” you were unable to save can live happily! That’s good, isn’t it?”

“Even if it’s only in this world, be my friend, and stay by my side… I’m just thinking scary things. Over there, I’ll be jealous.”

I think the Picture Perfect arc really shows how desperate Mitsuba is to have friends- to fit in with everyone else and to just feel like he belongs and matters. Kou tries to tell him that isn’t true... he’s willing to do everything to let him know that he is so much more than what he deems himself as. He’s so much more than a “fake” of what used to be his original friend, there's so much more to do than wish wishes and hope things will just go the way you want things to go. There’s a better way than to look to evil to bend and defy the laws of existing.

There’s the famous quote Kou says- the “How about I die too. So that we can be together forever.” And how he decided right there this this fake Mitsuba- this apparition who very much will never become human- is worthy. He’s worthy of his life; this is more than the whole “I will die for every life” because Mitsuba is dead- he’s immortal as a ghost. But a human like him... in Mitsubas words someone who will never understand something as ugly and as horrifying as a apparition born from a real persons soul and lesser about to disappear spirits- Kou will give his life up just to know the hell he goes through. Even if it’s just a glimpse- even if it’s just for a second Kou will do anything to just fulfill Mitsubas wish for him to stay by his side. He will do anything for Mitsuba.

I think writing this out also makes me realize they both have their walls up. Kou has his walls up to try and hide his true feelings- his deepest fears and insecurities- feeling as if he isn’t good enough. Mitsuba has his walls up to do the same. He portrays himself as a guy that he deems will get him friends. He hides the ugliness in himself- hides the fact he’s a total fake; doesn’t belong anywhere and his deepest insecurities.

But the two of them together help each other in such a way that it’s unable to truly analyze every single moment they share together.

They help each other but teach the other to bring their walls down. That it’s okay to talk about your feelings and that you don’t have to be everything for everyone. That you don’t have to give up everything you have living- your health and your literal life- for someone. That it’s okay to feel like you don’t fit in. It’s okay to feel like there’s just no other choice of getting what you want and therefore doing the wrong things. That people will love you just for you; what happened in the past put aside.

Mitsuba and Kou are in love.

The end. 💖

[stuck-in-jelly]

The Irony of Life (MP100|One-Shot| Fan-Fic Commission)

A short SeriRei one-shot that was commissioned

In which Reigen reflects on his 15 year old mindset and realizes just how wrong he was.

———————————————

When Reigen was 15 years old he accepted the fact that he was never going to have kids even if he wanted to. With a single glance to his parents, he doubted he would be any better than them and no child deserved a fate like that.  

Yet irony had a way of creeping into his life and taking away his choice, because by the time he was 30 he somehow amassed an army of children who all looked up to him and visited him often, none of which were related to him in any way.  

It had all started with one kid and just ended up snowballing into more and more children before he could even try to stop it. Half of the pictures he has on his clipboard in the office have turned into photos of him and the kids on outings; the time Teru and the Kageyama brothers joined them on their trip to the hot springs, his birthday party with all of them, Ritsu getting thanked by his first client, Rei doing a fortune telling, and so on and so forth.  

He hates to say it, but it’s starting to look like a mother’s scrapbook and he is neither a mother nor in possession of an actual scrapbook (though he has considered investing in one at this rate). And although Mob doesn’t visit the office often anymore, too busy focusing more on his studies and the Body Improvement Club, he accidentally ended up sending more kids his way to replace him.  

More specifically in the form of a bunch of rather loud girls that Tome dragged in hardly with his approval and his office had turned into their hangout spot (much to his dismay when he is trying to work).  

Even now, at the end of the work day, they lay sprawled all over the couch and chairs talking and laughing away as if he hadn't already turned off most of the lights and locked the windows in a subtle way to tell them to get up already.  

Most days Reigen was left alone like this– given that Serizawa typically heads off early for night school– however today was a lucky day and he didn’t have classes which is a godsend since Serizawa is much better with kids than Reigen.  

“Come on, girls. Pack up, we are closing soon.” Serizawa’s voice snapped the girls out of their conversation much faster than his ever would, it was a perfect mix of a stern yet gentle demand that sounded much more like a suggestion making it much more appealing to listen to.

With a ‘tsk’ Reigen looked over to chime in:  

“We are closed,” he sneered before snapping the blinds to the windows shut.  

Imminent whines traveled from the girls.  

“Come on, just a couple more minutes!” one of them pleaded dramatically. It was almost enough to make Reigen roll his eyes.  

“Do you want to be locked in the office?”

“Cool! Like a sleepover!”

“No, no sleepovers in my office.”

Tome leaps up, a tale tell sign she has an idea  

“What if you give me the keys?! I can lock up after we all decide to leave or we stay the night!”

“Absolutely not.” He doesn’t even need to think about that one

“What!? Why?! I'm super reliable?”

A smirk crept on Reigen’s face.  

“Ah yes, like that time you got lost in the cursed woods, or the time Dimple had to possessed you and punch your teacher, or that time you assaulted one of our clients, or when you-”  

“Fine, fine I get it!” the girls were giggling and Tome’s face had turned a bright shade of pink as she slumped in defeat.  

Before he could say much else Serizawa stepped in once again,  

“How about this: Tomorrow we have a case down at Cape Cop Avenue, if we head off now you can tag along for it.”

The girls cheered, accidently having adopted Tome’s curiosity for ghosts and other such creatures. With their minds satisfied somewhat with the idea of a new activity they began to gather their bags and the homework they hadn't even touched the entire time at the office.  

Usually Reigen would scold Serizawa for promising something like that, but the location was an apartment complex that Serizawa had scouted yesterday and as expected there weren’t actually any ghosts there. The scariest thing at the apartment complex was their plumbing system.  

Regardless, Serizawa would be sure to give them a show (thank god none of them were espers).

It wasn’t long until they all began piling out. Somehow it has become a habit for Reigen to walk the girls home and tonight was no exception, the only difference being that Serizawa decided to join them.  

The first destination was for Mika who lived only 3 blocks down from Reigen’s office, she gave an enthusiastic wave goodbye and promised to take a bunch of pictures tomorrow (even though Reigen tried explaining it would be hard to capture a ghost on camera).

Up next was their tall friend whose name Reigen hasn’t caught just yet. She seemed to stare a lot at them when they worked and doodle them but she was the politest of the bunch so Reigen didn’t mind her all that much.  

Then Tome, who groaned loudly as Keiko reminded her of the homework due tomorrow before sulking back into her house with a small wave. Misa lives just two houses down from Tome and jogged ahead since she forgot about the homework too.  

And then last but not least Keiko who without the company of her friends becomes rather bashful and shy only uttering small ��thank you’s’ and ‘good night’s’ as she scurries into her house.  

With the girls all safely in their houses Reigen without meaning to let out a soft sigh as he stretched, finally allowing himself to relax away from the kids. Usually he’d keep on his facade for Serizawa but lately that illusion has been melting away and luckily, it’s been mutual.  

Serizawa has begun to relax too around him, being more confident and even being so bold as to tease him. They had also begun to work fluidly with each other, understanding what the other needed or wanted with simple quick glances and they practically danced around each other in their morning routines. Reigen even trusted him enough to give him copies of the keys to the office, it was nice to have someone to lean on when you needed it.  

Neither of them said a word but they both began walking in the same direction. Serizawa lived just a bit further from Reigen in a different and better apartment complex than his so it made sense they were sticking together.  

Nights like these were rare but appreciated, his whole life Reigen has always felt like he was supposed to be running just to catch up; but walking like this alongside someone you trust and care about is nice. It makes him feel like he can finally walk instead of run, like there is no rush.

And Serizawa is a good person and perfect company, initially Reigen assumed they didn’t have much in common but as time has moved on it turned out they do and they frequently found themselves talking each other's ear off. Mostly Reigen more than Serizawa but it’s a mutual exchange at least.  

Though right now they seem to appreciate the silence, the girls were a nice change to have in the office but they also tend to drain the two of their energy with how loud and energetic they get, not to mention the trouble and danger they seem to like to get into. The thought alone is already giving Reigen a headache.

“Reigen?” With the sound of his name, he snaps out of it quickly, looking up to Serizawa only letting out a small ‘hm’ of acknowledgement.  

Reigen catches the brief moment Serizawa was looking at him before staring forward instead.

“I know we’ve been busy lately but I was wondering if you would like to join me tomorrow for dinner at my place?”  

Now that was extra new, Reigen has never been over to Serizawa’s apartment. Something about it felt a bit too personal, maybe it's because he hasn’t been over to a friend's place since he was in middle school nor has he had guests over willingly at his own apartment.    

“What’s the occasion?”  

The question makes Serizawa visibly tense, although the man has become more confident in himself, he finds moments like these where he still falters in his choices.  

“Oh! Uh well I just um thought it would be nice to have some company over you know, I wanted to try out this new recipe and I thought it would be nice to have another taste tester and well I’m also trying to get used to having more people over at my place and I-”  

Before he could go on another list of excuses Reigen interrupts,  

“Sure, sounds nice. It’s been a while since I had a home cooked meal anyways.”

The response seemed to calm him down, his shoulders untensing and letting out a not so subtle sigh of relief.  

As casual as Reigen is trying to act though he could feel his heart hammering in his chest in excitement. Every time he’s tried to have a moment alone with Serizawa one of them has always been either busy or with other plans so it would be great to finally have time.  

But Reigen isn't an idiot, he knows exactly why he’s excited for this. He’s noticed how things between them have changed recently and perhaps it’s wishful thinking but he’s noticed from Serizawa too, when his gaze lingers, when he relaxes into soft touches, and the change of his mood from around his friends as opposed to him.

Along with this came a new tension, and not the kind where you want to murder each other or fuck, no it was something different. It was the kind of tension where both parties are trying to read each other and think they know what the other is thinking but they don’t want to make any unwarranted assumptions.  

Reigen’s always been great at reading people, and usually he wouldn’t doubt himself but this is different in many ways. Serizawa is not only a friend but an employee, and he’s being reintroduced to the world away from all the hardships he faced and the trauma he’s brought along with him. If he is right about this, he needs to be careful.

Serizawa is perfectly capable of making his own choices but he needs to go at his own pace and to push anything onto Serizawa wouldn’t be fair.      

There’s another thing Reigen had accepted when he was 15 years old, and it was that no one could ever love him for who he truly is. And that is a firm belief he’s kept, even now as Serizawa leans to be closer to him and he leans back.  

But then again irony loves his company. So maybe 15-year-old Reigen could be wrong about that too.

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

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[petiteredlady]

Messiah review

@snow-okki I'm so sorry it's so late +_+ But here is what I remember about Tsukuyomi no Toki.

(Spoilers everywhere and long post.)

First Before I say anything about the play I'd like to take a moment to tell you about Murakami Kouhei. That man single-handedly saved Messiah and got nothing to show for it. (He's the one who replaced Tsune, who was arrested a week before the first Messiah show.) He said during the curtain call that he had three days to rehearse the role. Three days. And he was flawless. Honestly he was perfect. He played his character beautifully. But the lack of time means there are no visuals for him. No goodies, no page in the pamphlet. His name is only listed at the very end with every cast and staff member, so even the ensemble cast got more pamphlet space than he did^^'

New characters Since I'll be naming them several times, a reminder : - Honami Harei is the new god of Teru hi no mori, - Oikawa Subaru is a devout follower of the cult, - Sono Yukihito is more or less a leader of the cult, or at least a close attendant to Honami. (And just in case : the two young runaways from Yuukyuu are called Azuma Touya and Koboshi Tetsu.)

The story The main plot revolved around Teru hi no mori, and Mayo-sama and Yugi's relationship to them. (And to each other.) Itsuki's story was definitely linked to it, but while he was a central character he wasn't a main character. (I mean he was important but it was not his story.) We got to know a bit more about Kogure and Hinamori, but they were far from being the focus. Shikura and Amane n°2 were investigating Teru hi no mori, but we didn't see them a lot and they were on the political side of the story, which I understood less +_+ Kuroko and Ichijima contributed a bit to the plot but were mostly here as comic relief. (YES ICHIJIMA TOO) Oh yeah and Touya and Tetsu from Yuukyuu were there. Their story was part of Teru hi no mori's, but... they could as well not have been there. They had zero impact on anything.

The investigation of Teru hi no mori starts after seven high-ranking Japanese officials commit suicide one after the other. Since that's more than suspicious, Shikura suspects murder instead, and there seems to be a connection to Teru hi no mori. But before Sakura get on this case, they meet Teru hi no mori by chance while trailing people on the street. Yugi recognizes Oikawa, and notices that he and Mayo exchange words during their fight. That stresses and distracts him enough that Kuroko gets hurt and they have to retreat with Kogure and Hinamori's help.

Yugi confronts Mayo about his knowing Teru hi no mori, wondering if it's linked to Mayo wanting to die. "If it is will you kill me ?!" No he won't, because Yugi thinks of Mayo as his Messiah >o< So Mayo spills everything : he tells Yugi he was Teru hi's god, that he's the one who pushed Yugi away from the cult and ordered his death. Then he throws his gun to Yugi, who starts screaming, but when he shoots the scene becomes black.

At the same time, we see Itsuki finishing a mission, hurt and exhausted, realising what a trap having a Messiah is. No matter how awful he feels, he can't allow himself to die, because no one else can save Ariga. He gets contacted for a new mission right after that, but is quickly interrupted by a robed and masked individual introducing himself as Nightmare. He shows Itsuki a photo of Ariga being held captive, and offer to release him in exchange for Itsuki's cooperation. He accepts.

Then Itsuki arrives at the Church. Since Kuroko is injured and Ichijima hasn't gotten his "chief" status back, Itsuki is put in charge of the Teru hi no mori investigation. Obviously Yugi wants to infiltrate the cult, but Itsuki sends Hinamori instead. Kogure is to go to Shikura to conduct an investigation with Amane n°2. (Apparently the seven dead officials were investigating a big pharmaceutical group, so they're looking into that.) Itsuki wants Yugi to come with him to protect the Prime Minister, who's apprently in danger of being the eighth victim.

Itsuki also asks Yugi where Mayo is... and why Yugi has his gun. Yugi tries to argue it's his own, but Itsuki recognized Mayo's scent so he doesn't buy Yugi's bullshit XD So we see how the scene actually played out a while back: Yugi shot in the air, because despite what Mayo told him he doesn't want to kill his Messiah. Mayo accepts this decision, and says he's leaving the Church. Since he's dying anyway, he'd rather settle things with Teru hi no mori now that they made a move.

We briefly saw Teru hi no mori. They all had really cool white robes, and apparently the higher you are in the hierarchy, the fluffier your sleeves are XD Honami appeared before his followers, preaching that the world doesn't need "World Reforming" to be peaceful, it only needs to follow Teru hi and Honami's way. One follower, though, ran towards him with a knife crying that Honami was a false god. The man was taken down by none other that Tetsu, who has joined the cult. In the following scene we see a bit more of the main characters from the cult : Oikawa swears he's ready to die for Honami and is seriously his most hardcore follower ; Yukihito is the closest they have to a leader, giving orders and making sure Honami's are respected ; and Honami mostly wonders when he'll be able to see his "sun" again. (That would be Mayo.)

Back at the Church, Ichijima has decided he's going to be useful despite not being the leader, so... he becomes a Kuroko^^" Look complete with an apron and a bandana XD He calls Shikura to tell him one of his cadets is coming, but also mentions that Shikura should see him right now 8D Shikura just cuts the call, but when Kogure arrives, he asks what the deal is with Ichijima and regrets not being able to see him like that XD (But honestly it was ridiculous, because Ichijima kept the cane so he was sweeping one-handed...)

Amane n°2 infiltrates the pharmaceutical company while Kogure guides him. They're looking for documents and find them, but Kogure is also looking for something more personal, a reference he gives to Amane n°2. (And he got it wrong the first time so the file that came up was something like "How to cook omu-rice at home" XD) I didn't exactly understand what it was, but it had something to do with Kogure's missing memories. Maybe it's what Ichijima told him at the end of Yuukyuu ? Then the two have to run away because Amane n°2 gets found out.

Itsuki and Yugi meet with the Prime Minister's advisor, and that's when Nightmare reminds Itsuki of what he has to do. Itsuki simply warns Yugi to be ready, greets the advisor, and shoots him. While Yugi is freaking out, Itsuki takes a sample of blood and orders Yugi to take it back to Ichijima. Yugi ends up doing so while Itsuki gets arrested.

Ichijima does not even look surprised, hearing what happened. Rather, he's interested in what Yugi wants to do about Mayo. Yugi says there's nothing more to do, because Mayo is the one who threw him away and wanted him dead. "Is that what he told you ?" ... Then Yugi realise maybe not everything Mayo said was the truth, so he runs away to find his Messiah and get answers.

Meanwhile, Hinamori is infiltrating Teru hi no mori. He had been told he would be able to meet "someone he knew", and indeed the first person he sees is Yukihito. His former Messiah. There's a beautiful and emotional "Yuki...!" "Hina...?" and they fall into each other's arms. Then Yukihito reminds Hinamori that he abandonned him, grabs his gun and shoots him.

While Hinamori is bleeding out, Yukihito tells him he works for the Northern Alliance now, and even shares his codename. But before he can say anything else, basically everyone arrives : - Mayo who wants to protect Hinamori, - Yugi who's looking for Mayo, - Honami who doesn't want anyone to be killed, - Oikawa who's always ready to kill anyone, - and even Touya who's looking for Tetsu. (Sakura had declined his help so he's tagging along as best he can^^)

The huge fight scene was absolutely beautiful, everyone was amazing and moves flowed very naturally, that was amazing. But it doesn't end well for Sakura : - Mayo is still dying and can't do a lot, so Honami takes him away because he doesn't want to let anyone else have him, - Yugi can't follow because he has to protect Hinamori and get him away from here, - and Touya gets rejected by Tetsu who feels the cult is the only place he can be himself. (Plus Oikawa protects him, and Oikawa is probably the most vicious fighter in this stage play, so Touya has to back down.)

While all this chaos is occurring, Itsuki is being interrogated by Shikura. It's almost exactly the same scene Ariga had in Hagane : Itsuki is cuffed, on his knees, and Shikura resorts to screaming and face-grabbing. And yet he ends up trusting Itsuki's motives and frees him o.O

Back at the Church, everything is terrible : - with what Hinamori learned, everyone is now convinced Teru hi is working with the Northern Alliance, - Kogure and Amane n°2 have found out about a chemical nicknamed "Mikotonori" that, when injected in humans, allows them to be mind-controlled by others (which is what Teru hi uses), - they theorise that the pharmaceutical company was trying to find a countermeasure to Mikotonori, explaining why Teru hi was harassing them (that was an issue at some point), and that's what the seven dead officials had found out, - I am not sure what Kogure learned about himself but he's enraged at Ichijima for "doing that to him" and tries to attack him. Only Hinamori manages to calm him down. (Apparently it's like Kogure was engineered to become a perfect spy or something.) The only positive thing is that the blood sampled by Itsuki is revealed to have been contaminated with Mikonotonori, so he probably killed someone who was being controlled by Teru hi, so... he's still with the good guys ?

Itsuki has a scene where he confronts Nightmare, having understood who he is. "I believed you had kidnapped Ryou because you had his scent... But it's you, Ryou, isn't it ?" Nightmare then stops using his voice modulator and it's indeed Ariga. He asks for Itsuki's forgiveness, because at the moment he can't explain what he's doing. Then he leaves. Itsuki is frustrated, but he's clearly so happy to have seen his Messiah again >o<

Meanwhile, Mayo and Honami have their scene together. Mayo was clearly unhappy and sick the whole time, but Honami was so happy to have him again he just spent the time reminiscing about their childhood together. Since they're the only two left of a group of children that was groomed to become "gods" for Teru hi no mori. Despite Mayo having a weak body, he was the best candidate and he asks Honami if he resents him. Honami does not. He always thought of Mayo as the true sun of Teru hi, while Honami is a moon who needs Mayo to shine. That's why he wants Mayo to be their god again, because Honami himself is a fake sun. There's also a more sinister yet childishly innocent "I won't let anyone else have you", and Honami tells Mayo he was the one who ordered Yugi's family to kill him when Mayo tried to make him leave the cult. (And at some point we learn that Yukihito was behind Mayo's assassination attempt. Apparently because he could no longer control Mayo, who was starting to make his own decisions and taking initiative.)

We also see Oikawa and Yukihito planning their next step, which involve large-scale biological attacks all over the city. To do that, they're equipping their most loyal followers and the Mikotonori-brainwashed ones with bacterial bombs and sending them to strategic points.

I am not sure how everything got resolved : at some point, Shikura and Amane n°2 find the Prime Minister dead, the vice-minister taking over has allied himself with Teru hi, and takes Shikura prisoner while Amane n°2 manages to escape. (Still, I was impressed : Shikura really knows how to fight.) By putting together what he's learned and what Sakura know, they manage to understand what is going on : - what the seven officials had discovered was that Teru hi no mori and the pharmaceutical group were working together from the beginning, and that's why they had to die, - Teru hi's biological weapons are meant to force the whole population to get vaccines against whatever bacteria they're using, - the pharmaceutical company's vaccines actually contain Mikotonori. So that's how they plan on brainwashing the whole country. But they do need Honami or Mayo in order to succeed, because only these two can manipulate infected people.

When Itsuki explains that last point to Yugi, Yugi immediately says that if someone has to deal with Mayo, it will be him and no one else.

The first step for everyone is to try and stop the bombs from going off. That generally goes well, except for Touya who has a very rough time with Tetsu and ends up having to save him. (Poor Tetsu was starting to think that maybe the cult wasn't that great, but "everything for [his] god"...) Honestly these two were very cute and I can't dislike them, but they added absolutely nothing^^'

The next step, the much harder one, was to cross the sea of cultists to reach Honami and Mayo. (And possibly Yukihito, but he was conveniently absent most of the time.) First we see Kogure rush into the melee and fight extremely recklessly. He screams that he might as well risk his life fighting, since this is what he was made for. Since he's just a tool, no one will be sad if he dies. That is finally the one thing that makes Hinamori angry. He grabs Kogure (and honestly, they were so, so close, like their noses were practically touching ><) and screams too. That Kogure is his Messiah now, so has a responsibility not to die, and most important, Hinamori will not let him die >o< (My heart.)(I wish I understood more of Kogure's backstory but that was amazing. Hinamori is such a sweet Messiah. I hope Yukihito breaks his heart at some point.)

Yugi finds himself alone against way too many people, and he ends up shot, stabbed by Oikawa, beaten by cultists, then by Honami, and at some point I stopped smiling about "oh none of these wounds are going to show, are they"..... It slowly became a worried "Isn't that a lot of terrible wounds...?" then "OH MY GOD THEY'RE GOING TO KILL YUGI". And that was a huge shock because I don't feel like Mayo and Yugi really had their story. It doesn't feel like they were the main characters of a story. Even there, we still have Itsuki as a remnant from the previous generation. So yeah. We were all gasping and crying.

When Yugi finally find Mayo, they're both on the ground, dying, but trying to hug and tell each other how much they care about and love the other. Mayo wanted Yugi gone from the cult so he wouldn't be manipulated. Yugi wanted to stay with his god because he was grateful for the new life Teru hi gave him. So here they are, trying to protect each other, but that enrages Honami who doesn't want Mayo to love other people more than him. So he keeps on beating Yugi T-T

However, he's interrupted by a very angry Oikawa who stabs him without warning. Just before, one of the Sakura showed Oikawa all the proofs they had about Honami being a false god and the cult manipulating its followers. Oikawa does not take that well, and in his rage manages to kill Honami. He's ready to kill Mayo too, but he gets shot before he has a chance to try. (I was pretty sad because he was a great character and I would have loved to see him again. Oh well T-T)

Finally, Yugi and Mayo are alone and can have their most honest discussion so far. While Mayo desperately tries to stop the blood flowing from Yugi's wounds. Yugi tells him that even after learning what Teru hi was really doing, he still thinks of Mayo as his one and only god. As a true god that can save people. So he wants Mayo to become a god again. But Mayo knows he's a fake and does not want to play at it again so at first he refuses, saying that he always thought of himself as the moon and Yugi was his sun T-T But Mayo ends up realising Yugi is definitely dying and he can't save him, so he accepts to become his god once more, a god that will save the people Yugi won't be able to help anymore. So Yugi asks for his organs to be transplanted in Mayo, so that his weak body will be cured and he can survive for the both of them.

And this is where we leave them, to transition back to a remaining loose end. Itsuki vs Nightmare. Itsuki isn't sure what is going on anymore, because last time Nightmare was clearly Ariga, but this time it's someone else. And why would Nightmare help Itsuki against Teru hi no mori ? "Since you're Sono Yukihito." And it was him. Yukihito (who's really chatty for a spy, that's incredibly suspicious) explains that it's not the cult that has a link with the Northern Alliance, but rather the Northern Alliance who used the cult to create chaos and confusion in Japan. They did not want Teru hi to succeed, because a united Japan is the last thing they want to see. So they helped create tensions and divisions, while making sure Teru hi's plan would fail. That's a lot to take in, but still, Itsuki is here for only one thing : getting Ariga back. Yukihito accepts, but has a condition. "The condition was for me to follow orders !" "Do you want me to free him or not ?" The condition is that Itsuki goes with Yukihito to the Northern Alliance, which he does. And in exchange, Ariga really is freed.

In the end, everyone has a more or less happy ending : - Touya swears he's still friends with Tetsu, and they go search for a place they can belong to, - Kogure apologises to Hinamori, who's really happy to be accepted as Kogure's Messiah, - Kuroko takes back his Kuroko duties because Ichijima is awful at being the comic relief XD - Amane n°2 still fanboys way too much about Shikura. Shikura lets him.

Mayo... isn't dying anymore, thanks to Yugi's healthy organs. But he has trouble realising that, having accepted for so long that he was dying. He wonders if he's really alive, or if he died and came back as a Mayo/Yugi entity. But he clings to his promise of becoming Yugi's one and only god.

This is where it ended. I honestly wasn't crying anymore, I was just numb with shock. Since I didn't expect anyone to die. I think it was a better stage play than the previous two, even though there were still too many characters and plot lines. But at least it feels like they know where they're going with their scenario now. I just hope they'll let go of Itsuki after the film, but they seem to want to explore the life of a Sakura after graduation, so... who knows^^'

I am sorry this became so long. If it isn't coherent or if anyone has a question, please ask and I'll do my best to answer. (Or just if you want to discuss, because I’m always happy to talk about Messiah XD)

[awkwardbystander]

mobweek 2k19 ch 1; laser tag 2: the electric boogaloo

“Mob!” Tome vaults the wall and lands beside him, grin accentuated by the circles on her cheeks. “Reigen and Shou are a couple feet away from us and if we get up to that one huge wall they’ll be sitting ducks!”

Shigeo nods as Ekubo separates from Tome. “Ekubo, did you see where Ritsu is?” he asks.

“Yeah, he was over with Onigawara and Teru near the entrance,” Ekubo says.

“I can try to corner them for you,” offers Tome, just a bit too excited to really be offering. “You can get Reigen.”

Shigeo thinks. “I think it would bruise his ego too much if I shot at him again,” he says. “You can go over to them, Shou doesn’t know you all that well so you might have a better chance at taking him by surprise.”

“Right!”

They split up, Ekubo trailing after Shigeo.

“Have you managed to find any of the gifts yet?” asks Ekubo, settling close to Shigeo as he ducks behind a wall.

“Only Musashi-san’s after I got Serizawa-san’s,” replies Shigeo. He turns to look through the small window. “I can’t see them, Ekubo.”

“They were here when I last checked.”

“Which was—“

“Four minutes ago,” comes Teru’s voice. Shigeo freezes. Ekubo startles, phasing through the wall, and Shigeo hopes that he’ll take the opportunity to send for help. “Happy birthday, Kageyama-kun!”

“You were counting?” says Onigawara.

“Hi, brother,” greets Ritsu. Shigeo turns slowly to face them, all aiming at him.

“Ritsu,” says Shigeo. He pauses. “Thank you for the birthday greeting, Hanazawa-kun.”

Teru beams at him.

It occurs to Shigeo that he has to stall. “Why haven’t you tagged me yet?”

“Good question,” says Onigawara. He looks pointedly at Ritsu.

Ritsu ignores him. “Brother,” he says, “please switch teams with me.”

Shigeo blinks. Teru’s grip on his gun falters as Onigawara outright squawks in offense.

“I can not take this anymore, I have to physically restrain myself from throwing the gun. I—“

“Shigeo,” hisses Ekubo’s voice, behind him, “Move to the left.”

“You like Hanazawa-san, don’t you?”continues Ritsu, while Shigeo tilts his head to the left as inconspicuously as he can manage. Teru makes a small sound of disbelief. “And Onigawara-san’s your friend, too—“

He’s tagged, dead center of his vest. He blinks.

Shigeo ducks as Teru immediately raises his gun, lifting his own and aiming it at Onigawara—he barely manages to tag him, but doesn’t spare any effort into trying to make up for it and focuses on running for cover.

Serizawa—oh, Serizawa-and-Ekubo, actually— catches up to him, weaving through a series of neon obstacles. He settles beside Shigeo, crouching down with him.

“We got them at least three times each,” says Serizawa-Ekubo, grinning.

Ekubo separates from him to continue bragging. “The look on your brother’s face, Mob, absolutely priceless.”

“At the cost of putting a price on our heads,” says Serizawa, raising a brow.

“I don’t think he’d target me, specifically, over this,” muses Shigeo. “I think he’d just go straight for you, Ekubo.”

“Thank you, Shigeo. That was very reassuring.”

“They’re coming our way, just so you know,” says Serizawa.

Shigeo hesitates. “I should be checking up on Tome-chan,” he says. “When we split up, she went to go tag Reigen-shishou and Shou.”

“Oh, Shou’s been tagging everyone he can see, team or not,” says Serizawa. He pauses. “I might just be saying that because I’ve seen him shooting at Reigen and Onigawara, though.”

“Oh, Reigen was definitely shot on purpose,” says Ekubo. “That Onigawara kid was probably just accidental friendly fire. Your kid seems like the type to take this seriously; he wouldn’t risk sabotaging his own team.”

Serizawa doesn’t deign to comment on that. “If he sees you, he’ll probably abandon whatever target he has and focus on tagging you as much as he can.”

“Like he could before Shige gets him first!” Ekubo snorts.

“Before Mob gets who first?”

They snap their heads toward Reigen, who already has his gun aimed at Ekubo.

“Wh—“ Ekubo scoffs, “What are you aiming that at me for, jackass?”

“Shigeo,” says Serizawa, laser gun trained at Reigen, “Go check on Tome, I want to talk to Reigen.”

Shigeo considers them both and then nods, lowering his gun. “Have fun, Serizawa-san,” he says. He turns to Ekubo. “Ekubo, will you come with me or are you staying?”

“Nah, I’m gonna stay here.”

Shigeo peeks out the side of the wall for the third time in as many seconds.

Tome is still running circles around an increasingly frustrated and confused Shou, laughing and tagging him four times for every shot he manages to make at her.

Shigeo decides that she doesn’t need help.

He backtracks to where he’d left Reigen, Serizawa, and Ekubo, only to be greeted with the sight of Reigen-Ekubo dual-wielding and shooting at Ritsu and Onigawara (“Reigen! We’re teammates!”). Behind them, Serizawa watches with his hands over his face.

He decides that they don’t need help, too.

Shigeo’s squatting in front of an obnoxiously bright box when Musashi finds him.

“Oh, Kageyama!” he says, smiling, “I was just looking for you, Onigawara said he’d run into you earlier.”

Shigeo nods. “He tried to corner me along with Hanazawa-kun and Ritsu,” he says, “But I had help, don’t worry.”

Musashi squats down beside him. “Good to hear! So whose gift is this?”

“I think it might be Reigen-shishou’s,” says Shigeo, picking the box up. He gives it an experimental shake.

“Have you found anyone else’s?”

“Oh, I got yours after Serizawa-san’s. The wrapping paper was very nice.”

“Was it? I hadn’t thought much when I used it. I hope you’ll like what I’d gotten you.”

“I’m sure I will,” says Shigeo, already having a good guess as to what the gift is. “Thank you—“

They’re both tagged in quick succession. Shigeo immediately tucks the present under his arm as he turns to raise his gun, Musashi mirroring him.

Shou is in front of them, panting.

“Did you plan that?” he demands, aiming straight at Musashi despite addressing Shigeo. “Did you plan for siccing her on me?”

“Uh, no,” says Shigeo, “That was more of a split-second decision.”

“Kageyama, take the gift and go keep looking,” says Musashi. “I can hold him off—“

“That’s—“ Tome breezes past Shou, tagging him, before stopping beside Musashi. “My job!”

She grins at Shou as he glares at her.

“—alongside Tome-san,” finishes Musashi, as though Tome’s interruption never happened.

“Okay,” says Shigeo, more than willing to let Tome handle the situation after witnessing how effective she was against Shou.

He ducks away as Musashi exasperatedly tells Tome not to taunt the enemy team.

Shigeo has found every gift but Shou’s and Ekubo’s when he hears someone talking to themself. He pauses short of rounding a corner and presses into the wall, listening.

“—Singled out in a children’s game, two birthdays in a row,” grumbles Reigen’s voice, “Incredible.”

As Shigeo tries to sneak a look at him, the wrapping on one of the gifts creases with an obnoxious sound— he stares at in betrayal as Reigen gives a small shout of surprise.

“Who was that?” Reigen calls. “You know what? I don’t care, just don’t shoot me.”

Shigeo walks into view, gun lowered. “I won’t.” He hesitates, then pulls Reigen’s present from his pocket. “Is this from you?”

“Ah,” Reigen grins and points a finger, waving it, “Guessing is part of the fun of it, Mob!”

“Oh. It was worth a shot.” He pockets the gift again. “How has the game been, Shishou?”

“It’s been going just fine, thank you for asking, Mob.” Shigeo knows for a fact that it hasn’t, but he isn’t going to be the one to point this out. “How about you, have you found all the gifts yet?”

“I don’t think it’s wise to tell the enemy team how close we are to beating them,” says Shigeo.

“Oh, come on,” says Reigen. “It’s not like my team doesn’t count me as an entirely separate team on my own.”

Shigeo smiles at that. “Yeah. Well, I only have two left until I have all your gifts.”

“Oh, that’s great,” says Reigen. “Just in time for lunch, too.”

“We’ve been playing for that long?”

“Yeah, last I checked— whoa, hey,” Reigen takes a step back as Shigeo raises his gun, “Mob.”

“We’re still on opposite teams, Shishou,” reminds Shigeo.

“Can’t a guy catch a break?”

Shigeo responds by tagging him.

An hour later, Shigeo has found all of the gifts and ended the game. They’re gathered in a buffet-style restaurant.

“Did you have fun?” Mom asks him, passing a plate over to Tome.

Shigeo nods. “I did,” he confirms. “Everyone really put a lot of thought into their gifts. It was nice.”

Dad laughs. “I’d hope it was,” he says, before waving over a waiter.

“All right, everyone get closer,” says Dad, as the waiter takes his camera. “Let’s take a picture. Count of three, everyone say ‘Happy Birthday, Shigeo!’”

Shigeo has to lean awkwardly to the side so Teru has space to be in the photo, and when the countdown ends Ekubo frantically flies right beside Reigen’s face to join in.

The photo earns a spot on a frame on his desk.

                     Notes:        

it was four am when i finished with this and i published it in that state so i am v sorry if it's like. incoherent. also dw it's not that i stayed up late i just wake up at nine pm