#that would be Kotori :P

[number-1-kuaidul-fanboy]

Saio is a good villain from a much better show but dang it, Ruri is one of my nonsensical faves that I can't help but vote for her.

ROUND 1 MATCH 6 SAIOU TAKUMA/SARTORIUS INSANE LEADER OF THE SOCIETY OF LIGHT VS RURI KUROSAKI/LULU OBSIDIAN #1 BIRD XYZ USER IN ALL OF HEARTLAND

[sunshine-overload]

[BSTS] Valentine’s Day 2024 ‘Ask Yourself’ Event Story

all chapters!

Chapter 1

-rehearsal room-

saki: Hello everyone.

mizuki: Yo, we've been waitin' for you, Saki. Now everyone is here.

lico: And so? What did you call us here for?

mizuki: Because the next show is gonna be us, obviously!

lico: Really? But next is the Valentine's Day show, isn't it?

hinata: A team B solo show? Woohoo!

kongou: We performed for White Day last year, so this year we're doing Valentine's?

ran: Oo! I'm lookin' forward to what kinda song Heath comes up with.

saki: I'm sure your Valentine's show will be a blast.

mizuki: Of course. We're gonna go all out an—

lico: Stop right there.

mizuki: Huh?

lico: I'm not letting this show end up like how White Day did last year. Women hold Valentine's Day in high regard, it's a special event for them, so there'll be no violence.

mizuki: What's your problem?

ran: C’mon, how about we hear Lico out? His idea might be just as excitin'!

mizuki: Tch, pain in the ass. Fine, what do you wanna do?

lico: Keep it simple obviously. A traditional Valentine's Day.

mizuki: Huuh?

lico: We'll put on a show that makes our feelings clear to all the ladies in the audience. Valentine's is the day of love after all. Right, Kotori-chan? You want to receive my love too don't you?

saki: Y-your love?

mizuki: Christ Lico, everything you just said is gross as hell. Besides there's no way we're gonna do some sappy shit like that anyways.

lico: Tch...

heath: ...Why not?

mizuki: Huh? I ain't putting on some show that looks like K or P's.

heath: I promise it'll still be a B show at its core. I won't waver. So let's do it, a 'Traditional Valentine's Day' overflowing with B's flair.

mizuki: B's flair you say... Well that's fine then. Let's show em who's boss.

lico: Wait, actually?

mizuki: What, you're the one you suggested it.

lico: Yes but... No, nevermind.

ran: Sounds like its gonna be another fun B performance. Speakin' of, I have an idea of what to do for our special activity durin’ the event!

—end

-

Chapter 2

-rehearsal room-

ran: Since it's a special show we should have a special activity too! So how about the guests make chocolate with us? Kongou's on our team yeah? So food related things are B's forte!

lico: How come you actually just said a normal idea right now? But, we can't be making the guests cook, right?

kongou: Having them make chocolate with us would be difficult, but decorating would be possible. For example, we can prepare chocolate cupcakes and decorate them with the customers. How does that sound?

ran: Ooh, that sounds fun!

hinata: What kind of toppings will there be? Can I make some suggestions too?

kongou: Sure. We can brainstorm what would be good toppings to provide. If there's a larger variety I'm sure it'll be more fun.

hinata: Yay! Ok then umm, I'd like fruits, cream, cookies and marshmallows...

lico: We can't fit that many more extra tables in the restaurant. Well, whatever, how about we let the guests choose their toppings when they order? Then we can bring the stuff to their table and decorate the cupcakes there with them.

mizuki: What the fuck do we need to do all that for?

ran: What!? Ya don't think it sounds fun, Mizuki? What do ya think of my idea, Nee-chan?

saki: I think its great.

ran: Hell yeah, then it's decided! Ain't it fine, Mizuki?

mizuki: Fine...

lico: Huh? Seriously what's going on today? Everything is going so smoothly.

mizuki: Oh shut up, do you wanna do this shit or not?

lico: Well yes it's fine for now. Make sure you look forward to Valentine's, Kotori-chan.

-time pass, behind starless, day-

hinata (on phone): Hello? Hey listen to this! Valentine's Day is going to be a B solo performance! I wonder what it's going to be like~ I'm so hyped! Since I messed up last time I want to make sure I properly help out this time.

hinata (on phone): I can do it, I told you this already! I want to see my dream come true at this store. Ah crap, I forgot I need to call Iwa-san after this.

hinata (on phone): No he's been really mean to me~ Despite never even dropping by the store he keeps asking me to give him reports on what's going on... Yeah that's true, I know. I'll call you again soon then!

-hangs up-

hinata: Aah~! I really can't wait to see B's show~!

—end

-

Chapter 3 

-shopping centre-

hinata: I'm so excited to be here shopping with you all~!

lico: Sigh... Why'd we have to bring the whole family shopping.

kongou: Because I'd like to have a nice variety of toppings. You being here is a big help, Lico. We all went shopping like this for White Day last year too didn't we? And before that...

heath: We also went shopping for New Year's and Halloween.

kongou: Yeah. It's like it's become tradition for us to go out as a group for our seasonal performances.

mizuki: Oi, where's the meat section at?

ran: They're doin' taste tests of fried stuff over there!

lico: Hold up, what does meat have to do with anything? We're here to get toppings to put on top of cupcakes with our fans... Jeez, oh, these are cute.

kongou: How about we get them? Though, if they were a little smaller they would be easier to put on a cupcake.

lico: Hmm.

heath: I found something we can use so I'm putting it in the trolley.

kongou: Sure, thanks.

mizuki: Oi Kongou, you're just buying sweet shit, candy ain't gonna fill anyones stomach.

kongou: Well of course it's all sweet. There's going to be special Valentine's menu items.

mizuki: Tch, pain in the ass. Then you shoulda just come shopping on your own.

kongou: Well that may be true...

lico: You're the one who wanted to tag along in the first place, Mizuki. Instead of complaining how about you pick out some toppings too?

mizuki: Oh, they're doing taste tests over there!

-mizuki runs off-

hinata: What, meat!?

-hinata runs after him-

ran: Guess it can't be helped. I gotta go make sure Mizuki doesn't eat too much!

-ran runs after them-

lico: He says yet he just wants to eat the meat too... It always ends up like this, that lot really are just a bunch of damn kids.

heath: ...This outcome was predictable.

kongou: Oh well, let's pick out the toppings ourselves.

—end

-

Chapter 4

-street, day-

ran: Alrighty, all the additional shoppin' should be done now.

-phone rings-

ran: Hm?

ran (on phone): Heya, it's me. Yeah, I'm on my way back now.

ran (on phone): Ooh, so somethin' finally came up. Yeah, be there in a moment.

-alleyway, day-

underling: Good work out there.

ran: Man~ And here I was lookin' forward to participatin’ in the cupcake trial after finishin’ my errands.

underling: My bad, bro.

ran: I’m jokin' don't worry bout it. And so? What happened?

underling: Well...

-thug explains situation to ran-

ran: I see...

underling: Yeah. There's evidence of them being drowned, however any info about who they were working for has been scrubbed clean. 

ran: Hmm. That's not a good sign.

underling: Um, bro... Looking into this any further is dangerous. Please hear me out, I suggest you come back already.

ran: What? What happened for ya to say somethin' like that?

underling: Well, I received a message from the boss... He said that if you're going to keep doing whatever you want, then he'll have to remind you of your place. So let's give up on this already! We can't have you losing face before you become the head.

ran: Dummy. I can't back down now.

underling: But...!

ran: I started this. If I don't see it through to the end then I can't take responsibility for it. Even as things are now, I'm still able to properly assess the situation. Tell my old man that I know what I'm doin'.

—end

(tl note: if you’re confused about who drowned check the xmas story chapter 4)

-

Chapter 5

-street, day-

saki: (Hm? Is that Ran-san over there? I wonder if he's on his way to Starless.)

-saki walks over to him-

saki: Hello, Ran-san.

ran: The fuck ya want?

saki: Woah...

-ran realises who it is-

ran: Oh! My bad, it was just you Nee-chan! I was just a little on edge.

saki: .....

saki: Did something happen?

ran: It's nothin' ya need to worry about. Sorry for scaring ya. Oh right! As an apology let me invite ya to the Valentine's trial event! We're gonna be testin' out all sorts of toppings, sounds fun right?

saki: Sure, If I wouldn't be interfering.

ran: Of course ya wouldn't be, we'd love to hear your opinions too!

saki: Yes.

ran: I was actually just out doin' some extra shoppin'. I got some chocolate pens and chocolate sprinkles, stuff like that. See?

saki: Wow... You sure bought a lot.

ran: Uwah!

saki: W-what's the matter?

ran: Lico told me to buy some dried fruits! I forgot~ I gotta head back to the shops. Sorry, ya should come with me, Nee-chan! 

-ran grabs saki’s hand-

saki: Wah.

ran: Hm? What's up?

saki: Your hand is ice cold, Ran-san...

ran: ...Oh, you’re right.

saki: Are you ok? If you're not feeling well then...

ran: Ahaha, sorry that must've surprised ya. It's super cold today that's all! Your hand is nice and warm though. Could I keep holdin' it like this?

saki: I don't mind...

ran: Yay! Then let's get goin'! Once our Valentine’s show begins, let's make some chocolate together, ok?

—end

-

Chapter 6

-backstage-

saki: Good work on the show everyone, it was lots of fun.

ran: Ooh Nee-chan! Thanks for comin' to greet us~ We really put on a great show didn't we!

mizuki: Did you see that, Saki? B's the best ain't we?

lico: As always.

heath: But we really did put on an exciting show.

lico: I suppose. I feel like I was properly able to convey my feelings to our fans this year.

kongou: It was our opening show though, so it was a bit nerve wracking. It looks like a lot of guests ordered the cupcakes too, I'm glad.

ran: Well it was my idea after all, of course it's successful!

lico: Even though it was basically only Kongou and I that selected the toppings. What about you, Kotori-chan? Did you enjoy decorating your cupcake?

saki: Yes, I loved it. There were so many toppings to choose from, I'm already wondering how I'll decorate the next one.

lico: Right?

mizuki: Shut up, quit looking at her all mushy like that. Though, the cake didn't taste that bad I guess.

lico: You just let the guests do all the decorating, didn't you?

mizuki: Excuse me? I supervised.

kongou: Well, as long as the guests are pleased that's what's most important.

-hinata appears-

hinata: Good job everybody! Today's show was amazing, it was the best! B are the coolest ever!

mizuki: Of course.

hinata: Man, I wanted to tell you what I thought the moment you got off the stage~

saki: Did something happen?

hinata: Well y'see, there were just so many chocolate cupcake orders that I had to deal with, so I got here a little late.

kongou: I'm thankful.

ran: If it's that popular we'll surely get a bonus, right!

—end

-

Chapter 7

-behind starless, night-

heath (on phone): Hello. I'm done for today. Thank you again.

heath (on phone): This much is nothing, I'm fine.

heath (on phone): That has nothing to do with this. They're all songs that I've created up until now using my own words. And that will not change.

heath (on phone): Yeah, see you.

-heath hangs up-

-ginsei walks up-

ginsei: Good work today, Heath. Could I speak with you a moment? Or wait, are you heading home?

heath: What is it?

ginsei: The script for your show was great. You handle all the script preparations yourself, right?

heath: Yeah, I do.

ginsei: The vibe of each of your shows has changed multiple times. Like with 'Idaten' and 'No Longer Human' for example... 'No Longer Human' especially portrayed a more sensitive side... It had charm and was interesting to watch.

heath: ...Thanks.

ginsei: And so I wanted to ask, was that—

heath: Is that all? I'd like to go home now. See you.

ginsei: Ah, wait.

-heath leaves-

ginsei: What’s up with him...

-outside shrine, night-

heath: Me... And B's songs... No, not yet…

—end

(tl note: Heath’s dialogue is extremely vague here idk what he’s talking about either hdjsj)

-

Chapter 8 

-backstage-

saki: Congratulations on the closing show, everyone.

lico: Thanks for watching, Kotori-chan.

mizuki: Hey Saki, we put on another kickass show didn't we?

saki: Yes, it was amazing. Thank you for the wonderful Valentine's gift.

mizuki: Nice!

heath: I'm glad my feelings were conveyed.

saki: You too Kongou-san, good work.

kongou: Thanks. It was a bit hectic but I'm glad we got to the closing show without incident. It may have been due to how busy we were, but Hinata behaved himself too, unlike during the Christmas show. I'm glad to see he's reflected on his actions.

ran: Nee-chan! Did you enjoy our Valentine's gift?

saki: Yes, it was really fun.

ran: I'm glad. I still have so much further to go. If you think this is our limit then you're sorely mistaken.

saki: Hm?

ran: Ya think so too right? That Ran-chan's capable of way more.

saki: Y-yes. But your show tonight was already wonderful.

ran: Thanks! It's because of ya support that we were so fired up for the closin’ show. It's Valentine's, so I'm glad we could repay your kindness!

mizuki: Huh? Valentine's has got nothing to do with it. Whenever it is and whoever it is, once we've accepted it, B will pay it back in full.

ran: Hahah, true! No matter if its a debt or a grudge. Well anyways, Nee-chan! Make sure ya keep supportin’ us lots and lots!

—end

[zexal-club]

Mari Lang

Age: 13

Species: Fairy

Home: Melody

Fairy of Melodies

Family: Musa Lang (mother), undecided father

Friends: Yuma Tsukumo, Kikyo Sharma(belongs to @yukii0nna )(girlfriend), Aiden, Jason Lunaru, Casey Reeves, Tori Meadows (Kotori Mizuki if you prefer sub), Yoru Tsukumo (if crossover with Yuma's twin brother au)

Flaw(s): Can be quick to jump into things or act aggressive

Likes: Fashion, her family, her girlfriend, her friends, strawberries, music, and dancing

Dislikes: Her loved ones getting hurt, not being able to help, evil a$$holes

Background

Mari was born on Melody to Musa Lang and grew up loving music and dancing just as much as her mother, along with gaining an interest in fashion. She and Yuma would often play with each other when they were little whenever their mothers visited each other, causing them to be close friends. After Yuma's parents disappeared, they began seeing each other less. Then, one day (during early S1), Mari decided to go pay her old friend a visit. The two instantly reconnected and rekindled their friendship. She ended up getting semi-roped into Yuma and Astral's whole thing with the Numbers, not that she minded much ("Whooo!! Some adventure!!").

Yuma introduced her to some of his new friends, including Kikyo, the witch of water, who she instantly fell for and started a relationship with when she found out she felt the same way.

Personality

Mari is a kind, upbeat, and bubbly girl who enjoys having fun with people and making them happy. That being said, she's also tough and not afraid to speak her mind, and she will not hesitate to slap someone if they're being a pr/ck, especially if they're being mean to those she cares about.

Skills and abilities

Singing: Has a very good singing voice. She learned from her mother

Dancing: A pretty talented dancer

Music: Other than singing, she's also good with a few instruments, namely guitar and flute

Magic: A skilled magic magic user, mainly music-based magic

Creativity: Is very artistic, especially when it comes to fashion or the aforementioned singing

Trivia

•Her fairy form has a ballerina theme

•Her favourite colour is pink

•She has a pink guitar that she plays and also uses to hit her enemies on the head with ("You sure that's a good idea?", "It's fine if it gets damaged, I can fix it!")

•She helped Yuma with understanding magic when he was still new to it and even gave him some flying lessons

•She doesn't really get duelling but supports Yuma's interest in it

•Didn't like Shark and Flip much at first bc of what they each did, but warms up to them

•Has a good relationship with her mother

•During Episode 96, she (along with Jason) had to he physically restrained by her friends to stop her trying to go up to vector and beat the $hit out of him for what he did

•Gets along with Tori the most due to shared interests

•Has a bonded pixie named Tika

•Hates Dark Mist/96 because of what he caused to happen to Kikyo (see here)

•Hates Laurent both bc of what he and 96 did, and because of how he treated Aiden

•Hates vector because of everything he's done

•Hates Miyuki bc of how she bullied Kikyo

•Regularly disses the villains

•Was seriously p/ssed off at Flip for what he pulled in episode 37

•Was even more p/ssed off at Nistro and Dextra bc of how they treated Kikyo for being a witch

•Kicked Miyuki's (oc belongs to @yukii0nna ) a$$ after all the torment she put Kikyo through

@yukii0nna @fair-night-starry-tears @bibookdemon @kousaka-ayumu @gritsandbrits @lovelyllamasblog @bakawitch

[a-student-out-of-time]

Hey there! How are you?

I dunno if you heard, but Danganronpa Mauve Chapter 1 has been traduced recently, the Free Time Events are currently being published as well.

If you've watched it, what were your thoughts about the plot and characters (victim and culprit especially) ?

//Hey there! I've been meaning to get to this, and now that Zeph has finally posted the FTEs of the key characters in question, I can share.

//See, I never like viewing character behaviors and actions in isolation within the within the killing game and especially not in the trials themselves.

//Now that we've got some context, let's analyze:

//I'm once again annoyed that we're going through Hope's Peak Academy for like the fifth or sixth time, because I'm tired of this damn place and the people running it. That's really more of a me thing than a problem with people who make these games, of course, since it's already an established setting.

//More to the point, I like that Mauve is actually doing somethings differently. For starters, we actually got to switch POVs permanently this time, where our original protag was replaced partway in. Even then, Hiruto and Nozomi both had chances to not only have their own characters, but interact as well.

//I like this cast overall, and nobody annoys or infuriates me as badly as some others I could name : P

//I hesitate to give my opinions on a fangan before Chapter 1 is complete, hence why it took me so long, but I think it was pretty solid, if a bit derivative in its setup. Not bad overall.

(SPOILERS AHEAD)

//However, props for actually killing a protagonist and doing so in a method nobody's done before, using the morning announcement's bell as a cover. That was a twist I genuinely didn't see coming.

//The game did so much to build up Misaki's character, and if you're a long-term fan like me, you're aware that can be a bad sign. I was so certain that she'd be killed or get got in a technicality, but no, she actually had nothing to do with this.

//Also, in kind of a hilarious experience, I used to make some jokes about Hitomi being blind since I thought her eyes being closed was more of an aesthetic thing like with Brock from Pokemon. Meanwhile, I made a prediction that nobody in the group setting up her concert would be the killer, since that felt too obvious to me.

//In the end, my theory was wrong but my jokes were accurate. Hitomi actually IS blind and our culprit was a member of that group.

//Specifically, none other than Kotori, who i never would've thought at first. And yeah, the elephant in the room here is not only her method of killing but also how utterly nasty and elitist she acts at the end of the trial. Something that really cemented the fandom's view o her as a terrible person.

//However, I wanted to see her FTEs before I rendered my judgement, because those are often the best sources of context for behaviors and attitudes among the cast.

//Sure enough, there was a lot to learn from them. Now, I can completely understand why people don't like her- frankly, her attitude does get pretty grating- but it's also kind of hilarious how her character conflict boils down to her feeling unsure about her relationship with her teacher now that she's surpassed his skills.

//Kotori Fukuoka, Suffering From Success.

//More to the point, watching her FTEs really does clear some things up:

Kotori's attitude and open insistence that she's a narcissist, always talking about great she is and how full of herself she is, actually leads me to believe the exact opposite. She doesn't think much of herself and is trying to prop herself up through that attitude.

Watching her FTEs, she never says anything half as elitist and nasty as she did in the post-trial. She never insults Hiruto or Nozomi or anyone else, never implies untalented people don't belong in Hope's Peak and actually apologies at the end. Compare that to someone like Byakuya, who can't shut up about how much he looks down on everyone. I agree with the idea she only said this stuff at the end to retroactively justify the killing to herself.

Her backstory is actually pretty credible, where her sensei- a friend of her parents- was the one who invested so much into her at a young age and wanted to show her what baking is like, even naming a bakery after her. It was thanks to that, and him offering to let her study abroad in France, that she got to make it into the franchise it is by the time Mauve takes place. But now she has no idea what to think, since she's surpassed him as her teacher, and it's clear she views him like a second father. These are the kinds of things that also drove others to become the Blackened.

She says that baking is the only thing she's actually good at. Once again a fine example of how being an Ultimate stunts and limits what people can do, and when that's gone, they feel like they have nothing else.

//So no, I don't see Kotori as just an inherently bad person. She's an arrogant little snot who needs her ego deflated, but she's nothing like some of the nastier characters we've seen out there, who trample over others without a second thought. We need to consider that the Killing Game often brings out the best and worst in people, especially when they're driven to murder.

//People don't reveal who they "really are" at the end, they say and do all kinds of crazy shit because they're afraid of dying. People reveal who they really are when they're most comfortable, like they often are at the ends of their FTEs.

//Overall, I'm really looking forward to Chapter 2 and where we go from here.

[ambivalence-and-torpor]

Kotori texting Elraik:

GG: ✧੯•́໒꒱ Pfff- you don't have to spend money or anything like that. Unlesss you wanna do that yourself~

GG: ✧੯•́໒꒱ And aweee? Hugs from Elipie!? What a treat!

-> Theres a small pause before messages come through again.

GG: ✧੯•́໒꒱Yea, he has the only copy of the book that isn't being shared with someone else and I'm not spending money on a physical copy. He's got high marks too so its a tragic loss I have to take.

GG: ✧੯•́໒꒱ To be blunt.

GG: ✧੯•́໒꒱ He's more interesting in my legs and chest. ;P

GG: ✧੯•́໒꒱ Which whatever, its incredibly annoying but its like I need a bell to get his attention

TT: Yes, \t's a once \n a /\fet\me treat! TT: Don't th\nk you'// get more anyt\me soon! TT: Cons\der yourse/f /ucky! And \ndeed spec\a/!

Their typing stopped for a good while as they read through those last few lines over and over again. If Elraik's phone wasn't fit for highblood use, it would have cracked by now from all the tension that was building up.

TT: ... yes, h\s marks are except\ona//y good...

TT: \'// buy you that book, \f you need \t. TT: That's gonna be much n\cer than hav\ng to spend t\me w\th that overconf\dent foo/, no?

They are very obviously SEETHING

[kitxkatrp]

The children were already downstairs waiting. Joel hugged him around the waist as soon as he saw him, holding up a handmade card. "P--apa! Ha--ppy Birthday!" He and Kotori would need to get dressed in their outfits bought for the wedding. Yumeno too.

"Hold on! I have one too!" Kotori also had a handmade card. It had a bunch of unicorns drawn all over it. "Happy Birthday, Papa!"

[carmypen]

hmm, foilshipping for 001, and ryou bakura, kaiba, and rio for 002?

I am sorry this took so long 😭

Foilshipping

when I started shipping it if I did:

I started shipping them around the time the Prince Vector Legendary Numbers episodes aired. For most Zexal fans those episodes were the Black Mist x Vector episodes. But for me they were my foilship awakening XD

my thoughts:

I don’t really have anything deep to say about foilship. They just spark joy for me. I do love stories about forgiveness, though. And Foilship can really scratch that itch.

What makes me happy about them:

I like the complexity of Foilship. There’s a lot going on with the up and down and deceitful/truthful nature of Yuma’s and Vector’s relationship throughout the show. The way they are narrative opposites (foils) of each other. The fact that they were unknowingly at odds with each other from the very beginning. The fact that their relationship can be read with many different interpretations. Also post-canon is basically free real estate for them, and there’s a lot you could dig into with Vector’s past human life and Barian Emperor self. I feel that variety/complexity is why the ship is so popular.

What makes me sad about them:

It bums me out that they have only like a 2 second interaction during the last episode. There’s so much going on with them, and what we got in the finale was really unsatisfying.

things done in fanfic that annoys me:

I write fanfic more than I read it. So I don’t know what common Foilship tropes there are. I feel like one thing that would probably bother me though would be if people wrote Vector as Shingetsu without acknowledging his Vector side.

things I look for in fanfic:

Again, I don’t really read much fanfic. When I do I usually just look for short one-shots with good grammar, a good premise and writing that has the characters relatively in-character. When I’m writing Foilship myself I try to make sure Vector is always a little bit of a manipulative jerk, even in his past life when he was “good.”

Who I’d be comfortable them ending up with, if not each other:

Kotori or Astral for Yuma. Shark for Vector. For Yuma either of those would probably be a happily married sort of situation. For Vector and Shark the vibe would be more like, “Congrats on your new permanent roommate, NERD.”

Vector and Rio could be fun, too. I can see a comedy scenario where they fake date to annoy Shark.

Actually, I do enjoy VectorxKotori as a crackship, too.

My happily ever after for them:

I’ve actually never given much thought to what a happily ever after for Foilship would be like. I mostly want the Tsukumos to adopt Vector, though. So I guess if Yuma & Vector get together in some major way that could happen.

who is the big spoon/little spoon:

I think that would depend on if Vector is putting on a more “Uguu, Yuma-kun 🥺” face or if he’s being his more natural self. Or if you’re going for an angst vibe and having one of them comfort the other. Either way, I see Yuma being kind of like an overactive puppy and accidentally kicking any potential cuddle partners and being kind of annoying in general 😆

what is their favorite non-sexual activity:

Probably playing Duel Monsters.

Ryou Bakura

How I feel about this character:

I can’t say he’s my favorite. I’m more interested in the Yugi-centric and Kaiba-centric sides of DM. But I do feel bad for him. On paper I feel like he SHOULD be one of the most interesting characters in the show, but he’s not because...Kazuki Takahashi didn’t feel like talking about him too much I guess?

All the people I ship romantically with this character:

Aigami, Yami Bakura under specific circumstances (I want it to be with his Zorc side, I want Ryou to save the world by winning the love of card game Satan), Yugi

My non-romantic OTP for this character: 

Can’t really think of any. I’d just like to see him doing more friendship stuff with Yugi and the gang.

My unpopular opinion about this character:

I’m not really a fan of the popular post-canon thing where all the “Yami” characters come back in their own bodies. So I’m not really a fan of that happening with Ryou and Yami Bakura.

One thing I wish would happen / had happened with this character in canon:

It would have been nice if he had had some of his own focus episodes. Even if they were just goofy filler eps or something. Like, I would have absolutely traded Doma or Kaiba Land Grand Prix for like, a four-episode mini-series where Ryou has to duel with his occult deck. Or goes to Domino Comic-Con and has to face a rival in an epic duel of painting dnd mini-figures or something.

my OTP: Memoryshipping-Ryou x Aigami. I really like the complex drama of Ryou dealing with the guilt of kind of but not really killing Aigami’s dad. I think that would be so much fun to explore. And Aigami feeling weird about maybe falling in love with the person who he had hunted down to exact revenge on. I just think they’re neat ^^;

my cross over ship: Not really a ship, but I think Ryou and III from Zexal would get along really well. They have that soft yandere nerd boy energy. I can see them working together to create realistic miniature chronomaly ruins or something like that.

a headcanon fact: If Ryou and Aigami end up spending a lot of time together, Ryou would end up bonding really well with Sera. She would remind him a bit of Amane, and would bring out a doting, domestic big brother side in him.

Kaiba

How I feel about this character:

What can I say that other Yugioh fans haven’t said already? Love Kaiba. He’s the perfect mix of being a genuinely great character and being completely ridiculous.

All the people I ship romantically with this character:

Kisara, Yugi, Azureshipping is kind of fun on occasion, too. Also flareshipping. 

My non-romantic OTP for this character: I like the brotherly bond between him and Mokuba.

My unpopular opinion about this character:

I’m not really big on pride or puppy shipping. I like all the characters involved and think they have interesting relationships worth exploring. I just don’t feel any excitement or desire to see the characters in a romantic relationship. Feeling this way does make my yugioh fandom experience kind of interesting, though XD

One thing I wish would happen / had happened with this character in canon:

I want the Kazuki Takahashi rivalship instagram post to be canon. More on that in the next section.

my OTP:

Rivalshipping!! And completely by accident, too. I’d seen a lot of analysis posts floating around on here about it. And I liked the post-canon possible future instagram post. Somehow that all congealed together in my brain into an idea for a novel-length fic, which I decided to make Rivalship because I thought adding a romance subplot would be fun. I then continuously wrote this fic from December 2020 all the way through April of this year. Writing that much of Yugi and Kaiba together basically made them my OTP. I love them so much. The idea that they can both come away from the sadness of Atem’s passing and build a happy future together based on the foundation of what he taught them is just so wonderful to me.

my cross over ship:

Not really a ship, but I want him to fight the Barians. Possibly all seven of them and possibly all at once. The card game is optional.

Also, I love the idea of sticking him in a board room with a bunch of other fictional company presidents and seeing what happens. Like, stick Seto Kaiba, Bruce Wayne and Kousei Kogami all in a room together and see what insanity ensues.

a headcanon fact:

Pegasus has definitely made a Kuriboh version of BEWD and Kaiba has definitely spent a significant amount of time being super bitter about it.

Rio

How I feel about this character:

I like her a lot, but she gets done so dirty by the show that I end up just feeling kind of bad for her.

All the people I ship romantically with this character:

Kotori, IV, Vector, maybe Durbe

My non-romantic OTP for this character:

I still stand by the idea that her and Shark have the best depiction of a sibling relationship in all of Yugioh.

My unpopular opinion about this character:

I would like to see more done with her fear of cats. It was such a random thing I noticed when rewatching Zexal, and it was even included in Duel Links. I think Rio deserves a goofy filler episode where she duels Cathy in order to stop Heartland from becoming a cat paradise.

One thing I wish would happen / had happened with this character in canon:

Her getting to interact with IV would have been really nice. I’m really glad Duel Links picked up that thread. Even if it did take over a decade to happen T-T

my OTP:

I don’t feel like there are any Rio ships I like enough to consider an OTP. Honestly, I think Rio needs to work on finding herself a little bit. Get out from under Shark’s shadow and pave her own way. I OTP Rio with a promising Duel Monsters career, self-love and being alive.

my cross over ship: Ohhhhh there is a DM x Zexal crossover fic I have been writing in my head forever where past-life Nasch, Merag and Durbe go to Egypt and have an adventure with Pharaoh Atem. Rio gets to bond with Isis, Mana and Mahad over magic priest/priestess stuff. I think that would be so much fun.

a headcanon fact: Even though they were a rich family who never really cooked their own food, Mom!Kamishiro still had a special curry recipe she would make herself for the twins. Rio knows how to make the recipe and considers it to be really important especially in light of the fact that she’s not *really* Rio. She thinks that at least someone will be able to continue on the memories of someone who passed away, and that’s important.

[ryqoshay]

How to Handle a Nico - Side Story: Liminal Letters

Primary Pairing: KotoUmi Rating: G Words: 453 Fandom: Love Live Parent Fic: How to Handle a Nico Time Frame: Sometime after graduating high school Event: Promptober 2022 Event Source: Idol Fanfic Heaven channel on Discord Prompt: Letter

---------

Author’s Note: Primary entry for Oct 16th

Summary: The couple head to Kotori’s place for the evening, but she wants to check her mail first

---------

“Thanks for walking me home, Umi-chan.” Kotori said as the couple approached the apartment complex entry. “Would you like to stay for dinner?”

“I would like that very much.” Umi agreed. “Thank you, Kotori.”

Kotori hummed happily to herself and hugged her girfriend’s arm tighter for the last few steps. Reluctantly, she let go with one hand so she could unlock the door.

“Oh, let me check my mail quick.” Kotori led them over the bank of boxes. “Yay!” She cheered immediately upon opening hers. “Umi-chan, one of your letters arrived! I’m going to have to read it as soon as…”

“K-K-Kotori!” Umi sputtered.

“Mm?”

“P-Please wait until I have departed before you read that.”

Kotori blinked. “May I ask why?” Although as soon as she asked, she knew the answer.

“B… Because… it’s embarrassing…” Umi averted her gaze as brilliant scarlet spread across her face.

Kotori laughed lightly while tapping the letter to her lips. “Alright, I promise I will wait to read it.”

“Thank you…”

“But you know, Umi-chan is the only girl I know who still sends hand-written letters.” Kotori said as she reclaimed her girlfriend’s arm.

“You send them to me in return.” Umi pointed out.

“True.” Kotori acknowledged. “But that’s because I know how much my Umi-chan loves receiving them in return. And I don’t have nearly the skill to create the works of art Umi sends me; beautifully worded, poetic love letters, painted with meticulous calligraphy style on fancy paper.”

“I still love your letters, Kotori.” Umi stated. “And your artistry lies with your amazing ability to turn ordinary cloth and thread into amazing garments.”

Kotori smiled at the compliment, but silently wished that for once, Umi would just accept a compliment without needing to dismiss, downplay or turn it around.

“Anyway, there are things I find myself unable to say out loud.” Umi admitted. “However, when I hold a brush in my hands and think of Kotori, everything just… flows. Additionally, the experience as a whole captivates me. From grinding the ink to choosing the paper and brush. Then deciding on what words I wish to say and finally putting them to the paper. Honestly, even the wait for the letter to be delivered and its reply returned, while they are lost in the liminality of the postal service adds to the experience. It is so very much different from the instant gratification with which modern technology has inundated us.”

Kotori giggled. “Umi-chan is far more romantic that she herself realizes.”

“Perhaps…”

“Well as thanks, I will make sure tonight’s dinner is extra special.” Kotori assured as she opened her apartment door.

“I shall look forward to it.” Umi replied.

Tonight would be another good night.

---------

Author’s Note Continued: I realized after a comment on the Discord channel that I really don’t write KotoUmi all that much. Perhaps I should look to change that. I do really enjoy the pair after all.

[sbuggbot]

Choices which I made to make a sinister face >:3: 4, 8, 10. But also 5, 6, 9, 11, 15, 21. For the record there is a lot here so it's fine if you skip some.

dammit Cinni you made me boot up my laptop and turn on the wi-fi hotspot :p

4. One character I would kill (cannot be Payroll)

what do you mean, I’ve killed at least two already and one of them even stayed dead /j ok actually Mayor Yonker for being a braindead politician

5. Headcanon I would defend with my life

6. which character from the series would you trust the most with making dinner?

Very few of them especially considering the fact many do not even know what food is

8. Any OC x Canon ship you have brainrot for?

(why was this one making you go sinister face?) Surprise surprise, it's Orik and Umeko. If you wanna go non-canon, I think about @sw-seibellissima's OC Goldilock a lot and I think I've basically adopted @queenofglitch's OC Kotori although I've yet to do anything with her

9. Overly Specific Headcanon?

(doh I shouldn’t have dumped in the other ask) 

Thayne likes to sing and has a decent voice all things considered, but he’s extremely shy about it: if he even THINKS someone other than Tarah might be able to hear him, he’ll go quiet. (Orik has managed to overhear him a handful of times but he hasn’t said anything. He just quietly listens and enjoys it).

10. No I’m not even copy/pasting this

cinni I am going to sneak into your house and put opened ketchup packets in your shoes /j /j /j

11. if you could add one character to the series, which oc (can be yours or not) would you choose?

Probably obvious but Umeko *faceplants* (In a hypothetical situation where I don't die on the spot from being offered that kind of power)

15. Favorite SteamWorld piece, art or fic, you've made?

As far as fanfics go, there's several I'm particularly proud of, such as The Hellbeast, Factory Recall, Carminic, Manufactured, and especially Small Sparks, Burning Lights.

Fanart-wise? Lately I’ve been mildly obsessed with this thing:

21. voice headcanons

Ok so I never “Hear” character’s voices in my head, but I can think of traits/qualities if I try hard enough... but while trying right now the main thing I can think of is “sorta like their text babbles sound” (Or like, Orik’s voice isn’t very loud and he doesn’t have a noticeable accent to the other characters about 97% of the time)

[pidgieee]

★, ☆, ♡, ♦, ☯, ♒, ☼ , ൠ for Yuma and Yusaku pls :D

Put a symbol (or several) and a character/characters in my ask box, and I’ll give you a headcanon.  Yes.  Do it.

★ - sad headcanon

Yuma: It’s sometimes hard keeping hold of all the relics from his parent’s explorations. He bonds with III over cherishing the memories each object holds, while missing the person he got them from.

Yusaku: When he found out about Revolver’s identity, he had a moment where he wanted to cut off Kusanagi in order to leave with Revolver. Season one he was so focused on revenge, on the ideal of saving his special person - I can see him losing all drive and will to keep fighting even if just for a moment. Guilt from leaving Jin would hurt him, as well as dealing with Ai, so Revolver’s rejection of their future was a relief to him.

☆ - happy headcanon

Yuma: Once he’s old enough to drive he goes on regular roadtrips with his sister and friends. They usually go camping or touring around big cities while cycling through different duel tournaments, but Akari loves being able to do her job while also spending time with her brother.

Yusaku: He likes to feed the strays on his route to visiting Kusanagi. It starts because of a throwaway comment by Ai, but it quickly becomes a habit. Scrappy gets the tinned good stuff because she always waits patiently as the other cats eat.

♡ - romantic headcanon

Yuma: Absolutely weak to any sort of forehead or cheek kiss. He gets flustered really easily, and can’t stop giggling when given an ounce of affection from anyone.

Yusaku: When he wants attention he’ll purposefully sit as physically close as possible to his partner and just stare. Won’t say anything. Just wait until they pick up the vibes he’s giving out. Too hard to talk feelings out.

♦ - quirks/hobbies headcanon

Yuma: He gets very into urban exploration. Brings a camera and everything, and even though Astral warns him about danger, he insists that he’ll just befriend any ghosts he meets. Like that’ll work :p

Yusaku: Gardening takes a huge amount of commitment, but he gets a small cactus just to give himself something to do. One becomes two, then 3 plants, then he has a little patch of potted plants in his room he’ll take care of. Ai names them all.

☯ - likes/dislikes headcanon

Yuma: Massive fan of fortune telling. Kotori takes him once and he loves hearing about how his week’s going to be, because it’s usually positive. He can’t handle the cold well, though - hard to find energy in winter blues and he’ll spend a lot of time just trying to warm his hands up.

Yusaku: He loves just tinkering with objects. In the middle of a conversation? He’ll have some device in his hand to fiddle with commands on a computer chip. Conversely he doesn’t like when his hands are empty. He needs stimulation to keep his brain switched on in conversation.

♒ - cooking/food headcanon

Yuma: Akari teaches him to cook one day so he can prepare his own duel food. Still ends up buying convenience store bentos or asking others, but its the thought that counts.

Yusaku: If not for convenience, he wouldn’t eat hot dogs as much. It’s just more efficient to have something while he’s at Cafe Nagi than stopping by a proper food joint.

☼ - appearance headcanon

Yuma: His fashion sense only gets worse with age. Or better depending on how you view it - eventually going full hawaiian shirts, three quarter shorts, you name it.

Yusaku: Post-canon Ema takes him proper clothes shopping so he has more than a hoodie and a school uniform. He sticks to muted colours but really digs asymmetrical clothing; odd socks, wearing jeans at different leg lengths, etc.

ൠ - random headcanon

Yuma: He becomes an unofficial babysitter for Haruto, and it’s how he spends most of his time with Kaito. Orbital breaks the ice initially, but over time they seem to get along well enough to talk without it fizzling out. On more than one occasion Orbital’s “slipped” and told Yuma how much Kaito appreciates it. He swears it’s not intentional - Yuma knows otherwise.

Yusaku: He spends a few nights thinking about Windy’s origin. What was he like? Who was he friends with? Would they have gotten along if they met? Jin echoes his sentiment, and when they talk about meeting up with other lost kids, they always leave a space for Windy’s origin and Spectre (who scarcely makes himself known, unsurprisingly)

[looking back on some of these, they’d make great material for future works. must remember to save some of em for later]

[lovearrowshootniconiconii]

Love Live Au

So, I was thinking about creating an AU of love live, about bands, I don't know if anyone has ever created a similar au.

The au would tell about Smile group which is composed by Honoka, Rin and Nico

Honoka and Rin are childhood friends who understand each other very well and are super energetic, so when they saw a band for the first time, they loved it and decided to create one

After a while they found Nico, who at first didn't like a new group, but after a while he joined them

Honoka: singer Rin: battery Nico: guitar

So we have the other characters:

Hanayo: Childhood friend of Rin and Honoka, they admire them, but do not have the courage to join the group for being shy, helps Kotori to create clothes and always cheers for her friends at their show.

Kotori: Create clothes for your friends to wear at shows, super calm and advisor

Maki: she is not part of a band, she has a solo career as a singer and pianist, extremely famous, but she is not happy with her solo career, when she saw the Smile group for the first time, she wanted to join the group, but it is too shy to ask

Eli: Famous dancer, extremely hardworking, always trying to be the best

Umi: She's Kotori's childhood friend, she wants to be part of the band, but she doesn't feel confident and her family doesn't let her be part, but in the end they decide to let her do what she likes and she joins the band

Nozomi: She who created the band competition, and is always watching everything

[songjustgaveyouaids]

The Obey Me Bois As Girls From Anime I've Watched

(I haven't watched a lot lmao [Also Spoilers for all of these animes])  This post is gonna be longer than usual to provide context for people who haven't watched these animes. (Fair warning The only manga I've ever read was Assassination Classroom so with some of these I might be missing important things that were in the manga)The titles will be in english because I feel that that will help get a slightly better grasp of the anime. (Also because because I call them by their english names)

L U C I F E R as Meg Kataoka from Assassination Classroom

Both of them are strict and in roles of authority. Lucifer ended up serving Lord Diavolo because he wanted to help Lilith, and Meg ended up in E class because she was helping Kokona Tagawa study and not focusing on her own grades. Kokona made Meg  study with her due to the claim that Meg didn't teach her how to swim properly which nearly caused Kokona to drown at the beach(This was only in the manga. It didn't make it to the anime).

Rest under the cut because this is a looong (ahoge) post

M A M M O N as Goddess Hestia from Is It Wrong To Try To Pick Up Girls In A Dungeon?

If you’ve ever watched this anime I hope you know why I chose Hestia for this lmao. Hestia is very jealous of any girl that Bell so much as looks at. It's mentioned a few times in the anime that Hestia freeloads off of the other Gods and asks for money. (I love them both)

L E V I A T H A N as Konata Izumi from Lucky Star

Konata is the ultimate otaku. She games all the time and she constantly references other animes and mangas. She’s sarcastic and plays adult video games. (She’s the first one I thought of when I thought of Levi. I like to think it fits well.)

S A T A N as Jibril from No Game No Life

(Now from here on out I was struggling so bear with me.) Jibril is a Flugel, and Flugels are also known as angels of death. Although, it is noted that they are more alike to demons. JIbril has a love of knowledge and books, she lives in a library and has a lot of intellect.

A S M O D E U S  as Kotori Itsuka from Date A Live

I thought with the jokes Asmo makes, Kotori would be rather fitting. Also, I wholeheartedly believe that Asmo can be serious when he wants to be. That’s about it. Since I’m not really satisfied with this choice, have another one!

Alt. Kurumu Kurono from Rosario + Vampire

I actually just wanted to do girls from anime I’ve watched but my sister insisted that Kurumu was a good fit for Asmo, so here she is! This is for you Cas so be grateful! All of this information is from the fandom wiki so my apologies if any of it is incorrect. (I’ve never watched this anime lmao) Kurumu is a Succubus who has the ability to seduce men. Kurumu is very confident in her beauty and is well liked by most of the boys in her school. Apparently she’s also a confident singer so I thought her and Asmo could sing a duet together.

B E E L Z E B U B as Mera Chisato from The Disastrous Life Of Saiki K.

I couldn’t really think of anyone for Beel until I remembered Mera. Mera is a chubby girl who eats a lot. It seems like she’s always up for more. She works multiple jobs to support her family.

B E L P H E G O R as Hanzo Urushihara (Lucifer) from The Devil Is A Part-Timer!

Now, Belphie was the one I had the hardest time with. Hanzo Urushihara is a fallen angel who is often referred to as Lucifer (ha). He is very lazy, cunning, and sneaky. Lucifer is also the youngest looking out of the entire cast, besides Chiho, and he’s often treated like the youngest. He is pretty childish tho-

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

This took a while! Anyway, I’m sure there are better picks from animes I haven’t watched yet! There’s probably some from anime I have watched. Tell me someone you think would fit better!

;’)

[arisharadiance]

A day late but I thought #internationalwomensday was...next week 😅 still, happy international women’s’ day to all the wonderful women in the world! I’m so grateful to the ones I know who guided and inspired me in my life. Notably my friends, family, co workers; an example would be the ones tagged here! These ladies I felt proud to cosplay also inspire me through their kindness, passion, determination and other traits. These are some of my favorite cosplays too! Start dash Kotori costume by @thegeekyseamstress Kotori and Makoto pic by @gogocosplaynphoto Umi, Dia, Yukiko, Rin and Mars pic by @ebitsuki.photography Homura and Maki pic by @onioncosphoto #lovelive #madokamagica #persona5 #idolmaster #sailormoon #kotoriminami #umisonoda #makotoniijima #rinshibuya #sailormars #reihino #yukikoamagi #persona4 #diakurosawa #makinishikino #cosplay #cosplaygirl #girlswhocosplay #cosplayersofinstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/CMNRVjgLNgZ/?igshid=nknc4l14wyi3

[ambivalence-and-torpor]

Kotori texting Elraik:

GG: ✧੯•́໒꒱ Hey! Elbear!

GG: ✧੯•́໒꒱ You're moping around after hanging with me? Sniffle... How cruel!

GG: ✧੯•́໒꒱ You know there are people who would pay really, really good coin to spend time with me! Hmph!

GG: ✧੯•́໒꒱ Makes me not wanna tell you what I wanted to text you about!

They were currently working on a project, fabrics and needles in their hands as their phone dings. They grab it and raise an eyebrow at the text.

Elraik debates for a second on how to answer, then types away.

TT: He//o... Tor\poo! TT: Who the fuck d\d you get that fa/se \nformat\on from? TT: \ don't mope! That's not my sty/e, you shou/d know that much.

TT: But \f you need some k\nd of reassurance... TT: You're a good fr\end of m\ne... there, happy?

TT: What d\d you wanna ta/k about? TT: Need he/p w\th one of the fash\on ass\gnments?

[oumiyuki]

Howdy and 8 and 10, please!

Howdy, lonelypond!! (*≧∀≦*)

Q8: Do you listen to music while you write? If so, share a song that’s been inspiring you lately.

I do!! I always listen to music when I write~

So I have playlists for my favourite pairings~ XD A song that’s inspiring me lately would be a hard choice cos of that... (´∀`)

Maybe I could share my playlists..? If you’d like that. XD 

Ah!! But a song I’ve been hooked on lately would be “Could It Be” by Christy Carlson Romano. Kim Possible song! :”D it’s not in any of the playlists but I can just be listening to this song and writing (* >ω<) (Childhood friend song after all?? or for your best friend to lovers~~ and my OTPs areeee best friends after all!! hehehehe~ :P)

Q10: Do you enjoy writing dialogue, exposition, or plot the most?

I enjoy writing dialogue the most!! (๑>ᴗ<๑) I love writing the little nuances in speech for each character~ and think of how each character would speak~ Like how Umi would be more regal in a sense XD with her harder meaning words. Or how excitable Honoka and Rin would be. Or how sweet Kotori is. Or how mysterious, teasing, or kind Nozomi is! And even Nico’s caring to haughty, embarrassed, and proud. Maki’s disinterested but actually curious~ So many little differences!!

And since I like...describing what a character is doing too, how I piece expression to dialogue - dialogue to action - reaction and dialogue! So many things happening in dialogue too after all! It’s definitely my favourite part of writing~ ^w^ hehe~

[lonelypond]

Can’t Get Started, Ch. 2

Love Live, NicoMaki, 2.5K, 2/3

Summary: Nishikino Maki vs. Yazawa Cocoro has moved to LA for round 2.

Chapter 2

Nishikino Maki, in a dress that draped like butterscotch sauce, stood next to a vase half her height, full of taller, feathery, ferny flowers, regretting pinning up her hair. There was nothing to do with her non champagne glass holding hand but smooth her dress, which drew too many eyes to her. So she shuffled closer to the plants, wondering how to change their arc so they drooped a little in front of her, providing some cover, until she could figure out where Yazawa Nico might be in this series of rooms. Surprising Nico now seemed less a daring idea than a dangerous one and Maki was getting a headache from trying to sweep the room with her gaze while not making actual eye contact with anyone over Nico’s height. Which had led to one quick encounter with a pair of sea green eyes, but Maki had dodged that quickly enough.

And then a voice cut into her bubble of non conversation, “I loved the touch of ska you brought to the new Alyssa Raghu cover. It’s great to hear a horn section.”

Maki glanced down. The sea green eyes. A smile. Seemed familiar. But out of place.

“I’d love to mix up A-RIse’s sound, but I only get one vote.” A wink.

A-Rise. Tsubasa Kira. Maki found herself nodding, “Add in a producer and that’s even less say.”

A laugh. A light touch of the fair hair, “Exactly. Although, if we were working with someone as talented you, I’m sure we could come to a quick agreement.”

“That’s boring.” Maki said flatly, wondering if she’d just heard Nico’s laugh off her left.

“Oh.” Tsubasa reached forward, moving the fern Maki had been convincing to droop out of the way, “You like a challenge.”

“I like invested, passionate collaborators.”

“Sounds like a good general philosophy.” Tsubasa grinned, “Can I drag a waiter over with hors d’ourves?”

That was definitely Nico’s laugh. Maki found herself stepping forward, trying to get out of her little alcove, but found her conversational partner presenting an obstacle.

“Um…”

“Maki! Tsubasa, I see you’ve met…” And at the sound of Nico’s greeting, Maki spun, arm flying out, Tsubasa hopped back, a waiter stepped left as Maki stepped right, and Nico suddenly found herself under a deluge of margarita glasses. With a variety of colorful flavors, boldly splashed across the delicacy of her delicately monochromatic embroidered ecru gown. Maki gulped, paled, stared into Nico’s eyes and bolted, ignoring both women calling her name.

###

Panic attack? Was that what this was? The racing heart, the replaying the scene in her head, continually hearing Nico call her name. “Maki.” Had that actually been Nico’s voice just now? Maki jumped and saw herself in the mirror, eyes wild, hair nearly standing up where she’d tried to tear it out. She had to get out of there; this was no way to be seen by anyone. Heading for the door, ducking her head, ignoring all the gray and white cooling marble features around her.

She hit an obstacle in the doorway, a frowning Nico with a friendlier glance than Maki expected. “You didn’t have to run off.”

Quick glance down, yes Nico was still covered in the blooming rainbow of margaritas that was going to give Maki nightmares.

“We have to stop meeting like this.” Nico chuckled, her hand casually going to Maki’s elbow in an effort to guide her back into the lounge.

Maki shook off Nico’s hand as she stepped back. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it. I really have to go.”

“You have to go?” Nico’s eyebrow quirked, “They haven’t even started the speeches. You must have been planning to…"

“It’s none of your business.” Maki knew she was rude and blushing and this was awful but how could she stand there and...

“Maki.” Nico’s voice was very tight. “It’s okay.”

It wasn’t. This wasn’t how Maki had planned for this evening to go. She’d sweep up to Nico, see Nico’s eyes light up as she followed the curves of the dress Kotori had insisted Maki wear, and then Maki would smoothly answer Nico’s awed questions about her latest composing gig.

Nico chuckled, smiling at Maki, not at all thrown by Maki’s refusal to engage in conversation. “Nico can pull off anything, but Tsubasa’s getting me a spare, this dress is insured in case of accidents, and I’m not upset. Mostly amused.”

Maki sunk down to a crouch, covering her head with her arms. Why wouldn’t Nico just let her leave?

“Nope, not acceptable.” Nico stated as she pulled Maki to her feet, dragged her to a couch, and knelt down right in front of her. Maki felt a sudden frisson go up the back of her neck as she stared down into sparkling jewel eyes and wondered if Nico was going to pull a glass slipper from somewhere.

“It’s not a big deal.” Nico glanced down at the dress. “Makes it pop.”

“I’m a mess.” Maki raked her fingers through her hair, wondering if she could will it back some less crazed state.

“Well, Nico’s dress is an actual literal mess so you look REALLY good in comparison.”

“I said I was sorry.” Maki’s temper was starting to frizzle to match her hair.

“And Nico said it was ok. And that you look good. So listen to Nico.” Nico snapped back.

“I’m a mess.” Maki repeated, head drooping, refusing to be comforted.

Nico snorted, “Yeah, but kind of an adorable one.” And now Nico was back to being too kind. And Maki was going to cry. So she forcibly swiveled herself sideways and crumpled into a little ball.

Nico’s hand was on Maki’s arm, urging Maki to unroll, “C’mon, Nico’ll get a change of clothes, everything will be fine, and we’ll laugh about it with our grandchildren.”

“What!” Maki sprang up, staring at Nico, whose eyes were so close, and full of mischief.

“I knew I could get your attention.” Nico winked, “Hi, Maki, nice to see you here. Nico thought she was going to have a dull evening.”

Maki took a deep breath and forced a half smile, “Hi, Nico. You look…” she giggled, “tasty.”

“Don’t tempt Nico or we’ll have matching dresses.”

Maki leaned forward as she laughed and Nico’s hand slid over hers and..

There was another voice as the door opened, “Hey, Nico, we found you one. Somebody had a quick change for a party.”

Maki jumped back. Nico sighed and spoke over her shoulder. “Thanks, Tsubasa. How am I doing for time?”

“Still good. How’s…”

Tsubasa’s question trailed off as she met Maki’s glare.

###

N: You should have stayed. YOUR dress was fine : P

M: Aren’t you giving a speech right now?

N: Yes.

M:?????????

N: Just finished. Now they want to take pictures but Nico’d rather have a Maki moment.

N: So we good for the Annie Awards after party?

M: Yes. I’ll be back that morning.

N: Tokyo again?

M: Chicago. Best friend’s engagement party.

N: Umi?

M: No, high school friends. Rin and Hanayo. Hanayo’s about to graduate with her Masters in EE. She’s joining some kind of social media music startup. They’ve been dating FOREVER. Rin spent high school inventing embarrassing forms of PDA just to annoy me.

N: Sounds fun. Do they ever come to LA?

M: Rarely. I go back to Evanston a lot.

N: Secret girlfriend?

M: Very public parents.

N: Oh.

N: Are you going to get in trouble for being tonight’s TWIG gossip girl.

M: I’m 24. I don’t get in trouble.

N:...

M: Papa said to stay away from breakables. Mama said to stay away from…

N: ?

M: Never mind.

N: Nico is intrigued ( ﾟｰﾟ)

M: Maki is tired ● ﹏☉

N: Pajama Selfie?

M: ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ

N: Nico is beginning to suspect you don’t own pajamas.

M: Good night, Nico. See you next week.

N: Only if you send me an embarrassing PDA friend pic.

M: |`Д´)＞

N: Good night. Slide into my DMs sometime.

M: σ～ (｀´メ

N: (♡´艸`)

###

Maki had never been to this club. And the dress Kotori had insisted she wear didn’t have shoulders and the short, formal jacket she was wearing over it was of some lighter fabric than wool and unlined, so no help with the weather. By the time the driver dropped her off at the red carpet, she was already shivering. But checking coats was always a pain and it was five steps to the door.

The functionary with the clipboard and scowl stepped out into her path as Maki rushed forward. “Name, please.”

“Nishikino Maki.” Maki wrapped her arms around her torso, hoping the person knew how to speed read.

“I’m sorry but I can’t let you in.”

“I have an invitation somewhere…” Maki dug into her pocket, but all she could find was her phone, “There was an email. Yazawa Nico confirmed...we have plans.”

Scowling functionary made a gesture and looming bouncer stepped forward, flexing an arm seemingly accidentally. Maki, her fight reflex sensitive, stood taller.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Maki…”

“It’s Ms. Nishikino,” Maki snapped, “Japanese names are...never mind. Just look at my…”

“I’m sorry, Ms. Yazawa has asked you be removed from tonight’s guest list. That’s all I know.”

“That’s crazy, we’ve been trying to meet up for...Nico would never…” Two glances turned more dubious with every word. Maki paused, listening to herself, “Nico would never”...no, but there was Nico’s assistant….

Pulling out her phone and typing frantically, Maki ducked into an alley, as Madame Clipboard shouted, “There are no entrances there. Please don’t…”

Maki tuned out the voices.

M: They won’t let me in at the door.

N: Oh. Hang on. Let me see what I can.

Pacing and fury kept Maki a little above the early February temperature, but not by much. At least LA was warmer than Utah.

N: Meet me at the back door.

M: Okay.

Leave it to Nico to fix this. But there was Nico, sitting on a...tablecloth, with a plate of food, an actual wool shawl wrapped around a pretty, floral pink gown, fabric ruched into strips that swerved around her hips and torso.

“Here, eat this.” Nico offered Maki the food. Some kind of blah, one star pasta. At least it was warm. “Cocoro thinks you’re stalking me, trying to damage my reputation. So I can’t take you back in with me because she’s got your picture all over security like a most wanted poster. It’s a cute shot though, although the dress is not as pretty as that one.”

Maki stopped chewing to stare. Her mouth was probably open. Was Nico really going to leave her out here?

“You look freezing. Come sit next to Nico.” Nico patted the tablecloth and reached to take off her shawl.

Maki started down hesitantly, but Nico had the shawl wrapped around her before any part of her contacted the concrete steps. And an arm left casually holding Maki at the waist.

“Better?” Nico tilted her head, smiling.

“No.” Maki shoved the plate at Nico, slipped away from her arm, and pulled the shawl tighter. Nico’s clothes smelled like vanilla and peaches. “Are you really going to just leave me out here?”

“No, I’m going to encourage you to go home, have a hot hot chocolate, marry into the family as soon as you can so Cocoro gets used to you, and finally send me that pajama selfie. Tonight. When you get home. Nico has to go back in and finish telling a boring movie exec about her favorite composer and needs something to look forward to.”

Maki knew she was blinking, but her brain seemed to have frozen, and all of the words that had come out of Nico’s mouth had made none of the sense.

Nico bounced up, yanked Maki to her feet, steadied her when she stumbled off balance, and looked the most serious Maki had ever seen her, ruby eyes dark, “I am really, really sorry about Cocoro. You can tag along on my movie date with Cotaro tomorrow as an apology.”

A movie date with her little brother as an apology? And had Nico said “marry?” Maki kept the ends of the shawl scrunched in her hands as she tried to catch up but Nico kept talking.

“There’s a place in my neighborhood with the best popcorn and homemade candy. You’ll swoon.”

Maki decided what to latch on to, “Your brother?”

Nico sighed, “It’s my only free night for two weeks.” She slipped an arm through Maki’s, “Let’s get you a cab.”

When they got to the end of the alley, Nico stopped and spun Maki so the taller woman was looking at her, “Nico really is sorry.” A pause, then, “Can I?” as Nico’s finger brushed Maki’s cheek first, then her own lips.

Maki felt her cheek burn and tingle, even with only a quick brush from Nico’s fingertip. Her pulse started racing and once again, the evening started to feel warm, a thrill of growing excitement replacing the earlier fury. But Maki coughed and stepped back.

“As the lady wishes.” Nico bowed with the flair of a legendary minstrel, her smile a glow, “‘So, Maki, just so Nico is clear, WHEN you want Nico to kiss you, just say ‘yes.’

Maki knew she was blushing. Furiously. But when Nico reached out one last time for her hand, Maki didn’t pull it back. Nico leaned in close, whispering, “And WHEN you want to kiss Nico in the near to immediate future, consider this is my yes.” And then Nico let go and stepped back, “Nico will have a talk with Cocoro. And make sure this never happens again.”

“You better.” Maki shifted her shoulders, getting ready to hand over Nico’s shawl, but she decided she liked the weight of the wool and the hints of Nico tickling her nose and changed her mind. “And I’m keeping the shawl.”

“Good.” Nico’s laugh was bright bliss. “Don’t forget the selfie.”

Maki shook her head, almost finding her footing as she was about to exit the scene, “Nope. You have to work harder than this.”

Nico in the most ridiculous juxtaposition of walking meme and knockout fashion, flashed finger guns and a twinkle of a wink in Maki’s direction as she nodded, skipping away backwards up the carpet.

Maki collapsed into the back seat of the cab, glad for the near privacy. She was going to have to practice a few conversational quips for the movie date. What was the hot movie for 13 year old little brothers these days anyway? She pulled out her phone to do a few quick searches about topics of interest to teens, her cheek still tingling.

A/N: Okay, so you're getting three chapters. Sue me ; )