#the beginning drama cd

[koushirouizumi]

A review of 02 drama C.D. by a J.P.N fan: "Take+Hika recognize that /Koushiro does Koushiro's best when asking/ {'about programming'/P.C. related stuff?} and things like that, and--" m E, LYING ON THE FLOOR CRYING AT ONE {1} SINGLE KOUSHIRO MENTION:

[pyro-madder]

-> latching onto blorbos whose lore is vague as hell

-> but also latching onto blorbos whose lore is vague as hell

[knightzp]

finished with the live drama tracks........

[glittery-ishfish]

Japan and Greece getting angry together.

[goldentigerfestival]

boy does Fluri make me feel things. a lot of things. i love. them.

[spatio-rift]

and there was never anything like it again

[active-mind-15]

Exactly. Unbeknownst to Riko, Hanamiya, and Imayoshi, their very first impression of Akashi is that he's a chunnibyou. 😭

i just realized

god the foreshadowing in this entire anime is so good always

this was an s2 drama

and they dont know who Akashi is yet

my god

Sei why are you like this

[dia-souls]

DIABOLIK LOVERS Imajin Tokuten Drama CD “Kawaii Plushie, Fanboys' Confusion!!!”

Original title: かわいいぬいぐるみ、ファンボーイの混乱

Source: Fanmade Tokuten Drama CD

Story by: Admin Afra

Seiyuu: Suegara rie, Midorikawa Hikaru, Toriumi Kousuke, Katsuyuki Konishi, Takashi Kondou, Tomoaki Maeno, Hirakawa Daisuke, Kaji Yuki,

Admin's note: Hey guys Finally, after a long time, a new drama CD by me Admin Afra. Who misses me??? Lol... Although I can't write comedy CDs and scenarios as well as Admin Irsa. But recently, my headcanon for plushie Yui has been very much noticed. That's why I decided to try this CD for this headcanon. If you like it, I will write Mukami and Tsukinami versions soon. This Sakamaki version is presented to you. I hope you like it. Don't forget to review and comment.

_This scene begins in the living room of the Sakamaki mansion. The triplets are watching Kou on a TV show.

Ayato: Why is that stupid idol in all the shows? I'm getting bored.

_Ayato changes the channel.

*Tap Tap*

Kanato: Ayato... can you please choose a channel and let us all watch it?

Ayato: Shut up!!!! Do not order Ore-sama. Ore-sama will watch whatever he likes. I don't want to see the face of that stupid idol on all channels.

_Ayato changes the channel again.

*Tap Tap*

Laito: You are right, Ayato-kun. I am much prettier. If I were an idol, I would have more fans than him. They probably showed me on more channels.

Ayato: If I saw you on TV, then I would blow up the TV.

Kanato: Me too...

Laito: Heeh... don't be so cruel. I'm sure more girls would be my fans.

_Ayato turns off the TV.

Ayato: I don't understand why there are so many channels and TV shows for girls. Why don't they make a TV show for boys? For example, the takoyaki eating contest.

Kanato: Ayato, no boy wants to watch such a show. Only you like it.

Laito: Hmmmmm. I don't like to see some boys with big mouths eating takoyaki. Even thinking about it makes me sick. I prefer to see cute and beautiful girls.

Kanato: There are idol girls too, Laito.

Laito: I know, but none of them can make my heart beat fast like Bitch-chan.

_Ayato swears under his breath.

Ayato: Chhh... Stupid pervert...

_Laito takes the TV remote from Ayato's side and turns the TV back on.

*Tap Tap*

_Laito changes several channels to a plushie advertisement.

Laito: Is that plushie... bitch-chan's plushie???

_Both Ayato and Kanato stare at the TV after hearing this. The TV is promoting the popular school club girl named Komori Yui.

Ayato: What the hell. Chichinashi???? Since when has Chichinashi been famous?

Laito: School club??? Ahhh, now I remember. A few months ago, bitch-chan said she wanted to join a school club. Hmmm, apparently, she is very popular among the boys in the club.

Kanato: IT'S UNFORGIVABLE. How dare that girl participate in the club without my permission? *SOB*.... I.... won't forgive her... *SOB*...

Ayato: That idiot... how dare she go out with other boys without Ore-sama's permission? When I see her, I will punish her.

Laito: Hmmmmm... I'm very sad to see that my dear bitch-chan has become popular with all these boys. She just needs to pay attention to me.

Shu: Pwaahhhhhhh.... can you shut up. Didn't you say just a few seconds ago that you want a TV show for boys? So why are you complaining now?

_Ayato, Kanato, and Laito flinched at Shu's voice.

Ayato: Waaahhhhh... Shu what the hell. What the hell are you doing here? When did you come here?

_Shu was lying on the couch and yawned.

*Rustle Rustle*

Shu: I was here from the beginning. You three idiots did not notice my presence.

Ayato: Shut up. You are always like this. Wherever you go, you sleep without talking to anyone. Obviously, no one will notice your presence.

Shu: Shut up... it's too loud. My ear hurt.

Ayato: Bastard...

_Shu opened one of his eyes and looked at the TV advertisement that was playing.

Shu: Hmmm... interesting... maybe I'll buy one for myself.

Ayato: Hahaha... don't tell me you like this ugly doll.

Shu: What's the problem with it? I can use it as a pillow. This way, when she is not with me, I can have her by my side.

Ayato: ...

Laito: ....

Kanato: ... I can't believe that this lazy man came up with such a good idea.

Laito: Nfu... that's a good idea. I would really like to have another version of Yui-chan too. In this way, I can do whatever I want with it.

Kanato: Fufu... Yes, Teddy will also be happy to have a new friend. Ne teddy I can dress up it like dolls to make it the most beautiful doll in the world.

Ayato: Tch... you two are very childish.

Laito: Come on Ayato. Wouldn't you like to have a small version of Bitch-Chan? Whenever Yui-chan is not with you, she can make takoyaki for you.

Ayato: Huh??? Can it really do that?

Shu: You are so stupid.

Ayato: Shut up. I have to try it myself, otherwise I don't believe it.

Laito: Nfu~ So let's go to that store and buy this cute plushie.

*TIMESKIP*

_Ayato, Laito and Kanato are walking in the store.

Ayato: Shit... why is it so crowded here?

Kanato: I can't stand people's noise. It's so noisy.

Laito: You two are very impatient. Nfu~ Be patient and then we'll go home with that cute plushie.

???: Oh my... KarlHeinz's sons are in the fanboy store. Hahaha... what a funny subject.

*click click*

_The triplets look behind them when they hear a familiar voice.

Ayato: Haaaaa..... Kino!!!! what are you doing here?

Kino: Isn't it obvious? I came looking for my dear princess. She is not with you?

Ayato: Who said she's yours? She is only my prey. Chichinashi is not with us.

Kino: Huh? what a pity I wanted to go like a lovely couple and buy that cute plushie.

Kanato: Did you come here for the plushie?

Kino: Of course. She is my lovely princess and I am her prince.

Ayato: Don't talk nonsense.

Kino: I myself encouraged her to participate in this club. They were looking for cute and beautiful girls to support animals. My dear princess was so cute and tried for animals that she quickly became popular among the boys. I'm thinking that my princess should have become a famous idol instead that Mukami.

Laito: Although I don't like you, I agree with you. But I don't want to share my beloved Bitch-chan with other boys.

Kino: In any case, this promotion is for promoting this club and because of Yui's new popularity. In addition to boys, she has become very popular among girls.

_A person with a black cape, hat, mask and glasses that completely covers his face enters the store.

Ayato: Hah... Thief...

Laito: Nfu~ He isn't a thief. He is only a shy fanboy who doesn’t like to be known at all.

Kino: Scary. Some fans are very scary.

_The suspicious man buys a plushie and quickly leaves the store.

Kanato: Heyyyyyyyy. I want to leave this store faster.

Kino: I also don't like to see other boys buy my dear princess plushie.

_Ayato goes in front of Kino and grabs his collar tightly in his fist.

*Rustle Rustle*

Ayato: Listen, bastard. I will not let you buy that plushie at all. Chichinashi is only my prey.

Kino: Fufu Ayato-kun, if you think like that... you should stop all those boys who are standing in front of the cash register buying plushies.

_Kino points to the counter and Ayato turns his head to look there. A group of boys lined up in front of the cash register to buy plushies.

Ayato: Chhh... you bastards...

_Ayato quickly releases Kino's collar and goes to stand in front of the cash register in front of all the boys.

Ayato: Everyone listen.

_Ayato takes the speaker from the vendor and speaks through it.

Ayato: Ore-sama is speaking. Get out of the store, you bastards. This girl is my prey and no one but me has the right to buy this plushie.

_All the boys and vendors stare at Ayato.

Ayato: Did you hear what I said? Ore-sama will give you orders. Hurry up and get out of the store

Kanato: Is he serious?

Laito: Oh, oh. I think we are going to be in trouble.

Kino: Pffff.... Hahahahaha.... Your brother is so stupid.

Kanato: Laito. Let's buy the plushie and go before it causes us trouble.

_Laito and Kanato go to the group of boys so that the seller won't notice that they are with Ayato.

Ayato: Oi, Kanato, Laito, why did you go to them? Let's help me get rid of these bastards.

Kino: Hmmmm. Things are getting interesting.

*TIMESKIP*

Ayato: Chhh... Ahhhhh... How is the security of that store so strong? The place where he kicked me still hurts.

Kanato: You are so stupid, Ayato.

Ayato: Shut up. It's your fault that you didn't help me, otherwise we would have kicked out all those bastards.

Laito: Shame on you, Ayato-kun... I don't like being beaten by security at all. My beautiful face becomes scarred and I become ugly.

Ayato: You are so pathetic Laito...

_Kino walks behind them while laughing under his breath.

Ayato: You bastard... why are you laughing at us? You got what you wanted. Why are you following us?

Kino: Oh... Ayato-kun don't be so mean. I would like to see my dear princess.

Ayato: Shut up. I won't let you see her.

Laito: At least we could all buy plushies.

Kino: Too bad. I wanted to see my dear princess. But I think it doesn't matter. I will call her when I get home. I can't wait to take a picture of myself and this plushie and send it to her. Her reaction must be very cute... Fufu... Goodbye. I hope to see you very soon.

_Kino moves away from the triplets while waving his hand.

Ayato: Haha... in hell...

*TIMESKIP*

_Ayato, Kanato and Laito enter the mansion.

Ayato: Chhch... My body hurts.

Shu: Pwaahh... So you are finally back.

_Shu is lying on the couch while yawning and Yui's plushie is on the pillow next to his head.

Laito: ....

Kanato: ...

Ayato: ...... How???? Oi lazy man, how did you get that plushie without coming to the store?

Shu: Huh? It's... so easy. I ordered online.

Ayato: ....

Kanato: Haaaaaaa???? WHAT DO YOU MEAN? WE COULD ORDER IT INSTEAD OF GOING TO THAT ANNOYING STORE, SHU WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL US? I WON'T FORGIVE YOU. I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU...

Shu: I was surprised why the three of you took so much trouble to go to that store. Well, this is not my problem. Now please be quiet. I want to sleep You are very noisy.

Ayato: You bastard...

Laito: Nfu~ I can't wait anymore. I want to do many things with this plushie. Ahhh, even thinking about it makes me hot.

Kanato: I would like to try different clothes on her. My new and beautiful doll is going to be very beautiful.

Ayato: Both of you shut up. This is going to be very interesting. Ahemm... Ahemm... Chichinashi, go make me some takoyaki.

_Laito and Kanato stare at Ayato and Shu smirks.

Kanato: ...

Laito: ....

Shu: Pffffff... you are so stupid.

Ayato: What?

Laito: Did you really expect a plushie to be able to move and make takoyaki for you?

Ayato: Huh? It can't? So why did we try so hard to buy it?

Shu: I am satisfied. It smells like that woman. It is a good pillow. At least when Yui is not here, this plushie will help me.

Kanato: You don't understand how precious dolls are.

Laito: I can also try interesting fantasies on it.

_Yui rushes into the room.

Yui: Ayato-kun, Reiji-san is very angry with you. He said that you in the store___

_The triplets stare at Yui.

Yui: What the..... !!!!!

Ayato: Oi Chichinashi. This ridiculous doll can't make takoyaki for me. Hurry up, make me takoyaki.

Yui: ...

_Meanwhile in Subaru's room.

Subaru: Hah... hah... I did it. I really i did it.

_Subaru enters his room while wearing a black coat, glasses and a mask and quickly goes to his coffin and puts Yui plushie in it and looks at it.

Subaru: I did it...

_Subaru blushes while staring at Yui plushie.

Subaru: Damn it... this is so cute...

_Subaru hugs Plushie and sleeps inside the coffin.

Subaru: Yui, please always stay with me...

_Meanwhile in Reiji's room. Reiji is sitting on a chair and brushing the plushie hair that was pre-ordered a few days ago.

Reiji: Good grief... these things are not for me.

_Reiji covered his face with his hand to hide his embarrassment.

Reiji: No one should know about this. NO ONE.

[otomehonyaku]

DIABOLIK LOVERS Haunted Dark Bridal Anime DVD, Official Online Shop Tokuten CD ☽ Episode 0

Original title: Episode 0 Voiced by Midorikawa Hikaru (Ayato), Toriumi Kōsuke (Shuu), Konishi Katsuyuki (Reiji), Kaji Yūki (Kanato), Hirakawa Daisuke (Laito), Kondō Takashi (Subaru) English translation by @otomehonyaku Click here for the audio (special thanks to @uzi-boozii for providing the audio!)

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

SUMMARY | As the title of the CD suggests, this drama can be seen as a '0th episode' in the first season of the Diabolik Lovers anime. The setting is a night of incessant rain unlike any other, and even through the rain clouds, the full moon is unusually bright. Eerie, even. It leaves the Sakamaki brothers feeling uneasy as their monthly family banquet approaches. The family discusses if this abnormal weather could be a sign of things to come... Happy reading and listening along, friends!

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

[The scene starts in Reiji’s laboratory.]

00:00 Reiji: Good grief, what a downpour… And precisely on the night of our monthly banquet. That’s harsh. I wonder if Father predicted this. Heh.

[Reiji walks into the dining room and toward his familiars who are busy setting the table.]

Reiji: Oh, no. We won’t be using that tableware tonight. Use this instead. It will compliment the food better. Hm? The moonlight is peeking in through the window…

[Reiji decides to check on the weather and opens the door.]

Reiji: It’s still raining. However, the moonlight is so strong, even through those rainclouds… What will happen on a night like this? Something is coming…

[Reiji closes the door again.]

Reiji: Hm. I wonder whether our banquet will be able to begin on time.

[A crow screeches in the distance.]

Reiji: Well, I suppose that’s impossible. 

[The scene shifts to Reiji walking into the Sakamaki manor’s library. There, he finds Laito.]

Reiji: So you’re here, Laito.

Laito: Oh, Reiji. It’s rare for you to come looking for me.  Do you need something?

Reiji: It’s rather rare for you to be here, reading a book.

[Laito snaps his book shut.]

Laito: I do read books, you know. Especially on nights like these. If I don’t, I won’t be able to control my impulses. Ah… If only the school would revert my suspension…

02:12 Reiji: Even if they did, you would be suspended again in no time at all if you keep acting that way.

Laito: Huh? But it can’t be helped, can it? I don’t like suppressing my urges. I’d rather live by my instincts. 

Reiji: Nevertheless, it would cause me just as much trouble to keep you locked in here. You seem to be forgetting something.

Laito: About what?

Reiji: I took the trouble to come all this way to see you, so would you not be able to guess?

Laito: Hmm… Ah, I see. It’s that time of the month again. It’d be great if we could take a field trip somewhere…

Reiji: I have said this many times already, but this is Father’s order. His word is final. Come downstairs within 10 minutes. That is all.

Laito: You’re so uptight.

Reiji: About what?

Laito: It’s not like he’s watching, anyway.

Reiji: What an insult to your father.

Laito: Well, it’s got nothing to do with me. Hey, are you going to go get Ayato and Kanato as well?

Reiji: I cannot count on you to do that, so…

Laito: Well, I’ll do you a favour and get them for you, then. Hehe.

Reiji: Well, then. If you please.

Laito: Gotcha. Leave it to me!

Reiji: You say that you will look for your brothers, but if I catch you running away instead, I will show no mercy.

Laito: I know, I know. You’d chase me into the depths of hell, Reiji.

04:06Reiji: That is a rather unpleasant way of putting it. However, if you understand—good. Well, then. I shall go fetch Subaru.

[Reiji leaves the room. The scene then shifts to the nearby lake, where Laito finds Ayato.]

Laito: So you were here after all, Ayato. Did you come to stare at the lake?

Ayato: What?

Laito: Reiji is looking for you.

Ayato: Reiji? Why?

Laito: It’s that time of the month again.

Ayato: Ah. Time for that useless banquet?

Laito: Yeah, that’s it. Well, let’s get going. Reiji’ll be annoying as hell if we’re late.

Ayato: Tch. Shit sucks. Laito. How’d you know I was here anyway?

Laito: I just know. I thought you’d be in a spot you usually don’t go to when it’s rainy. You don’t like lakes, right?

[Ayato throws a skipping stone across the water. ]

Ayato: Shut up. I just don’t like lakes… or rain.

Laito: So? Do you feel comforted being here?

Ayato: Huh? Why would I? I can’t calm down on days like these. I’d rather be here than anywhere else.

Laito: Hmm… So even you think that way, Ayato.

Ayato: Laito. Are you pickin’ a fight with Yours Truly?

Laito: No, not at all. I just thought it’s unusual for you. It’s actually quite refreshing. I like it.

Ayato: Tch. Don’t say such stupid things.

Laito: Still… It’s a pretty strange night, isn’t it? It’s raining cats and dogs, and yet the moon is shining brightly.

Ayato: What?

06:08 Laito: I mean, it’s almost like a glaring, fiery-eyed beast. I wonder if the moon is chastising us for some reason.

Ayato: Who knows.

Laito: Something’s going to happen. Something we’ve been avoiding for a while now. Hm? What’s up, Ayato? Did you perhaps sense something too?

Ayato: Nothing in particular.

Laito: Why are you lying? You felt it, didn’t you?

Ayato: It’s nothin’! Besides, what ‘something’ are you even talkin’ about?

Laito: The next time it rains as heavy as tonight again, something will happen. Very soon.

Ayato: Hm.

Laito: Well, we won’t know until it happens, though! Hey, Ayato. Come with me.

Ayato: What? Where?

Laito: To go get Kanato.

Ayato: Come to think of it, I haven’t seen Kanato around today.

Laito: He’s probably at that place.

Ayato: What place?

Laito: The one place where he can relax. His wax doll museum.

Ayato: Ugh. That’s such a boring spot. Well, fuck it. I’ll go. Let’s hurry ‘n go get him. I don’t want it to be the two of us versus Reiji.

[The scene shifts to Ayato and Laito walking into Kanato’s wax doll museum.]

Ayato: Yo, Kanato. You here?

Kanato: At least knock when you come in. Don’t you think it’s impolite to my girls to barge in so rudely?

Right, Teddy?

Laito: Ah, so you’re here. Sorry for forgetting to knock, Kanato.

Ayato: What’s so fun about being surrounded by a bunch of wax dolls? I don’t get it.

Kanato: A bunch of wax dolls? You clearly don’t understand the beauty of these girls whose lives have been preserved for all eternity. How utterly foolish.

08:23 Ayato: What? I was only askin’, though.

What’re you gettin’ your panties in a twist about?

Laito: Well, seems like Kanato isn’t in the best mood tonight either.

Ayato: Yours Truly’s feelin’ just fine.

Kanato: I’m not particularly ill-humoured. It’s just that… When I look at the moon, I get this feeling that something’s about to change.

Laito: Oh, so you’re feeling it too, Kanato?

Kanato: Yes. I can’t quite put my finger on it, though.

Ayato: Stop spouting bullshit. What’s about to change?

Kanato: Hehe. 

Ayato: Kanato! The fuck’re you laughin’ about?

Kanato: Hehe. Ayato, are you anxious? You seem awfully reluctant to accept new things.

Ayato: The fuck?

Laito: Ah, Kanato—I did come here with a message to you from Reiji…

Kanato: I’m busy. I haven’t got time for something as frivolous as a banquet.

Laito: Aw, so you knew already. Well, then. Come with us.

Kanato: I’m not coming.

Laito: That won’t do. Reiji seemed pretty serious. 

Ayato: We’ll be in trouble if one of us is missin’. Come on, Kanato.

Kanato: I told you, I’m not coming! Why don’t you understand what I’m saying? You’re all just taking pleasure in bullying me, trying to coerce me into doing your bidding…

Laito: It’s not like we actually want to go, either. Right, Ayato?

10:12 Ayato: Yeah, ‘course. Who would ever go to that shit willingly?

Laito: Listen. We’re all in the same boat, Kanato. So let’s go together.

Kanato: But I…

Laito: You remember what happened last time you didn’t come when Reiji called you, right?

Kanato: He truly likes bothering us with useless activities. Right, Teddy?

[The scene shifts to Reiji knocking on the door to Subaru’s room.]

Reiji: Subaru. 

[Reiji enters Subaru’s room.]

Reiji: He’s inside his coffin again.

[The coffin suddenly flies open and Subaru comes at Reiji with a knife, thinking him an intruder.]

Subaru: Reiji?

Reiji: If you know it’s me, then drop that silver knife immediately. Good grief…

[Subaru drops the knife.]

Reiji: This is quite a greeting, even though I went through all this trouble to come get you.

Subaru: I had that dream again… Fuck!

Reiji: Not even an apology? You are a lost cause.

Subaru: Shut up! You’re the one who came in here unannounced! I can do whatever the fuck I want. Why’d you come in while I was sleeping?

Reiji: I came here for a reason.

Subaru: Huh?

Reiji: There can only be one reason why I come to find you here once a month. Even somebody so feeble-minded such as you should be able to know what it is.

Subaru: Ah, so it’s time for that stupid fuckin’ banquet again.

Reiji: It is far from stupid, actually.

Subaru: Hah.

11:58 Reiji: I should be punishing you for brandishing a knife at me, but today is the day of the banquet. I shall pardon you. I implore you to be careful, though. It is your obligation to be present at the banquet. Understood?

[Reiji leaves the room.]

Subaru: ‘Pardon,’ he says? Bullshit!

[Subaru throws something across the room and accidentally breaks a window.]

Subaru: Oh, shit. Why’s the moon like that? Is something gonna happen?

[Subaru tries to get himself together. The scene shifts to the banquet, five brothers now present.]

Reiji: Now, let us open the banquet.

Subaru: Hey, Shuu’s not here, though.

Reiji: There is no need to wait for someone who has forgotten about the banquet. We can do without his presence. There is no reason for him to be here to begin with.

Laito: I saw him in the hallway and called out to him, at least.

Ayato: Did he answer? 

Laito: Nope, no reaction as usual.

Reiji: He will not come even if you call out to him. We do not need that good-for-nothing.

Kanato: Ah… We should’ve pretended not to hear him too, Teddy.

Reiji: That will not do, Kanato.

Kanato: Why? 

Reiji: Because you have a different kind of importance to the Sakamaki family.

Laito: I see. So does that mean you don’t need me here, either?

Ayato: Great, you won’t need me, either.

Subaru: Then I’m leavin’, too.

Kanato: That’s mean! Is there something wrong with just me?

Reiji: Wait. None of your importance to the Sakamaki family has changed. However, I am merely saying that that good-for-nothing is worthless.

14:00 Ayato: Huh. So it’s only fine if Shuu’s not here?

Reiji: Exactly. Let us now quit this foolish conversation and eat dinner.

[The door opens and Shuu joins the others in the dining room after all.]

Laito: Ah, Shuu! You’re late.

Kanato: It seems like you still heard what Laito had to say, despite the fact that you were listening to music.

Shuu: Hm? Did you say something?

Ayato: Anyway, Shuu… It’s kinda surprising that you came to this banquet all by yourself.

Shuu: Banquet…? Oh, right.

Subaru: Isn’t that what you came here for?

Shuu: I just thought I’d be able to sleep in peace here.

Laito: Huh?! So this is just a misunderstanding?

Shuu: What a bother. 

[Shuu grudgingly sits down at the dinner table.]

Reiji: You truly have no manners, barging in here and sitting down without so much as a greeting. I am flabbergasted.

Shuu: I’m here, so it’s fine, right?

Reiji: The end result matters none. I am merely finding fault in my family. Well, it would be a waste of time to continue this any longer. Let us begin the banquet.

[The brothers start eating.]

Ayato: Pasta again? Why’re we eatin’ this shit?

Reiji: Ayato. No talking while eating. Mind your manners.

Ayato: Reiji, make us somethin’ we actually like to eat!

Laito: Yeah. You’re the only one who likes pasta carbonara, Reiji.

Ayato: I want takoyaki!

Kanato: I agree with Ayato. Make me something nice for banquets like this, too. It’s unfair that Reiji is always the one to compile the menu. 

16:04 Ayato: Right? Let us pick some stuff, too!

Reiji: I thought you all had no desire to participate in the banquet? I suggest you stop complaining. No matter what we eat, it all tends to taste the same to us, anyway. After all, human food does not nourish us. 

Ayato: Well? We can pretty much eat anythin’, right?

Reiji: However, this banquet is a serious matter. This is not the time to eat takoyaki. 

Ayato: It ain’t that different from pasta, though. It’s all flour-based.

Laito: There we go again. You’ve been pointlessly complaining about the menu for a while now. It’s getting out of hand, don’t you think? And then Kanato takes out a bunch of candy, Subaru finishes eating and leaves without a word… You know how it goes.

Ayato: It can’t be helped, right? It’s already a stupid fuckin’ banquet and then we don’t even get any satisfyin’ foods.

Reiji: Well, then. Do you have any substantial suggestions on how to host a proper banquet?

Subaru: Yeah. Don’t host one.

Reiji: We have been over this many times, Subaru. It is Father who orders us to have these banquets. We will not go against his word. As it is imperative that we continue holding these banquets, I ask you whether you could make suggestions on how to make it worthwhile. 

Subaru: This sucks.

Reiji: Anyone else?

Laito: As for me, I’d like to discuss what the most delicious blood we’ve ever tasted was like for each of us. We don’t really talk about that sort of stuff, do we? It might be fun!

Ayato: Huh? I never remember shit like that.

Kanato: Teddy says he doesn’t remember, either.

Laito: And Subaru? 

Subaru: Tch. Like hell I know.

Shuu: Wouldn’t you let someone with such delicious blood actually live?

Ayato: Right! Whoever pleases me that much becomes Yours Truly’s possession. Besides, you’re the only one who’s havin’ fun talkin’ ‘bout this, Laito. 

Laito: Huh? I, for one, perfectly remember where and how I sucked the most—

18:21 Reiji: Hold on, Laito. I know I am interrupting the conversation, but we are having dinner. Please refrain from such vulgar topics.

Laito: Oh? Is that bad?

Reiji: It is. 

Laito: I really thought it’d be fun. Why don’t we hold a review session, properly including everyone’s opinions?

Reiji: A review session? A splendid idea indeed. The lot of you could use some self-reflection, after all. It would definitely be useful if you reflect upon the faults I point out in you and try to better yourselves. Subaru? It is bad manners to make so much sound. Why don’t you join the conversation?

Subaru: Tch. I don’t wanna. I don’t care about your conversation. I figured eating would be better than actually listening to your bullshit. I don’t have anything to reflect on to begin with.

Reiji: I am telling you to reflect upon that exact behaviour.

Subaru: Shut up! I can do whatever the hell I want.

Shuu (who hasn’t been paying attention): Ah, you’re still at it?

Reiji: Be quiet, Shuu. It seems all of you have more than enough faults to reflect upon.

Laito: This is a little different from what I was going for, but… how about you, Ayato?

Ayato: I ain’t got shit to reflect on, because I’m always perfect. 

Kanato: Hehe. Are you, now? Ayato has more faults than I can count. Haha, Teddy thinks so, too.

20:15 Ayato: Ah? The fuck you sayin’?

Shuu: Well, I guess he could do something about his simple-mindedness. 

Ayato: Shuu, too? You motherfucker— You should all start self-reflectin’!

Kanato: I have absolutely nothing to reflect upon. Laito’s the one who came up with this idea, so how about him?

Laito: Huh? You could probably think of something, Kanato. You always turn your prey into wax dolls right away, after all.

Kanato: And what exactly is wrong with that?

Subaru: Fuck. He’s actually being serious.

Laito: If turning someone into a wax doll is considered okay, then I definitely don’t have any self-reflection to do, either.

Reiji: No, Laito. I assure you have plenty of faults. You were suspended for a reason. Reflect upon that. 

Shuu: Yeah. You definitely cause too much trouble. I, of all people, should know. Fuck, you’re a bother.

Laito: I’m only living by my instincts! It gets the blood flowing. I like that feeling. And what you’re referring to did take place during a full moon, by the way. I just can’t suppress my instincts during a full moon! Hehe.

Reiji: No, it was excessive. There is such a thing as cleaning up afterwards. To think that even such lowly humans at the academy would suspend you… You bring shame upon the Sakamaki family. Repent.

Kanato: I, for one, am able to finish without leaving a trace and properly dispose of the leftovers. Teddy helps me. Don’t you, Teddy?

22:02 Laito: No, I did it properly! It was just… kind of bad timing…

[Subaru slams a fist on the table.]

Subaru: That’s exactly why we’re telling you to reflect! You’re inconveniencing us!

Laito: Ah, even Subaru is angry with me! Well, I got caught, so it doesn’t matter, does it? Nothing I say could change that. Wouldn’t it be more fun to talk about what you’ll get angry at me for in the future? 

Reiji: What are you saying?

Laito: You saw the moon tonight, right? It really does feel like something’s about to happen. Kanato felt it too.

Kanato: I think it left a stronger impression on Ayato than on me, though. Right, Teddy?

Ayato: You’re being way too persistent. I told you, I don’t know what you’re talkin’ about!

Kanato: But that’s why you’re anxious, right? What do you think will happen, Ayato?

Laito: Subaru is even more irritated than usual, so he’s probably feeling it too. 

Subaru: What? Who’s irritated now, huh? 

[Subaru gets up and punches a wall.]

Ayato: Subaru! Don’t go poundin’ the wall again!

Reiji: Stop it right there, everyone. You are all making baseless claims at this point, so it cannot be helped. Hurry up and clear the table. The banquet is over.

Laito: What? Don’t you like it, Reiji? 

Reiji: It is no matter of liking or disliking. I merely think that conversations like these are a waste of time. 

It is pointless to spend time feeling sorry that you were suspended from school if you do not understand the reason why.

Laito: Come on, stop the talk about my suspension! What about you, Shuu?

Shuu: I wonder.

Reiji: What would a good-for-nothing like you know?

Laito: So then you’re feeling something too, Reiji?

24:03 Reiji: It has nothing to do with me. However, there is no way this waste of space would be able to pick up on such subtleties.

Shuu: Ah, now that you mention it…

Reiji: There he goes.

Shuu: No, I’ve been thinking I should probably tell you all something…

[Subaru hastily tries to finish his meal]

Reiji: Subaru! Use the tableware with care!

Subaru: Shut up! We’ll be done when the table’s clear, right? I figured I’d clear my plate first. The fuck are you complaining about?

Laito: Hey, everyone. You should know why I’m being persistent about this. We’ve seen such heavy rain combined with such a bright moon before. Right, Ayato?

Ayato: What? Oh, you mean back then. You’re beatin’ around the bush.

Laito: Besides, Shuu—you said you’d seen Uncle recently, didn’t you?

Subaru: Uncle… Richter was here?

Shuu: I think I saw him near the lake.

Subaru: He hasn’t visited us in a while. Why would he be here? Shuu, did you get to talk with him?

Shuu: Talk with him? No, I only saw him. I’d only just woken up, so I don’t remember it very well.

Reiji: You truly are worthless. Sometimes I even wonder why you are undead (1) at all. Well, then. I propose we end this meeting.

Laito: Why are you trying to avoid this conversation, Reiji? Uncle was here. Last time the moon was like this, he was here as well…

Reiji: I only care about the truth. If nothing is happening yet, there is no use in talking about it. However… judging from your current discussion, you consider the fact that the moon was somehow bright enough to shine through the rain and that Uncle just so happened to appear as an omen. I merely think that line of thought is absolutely ridiculous.

26:16 Kanato: Hehe. Reiji seems pretty afraid of something happening, Teddy.

Reiji: As I said earlier, I only care about the truth. I most certainly am not scared.

Ayato: Figures. You’re all a bit too carefree.

Kanato: Carefree? You’re the last person I’d like to call me that. Especially since you’re so lacking in mental capacity that “I’m the best” is all your brain knows how to say.

Ayato: Hey, Kanato. You’ve really been pissin’ me off.

Laito: Whoa, now. Calm down, you two. Don’t you think the heavy rain and the moon are the cause of all of this bickering?

Shuu: As far as I know, it's always like this.

Laito: I feel like it’s a little different this time, though.

Subaru: What? What’s different? They’re always picking fights with one another for no reason. It’s stupid.

[Subaru pushes back his chair and storms off.]

Subaru: I’m done eating. I’m going back to my room.

Kanato: Subaru doesn’t seem to like to talk about these kinds of things, either. Are you so afraid of change?

Subaru: Shut the fuck up!

[Subaru punches the wall again, sending parts of it crumbling to the floor.]

Subaru: No matter how big the change, I’m not afraid. Even if this mansion is swallowed by the lake, if it’s burned to the ground, I don’t care. Maybe it’s even better off just reduced to ash. 

[Subaru leaves the room.]

Kanato: Teddy, it’s quite funny that Subaru’s more nervous than usual, isn’t it? Hehe.

Reiji: Well, then. Subaru has left, and this is becoming quite the argument. I declare this meeting over.

28:09 Laito: I wanted to hear what you had to say, though, Reiji.

Reiji: Laito… Make fun of me all you want, but your will lose your ground eventually.

[Reiji gets up.]

Reiji: Well, I shall be returning to my laboratory now.

[Reiji leaves the room.]

Laito: Ah… I ended up getting scolded in the end.

[Shuu gets up as well.]

Laito: Oh, Shuu, are you leaving too?

Shuu: Well, it looks like this troublesome dinner is over. I’m tired.

[Shuu walks off and leaves the room. Ayato gets up as well.]

Ayato: Ah—I could really go for some delicious blood on days like this.

Laito: You too, Ayato? Let’s head out together later, then! Let’s go drain some people to the last drop and have fun!

Ayato: I’m not going. Fuck you. I’m going back to my room too. But Laito—like you said, the moon does look weird today. I’m feeling thirstier than usual.

Laito: Right.

Ayato: The only thing that could quench this thirst is some extraordinarily tasty blood. I don’t think blood like that even exists.

[Ayato leaves.]

Kanato: Teddy, should we get going, too?

Laito: Won’t you come have fun with me, Kanato?

Kanato: There’s no way I’ll go with you. I haven’t had my dessert yet. I won’t rest until I’ve had my petit gâteau… Right, Teddy?

[Kanato leaves as well.]

Laito: That’s a shame. I didn’t really feel like going alone… Maybe I should go back to my room, too. The moon is a little too bright, after all. Hehe. I’m looking forward to whatever happens next…

[The scene shifts to Shuu, who is now soaking in the bath tub.]

30:36 Shuu: There’s nothing like a nice bath. I feel like I can relax and sleep here… Come to think of it, I had this itch in the back of my mind earlier. I forgot to pass on Karl Heinz’ message to the others, saying that a new sacrificial bride would be arriving. Oh, well. No matter who it is, we already know how the story goes… I don’t really care what happens. They’re nothing but prey to us, anyway. Ah… but there was something else he said… I think this time it’s the real sacrificial bride…

[Shuu falls asleep in the bathtub.]

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Reiji literally says ‘I wonder why you’re even alive’ but that didn’t really make sense (they’re vampires ffs) so I changed it to ‘undead’ hehe

[hello-vampire-kitty]

Servamp chapter 148 spoilers

"It feels like..I'm breaking...His soul is screaming...Crying out your name."

I screamed as well when I saw that Tsurugi is in there!

That's what I hoped for. I couldn't accept that he was truly dead in spite of what happed to his body!

He heard Touma's name being called out and that made him wake up!

If Mikuni let him live because he thought that he'll not pose a threat if Germaine-the creator of Servamps, who is supposed to be stronger than anyone, takes over his body, well...he underestimated my boy.

Touma: "Let's go home, Tsurugi." Tsurugi: "Tai-chan..!"

Upon hearing his name being called out by Touma, Tsurugi managed to break free from Germaine's control. Like I mentioned previously, Tsurugi must have been underestimated.

Recall what he said in chapter 67.

My boy 😭 It made me happy seeing that he managed to expel Germaine and I that he will be alright, but Tanaka-sensei was like, "Yeah about that..."

AAAHH! I'm devastated! There's only one more chapter left...Could there still be hope for him to come back?

Note that I haven't properly read the lines, as in I haven't looked up all the words, but from what I understand, Touma explained to Mahiru that Iori created a save state of the world, a precaution against damage in a decisive battle and Mahiru asks if he means that day when Tsubaki showed up at the hospital (ch 84).

According to this chapter, when Iori 'died', which by the way, his act was referred to as 'suicide by magic' he actually put himself in suspended animation and inserted himself as a 'bookmark' in the timeline and he acted as a guidepost to correct the timeline.

Yeah, so it's impressive. I think most of us believed, especially given the previous chapter that Mahiru and Kuro will be the one to defeat Mikuni. I also thought there will be a confrontation with Germaine, like I was expecting that he will be the final boss.

Alright, so, maybe after I read the chapter probably it will be clear, but Mahiru asks if it's possible to go back to that moment in time, (the period from when Tsubaki showed up at the hospital), but Touma says there's not enough to pay the price to go that far in time, however Touma says that he wouldn't mind paying a price 'to pull a life from the bookmark'.

So...he wants to bring Tsurugi back by exchanging his life, however, Mahiru mentions that he died once before and he's suggesting to exchange his life.

Note how he trails off at the end. I'm expecting that he will be cut off by someone, most likely Kuro who will give him a lecture.

Don't let your mother's sacrifice be in vain, Mahiru! :(

Kuro and your friends won't let you sacrifice yourself so easily

The last thing I want to talk about is the possibility that maybe there won't be sacrifices, because there will be drama CD which has a track titled "Re：One morning, when I woke up". (title of chapter 80).

Because it has 'Re' in the title, which stands for 'restart', 'redo', 'repeat' etc, it could mean that the scenario might be about returning to that period in chapter 80.

That chapter opened with Tsurugi waking up at the hospital after the incident at C3.

Although it's the same title as the chapter, maybe it doesn't mean going back to that time, but rather it's tied to the imagery. What I'm trying to say is that, the scenario of the drama might begin with Tsurugi waking up, like in chapter 80.

We only have once chapter left...Tanaka please, my baby has to meet his grandpuppy Gear and no one should sacrifice themselves!

[gloomy-glen]

He always knew something was wrong with Jack; he just never knew what. When they first met he found him disgusting because he couldn't see his true nature. Which always made him feel uneasy, but now listening to him say his own mother called him creepy and that he felt he needed to hide his true self behind a mask...it made him feel sorry for him.

As Jack spoke about Lacie he started to understand how he had became so obsessed with her. For Lacie their meeting probably meant nothing, but to him it was everything. Honestly, he couldn't blame him... if he was in his shoes he probably would've felt the same way.

Jack's feelings were messy and confusing. It was like looking at abstract art, but there was nothing beautiful about it.

"Jack..." He wanted to say more when he saw the tears in his eyes, but Jack had already started speaking again before he could.

Oswald had asked Lacie once what she would do if Jack loved her, but she told him Jack didn't love her or anyone. He always wondered how she came to that conclusion because he never thought that was the case. He always thought he did love her...if he was truly indifferent he wouldn't have continued coming around. So, he must have felt something for her. Even if he didn't understand those feelings himself.

He started to feel guilt well up inside him when he mentioned Lacie’s death, and how it made him feel empty. He caused this...she was the most important person to Jack, and he killed her. To caught up in his own grief He never even bothered to check on him. He just assumed he would kill himself and never return to the manor, but when he did return he knew something was off...but he ignored it. He allowed his best friend to suffer in silence.

He blinked back tears as Jack continued speaking, but those tears soon dried up; the moment he mentioned bringing Lacie back. What did he mean he's been trying anyway, and what did Miranda have to do with this? He didn't know what Jack was talking about, but he didn't like where this was going. He took a deep breath trying to keep himself composed. He needed to handle this calmly. Surely Jack wasn't planning anything too crazy...

He was relieved that Jack said he didn't need Lacie to feel, but that didn't stop the fact that he had questions on what his plan was.

"What do mean you've been trying anyway, and exactly how were you planning to hand me over to Miranda?"

He felt like an alien in this moment. And he knew, he couldn't do this. Miranda might make him her target, but when Glen was telling him this...he knew he absolutely could not do this.

"...I've...never been able to feel properly." He finally managed, two hands raised up towards his face as he struggled to keep that manic look inside. "Mother....called me creepy...so I...learned to put on a mask and pretend I felt things. I could smile, but I felt nothing. That is...until I ran away from home and I....met Lacie."

He swallowed thickly, covering his face with his hands. His cheeks were flushed from a shame he almost wished he didn't feel. "She changed me. She acknowledged me, she tried to help me, even in her own way. It was the first time anyone had looked at me and saw me and...when she disappeared from my life I had trouble finding that again...so I started to hate her...but I was so happy because those feelings were mine."

A pause, tears were welling up in his eyes. "When I met Lacie again and I met you...I was happy...I think. I was still struggling, I don't really know...if what I felt was love or not for her...it's really confusing. I've never known that feeling in my life, so I couldn't identify it even if you asked me too. But I think that's what it was. Because when you said she was dead, I felt so empty..."

His hands fell from his face to wrap around his own waist.

"So empty...emptier than I've ever felt. The one person that acknowledged me was gone. That's why...I wanted to bring her back....but you said...so I..."

He was suddenly shaking all over.

"I've been trying.....anyway. Even though I knew the end result would hurt you....and I just...I can't do it. I can't give you to Miranda. Even if it means you hate me. Even if it means you never speak to me again. Because when I spent time with you I started to feel again. And I...realized that I don't need Lacie to feel like I thought."

[koushirouizumi]

Takeru: {Or we could} {borrow money from} {Koushiro}--- M E: You ALL (YES, EVEN/ESPECIALLY YOU, DAISUKE) had BETTER THANK Koushiro for that later

[imadhatt3r]

There's a sort of small personal story arc happening in Koujaku's route that I haven't seen talked about much, and it is one relating to Aoba's struggles with his masculinity and his perception as a man by others.

This story arc heavily deals with cultural gender norms and expectations, and so I will be working with them; This doesn't reflect my personal view on gender roles and expectations in real life. This is also not for or against any headcanons regarding any character's gender- I have no opinions on them or problems with people seeing any character as trans.

Okay, without further ado:

The moment where Koujaku and Aoba canonically meet for the first time happens during their childhood. Aoba was bullied by other children for his long hair and for "looking like a girl". Koujaku stepped in to protect him, thinking that Aoba's a girl, and was allegedly suprised when Aoba turned out to be a boy, but his attitude towards Aoba never changed.

This event clearly had a big influence on Aoba, on how he views himself, Koujaku, and how he thinks Koujaku views him. When we first meet Koujaku in-game, he is seen defending himself from a woman's overly protective boyfriend and being a charmer to her in turn when she apologizes for his behavior. It's established that Koujaku has a lot of female admirers, and a bit later it's revealed that he attracts a lot of men too, but moreso as a kind of role model/aspirational figure- that's why benishigure exists in the first place.

Aoba is shown to be annoyed or downright kinda scared of Koujaku's fans; Of course, it makes sense- Aoba is shown to be a private person that dislikes attention, but I believe that there is a second layer to all that- jealousy.

Aoba identifies as a man in-game and asserts it multiple times. He is aware of his gender. Koujaku is shown to be both flirty and chivalrous towards women around him- he spends time with them, initiates physical contact, compliments them etc. Aoba is always annoyed whenever he sees Koujaku doing that, but his reasons aren't fully clear- it seems like he feels like Koujaku's behavior is, in some way, fake, or that he just dislikes PDA in general. Aoba isn't jealous of the female attention Koujaku gets- he doesn't want to be in his place, because, as we established, he doesn't like being the center of attention. This isn't a dick measuring contest with Aoba being salty that he's coming up short.

Aoba is jealous of the women. He's the one who wants Koujaku to flirt with him, touch him, be chivalrous to him, protect him, but he believes that it will never happen, because Koujaku only acts this way towards women. Men want to be him, women want to be with him, but Aoba is neither; He's not a man who wants to be him, nor is he a woman who wants to be with him- there's not a place he can comfortably occupy, in his mind.

Mind you, I don't believe that he is aware of his feelings- hence his clusterfuck of an attempt to make Koujaku's flirting with women a bad thing. It's not coherent, it doesn't really make any internal sense, because Aoba has no idea he's even trying to lead himself away from something.

In the good ending, Koujaku briefly mentions that he thinks Aoba sleeps in so much because he wants to get his attention, and I can 100% see it as being true- Aoba doesn't know how to get Koujaku to treat him like he does women around him, so he chooses more covert ways to get that desired attention and care.

I also see Aoba's haircut to be symbolic/meaningful of his relation to his masculinity being percieved by others. Aoba's hair was the reason why he and Koujaku met as kids and established their friendship and later relationship. When they were cut, Aoba started to look more conventionally "masculine", and yet the haircut is also, in a way, representative of the beginning of his and Koujaku's relationship. It's because Koujaku doesn't care that Aoba is a man- hell, in the CD drama, he even admits that he's straight up attracted to Aoba's masculinity. If Koujaku liked Aoba BECAUSE he saw him as female-like, wouldn't he want to keep his hair long/feminine?

This is kinda explored in various extra material like the summer side story and valentine's day story- Aoba seems to believe that while Koujaku is with him out of love/attraction, he's being treated more as a novelty, a "girl-boy" that's going to be replaced by an "actual woman" one day. He's afraid that the chocolates he made for Koujaku for valentine's day will be seen as "gross", and he expects to see a mountain of chocolate given to Koujaku by women when he comes to his apartment. In the summer story, he expects Koujaku to deny their relationship when they're being harassed by drunk benishigure, and that he will be left behind when Koujaku is approached by female admirers. This never happens- Koujaku actually reassures Aoba that he's never going anywhere, and that Aoba has nothing to worry about. This is framed as Aoba being simply jealous, but I think that there is enough evidence to imply that his gender has a lot to do with it. We don’t know how would he react if Koujaku was approached by a man, but it's mentioned multiple times that it's seeing and thinking of Koujaku being surrounded by women gets Aoba down especially hard.

I feel like it's also important to look into the bad ending for Koujaku's route too, because if you look at it through that lense, you can see some interesting stuff. First and foremost, Shiroba is dressed in a sexualized version of the miko garb (miko are shinto shrine maidens, and they are exclusively women) that includes stockings, and his hair is just as long, if not longer, than Aoba's. He also has red tassels in his hair, right behind his ears, which sort of look like earrings. In short, it would almost appear like Shiroba is trying to look more "feminine" in order to appeal more to the way he percieved Koujaku's tastes- after all, Shiroba/Desire is all of Aoba's impulses, thoughts, and desires taken to the extreme. Aoba thought that Koujaku likes women and femininity, so Shiroba WILL make himself look as feminine as he can to make Koujaku like him more.

There's also the fact that, compared to their good end sex scene, Shiroba is much more... Placid. In the good end, Aoba speaks, he laughs, he laughs AT Koujaku, he tries to turn his head away but agrees to look at Koujaku in the end; He is an active participant who is willing to laugh at his partner (in a way) and make demands. In contrast, Shiroba mostly goes with what Koujaku wants to do; He participates to a degree, sure, but he allows Koujaku to bite him, lick his blood, and fuck him pretty violently without any sort of resistance. This might be a stretch, but it can be seen as Shiroba trying to play a more "feminine" role- which means being passive, allowing your (male) partner to do whatever he wants to do with you (even when it's painful or uncomfortable), and let him essentially use you as a receptacle of his emotions and bodily fluids.

This is a very narrow understand of conventional gender roles, but given that Shiroba is a being of extremes, it makes sense for him to see his own gender and dynamic with Koujaku as that simple and two-dimensional. This whole ending is all about misunderstood intentions/desires, so Shiroba is doing all he can to embody the most extreme conventional femininity in an attempt to appeal to Koujaku, while not having a clue that Koujaku was actually attracted to Aoba's masculinity.

The funniest part of it all is that Koujaku is actually a pretty feminine man himself; His very design blends masculine and feminine elements, which @asarigg points it out in her excellent essay on Koujaku, (among plenty other things), and the way he acts mixes masculinity and femininity too. However, Aoba either doesn't see it, or he treats Koujaku as a "special case"; It's probably the most clear in the scene in the CD drama where Aoba says that hairpins "usually" look bad on men (after Koujaku asked him if he'd like to wear one), but that Koujaku makes it work. The whole plotline/emotional core of this route centers on Aoba relying on his simplified image of Koujaku when it comes to how he thinks about him, only to be proven dead wrong and forced to confront how multi-layered of a person Koujaku is- to reject the image he made of him in his head as a child and make a new, more nuanced one as an adult.

When Aoba was a kid, he saw Koujaku as his hero, someone who protected him, watched over him; He was kind of his masculine ideal, someone he wanted to be when he'll be older. Now that they're adults, Aoba still sees Koujaku as someone hyper-masculine, whose feminine traits and behaviors are glossed over because Koujaku is "allowed to" be feminine a bit. The sad thing is that a lot of Koujaku's masculinity is kind of a ruse that was taken on as a defense mechanic, learned back when Koujaku was living in an abusive household, when he was a victim of abuse, saw abuse inflicted onto his mother, and was possibly forced to perform violence to some degree as means of "education" (things like learning to fight hand-to-hand or swordfighting).

Koujaku can fight because he tried to fight his abusive father and was trained to kill in the future, once he takes over the criminal empire. He flirts with women to fill the void he feels due to his rock bottom self-esteem and because he doesn't want to see women sad or mistreated after what he saw his mother go through. Koujaku's persona is carefully build and maintained, because all masculinity (or gender in general) is performed- this is what people around him expected him to be, that's what he was taught to be, and so he performs, even if it twists him up inside (we know he bottles up any negative emotions and doesn't share his struggles and trauma with anyone, which is also a part of toxic masculinity). It also seems like he's often out drinking with someone and he's a smoker- that's more of a theory, but people often find brief respite from their stress/unadressed emotions in substances, and while people of all genders do it, there seems to be a bigger social acceptance for men to indulge in order to "deal" with their problems and avoid showing "weakness" for just a bit longer.

The good thing is that Koujaku seems quite comfortable in his femininity. He loves his (stereotypically feminine) job, he remains kind and gentle to those who need it, he respects women around him and treats them well (even if that relationship is far from ideal of course), he's always considerate and caring towards Aoba, etc. It's interesting that despite liking and being attracted to Aoba's masculinity, he encourages him to branch out and seemingly embrace his own femininity more (he tells him he'd look nice in a hairpin, or that he'd love him no matter how he'd look like). I wonder if Koujaku found some kind of respite in his femininity back when he lived in his father's house and was potentially held to strict masculine gender roles enforced through violence.

It feels like one of these things that Aoba needs time to process and accept; In a couple years, he'll be doing deliveries with the most complex braid with flamboyant decorations and the most bitching eyeliner ever performed on Japanese soil.

[mars-ipan]

HEY FOLKS!

sooooo. remember when i was posting about being up way too late for a powerpoint thing i was doing with friends? yeah i'm posting that final powerpoint now.

allow me to introduce you all to...

THE KOMAHINA BIBLE

(aka a demonstration in unmedicated ADHD)

120 slides. 163 MB. somewhere between 14 and 22 hours of work. sleep deprivation. influence from @anonzentimes , respected komahina scholar. this bad baby has it all this is a powerpoint presentation summarizing and analyzing just about everything you need to know about komahina in sdr2 (and a bit from adjacent media as well). we go in-depth and we prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that komahina real and love wins (loses?)

WARNING: THIS CONTAINS MAJOR END-GAME SPOILERS FOR SDR2 (AS WELL AS DR1). IF YOU WISH TO REMAIN SPOILER-FREE (OR YOU ARE SOMEONE WHO I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO KEEP SPOILER FREE (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE)) THEN DO NOT VIEW THIS POWERPOINT PRESENTATION UNTIL YOU KNOW. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU HAVING BEEN SPOILED

ok cool! some other things to keep in mind under the cut:

THIS IS LIGHTHEARTED THIS IS LIGHTHEARTED THIS IS LIGHTHEARTED. IF YOU DO NOT SHIP KOMAHINA THAT'S LITERALLY SO FINE I KNOW THERE IS KOMAEDA SEXUALITY DISCOURSE GOING ON RN FOR SOME GODFORSAKEN REASON KNOW THAT I DO NOT THINK EVERYONE HAS TO SHIP KOMAHINA PLEASE I'M LITERALLY A MULTISHIPPER PLEASE. PLEASE DO NOT CRUCIFY ME FOR FUNNY YAOI POWERPOINT

i made this powerpoint in two sittings across 2 days, each sitting about 8-12 hours long

i got about 7 total hours of sleep in that time. not for each day- total. i was mad scientist delirious by the end of this

originally, i wanted to include far more- i wanted to analyze other media in depth (like the stageplays, the drama CD, komaeda's official songs, and even official art and materials) but i did not have the time for it. maybe i will make a new testament powerpoint detailing these as well as fandom analysis but that is not currently in the works

this is a presentation! as such the intended way to consume it is As A Presentation! unfortunately i am not someone who records videos so i cannot present it to you. if you would like to present it to you feel free. if you would like to present it to your friends feel free. if you would like to present it to the internet i'm honored but would like for you to talk to me about it first. cool

the original target audience for this was my friends and not all of them are anime people so. i am using the more english-friendly terms (as well as first names). i don't think this will bug any of you but i'm making it clear anyways

all art included in the presentation is credited with a caption linking back directly to the original artist's account. if you see your art in here and you do not want your art in here: let me know! i will take it down immediately and without question.

i may have missed some details/glossed over some things! if you think i've made a mistake somewhere or have missed something important, talk to me about it! i'd love to discuss it and if i make the new testament sequel powerpoint then i will include your corrections at the beginning :)

a lot of the jokes i make happen in the transitions of this powerpoint. some of them use audio- click on the little speaker icon to play the audio and time the animations yourself i suppose. i'd recommend playing it as a slideshow ^-^

have any questions about a particular point i make? ask me! i will elaborate for you

ok that's all i can think of!! have fun folks :]

[yuikomorii]

Happy 12th anniversary! 🎉

// I can’t believe so many years have passed since Ayato’s first CD drama, which marked the beginning of Diabolik Lovers and the introduction of my girl, Yui. Even if it got its flaws, I will continue to support this franchise! 💘

I have prepared an edit and a scenario for this special day! It's meant to be a "funny" one, so there will definitely be some cringe moments, but overall it's quite lighthearted. I sincerely hope you find it enjoyable! Besides, I had a blast writing Laito; he always channels my inner mischievousness.

Yui: Hmm… I believe I have all ingredients now!

( Come to think of it, the Sakamaki brothers are vampires but they surprisingly allowed me to celebrate Christmas this year. )

( It’s honestly so ironic that it makes me wonder whether or not they actually did it for… me? )

( A-Ah no, that’s definitely not the case! I’m probably just getting selfish at this point, but I genuinely do appreciate it. For this reason, I’ll try my best to cook all of their favorite dishes so as to show my gratitude! )

( Christmas is such a magical time of the year. It brings back memories of my father and I organizing the annual Christmas Mass together. We used to decorate the church and bake sweets for children, who were so cute when receiving them! Those were activities that truly brought joy to my heart… I sort of miss those times. )

( My father… I wonder, is he preparing for Christmas too? No, he most likely isn’t… )

( I don’t even know where he is to begin with but I truly hope he’s alright… )

( Anyway, I shouldn’t ruin the mood with those thoughts. Now that I've got everything ready for the dishes, I just need to find the right spot to hide Ayato-kun’s pre— )

Ayato: Yo, Chichinashi!

Yui: G-Geez! Ayato-kun, I told you already not to sneak up behind my back!

Ayato: Haa… Fine, fine, I’m sorry.

Yui: It’s— Eh?

( Wait a little, did he just apologize? )

Ayato: Why are you making such a dumb face? You don’t believe my words, do you?

Yui: Y-You got it wrong! It’s just that I wasn’t expecting Ayato-kun to apologize for something so trivial, you see.

Ayato: Hmm, I guess you’re not wrong. But, since Christmas is coming soon, it’d be a pity for Santa Claus to write me on the naughty list after trying to avoid it the whole year.

Yui: Naughty list…?

( Is it just me, or does Ayato-kun really believe Santa Claus will give him a present? I mean… Santa is told to only deliver them to children, and I'm not sure a 17-year-old still qualifies as one. )

( But I can’t straight up tell him that! It will only ruin the magic otherwise… Besides, when that thought crosses my mind, it somehow makes him appear so pure. )

Ayato: Hah? What are you grinning at? I swear, I've made an effort to be a good boy this year!

Yui: That’s really… amazing, Ayato-kun! I’m sure Santa will remember that!

Ayato: Heh? So you really think he’ll bring me something?

Yui: Uhm… Definitely!

( His eyes started sparking, I really can’t say “no” to that…! However, that only means I'll have to get him another gift so that he can have one from "Santa" and another one from me. )

B-By the way, I think I forgot to buy gingerbread syrup. I suppose I should leave before ——

Ayato: No, no, I’ll go!

Yui: You will? Ah, but you don’t have to! I was the one who forgo—…!

( He’s covering my mouth! )

Ayato: Stop blabbering already! Ore-sama offered to buy it for you, so you could try being a bit more grateful!

Yui: That’s… you’re right.

( Maybe it’s for the better. This way, I'll be able to find a hiding place for the present I already have for him. )

Ayato: I’ll be right back!

—Timeskip—

Ayato: Tsk, I can’t believe that shit was out of stock!

Chichinashi will surely be disappointed, if I come home with nothing! After all, she takes all that Christmas stuff seriously…

What's worse is that I tried really hard to find it, but it was already sold out by the time I arrived!

Tsk, damn it! Why must this be so complicated!?

Laito: Well, well. Seems like Ayato-kun is quite moody today.

Ayato: Get lost you pervert, it’s none of your business!

Laito: Haa… how rude of you, Ayato-kun. And there I was actually intending to give you this, but I guess you don’t need it anymore.

Bye bye~!

Ayato: Wait… What’s that thing in your hand?

Laito: What you ask? Nfu, it’s gingerbread syrup, of course. I was able to get the last one today.

Ayato: Wha—! Oi, you better give it to me or else—

Laito: Or else what~?

Ayato: I’ll—… Nevermind.

Look, you know I’m not into cheesy stuff but Chichinashi really loves Christmas, okay? Getting that gingerbread syrup might make her happy ‘cause maybe it’d remind her of how she celebrated it with her pops. That’s why… I can’t believe I’m saying this but… give it to me, please!

Laito: Woah, it’s honesty hour, hm?

Well, whatever, I don’t really care about that gingerbread syrup anyway, so you can take it if you want to.

Ayato: Really? Gr—

Laito: You didn’t let me finish though. I will only give it to you, if you promise me something.

Ayato: Hah? What the hell is it this time!?

Laito: No need to get so worked up~. All you have to do is to ensure that Bitch-chan consumes at least one glass of syrup at the time you bring it to her.

Ayato: That’s it? Pfft, easiest task ever!

Wait… almost a bit too easy.

Oi you perv, you better not plan something behind Ore-sama’s back, understood?

Laito: Normally I would, but Christmas is just around the corner, right? Who would risk being added to the naughty list at the last minute, right?

— hands Ayato the gingerbread syrup—

Place: Living room

Ayato: Yui! Yui! I’m back and look what I found!!

Yui: Good job, Ayato-kun! Thank you so much for helping me!

Ayato: Now take a seat!

— forces her to sit down —

Yui: Eh? What’s happening?

Ayato: Nothing to worry about, just drink this!

— shoves glass of syrup down her throat —

Yui: Mmh…!!

(What on earth!? I can’t breathe—!)

— Yui swallows it —

Ayato: So~, how is it?

— Yui starts coughing —

Yui: It’s… it’s not as sweet as I remembered. This one is quite bitter.

Ayato: Bitter? Don’t spout nonsense, gingerbread can’t be bitter!

Yui: Yeah… thought so too… but..

(My head started spinning around…)

Ayato: Are you even paying attention to what I’m saying?

Yui: Uuh… Sorry, Ayato-kun, I’m suddenly feeling so dizzy…

Ayato: How—?

( The heck’s wrong with her? Is it ‘cause she swallowed that too fast or…? )

Yui: Ayato-kun…

Ayato: What’s it?

Yui: Has anyone ever told you before that you are… extremely cute?

Ayato: Hah!? I mean, yeah, but what’s up with the random confession?

Yui: Eh? Am I not allowed to compliment the most adorable boy in the whole wide world…?

Ayato: Huh—?

Yui: You see, when I look at you like that… you might not be very clear, yet I can’t help but want to protect you…

Ayato: Protect me? D-Don’t say shit like that, it should be the other way around! After all, Ore-sama is the stron—!

(She pinned me down!?)

Yui: Fufu, you’re just so funny when you praise yourself like that…!

Everything about you is so beautiful… your hard yet nicely textured hair, your jade green eyes, your long eyelashes, your ——

Ayato: Tsk, get off me!

— pushes her away —

— Yui falls down —

Yui: Ngh…!

Ayato: …!

Oi! I… I didn’t mean to! Wait, gimme your hand!

— Yui takes his hand and looks up —

Ayato: (Don’t tell me… did that push bring her back to normal? Heh, if that’s so then—)

Yui: Mistletoe…

— puts her hands on his cheeks —

Yui: Holding your face like this makes me realize how soft your cheeks are… They are so round that I wish I could give you more and more Takoyaki until they become even chubbier…!

Ayato: S-Say what—!?

( It’s not like I dislike cheeky women but she’s nuts! )

— Yui gets closer to his lips —

Ayato: …!

*Smooch*

Laito: Fufu, hahaha, look at your face!

Ayato: Oi, Laito! Don’t just stand there staring, help me!

*Smooch*

Laito: Now why would I? After all, I already did you a favor by giving you the gingerbread liquor~!

Ayato: But you— Did you just say gingerbread LIQUOR!?

*Smooch*

Laito: Ex-act-ly! I was simply curious to see what kind of ‘drunk’ Bitch-chan is, and it seems like she’s the honest and horny type.

— takes picture —

Ayato: O-Oi! Don’t you dare to send it to anyone, delete it right now!

Laito: Oh my, look at the time! Now excuse me but I have to take my leave~.

Ayato: You can’t! Save me first!

Laito: Sorry Ayato-kun, no matter how delicious it feels watching you on top of each other while making out in plain sight, I've got better things to do, so... nfu, enjoy while it lasts!

— winks and disappears —

Ayato: You… You bastard! You will pay for this, I swear you wi— Mmh… Mm!

( Now how will I get myself out of THIS situation!? )

( Ugh, that’s what happens when you try helping others. I should have learnt my lesson a long time ago! )

— Yui stops kissing —

Yui: Will Ayato-kun… suck my blood?

Ayato: …!

( Heh, suddenly this doesn’t seem half bad anymore. I might actually grow to like being desired like that~. )

[asarigg]

Character Design: Part 7

KOTODAMA

Speaking of Aoba’s powers, it was traditionally believed that words had power, and precisely in Koujaku’s route, which is the one with the traditional japanese theme, it’s not just about what Aoba says, the step to choose the bad or good ending is precisely to form a word.

The word for “speech” (koto) and the word for “soul” (tama) are combined. Words can magically affect objects, and the ritual chanting of words can affect the individual and the environment. For example, if you call someone’s name, the sound will have an impact on them, regardless of whether they can hear you or not. Spells and incantations to shinto gods were believed to possess divine power. Not only people, but also animals and objects have souls, so it’s not strange that this is also the case for words. At first it seems like they were just spells and incantations, but over time other words took magical power as well.

Words are also used to make talismans, and writing itself became an art. I wouldn't be surprised if the connection between the spiritual realm and hair could have something to do with their phonetic similarity. Both “god” and “hair” are kami, although I think with a slightly different pronunciation, so it is just another reason to believe that Aoba’s hair has a heavy religious, sacred and magical meaning for Koujaku.

FLOWERS

Now let's talk about the flowers that appear in their illustrations. Cherry blossoms bloom in early spring when the school year starts, new careers too. It might even be an inspiration to look for a new job or even getting married, everything starts with cherry trees, for about two weeks it is a strong representative of spiritual beauty and new beginnings.

Rebirth, renewal, optimism to start something beautiful. Its short life span makes us reflect on the brevity of life, to comprehend the value of life and enjoy every second of it. This flower was also seen as the symbol of the samurai, both were considered to have a short life, and the cherry petals represented the drops of blood spilled in their battles. It is the soul of the samurai, and their souls live in the cherry tree.

We see it being used constantly in their illustrations, they even used it as decoration for the promotional images of their figure.

Obviously it is one of the most important flowers, if not the most, because besides the peonies in Koujaku's tattoo, it is perhaps the one with the most significant weight. The first time we see the cherry blossom is in the CGs at the beginning and end of Re:connect. Let's remember that at the beginning is when Koujaku finally cuts his hair.

Not only the flowers, but also the haircut symbolizes the beginning of a new era, for each of them individually, and for both of them as a couple. Cutting Aoba's hair isn't just a simple "I want to be the one to cut your hair" because he wants to be special. It's more of a "I want us to write a new page in life together." They've been through so much and now they can finally see life with different eyes, especially Koujaku, who had a strongly tunneled vision.

Aoba is trusting him with something that has hurt him so much before and that he's been bullied for, which is also the reason they met, because Aoba’s hair was being pulled. Not only that, at this point they say the pain has numbed, but not gone away completely, so Aoba still feels a bit uncomfortable. And now he’s cutting the very reason why they met, and taking the utmost care not to hurt him.

He can finally hope for something more out of life than just stay there, staring from the distance, he can have some hope that his existence will be something else beyond being a broken puppet. And this is reflected in the Drama CD, when he tells Aoba that he wants to open his own shop. He is settling down, he is having plans for the future, for himself, and for Aoba, he is growing as a person and breaking free from his way of living, so irresponsible with his own well-being, irresponsible with his future. He didn't even see a future for himself before.

I also want to point out that the cherry tree doesn't appear at first. It's true that the illustration where he's cutting his hair should theoretically have happened before. I don't know exactly but I imagine it's just a promotional illustration that they've also included in the game, because the style of the render is different. That's why I believe it's good to think that it's an addition from later and that's why it doesn't appear in the CG. The cherry blossoms appear as a tree regardless, so it’s still there.

The thing is that this bonsai, of this particular flower, appears after cutting Aoba's hair, so it seems like an addition to the house after starting this new stage together, as a sign that the time Aoba spends with him is having an effect, an influence. Now there's not just one person living in that flat, but two, Aoba has practically moved in with Koujaku at this point.

The next flowers I want to talk about are the ones that appear on Aoba's clothes.

I don't know exactly what the round ones are supposed to be, but I've assumed they're daisies or gerberas. They are said to represent the love hidden in the heart, innocence, happiness and true affection. “I feel the same”. The simple beauty of a happy life.

As you can imagine, it's quite representative of his feelings for Koujaku. Similar to his friend, what Aoba felt for him wasn't just friendship since long before the events of the game. They had such a close friendship, for so long, trusting each other with everything (uh) that those feelings had slipped by. Aoba takes longer to realize it, but the way he talks about Koujaku, his reactions, how he describes his hands, it's not neutral at all. These are subtleties that for some may not mean anything, but he doesn’t talk like that easily. I have no doubt that they would have done much more than that if it weren't for the fact that it would be too obvious in the middle of the common route and there are more characters with a dedicated route.

Also next to the daisies there’s bush clover, with the same significance of hidden feelings as with Koujaku. Koujaku in this illustration also has the motifs of white hibiscus and blue leaves, but there is no bush clover. Once they confess their feelings, Koujaku no longer has anything to hide, and he isn’t embarrassed of being in a queer relationship. We will talk more about these two topics later.

The hanging flower is a wisteria. They are beautiful iconic flowers that symbolize youth, perseverance, sensuality, and long-lasting romance. “Drunk with love”, “Never leave”. Its length has made it associated with longevity, and it can be given to a married couple, for example, as a wish for a long-lasting marriage. In general the color purple is associated with spirituality, the white color of these flowers might also be related to nostalgic memories. Wisterias are sometimes seen as a symbol of longing, clinging, and loyalty, as their branches wrap tightly around themselves and other plants or structures like vines. Aoba has issues with abandonment and jealousy, and we see this expressed on several occasions, even though he is embarrassed by it. He has a heavy attachment to Koujaku, which we will also talk about more later.

This is the Kabuki play "Fuji Musume"

In short, Aoba's love for Koujaku is pure, long-lasting, and it’s been deep in his heart for years. He loves him devotedly, yes, just as I've always described Koujaku's obsession with him. I get the feeling that a lot of people aren't aware or don’t see that Aoba has the same level of infatuation as Koujaku, because it's the latter who usually makes the first move, and he's the one who says out loud that he's been in love for years. Since their story is so based on duality and mirroring each other, on how much Aoba and Koujaku are alike despite being so different, it’s easy to assume that one's feelings aren’t any less deep than the other and is pretty much deliberate.