#will Shinae ever get to know

[trashlie]

Sowing the Seeds, Reaping Stalkyoo

It’s no secret that everything about the state of ILY since the Christmas party has been my absolute catnip, everything I’ve waited for and wanted to see. We’ve had delicious flashbacks and peeks into the past, we’ve been indulged with Nol and Kousuke going head to head, the reveals of how Kousuke has been manipulated and drugged, and yes, Nol’s return into his friend’s lives. Quimchee has been delivering something that I didn’t anticipate we’d get for a long time yet - I thought so much of Nol and Shinae’s relationship was being set up for the future, that it wouldn’t take root until then, and yet. 

And yet. 

Ages ago I wrote about the foundations of Stalkyoo, how so much of the framework for their potential feelings and relationship had been carefully laid for feelings to begin to sprout and bloom, anticipating that it would not be until after Nol returns from prison, maybe even until after the timeskip, that those feelings would show themselves. What a fool I was! How could I anticipate that we’d be seeing them so soon, like this?! 

Someone on reddit asked at what point did Stalkyoo begin - the feelings, us shipping, when it began to feel real and possible, and finally I was able to put the words together, to really begin this post that I’ve been dying to make. (This post is an expansion of my response on reddit, hehe) 

I used to waffle a lot on this thought, because if you reread ILY without a romantic lens, there's a lot of things that CAN come across very platonically - but the key is that context always matters, right? To me, a lot of the build up for Stalkyoo has been simply building a foundation so that their own feelings can develop. There's a difference between having feelings and being drawn to each other, but Nol and Shinae HAVE been drawn to each other from the start. While Shinae initially pushes back on Nol's attempt at friendship, by the time they're at the arcade, I think we start seeing the basis of Shinae reciprocating Nol's friendship. Clearly she's only playing along because she wants to get a free meal out of it, but something about Nol and Shinae that I find really interesting is that it really WAS effortless from the beginning! It's just that Shinae has so much trauma about friendships - not only that Alyssa betrayed her and played hot and cold, but that she can't trust her friendship with Maya and Rika is real and she is LITERALLY only there because she knows Maya is scheming. Yet, at the masquerade and the morning after, we see how easy Shinae falls into a rhythm with Nol - but once she catches herself she back pedals.

Something I think we need to clear before we dig into this is the point in which Nol went from trying to play cupid for Dieter to pursuing Shinae's friendship for himself. I don't think even he was totally aware of it, but when they were at the mall, I think that was a slow changing point for Nol. He could tell that he wasn't going to really be able to play cupid for Dieter (but it didn't stop him from trying) but I think by this point he saw Shinae's facade fully, and how similar it was to his. (I mean, I think he'd already seen this, but this was when it really resonated with him.)

Stalkyoo is really well written in which you can't tell at what point the characters themselves start to have feelings, because that's just the nature of feelings. We can't always pinpoint when we go from feeling friend-ish about someone to when we develop feelings, especially in the case of Nol and Shinae who have SO MUCH ELSE going on that feelings are the furthest thing from their minds. Instead, we see those building blocks, the foundations, the things that LEAD those feelings to grow from platonic to feeling something besides just friendship. It's all the little things! For Shinae, it's that someone was so determinedly persistent, something she hadn't really gotten from her other friends. But more than that, it was the way that Nol saw through her. It was the way Yeonggi evoked the kind of friend she wanted to be but was too afraid to be. It was the safety and security he provided her. 

For Nol, it was the way she always saw him, always picked up on those little details, always took concern. That night she ran into him after work, when she got worried he'd sat outside all evening because she was too harsh, she told herself not to care and yet... she couldn't. She had just drawn these boundaries, but she still had concern for him. Nol isn't used to that. I'm not saying this to shame Soushi and Dieter in any way, but we don't really see them reach out to him, and I think Dieter acknowledged this after Yujing drove away with Rand and unconscious Nol. Nol had just seen the eviction notice in her room, and yet she still buys him ointment and medicine out of worry for him with what little money she has. She took notice of his scuffed knuckles, of his cat scratches healing, asks how he’s handling things after seeing what they’re saying on the media. At the hospital she calls him out on that façade, expressing how much awful it makes her feel so how can he not? 

We get to see these little details culminate, and how that fosters the development of feelings. How can Shinae not be so drawn to this person who has helped her no matter the inconvenience it is to him, who sees through her and calls her out on her bullshit, who took care of her when she was so very vulnerable at the Kim formal? How can Nol not be so drawn to this person who sees him when others make him feel invisible, who makes him feel worthy of her concern and thoughts when so many others have made him feel like he doesn't matter?

It's the way Shinae disarms him and he finds himself unable to lie, revealing a little bit of the real him, admitting a tiny hint of what's going on that he isn't revealing. It's the way he literally inspires her to be a better friend, and to return the favor.

As a reader, the Kim formal and the following hospital scene really sell the plausibility of them through the parallels. We are shown that this early in their friendship, Nol is able to not only comfort Shinae in ways that reach her, but to anticipate her needs (intercepting her coat after Kousuke sends it away). It's not done to say that Kousuke is not a match for her as much as to illuminate why Nol is, to build out that foundation. During a harrowing night when Shinae is completely out of her element and, frankly, terrified, Nol is able to reach her, able to comfort her, and he provides that sense of protection, and in kind, it softens Shinae even more towards him, because now she can see just what a solid friend Nol is, to really take stock of the things he does for her. It also shows us the ways Shinae meets HIS needs in contrast to Alyssa. This is especially important because part of what really fosters Nol's eventual feelings for Shinae is that she sees him, that she feels concern for him, when everyone around him, including the person he's supposed to call his girlfriend, take him for granted.

Nol struggles SO MUCH with self worth and feeling that he matters, that he is anything but a burden (much like Shinae) but also he struggles with feeling that he even deserves this. But then Shinae comes in and gives him a taste of that, and now he can't help it. He opens up, little by little. Not a lot, but he lets her in, tiny bit by bit. She starts to matter. And we can see in episodes like 73, when Nol calls Shinae and they share the parallel pillow hugging phone call, 93 when he admits he can't stop himself from caring and she replaces his earbuds in his ear, 117 and 118 with the chickie nuggie hand holding and the shared earbuds just how Shinae became this person who brings Nol comfort, who has a morphine-effect on him. She becomes a safe space for him. Her comfort towards him fosters that feeling of seeking comfort in her.

At the end of the day, it ultimately is, I think, that they see each other - that they really see each other. Can Shinae see through Nol's facade? Not really - he still has so much that he's yet hidden away. But in a world when he's treated like he's invisible, when others don't reach out, when everyone takes takes takes without giving (and again I'm not faulting people because that's how Nol built these friendships; they weren't supposed to be real, until they accidentally were) she sees him and makes him feel like he matters. And likewise, he inspires her to be a better friend, to take chances with her heart. Ultimately she wouldn't be where she is without him, because while Dieter has also had a substantial role in how Shinae has grown, if not for Nol, she never even could have built that friendship with Dieter.

But also, to bring up my earlier point about that effortlessness, that chemistry has always existed between Nol and Shinae, and once she stopped being so suspicious of him and wary, once he brought her that comfort and security at the formal, we were able to see it more, and how they act on it. I never shut up about how Nol is unable to resist Shinae and it's TRUE. All the times that he tries to avoid her often end with him giving in, turning towards her, revealing something. And likewise she is SO drawn to him that when he starts to pull away, she starts to subconsciously act on that and chase after him, pull him back in. I think there's also something to be said about all the very flirty comments Nol makes towards her that he probably isn't even aware are very flirty - but she is picking up on it. It's that, yes, that attraction is there. Not that I think finding someone is handsome = attraction, but the way she's so embarrassed to voice it feels weighted. Also happening at the formal was that moment where Nol makes Shinae laugh and his eye goes wide - even though I don't think he identified it then, it was a significant moment, probably one that really fostered that attraction, that feeling of how pretty her smile is, ESPECIALLY as someone who had her thick thick walls and he hadn't seen her like that.

Honestly, the entirety of the Kim formal arc really sells the concept of Stalkyoo, despite Nol attending “with” his girlfriend. The parallels in their individual relationships with other significant people show just how compatible they are - Nol banking on a fan taking notice of famous girlfriend Alyssa to give Shinae an escape, that moment when Nol is sent away and Shinae calls out to him and he reaches out before the door closes and he loses the opportunity. It’s that tender moment of Nol doing her make up for her, helping her don her armor in order to blend in. It’s the way she goes straight to Nol after her uncomfortable dance with Kousuke, checking on him because she can tell something is off. They just NOTICE! They GET each other! 

It’s that moment at the bottom of the pool when Nol feels the opportunity to escape, to give in, to stay at the bottom of the pool because there is nothing up there for him - and then there is Shinae, unconscious. It’s Nol donning that uncomfortable mask to bring her to the surface, it’s him denying his ideation because maybe there is, in fact, something for him up there. It’s that Nol is still here because of Shinae. 

How can she not be so significant to him? How could he fight the development of those feelings when she literally is the reason he is still alive? 

IT'S JUST. IT'S ALL OF THAT AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH there's not really one point so much as all along the bricks in the foundation are being laid, the seeds are sown. The structure is going up, the seeds are sprouting. We see the results of that foundation as it fosters these feelings, as it takes these small but significant things and turns them into something grander, until one day Nol is taking comfort on her shoulder, feeling the most at peace he has in a long time, until one day Shinae is crying in the rain chasing after him in absolute desperate fear to not lose him to not lose this. There isn't one moment but, instead, a series of so many moments that build and grow and layer upon each other until one day they are dancing around feelings they weren't aware of until now.

And it's beautiful sobs.

And now that those seeds have sprouted, those feelings have been fostered, they make themselves known. It’s not only Yeonggi that Shinae is drawn to. Yes, that was initially the version of him she knew, who fostered those feelings, but even when he returns to her as Nol - so intense, so unlike Yeonggi - we see the attraction come forth. Rather than Yeonggi, it’s Nol who embodies those aspects of Rand that Shinae finds so attractive - the assertiveness, the intensity - and when Nol stands before her this way, she doesn’t balk. She doesn’t back away. In fact, it’s only when he makes this version of himself known that we start to see her getting flustered, that her heart starts pounding. It’s that intense gaze that she can’t hold, that causes her cheeks to actually flush. 

He tells her that his relationship with Alyssa is a shame, that she doesn’t mean anything to him, and it’s like all the boundaries have fallen away. The things she used to call him out on have fallen wayside - she offers him a dance. Though she’s always known that Nol and Kousuke don’t get along, she finally gets a glimpse at how bad it is, how much bad blood is between them. 

It’s the way she becomes a grounding rod who interrupts his panic, his anger, who brings him a moment of calm. 

In nearly losing him that night, Shinae’s feelings wake up even stronger than ever. She’s already nearly lost him, to nearly lose him this way, in a way that can never be undone... It’s understandable, why she’s keeping vigil. 

It’s both Nol and Shinae hating hospitals, finding them to be so uncomfortable, places they don’t want to stay in, but still standing by - Nol outside her door at Hirahara Memorial of all places, Shinae at his bedside waiting waiting waiting. It’s being in a place full of such horrible memories but finding refuge and comfort in each other. As precious at 219 is for Nol’s birthday party, for the flirtations, for the exchanged gazes - the moment Nol wakes up and his panic is quelled when he finds her dozing on the side of his bed is SO important to me. Those moments they share together before anyone else finds out he’s awake feels like the most real they’ve been with each other - no fronts, no masks. It’s them sitting in the place they’d rather never be again, comfortable because of each others’ presence, because of all those experiences before that have cultivated the ability to find comfort in each other. 

Security with each other. 

The foundation was laid out so beautifully. The seeds were sown and now we watch them sprout, hoping we’ll get a chance to see what comes of them, what grows in this space fostered by them. 

God I love them so much sobs 

[skzimagines]

Part 4

Characters: Lee Know x Female reader

Genre: | friends to lovers |

Warnings: 18+ minors dni | smut |

Summary: After an argument between the two, Minho tries to make things right with y/n.

—————————————————————————————

“Minho.” I whisper, opening the door enough to let him in.

“Hi..” he whispers, sliding through the door, watching me as I shut and lock it. I step back, giving him some space. Crossing my arms over my chest, hugging myself. “W..what are you doing here?” I whisper. “I came to uh.. I came to say sorry.” He says, putting his hands in his pockets. “I shouldn’t have reacted that way, you were going through a lot. I should have just been there for you.” He takes a deep breath and sighs. “And uh… I shouldn’t… have uh.. told you about… how I feel.. in that way.” He scratched the back of his neck in a nervous way.

I drop my arms and throw myself into him, taking him into the biggest hug I’ve ever given. He wraps his arms around me, laying his cheek against the top of my head. “I’ve missed you so much.” I whisper into his chest. “I missed you too, more than you could imagine.” He whispers back.

We pull apart, look at each other and start laughing. I grab his hand and pull him the rest of the way into my apartment. “So.. what do you want to do?” I ask. “Anything you want to do.” He says with a smile, squeezing my hand that I had forgotten was holding his. “Movie night?” I ask with a childish grin. “Movie night.” He agrees with a smile.

•

We’re in the middle of a murder documentary when Minho suddenly laughs, making me jump. “What the hell are you laughing at?” I ask, puzzled at what he may find funny about a murderer hiding 31 bodies under his crawlspace. “Fucking amateur, I could’ve done better than that.” He laughs. I look at him like he’s crazy. “I worry about you.” I say, before turning my attention back to the show.

A few minutes pass and Minho moves to get more comfortable. Stretching out his arms and putting one around my shoulders. “That was so cliché.” I chuckle. I see a blush form on his ears. “It’s the best I could come up with.” He chuckles.

•

The show comes to an end and I walk Minho to the door. “I’ll come over tomorrow, after work. If that’s okay?” He asks while sliding his shoes on. “Yeah, that’s fine.” I say, opening the door for him. He slides out of the door, turning around to say goodbye. “So uhh.. we’re okay then? I suppose?” He asks with a small smile. “I mean, I guess so.” I say jokingly rolling my eyes. “Oh please, you know you can’t live without me.” He says, lightly pushing my shoulder. We laugh before taking each other into a hug. “I’ll see you tomorrow then.” He says, slowly pulling away. Still holding on to my waist, starting at my lips. “Yeah, tomorrow.” He catches me staring at his lips as well, he slowly moves his face closer to mine, before pressing his lips to mine. The kiss is sweet, not rough. Filled with complete love. I moan into it as he slowly pulls away. He lets out a sigh. “I’ve been waiting to do that for a very long time.” He whispers. “I wish you would have done it a long time ago.” I say back with a smile. He smiles back and let’s go of me. “Okay, so uhh.. I’ll see you tomorrow then!” He says, slowly backing up. “Okay.” I smile back. He walks down the pathway to my apartment, tripping over the crack of the sidewalk. Whispering a “oh shit.” To himself. I chuckle as I watch him walk away before shutting the door.

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Part 5

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[archiveikemen]

"Mobius Chord" Main Story Prologue: Chapter 6

This is a fan-made translation solely for entertainment purposes with no guaranteed perfection; expect mistakes, grammatical errors, and some creative liberties. All original content and media used belong to +ONE by Ikemen Series and KansaiTV. Please support the game by buying their stories and playing their games.

Read this before interacting

Koto: Goodness, this gives me a headache in every sense of the word… 

I never would've imagined that the others thought I left Lit because of a love affair.

Koto: … Sure it’s my fault for not explaining, but… 

Koto: I can’t possibly just tell them I have inexplicable awful headaches and ringing in my ears that make me unable to focus on music… 

Even though I felt that I had cleared up the misunderstanding with Reiya-kun and Hijiri-kun… 

Koto: Of course we’d grow distant, right? I don't know what to do about it either. . 

The worldwide lockdown due to the recent disaster coincided with the start of my new life as a working adult. 

Drifting away from my friends was unavoidable due to the circumstances. 

Now that there was less awkwardness between us, I hoped I could reach out to them a little more… 

Koto: Come to think of it, didn’t someone else ask about Kei-kun and me a long time ago…? Who was it again… 

While trying to recall who that person was, I pulled at vague memories of a sky as red as the one now and something silver shimmering. 

Koto: Silver… silver blonde… Sui-kun…? 

Sui Kugimiya: … What? 

Koto: Was it you? Wait, I don't think so. Maybe I’m seeing things again… 

Sui: … Don’t just shut me out like that.

Koto: … EEEEH!? 

It was too convenient to be true. 

I did a double and even triple take at the person who had appeared next to me… 

Koto: Sui-kun…? 

Sui: Yeah, what is it? 

(This aloof attitude is definitely Sui-kun…!)

Kugimiya Sui, former co-vocalist of Lit. His otherworldly voice gave him the nickname “singing devil”... 

Koto: W-why are you here!? 

Sui: To give a speech as a representative of the alumni at the autumn gathering. 

Koto: Ohh!? That's amazing. Now that I think of it, I do recall hearing that they were still deciding on the guest speaker. So they chose you! 

Sui: Probably because our batch didn't have a proper graduation ceremony. 

Koto: Oh, right. You were the perennial top student, so you would've been the valedictorian and speaker back then if we had one. 

Although I was already used to it, Sui-kun’s usual reserved nature meant he never spoke much and today was no different. 

Sui: … Got curious after seeing your name in the staff list. 

Sui: So I thought I’d come to see how you’re doing in the working world. 

Koto: Ohhh, um…? 

(I wonder how many times I’ll be repeating myself today.) 

I gave him the same explanation I’d already given to Shina-san, Haru-san, Reiya-kun, and Hijiri-kun. 

Sui: Hmm. So you’re a writer now.

Koto: Yeah. I’m only helping out with the coordination for this party, though. 

Sui: You’re planning on making a living as a writer? 

Koto: Uhh, kind of? I’m finally close to securing a regular column for myself, so this is a make-or-break time for me. 

Sui: I see. I thought you definitely quit to live the rest of your life blissfully, but you sound serious.

Koto: … Live the rest of my life blissfully? Do you mean marriage…?

(How did he come to that conclusion… OHH…!)

Koto: I- I didn't quit my job to get married or anything of the sort! 

Sui: Whoa. 

Remembering my recent misunderstanding with Reiya-kun and Hijiri-kun, I scrambled to correct him. 

To my surprise, Sui-kun’s usually stoic facial expression faltered. 

Koto: F-for some reason, I heard that a lot today. Sorry for yelling. 

Sui: … It’s fine. 

(Though, I don’t really know why Sui-kun left Lit, either… but I shouldn't pry…) 

Sui: … I see. Sorry for jumping to conclusions.

Sui: I’m sure you’ll write good articles. Good luck. 

The smile he gave me was more beautiful than any I’d ever seen from him before. 

[archivalofsins]

So, that last minigram huh?

Kotoko continuing to be unable to take what she dishes out is adorable without question. To celebrate the continuation and the use of portal timeline interactions in another minigram-

I wanna take a moment to discuss that and how martial arts is handled in the portal timeline too!

Transcript of official translation of Minigram EP51 "Mixed Martial Arts Competition Part 2"

[51-1] Kotoko: You're a martial arts guy right, Kazui? Kotoko: What do you do? Judo? Mahiru: What's wrong Mikoto? Kazui: Why do you wanna know all of a suddent? nervous Mikoto: If the battle starts here, I'll have nightmares about it. Mikoto: Who is stronger...? Last episode [51-2] Kazui: Uhh. Kazui: I mainly do judo and kendo(Japanese fencing). Kazui: And a bit of karate. Kazui: You also have some experience in combat sports right? Kazui: I can tell. Kazui: Hm... Kazui: It involves punching and kicking... Kazui: But I don't think it's karate... Kotoko: ...! Kazui: Is it taekwondo? Kotoko: I'm not telling you. Kotoko: Stop staring at me you pervert. Kazui: Is.. Kazui: Isn't that a bit unfair...?

Source

Does Kotoko in the last panel remind anyone else of another prisoner?

I guess playing investigator/hero is only fun when when she the only one doing the watching right?

They’re still here, still here, it grates me.

The difference between this in and the portal timeline interaction is that more prisoners have been included. Mahiru and Mikoto. Two people who had already deduced that Kazui and Kotoko had some martial arts knowledge.

Since this is following up from Minigram EP50 "Mixed Martial Arts Competition Part 1" where Mikoto asks who would win between Kazui and Kotoko in a fight.

[50-1] Mikoto: By the way- Mikoto: Who is stronger between Koto-chan and Kazu? Mikoto: Both of them do martial arts, right? Kotoko: If we go head to head, I'd think Kazui. Futa: Of course it would be. Futa: Don't ask such a stupid question. Futa: Women can't beat men in martial arts. Futa: This isn't a manga. Futa: Body size makes a big difference. step step Futa: How hard you hit is dependent on your body weight Futa: You don't understand. [50-2] Kotoko: Futa does have a point. squeak Kotoko: The fact that many martial arts have weight divisions means that it makes much of a difference. Kotoko: I would be bantamweight and he would be cruiserweight or heavyweight. Kotoko: But... snap Kotoko: I would at least break one of his arms. sst Kotoko: ... So when do we fight?

Maybe we'll get to see Mahiru and Kazui's timeline conversation from 20/06/19 turned into a minigram as well.

20/06/19 Kazui: By the way…… thanks, Shina-chan. You keep going around and talking to people to make sure the mood never gets too sour, right? It’s a big help. We’re all in here together, after all. If a fight broke out, the whole group could fall apart. Mahiru: ……eh? Huh~? Ah, no, I’m just talking to people because I personally want to talk. All the kids are so cute, so I can’t help but want to fuss over them! A fight, huh… But if that ever happened, then you’ll definitely be a big help, right~? Since you’re so big! And buff! Kazui: Ahh, no. I mean, I’ll do what I can. Based on appearance, as long as nobody has a weapon, I think I can probably get everyone under control…… No, we should just hope that nothing like that ever happens. Mahiru: You know, I quite like watching martial arts, actually. I don’t really get it, but it looks super cool. Hi-yah! Hi-yah!

The changes made in the minigram could be to give a more cohesive narrative to those moments. Mikoto, asks Kotoko who's tougher which causes her to get intrigued as well wanting to test her strength, she asks Kazui what martial arts he knows to see if he's a worthy opponent. This leads to Kazui getting nervous assuming this means she's going to try to fight him. Which could lead into him thanking Mahiru for always trying to keep the atmosphere light afterwards and she just explains she has fun talking to everyone.

But let's hop into the interesting thing. Considering the focus on strength and martial arts I decided to look over the timeline interactions involving them. they're interesting to say the least.

Here's the first one to mention martial arts-

20/05/30 Mahiru: Hey, Kotoko-chan. There’s something that’s really been bugging me, so do you mind if I ask? ……how do you style yourself so well? Have you always dressed like that? But it also looks like something you’d wear for training. Do you play sport? Ah, or maybe some kind of martial arts? Kotoko: ……you really are carefree. Everyone in here is a “murderer” right? Is this really the time to be asking questions like that? Mahiru: Hmm, I guess so. That’s what they said. But nobody here seems particularly scary or anything, right? If I had to pick someone, then maybe you’re the scariest! Ah, wait, do you do like yoga or something? Kotoko: ……I can’t tell if you’re making fun of me or are just an airhead.

The second is you guessed it the interaction between Mahiru and Kazui. Wow Mahiru certainly is good at picking out people who know martial arts in a casual way.

The third one is Kotoko's interaction with Kazui,

20/07/09 Kotoko: Kazui, you do martial arts, right? ……what type? Judo? Kazui: Ah, my main is…… judo, and kendo. I also know a little bit of karate. You must have some martial arts experience too, right, Yuzuriha-chan? I can tell by looking. Hmm… probably a combat type…… I’m guessing not karate…… is it taekwondo? Kotoko: ……I’m not telling you. Stop ogling me like that. It’s gross. Kazui: I-isn’t that a bit unfair?

Then the conversation between Mikoto, Kotoko, and Futa.

20/08/03 Mikoto: By the way, Koto-chan. Who’s stronger between you and Kazu-san? You both know martial arts, right? Kotoko: ……if it was a fair one-on-one fight, probably Kazui. Futa: Isn’t that obvious? What a stupid question. There’s no way a girl could win in a fight against a man. This is real life, not a manga. There’s too big a difference in body size. And that’s what determines the weight of your attacks. Kotoko: ……Futa’s not entirely wrong there. In a lot of martial arts, they specifically split up divisions based on body weight for that reason. I’m bantam, and he’d probably be either cruiser or heavy. Well, I’d still break an arm or two though.

The funniest thing about looking over the Portal Timeline interactions in contrast to how the minigram portrays this is-

Well to realize that Kazui never told anyone he did martial arts until he was directly asked by Kotoko. Kotoko and Mahiru both just assumed from how he was built that he did some sort of martial arts. A conclusion they would have come to by oggling the man.

Now Mahiru doesn't hide that she's eyeing up the every adult men in Milgram at all-

20/06/08 Mahiru: Shidou-san…… you’re really good-looking. Personally I think you’d be better if you ate a bit more, but you’re slim and tall, and well put together to boot…… You must’ve been super popular up until now, right? Shidou: ……yeah, that’s true…… I did my share of fooling around in the past. Mahiru: Oh~? That’s not the sort of answer I’d expect from you. I’ve got it! Somebody told you that if you replied like that people wouldn’t resent you so much, right? Shidou: Haha, I’m surprised you guessed. ……it seems that no matter what guise I put on, it’s meaningless against a woman’s insight.

So, it's not much of a surprise that she would make this sort of observation about Kazui. Hell, I'm not even faulting it.

Q.05  Who do you dislike most out of the other prisoners? Mahiru: Futa-kun is a bully, so definitely out! Also Mikoto is pretty flippant, he kinda seems like the type who’d cheat~

If she's trying to use Milgram to find a new boyfriend all the more power to her. Yet, it is again very hilarious that from how the timeline presents it the only reason Kotoko came to the conclusion that Kazui did a martial arts was because she was in her own words ogling him.

Kotoko: ……I’m not telling you. Stop ogling me like that. It’s gross.

What about you, Kotoko?!

Putting this look to the side. Which out of context and in context is not good cosidering the deifnition of the term ogle.

Kazui never told anyone that he did a martial art until he was expressedly asked by Kotoko. The only way that anyone would draw the conclusion that he did is by looking at him (possibly alot). Plus we already know that Kotoko has been keeping an eye on all the prisoner and even more stuff since the release of Deep Cover.

Sorry to go into semantics but yeah what Kotoko did in this minigram is the definition of ogling and is presented as such visually as well as contexually. So, makes sense why they'd have her call him a pervert instead of having her say to stop ogling her like she did before. Having her say that would highlight the double standard here a bit too much.

Despite Kotoko not even answering Kazui when he asks why she's inquiring about this in the overtly menacing way that she is. He still answers her question earnestly. Then when he asks her what martial arts she does to continue the conversation and give her the opportunity to have a reciprocal conversation she just shuts it down by calling him a pervert in the minigram and implying he's one in the original portal timeline by saying he's ogling her.

Him saying that's a bit unfair is rather reasonable. Because that's what it is unfair. He told her what martial arts he does the least she could do is continue the conversation she started and answer the same question she had the audacity to ask.

But while we're still on the topic of martial arts-

Why the fuck are Mahiru and Mikoto so good at telling who does martial arts? It makes sense for Kazui and Kotoko. Also Mahiru admits to being interested in martial arts to Kazui. So, that somewhat explains that. Yet, with Mikoto it's a bit surprising. Given he says that he hates violence.

Q.06 What do you hate? Mikoto: working overnight / reptiles / violence

Well just because he hates violence doesn't mean he can't recognize those capable of being violent or even that he won't use violence himself. It just means he hates it.

Still why is that a skill Mahiru or Mikoto would ever need to the point of being comfortable enough to surmise that two of the prisoners here do it? While also being stunningly correct. Mikoto could have overheard any of the other timeline interractions and just been making small talk though.

Since his talk happens after all the others. Still the fact that four people in this prison are possibly really good at surmising if someone does martial arts by looking at them alone is kind of impressive and terrifying.

This is just some interesting stuff that the new minigram got me thinking about. It's really interesting to see how the staff is incorporating the portal timeline interactions into the minigrams. I can't wait to see what they do with the others from trial one.

[ohplagg]

Keeping Track of Time in I Love Yoo

I am back again with another timeline because I guess this is my life now. This timeline, though, is specifically about the events for December 21st 20XX and forward since I've noticed that Quimchee is adding clocks ever since Nol got stabbed, and everything feels like a race against the clock for some reason.

I'm not going to add any screenshots since this is just, as the title says, keeping track of time. Nothing more, nothing less.

Just in case someone is not paying attention to what they are about to read, this contains spoilers up to I Love Yoo's Episode 244.

If more clocks appear in future episodes I might update this.

As always, I love hearing what you guys think so feel free to reach out!

Italic means that it's not known when exactly in the timeline that specific event took place. I still placed the event where it makes most sense.

(Ep. XYZ) means the episode where the time is mentioned/seen.

Saturday December 21st

9:42pm Nol falls from the second floor to a glass table. (Ep. 210)

Before 11pm Nol is rushed to the hospital (Ep. 215)

Kousuke went to Hirahara's hostpital to look for Nol after being spaced out for around 30 minutes. (Ep.213)

Kousuke get's knocked out by a wall.

11:55pm YuJing leaves Rand alone. (Ep. 215)

Sunday December 22nd

12:00am Kousuke wakes up to hear Hansuke arguing with Yui (Ep. 220)

12:19am Meg find's Rand's present for Kousuke in the trash (Ep. 220)

12:22am Hansuke steals the blood samples (Ep. 221)

4:28am Rand leaves to visit Kousuke. Kousuke has been knocked out by the tea. (Ep. 221)

4:21am Nol wakes up. Shin-Ae texts Dieter and Soushi who are out of the hospital (Ep. 215)

4:47am Dieter and Soushi leave WacDonalds (Ep. 225)

5:06am Dieter and Soushi arrive to the hospital (Ep. 225)

5:09am Shinae goes to get Dieter and Soushi/Birthday party starts. (Ep. 225)

5:26am Stalkyoo dance to christmas music at sunrise. Geez, not even 20 minutes? no wonder Dieter was still awake to witness it all. (Ep. 220)

Hansuke visits YuJing and stores the blood samples.

Nana arrives to the hospital and Nol's jail time is pushed for 3 days counting today (so December 24th is his last day of freedom)

Hansuke takes the blood samples to get tested

7:52am Shin-Ae texts Dieter "Is everything okay?" after he and Soushi left the hospital (Ep. 225)

8:21am Shin-Ae and Nana meet (Ep. 225)

Kousuke wakes up, goes with Yui for breakfast, Hansuke and YuJing pick him up afterwards

8:40am-ish Yui arrives to church right after mass ended (Ep. 230)

"Convince me"

Shin-Ae gets picked up from the hospital by her family

Maya and Shin-Ae talk

Kousuke get's medically checked

11:30am Dieter texts Shin-Ae about going to the hospital together during the afternoon. Shin-Ae takes a nap (Ep. 235)

1:30pm Kousuke drops off his phone at his apartment before heading to Nol's hospital (Ep. 244)

3:30pm Dieter texts a sleeping Shin-Ae (Ep. 240)

Dieter comes to pick up Shin-Ae

Dieter talks with Nol

Kousuke arrives at the hospital with Hansuke and YuJing

Kousuke has a panic attack

5:51pm Shin-Ae wakes up from her nap (Ep. 240)

5:55pm Shin-Ae texts Nol "I know I'm blocked but just in case..." (Ep. 243)

The AA 101 Group to which Shin-Ae and her dad go to is at 7:00pm

7:41pm Hansuke and YuJing are hanging out with college friends. Kousuke isn't picking up his phone. Gregory M tells Hansuke that he can get his stuff done by the end of the week (Friday is the 26th) (Ep. 241)

8:35pm Nana, Dieter and Soushi leave the hospital for the day. (Ep. 242)

8:45pm Shin-Ae is at the AA 101 Group and receives a text apology from Dieter (Ep. 242)

Alyssa tells Nol she "really needs to see him"

Monday December 23rd

10:10am Kousuke's secretary looks at his watch and notices Kousuke missed work (Ep. 243)

10:30am Yui get's a text message from Alyssa saying she's going to visit Nol (Ep. 244)

11:05am Meg mentions how she is heading to the library soon (Ep. 243)

A bit before 11:45am Alyssa arrives to Nol's hospital to talk (Ep. 243)

Between 11:45am and 12:25pm Nol and Alyssa stay quiet (Ep. 243)

12:25pm Alyssa and Nol finally start talking and Yui arrives. (Ep. 243)

Shin-Ae will arrive to the hospital around 2pm (Ep.244)

Nana mentions she'll arrive around 3pm. (Ep. 243)

[giggly-squiggily]

Hello there! If you don’t mind can I request rengoku as a big brother/important platonic figure comforting a younger reader? It can be tickles or not, I would just love some comfort from him. Have a great day or night! :]

MY HEART! *sobs* Oh my, I love this so much! Anon, I've gotcha covered! I decided to go straight fluff for this one :) I hope you like it!

Cloud 9 (Taglist Peeps)

@thatbigbisexual29 @duckymcdoorknob @wolfyeatstacos @gladdygirl18 @baby-tickles2022 @cupcake-spice13 @backy-san @t-wordiiish @sarahmaystock5578 @rachi-roo @mystwrites @chibisstuff @imjusthere07 @giggly-toybox

“(Y/N)!” Arms wrapped around you from behind, lifting you off the ground and sending you spinning. You were immediately engulfed in the smell of firewood, Rengoku’s laughing voice filling your ears. “There’s my favorite person! How are you today?”

“R-Rengoku! Put me dohohwn!” You laughed, unable to fight off the smile pulling at your lips. “I’m goohhonna get sick!”

“Can’t have that happening, can we?” He put you back on your feet, gently turning you around so you could look him in the eye. Seeing your face however, his usual smile faltered. “Are you okay? Did I spin you too much?”

Just like that- it all came back. Your smile fell as you averted your eyes, focusing them on the worn material of his sleeve. “No, you’re fine.”

“(Y/N)...?” Rengoku gently prompted, his brows furrowing the longer he looked at you. Then he pulled you into his arms, resting his head against your crown as he pressed you into his chest. “What happened, firecracker?”

His nickname for you made you tear up, but you didn’t want to cry. “I’m just…do I hold you back?” You asked against his chest, hating how choked you sounded. 

“What?” The next thing you knew, he was holding you back some, staring with wide eyes. “What- how- who-” He blinked owlishly, clearly taken aback by your question. “What..what brought this on?”

You shrunk at his confused expression, averting your gaze as you looked at your sleeves. “I got back recently and went to report to Master Kagaya as always. When I got there, I overheard Shinazugawa. He was saying that I shouldn’t be here, and that I’m just burdening you.” Tears welled in your eyes, blinding your vision. You blinked rapidly in an attempt to will them away. “The worst part is- I know he’s right. I am a burden to you, Rengoku. I’m not nearly as fast, and I can’t kill as many demons as you, and you always have to come help me-”

“Hush.” Rengoku cut you off, his voice uncharacteristically angry. Startled, you fell silent, watching as he kneeled before you. “Don’t ever say those horrible things about yourself again, firecracker. They are not true.”

“But-” You began, but a sharp look from Rengoku shut you up. He softened after, taking your hands in his.

“You’re not a burden to me, (Y/N). You never were, and never will be. The fact you’ve become my Tsugoku is more than evident. You’re strong, smart, and you think differently than I do, making you an invaluable person to team up with. Don’t let your weaknesses blind you from your strengths.”

“But Shina-”

“Shinazugawa’s got a sharp tongue and a terrible lack of tact.” Rengoku spoke with a weary smile, squeezing your hands. “He only says these things because he doesn’t want to see another young life lost. That doesn’t mean he should say them, however. The next time I see him, we will be having words. Don’t you worry.” He grinned brightly up at you, giving your hands a little shake. “I’ll make sure he makes it up to you, or else- he’s gonna get it.”

“No that’s fine, I was eavesdropping anyway-what do you mean get it?” You were quick to shake your head, pausing at the last part. “You’re not going to fight him, are you?”

“But of course! To hurt one’s Tsugoku like that is a great offense among us Hashira. I have to teach him a lesson!” He released your hands, only to shoot them forward to give your sides a squeeze. “Like this and this and this and this!”

“Ah! Ahehahhahahaaha! Rehehehehen, pleahhahahahse!” You burst into giggles doubling over at the tickly touch as you clung to Rengoku’s shoulders. “Dohohohohon’t!”

“Hehe, and you thought that was bad? Then I’m gonna give him one of these!” He pulled you into his arms, tugging you down into his lap as he bear-hugged you to the ground. You laughed as he blew a loud raspberry against your cheek, squeezing you with all his might. “And then I’ll-”

“Rehehen! Rehehengoku, I gehehhet it!” You giggled, tapping your hands against his shoulders. Laughing softly, he eased his grip, keeping you in his arms as the two of you looked towards the clouds. “Thahank you…really, I appreciate it.”

Rengoku hummed, rubbing a hand against your back as he got comfortable against the cool ground. “Of course, firecracker. Anytime you need me, just say the word! I'll always come running to you.”

“Even if you’re in the middle of a bowl of udon?” You teased, giggling when he thought about it.

“I’ll bring it with me! And I’ll bring you a bowl too!”

“What if you get hungry on the way there?”

“I’ll still bring you the bowl! It’ll just be a bit…empty.” You cackled at his grin, falling into his chest as he laughed alongside you.

~~~

Later that day, a sheepish Sanemi brought you freshly made Ohagi and an apology. You could still see Rengoku watching in the distance, something relieved and happy on his face as you and the Wind Hashira made up. Catching your eye, he winked before fading back into the bushes, leaving you feeling better by the minute.

You were so grateful to have Rengoku in your life.

Thanks for reading!

[ng-scanlations]

Bloody Roar 2 V-Jump book bio: Shina

Two souls intertwining

“Hey, hey, dad. Um… y’know, I…. have something to ask you.” “What is it Jeanne?” “Well, my real dad and mom are in heaven right?” “Ah, yes that’s right. What’s the matter? Have you been feeling lonely?” “Mm mmh, I’m fine! Cause I’ve got you dad. Err… anyway, that’s not what I was talking about. What I mean to ask is… dad, I was wondering how you found me. Yeah, that’s it.” “You mean the first time you and I met each other? How terrible, have you really forgotten?” “-I didn’t forget! But… y’know, … uhhh…. yeah ok, sorry…” “No need to apologize. You were so little back then; it can’t be helped that you don’t remember. Besides, your question isn’t entirely accurate. It wasn’t that I found you, it was more like you found me.” “Eh?! That can’t be true! I mean, I was super tiny then right? I couldn’t’ve done something like that! Dad, you gotta be lying.” “I wouldn’t lie to you. Without your parents around, you were left in the care of the church. You really don’t remember do you?” “Hmm…. uhh….” “You were quite the rascal you know. You didn’t pray, you ate your food with your hands, you rode the next door neighbor’s dog like a horse and pulled on its fur. You also didn’t listen to the priest and sisters at all, and when they tried to punish you after having been so exasperated, you’d kick up a huge fuss gnashing your teeth and scratching at them….. Well, I wonder if you still have those bad behaviors even now.” “N-no way! …. So, dad, you didn’t like me then…”

“There was nothing to like or dislike. Like I said, you were the one who found me. I just happened to be visiting the church that day and you jumped onto me all of a sudden you know. I was surprised but the priest even more so. You, who never let anyone, not even the people you were around everyday, get close to you, had come face-to-face with me in a tight hug. The sisters hurriedly tried to pull you off, but you clung too tightly for us to be separated. ‘Let her do what she wants.’ I pleaded. I thought that eventually you would get tired and let go… I underestimated your stubbornness. Not only did you not let go after such a long time, but you also started to doze off into a sound sleep. The priest must have felt there was something going on between us; he said he wanted to consult with me regarding your future. And so, with you still biting and clinging to me, it was decided that we would leave the church together.” “…. Must’ve been annoying huh….” “Jeanne, you haven’t been listening. Not a day has gone by since that day where you have been a nuisance to me. About your parents, what we just talked about…. I’ve told you the whole truth. And do you know why? It’s because I don’t want to be the kind of father who lies and hides things from his daughter. What parent wouldn’t be happy to be hugged by their own child? Ever since that day, I have been the happiest father in the world.” “Really?” “What did I just say? I would never lie to my daughter.” “…..….. Well then…” “What is it?” “Well then, see ya next time. Oh, can I have a big hug? With you dad. Y’know, just like the first time we met!” “Hmm, what’s going on here I wonder… This young lady seems to have gained a considerable amount of weight recently for a 7-year-old, hasn’t she?” “Ooohhhh, you’re such a jerk dad!”

[sailorsplatoon]

here me out, evil shina and marie

YES!!!

Here’s what I’m thinking:

The au is placed during Return of the Mammalians. Marie meets Shina while Neo is still investigating Alterna, trying to find Cuttlefish etc. She doesn’t tell Shina about the mission, not because they’re not close enough for her to trust her, but because she fears that if she tells Shina, she’ll want to help and might get herself hurt. 

However, in keeping this a secret, she actually puts Shina in more danger. Mr. Grizz figured out that the two are in love, and can use that against Marie. It just so happens that Shina works part time for Grizzco. He calls her in for a “promotion”. When she arrives, he has her fuzzed. 

He then uses her cell phone to call Marie, explaining to her that Shina is now fuzzy, and that if she wants her back she needs to come to Grizzco. Alone. When she gets there, she sees fuzzy Shina and nearly breaks down. It takes everything in her to stay strong.

Mr. Grizz then leads her to believe that there is no cure for fuzziness, and that Shina will be like this forever. He tells her his whole villain backstory and lets her know everything involving his plan to make the entire world fuzzy. She’s horrified, but at the same time she’s too heartbroken about what happened to Shina to fight.

Grizz then offers Marie a choice. She now knows too much about his plan for him to let her go. So she could either stay as a prisoner, the same way Cuttlefish is, or she could allow him to make her fuzzy. She is not in a sound sate of mind, and believes that being fuzzy will be the only way to be with the person she loves. So, she agrees to become fuzzy.

I’m thinking of this Sailor Moon quote in particular:

(I’m actually a big Sailor Moon fan, I just don’t post about it often.)

That’s about as far as I’ve gotten for now, but I like the storyline so far!

Thank you for the ask!!! I have to admit, this was not my original idea for an evil Shina and Marie. However what I originally wrote was so immensely sad that I decided not to post it just yet. If you’re interested then I will, but I’ll warn you now that it might be the saddest thing I’ve ever written.

[youuuimeanmee]

There must be tons of things inside Nol's mind the moment his birthday party is over. He must be mulling over what he contemplate during the week after he and his friends parted ways, what lead him up to this point.

Nol has been self-depecrating for years; he was depressed and guilty for what happened in the past. He felt like he doesn't deserve to live and be happy, even if he wanted to. He thought making friends be happy could be his way to atone his sins. But no, he feels like he made everything worse, because he lead them into danger (read: Yui) instead. He endangered them. And he already likes them so much at this point so when they parted, it just leads to another heartbreak.

Shinae calling him a fake person was just adding salt to his wound.

After spending a week mulling over her words, he came to a conclusion that no amount of good deeds he has done will ever be enough to save himself, and he needs to get over his friends because he's undeserving of their love after deceiving and hurting them; Shinae might be the catalyst of Nol's drastic change.

Making friends was a mistake; that's what he believed. That's probably what promted him to go to Alyssa's christmas party because he wanted to forget all the "mistakes" he made. He belonged with his "family," sarcastically speaking. He just wanted to stop giving a fuck to anything. Until he met Shinae again.

She lifted him up, she's using such sweet words to lure him out, she even shared her painful past to try to relate to him. Even after he wrecked her best friend's party and told her to stay away, somehow she still finds her way to save him. She even organized this little party for him. Not to mention, the awkward morphine misunderstanding; yet, she didn't leave. Just how could she stayed by his side after he hurted her from his lies and deceit? He knows how much trust issue Shinae has, so how come she still trust him? Nol really wanted to know.

Then, he saw her gift.

The oranges and the doodle: a reminder of how they meet and the first 24 hours they spent together.

The birthday note: An opposite of what she used to say (Humans suck), and the answer of his question, "why she decided to accept him the first night they met."

Seeing her gift made him realize, maybe, she is the gift all along.

Seeing the oranges and the doodles, he's reminded how lucky he is to have meet Shinae.

Seeing the birthday note, he realized how fortunate he is for asking her to be his partner.

If it wasn't for her, he probably wouldn't even make it to end of the year, and that's not an exaggeration.

She is the mirror that reminded him that he -- the Nolan inside Yeong-Gi mask -- is not okay at all.

She inspired him to try once again with his "family."

When the world told him he's unwanted, she was there to accept him.

They laughed and bickered like old friends.

She gave him a reason to return to this world.

Even after he hurted her, she still hold onto him to share their pain together.

She becomes the bridge to the people who genuinely love him.

She gives him more happiness than he could hold. She gave him reasons to keep living.

And she would not be here if it's not for his efforts to be her friend.

Making friends was not a mistake, it turns out. All the good deeds he has done, it wasn't for naught. All the pain he endured -- especially in the last 3 months -- as Yeong-Gi has finally payed off with a true, loyal friend staying by his side in this moment. She started to make him believe he (might be) wasn't that much of a bad guy, because it seemed like God has accepted some of his repentance. Making friends was not a mistake, or was it?

It's true his perseverance has payed off, but we can't deny all the adventures he went through in the last 3 months is because of Shinae. She has been a force that pushed him to be more involved with the Hiraharas, whether he likes it or not. It leads him to trauma, tears, heartbreaks, even literal injuries... Does it mean Shinae is a curse instead of a blessing?

No, of course not.

Maybe it's just as Nana said; some "mistakes" are worth it.

[kookiewithluv]

omg i feel so bad for oc. i really hate how condescending everyone is to her. the way jungkook talked to her throughout the entire chapter, but especially in his room, was so humiliating! he was so dismissive to be so openly amused by her distress. and the way everyone knows something she doesn’t and ignores her anguish and then acts amused like she's a child. like omg everyone needs to suffer. if i was oc, i would simply kill myself and drastically change the course of their lives forever 😌

no but seriously, they are driving her mental health down the depths. like if this was a really dark story, i could see her realistically have suicidal thoughts

as much as i love a slow burn and a tsundere love interest, i really hope the plot doesn't lead to oc just forgiving everyone, esp jk, for how they've hurt her without her getting real justice. like at least elizabeth was honest with her and didn't hide her evil plans ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

i need my girl to get real groveling and changed actions and respect!!! idk i'm so pissed on her behalf lmaoo

i'm glad she has a backbone and the chapter ends with her getting the resolve to fight, but i do hope it doesn't mean she's fighting for jk to love her. i don't want her begging for his affection when he hasn't even earned hers. i'm curious if she'll try to break the bond on her own or make plans to leave or assert her power in the castle

Hey lovely anon! I hope you’re doing well and having the best day ever!

Okay, first of all, I love how passionately you’re rooting for OC. Honestly, your frustration? Totally valid. Jungkook has been... difficult, to put it lightly. The way he talks to her like her emotions are some sort of joke? Yeah, I’d be throwing something at his face, too. And the others? Acting like she’s too fragile or naive to handle the truth, while they just sit back and let her flounder? Yeah, it’s infuriating. I get it. Truly.

But... why is Jungkook like this? Is he just an egotistical jerk, or is there more to the story? What’s going on in that (very thick) head of his? Only he knows, and let’s be honest—he’s terrible at communicating it. what if Jungkook’s actions are coming from a place he doesn’t even fully understand? What if it’s not as simple as him being cruel for cruelty’s sake? Hmm... Only he knows, and trust me, he’s not spilling his secrets easily.

And Shina? Maybe she thought she was protecting OC by staying quiet. Maybe not. Either way, her choices are definitely added to the mess. Or maybe she just didn’t want to drop the Elizabeth truth bomb out of nowhere. Complicated people, complicated actions—it’s like no one here knows how to deal with emotions like normal human beings. (Typical, right?)

You’re so right about slow burns but—just because we don’t see Jungkook visibly burning doesn’t mean the fire isn’t there. Maybe he’s hurting in ways even he doesn’t fully understand? Just because we can’t see his struggles doesn’t mean he’s not battling his own demons. Maybe he’s just too stubborn to deal with his feelings properly. But whether that’s enough to redeem him? I’ll let you find out. Either way, our girl is absolutely done with him. D-O-N-E.

And no, she’s not here to beg for scraps of affection—she’s going to fight. What for, though? That’s the real question. Is it love? Freedom? Power? Or something else entirely? Also, don’t worry about forgiveness being handed out like candy. If anyone wants redemption, they’re going to have to earn it. No free passes, no shortcuts, and certainly no pity points. Justice is coming, and let’s just say Jungkook might not like what they find at the end of it.

Thank you so much for this ask—it made my day to read your thoughts! I love how much you care about OC, and I promise, she’s not going to let you (or herself) down. You’re asking all the right questions, but also... some answers might surprise you. Stay tuned. Things are only just heating up. Luv ya! 💕

P.S. Keep those guesses coming—I love the theories! You might be onto something... or maybe not. ;)

[the--rebel--fae]

The Stars Made It So Midorima Shintaro x F! Reader

A/n: Hey everyone, I know I still have a few requests I need to get to and the Hazbin Hotel story, but to get the creativity flowing I thought a few one shots would be a good idea! So I hope yall enjoy it!

A soft tune fluttered through the Shintaro household as a young woman moved about in the kitchen, working on what appeared to be a pasta dish of some sort. You continued to hum the tune as you moved about stirring the pot every so often and readying other ingredients as needed.

Then, before you could continue onto the next steps of the meal, your focus was broken by a soft tug of your pant leg. Looking down, a soft smile graced your features as you stared into the adorable features of your young ten-year-old daughter, Shina.

“Hey sweetie, do you need something? Dinner will be ready soon.”

She just shook her head, making her shoulder-length forest green locks swish back and forth. Her big (E/c) eyes looked up at you with a soft determination. “I wanna ask you something about you and Daddy. Daddy won’t give me a straight answer because he’s a—” she paused for a minute, trying to figure out the right word. “Tsun-Tsun!” She said with a pout.

You tried to suppress the giggle that found its way to your lips. You should probably tell her not to repeat the things you call Midorima, but it was too darn adorable hearing that phrase from her lips. “What do you want to ask that Daddy won’t answer for you?”

Shina let out a sigh. “Well, I have to write a report on my parents for school, so I wanted to find out how you and Daddy started dating. But when I asked him, all he said was ‘The stars made it so.’” She said, mocking how Midorima talked.

This time, you let the laugh loose. Well, he wasn’t entirely wrong. Stars did have a hand in it, but not how Shina thought. Taking Shina by the hand, you led her over to a nearby love seat. “Well, your father wasn’t entirely wrong. Stars did have a hand in it in a way.”

Shina gave a confused noise and looked down at her hands in her lap. “What do you mean, Momma?”

“Well, it all started back when your father and I were in high school. I was the manager of the school his basketball team competed against—Seirin, so we came across each other quite a bit.”

***

“(Y/n)! Watch out!” You heard Teppei yell out. But it was too late you looked up from your manager's clipboard and out towards the court…only to be greeted with a basketball to the face.

Letting out a very unladylike grunt as you pushed yourself back up from the bench. “Alright, that ball had better be a stray ball from my team and not from a certain over certain and uptight broccoli head. Or there will be hell to pay.” You growled out efficiently, scaring Koga and the others on the bench with you.

“Tch. What have I told you? If you do not carry the lucky item for---” the source of your annoyance paused. “ what was your star sign again?"

You grumbled your reply.

"Ah, yes. You are bound to have bad day after bad day. And be practically a magnetic force for stray basketballs.”

Riko handed you an ice pack, and you took it gratefully. Then, with a bit of effort, you stood from the bench and stomped over to your sole source of irritation and the plague of your thoughts ever since Seiren’s first game up against Shotoku—Midorima Shintaro. The boy with an amazing amount of OCD, a penchant for relying on the “stars” for his good fortune, and as much as you hated to admit a phenomenal ability to shoot from literally anywhere and make it in almost every time.

“A magnet? Really? Well, this wouldn’t happen if you and your guys would be more careful while playing! And—” you threw a glance at Kagami. “If someone was more aware of his own surroundings too.”

“Hey!”

Midorima merely sighed and went over to Shotoku’s bench and retrieved what looked like a small, gold, and blue circular box. Then, after pushing up his glasses like he always does, he handed it to you. You took it in your hands, but as you looked up at him not only in confusion but to ask Midorima what this object was, you noticed something very interesting on the greenette’s face.

Was…that….

A blush?

Was the Generation of Miracle's top shooter blushing? Just by giving a box?

“Well, are you going to see what it is or just keep staring at it? There is only so much time in a time out, and you are wasting it.”

Tch. He never changes, does he? You opened the box, and inside it, was a small yet rather cute astrodome. One of those light dome things, that when the lights are off in a room, you turn that thing on, and it shows you all of the stars in the night sky.

“But Midorima why—”

“It is simply your lucky item. Maybe with this, you will no longer be as clumsy as you are or a magnet for basketballs.”

Your lip curled up slightly. “I really don’t know whether or not to take that as a compliment or an insult, but thank you, Midorima.”

He shook his head and waved you off. “I merely wanted to offer a meager gift, is all. Something for helping me find my lucky item back when we first met.”

You smiled softly. Heh, yea, that was before I knew what an infuriating broccoli head you are. You thought. But, he does have a few good characteristics, and if you were, to be honest—handsome as well. Not that you would ever say that to his face.

“And he wanted to try to find an excuse to try to ask you out too (Y/n)- Chan! But since he probably would chicken out, I’m here to give him a shove. So, you can say that basketball to the face was kinda my fault, sorry.” Takao said with a snicker.

You felt your cheeks warm, and you immediately met Shintaro’s eyes with the same look of shock, although you were pretty sure he was redder than you at that moment. “Uhm, is this true Shintaro?”

Apparently, the use of his first name throws him off even more, but regardless, he let out an irritated huff and adjusted his glasses. “No use in hiding it, I suppose. Yes, the blundering idiot—”

“Hey!”

“—Is correct. I did and do intend to ask if you would like to accompany me to dinner. Perhaps tonight after the game?”

You let out a giggle and nod. “Who would have known that you were so irritating because you liked me all this time. You really are a Tsundere. But yes Shintaro I’d love to go out with you.”

***

Shina smiled and giggled. “So, I guess Daddy was right after all.”

“I usually am.”

Your head whipped towards the staircase to see your lovely Tsundere husband leaning against the railing with a small smile on his face. “Have you been here the whole time hun?”

Shintaro pushed off of the railing and walked over to the two of you. “I came down just as you were to the part where you were telling our child that I was a Tsundere and had to use Takao to ask you out.” He said with a small chuckle.

“Eh heh. Well, he did help you out in a way.”

“I suppose. But if we have to get down to the bare bones of it. I believe it was—”

“Predestined that we ended up together. I know, love.” You finished for him and gave him a quick peck on the lips.

“Eww. Momma!” Shina complained.

You and Shintaro just giggled at your daughter’s antics.

Predestined or not, you guess you and Shintaro truly did end up dating because the “Stars made it so.”

A/n: How'd you guys like that? I love Kuroko no Basket it's such a good anime and so underrated. If any of yall have any requests I'm more than happy to hear them and write them! Or if you want your own personal fully fleshed out fan fiction I have an etsy shop where you can buy longer stories and stories of all kinds! Just click the link below!

[trashlie]

it's good to see you around again, I missed reading your long ILY posts, hope you're doing better too :) if you ever share your thoughts on the latest couple of episodes (including fp) here, I'd be super excited to read them! I'm really curious how you think the timeline is gonna go from here - especially relating to Shin-Ae and Nolan since it feels like they are the last pieces that need to fall into place so everything is ready for the post-timeskip story to go down. like you, I was so sure Nol and Shin-Ae were going to have some kind of reconciliation before he goes to jail but WELP rip 3 day extension. Poor guy though, Yui showing up in his hospital room must have been extremely triggering, it made sense that he did everything to get outta there ASAP. It's worrying me that this series of negative interactions (Kousuke, Alyssa, Yui) could've undone everything positive Shin-Ae Dieter Soushi Nana did, and now therapy during jail time could either have a positive or negative effect, so Nol is a Schroedinger's cat for now.... At least some things got cleared up and Shin-Ae is now starting to understand the root of the problem (= Yui) (and it actually really makes sense that she had to figure it out herself instead of Nol telling her - the boy obviously isn't ready to talk) so we made some progress.... But istg with this upcoming separation arc 2.0 it feels so much like we're gonna be back at ground zero after the first time skip. Fingers crossed they reconcile in whatever way before the big time skip though. we need a somewhat positive conclusion to this arc before season 1 ends, because if not then what was all this build up for, and why now? What about the realizations? the "convince me"? What about "if you won't let me have you"? If their reconciliation is only going to happen after multiple years of "conflict" between them that would be so cruel....

AND SHIN-AE STILL HASN'T GOTTEN HER BANDANA BACK and now he's stealing her lines too SDGDADSF;SDF

Waaaahhhhh thank you, friend!!! As you can probably tell, I'm still trying to get myself back here fully and figure out how to balance everything, which has always been a struggle ;~; I really may resort to telling my friends to ignore me and yell at me until I get certain posts written up so I'll stop procrastinating because there are SO MANY THINGS I WANT TO WRITE ABOUT EPISODES I WANT TO RECAP AND TALK ABOUT!!!! BUT THE ORGANIZING MYSELF!!!! IS THE PART THAT'S SO DIFFICULT!!!!!!!!

One of the great things about the ILY discord server is that we have this very constant, active conversation going on at all times so it's SO easy to be very present and active, but I also find that it means it's more difficult for me to regulate myself, or I'll have that feeling that I JUST talked about something and so when I try to write about it over here, it feels like a hollow echo and I know that's just because I was just having the conversation so that's just something I need to work on dealing with lol

But I want to answer this before we move so far away from when you asked this!!!!! As expected, there are FP spoilers ahead for eps 246 through 249!!!!!

I!!!! DO NOT KNOW!!!!!!! LMAO Like. GOD. I feel like quimchee has thrown us curveball after curveball and when we sit down and think about how long this period of December 21 and the post December 21 arc has been, how much the story has weaved around?! There are so many things that have occurred that I NEVER expected and, like you, it's just everything I thought has clearly gone out the window. Part of it, I think, is the result of quimchee having to change the arrangement of her story, and god I would love to pick her brain about the things that changed, since Nol's injury was supposed to happen at the formal itself, we never would have had this extended period of hospital time, and it seems like everything about Nol and Shinae coming to realization with their feelings would have played out in a wholly different way than what we ended up getting, so on some level I think this is partly that quimchee, too, is sort of throwing herself cureveballs in that there are things she knows needs to happen and she isn't sure where or how to fit the other elements in? But that's just my guess.

On the one hand, I do feel very "WHAT WAS THE EXTENSION FOR IF NOT FOR RECONCILIATION?!" but beyond Stalkyoo, we have gotten a LOT of good stuff out of this period of time. We see Kousuke facing his cognitive dissonance for, perhaps, the first time, and the revelation that Yui has been drugging him (and likely for a long time, given the way Hansuke describe the dosage Kousuke had and that it merely knocked him out), and more than that, making those connections between Nol and Yui and tea, and wanting to face him. I'm STILL proud of him for wanting to go back and see Nol again, even after he couldn't face him, even after Hansuke found him on the floor of a public bathroom hugging a toilet from the remorse and guilt and perhaps shame of the realization of the ways he has hurt people - has hurt Nol! - who didn't deserve it. We have seen that Rand and Yujing are, in fact, working on something behind the scenes, that Rand is facing Yui as a real adversary now, not just someone who has been resigned to endure her for so many years now, but to actually fight against her. The entirety of Nol's birthday celebration could not have happened the way it did had he not been in the hospital, since he would have had to turn himself in, and while maybe the original plan was that they celebrated his birthday with Minhyuk's coming home party, I'm.... not sure if that would have been the case?

But at at any rate, I do acknowledge that despite the fact that it feels like Nol might be back at square one, that he and Shinae are back where they started in 151, such significant events HAVE taken place that I think will still affect the narrative future of ILY. I still feel strongly that part of Nol's trajectory is coming to terms with the fact that he does, indeed, belong here. That he isn't someone who wasn't meant to be, that he doesn't belong here. He belongs, and he deserves love. He is someone, not nothing. I still think one of his greater arcs will involve coming to embrace this, and while the negative events - Kousuke, Alyssa, Yui - feel like they could be setting him back, he is now equipped with knowledge and feelings he wasn't before. It can't hurt him the same. In fact, I think part of why his confrontation with Alyssa went the way it did was because he had had this experience with Shinae, Dieter, and Soushi, it illuminated everything that was so wrong with his relationship with Alyssa, how neither of them really know each other. It's that sense of foiling that allows him to put his foot down and say enough is enough. Even before it was revealed that Alyssa had come with Yui, it was clear that Nol was over the visit. Don't get me wrong - I understand why he couldn't see that Alyssa clearly was not well, that she was uncomfortable, that she had come to him with no one else to go to, much as he'd gone to Kousuke in the past when he lost his mom, and I also understand why he did the same thing Kousuke did and turned her away. But the point I'm getting at is, it feels like there was a shift. That birthday celebration illuminated something for Nol.

So it's kind of like, while it feels like this might have undone the progress Nol made, it can't undone the revelations he's had, and in that same way, it cannot cast shadow on his enlightenment. He is not the same Nol he was a week ago. Too much has changed, he's become aware of too much, and as such, he is going to respond differently to what comes his way, and while he may continue to try what he had originally intended, I think the difference is that he's now been made aware of things that impact the choices he makes.

But largely I don't really know what I expect just yet. I think it's very pointed that the lawyer reminded Shinae that she has his phone number; I don't think that would be called out if it wasn't going to be important in some way, but in terms of how are we going from here to there? Unsure lol. I think there HAS to be a resolution of some kind, whether it's a reconciliation or not, because Shinae is on this momentum swing that isn't going to stop until she crashes into something or she comes into a force of nature that stops her. Nothing, no one, has been able to reach her or get through to her, and I know it's just because of how much she's hurting, but she's lashing out at people and hurting THEM like a street cat swiping at people trying to help her. She's so terrified of losing Nol, especially now that he came back, especially now that she gave him the option to leave and he didn't and it rekindled that hope she gave him an opening to leave when it would have been easier and he didn't which just made it worse, because so much more was at stake. She can't stop fighting she can't stop trying because she cannot bear what it means to lose him for real this time, not when she finally had him back, not when that realization has come to her even if she won't admit it. She needs him, so what's going to make her give up?

Something has to transpire, whether it's a reconciliation or Nol pushing her away and really shattering her heart or something awful like that, to bring her to a halt, because I can't imagine how we would move into our mini time skip to spring/graduation with Shinae like this, right? So I think there must be some kind of resolution. My foolish, hopeless self wants so badly to hope for reconciliation but esp after 249 I am SO torn. I have two thoughts.

a. they reconcile. She can reach him, and convince him, and even though he is so afraid, he is also someone who folds in front of her, he struggles to resist her. He told her to convince him and boy she can convince him and even though he tells himself he isn't sure if these feelings are real because what if it's just because she's NICE to him I think hearing her confess her feelings would tell him how he feels and give him the answer.

b. But the alternative feels like a parallel to Nessa and Rand, because Nessa, too, was hurt over and over by someone who kept getting her hopes up and getting hurt by him. Shinae gave Nol the opportunity to leave and he didn't, he stayed and doing so sparked her hope, made her feel things, they shared these tender, intimate moments together and forced that realization to come to mind, but for him to push her away again, for her safety, to make choices on her behalf even though she's told him she hates that and she doesn't want him to. Imagine her pulling a Nessa and calling him scum lfkjajkfkjfjkfaj ;A;!!!!! Imagine her so angry and hurt and resentful and saying awful things she doesn't mean and GOD I feel like it can go only one of these ways because what ELSE is going to stop her in her tracks?!

And I really want a reconciliation because parting like this sets them up for SO. MUCH. STRIFE. Because we know one way or another Shinae is going to end up taking Yui's offer and if Nol leaves on these terms, he would end up thinking she's following in Alyssa's footsteps doing so, not understanding WHY she's doing, not understanding that this is Shinae's only way of protecting herself, learning to speak Yui's language and play her game.

and idk I know I'm a hopeful optimist reading a webtoon that proves to me over and over that I cannot be a hopeful optimist but LMAO GOD I WANT SHINAE TO CONVINCE THAT DUMBO

I've said it before that convincing him doesn't mean they have to get into a relationship. Just. Reconcile. She's so afraid of LOSING HIM, thinking that once he slips away he's out of her grasp, her sight, for good, that she will lose the best thing that happened to her and I WANT THAT RECONCILATION. I want her to convince him, for both their sakes. So that he knows he has someone he can go back to. So that she knows he's not just throwing her away. So that she doesn't have to fear losing something so precious and important.

Am I foolish and hopeful for hoping for that outcome? Maybe, but it won't stop me LMAO because as delicious and angsty as Shinae and Nol following in Ressa's footsteps with Nol hurting her again and leaving her so hurt and angry is, I want to see them on that same page. I want to see Shinae convince him - convince him why he is so important to her, and that his feelings are real. That's the thing, right, like.... you can tell yourself that your feelings aren't real, but if the person you like confesses to you, your heart will inevitably betray you and respond to the confession. Nol fears for Shinae's safety but important puzzle pieces are falling into place. She has figured what he fears the most - and if she thinks hard enough she'll realize how she can use that to her "advantage", in that Rand has told her Yui will never let her go, that it doesn't matter if Nol leaves or not. It goes back to my oft repeated sentiment of them needing to be on the same page, to be a team, because his absence will not protect her. And between what Rand told her, plus her anecdotes about Kousuke's birthday and how Yui treated her even before the formal, and what Yujing told Nol about Kousuke being drugged by Yui, maybe, just MAYBE that conclusion that wasn't only him all along will finally hit him. I know he can't change over night, that he has so many deeply ingrained fears that won't be easily assuaged, but I have to hope that a confession from Shinae can convince him that the alternative is worse. Convince him to fight along side her ;A;

I go back and forth on this thought but I think this is strongly what I feel right now. That reconciliation could still be around the corner, even if it's just an admission and a promise to not push her away. Shinae is tired of people acting on her behalf, tired of not getting a say, and especially in something that involves her heart, her feelings?

Go fight girl and maybe bite him if that's what it takes ;A;

STEALING HER BANDANA. HER LINES. HERT HEART. THIS MAN DESERVES TO BE LOCKED AWAY

ALFJLFJLFKJLAFKJLKFJALKFJ

[taito-division]

Contestants/Couples (2/2)

Of course, we couldn’t forget about the main event! We’ve searched high and low throughout Japan to find the very best, the crème de la crème of each and every Division had to offer and we certainly weren’t disappointed with the line up we have and something tells us you aren’t going to be either once we reveal who our couples for this competition are. The couples and contestants for the 2024 Mr. and Mrs. HypMic Couples' Pageant are...

1. "Up next, we have, perhaps, the youngest couple in this competition. Both women have only been dating for approximately a year now, but that doesn't take away the love and care they have for each other! They've been friends for far longer than that, and both know each other inside and out! We'll see if that knowledge, and their young age and cuteness takes them far in this couples' pageant! Please welcome, the popular YouTuber with hundreds and thousands of fans, Criss "Paradox" Hiromi of Akihabara, and her partner, the first-ever winner of the Ms. HypMic Pageant, 2023's most beautiful and talented woman in all of Japan, Kanade "Spooky" Alarie of Kyoto!"

Phantom Powwow

2. "Next up, we have perhaps the most hot-blooded duo in all of this competition. ...Well, I say 'hot-blooded', but really, these contestants are actually fairly level-headed... so long as you don't say or do anything to piss them off! If you do, well... you can only blame yourself if you wind up with third-degree burns! The competition will really heat up with these two, so let's give them a heated welcome, shall we? First, we have one of the most decorated chefs in all of Japan, Luis "El Dorado" Kōkyū of Aoyama! And his partner, well-known librarian and model, Aoba "Guinevere" Yamamura of Kumamoto!"

Inferno Pair

3. "It's best to think of the song, "Opposites Attract" for this next couple, because these two lovebirds are on opposite sides of the law! One is a dedicated officer of truth and justice, while the other is not afraid to bend the rules behind her computer screen! Despite that, they've managed to both catch each other's eye and have been in a "not-so secret" relationship with one another ever since! They've got knowledge in various departments, but will that knowledge help them both in this competition? We'll find out! Please welcome, the man who was once called "Japan's 'It' Boy", Lyall "Corvus" Shina of Niigata, and the infamous hacker and inventor, Kaoru "Arachne" Shinozaki of Edogawa!"

Blue Blaze

4. "This next... well, no offense, but can they really be called a "couple"? Because, and I say this as nicely as I can, but their relationship seems more in-tune with a master and a servant. ...And seeing as how one of the contestants has a leash around his neck, well... I don't think I'm too far off the mark. ...But in any case, perhaps they may surprise us! And if not... well, I'm certain we'll get a good laugh out of them anyway! So, without further ado, please welcome the unparalleled leader of the Kito-gumi, Kito "Renegade" Sakura of Shizuoka, and her... partner, the popular and well-known glassmaker, Yano "Y-STARR" Ietsuna of Toyama!"

Master and Servant

5. "We've now reached the last couple in the pageant. But don't make the mistake of thinking they are the least! Because in case you don't know, one of the contestants is a fighter! And if anyone makes the mistake of underestimating her, or worse, her partner, she won't hesitate to lay them out on the floor! And Heaven only knows, if she'll stop there! These two young women have been married for only a year, and they couldn't be happier with each other! We'll see if their life as a couple has prepared them for this contest! So, without further ado, let's welcome the last contestants in this competition! First off, we have the MMA Champion of the World, Eldrid "Valkyrie" Iwasaki of Taitō, and her wife, whom you've probably heard if you kept a close ear out on TV shows or video games, Kirumi "Echo" Mayeda of Takatsuki!"

Valkyrie’s Resonance

Let's wish these lovely contestants the best of luck!

@akihabaradivision @kyoto-division @aoyama-division @kumamoto-division @niigata-division @edogawa-division @shizuokadivision @toyama-division @takatsuki-division

[shinakazami1]

Another shina TSP ramble time

SO @squuote made an amazing post mentioning my Twitter thread so I decided to copy it here

The way I see Mariella is the same way I see Curator - they're both in Parable for that one single ending, showing insanity and representing Player to some extend.

Curator, of course, has more presence and actual input. She calls out both Narrator and Stanley being stuck in a loop. Mariella seems to fit the role of Stanley, just having her own thoughts described. Mariella might represent the life Stanley could have had if he were to be a normal human still in his job. However, their respectful stories seem to go the opposite way.

Stanley's story does, in fact, make him crave to find out the truth while she stays in delusion but the repetition of Freedom ending really enforced that idea even more, that you're supposed to go around and let Stanley see more and break from the routine that was set in the intro. While Mariella is supposed to be that familiarity, the freedom bias, letting herself think she's better just to make her own life seem nicer because of a random event she saw, no matter if she has the Bucket or not. She also seems to be an embodiment of what we as Players do. Of what Stanley could be doing if he would stay and push Buttons all day, feeling better than anyone in the office who would break from the mind control. It's the insanity of routine, they're all insane but only one gets called out.

If you think about it - both of the girls have some sort of transition in a space outside of the main Parable, which is similar to the Games Ending due to that they're a separate part of this whole mess that they're also stuck in. And they're both, at least represented, as prideful, seeing Stanley as something lower than himself.

Why then, in the Insanity ending, can Narry talk? He gets silent in different parts of the Parable, Bucket Tape Ending, Museum or Escape Pod. Yet here he is, describing a whole different character to us. Due to that, he presents that he might be the one who wrote other employees in the office.

However, it can also imply that he might have written Curator, too. In Wife Ending, there is a female voice at the start that also presents itself sometimes in phone calls. However, based on the recording thing, it seems Narrator can control that. So, it is plausible that he might be in Museum ending and choose to be silent. That wouldn't exactly fit Escape Pod though, as both Narrator and Player would be present and it should work. (Which, is true if I ever fucking release my Bucket Theory post sisuus but I'll leave it for now unless someone would want me to talk about it)

So, why do I think about Curator and Mariella in the same way? Because to a point, Narrator controls the Parable.

And I don't always think so but - sometimes, I think of him not as The Narrator but The Narrator Actor.

The key difference is that he's playing with us, To the point that even Curator's script changes into the Bucket talk due to him having control over the script. He knows 432 exists.

He knows he's in a loop. We already joined when he has been in it, for 13 years.

And the girls seem to show that's true.

[lordsireno]

The ask meme but with Fork!

(classic me taking yonks to answer anything)

Sexuality Headcanon: Demi/Ace (I mean we all know he only has eyes for one man 👀)

Gender Headcanon: Agender - he doesn't care how others perceive him either.

A ship I have with said character:

You know he only has heart eyes for Argus, but I will say he'd take Cletus as a consolation prize ajdgav

A BROTP I have with said character:

Shina's boy Diva comes to mind, or he'd learn to get along with any of the other hairdresser in the fandom.

A NOTP I have with said character:

Rufus would be the last ever choice of men for him.

A random headcanon:

He really enjoys trying new food, and he wants to cook well enough to share what he finds, but he's very average. Often gets too distracted and misses steps or burns things.

General Opinion over said character:

The more beloved he is, the more I must put him in the situations™. Y'all fuel what I do to him XD

[theunrealinsomniac]

As you know, I'm not familiar with your NaruSaku kid OCs. Character and design-wise, how do you imagine them being different from the more famous fankids, Shinachiku, Hanami, and Arashi?

In fairness D, I don't think anyone other than me is actually familiar with my NS kids lol, but I gather your meaning lol.

Okay, let's be clear first and foremost cos I have run into this problem before and I don't want anyone to misunderstand me when I say something in a moment.

I have no ill will against Shinachiku, Hanami and/or Arashi. I've just been here a long time and the NS kids I came up with have been knocking around my noodle for a lot longer than Shinachiku has ever even existed. I have my own, I'm not dropping them for anyone or anything. I'm also not co-opting them and merging my characters with them either. I patently refuse.

It's rude you know?

Cool? Cool.

As for differences beyond the obvious, there's four of my kids, they look different slightly, well you'll have to tell me, I don't know too much about them outside of the bits and pieces I've gleaned from other fic and art.

I strongly suspect the biggest difference is less to do with the kids and more to do with the differences between my Naruto and the Naruto we typically see in stuff about Shina et al.

We are made who we are by the people who raise us, no matter how much we may fight against it as adults, we are the people who came out of our parents/guardians parenting. For good or ill, we are all reactions to our parents, so if my Naruto is different to everyone who writes Naruto for Shina etc ... well I'll have different kids.

I very much get a bumbling sitcom dad/fourth child vibe from Shina and his siblings' dad. And that's fine, it's a perfectly fun and popular take on how Naruto would be as an adult and parent.

I just ... disagree.

I think this comes slightly from two key differences between me and the majority of fanfic writers still knocking around in the NaruSaku sphere.

I'm a man.

I'm a father.

So I have a distinctly unique perspective on fatherhood to most of the people writing Naruto as a dad for NaruSaku. Not a better one to be clear, just a different one.

And because of this, any particular differences between Shina, Hanami and Arashi with my four kids, Sachi, Ichika, Yuuto and Akihiko ... would be kinda like comparing apples and oranges to be honest.

So what I'm going to do instead is just describe the four of them as just them. And you'll have to tell me if that's like Shina etc or not like them.

I do actually have a post where I detail my kids a bit but I was a bit lackadaisical on physical descriptions. So this post will focus on that and I will link the other post with more of their personalities here.

Now, let's start with the appearance of the eldest Uzumaki child.

Sachi Uzumaki

Sachi is our eldest, she's got pink hair a couple shades darker than her mum, eyes just a little lighter blue than her dad and her face is mostly a perfect mix of both her parents, except for the grin. She's got her dad's grin and mouth. Her hair has been all sorts of length but as she settles into teens and active ninja duty, it is cut just a little longer than Sakura's was for most of the story.

When she hits her full height she stands at 5 foot 7, has a generally toned physique like most ninja and kunoichi do with one key exception. Sachi Uzumaki's arms are jacked. Girls got guns and knows how to use them lol. Think an Olympic swimmer for reference but not quite as bulky.

As for clothes, she typically dresses for action, she's what we who grew up in the 90s and early 00s would call a tomboy. There's a general mixing of colours, Sachi is very comfortable being the centre of attention and her clothing reflects this. While she's never gone out wearing full orange or anything like her dad, she has been known to walk around wearing some of Naruto's old jackets.

She does love a good pair of combat boots, the laces normally being fluorescent colours. Sachi's go to look from about the age of fourteen was an oversized top of some primary colour, normally blue, light grey trousers like the ninja uniform and sometimes Naruto's old jacket, sometimes a black leather jacket with the Uzumaki and Haruno symbol, which Naruto and Sakura made once they got married and merged their clans, yes I like this idea too, I'm sure it's also all over the other fankids lol, she wears her headband over her forehead to keep her hair out of her face and because she won't shy away from headbutting people with it.

Ichika Uzumaki

Ichika, Ichi to the family, is Naruto and Sakura's second daughter, sometimes their second or third child depending on the story.

She typically keeps her blonde hair long, think Kushina's lengths for the most part, but the style changes from braids to long flowing locks depending on her mood. She has the same shape and shade of green eyes as Sakura and like all of her siblings, Naruto's grin and mouth. But aside from her mouth it's all Haruno all the way down, you could see Ichika from a mile away and pick her out as basically a blonde Haruno.

She's very lithe to contrast her more muscular sister, if Sachi has a swimmer's body, Ichika has a gymnast's. She's also a few inches shorter than her sister and when all four of the kids are adults, she's the shortest of the bunch at 5 foot 3.

In yet another contrast to her big sister, Ichika is decidedly more traditionally feminine in her attire, favouring pinks and baby blues in her clothing. She's also more inclined to dresses and skirts. She loves summer because it's an excuse to wear sundresses and she loves a good sundress.

It does contrast to what she wears when on mission or training, she favours more form-fitting and close clothing in that scenario and her go to ninja gear is basically the typical uniform but with leggings and turtleneck under her eventual Chunin and Jonin vests. She wears her headband like a belt buckle.

Yuuto Uzumaki

Yuuto, Yuu to the family, is their first son, normally their third child, sometimes second.

He's a dead ringer for child!Naruto. If it weren't for his hair being less spiky and more flowing, think Minato basically, and his eyes being a couple shades lighter green than Sakura's you wouldn't be able to pick out which was five year old Naruto and five year old Yuuto. It's uncanny.

That is until he hits puberty, and his hair gets longer and his face more angular and it's like looking at Minato Namikaze's face on Hokage Mountain come to life. He styles his hair differently but if Sachi is a blend of Uzumaki and Haruno and Ichika is a Haruno ... Yuuto is a Namikaze. At least in the face. Body wise he's basically the same as Naruto, muscular in an agile way with a bit more bulk than his dad and standing at a full 6 foot, the same height as his dad. I don't care if he's actually 5 foot 10 in canon, it's my world now lol.

Yuuto wears as much black as he can as well. It's actually somewhat comical to see the flash of colour at the top of him, blond hair and a dark red headband over his forehead, and then just all black. Black dress shirt open at the second button and untucked, black jeans and black boots. If it didn't suit him so well, he'd get made fun of viciously by his siblings.

He forgoes the Chunin and Jonin uniform unless he's directly ordered to or it's a formal occasion and in fairness to the boy ... it does look weird on him.

Honestly, he looks a bit like a stylish super saiyan lol.

Akihiko Uzumaki

And last but not least, Akihiko. Aki or Koko to his family, I will let you guess who calls him what, but let's just say only Sachi gets away with calling him one of them.

Anyway, Akihiko has dark pink hair, which almost darkens to a very, very light red when he hits early adulthood. He keeps it shorter than the rest of his family, not buzzcut short or anything but no longer than the bottom of his ears. It's still a mess of hair though, no sign of mousse or hair gel lol. As an older man he even grows a beard.

He's the child who most resembles Sakura facially, including the forehead. But his eyes are a glorious merge of blue and green. Honestly they're quite astounding to look at. And of course he has Naruto's mouth and that damn grin.

He's a bit shorter than his brother and father, coming in at 5 foot 11 when he stands up straight and 5 foot 10 when he slouches, which is often. And he is very lanky, he's the least muscular of his family and that actually makes him look taller than he is because of how willowy he is.

Clothing wise, I dunno how to really put it, he dresses normally? Akihiko basically dresses to blend in, he doesn't stand out and he'd really rather you didn't look at him too long. Lots of earth tones and dulled colours. His headband is the brightest thing, and he ties it around his upper left arm on a flash of pink cloth.

And that's basically it for now. I hope this was worth the wait and let me just remind everyone that my takes on Naruto and his kids are just that, mine.

I have nothing but respect for people who use Shinachiku, Hanami and Arashi as their NS kids, but maybe now you've learned a bit about mine ... you'll see why I'm so attached to them. And I hope you look forward to reading the future stories I have about my Uzumaki family.

Ta ra!