#you heard it first from em-chan!

[inkirasity]

JIN ENJOJI X READER | non-consensual clothing removal. implied assault. slight manga spoilers about Jiji. 3.4k wc

“Wanna go out and stargaze?” That’s what Jiji said before the both of you were chased down by blood sucking aliens. “I’m never going out stargazing with you again!” you screamed at his ear as the both of you ran away from the aliens. “I’m sorryyy!”

“Hey, gimme that crab leg!” Momo yelled, as she tried to take a plate from grandma Seiko.

“Quit it kid, I paid for this!”

The two brawled at the table, leaving you, Okarun and Turbo Granny trying to eat peacefully.

Okarun let out a sight, glancing between Momo and Grandma Seiko as they wrestled over the crab leg. Plates clattered and the table shook under the petty chaos but neither of them showed any sign of backing down.

“You guys do this every time,” Okarun muttered, shaking his head as he poked his food. “Can’t we have a normal meal?”

You could only shake your head, while Turbo Granny cackled beside him, already halfway through a plate stacked high with food for a small lucky cat. “Let ‘em fight! Adds flavor to the meal!” she said, her sharp toothy grin stretching wide as she shoved more food into her mouth.

Momo finally managed to grab the crab leg, only for Seiko to counter by whacking her on the head with her hand.

“Ow! That’s dirty fighting!” Momo protested, rubbing her head.

“All’s fair in love and seafood!” Seiko shot back, snatching the crab leg back on triumph. “This is mine!”

Okarun sighed, again, pushing his plate away. “I’m starting to think I should’ve stayed home.”

“Momo, you can take my crab leg instead.” you pushed your plate towards her, her eyes shined like stars as she hugged you.

“My only loving cousin who is blood related to me actually cares for me, unlike that hag over there!”

“Who you sayin’ hag, huh?!”

“Ow ow ow! My ear!”

Both of them started bickering again, you could only give Okarun a small apology for seeing your family like this. He shyly waved it off, taking his food again and continued eating again. Before you could take a bite of your food, you heard a knock on the door. You quietly excused yourself as the both still brawled as you walked towards the door to see who’s outside at this hour. Opening it, you were greeted by a familiar face.

“Hello, kawaii-chan!” Jiji greeted you with a smile.

“Jiji! Why are you out here at this hour?” you asked, surprised by his visit.

He took something from his back and showed a plastic bag.

“Mom asked me to give this to your aunt—”

“Grandma.”

“G-grandma, she made too many and we couldn’t finish it with just the three of us so we got the extras for you!”

You gratefully took the plastic bag from Jiji, “Do you want to come in?”

“Uhhh actually… I wanna ask you if you wanna stargaze, tonight.” he looked away, pink blush coloring his cheeks. But you somehow didn’t notice.

“Oh, sure! I’ll put this inside and change—”

“But your clothes are decent enough though,” Jiji interrupted, pointing at your uniform.

He wasn’t wrong. You’re still in your school uniform since you usually eat first before changing into pajamas.

You shrugged, “Sure, I’ll tell Granny that I’ll go out.”

You offered Jiji to enter the house even joining in the dining area with the four but he politely refused. 

Upon entering the dining room, the scene hadn’t changed much. Momo and Seiko were still bickering, their voices loud enough to echo through the house. Okarun however, was now unconscious on the floor with a bump on his head and Turbo Granny laughing.

You sighed, shaking your head as you placed the bag on the table, “Oi, I’ll be going out with Jiji tonight. Don’t do anything weird at this house.”

Before they could even give you a response, you’ve already left.

“That was quick.” Jiji said as you were putting your shoes on.

“Nah, they were fighting over a crab leg so I just told them I’m going out with you and left.” you responded, taking a step outside the house.

“So, where are we goin’?”

The cliff overlooked Kamikoshi City, the entire landscape spread out beneath you like a glowing painting. The city lights sparkled across the skyline, casting a soft glow over the distant buildings and streets. Each flicker and glimmer seemed to pulse with life, creating a breathtaking view that drew a gasp from you.

“This is… amazing,” you murmured, feeling the cool night breeze brush against your skin. The vastness of it all, the contrast between the peaceful night sky and the bustling city below, was overwhelming in the best way.

Jiji stood beside you, hands in his pockets, smiling at your reaction. “Yeah, I thought you’d like it,” he said, before stepping closer.

He then placed his hand on your head, tilting it upward. “But look at this,” he added. Above, the stars twinkled like tiny diamonds scattered across the midnight sky, their light seemingly to pulse with an ethereal glow. 

The sight was mesmerizing, the stars stretching endlessly into the distance. “Holy shit…” you whispered, captivated by the beauty of the midnight sky.

Jiji chuckled softly beside you, lowering his hand. “Told you.”

As your eyes glued at the sky, Jiji cleared his throat. “Uh, I have something to say to you,” he mumbled.

“Hm?” You pulled your gaze away from the sky, turning to face him. The sight that greeted you was unexpected—Jiji’s face was flushed a deep red, like he’d just stepped out of a sauna. His usual carefree demeanor was replaced with visible tension, and he couldn’t quite meet your eyes.

You raised an eyebrow, curious. “What’s up?”

Jiji fidgeted, rubbing the back of his neck. “I… uh…” He trailed off, his nervousness intensifying. His usual confidence seemed to evaporate in the cool night air, leaving him at a loss for words.

“Jiji—”

You paused mid-sentence, your heart suddenly racing as you caught sight of something lurking behind Jiji. A faint, blue glow flickered in the shadows of the trees, two piercing eyes that seemed to watch you intently.

Your breath hitched in your throat, and you instinctively took a step back, feeling a chill run down your spine. He turned, following your gaze, and his expression shifted from confusion to alarm as he spotted the glowing eyes.

“What the hell is that?” Jiji muttered, his flusterness momentarily vanishing.

The eyes narrowed, and you could feel a sense of dread creeping closer. Whatever it was, it wasn’t friendly. You instinctively moved closer to Jij.

He felt you draw closer. Without thinking, he turned and pulled you behind him, his grip firm as he shielded you with his body. His grip on you never loosened.

Before either of you could react, a long, metallic tentacle shot out from the shadows, wrapping around your ankle. Panic surged through you as it yanked you off your feet, dragging you towards the darkness of the trees.

“Hey! No!” Jiji shouted, instinctively lunging forward but the distance was too great.

You clawed at the dirt, desperate not to be dragged into the unknown. While you were being dragged, you saw a branch. Quickly taking it, you then jabbed it to the tentacle resulting in letting you go.

Footsteps quickly went up to you and held both of your arms and helped you stand up to your feet.

Jiji huffed, “We need to get out of here—”

Before he could finish his sentence, another tentacle shot out from the shadows, snaking around his waist and lifting him off the ground. He let out a startled gasp, eyes wide with shock as he dangled helplessly in the air.

“Jiji!” you screamed, your heart racing as panic surged through you. You reached out instinctively, but the distance between you felt overwhelming.

As the creature stepped out of the shadows, your breath caught in your throat. It was a metallic alien, its body shimmering under the faint moonlight, revealing a sleek, elongated form covered in glinting scales. Its eyes glowed with a menacing blue light, illuminating its sharp, angular features.

“Foolish humans,” it spoke, its voice echoing unnaturally, reverberating in the still night air. “I need female blood to sustain myself… and a male genital. How lucky I am.”

“What’s with you aliens and private parts!” you shouted.

“Power,” it responded wickedly, sending shivers down your spine. “Now shut up, this won’t hurt.”

Before you could react, it lunged another tentacle toward you. It was too fast, ensnaring both of your arms and lifting you off the ground. You gasped, feeling the grip tighten around you like a vise.

Jiji's eyes widened in horror as he struggled against his own restraints. “Let her go!” he shouted with desperation, his voice breaking through the tension in the air.

The metallic alien turned its glowing gaze toward him, its expression unreadable but its intent clear. “Silence!” it hissed, the tentacles around you tightening as it drew you closer to its maw, the cold metal brushing against your skin.

As it drew nearer, the alien grumbled, “Your clothes are useless; the more skin exposed, the more places I can draw blood.”

With a swift motion, it tore the top of your uniform, leaving you exposed down to your bra. You gasped, horror and anger washing over you. “My uniform!” you shouted, kicking your legs frantically in a desperate attempt to break free. “You perv! That cost my week’s allowance!”

The alien’s glowing eyes narrowed, its metallic form looming over you with a chilling satisfaction. “Do not concern yourself with such trivial matters. Your pain will only serve to nourish me.”

“Shut up!” you spat back, anger rising within you. “You think you can just take whatever you want? I won’t let you!”

The alien ignored your words as it revealed more tentacles at its back, shutting you up in the process. This is it, it is your end.

You squeezed your eyes shut, bracing yourself for the pain you feared would come. Instead, to your shock, the alien released its grip on your arms, and you fell into someone’s waiting embrace.

“Gotcha!” came a familiar voice, warm and reassuring. You opened your eyes to see Jiji holding you securely in his arms.

“Jiji?! How—”

“I trained under your aun— I mean your grandma without needing the evil eye!” he declared, a grin breaking through the tension as he tightened his grip on you.

You remembered he did train under Granny Seiko. You looked at the side where the unconscious alien was and saw the ground dented.

Before you could speak, a blast cut you off not far from your position. You froze, heart racing as a UFO descended from the sky, its tentacles swaying ominously at its sides. To your horror, more aliens—similar to the one that had attacked you both—poured out of the craft, their glowing eyes scanning the area as they began to advance.

“We need to run! WE NEED TO RUN!” you screamed, adrenaline surging through you. You jumped out of Jiji’s arms and grabbed his hand, yanking him into a sprint.

The two of you dashed through the underbrush, branches whipping against your skin as you navigated the chaotic terrain. The sounds of the aliens behind you echoed in the night air, their guttural growls mixing with the rustle of leaves and the pounding of your heart.

You were now being chased by blood sucking aliens.

“I’m never going out stargazing with you again!” you screamed at his ear as the both of you ran away from the aliens.

“I’m sorryyy!” he cried out loud.

Jiji’s legs burned as he pushed himself to keep pace with you, heart racing more from fear than the sprint itself. “How was I supposed to know they’d come out of nowhere?” he wailed, his voice cracking as another alien screeched behind you.

You glanced over your shoulder just in time to see one of the blood-sucking aliens close in, its grotesque, tentacles stretching unnaturally fast. “Less talking, more running!” you yelled, grabbing Jiji’s arm to yank him forward as he tripped over a rock.

“I really didn’t mean for this to happen,” he huffed, his breath ragged from the frantic sprint. “I just wanted us to have a chill night, look at the stars, maybe talk about—”

A sharp, hissing sound interrupted his apology as another alien leaped from a nearby tree, its glowing blue eyes locking onto both of you.

“Save it for after we survive!” you barked, dragging him down to the road you both took when you hiked to the cliff. Your heart pounded in your chest, adrenaline coursing through your veins as the aliens screeched louder, closing in from every direction.

Jiji stumbled again, nearly pulling you down with him. “Why do these things always happen when we hang out?!”

“I don’t know! But maybe we should stop hanging out!” you yelled, half-joking as you pushed yourself harder. Your legs burned, but the fear of those creatures fueled you.

A blast of energy hit the ground beside you, sending dirt and debris into the air. You barely dodged it, pulling Jiji out of harm's way. The cliff edge loomed nearby, but there was no time to admire the view.

“We need a plan!” Jiji shouted, glancing back at the approaching aliens. “We can’t outrun them forever!”

“You can do that laser beam shit right?!” you said, “I haven’t fully controlled my powers unlike Momo but I can push them into one line and you can blast them!”

Jiji's eyes widened as he stumbled, nearly tripping over a branch in his shock. “W-What?! I haven’t exactly mastered that yet!”

“We don’t have a choice!” you interrupted, yanking him back on track. “I’ll line them up. Just focus!”

The screeches from the aliens were growing louder, closer. You could practically feel their cold, metallic presence nipping at your heels.

“Alright,” Jiji huffed, swallowing his fear. “But if we die, I’m blaming you!”

You threw him a sharp look, “Just concentrate!”

Gathering your breath, you dug deep into your energy reserves, feeling a familiar warmth surge through your veins. You pivoted, locking your focus on the swarm of aliens behind you. With a fierce shove of your hand, you forced the air around them to compress, pushing them into a tight line like bowling pins. They writhed and screeched in response, tentacles flailing in resistance, but you held them there, your heart pounding from the strain.

“Now, Jiji!” you yelled, sweat beading down your forehead.

Jiji planted his feet, his expression grim as he raised his trembling hands toward the creatures. The familiar energy crackled around his palms, flickering uncertainty. For a second, you thought it wouldn’t work, but then—

A beam of bright energy shot from his palms, exploding into the air with a deafening roar. The blast surged forward, striking the trapped aliens and sending a shockwave that lit up the entire forest.

When the dust settled, the screeching had stopped. Only silence remained.

Jiji, breathless and wide-eyed, turned to you, a mix of awe and disbelief on his face. “Did… did that really just work?”

You exhaled heavily, releasing the tension in your body as you slumped down on a nearby rock. “Barely,” you muttered, staring at the smoking crater where the aliens once stood. "But we’re alive, so I’ll take it."

Jiji collapsed beside you, laughing weakly. “I need a nap.”

“Hey,” you raised the upper part of your body and faced him, “We need to go home first.”

He looked at you, then his eyes looked down. There was this unexplainable reaction from him as his face turned red again and looked away.

“Huh? What’s the matter?”

“You don’t have a top on…”

Your eyes widened as you followed Jiji’s gaze, realizing that your torn uniform had been left in shambles from the earlier attack. Heat flooded your cheeks as you instinctively crossed your arms over your chest.

“J-Jiji!” you sputtered, glaring at him as you quickly tried to cover yourself. “Why didn’t you say something sooner?!”

“I—I didn’t want to make it weird!” Jiji stammered, his face a deep shade of red as he kept his eyes firmly averted, staring intently at a nearby rock. “I mean, we were fighting for our lives! There wasn’t really time to—”

“Ugh, just—turn around or something!” you snapped, completely mortified.

Jiji awkwardly spun on his heel, back facing you as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Right, right! Sorry, my bad!”

You groaned in frustration but couldn’t help the small laugh that bubbled up despite the embarrassment. “This has officially been the weirdest night ever.”

“Agreed,” Jiji muttered, still bright red. “Here,” he draped his jacket over you.

You blinked in surprise as Jiji draped his jacket over your shoulders, the fabric still warm from his body.

“Thanks,” you muttered, pulling it tighter around yourself. The jacket was oversized on you, the sleeves dangling past your hands, but it was much better than nothing.

Jiji rubbed the back of his neck again, his usual energy replaced by an awkward tension. “No problem. I, uh, didn’t want you to be uncomfortable.”

You nodded, you then remembered something. “Oh yeah, you wanted to say something?” you said, looking up to him.

Jiji froze for a moment, his eyes widening slightly as if he had forgotten all about what he had planned to say. His face turned red, again, and avoided eye contact, glancing everywhere except at you.

“Uh… yeah,” he mumbled, scratching the back of his head nervously. “I… I wanted to tell you something earlier, before, you know—” he gestured vaguely at the destroyed cliffside and the direction the aliens had fled.

You raised an eyebrow, curious. “Before the aliens attacked?”

“Yeah,” he nodded, taking a deep breath as if he were trying to summon all of his courage. “I just... I didn’t get the chance because of all the chaos, but I’ve been meaning to tell you for a while now.”

You waited, your heart pounding slightly. “Tell me what?”

Jiji glanced at you briefly, then quickly looked away again. “I… I like you,” he finally blurted out, his voice rushed but genuine. “Like, more than just friends.”

“It’s almost midnight, where the hell is she?” Momo grunted, worry laced in her annoyed voice. “She haven’t exactly mas—”

A knock on the door cut Momo off, she hurriedly ran to the door and opened. Momo's eyes widened at the sight of you standing there, wrapped in Jiji’s oversized jacket, while Jiji stood awkwardly behind you, shirtless and looking very out of place. Her mouth hung open for a second, taking in the bizarre scene before her.

“What the—?” Momo blurted, her annoyance quickly shifting to shock. “Where the hell have you two been?!” she then looked at Jiji,  “And why are you half-naked?!”

You were too tired to speak, but you forced yourself anyway. “Long story… involving aliens. Again.”

Jiji scratched the back of his head, clearly embarrassed. “I can explain, but it’s not what it looks like!”

Momo crossed her arms, her expression a mix of disbelief and concern. “You’d better explain fast, because this is getting ridiculous.”

You pushed your cousin inside the house, “We’ll do that tomorrow, it’s super late.”

“Okay fine,” Momo huffed, “I’ll leave you two alone.”

As Momo disappeared into the house, you turned back to Jiji, exhaustion weighing on your shoulders. The events of the night were still catching up to you, and it felt like you could collapse at any moment.

Jiji shifted uncomfortably under your gaze, his face still slightly flushed. “So… would you still stargaze with me?” he said with a weak chuckle, trying to ease the tension.

“Of course, though the place should not be reeking of spirits and aliens.” you replied, putting your hands inside his borrowed jacket.

Jiji gave a soft smile, “No aliens and spirits, noted.”

“Yeah,” you replied, letting out a small, tired laugh. “Let’s save that for a less eventful night.”

For a moment, you both stood in the quiet hallway, the weight of the night hanging between you.

“Get some rest,” he finally said, his voice soft. “I’ll head home before your grandma decides I’m staying the night.” He offered a small, playful smile, but you could see the exhaustion in his eyes.

“Yeah, I’ll do that.” You gave him a tired nod, then glanced toward the door. “Thanks again, Jiji. For… everything.”

He scratched the back of his head awkwardly, smiling a little brighter. “You don’t have to thank me. You’re my… friend.” His voice faltered at the last word, and for a split second, something more flickered in his eyes before he quickly turned and headed toward the door.

As he opened it, a gust of cool night air swept in. “Goodnight,” he said, throwing a final wave over his shoulder before stepping outside.

You stood there for a moment longer, staring at the now-closed door, a strange mix of relief, exhaustion, and something unspoken settling in your chest.

“Hey, Jiji.”

“Yeah?”

“I like you too.”

[dramaticweathergirl]

Swarm

Twst timeloop au

"Hey Deucy, don’t ya think the butterflies like Yuu a bit too much? No, scratch that—they’re totally borderline obsessed."

Deuce could only glance in the direction his companion was nodding at, curiosity tugging at him. There, in the distance of the Heartslabyul garden, stood Yuu, butterflies dancing around them in an elegant choreography. Some perched atop their head, while others rested on the blades of their shoulders.

It was almost beautiful—if not for the fact that it somehow reminded Deuce of how flies desperately clung to rotting organic trash in the dumpsite he and his old (former) friends used to hang around.

He coughed into his palm, composing himself.

‘How morbid,’ he thought.

"Maybe it’s their perfume or something."

"...Do you really think our dear I-don’t-have-budget-to-buy-a-toothbrush Prefect has the luxury to buy perfume? Let alone one that attracts butterflies like crazy?"

Touché.

The two continued their playful banter as they set up tables for the upcoming Unbirthday Party. They were so caught up in their verbal sparring that they didn’t notice two upperclassmen approaching.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! If it isn’t the Adeuce duo working hard! Didn’t know you two were on duty today. Lemme guess—you made Riddle mad again, huh?" Cater flashed a grin, positioning his phone before snapping a quick picture of the pair. "There. For documentation—proof of your hard work to show Dormhead!"

"Hey!—"

"At least warn us before you take a picture!"

Trey sighed, watching the three of them bicker. "Don’t bully the freshmen too much, Cater."

"Speaking of freshies, where’s Yuu? I thought I heard Grimmy’s voice earlier while passing by."

"Oh, Yuu? They’re over there." Ace lazily gestured toward the school’s Prefect. "They’re kinda... out of it right now, so I wouldn’t get too close if I were you," he added, trying (and failing) to suppress the worry in his voice.

"Out of it?" Trey repeated, frowning.

Four pairs of eyes turned toward the figure in the distance. Yuu stood eerily still, like a statue, their eyes devoid of emotion as they gazed into the horizon. They seemed utterly unfazed by the butterflies swarming around them.

"Wow, ain’t that a Magicam-able sight," Cater murmured. "Yuu-chan really is a butterfly whisperer, huh?"

"I knew they had an affinity for butterflies, but never this extreme," Trey mused, cupping his chin as he recalled past encounters with the Prefect. Ever since he’d met Yuu, there had always been a butterfly or two flitting nearby. His first memory of it was when Yuu and the freshmen duo had returned from the Botanical Garden.

Trey’s brow quirked as he noticed two butterflies circling the Prefect. "Looks like you’ve got a new companion," he’d joked back then.

Yuu had given a grim smile, shrugging tiredly. "Seems like it," they’d said.

Even now, Trey remembered the peculiar look in their eyes. Yuu always had that expression—their smiles never reaching their blank, dead-fish eyes.

"Stupid bugs!" Grim had complained that day, pumping his paws in frustration. "These dumb things have been following my henchman ever since we came back from the mines! I thought we lost ’em, but the moment my henchman stepped into the Botanical Garden, more of them showed up!"

Ever since Riddle’s overblot, more and more butterflies seemed to flock to Yuu. Now, whenever the Prefect stood still in an open space, a swarm of butterflies would gather, their numbers growing the longer Yuu remained stationary.

Like flies buzzing around a rotting cor—

"What’s with all this commotion?!" a familiar voice barked, cutting through Trey's thoughts. "I’d appreciate it if the four of you finished your tasks instead of loitering. Especially you two dimwits who skipped cleaning duty yesterday."

"GAH!"

"D-Dormhead!"

"Riddle..." Trey muttered in surprise. The Heartslabyul Dormhead stood with his arms crossed, his gaze sharp and judgmental.

"Morning, Rids! We were just talking about our dear Prefect over there and the mystery of why the butterflies are crowding around them like a bunch of crazy paparazzi," Cater chimed in with his usual cheeky grin.

Riddle’s brows furrowed as he followed their line of sight. "My, there are more of them than usual," he remarked, his tone curious. "And all the same species..." he added, almost to himself, though the others heard him.

"Species?"

"Yes. I’ve been researching the insects attracted to Yuu. It’s been a personal curiosity of mine to figure out why they’re so drawn to them. At first, I thought it was due to sweat—"

"Sweat? That’s gross," Ace interrupted with a mock gag.

"Yes, sweat," Riddle repeated, unimpressed. "Some butterfly species are attracted to sodium, which is why they’re sometimes drawn to humans. But Yuu never seems to be sweating during these incidents. That led me to believe they might be secreting some sort of pheromone undetectable to humans. But when I asked a beastman—your friend Jack—he said he smelled nothing."

"Wow... you really did your research, huh," Deuce muttered, blinking in amazement.

"It’s hardly anything substantial. I’m still stumped as to why this phenomenon occurs. However, during one of my reading sessions, I came across something... surprising."

"Surprising? How so?"

"Did you know that some butterfly species—like the ones hovering around Yuu—are attracted to and feast on the fluids of decaying corpses?"

[megaderping]

A while ago, I made a post going into parts of the missable Sae Palace arc text messages, such as these:

However, that post neglected to include a full transcript. I have since transcribed all of these texts, which occur on 10/30, 11/3, 11/7, and 11/11. You must not infiltrate Sae's Palace until after these dates in order to get these.

Transcripts below the cut! Crossposted to the P5 sub.

The first of these texts takes place on 10/30. You will miss this text if you infiltrate the Palace on the first available day.

--

Ryuji: Yo, Akechi.

Akechi: What is it?

Ryuji: You got any idea who the true culprit might be?

Futaba: Oh yeah! You said you saw a masked guy, right?

Haru: I wanted to ask about that too.

Futaba: Did you really see him? The masked guy's gotta be the true culprit, right?

Akechi: If this so-called true culprit is acting alone, then there can be no mistake about it.

Futaba: I see.

Yusuke: The next question is, who is that masked man?

Akechi: Unfortunately, I do not know that much.

Futaba: Ugh, you're useless.

Akechi: That is quite harsh.

Futaba: Aw, you're making me blush!

Ann: That wasn't a compliment...

Akechi: At this point, I have yet to even grasp any clues. But once this is dealt with, I will surely capture him. I promise you that.

We'll be counting on you.

Akechi: Perfect. Leave it to me. It may sound somewhat odd for me to say this, but I am an exceptional detective. I assure you, I will catch this culprit. Look forward to it.

Can you do it?

Akechi: Hm? Do you not trust me?

[The rest plays out the same as the other option.]

--

What's funny about this exchange is how the Thieves know Akechi's deal and are just playing along. It makes some of the reactions (especially from Haru and Futaba) read as comically passive aggressive. However, the more interesting texts start coming on 11/03, 11/07, and 11/11.

Starting with 11/03.

--

Ryuji: Goddamit. People're acting like we were the ones who killed 'em.

Yusuke: I have even heard them say we are assassins hired to deal with psychotic breakdown victims.

Ann: Ugh, that's obviously not what we're trying to do.

Akechi: This must be part of the plan to shift blame onto the Phantom Thieves. After all, the true culprit is the one killing the people on that ranking list.

This is unforgivable

Akechi: Indeed. I have no intentions of letting this slide.

This is total BS

Akechi: But that is the truth for the general public at the moment.

[Both lead to...]

Futaba: Man, this culprit guy really won't let up. I don't remember ever doing anything that'd make someone hate us THIS much.

Haru: He used my father as well...

Akechi: I cannot fathom what his motive may be... We will just have to capture and interrogate him.

Makoto: But before that, we need to change my sister's heart. That's our first step toward stopping him.

Akechi: I must agree. The true culprit will be caught, but before that we must deal with Sae-san. If ranking is being taken into consideration, perhaps I will be targeted too... Just kidding.

--

This tells us that Shido is deliberately having Akechi target high ranking targets on the PhanSite in order to terrify the public with abhorrent acts of violence, much like he did in April. It's a way to make people feel scared and more reliant on Shido to be the change that Japan needs. But if you secure the treasure as quickly as possible, you will miss this added information that really deepens how cruel he truly is by ordering hits just to paint a convenient narrative.

And this is definitely Shido's idea, because on 11/7 we get this gem...

--

Haru: Do you think the culprit could be someone at our school?

Yusuke: That seems somewhat sudden.

Haru: I mean, didn't they find a calling card in Principal Kobayakawa's office? I thought you had suggested that idea yourself, Yusuke.

Yusuke: That was just a generalization.

Haru: But if Mako-chan noticed what was going on with you guys, somebody else might have too.

Ann: So you think that "somebody else" is trying to frame us? What's gotten into you so suddenly?

Haru: Nothing has gotten into me. I just think there's a chance the culprit is related to Shujin...

You might be right. / There's no way.

[Both get the same response:]

Yusuke: What is all of this about? It's too soon to be jumping to conclusions like this.

Haru: Well, I was hoping to hear a professional opinion on the matter... What are your thoughts, Akechi-kun?

Akechi: The possibility is not zero, but it does seem a bit unlikely.

Haru: Why do you ask?

Akechi: A normal person would never do such a thing. They would have no reason to callously murder your principal.

Haru: And what if they weren't normal?

Akechi: Are you implying they kill for the sheer pleasure of it?

Haru: No, not like that. What I mean is, you need certain special abilities to navigate through that world, yes?

Akechi: Ah, so you're saying the culprit is a Persona-user.

Haru: Yes.

Akehci: I see... How perceptive. Truthfully, I was considering that possibility myself. But it is difficult to think they have ties to Shujin Academy.

Haru: Why?

Akechi: There would be no motive for them to carry out such a cruel plot. Clearly our culprit is acting behind the scenes to accomplish some grand objective. He likely has accomplices. It is even possible that he is being controlled by someone.

Makoto: Controlled? By whom?

Akechi: If I knew that, I do not think we would be in this much trouble.

Haru: I see... So even someone like you doesn't know, Akechi-kun.

Futaba: Looks like our genius detective's not so much of a genius after all.

Akechi: Haha, harsh as always. If there is one thing I know, it is that the culprit behind all of this is extremely shrewd. But don't worry. I will catch him, no matter what it takes.

I'm looking forward to that. / I wonder if you can do it.

Akechi: More importantly, we need to focus on changing Sae-san's heart for the time being. If we cannot do that, everything we have done will be for naught. We absolutely must succeed here.

--

There is so much to unpack here. By far, it's my favorite of these texts because of the light it sheds on Akechi's motivations and intentions. First, we have Haru pressing the subject. She clearly wants to squeeze answers out of Akechi. She's subtly putting him on the spot because she knows...

But Akechi lets slip that no, actually, he doesn't do this for pleasure. That actually, he is being controlled and that the true mastermind is someone shrewd that he intends to take down. Amidst all of Akechi's lies and platitudes during this part of the story, we see a crack in his perfectly prepared mask. In a way, this is the most honest we've seen Akechi outside of his Royal confidant and on 8/28 and 9/3. In a way, he's sharing little slivers of himself with the rest of the team (either begrudgingly or for reasons he doesn't fully understand) the way he already has with Joker.

And it actually explains a few things that happen later. Namely, the way he downplays the need to kill the other Phantom Thieves until after the election (keep in mind, he does intend to knock Shido down from his pedestal) as well as treating Morgana as "just a cat." Obviously, this doesn't absolve Akechi of his guilt, but it does make it clear that he isn't as remorseless as a lot of people believe, even if no amount of sunk cost fallacy is gonna undo the damage he's done.

Hell, when combined with his lamentation that he didn't meet Joker years ago in the engine room and his reaction to Morgana explaining changes of heart, these texts further solidify that his feelings toward both Joker and the Thieves are extremely complex and absurdly messy.

Plus we get Haru and Futaba both taking shots at him, which is fun and also extremely deserved. :p

Moving on, there's one final missable November text on 11/11. It goes as follows:

--

Akechi: So, about the investigation... It seems they have no evidence that can truly be called as such.

Ryuji: Well duh.

Akechi: However, it seems they have no intentions of changing their plans.

Ann: They're going to investigate at both Shujin Academy and Leblanc, right?

Akechi: Indeed.

Makoto: Hm. I can understand Shujin... But why Leblanc?

Akechi: The key is Wakaba Isshiki.

Futaba: Is it cause of my mom's research?

Akechi: Correct. Her study of cognitive psience is closely connected to this case. Of that, there can be no doubt.

Futaba: Then this guy's really the mastermind behind all of this?

Akechi: That would be the case. There can be no mistake... The one who erased cognitive psience from this world is surely the culprit behind everything.

Makoto: And getting rid of the research was the only way they could use its powers?

Akechi: How perceptive of you. Yes, that is the only logical conclusion. Both Sae-san and I were searching for clues about that research. But just as we were about to deepen our investigation, this commotion began. And to make things even more troublesome... There was only one person with strong connections to both Shujin Academy and Leblanc. And that person turned out to be the leader of the Phantom Thieves.

Yusuke: So the culprit had calculated all of this in advance?

Akechi: Heavens no. That would be impossible. This was a miracle created by the coinciding of multiple chance situations.

Ryuji: Dude, you hear that? He says you got miraculously bad luck. Don't that make you feel good?

I'm so lucky.

Ryuji: Y'know, shitty luck is still luck.

That's not funny.

Ryuji: C'mon, you gotta be able to laugh it off at this point.

Haru: Yes, your luck really is impressive.

Akechi: At any rate, that's the current state of things. And that's why we must obstruct the investigation at all costs.

Makoto: Yes, that's our intention.

--

Once again, we have Akechi laying it on thick that Shido is the one behind everything, as he was the one who ordered the hit on Wakaba, stole her research, and had his own research team develop it further. And keep in mind, Shido's own words, first on 11/21...

"Those who get in the way must be eliminated at times—that's the correct way to use the Metaverse."

And later, his Shadow states, "Moreover, it was thanks to me that Akechi was able to properly use his power to begin with."

So we know that even the idea of inducing mental shutdowns came from him, even if Akechi offered his Metaverse abilities as part of his stupid revenge plan.

What this shows is Akechi wants to hint that there is this bigger puppet master, even if he's going to betray the Thieves, and this is actually really consistent with his Royal confidant. In Rank 7, he uses a billiard games as a metaphor for the upcoming betrayal kill and gives Joker an out, even if he's much happier if you assert your rivalry instead. This makes his warnings about the connections to Wakaba carry a very similar feeling, and since these texts were in Vanilla, it's likely that the Royal confidant built on this foundation.

But then there's the fact that the Thieves are fully in the know that Akechi is going to betray them, so it recontextualizes all these texts where they are genuinely trying to squeeze as much info out of him as they can and likely having to restrain themselves hard (especially Futaba and Haru).

And all of this you will never see unless you delay the infiltration until 11/12. So, the next time you play Persona 5 Royal, it might be worthwhile to delay Sae's Palace to see these in-game! They're really cool and it's a shame they aren't scripted events.

[beesspacedotorg]

bee what about calling chan daddy for the first time??

hihi. uhm. putting warnings is too hard. i hope u enjoy ems <3

warnings: oral (m rec), daddy king (duh), uh. tbh there probably should've been more discussion about what's going on here before it happened but there wasn't gender neutral reader as usual

You’ve been fussing at him all day. To be honest, you’re not even sure why, you’ve just been having a bad time and Chan managed to be in the right place at the wrong time and now he’s contracted your ire. It’s unfair to him, and a part of you knows this, but a larger part of  you is pissed off that he’s breathing so fucking loud, so you’ll just apologize later.

“Baby, are you planning on doing the dishes today or-”

“God, can you shut up?!” There’s a moment where you both stare at each other in shock. You don’t yell at each other. Chan raised his voice at you once before and you cried so hard you almost threw up, and after that you both agreed the two of you wouldn’t let it get to that point ever again. You don’t yell at each other, and yet, your voice has raised to dangerous decibels because your boyfriend asked you about the dishes.

“Okay, what is your problem?”

“Problem? I don’t have a problem.” That is not what was supposed to come out of your mouth. You know it, and Chan especially knows it, because he raises an eyebrow at you from where he’s leaning against the kitchen counter.

“Are you sure? Because you just yelled at me.”

“I didn’t yell.”

“Then what do you call that? Speaking with purpose?”

“Yes. Speaking with purpose. You’re also doing the exact opposite of what I told you to do anyway.” Chan brings his hands to his head to rub his temples, and for a second you think you’ve gone a step too far. You’re ready to apologize to him, to inform him that somewhere between the dishes and now your anger has been replaced with a weird eagerness for him and that maybe you should’ve apologized for yelling at him before starting to play a horny game, but he takes a step towards you before you can open your mouth.

“You have two seconds to apologize to me.” Chan’s voice is tense, a voice you’ve heard people describe as his “leader voice.” You would describe it as something else, but you’re not that brave, so you haven’t yet.

You stare at him instead of apologizing, blinking once and then twice at him. You watch as he clenches his jaw and see the tick of his muscle in real time.

“Okay. Fine.” Oh, you’re fucked. Literally. He grabs your arm and bodily hauls you off the couch. You knew what he was going to do, and you go along with it, so luckily he doesn’t chuck you across the living room.

“Chan.” He keeps dragging you towards your bedroom. “Chan.” You’re pretty sure he’s not listening on purpose. “Christopher.”

“God,” he starts, and you know how his sentence is going to finish before it’s fully out of his mouth, “can you just shut up?” Hearing your own words parroted back at you makes you frown.

“Don’t talk to me like that.”

“Why not? That’s how you were talking to me earlier.” You roll your eyes at him and open your mouth to respond and then he’s kissing you well enough that you don’t care anymore.

“Baby, I wasn’t kidding. That mouth has gotten you in enough trouble, why don’t you just keep it shut, hmm?” You frown at him again, brows furrowing and he pushes you onto your knees and sits on the bed. You stare up at him from your spot on the floor, lips still downturned and then he’s fishing his cock out of his shorts and yanking you towards him by your hair.

“Hey! Let go!” You reach up and dig your nails into his wrist and he grunts at you.

“What is your problem today?”

“I don’t have a problem.”

“Sure.” He brings your face closer to his dick. “Suck.” You shut your mouth with a click of your teeth and when you look up at him you can see that he’s thrown his head back in exasperation.

“Jesus, why are you being like this?” You cross your arms over your chest and you hear him sigh. His hand untangles itself from your hair to press at the hinge of your jaw, forcing it open until he can slip fingers inside your mouth and open you up for himself.

“Ow-” Your muffled protest is cut off by the heft and weight of Chan’s cock being shoved into your mouth. You aren’t insane enough to bite him, but you are insane enough to not move. You’re unsure why, but there’s something in you that wants to push him and see what he’ll do, see just how far you can annoy your sweet, lovely Channie until he becomes something else entirely.

“You’re doing this on purpose.” You can’t help the way your lip twitches into a smirk from where it’s wrapped around the girth of Chan’s dick, can’t help the way it takes you a second to school your expression into something bored and uninterested. Chan sees it though, because of course he does. Sees the way your eyes widened for a second when you got caught before flattening out. You hear him huff a laugh, finally catching on, before he’s dragging one of your hands to rest on his thigh and taking your head between his palms.

“Fine.”

He starts a rough pace right off the bat. Doesn’t give you any time to adjust before his cockhead is ramming cruelly against the back of your throat. You gag, drool bubbling past your lips, down your chin, dripping onto the floor. Your hand lifts off his thigh for a moment, taken aback, and his pace slows. He pulls halfway out of your mouth and then you put your hand back on his leg like nothing happened and he’s back to using his cock as a battering ram to your throat.

“Kept mouthing off,” he grunts, slightly out of breath. “You and I both know that this is all your little mouth is good for.”

He keeps on like that until you’re crying, until tears are slipping down your cheeks and your nose is running a little. Uses you as nothing more than a fleshlight until your eyes are red rimmed and your knees are sore. He pulls out and tilts your head back to look into your eyes. Your head is swimming from the lack of oxygen and your vision is blurry from tears and something else. He looks at your face and down at the floor and his cock twitches.

“Made a mess,” he scoffs, derisive. “Are you done?” You whine at him, you have no idea what he’s asking anymore. He shakes your head a little.

“Brat. I asked you a question.”

“Channie- daddy.” Your voice is hoarse and wobbly, your hands are grabbing at his thighs and you're leaning your weight into him. You hear him inhale sharply and suddenly the hands on your head shift from a grab to a cradle.

“Oh, baby.” He hauls you up into his lap. “Look at me.” You do, whatever Chan finds in your face makes him soft.

“Was that all you needed, sweetheart? Was for daddy to set you straight.” You nod at him and he coos.

“Daddy’s not done yet, baby.” You whine. He laughs. “You gave me a hard time there, honey. A bit of face fucking isn’t gonna make that up to me, you know that.”

You do know that. It isn’t gonna stop your pout though. Chan sees your face and laughs.

“Lay on your back,” he says. “Maybe if you apologize well enough, I’ll give you a reward after.”

[battybaby111]

heatwaves and hot topics

best friend!lee felix x fem!plus size!reader

wc 2901

warnings none, all fluffy maybe minor angst and a little suggestive

a/n first full fledged pic on this account, whose surprised it's for felix?... was that crickets? I think I heard crickets. n e ways, I hope ya like it! hopefully I'll be posting more regularly here in the future, it's hard starting from scratch after having an established following on another account. this is far from my best work, but for just getting back into the swing of things- she's pretty alright. xo.

it was hot; hotter than hot. nobody in the dorms were sticking around, a few fleeing to the public pool to beat the heat, chan and han opting for the studio where the ac actually seemed to work. you and felix seemed to be the last to be awoken by the blistering sun preening through the thin curtains in your rooms.

your skin was beaded with sweat, hair matted to your face and you found yourself immediately stripping out of the cozy muumuu you'd slept in and opting for the shortest shorts you could find- which your thighs and ass begin eating promptly, and the thinnest tank top available in your closet- clinging to your soft tummy and leaving little to the imagination in your chest area.

your mouth dry and your chest heaving at the thick hot air of the dorms, you groan and swipe some sweat off of your forehead.

walking out of your room and stepping into the kitchen your hands find the nearest clean glass and fill it to the brim with water from the filter. sock padded feet patter on the floorboard, turning to your left you see an equally miserable felix, lip pouted and cheeks red. with a pair of black shorts slung low on his hips, he holds a ponytail out in his palm silently begging you to end the torment of his hair resting on his bare shoulders.

"aww lixie," you pout back, setting the glass on the counter and plucking the hair tie from his hand and urging him to spin around and crouch. you allow him a pause, smiling down at his ducked position as he all but tears the crew socks from his ankles and tosses them to the other side of the room like they'd burned him.

a low groan thrums in his chest, heaving out a dramatic sigh, "where did this heatwave come from and when is it leaving?"

"unfortunately, i am not the weatherman lix." you giggle and he hums satisfactorily as your fingers graze his scalp pulling his hair into a little blonde bun at the back of his head. your phone buzzes from the counter and you turn to see a uv warning, along with a few messages in the group chat naming the whereabouts of each member.

"jisung and channie are at the studio, i think minho left to go there too a bit ago. the rest are at the pool, and binnie is at the gym working out in this heat like a serial killer." you glance up towards felix whose eyes are now taking in your choice of clothing clinging to your balmy skin. you flick his forehead and he frowns, finally looking you in the eyes again with an innocent smile.

"sounds about right."

"did you wanna-" he cuts you off with a shake of his head, "nah, i've been up and at 'em all week. sucks our first free day in forever has to be impossible to enjoy." he tsks, "but i'd rather suffer at home then work voluntarily, suffer at the gym, or swim in a public pool while trying to simultaneously hide my identity."

you point at him and nod, "point taken. so, let's get all the box fans from all the rooms and pray we don't blow a fuse?"

he nods curtly with a wide smile, now bare feet pitter pattering towards his room, you doing the same.

once all the fans had been subsequently stolen from the other boys rooms, along with both of your own, and plugged into the various outlets in the living room, you flop down on the couch and close your eyes. fanning yourself with your hand.

felix walks back into the room, now holding two frosty glasses of lemonade with ice. he hums at you to get your attention and throws a nod your way so you'd lift your legs, settling himself on the couch with your calves now sitting in his lap.

"here," he holds the glass toward you and you groan, not wanting to move in the heat, there'd surely be a you shaped puddle of sweat on the cushions when you did eventually get up.

he tsks at your noncompliance and giggles as he presses the bottom of the cold glass into the exposed skin of your tummy, causing you to hiss and sit up quickly at the sensation, almost knocking it from his hand.

sending a glare his way you begrudgingly, but thankfully, take the glass from his hand and swallow almost half of the liquid in one gulp, sighing and setting it on the floor next to you.

"thank you lixie," you smile sweetly at him before flopping backwards yet again, shifting around trying to get comfy, and swiping the remote from the floor.

"watch something or play something?"

"no."

you quirk an eyebrow and tilt your head at him confused as he sips his lemonade, "that wasn't really a yes or no question, yongbok-ah."

"yes, but my answer is neither," he offers a goofy tooth filled grin to your perplexed expression.

"ah, okay...what?" you shake your head in disdain, dropping the remote back on the floor, "we aren't sitting here in silence for hours."

he laughs before finally explaining as you continue to look at him as though he'd grown another head, "no, no, just wanna talk. we never get to hang, just us, anymore." he shakes his head and waves a hand dismissively, "besides, tonights movie night. we've got time to watch later."

"okay so, what do you want to talk about?" he rubs circles absentmindedly as he thinks before turning to you, "we could play two truths and a lie."

you brows pinch together, offering him a small smile, "sure, lix, but-" you sit up now, raising your pointer finger to poke him in the arm with a half serious look, "this'll be easy, I know you too well."

"sure," he holds out the hand that was rubbing your ankle, shaking yours exaggeratedly making you giggle.

"okay okay, i'll go first," he hums and runs a hand through his hair, deep in thought trying to come up with his options, "got it. i have a secret tiktok account to watch edits of the group," you giggle at the thought, picturing him scrolling through edits of you guys on stage, or commenting fire emojis under thirst edits of himself, "my favorite color is light blue, and i'm finally past bronze on league."

"hmm," you tap your chin in mock contemplation, the answer clear as day to you. this boy will never get past bronze, "I know your still bronze, goofy. you gotta do a harder one next time."

the room fills with giggles from the both of you as he nods, you pick up your lemonade, "so your secret account?"

"oh yeah, found some gnarly stuff on there. some of them are like way too good," he laughs again before nodding to you as you take a sip of your drink. setting it down you clear your throat and place your hands in your lap, mustering up your best poker face before starting, "okay, so before I went down the path to becoming an idol I used to run a bigbang fan account on tumblr, and I wrote fan fiction about them" he snorts, smacking your ankle and shaking his head, thinking he'd already caught your lie.

"I once got bucked off a horse, but I got back on because I'm a badass, and they gave me a plush of her- which I still have, for my bravery, and I once went full 'coyote ugly' at a bar during a bachelorette party."

"what's 'coyote ugly'," he tilts his head at you, not understanding your reference and your jaw drops slightly.

"sometimes I forget that I'm the only person with good taste in this group, it's a movie. picture this," you clap your hands together softly and begin to set the scene, "me circa six years ago in a bar I wasn't even allowed to be in, I would've been just barely 18 at the time, up on the counter throwing my shirt at a bride and pouring shots into her bridesmaids mouths," you sigh fondly at the memory before returning your gaze to his eyes with a straight face, "before promptly getting thrown out and banned from the building."

you smile brightly towards him while he just stares at you in what you can't decide is judgmental or impressed, he shakes his head and blinks rapidly.

"wow, okay, gonna need to watch that movie," you swat his arm at the dirty underlying meaning to his words, "also, I think the fan account is the lie."

you bob your head side to side, teasing him, before finally giving in when he flicks the space between your eyebrows, "alright alright, you're- drumroll please," you begin patting your legs in a steady rhythm while he giggles amused, "wrong! I never got bucked off a horse, she liked me, but I do have the plushie- just had to buy it myself."

"no way, you little weirdo!"

"at least I'm not fangirling over my own band!" you squint at him and point an accusing finger at him, "I bet you have folders for each of us full of thirst edits, and you know what? I bet yours has the most in it you little narcissi-"

"do not!"

"do to!"

"I do not!"

you roll your eyes but a smile breaks through your combative facade, "sure jan, try your lies elsewhere. it's your turn."

you pick up your lemonade once again only to frown when you realize you'd emptied it, halfheartedly you pluck an ice cube from the glass and begin rubbing it on your neck with a hum at the cooling sensation.

you glance over at Felix, deep in thought probably attempting to come up with ones as good as your own, which were better than his first choices by far. his ponytail was beginning to sag as he wouldn't stop touching his hair, his forehead and cheeks dewy from the sweat, and he licks his upper lip in focus. your heart stutters, he'd looked entirely too good for someone stuck in the hottest dorms in seoul during a heatwave.

you clear your throat in an attempt to clear the thoughts from your head, you were sure the crush you'd had on him way back when had gone away but it always lingered somewhere deep, coming out in these moment you had alone.

he finally pats your calf to get your attention before sitting up straighter and fixing an imaginary tie, pulling a straight face, "hmm, okay... one time, during summer camp, I really had to use the bathroom and we were on a hike and I ended up in the infirmary for a whole night with poison ivy in places you don't want to know," a giggle rises from your throat and you pray for entertainments sake that this was a truth, "it was not funny. anyway, number two, I once accidentally let one of minho hyungs cats out and he didn't speak to me for a week even after I found him and brought him back safely."

that one could be true, but it also sounded like something han would be guilty of, your brows knit in contemplation awaiting his next story.

"back in our trainee days, I had the biggest crush on you. like, hardcore," your throat squeezes, eyes widen, and you swear you felt your heart stop in your chest. no, he's lying, there's not a chance, he'd said it way too casually and felix is anything but casual when it came to stuff like that. and if he did? boy did you really miss your chance, by like 5 years.

he looks at you with a smile, waiting patiently for you to guess. you catch his eyes and sake your head with a gulp before stuttering out, "uh, th-the last one. thought the one about minho was a lie, s-sounds like a jisung story that you stole, but definitely the last one."

he smiles almost triumphantly and your blood runs cold, "nope." he pops the 'p' withe pride. he was happy to have fooled you, but you were a mess in your spot. you pull your legs from his lap and scoot back on the couch, eyes even wider than before if possible and you pull your knees as close to your chest as you can manage with your large thighs and protruding belly, suddenly feeling his gaze on every inch of exposed skin and wishing you hd a blanket you could hide under.

he frowns at your sudden closed off stature, scooting to the middle seat of the couch and resting a hand on your knee, "are you good?" he half smiles but his eyes show concern, rubbing his fingertips lightly where they meet your thigh.

"uh, no? what do you mean you had a crush on me? like you just thought I was cute?"

he scoffs, "no, no," he huffs out a laugh, "I really liked you, I was a little crazy with it, asking channie hyung about you because I knew you were close, making it a point to get closer with you so I would have an excuse to see you outside of training because friends hangout you know?"

your nerves subsided, brows pinching together and eyes closing slightly, "I was a fat little dweeb, why liked? why not like? I mean I'm still chubby, but I'd like to say I've grown into myself a hell of a lot and am far hotter now than I was at 15, felix."

he gaped at you, lips closing and open like a fish, were you really mad?

his lips flit upward before he can't help it and a laugh falls out. well, more like erupts out, he's howling as you cross your arms over your chest, still looking at him like he'd just pushed you down the stairs and called you a loser.

he wipes tears from his eyes and pats your knee, "are you jealous of yourself right now?"

"oh no, far from it, look at me. I got hot as shit, her and her buckteeth and bad haircut wishes they were me. I'm confused."

he laughs again, this time not so hard, but he can't believe how ridiculous this conversation is, "well she is you, just a few years before you grew into your teeth and got boobs."

you smack his arm as he lets out another chuckle, "hey!"

"sorry, 'm sorry, but what do you mean confused?" he looks at you, eyes softer now but still creased in the corners from the grin he bared.

"why'd you stop liking me? like you said, rudely, but seriously my teeth fir my face and my tits are fantastic." you sigh, frowning slightly, "why don't you like me now?"

he frowns at your upset, "I love you now, you're my best friend. I guess I just realized you wouldn't see me the same way and I dropped it eventually, I dunno? what's this got you all upset for."

"because I've liked you for years lix! are you even kidding me right now? you are infuriating," you stand from the couch now pacing back and forth in front of him, his eyes following you, brows raised and a smile of disbelief on his lips.

"years, lix, I've literally been pining since the day we met because I thought you were way out of my league, all cool and handsome and funny," you stop abruptly pointing at him with fire in your eyes, "and now you tell me I missed my chance, five years ago, ooooh man I'm gonna fight you," you shake your head, "I'm gonna physically fight you, lee yongbok."

"aish, stop it," he stands and grabs your shoulders, forcing you to look up at him, just slightly, "you didn't miss your chance," he rolls his eyes.

"obviously you've got a rockin' body, and the cutest bunny teeth, and you're always wearing these skimpy little outfits," he plays with the strap of your tank top, snapping it against your skin making you gasp, "I only said 'liked' to save face, couldn't have you laughing at me when I told you-"

you grab the sides of his face and pull him down to yours, kissing him quickly before leaving pecks all over his cheeks, his giggles cutting through as you continued you ministrations, finally landing one on his nose.

"that means I won," he's smiling, eyes dazed like he's on some sort of high before snapping out of it and looking down at you incredulously.

"what? no. how?"

you giggle, placing another kiss on his lips, slower and softer this time, allowing it to linger. his lips were soft against yours, smooth with a light layer of balm on them tasting of cherry carmex. when you finally pull away, his eyes are still closed and his lips chase yours before blinking them open, "how did I lose?"

"you said you 'liked' me, and that was a lie because I can feel your half-chub pressing into my thigh," he smirks and looks down at the front of his pants, then back to you with a raised eyebrow urging you to continue,

"you told three lies, you didn't play by the rules, so I win."

[jujumin-translates]

Sakuya Sakuma | [SSR] Mankai Crepe | A Crepe Bouquet

Citron: Good afternoon, Madam! You seem in a good blued today~!

Fukatsu: Ooh, I think you’re trying to say, “in a good mood”! You’re still as funny as ever Cito-chan.

Citron: Thank you!

Citron: By the way, Madam. What was it you wanted to talk to me about?

Fukatsu: Ah, right, right, I have an acquaintance who runs a crepe cart. They usually hire students to work, but…

Fukatsu: They’re having staffing issues because all those kids are going to be unavailable because of exams.

Citron: Oh, that sounds like a problem!

Fukatsu: That’s why they’re looking for people to help fill in for the time being.

Fukatsu: Hey, Cito-chan, do you know anyone who could help? You must have lots of friends and acquaintances, right?

Fukatsu: You’ll be paid for it, of course, and there’s a training period, so there’s no need to worry if you don’t have experience.

Citron: If you are the one asking me to do it, I must accept, Madam! I will talk to everyone at the dorms about it first.

Fukatsu: Thank you so much! By the way, the shop name is--.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Sakuya: Ah, Citron-san!

Citron: Oh, Sakuya! I thought you were working until this evening.

Sakuya: It was pretty calm around the shop, so we closed up at lunch. That’s been happening a lot lately.

Sakuya: Where have you been, Citron-san?

Citron: Having tea with one of the madams I know! She was asking for some help.

Sakuya: Oh, really? I hope she can get that help soon…

Citron: I need to talk to everyone else about helping! I want to talk to you and the others when we get back.

Sakuya: Got it!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Kazunari: Mh~, this pear crepe is supes tasty and good! The line in front of the cart was like, crazy long, but it was totes worth it~!

Banri: I usually just get stuff from the regular cafe, but this sweet potato chai latte is real good and spiced too.

Izumi: Wow, they all sound so good. I’ll have to go sometime.

Sakuya: We’re home.

Citron: We are home!

Izumi: Welcome back.

Sakuya: Waah, those crepes look really good!

Kazunari: They are! I swung by a crepe shop on my way home from uni and got ‘em~.

Kazunari: There was this super cute, inste-able cart and they all looked supes good! There was major hype around that place!

Sakuya: Now I kinda wanna go there too…!

Kazunari: BTDubs, the shop’s name is “Epoch de Crepe”--.

Citron: Aha! That is exactly the shop!

Izumi: Huh?

Banri: What is it?

Citron: I need to talk to you about that crepe shop!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Kazunari: I getcha~, so that’s why there was a poster on the side of the cart looking for part-time workers.

Izumi: From what I’ve heard, that place is pretty popular, so being short-staffed is a big problem. I’d love to help out myself, but… could you guys do it?

Citron: It was one of the madams’ requests, so of course I will!

Citron: But I heard that they need around three people to help, so I am not enough.

Sakuya: Well then, let me help too!

Sakuya: My part-time jobs haven’t been very busy lately, so I think I should be able to do it.

Citron: Thank you, Sakuya. That will be much help!

Banri: That said, can you guys really help out at a crepe shop?

Citron: You can count on us! I will be able to handle anyone in line!

Sakuya: I do customer service and cashiering at some of my regular part-time jobs, and I’m sure I'll be able to adjust my shifts, so I’ll be fine.

Banri: Nah, it ain’t just about the customer service part…

Citron: Anyway, two is not enough. So I must find someone else!

Kazunari: Ah, wait a sec, RonRon!

Kazunari: I think Setzer said earlier that he’s relatively free right now. So maybe he could help out…!?

Citron: It would be berry helpful if you came, Banri! I would like it if you joined us!

Banri: Well, whatever. You ain’t gotta worry anymore.

Izumi: Well then, I guess we’ve got our three!

Banri: Yep.

Sakuya: I’ll do my best!

Citron: Now that it is decided, let us do our best to bring in even more customers than the usual workers~!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Citron: Hello! We are the people Fukatsu-san sent to help.

Sakuya: We’ll do our best!

Banri: What he said.

Shop Owner: I’ve been waiting on this, so I’m really thankful for the help! Let me start by explaining the schedule.

Shop Owner: I don’t think you’ll be able to make the crepes right away, so you’ll just be in a training period for a while--.

Citron: Eh?

Sakuya: Make?

Banri: Ugh… I told you we wouldn’t be able to do this.

· ❀ —– ٠ ❀ ٠ —– ❀ ·

Sakuya: …Alright, so, there’s a training period, but I wanna get good at baking the crepe batter as soon as possible.

Sakuya: So, that’s why I wanted to ask for your help with making the crepes, Omi-san. And also why I wanted your help with tasting them, Juza-kun…

Omi: I see. Well, how about we make them together then?

Juza: I’ll help as much as ya want if ya want me to.

Izumi: I can also help out!

Sakuya: Thank you so much, guys!

Sakuya: Anyway, I got this utensil for spreading the batter. They call it a rake.

Izumi: Wah, how professional!

Omi: Nice preparation. Well then, let me borrow that from you for a bit, Sakuya.

Sakuya: Yeah, of course!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Omi: Hmm… it’s not quite up to the quality of something you’d sell, but how’s this for now?

Sakuya: It’s amazing! I never knew you could make something like that in such a short amount of time…!

Izumi: The thickness of the pastry is even and it’s at the level of something you’d find in a shop!

Omi: Haha, thanks. Now, finish this one off with some fruit and cream…

Omi: And, done. Here, try a bit of it.

Sakuya: Lemme try!

Juza: ! ‘S’incredible.

Izumi: It’s so fluffy and delicious!

Sakuya: It’s really tasty and it’s got a good balance of pastry and filling…!

Omi: Well then, you ready to try, Sakuya?

Sakuya: Sure! I’ll try my best to get the same outcome as you did!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Sakuya: Whoa, it was too thin and I ripped it! And the other one was a little too thick… uuueh.

Omi: Seems like the rake is a little tricky to handle.

Juza: The thick ones are good ‘cause they’ve got more to ‘em, and the thin ones are good ‘cause they’ve got more fillin’.

Juza: But if you’re gonna sell ‘em, guess they’ve gotta have a consistent thickness.

Sakuya: Yeah…

Izumi: How about we look up some tips online? Maybe we’ll find a method that works well for you, Sakuya-kun.

Sakuya: Ah, no, I’m gonna call it here for today!

Omi: Already?

Juza: We can still help ya, y’know.

Sakuya: Thanks, but you guys have already done enough! I’m gonna go out and look for some crepe shops in town and study from pros.

Sakuya: I’d be glad to get your help again next time I practice!

Izumi: (Sakuya-kun’s enthusiasm is so admirable…!)

Izumi: Got it, good luck with your search. See you later!

Sakuya: See you!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Sakuya: Ah, seems like there’s another food truck crepe shop just like “Epoch de Crepe”…!

Sakuya: (It’s amazing how fast their hands are working. And the batter isn’t sticking to the rake at all.)

Shop Worker: Welcome, sir, would you like to order something? If so, the menu can be read there…

Sakuya: Ah, sorry for staring! Actually, I was just…

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Shop Worker: I see. So you want to see the making process?

Sakuya: Yeah, I was really impressed by how you were handling the rake. Sorry…

Shop Worker: No, I appreciate the compliment. I can give you a few tips if you’d like.

Sakuya: Eh, are you sure?

Shop Worker: We’re in a low-traffic time right now. Actually, I also struggled with this at first.

Sakuya: Really…!? Thank you so much, I’ll do my best to learn.

Shop Worker: No problem. Alright, first, for using the rake…

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Shop Worker: …And make a point like this.

Sakuya: That was so helpful! I’ll definitely practice this again by myself. Thank you so much!

Shop Worker: It’s nothing. Good luck with making delicious crepes.

Sakuya: Thanks!

Shop Worker A: Thank you for waiting. Here you go.

Kid: Wah! This crepe looks like a really pretty flower!

Mother: Fufu, it does.

Sakuya: …

· ❀ —– ٠ ❀ ٠ —– ❀ ·

Sakuya: …What do you think?

Omi: It’s very nicely baked.

Izumi: The pastry’s thickness is even all over!

Juza: Tastes just like somethin’ you’d get at a shop.

Sakuya: I’m glad…! The tips I got from that shop worker were really worth it!

Omi: I’m glad you found a technique that works for you, Sakuya.

Sakuya: Me too! But I still need to work even harder to make ones that are even more delicious!

Omi: Haha, make sure you don’t overdo it.

Juza: We’re supportin’ ya.

Izumi: And good luck with doing the real thing, too!

Sakuya: Thank you!

Izumi: (Sakuya-kun seems like he’s got some confidence now. I’m glad he got so good at making them.)

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Shop Owner: You’ve gotten so good that I don’t really have anything to say in terms of things to practice! It’s time for the real thing today, so let’s keep up the good work.

Sakuya: Yeah, let’s!

Customer A: Hello. Are you taking orders?

Sakuya: Yes, go ahead!

Customer A: Umm, then I’ll get a pear-apple mix and…

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Customer B: It’s so good~!

Customer C: The thickness of the pastry is perfect!

Sakuya: (I’m really glad the people who are eating the crepes I made are saying they’re delicious.)

Izumi: Are you taking orders, sir?

Sakuya: Yeah, of course!

Sakuya: …Huh, Director!? And Masumi-kun!

Izumi: Hehe. We came here to get something to eat as soon as we could.

Sakuya: Welcome!

Masumi: …Why’s Sakuya here?

Izumi: Huh!? I thought I told you we were coming here to eat because Sakuya’s working here part-time!?

Masumi: I only listened to the part about going on a crepe date with you.

Sakuya: Ahaha…

Izumi: Alright, which one do you want to get, Masumi-kun? I’m getting this one with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

Masumi: I’ll have the same then.

Sakuya: Coming right up! I’ll get started on your order as soon as possible.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Sakuya: Thanks for waiting. Your fresh strawberry and whipped cream crepe!

Izumi: Waah, it looks so good! …Wait, huh?

Izumi: The ingredients are the same, but is the shape of the toppings different from the sample…?

Sakuya: So you noticed? I tried arranging the strawberries to look like a flower.

Sakuya: When I was at the shop where I was given some tips, I saw a little girl who was super happy because her crepe looked cute like a flower--.

Sakuya: And since you came all the way here, I thought I’d arrange your crepe to look like a bouquet, Director!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Choose!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Option 1: It’s pretty.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Izumi: It’s so pretty! Almost like a real bouquet.

Izumi: I’d better take a lot of pictures of it before I eat it. …Fufu, the pictures are so cute, I’m sure I’ll be looking at them again soon.

Sakuya: I’m glad I could make you smile with the crepe I made. I mean, you’re always lovely, but you look really, really cute right now, Director!

Sakuya: Ah…! Sorry, I didn’t mean to say you were cute!

Izumi: Ahaha, it’s a little embarrassing since I’m not used to being told that. But, I’m glad.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Option 2: It’s well-made.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Izumi: It’s really well-made. It almost seems like a shame to eat it.

Sakuya: The recipe wouldn’t be the same as the one from this shop, but if you ever want to eat one, I can always make something similar for you at the dorms, Director!

Izumi: Ahaha, really? Well then, I’ll eat this one freely.

Sakuya: …How is it?

Izumi: It’s really good! It has a gentle flavor.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Sakuya: Really? I’m glad then!

Masumi: …You’re talking to her too much.

Sakuya: Ah, s-sorry. I’ll go make one for you too, Masumi-kun!

Izumi: Ah, right! Do you want yours to be like a bouquet too, Masumi-kun? It’d be really cute and it’d match with mine!

Masumi: Matching with you… Sakuya, make me the same.

Sakuya: Hehe, coming right up!

[dreamstormdragon]

Sounds of Silence

https://archiveofourown.org/works/64379098

Splinter was weary of peace and quiet. He used to long for it in the beginning when the boys were newly mutated. He loved them, no doubt about it but when they all shared one very small burrow, the noise was deafening.

He valued silence. It was the way of the ninja. Mask your footsteps, never make a sound. Do not let the enemy know your location. Strike first.

Yet, quiet was the enemy of any parent when it came to one child, let alone four.

Chirrup!

The rat yawned as his robe moved, a little green head poking out, as a very small turtle looked up at him with sleepy eyes.

Five.

He still wasn’t quite used to it. 

Splinter brought a hand to the little ones back. It was rather cold this morning and Spica, his youngest and the latest child was cuddled up to her father for warmth, tucked against his fur. 

The little girl looked up at her father and smiled, churring.

“Good morning to you too, Spica-chan.” 

Splinter trailed off as his ear flicked back and forth.

He took a glance at the clock, sitting up carefully with his daughter in his arms. 

9:30 AM.

Splinter balked at that. He always got up at 6 AM, no later. He had the boys on a schedule for a reason! 

“What in the-”

His boys never slept in. He would’ve heard them. 

His ear flicked.

Spica chirruped and he shushed her.

Silence.

… That could not be good.

Splinter threw open the door with a start.

“Boys!?”

‘

The partition to their bedroom was closed. He pressed an ear against it, closing his eyes.

He could hear quiet conversation… a chuckle or a laugh.

Splinter exhaled a sigh of relief…

“Pfftahaha! Mikey!” Raphael… 

“Shh, shh! You’ll wake Dad up.” Donatello shushed his younger brother. 

“C’mon, we’ve been quiet all morning! I’m sure he slept enough.”

“He’s been up with the baby, goof.” Leonardo quietly, chided him. “We agreed we’d let him sleep in. That’s why Donnie turned his alarm off, remember?”

Splinter’s eyes widened, his heart warming.

His boys had taken to their roles as older brothers so well… and even now, he was shown they were really growing up.

Considerate… 

… Perhaps he could go back to bed.

Spica chirruped and tugged on his fur.

Splinter rubbed her back, kissing her head.

“I know, I know.” He whispered. “You want to see your brothers?”

She nodded and grinned up at him.

“Alright…”

Splinter pushed the partition open, startling his sons.

“Good morning, my sons!”

His boys were crowded around a mismatched monopoly game he had found them, bowls of cereal nearby, indicating they had taken care of their own meal.

“Sensei!” Leonardo jumped up, bowing his head. “I’m sorry, did we wake you?”

Splinter chuckled, making his way over, rubbing his eldest’s head.

“No, no, your sister did that. She had enough of sleeping in.”

“Spica…” Mikey huffed before he laughed, getting up and eagerly taking the baby turtle from him, nuzzling her. “You get some sleep, huh?”

Spica squealed happily, pushing her cheek against her big brother’s.

Donnie tilted his head, looking up at his father, with a worried look.

“Did you get enough sleep, Dad?”

“Yeah, you looked ready to keel over, last night.” Raphael frowned. “We were gettin’ worried.”

Splinter knelt to his sons’ level.

“Having a little one around isn’t easy sometimes. Thank you so much for letting me sleep in.” He looked at each of his sons, pride in his eyes. 

“It was my idea!” Mikey exclaimed, prompting the other three to protest.

Spica looked between her brothers before chirping loudly and nodding with Mikey.

“Yeah, you tell ‘em, Spica!” 

“Don’t teach her to agree with ya!” Raph scoffed. “Gimme the baby.”

‘NO!”

Mikey’s voice echoed across their bedroom as his children filled his home with noise once more.

Splinter chuckled, shaking his head.

Now, this was more like it.

----------

Spica is owned by @theblueskyphoenix go give her some love! Aileen has graciously given me permission to use Spica in my Fish out of Water AU.

[asordinaryppl]

A3! Main Story: Part 4 - Act 15: PAINFUL RE:BAKE - Episode 31: Re:High Five

Dewey (Omi): “Never thought I’d be getting a call from you. Didn’t you think I’d sell you out to the Capone famiglia?”

Lansky: “Comin’ into contact with you is as dangerous for me as it is for you.”

Dewey: “So, what did you want to talk about?”

Lansky: “I need to know whether the police are keeping an eye on Capone.”

Dewey: “Whatever for?”

Lansky: “For something that will benefit you too if we do it right.”

Dewey: “I have heard that some members of the police are making a fast approach on a rival of Capone’s.”

Lansky: “... Just as I thought.”

Dewey: “What do you have for me?”

Lansky: “Those rivals are probably plannin’ to kidnap Capone’s illegitimate son. If there’s some huge fight, not even you’ll come out unscathed.”

Dewey: “I see.”

Izumi: (The gap between Omi-kun and his villain role was surprising in the debut performance, but he’s gotten even more impressive since then.)

-

Luciano: “So, now we gotta find how we’ll let the Boss know about Angelo…”

Lansky: “We’ll get our asses handed to us the moment we step inside if we try to meet him face to face.”

Luciano: “Zero chance of mercy, man… Maybe we should use an informant.”

[Door opening]

Benjamin: “Nii-chan, this is bad! They got Angelo!”

Lansky: “Benjamin!? Those wounds–”

Benjamin: “I’m okay! More importantly, Angelo– He tried to cover for me and got captured instead!”

Luciano: “Tch, they acted faster than expected.”

Lansky: “Benjamin, you hide here. We’ll go save Angelo.”

Benjamin: “Please! Nii-chan, Luciano, save Angelo!”

Lansky: "You got it."

Luciano: “We don’t have time to think about how we’ll let the Boss know. We gotta go there ourselves.”

Lansky: “So that’s what it comes to in the end.”

-

[Door bursting open]

Mafioso: “What's with you guys– What are you doing here!”

Luciano: “Get out of our way!”

Lansky: “Let us meet the Boss.”

Capone (Sakyo): “Long time no see. Did you come to get yourselves caught?”

Luciano: “Boss! They got Angelo!”

Capone: “Angelo?”

Lansky: “Angelo Montare. Your son.”

Capone: “Montare… Don’t tell me…”

Luciano: “Give your orders now. We can still make it.”

Capone: “... I don’t know any Angelo. Leave me alone.”

Luciano: “Haah? What’re you saying, Boss!”

Lansky: “You weren’t so noncommittal in the past. You never struck me as the type to cut off your own family, Boss.”

Luciano: “We agree for once, Lansky. A man who can’t protect his own son shouldn’t be called Boss!”

Capone: “Do you pieces of shit not know your place?”

Lansky: “My only immediate family is my younger brother, Benjamin. But I think of both you and your son as my family.”

Luciano: “And we can’t just abandon Benjamin’s first friend.”

Capone: “... Hmph. I’ll remember this.”

Capone:  “You lot! We’ll pay ‘em back tenfold for how much they’ve mocked us!”

Mafioso: “Yeeaah!”

Izumi: (Sakyo-san had a great presence as Capone during the debut too, but it’s become even more impressive now that he’s grown older.)

Izumi: (Capone’s humanity and cogency have become more apparent now that he’s more skilled as an actor.)

-

[Phone ringing]

Client: “What, the Capone famiglia are coming at us? This quickly–!?”

Client: “Damn! No other choices left, get ‘em!!”

-

Capone: “What’re you in such a hurry for? You were planning to call us anyway. We just saved you the trouble.”

Luciano: “Let Angelo go!”

Client: “You pieces of—!”

Lansky: “I’ll give you a good share of hell for Benjamin too.”

Luciano: “You don’t wanna mess with this brocon.”

[Luciano and Lansky start shooting]

-

Enemy mafioso A: “Hey, the hell’s going on? What do we do with the hostage?”

Enemy mafioso B: “Let’s move him secretly, for now.”

Angelo: “Hah!”

[Angelo hits the enemies]

Enemy mafioso A: “—gh”

Angelo: “I haven’t the faintest idea what’s going on, but I’m outta here.”

Angelo: “Just letting you know, but if you mess with Benjamin again, I’ll make you regret it.”

Enemy mafioso B: “How did we get played by a brat… You’re not getting away!”

-

Lansky: “Angelo!”

Angelo: “Benjamin’s Nii-chan! And, uhhh, his partner?”

Luciano: “I’m Luciano! Get it memorized already!”

Lansky: “You did well. Leave the rest to us.”

Angelo: “So that’s what Benjamin's Nii-chans are all about. I owe you one.”

Luciano: “Well, well, now that I don’t hafta worry about Angelo. I can go as wild as I want.”

Lansky: “We’ve been agreeing a surprising lot today. That’s exactly what I was planning to do, too.”

Dewey: “Sorry to interrupt your fun, but you’re better off pulling back now.”

Luciano: “Dewey!?”

Dewey: “The cops are trying to bring down both the Capones and their rivals in one go. They should have this place surrounded soon.”

Luciano: “Why are you–”

Dewey: “Can’t have my precious piggy bank breaking, y’know.”

Lansky: “Boss! We gotta pull out! The cops are coming!”

[Capone dodging shots]

Capone: “We’re leaving!”

Enemy mafioso A: “Wait right there!”

Police Officer: “Sir! The mafia are getting away!”

Inspector: “What!? Change of plans! We’re getting in there!”

[Luciano and Lansky dodging shots]

Lansky: “Just as the intel said.”

Luciano: “You’re late, man. Thanks for your hard work.”

[Luciano and Lansky walk away]

Inspector: “Wait!”

Dewey: “Woah there.”

Inspector: “Why are you here, Dewey!?”

Dewey: “Well, now that you saw me. I gotta shut you up.”

Inspector: “Don’t tell me… You’re the traitor!?”

[Dewey hits the Inspector]

Dewey: “Ha! The only one I won't turn my back on is myself!”

[Dewey shoots the Inspector]

Inspector: “Agh–”

-

Benjamin: “Angelo! You’re okay!”

Angelo: “So are you. I’m glad you got away.”

Benjamin: “All thanks to you.”

Angelo: “It’s all ‘cause you saved me to begin with.”

Benjamin: “Thanks, Nii-chans!”

Luciano: “Sure.”

Lansky: “We did promise.”

Angelo: “Like Benjamin said, you two sure are ultra strong.”

Benjamin: “Right?”

Capone: “Are you Angelo Montare?”

Angelo: “... Who are you?”

Capone: “I used to be married to your mother Julia. You’re my son.”

Angelo: “Which means everything that happened is your damn fault–”

[Angelo grabs Capone]

Capone: “gh”

Lansky: “Boss…”

Luciano: “Wow…”

Angelo: “Pay me a damn nuisance fee.”

Capone: “Tch, you grew up cocky… I’ll forgive you this time, for Julia.”

Luciano: “Nice going, Angelo. We’re going to get along just fine.”

Angelo: “That’s what Benjamin said, too.”

Capone: “Luciano, Lansky, I owe you guys just for this time. I’ll forgive you for deserting. Come back.”

Luciano: “Uhhh… Nah, thanks. This jack of all trades job suits me just fine.”

Lansky: “Same. But feel free to call upon us any time you need. You’ll always be our one and only Boss.”

Capone: “You’ve become quite the pair.”

Luciano: “With this guy?”

Lansky: “Don’t think so.”

Benjamin: “I wonder if I can become a jack of all trades with you guys.”

Luciano: “You already are.”

Lansky: “Couldn’t stop you even if I tried.”

Benjamin: “Really!? Yay! I look forward to working with you, Nii-chan, Luciano!”

Benjamin: “All that’s left… is for me to get a partner the way you guys have each other.”

Angelo: “Why’re you looking at me?”

Benjamin: “U-Uh, if you’re ever interested in becoming a jack of all trades–”

Angelo: “Sure, I guess. Sounds interesting.”

Benjamin: “Thanks!”

Luciano: “Angelo’s a fine choice. Having a stingy partner is a pain in the ass.”

Lansky: “You’ll be fine as long as you don’t get stuck with a stubborn womanizer.”

Luciano: “Ahh? Who are you talkin’ about?”

Lansky: “No one in particular.”

Luciano: “You’re soundin’ awfully specific if you ask me.”

Lansky: “... Man.”

Luciano: “... Heh.”

Izumi: (The original plan was for the curtains to fall as they continue arguing, but…)

Lansky: “——”

Luciano: “——”

[Luciano and Lansky high five]

Izumi: (Their eyes meet and they high five… It’s a great adlib!)

Izumi: (It wasn’t in the script, and they didn’t do it during the rehearsals, but it seems like a natural, in-character gesture for the two of them.)

-

[Applause]

Banri: …

Juza: …

Izumi: (The strength the Autumn Troupe have as they stand side by side… Each and every one of them has grown immensely since their debut, and you can tell they’ve matured as people.)

Yuzo: (They’ve all become great looking actors.)

-

Banri: … Thank you very much!

Juza: Thank you very much!

Sakyo: Thank you very much!

Taichi: Ban-chan, gimme five too!

Banri: … Geez, don’t mess around while we’re still on the stage. Here.

[Banri and Taichi high five]

Omi: Good work.

[Banri and Omi high five]

Sakyo: Good work.

[Banri and Sakyo high five]

Azami: Why’re you doing it with everyone?

[Banri and Azami high five]

Sakyo: Are you two not gonna do it a second time?

Juza: That was only for the play.

Izumi: Ahaha!

-

Towa: So precious!!

Keiku: …?

Keiku: (My heart’s beatin’ like crazy.)

previous episode | masterpost | next episode

[trials-of-a-spirit-worker]

Ghost Hunting Shows Opinions and Why

Ghost Adventures

I can’t even begin to tell you how fucking obnoxious I find them. I mean I’m sure you see it from my writing. Anyone who’s been here long enough knows how I feel about these fuckers.

“Aaron, I magically have a condition where I cannot go down the spooky basement where this aggro spirit, that I’ve managed to piss off in the last 20 minutes is lurking. He’s known for snapping necks. Go down there with a glow stick and go hump the pole, he hates that. Good luck.”

Poor Aaron though. Everyone does the dirty work and Zac just sucks up all the notoriety and shit cause he’s supposedly “conventionally attractive.” (I don’t see it. And you can’t give me the queer excuse. Cause I still like men.) And the voice he does. Annoying. Who the fuck talks like that? I'd rather hear Channing Tatum's shitty gambit do this shit.

Honestly, especially since there was all these articles and confessions about them forging evidence, I’ve just liked them less and less. Ghost hunting and paranormal things of that nature in the world of science is already seen as a joke and shit. We don’t need these chucklefucks fucking up that reputation even more cause they want to make ratings. Where’s the love? Where’s the passion? 

Hate em. 0/10

Ghost Brothers

Okay, can I talk about how much I love the representation though!? Cause its usually a joke that the Black people die first in scary movies cause we make too much sense or we just don’t end up in that situation. Which I mean…true. We don’t stay long in scary ass situations. Spooky ass shit happens we fucking leave. Point blank.  But yeah, love seeing my brothers working in the ghost hunting game.

Now they’re greenhorns, in every sense of the word. But that isn’t a bad thing. They’re adding new perspectives, are not afraid of learning. They use their feelings and their bodies alongside the technological evidence. What I really like about them is how respectful they try to be. They always err on the side of politeness and you can’t go wrong with that.

One scene that will live with me forever is when they all tried to date that one ghost who was ghosted (sorry for the pun but not really) by her lover and killed herself in despair over it. That scene will never not be funny/cute to me.

“You deserved someone who would be there for you, and I think I’m that guy.” Iconic. I want to see more of them and I heard some rumors it might return. I want the blackness so bad.

7/10 I want to see them go further.

Ghost Files/Buzzfeed Unsolved Supernatural

As much as I shit on both Shane and Ryan, and I love doing it. It’s my favorite one. Doesn’t mean Shane’s a good influence. I do like the idea of having a skeptic doing the hunting with you. It keeps you grounded and honestly, I respect that. What we need most in these types of these investigations is discernment. And other than the clear comedy and chemistry Shane delivers with Ryan, that's his purpose in the show. He's the reality to the hopeful in ghost hunting.

I say this as a firm believer myself (like no shit Sol, you're a death witch and a spirit communicator), we need more skeptics and people to keep the situation grounded for MULTIPLE reasons. We get excited, our desires/biases lead to looking more into results that might not have much. It's when the non believer/skeptic had nothing where we can get excited. Ghost hunting still follows the rules of science and the non excited/non believers help us being the control and the ones to demand repetition.

Now, on regards of if I think Shane is a fucking demon? I honestly just wouldn’t be surprised if he was. Cause he does some bullshit I don’t think anyone else can get away with. Disrespecting Annabelle to her face and living? Something’s looking out for that tall motherfucker. I’m checking him with holy water if I ever get the chance.

8.5/10

Ghost Hunters

The most respectful ones I’ve seen. They treat the ghosts humanely, with dignity. And from what I’ve seen they get good results. They’re the only ones I’ve seen that have been at the sites for multiple days as well. They use what they learn from their prior day to expand and get better evidence with the spirits. It's very cool to see and honestly in a way, super professional of them that way...

Another thing I like about them is they debunk when they can, sometimes right on the spot. I respect people who do this, because like I said, no one takes this type of thing very seriously because so many people take every bump and creek as evidence and that gets…annoying and discrediting. So, I have mad respect for them.

8/10  

My Haunted House

Okay, Lifetime, what the hell are we doing? This is a hot mess. The most horrifying thing about the show is the shit acting. The stories are cool though. My spouse and I make fun of this show…a lot. Its just good for entertainment. Something to listen to in the background if you ran out of true crime podcasts.

Good shit. 4.5/10

[nowoyas]

koi no yokan 25: preliminary (nishinoya yuu/reader)

First - Prev - Next - M.list - Ao3

A/N: sliiiightly early because I have a busyish day tomorrow at a writer's conference! I may return to this chapter to rework some things bc I just couldn't make myself happy with it, but I hope you enjoy it all the same!

Summary: The first round of preliminaries for the Spring Tournament begin and end.

Warnings and tags: none!

Words: 3600+

The first school that your boys are going up against looks like it's comprised entirely of delinquents. You don't necessarily like to judge people based on their looks, but now that you're on the court for warm ups, you get to listen to them taunt Tanaka and confirm your initial impression beyond a doubt. Of course, it's getting to Tanaka, and more importantly, it's getting to you.

"Is it just me," Yachi says, hugging her arms to herself, "or do volleyball players just all naturally look pretty scary?"

You nod. "I bet they're all talk, though, I mean, look at them."

"I am looking at them!" she replies in a hushed whisper. "They're big! And scary! They are literally picking a fight with Tanaka-senpai right now!"

You shrug. "Yeah, I bet they feel really good picking a fight from the other side of the net. But like, you see that hair? Dude obviously cares more about how he looks than things like actually being cool or actually being good in a fight. I could probably kick his ass myself." Just for fun and because your head is starting to hurt, you make it a point to raise your voice a little bit. "Guys like that always chicken out the second they actually have to do anything real."

Yachi goes deathly pale and grabs at your arm harshly. "[name]-chan! They're gonna hear you! I think one of them did!"

You feel a little bad, but not for that—being heard was the point, thank you. It's more to do with the way she's more worried about your safety than she is assured by your absolute confidence. "Deep breaths, Yacchan."

Though you would love to keep talking trash, it probably isn't the best sportsmanship to start fights with the other team, even as a manager. That, and Yachi might actually pass out if you keep threatening to fight them. Instead, you begrudgingly keep your mouth shut for the rest of warmups.

When the time comes to head up to the stands with Yachi—only one manager allowed on the court for the match, after all—Noya pulls you to the side with an expectant look. You roll your eyes, but the Ohgi Minami guys are watching and looking for shit to talk, so what else is there to do but play it up?

"Yes, Senpai?" you ask sweetly, making it a point to tilt your head ever so sweetly.

He blinks in surprise. "…what are you doing?"

A saccharine smile. "Your opponents are pissing me off. Yachi looked like she was going to pass out when I told her I could take 'em in a fight, so I'm being forced to resort to the next best thing: being a girl who acts all cute and sweet with you guys and rubbing it in their faces."

He laughs and ruffles your hair. "That's good. You're still not allowed to get into any fights, but we'll make sure to beat 'em for you. You gotta promise me something, though."

"Mm?" You tilt your head cutely.

"Stop being so damn cute, I'm trying to propose right now. You gotta marry me if we win, okay?"

You smile and laugh right back. "I'll marry you if you hit the quota and win for me. We have a deal?"

"You didn't even have to ask." He pulls you into a quick side hug, and you flash a smile and wave on your way out to the hallway. The grin only widens when you catch sight of a few fuming guys on the other team who obviously witnessed the exchange. Too easy.

There aren't many people in the stands today. Part of it, you think, is the fact that surely, high school volleyball can't be that popular. Then again this is only the preliminary part of the Spring Tournament, and apparently, all the really big, fun matches are yet to come. Most of them won't be until the end of October.

Still, there are a few people who come to watch. Some fisherman type who, based on the exchange between him and someone else who's just joined the cheering section, is from the neighborhood and comes to support Karasuno. The other guy comes in with two kids who must be in early middle school at the absolute oldest. The kids⁴⁰ take an immediate interest in you and Yachi.

"Nee-san, why aren't the two of you also on the court?" one of them asks.

Yachi takes immediate offense. You pretend not to. "D-didn't you know that only one manager is allowed on the bench?"

The other kid peeks out at the court and spots Shimizu. "Ooh. Karasuno must be really cool to have three whole managers!"

Yachi flinches, her eyes darting to you. For a second, you think she's about to say something on your behalf. You would rather that she didn't, so you speak up. "More like, they create so much trouble that they need three whole people running around after them." You roll your eyes playfully. "But really, the redundancy is good. We make up for what the other can't do."

"[n-name]-chan…"

You grin, rest your arms on the railing and your chin on your arms. "Like, Yacchan here's better at talking to people, and creative stuff. I can do heavier lifting and throw troublemakers across the room as needed."

"A-and you're back on that again…" she sighs. She turns to talking with the kids—good for her. You don't know the first thing about all that, so you're happy to leave the job to her while waiting for the match to kick up.

And kick up it does—it seems to fly by. Asahi starts off by absolutely nailing the new serve, and you can't help the little swell of pride as the guys on Ohgi Minami's team seem completely shell-shocked by that alone. Wait until they get to actually play.

From what you've been able to gather, the boys aren't exactly unknown. You'd listened in with pride when, during set-up time, some guys from another school were gossiping about them. All, Kitagawa Daichi's Kageyama and Chidoriyama's Nishinoya, best libero when he was in middle school and they had Seijoh on the ropes at the Inter-high. (They'd immediately killed the intimidating vibes, courtesy of the usual culprits messing around, but it had been a nice moment to overhear.)

The intimidation is well-earned, it seems. That first point hadn't been a fluke—the boys are completely on-point today. Even without the new quick in action just yet, they pull through the first set—16 to 25, hardly even a contest. Not only that, but you're even more confident that these guys aren't fighters now—the way the captain just watched a ball go that he might've saved. This is more serious volleyball than the training camp, and your boys are taking it seriously, but…

You sigh. As fun as it is to watch them kick ass, they're a bit more fun when they have to push themselves.

For a moment, you think things will be different for the second set—someone on the other side yelling at the Ohgi Minami guys from the stands, and even their declaration of battle, imply that maybe they might get there. And maybe in that second set they do try harder, but so do your boys, and in the end, you get one really interesting rally to watch at the very end and, more importantly—

You're not sure if Yachi hugs you, or you hug her, but there you are, cheering as it sinks in that the boys have won the first official match. You feel a little bad about the other team, but not nearly bad enough to not smile with Yachi and then immediately tone it down before a certain someone sees you getting all excited.

You meet up with the boys in the hall, get your Noya-mandated hugs in, pass out drinks and light snacks to keep them fueled as they watch the match of whoever they're going to be playing next. It's one Kakugawa High School versus Nishida High School, and Kakugawa has a very tall guy, so obviously they're kicking ass. Apparently.

"Being that tall isn't even fair…" Tanaka breathes as he peeks in through the gym door. Behind you, Hinata's talking something about fusing with some random shark species? You don't know what he's on about.

"Is being that tall that big of a deal?" you wonder to Noya. "I mean, I know it's an advantage or whatever, but…"

"Aw, are you worried?" Noya teases. "It won't be easy, but watching him play… let's just say, I've got some ideas."

You tilt your head. "Like…?"

"Just watch, and keep giving me your luck." He flashes that usual smile.

You have no fucking clue what he's talking about, but sure.

Your headache builds over the course of the next match. The first set goes to Karasuno, much more balanced than before. Your cheering grows quieter—not because you're less excited, but because the longer you watch, the more your head hurts and the less you can keep up with anything. You're aware enough to know that you should have bothered Sensei for painkillers between matches, that you really should go outside and get some air. Aware enough to remember the moment of genuine worry at the beginning of the first set, and the cheer when the disaster duo broke out the new quick. That, and the horrific spike in pain at the crowd's reaction.

And they win. Of course they win—you of all people know how hard those boys worked. They've earned it.

Then comes packing up, a full spinning hug from Noya that leaves you dizzy in a bad way, and, when Noya and Tanaka offer to Shimizu to help carry the bags, your out to calm down and catch your breath somewhere quiet.

"I'm going to check and make sure no one's left anything behind," Shimizu says to you and Yachi.

You step up with your best smile. "Can I handle it? I need to run to the bathroom, anyway."

She arches a perfect brow. "Are you sure? I don't mind."

"Please? No one let me help carry anything. I wanna do one useful thing today." You smile sweetly, bat your lashes. And, of course, get your way.

"Alright. Meet us outside?"

You grin, nod enthusiastically. Rush off to where everyone had been camping out between matches today.

("Is she okay, do you think?" Shimizu asks when the coast is clear.

Yachi shakes her head. "She was getting really quiet towards the start of the last set. I think her head's acting up again."

Noya crosses his arms and watches you disappear.)

It takes all of two seconds to find a familiar bento box, even though you're purposely lingering now that you're out of the team's sight—Hinata's, wrapped up in some cutesy cloth you'd considered teasing him about earlier today—and confirm that nothing else is remaining. Then, you find a quiet place to sigh and try to regain your bearings.

You just gotta make it through the bus ride home, and then the walk home. You can tell Noya your dad's home, so then you can get alone and go right to bed to sleep off the headache…

Yeah, it's doable.

A deep breath. You press the heels of your palms into your eyes in hopes that the pressure will do something, anything to soothe the growing ache.

You'd never blame Hinata, but right now, you really wish you could be mad at someone for this. You're so fucking tired of the headaches, of not being able to make it through the day. When you get back to school, you—

A presence interrupts your spiral, and you drag your hand down your face to find that you're being cornered by two strangers—troublemaker types by the looks of it. The one who catches your eye and smiles, walks right up with all the confidence in the world, has an undercut and, when he speaks, you catch the flash of a silver tongue piercing in his mouth.

If your head wasn't starting to spin, he might be slightly attractive.

"Hey there," he says with a smooth tone. "You doing alright? Anything I can do to help out a pretty girl like you?"

"Leave me alone, for one thing," you reply. "I'm gonna be running late real soon, and—"

"Aw, come on, don't be like that. It doesn't have to take long, if I could just get your number we can talk after you catch up with whoever it is."

You sigh. "With my boyfriend?"

Somehow, he's not that fazed. "When you break up with him, then?"

"Excuse me?" You raise an eyebrow. God, if you were two percent less dizzy, you'd—

"Um!" comes the interruption of a very familiar shout, and then Hinata's sliding in between the two of you. "S-sorry, but [surname]-san's our manager and we really need to go, so!"

He grabs you, tugs you along. You struggle to keep up, stumble after him, but then he's literally throwing Hinata to the side, and oh hell no—

Your hand balls into a fist. You're about two seconds from actually decking this guy when Hinata full on leaps in the way (holy shit he could probably jump over you if he wanted) and completely distracts the guy, who goes on some complete other tangent that you don't have the energy to follow beyond thank fuck he stopped trying to get my number.

He leaves. You sigh.

"Thanks, Hinata. Sorry about that. You didn't get hurt when he pushed you, did you?"

He shakes his head. "I'm okay. You?"

"Just… head hurts. Probably good. Probably would have gotten arrested if my head didn't get in the way."

"A-arrested!? [surname]-san—"

You laugh, wave it off. "I get a little heated sometimes. He was pissing me off. I was a moment away from punching him, that's all."

"Well… okay…" He frowns.

"Seriously, though. Thank you for helping out. But, um, could you do me a favor and not mention what happened to any of the guys?"

"About your head?"

"No, about that guy hitting on me. You know what Noya-senpai's like. It'd be a whole thing and I just—can't handle things until the head clears up."

There's a beat where he registers the request, and then he nods. "No problem! I'll keep my mouth shut!"

"Great. Thanks. By the way—this's yours, right?" You wave the bento at him. "Cute cloth."

He flushes. "It's—uh—I borrowed it from my little sister!"

If you'd had more energy, you'd tease him properly. As it stands, you can barely muster the energy to drag yourself along beside him on the way back to the bus. There, you're greeted with twin I'm so glad you're safe!s from Noya and surprise guest Tanaka, loud enough to make you cringe and to make them sheepishly apologize.

Painkillers from Sensei, earplugs brought along, and resting your head on Noya—though you'd insisted he sit with one of the guys, since you didn't plan on being an interesting seatmate—delivers you most of the way home. Unlike the Tokyo trips, this drive is only about half an hour, so you don't even really get to fall asleep so much as space out for a little while. When you give up on trying to sleep, you take out one earplug and listen in on whatever conversation has your pillow moving disobediently beneath your head.

"You remember that I said I wouldn't help you with the summer homework⁴¹, right?" Ennoshita is saying.

Noya sighs in defeat. "Right…"

Hinata lets out a pained noise. "How long do we have to finish that, again…?"

"Like a week. You should be fine if you actually sit down and do it."

You whine. "Do you think they'll waive it for me? I haven't even looked at it."

"N-not even you, [surname]-san?"

"My head exploded. I have an excuse."

Yachi turns around from the seat in front of you. "I'm mostly done. Do you want to work on it together?"

You pick up your head, teary-eyed. "Y-Yacchan…"

"Yachi-san! [surname]-san! Do you guys wanna work on it together, too? Kageyama and I need help…" Hinata pipes up.

"We could host something," Noya offers. "You guys all wanna come over tomorrow?"

Suddenly, the conversation is off the rails—they're discussing logistics, hosting, whatever while you completely fail to keep up. One thing you manage, though—shooting off a text or two.

[name] to Rina-san at 16:53

[name]: hi rina-san! Sorry to bother you—Senpai's talking about maybe having like five people (including me) over for a couple hours tomorrow for a summer homework session and I think he forgot to run it by you lol. Is that alright? I was already planning on handling the snacks

Rina-san: that's perfectly fine with me. Thank you for asking! I'll text the girls and make sure they know

You slip Noya's phone out of his pocket just as it buzzes with a new text or two.

Okaa-san to Nishinoyas at 16:57

Okaa-san: girls, yuu's gonna have some friends over tomorrow if there's no objections

Okaa-san: no one has any plans right??

Satsuki: why is yuu not telling us directly hmm

Okaa-san: [name]-chan was the one to let me know

Satsuki: say no more. Bring on the idiot friends + [name]-chan

Yuu: aw, be nice. They're all smart, they just don't worry about academics until it gets in the way of volleyball

Satsuki: DIFFERENT TYPING STYLE SPOTTED

Satsuki: IS THAT THE BONUS SISTER I SEE?

Yuu: I stole his phone again 💝 he's discussing plans with the others but my head hurts too much to keep up so I figured I'd worry about the other logistics. Like making sure he could actually invite a bunch of people over

Mei: hi [name]-chan! How were the matches?

Yuu: volleyboys did great. We're almost back at the school

Yuu: they'll be moving on to the next stage of the qualifiers at the end of october! 🎉

Kaede: CONGRATS YUU (whenever you give him his phone back)

Mei: 🎉

Satsuki: dammit now I have to wait at least a week before calling him a loser. Worst possible news 

Yuu: which means we now have to worry about summer homework. Which I haven't started bc in my defense, the concussion,

Yuu: we're hoping to study session our way to actually getting stuff done. Which means probably me and our other first-year manager corralling four boys who can only focus when volleyball is involved

Satsuki: oo the mythical third manager is coming? Is she cute?

Yuu: she's adorable. Full-on cute aggression is involved

Satsuki: 👀 gay?

Yuu: unclear. She hasn't really shown interest in anyone of any gender.

Yuu: but if noya-senpai wanted to protect ME from you then she definitely couldn't handle you, nee-san. She's too sweet, sorry 💔

Satsuki: 💔

"Oi, is that my phone?" Noya's voice cuts in suddenly.

You glance up with a grin. "If you couldn't feel me literally reach into your pocket to grab it, I think that's on you. Rina-san says it's okay to have people over tomorrow, though."

"Oh! Great! I totally forgot to ask."

A laugh. "I figured as much. Don't worry, Senpai, I got you. The girls hold no objections, either, but I'm getting the weird sense that Satsuki-nee's gonna pop in at some point, as a heads up. She's curious about the mythical bonus girl. Yacchan, you're coming, right?"

"Yeah! It sounds fun!"

"Cool cool, I've warned Satsuki."

"Um—warned?"

You laugh. "Don't worry about it. Nee-san's just a little forward."

"Oh, um, okay—wait, forward?"

"Again, don't worry about it!"

This does not seem to placate her as the bus turns into the school. Eventually, you have to give Noya his phone back, and on the walk home, you bicker over snack logistics in preparation for tomorrow. You just hope that your headache will calm enough to get something done tomorrow.

40. I did some SCOURING about these kids and found out, essentially, that we don't know shit about them other than they're Old Coach Ukai's students. On one hand, this means I get to do whatever I want. On the other hand [anguished wailing] I HAVE TO NAME THEM??? I may end up not doing so, since I don't plan for them to be extremely plot-important and also I don't want to.

41. You would not believe how insistent the internet is on just NOT FUCKING TELLING ME shit about high school summer homework. I basically know that it exists, but all the information in English is about, like, "I have an elementary schooler and we want to travel during summer break how do summer homework" or the kinds of things elementary and maybe middle school students do for summer homework. The main thing I was able to find related to specifically high school students beyond summer homework existing was actually a paper⁴² analyzing the disparity between how important teachers thought specific summer homework tasks were and how important the students performing them thought they were, and this study was solely limited to English courses and related homework. In the end I decided to just handwave it as "they've got a bunch of worksheets and practice problem packets and maybe some stuff to read".

42. Tsunehisa Isaji, "Relationships Between Teachers' Instructions on Homework to Japanese High School Students and Their Homework Activities" Japan Society of English Language Education 20 (2009): 211-220. https://doi.org/10.20581/arele.20.0_211

Tags: @deeplightgarden @idonthaveanameideayet @dusstory @kazunish

[cryingpariah]

Royals dead and fled! The end of the most important Reverie in history! Pt 1

Feathers on metal. It’s a very uncommon sound in the world, a sound any normal person would go their whole life without hearing.

Jackie was not given such a pleasure. At much too early o'clock the sound of feathers on metal hit her ears. She tossed the blanket over her head and scrunched her knees to her chest, ignoring it as best she could. Alas, the sound continued.

“Up and at em Jackie! Big News is happening!”

“Kindly sod off, it’s too early for this!”

“It’s 1:30pm.”

True, it was well past noon at this point but she had gotten back at 5am! And was only able to go to bed at 7am! Is it so wrong to want 8 hours of rest? She certainly didn’t think so!

“Irrelevant, I’m sleeping right now and there’s no news big enough in the world to-.”

“It’s about the Reverie.”

….

The door opened, revealing the Living Log Pose in all her Victorian nightgown glory. She leaned on the doorframe, a petulant frown on her lips but that sly sparkle of interest in her eyes.

“What about the Reverie exactly?”

Morgan grinned. “A inside source seemed to have run into some trouble and has agreed to divulge some insider information in exchange for sanctuary.”

Jackie's eyebrows shot up. While the World Economic Journal does get to report on the Reverie, it’s never anything particularly surprising: it’s always playing paparazzi for incoming royals, changing policies she’s never heard of and swearing to crack down on the ever growing pirate population.

This year promised more, with the arrival of the Royal Family from Fishman Island with the first topside appearance of the Mermaid Princess herself and the reinstatement of the Riku family as the proper rulers of Dressrosa, there had been so much to report on that first day. But, as usual, they were “asked to leave” as “the royal families do not feel comfortable with the heavy scrutiny of the press looming over them.”

(Jackie would have argued that people in their positions that hold the power they do should have tougher skin if a little street interview has them shaking in their crowns but at the time she was too busy placing free roaming Den Den mini cameras around the area, yknow, just in case.)

“Ignoring the moral dubiousness of only letting them seek refuge because they have information we want..”

“It’s just good business! Push and pull, we scratch their back and they scratch ours.”

“I’m still ignoring it, who exactly is the mystery contact?”

A brief, almost comedic silence overtop them. Big News Morgan had quite the obvious tell when he was trying to soften whatever blow he was about to deliver to his apprentice. Be it more overtime or a last minute meeting with Germa Princes that she had no choice but to attend, he always found a way to sneak a suspiciously comforting feathered hand on her shoulder. Now was no different.

She shrugged him off. “Sir, who is the contact who's going to be living with us on this ship for the foreseeable future?”

“…King Wapol of the Evil Black Drum Kingdom.”

A quick slam and she was back to relocking her door. “Never come to my door with such nonsense again or I’m putting in my two weeks notice.”

“Save the dramatics for the headlines, he’s not that bad!”

“A man who abandoned his kingdom to flee from pirates, got lost, the kingdom both survived and got better without him, eventually returns only get quite literally kicked out does not fill me with confidence in his honesty.”

“All true but he’s really turned his life around since then! We’ve written all about his climb to success, it was a very popular issue! Plus he’s too much of a blubbering coward to lie to us. Anyway him and his companion need our help.”

“First of all, that issue was only popular at the time and forgive me I don’t want my ear drums constantly bleeding from his “Oh thank you Miss Jackie-chan, oh it’s no problem Miss Jackie-chan.” or whatever fresh hell his fiancé is going to bring-.”

“His fiancé is still at the Reverie.”

Jackie stopped mid rant. She glared at the door, her hand once again hovering over the locks.

“Who’s with him then?”

“Your guess is as good as mine, but I do know a way we can find out.”

Ugh, damn her curious nature. She kept the latch chain but cracked the door just slightly open.

“Fine, how exactly am I getting them on board?”

“We're heading over to them as we speak. They’ve apparently snuck onto the cargo hold of some oblivious aristocrats. I’ll be “conducting an interview” while you put the Arrow Arrow fruit to good use.”

She sighed but couldn’t contain the thrum of excitement coursing through her. Despite the Wapol-ness of their most current harebrained scheme, she wasn’t the kind of person who wouldn’t follow through, especially with the potential scoop of a lifetime on the line.

“Alright you bossy bastard I’m in. I can be ready in 30.”

“Glad to hear it! Oh and take your time, we’ve still got 5 hours before we get there.”

“…..SO WHAT IN THE HELL POSSESSED YOU TO WAKE ME UP NOW?!”

It was too late, he had already began striding off muttering fake interview questions to himself and cooing over their guests arrival. She was left hovering in her own doorway steaming mad and unfortunately very awake.

(She’d let his transgressions slide, but only for now. Later she’d find a chance to have him see her reading “The big book of bird recipes: Albatross edition.” That always freaks him out.)

[icespur]

Akiren calling Akechi cute embarrassing pet names

1/3 edit: Uncensored

Two scenarios:

Platonic Rivals. So Akiren would be calling Akechi cute nicknames just to be a little shit.

Or Akeshu/ShuAke version. They are official boyfriends and they both have different views on public affection. Akechi would rather keep their relationship a secret, so no public affection (which is not unlike actual Japanese citizens).

Then you have Akiren,--- THIS TALL POLITE, SECRETLY UNHINGED HUNK OF A DETECTIVE IS MY LOVER. WE BECAME A COUPLE ON (Insert exact month, day, and time here), HE HAS BEEN MINE EVER SINCE. I AM AWARE HE'S A CELEBRITY AND YOU FANS CAN GUSH OVER HIM ALL YOU WANT BUT KNOW THAT HE IS TAKEN AND I TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN KNOWING I HAVE SEEN AND PASSIONATELY TOUCHED PARTS OF THIS MAN YOU CAN ONLY DREAM OF.

Akechi: (covering his beet red flustered face with his hands) “If we weren't currently an item and I didn't love you I would choke the life out of you right now.”

Couple Akeshu/ShuAke during a Palace or Mementos Shadow fight. Joker passes the baton to Crow. Crow gets in battle stance ready to tear the enemy to pieces when—-

Faintly in the background Joker enthusiastically cheers “FUCK ‘EM UP, BABE!”

This causes the mood to completely change. Crow’s manic expression drops instantly, replaced with blush.

The other Thieves are in the background, Ryuji the most confused “What did he just call him, what just happened???....”

Pet names abbreviated from name:

Akechi = Aki or Chi/Chi-Chi (What makes the “Chi-Chi” nickname even more hilarious is that's a babyish alternative word Japanese kids use to refer to their fathers. So it's a babyish version of “Papa”. Take Anya from Spy X Family English Sub for example)

Goro = Go-Go and Go-Chan

When in Metaverse Attire:

Goes for both Robin Hood & Loki/Black Mask form = Birdie

Specifically Loki/Black Mask Form =

Loki = Lulu, Lou, Kiki,

First time Akechi heard the above nicknames while in Black Mask form, he immediately locks eyes with Akiren and stares at him for a couple seconds, internally trying to talk himself out of sending the leader of the Phantom Thieves on an express trip to Velvet Room Purgatory. Ultimately fails and Kasumi and the rest of the Thieves have to physically restrain Akechi from murdering their leader.

In future instances, Akechi just responds by either tuning Joker out or “”CaLmLy”” correcting Joker that it's “Loki”. If Joker refuses to behave and continues, gentle route goes out the window and Akechi goes straight for the throat.

So basically referring to Black Mask Akechi by cute abbreviated nicknames is a speed run of “How fast can I get Akechi to lose his cool and try to kill me?”

The Thieves don't understand why Joker willingly puts himself in those deadly situations but Joker just weakly laughs, on the floor with probably a few fractured and broken bones. He just raises his arm up and forms a thumbs up, managing to wheeze out a “Worth It..”

(Abbreviated pet names in Romance scenario, Akechi wouldn't react by attempted murder, obviously. But just be incredibly flustered and embarrassed. The game for AkiRen in this case would be “How fast can I make my boyfriend a blushing mess?”. Especially since he seems to pull out the pet names at intentionally the worst times, when in public or mid-Metaverse battle)

[iwaoiness]

Hugging and golding

When the ball hits Poland's area with a powerful cross spike, the immense stadium falls into a second of intense silence before the crowd unleashes waves of euphoria, drowning out the final whistle that signals the end of the match and heralds Argentina as the undisputed victor.

Gasping for breath, Oikawa’s heart pounds in his throat, swear trickling down his face like rivulets, cheeks flushed with exhaustion, arms numb, legs burning with fatigue. He’s in a state of assimilation that last only a bit when his entire team throws upon him in a collective embrace joined by the entire coaching staff. He’s engulfed in sweaty arms, sobs of joy, tousled-damp hairs, heartfelt praise and we won, we won the gold.

And Tooru returns the hug, overlaps the sobs with laughter, returns the compliments and adds that obviously we won, you idiots, aren't we the strongest team?

But there is a void in the celebration. Someone is missing. His arms know it and have been missing him for months. His name repeats in his mind on a loop like the lyrics of an old song.

Hajime. Hajime. Hajime. Hajime.

His teammates begin to disperse, Oikawa breathes a little easier, and his eyes immediately scan the stans restlessly. He knows Iwa-chan is there. Throughout the match, he felt his gaze on him, giving him the push he needed to make one of his best settings that led them to victory. Amidst the cheers, he heard Iwa-chan’s voice, rallying him with every serve, his hit ‘em until they break! And during each break, he saw his figura in the crowd, laughing with his family, Mattsun and Makki.

"Tooru!" Oikawa's head whips around at the sound of the familiar voice to his right, and his lips tremble as he sees Hajime leap over the advertising boards and run towards him. Iwaizumi’s wearing his Argentina national team shirt, with the flag on the chest and the number 13 in the middle, snug fit around his broad shoulders and chest, but also a little bit long, the fabric bunching up at the waist of his dark jeans.

With shaky steps, Oikawa begins to move towards him, his legs trembling beneath him until he collapses under the weight of his emotions. But there, as always, is Iwaizumi, ready to lend his support, his arms reaching out just in time to envelop Oikawa in a comforting embrace. Oikawa stifles a sob, tears threatening to spill over as he buries his face into Hajime's shoulder.

He’s here. You are here.

He feels Iwaizumi's arms wrap around him as an angel's wings would; one at his lower back, another between his shoulder blades, clutching him tightly, keeping him upright. And then, shortly after, a hand in his hair, gentle fingers sinking into the tangle of his locks. The weight of Hajime's chin on his shoulder, his warm breath caressing his ear as he repeats i'm so, so fucking proud of you, my love, you did it over and over again in a voice charged with affection, with pride, with adoration. And Tooru laughs through his tears, sinking deeper into the embrace, wanting to melt into Iwaizumi until he fits into the hollow between his heart and soul and stays there for eternity.

"We did it" he marks because is unable to think of a victory without Hajime.

Iwaizumi was with him since his hands wrapped around a volleyball for the first time, he was with him through every victory and every defeat at Kitagawa Daiichi and Seijoh. He never allowed him to plummet to despair, never enabled self-loathing or blame to take root within him.

Hajime is the clean air of the Miyagi’s hills, the fresh earth after the rain, the final surge toward the finish line, the resolute headbutt, the voice of reason and calm, the sound of undisturbed river, the firmness of a rock.

"Idiot" Oikawa hears him smile, feeling his big hand caress his back now. "The gold, you’ve clinched the fucking gold" He breaks away, just a little, just enough to interlock gazes, bright and glittering as if they've stolen all the stars from the sky.

His hands cradle Oikawa's face, his thumbs wipe away his tears and Tooru nods, laughing again.

"But now my whole-body hurts, Iwa-chan" He protests childishly, but his voice sounds genuine, happiness imbuing each word.

"Whiner brat" Hajime teases, pinching his nose gently before leaving a soft kiss on his lips. "You're my proud," he whispers against his mouth, low and sharp tone that resonates deeply within Oikawa’s soul. He fights back tears, whispering an earnest i love you so so much and hugging him tightly. Hajime is what he has made Tooru to be, the silent guardian who has nurtured Tooru's growth.

...

i'll never be tired of this two

u can find this and find me on my ao3 🍉

[the-himawari]

A3! Promotion Event Translation - Haunted Western-style House (2/9)

*Please read disclaimer on blog; default name set as Izumi

---

TV: “Here’s today’s huge special on this Autumn’s recommended date spots!”

Masumi: …

Tsumugi: Masumi-kun’s eyes are glued to the screen.

Tsuzuru: He didn’t seem interested at all until the segment just now.

TV: “Share some new chestnut sweets and get close quickly!”

Juza: Those desserts look tasty. I wanna try ‘em…

Kumon: Let’s write down the location and go buy some next time!

Kazunari: Ah. Massu, just the guy I'm looking for!

Masumi: …What?

Kazunari: So like, remember the western-style house we were talking about the other day?

Masumi: Yeah, I remember.

Tsuzuru: A western-style house?

Tsumugi: It’s a bit far from here, but there’s an old western-style house in Veludo City and it’s been undergoing renovation work for a little while.

Tsuzuru: I see. There was that kind of building, huh? Did you know about it, Juza?

Juza: No, I had no clue.

Kumon: Ah, I think I heard about that at school! I swear my friends mentioned it was a date spot or something…

Kazunari: Yep, that’s the one! I actually found out what they’re turning it into! I promised I’d let you know once I got the deets, so I wanted to tell you first…

Masumi: Tell me right now.

Kazunari: Woah. A little close, buddy! Calm down, I'll spill! So you see, they’re going to re-open that western-style house… As a horror house!

Juza: A horror house?

Kazunari: Well, I guess it’s like a western-style haunted house. Lookie here at the home page!

Kumon: You’re right! That’s awesome!

Kazunari: They have an inste account already. They’ve only uploaded pics of the exterior so far though.

Tsuzuru: It looks like a normal western-style mansion right now.

Tsumugi: A horror house made using a western-style house will be quite authentic.

Masumi: A horror house… It’s different from the date spot I was imagining…

Tsuzuru: Hey, there’s no reason to get depressed. Haunted houses have always been a classic date spot.

Tsumugi: That’s right. Plus it’s a western-style building. I think the atmosphere will be better than a Japanese-style haunted house.

Kazunari: Totally! They’re renovating it, so I’m sure they’re gonna make it all nice and pretty~!

Kumon: I’ve seen a story about a date at a horror house in a manga I borrowed from Muku! The girl got scared and hugged the boy who lead her coolly!

Juza: Really? Then I guess it counts as a legit date spot.

Masumi: A horror house is a date spot…

*door opens*

Izumi: I’m home.

Masumi: !

Tsumugi: Welcome home.

Kazunari: Director-chan, did you go to a meeting today?

Izumi: I did. It was a meeting for the next “VELUDO”.

Tsuzuru: What kind of special feature is coming up?

Izumi: Fufu, you see… it looks like it’s going to be a special feature on the new horror house that’s going to open in Veludo City!

All members: HUH!?

Kumon: Talk about timing!

Juza: Yeah.

Masumi: A horror house special feature…

-pause-

Masumi: …

Tsumugi: Oh, Masumi-kun?

Masumi: …Tsumugi.

Tsumugi: What a coincidence. Are you on your way home from university?

Masumi: I am. Are you shopping?

Tsumugi: Yes. I bought new seeds and tools to tend to the flower beds at the flower shop. Director also asked me to buy some ingredients she needed, so I went to the supermarket.

Masumi: She asked you? I wish she asked me too… *Sigh*. If that’s the case, I shouldn’t have talked to Madoka and just went home straight away…

Tsumugi: Ah, you were talking to Madoka at school? You two get along well.

Masumi: Not really. We just happened to bump into each other.

Student A:  Let’s go to the horror house once it opens!

Student B: Eh~? But the rumours say it’s super scary.

Tsumugi: I wonder if those students are talking about that western-style mansion…

Masumi: …I think they are.

Student C: I’m not good with scary stuff…

Student D: Kaname-chan’s so cute… You can go with me then. Horror stuff is no sweat to me. I’ll protect you.

Kaname: T-thanks, Minato-kun…

Tsumugi: The western-style horror house has become quite a hot topic among the students, hasn't it?

Masumi: I didn’t know it became this popular.

Tsumugi: I wonder if it’s trending on social media.

Masumi: It might be. (I guess a horror house might be a date spot after all…)

---

previous | next

[gettingsnowedunder]

Hey it's me listening to HOP like five minutes after its release and here's my thoughts for posterity (my own records).

I see what they mean about a new genre for them! This really is something else. Both Walkin on Water and Bounce Back are like ... a new thing. Aggro-positive-old school? At the same time we had already heard the solo songs and like -- most of them don't fit this vibe. So it's not really the record that's a whole new genre, but yeah -- I'll give it to 'em for the first two.

I was ready to like U because TABLO is Canadian and also has a creative writing masters degree. And you know what? I think this'll grow on me. It's a slightly new genre for them but a different genre from the first two. I'm into it.

And then here we are in solo territory. I have thoughts on Railway and idk idk. I'm happy that he's "making the kind of music he always wanted to make" like Changbin said. I just think it sounds ... familiar. I already know the hills have eyes, ya know. Will I lose my mind to see it live? I mean please.

When I first heard unfair I was kinda eye roll about it and then I learned about the beauty and the beast thing. I just feel like -- idk. Felix is forever my first fave but I never like his solo stuff that much?

YEAH OKAY - Was a bootleg version of Hallucination my most played song of the last two months?? What's with those jangly little bells i am OBSESSED with this. This is more than I could have asked for. Father toast, settle down!

YOUTH BABY YOUTH. My second most played song. That's my boy. He sounds good but - oh gosh, am I gonna say it - better live? I love a little breathing on Youth. This song didn't need to be so polished. Absolute banger though. Ready for whatever the fuck the video is gonna be.

I wonder why the track order is this way. Anyway, Hyunjin sounds so good when he's being bitchy "oh my gawd". It'll grow on me, maybe. I'm happy he's happy. Marry your wife already, kid.

Speaking of. I've always thought Ultra was quite catchy. I think all the time about not having a good sense of Changbin's songwriting style when I know Han's and Chan's so well. But between this and hallucination I think he brings the hooks.

I think of all the songs I was most excited for Hold my hand because I am obviously a fiend for Hanpop (Hanrock?) and there were no good quality bootlegs and -- yeah, it's just as 2000s pop-rock as I needed it to be truly what can't this man do he is a genius. I'm not exaggerating. Lino stop crying your boy is drowning in the dark. in the DARK.

Seungmin.

[felikatze]

chaos child chapter 5 feli's theory time intermission yay

FUCK YEAH I WAS RIGHT HINAE IS A GIGALOMANIAC. it's so wild to see takuru just get the gigalomaniac explanation. straight up. hey, this is a di-sword, this is what a gigalomaniac is, also, you are one.

("impressive that a you heard of the dirarc sea" thanks i read chaos head lol)

meanwhile at this point takumi only knew that there's swords and he's hallucinating every 5 minutes and also ayase just threw herself off a building. so he was doing. not so great by comparison lol <3

LORE RN THO. THINKING. it's kinda weird how both hinae and takuru get One Specific Power pointed out by Mio: Hinae being a truth detector and takuru having minor psychokinesis. since every gigalomaniac in chaos head just had The Full Set of reality altering and mindbreaking shenanigans. they all had their own flavors of gigalomania of course but that mainly came from how they used the same powerset and not what those powers were ykno?

so i'm expecting a moment where the limiters come off for everyone lol

i REAAAALLY liked the sequence in the hospital basement w the newspaper club and mio. mio is a fun force to reign them in and the actual horror scenes down there were. pretty good i think!

this is the first time the game takes the delusions out of the player's hand, iirc- i really liked that it kept the sound cue for the first one, but the visual cue for the second, so you only had half a cue on either.

this was also the first time the delusions weren't just takuru's hypotheticals, but actual hallucinations that took him straight outta reality and left him reeling. things are going downhill.

the sumo stickers being a sort of detector for gigalomaniacs... hm. feels a bit weird considering they didn't exist in chaos head but Retcons Whatever they needed their plot device here. however i DO like that across the story takuru's reaction to them grows more and more pronounced? he hunted them down with serika as a child no problem, then he starts being uneasy around them, then he starts being scared of them, then they cause him to hallucinate -- mirroring how he's getting closer to awakening as a gigalomaniac.

NEW THEORY TIIIIIME.

so, the interludes with the limping woman gotta be Senri, nono's dead friend, yeah? i thought takuru and serika saw rimi down in the basement, but the hospital scene revealed it was actually senri.

esp with how the game shifts focus onto the question of what happened to senri, here- the logical thing to think is she died in the earthquake, of course, but if she were to escape at any point, it would be when the building collapses on her. (EXTREMELY neat detail that her patient file lists her doctor as norose!! the bitch himself!! how many girls did you torture, dude!! well at least he's dead.)

in all likelihood, senri was ami-chan, both in the rumor and the mystery text chat person seen throughout the game. she awakened as a gigalomaniac during the earthquake, which let her escape, but she took some permanent damage from that (the limp + the scars on her face). she is, understandably, mentally broken by the torture she went through, and probably wants to kill takuru and serika because she recognizes them (though it seems more specifically takuru) as the people who failed to save her so long ago.

that then only leaves open who her mystery helpes ed & max are. male names, but it's not gonna be shinji, he doesn't know shit about fuckall. right? and is senri responsible for the new newgen murders? why are gigalomaniacs being targetted? who knowsssss.

i'm still betting that SafeWorks is connected to Nozomi Corp somehow, despite the experiments collapsing with the destruction of noah ii and norose's death. thinking also about the "chaos child syndrome" brought up early on during the game... i mean, where else are you gonna find gigalomaniacs than in a generation of children that all have trauma due to a massive disaster that upended their lives, right. start looking for em in warzones man. that's gotta be easier than putting teen girls in the torment nexus.

actually, since senri was kidnapped by nozomi for an indeterminate amount of time - how and when did nono befriend her? how did senri's name end up on the memorial if she escaped the facility? if SafeWorks is Nozomi, and erected the memorial, did they use the earthquake to fake the deaths of all their test subjects? perchance.

the mystery is Getting To Me. can i have any barest cameo of chaos head characters besides fucking Momo please i miss them. show me seira-tan even. where's my freaks