HEAVENLY BODY.

[deathsignals-deactivated2024081]

@caesarsrule​

The Food Court of Mermaid Cove Mall was appealing, but it didn’t compare – it just couldn’t to the stores of Iwatodai Station or Paulownia Mall. But it’ll have to do for now, they’d suppose.

There were plenty of people but it wasn’t crowded, so it didn’t feel that overwhelming to him and at least, he could get around without feeling as if jostled around. As he looked around the stalls with interest, a certain aroma was soon wafting through the halls, as they kept looking through the choices.

It was the smell… of hamburgers, which made him drool – and as he turned around (rather quick,) a dizzy spell came immediate – and he stumbled forwards. An immediate down to the floor, and he could only curse himself.

“Ugh…”

[caesarsrule]

There was something about this patterns of grabbing lunch and finding guys in various states of distress. The familiar uniform was enough to draw his attention; the spin and face plant were just an added bonus. Cringing in sympathy, since that had to hurt, he dropped what he was doing to tap the guy's shoulder- just to check if he was alright.

"You good there? I get food being good enough to knock you off your feet, but at least try it before you go kissing pavement." While saying decidedly unhelpful things, he pulled the unfamiliar student to his feet. So in the end it evened out.

"Anyways, fancy meeting you here. Have we met? I'm a third year- Akihiko Sanada. Oh I mean, not that I expect you to know me or anything."

[caesarsrule]

🌱

headcanon memes //

[ 🌱 ] what themes are relevant to your muse? thanks i love this prompt apologies for the text wall

guilt //slaps akihiko This baby can fit so much survivor's guilt in him. He's cursed with never getting to die- not that he wants to die, but he keeps making it out alive while the people he cares about continue to fall. The guilt starts from being the only one who gets to keep living and extends to him feeling that he's not strong enough to protect things that he cares about. Guilt breeds isolation, just as excellence allows people to put you on a pedestal- both things that he's allowed to happen. His brand of guilt got internalized from a young age, so it's something that's stuck, shaping him as well as driving him to become better, stronger. Sooo doubled edged sword of him.

family // It's important to take care of the people closest to you! Bonds are stronger than you'd believe, but people are more fragile than you'd expect. The same fire that warms you from the inside out when you're around people that make you feel at home can be snuffed out as easily as a candle. It's nice playing house while you can because nothing lasts forever. He makes it his business to care for people that don't have someone in their corner because he knows how it feels to be up against the world.

power + control // He's strong! But not strong enough. And even when he gets stronger, it still isn't enough! And then he gets a power-up because he admits that attaining more power isn't the key to solving all his problems. But he fails to protect another important person despite all that! Life keeps throwing things at him and just when it feels like he can finally find a modicum of stable footing, the rug gets pulled and it's back to 0 control baby!!! Oooh he wants to bad to keep everyone safe but things just keep getting worse. But were things ever good in the past?

-> past, present, future //

No.

Shinjiro comments that Akihiko only starts bringing up the past if he's starting to feel wildly... sad! Akihiko puts a lot of thought into what he can do to control the outcome of the future; while he's able to sway some things in his favor, there are things that are simply out of his and anyone else's control. While the present is bad, even a day ago, a week ago was better. Because at that time, sure he was weaker, but more people were alive. So what happened to his belief that with more power, more stability would be possible?

tragedy // He's a hero!! A tragic hero! He and his team get to save humanity, but at the cost of something that does not feel worth the sacrifice. It's too late to do anything about it when they find out, so he gets to live the rest of his life thinking about it and ultimately respecting the decisions of his dearly departed! (: He gets neither the boy nor the girl. In fact, he fumbles the bag on both of them. Pathetic!!! I like him so much.

[caesarsrule]

how your muse responds to anger. & concept of home and family.

character headcanons //

how your muse responds to anger.

Akihiko's confrontational on his own, so he wouldn't take too kindly to being on the receiving end of anyone's temper. Especially if he thinks it's unfair. While he'd give a shot at ending things without a full-on fight, he isn't so kind as to keep from throwing the first punch if he's decided there's been enough talk. That being said, he doesn't go out of his way to make people angry at him in the first place. It just sort of happens lmao.

concept of home and family.

It's not a physical home that ties him down to one place, but people that keep him rooted to the spot. Once there's nothing to remind him of why a place was once considered home, he's ready to keep drifting. And even when he's traveling from place to place, he's never looking for a location to settle. After a place has served it's purpose he keeps moving. Japan would technically be home, but he's really only returning whenever Mitsuru calls him and makes him come back for whatever reason she wants him around.

There's no biological family left, and the closest thing to found family also got picked off one by one until he was the last man standing, so there's something painful about thinking about what a family is for him. Family is whoever motivates him to get stronger, someone worth protecting. (He is doing a very bad job)

[caesarsrule]

“ what are you doing out here by yourself? ”  

☆ Question Prompts //

"Getting your full attention apparently."

...

"And maybe uh, trying to see if staying up 'till it hits 12 would trigger the Dark Hour." He was curious- especially since not all seemed right here. And now that Minako had shown up, what's the worst that could happen? If anything, he could borrow her Evoker if worse did come to worse.

"A better question might be asking why you're out here. Not following me, are you?"

[weirdlypersonalrpmemes]

PROMPTS I’D LIKE TO RECEIVE, PART 1.

⤿   headcanon memes; comfort character edition!   tw: death, family, religion.    

send in a symbol and i’ll answer the corresponding question about my muse!

[ 🧱 ] how would you describe your muses’ morality? what are their core values?

[ 🌎 ] are there any aus you have for your muse? what are they like, and how is your muse different in them?

[ 😱 ] does your muse have any specific fears? where did those fears come from?

[ 🤝 ] how does your muse approach intimacy? are they hesitant, or do they like it? what types of intimacy do they like and dislike? (ex. physical intimacy, sexual intimacy, emotional intimacy, etc.)

[ 👪 ] what is your muse’s relationship with their parents like? was it always this way?

[ 💍 ] does your muse have a “type” of people that they prefer to enter relationships with? is their type generally compatible with them, or does the dynamic tend to be toxic?

[ 🏆 ] is your muse multitalented? what are their hobbies, and why did they pick up these hobbies? if they don’t have hobbies, why don’t they?

[ 🐱 ] does your muse have pets? did they have pets as a child? how do they feel about animals?

[ ❌ ] is there something your muse struggles with that they might never overcome? what is it? why do they have so much trouble with it?

[ ✨ ] what aesthetics or symbols do you reference when writing your muse? are these backed up by canon, if your muse comes from a canon? is there any specific relevance to these choices?

[ 🌱 ] what themes are relevant to your muse?

[ 💀 ] has your muse gone through anything traumatic? if so, how has this trauma affected them?

[ 💛 ] how empathetic is your muse? how compassionate are they? is this something people expect from them, or are people surprised when they find out how compassionate or empathetic they actually are?

[ 👗 ] what is your muse’s fashion sense like? are they able to dress the way they want to? what would they wear in an ideal world?

[ 🔮 ] what is your muse’s relationship with religion and spirituality? were they raised in a certain religion? have they stuck with the same set of spiritual beliefs all their life, or have they changed over time? are they settled in their spirituality now?

[ 🤷‍♀️ ] how does your muse approach strangers? how does this compare to how they interact with close friends or lovers?

[ 🎵 ] is there a specific song or songs you associate with your muse? why is that?

[ 💸 ] if your muse had no shortage of money, what would they buy?

[ 🐺 ] does your muse like solitude? do they prefer it to being around others? how easily does your muse get lonely?

[ ⚰️ ] what are your muse’s greatest regrets? what would flash before their eyes when they’re on their deathbed?

[ 🧸 ] does your muse keep anything sentimental? if so, what do they keep and why?

[ 🙏 ] what does your muse need? this can be something material or something abstract.

[ 📚 ] what books does your muse have on their bookshelf? what books would they like to have? if your muse isn’t an avid reader, is there anything they collect or might like to collect?

[ 😍 ] does your muse believe in true love? why or why not?

[ 😇 ] what would your muse do if they became a god?

[caesarsrule]

hc meme.

BODY.

long legs. short legs. average legs. slender thighs. thick thighs. muscular thighs. skinny arms. soft arms. toned arms. muscular arms. toned stomach. flat stomach. flabby stomach. soft stomach. six pack. beer belly. lean frame. slender frame. muscular frame. voluptuous frame.petite frame. lanky frame. short nails. long nails. manicured nails. dirty nails. flat butt. toned butt. bubble butt. thick butt. small waist. average waist. thick waist. narrow hips. average hips. wide hips. big feet. average feet. small feet. soft feet. slender feet. calloused feet. calloused hands. soft hands. big hands. average hands. small hands. long fingers. short fingers. average fingers. broad shoulders. underweight. average weight. overweight.

HEIGHT.

shorter than 140 cm. 141 cm-150 cm. 151 cm to 160 cm. 161 cm to 170 cm. 171 cm to 180cm. 181 cm to 190 cm. 191 cm to 2m. taller than 2 m.

SKIN.

pale. fair. rosy. olive. dark. tanned. blotchy. smooth. acne. dry. greasy. freckled. scarred.

EYES.

small. large. average. grey. brown. black. blue. red. green. gold amber. hazel. doe-eyed. almond. close-set. wide-set. squinty. monolid. heavy eyelids. upturned. downturned.

HAIR.

thin. thick. fine. normal. greasy. dry. soft. shiny. scruffy. frizzy. curly. wild. unruly. straight. smooth. wavy. floppy. cropped. pixie-cut. short. shoulder length. back length. waist length. floor length. buzz cut. undercut. bald. jaw length. mohawk. braids. vermilion. white. silver. platinum blonde (black roots). strawberry blonde. golden blonde. dirty blonde. ombre. light brown. mouse brown. chestnut brown. golden brown. chocolate brown. dark brown. jet black. ginger. auburn.dyed red. dyed any “unnatural color”. streaked. thin eyebrows. average eyebrows. thick eyebrows.

TATTOOS / PIERCINGS.

full sleeve. partial sleeve. arm tattoo. thigh tattoo. shin tattoo. wrist tattoo. lower back tattoo. full back tattoo. hand/finger tattoo. foot tattoo. neck tattoo. face tattoo. chest tattoo. one tattoo. a few here and there. multiple. no tattoo. wants a tattoo.

monroe piercing. nose piercing. septum. nipple piercing(s). industrial piercings. earlobe piercing. prince albert piercing. eyebrow piercing(s). tongue piercing. lip piercing(s). tragus piercing. angel bites. labret. stretches out ears. navel piercing. inverse navel piercing. cheek piercing(s). smiley. nape piercing(s). no piercings.

COSMETICS.

light eyeliner. heavy eyeliner. cat eyes. mascara. fake eyelashes. matte lipstick. regular lipstick. lipgloss. red lips. pink lips. dark lips. bronzer. highlighter. eyeshadow. neutral eyeshadow. smoky eyes. colorful eyeshadow. blush. lipliner. light contouring. heavy contouring. powder. matte foundation. shiny foundation. concealer. wears make up regularly. wears makeup from time to time. never wears make-up.

SCENT.

floral. fruity. perfumes. aftershave. cocoa. moisturizer. natural soap. shampoo. cigarettes. leather. sweat. food. incense. marijuana. cologne. whiskey. wine. fried food. blood. fire. metal. rain. grass. ocean. autumn leaves. baked bread. freshly baked cookies. smoke. campfire. lavender. trees. pumpkin pie. musk. rose. gingerbread. peppermint. oak. honey. lemon. vanilla. coffee cake. mint. rawhide. chemicals. eggnog. sugar.

CLOTHES.

jeans. tight pants. over-the-knee socks. tights. leggings. yoga pants. pencil skirt. tight skirt. loose skirt. tight/formfitting dress. cardigans. blouse. button-up shirt. band t-shirt. sports t-shirt. sweatpants. cargopants. tank top. cut off t-shirt. designer. high street. online stores. thrift. lingerie. long skirt. miniskirt. maxi dress. sundress. tie. tuxedo. cocktail dress. high slit dress/skirt. long sleeves t-shirt. loose clothing. pteruges. tight clothing. jean shorts. sweater. sweater vest. armor. khaki pants. suit. hoodie. harem pants. basketball shorts. boxers. briefs. thong. hotpants. hipster panties. bra. sports bra. crop top. corset. ballerina skirt. leotard. polka dot. stripes. glitter. silk. lace. leather. velvet. chemise. patterns. florals. vintage. neon colors. pastels. plaid. red. blue. black. dark colors. fur. faux fur. cool colors. warm colors.

SHOES.

sneakers. slip-ons. flats. slippers. sandals. high heels. kitten heels. ankle boots. combat boots. boots. cowboy boots. knee-high. platforms. bare feet. loafers. caligae.

TAGGED BY: I stole it f/ exycution (: TAGGING: you baeybe

[caesarsrule]

∗ 49﹕ sender  brings  receiver  [ coffee / tea ]  in  the  morning .

☆ nonverbal prompt //

Glasses perch precariously on the bridge of his nose, the pinch that was unnoticeable at first now a steady cause for annoyance. From somewhere outside his room, the sound of cabinets opening and closing draw his attention, head coming up for the first time in what is apparently a while. Where the confines of the pages he's been steadily pouring over were its own world, life around him has evidently continued turning. A stray sunbeam hits his face, more cause to squint and finally take those pesky frames off of him to rest unceremoniously on his page. A bookmarker of sorts. He's a little surprised to notice light pouring through the seams of his curtains, an indication of an unplanned all-nighter.

Huh.

There's a knock at his door, and his mouth opens to answer, but hours of silence make it hard to speak. Inconvenient. Dragging himself up from his seat, he grabs the cold handle, door swinging inward as something warm is pushed into his hand. Bringing it to his lips without question, he can see Minako from over the rim of the mug, the surprise early riser bruising herself over bringing a cup of coffee over catching a few extra minutes of sleep.

Throat warming up, he can clear his throat, the first words out of his mouth a resounding, "Thanks."

[caesarsrule]

does your muse know when to rest, or do they push themselves? / your muse’s thoughts on cops and other authority figures.

☆ character headcanons //

does your muse know when to rest, or do they push themselves?

Akihiko is very in tune with his body and knows what it needs, but prioritizes getting things done over rest. He’ll recharge eventually, but up until that point insists on being part of whatever operation is ongoing. He’ll always try to push himself a little lot further, shoulder a bit more than necessary, and come out mostly unscathed. Further reinforcing the idea that he can keep getting away with it. 

your muse’s thoughts on cops and other authority figures.

Cops can’t accomplish everything that needs to be done. Thus the creation of the Shadow Ops. He doesn’t particularly trust or distrust them, and is aware that each has their own moral compass, as all people do. If there’s something the police can’t handle, he’ll do it himself. And it’s more likely he’d attempt that first anyways before calling for help. As for authority figures, Akihiko defaults to experience over position. Your expertise is more important than any title someone gives you. And if you have the skills to back it up, even better. He doesn’t have a problem working with authority figures he trusts and respects, but also doesn’t have an issue with opposing ideas he thinks are stupid. 

[rpclefairy]

𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐓𝐒

“ am i not good enough? ”  

“ you’ve been so quiet. what’s on your mind? ”  

“ why did you help me? ”  

“ who do you fight for? ”  

“ why do you hate me? ”  

“ have you come to laugh at me in my miserable state? ”  

“ you’re not dating anyone, are you? ”  

“ i’ve got your back, okay? ”  

“ where do you think you’re going? ”  

“ how long have i been asleep? ”  

“ are you going to kill me? ”  

“ why can’t i come with you? ”  

“ we all have secrets, don’t we? ”  

“ did you want to be alone? ”  

“ why should i trust you? ”  

“ wait. did you hear that? ”  

“ promise me? ”  

“ why are you talking like we’ll never see each other again? ”  

“ do you remember anything at all? ”  

“ what? no witty remark? nothing clever to say? ”  

“ you wanna know what your problem is? ”  

“ may i have this dance? ”  

“ can i ask… what happened? ”  

“ how many people have you killed? how many? ”  

“ do you ever hear yourself? ”  

“ would you run away with me? ”  

“ could you be happy here with me? ”  

“ you can’t or you won’t? ”  

“ you slept with them, didn’t you? ”  

“ well, how do i look? ”  

“ after all you’ve done how can i possibly trust you? ”  

“ why can’t you let me in? what are you so afraid of? ”  

“ what did they do to you? ”  

“ so why’s it so important anyway? ”  

“ where have you been? ”  

“ why are you looking at me like that? ”  

“ why did you come? ”  

“ what are you doing out here by yourself? ”  

“ is… that my shirt you’re wearing? ”  

“ you… don’t like me very much, do you? ”  

“ why does it always have to be a fight with you? ”

“ why can’t you look me in the eye? ”  

“ can you forgive me? ”  

“ what if i never see you again? ”  

“ you were going to leave without saying goodbye? ”  

“ how about a little midnight snack? ”  

“ are you… smelling me? ”  

“ how did you get this scar? ”  

“ what do you want in exchange for it? ”  

“ what did you want to tell me? ”  

[caesarsrule]

artemisiasrule​:

@caesarsrule​ summoned a starter!

❝ akihiko- ❞

so she begins, stalwart sternness written taut into risen tone as it was embedded into almost expectant features. one day. he’d been here one day according to minako && already began picking his battles, a vice in which surely her majesty would begrudgingly contend with a fist melded more iron than his very own had this been any other day. their time yet passes, duty still strewn into humane shape && every thinkable form. this journey never ends. && while they’ve found capability in surviving even the harshest separations, kirijo can’t chase her own sense of concerns where allies remain most preciously kept.

his birthday may have already passed, however the same considerations of ‘island’ time taking on identical passing has yet to be resolved. a small woven basket is thus placed beside him.

❝ i’m aware this isn’t exactly appropriate, but considering circumstances seemed to favor us for the time being, why don’t we take a day for ourselves? seems you’ve a fresh wound or two to rest off, so don’t expect to be participating on the frontlines again anytime soon~. ❞

To have Lady Kirijo’s full and undivided attention was something he was sure appealed to someone out there. But to be honest, being on the receiving end of that sort of scrutiny gave him a chill that wasn’t even present when he was supposed to be in the defending corner of a title match. It was only after he’d acknowledged her and made note that he was listening that she engaged- and by then it was already too late to avoid a dicey conversation. 

But what pleasantry is this? Taking the basket so nothing she’s presented touches the ground for too long, he’s almost lulled into a sense of security before she goes in for a jab, an unabashed expression crossing his face. He’s more impressed that her information network already casts so wide, and he rolls his shoulder but doesn’t deny it. 

“Been a while since we’ve had a chance to kill time; What’s in the basket?” 

The only things that came to mind were those baby animal calendars with puppies and ducks stuck in baskets for each month. But he has doubts she’d do that. And at her quick take on the reins, he has to suppress a laugh, both of them knowing all well that the suggestion fell on deaf, or at least nearly deaf, ears. 

“I won’t overdo it. But what’s got you thinking I wouldn’t want to push it with a handicap?” Miming the gesture of a gun against his forehead, he makes the admission- “Without an Evoker on me I can only get into so much trouble, you know?” 

[caesarsrule]

abyssalvigil​:

@caesarsrule​

The crinkling of the plastic bag follows her as she sprints down the sidewalk. Across the distance the sun peeks over the horizon, shredding the darkness into fragments with its rays. The first light burns her retinas, blinding her completely, yet she refuses to slow down. Minako skids, rounding the corner of the street, and accelerates into the shadow. Her head cranes up, looking upon the high-rise apartments that glisten, reflecting the sun’s rays.

Minako barrels through the front doors, passing the elevators to the stairwell. Her heart pounds relentlessly in her chest, threatening to eject from her flesh. She manages her breath, working through the agonizing pain of her fatigued muscles. She only slows down when she busts out of the stairwell into the long hallway. 

Brass numbers hang upon the doors. Her eyes scan over each trio, passing by until she arrives at 317. Minako pounds mercilessly at the door, her fists colliding with powerful knocks. The door shudders on its hinges, and she can hear the grumbling beyond the threshold. Minako’s body vibrates in its cool down, sweat beads rolling down her cheeks. 

As the door opens ever so slightly, Minako thrusts her foot in to prevent it from closing. Without warning, she shoves the bakery’s plastic bag forward, peering over the door to inspect the receiver. Much to her joy, it is Akihiko.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!”

Early to bed, early to rise. Whoever coined that term had it half right. There’s too much to see and do to turn in early unless you really needed to, but it made complete sense to get up as soon as possible to tackle the day. And he was dutiful about keeping a routine. Tossing in a soiree of fruits and vegetables to dance in a blender, he almost missed the sound of someone doing their absolute best to blast his front door off its hinges. 

Trouble this early in the morning? 

Pouring the drink into a glass and taking a sip while walking over to peer through the tiny peephole, he blinked bleary-eyed and just decided to test his luck with whoever it was. Robber, no problem. Armed assailant? Perfect way to start the morning. The foot slamming past the threshold and a fragrant bag being thrust in his arms? A little unexpected. 

Realizing it was Minako, both from voice, volume and visage, he smiled in welcome while his brows raised in alarm. His hand quickly pressed against her mouth, juggling the bag and glass in the other in the ultimate test of dexterity. 

“Shhh. Minako, I have a roommate.” 

Pulling his hand back to better shift the offering in his arms, he breathed out in a short laugh. “But thank you. Is it that time of the year already?”  

[caesarsrule]

thaumaturgeprince​:

The man’s arm locks around his neck, pulling him into a chokehold that makes any pro-wrestler look like a wimp. He gags, a hand tapping at the arm, a cue for the man to let loose a little. There’s no way he’s going anywhere, and Yosuke has yet to determine if this man is willing to support him.

A look of relief washes over Yosuke’s face when the silver-haired male comes to his defense. His lips spread in a wide smile, eyes sparkling, admiring his hero that came to his aid. The glittering image of the hero fades instantly when Yosuke’s thrown under the bus. In a low whisper, Yosuke hisses, “why am I the pathetic one in this scenario!?” He rather not consider how pathetic he looks begging for safety from an elderly woman.

Regardless of his social standing in this made-up scenario, Yosuke’s hero pulls through. He sighs, stumbling after the other, after all the guy has his head. As they come upon a table, Yosuke wrangles his head out of the grasp. “I’m not mooching,” he starts, rubbing the back of his neck, “sheesh, where did you learn a chokehold like that? I thought my neck was gonna snap. Here.” Yosuke presents the 1,000 yen to the other in one hand, as his other hand points up in a gesture of his thanks. “Take it, it’s yours. Look, I don’t have much else on me, but when I get a job, I promise to repay you. Beef bowls, cash, whatever– you name it. You saved me from the Hag from Hell back there, so I won’t let you down.”

Man. This guy sure talks a lot. 

Turning him loose so he wouldn’t have to hear a mix of pleading, he’s instead presented with some sort of monetary offering and a promise of repayment that he’s suddenly decided to hold against this guy until death. 

“I’m joking.” About the mooching at least. “But don’t make a promise so lightly. No man should have such a weak will.” The money’s no issue- you can always just work for more. And it’s well worth the price of an extra serving if it meant shutting down a possible public nuisance of a scene. Not that his companion was a nuisance. He was just. Really loud. 

“And try not to get upset at people just doing their jobs. Makes you seem, out of touch?” 

Anyways, that’s enough of a lecture out of him. He’s more interested in the familiar bill, one he’s yet to take. But it’s almost assured that it’s a solid indicator that they must both be pulled from the same place. So he asks-

“So, you’re from here as well,” he says as a matter of fact while flicking the bill. “Almost makes me wonder if we crossed paths back there before we had this encounter here.” While it’s possible, he doubts it. This guys sure left an impression. Positive or negative, he hasn’t decided yet.

[caesarsrule]

abyssalvigil​:

Minako fears she will sabotage her own mission. Withhold information from Akihiko, hide the truth, bury the investigation underneath the mundane events, anything to be at his side a moment longer. She lost them all; gazed upon their hopeful faces in the moment of her sacrifice, heard their distance voices proclaiming their epiphany. Minako refuses to lose everyone again. Perhaps one day she will ask Akihiko to keep her in check, to remind her of their objective. Everyone matters more than her, a soul already lost, a walking phantom no longer corporeal. She has risen, deigned to fade from existence once more, that is her fate. Trusting Akihiko to be accountable of her secondary demise seems too much, though she trusts him. She trusts him with her death.

None of that matters now. Fate, destiny, death– all of it is meaningless– yet there’s purpose within it all. The joy to be nurtured between two friends weighs heavier than the destruction deities can perform. 

Minako grabs at his wrist, unimaginable strength tugs his whole body with her. “You know just what to say to a gal,” Minako teases, dragging Akihiko along with her. “Maybe they’ve got a challenge– spiciest ramen bowl, te biggest ramen bowl, the meatiest ramen bowl–” she’s not drooling, she’s glistening, “oh man, I hope they do, I can eat a whole ramen house! If there is a challenge, Akihiko-Senpai, I’m not going to lose!”

Well, not much use trying to tap Minako’s head like a fish bowl to see what she’s thinking. Whatever was up there was probably under lock and key anyways. Thinking about the past was too much of a hassle. And debating all the possible tangents the future could take was also a massive pain. But you know what sounded great? Food. 

Dragged along by the force packed in her enthusiasm, he starts calculating how much this bill is about to run him. The situation couldn’t be that dire. Especially since he had some doubt if a spiciest, biggest, meatiest challenge even existed. “Who are you even challenging in this situation?” Not that he wasn’t as enthused about her upcoming match against a ramen house, apparently. “But I’m with you- a challenge like that is sure to get your strength back up.” 

Eating well was definitely part of the game plan. And she could handle even the most daunting of orders if memory served. “I’d say have at it. But don’t come crying to me if you get sick.” 

[caesarsrule]

dioscural​:

               “  hm.  ” he hums amusedly in response, averting his eyes. it’s all he can manage at the moment.

       the thump on his shoulder stirs his gaze once more, and he looks upon the other dourly. what the hell was that for, he wants to ask, but knowing akihiko, it’s probably deserved in some way or another. nonetheless, shinjiro doesn’t bother contesting it, resigned to his defeat awkwardly. a loaded pause hangs in the air between them, before he pursues a different thread of conversation entirely, foregoing the small talk.

               “  … and? what about the others?  ” he needn’t linger where unnecessary, so it’s back to business as usual.

If he looks up at Shinjiro without tipping his head, it probably looks like he’s glaring at him. That’s just how it’s going to be since he can’t get himself to quit staring: out of fondness, relief, worry, a mix of all three- who knew? 

A lot can be said in palatable silence, but the longer it holds, the more tempted he is to break it with a flurry of cheap shots. Verbal or physical in nature he hasn’t decided yet. He doesn’t get to decide though, for better or worse, since Shinjiro’s nice enough to veer conversation into oncoming traffic. 

Answer normally. Don’t overthink it. 

“Hinako’s mere.” 

Fuck. Whatever, play it off. 

“Haven’t found them yet but word is that a few more familiar faces are around.” 

[caesarsrule]

abyssalvigil​:

If she allowed herself, she would be whisked away into a hallucination, a dream of the past. They would be standing in the common room of the dorm on the first floor. Sharing conversations and jokes among the rest of their friends. Back then, everything felt so simple. She refuses to let herself slip away, she wants to be ever present with Akihiko. Minako fears she may slip back into a deep sleep, lost once more to the physical world.

A grin plasters upon her face when she hears the poor imitation of her voice. However, she’s not one to curse mockery, rather roll with it. She tilts her head, leaning slightly forward, “Wow, what a great impression of Junpei, Senpai! I’m sure he’d just love to hear it sometime!”

Minako’s smile falters slightly when Akihiko expresses the truth. Unlike her, everyone had a future. They had dreams, aspirations, goals to achieve. Before teleporting to this world, they had lives. Minako knows how it feels to have everything ripped from her, and she can’t stand the idea that others face a similar torment.

“Mmm. These people have families and friends waiting on them,” she softly says, “they’ve been ripped away from all that they know. If we can help them, I say we do. Even if…” the idea of disappearing, fading from existence once more terrifies her. Yet, she cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering. She swallows the lump in her throat, and lifts her chin high. “Even if we don’t like what we find, we have to help. I say we keep our ears to the ground. Search for any useful information. Talk to as many people as you can, Akihiko-Senpai, and we can use one of our apartments as home base. If our friends come, we’ll ask them to do the same.”

Minako nods her head, resolved in her decision. If she was brought into this world to help others return to their lives, then she is happy to use what little she has left with her life to save them. “We don’t know who brought us here, but if they’re able to bring me here, then they have a power unlike anything we’ve seen. We proceed with caution, and keep our identities and our personas a well-kept secret. I like to think we did a good job pretending to be average teenagers. All right, it’s settled. We keep a look out for anything that can help us out! Mission: Free Everyone commences now! First order as leader is to grab some ramen– I’m starved.”

“Junpei? Huh. Maybe you did hit your head on the way here. Or did I tap you too hard?”  It’s lighthearted drivel, enough to keep the conversation flowing. Not that it was ever difficult to converse anyways. 

He hums at the thoughtful turn Minako’s taking, frowning at the possible side effect of solving their riddle of a situation, but knowing it’s the right thing to do was enough to push on anyways.

“Sounds like a plan. I’d hate to be idle if there’s something to be done. But hey- no use rushing in without scoping the situation first.” Ugh. Some reunion this was with all the heavy talk. It’s unavoidable. The plan sounded optimistic at least, and he’d let her run into the discovery that there were residents there who had been stuck here for years and got no closer to figuring out how to leave on their own volition. Still, he scoffs in amusement at her sudden order, in no rush to get to the dirty work of investigation already. The way she flipped from one topic to another was a talent for sure. 

“Ramen? I’m down.” Folding his arms and nodding like he was deep in thought, he chose to be gracious in his win. “My treat. Can’t let you kneel over before we even get this party started.” 

[caesarsrule]

dioscural​:

               “  who’d you pick a fight with this time?  ” the scuff of an encroaching tread stops short, a shadow barely reaching his. 

       despite the troubles that parts them, shinjiro can’t help but feel a swell of nostalgia every time they meet. he’s not sure what’s going on, nor what’s going to happen, but it comes as a relief to see the other alive, and in one piece. he keeps that close to his chest though, swiftly distancing himself from the thought as he cants his posture back against the wall, leaving a few strides between them.

               “  better yet— did you win?  ” pieces of who he was always seep between the cracks when akihiko is near, but sometimes it just can’t be helped.

                                                                     @caesarsrule​.

After running into Minako, or rather, Minako running into him, he felt like he’d braced himself for whoever may or may not appear next. Still, he answers almost too coolly while his eyes train from a familiar set of shoes until they hit a face he wasn’t expecting to see, a voice I didn’t think he’d hear again. 

Damn. It really is like seeing a ghost. 

“You make it sound like I’m the one at fault here-” 

Hand balling into a fist, he steps on Shinji’s shadow, landing a solid hit on his shoulder- not that he budged much from his spot against the wall. And perhaps in part to check if he was actually of flesh and blood. 

“Give it a good guess. I don’t make it a habit of losing,” he said while being completely aware that he’s very good at losing people at least. 

[caesarsrule]

abyssalvigil​:

Minako feels his hands hovering over her. Akihiko has always been bashful when he expressed his affections, often leaving a lingering awkwardness over them. However, Minako appreciates that in Akihiko. Despite his challenges, he yearns to communicate his feelings, especially with her. 

The soft bop on her head warrants a soft giggle. There’s the Akihiko she knows, the reliable and charming, albeit awkward man. She playfully rubs her head, showing Akihiko her cutest pout. “Thank you, Akihiko-Senpai. It feels great to be back. Although… my body feels pretty weak. If we were to be jumped by Shadows, I’m afraid I’d be useless in battle.” Minako lifts up her fists and begins to shadow box, her eyes glowing with determination. “I have to get back to my old self, so I can protect you!”

She didn’t expect Akihiko to have all the answers. After all, she had been dead before arriving. Minako knows miracles exist, but bringing the dead back to life is not an easy feat. She smiles sadly, her fists pulling closer to her chest. “I don’t know either,” she admits, “but I rather not know. After everything, I’m just happy to be back, and to be here with you. I’m very thankful. If it’s all right with you, Akihiko-Senpai, I rather not investigate this mystery. Whatever brought us here helped me live again. I think it would be rude to deny their gift. U-unless you know other who are suffering because of this, then I guess we should investigate.”

Ah, so she still puts that face to use huh. He was admittedly weak to a set number of expressions worn on certain faces. A sharp look from Mitsuru, a pleading one from Minako, and a few more that were getting more difficult to remember as the days went on. 

Scoffing in disbelief, he crossed his arms. “You don’t think I could take care of a situation like that?” He couldn’t before- that was the problem. “And if it’s physical conditioning you need, you’ve got the right guy.” Pitching his voice in a poor, and somehow deadpan, imitation of hers, he crossed his arms. “Gee Akihiko-Senpai, you’re the best.” 

He can’t help but be amused at her instant insistence that she be allowed to handle everything. The feeling does fade as the conversation draws more somber, the inherent heaviness of the situation weighing against them both. And in a request that seemed counterproductive to the overall situation, he heard Minako out, not having to voice his understanding of the implications should life return to normal. He’d already expressed so strongly that he had no desire to tamper with the past, and given the chance, would not take the option to bring back the dead. There was too much that could possibly go wrong- and it pushed so strongly against his resolution to move on. 

So why was it that it made him so happy to see the possible fruits of a crumbled oath? 

“I haven’t met anyone who’s actively suffering from being here. But it’s not right that they’ve been brought here against their will. The rule does still stand; you’re in charge leader.” Whether it be for selfish motivations or moving for the sake of others, he’d trust enough in her judgment to follow. And selfless or not- if there was anyone who deserved to be selfish it was her. 

“At the very least I want to know what’s going on. Getting too comfortable anywhere is just asking for trouble.” It was a Pandora’s Box type situation in honesty.