Danganronpa 2 Side Story – The Ultimate Novelist And Their (Lucky) Hope
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Among the 16 students on Jabberwock Island there is a 17th. Meet the Ultimate Novelist, Ann, and how they relate to the secrets of Jabberwock Island. There's a link not even they fully understand after all, at least not yet. Not just that but they're drawn to one of the other students in particular…
It is finally time to publish this work. The main fic for my sona is done. Though that's not all as I plan to publish some other stories involving them. I will finish them first before publishing however.
In any case, I am happy to proudly present this fic. I will update it in short bursts, arc by arc weekly. So only 4 chapters are publicly available right now. It will be completed though so no worries. Updates will come every Saturday so expect me to reblog this a few times.
Another story which is in the sea of memories from Hope’s Peak Academy…
A date. Going on a date. Finally… The two were going on a date. But even then Ann just felt nervous. There was no need to of course, everyone had assured them just as much. Especially Anja whom they had asked to help them out.
“Hehe, so even Sis has their worries. Don’t want to embarrass yourself on that first date? Didn’t take you to be the type of person who would even go on dates. What was it? ‘That stuff takes time away from writing your novels’, riiight~?”
“Alina please, I’m not in the mood for your constant teasing right now! This is serious!”
“Haha, you really sound like a troubled person in love who really doesn’t wanna screw up.”
“Ugh… Are you mocking me for never having this done before?”
“No no no. I just think that you’re overthinking this. Listen, just be yourself. Dress like usual. You’ll be–”
“Are you saying that people are going on dates in their school uniforms!?”
“I forgot that you usually don’t go outside… Ok fine, send me pictures of what you have and I will try recommending you something. Unless your boyfriend is into–”
“I plan on wearing more than a hoodie and a shirt!”
“Ok ok. Soo…”
It was quite a conversation with their sibling but somehow they managed to make it through somehow. There were some spare clothing Ann had after all, just in case they ever needed it. But they didn’t keep much outside of their uniform honestly. Just some shirts, jeans and light jackets. And shoes… Two or three pairs. All flat. Alina claimed that it looked almost impossible for them to come up with something but with a bit of thinking it prevailed. A white shirt, black vest jacket, grey jeans and black sneakers.
“And don’t forget to brush your hair Sis~”
“Ugh, I get it…”
It was a pain to brush it honestly, given that usually Ann was going through their hair only once per day. But they got instructions from Alina… Who had asked their mother. And of course she had a lot to say, especially about Ann’s brushing habits. Thoroughly, get rid of all the knots in the hair. And it took them a good hour to make it look presentable. At least the outfit could be put on rather quickly. ‘Simple but neatly’, that’s what their mother told Alina who told Ann. It felt odd, making such a big deal about a date… Especially when it comes to Nagito. He probably wouldn’t mind, Alina was right. And yet there was something which made the novelist go to look… At least a little better than usual, given it’s an outing. So they couldn’t show up like how they looked at school.
And the efforts hadn’t gone unnoticed. Though he worded it very interestingly. “Oh? Not in a hoodie for once? Haha, you look kinda weird like that.” He just told them straight to their face. Maybe a month or two ago this would have gotten them to stomp off after being ‘insulted’. But they knew the Ultimate Lucky Student by now. so they didn’t take it too heart.
Although, they still had to point it out. “Does it really look that weird?” The faint blush though may tell that they understood what he meant, sort of. Hopefully.
“Oh, I didn’t mean it in a bad way. I’ve just never seen you wear anything but a uniform or a sweater.” He corrected regardless, slightly nervous looking despite the smile. “Although, that you get ready to hang out with trash like me… Ah, I feel honored.”
“Stop calling yourself trash already.” Ann sighed and to teach him a lesson they got on their toes to flick Nagito’s forehead, though without much force.
“Ow!” He said though he didn’t look that much in pain. He actually never did whenever they did something like this, now that they thought about it. Huh… “Force of habit. Will you forgive a lowly sight li–”
And another flick on the head. “I told you to stop.”
“O… Of course. Someone as worthless as–” Yet Nagito went silent when Ann was about to flick his forehead again… Well, their fingers looked like they were about to move. Were they going to?
At first Ann had considered it yet after thinking it through for a good second… They noticed something. “A… Are you doing this on purpose?”
“Me!? Haha, I would ne–”
“Are you or are you not?”
“M… Maybe…” There’s the answer. And he was awfully honest about it too. It got them to pout, that guy… Seriously, he could be the worst sometimes. Or something like that. Either way, they pulled back with a sigh as he continued by explaining himself. “But I can’t help it. It’s funny to see you angry. It’s a little cute.”
“Ah– That… Are you being serious!?”
“Could I afford to lie to the Ultimate Novelist who can easily read between the lines?”
“That doesn’t answer my–” But then Ann shook their head. They forgot who they were reasoning with here. It was almost impossible, a losing game pretty much. So they shouldn’t even try at this moment. And they weren’t going to just after realizing that. “Nevermind. I think we should get going. Or something.” They had never been on a date before. This was a first… Though most people would probably not believe that in any way. Mainly because of their writings. ‘Write what you know’, yeah but mostly they used any form of literature for reference. This was their very first. And even then, with a guy like Nagito Komaeda it was anything but a usual date. It wasn’t ‘normal’, kind of impossible even.
And yet, thinking about it… Maybe having a traditional or even romantic idea of a date isn’t something they could handle. Maybe being a little inconvenient was just–
“Then follow right behind me. I have a plan!” He announced all of a sudden before grabbing one of their wrists with his left hand, dragging them along. They couldn’t see it from the back but that smile must be wide right now, very wide… In general he seemed a little happier lately… Ah no, maybe they were just imagining it. Nagito always managed to act a little carefree, even if not on purpose. “Fighting for life and death… Sounds like a fun experience, doesn’t it?”
“Wait what!?” Hold on a minute, did he mean–
“Haha, Ann… You know what an escape room is, right?”
“Oh, those things… I heard of them, yeah.” Right, that… “I’ve just never been to one.”
“Then let me show you. It’s more fun than you might think. And who knows, maybe the experience will come in handy in the future.”
“In what scenario?”
“Hmm… In a killing game maybe?”
Ann wanted to burst out laughing. If there’s one thing this guy knows how to do right it’s having a very colorful imagination. “Sounds more like something for a novel.”
As if that would ever happen… Oh how unaware they both had been that day. But that’s a story for another time.
Yeah I changed the prompt so I could write something. I will do this for a few prompts so beware. Also I will try catching up with the prompts as I feel at least a little better now. We'll see how quick I can be.
Talk about nearly drowning in that shirt. Maybe that wasn’t too surprising however. After all, Nagito was definitely taller than them, almost one entire head. But only almost. Maybe actually an entire head if you include the hair if you think about it. But like this? How could they have their entire body drown in it? Ok maybe that’s a little over the top. But it was pretty big. If they think back on when Nagito wears his signature shirt… Hmm…
It usually reaches down to his hips, just barely. It is a natural fit essentially, not even the cleavage visible. And it’s not just thanks to the green hoodie jacket. It just looks normal. But on them?
The sleeves nearly drowned their arms, the cleavage showed yet the shirt reached down to the upper half of their thighs. Ann looked at themself and concluded that they were looking ridiculous. It was honestly beyond embarrassing, at least to them. They nearly looked like a child. Of course that should be expected since that shirt would not be their size. But like this? They almost wanted their clothes back which had gotten dirty by accident. Now if it hadn’t been chemicals from the lab which had gotten onto their shirt then maybe…
Ah yes, about that… Ann was supposed to pick something up from there for one of their co–workers after having been asked, apparently important for the mission or something… It may sound careless but sometimes they did things without asking too much questions. It got everything done quicker and they had enough on their own plate they had to return to. Well, much to their own dismay they bumped into someone and their uniform got pretty much ruined by that. They knew that they had to be quick about this so they had to change out of this quickly. And as they were going to do that they noticed that everything which could be worn at a work place was already in the wash, being all dirty. Nothing else to choose from. Though their gaze was wandering over to the shelf portion of the closet next to them…
Ah yes, it is important to note that they shared a quarter with Nagito. Apparently even now the Future Foundation wanted to keep tabs on him so Ann volunteered to share a space. Not that it was too much of a problem, reminded them a little of their days at Hope’s Peak. Except there he would always sneak in… And that just meant barging in whenever he felt like it. Honestly, it’s a surprise that no one had reported it… Or no one really cared. Or the teachers didn’t since both were Ultimate Students. They didn’t even care about attendance as long as the exams were passed so maybe it was the case as well. It wasn’t too out of the question, probably. Regardless, point was that they were used to this living arrangement. Difference is that they weren’t sneaking anymore but openly living together. And that had an extra feel to it.
That’s why Ann thought that it was a smart idea to borrow an unused shirt, one Nagito would probably (and hopefully) not miss. And that’s how they ended up trying it on, wearing it. He wasn’t going to wear it right now so they should be fine! Yet it was something to move in and looked clearly oversized. It made them reconsider their choices and close to take off the shirt and try using something else which could fit. And yet, just as soon as that thought crossed their mind they heard a familiar voice behind themself and they may as well have caught fire and burst out in flames at that moment. A sharp turn and they really couldn't believe it… At a time like this? The worst timing imaginable!
“Oh, is this the clichée where your partner steals your clothes without permission?” A laugh, as if he didn't even mind. As always, just so carefree. Or his way of saying that he didn't mind in the slightest. Either or… “How cute.”
“Ah– Na… Nagito! I can explain–” Yet Ann let his words process for a moment. One more time, just to be sure. And then it hit them. “You don't sound upset.”
“Wait, am I supposed to? Give me a moment…” Their boyfriend took a deep sigh before then suddenly saying: “Ann, how dare you steal my clothes and then look adorable in them!?” Well, it was an attempt but a sloppy one at best… And that just means that he wasn't really trying at all. He was treating it as a joke. But what else would one expect?
Even Ann couldn't help but look a little in disbelief. They were stunned that he did this without the slightest bit of shame. No apologies whatsoever. Just him doing something he was asked to do in the worst way imaginable. “That's not–”
“I’m suuuper mad now. See?” What an obvious lie and he didn't even hide it.
“You're seriously not mad? I just took your shirt.”
“Hey, I have plenty of other things to wear. Plus, you have your reasons to grab it, right?” He was assuring them in the very next breath. Even his fake anger didn't last that long. Talk about going soft on them… They never knew how to feel about it. “I mean you were always clumsy Ann~”
Ah– He had to point that out of all things!? “I… I know that! Just–”
“Then you can wear it. Just make sure to wash it– Wait noz don't wash it. We wouldn't want another washing machine to break.”
“I know that!” In the end he turned the conversation around to embarrass them. Ugh…
“Just making sure. By the way, what did you–”
“Spill chemicals.”
A moment of silence from Nagito, even he stared at them a little dumbfounded. “You what? How–”
“It just happened before I knew it… Sorry…”
“Did you at least knew what they were?”
“Uhm… N… No…”
And there it was, him holding his forehead while groaning with mild annoyance. There it was, somewhat. Kind of… “Ann… You really need to be more careful. I hope for your sake that it wasn't anything dangerous.”
“Sorry…” Well, actually, in the end even Nagito could get annoyed with them. And it wasn't a bad thing! Just… Extremely embarrassing.
The desire to have a kid one day… One would describe it as a common desire. Even if it was maybe a little too early to consider but the thought may or may not have lingered in Nagito’s mind, to the point it was just too tempting to bring up. Just imagining a little bundle of hope one day… Maybe two. There was nothing wrong with indulging in the thought here and there, right? Though the curiosity had overcome him one day and it burned on his tongue. So one evening, when the couple was sitting on the couch to just unwind he brought it up. Just like that, out of nowhere, as he always does.
“So Ann… What do you think about having a kid one day?”
The question hung in the air for a few moments before his partner would even let out a peep. No, literally, the first sound they made after a good few seconds of silence was a literal peep. They then turned their head to him, staring at him with wide eyes. It was hard to tell what this meant. Surprise? Shock? Horror? Not that it all looked the same but he really couldn’t tell so easily, even though he had been with them for pretty much a good while now. Sure, things were rocky in between due to the entire history with the Remnants Of Despair (Ann remaining unaffected while Nagito unfortunately had to live with that curse for some time), yet they had reunited despite all of that. But really, it was difficult to tell. In fact it maybe was a mix between all of them. And they didn’t open their mouth for some time.
“Uhm… Ann?” He said as he tilted his head ever so slightly, waiting for an answer. It was getting awfully long here and he wasn’t sure if he was ever going to get it. In fact, even he felt a little awkward now… Until…
“Where is that suddenly coming from?” They asked, voice nearly stuck in their throat a few times. “A… A kid? Just like that? Nagito, we’re still a bit too young for that! Besides, given all the work–” Oh, they misinterpreted his question and started to panic. That’s why. Well, makes sense.
“Now slow down. I didn’t mean right now. And not tomorrow either.” He assured them, or tried to. There was no need for them to freak out like that. Though one could see them growing pale and in some way it did break him. It was just a question but they took it to heart like that… Not an easy sight. “I… Was just wondering. About someday. In the distant future.”
The brunette blinked a few times before even responding. Perhaps they were processing it before saying a word. “A… Ah, just someday.” They repeated, as if trying to calm themself down as well. “I see… Did you start thinking about it?”
“Once or twice.”
“You’re rushing it. We’re not even married.”
“Well, that could change anytime, couldn’t it?”
“Don’t even joke about that.” Ann responded, slightly flustered. Well, he wasn’t joking about the ‘yet’ but everything had a time in place. And he could tell that this wasn’t the first thing on their mind right now so he won’t urge to rush. “Anyways… I… Would rather not think about it. Not right now. We’re a bit young for that, don’t you think?”
Nagito tilted his head. This again, though the tone was obviously way calmer now. Still, Ann’s words… “We’re both adults, aren’t we?”
“Sure but being an adult doesn’t mean that we’re ready. My parents had me and my siblings when they were around their 30s. Heck, Dad was approaching his 40s. Although…” And suddenly they went silent, clutching one of their sleeves and suddenly avoiding eye contact with him. They bit their lower lip, a sign that they were slowly getting more and more agitated. Something was on their mind.
“Hm? Is this about–?” He was close to guessing yet they chimed in regardless. So he didn’t have to guess. Yet he may have gotten it right thanks to his luck.
“No one can say how much time you have left.” And then the room went silent. Even Nagito was too stunned to speak. Ann had just said it out loud, something they didn’t want to admit and probably would also rather forget. Well, honestly he wasn’t sure if he still had these conditions to– No, none of that would just disappear like that. There was always a lingering fear… Especially since they had heard of it. He was always at the brink of death and not even he was oblivious to how it would get them into a nonstop spiral. Sure, he told them not to worry and he himself wasn’t all too worried, especially since he lived way beyond his life expectancy, but it never left their own mind. And with that thought they slowly continued. “I… I know that it didn’t happen yet but–”
“You’re worrying over nothing. I’m fine. I won’t die anytime soon.” Always the same words, always said in the same tone. And yet it only did so much. It could only do so much…
“Yeah well, every vet also said that Ole would live until he’s 25 but we both know that didn’t happen.” There it was. Them bringing up their late cat. And each time they were shaking, clutching their sleeve tighter. “I… I don’t want to take chances. So… Well… I mean… If you think about it that way… It might be scary… A kid… But–”
Instead of saying a word he responded in a different way. Seeing them shaking… Even he understood. So he had to assure them, that he was here, nowhere else. And that he wasn’t planning to go anywhere else. His grip was tight, or as tightly as he could manage, just keeping them close until their shaking would slowly vanish. Bit by bit, slowly… In the end they were there, somewhat limb in his arms. That was until their arms slowly rose, clutching onto him at the next best moment, their grip tight yet shaky, as if holding something in.”Don’t force yourself. We have time.”
“B… But–” They were still trying to argue… Of course. So it was up to him to reassure them in the best way possible.
“Don’t stress about it. It’s fine. … And sorry for bringing it up.” He was the worst, wasn’t he? Making them feel like that… Ah, how awful… But he kept that to himself, unless he wanted to upset them more. “We can talk about it again when you’re ready, alright?”
They nodded, weakly yet softly, a sign that they were slowly calming down. And then no word was said, only silence between them… Nothing but silence. But that was fine. They shall take as long as they need.
And staying like this together in silence wasn’t bad either. Sharing these moments together… All by themselves… Yeah, it was too soon to think about bringing a life into the world. Nagito could hope for someday but he won’t rush them either. Either outcome is fine with him. It will happen when it happens… If it will happen. But that’s nothing to worry about at this point in time. Yeah… After all, here’s plenty of time left.
Dividers by @/omi-resources
Characters: Alcryst, Original Character (Divine One)
Words: 838
“It's me! The Brodian Prince who... isn't Diamant…”
How many times had Ann heard that exact sentence when it was time to spar? Every single time the archer made his entrance he would always bow right after, as if this was one of his usual apologies. No, it was. All because he believed that his mere existence was nothing but an inconvenience, something to look down upon. And… Well… It was always frustrating to hear. Especially when this was far from the truth.
If one were to ask them they would probably say this… “Alcryst is probably the best archer I have ever seen!”
When the two had first met Ann had flinched merely by seeing a bow and an arrow. They had to hold back the massive dragon who was about to come crushing, dashing right into whom he perceived as an enemy. It was a very close call however, having steered him into several directions. Their brother was a little thirsty for blood at points yet going into an archer’s range was definitely not the way to go about it. They could handle it just barely… Extremely barely. The fight would luckily be short lived however, Alfred managing to interfere and deescalate the situation on the spot. “Hey, hey, hey! We’re coming in peace! Are you even aware who you're attacking!?” He had begun, though dropping the bomb only moments later. “Those are the Divine Ones!”
That was where the at the time unfamiliar archer had ceased his weapon and stared in disbelief at both of them for a moment… Only to then slowly come closer… And then jump and bow a few moments later, going “I’m sorry!” Over and over again. It was obvious there from the get go, that this archer was plagued with something… And that something was self esteem issues. The moment he joined their cause it was all just too obvious.
And Ann never saw why. Alcryst had already proven himself when aiming for Strange. Sure, it was definitely terrifying at that moment. Just thinking about an arrow anywhere near if not exactly going through a vital area and having the blood pour out… It is definitely terrifying. But at the same time Alcryst had been precise with his aims, not to mention drawing his arrows rather quickly. Doing so must take a lot of effort and training. But he didn't see it that way, he never did. Even now, when it's just the two of them in the training grounds. What he had said stung badly, as if Ann themself had been personally offended.
They were even staring him down, arms crossed as they had a narrowed gaze. “I know.” They responded ever so boldly. It was literally the most obvious thing in the world. Yet they could see him flinch at the sight of their narrowed gaze, freezing and wanting to probably cower in fear.
“Ah– O… Of course. Sorry to di–”
“If I wanted to spar with Diamant, I would have.” They interrupted him in one swoop, not even letting him finish.
“Huh!? Y… You don't? I thought because he's not available… Uhm… Well…”
“Nuh uh. I wanna spar with you!” They said as they stepped closer and leaned a little forward, a finger suddenly on his nose and booping it. He was clearly caught off guard, flinching a little backwards but not taking the step behind… Just in place. Yet they could see his cheeks catching some color despite him looking a little startled. And they didn't stop, bopping with their finger on his chest over and over. “You, you and again, you! Got it?”
“Is… Isn't that a waste of time though?” The second prince asked, as if uncertain what to make of this. But his reaction was obviously flustered, making them nearly chuckle. “You could probably learn more from anyone else. Especially Diamant.”
“You say that but I can already handle a sword.” They brought up. “I’d rather learn how to handle arrows flying at me. And there's no better archer to teach me than you.”
He didn't seem to know how to handle something like this, at all. They could hear him swallowing clearly, fumbling around for just a moment before he averted his gaze from them, looking from one side to the other. “Pl… Please Divine One. I’m not worthy of your praise.”
“Nonsense. You're more than worthy of it. The bestest archer I’ve known and will ever know!”
They could hear the squirm from his lips, high pitched, very squeaky. “P… Please Divine One, I’m not—”
“If you don't stop I will let everyone know in the entire Somniel!”
“Please don't!” Was it too embarrassing for him? Maybe but not like it matters.
“Ok so you won't continue questioning it then?”
“I… Uhm…”
“Alcryst…”
“I won't I won't! I promise!”
“Heh, good. Then let's get started shall we? Bestest Archer ever~”
“Ugh, Divine One!” Seeing him blush though never gets old. In fact it's kinda cute. But no one tell him that.
Just when Yosuke was always getting closer to Annika and their lips were about to touch there was always an interruption on the way. And the interruption took shape in a bear who was always too curious for his own good. He would always just get in between at the most uncalled moments and go “Yosuke, what are you doing with Annika–Chan?” Even now in his own room.
The two were all alone in his room and no one should have come in at this point. It should have been safe. After all, Ted has been busy downstairs with his mom, asking her a lot of things or helping her out in some way. He should have been busy. Yeah, that should have been the case! So it should have been fine to sneak upstairs with his girlfriend and… He doesn’t need to get into too much detail. Well, not like it would be going too far anyways. And even if so he wasn’t going to talk about it! Ah, you get the point!
Either way, it was just supposed to be the two of them there and it should have been just fine. Just… Well, being a bit more intimate inside his own four walls, his own room, with an empty closet (the part where Teddie was staying in). Even if it took moments of easing into. Sitting next to each other, their fingers brushing against each other’s hands before resting next to each other, holding them in a rather tight grip.
After that they both were looking at each other. One could probably hear his quick swallow, a gulp, being rather hard. Even though it has been a while, them dating for months on end. He should be used to this. And yet it was still as nervewrecking as always. Probably because he just didn’t want to mess this up or make Annika uncomfortable, go too far. It was always a lingering thought. Even when she gave him the ok. But maybe he was overthinking it all.
Regardless, it would end in the same thing. A silent agreement, a simple nod before both of them got closer with their heads, leaning in and having their lips come closer and closer. Bit by bit, trembling as always, just a few millimeters left if not less…
Until now, where Teddie just has to speak up and make both of them flinch before turning to the side, seeing him sitting on his knees and looking at the both of them ever so curiously. That their faces are flushing all red would be an understatement. It is worse than that, way worse. Even though this isn’t anything new or unexpected. It’s just sudden, as always. Teddie is… Well, he’s just here for no reason whatsoever. Probably snuck up or something, much to Yosuke’s own dismay.
And yet before he can even get a word out it is Annika who responds first, a simple answer. “Well, we’re… A little busy here Teddie.”
“Busy with what?” He asks, tilting his head as he is right in front of them. Usually Yosuke would just love to shoo him out yet a quick squeeze against his hand asked him to stay put for the moment. And he would for the time being.
“It’s something between us.” She continues calmly. “Hence why we hurried upstairs.”
“Oooh! Can I help with my beary–”
“It’s best if we solve it by ourselves, sorry.”
“Aww…” And there is that sad face he makes when being told ‘no’. Though it’s more of a face he has when being told off by a girl. Typical, really typical. Yosuke isn’t even surprised seeing that.
But she should hold her ground by now. And from the looks of it she is. “Maybe next time.” Or not. Probably not. Hopefully Annika is just saying this to let Ted off easy. She probably is doing just that actually. “But could we be alone for now?”
“Alright, alright. I’ll be going.” He then jumps up. “Don’t do anything funny Yosuke!” And then he just runs out of the room before knowing it.
Yosuke is so close to getting up and wanting to chase him. “Hey! What’s that–”
“Let him.” Of course he is held back by his girlfriend, making sure that he doesn’t just jump up and run off. “He left the room, didn’t he?”
A sigh, then followed up with a scoff. “I guess.” He answers before looking back at her. “You’re a little too soft with him, you know.”
“I can’t help it. He’s like a little brother after all.”
Yosuke rolls his eyes. “Yeah, he’s just as annoying as one.”
“You’re that close, huh?”
He can see her smile, a soft and amused one. It usually sets him ablaze in a matter of seconds. Nah, this is no different. He’s feeling all sorts of things when seeing it, all those fuzzy feelings. There’s just one catch in all of this… “Can we not talk about this anymore? It kinda ruins the mood y’know.”
“Ah– Fair point.” Annika agrees shortly after letting out a light gasp. “We were… Kind of in the middle of something after all.” And then she becomes a little more flustered again, knowing exactly what he meant. And he kind of can’t help himself but grin a little when seeing that face. It is just too adorable not to.
“Then let’s finish what we started. How about it?”
If there’s one thing one should know to never challenge Nagito, it was literally anything luck based. He might look like he was at the brink of losing yet it would turn around extremely quickly, before you know it. What looked like a losing hand would soon turn into a lucky one and he would crush you at a moment’s notice. Ann knew it all too well. They had seen it in action for the first time back during homeroom, when Chiaki had organized a gaming session for the entire 77th class. It was when he was playing against Fuyuhiko and Kazuichi, both of them cursing Nagito for his comeback in the party board game they were playing. He won by a longshot.
“That’s bull! He was cheating!” Kazuichi had yelled at that moment. It made Ann’s eyes roll and they couldn’t hold back their comment following right after.
“You really expected to win against the Ultimate Lucky Student in a luck based game? Oh please…”
“Ey! I wanna see you try then!”
“Didn’t you just listen? I’m not going to compete against the Ultimate Luck guy in something luck based.”
“Coward.” Kazuichi had scoffed at them. Unfortunately someone else overheard and then—
“Aww, no? But I wanted to play with you too Ann.” At the time when Nagito had said it they felt a shiver going down their spine. He addressed them so casually, not to mention how he was looking at them, somewhat begging but also soft. It was hard to resist… Puppy dog eyes essentially.
They only flinched, trying to avoid it yet had given in eventually. There was no chance of winning so they were happy with second. Kazuichi had rejoined for a rematch but he got basically crushed all over again. So yeah, Ann knew how actual Board Games would go at that point.
To their surprise? Well, not so hot. But that was always expected. Yet it was a reality Kazuichi still hadn’t expected. And Fuyuhiko? Dude got just involved somehow, making it four playing a game of “Mensch ärgere dich nicht”. Quite ironic if you think about it when looking at Kazuichi. Oh, it means ‘Don’t get angry’ by the way. Word by word it would be ‘Human don’t get angry’ but sometimes you do use ‘Mensch’ just to make something sound more intense. The first variant is the more fitting one.
How do you play? Well, each player has four tiny figures on the board in a different color. The board the four were using had red, green, black and blue but any work. It’s essentially like a race, make your four figures go across the board and bring them ‘home’. If you pass a Player their figure is out and has to start from the beginning. Oh, and you can only get out of the… Well ‘out’ space if your dice rolls a six exactly. And if you roll a six you can roll again. The first player getting all their figurines ‘home’ wins the game. That’s the basics. And of course it had a huge element of luck in it. There was no winning this.
Ann had honestly suggested it as no one had played it before (no surprise for them however, it’s more known in Germany and they played it a lot with their siblings as a kid), even had to bring a board for the occasion. And now during lunch the four of them were playing, or trying to. Because how did the board luck? Well, at first it seemed that Nagito couldn’t get any of his pieces out. The grin on Kazhuichi’s face was saying ‘This time I’m gonna win’. This only earned him a sigh and eyeroll from Fuyuhiko and Ann respectively, both agreeing in silence that the Ultimate Mechanist will fall flat on his face sooner or later. And it came sooner. Nagito managed to get all of his figurines out and in no time had the half cross the entire board. Not just that but he cleaned up consistently, mostly Kazuichi and sending him back half the board. Ann and Fuyuhiko did so too actually to the Ultimate Mechanist’s dismay but that’s besides the point. Regardless, Nagito was so close to filling out his ‘home row’ in no time, he truly had caught up. So it’s just a competition for second place now.
But Kazuichi? Well… That should answer it all. “His die is rigged! Rigged I say!”
“We’ve all been using the same die.” Fuyuhiko reminded him, of course sounding less than impressed. “There’s nothing–”
“He’s hiding his own somewhere! Show us right now!” But the mechanic didn’t want to listen to reason.
Nagito only tilted his head. “What do you mean?”
“You’re hiding them! I just know it! No way you get that many sixes in a row!”
“I’d believe it.” Ann interrupted the flow of the conversation. “I mean, what else did you expect when challenging the Ultimate Lucky student? To win?”
“No one’s that lucky!” Kazuichi protested, stubborn as ever, not wanting to admit defeat so easily. “Dude, what’s your secret!?”
“Haha, it’s nothing honestly.” The white haired guy responded, calmly, not fazed by the outburst. “My ‘talent’ is far from impressive. So this isn’t a–”
“Shut up! You got a trick and I know it! Now tell me what you did! Or else–”
“Ok that’s enough from you.” Fuyuhiko sighed, just in time before it could escalate. “Either play the game or forfeit. Your choice, not like we care. Right?” He looked over to Ann as he said that and they nodded. Why wouldn’t they agree at this point? “See? What’s it gonna be?”
“I… Er…” Kazuichi was stuttering, not sure how to answer. He has been argued into a corner. And not to mention the glares he was getting… In the end he forced himself to sit down with a begrudging sigh. “Fine… Let’s get this over with.”
Who won? Well, Nagito got first in the end, obviously. Fuyuhiko was second, Ann third and Kazuichi got dead last. As always. Although expect the Ultimate Mechanic to be back for revenge! Except he’s not going to beat the Ultimate Lucky Student in these games anytime soon. At least Nagito didn’t seem to mind so eh, let him at it.
Yeah I changed the prompt so I could write something. I will do this for a few prompts so beware. Also I will try catching up with the prompts as I feel at least a little better now. We'll see how quick I can be.
This was quite a sight… Almost embarrassingly so. Not to mention during one of the Future Foundation’s meetings. All because one of the chairs had gone missing. Apparently the one in charge of organizing it had counted wrong and so one person would have to stand for… At least two hours. These meetings tend to be very long and tiring yet a refresher compared to live threatening missions. Really, if you have been outside and worry about your life on the daily you get sick of it. All the novels and movies and manga and shows make it look so exciting… It really wasn’t. It was scary to think about, being able to drop dead at a moment’s notice. A long ass meeting discussing missions and progress and whatnot sounded like a refresher. Even if it meant that you barely get time to yourself but if it meant to build a better future after the era of despair then so be it.
Back to the meeting, it was one Ann had to attend. But not just them, Nagito was there too. Because of course he was. Well, both were pretty much part of the same team, mainly because he wanted to keep going with the work, all to make amends for what he had done as a Remnant Of Despair (just like the others of class 77). Though he had also his doubts when leaving Ann all by themself so he was more often than not joining them… Which led to them having the same assignments. ‘Lucky me~’ he would always say, awfully cheerful while doing so, with that same smile. Well, no one said that you had to be all doom and gloom while doing your job so it’s fine. And besides, Ann felt safer if Nagito was within reach as well. if something happened to him while they were away… They couldn’t forgive themself. They had nearly lost him once, having panicked after getting out of that Neo World Program, especially since he was the last one to wake up from his coma. They didn’t want to take any risks so sticking close to him was pretty much the only option in their mind.
Besides, losing anyone else now… They didn’t want this to happen. Maybe they seemed a little too clingy and they could admit that they probably were… But they didn’t care. The risk was too great. Their parents died during the aftermath of the tragedy and Luka had become one of Junko’s underlings because Ann didn’t look closer. Fuukichi, their older half brother, had vanished after Luka’s death too. So all that remained were their younger sibling, Alina, and of course Nagito, latter having been brainwashed and all. If it hadn’t been for the new recruits from class 78 maybe he would have died too because Future Foundation wanted all the Remnants Of Despair dead, so they wouldn’t become a threat in the future. It was an operation done behind the Future Foundation’s backs yet they all managed to pull it off somehow. And that was a huge relief.
Ah, they got off track here! This wasn’t about all of that! This was about this meeting! Long story short, Ann and Nagito were stuck in the same one. There were few chairs to sit on, one less to be exact. And the entire group had to figure out how to solve this. Of course anyone would say that they would just get one more and be done with it but… Well… Ann’s boyfriend had a different idea in mind, one he blurted out without any type of shame nor regret. In fact, picture him saying it with the usual, carefree smile he had. “No problem, Ann can sit on my lap.”
Everyone had looked at him in a bit of a shock while he was ever so carelessly smiling away. Not to mention his head turning slowly to Ann, them knowing the next thing coming… And it’s very obvious.
So, instead of a chair… That’s exactly how they ended up on his lap. The two were standing out like a sore thumb, just sitting there as the voices were speaking all over the place. Kind of. They still felt others looking at the two, bewildered. One would think that they would shrug it off, knowing how Nagito was (and Ann having had no choice but to go along with it… Or so they told themself. Debatable if they had another choice or not. After all, Nagito got away with a lot, even under their supervision). This wasn’t even the most outrageous thing he had done, usually the ideas were wilder, like setting up explosives at random during a mission or not too hesitant drugging someone if necessary. His ways didn’t change all too much, claiming that it is all needed to be done. And at that point it was hard to tell him otherwise. And Ann has to admit… He does get the job done.
So him being a second chair by making them sit on his lap… That’s not courageous at all. In fact, that was one of his more normal ideas. At worst it just got Ann flustered beyond belief. Even more when they got the reminder by his voice in the ear. “You know you can move if you don’t feel comfy.”
“Ah– I’m fine.” They whispered back, noticing the flush on their cheeks. “Now be quiet, this is important.”
“I know but it’s also important that you’re comfortable. Don’t be shy to move around, I can handle it.”
Not like they could, they were stiff, very stiff. “That’s not the problem. Now please, be quiet so we both don’t get into trou–” Yet before they could finish they felt two arms suddenly around their waist. One was the metallic hand of course and it was cold in contrast to his flesh hand. But that only made it more obvious. “H… Hey! What–”
“Almost forgot to make sure that you don’t accidentally fall of. Sorry.”
“I won’t! You don’t have to–”
“It’s fine. I’m more than happy to be your chair after all.”
“D… Don’t just say that… Especially not here…” Yeesh, even during a meeting he was like this… And worst of all? Everyone could hear it. But no one was saying a thing, only staring. And that made everything even more embarrassing!
Needless to say, focusing on the meeting while being on his lap was probably impossible. Ann will remember maybe half of what is being said… If they were lucky.
