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metalandmagi · 3 years

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Winter 2021 Anime Worth Watching!

Since 2020 basically sacrificed itself to give us the most stacked anime season of all time, I’m currently buried under the weight of almost 20 shows airing per week. So for anyone who’s looking for some anime to watch this winter, here’s some first impressions! I’m speed running my list this time by only talking about the new shows...because otherwise this would be my great American novel.

If anyone’s interested, I have master lists for both 2020 anime and 2019 anime, because there’s no shortage of fun things to find.

New Shows!

And before anyone asks, So I’m A Spider, So What? isn’t on here, because CG spiders freak me out.

Cells At Work Code Black: This...less comedic spin off of Cells At Work (made by a different studio) takes the wholesome concept of Osmosis Jones meets cute anime girls and turns it on its head. In this much more depressing version, we follow a rookie red blood cell who works in the body of an overly stressed, alcoholic smoker who puts every strain on the body imaginable. I love Red Blood Cell AA2153 and his co-workers, but man am I glad we get the regular Cells At Work airing this season too, because I need something fun and uplifting after seeing my sweet son go through hell every episode.

*Heaven’s Design Team: Have you ever wondered how God came up with some of the weird ass animals that live on this planet? Like, what’s the deal with giraffes? And why can’t we have dragons and flying horses? Well this is a comedy about the engineers and designers in heaven creating the new animals that are going to inhabit the Earth. That’s it, that’s the show. It’s kind of in the same vein as Cells At Work, having comedy blend with a surprising amount of educational information. If you want something light and funny, this is the show for you (though I don’t think it needs to have full length episodes). I’m just hoping there’s an episode about how the hell the platypus was created. Also it’s the only new one available on Crunchyroll.

Horimiya: A romantic comedy about a girl named Hori who fits the image of a perfect queen bee and a quiet bespectacled boy named Miyamura who never makes an impression at school. When the two meet by chance outside of the classroom, we see that Hori is practically raising a younger brother by herself, and Miyamura is actually a sweet guy who happens to be covered in tattoos and piercings. This show is an exercise in breaking down the images people have of others in their minds, and it’s a concept that really hits home in a fun and meaningful way. Honestly, this has become one of my immediate favorites. The characters have great chemistry, and I can’t wait to see more of them!

Monster Incidents (Kemono Jihen): When big shot Tokyo detective Inugami is called to a rural town to investigate a series of strange animal deaths, he finds a mysterious boy with the nickname Dorotabo who has been shunned by the other children in town. As the detective gets closer to Dorotabo, he discovers that there may be more...inhuman secrets to the boy than he realizes...and Dorotabo discovers that Inugami has some secrets of his own. This is a hard show to sell without spoiling the first episode, but it had twists and turns that kept me engaged from start to finish. I’m really interested to see where the plot goes, because I thought this was going to be something totally different just from the PV and series summary. If it plays its cards right, this could be a great paranormal detective show!

Wonder Egg Priority: A psychological drama about a girl named Ai who starts having dreams about a mysterious egg that promises to give her what she wants most in the world...a true friend. Before long, she begins to see how the dream world and reality are tied together, and trippy antics ensue. It’s hard to say more without spoiling anything, but I had to go back and add this one in because I made the mistake of thinking it was an OVA when it’s actually a full series. And what a series it’s starting out to be. This anime has all the psychological discomfort of a Satoshi Kon product with the beauty and style of something from Kyoani (even though it’s made by Clover Works). It’s really one of those anime you just have to see to understand.

Sk8-∞ (Skate the infinity): An original skateboarding anime from Bones, featuring a typical sports anime protagonist who takes a new transfer student who has never skateboarded in his life under his wing. Together they compete in dangerous races and take the skating community by storm. The character designs rival Appare Ranman’s in outlandish creativity, and I can smell the main characters’ ship dynamic a mile away (considering they’re exactly the same as the protagonists from Robihachi). If you’re looking for some wild and crazy fun with top notch skateboarding animation, don’t skip this!

2.43: Seiin Koukou Danshi Volley-bu (Seiin High School Boys Volleyball Club): Yes, it’s another volleyball anime. And no, it’s not just a clone of Haikyu. This story follows Yuni Kuroba, a physically built but emotionally weak teenager who finds out his childhood friend Hajime is moving back to their hometown for high school. Yuni discovers Hajime has become an exceptional volleyball player and they join their school’s volleyball club hoping to turn the unknown team into a rising star. If anything, this anime is much more like Stars Align or Free, where the sport is a backdrop for letting the characters explore their personal problems. Or at least it seems that way after the first episode. I went into this show ready to throw it in the trash because how could anything compete against my beloved Haikyu, but I found myself really enjoying the dynamics of the main duo and I’m curious to see what the rest of the team is like.

And speaking of sports anime rip-offs…..I can’t believe I’m including this but…

Skate Leading Stars: The show where the animators clearly wanted to design another throw away idol anime but saw how popular Yuri On Ice was so they decided to make whatever the hell this show is instead. It revolves around a fictional team sport called skate leading, and we follow the world’s most insufferable main character, a former figure skater named Kensei who wants to return to the ice and join his school’s skate leading team after he finds out his childhood rival is going to compete in the sport. Look, this show is just trashy enough to get a certain type of audience hooked, and it mainly has to do with the best boy of the winter season, Hayato Sasugai, the aspiring team “coach” who pulled most of us into watching this show with his punk appearance, snide comments and smug personality. He’s basically the lovechild of Izaya Orihara and Shizuo Heiwajima in a high school sports anime setting. The show treats itself with the perfect amount of sincerity to get away with being absolutely ridiculous most of the time without making you feel like you’re watching it from a dumpster...like Try Knights. You will know after one episode whether this show is for you. All I can say is, Hayato is worth the watch, and I haven’t seen any 3D animation used for the skating scenes (yet) so that’s a win for me.

Honorable mention:

Jobless Reincarnation ( Mushoku Tensei): Yet another isekai where the main character is hit by a car (big surprise) and gets reincarnated into a fantasy world...but he happens to remember his previous life and narrates himself growing up as a jaded adult. I’m only including this because it looked amazing animation wise, and I love the opening where getting hit by a car and dying is actually traumatic. And I love the protagonist’s parents (who are retired adventurers who just want to bang all the time). But honestly...the main character is the fucking worst, and I don’t know if I want to keep watching it because of how creepy and weird he is. Like...he’s the hit on your fantasy mom as a baby kind of creepy and weird. But for anyone who wants a cool looking isekai that had an amazing PV, it’s worth checking out.

Continuing Series!

Because the real gold of the season is in all the established anime getting their next seasons, I’m just going to list some of the things that are also amazing and definitely worth checking out if you haven’t already (because I’ve already talked about most of them at some point and don’t know what else to say).

Attack On Titan season 4

The Promised Neverland season 2

Beastars season 2

Log Horizon season 3

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime season 2

Re: Zero season 2 (second cour)

Dr. Stone season 2

Cells at Work season 2

Osomatsu-san season 3 (second cour)

Higurashi New (second cour)

Jujutsu Kaisen (second cour)

Not to mention all the shows I don’t watch that everyone else loves...like World Trigger (which I have seen quite a bit of, but long shounen shows are too much for me now) Quintessential Quintuplets, and Non Non Biyori.

So there’s just some of all the anime airing this season. Hopefully, someone can find something they like. Here’s to a great year...well, of anime at least...

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kyuuppi · 4 years

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Bad Day

Pairing: Orihara Izaya x Reader

Genre: hurt/comfort, mild fluff

Word Count: 2.3k

Everyone has a bad day eventually.

In the fast-paced style of Ikebukuro, a city known for its stretches of high rise office buildings where corrupt politicians and businessmen appear to rule by day but a variety of notorious street gangs reign by nightfall, turbulence is almost expected. Whether it be a rainy day without an umbrella or a run in with an angry blond bartender with superhuman strength, there are a multitude of unfortunate events that could occur in Ikebukuro to minorly inconvenience and sour your day.

The problem is when they all happen at once.

What has become possibly the worst day of your life began the night before. The apartment above yours happens to house a group of rowdy college boys who deemed Wednesday night an appropriate time for a party. The constant booms of a heavy bass speaker accented with the occasional slurred yelling ensured a night of restlessness for you and it was not until well after 3am that you finally fell asleep—which incidentally led to you sleeping through your 7am alarm for work. Despite arriving less than ten minutes late—your first time arriving late for work ever—your team manager gave you an earful about the importance of maintaining “a good work ethic” in front of half of your coworkers. Naturally, you were irritated. However, as a generally cheerful and optimistic person, you figured the worst was over and promised to treat yourself to a nice lunch to make up for it...

...until your designated lunchtime rolled around and you found yourself standing in the lobby staring out at the torrents of rain crashing down from the sky.

You didn’t have an umbrella.

After choosing between ending up soaked or starving for the next five hours of work, you stood at the cash register of the nearest convenience store, drenched head to toe with a sandwich and bottled water in hand.

That was when you realized you’d forgotten your wallet in the office.

By the end of the day you were left exhausted, hungry, and with a throbbing headache that left your eyes stinging with suppressed tears as your trudged home, shuffling around leftover rain puddles.

At a crosswalk you were forced to pause as the pedestrian light turned red to let cars pass. Despite being in the middle of the business district on a Thursday evening there were not many other people around. You suspected it had to do with the rain earlier.

To pass time you pulled your cell phone out of your purse and proceeded to check your notifications. There were a few standard messages—one new follower on Instagram, a reblog of one of your posts on Tumblr, your family asking if you’d be coming home for Christmas this year—but there was also a text message sent from a person that had your heart shamelessly skipping a beat.

New Message From: Orihara Izaya

The name alone affects you to an unhealthy degree but, honestly, you’re far from the only one. Izaya is the most dangerous man in Ikebukuro, as an information broker there is not a thing about the city he does not know. Every person, every interaction, every dirty deed—he knows it all. If you didn’t know any better you’d suspect he could quite literally read minds.

Your suspicion was for good reason—when you first moved to Ikebukuro from your small town six months ago you had immediately become a subject of Izaya’s tormenting. From day one he had hired people to follow you, watching your every move without your knowledge and throwing you into mildly traumatizing situations until you felt you were at your breaking point...except you never broke. No matter how many horrible things happened to you, no matter how many nights you spent crying yourself to sleep, you always greeted the next day with a smile. Eventually, realizing you would not be as easy to manipulate as many of his other “precious humans,” he decided to meet with you personally and from there your relationship with each other shifted from bully and victim into...something else.

You were startled out of your thoughts by the melodic beeping of the pedestrian light, signaling it was safe to cross the street now. Stepping off the sidewalk and into the road you look back down at your phone, just about to unlock the screen when you hear the loud screeching of rubber followed by a horrified shout of “WATCH OUT!” You looked up just in time to see a black car skidding full speed right towards you.

You froze, like a deer caught in headlights, as the car got closer and closer until you could make out the terrified features of the driver, equally as helpless to stop the vehicle as you were. You hadn’t even been able to process the thought that you might die yet when a strong pair of arms wrapped around your waist and hauled you just a few paces to the left and out of harm's way as the car swerved to the right and crashed into a light pole.

Your gaze snapped away from the car to the body behind you and found Heiwajima Shizuo, decked out in his usual dark shades and bartending uniform, his arms still wrapped protectively around your waist. He was panting, having obviously run over to save you as you had not seen him anywhere nearby before.

“You okay?” he asked as he let you go, eyes never once leaving the now smoking car a few feet away from you two. Despite your relationship with his least favorite person in the universe, the two of you got along well enough and he seemed to respect you as an unexpectedly kind person among a city of darkness and sin.

You barely managed to stutter out an affirmative before he left your side in favor of approaching the driver—who miraculously seemed to still be alive albeit panicked at an obviously seething Shizuo’s appearance, leaving you to wonder if the driver had been trying to escape the hot-headed blond when he ran the red light. The stacks of money you think you can see in the backseat along with the distant sound of approaching police sirens only further validate your assumptions and you quickly pick up your fallen purse to make a break for it before you get caught up in another dangerous situation.

As you crouch down for the black leather strap of your purse you find your expensive new cell phone right beside it, broken into a million pieces of glass and metal.

…

By the time you reach the door of your apartment there are hot tears rolling down your cheeks and it takes all of your remaining energy to unlock the door through blurred vision. As you stumble through the threshold, weakly pushing the door behind yourself and dropping your purse, the idea of collapsing onto your bed and completely disappearing from the world for the rest of the night is the only thing keeping you sane.

But of course, you’re not afforded even that simple luxury as, before you can make it to the bed situated in the corner of your cramped studio, a shadowy figure exits the kitchen and makes himself known.

“My, my,” he lilts, “someone doesn’t look too happy.”

You hate that regardless of how exhausted you are, the familiar voice sends shivers down your spine and seems to awaken something deep within your gut that resembles the butterflies you heard about in all those Disney romance movies.

Except Izaya was more the sadistic evil villain than the dashing prince charming.

You swiftly rub at your face, as if it wasn’t already blaringly obvious that you had been crying. Sniffling, you force your lips into the weakest smile in history as you face the smug man casually leaning against the counter.

“H-hey, Izaya,” you murmur.

He gazes at you for a few moments, expression unreadable as his eyes dance around your nervous form. You feel awkward and bare, as if he was able to see things about you that even you yourself couldn’t see. You’re just about to speak again, likely a string of nonsensical small talk just for the sake of breaking the tension, when Izaya beats you to it. He uses one foot to push himself off of the counter and take the four steps required to stand right in front of you, his brownish-red eyes glinting almost mysteriously in the street lights outside of the window.

For a moment you feel as if you are under a spell, held captive under the unwavering stare of a man who, despite physically being less than an arm’s length away, seems to be far beyond the reach of any human being, let alone a simple girl like yourself.

He smirks and it sends your heart racing.

“Your mascara is running.”

An embarrassingly loud sob escapes your lips before you’re diving head-first into his chest, wrapping your arms around his slim waist as cries wrack your frame. His words were far from sweet or comforting, and certainly not an invitation for a hug, but you couldn’t find it in yourself to care. He is dangerous, you think. No matter what he said or did to you, you have a feeling you would always come running back into his arms. The man who hurt you the most in the beginning was now the person who made you feel the most secure.

Izaya chuckles before one hand comes up to smooth your undoubtedly ruffled, damp hair while the other remains deep in the pocket of his fur-trimmed parka. It was always like this. In the six months you’ve known him, the last three of which you could maybe consider you two “dating” (or as close to dating as Izaya would ever get), he never initiated any physical contact. If you wanted physical affection you had to muster up the courage to act on it yourself, whether it be hugging, kissing, or even holding hands. He never initiated but he also never rejected your advances. He would return your actions, oftentimes with a teasing remark about how desperate you must be or how irresistible you must find him. He was always right.

You find peace in the steady thumps of his heartbeat and the gentle fingers carding through your hair until your sobs have finally calmed down into shallow breathing and your headache no longer feels like jackhammer in your brain. Your eyes are just beginning to droop when he pulls back, making you whine pathetically in protest.

“Oh dear, you’re being awfully needy today,” he taunts as he steps back.

However, instead of leaving like you expect, he grabs your forearms in each hand, walking you forwards until the two of you reach your bed. He lets go of you to push the small mountain of rumpled blankets to the side (you had left your bed unmade this morning when you were running late for work) before gently but firmly forcing you to sit on the mattress.

“I believe it’s way past someone’s bedtime. Wouldn’t want to be late for work again tomorrow, hm~?”

You glance at the alarm clock on your bedside. It is nearly two hours before the time you usually go to bed, and you know Izaya is aware of that as well, but you don’t question it. Instead you savor the rare care Izaya seems to be showing you tonight and lie down properly, trying to hold back a giddy grin when he covers you in the blankets like a child.

He straightens up once you’re properly tucked in and moves to step away again but your hands shoot out to grab the hem of his jacket without thinking. He raises a brow in silent question, his unnerving smirk still in place. Your cheeks immediately heat up, silently cursing yourself at your impulsiveness. No going back now.

“Um...can you, uh...stay with me tonight?” you ask weakly, unable to maintain eye contact.

He merely chuckles, easily escaping your weak grasp.

“As much as I would love to keep my little human company tonight, I have some work to do.”

You don’t bother asking what he means by “work’; you already know. At a time like this it almost certainly has something to do with one of the many illegal gangs and drug cartels that run the streets of Ikebukuro during nighttime. You vaguely remember hearing reports on the news recently of a well-known CEO under investigation for money laundering and his connections with a major gang. If the public was just now finding out you know Izaya has known the intricate details for months or is possibly even directly involved in the operation as a catalyst. It was not uncommon for Izaya to stir up trouble among high-profile politicians and businessmen for fun.

You can only wordlessly pout as you watch him slip away and out of your apartment just as suddenly as he had appeared. You succumb to sleep before the door even shuts.

…

The next morning you awaken before your alarm, feeling much more refreshed and alive than you’d felt in a long time. You go about your morning routine as usual but with a visible pep to your step. As you get dressed you contemplate visiting a cafe for breakfast before work with your extra time. Maybe you’ll order the strawberry pancakes, or the blueberry scones...perhaps even both.

It isn’t until you walk into the sitting area to retrieve the purse you had left on the floor last night that you see the object sitting on your coffee table. As you approach you gasp at the realization of what it is: a brand new cellphone—the same model as the one that had been destroyed last night. When hesitant hands you pick it up and watch as the screen comes to life, displaying a single text message that brings a bright smile to your face.

New Message From: Orihara Izaya

>You really need to be more careful next time, y/n-chan~

#Izaya x reader #Orihara Izaya x reader #durarara imagine #orihara izaya #anime imagine #izaya imagine #reader insert #fanfic #durarara fic #izaya fic

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nyeonisparks · 4 years

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BEAUTY AND THE BEAST PT. 2

The grip on my throat was firm, breathing seemed out of the question. For once in my life, I was thankful for my uncanny strength. My hands instinctively clenched together, my body shifted on its own, I took a swing with enough intensity to at least get the man off of me. Blood gushed from my adversary. He covered his nose, his smirk never faltering. "You caught me off guard, normal people would instinctively grab their foes wrist, in hopes of them letting go."

"uck," I choked on my words, trying to breathe again. I staggered over to him, clearing my throat. He tilted his head to the side, glancing at me.

"Now, I'm gonna kick your smarmy little ass!" Stepping forward, I swung at him; however, he dogged my attack with incredible speed.

"And why do I need my ass kicked? You were the one who came into my home," He was right, I loathe violence, yet here I am, using it on someone who was just defending their own space. "Hehe, and you said I was the monster, but look at you, hurting an innocent man" no, he's wrong, I was defending myself, he was at my throat.

His eyes looked at me in a way no village had. There was no anger, no hate, no fear. For someone that had just gotten their nose punched in, he didn't seem too frightened of me. "Look, I'm sorry for intruding, I was just trying to escape the storm, and I'm also sorry for calling you a monster," I know how much it hurts to be called a monster too. He didn't say anything, it was almost like he had lost all interest in me. "Is your nose okay?" Even though I didn't start the fight, I felt guilty.

"I'm fine, you can leave now" His tone was bitter, he had turned his back on me,

"Sorry to be a bother but, I have no place to go," I had to swallow my pride and think rationally.

"That's not my problem," anger arose in me, but I held it back.

"Please, can you help me" He looked over his shoulder at me, his nose bleeding at the bridge, my knuckles had scraped off the skin. I felt judged by his eyes. He turned to face me again, walking closer, I was on guard this time, no way was I gonna fall for the same trick twice.

"Beg"

"Excuse me, I don't think I heard you right" I hope to god I didn't hear him right.

"Get on your knees, and beg," His voice was rigid, yet he wore a smile.

"No way in hell am I doing that!"

"Then leave, get eaten by wolves, starve to death for all I care," He shrugged his shoulders. I knew if worse came to worse, I could always go back to the village; however, I had abandoned my friends, I wouldn't be able to face them again, I would be too ashamed. I knelt down,

"Please... Please let me stay," I looked up for his approval. He seemed pleased.

"Good boy" It was faint, but I heard him loud and clear before I could protest, he spoke, "You can stay for the night."

"For tonight!" I shouted, "I have nowhere to go, what am I supposed to do tomorrow!?" He laughed

"Beg again," a low growl escaped me. Of course, the one place I stumbled upon had a sadist living in it with horns and goat feet, who is so kind as to let me stay one night, after begging. What is he, the devil's spawn? Or is he the devil himself?

"I'm Heiwajima Shizuo, I used to live in a village not far from here."

"What caused you to be thrown onto my doorstep?" the man asked.

I sighed,

"I have unnatural strength, when I was younger, I ran around destroying anything that pissed me off or using it to fight anyone who pissed me off" I inhaled deeply before I continued, letting my nerves cool down. "Then I met Tom-san, he was always so kind to me, he helped me pick up some tricks to calm me down, although he would get bullied by the other kids, so I beat them up. Now that we're older, it seems like all the villagers hate Tom just for being around me, I can't be a burden to him any longer." The man nodded along.

"So, you want to become my burden instead?"

"WHY ARE YOU SUCH AN ASSHOLE!!" He shrugged

"I'm Orihara Izaya," His Arm stretched out, claws emerging like daggers.

"Oh, uh, nice to meet you" Izaya cupped my hand with both of his,

"Will you join me for dinner, I want to hear more about this power of yours" He tilted his hand with a smile. I

Nodded,

Izaya pointed up the stairs, I turned towards the direction. "There is a room on the left, have Saki take you there, I have work to do."

"Work, what kind o-"when I turned to face him, he was already gone.

I trudged up the long staircase, Izaya had descended from. His candelabra sat on the thick corner of the railing. I grasped the light source in my hand

"Ahh, not so hard!" it screeched, startling me. I looked more closely at the candelabra; the design was a girl holding the candles. "Your grip is too tight," she said.

"Oh, sorry," I loosen my hand a bit, "Is that better?"

"Yes, thank you, I'm Saki, by the way," So this was what Saki Izaya had mentioned. I introduced myself and asked about a room Izaya had told me about. Saki was happy to guide me down the dark hallway. With Saki by my side, the darkness shewed away.

"Do you know why the mirrors are smashed?" I asked,

"I can't say for sure," she smiled, but her eyes clouded with sadness. "Izaya-san must be happy you're here."

"Tsk, I don't think so, he told me I can only stay for tonight," Saki giggled, but didn't say anything else. "Why do you think he's happy I'm here?"

"He's lonely," She said,

At the end of the hallway stood a large wooden door, elegant designs were carved so nicely into the wood. A silver handle was dusted over. I opened the door, stepping into the room. A bed layout in front of me. It looked so cozy, and I was so tired. Even though I wanted to give in to sleep, I couldn't. Izaya had invited me for dinner, I didn't give a verbal response, but I had nodded in agreement.

"Dinner won't be ready for a while," Saki informed me.

"What am I supposed to do until then?"

"Read something, that's what I see Izaya-san do all the time."

"I don't know how... to read," I felt embarrassed, my face flushed, and I set Saki down on a nightstand.

"That's okay, Izaya-san can teach you" The thought of that left a bad taste in my mouth. There just is something off with this guy. I don't like him. I laid down in the bed, letting my limbs seek into the plush. Saki watched me from the nightstand. What am I supposed to do? I feel so trapped. Some time had passed, Saki told me to get changed into something more presentable for dinner. I did as I was told, in the room stood a wardrobe. I quickly changed, discarding my old rags for soft silks—a white button-down, with a black and red vest, and complementary slacks. Saki escorted me to the Dinner room. But it was more like me accompanying her as she told me directions. I was guided into a well-lit room, with a full dining table filled with food. Izaya sat at the head of the table. I seated myself beside him, setting Saki down on the table, Izaya glanced at her, and she did her best nod, then descended from the table with the help of a chair. Now it was just Izaya and me alone.

I served myself a plate of food and started eating, I didn't notice how starved I was. Izaya watched me scarf down my meal, not even touching his.

"Aren't you going to eat?" I asked

"I much rather watch you" Tremors ran down my spine, I shivered at these words. Why was this guy so weird? His claws tapped in a rhythm on the tabletop. I watched them intently, they looked trimmed and clean. "Do you like them?" His voice caught me off guard, and I quickly turned away.

"oh, uh, sorry, I didn't notice.." I trailed off, facing my attention towards him as he pulled on my hand,

"You can touch them if you want," he said. I took his hand into my own. Rubbing my thumb over his smooth nails. Their deep black color didn't stop at the nail, the darkness traveled till the bend of his fingers. As I kept looking, I noticed feathers prickled out at his wrist. His long sleeves encased the rest of his arm, but my curiosity made me long to see how far up his arm the feathers ran.

"They're pretty," I admitted. Izaya's beaming smile wasn't unusual, but what surprised me was when he rose from his chair and gripped the back of mine. "You know..." he lifted my chin up, enticing me with his somber eyes. "You're not so bad yourself," he purred, he was so close to me. My cheeks heated and I looked away,

"W-what are you doing" my voice was uneasy. Suddenly Tom's words came flooding back to me,

"until he became aware of his selfishness."

"Do you think I'm a fool.." my attention shifted to my lap, blonde lockes covering my heated face. I could feel him trying to tilt my head back towards him. Even though he’d lose this battle. He hummed "What do you mean?"

"Don't play dumb with me, I get it now, why you let me stay, why you had me come to dinner, and why you're trying to kiss me… you think the curse will be lifted by a kiss? You really are selfish" The air went stiff. Pulling away he hissed out,

"How predictable," bearing a pained expression, eyes glaring into me, it was clear that my predictions were right, he only gave me the option of staying here so he could use me to break his curse. He couldn't defend his actions from the truth. "Why did you have to come here, did she bring you here out of spite?" I could hear the gritting out his teeth,

"What? Who are you talking about?"

"The fairy" I watched him dip his claws into his wine glass, his features faded back into his smug smirk. A swift motion of his hand that had been dipped into the wine sliced at my chest, I was quick to back up, my chair getting knocked over in the process; however it had already been too late, a wound started spewing blood from my chest. "Now, you will be staying here with me," I was frozen. "Did you think I came unprepared? Obviously, there was a chance you would figure out my plan, it wasn't a very elaborate one" He snickered, "So I had a backup, what was in my glass wasn't wine, it was poison, I had one of my servants make it for me. It’s a slow working poison, so it won’t become deadly for about a week or two."

"What the hell!" I shouted

"Don't worry, there's an antidote, but you’ll only get it if you help lift the curse. However, if you don't lift it in time, you will end up like the rest of the unfortunate,in a ditch, dead." He cackled out, "Isn't this fun?"

"I shouldn’t have left the village” The realization hitting me too late, I had let myself get poisoned.

This wasn’t my original idea, I was inspired by a post @shizaya-incorrectquotes reposted. I’m pretty sure the creator of this writing prompt was @whowhatmeow

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autumn-foxfire · 4 years

Note

Ohhhh that is interesting how we both have complains about the same ship but from different sides. N ye i think it does come down to softening one character up n bastardizing the other just to preserve some kind of soft bottom harsh top dynamic. In reality they both spend every single time they interact arguing with chuuya being more prone to yelling and hitting and dazai more prone to underhanded insults and manipulation so i really i wouldnt say either is a saint they are just bastards in different ways. Like i love chuuya so much but in a different character the lean towards violance might turn me off but that lean towards violence is accompained by him being loyal and caring and sometimes naive and its all wrapped up in a nice bow with his amazing character design so i cant help but love him.

In a way i think they are sorta like izaya n shizuo (though decidedly written worse) cuz even tho they act abusivly to each other you never really see it that way (except when its romanticized AND I HAVE THOUGHTS ABOUT FAN REACTION TO THAT SCENE), like you always get the feeling the other can handle it. They do have sort of a rocky equality in the partnership what with dazai having the tendecy to push chuuya down but chuuya always bites back so it never really feels like dazai is beating him down. Though chuuya sometimes does decide to trust him n gets burned by it but thats like just chuuyas trust.

Its interesting to me how i think they have on surface similar dyanamic to shizuo n izaya what with brute strenght brawler x chess master dynamic but out of those shipa i like izaya n chuuya more. Like i feel dazai started off good as a mentor figure but as the manga progressed he kept getting pushed more and more as this oh so smart master manipulator thats always 57566 steps ahead of everybody and it just started feeling like the story was catching on dazai ex machina which just kinda made him annoying and boring to me. Ive honestly had trouble staying caught up with the manga cuz it lost my intrest for a whole bunch of reasona n every time i read a chapter i have Opinions so i honestly wouldnt take myself as the most objective viewpoint to judge it by n i really dont know is that a thing that bothers other people or am i just kinda making it bigger then it is.

But lmao thats exactly why im looking forward to you reading it, i feel like you always have well thought through opinions. I will try to keep my mouth shut until you get to it god i just have so many Opinions about so many bsd things

I’m going to be watching the anime soon (I plan to start it again today because I’ve almost finished the other anime I was watching and I’ve been informed the episodes left are filler anyway *which I will watch but more in my own time*) so I really am looking forward to meeting both characters.

I’ve seen people compare their dynamic to Izaya and Shizuo in the past and now I can understand why if they certainly do share the same “brainless (most of the time at least) brawler and master manipulator” dynamics, however it seems weird how the fandom has seemed to make Chuuya the “submissive” one considering from what you’re saying and what my friend has told me, he seems to be the stronger and more violent of the two (meanwhile Dazai seems to be a beanpole that relies more on his mind). I guess it’s because he’s short and has long hair?! ...Though that’s just really dumb reasoning if it is T-T

Hmmm, I reserve any judgements myself until I watch the anime but I’ll keep what you’ve said in mind too! I know I said this earlier but I am looking forward to watching this anime considering I’ve mostly heard good things!

#personal #thanks for the ask!!#thegaygyrus

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demytasse · 5 years

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[Shizaya] Firsts and Seconds

Super belated, but anon, it’s finally your lucky day! But wait! It’s double belated because it’s ALSO a Christmas fic. ( ´ヮ`);;

———

It was was one of those days where the wind nipped colder than the atmosphere — lips bluer than depression, fingers red just as the prior autumn pantone. Where huffed breath upon frozen fingers made one a tempered dragon, the heat sufficient enough to ease the nipped pain, but hardly enough to actually matter. And the lowered sun lifted a blanket of fog from the rooftop to continue what poured from a set of asynchronous lungs; a duo of students just shy of center stage. The scene perfect for a captivated audience.

All to which was a was shame, that one teen’s emotions would be given in vain while performed above his slumbering peer.

“Obnoxious fool…” Izaya jabbed the other’s down-turned nose which scrunched the same agitation as his own.

Collected, a comedic parody of his normal cacophony, Shizuo looked a victim of poisoned murder. The chainlink bowed at his curved spine, his body slumped into its clothing, while his features rested as if it were their final. Though the only thing dead was his cigarette burned up to his knuckles, as well as his conversation with Izaya that was killed before its arrival.

“Was the nicotine really worth the vulnerability?”

As for Izaya, he crouched adjacent the scene of the crime like it’d be accurate to frame him. Disgust etched his face in response to his follow of an easy rise and fall of Shizuo’s chest. Mildly annoyed, he tried his own breath against the dry air to which he blamed his chapped throat on the beast before him. The very same whose temperature he checked the with the back of his hand behind an overhang of blond, as if that was the intent to touch him.

“At least that hot-head is good for something.”

The strands fell out of their lay, overgrown yet not long enough to comply with any style Izaya tried to correct. It was curious to see the catastrophic mess up close unlike what he couldn’t from afar, which he combed the dirty colours together to examine the way it shined under new light. Izaya’s trial of intimacy turned into a pattern of habit. Easy, the way he worked natural oils into the ratty mop, and wove locks into silk at the will of his nimble fingers, while his admittance twisted around neurons and continued the process until it prickled awkward.

What a relief that the root of his feelings remained a conundrum to ponder over, rather than certainty that bode trouble.

Though the answer seemed similar to the bangs that finally accepted his coercion: unobstructed; and his conscience became well aware as warmth nestled into his palm.

Izaya was struck. He worried over that drop of sick in his stomach which tied up loose ends into a knot of an accursed notion.

It wasn’t love. At least he was wise enough to discern budding feelings from developed; but it certainly was a troubling mind contagion, a flirtatious dip into a ponderous subject he wasn’t privy. His knees shook, balance wobbled, his coherency wavered.

His coat of confidence billowed with the icy breeze while he enviously wished for the clear mind that Shizuo slept with — unaware, without a care, completely ignorant of Izaya’s transfixion. It was desire that he fed with a curious cup of Shizuo’s winterized cheeks and it fluttered his insecurity as he drew closer to count uneven breaths that quickened; may it be his own reverberated pulse or a combination of their two, he was roused the same. Izaya wished to be suffocated by his rival’s wafted heat; he pressed onward to share his own dwindled temperature with parted lips that unknowingly offered themselves. The feeling rode a wave sent down his spine while his rampant heart spread stifled oxygen through his veins and it overruled his mind. Innocent emotion or not, in that moment it matured. Technically Shizuo was coerced into a kiss, but for something initiated without consent it came easy. Stationary lips participated too well for them to be considered a puppet — it was odd, but hardly off-putting. It was audacious for a comatose participant.

Perhaps what Izaya played with was a doppelgänger: a Shizuo that mirrored the version that bumbled around his dream world and moved just like him with rough motion. His unplanned tactic of bruising emotion hurt Izaya’s chance of escaping, as if he’d want to, but it was ever more impossible as arms draped across his back and locked him in place. That musk piqued his senses in between held breath, only so much as an occasional taste, that’s when he rose his count of shallow intakes to make it a constant indulgence.

Devious hands weaseled around the tail of Izaya’s knitted scarf, once a taut obstruction around his neck now cast aside to expose the crook of his neck. His hair bristled as a clumsy massage worked at deep tissue; it was enough pleasure at mere touch, but the dig at sensitive muscle gave him to Shizuo’s lap in a tangle of his own legs.

He twisted into a straddle while avoiding their disconnect; situated his posture to grind into the other, well braced by the thighs that’d slid up to support his back.

The pace was set too inexperienced to be beautiful; it was raw teenage hormones that created tipsy sensations of a lightweight drunk. Still the honesty was persuaded out of them by the trick of blackout inhibitions. Izaya dug into Shizuo’s scalp, raked and knotted the unruly hair.

Shizuo trekked the path of Izaya's arched spine to the edge of his jacket and beyond to yank his shirt. Exposed to the elements he shivered — gasped as warmth quickly replaced cold, gurgled when hands travel beyond his waistband; a murmured giggle responded to the caress of his soft skin.

But it was an alarm, that ring of delight. It flashed Shizuo aware and disturbed their ecstacy.

With shocked momentum, Izaya was thrown onto his back, his skull struct the ground upon accident. Instantly on guard, he shook; he didn’t want to pay for his actions, but Shizuo was often a harbinger of repercussion. The chill of concrete matched what dead eyes shimmered with sleep — what uncertain scowl left no room for a yawn.

“What the hell, Izaya?” his voice quivered.

“I could say the same to you, minus my name,” Izaya squinted to shade his widened pupils from the blinding sun, “but goodmorning all the same.”

Shizuo yanked him forward by the scruff of his shirt, “don’t steal from me while I sleep, you scumbag.”

They were inches from where they once conjoined — the quick switch of blood flow harshed Shizuo’s cheeks, his features pinched from the ache at his head. Izaya welcomed his refocus with a wry smile.

“Oh? Was that your first kiss?”

Intuitively Shizuo slicked his lips, “yeah...” a curse hid just under his breath.

“Not shocking.”

Though he was shocked that no immediate retaliation was cast. Izaya watched the other puzzle out his thoughts; he remained neutral in expression while he tallied the remaining leaves on distanced trees. To read Shizuo’s mind required a tilt of his perspective; from a different angle he was still unreadable, and it increased his worried with the past time.

“...'s alright,” he struggled with his voice.

“Is it?”

Shizuo nodded, far-off and dejected — perhaps in denial.

“Is it?” Izaya stressed.

“Maybe.” “...maybe isn’t definitive, Shizu-chan. Try again.” Izaya hid behind his glib. Without an ounce of his usually abundant emotion Shizuo shrugged, his lost eyes realigned with a peculiar design.

Self-pity filled Izaya’s veins and within an instant he thrust that weakness against the brute’s chest. “Get off me.”

Though it was hard to convince himself that it was what he wanted; it was increasingly difficult to counter his pin to the ground, what was an immovable force that imprinted the texture of tile onto his skin.

“Can we just,” Shizuo pressed, “...talk?”

“Funny, this is coming from the one who can barely form a thought. I don’t know why you’re asking me, of all people.”

“...right.” Shizuo seemed shocked by the reminder of his own confusion, the concept lost on his absent mind. Likewise, Izaya was baffled by his rival’s even keel.

“Are you going to answer me then?”

“Answer what?” Izaya sighed, “If you’re alright.”

“With what?”

“Is this Twenty Questions? If you want to be a detective so bad, consider this practice and figure it out for yourself, Akechi-san!” His eyes widened, “I didn’t tell you tha—” “Never mind.” Izaya curled his fingers tight around Shizuo’s forearm, his stare was stone. “Are you alright with this?” he punctuated each word as if extra time allowed him to determine what ‘this’ meant to him.

“...not sure.”

“Just answer me.”

“STOP FORCING ME, ALREADY!” “Then let me reiterate: get off.” The terse sentiment made Shizuo comply and let Izaya throw him off to the side.

Adept in his ability to flee, he hopped into a dash on the balls of his feet, sliced through the air with his loosely bladed hands; he staggered when blood refilled his calves and it threw his scarf off behind him to pile on the ground.

Izaya was aware of his cowardice, but he only cared enough to tsk himself as he reached the rooftop door. His knuckles bruised as he missed the handle, but hastily found it in a blind panic.

In between an annoyed screech of hinges and what would become a heavy clap of metal, a rasp addressed his wake — just as his feet hit the decline of stairs. The words were jumbled when he first received them, but after he reworked the order they formed a message that made sense.

“Merry Christmas Eve, Izaya.”

Unpredictably the words caused Izaya to hate himself; he was a master of hidden language rendered useless. With his mind lost, most certainly for the rest of the day, he exited the school grounds early and allowed himself the holiday.

He sighed defeated and embarrassed.

“Merry Christmas Eve, Shizu-chan.”

At least he’d finally deciphered his own word.

———

Perhaps it was a little late for Shizuo's response; it had been delayed far beyond a fair expiry, in fact. A year overdue without a fee, but an unconscious nag that reminded him of what he hadn't. Or maybe it was the tension that built between him and Izaya that counted as his just reward of negligence.

Their remainder days of school ran them through a myriad of stilted interactions that set a tough row of hurdles to constantly jump in early adulthood. Hardly avoidant of the other, they forgot to tiptoe around the other’s triggers, rather intentionally set them off for a taste of that passion they once grasped. That, in concept, wasn’t any different from what it’d ever been, their exchange on the rooftop only an agitator for their stir-crazy emotions. Outside the bounds of concept — in the torn up glory of flesh and blood — their interactions differed from questionable friends and spoke of a long term relationship that neither were part of, just yet.

And they were at the butt of Shinra’s tease, relentless as he was a sap; his casual prod and hinted wisdom would eventually lead to Izaya’s watchful eye upon him as well, the asshole duo both in pressure of Shizuo and he didn’t feel he earned it. That annoyance could’ve brought the end of his ridiculous avoidance, yet he continued to grimace through lies. If he did spill the beans, he wouldn’t by any means connect it to those bastards’ badgering.

Truth, however, was usually found at the tip of Shizuo's tongue just behind raucous curse words that he served Izaya in plenty, all the while honesty slipped further in the queue behind each mention of pests and scum; drowned in the dregs of his trashed compliments and recycled hate from when it actually meant something.

Which brought him to the present day dilemma, filled with nervous excitement. Twas the city’s hyped day of romance, one familiar to his history with Izaya, and what Shizuo marked as the deadline to make a move that he should've in Christmas past. It was a confrontation that he’d strategically planned for hours equal to the count of days he’d pussyfooted.

Yet further he waited out the day — just as twilight fell into the brink of night, right when the young informant left his final meeting. Obviously tuckered out, Shizuo noticed how Izaya still held a perk stature; in stride to an unknown destination, he casually perused the congregation of couples for interest whilst Shizuo did his best to remain incognito.

Opportunities to approach his target at the perfect moment passed him by coincidence. One body-check of a slunk punk interrupted his poke of Izaya's open shoulder, which naturally wound up unfortunate for the careless prick. He was knocked from concentration for two blocks, as a duo of rugrats darted through and around his legs with literal bells on, to which his warning growl shot them off to their mom who scooted them to safety. Over the course of three more streets his racing heart dissuaded him while the two separately plunged deeper into the city.

Finally able to move forward, he efforted breath of fresh confidence to godspeed his heel which aligned his final step with Izaya’s halt. He gathered his surroundings in mirror of the other. Priorly blind, he was unknowingly lead to a festive plaza dimly lit by a twinkling spectrum of colour and full of romantic opportunity — Shizuo thanked karma with a smile just as bright as the strung LEDs. How advantageous it was, that impromptu Christmas Eve date that Izaya decided to take himself on.

He cleared his throat, but the conversation starter failed to stand out above the hushed city roar and random phrases snipped of their context. He rubbed nervous energy from his neck to try again, but choked on his greeting when he looked back up.

Nonchalantly posed at the base of the tree, Izaya was bathed in the spirit of Christmas, completely mystified by the beauty, but unaware of his own glitter. The joyful atmosphere seemed to reverberate within the young adult, which edged him closer to the seasonal smell of dying pine; his aura beamed in fashion of his natural charm, perhaps a hair more childish with his peppy hum in perfect tune of yuletide carols.

Unabashedly Izaya was a halved couple, but really he was a far-cry from lonely, especially as his performance garnered at least Shizuo’s undivided attention.

The scene was the season’s loving showal of support — it should have made his gift giving easier, but as he was cemented in stance, he could only lean forward on a hinge. His arm mid-reach and vocal chords prepared, he was beaten to the punch.

“Were you seriously waiting for this exact day?”

Shizuo’s fingers twitched in the open air, his mouth agape even more than before — he shrunk embarrassed behind his scarf. “If you were hoping for Christmas luck to bring us a prosperous relationship, Shizuo…” Izaya turned only the fraction needed to connect his gaze, “you could have spared the wait and answered when I asked you so generously.” Poised and delicate, his ring-adorned finger pulled the bulk of his own scarf to chin level, his lilted smile followed the curve of the fabric. At the height of his cheeks, a tease crinkled his eyes with some form of relief, the release of held breath that left behind a cloud. It was stunning the way that light payed Izaya such favour, it set him a glow yet cast shadows that melded with his dark locks and clothing. He was the true highlight of the night, what everyone and no one should have been observing.

He gasped, “...wow…”

Shizuo couldn’t fathom what phenomenal deed he’d done to gain so much of a blessing from the universe. Suddenly he felt that the pricey gift loose in his fingertips was wrapped up in worthlessness.

A sprinkle of snowflakes shook from Izaya’s hair while he chuckled, “that’s your answer?”

“Yeah…” he was still caught in the awe, “I mean no,” he juggled the small box around his fingers until he noticed that his nervous tick caught Izaya’s wide-eyed attention — hooked on a panic. “A-ah! It’s not what you think! It’s somethin’ dumb not anything like...that.”

“I was going to say...it’s certainly not the confession I would’ve expected. In fact that would be a question, wouldn't it?” He swallowed nerves, “though you are unpredictable.”

Shizuo’s fluster befell him, his inspiration collapsed with the lid of his giftbox that was too weak for his grip. He felt the question of Izaya’s stare upon him as he shuffled from one uncomfortable pose to another. It was stupid, really, he’d experienced two years worth of work stress while only half a year out of highschool — he felt inexplicably older than he should, yet it contradicted how his current mentality felt stuck in the halls of Raijin.

Mutually known feelings didn’t matter much if his act didn’t pop into gear and the more Izaya’s humour began to bubble in his features, the more his body shook from a held back laugh, the angrier Shizuo’s temperament grew.

“Will you stop it, Izaya!” his spat aligned with Izaya’s explosion of laughter; he followed with a scoff. “It’s not fuckin’ funny!”

The pest gathered a small audience until they got used to the scene and moved along just as Izaya died down.

“Do you need me to do the honours, Shizu-chan?”

The remainder of Izaya’s chuckles hiccuped his shoulders while he took the few steps forward to cut further chase. They were close, but their distance didn’t close the air off from wrapping their bodies. Eager proposal splayed across Izaya's features as he rocked upward a few inches onto his toes like their height difference deemed it necessary. Shizuo read the setup clearly.

“...’s alright…” blood rushed to his cheeks.

Izaya hummed, “Is it?”

Nodding, he slid fingertips along the brunet’s presented jawline, trepidatious, but lacked the fear he once had when Izaya softened under the delicate motion. Like a tug of an invisible string that connected them, they were simultaneously pulled together. Chaste, but enough, the kiss mostly sealed some unspoken deal they’d written with fate. Honest to the duo, they were satisfied to just share the moment that dazzled with the holiday magic. Kinetically, they fulfilled their bond, breathed in the resurgence of their past; rested from their marathon of stubborn feelings. Not until Izaya tapped Shizuo out of his trance did they part — with a whole-hearted smile he delivered a sentiment he’d long reserved to be intimate.

“Merry Christmas Eve, Shizuo.”

———

AN: My dweeby ass took the opportunity to mention Shizuo’s dream of wanting to be a detective; also...replaced my initial ‘Sherlock’ with ‘Akechi’ to honour Edogawa Ranpo. =w=;;;

#shizaya #shizuo x izaya #anon answer #fic request #orihara izaya #heiwajima shizuo #izaya orihara #shizuo heiwajima #drrr #drrr!!#durarara!!#durarara #fanfic #fanfiction #oneshot #shizaya fanfic #durarara fanfic #izaya x shizuo #demytasse fanfics

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drrr-ln-translations · 7 years

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“—So as I was telling you, it looks like Iza-nii…our brother is up to something again.” “…Shock (I’m so tired of it)…” Raira Academy’s pool was open to students during summer vacation. Two girls muttered as they sat by the poolside making ripples in the shining water with their feet. The one they were talking to—a boy leaning against a wall behind the girls—looked from their backs to other places and back again as he sighed and asked, “…Why are you telling me this?” Kuronuma Aoba, the boy who was talking in a more frank tone than the one he usually used with Mikado and the others, continued with a confused look. “Why did you tell me to come here anyway?” He looked like he wasn’t planning on swimming. Instead of changing into swimwear he still wore a summer coat over a black Kartah shirt that opened at the front and chose to stand where he wouldn’t be splashed. Orihara Mairu, however, threw a handful of water at his feet. She had a sports swimsuit on her appropriately worked out body. Next to her Kururi was wearing a bikini with spider web print. Neither of them was wearing the school’s designated swimwear, but since it was not during the semester, there were no rules saying that they couldn’t. Raira Academy had an eight-story building that kind of looked like a university’s. Strangely enough, the pool was located on the sixth floor. The glass ceiling allowed swimming lessons to continue uninterrupted even on rainy days, and the windows on the walls looked over Ikebukuro. During the summer the pool was open to all students who had a student ID when the Swimming Club was not using it for practice. It looked like the Swimming Club was not using the pool today. Students were spread out in both the lanes reserved for tournaments and the regular space for free swimming, taking advantage of the pool in different ways. Kururi and Mairu were of course sitting and splashing water about in the free swimming area. Beside them boys either whistled as they saw the two in swimwear or stole quick glances and immediately turned their eyes away. Aoba belonged more to the latter category, but compared to the other boys at the pool, he enjoyed the advantage of being told to come by the girls themselves. But he still did not know what their intention was. All he could do was wait for their response with feigned composure, his classmates’ figures in swimwear making the wait all the more miserable. Mairu, meanwhile, was smiling as she splashed even more water at Aoba. “Come on, Kuronuma-kun, aren’t you curious what our weirdo of a brother is up to?” “…” Aoba smiled slightly at the girl’s words. “What I’ll say to you is this: I don’t know what you’re talking about.” For Kuronuma Aoba, the girls’ brother—Orihara Izaya—was one of his enemies whom he despised. He had confronted Izaya indirectly on several occasions in the past. The enmity had been brought into the open ever since a certain incident took place. He had told neither Kururi nor Mairu about this, but it seemed that they already knew something. Aoba was surprised, but not really scared of that fact. It had only been four months since he first spoke to these twins. But he had made a point to find out what they were. Compared to your average family, there was next to no communication between the Orihara twins and their brother. However, it seemed that they had their own information network and were surprisingly knowledgeable about the “underside of the city” that Aoba was dabbling in. “There’s no need to hide things from us. It’s totally fine. We’ll never tell Iza-nii.” “You can tell him if you want. I’d expect him to know what I’m up to, too.” After that, looking around to make sure that no one was within earshot except the twin girls, he muttered, “Though I think in any normal family you’d have been warned to ‘stay away from Kuronuma Aoba’ if your family knew what kind of person I am, Kururi-chan, Mairu-chan.” “When you put it like that it really sounds like you’re obsessed with yourself, you know.” “You (Aoba-kun)…expect (you’re so interesting)…” Aoba sighed again at the twin’s relaxed responses and smiled hollowly. “Sorry, I let me carry myself away.” “Well, we wanted to see a little bit of your real colors, but we are not going to hate you for it or anything. Not after you helped us out such a tremendous lot, Aoba-kun.” “You guys are giving me too much credit.” “Earlier there was this girl who was drawing up a plan to bully us on Raira Academy’s secret posting board, but all of a sudden she disappeared from the Internet, didn’t she?” Mairu and Kururi glanced upwards at Aoba, who darted his eyes away and tried to change the topic. “I see I’m no match for you. …So what exactly is your perverted big brother involved in this time?” “Yeah, this person called Tom-san told us about it…I don’t know if it was a Color Gang or bousouzoku, but he got the girlfriend of one of those groups’ leaders involved. Iza-nii has always walked around with lots of girls. Is he a playboy?” “Lewd (He’s a libertine)…” Aoba paused to think after he had heard more from the girls. It has to do with women. Would that Orihara Izaya really invite enmity so openly? …But then I don’t really have a good idea what people would or would not do for women. Still, he’s certainly not the type to be too infatuated with a woman to properly strategize. As he was busy being bothered by these thoughts, the attractive twin girls continued their frolicking in the water. “Kuru-nee, did your breasts get even bigger? At this rate you’ll soon be like Sonohara-sempai, President Kine of the Art Club, or the Vice President Yumikawa-sempai!” “No (Stop that).” “You keep saying that, yet you still wear a bikini to the pool, Kuru-nee. You’re so sulky and erotic at the same time! I love you!”

“…Public (There are other people around).” The jolly banter continued between the girls as the groping went on in the water. Aoba kept his poker face intact, but darted his eyes away with a slight blush. “…I’m so at a loss as to where to look at.” His attitude was still kind of childlike just as his face was. Aoba brushed away the pink haze that threatened to take over in his chest and went back to analyzing the doubts he had about Orihara Izaya. So. I know that he’s back in Ikebukuro. If I told Heiwajima Shizuo where his apartment is, maybe I’d at least succeed in harassing him, but… He’d probably just flee and change his address. I’d rather stay in the know about his whereabouts than make him disappear again for no good reason. It’s probably safe to assume that he, too, is aware that I know where he lives. Aoba believed that having faith in his opponent’s competence was the best kind of vigilance. Should I try looking into this matter? It would be better to keep Mikado-sempai out of it at this point… Someone showered water as forcefully as they could on his body as he thought. “That was cold—! “ Even his Kartah shirt under the summer coat was soaked. The momentary coldness of the water soon began to turn lukewarm. As he turned to look wondering what had happened, he saw Mairu slashing the water with horizontally outstretched arms like an elementary school kid. That was how she was able to attack Aoba with a wall of water. “You’re like an elementary school kid!” No whistles were blown. She must have done it when the lifeguard wasn’t looking. “Ahahah! Sorry about that! You were making such a scary face by the poolside, I couldn’t resist!” “Don’t give me that ‘Sorry.’ Now my clothes are all wet. What am I supposed to do about that? Honestly.” Did I really let so much of that show on my face? Aoba thought as he complained about his wet clothes and took a step towards Mairu— But something soft was already touching him from behind. “Game (We were just kidding)…” “Heh?” It was a quiet, seductive girl’s voice that had just whispered into his ear. As soon as he realized that it was Kururi’s voice, he also realized that he was being hugged by the girl. Eh!? What? Kururi-chan? When did she!? Wait, this soft feeling on my back…don’t tell me that is…!? Am I in some sort of adult game? Wait, is she pressing herself against me? Eh, calm down… Excitement and shock complicated his expression as Aoba turned around while falling into the pool— He saw Kururi standing there with a deflated beach ball in her hands. Ah. A beach ball!? So it was not Kururi-chan’s chest after all. I don’t know whether to feel disappointed or grateful for that but calm down arghhh— Aoba ended up landing in the pool next to Mairu without finishing his thoughts. As he hastened to get back on his feet in the water, the bespectacled girl giggled and Kururi’s voice was asking “Health (Are you alright)…?” “Oi, you over there, stop fooling around!” The lifeguard must have seen them this time. The voice of warning rang throughout the pool. “We’re sorry—!” “…Regret (Sorry about that)…” “Ah, sorry…but there’s nothing I should be sorry for, really…” After the trio had apologized in three different ways, Aoba took off his completely soaked shirt and left it by the poolside. Through half-closed eyes he kept watching Kururi and Mairu. “Honestly, I didn’t expect Kururi-chan to be the type to do something like that.” “When we pull pranks on people, we’re the same person!” “Same (Yeah)…” “Kururi-chan, don’t tell me you got all excited because it’s summer and we’re at the pool?” Instead of answering Aoba’s question, Kururi got into the water herself and, together with her sister, trapped Aoba in his swimwear in the middle. “Wait, I’m out of here, I’m out of here.” No longer able to stand being sandwiched between two girls, Aoba tried to clamber up the stairs to the poolside. His arms, however, were seized from both sides and he was pulled back into the water. “You’re actually enjoying it, aren’t you? Kuronuma-kun, you always put on such a sulky face just to look cool!” “…Like (That’s cute).” Aoba’s male classmates passing by the poolside began to talk in a jealous tone as they saw the weakling of a boy being bullied by two girls. “Oi oi, Aoba, what’s up with that? Are you really going out with those two?” “Looks like he’s just being toyed around to me.” “There’s no way Kuronuma would have the guts to go out with women.” To hide their jealousy and bitterness the boys managed to remain calm by making fun of Aoba. They were of course without girlfriends. But Aoba had no retort since what they said was the truth. Our villain who created the gang called “Blue Square,” who ingratiated himself with Mikado and who was currently plotting something using Dollars’s power had almost zero experience in dealing with the opposite sex even if it was just as friends. Right now he was completely at a loss as to what to do about the twins in front of him. To his classmates who knew nothing about the real Aoba, however, it just reinforced the image that he was the lucky guy hitting it off with pretty twin girls despite being as useless as he was. His classmates continued to chitchat as Aoba remained unable to say anything in return. “But then I’m seriously jealous of that little bastard.” “Should we go pick up girls later?” “Speaking of which, I heard that last year there was this Raira sempai going around the city trying to pick up girls until he dropped.” “Ah, I saw him a lot when I was in middle school. But I also heard that he dropped out of school.” “For real?” “Yeah, he eloped with this girl or something.” “I heard he found a job to save money for getting married.” “Either way that makes me jealous as hell. He has a girl!” “…You’re making me sad.” They were no longer paying attention to Aoba as they walked with lowered heads to the locker room. Having watched them leave, Aoba plunged his face into the water and sighed heavily underwater as he waited for both his head and his heart to cool. Had he not done this in time the girls next to him would have made even the evil residing in him melt away. Somewhere in Tokyo “…So as I was telling you, that really bothered me. Both of them were so cute. I was this close to just burying myself in Kururi-chan’s chest and letting everything else go screw itself.” “…I’m going to kill you!” As he heard Aoba’s voice on the other end of phone, the tall boy ground his teeth loudly and yelled. But Aoba’s voice remained as calm as ever on the phone. “I’ve heard you say that line too many times already, Yoshikiri. But the guy those two really have the hots for is Hanejima Yuuhei. They’re not just fans, mind you—they really are after him. I can’t blame them for thinking that they actually have a chance, though, since they know his brother and everything.” “Aoba, you bastard…did you have to mention the name of that idol who’s like the representative of all popular guys in the world? You did that just to annoy me, right? Right?” “You may want to reserve your rage towards popular guys for when we’ve finally crushed Orihara Izaya.” “That Orihara Izaya, is he really that popular?” “Ever since high school he’s had this following of girls who kind of worship him or something. What is more, Kururi-chan and Mairu-chan call him ‘onii-chan’ or ‘Iza-nii.’ What else do you want?” “…Great, I see. Since you were giggling when those twins splashed water on you at the pool, I’m going to kill you, too.” “Looks like I’m getting killed either way.” Aoba’s chuckle on the other end of the phone infuriated the boy named Yoshikiri further. “So are you trying to get me mad on purpose because you have a death wish? Is that why you called me? It is, isn’t it?” “It’s not like that. After I had supper with Kururi-chan and Mairu-chan I looked a bit into that thing Izaya is involved in right now.” “Supper!? With two girls!?” “That was not my point at all. Just listen. There’s this strange group called ‘Heaven Slave’ dealing in drugs in Tokyo. They got into trouble with Awakusu-kai.” “…Never heard of that. So where did you eat?” “Russian Sushi. …Heaven Slave isn’t really active in Ikebukuro, so I didn’t expect you to have heard of it. Ikebukuro is a relatively safe area in itself, and the one in charge of the places such groups would usually go happens to be Awakusu-kai’s Akabayashi, who’s kind of famous for hating drugs.” “I see. So basically you’re on a drug-free high from treating two girls to a meal, right? Lucky bastard.” “No, I was the one treated to a meal. Those two have a lot of money on their hands for some reason.” “‘I was the one treated to a meal’! Hehhhhhh! If you split the bill it would have been another story, but you let two girls treat you to sushi? You gigolo bastard!! ‘I was the one treated to a meal’! And you had the guts to say that to my face! Hehhhhhhhhhhhhh! I’m going to kill you! Die!” “I know, I know. So this ‘Heaven Slave’ is both the name of their drug and their branch that sells the drug. That is but my own speculation, though. Anyway, it seems that those people are looking for information on Orihara Izaya for some reason.” “…How did you know such stuff?” “An old acquaintance of mine works at the nightclub they’re now using as their headquarters… I was asking around about Izaya, and he just happened to know. He said those guys were staying in a certain room in the club and coming out to the hall to sniff around for information on Orihara Izaya.” “Wait a second. If even Aoba knows where to find them, the yakuza at Awakusu must have been aware of them since long ago. Why have they not crushed them yet? Are they backed by some other yakuza group?” “I don’t know if there are other yakuza groups involved, but Awakusu-kai probably just thinks now is not the best time. There’s this guy called Shijima among the members…he’s a college student, but it looks like he comes from a rich and powerful family of pretty high status. There seemed to be no way to get information on the group’s leader even if I tried. Awakusu-kai could just have got hold of one of his underlings and made him tell everything. They’re probably waiting for the best time to act to make the job cleaner.” “I see. So are we going to do anything about them?” “Just keep an eye on them. I don’t know if and how Orihara Izaya is involved, but it’s better to consolidate our own territory first for now. Of course, we can’t risk letting their moves go unnoticed either, so make absolutely sure that we have our eyes on them at all times.” “I see. Die.” “I see you don’t even know what you’re saying anymore when you say ‘Die,’ Yoshikiri… But that’s fine. Anyway, it’s true that certain groups are acting weird recently. I heard that the remnants of the Yellow Turbans are acting kind of weird, too.” “Is that your brother’s doing?” “No…I wasn’t talking about the Blue Square people who infiltrated them before…I was talking about the same group of people who first confronted us.” “Huh. Those guys. That was back in our first or second year in middle school, right?” “Back then you were already fighting high school students, Yoshikiri. You hardly ever lost.” “It made no sense at all. They were older than me, yet they were weaker. Is seniority just an urban legend now?” “That’s not how you use the word ‘seniority.’ Speaking of which, I’m surprised you even know that word, Yoshikiri. Whom did you hear it from? Your grandma?” “…I’m going to kill you!” “Your death threats carry less and less weight now, Yoshikiri. I’ve gotten so used to them they don’t scare me at all… Seriously, is that all you’ve got in your vocabulary, Yoshikiri? Do you know any Japanese besides ‘I’m going to kill you’ and ‘seniority’?” “…~~~~~!” The cell phone was squeezed so hard that it began to make cracking sounds as Yoshikiri yelled something that didn’t sound like words. As soon as he did so, a boy called his name from afar. “Oooi, Yoshikiri—pass me the phone.” “…” “I’m finished. All that’s left is him.” As he heard him Yoshikiri ground his teeth and tossed the cell phone to the boy who just spoke— And immediately stopped the metal bat being swung at his side with his other hand. “Hello? It’s me, it’s me. Send some money my way.” Aoba answered in an even tone to the teasing male voice, “Ah, Gin. Where’s Yoshikiri off to?” “To finish the last one of them off.” The boy called Gin was looking at Yoshikiri as the latter kicked a delinquent in the front teeth with the heel of his shoe. “That guy’s really something. How on earth does he manage to fight while speaking on the phone?” As Gin looked again he saw that several more men had already fallen at Yoshikiri’s feet, either unconscious or groaning in pain. It looked like all the while he had been on the phone with Aoba he had been fighting multiple men using just one hand, both feet, and a forehead. “Seriously, I was having a hard time dealing with just three. Anyway, neither Yoshikiri nor I made it to the fight with the stalker earlier. That stalker kicked several of our Blue Square men’s asses. The shame, man, the burning shame.” “Don’t say it like that. That stalker was far stronger than we expected. I’m actually more interested in the Yellow Turbans guy who beat two of our people.” “Well, that is quite embarrassing too since we lost two to one. Shame on our members is shame on us, isn’t it? I’m so embarrassed I gave it my fullest today. Yoshikiri feels the same way. I thought it would be piece o’ cake today since we called all our best men to come, but the Nitari* brothers said there was this anime they wanted to watch so they passed, Neko’s with his girlfriend, Houjou’s sleeping, so we ended up having to beat these guys flat on our own anyway, you know that?” * Nitari, Neko: Nitari (“fox shark”) and Neko (“cat”) are most likely nicknames.* Several men were sprawled out on the ground at Gin’s feet. His head was injured. Blood trailed down his face from his temple. From the phone dirtied by Gin’s blood, Aoba’s voice continued regardless. “Well, Yoshikiri’s good at fighting, not at thinking. All he said to me on the phone was pretty much just ‘I’m going to kill you.’�� “What? Was it something you said, Aoba?” “I told him that I went to the pool with Kururi-chan and Mairu-chan.” “Die, you. Just die. Why aren’t you here, anyway?” Aoba laughed as Gin gave a straightforward reply. “I will die. I’m human after all. I’d like to live until 80 if possible, though.” “We’ll see if you’ll still be alive after 80 seconds. Shut your mouth.” “Why is it that everyone in Blue Square has such a nasty tongue?” “Be grateful that at least we are there to hang out with you. If not for us a bastard like you would have ended up nothing more than a lonely petty criminal for life.” As he heard the vicious remark Aoba answered as if to get Gin mad on purpose. “I put on a good show at school, so I actually have quite a lot of friends.” “Is that so? I get it now. Die. Or, in English, S-H-I-N-E*!” *“Die” is pronounced “shine” in Japanese.* “That’s still Japanese. SHINE is English for ‘emitting light.’” “I was telling you to trigger a nuclear fusion inside you, emit as much light as you want, and die. Just explode already, you fool.” As Gin kept behaving like an elementary school kid Aoba switched back to the topic in all seriousness—probably because he knew it would be futile to stop him. “…So, how is it going? Is Mikado-sempai alright?” “Yeah, he’s alive. But honestly, that one’s not carved out for fighting at all. He fell unconscious halfway so I took him back to the van to let him sleep. He’s almost as bad as you and Yatsufusa. I don’t even know why he insists on coming to our ‘cleansings’ of Dollars himself. Since he’s basically the god on the portable shrine he should just stay behind and smile upon us.” “No, actually…I don’t think I could have won against him in a fight, either.” Aoba laughed pleasantly and muttered as if to himself: “Because I have no idea how Mikado-sempai is going to turn out, really.” ♂♀ After hanging up the phone, Aoba looked at the scar on his left palm and muttered, “I can’t wait to see how this is going to turn out, Mikado-sempai.” At the same time he was reminded of what Gin had just said. “…What if there was no one willing to hang out with me? I don’t even want to think about it.” In his mind’s eye he saw the brother of the twins he rather liked—the man toward whom he could feel nothing but animosity. “Because the last thing I want is to turn out like that shitty bastard.”

- Durarara!! Light Novel Volume 9

#drrr #drrrx2 #durarara #durarara light novel #aoba kuronuma #kuronuma aoba #kururi orihara #orihara kururi #mairu orihara #orihara mairu #kurumai #aokuru

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goldenworldsabound · 6 years

Text

Chapter 13 - Fight, Fight, Fight!

It’s been a while...for the other chapters, check Shizuo’s fave page!

Also slight mention of an assault, no details given

Mikado found himself engrossed on the Dollars website as the details of Wendy and Shizuo’s date started to go live. He sighed to himself. As an admin, he really shouldn’t allow this weird, semi-stalker behavior...but it wasn’t really hurting them, was it? Ultimately, it didn’t really matter…

As people started arguing about what restaurant they were likely going to, he closed the window, suddenly feeling ill about it. He had met both of them closely now - they weren’t just blank figures at a distance anymore, but living breathing people with motives and desires.

He wasn’t prepared to shut it down yet. Although part of him wondered what would happen if Shizuo found the board that had been designated for this stalkerish behavior…

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Celty, living a bit vicariously through Shizuo and Wendy, followed the messageboard closely. They had settled on okonomiyaki in Ikebukuro. She wondered where they were going to go today.

After some time they left the restaurant, and the message board quieted down, as they left Ikebukuro. The Dollars really didn’t extend much past Ikebukuro - at the least, most of the active members were located around there. So, once they didn’t get off at the last stop in Ikebukuro, Wendy and Shizuo were off the Dollars’ radar.

Celty leaned back in her chair. She wondered when the last time Shizuo had left Ikebukuro was. She couldn’t remember a time she’d known about. Well, whatever. Good for them, getting out of this small slice of the city.

She logged off, and went to go bother Shinra to play games with her.

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As they left Ikebukuro, fewer and fewer people seemed interested in them, or even thought they were worth noticing at all. Wendy thought that was a good thing. Shizuo recognized it as what it was - both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, no prying eyes or pre-conceived notions. On the other hand, people wouldn’t know not to piss him off and he could potentially land them in trouble by getting into a fight...he’d try not to.

It was a short walk to the tower, and night had fallen while they were in the subway. It was nice to walk around and feel confident that Izaya or anyone else would not appear to destroy their peace. And it was quiet, and less crowded than Ikebukuro. They just walked, holding hands, content.

Finally, they made it up to the top of the tower. “Oh look! You can see so much of Tokyo from up here!” She ran over to the window, peering out with excitement. Shizuo came up to stand next to her, hands in his pockets, and looked out as well.

He pointed out a few different areas of Tokyo to her, as he could recognize them. She marveled. Of course, it’s not like she hadn’t been up some even taller buildings in America, but to see a city she was so unfamiliar with was different. And to have Shizuo beside her, showing it to her.

She leaned into him a bit as he finished pointing out what he knew that could be seen from their vantage point. He made a small noise of surprise, then closed his eyes briefly and smiled, putting an arm around her. They stared quietly out the window for a bit.

Eventually they went to the other side of the tower, and Shizuo pointed out a bit more for her to see, arm still around her, the other pointing.

“It’s nice, up here.” She said. “And...it’s nice that there’s no one here to antagonize us. Here, we’re just...people.”

Shizuo nodded his agreement. “We might be surrounded by people in this tower right now, but...I feel as if we’re alone, too. I can forget about them.”

“I think I saw that there’s food and drinks downstairs.” Wendy chirped, breaking the mood. “We could go sit down there, for a bit.”

They headed down. Shizuo was taken in by the selection of sweets, while Wendy opted for a soda. He settled on a cute little cake slice. Wendy didn’t feel bad watching him eat it, despite his offer to share followed by an immediate panicked apology, which she waved off. He seemed happy as he ate it, and that was all she desired at that moment.

She yawned a bit, getting sleepy. It had been a busy day, what with dojo-ing and all, and trekking out of Ikebukuro. Shizuo noticed her sleepiness.

“Do you want to go home?”

“Mm...it’s probably a good idea. It’s going to be late-ish by the time we go back, even if we leave now…”

“We can head out then.” He stood up.

“Maybe we should grab some sake on the way home.” She suggested, looking contemplative.

He looked at her, then smirked. “You have somewhere to be tomorrow, don’t you? Wouldn’t want to be hungover, would you?” He said, needling a bit more than usual.

She frowned at him. “I suppose so.” She wanted to call out his needling but...it was fine. She thought maybe he felt like she’d lied to him or something? Or was worried she was getting into danger, perhaps. “Let’s have a chat when we get home, since something seems to be bothering you.” She huffed, mentally berating herself for not holding back. “Shit, sorry, sorry, that came out...wrong.”

“It’s okay. I was provoking you.” He admitted. They looked at each other for a moment, before Wendy hugged him, burying her face in his chest for a moment. He hugged back.

“Okay, I’m ready to go then.” She rubbed her eyes and they pulled back, switching to holding hands.

The walk back was quiet, but the temperature had dropped a bit, and Wendy found herself shivering a bit. Shizuo mentally cursed himself for not having a jacket. He pulled her in close, trying to give her his body warmth, but it was difficult when they were also trying to walk.

“I-it’s okay, it’s not t-too far to the station.”

Shizuo frowned. Even the cold was an enemy he needed to protect her from. He scooped her up, but she didn’t seem surprised by that, merely giggling a bit and wrapping her arms around his neck, feeling warmer quickly. He was able to walk even faster when he didn’t have to worry about her keeping pace, so they arrived to the station sooner than expected.

Wendy sighed a bit as they boarded the subway, taking them back into Ikebukuro where they were recognizable figures and danger lurked around most corners. As long he was with her, it was fine, but the privacy of being unknown was lovely. She saw the way people tried to act like they weren’t watching her and Shizuo in Ikebukuro, and it was disheartening at times. It felt like she couldn’t have a private moment the way that other couples in public could.

Finally, they arrived home. Wendy put some water to boil.

“Let’s talk. I don’t want to make assumptions, so could you...tell me what, specifically, you are upset with me for?” Wendy asked, sitting on the couch such that she was turned towards him.

“The yakuza is dangerous. You are associating with them. You are putting yourself into danger.” Shizuo said flatly. “I can’t protect you if you willfully put yourself into danger like that.”

She nodded. “I see. Again, Akabayashi-san saved me from being beaten up and mugged. And I’m kind of terrified of the yakuza as well, so it’s...I’m being careful. I feel like it’s hard for me to just cut off contact at this point.”

Shizuo grunted assent at that point. “I don’t like it though.”

“Do you want to know what I want to ask him about?”

“...yes.”

“I want to ask him about Akane-chan. She...still seems to think she might need to fight you, but she said she doesn’t want to. I mean, I assume she’s talking about you, she just said ‘someone’ but from what you said about before...I wanted to see if he knew anything or could talk to her about it.” Wendy explained. “That’s really it. I dunno.” She shrugged.

Shizuo lowered his gaze. “You’re doing that, for me?” He asked.

“Well, only sort of...I’m doing it for me, too. I doubt she could hurt you, but the idea of her trying upsets me anyway. I still have trouble accepting that you can be in a fight and not get hurt at all, even when, you know, stabbed.” She chuckled a bit. “It’s hard to feel okay with the idea that someone I know wants to hurt you, even if she can’t. I figure it’ll make things easier for everyone too, if she doesn’t want to in the first place.”

“I see.” Shizuo said quietly. “Either way, I’m sorry I didn’t trust you on it.”

“It’s okay. I understand now, that you were just...scared I’d get hurt.”

They hugged again, and Shizuo kissed her forehead gently.

The water was clearly boiling now. Wendy kissed Shizuo on the lips quickly and stood up to get it.

“Do you want anything? I’ve got...er, a lot of flavors. Mint okay?”

“Sure.” Shizuo.

Wendy returned with two cups of tea. She sat down and held her mug in both hands, looking down into it with a small smile.

“I’m glad we could talk about it.” She said, leaning into him.

“Me too.” He frowned. “Not that long ago, you had...a nightmare. Do you want to talk about it?”

She looked back into her drink. “I...do, but...it’s not pleasant. I was reliving an event from my past.” She started to chew her lip, which Shizuo was able to correctly identify as a sign of stress.

“Hey, only if you want to.” He said, momentarily putting his tea down and hugging her. She didn’t react much.

“I do want to. It’s...just difficult. It always feels so raw, no matter how long ago it was..”

He pulled back, sensing that she just needed him to listen right now.

She turned and met his gaze for a moment, then switched back to her tea. “I was...assaulted.” The words came out fast. “This will be...how that happened.” She referred to the story she was about to tell.

Shizuo felt stricken by her words, but said nothing. He listened as she told her tale, her voice losing feeling and coming out flat. That seemed like her way to cope with what had happened. He didn’t begrudge her that.

By the time the story was over, he was feeling very angry. At some point he gripped the handle of the tea mug, and as the story reached it’s climax, his anger peaked as well. He was furious that she had been violated like that (an unwanted kiss with no warning), furious with what he could tell was a traumatic event for her, furious at this man who he would never meet-

The mug handle shattered in his clenched grip. None of the pieces flew anywhere, but they dug into Shizuo’s hand, and he began to bleed.

Wendy had been startled by the loud sound, and Shizuo himself seemed surprised as well.

“Oh, shit. I’m so sorry, I...I was...fuck. I’ll buy you a new one, I’m sorry…” He apologized profusely.

Wendy stared blankly at the situation. She shook her head slowly, as if shaking herself out of a daze. “It’s, um...let’s...be careful to get all those ceramic pieces out of your hand.” She said, her voice taking on a tone of worry.

They went to the sink, where Wendy pulled out some tweezers to make sure they were getting all of it out.

“You...were that angry?” She asked. She hadn’t noticed the tell-tale signs like the vein bulge or the bared teeth, because she wasn’t looking at him. She’d only been eyeing her tea, and he had kept quiet, not wanting to interrupt.

“How could I not be?” He said, looking away. “You...you suffered immensely. And to him, it might be something he’s forgotten by now, meaningless...but to you...it made a huge difference, and it hurt you, and if I could kill that fucking son of a bitch, I swear to you I would.” He channeled the rising fury into sharper words, the vein bulging again but disappearing as swiftly as it had come. He had tears in his eyes as well.

Wendy picked out the last piece of mug handle she could find (the pieces had been fairly large, so she felt confident), and then, smiling, started to cry. She buried her face in his chest, hugging him and sobbing. He wrapped his unbloodied arm around her, and a few tears rolled down his cheeks as well.

“Wh-when I think back on it,” she said suddenly, between gulps of air and sobs. “The outcome never changes, even if I imagine things were different...if I was stronger, if I’d had this shield power, none of it mattered! None of it!” She sobbed harder for a moment. “I was still too trusting, and it happened too fast! I didn’t know…I didn’t know…” She calmed down for a moment, sniffling as she pulled away. “Gosh, I didn’t even...I didn’t even tell you what happened afterwards yet, but…” A sob caught in her throat. “You understand.” She noticed the few tears still on his face as he looked down at her with clear sadness.

She gave a small, sad smile. “Ah, we need to bandage your hand, and then I’ll...tell you the rest.” She was glad Celty and Shinra had given her that big roll of medical bandaging. It had been for her head, but she’d thought it seemed like an awful large amount. Perhaps this was why - because she was getting involved with Shizuo…

Shizuo nodded in agreement, casting his eyes away. He could feel the tears on his own cheeks, but he didn’t feel right brushing them off yet…

All bandaged up and ready to listen, they sat back down. This time Wendy couldn’t keep her voice steady, having already started crying earlier. Like that, Shizuo couldn’t bear not to hug her, and she seemed thankful for this, shaking and crying a bit as recalled how she was feeling.

Certain things would always be vivid to her. The restaurant she ate at in Heathrow airport. The acquaintance she saw but said nothing to at the Budapest airport after it happened. Random, unimportant details, but some more insidious, like the lighting when it had happened, but thankfully not his face...actually, she felt it would be somewhat less disturbing if she remembered his face. Not remembering reminded her that it was a brief passing moment, despite it feeling like it would last a lifetime.

And when would she stop feeling like she wanted to tell people? She knew, she knew, that she would tell someone like Shizuo who was important in her life, but did friends need to know? It was silly. Of course they didn’t need to, but if she wanted them to?

It was difficult.

Those thoughts, she left unvoiced, relating the rest of the story the best she could.

Shizuo listened and comforted her.

“Thank you for telling me.” He said, still holding her tight, once she had begun to calm down.

“No, thank you for listening...it means a lot to me. It weighs on me.” She seemed exhausted. She pulled away a bit, rubbing her eyes.

“Let’s...get ready for bed…” She suggested, standing up. Her eyes were still a bit red from crying. Shizuo followed, quiet, contemplative.

Finally they got into bed.

“...spoon?” Wendy asked shyly, looking over her shoulder at Shizuo. He obliged her, curling around her protectively.

“I wish...I could fight your past.” Shizuo whispered. Wendy didn’t doubt for a second that he meant it. “Memories are one of the few things I can’t protect you from…”

“But Shizuo, you are fighting it. By being here with me.” She snuggled into him.

I wish I could do more. Shizuo thought, but opted not to vocalize.

It wasn’t long before Wendy fell asleep, but Shizuo took a bit longer, mulling over it.

The way she must have felt stung him. The idea of being scared and alone resonated with him deeply. But these were very different cases. But it stung.

He loved her, but he felt that there was nothing he could do to ease her pain. And he cried a little, the drops falling into her hair. He cried that he could not protect her as well as he thought. And finally, he fell asleep.

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Once both of them were awake and showered, they both headed out. Shizuo had found that Tom wanted him to work a bit now anyway (there were some ‘clients’ who were only around on the weekend after all), so it worked out.

This left Wendy alone for a bit on her way to meet Akabayashi, but she thought nothing of it. It was daylight and not too far, right?

Toramaru was in town again, and looking to stir up trouble. Or rather, some offshoots of that gang were in town. As she walked past them, almost to the meeting spot, they called out to her.

“Oi! Foreigner! Why don’t you stop and let us show you around, eh?” They yelled at her, smirking darkly. She tried to keep walking, but one grabbed her arm.

“Don’t go ignoring us, lady.” He pulled up close, twisting her arm a bit. “Give me a kiss and I’ll show you around.”

“I don’t need you to show me around, and I’m sure as hell not going to kiss you!” She performed a maneuver she’d learned at the dojo, breaking free of his grasp and knocking him to the ground. She seemed shocked by herself.

The group glared at her, surrounding her before she could run.

“Doesn’t the boss say we should never hurt women…?”

“Fuck him, he’s not here right now anyway.” The man who’d been knocked down picked up metal pipe. “You’ll pay for that, lady.”

She maintained a fighting stance, sweat trickling down her forehead. What should she do? She couldn’t fight them and call for help. She prayed that Akabayashi or anyone would see her plight and do something.

The man swung the pipe at her head - she put an arm up to block, and the shield over part of arm. She guessed correctly - the pipe hit the shield with a loud CLANG and bounced off, it’s momentum weak enough to be deflected by the shield.

“What the fuck?” They all seemed to exclaim, staring at her. The leader narrowed his eyes.

“Grab her arms then, hold her still.”

Wendy panicked as they moved towards her. She could put up one big shield but only for so long, and she couldn’t just block individuals. Shit shit shit-

One of the men moving towards her fell to the ground, his feet swept out from under him by a familiar cane. The rest of the group turned to see who the perpetrator was. None of them seemed to recognize Akabayashi, who pressed his foot down on the fallen man’s hand. Wendy thought she heard some fingers crunch.

“My my, attacking a girl in broad daylight like this? You’ve made her late for our appointment.” Akabayashi said, a glint in his eye.

“Who the fuck are you, old man?” The leader spat at Akabayashi.

Akabayashi grinned. “Someone you shouldn’t mess with, kid.” He leapt into action around Wendy, who this time had the good sense to back a bit away. He easily took out the 5 men who had been harassing her, mostly knocking them out.

One of them did eventually seem to realize he was yakuza - and so they declined to declare war on him, despite the serious beating they received. Each hit was calculated, such that they’d need to retreat but the injuries themselves (other than the broken hand) were not too bad.

Finished, Akabayashi dusted off his jacket and turned back to Wendy.

“Are you okay?” He asked casually, as if nothing had happened.

“Uh...yeah, I’m fine. L-let’s get going.” She said, nervous to stay near scene of the fight.

As they made their way to the restaurant (a fine establishment serving a variety of exciting noodles), Akabayashi made small talk with her about the dojo, asking how she liked it and the sort.

She answered of course, but she felt uneasy that they hadn’t discussed the fight she’d just been involved in, that he had ended. Finally they got seated in a little private side room. Wendy vaguely wondered to herself if it was easy to get rooms like this, or if they recognized Akabayashi, or...if it was...luck?

More small talk, which Wendy was too afraid to break, until their order was taken. Then Akabayashi put down his glasses and met her gaze.

“Some fight you got into, huh?” He asked, grinning a bit.

Wendy was relieved they were going to discuss it. “That looked like a gang or something...they didn’t say anything about Shizuo, but seemed to be harassing me for being a foreigner.” She replied quietly, thinking.

“That’s a gang, Toramaru, from Saitama.” Akabayashi confirmed. “It seemed like they were just looking for a target to take out their anger on.” He sipped on his water. “It seemed like you almost had the situation under control, until they surrounded you.”

Wendy blinked and furrowed her brow. It sounded like he was saying he had been watching the situation…?

“Um...perhaps.” She replied, looking at him with a mixture of suspicion and confusion.

He caught on. “Don’t worry, I was never going to let you get hurt. I wasn’t close enough to do anything when he swung that pipe at you, to be honest.” His smile narrowed. “Can you tell me...about that little shield you made?” He seemed to be in a more business mode now, Wendy felt.

“Er...there isn’t much to say about it, really...I discovered, by accident, that I could...make these shields of varying size around my body. I’m still training to use them - right now doing so is a great exertion.” She looked at her arms, remembering the feeling to create them. “This was...a very recent development. I’m having C-, er, someone look into why this might be.” She concluded, meeting his gaze again.

“Is that so?” He took the information in looking more serious than usual. “I hope it serves you well.”

“Um...thank you.” Wendy said, unsure of the situation.

“Was there something specific you wanted to discuss?” Akabayashi asked, knowing full well that there was.

Wendy nodded. “Well, first of all, I wanted to, um, clear the air, so to speak.” She cleared her throat awkwardly, while Akabayashi raised his brows at her. “Shizuo was, admittedly, not thrilled that I have been, uh, meeting with, um, you. Because of your association's.” She felt awkward. “So, I just thought, that I wanted to be sure...that you would be very clear if you considered something we were discussing to be something I owed you for. I guess.”

“Ah, I see. Even someone like Shizuo-san doesn’t want to fight the Awakusu-kai, huh?” He mused to himself. He seemed unbothered by her words, despite her visible discomfort. “You’re correct though - if it’s something that I consider a “service” from my position rather than a personal favor, I would be clear about it.” He paused. “I don’t think the business I am in is...one that is desirable.” He chuckled to himself. “But, it’s the one I find myself in, and it’s too late for someone like me to change course. I don’t wish to drag young people into the underbelly. But, and some would call it a weakness of mine, I’ve a soft spot for people like you. Unknowingly dragged into more difficult situations. Any help I offer you at this point is because of that soft spot.”

“In fact, there is another girl who I occasionally check in on - but she’s a high schooler, so I doubt you’d know her. A family friend, if you will.” He seemed bemused by his own comment, which Wendy did not understand.

“Anyway, I digress. I don’t do this as a member of the Awakusu-kai, but as myself. I hope you can understand this.”

Wendy nodded. “I do.” She paused, thoughtfully. “You seem like a good man, Akabayashi-san. Are you sure that you can’t change your course?”

He grinned. “Anything is possible when you’re young. No, I have made this bed for myself, and now I lay in it.”

The food arriving, interrupting at a good time, since Akabayashi seemed disinterested in discussing that further.

“The other thing…” Wendy said, once they had taken a few bites. “Akane-chan told me she has someone she needs to kill, but doesn’t want to. From what Shizuo told me, that’s him. So I originally wanted to discuss that with you, but then, when she saw him, she seemed thrilled and happy and didn’t try to murder him, so I’m...confused.”

Akabayashi stared at her. “My, she’s telling people that?”

“Well, I think we’ve developed a close relationship...she doesn’t seem to really talk to anyone else at the dojo.”

“I see. So, what is your question then?”

“...why did she go from actually trying to murder him to like...calling him older brother?”

“He saved her.” Wendy looked back blankly at him as he spoke. “Did he not tell you that part of the story?”

Wendy shook her head. “No, I don’t think so.”

“Ah, I see.” Akabayashi related in brief the story of how kidnappers had come after Akane, and Shizuo had rescued her. He didn’t have too many details, but he knew Akane had been deeply touched by it, especially after she had told him she was going to kill him.

“Then why does she still want to kill him?”

“She’s still worried that he has plans to harm her family. Someone told her this was the case.”

“Orihara Izaya.” Wendy said flatly.

“Oh, you know of him? That doesn’t bode terribly well for you.” He replied, grinning.

“He’s been targeting me, since I started seeing Shizuo...actually, he’s the reason I met Shizuo, so I was guess he was targeting me before then…”

Akabayashi frowned. “That’s too bad. He’s very dangerous, as I’m sure you know. He toes the line between being noticed by us, and being considered a threat. But I shouldn’t say anything more than that. Be careful.”

“But Akane-chan was involved with him…?” Wendy looked concerned at the thought.

“We suspect that he was secretly meeting with her, building up trust…” He scowled. “We don’t have evidence of that, though, so forget I said that.” He had clearly let it slip intentionally, but she nodded.

They were both almost finished eating now.

“I see. Well, I hope that she decides she can trust me and Shizuo when I say he doesn’t intend to hurt her family...whenever it comes time to discuss it, again.”

“Speaking of which…” Akabayashi had a different glint in his eye. “Any chance you and Shizuo would like to spend tomorrow with Akane-chan? She really did seem very jealous of our lunch meeting...I haven’t heard the end of it, so I promised I’d ask you.” He smiled warmly.

“O-oh! Wow. Of course! Um, where and when should we meet her?”

“I’ll text you the details later.” He said, pulling out the money to cover the meal and setting it on the table. “Let’s call that boyfriend of yours and have him pick you up.”

-----------------------------------

They had decided to go to the aquarium - certainly, Wendy and Shizuo had been there before (on a date, in fact!) but it seemed like an easy way to occupy the young girl. She ran from sight to sight, tugging on their sleeves to make sure they saw everything interesting. The two played along well, both making her feel very important as they let her show them around.

The Dollars’ board was going crazy. Wendy and Shizuo had a child with them? But the child didn’t look like either of them? What?

Once they were finished with the aquarium, they picked up some sweets to go and went to West Gate park.

Shizuo got a phone call. “Hello? What, today? I can’t.” He made a face at Wendy and walked a bit away, not wanting Akane to hear was he was arguing about.

Wendy watched him go around the corner and slightly out of sight.

“Did you have fun so far?” Wendy asked, smiling at Akane.

Akane nodded vigorously. “Wendy-senpai and Shizuo-oniisan are really kind! And the aquarium was so cool!”

“It is, really cool, huh?”

“Oi, you.” Three hoodlums approached, holding metal bars and looking thrilled, but in the way that made Wendy’s stomach drop. “Heiwajima Shizuo’s girlfriend, and a kid. Perfect targets.” They said, cackling a bit.

“He’s not far away.” Wendy said, standing up in front of Akane protectively. “I wouldn’t do this if I were you.”

“You expect me to believe that? I’m not stupid.”

“Well apparently you are stupid, cause he was here a second ago.” Wendy muttered under her breath.

“What was that?” One of them narrowed his eyes and moved closer.

Wendy took a fighting stance. “Stay behind me, Akane-chan.”

“Tch, you think you can protect her? Let’s show this bitch what’s up.” They closed in.

Meanwhile, Shizuo was arguing with Tom about extra hours.

“Tom, remember that little girl who turned out to be a whole thing? I’m out watching her right now.”

“The Awakusu-kai girl?!”

“Yes. I really can’t leave until she’s back safe with them.”

“Shizuo, you’ve been working fewer hours since you’ve started dating Wendy-chan. I understand you want to spend time with her, but...can you work late Monday and Tuesday, then?”

Shizuo sighed. “Fine, fine. Is that it?”

“Yep. See you tomorrow, then.”

“Bye.” He ended the call and started walking back. As Wendy came into sight, he cursed himself for thinking he could go so far.

“Shit!” He yelled, starting to run forward as one of the boys raised a metal pipe at her. He let out a roar.

Akane cried out as the pipe came down - but it struck Wendy’s shield. She had heard Shizuo coming and the others appeared ready to smash her as well, so she made a larger shield that would protect from most attacks.

“Shizuo!” She cried out, mostly to draw their attention off of her at this point, since he was already on his way.

The thugs were still clearly thrown off by the shield, as it took them too long to register the fact that Shizuo was barreling towards them. As they noticed, Wendy dropped the shield, grabbed Akane’s hand and moved back a bit, out of harm’s way.

Shizuo’s fists plummeted at the thugs in his rage, knocking them all swiftly into the air and away as he yelled.

Pushing his glasses up and calming down, he turned to Wendy and Akane. He knelt down to be at eye level with the girl, who was simply staring.

“Are you okay, Akane-chan?” He asked, looking concerned.

She stared, and then broke into a huge smile. “Shizuo-oniisan, you’re so cool! I want to be strong one day!” She looked up at Wendy. “Wendy-senpai is really cool too!!! How did you do that? I want to do that!”

Both Shizuo and Wendy were surprised by the response. Then again, she was the granddaughter of the Awakusu-kai boss…

“Sorry Akane-chan, but that...was my secret special ability. Can I trust you not to tell anyone about it?” Wendy asked, looking serious.

“Ooooh.” Akane seemed in awe even more. She took on a serious expression. “You can trust me! Your secret is safe.”

“Thank you, Akane-chan. I knew I could trust you.” She smiled. “I think it’s time to send you home now, right? We had fun together though.”

Akane nodded. Wendy called Akabayashi-san, and the playful Sunday was over.

----------------------------------------------

After Akane was picked up and good-byes were said, Shizuo and Wendy trudged back, both feeling...mild anxiety. They wondered if they’d be in trouble for how close to danger Akane-chan had come…

Wendy had been fighting off the fatigue from the large shield she’d created to not ruin the time spent with Akane any further, but she finally felt her body giving in.

“Shi...zuo…” She started to fall, feeling herself on the verge of losing consciousness. She landed in Shizuo’s arms as he caught her.

“Hey, are you okay?” He asked, brow furrowed in concern.

“That was a huge shield I made and I held off as long as I could but there’s a price to pay for it.” She said, grimacing as the sounds of her own voice rattled her mind. She sighed. “We have to be more careful.”

Shizuo adjusted so that he was holding her in the bridal carry as per usual, and continued walking to her place. “You mean, I need to be more careful…” He corrected, feeling fully guilty for the situation.

“I mean, it rests on both of us. I could have asked you not to go too far. Speaking of which, what was that about anyway?” Her eyes were half-closed and her speech slower than usual.

He grunted. “Tom wanted me to work today. I told him I couldn’t. He didn’t like that too much. Complained I’d been working less since we started dating. Which is true. So we decided that I’d work Monday and Tuesday night...I’m sorry about that. We worked out a deal that I could walk you home Monday after your training, though.”

Wendy nodded slowly. “I see. It’s okay, I wouldn’t want you to be fired on my account.”

“Yeah, but...I wanted...to spend more time with you…” He said softly.

“Hey hey, we’ll still have plenty of time. Depending on when you finish, you can come by afterwards too.” She smiled up at him. “And even if you can’t, we can snuggle the rest of today to make up for it!”

Shizuo smiled quietly. He liked that suggestion immensely.

---------------------------------------

Monday, Shizuo showed up at Wendy’s place close to when she wanted to sleep, but she was happy to see him. He had his own key now, so he came in and walked straight to the bedroom where Wendy was sitting and reading.

“Oh! You made it!” She grinned at him and put the book away. “Anything of interest in your evening shift?” She expected the answer to be no, as it usually was.

“We...got a new employee.” Shizuo said, sitting down on the side of the bed next to Wendy.

She sat up a bit with interest. “Oh? Like, helping you and Tom-san, you mean?”

He nodded. “I’m not sure how, exactly. We were eating at Russia Sushi and there was a new girl there…” He explained the situation and how the owner had suggested she join them. “I honestly think Tom only let it happen because he thought she was pretty.”

“Did you think she was pretty?” Wendy asked, tilting her head. Another foreigner, like herself...maybe that was Shizuo’s type?

He looked at her. “She was clearly more attractive than average but…” he shrugged. “She couldn’t compare to you.”

“Oh, you sweetheart.” She pulled the blanket over her head a bit, but it was restricted by Shizuo sitting on the bed. “What did I do to deserve someone like you?”

Probably something bad. He thought to himself. You’ve been attacked how many times because of me now?

Wendy didn’t like his prolonged silence. “I’m lucky to have someone like you, sweetheart. Why don’t you get ready for bed and come snuggle with me?”

Shizuo smiled at her. “You’re the sweetheart...I’ll be back, then.”

And when he came back, they snuggled to sleep.

#fic #Street Signs and Snuggles

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footballleague0 · 7 years

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Olney: How can Shohei Otani make up $200 million in squandered value? – Buster Olney Blog

Let’s get this part of the Shohei Otani drama out of the way: All 30 Major League Baseball teams will presumably submit the paperwork indicating a willingness to pay the $20 million posting fee for the multitalented star. A failure to do so — even for executives who believe they have no chance of landing Otani — would be the general manager’s version of failing to run out a ground ball. No GM wants to explain to his fan base why he didn’t at least express formal interest in the player who will dominate baseball’s offseason.

Beyond that, the anticipated chase of Otani is shrouded in mystery, with evaluators trying to figure out what factors will make the difference when the would-be pitcher and slugger makes his decision about where he will play.

Could it be geography? Could it be market size? Could it be friendships? Could it be the recruiting talents of former Japanese stars, such as Ichiro Suzuki or Hideki Matsui? Could Otani’s endorsement opportunities be pivotal? Could it be the agent’s relationship with specific teams? Could it be the designated hitter rule?

Could it be none of the above and really pivot around something that no team knows about?

Scouts have invested a lot of time trying to find clues to the formula for landing Otani, and yet, one evaluator said recently, “It’s incredible how many unknowns there are.”

That Otani will apparently forge ahead with plans to play in MLB in 2018 in spite of the fact that he stands to make more money by waiting two years has only increased the appreciation for the player. “It tells you that he’s serious about wanting to play against the best possible competition,” one executive said. “He’s putting his money where his mouth is.”

As far as we know, anyway; Otani has actually been extremely careful in talking about his plans, a reticence that has only increased the uncertainty for teams as they try to assess the situation.

In some respects, Otani’s circumstances are a lot like those for a five-star college basketball recruit: Teams will attend his games as much to be seen as they are to see him, to reinforce the perception of their interest. And, some of those interested in Otani wonder about what rule-bending financial arrangements might take place.

Shohei Otani has not made it publicly known what factors are most important to him in picking a team. Shizuo Kambayashi/AP Photo

One evaluator estimated that, in a vacuum, Otani might be worth $200 million if he was a free agent up for auction. But because of the terms of the collective bargaining agreement executed by MLB and the players’ association last fall, the most that Otani, 23, can receive is the money available under the international signing restrictions. The Associated Press reported the other day that the Texas Rangers could offer the most money to Otani at $3.535 million. The New York Yankees can offer $3.25 million. Offers from other teams would be in the same fiscal neighborhood, which is what a lot of middle relievers receive — not superstar-level players, which is what executives expect Otani will be, whether he eventually pitches, hits or does both. His fastball has been clocked as high as 101 mph recently, and last year, he batted .322, with an OPS of 1.004. Otani played through an ankle problem and batted .341 this year.

So how do you make up for that $200 million in squandered value, one official wondered.

A theory floated is that the team that lands Otani could circumvent the financial limitations in place by assuring the player that they won’t tender him a contract after the first or second season, allowing Otani to become a free agent — with a prenegotiated deal to follow with the team that cut him free. But sources indicate that Major League Baseball would view that as an obvious attempt to effectively break the rules and would come down hard on Otani’s MLB team. “Because there’s no reasonable logic to failing to tender a contract to a young star player other than to get around the rules,” said one official.

Otani’s situation will be highly scrutinized and commissioner Rob Manfred has made it known he wants the integrity of the current international-signing system to be honored.

“Otani is a great player,” Manfred said the other day. “We’re always interested in having great players in Major League Baseball. From my perspective, I’m more concerned about having the right, durable system than whether a player comes this year or two years from now.”

Some evaluators believe that whoever Otani picks to serve as his agent will have to play a crucial role, because that agent may have to arrange an understanding of how the player can recoup his value after 2019, when the rules would allow him to lock in a long-term contract. That kind of off-the-record deal-making is against baseball’s rules, but as one official said, “Let’s not be naïve. … You’ll need an agent with the relationships to get that done.”

But no one seems to know Otani well enough to get a sense of what he’ll ask for or expect. Would he want to play in New York, with Masahiro Tanaka? Would he want to play in L.A.? San Francisco? Texas, where his friend Yu Darvish fared well? Does he like the apparent flexibility in how the Dodgers arrange their roster? Would he like a chance to serve as a DH? Would he prefer a pitcher’s park? Would he want to be the latest in the Red Sox tradition of great left-handed hitters and effectively step into the role left behind by David Ortiz? Does he harbor a secret desire to own Milwaukee and have season tickets to the Packers?

Within the industry, there is an expectation that the usual suspects among the big markets will have an advantage — the Dodgers, Yankees, Cubs, Red Sox, Giants, etc. “We can all pick out the five or six teams that probably have a legitimate shot,” one official said.

But no one seems to know for sure, and more and more, it feels like the team Otani eventually signs with will feel like they won baseball’s Powerball that will pay annually for years to come.

Sunday Night Baseball

After the Washington Nationals clinched the National League East last week, the players initially celebrated in their clubhouse, and then they trekked out to the field to share the moment with the Washington fans. The first player out of the Nats’ dugout was Stephen Strasburg, who pulled off his cap and waved it for the patrons. He has always been quiet and private, and maybe five or six years ago, he would’ve let others step out ahead of him. But now he is signed to a long-term contract with the Nationals, he is 29 years old, he has become a father, and this was a moment when the change in him was apparent. Nationals folks also point to a moment recently when infielder Adrian Sanchez made a great play, and Strasburg pumped a fist excitedly — the sort of outburst you may not have seen earlier in his career.

Strasburg, who starts against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday Night Baseball (ESPN, 8 p.m. ET), has changed on the mound this year, as well. When he arrived in spring training, general manager Mike Rizzo recalled, Strasburg talked about working full-time out of a set position, rather than a windup. Sure, it was possible that he might lose a bit of velocity by eschewing the windup, but through this full-time alteration, Strasburg thought he could be more consistent with his delivery, with his release point and with each of his pitches.

Mission accomplished.

“I think he’s as good as he’s ever been,” Rizzo said. “You could make an argument that he’s better than he’s ever been.”

This is the sixth season in which Strasburg has at least 23 starts, and among those years, Strasburg’s 2017 ERA of 2.64 is his lowest; his WHIP of 1.03 is his best; his opponents’ OPS of .597 is his second-best. Each of his three primary pitches — fastball, curveball and changeup — rank in the top 10 in value among all starting pitchers, and Rizzo feels like Strasburg’s slider has helped, as well.

“He’s got four plus pitches,” Rizzo said.

And that velocity sacrifice? Well, Strasburg has been so efficient with his revamped delivery that his average fastball velocity has climbed this season to 95.7 mph, his best since 2012.

Hyun-Jin Ryu takes the mound on Sunday: The Dodgers lefty is still under consideration, theoretically, to be part of the team’s postseason rotation. But strong outings from Yu Darvish, Alex Wood and Rich Hill in recent days may have effectively cemented the No. 2, 3 and 4 spots behind Clayton Kershaw. In eight starts since July 24, Ryu has a 2.60 ERA, with just four homers allowed in 45 innings. Other teams checked on Ryu’s availability before the trade deadline, but the Dodgers liked how he is throwing and the depth he provides.

Dodgers’ lineup decisions: Outside of Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers’ depth is its greatest weapon over the course of the long season. But because of the array of choices, the team’s front office now has some decisions to sort through before the start of the postseason, most notably in the team’s lineup against right-handed pitchers.

1. Should Curtis Granderson or Andre Ethier start in left field?

2. Should the Dodgers use Chase Utley or Logan Forsythe at second base?

Around the league

David Price’s experience and recent history should give him a chance to make a major impact for the Red Sox in the final days of the regular season and into the postseason. Opposing left-handed batters have a .204 average against Price this season, with just one homer in 54 at-bats. And if the Red Sox play the Astros in the first round, Boston manager John Farrell could deploy Price against the left-handed hitting Josh Reddick in a big spot and force Astros manager A.J. Hinch into a decision.

But it’s surprising that Price hasn’t put the Dennis Eckersley episode behind him by finally talking to reporters about the incident. Look, Price will have the opportunity to opt out of his contract after the 2018 season, but that almost certainly cannot happen without Price sacrificing many tens of millions of dollars. He is 32 years old, he’s pitching with a tear in his elbow, and no matter how well he throws the rest of this season or next season, Price could never replicate the record-setting contract he got from Boston because of concerns about his age and health.

For Price, the next best action might be to do everything he can to make the next five years of his life as positive and enjoyable as possible, on and off the field. He can help that by getting past the confrontation with Eckersley, who spoke out loud about the exchange for the first time the other day with Rob Bradford and detailed how humiliated he felt.

Oakland third baseman Matt Chapman throws a lot like Andrelton Simmons: Powerful, with over-the-top mechanics that allow him to deliver four-seam, chest-high lasers — like this one last week.

Willson Contreras plays with remarkable energy and passion, and he gave the Cubs a jolt when he returned to the lineup — right up to the moment when he accidentally bounced his face mask off umpire Jordan Baker, which earned him a two-game suspension (he is appealing that suspension). One evaluator predicted that pitchers will shy away from throwing at Contreras during his career, because he plays with such an edge and because of how strong he is.

With three hits Saturday, Carlos Beltran has 2,721 career hits, tying Lou Gehrig for 62nd place all time.

Baseball Tonight Podcast

Friday: Diamondbacks pitcher Robbie Ray; Karl Ravech and Paul Hembekides about Aaron Judge as an MVP candidate; and Boog Sciambi on the NL MVP race and whether the window for success has closed for the San Francisco Giants.

Thursday: On the morning after the Indians break the AL record for victories, Bud Shaw of the Cleveland Plain Dealer on the team, the city’s response and LeBron’s message; Keith Law on the Dodgers and Walker Buehler and Rhys Hoskins; and Jessica Mendoza on L.A.

Wednesday: Royals GM Dayton Moore on what’s ahead for Kansas City; Tim Kurkjian on Otani’s possible impact in the big leagues; John Fisher and Gone Fishin’.

Tuesday: Andy McCullough of the L.A. Times on the struggling Dodgers; Bob Nightengale of USA Today on Jose Altuve’s MVP chances; Jerry Crasnick on the Diamondbacks; and Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game.

Monday: Conversations with Indians manager Terry Francona and Cleveland pitcher Josh Tomlin; Karl Ravech; Todd Radom’s uniform and logo quiz.

And today will be better than yesterday.

The post Olney: How can Shohei Otani make up $200 million in squandered value? – Buster Olney Blog appeared first on Daily Star Sports.

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giantsfootball0 · 7 years