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tomomichiღ - You know what's kind of awful? The love-hate relationship I have with Nier. I think I could really get into the game, it sounds like it has all the hallmarks of what I usually like about games! I even played the US version for about an hour and, okay, I wasn't that thrilled with it, the controls were a little wonky for me (mostly of the "ugh this may make me vomit if it doesn't stop tilting up on its fucking own" variety) but it could have gotten better! I was still only just learning the controls and it always takes me awhile to warm up to a game! But then I was readin on Wikipedia how there are two different versions of the game and only one was released in the US! Naturally, it's the older, gruffer, more buffed version of Nier and Yonah is his daughter! Not that I have anything against fathers and daughters (I quite like that dynamic) but it didn't quite look like all the pretty fanart I'd seen, so... bwuh?
Then, looking at Wikipedia! Two different versions! Nier Gestalt is the version released in English! Nier Replicant is the other option in Japanese! Where, the biggest difference? Nier is younger and slimmer, prettier really, and Yonah is his sister instead. Oh, how I laughed. JAPAN KNOWS ITS SISTERLUSTER AUDIENCE WELL. Also, I would totally play that game. Hence the love-hate relationship I have with this game. (Yahtzee has a fun review of the game up, I always enjoy watching him rip everything to shreds.)
I just want a pretty fantasy-style game to play after having finished FFXIII! And Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom isn't going to be out for ages! And just look how pretty it is and AHHHH I AGREE I WANT A GOLEM TOOOOOOOO--! (The Last Guardian looks really pretty, too. *__*)
P.S. SHRIEK, NEW FIRE EMBLEM DS GAME REMAKE AND WE WANTS THE PRECIOUSSSSS. (Even if it is that game that I hiss and spit at, refusing to acknolwedge its existence. I WILL PLAY IT, BUT I WILL STILL DISOWN IT. D:< )
P.P.S. Dumping too many recs into one post? I don't know what you're talking about it. :|
AND ONTO THE RECS:
Durarara!! - 5 Fanfics
Junjou Romantica - 22 Fanfics
Viewfinder - 6 Fanfics
Katekyou Hitman REBORN! - 18 Doujinshi
Sailor Moon - 1 Doujinshi
Durarara!!: You know what they say about hate... by animegoil - I'm not sure what prompted me to read this fic today (given how much I've been reading only three other fandoms lately) but I'm glad I did because it's such an interesting take on the characters. The night of graduation, there's a party. And it's a simple idea, Izaya seeing Shizuo when he's drunk and that dulls his insane abilities and Izaya is... well, Izaya about it. I love both of them here, I love how they clash and clash and clash, how Izaya (ostensibly) hates Shizuo and that makes him different from the rest of humanity, and the author's way of building up to the final paragraph was very nicely done. (Shizuo/Izaya.)
Durarara!!: Unexpected by movincloud - There's an image in the beginning of this fic. After Izaya is hit by a chair that Shizuo threw, he's held up by the scruff of the neck while Shizuo pokes at him all over his body, trying to find the sore places on him, and it's just... it kind of seriously cracked me up. The whole fic is set during their high school years, so I can buy it as slightly friendlier, even if they still both hate the hell out of each other and fight constantly. Plus the author knows what kind of tropes to put into her fic to make it just the kind of thing I want to read. XDDD (Shizuo/Izaya.)
Durarara!!: Beautiful Demise by doodlelover - When it's done right, I love a good fucked up Izaya narrative and this author does a fantastic job with it; it's not too over the top crazy, but it doesn't try to soften up the character that he is, either. I love his obsession with Shizuo, the hatred and whatever else that's underneath that, the way he wants Shizuo to just die already, the way Shizuo is the one person that he hates, the one person that he doesn't love and why. This fic is a really fascinating take on Izaya's incredible frustration with Shizuo, where it's not something particularly nice, but there's still that something that won't let them leave each other alone. I ate this up like the delicious candy it was. (Shizuo/Izaya, not quite safe for work.)
Durarara!!: Devour to Survive by thereisafire - He browses suicide forums at night, and feels sad. It's not caused by pity, but the fact that people like that can exist on his earth and take away his enjoyment just by being there - that's just saddening. The first three lines of this fic hooked me like whoa because it's Izaya trolling people even from a young age and it's... it's got this darker edge to the character that's almost uncomfortable to read about, I felt guilty at several points for enjoying this so much, yet... it's Izaya and he has this whimsical way that you can't help but laugh at because he's a fictional character. The various ways he talks people into their own demise is beautiful and then the scene with Shizuo at the end, when they're in high school, the way Izaya is so slick and manipulative and brilliant, and then. Well, it's just beautiful. (No real warnings/pairings.)
Durarara!!: Crush by thereisafire - I could swear I've recommended this fic before (or at least read it) but I can't find it in my archives anywhere, so. Well, if it's a re-rec, it's still worth it. It's another sharper take on Shizuo and Izaya, alley sex between them that's harsh and a little unkind and you're not really even sure what it means to either of them, especially Izaya because he's so manipulative. But it's hot and interesting and I really kind of love Izaya a whole lot. And also! The opening lines of this fic have some great Shizuo thoughts. XD (Shizuo/Izaya, NC-17.)
Junjou Romantica: Brat by Avarice - One of the things I love about the Egoist pairing is that it's not just always Hiroki who has issues with his ego, sometimes it's Nowaki, too. Especially when Hiroki treats him like a brat all the time and usually it's okay, but sometimes (especially if Hiroki is on the phone with Akihiko at the time) it bothers Nowaki and as;ldfkjalskj this was delicious fun in the way Nowaki firmly refuses to just take that, because he's not 17 anymore. I admit, I'm kind of ridiculously in love with these two, so of course my fangirl heart just about turns over when they're having one of their painful moments, even knowing that it's for the best and it will clear the air between them and that they'll get their adorable ending (which they do), but I really did like the way the author blended seriousness and sweetness together, since that's what Egoist is all about. (Nowaki/Hiroki.)
Junjou Romantica: Hiroki's Got It Bad and That Ain't Good by Penguin - I really like fics that deal with Hiroki being kind of needy around Nowaki, but always holding himself back, whether because of his pride or because he's trying to not be annoying and it would probably be better if he just said something. Because Hiroki is truly terrible at communication and it makes him so interesting to read about in fics like this, even when you know things will work out for the best by the end. I really did enjoy the tension of Hiroki trying to hold himself back from Nowaki the entire morning because as;ldfkjas;lk he's such an adorable emotional idiot. <3 (Nowaki/Hiroki.)
Junjou Romantica: Because They Don't Like Hiroki... by Eike - This is just a short little piece, but it's still really fun! Because, yes, a surprise birthday party for Hiroki would be so great, especially when he really doesn't want to be there but all of his, ah, friends do because they're a bunch of bastards. So cute! <3 (Usagi/Misaki, Nowaki/Hiroki, Miyagi/Shinobu.)
Junjou Romantica: I Miss You by Eike - Another one of those bits of fanon (based on canon implications/potential) is that Hiroki kept the letters Nowaki sent him while in America and that he takes them out once in awhile to read them when Nowaki isn't able to be around. I love that idea because it really says so much about Hiroki and how he deels with his feelings for Nowaki--especially when it's such a sweet, lovely piece like this. I really liked the detail on the letter itself, not just the text of it, but Hiroki's reaction to each line. It's all just really sweet. (Nowaki/Hiroki.)
Junjou Romantica: Ten Reasons why Kamijou can never win against Nowaki, and one reason why he does. by Eike - I love how much Nowaki loves Hiroki, how ridiculously in love he is and how many different ways he could probably come up with to say it. But I also love that Hiroki has his own set of reasons and little things he loves about Nowaki, put into a list of ten reasons why he can never win against Nowaki, all while still being so very Hiroki. It's a short piece, but it's lovely and warm, a happy-making one. <3 (Nowaki/Hiroki.)
Junjou Romantica: Proposal by Faye-Naruse - [Note: This fic stands on its own and was written first, but you can also read "Of Vague Notes and Shiny Surprises" before this or as a side story to it.] I love when Hiroki can't help agreeing to something Nowaki has suggested (something that's sweet and adorable and most people wouldn't find embarrassing, but Hiroki totally does) and kind of has a total fit at the way Nowaki gets him all worked up, but you can tell it's because he loves Nowaki so damn much. This was such a charming piece that it put a smile on my face even as I reread it again for the rec. ....shut up, all of you. (Nowaki/Hiroki.)
Junjou Romantica: Desperate Times Call For Desperate Measures by Faye-Naruse - There are some things I just usually pass up because they're not my thing. This includes embarrassing underwear that, as the title suggests, are worn because desperate times call for desperate measures, especially when it's got an added embarrassment squick factor. But there's something about this author that got me to read it anyway and... she really does have a solid grip on these characters and can make me buy these situations. Plus, the ending made me laugh, just imagining Nowaki's face. XD (Nowaki/Hiroki.)
Junjou Romantica: Some Like it Cold by Faye-Naruse - Okay, seriously, Hiroki with cute accessories in his hair shouldn't be this adorable or, hell, believable and yet... somehow I bought it with this fic. Because Hiroki is cranky as ever and Nowaki is just so... adorably Nowaki and I love them both so much it kind of threatens to become a physical thing in moments like this. Plus, sometimes a kiss with a promise of more is just exactly what I want out of these two, rather than full blown porn. ....sometimes. But mostly this was just really kind of darling. ♥ (Nowaki/Hiroki.)
Junjou Romantica: Of Vague Notes and Shiny Surprises by Faye-Naruse - I've mentioned this a few times and it still holds true with this fic--with a lot of authors, I would skip right over certain fics, especially ones with shiny gold surprises on fingers when one wakes up, but... I like this author's work enough to keep trying her fics and I keep getting genuinely adorable stories. I love Nowaki's vague notes that are hard to figure out half of the time, I love Hiroki being so... Hiroki, and I even love how sweet and adorable this piece was. (Nowaki/Hiroki.)
Junjou Romantica: We Are Here by Faye-Naruse - The summary for this fic mentioned that it was a story about Nowaki having nightmares that haunted him and so I almost nearly skipped the fic since I'm not much for trauma-angst. But eventually I caved into reading it and I'm glad I did because it wasn't really as angsty as I thought it was going to be, instead it was more one of those dreams that everyone has sometimes and Nowaki talked to Hiroki about it and Hiroki is his usual self about it, which actually helps. It's sweet and adorable and reminded me of why I really adore these two together ridiculously. (Nowaki/Hiroki.)
Junjou Romantica: Dynamite Crossing by Faye-Naruse - I love fics where Nowaki is just so... ridiculously in love with Hiroki, that he just sort of watches Hiroki sleep after he slumped over the table while waiting for Nowaki to get home. And then Hiroki wakes up and is his usual combination of grumpy and being stupidly in love right back and it's fluffy, but in that way that Egoist really needs to be. I really do love the comparison between Hiroki and dynamite, because it really kind of fits perfectly. XD (Nowaki/Hiroki.)
Junjou Romantica: Good Influences by darknightrain - Do you know what I love? I feel like I shouldn't, because they go through so much of it in the canon, but yet I still love fic where Nowaki and Hiroki have these god-awful communication skills that lead to problems between them, thinking that the distance between them is greater than it actually is. But, then, for all that they're getting better over time, they are still just GOD-AWFUL at communication with each other, so it's not like it's out of character. I just feel like I should want fluff for them more after all the heartache they've been through. And yet. Nowaki feels like Hiroki is still hung up on Akihiko, Hiroki has no idea what's going on, there's distance, but they eventually work it out, and it's all like delicious candy to me! I love it. I love that Hiroki gets all worked up about Nowaki, I love that Nowaki is totally centered on Hiroki, I love that the scene where they finally talk is so damn satisfying here! Hell, the ending line is pretty great, too. ♥ (Nowaki/Hiroki, NC-17.)
Junjou Romantica: Family Matters by armybro8 - As you can see, I've been inhaling as much Nowaki/Hiroki fic as I can lately and that means I want more and more and more, especially with different sorts of situations that the manga hasn't shown us yet. Like Misaki finding out that Akihiko's old friend is Demon Kamijou! Or Takahiro finding out about Akihiko and Misaki! Or, as this fic gives us, Nowaki meeting Hiroki's family! It's one of those fics that's bound to come up in a series like this--there's a wedding invitation from a cousin of Hiroki's, HELL NO he does NOT want to go, Nowaki keeps asking until Hiroki agrees, and cuteness ensues--but I love it for being that kind of fic. I love that Hiroki was cranky the entire time, yet you could tell how weak he was to Nowaki. And, I think, one of the best things for me is that the fic was almost entirely embarrasment squick free! Everybody loved Nowaki! They thought Nowaki and Hiroki were cute together! It was happy-making! That was pretty much exactly what I wanted. (Nowaki/Hiroki, a light NC-17 in parts.)
Junjou Romantica: Insomnia by WreckedMetal - Okay, I do have a few caveats on this fic, most especially that there are a lot of typos and that it could use a good fine-toothed comb to sort a lot of little things like that out. But I found that they weren't enough to keep me from reading the fic pretty easily and enjoying the solid characterization/storyline otherwise! Granted, I am a total sucker for Hiroki realizing that he's ridiculously attached to Nowaki, that he kind of gets himself worked up into quite the state over just the idea that something might happen to Nowaki because Hiroki is just... he's this storm of emotions all the time and this fic reflected that. I love that, even when Nowaki was slowly melting him or when he was talking things out (finally), he never lost that edge of crankiness that he always has. Also, porn! The author gave me porn and how can I not appreciate that gift? :Db (Nowaki/Hiroki, NC-17.)
Junjou Romantica: Cherished by MythNLynx - You know, I love fics that deal with Hiroki's past (as in, how many people he's been with before Nowaki) because it makes sense to me for Hiroki's character, but also because it's fun to play with when it comes to Nowaki's reactions, especially when it's done like this short fic does--Nowaki wants to know if he's as good as Hiroki's previous lovers, wants to know how much more catching up he still needs to do. And it's so adorable and positive and Hiroki's reaction is so delightful (all the more so because it's hard for him to find the right words that won't hurt Nowaki's feelings) that I could just eat this up forever. (Nowaki/Hiroki.)
Junjou Romantica: Ineffably F able by MythNLynx - I've gotten away from Akihiko/Misaki stories lately (given how hard I've fallen for the Egoist characters) but since I liked the author's other fic, I thought, well, why not, I'll give this Romantica one a shot. I'm really glad I did because it's a darling, well-written piece that just... reminds me how much I really do adore these characters, too. I love that it's set from Usagi's point of view, because it's often times easier just to write from Misaki's and yet I like to see Usagi's thoughts explored as well. Especially when he comes home after a late night and finds Misaki asleep in a very interesting place and you can just feel how much Usagi really adores Misaki, even beyond how he's always saying that he loves him. It was really charming. ♥ (Usagi/Misaki, somewhere between R and NC-17.)
Junjou Romantica: Where the Heart Is by Lady Nara - Oh, I really liked this piece. It's a short story about the two people that have made their way into Hiroki's guarded places, when he was younger and Akihiko shared his spot in the forest, then when he's older and Nowaki manages to get inside his heart. I love that Hiroki still works himself up into such a state and the stress is just about overwhelming, but it's Nowaki being... Nowaki, supportive and believing in him and just persistent and kind enough that Hiroki feels better. It's a simple piece, but one of those that shows exactly why they work and why they're so darling together. <3 (Nowaki/Hiroki.)
Junjou Romantica: Catch 22 by Avarice - This was also delightful! I love stories that deal with two characters who can't announce their relationship to the world (less because they're gay, more because Hiroki doesn't want to announce anything EVER), when there's that awkwardness on one side and the OHO LET'S SEE WHAT YOU'VE BEEN SAYING ABOUT ME from the other side, because there's a third party who doesn't realize they're together, but knows the first character is in a relationship. ....wow, pretend that was structured at least somewhat well. Anyway, this author wrote a delicious scene with a co-worker of Nowaki's not realizing he's in a relationship with Hiroki and invites herself to their breakfast and there wasn't the embarrasment squick I was expecting, instead it was delightful. All the more so because Hiroki was so very Hiroki about it. It was charming and wonderful, I'm glad to have read it this afternoon. (Nowaki/Hiroki.)
Junjou Romantica: Mistletoe by Kumorastar - This is just a cute little piece with Nowaki bringing some papers to Hiroki's office and it's around Christmas time, so there's discussion of what Hiroki wants for a present and then there's mistletoe and it's all very cute. It's hard to talk about because not much happens in it, but somehow the author still makes it a satisfying piece--the little touches with Hiroki muttering to himself or enjoying the way students practically leap out of his way as he stalks down the hallway or Nowaki being vaguely annoyed when Hiroki does anything for anyone else, even if he knows Hiro-san loves him. It was fun! (Nowaki/Hiroki.)
Junjou Romantica: Three Days by Kumorastar - I'll admit that this fic really needs a third part at least, because it's all build-up right now, but. The first chapter has this great moment with MIyagi, Hiroki, and Akihiko that I loved so much I couldn't resist recommending it right away. (Though, be warned that it doesn't look like it's going to be finished any time soon.) And the second chapter had Hiroki and Misaki in the same room! I... I am apparently really easy for anything that makes Hiroki's life difficult and/or super awesome, especially when the author is clearly having a ball with it, too. (Nowaki/Hiroki, Usagi/Misaki, both implied.)
Junjou Romantica: To Write a Tragic Love Story by Qatari - [ part 01 - part 02 - part 03 - part 04 - part 05 ][Note: These posts are locked, but the comm is freely joinable. You can find the fic on FFNET as well, but chapter 5 is not posted there.] I stayed up far too late reading this story because I just could not put it down until I'd devoured all of the available chapters and then had to force myself to just go to bed already. I'll warn ahead of time that it's an unfinished fic and, having been half a year since the last one was posted, it may very well not be finished. I'm clawing the walls a little over that, because I want the resolution so badly, but what's available of the story so far is just so... asd;lfkjasl;jkfffffffff I have been pining for this idea for awhile and I was even discussing the situation surrounding it a few days before I stumbled over this fic--whether or not Akihiko knew how Hiroki felt about him for all those years. This fic deals with that and all the fallout that would happen if Akihiko were planning to use the events of the year Nowaki went to America in a novel and Hiroki exploded all over him, revealing his previous feelings and the mess that Akihiko never even noticed.
As cliche as the idea could have been, this fic hit all the right notes for me! The reveal was incredibly satisfying, making me feel for both characters--my fangirl heart belongs to Hiroki in this fandom, but I don't blame Akihiko because it's not like he did it on purpose. The fic reflects that beautifully, that it's not really anyone's fault, all while making it rather painful to read at points because both of them have their "fault" in this situation and you hurt for both of them. But the best part is that this Hiroki characterization is fantastic. Well, all of the characters are, but especially Hiroki and Misaki, as the friendship between Hiroki and Akihiko is strained and their lovers try to encourage them to mend fences. There are so many scenes where I just about started giggling aloud at the humor, there were so many scenes where I just wanted to hug both Hiroki and Akihiko both, there were so many scenes where I was a little breathless at the sheer depth of emotion, there were so many scenes where I was impressed by how well the author just nailed the characters' voices and the insights into their characters. It's an idea I've been dying to have played with, all executed in a way that I think really does justice to everything that would unravel because of this, all while not making it pointlessly angsty. It's a good story, in the vein of the manga itself. (Nowaki/Hiroki, Usagi/Misaki, references to Usagi/Hiroki and Usagi/Takahiro.)
Junjou Romantica: Kamjou Dates a woman by Qatari - I was wary of this fic at first because the idea wasn't something I was sure I'd be interested in? The idea of Hiroki having to date Risako for awhile promised lolz, but in a 40,000+ word story, could you really find that much ground to cover? And I think the title is a little misleading for that. Yeah, that's what starts everything going and that's what the first half of the fic is--the hilarity of backing Hiroki into a corner where he has to go on a date with her, even though he's not exactly interested in women--but it moves on from there as well. It's about a lot more than that, centering on the relationships between these characters (especially the Egoist and Terrorist pairings) all with Hiroki pretty much at the center--which I am totally all over, both as a fan of the character, but also because it reflects the manga itself, how Hiroki is the one that connects everyone. I love the friendship that develops between Hiroki and Risako, I love the issues that come up in his relationship with Nowaki because of it (asd;lfkja;slk I love Nowaki/Hiroki so much in this fic, all the more so because it can be sweet and they still have so many things to work on), I love Hiroki getting pulled into Miyagi's situation against his will. It's one of those fics that feels like more of the manga, more of the characters I love, more of the situations they find themselves in, which is why I read fanfic in the first place.
I will warn ahead of time that I'm not sure the style is going to be for everyone, because the author uses a lot of elipses in the dialogue, both at the beginning and the end of sentences. That might drive some people to distraction, but I found I didn't mind it, it added a Japanese feel to the dialogue for me and I stopped noticing them after awhile. It helps that the author has a really strong grip on the characterization and the various issues that come up--when Nowaki finally bursts out with one of the problems between them, it's dead on for them. Hiroki's crankiness yet being a basically decent person, Miyagi being a teasing bastard but actually a caring person, Nowaki being a coy fucker at times, Shinobu being a pissy little teen who is actually kind of hilarious, the author nails all of this really well. I loved this fic to the point that... I may have made some cranky noises when I realized I'd gotten to chapter 13 and there wasn't going to be anymore for awhile. 6__6 (Nowaki/Hiroki, Miyagi/Shinobu, references to Miyagi/Risako, Hiroki/Risako, etc.)
Viewfinder: (Not the) Brightest Light Bulb in the Box by chrysa - Oh, god, this was beautiful. I've reread it a couple of times now because it's just so perfectly hilarious and made me fall in love with everyone and everything all over again. Based on the Viewfinder/Koi Suru crossover, the character that took a shine to Akihito as his sempai, Shouji, who is a bit of a deliquent kid but with a good heart, sticks around in Akihito's life and... doesn't quite get a lot of what's going on. The author really had a knack for making me adore Shouji here, all the more so because he doesn't quite get the relationship between Asami and Akihito, which is hilarious on its own, but also Akihito's difficult life is even more beautiful. The way it all leads up to a beautiful resolution (of sorts) is perfectly paced and just... so hilarious that I keep rereading and it still makes me laugh every single time. ♥ (Asami/Akihito.)
Viewfinder: Aftermath by sunflower1343 - I pretty much never get tired of post-NT stories where Akihito starts to come apart at the seams because of everything he's been through. He held himself together for so long, but eventually he has to break and then pick himself back up and put himself back together, which Asami knows. I really like the way this fic starts out... it's almost sort of normal, except for the strained undercurrents and, well, like Asami and Akihito could ever be normal. But eventually it has to break and I really like the way this fic deals with the aftermath, the way Akihito is killing himself over what happened to him/what he agreed to in Hong Kong, and the way Asami sees him afterwards. I really like the dynamic between them, the way Asami treats him, the way Akihito clearly matters to him even as he's still an evil bastard, and the way Akihito fights and yet he cares about Asami, too. Their conversation at the end needed to happen and was all the more satisfying for it. *__* (Asami/Akihito.)
Viewfinder: Like Normal by The Hoyden - Asami has lost it, and Takaba has proof. So, basically, Asami decides to adopt Akihito in order to draw him into the family and, despite that it's crack, it's the kind of thing that's just so easy to imagine that you go right along with for the amazing ride. Even on the second readthrough, I giggle at all the right moments, every time Akihito gets so frustrated with Asami that he's ready to explode and I love how their relationship works here and I just... I'm kind of uselessly flapping my hands over here. I wanted to quote so many lines from the fic, there are so many that are just pitch-perfect, but I'd have wound up quoting half the fic in the rec at that rate. Though, really. Any fic that's about Asami deciding to snake Akihito into his family via an adoption ceremony that might as well be a wedding AND contains this line: It figures, it just figures. It's like something out of Takaba's worst nightmares -- no, wait, it is Takaba's worst nightmare. Asami has turned into Bridezilla. you KNOW is going to be beautiful. Oh, I would read this pretty much forever. (Asami/Akihito.)
Viewfinder: Offering by The Hoyden - As much as I loved the previous fic by The Hoyden, I think I may possibly love this one even more. Akihito is such an interesting character in his relationship with Asami, especially when it's Asami's birthday and Akihito has a gift to give him. I love what a clever idea it is, the present that Akihito gives him a few years into their relationship, and I love even more what it says about him as a person. Because Akihito isn't a saint, but he's still a good person, there's a fire to his character that you can feel here and the sort of balance he and Asami find is perfect. This is another fic where I had to hold myself back from quoting all these lines, especially the ending lines, because they're just so perfectly written. My only complaint is that I want more and I want it right now. +_+ (Asami/Akihito.)
Viewfinder: Appetizer by sunflower1343 - Another short piece, but a fun one. It's just a scene between Asami and Akihito, sometimes light-hearted, sometimes a little more serious, but always very interesting. I have a thing for Asami cooking because, of course, he'd be good at it and, of course, Akihito would be a little brat about it. (It's hard when Asami is perfect at everything he does.) I also enjoy that pretty much everything is laced with innuendo, because it's not Asami if there's not some sort of double meaning to everything. XD (Asami/Akihito.)
Viewfinder: Everything to Lose by sunflower1343 - [ part 01 - part 02 ] - This fic contains so many of the things I love in a fandom like Viewfinder--Akihito has been shot, Asami is furious and just a little bit helpless, it's about drawing Akihito's friends into his world just enough to show them what's really going on, and it's about resolving a bit of the issues between Asami and Akihito. It's of a satisfying length as well, because this fandom has really made me start craving longer pieces, especially when they deal with such interesting, important issues. Giving Takato a burning drive to help Asami find the people who hurt Akihito and setting the story from his (semi-)outsider perspective is interesting and gives a fresh take on Asami/Akihito, especially with Takato being insightful enough to see a bit of what's going on under the surface. It's an intense piece, there are moments in the second half especially that are almost a little painful to read, but it's all the better for it, because this is not a nice world that Akihito has been drawn towards. I really like the way the author softens Asami's character because of Akihito, yet at the same time doesn't lose sight of what a scary bastard he really and truly is, this is not a man to be taken lightly and that's never forgotten here. It's not a light read, but it's all the better for that, it was a hell of a ride. (Asami/Akihito, R for violence.)
Katekyou Hitman REBORN! Doujinshi (raw): etosetora - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm should be freely joinable.] I'm not sure why I'm recommending this doujinshi, precisely. I'm generally not one much for allxTsuna, nor can I really put my finger on why I like the art... just that there's something about the detail and the shading/tones used that is really kind of pretty and almost delicate. I suppose it's also because Dying Will!Tsuna has some great expressions on his face in the Mukuro part of the story or that there's Bel/Tsuna which is a super rare pairing or Squalo/Tsuna or that the cover is really pretty or... well something. But I thought it was worth a look through if you're a REBORN! doujinshi junkie like myself. (Gokudera/Tsuna, Hibari/Tsuna, Mukuro/Tsuna, Bel/Tsuna, Squalo/Tsuna, Basil/Tsuna.)
Katekyou Hitman REBORN! Doujinshi (raw): underwater - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm should be freely joinable.] It feels like it's been forever since I've seen anything with Xanxus/Squalo (admittedly, I've been putting KHR doujinshi on the backburner for awhile) so this kind of came along at just the right moment for me, especially because it's a masquerade party and there's all these beautiful costumes and masks and feathers and beads and I'm a sucker for that kind of thing! Especially with this artist's style, it somehow works really well, and I love assassin!Squalo dressed up in a beautiful outfit and then Xanxus coming along to take him out of it and just. a;sdlfkjaslkjl;s that's a little right inside my wheelhouse, ngl. (Xanxus/Squalo, somewhere between R and NC-17.)
Katekyou Hitman REBORN! Doujinshi (raw): G3 - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm should be freely joinable.] Okay, now this is what I have been waiting for with this ship! I like Yamamoto and Squalo as a pairing sometimes, but not a lot of doujinshi hits me right with them, but this one? Fantastic! It helps that the artist has a gorgeous style, it's very professionally inked and shaded and detailed, the way she captures Amano's style really well (especially in Yamamoto's expressions or the way she'll frame a certain page--though, admittedly, sometimes a little more cleaned up than Amano's work) is very nice, but also in the little touches of their expressions, their usual ones (Squalo's crankiness to Yamamoto's cheerful grin) or the more subtle shifts. Also, the porn is super hot! I'd have loved it just for the art, but super pretty porn on top of that? Sometimes I do love this fandom. (Yamamoto/Squalo, NC-17.)
Katekyou Hitman REBORN! Doujinshi (raw): Cocytus Prequel - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm should be freely joinable.] Speaking of things that are kind of inside my wheelhouse! The art style of this one isn't going to be for everyone and I don't think I'd want it constantly, but once in awhile, the artist's take on the characters can be really interesting! Plus, she has some nice detail in it and you can tell she's disciplined in the way everything is framed/laid out, but also that there's something of a plot going on! And I enjoyed seeing the older Varia memebers and the Italian feel to everything and a;sdlkfja;slkj oh my god this doujinshi is worth it for Lussaria alone, seriously. (Xanxus/Squalo, maybe a light R.)
Katekyou Hitman REBORN! Doujinshi (raw): Cocytus Intermediate - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm should be freely joinable.] This is the sequel to the previous doujinshi (as you can infer from the name), so it'd probably help to have picked that one up first, as well as this is pretty much more of the same. I'm just... really quietly taken with this series? I'm still not sure how to put it, exactly. But I enjoy Squalo and Xanxus in Italy and Lussaria seriously continues to amuse the hell out of me (as well as getting some badass moments in this doujinshi) as well as some pretty shots of Squalo lying on the floor with his hair pooling around him. And makeouts with Xanxus. So, basically, lolz, plot, serious assinations, pretty hair, and makeouts. Yeah, that's pretty much what I want from Varia doujinshi. (Xanxus/Squalo, a light-ish NC-17.)
Katekyou Hitman REBORN! Doujinshi (scanslated): tayutau homatsu no - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm should be freely joinable.] One of the reasons I picked this doujinshi up was because of the beautiful color art that goes with it, but. It's also because I'm totally in a Xanxus/Squalo mood and a;sldkjfa;lskj this was awesome for that. Older Xanxus with a younger Squalo, knowing him without Squalo knowing him back, and then there's porn and then there's a kind of beautiful ending. The art is lovely and... well, basically, it's an excuse for porn between them, it's not like it has a plot or anything, but it doesn't pretend to, either. It's just... one of those days in Xanxus' and Squalo's lives and it's hilarious (and pretty! did I mention it's pretty?) for that. <3 (Xanxus/Squalo, NC-17.)
Katekyou Hitman REBORN! Doujinshi (raw): Minami Italia Shinjuu (Double suicide in South Italia) - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm should be freely joinable.] This is another doujinshi where... I'm not sure I'd want the art style all the time, but I appreciate the way it looks and the feeling it contributes to the storyline here. I'm impressed with how much detail went into this, how polished it looks and how fleshed out the pages feel, like the doujinshika really knew what she was doing, which is something I've learned to appreciate after all the doujinshi I've seen. But it's also that the content is basically: Xanxus and Squalo fucking, Xanxus and Squalo traveling around the world, more of Xanxus and Squalo fucking, assasination attempts where they're pretty badass, the both of them, and then Xanxus and Squalo eating dinner, and then more fucking. It's 70 pages of this and it's just... this is kind of the epitome of what I want from these two. Getting into fistfights or kidnappings and then being surreally normal at points even when they're not normal and then a lot of makeouts. That's Xanxus and Squalo for you! (Xanxus/Squalo, NC-17.)
Katekyou Hitman REBORN! Doujinshi (raw): CARO, una raccolta di ritratti - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm should be freely joinable.] Okay, this isn't actually a doujinshi in the regular sense, but instead is a bunch of color inserts (about 15 or 16 pages of them) and I try not to rec things like this too terribly often, but... oh, man, is this art super, super pretty. It's hard to explain precisely why, because it's... the way everything comes together? The colors, the details, the lines, the awesome clothes, the fantastic expressions and poses, just... everything. Every single image is gorgeous on its own--though, my favorite is probably Squalo in his older self's uniform, with the giant shark in the background, but Squalo sitting in Xanxus' lap gives it a run for its money--but all together? Really hit home for me today. (Xanxus/Squalo, maybe not quite SFW.)
Katekyou Hitman REBORN! Doujinshi (raw + scanslated): mellow mind - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm should be freely joinable.] I picked this one up because I have this thing about Bel/Squalo (even if this is more Squalo/Bel, though, the author's notes wonders a little at that) and I can't help myself. I'm not sure this is the same view I have of the characters, but I don't find it wildly impossible either, especially since it's from Bel's point of view, about how he has these feelings for Squalo that may or may not be returned. It's a slower-paced story, but it's just a quiet night that I could somehow buy? Idk, maybe I just liked the art, because in certain panels it was really pretty as they curled up in bed together. ....I'm making this seem worse than it is, I imagine. I thought it was pretty fun! (Squalo/Bel.)
Katekyou Hitman REBORN! Doujinshi (raw): Romanzesuko - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm should be freely joinable.] This doujinshi definitely comes with some violence and consent issue warnings, which (even with a ship like Xanxus/Squalo) isn't usually my thing, but... I was a little enamored of the art here! The character designs (well, the artist's take on Amano's character designs, that is) aren't my favorite, but, man, can this doujinshika lay out a page something fantastic. Any time Squalo was laying on the floor and his hair was pooling around him or when he was in the middle of a fight and it swished around him or Xanxus was leaning over to kiss him, I was struck by how detailed and polished the art really is. I'm easy for that kind of thing, even when there's a lot of violence in a particular story. (Xanxus/Squalo, NC-17. Violence/potential consent squick warnings.)
Katekyou Hitman REBORN! Doujinshi (raw): Operation liger - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm should be freely joinable.] You know what never gets old? Varia crack mixed with animal themes! ....well, not that I've seen that particular combination very often, but I've seen them seperately and I enjoy them both, but together? Kind of hilarious. But also! This is one of those doujinshika who kind of just nails Amano's style sometimes, which I love! While the story is mostly crack (with various animals running around with the Varia), the art is pretty enough to keep my attention and the brief moments of Xanxus/Squalo makeouts were very welcome. (Some Xanxus/Squalo.)
Katekyou Hitman REBORN! Doujinshi (raw): Infantile Vice - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm should be freely joinable.] I have to admit, I picked this one up because it was a Xanxus/Bel doujinshi and I don't think I've seen that pairing done before! Or certainly at least not very often. So, a lot of the appeal here, for me, is the rare pairing and seeing what the doujinshika does with it, but I also really did like aspects of this one. Little kidlet Bel, as he first comes to the Varia, is especially well done--even if he looks a little out of proportion, you can tell that the artist loves drawing him because he's so beautifully detailed. And that's one thing this doujinshi doesn't lack--detail! Even if things occasionally look a little off, there's always another panel right after that that's kind of beautifully done, especially in the closeups. Also, Xanxus sparring/fighting with little Bel after he gets his knives! Yanking the little snot up by the back of his shirt while Xanxus is clearly annoyed at all of this! Totally worth it just for that! The last few pages are just gorgeous and I really did enjoy the way this artist presented the Xanxus/Belphegor dynamic. <3 (Xanxus/Bel.)
Katekyou Hitman REBORN! Doujinshi (raw): Ghost Grasster - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm should be freely joinable.] This doujinshi starts off just how I like things--with a handful of pages of lovely color art and then makeouts right at the beginning! \o/ I really liked the soft feel of the color art, the artist has a vaguely sort of simple style, something that's very clean and... it's not super sharp, but it's not like it's unfinished or unpolished, either. The color image of Xanxus with a fireball in his hands is kind of amazing for the detail on the feathers in his hair, even! The storyline is mostly makeouts and crack, with Squalo being a total moron and Xanxus' life being really annoying sometimes, but it's pretty and I think this artist has a ton of potential. Also? Kind of worth it just for Squalo in his exorcism outfit and trying to smack an ofuda onto Xanxus' face to rid him of demons. XD (Xanxus/Squalo, somewhere between R and a light NC-17.)
Katekyou Hitman REBORN! Doujinshi (raw): Fragile - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm should be freely joinable.] This is another short doujinshi, just over 20 pages, and it's not particularly... mm, I'm not sure. It feels like I may have seen this one before or I may have seen one very similar to it before? It has that kind of feeling. At the same time, Squalo is very pretty and there's sex on Xanxus' desk and there's tons of Squalo's swishy hair all over the place and, at the end, there's lounging in bed together. Sometimes that's really all I want out of a pretty doujinshi. (Xanxus/Squalo, NC-17.)
Katekyou Hitman REBORN! Doujinshi (scanslated): Kono Te wo - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm should be freely joinable.] This is a bit of an odd little thing as well, just a quiet moment (well, as quiet as Xanxus and Squalo ever get) after the fights against the Vongola, after they're back home and they've changed just a bit, and Squalo approaches a resting Xanxus. It's a moment between them, as Xanxus wonders why the hell he's still alive and is vaguely annoyed (and yet not) by Squalo's answer to that and... it's an odd little thing, but it's very pretty and I wound up liking it a lot. (Xanxus/Squalo.)
Katekyou Hitman REBORN! Doujinshi (scanslated): only for bosses Limited Edition - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm should be freely joinable.] I'm not quite sure how to describe this art style, except to say it's a little bit shoujo-esque? That might be the wrong way to put it, but it's what kept occuring to me as I was going through this one and... it's not bad, the artist has a lot of potential in her doujinshi work, some of the close-ups on Xanxus' eyes or Squalo's hair show a hell of a lot of detail and promise. Plus, the story totally started out with porn, so, you know, I'm inclined to be fonder. It's a fairly routine story otherwise, but for a good reason--sometimes all you want is the makeouts. (Xanxus/Squalo, NC-17.)
Katekyou Hitman REBORN! Doujinshi (raw): Let's Party! - I am completely unsure what to think of this doujinshi! It's kind of an odd little duck in some ways? But really pretty and lovely in others! The cover with Dino, Hibari, and Mukuro is just gorgeous, the colors on it are amazing and go so well with the artist's style. I felt that it was stronger than the regular art of the story, that without the colors, the artist's style became slightly more... I don't know, distracting maybe? Which isn't to say that it's not a beautiful book, because it is! The detail is fantastic and the artist has some amazing inkings and shadings, her characters all look amazing. It's just... vaguely chibi-ish? Or the proportions are off a little? Which I notice more because her work is so good otherwise! But I did genuinely enjoy this one--I picked it up for the Dino/Hibari, of course, but found myself really enjoying the Mukuro/Hibari and Dino/Mukuro scenes as well! Her Hibari is kind of ridiculously gorgeous (as he should be) and I find myself really intrigued by where this artist could go in a year or two! *__* (Dino/Hibari+Mukuro.)
Katekyou Hitman REBORN! Doujinshi (scanslated): Nocturne - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm should be freely joinable.] I don't even... it's just... a;sldkjf sometimes I love this fandom a lot. I really only glanced at the cover and ship before snagging it, just paying attention to the names and not much else. So, of course, I expected something of a serious Giotto/Tsuna story, since that's what you usually get with these two, in my experience. AND THEN NO! VAMPIRE GIOTTO. Tsuna acting all sex kitten-ish while Giotto watches him sleep! And then, naturally, they have sex, but I didn't pay attention to the order, so I was like WHOA WAIT A MINUTE IS TSUNA-- HOLY CRAP, TSUNA X GIOTTO. IN A VAMPIRE DOUJINSHI. THIS FANDOM FUCKING LOVES ME AND I LOVE IT. Seriously, my joy at the level of crack from this fandom knows no bounds in this moment! Also, the art is pretty and the whole thing is totally adorable. (Tsuna/Giotto, a light NC-17.)
Sailor Moon Doujinshi (scanslated): Earth Wind volume 1 - [Note: You can view the individual pages or just click the download link.] As the notes say, this doujinshi was done by one of Takeuchi's assistants and you can really tell when you look at Usagi's character, because she seems spot on with the manga version of her! Mamoru is a little more off, but you can still tell its him, but, hell, the focus is on Usagi anyway and you're pretty much reading this for the makeouts. Which, honestly, I expect to find almost never for this ship (even hentai for the fandom is usually of either strangers with the Senshi or yuri), much less in such an adorable, lovely sort of way! The basic plot is, not long after they've moved in together, Usagi is trying to study and Mamoru is helping her (and also kind of evil when he teases her, which I love so much) and this eventually leads to them taking a bath together and having sex there. It's a gorgeous book and it's an adorable story, easily my new favorite SM doujinshi ever, and I'm so glad MissDream decided to scanslate this one. *__* (Mamoru/Usagi, a light NC-17.)
