Neither rival must tightly wrap their legs around those of their enemy’s, using calf and thigh muscles to grip and hold on to one another. For they each want this, more than either can say or admit. Needing to feel their tits press into their foe’s, and their stomach flatten against stomach. And though they may push and pull, rolling this way and that, locked together their bodies will stay, not because they cannot escape, but because they do not want to. They have found their heaven - their bliss, and it is in combat, and close-contact with the woman who plagues their every thought, and haunts their every dream.
It can take only one comment, or a single side-eyed glance, to forever put two women who work together at odds. From the very occurrence of it, tainting every sound made, every word uttered, every action taken, in the mind of the other. Each sitting. Thinking. Hating. Until they resolve it. Until they settle it. When the doors lock, and the supervisors no longer supervise. There they tear and torment one another – pulling hair, and ripping blouses – not just on one night, but on many, on any they can, until one rival can take no more – until one rival quits in tears, their cheeks flush with the red-stains of shame.
Close friends. Ones on the very verge of becoming lovers. And yet one moment – one mistake has brought them both here. To this room – to this couch, to settle things. They could talk it out, but more than enough is being said without the uttering of a single word.
By their eyes, as find themselves affixed to each other, fire etched in each.
Their breasts, as they call to and dare each other, bulging in brag, trying desperately to free themselves of the slim cloth that confines them, and meet in contest.
Their persons in whole, as they drift closer and closer to each other, whether standing or seated, their bodies only barely able to resist the urge of pressing together.
No, there is no need for them to speak, for their every curve challenges, and every asset argues – as if the universe would accept no other fate but they two writhing together – testing, struggling, and wrestling each other till submission – via pain or ecstasy.
Childhood crushes hidden as rivals constantly and unknowingly mutual pinning each other, spending time together outside of competing against each other. Claiming that it’s all to know their enemies weaknesses. Bad mouthing the other behind their back, except that’s all they ever talk about. They share everything in common but both being too scared to admit it acted like they hated the others guts, even if everyone else can see right through it like a clean window. They say they want to see the other suffer, but would hurt anyone who even looked at the other the wrong way - and if the other asks about it they claim that they want to be the one to hurt the other, for it to be “more fulfilling than watching it happen”
There are so many things I would love to tell you! But, I decided to keep it short and simple. After all, Rivals is a comic, you’re not here to read blocks of text.
I will address what are, in my opinion, most important issues.
1. Why is Fyodor actually alive after chapter 9?
Well, we had an ‘in comic’ explanation - Chuuya wants to believe Fyodor has some feelings for him after Fyodor intentionally missed all of his vital organs when stabbing him. Dazai tries to be a better person so he cannot simply kill someone who is already tied and defenseless, no matter how much he hates him.
Real life explanation - it was the best choice for the continuity. Rivalsis very much an AU when it comes to Chuuya’s past and quite possibly Dazai’s past [I honestly know nothing about Dazai’s past before 15. There might be something mentioned in Stormbringer but I avoid spoilers until we get official English translation]. However, it still takes place after season 2 of the anime and the Dead Apple movie. Which means season 3 comes after.
Basically, if you ignore the 15 episodes, you can imagine season 3 continues after Rivalsand Dazai and Chuuya are somewhat dating at that point, which is also why Ranpo found it so easy to outsmart Chuuya. And then, all the events in the anime/canon slowly lead to them finding the Book and the Epilogue.
I know, you have to stretch your imagination a little to make that work, but honestly, it’s fun to imagine Soukoku dating while all that stuff is going on.
Obviously, none of that could happen if Fyodor dies, so here you go!
2. Does Chuuya actually have feelings for Fyodor?
Short answer - yes. And it’s not only because the author ships Fyoya. [I ship almost all Chuuya/X pairings, most notably Chuuya/Sigma, deal with it.]
As explained in the comic, Fyodor was there when Chuuya had nobody and nothing after he lost his memories. He told Chuuya they were partners and lovers, and Chuuya was his most loyal man. Obviously, that would influence Chuuya’s opinion.
We, as readers, outside observers, didn’t realle get to see much of their interactions [I couldn’t make the chapters thatlong] but we did see that Fyodor is a manipulative bastard. But it wouldn’t fully work if he wasn’t gentle at times. As manipulative as Fyodor was, he has also shown compassion and care towards Chuuya in his state. That purposefully missed stabbing at the end only confirmed to Chuuya that Fyodor doesn’t actually want him dead. Maybe he wants to hurt him to push him away, like Dazai did all those years ago? To protect him. To make sure the Mafia and Dazai know they aren’t working together.
How can Chuuya not appreciate that? After all there was only one person before who hurt him not to actually hurt him but for his protection.
So yeah, Chuuya believes Fyodor has some feelings for him, he believes there might be a good person hiding in the rat, just like there was a good person hiding in Dazai. Dazai and Fyodor were too similar at one point for Chuuya not to develop any feelings for him.
I’m not saying it’s healthy or logical. I’m saying this is how it happened.
3. Does Fyodor have feelings for Chuuya?
Short answer - also, surprisingly, yes! I mean, how can you notlove Chuuya?
I couldn’t really show it clearly in the comic. We already had so many characters and Fyodor/Fyoya weren’t the focal point so I couldn’t dive to deep. However, here is what I can say now.
At the start, obviously, Fyodor saw Chuuya only as a tool. Chuuya was a powerful weapon, with a powerful ability and most importantly, he served as a great distraction for Dazai.
Fyodor, however, made a mistake when he convinced Chuuya they were lovers. Because that meant he had to spend more time with him than originally planned. And as much as Fyodor hates abilities and believes they are a sin, he could notnot notice all Chuuya’s good qualities. Even rushing that mission to destroy some building, when he knew it was possible Chuuya wouldn’t survive, was mostly because Fyodor wanted to push him away. And to push his feelings away. He knew he was growing fond of Chuuya and if he didn’t stop that soon, he might grow some conscience.
Unfortunately for him, it was too late. And thus, we go back again to the train station stabbing. For all intents and purposes, the most beneficial thing for Fyodor to do was to kill Chuuya right there and there. With Chuuya dead he would have been able to leave with Atsushi, find the Book and leave Dazai broken after his love’s death and Mafia without its most powerful weapon.
Fyodor just couldn’t bring himself to do that.
4. Extra - unused sequel idea.
This has nothing to do with any unexplained plot points but, yeah, there was a sequel idea. A few actually. But let’s go with the one that has most sense.
At the train station, after Soukoku leave, only Atsushi stays there to keep an eye on Fyodor while Loki searcher through his memories for the Book.
Unbeknownst to Atsushi, while Locke goes through Fyodor’s memories, he finds something very interesting. A memory of Fyodor who looks like he’s talking to his mirror reflection but his words are directed at Loki. And with a smile on his face, Fyodor informs Loki that the Book can change reality, he can destroy people and give them life. There is already a person created by the Book. From nothing! So, it is not entirely unbelievable to assume that it could bring somebody to life. Like, let’s say, a certain red headed girl.
If Loki helps Fyodor escape, he will be able to bring Hela back to life.
Locke loves his daughter very much, so obviously, he agrees. And instead of lead to season 3 when Fyodor escapes, he get an Agency/Mafia vs Fyodor/Locke story.
This is not happening but it was a nice idea.
And this time, this is really it! There is nothing more left for me to say, Rivalsis done!
Thank you so much for reading it, some of you were here for years, some joined only a few month ago, some will find this story in the future, but I thank you all the same! I would have never gotten this far without you. You are all very precious to me. I hope to see you soon, when @kkfil-soukoku starts updating.
And now, for a couple of unrelated announcements:
Merch design is going great. I have all die cut stickers and the second charm already finished, and most of them is already published on Kofi for supporters. Also, the Rivalssticker page is all drafted. Support me on Kofi to view them all and to get an extra sticker with your order: https://ko-fi.com/hayatepl
After Kiss Kiss Fall in <Love3 comic is done, I will be working on an original idea, to be published on Webtoons/Tapas. It’s going to be a supernatural adventure story featuring a witch, a warrior and a dragon, set in modern times. For more info when that happens, follow me on @hayateartand@sylvankaart
And instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sylvankaart/ [Yes, it’s all SylvankaArt, I thought it would make it easier to remember. As for tumblr HayateArt blog will remain my fanblog for fanart but all original posts will be published on SylvankaArt.]
And now, this is…what if they did get back together, but issues were never addressed and things never worked out? What if they decide to step out of it…together? Well, that’s all just conjecture, but it does make for the bad ending, alright.
For this one, the dance is a bit strange and the lyrics (as in the English closed captions) are relatively important.
Hayate: other clip, first time seeing it here today as well. Thank you @dsknsk for creating these masterpieces!
Aaand, we’re done. Our boys are happy with their lives, with what they share with each other and, if they really cared, they would probably find some good uses for the Book, but at the moment, they’re thinking of some other stuff.
Next Monday I am going to post Author’s Notes that will hopefully clear some stuff up that wasn’t properly addressed in the comic because I either didn’t have the time or it didn’t fit. You know, stuff like why did we actually let Fyodor live, how far Chuuya’s feeling for Fyodor go, how far Fyodor’s feelings for Chuuya go, etc.
The Master and Margarita case has already been addressed, however, if there are any other points in the story that make you scratch your head or you think are questionable, don’t hesitate to send me an ask!
As for Kiss Kiss Fall in <Love3 comic that will be posted on @kkfil-soukoku it’s going to be at least a month until anything there goes live and also the schedule will be different so watch out for that! [Earlier updates for Kofi supporters still apply, as well as some extra content, however it is possible I will stop using Kofi after the comic is done]
As for comments for this update, I will be answering them in comments as well :)
I think you have your answer :)
I’m not spoiling you, i think you deserved a treat for staying with me for so long :)
I had a few ideas for the epilogue, but in the end I decided that letting them find the Book and realizing they like their lives as they are was probably the best :)
Lets say this takes place a few month, maybe even a couple of years after the events of Rivals [or after the manga, under condition both Dazai and Chuuya survive in the canon.]
Lets say this takes place a few month, maybe even a couple of years after the events of Rivals [or after the manga, under condition both Dazai and Chuuya survive in the canon.]
EDIT: It was supposed to go up tomorrow… I swear I pressed schedule… god…
Well, enjoy early update!
Thank you so much ❤ I’m so happy you enjoyed the story. And know I keep repeating myself, we all keep repeating ourselves, but they do deserve happiness!
[Sorry for double comment but I had over 10 pics in the post]
@poof-magicpewpew
Soukoku are always so cute together. I don’t understand how they are not canon.
[Though, Bones probably do what they can considering the official art…]
First of all, all the prompts are finished and posted on @hayateart [in case you’re waiting here, go over there!] The challenge I set for myself was not to spend more than 2 hours on any picture and, well, because of that they probably don’t look as good as they should, but at least I managed to finish everything within the deadline.
There is also an actual update here [aside from prompts.]
After the comic is over I will be taking a break. The prompts made me realize, it was not only an art block stopping me from drawing. I am actually tired. Ever since this comic started, i don’t think I had more that a day a month of proper rest. I am starting my 4 work block tomorrow [4 days of 12 hour shifts] and I haven’t rested at all these last 4 days off. I need a holiday.
Don’t worry, the comic is finished and will update as scheduled. I will be also posting and Author’s Notes post on June 21, that will hopefully clarify some things. So, if there are any questions you feel you need answered, don’t hesitate to send me an ask! I will include everything in the post.
The possible merch if it happens, will happen in July. The poll, which you can find here:
Yes, there’s nothing there yet, but there will be. I am planning a different posting schedule for that comic, so watch out for that.
Other than that, I think that’s it.
TL;DR: prompts are all filled on @hayateart and after Rivals I’m taking a break or I will die, but the rest of the comic will be posted as scheduled.
Bye bye, see you on Monday, I hope you’re having a fantastic weekend!
[I think I will just reread Tsubasa Chronicle. KuroFai is one of my 3 main long term anime ships - along with Soukoku, obviously, and Xellos/Filia. And I still haven’t read Tsubasa World Chronicle. It’s as good of an excuse as any to read it now.]
[EDIT: It’s Alex’ birthday today, I’m so tired I forgot ]
I put the final prices and some more info in case those who already filled the questionare would like to find out more.
Want to join the Discord or follow me on Kofi? All the useful links are in the Masterpost! Early access to pages for Kofi supporters every Friday and extra content every Monday.
They do, oh, they do.
I know, I messed up with it. I’m glad the explanation cleared some things up.
You know they can be soft at least with each other.
Crying is good for the soul, let it all out.
We all love them and it was the high time to let them have their happy times!
Sometimes you need someone to hold you and sometimes you need to hold someone. They have each other!
At this point it feels like we are repeating the same stuff here but - consent is important! So even if you skipped last 3 pages, you still get consent talk.
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It feels like the whole point if this chapter was just showing how much people care about Chuuya and Dazai and how much they care for each other.
There are hundreds of Soukoku fics where their relationship is bordering on toxic. I’m here for the soft parts [and angst but love hurts. and is fluffy]
They are meant for each other.
[so this was a long one that didn’t fit in tumblr window. sorry for the small font]
Consent is definitely sexy. I cannot imagine anything more enticing than the knowledge that your partner wants you as much as you want them. it must be so intoxicating!
Generally, in Chuuya’s life people used him for his power and for what he could do for them. To some point Chuuya accepts it as a part of life [the best example here would be the Mafia. Chuuya is an executive but for Mori he is also a powerful weapon].
Dazai wants to show him that this point of view cannot always be accepted and Chuuya deserves better.
Yasss, some hugging, some loving, all the good stuff.
‘Yeah *she says guiltily*.
The Master and Margarita was one of the subjects I wanted to cover in Author’s Notes that I will be posting after we finish the comic but since you asked, may as well do it now.
First of all, yes, the subject should have definitely been covered in the main story and it is entirely my fault it wasn’t. However, when I got to this part, I realized it should have been covered way sooner than the last chapter.
This is going to be a long rant but a short version would be I probably didn’t explain well enough why Fyodor used it and how it relates to his relationship with Chuuya.
Long version is, well, complicated.
From the characters point of view, Fyodor didn’t actually need to use The Master and Margarita on Chuuya. He himself is smart and manipulative enough, that he would be able to control an amnesic Chuuya without any enhancements. The reason he even hired Bulgakov and his troupe was because of Hela. Hela was his connection to Dumas and Locke. She gave him the information he needed to get Dumas’ blood and cause Locke to erase Chuuya’s memories. Later, she betrayed him [still part of the plan] so that Chuuya could land in Agency’s hands, where he had a chance at grabbing Atsushi.
The main reason Fyodor actually even used The Master and Margarita was to cause Dazai more distress [you may remember how panicked he was once he found out about Bulgakovs ability.]
Ultimately, while the ability made Chuuya easier to control, it wasn’t actually a necessity. It looked important because from Dazai’s point of view it could be tragic in consequences, but in reality it didn’t play much role.
That’s why I said it should have been addressed earlier, preferably in Dazai’s flat after Chuuya got his memories back, when Dazai still wasn’t entirely sure about his loyalties. As I said before, main reason for using Bulgakov was to get Dumas and Locke involved, and scare Dazai, but a bonus was convincing Chuuya that Fyodor’s views on abilities are correct - abilities are a sin, and sinners must be destroyed. Of course, once the ability was nullified, that effect slowly disappeared. However, Chuuya may still hold some of Fyodor’s convictions.
The Master and Margarita was never used with intent of getting Chuuya to have sex with Fyodor. That was pure manipulation on Fyodor’s part - 'if you’re loyal to me, you will do it.’ Of course, the ability probably influenced Chuuya’s behavior but ultimately sex was coerced through different means.
From mine, as in the author’s, point of view - I wanted Chuuya’s experience to be more relatable and also using mind control as an explanation for Fyoya would be getting rid of problem way too.
I think I mentioned before, but one of my friends was in sort of a similar abusive relationship and as I got to this part, it felt as if enforcing sex with ability would somehow cheapen the real trauma. If the source of the traume was the mind control, than yeah, sure, that is one terrifying thing to imagine that someone may control you this way. However, it was mostly about physical intimacy and how Chuuya was allowing himself to be used by Fyodor to gain his favor.
At that point if we said 'you were controlled by an ability’ would be like saying 'you had no choice, therefore don’t feel any guilt about it.’ An Chuuya, being the way he is might have thought that either a: he should have known better anyway and wouldn’t listen to Dazai, or b: decide that yes, it was all because of an ability, not my fault at all [*happy sexy times with Dazai ensue*]
Not mixing in The Master and Margarita into this conversation/situation actually makes it more tragic and in this case more relatable. Fyodor was using him but Chuuya is struggling with the fact that he allowedit. He could have refused. Nothing was stopping him. Nothing except for his need to be accepted by Fyodor. This seems more like real life to me.
That’s why I didn’t mention Bulgakov’s ability in this situation. I should have put it in sooner. I will know better in the future [hopefully.] I hope this answer satisfies you and clears some things.
Consent is important. Even better when it’s enthusiatic consent.
Also, yes, I know, it should be ‘with whom’ in that last panel. I actually spent 5 minutes debating whether Chuuya should use 'who’ or 'whom’. Considering it’s a common mistake and the way Chuuya grew up, and his current state of distress, I decided he wouldn’t care much for the correct grammar.
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It would be so nice if neither of them ever got hurt again. I wish them all the happiness in the world.
He is ಥ_ಥ
Self worth takes a huge dip when the person who convinced you they were your lover just stabs you. Dazai knows better though, and he will make Chuuya does too.
Please, wait! There is still an epilogue!
They are both trying. Fyodor… well, Dazai needed a few years of actively trying to be a good person to get to this point. Fyodor would probably need some more.
So this is the second page of the conversation about Fyoya. Dazai and Chuuya are talking through the subject like propers adults in a healthy relationship should.
Dazai is naturally worried about Chuuya while Chuuya is naturally worried about Dazai. They both want to make the other comfortable and if that is not love I don’t know what is.
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YES! I completely agree! They need to know they are on the same page here. They need to uphold their trust in each other. They need to be open.
If Soukoku is the best partnership on the battlefield, then let us carry that over to the bedroom and make them the perfect partners in life as well.
So, are we drafting for the army now? Nice.
Yup. And I’m sure Chuuya slept with some other people as well. but somehow, Fyodor and the circumstances around his relationship with Chuuya carry different weight.
Technoblade really said “ay imma square up with an elder guardian” and i thought “well he did beat quackity while he only had an iron pickaxe” then i remembered the elder guardian was actually good at pvp :)
