A Different Type Of Case

Important Tags (A List)

#Testimonial Evidence -> Random Rambles

#Relevant Evidence -> Writings

#Physical Evidence -> Art (drawings & sketches)

#Documentations -> Answered Asks

#Pancake Detective -> Personal Goro Akechi Tag, usually gushes but can also be random stuff, as long as it's related to Goro.

# 🥞📚 -> Ship Tag, mostly used for Goro & me but it can also be him and my sona

#Dancing Birds & #Lukanjakechi -> Ship tags, used for Goro and my P5 Sona

#The Jonkler -> Akiren / Joker (P5) Tag (Platonic F/O)

Band Of Thieves [Name] -> Other Phantom Thieves Tag (Platonic F/Os)

Tag list may update over time!

A quick reminder as I was asked what my stance on cc x cc is with Goro specifically...

Yet there was always something lingering and they hated to admit to it. And it had happened in the morning, when he for once got up (not on time, as if that guy would ever be on time) and was about to leave for his work at the detective agency. Ann had to hold back their hands. They were trembling, vibrating, about to move. And why? Because the realization hit that he was going to be away for most of the day and they were stuck here, or at least away from the building where the Armed Detective Agency resided. The café was right in the same building, the first floor, yet they didn't have a shift assigned today. If they had, they would see him probably around lunch if not all the time until Kunikida would show up , grab that lazy bum by the back of his neck and drag Dazai upstairs… All while his body was hitting the stairs each time. And while he was whining he never looked to be sorry either. If he was, he would change his behavior after all. But he didn’t. There was never an attempt honestly…

It should be fine. Ann should breathe deeply in and out, knowing that they would be spared for the day. And yet they… Weren’t. If they hadn’t controlled it then their hands would have reached out and grabbed his sleeve, as if encouraging his behavior to slack off. A part of their brain wanted to beg, ask ‘Stay a little longer’. Their lips had trembled too. Because they knew that they wouldn’t see him until afternoon… Or evening, if he was going to stay the regular work time. And they hated this feeling, being apart for this time. And they didn’t know why. It shouldn’t be like this. 

They didn’t always feel this pathetic. But somehow, they were. It wasn’t something which was lasting for forever but they were like this in their mind. It felt stupid. It was a vast contrast to what would escape their lips, a contradiction in its very nature. Well, they were a walking contradiction when it came to Dazai in particular and they weren’t denying it to themself. Saying it out loud though? They would rather die, explode on the spot, combust if you will. Whatever, just make them vanish into nothingness! They hadn’t reached that stage yet! 

Kind of… There were always attempts to say it out loud, that one line… But they still couldn’t. And it was getting ridiculous. Maybe that’s why things had felt so stagnant between them, nothing changing. The same old routine, the same behavior. And that’s why Ann said the same thing to themself. The same line which was eating them up inside…

“I cannot stand you! And yet, I also cannot stand to be away from you!”

Truly the worst… Dazai is toying with them yet another irony? He didn’t know it. He was unaware. One would think that he was aware but he wasn’t. Maybe that’s also why it made them torn. Even now, instead of moving the pencil across the paper in front of them it was at a standstill. Their focus was long lost from the story they had wanted to write. Now their mind was just focused on one thing and one alone, one person… And it made their breath hitch, pencil shaking in place before the pencil lead would suddenly crack. Said crack snapped them out of their trance and made them look down, right at the letters… 

Yeah, they were stuck. Not because they didn’t know how to proceed but rather because the irritating thoughts were back. It was as if his absence was causing them all types of problems, more than when he was around. Maybe they were just scared… His past haunting him or being on a mission which would be the end of his days… They were too worried. It was making them sick. Even though they should expect this. Worrying about him was truly the worst. All because they had to realize that they just cannot stand to be away from him. Again… Yeah. His antics were the worst but even more so that he was not even close. Love is stupid. Feelings are confusing. They had picked the worst person to fall in love with. They knew but by now they couldn’t stop it. It was a curse. 

But they could shove these thoughts aside when they heard the door open. And just like that all worries would be washed away. A simple phrase which always puts them at ease. And the familiar voice saying it in that annoyingly upbeat tone, as if nothing had happened. Alright, to be fair, nothing had really happened except Ann’s inner turmoil. And no one but them was aware of it. So there was no one at fault, no one but them. And when it hit their ears? They cracked a smile. It was small, barely visible, but a smile nonetheless. It lasted a second, if that, but it was there. Just don’t mention it or they will sink into the ground and never reappear from it. ‘This is a secret, at least for now.’

Anyways…

“I’m home!”

Yeah, that’s Dazai. And he returned. Another day where Ann could be assured that they won’t be separated for the time being.

A happy end for the time being.

But what was going on right now? As said before, they were currently complaining about something which made them pause halfway through. To think back on it he had seen them not just around the school campus but also on the way to school they were surrounded by all types of students. Even those from the mere Reverse Course had dared to approach them out of nowhere. He could have interfered but in the end it was not any of his business. It wasn’t jealousy, of course not. Though those students didn’t know just how lucky they were, that someone like them was even allowing them to come closer. Ah… Yeah, he is aware how he sounds, jealous beyond belief, driven by selfish desire to stay close to them.

But it was the truth, jealousy wasn’t a part of it. After all, he had the same privilege as them, except it was more often, given Nagito and Ann were classmates. Not just that but the moments within as well, like the empty classroom where he was alone with them. So that wasn’t an issue. Not even what they were asking the Ultimate Novelist… As ironic as it was. And that’s kind of what they aware complaining about, to the point that they had stopped moving their pen and left their papers unattended as well. Instead they made use of their mouth. Everyone sought them out for one specific topic… The topic of love.

Nagito wasn’t even going to pretend that he was an expert on it. He was anything but that and maybe that was one of the most obvious things anybody could conclude about him. Was he even worthy of something like that? Fate is a cruel mistress and she was telling him everything he needed to know. The answer was therefore obvious to him when looking back on his own life like that. So all he could do was read up on it, get a feel for it that way. And one of those sources had been Ann’s very own novels.

Even before meeting them he had a bit of a fascination with those writings. There was always something about them which made him cling onto them. They may deny it but he saw beneath the surface, how hope filled they all were. It wasn’t just mere escapism, no, they may as well be scriptures of hope. The protagonists were always put into situations which seemed to put them into a corner, despair inducing… Yet in the end they would always prevail. They would come out victorious, overcoming whatever hurdle was on their way. And he was savoring every single word, no, letter of these scriptures. It made him believe that maybe someone like him could have a chance in life too. Though most would treat these writings as mere escapism. 

And when he had talked about it to the author themself? They were just rolling their eyes. “It’s called suffering and it builds character, nothing more.” They claimed. “Who would read a story with no steaks in them? It’s that simple.” Even they couldn’t see it. But that’s fine, there was still value found in those words. And besides, they were a source of topics like love. In fact, they were dabbling a lot into one specific genre altogether, or always had a subplot involving it… Romance. It was always at least somewhat relevant, a topic they pretty much frequented in their works. It’s always present in some shape or form. So it was only self explanatory that they would be approached about these things.

And yet they always looked a little uneasy, at least somewhat, as if they didn’t know what to say. They always excused themself very quickly and running off too. And now they had spent some time complaining about these circumstances, how people just wouldn’t stop asking them about it and it frustrated them. And he was just listening to it until it had slipped out, how great this was that others sought them out. And that’s how they got to the complaint in the beginning. They were staring him down now, furrowed brows and sharp glare. It wasn’t too scary but a little intimidating, to say the least. It made him reel backwards in his seat, nearly falling off. Luck has shown him a bit of mercy today though, or at least for now.

“Why not? You seem to be very reliable when it comes to things like this.” Nagito tried to assure them, smile not fading despite the circumstances. 

Ann however rolled their eyes, gaze even sharper. “Excuse me? I’m a novelist, not some stupid dating coach.” They sighed, one hand resting against one of their cheeks as they were pouting ever so slightly. “Are you seriously agreeing with them because of my writing?”

“W… Well…” Yeah, pretty much. Not like he had any better reference to begin with, nor did he have any experience. 

“Fiction isn’t reality! I don’t know how stuff like that actually works!” They countered before he could even say anything else. They even stood up, slamming their hands against the table, palms facing down. “Writing is fiction! It’s a fantasy! What the hell do I know about romance!?” It was so loud that it finally got to the lucky student, though it was ironic. 

He moved back far enough that the chair started to lose its balance and before knowing it he fell down, right onto his back while sitting on it. His head hit the ground shortly after, the back hurting for a short moment. The next thing he heard while sitting up was Ann’s voice, a shift from annoyed to concern. “K… Komaeda!? Are you ok!?” The next thing he saw was them suddenly off their own seat, right next to him and kneeling down, a hint of panic in their voice. Ah, he worries them… Shame on him.

Yet he laughed it off quickly as he rubbed the back of his head. It stung so bad yet he laughed it off regardless. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just my luck.” He assured them as he got up on his own. Waiting and accepting their offer to help him would feel wrong. So he got onto his two feet on his own before there was even a chance of that occurring. “But you just said that you lack experience?”

They got up as well, nodding as they quickly got back on track, still looking at him however. “Yeah, pretty much. Do I seem like someone who has dated someone before?”

“I don’t know.” He shrugged.

“Are you– No, you usually don’t lie.” They responded. “Never dated in my life before. I don’t know anything about it. I wish people would stop coming to me for that.” 

For some reason it was leaving him a little stunned as well. It sounded so bizarre, given how vivid their descriptions were in regards to the topic – The heart pounding, the kisses and even the insecurities. It sounded believable. At least that’s how he imagined things to go as well. He didn’t know and it’s not as if anyone would go out with someone like him anyways. So he wasn’t holding his breath. He wasn’t worthy of an experience like this, unless it was going to help someone gather experience in that field. But that wasn’t really because he deserved this, more so a duty he would have to fulfill. But he didn’t mind it in any way. But wait… 

“Say, do you need help having a reference?” The idea shot into his head at random. It probably sounded absurd yet his mouth was already doing the talking. “If you were to gather actual experience with dating, that might improve your work, wouldn’t it?” Yeah, it was a suggestion to help them become even better at their talent. That’s all this was. 

The novelist and his classmate was looking at him, stunned into silence for a few more seconds before responding in some way. “What are you talking about?”

“Having moments to reference this feeling… Wouldn’t that make your work even more lifelike? Capturing the human experience in your own words… Didn’t you say it before? You can only write about what you know best.”

“I mean I did say that but–”

Before they could finish their words though he grabbed both of their hands and clapped them together. All while his own were cornering them from both sides. All while Nagito suddenly had a beaming smile, so wide that his lips nearly went to the corners of his face. “Then allow me! I’ll help you in any way I can!”

They looked at him, startled once more, or so it looked like. “Wha–”

“I know that I’m not worthy and I’m not asking you to care. I don’t expect you to. But please, use me in any way you want!” The thought of it honestly made him excited. He could feel his own heartbeat rising. This feeling… Ah, this was exciting in its own way! He kinda wanted to be of assistance now, very badly. Making an Ultimate’s talent flourish… A symbol of hope itself… “I will do anything you say! So don’t hold back! I will not complain!”

“Woha! Slow down!” Ann interrupted him, voice a little shaky now. “I didn’t even say that was necessary!”

All of a sudden his smile faded, his expression, while not fully disappointed, became more confused instead. “It’s not?”

“No, it’s not! I’m doing fine, aren’t I?”

“Of course! Otherwise you wouldn’t be the Ultimate Novelist.” Wait, did it sound as if he was doubting their abilities? No, that wasn’t his intention at all! “I didn’t mean to question that. Forgive me… All I wanted to say was–”

“I didn’t say that I felt insulted either!” Ann corrected him. He saw their cheeks catching color yet he couldn’t put two and two together. It was just more and more confusing the longer the two talked. “I just mean that you don’t need to bother. I’ll be fine.”

Oh, that’s all? Why did that sound so… Disappointing? Like, actually disappointing? Somehow it was crushing him deep down and his chest was aching. Or maybe he was imagining it? Yeah, probably actually. “Are you sure?”

They nodded, gaze wandering to the side for even just a moment. “Yeah, I am. Really. So just… Just focus on your own thing, alright?”

Their stubbornness was showing. But when wasn’t it? But he couldn’t do much about that. If that’s what they wanted, he wasn’t going to push it. “If you say so.” He said. “But I won’t take it back. If you ever need to gather experience in any way, come to me. I will take on any role you want me to.”

“D… Don’t sound so eager about it!” They scolded him though as their face was being all colorful. Somehow it was fun to look at. Wait, was Nagito allowed to be amused about this? “Also can you let go of my hands already?”

“Huh? Your ha-” Oh, right, he totally forgot about him clutching onto them. “Haha, I didn’t mean to. Sorry.”

But who knew that someone like Ann had no experience in the field they were writing in. It was ironic but also showcased how amazing they were. Ultimates truly are something else. So Nagito has to do his best to support them, no matter what!

In the anime and game both versions of Goro share the same story and plot beats but the execution is what breaks it for me. The way they handle him give him a different feel, not much of a hint of him wearing a mask in public. It makes his reveal jarring. In the game it always felt that something is up as he is full on 'Detective Prince' mode. In the anime he feels too geniuene which makes the reveal of him being the traitor and also a rather frustrated if not insane guy fall flat. And while in P5 I didn't find him being the traitor really subtle (at least I managed to tell from moment 1) there was built up to it. In the anime there isn't really any of that. It just suddenly happens in episode 26.

Ok maybe I miss the context from Vanilla P5 because I only played P5R but it still feels off. I know that Goro was an automatic Confidant and that had issues on its own but even if I take that into account, some nuance is just lost and the twist just comes out of nowhere. They even cut some lines in the first tv special (/ tv movie as it's 1 hour long) which add more context to his characterization which are necessary. Otherwise you just get a different character altogether.