THIS. This fic utterly floored me. It's beautiful. It's just SO BEAUTIFUL.
While I love the Aiba/Nino focus (YES SO. GOOD.) and will get back to that later, I have to say that what I love most is the way that you bring in each Arashi member (and Satomi!!!) into this universe. Each one is important and connected to helping Nino grow, and that's the real 'love story' here. I love that Sweets Club exists in this universe, too!
"Nino-sensei said to leave the grafted parts alone, but clip anything natural that has reached, ummm, two centimeters in length, like this--oh, you are quite handsome, thank you for your contribution to science. Did you know, together we're going to reduce the effects of--oh my, is this long enough, too? Let's measure, ah! Just under, you can keep that one for now. But you're working so hard, your soil looks a bit dry. Nino-sensei said to measure the water and mark it down, because consistency is key, so let's just check in this binder here... you are due for water, my dear! Now where did that pencil go?"
Can I just say that Aiba tending to the plants was the most charming thing ever? Who wouldn't fall in love with him?
"Yay," Ohno said softly. He carefully examined each muffin, apparently trying to find the best one, then solemnly held one out to Nino. Just as solemnly, Nino reached for it. He stilled as he caught sight of Aiba, past Ohno by the door to the lab.
...
"This is a delicious, very special, certainly worthy of company muffin, Ohno-san."
And Ohno as a slightly surly housekeeper ahhhhhh. I can just imagine his cute little spiky hair pushed back with a headband. And the company muffins! The company muffins!
I have to say, I didn't see the Sho/Jun thing coming at all, but I love how it developed in the background. The way it all developed towards Nino being warmly surrounded by all of his wonderful friends was so satisfying and sweet.
Nino's manner/personality is so realistically portrayed, and he's trying so hard to grow - and you can see how he emerges and works hard throughout the whole fic. It's so gradual, and it's seen so naturally through his own thoughts and interactions with the others. I also love that they accept him as he is.
Finally! Nino falling for Aiba was just heartwrenching and beautiful, and since everything is through Nino's POV, we just get these little glimpses of how strongly Aiba feels for Nino. The two of them in love is a beautiful thing, and thank you so, so much for writing this! I'm super excited for dirtbaguette to read this, because I know she is going to adore it, and I can't wait to talk about all of our favourite parts together!
no subject
While I love the Aiba/Nino focus (YES SO. GOOD.) and will get back to that later, I have to say that what I love most is the way that you bring in each Arashi member (and Satomi!!!) into this universe. Each one is important and connected to helping Nino grow, and that's the real 'love story' here. I love that Sweets Club exists in this universe, too!
"Nino-sensei said to leave the grafted parts alone, but clip anything natural that has reached, ummm, two centimeters in length, like this--oh, you are quite handsome, thank you for your contribution to science. Did you know, together we're going to reduce the effects of--oh my, is this long enough, too? Let's measure, ah! Just under, you can keep that one for now. But you're working so hard, your soil looks a bit dry. Nino-sensei said to measure the water and mark it down, because consistency is key, so let's just check in this binder here... you are due for water, my dear! Now where did that pencil go?"
Can I just say that Aiba tending to the plants was the most charming thing ever? Who wouldn't fall in love with him?
"Yay," Ohno said softly. He carefully examined each muffin, apparently trying to find the best one, then solemnly held one out to Nino. Just as solemnly, Nino reached for it. He stilled as he caught sight of Aiba, past Ohno by the door to the lab.
...
"This is a delicious, very special, certainly worthy of company muffin, Ohno-san."
And Ohno as a slightly surly housekeeper ahhhhhh. I can just imagine his cute little spiky hair pushed back with a headband. And the company muffins! The company muffins!
I have to say, I didn't see the Sho/Jun thing coming at all, but I love how it developed in the background. The way it all developed towards Nino being warmly surrounded by all of his wonderful friends was so satisfying and sweet.
Nino's manner/personality is so realistically portrayed, and he's trying so hard to grow - and you can see how he emerges and works hard throughout the whole fic. It's so gradual, and it's seen so naturally through his own thoughts and interactions with the others. I also love that they accept him as he is.
Finally! Nino falling for Aiba was just heartwrenching and beautiful, and since everything is through Nino's POV, we just get these little glimpses of how strongly Aiba feels for Nino. The two of them in love is a beautiful thing, and thank you so, so much for writing this! I'm super excited for