Arashi: 13 out of 26

[primroseshows]

AN EXPLANATION IS NEEDED FOR THIS STORY: so I actually wrote this way back last August (holy crap has it really been that long?), in the middle of Arashi's 10th year anniversary activities, because I kept on thinking about how Nino has spent over half of his life in Johnny's. I got the fic beta'd by the always wonderful aeslis, and then I was like, "Okay

Comments

[astrangerenters]

It's a shame you didn't post this sooner because I found myself enjoying it quite a bit. I read this and there was never one moment where I didn't believe I was reading Nino. Because he's not an emo kid. He's got stuff to struggle with, but he just accepts the life he's living. There are ups and downs, and even though he can get a bit prickly, he comes across as a person who is happy or at least content with his life. I was really reminded a lot of his Jounetsu Tairiku documentary, what motivates him, what he thinks about life as an idol.

I love all of the game metaphors and how Arashi each takes care of him and nags him and how it's reciprocated no matter who is having a rougher go at the time. You can really feel their friendship and understanding of each other.

[primroseshows]

;A;

You-- I just-- *sputters* Thank you so so much! Wow I really was not expecting such an in depth comment to this, and I really don't know what to tell you, other than thanks. I was definitely iffy about the characterization and to hear that you didn't have difficulty believing it was Nino was really gratifying. tbh I thought a lot about the documentary too, when I was writing this; I remember that the first time I watched it, I was surprised that Nino was just so nonchalant about everything. He just rolls through life, without too much bothering him. But he's human too, right? He has to worry about himself sometimes. So that's sort of what I was trying to express with this fic.

Your comment is amazing, thank you so much for reading and leaving me your thoughts. ♥

[astrangerenters]

Oh, you're welcome. I read your paragraph about how unsure you were about posting this and it confused me since this was some of the most Nino-as-far-as-Nino-shows-us characterization that I've read in a long time. But at the same time, we fic writer types are our own harshest critics. I could tell you to not be so worried, but I'd be a hypocrite (like Jun in your story, as Nino is so kind to mention).

Nino's life outlook is just so different. At least it's very different from my own. Again, what we see on TV and in interviews is Nino-as-far-as-Nino-shows-us, but everything that was written here was so consistent with what I've watched/read of him that it was kind of eerie. In a gooood way, mind.

So thank YOU for posting something that was a bit scary for you to do. I'm also curious as to why you thought it was so vastly different from your usual stuff (since I haven't found an Arashi story of yours I didn't like!)

[primroseshows]

fucking dying, "Nino-as-far-as-Nino-shows-us" is such a perfect description of the trouble I have with trying to make "realistic" characterization of Arashi. I mean, they work in show business, so of course they're not exactly the way they portray themselves on TV, like when you hear that Aiba is really much quieter than his on-stage self. Writing them that way though, is up to a lot of speculation. This fic was actually a lot more depressing in the first draft, by my beta told me that she didn't agree with that, so I made it a bit more... not happy, per se, but more optimistic, I guess?

I guess that sort of ties in with why I thought this was different from my usual style. I write a lot of humour and/or plot, and this had neither. I'm not too good with prose and making words sound good, if you know what I mean. And if I write internal monologue, it's more like, "oh my god oh my god what is happpening" play-by-play stream of consciousness, rather than taking-a-step-back-and-reflecting-on-stuff thought processes. I wanted to see if I

[all4cyanide]

"I mean, how do you like the feeling of dying?" Nino clarifies, and Aiba blinks at him, caught off guard.
This particular line really struck a chord within me. It as if that is something that Nino really would think and feel. It's completely relatable in any aspect of a busy life. Hmm... something to think on. :)

I really loved this. It was simple and touching. I love fics that focus on what one person is thinking and feeling through a particular part of life. So I think your uneasiness when it comes to this fic is total unnecessary. I loved it. Not that my opinion matters too much, but I enjoyed it. I truly appreciate you sharing it. ^^

[primroseshows]

Of course your option matters! :) I'm very grateful to have it. And I'm even more grateful to hear that you liked it, you have no idea what a relief it is. lmao the uneasiness was perhaps a bit too much, in retrospect, but this type of writing really isn't my strength, so. T___T Haha, okay /emo

Thank you again for reading and commenting. I truly appreciate it too. :)

[anoudegozaruna]

This is so Nino. In my mind, he's always the most realistic and analytic member. I can't even describe it but this whole thing just screams Nino. And I loved, loved, loved all the different member interactions.

To be honest, throughout the whole thing, there was that voice in the back of my mind saying, "I thought Nino had sciatica..." XD Just ignore me.

[primroseshows]

I totally had to google sciatica, lol. Do you think that's what he has? I remember he had to get surgery during Door to Door filming, but I forget for what. Anyway, carrying himself in that posture for so long couldn't have been good for his body. :|

LOL okay getting off track.

Thank you so much for reading, bb! ♥ You always know what to say to put a smile on my face. I think he's really realistic and analytical too, but he very rarely reveals that inner depth he seems to have. OH NINO.

[lianne29]

I like this. It's introspective and I can definitely picture Nino. As a fan, I sometimes wonder what the guys think about the things that Arashi is experiencing right now.
I'm glad that you finally posted it. ^_^

[primroseshows]

Thank you so much! I'm relieved I finally posted this too, it kept nagging at me, haha.

[maiaide]

Prim, you sneaky devil! You never told me you were writing something and keeping it hidden.

I loved it. It's fresh and not like your style, but very much is at the same time. It's very insightful (as much as fic can be) and we could all probably learn a lot from it. Life sneaks up on you and even I've had that moment. You're working towards something and then all of a sudden you're there, but you didn't even know that's where you were going. It's kind of trippy.

Awesome job, girl. :)

[primroseshows]

LMAO I'm the very opposite of sneaky. I didn't mean to keep it hidden, I just really didn't know what to do with it, it was just SITTING there, and I didn't have the guts to post it, so what really could I say about it? :/ Really mixed feelings about this one, I suppose.

Aaah, but I am so very glad you liked this! I tried to go a bit beyond my usual silliness; it was hard. x__x

Thank you so much for reading and commenting, bb! ♥