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stillness-in-green · 2 months ago

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What do you think about Horikoshi ending the manga without a canon couple? Do you ship or used to ship MHA characters? Did you see romantic potential? Do you think Horikoshi might confirm a couple later?

No canon couple? Au contraire, my dear anon! The manga ended with the most important canonization of all!

(Everybody give a huge hand to The Only Hets Who Matter, Gentle and La Brava; they deserve it.)

As to the ships people actually care about or were expecting some word on (e.g. the stuff with the students), my reaction there is overwhelmingly “lol gj hori”. I’m glad he ended it with no canon student couple to speak of! While I do sympathize with the position of certain people on Twitter who contend that Ochaco’s arc about repression really needed her to actually confess to Deku, I hated what her crush on Deku did to her arc anyway, so I don’t have it in me to be too annoyed. Anyway, I don’t think it’s possible to do the Iron Might 2.0 part of the epilogue if Deku and Ochaco[1] have been dating the entire time, so I’m perfectly happy to run with the headcanon that she did confess at one point and it didn’t work out for whatever reason, so by the time the last chapter rolls around, they’ve just been friends for years.

1: Or Bakugou, for that matter, but with all due respect to the BakuDekus who haven’t been seeing Shonen Jump battle manga come and go for twenty years with nary a confirmed gay MC amongst them, that was never in the cards.

I remember posting once ages ago about a Japanese fan’s hope that Horikoshi, who the fan perceived as being at least somewhat progressive about women, could manage to end the series without a bunch of timeskip romances showing up at the last minute. While I have some deep reservations about Hori’s progressive cred at this point in time, and am not tremendously impressed with his writing of women, either, credit where credit is due: he did end the series without any timeskip romances.

As to there being any confirmation of couples in the material we have remaining, I imagine the last train station[2] for that is going to be the final volume release in December, as, on top of the usual volume extras, Horikoshi should be considerably more free to include expansions that his schedule and exhaustion kept him from in the weekly publication. I could even see a bonus chapter of some sort, maybe something post-epilogue so we can see the power suit in action or something silly and fourth wall-breaking to celebrate the series conclusion. There’s also going to be one last fanbook released in January, which I have been assuming will be a data book like Ultra Archive.

2: Or harbor, I suppose, since we’re talking about ships.

Now, do I think any of that stuff will confirm ships? Eh, that’s not really in my analytical wheelhouse. The farthest I’d venture to guess is that I would a) not be surprised to get some clarification on Deku and Ochaco, and b) definitely peg the volume release to have material like that over squirreling it away in the fanbook.

For myself, my shipping habits are somewhat erratic—it’s not really where my primary engagement in media lies, and certainly not for this series! But that’s not to say I don’t have ships, or that I’m not happy to talk about them, so if you’re curious about that, do feel free to hit the jump. I’ll order them by general sphere first, then by how passionate I am about them compared to ones I just think are kinda cute or funny for whatever reason.

DISCLAIMER: While I have not explicitly stated as much here before, I am a 40-year-old asexual proshipper, proshipper here meaning I'm in favor of curating your own fandom space and not harassing people about their fictional ships under any circumstances. When I say I ship something, that does not mean I’m idealizing the relationship, want it to be canon, think it would be cool in real life, or am mentally putting myself in the place of one the characters. It’s solely because there’s something in the dynamic I think is fun or interesting, and “interesting” can very much include the same kind of interest one might have in watching a building get demolished.

That is to say, there are a handful of Too Problematic For Tumblr ships in here—one age gap but otherwise wholesome, one age gap and tacitly abusive, and one that really hits the Tumblr Trifecta by being age gap, abusive and incestuous. I've put all three at the very bottom in their own section in descending order of Most BadWrong, but if you’re one of those people deep into The Discourse about how ships need to be Morally Correct otherwise the shippers are terrible people who should kys, this is not the post for you. The block button’s there if you need it—and be advised that it’s there if I need it, too, and I’m not afraid to use it. (I grew up in dark fantasy shoujo fandoms; I am not litigating my ships with anybody.)

~~~Stillness’s Dubious and Delightful BNHA Ship Opinions~~~

Villain-o-rama-rama:

Spinarakiya, ShigaRD, Spinaraki: Alas for my short-lived OT3! I was really, really pumped for this in the stretch between MVA and the early stages of the first war, what with there being such interesting possible angles between all three parties, only for Re-Destro to get arrested and never seen in person again, Spinner to get snatched up by Gigantomachia and never look back, and Shigaraki to get lost to the possession plot for, at least as far as scenes with his allies were concerned, basically the rest of the series.

Not exactly great material for my shipping heart, though I’ll refrain from the rant comparing how long the PLF members were living in close contact with each other compared to the League of Villains and why that should have meant they developed stronger relationships than what we got.

But canon being what it is, I do still ship the hell out of these three in a canon divergence situation, or any number of potential AUs. I love the connective tissue there, with Re-Destro + Shigaraki having some startlingly strong background parallels and lasting injuries courtesy of each other, Shigaraki + Spinner having the gaming and the emptiness themes, and Spinner + Re-Destro having their Big Gay Feelings About Shigaraki as well as an appreciation for patterned fabrics some shared early frustrations about Shigaraki’s seeming lack of plans or direction.

It's a good dynamic, and I think they could all do a lot for each other, though certainly not in ways that are good for the continued survival of Hero Society. But fuck Hero Society anyway.

As to the component parts, I don’t ship Re-Destro and Spinner without Shigaraki being at least an invisible part of the dynamic (though I would read the fic where he wasn’t with considerable interest!), but I’m also very much on board with ShigRD and Spinaraki individually. My constant refrain about Shigaraki and RD is that they have a lot of common ground but very little common language, and I’m fascinated by how much of that they could recognize in each other and how much of it they could then recognize back in themselves, versus how much you’d get one of those cases of, “This guy is a freak and I’m so normal.”

It's so, so, so important to me that Re-Destro is the first ally Shigaraki won entirely on his own merits. He's got no borrowed reputation from Stain, no monsters on loan from Sensei, and no help from people on Sensei’s payroll, yet still, as a result of his efforts (both in his own fights and in making the League his own, even if it didn’t start that way) he wins himself an army and a follower who never saw a light that wasn’t his.

I weep for the Shigaraki/Re-Destro relationship we could have had if Horikoshi didn’t decide that Shigaraki in the endgame was to be nothing but a pawn, and therefore couldn’t be allowed to keep any of his markers of independence and growth.

As to Spinaraki, man, what is there even to say? The relationship so clear and obvious that it had even the mhatwt bros out there saying, “Spinaraki but at what cost?” in the last chapter! I will admit that I liked them better when their romance had that apocalyptic tinge than when it suddenly started getting painted as primarily about them being Gamer Bros, but at least that melancholic “beauty at the end of the world” shading came back when Shigaraki talked about destroying Mount Fuji for Spinner (be still my heart!).

They will meet and be close in every world and I will hear nothing else.

RiKoku: I don’t think I truly understood the appeal of ex-lover ships until these two. They snuck up on me in a big way, pretty much entirely a result of my realization when I was halfway through the (first and only, sadly) MLA Week event that Trumpet was pretty free-roaming and independent from Re-Destro all the way through Deika only to be glued to his side from there on out. Together with the Spinner parallels (the subordinates who fought each other and then came together to the crater to see their worlds remade) and my jokes about wanting to see the MLA heads during their stressed-out, over-achiever college years, all the pieces fell into place for a Rikiya and Koku who had dated for a few years and then broken up when Rikiya realized that his authority as Re-Destro—and Koku’s strong subordination to that authority—meant that he could not responsibly stay in the relationship. (This also presents several good explanations for why a man in Rikiya’s situation isn’t married with at least one child already.)

Anyway, to me, they never really fell out of love with each other; Re-Destro just couldn’t justify overlooking the power dynamic problems once he realized how extreme they were. (This does make for a fun alternate angle on RD’s personal life post-Deika, wherein Trumpet watches RD pass the mantle of leadership to Shigaraki Tomura and then more or less immediately pounces on him because now he doesn’t have the power dynamic excuse anymore. Look up the great Whatever Is Spared by @leftofrevolution on AO3 for more on this.)

Overhonest: I just like Nemoto much more than I like Chrono, and thus my Overhaul ship of choice follows suit. I like the idea that their feelings are wildly unbalanced but not totally one-sided—Overhaul has more baggage than a freshly loaded airport carousel, but he does like the Shie Hassaikai, as proven by them being mentioned in the Likes section of his character page. Nemoto in particular is someone whose presence we know Overhaul finds reassuring and we know it because he told Nemoto so directly when Nemoto asked, which means it can’t be anything other than the plain truth. He relies on Nemoto enough to make demands of him, he expects (and gets!) effectiveness, and he even bothers to take the time to justify out loud why it would be okay for him to merge himself with Nemoto physically (because Nemoto would say yes if asked, right? of course he would) rather than just doing it with no thought to Nemoto’s feelings about it because why should he care about that.

And Nemoto, for his part, is of course an obsessive weirdo who’s totally smitten with the first person he’s ever found who legitimately wants him around, so smitten that he’ll happily overlook the fact that Overhaul primarily wants him around because he’s useful.

Moving away from what’s on-the-page canon, I enjoy (and write) the take that Overhaul is sex-repulsed, not because he’s fully asexual, but as an extension of his mysophobia. This makes his sex life extremely fraught, but not non-existent. When I dabble with writing them (and they’re by far the ship I’ve written the most explicit material for in this fandom), I write him as basically a sex-repulsed demi (not that he would know or use that terminology!) who is attracted to Nemoto but has been largely left aggravated and sexually frustrated by their periodic experiments in non-traditional ways of getting him off. (Nemoto, for his part, is more than willing to keep trying! No kink is too weird for this guy if it means finding something Overhaul would actually like.)

(To get real here for a second, if Spinarakiya is meaningful to me as a person who’s comfortably poly, Overhonest is meaningful to me as an asexual person who's only ever had allosexual partners.)

AFOUji: Truly the Evil Husbands of all time. I wish the shift from Final Boss Shigaraki to Final Boss AFO hadn’t left Ujiko with a few truly inexplicable characterization beats,[3] because I truly do love these two as just the worst pair of mutually enabling monsters making the world worse and more dangerous for everyone while being 100% supportive of each other’s passions the entire time. Here’s to 70 years of Dark Lord/Mad Scientist domestic bliss.

3: For the record, I consider these to be his, “I've only been living for the boy's sake,” line in Chapter 269 and his clear reticence and dissastisfaction with Shigaraki getting the surgery in Chapter 240.

DabiSkep: Skeptic is the only man Dabi has ever thanked for his contributions. Dabi goes out of his way to kidnap him. I’m 90% convinced that they’d been working on the video together prior to the Villa raid. The combination of Skeptic’s deep and abiding neuroticism with Dabi’s swings between lazy malice and manic pushiness is extremely funny. What can I say; it’s just about the only Dabi ship that really clicks for me. I enjoy leftof’s take that Skeptic had a goth phase he never completely exited and so Dabi appeals to his inner Hot Topic teen, which he is 100% aware of and 150% embarrassed by.

School Environs:

Mirio/Tamaki: Tamaki literally regains consciousness at the exact moment Mirio loses his quirk. Other than cases where there’s some actual explanation for that—a magical connection, psychic powers, etc.—I have never seen that kind of beat happen outside of a shoujo manga. The bit where one romantic lead just mysteriously has a Bad Feeling in the same instant that something Bad happens to their love interest is so shoujo-coded. Jesus Christ, Tamaki is so moe. And Mirio so clearly thinks the world of him, too, as evinced by what an over-the-top sobriquet he dubbed Tamaki with. They’re great, end of story.

Monoma/Shinsou: I’ll admit I liked this somewhat better when I thought there was any chance at all Shinsou might end up in Class B—I kind of loathe that he wound up in Class A for the self-evidently terrible reason that it’s The Main Character Class, when it seems so obviously a conflict of interest for Aizawa to be teaching him. But eh, it’s okay; it just means Monoma will have to nobly learn to look past it after a lot of time spent being completely obnoxious about it.

My annoyance with Shinsou’s class placement aside, Monoma is one of my favorite students, and I like that he immediately latches onto Shinsou as a kindred spirit. And, like, if that were 100% one-directional, I would probably shrug it off, but Shinsou, despite trying to play at being aloof, does actually get invested enough that he gets pretty bothered by the idea of Monoma needing help, even in something as inconsequential as a class exercise. It’s just a much, much more interesting dynamic than Shinsou has with Deku or especially Kaminari.

Also, as someone with a bit of a Thing for mind fuckery, the way Copy and Brainwash can play off each other is Good.

MomoJirou: The fanart is cute and I like Momo better than Kaminari. And the culture clash thing is fun.

Shouto/Inasa: The fanart is cute and I like Inasa better than Deku or Bakugou.

Professional Sphere:

Hawksdeavor:The age gap adds flavor. The fact that Endeavor is still married but deeply unhappily so makes it even spicier. The difference in what they represent (or could potentially represent) to each other is the best part, with Hawks, for Endeavor, being someone who represents a totally clean page, while Endeavor, for Hawks, represents a lifelong adoration. Finding each other’s reality in all of that would be an interesting relationship arc and could be extremely fulfilling and strengthening for both of them.

The spoiler is (or at least should have been, if I’d been writing the series) their divided feelings on Dabi. Honestly, I really wanted to see them clash over the matter of Touya and how to deal with him, with Endeavor wanting to save him but not knowing how and Hawks just wanting him gone but not knowing how to get away with it. A certain pair of facts is glaring to me: first, that Hawks was a chief architect of the second war’s battle plans, whereas we never saw Endeavor involved with them at all, and second, that, when the big day came, Endeavor was slated to fight All For One with Hawks at his side despite at least some guilty protests from Enji that he really ought to be facing Dabi.

It smacks strongly of Hawks making some profoundly selfish decisions under the guise of clear-headed strategy and I really wanted it to blow up in his face when Dabi found his way to their battlefield anyway. Pushing Endeavor into a place where he had to choose between them and ultimately chose his son (say, by protecting him from an attack coming from Hawks) would have been validating for Touya, done a lot to lever Endeavor’s arc out of the reactiveness and passivity that drag it down so badly in the canon, and also handed Hawks a real consequence for how dismissively he treats the lives of Villains and how much he’s tried to avoid reckoning with both Endeavor’s abuse and Enji’s own attempts to do said reckoning!

In summary, Hawks and Endeavor could be very good for each other, and the incredible amount of baggage they’d have work through first would be key to either making that good ending feel earned or lead to them dramatically and deliciously imploding. Either one works for me, and either one, even without the romantic angle, would have been more interesting than the pablum we got.

NightMight: Speaking of could-have-been-good relationships that dramatically imploded! I love Sir Nighteye as the most visible cost of All Might’s lifestyle, the one he lost because he couldn’t step away from the path his ideals had set out, and how that ideal inevitably took him full circle so that he found himself standing, for Deku, in the same place Nighteye once stood for him. And of course by then it was too late and Deku wouldn’t listen to him anymore than he himself listened to Nighteye back then.

But Nighteye didn’t give up on caring about him, even if he had no avenue left to express it but throwing himself into finding a successor All Might would accept, which led to Nighteye's own (wonderful) relationship with Mirio.

Just great, difficult, adult stuff about irreconcilable differences that never stopped them from caring about each other even as those differences forced them to their parting of ways.

Mount Lady/Kamui Woods: They’re cute and I like the idea that they both have trouble, for opposite reasons, with cameramen. I like that he calls her just Lady when he thinks she’s in trouble. And not to put too fine a point on it, but I like that they’re kinda the most explicit Pro Hero couple and yet she’s the more prominent and important character with the more visible arc, which is a nice contrast to most of the other hetero relationships in this benighted manga.

Other/Cross-faction:

Togachaco: The yuri ship that could. My god, the canon divergence I want to give these two. You know why I want Deku and Ochaco to not be together in the end? Because I want Ochaco to realize that she did everything in her power to save her Villain while Deku—after all that talk on the cliff!—just killed his, and triggered Toga just before he left to do it, meaning Ochaco had a harder time with Toga than she might have otherwise.

But, I’m not here to talk about No. 2 Green; let’s talk instead about the canon divergence where Toga survives (shove that absurd death-via-blood-transfusion right into the incinerator) and then Ochaco has to come face to face with a system that does not want to let her be anywhere near as kind as she wants to be. The canon divergence where Ochaco realizes that her forgiveness is immaterial to justice, where she watches the system she fought to defend gear up to try Toga as an adult because Japan needs a scapegoat for the destruction of the war and all of the people who are actually most responsible are already dead or dying. Where Ochaco realizes that she has to do something drastic if she doesn’t want to live the rest of her life haunted by the knowledge that her compassion got a 17-year-old victim of emotional and psychiatric abuse executed by the state. The one where she decides to take a fucking stand, and it forces the rest of her class to confront that need as well.

“The cutest girl in the whole world,” my god.

Kotarou and Nao: I’m not as big on it by the time we’re seeing them in the Tenko flashback, though I certainly wasn’t pulling for some mean-spirited, allegedly feel-good “Nao slaps Kotarou and the whole family walks out of him” thing like you see in fanfic sometimes. No, what I really like with Kotarou and Nao is thinking about them when they’re both still young, in the stretch of years where they really think they'll be happy together. That her being with him can make all his problems go away, that him being able to bury his past and be better than all the people who hurt him (and there were so many people who hurt him) will be enough, that love is the answer to everything. Sure, the cracks are there, but they’re thin, and they can be hidden beneath all the days when things are good, when the two of them hold each other and feel safe and loved and sure.

The cracks are still there, and love isn’t enough when love becomes a band-aid and a blind eye. But the love is still there too, and it’s so fierce and so desperate, and it still won’t save them.

Sorry, everyone; they make me emotional. They are beautiful in the way of sparks dancing above flames, or early flowers blooming right before a vicious cold snap. Ah, me.

StainMight: GOD, All Might really needed to grapple more with Stain’s side of his legacy. Like, StainMight is really a victim of the way the story looked like it was setting up to criticize All Might’s methodology as well-intended but not sustainable long-term, but then, like every other aspect of the series that was about systemic critique, that criticism just evaporated and Stain became an All Might cheerleader with nothing to say about the system All Might supported for thirty years. Maddening! But for real, All Might should have been badly hurt in that car attack and then rescued by Stain, both to give Deku some stress about how All Might could be in danger after they parted on bad terms, and also to really make All Might have to sit with this opinionated zealot all-too-prepared to talk about how no one else is really living up to his example.

And there should be UST the whole time.

Yoichi and Kudou: I am almost entirely negative towards the OFA Collective these days, especially Kudou’s role in the endgame, but I still have some fondness for what he and Yoichi could have been. My god, the first One For All transfer really should have been because they kissed. More beautiful, more tragic, more profound, and preserves the Yoichi that had some actual fucking agency in the life he lived instead of just constantly being AFO’s or Kudou’s trophy princess there to talk about how respectively terrible and awesome they are.

TogaTsuyu: I just think it would be interesting if Tsuyu were actually allowed to be more present in the Toga plotline, rather than only arriving as a spoiler to avert major shifts every time. Toga says she likes Tsuyu, too, after all, and Tsuyu is so different from both Ochaco and Deku, so much more thoughtful and considered. I dunno, I just wonder how things might have gone if, for example, it had been Tsuyu that Toga managed to draw away in the Jakku fight. Given that side story with her snakey friend Habuko, evidence suggests that Tsuyu is a good deal more observant and intuitive than Ochaco, and I wonder if she might have been able to suss out what Toga was actually asking there better than Ochaco did, and how that might have changed things.

THE TUMBLR PROBLEMATIC ZONE:

Gentle Criminal and La Brava: I was willing to follow the canon’s initial vagary about these two, but I also like them quite a bit together, so if canon wants to put them in wedding rings at the end of the series, that’s fine by me! Yes, I’m aware that there’s a pretty significant age gap there, which would have been at its most apparent when she first sought him out, but I don’t for one single instant believe that he’d be anything less than a total gentleman to her. Indeed, it’d be entirely plausible to mount an argument based on his behavior that they were not at all romantically involved circa the Culture Festival arc,[4] and only become so after Gentle’s imprisonment and subsequent release. But in general, what I’m more concerned with is the dynamic—I regard a power differential in a relationship as a reason for both parties to be cautious and mindful of that differential, but not as an immediate game-ender.

4: Most obvious is that when she says, “I love you,” he only says things like, “Thank you,” in return.

In that sense, Gentle and La Brava are great—they click together perfectly and obviously make each other tremendously happy after a lifetime of rejection. La Brava, in Gentle’s theatrical attention-seeking, finds someone who accepts her overflowing way of showing love; Gentle, in living up to La Brava’s feelings, finds a reason for his skewed heroism beyond satisfying his pride. To whatever extent their life together was heading anywhere bad (and there’s no evidence of this at all save that Heroes were always likely to catch up to them eventually, making La Brava’svery extreme response to Gentle’s defeat likewise inevitable), Deku’s intervention got them off of that path and back onto one that let them be accepted by the world, which they seem to have capitalized on marvelously.

They’re the only Villains I can think of whose turn to Team Hero in the endgame works for me without any significant quibbles. Good for them! I hope they are so, so happy together, because they deserve it.

AFO and Kotarou: MEANWHILE, IN MY OTHER KOTAROU SHIP. I love AFO knowing Everything about what he’s doing here while Kotarou knows absolutely Nothing about what AFO is doing here. I love an AFO who is self-amused in being friendly and reassuring and distractingly attractive to Kotarou, an AFO who knows that his toying with Kotarou would make Shimura Nana sick with terror and rage, and even if she isn’t alive to be so anymore, the fantasy of it is satisfying enough, especially since Kotarou is himself a very handsome young man, one whose hurt and resentment AFO finds beguiling to sometimes prod at, as if unable to leave a bruise alone except the bruise isn’t on his own skin.

I have an AU I’m never likely to write where Kotarou winds up successfully knocking out Tenko on the night of the accident before going on the run with him, only for them to get picked up by AFO a few weeks later, and let me tell you guys, that’s where all my guilty pleasure AFO/Kotarou really lives.

That said, I liked this one much better before we got the opening for it in canon, and not just because AFO’s disguise persona was doofy-looking instead of devastatingly handsome. It was always one of those ships that tickled my inner hedonistic wickedness fancier but that I never wanted to be canon because my affection for the ship's vibe was not more important to me than the integrity of Shigaraki’s arc, and Shigaraki’s arc was far better served by his early childhood being as free from AFO as possible. Alas, the reveal is very AFOtarou but at what cost.

Dabideavor: Sorry not sorry everyone, but all the people screaming about how this is SICK FILTH seem to have missed the point that it is indeed, absolutely and completely, sick filth and that’s part of the appeal. Personally, I like it for two main reasons.

Firstly, I want Endeavor to have as hard a time as possible, and times don't get harder than this. I enjoy it when he's frozen and helpless in the face of the son whose life he destroyed because I have a long history of enjoying stoic male characters being made vulnerable through suffering.

Secondly, and more importantly, I like it because I like the version of Dabi you see in it, particularly compared to the Fanon Dabi who made so much League of Villains fan content un-fucking-readable for years.

I'm going to try to keep the hot fandom tea to a minimum here, limited to the upcoming footnote, but I hated Fanon Dabi.[5] He was an incoherent mash of a character designed to be a vehicle for the unabashed revenge fantasy of bloody murder against Bad Dads while also presenting no danger whatsoever of splash damage, a Woobie Big Brother who was completely harmless except to the father whose organs he was planning to paint the walls with. Every excuse that could be made, would be made, for Dabi's more questionable or even outright nasty moments, even if it meant minimizing or outright erasing the harm we saw Dabi do, right there on the page in literal manga monochrome.

5: There's a particular type of flanderization that goes into Fanon Dabi, the same kind of flanderization I saw attached to Steven Universe's Lapis Lazuli, and which informed the absolute umbrage certain people took with Rebecca Sugar for describing Spinel, the SU movie's villain, as toxic. There is a portion of fandom that loves abuse victims who get angry and lash out, but which will go absolutely ballistic at the slightest suggestion that abuse victims are themselves also capable of harm, that lashing out has the potential to hurt innocent people. In a perfectly executed DARVO, it becomes "victim blaming" to confront an abuse victim about the very real abuse they're inflicting on others. I only specified fictional characters here, but it's a dynamic you see in real life, too. Some people hunger for nothing so much as an acceptable target and abuse victims are not exempt from that statement.

The Dabi I thought was fun was the high-energy maniac who doesn't give a shit about anyone else getting caught in the crossfire of his revenge. Both that version of Dabi and the Endeavor who's paralyzed with guilt and despair are facilitated by Dabi’s father-obsession having a taboo sexual dimension to it that Dabi is all too ready to shove in the face of absolutely everyone who would think worse of Endeavor for it. That means Endeavor himself, of course, but also all the good little civilians who Endeavor keeps telling to watch him. Watch this, says Dabi, as he makes lewd hand gestures on force-streamed national television.

It's not about Dabi healing as an abuse victim, and it’s not about Dabi having a fulfilling arc—covering that stuff was canon's job! It's about the fact that I, for reasons both personal and related to fandom spite, am personally entertained by Dabi being pedal-to-the-metal deranged about doing whatever it takes to seize Daddy’s attention and never let him look away again, which also means acting to ensure that no one is capable of or willing to save Endeavor from that fate. Like, if you want someone who would spend ten years plotting the most agonizing possible way to torment his abuser, then it’s sophistry to suddenly declare some agonizing torments off-limits. Dabideavor is just committing to the bit.

#bnha #stillness answers #stillness ships #tw: incest #just discussion no depiction #it's the last one on the post

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be-the-glenn-to-my-maggie · 2 years ago

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Can I ask you questions about Locorro?👀How do you think Spider and Lo'ak's first kiss went?

Yes you can, that's my full-time job now, apparently. Spent so long staring at this ask only to accept a drabble was needed. Dear God help us if we are doing drabbles now.

Please note: if you ask me for one, give me like a week or so to write it. Please I'm busy. And you run the risk of just getting headcanons back I can't promise anything. Also I have not edited this at all. But I hope it is what you were looking for. @boringgirl2 this is a drabble.

There are a lot of things Spider will do for Lo’ak. Apparently, pa’li herding isn’t one of them.

“It’s stupid,” Spider says, as if that ends the matter. He turns his attention back to his weaving, tightening a knot on the arm band he’s making for Tuk, but Lo’ak is not that easily deterred.

“If Kiri liked it, you wouldn’t think it’s stupid,” Lo’ak says. Kiri looks up from her own weaving at the sound of her name.

“Yes, I would,” Spider says, still not looking at Lo’ak. Kiri is, though, and her eyes are narrowed.

“No, you wouldn’t! Admit it, if Kiri thought it was cool, you’d think it was cool with her and do it!” Lo’ak says, frustrated.

“I think plenty of things Kiri likes are stupid. Like cloud gazing, or napping, or how she always has to eat the seeds of any fruit first and how she won’t let us look for herbs unless we ‘let Eywa guide us there.’”

“Stop listing things about me you find stupid,” Kiri scowls, leaning over and shoving Spider hard enough that he drops a bead. He gasps dramatically, retrieving and tossing the fallen bead at her.

“You do all of those things with her all the time,” Lo’ak points out. It’s true, Spider took a nap with Kiri in a meadow after cloud gazing just yesterday. He thinks they even stumbled on some herbs on the way back. Spider sighs, finally, finally, putting his weaving down and giving lo’ak his full attention. As soon as he has it, Lo’ak forgets why he wanted it in the first place. It’s easy to forget Spider is older when they’re running through the forest, teasing each other and pushing each other off of tree limbs. It’s harder when Spider looks right at him like this, and Lo’ak feels pinned in the spotlight of gaze, remembering there is careful intention behind everything he does.

“Fine. Nash is making me go back early today.”

Lo’ak blinks, and he knows his surprise is written all over his face. Kiri snorts. Spider doesn’t usually share much about the living at the base with his foster family, not when he’s with them. Only Kiri’s direct questions get answers. It’s only through tone and body language; whispered tidbits in the dark, that Lo’ak has developed any opinion of the McCosker’s themselves. To get this response means Lo’ak had caught him, not quite in a lie but in the avoidance of truth. It feels like a victory to get this concession, but a loss all the same to see Spider’s tiny frown.

“For what?” Lo’ak asks, because he can never keep his mouth shut. Kiri uses his shoulder to push herself to her feet and heads for the Hometree. Their clearing is just outside it, near enough to be easily accessible and far enough for private chatting. A popular weaving spot. He doesn’t take his eyes off of Spider, but Spider glances up to watch Kiri leave. Another win.

“I don’t know,” Spider says, eyes on Kiri’s retreating form.

Lo’ak frowns at him. He can’t imagine Spider not asking; he was there last when Norm asked Spider to help watch the links and Spider had questioned him on every aspect until Norm had gotten annoyed and told him to just leave. Spider had then thrown Lo’ak a grin, grabbed his mask and dragged Lo’ak outside.

“They want me to focus on school more,” Spider elaborates, Lo’ak’s silence apparently giving voice to his skepticism. School was what the humans all called giving Spider books and packets to complete, hoping that one day lightning might strike and he would discover and heretofore dormant love of sitting in a lab chair all day and exclaiming at tubes with Max.

“For how long?” Lo’ak asks. Spider shrugs.

“Forever, I guess.”

Forever would be how long it would take for Spider to enjoy petri dishes for more than the thirty seconds of joy Norm’s face brings on every time someone calls them penis dishes in front of him. Still, Lo’ak doesn’t give that much thought.

“Ditch then. Who’s going to stop you?” he asks. The solution is simple really, and Lo’ak would have thought Spider would know better by now. He’s not typically a strict rule follower like Neteyam. But, instead of thanking him for this insight and graciously joining Lo’ak in an afternoon of pa’li herding, Spider rolls his eyes and snorts loudly enough to be heard even over the rhythmic hissing of his mask. The action makes Lo’ak flinch.

“I have to listen to them, bro. Where else can I go?”

Lo’ak opens his mouth to say of course, Spider can come stay at the Hometree with them, but then he takes in the glass on Spider’s face, so familiar he’d almost forgotten. Spider gives him a smile, like he can read Lo’ak’s mind. He hears a twig snap behind him and whips around to see Kiri abandoning her trip back to them halfway through, skittering back towards the Hometree. He whirls back to see Spider in the same position, still watching him. Damnit, he thinks wildly.

“Why do you want me to come so bad?” Spider asks, and he tilts his head to the side ever so slightly, like Lo’ak’s dad’s ikran waiting for a slice of meat. Lo’ak does not like feeling like meat.

“I always want you around, bro,” Lo’ak says, unfolding his legs to tap at Spider’s knee with his foot. Spider sways with the movement but does not break eye contact, eyebrows raised, so expressive, like Lo’ak has always hated his own for being. Fine then, if Spider doesn’t believe him.

He shifts his legs back under him and braces his palms on his knees, pushing himself forward into Spider’s personal space. Spider’s eyes barely have time to widen in surprise before Lo’ak is there, pressing his lips to the front of his mask. He falls back and waits for Spider’s brain to catch back up. He goes crosseyed looking at the space Lo’ak had just occupied.

“That is going to smudge,” Spider says, and Lo’ak is gratified to hear he sounds a little breathless.

“Well, don’t be a baby about it. Are you going to come help herd or not?” Lo’ak shoves Spider’s half finished armband into his pouch and rises to his feet. He knows he has won when Spider jumps up after him.

“Warn me next time!”

“Warn you?”

“Yes!” Spider nods. “No smudges.”

“Next time?” Lo’ak asks, and he tries to keep from grinning. Spider scowls at him, but his eyes are shining.

“Oh, shut up or I’ll scare the herd in the wrong direction.”

“You’re coming now?” Lo’ak’s face hurts, his smile is so wide. Spider aims a kick at his shins.

#i don't want to hear a single word about pa'li herding #keep it to urselves #jk obviously you all can say anything to me #my bad #miles spider socorro #spider socorro #lo'ak sully #locorro #kiri sully #kiri in this: aight imma head out #avatar #avatar the way of water #james cameron avatar #melissa's asks #melissa on avatar (cameron)#melissa is spending valuable time writing fanfiction again

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armulyn · 1 year ago

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Wisdom to the Wise

The Wingfeather family’s possession of a collection of First Books is not exactly a secret, though few are the commoners who can claim knowledge of it.

They traditionally belong to the Throne Warden, and are kept in his keeping, and the scholars know that. One of the Throne Warden’s traditional titles after all is Keeper of Wisdom, whatever that means, and while most citizens of Anniera think it more metaphorical than literal, there are others who can correct them.

There are five of them, ranging from as thick and heavy as a small boulder to what is little more than a pamphlet the size of his hand. Very few in Anniera or beyond know that, save perhaps the most dedicated and lucky of scholars.

Finally, there are a grand total of sixteen pages among the lot that he can read.

Though about seven people alive currently know that, Esben feels he knows it the best, flipping through aged pages with boredom and growing frustration. The strangely shaped, handwritten letters taunt him with their loops and bold strokes, some written hastily, slanted and sloppy, and others firmly, whether in triumph or emphasis no one will ever know. Whoever has put pen to the ancient paper has done so in a language none now speak— or, more’s the pity, read.

He has never been as dedicated to reading as Artham, or as relentless in pursuit of knowledge, but Esben has also never liked being told he can’t know something, and so he glares at the pages as if they can be cowed into divulging their secrets.

“Well?” he says aloud, “What am I supposed to learn from a collection of shapes?”

He isn’t talking to anyone in particular, save perhaps his subconscious, but nonetheless a voice answers from behind him.

“Perhaps I could be of more aid if I knew what you are doing?”

Esben jumps, nearly knocking the ancient tome right off the end of the ancient desk— an impressive feat, as it’s the boulder book— before a hand shoots forward and rescues it.

“Why didn’t you knock?” he demands breathlessly of his brother, brushing himself off and pretending he hadn’t nearly gotten a heart attack. Artham looks at him as if he’s being exceptionally stupid, which is neither fair nor warranted in Esben’s opinion.

“I don’t usually knock when I expect a room to be empty,” he says, then glances around, “...Especially when it’s my room. So! Besides endangering priceless, helpless, and perfectly innocent books, what are you trying to do?”

“This book.” Artham returns the boulder book safely to his desk, but Esben gestures instead to the one beside it. It is of average size and weight for a book, but its ancient leather binding and yellowed pages mark it apart from the many volumes that can be found in Rysen’s library.

“...What about the book?”

“I don’t know! They’re all equally incomprehensible but it’s that one that annoys me the most. I don’t know why, but it won’t leave me alone.”

Artham picks up the book in question, handling the tome with far more care and expertise than Esben had bothered with. He flips idly through the pages, and Esben doesn’t have to crane his neck to know what his brother sees. Unidentifiable letter after unidentifiable letter.

“This is considered to be one of the oldest of them,” Artham says, “If indeed the ages vary. Aunt Illia told me it’s said to give ‘wisdom to the wise.’”

“How can a book be said to give people wisdom when nobody can read it?”

“No idea, that’s just what Aunt Illia told me. I don’t think she knew what it means either. It’s pretty clear that it only gives people wisdom who already have it, though, so you might be out of luck on that end.”

“You’re hilarious.”

Artham grins at him, but then returns his attention to the infuriating book at hand. He flips to the first page, upon which is a single line of text across the paper. What it says, only the wind and stars know, Esben thinks irritably.

“Well, maybe we’ll never know what’s in it. It’s not like you need to know everything about everything in order to live, Esben.”

Like most things out of Artham’s mouth, it sounds smart and also vaguely profound. Not for the first time in his life, Esben laments his brother’s hobby as a poet.

“Philosophy is all well and good, but a linguist would honestly be more helpful here.”

“I know plenty of languages, I’ll have you know. Hollish, for example, and Shreven, and—”

“I don’t suppose this one happens to be among them?”

Artham squints closer at the text, then shrugs, “I know plenty of languages that people actually speak.”

“Well, that’s no good.”

Artham rolls his eyes at Esben, an extremely undignified action that little enhances his brother’s reputation as a dashing Throne Warden. The vaguely dirt-stained clothing and windblown hair don’t help either— he must have been outside.

“Well, I’m not certain how to help you on this front, little brother,” Artham says, “but you’re doing little good glaring a pile of pages into submission. Nia was looking for you a few minutes ago though, in the front garden.”

Esben rises from the chair eagerly, glad to leave the circling uselessness of staring in incomprehension at dusty pages. All the same, he pauses at the door, a strange feeling of failure sweeping over him. There’s something in that book, he knows it. And he means to find out what.

“...Now that I think about it, isn’t that the book that’s used for the kings’ annals, too?” Artham asks, following him out. Esben nods glumly.

“Aye, and those at least are in Common. I’ve been through those same sixteen pages sixteen times but whatever I’m looking for isn’t there. That book may or may not have wisdom but either way it’s doing a terrible job at imparting it.”

“Maybe if I hit you over the head with it—”

“Please don’t.”

#the wingfeather saga #my writing #esben wingfeather #artham wingfeather #wingfeather spoilers #there are about a half-dozen potential continuations to this sitting in my docs #but this is the only intact one so here it is #may or may not be continued who knows #wip #wisdom to the wise #they're both a lot of fun to write #timeline what timeline?#i literally have no idea when this is supposed to take place #so illia & jru & nala are basically schrodinger's family right now #nia and esben may or may not be married

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mallowsweetmiri · 4 months ago

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Hey guys, I’m currently trying to write a little marauders fic centered around an OC (Miriam) who is a 6th year transfer student from America. The story follows her, her dads position in the ministry, and the friendships that blossom out of war! Also some plot twists and special magic hehe. Anyway, I’m writing the chapters out of order and finished this one yesterday. Thought I’d give it a post! Let me know if you guys enjoy :)

—————————————————————————

I’ve Got a Crush

Remus wasn’t sure what had come over him in the past few days. Well actually, he knew exactly what had come over him; the moon. The full moon was creeping up on them as Christmas break approached. The cold castle walls didn’t help his mood either. But what he didn’t understand is why she seemed to make his blood churn. She had done nothing to him, except continue to be her unapologetic, slightly provocative self. It wasn’t as if she intended to stand out, but she couldn’t help voicing her opinions as if they went straight from her brain to her mouth. And oftentimes her opinions, according to Remus, were objectively correct. For example, when Sirius had bought a downright raggedy leather jacket, insisting it looked cool, she had told him he looked like a homeless person. That one had Peter in a fit. And just the other week she had told off Snivellus for being an “absolutely prejudiced, greasy headed git who deserves to be fed to the wolves.” (That one made Remus smile). So why was she driving him crazy this week? Remus chalked it up to being irritable due to the impending moon and exams. Just as he was about to bury his nose back in his textbook, the portrait hole swung open.

“Moony! Thank god you’re here, have you seen Miriam?” Sirius spoke in his usual boom, bounding into the common room with James hot on his trail.

“No, I’ve been studying. Maybe you should give it a try too, exams are coming up,” Remus grumbled, shutting his book. There was no way these two would give him peace. Sirius plopped down on the couch while James stood over Remus with his arms crossed.

“Study, study, study. Don’t you know we have a quidditch match coming up? And against Slytherin at that? Did you know?” James interrogated him as if he paid any attention to the quidditch schedule.

“Ah, so that's why you seek our dear Miriam, arguably the best chaser on the team,” Remus smirked as James placed his hand over his chest in feigned hurt. Sirius giggled and kicked James in the thigh, making him fumble.

“Ow,” James grumbled, rubbing his (thicc) thigh, “and yes, that is why I’m looking for Miriam. We were supposed to run drills after class!” As if on cue, the portrait hole swung open again. In walked Miriam, unsuspecting as James ran towards her and threw her over his shoulder.

“James! What the fuck!” She exclaimed, banging her fists onto James muscular back.

“You can’t get out of drills, Miss Miriam! We’re going to the pitch right this instance,” James’ hands wrapped around the backs of her knees as he began to head for the exit.

“You git, I need to change and grab my quidditch gear. Put me down!” She continued to slam her fists into James even as he set her down. Merlin, they were so annoying. Sirius was cackling at this point.

“Right, sorry,” James said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. Miriam gave him one last punch, rolling her eyes as she began to walk towards the boys on the couch.

“Sirius, Remus,” Miriam nodded her head to the boys as she sat in the armchair next to them, “and what have you two been up to on this fine day?” James slumped onto the couch next to Sirius, clearly not happy that Miriam hadn’t immediately gone upstairs to change.

“Just looking for you doll,” Sirius winked, provoking another eye roll from Miriam. She switched her gaze to Remus and raised her eyebrows, expecting a response.

“Shouldn’t you be getting ready for quidditch drills?” Remus asked, his tone icier than expected as he pushed himself up from the couch. James perked up at this while Miriam frowned. Remus didn’t care. Maybe he was being harsh but he just couldn’t stand being around her. Watching her annoyingly bang at James’ body while he carried her like a bag of flour. He left his books on the coffee table as he began to stalk up to his dorms.

“What’s up with him?” Miriam asked distastefully. Sirius and James exchanged a weary look before Sirius chimed,

“Oh, y’know. Just Moony being moody.” Miriam didn’t find this answer satisfying, but didn’t press any further as James was now harassing her to get ready for drills. Meanwhile, Remus made himself comfortable in the windowsill by his bed. He lit a cigarette in hopes to calm himself. He didn’t like being rude to his friends, but sometimes the rage within him refused to quiet. Especially when there were only 5 nights between him and his curse. The door creaked open.

“Hey,” Peter said, setting his backpack down by his trunk. Finally, someone who spoke at a normal volume level.

“Hey Pete,” Remus said, pulling his pack of cigarettes out and offering one to Peter. He waved his hand.

“I’m good. How was your day?” Peter took off his tie and walked towards the windowsill, even though he wasn’t having a smoke. Remus shrugged.

“Eh, I’m just having a bad week. Y’know,” Remus trailed off, taking another pull of his fag. Peter hummed in understanding. He seemed to be the only one sensitive to Remus and his cycle. Maybe that's why Remus could actually enjoy his presence during these times. That and the fact that Peter was generally a more relaxed person than the rest of their group.

“Miriam told me to check on you.”

Remus scoffed at this. Of course she did, that know-it-all. Remus shook his head at himself. Miriam didn’t deserve to be the punching bag of his foul mood. He sighed.

“Makes sense. I mean, out of nowhere I start acting like an irritable git and she has no idea why,” Remus sucked in the burning smoke, relishing in the pain. He deserved it.

“Yeah, well I’m sure she doesn’t take it personal,” Pete reassured him, rolling up his sleeves and staring at the clouds. A slight breeze blew past them and into the dorm.

“Can I tell you something?” Remus blurted out. Peter looked up and nodded his head. Remus wasn’t sure why he wanted to tell Pete, but he needed to get it off his chest.

“What if it is personal? I mean, my foul mood towards Miriam,” the words sounded worse outloud, and Remus cringed after they spilled. Peter let out a confused chuckle, raising his brows at Remus.

“And what do you mean by that?” Peter joked, making Remus roll his eyes. He took another inhale of his sweet smoke.

“Like, this time around she’s really pissing me off, and I don’t know why. It’s like I can’t be in the same room as her without my blood boiling. Everything she does just makes me… tick. And when she's with James and Sirius, it's unbearable,” Remus groaned, letting his head fall back against the stone wall. Peter chuckled again awkwardly.

“Mate, it kind of sounds like you’ve got a crush on Miriam.”

Remus whipped his head up and looked at Peter with a look of absolute horror. “What?!”

“I mean, you said just being around her makes you feel some type of way,” Peter shrugged, as if the prospect of him liking Miriam wasn’t utterly insane.

“Yeah, I said that, but I meant she makes me feel something bad! Like I’m angry at her and she annoys the shit out of me,” Remus seethed, smashing his cigarette butt into the windowsill. Peter didn’t react to this.

“Listen, I’m just saying it how it is. Miriam’s gorgeous, you’re all obsessed with her. It makes sense that the progression of the moon would, you know,” Peter gestured his hands, “enhance that feeling.”

“First of all, we’re not all obsessed with her. And you’re just as much involved with her as the rest of us,” Remus argued, fumbling with his pack to pull out another smoke. Peter just rolled his eyes.

“Oh, please. James and Sirius worship the ground she walks on. And you’re closest with her,” Peter points out, making Remus cringe.

“Yeah, she’s my close friend. Nothing more,” Remus huffed, lighting his cigarette with wandless magic, something he’d perfected in recent weeks.

“I’m not saying she’s not your friend. I’m saying it’s normal that your, ehem, body, is having a physical reaction to her because of the moon. Plain and simple,” Peter pushed himself up from the wall. This was enough conversation for one day.

“Hmm, insightful. I don’t think that’s the problem though,” Remus spoke, looking back out the window. Peter sighed. Why did he even bother giving advice? The rest of the boys never took it.

The remainder of the day was spent studying for the boys in the dorm, while the other two spent countless hours on the pitch with Miriam. Later, the rest of the team joined for a final practice before James told them to take the next day off to prepare for Sunday’s game.

Remus woke up on Saturday feeling better, but also feeling like a git. He hadn’t seen Miriam after he snapped at her, and he wanted to apologize. It was one thing to be rude to Padfoot or Prongs, but it was another to act that way towards Miriam. For starters, she had done nothing wrong and was almost always an angel (except when she was telling you off). More importantly, she was left completely in the dark about Remus’ condition. Even if Remus wanted to tell her, which he didn’t, he really wasn’t supposed to. Dumbledoor had made it clear that the less people who knew, the better. It was safer that way. Remus sighed as he got up, Sirius and James still asleep and sprawling in their beds. Peter was gone but Remus assumed he was at the greenhouse with Poppy. He opted for a smoke while he waited for his mates to get up. He was hungry, but he’d rather have a cigarette then go down to breakfast without them. The day looked clear and felt warmer than usual. He hoped the weather would continue into tomorrow, for he’d surely get dragged to watch the game by Peter and Mary. He turned his head as he heard Sirius groan and shift in his bed.

“Gimme,” he grumbled, reaching out his hands towards Remus. He chuckled and walked over to his bed. Sirius propped himself up on his elbow as he took the fag into his hand. Even though his hair was tousled into a shaggy mess, it still looked soft and shiny. Remus cursed the Blacks for their hair genes. All he got was a mess of dirty blonde and facial hair that wouldn’t grow despite turning into a hairy beast every month.

“I’m hungry,” Remus said, taking a seat on Sirius’ bed. Sirius hummed as he smoked. By now, James was scrunching his face in disgust as he stirred.

“Uhg, I told you guys not to smoke near my bed,” he whined, sitting up and grabbing his glasses from his desk. Sirius chuckled and passed the cig to Remus, who promptly stood up and walked towards the window.

“Sorry, Prongs. I’ll put it out,” Remus said, fulfilling his promise. He walked towards his trunk, switching his nightshirt for a jumper and slipping on some jeans, hoping his actions would inspire the other boys to start getting ready. It did, and soon the three boys were heading down to breakfast.

In the Great Hall, the ceiling was bright and clear, reflecting the faces of the eager students below. Some groups sat studying, while others seemed ready to enjoy the sunny day. The boys joined their friends at the Gryffindor table, the girls were already sat and eating.

“Like genuinely, who does she think she is? I’m going to send a bludger to her face tomorrow,” Marlene seethed, stabbing her sausage with her fork. Miriam raised her brows and chuckled, only looking mildly concerned. Sirius slid onto the bench next to Marlene.

“Who are we bludgering tomorrow?” He asked cheerfully, grabbing a piece of toast off her plate. Marlene didn't seem to notice.

“Morgana Peverell. She’s a wench,” Marlene grumbled. Remus sat next to Sirius and started filling his plate. He glanced across the table at Miriam, who was listening intently to Sirius and Marlene. Remus was sure she was secretly plotting her quidditch strategy for tomorrow. When she was in the game, it was if she could predict the moves of both her teammates and her opponents alike. Remus wasn’t even fond of quidditch, but watching her was something else. Despite having only been at Hogwarts for three months, everybody knew her name. She had outscored every other student in the school that year, solidifying her reputation as the top Quidditch player. Sirius elbowed Remus in the gut.

“Lily asked you a question,” James said from across the table, seeing the dazed look on Remus’ face. He looked over to the redhead who huffed from the lack of response.

“I said, do you want to come study with me in the library? I’m going over arithmancy today,” Lily gave him puppy eyes which made Remus’ chuckle.

“Sorry Lils, but I spent all last night going over my notes. I was hoping to see the sunlight today,” Remus took a drink of coffee while Lily sighed in defeat. Remus’ felt bad, as he knew none of their other friends would leap at her offer, but he had other plans for the day.

“Well, considering Peter’s not here, it looks as though I’ll be going alone,” Lily sighed, rising from her seat and grabbing her bag. The girls cheered their goodbyes and goodlucks as she made her way out of the hall, prompting the group to start wrapping up their meal. Remus was grateful for his friends, even if they were loud and annoying sometimes, he wouldn’t trade them for anything. The lot of them began to stand up and leave, discussing plans for the day and joking around. As they neared the exit, Remus caught sight of Miriam.

“Miriam,” Remus called out, jogging slightly to catch up with the girl, “can I talk to you?” Miriam nodded in response and the two of them veered away from the group. Normally, Remus would prefer to chat outside, but it was December and neither of them had their coats.

“So,” Miriam said, clearing her throat, “what’s up?” She looked up at Remus as they walked, having no destination in mind.

“I- uh, I wanted to apologize,” Remus spoke, looking away from her and down at his shoes. They were quite interesting to look at.

“What for?” Miriam laughed, poking Remus in the side. He rolled his eyes.

“For being a git yesterday,” Remus said, giving Miram a half smile, “and I appreciate you checking in on me. Even if it is through Peter.” Miriam laughed at this and looked out the window towards the courtyard.

“It’s what friends are for,” Miriam shrugged, “But I do appreciate your apology. It does make me feel better knowing that you acknowledge your shittiness.” Remus playfully knocked his shoulder into her, the two of them chuckling quietly. He felt better knowing she didn’t hold anything against him. He was feeling good today, and his senses weren’t driving him insane. This called for celebration.

“What do you say we get the boys and go for a walk around the grounds,” Remus smirked knowingly at Miriam. “A walk around the grounds” was often code for goofing off and causing trouble.

“Oh, you do know how to intrigue a girl,” Miriam smiled back, linking her arm with his as they made their way towards the Gryffindor tower. And so the day was spent like many others, with Miriam and her four sidekicks exploring the grounds, poking around places they shouldn’t, and laughing until their stomachs hurt. Remus wished they could have stayed out until sunset, but James insisted they go back to the dorms. Something about the “big game” and needing his “star player” in top shape.

The crowd roared as the Gryffindor team took to the pitch. Not only was Miriam set to play, but James and Sirius were two of the most popular students in the school, and the amplitude of cheers reflected this. Soon after, the Slytherin team strode onto the field, led by Regulus. The crowd continued to roar, but three-fourths of the cheers were less than cheerful. Still, the energy was buzzing. Regulus remained the school’s best seeker, and any match featuring the rival teams was highly anticipated. As James and the Slytherin captain met in the center of the field, the referee raised her hand above her head, signaling the start of the match. With a blow of the whistle, the players shot into the air. Luckily, the weather was still clear, leaving a perfect view of the game. Remus’ sat squished between Lily, Peter, and Mary, the rest of their friends out on the pitch. He quickly spotted Sirius and Marlene hammering bludgers towards the Slytherins. James made way towards the Slytherin chasers, ready to block any quaffles that came their way. Poppy and Regulus were circling the field, keeping their eyes out for the snitch. Miriam was harder to spot. Despite wearing her bright maroon and gold uniform, she seemed to blend in with the sky. She was weaving intricately through the players, never stopping to keep an eye out for the ball. This was her signature move. As James raced forward to block a quaffle from reaching Slytherin hands, Miriam swept past him, clutching the quaffle as she sped towards the other end of the field. The Slytherins attempt to block her were laughable, and within seconds she was slinging the ball into the hoop at lightning speed. She threw her head back, laughing in triumph as she secured the first goal of the game. She rose up, the sun gleaming down on her radiant smile as James came around to clap her on the back. Remus’ blood rushed through his veins, his heart thumping loudly in his chest as if it was applauding with the rest of the crowd. The way she scored so effortlessly, her golden curls barely keeping up with the speed of her broom, the way her form moved so gracefully through the air, her thighs clinging to her broom-

“Oh, fuck,” Remus groaned, dropping his head into his palms while the rest of the crowd cheered.

“Hey, hey, what's wrong?” Peter asked, his voice filled with concern as he placed a comforting hand on his friend’s shoulder. Remus looked up at Peter with a defeated face, unable to deny what was so clearly in front of him.

“I think I have a crush on Miriam.”

#Remus lupin #marauders fic #marauders oc #marauders headcanon #harry potter headcanon #hp fic #harry potter hc #sirius and regulus #mallowsweetmiri

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safety-pin-punk · 2 years ago

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im curious, how does being punk affect your feeling of religion? are you still a practicing catholic/go to church?

Hahahahahaha oh boy, buckle in cause this is gonna be a fun ride. I’ll put a cut cause this is gonna be long simply due to the amount of context that is needed to understand how I’ve managed to mash these two things together in my life. I hope this answers your question anon! (And thank you for asking nicely, that usually isn’t the reaction I get).

So, for reference, I am Catholic born and raised. My mom is Catholic, my dad is only recently exploring being religious. My brother has remained a Catholic good boy throughout his life, my sister has denounced religion. I’m somewhere between them. I don’t go to church often, but I still feel at home there when I do (most of the time). So technically, I’m not a ‘Practicing Catholic’ because of that, but I’m following my faith to the best of my ability (explained below).

I 100% believe there is a god, and because of that my faith has had some rough intersections with other parts of my life, such as being punk, the communities Im a part of, and being heavily involved in STEM. And those are things that took me years to figure out for myself. When just looking at being punk though, I think where it really clicked that punk wasn’t against my religion, but actually supports it, was in my freshman year of college. Like I’ve said before, I go to a Protestant school so every class has to somehow have at least one connection to religion (as a chemistry major this can get extremely annoying). But that year, I had a history class as a gen ed, Western Civ to 1450, and an absolutely kick ass professor to go with it.

This class was the game changer for 18 year old me (oh my god that was 5 years ago). We spent a lot of time in this class talking about religions of ancient civilizations, and of course we talked about Christianity. And this man went absolutely feral. He was the man that introduced me to the concept of ‘Jesus was a punk’. And when you ignore all the random bull shit that comes out of people’s mouths at church and just look at the bible... yeah, he was right. Jesus flipped tables, he ate with societal outcasts like prostitutes and the homeless, and god did he hate the Roman government that controlled so much of the world at that time.

And I think that’s when I really felt free to embrace the punk culture. The one thing that was holding me back was gone. I also later learned that professor had a metal band (I’m now going to have to try to find his youtube again lol - its been years).

But yeah, being punk and religious in 2022 is hard. Its hard because the people who claim to be Christians are ignorant, refuse to learn, don’t know the context of the book they call holy, refuse to understand where Christianity stems from and our roots in Judaism, and keep trying to interpret the bible in a modern world (the bible can’t tell you shit about the evils of the internet man). I don’t particularly like going to church because I often find that its a snake pit disguised as a hospital. Though, that’s nothing new, if you ever take the time to read Romans (my favorite part of the bible), its full of Paul just absolutely loosing his ever loving shit because of how corrupt the churches are.

So instead of going to church once every seven days and conforming to the rest of the vipers there, I try to live my life by Jesus’ standards for interacting with others. Be kind and forgiving, try to understand other points of view, don’t discriminate based on job, color, socioeconomic status, gender, how many kids, ect. Moral of the story, in my opinion, to be a good Christian, you need to treat people as people, and welcome them with open arms. You need to give back to your community. You need to fight for a better world. You need to push back against oppressive and authoritarian governments. And those are all punk values as well.

#mail tag #personal

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mossyscavern · 1 year ago

Text

Costumes and crushes

___________________

“It’s been a long time since we’ve been trick or treating.”

Tim said, staring at the costume in the mirror. “Wonder what everyone else will be.” Tim wondered turned around to see Tom staring at his costume in his hands, not at all listening.

He rolled his eyes fondly and cleared his throat. “Wonder what Sam will be for Halloween.” Tim says instead as Tom immediately lifted his head when the name Sam is mentioned.

Tom darkened his eyes as Tim laughed. “Very funny.” Tom said, annoyed by the way his twin got Tom’s attention. “That was so quick though!”

Tim commented before getting pelted in the face by a pillow. “And I regret telling you about my crush.” Tom said, a little amused at his own action.

“You’re sure it’s a good idea to dress differently?” Tom asked, now finally changing in his costume. “Yes! Besides, they’re both from a story book, it’s not so different.” He answered, putting in the fake teeth that came with the costume.

“Well?” He asked, hoping Tom’s opinion would help out. “Loose the teeth.” He said to his twin.

And Tim did just that, loose the teeth. “Yeah, I look ridiculous in them.” He said, before putting on his mask. Tom looked in his own reflection, having second thoughts about the costume. “Guys, c’mon! We gotta go!”

Lilian said barging in their room, who is wearing her usual pink bunny onesie as her costume. “I’m done anyways.” Tim said, fixing up the collar of his costume.

“… uh, I am too.” Tom answered, feeling a little unsure about celebrating again. “Then c’mon, Duncan, Travis and Sam are already here.” Lilian said, already running out of the twin’s room.

Tim went out first and Tom followed close behind, his own costume mask already on and yet he isn’t used to having half his face covered. Not even close to the hallway and already he could hear voices.

“Shouldn’t you be a gypsy if you’re Esmeralda?” He heard Travis ask and a groan from Duncan afterwards. “Travis we talked about this!” Duncan shouted as Tom sighed when Tim turned to the lounge room.

Tom took a deep breath, shut his eyes and entered the room. When he opened his eyes he saw everyone had dressed up in their respective costumes, but his eyes lingers towards Sam’s costume.

Sam’s costume is also based off of the phantom of the opera, he looks a lot like Christine with red hair, but… why did Travis say Esmeralda instead? “Looks like you really do have your phantom, huh Sam?”

“Tom’s is actually based off the book, mine’s from the goosebumps series.” Sam answered as Travis oh’d with understanding. “At least it’s better then being a clown.”

Duncan comments as Travis gasps. “Excuse me! Pennywise is actually scary.” “Not the one from the 90’s!!” “It’s a classic! Unlike your costume!!!”

“Don’t you dare! Insult the Jason vorhees original-!” “Guys!” Sam interrupted, breaking the two apart. “This is the weaver’s first Halloween in a long time, we are not ruining this!!” Sam told them, turning back and forth between the too.

“Well what are we waiting for? Let’s go trick or treating!!” Travis yelled already out the door with Lilian, Caleb and Benny tailing behind while tim and Duncan tried to tolerate each other. “I-I… guess we go- go together I suppose?”

Tom stuttered out, feeling flustered about seeing Sam in a dress. Especially a dress that suits him very well. “Uh… w-why Chri- uh.. Esmeralda?” Tom asked, sam shrugged his shoulders. “Why not? Besides I got triple dog dared to wear the dress.” Sam answered as he oh’d the same way as Travis.

“Eh, I’m not complaining… and I see you’re not either~.” He said, Tom became weak in the knees at that comment. ‘When did Sam become flirty?!’ He thought, burying his red face against the palm of his hands.

While Sam realised what he said and coughed. “L-let’s catch up with the rest, they’ll probably wonder where we are.” Sam said, changing the subject as the two head outside where the others are waiting.

Even though Tom is a little flustered and worried about this day. He really isn’t complaining about anything.

Just add some costumes, candy and crushes and he’s got himself a good night!

Now all he needs to do is confess without his twin help...

How is he gonna do this?!

___________________

Yeah… I’m sorry for not posting the sunflower shirts and gravestones series for the hearse twins au…

I have a bit of writers block on that series so, I did @vinehasnohopeleft’s au on a Halloween trip with the weavers… and yes, I’ve written about Sam wearing a dress in this.

Did I have a particular reason? Not really. Is this intentional? Partially. Am I going to have another episode of an anxiety crisis? Definitely. And I’m having one right now.

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maideninorange · 2 years ago

Note

for the ask game, not sure what you would do with this prompt but i'm curious anyway!

16. “You don’t have a choice.”

Oh my! I wasn't sure either for a while there! Sorry about the long wait (even by my standards)! But I came up with a decent idea in the end, so here we go!

(TW: Just some somewhat graphic death threats, choking imagery, and mild blood. Nothing too dark here for this one, because I was more in the mood for something humorous. Also, Maiden getting too into her worldbuilding, even by her standards.)

It was a little embarrassing, in Tenkai's humble opinion, to get so absorbed in their grumbling over misplaced things on the shelves that it took them until the knife at the back of their throat presses in for them to realize it was even there.

They raise their arms up, "Not even gonna bother by the spell card rules?"

"And put myself at a disadvantage? Why would I do that?"

Ah, they recognize that voice. So they've been ambushed by that scoundrel? Well, it was only a matter of time before they got the bright idea to try picking on them. This was gonna be fun.

"Ah, the Black Shitodo has finally decided to threaten me? Remaining a scoundrel I see," Tenkai can't help but smirk as the knife presses a little further into their neck, "Still 'accquaintances' with Saragimaru there?"

"I don't exist." And the snake is here too then. This oughta make their week.

"Shut up and keep watch," Kuroji's attention turns back to Tenkai, "Now Zuifeng, if you don't comply, no amount of danmaku will help against a simple knife. You'll-"

"I'll be nothing but a mere corpse on the floor? Have the snakes been rubbing off on you or something? You can't even be creative in how you're gonna kill me like Orochin usually gets!"

"...?!" Speaking of snakes, that must've got Saragimaru's gears turning. This'll make screwing with these scoundrels extra fun.

"Unlike Yaorochi, you'll find that I prefer much more simple measures of murder. So do you truly want to test me?"

Ouch. And now there's some blood gushing out from where Kuroji pricked them, making their point. They let out a nervous chuckle, "Geez, not gonna even give me the illusion of free choice?"

"You don't have a choice."

They gathered that much. But confirmation is always nice.

Tenkai takes a step forward, not quite sure what direction they wanted them to go in yet, "So what are you guys after this time? Money? Powerful artifacts? My pride?"

"Knowledge, actually," the scoundrel answers with a light hum, "Sources say Azumaterasu has a rare book cataloguing the Senri family line all the way back to the very first priest of Mugenri."

"And by sources you mean some poor village historian you extorted that information out of."

"He didn't even try to fight back. Just gave in begging for his wealth to be spared," Saragimaru grumbles, confirming what they already knew.

Tenkai was even pretty sure they knew who that someone was. Always was a snivelling coward. How anyone could've entrusted him with such important information is beyond them.

But even so...Ooh, this was definitely going to be fun!

They bite down a mischievous grin, "Let me guess, trying to one-up the current priest? I never knew you had any sort of interest in history!"

"I don't," A low growl hisses in their ear, "I simply see the value in learning all I can about this world. The rarer information I know? The more of a bargain it will be, if you know what I mean..."

"And to make that worthless priest they won't shut up about jealous. Or something." They can just hear Saragimaru shrugging.

Tenkai suppresses a loud chuckle at Kuroji's annoyed shout. Oh, make no mistake, it would be awful if they got ahold of it. The untold havoc that scoundrel would wreck simply by having one of the most important pieces of documentation the Senri clan ever entrusted to their family cannot be underestimated. And their superiors would have their head. That too.

But that implies they plan on letting them get ahold of it in the first place.

"Can't let ya pass on that one," they exclaim, trying to sound at least a little worried, "Even if I wanted to, that book is under lock and key. Sorry!"

"Allow me to repeat myself, just this once: You don't have a choice in this."

"Or what? You'd actually slit my throat? I mean, you are a scoundrel, so..."

And there's the knife drawing blood again. Ouch.

"As a matter of fact, yes. Yes I would. So start marching."

Tenkai obeys, legs automatic, "Sheesh! Someone needs to learn better manners!"

"Don't you know manners and this scoundrel don't mix? Not that you would know much more about manners yourself."

Tenkai can only click their tongue at that. Tsurubami would've been proud.

Kuroji drags them deeper into the bowels of the shop. The "Employees Only" scroll on the door was cheerfully ignored, and they were taken in and out of various rooms in less a sinister waltz and more a clueless stumble. They even start making low growls as the charade goes on. They oughta be glad Tenkai was left to their own devices (miraculously) today, otherwise they would be very, very dead right about the second room. Maybe the third if they want to be generous.

Oh, make no mistake, their superiors are gonna be pissed if they find out Kuroji decided to break into Azumaterasu, and at them especially if they find them compromised like this. The aftermath would not be pleasant if they get caught.

But then again... it's been a good while since someone tried to knock those arrogant asses down a peg. So why not give them a little helping hand, by a certain definition?

The dizzying constant shifting of their surroundings only stops when a loud crack rings out, causing both of them to look in its direction.

...Oh darn, the snake knows a thing or two about picking apart barriers. Not much, clearly, as Tenkai can easily bypass that particular barrier without busting it so loudly, but they did know how to destabilize the inscriptions at the very least.

Saragimaru turn to look at them, the blue glow at their fingertips fading away, "...Found it."

And by the grin returning to Kuroji's face, it seems Tenkai's reaction had given it away.

"Oh my oh my Saragimaru, how did you ever know the entrance was right there?"

"The melon took me into this very room when we met the first time. Something about the inscription working best in that room... though they were lying so..."

Saragimaru fixes them with a harsh glare. Tenkai can only give a half-hearted shrug, unapologetic, "So you can remember how to break the barrier like I showed you, but can't keep track of prices. Suits ya pretty well if you ask me~!"

"...! Why I oughta-"

"Put the sword down. We still need them to bypass whatever traps these old farts put in order to gatekeep us."

Saragimaru lets out a loud groan as they sheathe their kodachi, their jaw clenched. Kuroji hums in their ear a moment later, "But don't worry! Once they disable all the traps it should be perfectly alright to take care of them then!"

... Okay, now this is just downright hilarious. Last time they got held at swordpoint, the youkai were all cheerfully talking about dismembering them once they served their purpose. These guys are just being more polite about it!

Needless to say, Tenkai bursted out laughing. As if these two could ever be the death of them! They kept laughing as they were ushered through the library doorway and down the stairs.

It wasn't until their laughter became full blown wheezing that they were asked by their current captor, "...What's so funny?"

"You..." They wipe a tear from their eye, less walking down the steps and more skipping down them, "...You plan to kill me once I've outlived my usefulness. Are you sure you won't consider a career as a comedian?"

Judging by the low hiss, like a little bird trying to sound bigger than it really is, Kuroji was making, they weren't too impressed by their wit. The knife presses into their back, forcing them down two at a time.

"...Huh. I now see why you want to kill them. All this time I thought I was craving bread, not blood."

"I told you they were better off dead!" Their eyes bore into them from behind, "So don't tempt me! I will if I have to, consequences be damned!"

"Bloodthirsty now, I see?" Tenkai snickers, "See what I mean? Utterly hilarious! Seriously, both of you might have a future in comedy!"

"Shut up..." They both mutter in unison. That will probably be the first and last time they ever agree on something, to boot.

Tsurubami would definitely be proud. They've come a long way since...

Their feet touch down on smooth stone. They swallow hard, knowing where they are and what they'll have to do.

"March," Kuroji whispers in their ear. The knife digs into their back, and Tenkai obeys.

Tenkai roams the long corridors of books and scrolls, one foot firmly in front of the other. They knew exactly where the book in question is. Tsurubami had quite a few suggestions for it when they stole that very book the third time they met. Their superiors didn't know it, but they had gleefully heeded their suggestions.

Not that Kuroji knows that. Nor do they intend to let them know and ruin their fun.

Tenkai guided the scoundrels over to the bookcase in question. The one at the very back, the oldest and mustiest.

Oh, and the only one concealed behind a very obvious and visible barrier. Can't forget that part!

"...So what happens if you touch that barrier there?" Saragimaru asks.

"You rapidly age as your future death plays out right before your eyes."

"Even to the ageless...?"

"Then just the vision of your future death," Tenkai smiles as a loud sigh rolls by their ears.

Okay, they've never actually seen what happens when an actual intruder like these two tries to touch that barrier in question before. They do remember only getting a small shock as a kid when curiosity got the better of them though. One of their...more overdramatic caretakers did spin that story to scare them away, so perhaps there's a grain of truth in it?

Not that it really mattered. They aren't hearing any protests from them, that's for sure.

"Well I happen to like being the age I'm at," Kuroji huffs, "So...? Are you going to grab the book or not? Because if you're not, I presume you know-"

"You'll slit my throat and then leave me to bleed out and die. Yadda yadda yadda," Tenkai rolls their eyes, "If you're gonna actually go ahead and kill me, at least do something more fun than a simple knife to the throat."

"Believe me, the possibilities for me killing both of you are endless if I had it my way," Saragimaru deadpans, as if they actually had the power to follow up on that particular threat.

"I'm well aware. You've told me plenty of them already," Kuroji sounds way too chipper when refuting their wayward servant in Tenkai's opinion, "But unless you would rather be the one to try and break that barrier there, I would -"

"I lost the right to share my opinion. Got it," The butt of a wooden pole jabs against Tenkai's back, making them take a step forward, "...Hey melon, if you find a way to throw this scoundrel into that barrier, please do. Preferably at once."

A huff, "Ignore them. Try that and I'll show you 'creative'."

"I make no promises!" Tenkai grins, flexing their fingers, warming up with power, as they strut towards the barrier.

In theory, this barrier, designed to keep important books under lock and key (and far away from the nose of their least favorite apprentice), is one of the sturdiest, most complex constructs second to only the Great Barrier itself. It contains dozens of inscriptions, and many riddles to keep intruders (and certain smart alecks) from easily confusing and breaking it. Few should be able to access it without an elder's say so.

Keyword: should.

In practice, this barrier was merely further proof that their superiors have never actually fashioned a complicated barrier in their lives. Perhaps it was Tenkai's genius getting the better of them, but this barrier was about as complex as the one on their safe box of gag gifts ill fitting for someone like them to hold onto. It does it's job against one who knows jack about breaking barriers, but only serves as a fun puzzle for a professional barrier breaker.

Tenkai just so happened to be one such professional barrier breaker.

The runic inscriptions light up with a quick swipe over the barrier's surface. Glowing orange fingertips scrawl over it, seeking out the vaguest, frailest sentences.

...Found one.

A twisted grin sprung to Tenkai's face as they began to pour all their energy into it. The inscription glowed brighter and brighter, until it was almost blinding. And then, right before this section could crack, disabled, under the pressure, they let up.

They then reach inside the glowing section of barrier, and yank the target book out.

"You insult me," They huff as their handiwork fades, leaving the barrier like it was never touched, "I could break barriers like that in my sleep."

"...All you did was reach through the barrier and make the room smell like melons," Saragimaru pinches their nose, "You less broke the barrier and more bypassed it."

"And alert my bosses that they were being robbed the moment it shatters? You really ought to be thanking me for not blowing your cover!" They let out a small chuckle at Kuroji's low growl, "Breaking barriers is child's play. Now bypassing barriers? That's a completely different skillset! I put in all this hard work for you guys, and you're too greedy to even thank me?"

"The book. Now." Considering the knife now back at their throat, they guessed so. Kuroji is, at least. Saragimaru is more easily manipulated than greedy.

But nevertheless, Tenkai deposited the book into Kuroji's waiting hand, whistling a small tune as they cast their glance at a nearby bookshelf. It immediately vanishes into their electric purple jacket, never to be seen again.

"Thank you. Cooperating wasn't so bad, was it? Less painful," Kuroji's focus turns to Saragimaru, "Now tie up this loose end here. We don't need all of Azumaterasu coming down on our heads, now do we?"

"On your head. This feels a little too easy, knowing Tenkai Zuifeng. Don't you think they got something else up their sleeve? And don't mix me up in the consequences of your own actions!"

"Oh no, they'd definitely come after you too," Tenkai clasps their hands together, doing their best imitation of the grin Tsurubami typically wore when about to discipline troublemakers, "An excuse to go after one of the last remnants of Yamata-no-Orochi's lineage? It would be a crime to let it go to waste! And then both of your families for good measure! ...Just speaking from personal experience here."

They conveniently left out the time they went after Tsurubami once, for the exact same crime by raw coincidence. They were pretty sure Saragimaru and their beloved Yaorochi would be able to keep their hubris unscathed (unfortunately). Now Kuroji? ...A little more debatable. But that scoundrel's upset worse people before and their superiors are all old farts, so who knows?

It did the trick though. Saragimaru's eyes widened a little, "They'd go after Yaorochi-sama?"

"Loose end. Tie it up," Kuroji deadpans, their gaze flitting between Tenkai, Saragimaru, and the room all around them."

"So I can finally kill this obnoxious melon?" Saragimaru's voice lightens notably, a fang nicking their lip as they bite it.

"Tempting, but no. Leaving a body behind is the exact opposite of a clean break-in. You're going to tie their tongue up so they can't say we were here."

They put their naginata back in its sheathe, restrapping it to their back, "Ugh...Why do I always have to cast the curses? You can cast them too. I've seen you do it."

"...Because your curses are more effective, obviously," Kuroji's gaze turns back to Tenkai, nostrils flared.

"Translation: They can't cast magic like you and I can there, Saragimaru," Tenkai jeers, snorting at the death glare Kuroji then gives them.

"I mean, we all know that...I was just wondering why they weren't gearing up to-"

"Shut. Up. Both of you. You've lost the right to speak," They turn their back towards Tenkai, "Now curse them. Then let's get out of here."

"... Yes Your Excellency," Saragimaru grumbles, stepping towards Tenkai. A blue glow, like rainwater, emits from their fingertips, ominously pressing closer and closer to them.

Or at least, it would've been ominous if they haven't been so desensitized to the dark side of magic. Thanks Tsurubami.

"Sheesh, you guys are so mean! Can't take a little joke or-"

The glowing blue hand closes in around their throat, "Shut. Up."

Tenkai suddenly felt like they were choking on something. They tried to laugh through the pain of talons digging into their nape, but every sound they tried to make sounded garbled. A small white cloud puffs from their mouth, like breath on a cold winter day. Saragimaru's teeth gnash together, and soon enough Tenkai's throat felt clogged with them.

They gargle, clouds bursting from their mouth in a rapid stream like bubbles, purging their tongue of what occurred in this library. And then, just like that, it was all over and the magic all dissipated, their windpipe clearing of misplaced weather.

Saragimaru lets go, the glow of their magic fading, and Tenkai's body drops to the floor with a thud, as if they had dropped them. Air flows through their lungs like sand, black spots dancing in the corners of their vision as they watch their tail sway gently from side to side.

"There. If they say anything about our robbery and hostage taking, the heavens shall rob them of the ability to speak the truth. ...Poor thing, I'd feel bad if it wasn't for them being Tenkai Zuifeng..."

"Good enough. We got all that we need, so let's leave them here."

"Are you sure that's a good idea? People are going to know someone was here once they notice your stupid book is missing..."

"But will they be able to tell it was us specifically? Besides, it's not like we can't pin this on Tsubakura when all is said and done. They say the Senri priest has some kind of right to this book, don't they?"

"I thought this whole pointless excursion was to make that dumb priest you are so obsessed with jealous. Blaming them for your crime sounds very counter-intuitive."

"And that's enough out of you. Let's make our exit while this place is still clear of those elders we're supposed to fear."

"...Did I actually curse the right person?"

"Oh you're such a tease! Didn't you know my body can be just as loose as my lips?"

"Ugh..."

Tenkai clamours to their knees, watching the scoundrels march up the stairs, bickering all the way there. Right as they both reached the top, Kuroji whirls around, and tips their hat to them.

Then, the scoundrel and their swordsnake vanish.

Tenkai pushes themself to their feet, coughing up one more cloud as the curse rolls around their throat and onto their tongue, tasting of smog. It was a pretty unpleasant feeling actually, but Tenkai has been under enough of these sorts of curses to know a strong one from a weak one. And if Saragimaru really wanted them to shut up, they'd be coughing up clouds and hail for weeks on end for daring to think of the forbidden object in question.

It would also be much harder to unravel than this, going by the magical handiwork now decorating their throat and along their chin. Though going by their few unpleasant encounters with that scoundrel, that wrench in their plans was well deserved.

Not as good as the one Tenkai threw though. They can't wait to see the look on Kuroji's face when they realize they handed up a rulebook instead of the history book they were actually after.

Tenkai wobbles over to the bookcase off to the side. They pluck a certain book off the shelf, and with a wave of their hand, the barrier vanishes, revealing A Brief History of the Senri Clan in all its musty glory.

(It hasn't been updated since the fifth priest before the current ones. Tsurubami had ranted to them long and hard about that once they finally got their hands on the book.)

Like Tsurubami had suggested a long, long time ago, Tenkai had the book swapped out for a conveniently dense decoy, disguising both with a cloaking barrier as the other. Not even their superiors had figured out the swap, but that won't last much longer once someone finally realizes they're missing a book or two.

Especially not after Kuroji's plan blows up in their face and they inevitably throw caution to the wind over it. Tenkai can just picture their rage now. The way their cheeks puff up and turn red when angered had always made them snicker.

They blow the dust off the cover before tucking it under their arm. Oh, they couldn't wait until their little prank is discovered. People like those two are way more fun to manipulate than some of the other idiots that occasionally try to make use of them. It's going to be great.

But right now...What exactly should they do? Their superiors are going to be pissed either way, even though they have dozens of those bloated rulebooks lying around in here. Should they put this book back and let sleeping dogs lie for a little while? Hm...

Their attention turns to the old forbidden bookcase it should be on. A smirk plays at their lips.

Perhaps the scoundrels can serve one more use to them after all? They may not know it yet, but they've already humiliated their superiors once today with their crime. What's a little more to teach those hags a well overdue lesson?

...Tsurubami would definitely be cackling at what they've done if they were still here. They'll definitely have to tell them about this when they meet again.

#ask and you shall receive (writing requests)#len'en #len'en project #len'en fanfiction #tenkai zuifeng #kuroji shitodo #adagumo no saragimaru #(tsurubami is mentioned quite a bit here)#(because Tenkai)#(but I'm not tagging them lol)#Seriously I'm really sorry this took so long!#This thing was a complete asshole to finish #Ideas would not flow for a while there lol #I wanted to try something new #(and keep from pigeonholing myself)#and decided to flex my skills at comedy #not sure how funny this actually is #but I gave it my best shot!#...and got a little too into my worldbuilding again (Oops!)#the magic imagery was fun though #and hey! Kuroji finally got to be a bitch in a fic I wrote! Hooray!#Victory all around!#(Even if they didn't win)#(but they don't know that lol)#tw death threats #tw choking #(more imagery than actual but still)#gratuitous worldbuilding #a scoundrel and their swordsnake (slaver team)#the old dictators (tsurubami & tenkai)

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taintedevesayori · 9 months ago

Text

Sayo's Route: Dark 06

Sayo's Route Masterlist

-Sayo is in the library with a book in her lap. She is staring at the ceiling, unable to focus on her book

(Reiji told me to solve the conflict with Laito and then he would change who is watching over me…but how am I supposed to do that? Laito has been even more insufferable than usual these past few days. He said he wanted to fix things and get along, but that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore…I wonder why…)

???: Hey, hey~ Looks like someone is lost in thought.

Sayo: Hm…?

-She glances back to see the blonde vampire from the other day. Kou grins at her

Kou: Long time no see! I was growing impatient since I haven’t seen you in a while, you know?

Sayo: Impatient? Over what?

Kou: I didn’t expect to see you by yourself. Shouldn’t you be more cautious?

Sayo: Oh, I’m sure I’m being watched…He’s probably waiting for something like this to happen…Haah…

Kou: Hm? What do you mean?

Sayo: Because of you guys, the brothers decided I needed a babysitter. Laito, of all people. It’s been extremely annoying. I’m sure he’s left me alone on purpose. He’s probably lurking nearby, waiting for one of you to approach me so he can waltz up and suggest you guys take my blood in some freaky threeway thing. That damn pervert is too into that kind of thing. So, unless you want to be caught up in something so unpleasant, I would leave me be.

-Kou narrows his eyes at her

Kou: You’re just saying that to get me to leave. You’ll have to do better than that-

Laito: Sayo-chan~!

-Laito walks up to them

Laito: And Mukami Kou-kun, is it?

Sayo: Just wait for it.

Kou: Che…Don’t get in my way here.

Laito: In your way, huh? Nfu~ I don’t plan on stopping you. Why don’t all three of us have some fun~? We can squeeze Sayo-chan in between us and indulge in her together.

Sayo: Haah…told you so.

Kou: So you’re into that, huh…?

Laito: Nfu~ is that a problem?

Kou: It’s pretty disgusting. Are all of you aristocrats with too much time and money on your hands like this?

(This is actually a bit amusing. Guess Kou has some pretty strong opinions on people like Laito. Still, I shouldn’t stick around for too long. Once they’re distracted enough, I’ll sneak away.)

Laito: I just love this sort of thing. The vanilla stuff became boring a long time ago. Can’t you understand? You’re a vampire as well. Pleasure is the best spice to deal with this eternal time on our hands, don’t you think? Anything is fine as long as I get to feel good…get it?

Kou: Che…this side of you makes me want to puke. You’re exactly the same as all the other freaks I’ve met…!

-Sayo takes this as a good opportunity to get up and sneak out of the library

Laito: This is my true self, you know? Did you have high hopes for me? I don’t believe there is any truth aside from pleasure in this world.

Kou: I changed my mind~! Let’s have some fun together another time-

-Kou turns, only to see Sayo is gone

Laito: Aw~ She slipped away. Always when I take my eyes off her…such a cruel girl. Haah…

-Laito leaves the library as well

Kou: Disgusting bastard…I can’t believe myself…I actually feel bad for that girl…having to put up with someone like him.

#diabolik lovers oc #diabolik lovers #sayori makina #kou mukami #laito sakamaki #sayo's route

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shepardlives · 1 year ago

Note

*slams buzzer* Abby for all them!!!!

1. Canon I outright reject

That he does not exist and I cannot kiss him

2. A canon or headcanon hill I will die on

Abby is a big ol cat so expect cat behaviors

3. Obscure headcanon

Abby has to resist the urge to groom people constantly. He just loves his friends

4. Favorite line

“Nya :3c”

5. Best personality trait

Abby is very loyal, even if he can be aloof

6. Worst personality trait

Abby is very quick to cut and run because of his past, so it’s a lot of work to gain his trust and make him stick around

7. Age/height/weight headcanon

Abby is around 37, 7 feet even, and around 300 pounds

8. Unpopular opinion about them

The best love interest for Genji don’t @ me

9. Scene that first made me love (or hate) the

character

He popped into my brain because I was tired of Genji/l*cio

10. Best moment on screen (or in the book)

All :)

11. Faceclaim for the role

God I had a face claim but I can’t FIND IT if I find him I’ll edit this

12. Crack headcanon

Abby has a rough tongue like a cat but only Sometimes

13. Dumbest thing they've ever done

Genji

14. Most heroic moment

Abby has worked with overwatch to save a lot of people but he’s very proud of the times he’s saved kids

15. Worst thing they've ever done

He’s killed a lot of his fellow preds, either in the lab or because they couldn’t be saved… it still weighs on him

16. Deepest darkest secret they won't even admit

He doesn’t know that he wanted to be saved. It might have been better if he’d gone crazy and someone put a bullet in him

17. Quotes. sonas. poems. etc. that | associate

“Not a man like you”

18. What they'd go to see a therapist about

Probably the massive amount of mental and physical abuse they went through while being experimented on or the feelings of non-personhood

19. Vices/bad habits

Abby tends to smoke or scratch at his clothing when he’s nervous so he goes through a lot of clothes

20. Scars

Many

21. Drink of choice (not just alcoholic)

Abby likes iced mochas a lot. Usually this is just him adding chocolate milk to his coffee

22. Best physical feature

His muscles :^)

23. If they were a scented candle, what would

they smell like?

Chocolate, firewood, and tiger lilies

24. Most annoying habit

Abby doesn’t exactly keep normal sleeping hours

25. 3 things they'd want to take with them if they

were dropped off in the middle of nowhere

Abby actually struggles with the idea of keeping anything thanks to his upbringing- he’d keep a weapon but that’s about it

26. What they would do if stuck in an elevator

with insert character of your choice from the

same fandom]

If it were Cole, probably play cards. If it were Genji well. Depends on how long they were stuck

27. Their guilty pleasure

Abby loves reality tv. It’s terrible but he can’t stop watching

28. How they feel about insert character of your

choice from the same fandom]

Abby actually feels a lot of pity for reaper. He knows how that much anger and hurt can eat you alive

29. Eating habits

Abby is a fucking trash can and will eat whatever you give him. He’s very polite and won’t ask for seconds but he could very easily eat three plates of food

30. Sleeping habits

Abby sleeps very lightly and at all hours of the day. If he ever goes missing it’s most likely he’s found a quiet spot to take a cat nap

31. If the had a tumblr what would it look like?

Abby is very interested in robotics and other technological advances. He’d have a big STEM themed blog. Also lots of pictures of fish around lunch and dinner time

32. Something guaranteed to make them smile/

laugh

Abby loves terrible jokes: Reyes always got a laugh out of him when they were on missions

33. Something guaranteed to make them cry

Abby is pretty well regulated there so it takes a lot- but talking about his old family does the trick, always

34. How they react when they are feeling X

emotion (sad, angry, excited, scared, etc.-can

specify as many as you like)

Abby is very cautious- he’s big, he’s black, and he’s clearly not all the way human, so his emotions have to be regulated- but when he’s angry he’s furious. He tends to lose himself in it and the results are usually bloody

35. Their idea of a perfect day

Cat nap in the sun, a good workout/wrestle session with whatever tank is around, a hearty lunch, a walk/date with Genji, a good meal for dinner, and then cuddling until Genji falls asleep (zoomies at 3 am)

36. Their favorite season

Abby loves winter

37. What they really think about themselves

Abby thinks… he is an anomaly in a world that doesn’t always take kindly to those. He didn’t deserve what happened to him, but he wants a place in this world.

38. Favorite holiday

Christmas!

39. Favorite game

Abby isn’t much of a gamer but he usually tunes into Hana’s streams to see what’s up. He’d really like stardew valley if he tried it

40. Favorite book

As intelligent as he is Abby isn’t a huge reader. He liked the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe though

41. If they could have lunch with anyone in the

world (living or dead, from any fictional universe

or the real world), who would it be?

His mom

42. 3 comfort items

Sunbeams, hoodies, and a stress ball Zenyatta gave him

43. 3 favorite foods and 3 they despise

Abby is a trash can as mentioned but he doesn’t like cucumber. Salmon is his favorite fish

44. Their happiest memory

Meeting Genji

45. Their favorite celebrity

Hana Song

46. The person they most admire

Genji, for finding peace and acceptance in what he’s been made into

47. Their dream job

Abby would love to be a kindergarten teacher

48. Scariest moment of their life

See: his whole childhood in the lab

49. Favorite toy as a child

There was a desk in his room he played pretend with

50. A memory they've blocked out

Some of the more violent experiments, especially at first. Growing his tiger features (ears, tail, claws) weren’t exactly painless experiments

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hopes-peak-postal-company · 1 year ago

Note

Hey Mod Akane! I hope you're doing well :) I was hoping to get a romantic matchup for Doki Doki Literature Club, My Hero Academia, and One Punch Man please!

Name: Zachary

Likes/Hobbies: Writing, Reading, Cooking, Learning Obscure Facts, Conspiracies, Meteorology, Astronomy, 80s music (though I like most music), Going on Walks (especially while listening to music), Lasagna (seriously I'm like Garfield when it comes to lasagna), doing a little trolling, being the best person I can be for my loved ones, and being with loved ones for that matter, though I do enjoy a decent amount of alone time.

Dislikes: Being a burden, seafood, fake people, being looked down upon

Personality: I'm a pansexual INFP with he/him pronouns! I'm very eccentric to say the least, I like to go on the road less traveled on and try new things. A walking disaster but I wouldn't have it any other way! I try to be nonconfrontational and work things out, but I won't be a pushover. I enjoy my alone time, but also enjoy being with my loved ones. I like to find a good balance. I try my best to become better every day. I'm not perfect in any sense and do fall into depressive episodes, but I try my best to be at least decent. I'm not the best at communicating, but once I find someone I can trust I open up easily!

Physical traits: Skinny, tall, white with a light tan, with shoulder length dirty blonde hair parted in the middle, green eyes. I usually like to wear a cool jacket or overshirt depending on the season.

Also I didn't know where to put it but I figured it might be important to add I'm the oldest of 9 kids, with 5 sisters and 3 brothers. I don't know if it will be relevant but :p

I hope your happy with who I matched you up with.

Your Doki Doki Literature Club Matchup Is….

SAYORI:

* The literature club often gets annoyed when the two of you are late too a meeting because you both decided to go on a spontaneous trip to a new store that just opened up

* The two of you make a habit of trying out a new activity every Saturday

* Sayori will often run up to you excited to share with you something new she found on the internet that the two of you can do together

* Sometimes you both will even invite the rest of the club to come along with you guys

* Everyone calls the both of you the eccentric couple due to you both having similar personalities, but people find how the two of you can keep up with each others energy endearing though

* Whenever you want to have some alone time Sayori respects it, but make sure you reassure her it’s not because of her, since sometimes she starts to doubt herself in secret

* Likes that your not a push over because sometimes she doesn’t put her opinion across and she’s glad she’s got you there to be the assertive one in the situation

*Since you both don’t like confrontation, but your more willing to put someone in their place than she is

* The two of you can relate to each other, since you both fall into depressive episodes and it’s reassuring that you both can lean on and understand each other

* You both comfort the other when one of you falls into a depressive episode, since you both understand the signs one of you is going through one without either of you being verbal about that fact

* Even though Sayori shares a lot of things some of the more darker aspects of her life she keeps quiet about, so just like you it takes her time to open up about them, but once you open up to her it encourages Sayori to do the same to you

* She loves tasting anything you cook, especially if it is something sweet

* Will be over the moon if you make her lunch for school

* Anything you write she will read even if it takes her a while to get through it

* She will even take some book recommendations from you, but probably gets bored with reading it and ends up watching the movie at least that’s something

* Happily listens to all the obscure facts you know and happily goes around telling everyone

* “Hey, look what Zachary taught me!”

* Being the oldest one of your siblings comes in handy when dealing with Sayori since she can at times act childish, so it is very helpful to know how to deal with that

* Would love it if you let her wear one of your cool jackets or over-shirts, but won’t ask directly for it and instead opts to tugging on the sleeve of the one your wearing and compliments it hoping you get the hint

* Tries to learn to make lasagna for you, but ends up burning it maybe you can give her some cooking lessons

* She likes to play a few jokes on people herself, so she would happily help you do some trolling, but her laughter does often give it away

* Admires how you always try to be an amazing person and that’s one of the reasons on why she fell for you

* Will accompany you on your walks and if you play some music she starts twirling around with one of your earbuds in her ear making the wire tangle with the other one in your ear

* The two of you spend dates coming up with new conspiracies, especially ones you think could be taking place at school

* Doesn’t really understand meteorology and astrology, but she happily listens to you rant about it even if she does ask some dumb questions she is interested none the less

* But don’t go on about them for too long because she might accidentally end up falling asleep

* Overall, Sayori and you are a really good couple and you both are really lucky to have each other.

Your My Hero Academia Matchup Is….

MOMO YAOYOROZU:

* Your spontaneous trips help Momo loosen up a little because usually she likes to stick to what she knows and not try anything new, but once you drag her with you on a few she starts to enjoy them

* She would never join you on them during school time though because she doesn’t want to be late, but if she fails to convince you not to go on them she will write down any notes to give to you if you miss them from being late

* She likes that your on the more the eccentric side because she herself is quite shy and she needs a bit of chaos in her life to bring her out of her shell

* Momo respects when you want some alone time and asks if you want her to stay with you and if you say no she will make you some tea and then leave you alone for the rest of the day

* Sometimes she thinks it’s her fault when she’s going through an insecurity episode herself, so during that time you should spend it with her and just remind her that she’s fine you just like to be alone sometimes

* She will be happy you took the time to reassure her even if she knew that she was just self doubting

* Momo isn’t that big on confrontation either and often tries to play peace maker when people have an argument

* She appreciates when you come to her defence though, since if someone snaps at her she usually becomes at a loss for words when people turn on her like that

* When you fall into depressive episodes Momo doesn’t know what to do, so decides to read up on it thoroughly, so she can better help you

* If you really want her to give you space though she will respect that, but she will check up on you every once in a while to make sure your doing okay

* Is overjoyed when you finally trust her enough to tell her private things and swears to keep them to herself and she makes good on that by never uttering what you told her to anyone else

* She returns the favour and shares things private about herself to you as well

* Will taste test anything you make and makes tea to go with whatever meal you have prepared

* Momo can’t really cook that well, due to usually having her personal chefs do it for her, but she is happy to aid you with the basic tasks of cooking and gathering the ingredients part. Will be very appreciative if you take the time to teach her how to cook yourself

* Will read anything you write and due to her being top in her class she gently points out any grammar mistakes you may have made to better improve your writing

* She can’t give any help on the story telling part though since she is not the most creative person when it comes to that part

* Will listen to all of your obscure facts and recites some she has learnt herself from reading information books and lends some to you in case you want to learn even more obscure facts to tell people

* Likes to hear stories about what your siblings have done now, since she is an only child, so doesn’t know what it is like to have a big family

* Will buy you new cool jackets and over shirts to wear as presents she buys you branded ones as well

* She also gets one of her family chefs to teach her how to make Lasagna to surprise you with it and if it doesn’t turn out quite right she gets the chef to make you some, so she can give it to you

* Isn’t much of a jokester herself, so this is one thing your going to have to teach her and soon she will be making loads of jokes in no time, even if most of them don’t land very well

* Loves going on walks with you it helps calm her down and she does give your music a listen too, since she wants to know more about you maybe you both can swap playlists sometime

* Doesn’t really believe in most conspiracy theories, but will happily listen to one’s you come up with or have researched about, maybe you both can have a debate on why it’s real or not

* Knows a lot about meteorology and astrology from reading them in books, so you can both have conversations about the subjects during one of your dates

* Her knowledge probably won’t be as broad as yours though because that’s not the only thing she researched about and put all of her attention on to

* Overall, Momo is a great girlfriend and the two of you make a good couple even if you both have a few differences you both get along very well with each other.

Your One Punch Man Match Up Is….

Genos:

* Always accompanies you on any walks you want to go on because he enjoys them and also wants to make sure your safe

*Because what if you stumble across a monster when going along some unexplored path

* He does like your eccentric personality it’s what makes you unique from everyone else and is something he admires you for

* He can also handle it very well, since most of the people he hangs around are quite eccentric themselves even if they don’t mean to be

* When you want some alone time it is hard for Genos to understand at first, since he thinks there are ways he can help

* But after Saitama explains it to him and he does some analysis himself he gives you your alone time

* When you want to hang out with him again though he’s right outside waiting with a meal ready for you to eat

* Genos is not a massive fan of confrontation, but he will not hesitate to do it when someone has done something wrong or has done something to wrong you

* Even if he isn’t very good at coming up with insults he will still reprimand them as much as he can

* If you ever defend him against someone he very much appreciates it

* Though he does say to let him handle it next time because he doesn’t want anyone doing something to you in anger from your words to them

* When you fall into depressive episodes Genos is unsure how to handle them he becomes overly caring just wanting to make you feel better

* He reads tonnes of books and does loads of research just to figure out the best way to handle it

* He will give you space though once you finally tell him to

* Does get worried though, so Saitama ends up having to reassure him, much to his dismay, that you will be okay during this time

* Swears on Saitama’s life that he will never repeat your secrets to anyone, even if he can sometimes be a bit of a blabber mouth, but he will tread with extra caution to keep your secrets to himself and safe from prying people

* He is quite happy when you finally trust him though

* Even though he is not required to eat if it is something you have made he will gladly try it and give you his opinion on it

* Sometimes he over exaggerates his compliments on the food, since he loves you and wants to make you feel proud of what you have made

* Genos is also not too bad at cooking himself and he will help you in the kitchen to the best of his ability

* One time though he accidentally released to much fire from his hand resulting in the both of you having to evacuate the kitchen

* Saitama still ate the burnt food that was still in the oven after the fire was put out though

* Genos is happy to read any story that you have written and feels honoured when you allow him too

* He does try to give you more ideas on what to write, but most of his ideas aren’t very good

* Genos will listen intently and write down all the obscure facts you tell him

* He even does a data analysis to find some more obscure facts that you might not know, so he can tell you them

* Will help you to look after any of your siblings if you ask him to, hopefully he will get along with all of them

* Any money he gets from being a hero he tries to save it aside, so he can buy you some cool jackets or over shirts as a gift, since you deserve to be treated by him

* Will teach himself how to make lasagna and after many failed attempts he can finally present you with his creation

* Hopefully you will like it

* Doesn’t really understand jokes that much, but will still laugh anyway

* Please laugh at his jokes even if they are unfunny he is trying his best to make you laugh

* He did a whole survey to find out what the perfect joke consists of

* His joke turned out far from perfect though

* Will accompany you on walks to make sure you are safe and because he enjoys spending that time with you

* He will listen to your music and he actually enjoyed it, he doesn’t really listen to much music, but maybe he should start. Hopefully you can recommend him more songs to listen to

* Genos kind of believes in most conspiracy theories if their is evidence that it could exist

* So any conspiracy theories you come up with he is definitely believing because your his lover and he doesn’t doubt you

* Will find out more about astrology and meteorology just for you and does loads of data analysis on them

* Hoping to impress you with his knowledge and to benefit yours about these topics you love to discuss as well

* He loves it when you talk about them to him as well and will always write detailed notes on what you tell him, like your teaching a class of only one student

* Overall, Genos is an amazing boyfriend to have and he appreciates everything about you and will do everything he can to understand your interests and desires even if they are a bit confusing for him to understand straight away on his own.

#doki doki literature club matchup #my hero academia matchup #one punch man matchup #matchup

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riahlynn101 · 1 year ago

Text

"The Caretaker's Keeper" (2).

Thank you, guys, for all the support on the last chapter <3 I appreciate it all so much!

Trigger warnings: kidnapping, people in distress, All for One upping his creepiness meter, abandonment issues, implied/referenced child abandonment, and swearing.

I took the last chapter and made it worse (in my opinion). As always, take care your mental health first. Don't read something that might aggravate existing issues (be kind to yourselves) ^w^

Chapter 2 (final part)

“My brother likes you,” his boss says, an unreadable expression on his face. It fills Izuku with a certain sense of foreboding, like his entire existence hangs in the balance of one man’s unhealthy obsession with his younger brother (and it kind of does).

“O-oh?” Izuku puts his pencil down and looks up at his boss. He tries not to make eye contact. Kacchan hates it when he does that; he thinks it has something to do with control and wanting to feel powerful. His boss has never laid into him for looking at him like his former friend does (or did as they started at separate high schools, three months ago) but old habits die hard.

“Yes, and if I’m particularly honest, I find myself becoming quite fond of your presence.”

“Thank you, sir.” The words feel hollow coming from his mouth. Fondness from his boss is akin to superglue that spills and dries on carpet. More and more he sees that Yoichi is living proof of that.

“Well, I see no need to beat around the bush. Izuku-Kun, I’m going to need you to move in.”

“Move…in?”

“Yes, move in. I have to be away on a business trip for a month, or so, and I don’t trust any of my associates to handle my brother with care. Besides, it will be easier for you to stay here rather than taking the bus back-and-forth.”

“I-I don’t know, sir. My mom-”

“Will be sent fifty-percent of your paycheck. I know you usually give her all of your earnings, but I think you should save at least five hundred per paycheck for college.”

There’s something to his words. A finality.

“I don’t want to-” he stops himself, seeing the stormy glare his boss is giving him. “My mom will worry about me.”

“You can still call her, everyday.”

He swallows hard, fighting back tears. “But my school. I have to leave anyway to attend.”

“Online schooling is a remarkable thing. I’m sure my brother would love to tutor you. He loves helping others.”

Izuku sighs. There’s little he can do right now. A month is not that long anyways. “And this arrangement is just for a month?”

His boss smiles, head resting on his hands. “Of course, Izuku-Kun. Would I ever lie to you?”

-x-x-x-

“I’m overjoyed that you decided to stay with us.”

Izuku fights down a scoff. It’s not in his best interest to show his boss attitude. He gets mildly annoyed when Yoichi does it, and the man’s his adored little brother. He would hate to see what someone like him-who has barely broached the level of ‘fondness’-would get if he dared to be a little extra cheeky.

“I’m very glad to be here, sir,” Izuku says, keeping his tone bright and cheery.

His hair is ruffled for the hundredth time today - his boss really likes doing that for some reason. And, despite his negative feelings towards him, Izuku finds it kind of nice. His own father never engaged in affection of any sort, choosing instead to keep Izuku at arm's length.

They stand in the middle of his (well, less his and more the designated room his boss has decided to graciously offer him) temporary bedroom. The interior design is uncomfortably reminiscent of the vault Yoichi has been trapped in for however long.

(Sometimes Yoichi will whisper names to him. Just names, nothing else. Like he doesn’t trust himself to keep them safe, or wants to make sure they live on. And they always come out sounding so heart wrenchingly sad.)

It has the same layout with the twin bed (with similar-looking bedding) and a desk and a bookshelf with all the same books he’s seen on the bookshelf in the vault.

A shiver creeps down his spine. His mother hadn’t been happy with this new arrangement, and almost made him quit (something neither of them can afford to do), but she let him go when he told her it’s a month at most.

“I hope this room is to your liking, Izuku-Kun.” His boss watches him from the doorway.

“Very much so, sir.” He can’t handle looking at this room any longer, so he subtly joins his boss back in the hallway. “How is Yoi- your brother doing today?”

He hasn’t seen the other brother since Friday (his boss allowed him a couple of days off to spend with his mom, which was….kind of him….Izuku supposes).

“Good. He’s very excited to help you with your schoolwork.”

“Does this mean I’m allowed to speak with him more?” All their conversations have been very one sided. It would be nice to finally be able to ask Yoichi some questions.

“Within reason. Any talk regarding current events, or escape plans will be met with garnished wages. Of which will firstly be taken from the portion of the paycheck given to your mother.”

Izuku opens his mouth but quickly closes it with a muted click.

“And of course, I don’t need to tell you that any attempts at helping my brother escape will result in a consequence you really won’t like.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Off to see my brother you go. I have a meeting to attend, but I would love for you to meet me in the dining room around six.”

“Yes, sir.” Izuku turns on his heels, heading for the elevator that will take him down…down…down to Yoichi’s “room.”

-x-x-x-

It’s nice being able to talk to Yoichi. He has to keep some of his questions to himself, but anything is better than standing unmoving for hours at a time. There had even been another chair brought in just for him, though Izuku guesses that might have something to do with the fact that Yoichi is going to tutor him for the month Izuku has to homeschool.

Yoichi is quiet today. Unnaturally so.

He sits at his desk, shoulders hunched up. A curtain of white hair blocks Izuku from seeing his face. He doodles on a drawing pad. The faint sounds of pencil on paper seem extraordinarily loud with every moment that passes.

“Are you okay?” He asks, reaching a hand out to…..to he doesn’t know. Check his temperature? Pat his back? “Do you need a-”

“I’m fine,” Yoichi snaps. The sounds of pencil on paper increase, undue pressure being added.

It would be wise, he thinks, to back off. Izuku has been through enough to know when his help is not wanted, nor needed. He chews at his bottom lip, casting a worried glance towards the camera.

Still, he has a job to do.

He tries again, this time scooting his chair closer.

“It’s just…you don’t seem fine. Did something-” The words die in his throat at the icy glare Yoichi sends him.

“You should’ve quit when you had the chance.” Despite his glare, there is no bite to his words, only a bone-weary sadness.

-x-x-x-

The hours between that strange confession and dinner had been excruciatingly long. Yoichi returned to ignoring his existence, but listened when the time came to switch to another task. He ate his dinner a little early and turned in for the night.

Which meant that Izuku had to endure the company of his boss’ other employees. They’re polite to him, at least more so than people usually are. But that’s not saying much. Their boss doesn’t tolerate disrespect, nor rudeness, so maybe everyone being “nice” is a condition of employment.

He hangs out in the kitchen until he’s called upon for dinner. Something about watching the cooks bustle around the kitchen is interesting to watch. It vaguely reminds him of those cooking shows his mom and him used to watch before his father left and they could no longer afford cable. Sometimes they even let him taste-test the food.

By the time he’s collected for dinner, Izuku has almost fallen asleep, pressed in the corner between a metal-shelving unit and a mop bucket. A maid twice as old as his mom pokes him with her foot, urging him to get up and make himself look “presentable.”

He’s then taken by the elbow to a side room. The maid uses her thin, bony fingers to tame his wild hair. She soothes out his clothes, trying to work out all the wrinkles she can before opening the dining room door and ushering him inside.

“Midoriya Izuku, master,” she announces, bowing.

The dining room is surprisingly humble. The table is fit for a family of four. It looks worn, the wood old. His boss’ chair creaks with the slightest movement. And the room itself is quite small. The floral wallpaper is peeling in some areas and crinkling in others.

Their boss dismisses the maid with a wave of his hand. Izuku envies the maid who can exist invisible to their boss, only called upon to fetch guests or clean rooms. The latter of which Izuku hates with a burning passion, especially folding laundry - but he would rather be doing that than having dinner with his boss.

“Izuku-Kun,” His boss greets, sipping on his wine. “I’m so glad you could make it.”

As if he had a choice!

Izuku smiles, bowing. If his father did one thing right, it was instilling a proper understanding of politeness and manners. “Happy to be here, sir.” His tone betrays nothing.

Must be over-eager, not reluctant.

“So formal. Come, come, sit.”

Izuku, as per usual, obeys. He sits to his boss’ right (the only other place setting). The fabric place mats are a deep green. They remind him of his mom’s eyes.

His heart twists.

One month. He can do this!

“I hope my brother didn’t give you any trouble today?”

Izuku shakes his head. He’s seen how cruel his boss can be to Yoichi. His biting words always go further than he realizes.

( Or maybe, a voice whispers in his mind, he doesn’t care).

“Fine, sir. He followed the schedule perfectly.”

His boss smiles but it doesn’t reach his blood red eyes. “As a heads up, my brother might be particularly….hm…. moody during the upcoming month.”

Despite not asking permission to speak, or being asked a direct question, Izuku’s own curiosity wins out. “How come….uh….sir.”

His boss frowns down at his placemat. “I’m afraid the anniversary of our parents’ deaths is coming up.”

“Oh, I’m very sorry for your brother and your losses.”

His boss looks at him, face impassive. “Can I ask you something, Izuku-Kun?”

He stares longingly at the door leading to the kitchen. Maybe he should just book it. Maybe they wouldn’t be able to make rent this month, but they would get through it. They always do.

His boss clears his throat.

On instinct, Izuku snaps his attention back to the tall, imposing figure sitting next to him. “Yes, of course, sir. You can ask me anything.”

“Your father,” he starts, swirling the liquid in his glass of wine, “he treated you poorly, correct?”

Izuku looks up at the ceiling. “N-no.” He forces himself to look at his boss. There’s a level of vulnerability that comes with talking about Hisashi Midoriya. One of two people in the world that should have been guaranteed to like him, and Izuku can’t even have that.

“No? What do you call walking out on your family?”

“He….he doesn’t matter. I have my mom and that’s good enough for me.”

His boss watches him, and Izuku knows he’s watching him. He does that a lot, like he enjoys picking apart Izuku’s reactions. It feels wrong and violating, but he’s been wrong before. So, maybe he’s overreacting.

“Is it?” His boss asks.

Before Izuku can respond, the door to the kitchen opens. The head chef along with a waiter bring in their dinner. It’s Katsudon. His favorite.

He has no appetite.

-x-x-x-

A week passes and his boss leaves on his business trip. Izuku is given a list of emergency contacts and a whole binder full of contingency plans if anything goes awry.

Both of which sit on Izuku’s (borrowed) desk. He leafs them over in between caring for Yoichi and some other chores he picked up to be more helpful. His boss didn’t say he had to do chores, but sitting around and watching others clean up after him makes Izuku feel gross.

He feels worthless enough without watching the elderly maid bend down with her creaking back to pick up the house.

Besides, the maids and other staff don’t seem to mind. They have even started letting him in on some of their gossip and inside jokes. And it fills his time.

As his boss forewarned, Yoichi’s temperament is mercurial. He follows his schedule to the letter, but spares no warm words or knowing glances. This would be fine if Izuku didn’t have to spend an extra hour or so a day getting tutored by him.

(He misses Yoichi. He wishes the man would just talk to him).

Every night he calls his mom. No matter where she’s at, she always, always picks up the phone. Her soft voice makes him feel a little less alone. He tells her about his new coworkers and how nice everyone is (some of them aren’t, but his mom shouldn’t have to worry about him). In turn, she tells him about her own co-workers and the new orange cat that their neighbors recently brought home.

He misses her terribly.

The month can’t end fast enough.

-x-x-x-

Another good thing that’s come out of being trapped here for a month, is that Izuku can see so many cool and interesting quirks up close and personal.

Outside, people are weary of using their quirks. Some skirt the rule of no outside quirk usage unless you possess a provisional license, but unless they’re a villain, even those people use their quirk sparingly.

He’s so glad he brought another empty notebook along. These people aren’t heroes by any stretch of the imagination, but something inside Izuku pushes him to ask questions and analyze all the potential ways their quirks could be used in combat (or just in day-to-day life).

However, he’s had to limit his questions, as it seems even the people within these walls aren’t immune to thinking him odd. His mumbling is creepy to them (as is always the case).

Even Yoichi, who’s still ignoring him whenever possible, looks at him with a sense of unease.

Still, he has thirty of the one hundred-fifty pages filled. It would be a waste to not continue on.

-x-x-x-

Everyone has their boiling point.

“I don’t understand. Please, stop ignoring me. Your brother said-”

And Yoichi’s boiling point finally, well, boils over after a particularly confusing math lesson. He glares at Izuku, stopping the rest of the words from leaving his mouth.

“My brother says a lot of things. He means none of them.” Yoichi leans over until he’s staring Izuku right in the eyes. “You’re foolish if you believe anything he tells you.”

For a second, Izuku is transported back to his fourth year of elementary school. Instead of Yoichi being in his face, it’s his then-teacher, Aoki-Sensei. All of his teachers were their own level of cruel to him, ranging from neglectful to full on encouraging the other students to terrorize him, but Aoki-Sensei always stood out.

She had started out nice. Patient and empathetic to his plight as being the social pariah in his class. Each day she let him sit in her classroom before and after school (so he wouldn’t run into Kacchan), allowed him to complain about how unfair life is, and even sometimes walked him home.

After years of no adults in his life caring (sans his mom), it was nice having someone who listened and saw Izuku for who he is.

And then it came to an end. Aoki-Sensei must have started becoming a social pariah among the other staff members-because that’s the only reason that makes sense (surely she hadn’t played the long game, in an effort to hurt him more?)-because suddenly, one day, she became just as cold as the rest of his teachers.

She seemed to take great pride in pointing out his flaws, laughing along with the class as he sobbed loudly. What made it ten-times worse was that, after school, when he asked what he had done to warrant this new behavior, she had simply said, “you must be a special level of foolish to believe I ever cared about you.”

Over the top, almost cartoonishly evil words aside. Those words had stuck with Izuku all these years later, weighing him down.

That feeling of being so utterly ashamed comes back in full force.

Ashamed that anyone would have ever treated him kindly.

Ashamed that he believed he had a friend, or confidant in someone.

Ashamed because no matter how hard Izuku tries to dig himself out of the metaphorical hole he’s been trapped inside since he received his quirkless diagnosis he’ll forever be stuck.

“Stop!” Izuku shouts, standing up suddenly. The movement makes him dizzy, but he shakes it off.

Yoichi follows him. “Stop what? I’m sorry am I being a little mean?”

Izuku can feel his face growing red, burning. His breath hitches, as he fights down his sobs. “Y-yes.”

“Isn’t this what you signed up for? Here’s an idea, if you don’t like me being mean, why don’t you leave ?”

“I-I can’t.”

“Oh, yes, I forgot because your mother and you have nothing to your names, isn’t that right?”

Hearing his mother brought up lights a match inside Izuku. It sets alight some deep, ugly emotion. The kind that makes him feel bitter and numb in place of hurt and embarrassed.

“Yeah? At least I’m not trapped in a bank vault! What? Couldn’t hack it outside these walls, so your brother-”

Smack!

Izuku is thrown backwards. He hits his head on the corner of the bookshelf on the way down.

For a second, there’s blissful silence.

He lays in front of the bookshelf, idly staring up at the ceiling. How has he never noticed that it’s unpainted before?

And then, like a freight train, the pain hits.

He moves to sit up, but an overwhelming ache fills the back of his head. It sends sparks of stabbing pain down his spine. He groans.

Yoichi is on him in an instant. His green eyes-so similar to Izuku’s own-fill with tears. Izuku thinks he might be telling him something, but the words sound so muffled and faraway that he hears nothing beyond his own blood rushing in his ears.

And then,

Nothing.

-x-x-x-

It’s raining when Mikumo makes it back home. Most of his staff has been dismissed for the night, barring some of the guards who have overnight shifts. So, the house is almost completely silent, save for the quiet buzzing of monitors, or the large grandfather clock ticking away in the foyer.

Out of habit he heads for the security office, the one he uses to keep an eye on his unruly little brother.

He peeks into Izuku’s room on the way there. It’s clean. More so than what he would expect from a fifteen-year-old boy. Not a thing out of place, nor missing. It’s a little odd he isn’t in bed yet, but Yoichi is probably giving him a hard time.

Mikumo wouldn’t put it past him to give the kid trouble just so he would run away. He’s certainly done it before. But, from the looks of rumpled sheets (the only thing out of place), he hasn’t succeeded yet.

There’s a notebook sitting on Izuku’s pillow. It’s blue binding and the large words scribbled across the top: Hero Analysis for the Future: Number 14, catches his eye. He picks it up, leafing through it.

“This….this is incredible.” Not the hero-part per say but excluding the title there’s not many heroes in the book itself. No, Mikumo’s interest lies in the exquisite way Izuku takes apart quirks. Dissecting them down to their bare components. Turning them inside out and finding out what makes them tick. What makes it all the more impressive is the fact that the kid doesn’t possess a quirk like All for One, so all of his analyses are from simply watching and or asking questions.

He smiles, clutching the notebook in his hands.

Clearly this is a sign that Izuku was meant to be their family. He was made for them.

What a brilliant little brother he’s turning out to be.

-x-x-x-

Mikumo takes one look at the cameras and is instantly moving for the elevator. His little brother couldn’t help himself, could he? Leave it to Yoichi to make a bad situation worse.

He opens the vault door hastily, having to reenter the code several times.

His eyes land on Izuku’s body-very limp, very much not moving, body-first. Even from here it’s easy to see the boy’s eyes are starting to glaze over, and there’s a small puddle of red forming around his head.

“Help!” His brother screams. He sobs loudly, hands hovering over Izuku. “Fucking help him!”

Mikumo steps closer. “Yoichi-”

“Don’t…” he sobs, rocking back-and-forth (a habit he formed during their tumultuous childhood). “P-please, help him. I-I am so, so sorry.”

He hasn’t seen his brother so broken since-

Mikumo kneels down. The puddle of blood has grown larger, it covers his knees when he sits. Izuku’s face is paler now. It sends a stab of worry through him. His gut twists. Gingerly, he takes hold of Izuku’s wrist to check his pulse.

“It’s weak,” he murmurs, just loud enough over his brother’s sobs.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry, Izuku. I didn’t mean it. Please. Please. Please…”

At some point, Mikumo blocks his brother out. This is a time sensitive issue. Judging by the blood loss and the fact it’s coming from his head, the kid probably has less than three minutes before it becomes outside his scope of practice.

But taking him to the local hospital is also out of the question. He could always ask Doctor Garaki if he’s willing to take on a patient, but the man is too nosy for his own good. He doesn’t even know about Yoichi.

That leaves him. Mikumo is the one that hired this kid. He’s the one that set this whole plan into motion and forced his little brother and a naive kid together.

So, it has to be him that saves the day.

It’s what big brothers are for.

He has countless regenerating quirks that could fix the kid up in an instant, but Mikumo has another, shared quirk that would better fit the newest member of their family.

He sighs, placing a hand on Izuku’s forehead. He hadn’t wanted to do this until Izuku got used to his new arrangements. But desperate times call for equally desperate measures.

“I won’t let you leave me.”

-x-x-x-

In the morning, he is woken up by his boss. Izuku startles, afraid he’s missed taking breakfast to Yoichi. That’s a whole three hundred dollars his mom will miss out on! All because he slept in.

He goes to sit up, only to be met with a sharp ache in the back of his head, and his boss grasping his biceps. “Easy there, Izuku. Yoichi did a number on you, the idiot. You need to rest.”

Izuku blinks sluggishly at his employer. “What?”

“All in due time.” His boss covers him back up with the comforter and soothes his hair back. “Rest.” A kiss is laid upon his forehead, easing the ache just a little bit.

Sleep claims him once again.

-x-x-x-

Yoichi scrubs the blood on the floor. No staff besides Izuku are allowed in here. Izuku (or his brother) handles anything that might otherwise warrant someone coming in here.

Laundry.

Changing of supplies.

Deep cleaning.

And everything in between.

But neither of them is available right now, and Yoichi can’t bear looking at the slowly drying spot any longer. A horrible, horrible reminder of what he did.

He scrubs harder, willing it all to go away. The scent of blood and watered-down bleach is nauseating. Even with a mask on, he has to turn away every so often.

It doesn’t come out, at least not fully.

He continues rubbing at the spot, trying not to think about the fate he inadvertently thrusted someone so….so young and nice and reminds Yoichi of a better version of himself. A version of himself that hadn’t yet been under his brother’s thumb (at least not aware of it).

Tears continue pouring down his face.

His eyes drift over to the older blood stain and then back.

He sobs, hands braced on the floor. It’s hard to see through his tangled mess of hair. He should have cut it long ago, but the thought of looking anymore like his brother makes him sick.

“I-I’m sorry, Izuku! I’m so sorry!”

He curls up on the floor. There’s nothing he can do. He’s useless.

He’s always been useless.

-x-x-x-

“Izuku?”

Someone runs their fingers through his hair. The exact same way his mom does. He smiles, his boss must have sent him home last night. The voice doesn’t match, but maybe his mother has a head cold.

He groans, snuggling deeper into the pillows.

His mom laughs.

He’s…..he’s missed her laugh.

That isn’t her laugh.

His eyes snap open. His boss hovers over him, stroking his face and hair.

“Welcome back,” his boss says, something like worry in his voice. “I hope you had a nice nap.”

“What?”

“I bet you’re confused.”

Confused would be a tad bit under generous for how Izuku feels at the moment, but he’s retained enough self-awareness to recognize doing so might not be good for his health.

He nods.

“You took a little tumble. My brother and you got into an argument-”

Oh, that’s right. He insulted Yoichi, and basically called him useless.

Just like Kacchan used to do to Izuku.

“-of course, you're fine now. I fixed you all better. I would still like you to rest. I’m working on expanding the vault downstairs, but it might take a while.”

Izuku’s stomach drops. Shouldn’t he be sent home now? If his boss’ words are to be believed, then he’s all better. He should be leaving. His mom will be expecting him soon.

He can’t leave her like his dad did. She doesn’t deserve that.

“In the meantime,” his boss continues, oblivious to Izuku’s internal distress, “You can stay in the room I use when I have to move Yoichi place to place.”

“What does that mean?” He asks, voice shaky.

“It means you’re here to stay. I see something in you. A spark I haven’t seen since my brother and I were your age. I want to keep it. I want to keep you. Little brother.”

Izuku swallows around the lump growing in his throat. “W-why me?”

His boss sighs. “I just explained why, little brother.”

Izuku yanks the blankets off, throwing himself forward and off the bed. He lands on the metal floor. The coolness of the material brings him back to his senses long enough to realize that this room is tiny, half the size of the room he’s been staying in and has metal flooring and a metal ceiling.

He scrambles to his feet. It’s hard to hear anything over his own blood rushing through his ears, which brings a nauseating bout of nostalgia. In the back of his mind, he can hear the sickening sound of his own skull caving in.

He shakes his head to get rid of the unwanted memory, but it only makes him feel worse.

Somehow he makes it across the room on trembling legs to pull at the door. It’s not the typical vault-style door. So, it should open. Right?

He pulls and pushes and yanks.

“It’s not going to open, little brother.”

“I’m not your fucking little brother! Let me leave now!” His mind is going a million miles per hour, each thought whizzing by like runaway trains. All he can focus on is needing to escape. He needs to leave!

He needs out!

There’s a clicking sound. “I wouldn’t normally tolerate such indecent language, but you’re clearly adjusting. I’ll let it slide if you say sorry.”

“No!”

“Izuku.”

“Leave me the fuck alone!”

He sees his boss step forward. “One more chance. Say sorry.”

Izuku presses his back against the door. He shakes his head frantically. “M-mom! Mommy help me!”

His boss takes another step and then another. Izuku closes his eyes. Silently he apologizes to his mom for being such a terrible son.

He’s being lifted and held securely against a firm chest. A hand returns to his hair.

“It’s okay, little brother. You’re scared, but things will be okay now. Everything will be alright, Nii-San is here.”

Through his panic, Izuku doubts that. Nothing in his life, minus the paychecks he gets like clockwork every week, has been okay.

If getting out of poverty means enduring whatever this is, Izuku will eat dollar store packets of ramen every night and every morning for the rest of time. The minute he hits sixteen he’ll apply to everyplace in the city, and work as many jobs as possible to keep his mom and him afloat.

“Please, let me go. My mom-”

The grip around holding him to his boss’ chest tightens. “Your mom is no longer your mom. She doesn't want you anymore.”

Logically, Izuku knows his boss is lying. His mom hadn’t given him up after a quirkless diagnosis, or after his father left and doing so would have been more financially smart. She’s too kind for that. She’s too much of a good mom to ever leave him.

He knows that, but…..

…..Izuku’s so tired.

Comprehending anything beyond what is in the here and now feels out of reach. He wants to go home so badly, his body hurts when he thinks about being trapped here.

“N-no she didn’t.”

“She did. One of my men took your paycheck to her, and she was in the process of moving out. Apparently she was in quite the hurry. She took the paycheck and slammed the door.”

“But she wouldn’t….” the words die in his throat. He feels sick.

Five years ago, he would have said the same thing about his father. So, maybe she would.

“M-mom,” he says, voice hoarse from screaming.

“But it’s okay, your big brothers will take care of you.”

Numbly, Izuku nods.

A childish ask bubbles up from his chest. Summoning his last remaining courage, he asks, “you won’t leave me, right?”

“For as long as I live,” his bos- big brother promises.

He feels empty inside.

-x-x-x-

The first few years are hard.

In truth, Izuku has no way to know if years have passed. He himself doesn’t change and neither does the vault. Yoichi tries to help keep track of time for his sake, but quickly loses count.

They share the vault, Yoichi’s twin bed becoming a trundle bed. (“So, neither of you get lonely during the night,” big brother explained). Sometimes it’s hard being together all day and all night, never being able to escape to somewhere that’s not here, in this place.

Yoichi has taken it in stride. At times he holds Izuku (his grip looser than big brother’s) and tells him in near-inaudible whispers that one day they’ll be able to leave the room.

Izuku can’t bring himself to hope anymore.

They don’t get a new caretaker, Nii-San likes to do the mundane tasks himself. He comes around every few hours with food, medicine, or supplies. His constant presence is every bit as stifling as it is comforting.

So, it’s strange one day when Nii-San doesn’t make an appearance.

Yoichi does his best to calm him, reading passages from the book he’s reading and stroking his hair.

More time passes. No Nii-San.

“His meetings must have run over. It’s not often he’s late, but it does happen.”

More time passes, perhaps another hour, day, or week. They tear into the snacks and bottles of water their big brother allows them to have in their bedroom for emergencies such as this.

It’s after the third time of waking up with no sign of Nii-San that Izuku starts to visibly panic. This, of course, makes Yoichi panic (though he does his best to hide it).

He paces the length of the room, occasionally waving to the camera hoping to see the red recording light come on. It never does.

On, what has got to be, his seven hundredth time pacing, something emerges from the wall. Several panels in the wall slide down, revealing small spouts. He looks at Yoichi.

“What are these things?”

Before his other, less crazy, big brother can shrug, the air suddenly becomes thinner. He coughs, whirling around to face Yoichi because his lungs are weaker. Whatever this is, it must be related to the spouts. He can’t put much effort into thinking. His head is filled with cotton and he has to blink away the heaviness pulling his eyelids down.

“Yoi-chi….?” Izuku stumbles over to the bed. His brother lays on his bed, eyes shut and limp, but still breathing (thankfully). “Bro…ther?” He coughs, trying to dispel whatever’s clogging his lungs. “Wake up.” His strength is leaving him second by second, but Izuku manages to get on his brother’s bed and shake him. “P-please…..w…ake….”

He falls next to his brother, blissfully unaware of the chaos going on above the surface.

-x-x-x-

He wakes up much more tired than when he first fell asleep. Yoichi’s in front of him, hands on his shoulders.

“We need to go now,” he says. “The door is open. I don’t know what happened, but everything is different now. Much, much different. We should leave before Mikumo comes back.”

Izuku’s brain sluggishly processes those words. “Leave?”

“Yes.” Yoichi doesn’t wait for a reply, helping him into a standing position. “I have a few contacts on the outside. They should be able to help us.”

Izuku takes in their surroundings. Everything’s covered in cobwebs and dust. What…. happened here?

They hobble along the hallway, supporting one another.

“Let’s hope the elevator works.”

It does. Thankfully.

And even more thankfully, Nii-San didn’t change the codes to work the elevator since Izuku was Yoichi’s caretaker.

The upstairs is even more dusty and covered in cobwebs. Almost like no one’s stepped foot in this place for decades.

“Where is everyone?” Izuku asks. More to himself than his brother, but Yoichi takes it upon himself to answer anyway.

“I don’t know, and I don’t want to know either. It’s better if we move on.”

They have no trouble leaving. The guards’ tower is just as empty as inside the house. The fence is overgrown with ivy and moss, covering every inch of it.

They reach the city before nightfall, though Izuku has a hard time recognizing it as the city he’s lived in all his life. Nothing looks the same. All the shops are different and not a single person they pass looks familiar.

Yoichi has him stop in front of an apartment building. He says something about needing to call someone, before stepping into a nearby phone booth. But Izuku doesn’t hear a single word, eyes transfixed on the building towering over him.

Home.

Before he can stop himself, Izuku runs for the entrance. Maybe Nii-San was wrong. Maybe his mom didn’t leave. She’s probably been waiting for him to come home.

He reaches his apartment. The numbers on the door are faded and the metal dust-handle is rusted, but it’s unmistakable theirs. Heavy footsteps come up behind him.

Someone coughs. “I-Izuku!” Yoichi shouts, with all the energy of an aggravated older sibling. “What are you doing? You can’t just run off like that.”

Izuku looks down at his feet. “This is my home.”

“Wha- oh ,” his brother murmurs. “I see. Go ahead.”

Izuku checks under the mat for the spare key his mom kept in case of emergencies. He finds it, his fingers clutching it to his palm. The weight is familiar. He’s missed it.

Nervously, he glances back at Yoichi.

“Go on, Izu,” he says. “I’m right here.”

Izuku shakily unlocks the door. To his relief when the door creaks open, the apartment isn’t covered in dust or cobwebs. He enters, Yoichi on his heels.

“Mom!?” He peeks into the kitchen. The drawing he made of All Might is still on the fridge.

“Mom!? It’s me, Izuku! Where are you!?” A loud, hacking cough gets his attention. Somewhere down the hall. Excitedly, Izuku races for his mom’s room. He’s here. He’s home. He can finally see his mom.

He pokes his head into her room, the light is on. Usually he’d knock first, but he’s sure she’ll forgive him for forgoing that rule. “Mom! I can’t wait to- huh?”

“Uh, Izuku,” Yoichi starts, “maybe you shouldn’t-”

“Who are you!?” Izuku asks, because the old woman in front of him, laying in a hospice bed, is definitely not his mom. “Where’s mom?”

The woman looks at him. “I-Izuku. My baby?”

He shakes his head. “No. My mom…you’re not….Yoichi?” He backs away from the room. His back hits the wall directly across the room.

“It’s been a while. She’s grown older.”

“No, no, no, no!” He cries. “My-my mom is young. She’s living somewhere warm, and she’s happy.”

Yoichi frowns. “I’m sorry, Izuku.”

“She’s supposed to have gotten away. I was the reason she had to live like this. Why didn’t she leave? Nii-San told me she left. Why did she come back? Did she even ever leave?”

Yoichi doesn’t speak, patting his back.

“Oh my god, I abandoned her. I’m just like my father.”

A light pop on his mouth startles him out of his downward spiral. He looks at Yoichi, eyes wide. His brother has one of the most serious expressions Izuku’s ever seen on someone.

“You listen to me, and you listen to me well. You are not your father. Your father made a conscious choice to walk out on you guys. You weren’t given a choice. You did what you had to, to help your mother out of poverty. You were just trying to be a good son.”

Izuku feels his usual waterworks starting up. He leans into his brother’s embrace, taking refuge in the familiar warmth. “Thank you,” he whispers.

“Anytime.”

“Izuku?” His mom calls out, and without panic altering his senses, he can hear her voice.

“If you want to leave-”

“No. I should stay, at least to say goodbye to her. She’s probably waited years for me to come home.”

“Go on then.” Yoichi smiles at him. “Be her hero.”

Izuku nods, taking a running start straight into her bedroom. He hops into All Might’s signature pose (one of them at least). “I am here!”

His mom is hooked up to so many machines. An oxygen mask covers the bottom half of her mouth. Her long green hair has thinned out, and she’s all skin and bones. The circles under her eyes tell of years worth of sleepless nights.

(How many nights did she stay up, hoping and praying he’d walk through the door?)

Despite her misery, his mom manages one of her famous smiles. The kind she used to do at him when they would play heroes. Bright and genuine and so achingly-familiar.

“Izuku Might!” She cheers. “My hero!”

“I’m sorry I took so long.”

“Don’t be. I’ve been expecting you.”

Izuku’s stomach twists. “Oh?”

“Yes, I was hoping it would have been last night. Would have saved me the trouble of having to listen to the upstairs neighbors argue over things that don’t matter.” She laughs.

Izuku closes his eyes, trying to commit the sound to memory. Forever.

“Well, I’m here, mom.”

“You are.” Tears well up in her green eyes, which are dimmer than they used to be.

Izuku is by her side in an instant. He climbs over the railing of the bed, and cuddles up next to her. “It’s okay, mommy. I’m here. I’m sorry I left.”

“Oh, baby, you don’t have to be sorry. None of this was your fault. I should have been better. After your father left, I was absent. I ignored your needs. I was selfish.”

Izuku opens his mouth, ready to defend his mother from herself. A finger brushes his lips, shushing him.

“Shhh…..I love you so much.”

“I love you too.”

He lays with her, curled into her side like he’s five-years-old again. He strokes her hair, murmuring comforting nothings to her.

-x-x-x-

Izuku stumbles into the hallway, gaze fixated on the wall in front of him. He feels empty. But this empty is worse than usual. It’s not the kind caused by suppressed emotion, but the sort that follows you like a rain cloud.

His face and neck feel sticky with all the shed tears.

“I’m ready to go now.”

His brother holds a hand out, which he takes, grateful for something to grasp. He’s lead back outside the building, passing a nurse-judging by the medical scrubs and badge-on the stairs.

“Excuse me?” She asks, looking at them. “But could either of you tell me where Midoriya Inko lives? It’s my first night, and the nurse that normally works overnight here just quit.”

Izuku points upward. “Apartment 38C.”

“Ah, thank you.”

He stands on the steps a few moments longer, watching the nurse race to her patient that is long, long gone.

His brother tugs on his hand, getting his attention. “Come along. My friend will be meeting us at the park down the road. You’ll like him.”

Izuku doesn’t spare a glance at the building, choosing instead to move forward. For the first time, in a long time, he allows himself to hope.

The future suddenly feels brighter.

-x-x-x-

Izuku sits in the backseat of Yoichi’s friend’s car. He watches them lean in to kiss for the hundredth millionth time in five minutes.

“Ick!” He sticks his tongue out.

Yoichi’s friend reaches a hand in the backseat to ruffle his hair. His face is heavily scarred and there’s an underlying hardness there, but the icy glare melts away anytime he lays eyes on Yoichi (or, as he warms up, at Izuku).

“Niiii, stop,” Yoichi says, giggling.

Izuku giggles too, turning away from the couple to look out the window. They pass by open fields and luscious forests.

“Hey, Yoichi-nii, where are we going?”

“Um, that’s a great question. Where are we going, my hero?”

Izuku gags. What did he do to have to bear witness to this?

“I can’t say. It’s a surprise.”

Yoichi and him exchange a worried look. They both don’t say it outloud, but surprises scare them. The last surprise either of them got was near-eternity in a metal box.

The rest of the drive is quiet, Izuku drifts off to the sound of th a/c and the quiet murmurings of long-lost love. (Even if he thinks they’re being kind of gross. It’s still nice that Yoichi has someone out here waiting for him. That’s one more person than Izuku has).

-x-x-x-

The car pulls to a stop deep within a forest. The trees that surround them, completely block out the sky. A quaint, little cabin sits in front of them.

“Well,” his boyfriend says, putting the car into park, “this is it. The others should be inside, waiting. I called them right after you called me.”

Yoichi nods. The idea of seeing all the people cursed with One for All makes his stomache.

“Yoi, what’s wrong?”

He fiddles with his fingers. “They’re not…they aren’t angry, are they?”

“Of course, they aren’t. What makes you think they would be?”

“Immortality is a curse.”

His boyfriend kisses on the lips, shutting him up. “I missed you.”

Yoichi melts. A happy squeak escapes his mouth without him permitting it too. “Me too.” He shakes his head. “I mean….I missed you, not that I missed myself. Well, you know. Right?”

His boyfriend’s expression softens even further. “I know perfectly well.”

They share a few more kisses before they start getting ready to go inside.

“I’ll carry the kid inside. We have a room made up for him.”

Yoichi opens and closes his mouth “How?” He asks, gathering the meager supplies his boyfriend bought on his way to pick them up.

“The attack on your brother’s base. The one that put you both into a coma for thirty-plus years? That was us.” He leans into the car to pick Izuku up. He holds him close to his chest, though it’s a bit difficult for his boyfriend to carry Izuku like he or their older brother does because of his below-average height. Still, he manages it like a champ. “We found his base of operations and broke in. The raid must have triggered a gas attack.”

“Huh,” Yoichi murmurs. “Well, you saved us from thirty-six years of playing Monopoly over and over again. But I do have a question.”

They step onto the porch. “My brother’s base wasn’t ransacked. It was just….dirty.”

“We didn’t destroy anything. Just infiltrated. Yagi was the one that did damage to your brother.”

“Is he…my brother dead?”

“Probably not. That bastard’s worse than a cockroach. He’s lucky that Yagi found him first, because what he did to….” his boyfriend swallows heavily. “Third deserved better.”

“He did. What All for One did to him….I dreamt about every night. I’m sorry I couldn’t save him.”

His boyfriend looks at him. “So am I, Yoi, so am I.” There’s not a hint of malice in his boyfriend’s tone, yet the words sting. He smiles, hand reaching for the door handle. “But tonight’s not about regrets. You’ve just been freed. Live your life for you and all those that can’t be here with us.”

“Yeah,” Yoichi says, resolute, “you’re right. Thank you.”

His boyfriend’s smile widens. “Ready to go inside.”

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”

#mha fanfiction #cross posted on ao3 #mha au #mha izuku #mha yoichi #inko being a good mom #dead midoriya inko #possessive all for one #vault time #angst #ichinii #angst with a happy ending

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