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This Week in BL - Let the Horny Tata Agenda Continue (AKA Happy Pride)
Organized, in each category, with ones I'm enjoying most at the top.
June 2025 Week 1

Ongoing Series - Thai
Knock Out (Fri WeTV ) ep 4 of 12 - Oh they are great together and I adore them but I'm so nervous about how soon in the arc they're in the sack. This pacing usually means dark times are coming for our boys in the 2nd half. I wouldâve preferred a slow burn and external conflict. I sense a breakup and lots of angsty trauma incoming.
My Stubborn (Sun iQIYI) ep 6 of 10 - This show is foolishly good, emphasis on fool. I love Jun getting some of his own back. Biting off more than he can chew. Erm... sucking down more than he can swallow? I think Sorn may have a neck fetish and I support this kink. I adore him defending his chew toy against yet another HR violation. Add in some honorific negotiation? I'm so happy. I love that they actually let the lipstick lesbians' lipstick get all messy. Sorn showed his hand a bit with the âwant to be her daughter-in-law?â line. Delightful. Carry on absurd sexy show, you might actually be a kind of BL surrealist art. I haven't decided yet but I'm enjoying the journey.
Reset (Mon iQIYI) ep 1 of 10 - Pond & Peterpan (we love this idea) in yet another celebrity melodrama? Srs? (Yes it's a 2025 trend.) And another time travel thing? Oh boy. (10 points if you get THAT joke, also, you're old.)
And yet... I love it. It's riveting. They cast two very charismatic leads. Itâs engaging for all that it's not a very original concept. Does originality it matter when the team is this good? Itâs reminding me of a mixture of My Stand In + Triage. And Iâm not mad about that combination. I didnât know I wanted it, but apparently I did. Iâm gonna enjoy my Monday nights for the next couple of months.
Pit Babe 2 (Fri iQIYI) ep 6 of 13 - Babe should have let Charlie beat up Willy, everyone wouldâve enjoyed that. Bf putting his own superpowers to good use. It was fun to see Alan go all Daddy on Babe though.
I just want Kenta & Kim to quietly become this solid stable judgy couple sitting on the sidelines and observing all the other chaos gays around them while going home together shacking up and eating.
Look by all measures this is a Very Silly Show. But I grin like a fool most of the time iâm watching it, so who tf cares?Â
Eye Contact (Weds WeTV) ep 4 of 12 - itâs hilarious that we think the dad is going to step in and ruin everything, when instead he just pushes them closer together. I did have a chuckle at the reversal of that particular trope. Fun times. Next week looks bad tho. Like bad BAD.
Speaking of bad. The acting in this one so awful itâs beyond awkward. Everyone except Tora of course, who is experienced at the genre. That said, I would still like to see the actor playing Chain in a lead. He is so pretty and I am so shallow.
The BangkokBoy (Sat Gaga) ep 7 of 12 - Sun is so baby. Yet again I would like more BL and less gangster.
The Next Prince (Sat iQIYI) ep 6 of 14 - The dad suddenly being interested does not read as authentic to me. Even though I think he is meant to be a sympathetic character. Wildly amused by the matching cream lace menâs lingerie on our side couple. I guess thatâs a thing in BLandia now. Please make it a thing. I do like their dynamic and that our pet is given agency within his whipping boy relationship. JimmyOhm give good kiss, tf!Â
I did enjoy the sequence of them all at the club together dancing, Royals on the loose. Cutie vallet getting picked up in background! You go baby! A pleasant sojourn for all. Minus the fighting, I guess. Look here, a bodyguard with a rain phobia in a part of the world where there is a rainy season and monsoons is patently ridiculous. He should not be doing that job. Excuse for kisses I guess. But honestly I couldn't be less interested in the leads.

Boys in Love (Sun iQIYI ) ep 7 of 12 - OK so everybody is officially boyfriends now, how we gonna drag this into 12 eps? They are all v so cute! Even the teachers. Especially the teachers. They are my favorite. They are adorable. Wish the show was entirely about them. Cute cuddling and all but SHOES ON COUCH! Â
My Sweetheart Jom (Fri YT) ep 4 of 12 - Iâm not mad about this being Yoonâs era of playing everybodyâs hot older brother. Also Iâm enjoying this show more now that Iâm watching it on a faster speed. I donât like to do that with Thai stuff (because Iâm trying to get better at the language) but this one is just taking too much out of me on normal speed. So it's at 1.5 now and I gotta say, much easier to swallow.
I Promise I Will Come Back (Mon WeTV) ep 3 of 10 - I'm not wild about this but also I have to point out that this would be a lot worse if the leads were not seasoned BL actors. which is not to say that this show is good, cause I donât feel like it is, but it certainly better than it has any right to be. Victor is very smooth! NO SINGING shower or otherwise. The night market date was very cute though.
Ongoing Series - Not Thai

Sweetheart Service (Korea Fri YT) ep 5 of 12 - Fantastic. Nonverbal chest inertia gets us all in the end. Â
Ball Boy Tactics (Korea Thurs iQIYI) ep 1 of 8 - After retiring from gymnastics, painfully shy Jiwon is struggling to survive university. Campus heartthrob and basketball star JeongU might actually make things worse... or better?
I love it. Of course I do. Itâs great, sort of Semantic Error meets FC Soldout, carry on with your bad self, Korea.Â
Moon and Dust (China YT) ep 3 of 6 - The only reason this isn't higher up on this list is because it's China and I don't trust it. It's so delightfully warped and craptastic and I am obsessed. But also terrified. Never forget The On1y One happened to us recently.
The Sparkle In Your Eye (Singapore Sun Gaga & Viki) eps 5-6 of ? - weirdly, Iâm liking it more now that they are pining and separated and everything has shifted to become a bit darker and more sophisticated. This is still not my kind of BL, but I appreciate it a little more now its gotten twisted. I like that itâs a tangled chewy interesting story, like knife-cut noodles.
What's happening to me? Is my taste getting... mature? Surely not.
It's airing but......
The Ex-Morning (Thurs YT) 10 eps - sorry all I dropped this half way through ep 3. I just felt like it was pulling teeth to keep going and I was just angry at it, at GMMTV, at the script, at the characters. That's not healthy for any of us. I do this for fun. If it's really amazing in the second half I might give it a try, but for now, I'm out.
Loy Kaew First Love (Fri YT) 6 eps - Dropped at ep 4. Just too much other stuff too poorly acted, edited, scripted, just everything bad.
Season of Love in Shimane AKA Ai no Kisetsu: The Season of Love (Thai) - Sequel to Kiseki Chapter 2 which I intensely disliked. I won't watch this.
Mission to the Moon (YT) 12 eps- Watching but I can't keep track. Too short, too many, too YT. I will report at end.
In case you missed it
Sweet Tooth Good Dentist ended tf - GMMTV would like you to know that JimmySea are endgame in every BL ever, even if itâs not their own. Which is a shame, since they both have chemistry with other boys. But whatever. I will say the sex positivity of this show, especially at the end, is a real bonus. But it's the only one. Still, GMMTV how far you have come.
Summary
What a disappointment. I was super excited to have Mark lead a BL finally. And he did his best but I wasnât sold on the chemistry between the main couple, even though Mark has demonstrated he can have chemistry with everybody. Poor directing then? Or was it his partner? Putting that aside, it was more the plot, or weird lack of one, and underdevelopment of characters that disappointed. There was just something off all along with this show. Itâs difficult for me to put my finger on exactly what it was. Which makes me thing it was mjltiple somethings. It made this show a challenging watch from about episode three on. And I donât imagine ever returning to this with any kind of enthusiasm. It wasnât terrible, but it wasnât very good either. 7/10 and thereâs a part of me thatâs tempted to drop it all the way to 6.Â
In other news: that "stressed desserts" sweatshirt is the first merch Iâve actually ever wanted to buy off of a BL.
Top Form ended - It was an OK ending. Honestly, I simply never got into this show in the way that most of the rest of the hellsite did. I blame the honey.
SummaryÂ
Two actors who are in competition with each other professionally fall in love and it gets complicated. This show was well acted with good chemistry (that honey scene is one for the history books) but it was a bit off for me. The ego conflicts of the filmmaking industry came to the fore but awkwardly (like this sentence). Frankly? I didn't enjoy the premise or the story and I canât get away from that. Based on Japanese IP, I think this might have been better left to them. This is a solid Thail BL and if you like its brand of messy gay and actor narcism full frontal, then you'd likely give this a 9/10. I donât, so it gets an 8/10 from me. But I recognized that this is my specific taste and no reflection on its quality as a BL.
Fight for You ended - even though I wasnât particularly invested in the sides, I loved the closure of that triangle and it did make me cry. Ultimately that side pair is SO PRETTY I hope the actors get their own show. Also, absolutely nobody does domesticity as well as Taiwan they are so cute. NO SINGING. A solid v taiwanese sappy ending.Â
Summary
There is a lot to like about this BL, it has a cops and robbers romance thread running through it with intelligence officers trying to catch a gang of criminals. The valentine's operation does have the secret identity drawback of one character constantly lying to his mark. While this dynamic is intrinsically distasteful IMHO, the Liar is so sunshine and charming and earnest (about everythign ELSE) it's somewhat mitigated. Ultimately this lost its way a little bit, but the support cast was excellent. The pretty side triangle, while it ended poignantly, was underdeveloped. That said, the whole thing was colored positively by Taiwan's sexy charm and signature chaotic domesticity, but that jarred with the gangster premise. In the end, Iâm torn. Itâs classic Taiwan: a bit messy dramatic, sweetly sincere at heart, but overly sappy. None of which Iâm not opposed to. Still, I donât think Iâm gonna be re-watching this one very much so I'm giving a solid 8/10, and that's abut where it belongs.
My Golden Blood finished its run. Word on the street is a solid ending. Not enough to temp me. I'm leaving it a dnf.
Making Thai Subtitles: Culture, Slang & Curse Words - excellent interview with a professional translator (who translates English media into Thai for Netflix). I know it's the wrong direction for most of us but still very fascinating to hear a pro talk about her work.
Vertical KBL No Dating in Boarding School AKA Boarding School Love Story has shown up cut together as full on grey sites and YouTube. Stars Jeon Woo Jin & Han Kyu Min. I don't like verticals but I really enjoyed this one and you will too if you like uni BL and its component tropes and quirks. The story of shy quiet studios and poor Jinwoo who gets sucked into the drama of rebellious rich kid Eunhyeok. They fall in love despite their own, and everyone else's, objections. Here from a fan subber, catch it while it's avaiable. I will not be held responsible if you miss it.
Next Week Looks Like This:
Coming Up
(I'm not confident on any of these, mostly rumor-based.)
6/13 I Became the Lead in a BL Drama 2 AKA Zoku BL Drama no Shuen ni Narimashita (Japan ????) 6 eps - Another 2nd season I certainly did not want. This time the story tells what challenges they have to face as a relationship. Also the story of the managers continues.
6/16 Revenged Love (China Gaga) 16? eps - A remake of 2015's Falling in Love with a Rival. From China ON GAGA? Wild. What alt-reality IS THIS? I have had them for 3 seconds but I'm already obsessed with the side couple.

6/17 SunTiny (Thai iQIYI) 10 eps - MaxNat are back as SunNuea from their Y-Destiny showing. The spoiled prince with the hot tutor (in case you forgot). They in an LTR and then... bodyswap. I know I know, I'm confused about all of this too. But Cooheart is looking FINNNEEEE so what the hell.
6/20 Memoir of Rati (Thai Netflix or YT) 12 eps - GreatInn in a HISTORICAL with a class divide and everyone's favourite side couple, AouBoom. Initially I was v excited but now 2 things: Netflix (I do not chill) and sad ending. I might save this to binge. I am getting serious I Feel You Linger in the Air vibes. And I can't go through that again right now.
6/20 Depth of Field (Japan Fuji TV)
2025 Line Up
BL Announced for 2025 - PART 1
BL Announced for 2025 - PART 2
20 BLs Announced for 2025 That I'm Really Excited About
GMMTV 2025 Line Up - My Totally Biased and Wildly Flawed Feels
THIS WEEKâS BEST MOMENT


From Sweet Tooth Good Dentist (they got me, okay?)
(last week)
The tag BLigade: @doorajar @solitaryandwandering @my-rose-tinted-glasses @babymbbatinygirl @babymbbatinygirl @isisanna-blog @mmastertheone @pickletrip @aliceisathome @urikawa-miyuki @tokillamonger @sunflower-positiiivity @rocketturtle4 @blglplus @anythinggoesintheshire @everlightly @renafire @mestizashinrin @bl-bam-beyond @small-dark-and-delicious @saezurumurmurs
#this week in BL#BL updates#Reset the series#Ball Boy Tactics#The BangkokBoy#my stubborn#Top form review#Sweet Tooth Good Dentist review#Fight for You review#boys in love the series#Pit Babe 2#The Next Prince#knockout the series#Moon and Dust#Eye Contact the series#My Sweetheart Jom#Sweetheart Service#strongberry#The Sparkle In Your Eye#upcoming BL#new bl#BL news#BL reviews#2025 BL#thai bl#taiwanese bl#korean BL#chinese BL#No Dating in Boarding School review
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In the newest interview, alvaro said that big chances that professor wouldn't be in the spin off because it's berlin's project and focusing on his new cast or crew. He said this one (Berlin) is separated from LCDP. Does that mean that we wont get Palermo too? đą I mean, if the whole 8 eps are just about berlin having fun with strangers he pretends to be friends with, whats the point of watching? The only thing we can hope, maybe the plot would be good, but from the teaser, I too have a doubt about it.
I haven't seen that interview (if those are his exact words, "big chance" is a weird way to phrase it since shooting is done, he's either in it or he's not lol.) Anyway, I wouldnât take too much away from his words. They are pretty much a rephrasing of what Pina has been saying. They might mean Sergio won't show up at all, or that Sergio will only show up through a cameo, not in as a central way as LCDP. And that makes sense to me either way. I would personally love a cameo but generally regarding Sergio, it makes sense that he wouldn't be present through all his brother's heists and gangs and day to day life (which was already established in canon).
So I wouldn't compare Sergio's situation with MartĂn. At least on a textual level. Once established that AndrĂ©s had met MartĂn, it would make zero sense that MartĂn wouldn't be there since we know from canon MartĂn has been on his side for ten years prior to the monastery flashbacks. And generally speaking, there is not a single character from LCDP that belongs more in Berlin the show than actual lcdp lmfao. MartĂn's entire construction in canon was in the framework of Berlin.
That's not to say the show won't be about Berlin having fun with strangers for 8 episodes lmfao. That will probably be it. But I'm still in the belief that Palermo will guest-star or cameo in the last episode, as a form of Berlermo's first meeting. And I think if Rodrigo agrees and Netflix grants Pina a second season, he might be a main character going forward. I don't think there is a lot to hope for from the spin-off but I still believe it will be better and more surprising than we imagine now.
#regarding the whole Berlin is different from lcdp thing. it's just so stupid to me#i get that a spin-off should stand on its own legs. all spin-off creators want this to happen. a certain distant from the OG#but when it goes too far it becomes ridiculousl#Pina seems to believe he created a character that's so marvelous that you can generate an endless number of seperate stories from it#but in my view if you uproot a character soo far from his context (especially when it's a main character that you already milked in differe#t scenarios.) then you just lose focus and it ends up failing#ANYWAY I think there is a chance for Berlin to get a second season pretty quickly now whether it's wildly successful or not because of#the strikes#with the uncertainty of when American-produced shows will start production again; Netflix is basically reliant on European and other foreig#shows to keep their audience and subscribers appeased#and Berlin connected to lcdp (One of Netflix's biggest world-wide sensations) might get even more special treatment#lcdp#Berlin Netflix#also cursed idea but I think Pina might be on the road to make Berlin this sort of Pulp fiction adventure protagonist who is in a series of#2638833 books and each story with different cast of characters around him and different story but doesnât seem to be getting older#or even aware or the things that happened to him in previous stories lol#I'd say the Sherlock Holmes character but in crime fiction but that's what Lupin is lol#it would be a poor imitation but I would find it hilarious if after all those connections Pina is trying to patch together between AndrĂ©s#and the new gang#next season he just changes them for a completely different cast and he keeps doing this for 37 more seasons#Netflix forgets he's on their payroll and it's 2035 and 60 smth Pedro is still playing 27 AndrĂ©s going on thievery adventures around Europe
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Driver!reader and oscar starting the race from p1&p2 and before they put their helmets and stuff they kiss one last time on the grid and people go like "awwwww" because it was somehow filmed
i feel like u sent this in to be like a concept or something but I HAD to write it. iâve been writing for lando so much lately iâve very much been missing oscar + driver!reader. plus iâve not ever written them in an established relationship before!
Itâs not like you and Oscar are a secret.
It might have been easier that way, to keep your relationship from the publicâs prying eyes, but itâs not really your style. Itâs not Oscarâs either.
Being public comes with its problemsâ questions from the media, awkward interviews, your respective PR teams going a little buck wild, extra contracts and NDAs to signâ but it also has its benefits.
You like be able to talk about him, like being able to call him your boyfriend. âOscar Piastri, the driver for McLaren? Yeah, thatâs my boyfriendâ. You like hearing him say things about you, praise your driving skills, talk about you as a rival and as his girlfriend. Itâs all you can do to stop grinning like a madwoman whenever youâre in his vicinity. You equally like that the press canât comment meaningfully on it, canât speculate wildly about the nature of your relationship when youâve made it clear.
Some people hate it. They think youâre a silly little girl with her head full of romantic notions. No room for skill, for ruthlessness. Which is funny, given that Oscar receives only praise for âbagging youâ. You think theyâre just jealous; if not of the fact that Oscarâs dating you and not them, then of your duality. The way you can love Oscar wholeheartedly and also race Oscar wholeheartedly.
Theyâre not mutually exclusive in your experience.
Naturally, thereâs a massive buzz about you and Oscar being P1-P2 on the starting grid.
Youâre not particularly surprised. The MCLâs had been performing well all through practice, just as you and Lewis had. You pull out pole in quail, fastest Q1 and Q2, with Oscar hot on your tail. Thereâs a barrage of bizarre questions in the media pen,
Do you think Oscarâs grid position will impact your performance during the race? Why would it?
Will this affect your relationship with Oscar? No.
What happens if one of you wins and the other doesnât? The same thing that happens every time anyone wins ever?
Youâre confused by it. Bordering on snarky and sarcastic the fifth time someone asks if you and Oscar might break up over this. Rolling your eyes, thinking your true feelings are obvious, you tell some Italian journalist that yeah no we might break up if he doesnât let me win.
Itâs funny, objectively itâs hilarious. You and Oscar laugh over it later that afternoon. Send the clip to a group chat youâre in with a few drivers closer to your age. And so what if itâs still funny when clickbait articles and gossip sites start saying that the two of you have broken up.
Thereâs even more buzz about it by the morning of the race. Journalists youâve already talked to have suddenly become convinced that you and Oscar are on the rocks. You canât help but play into it a bitâ partially for the benefit of your PR teamâ arriving separately, forgoing the couple snap that you usually grace Kym Illman with, giving vague no-comment answers when the media accost you.
Maybe itâs a little childish, a little dramatic. But it serves them right for jumping to conclusions.
You avoid any presenters on the grid walk, sinking into the protective circle made by your engineers. Staying behind the roped off areas until about 10 minutes to race start when you finally hop over the MCL in P2.
Oscarâs drinking water, looking smug when you push through McLaren engineers, so used to your continued presence that they let you in with ease.
âHey,â you greet, reaching out to smooth the collar of his fireproofs, âHowâs it goinâ?â
âMm,â he hums, cutting a glance behind you, which you take to mean that there are cameras trained on the two of you, a reporter trying to get your attention maybe, âIâd be better if I was on pole.â
You hiss mockingly, âYeah, too bad. You gonna break up with me about it?â
He raises an eyebrow, lashes brushing his cheekbones as he looks down at you, âI didnât know you read F1 gossip sites?â
You shrug in response, âDonât need to. The media make enough noise about it.â
He hums again, smile pulling at his mouth while someone from Mercedes shouts at you to get back. Rachel probably. You should go, you really should. But Oscarâs so close and so cute in those black fireproofs.
âGood luck,â you say,
leaning forward to kiss him, hand on the back of his head. A slip of tongue, not so much to be publicly obscene, but enough to leave him wanting,
âYouâll need it.â
You hear the sweet sound of him laughing as you slip away, back to where your car is sitting on pole. Ignoring the reporter dogging at your heels for a comment you donât really need to give.
like maybe unrealistic. who cares!
#oscar piastri x reader#f1 x reader#formula one fanfic#f1 fanfic#đ«drabbles#drabbles:op81#driver!reader#mercedes!reader
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youtube
Academic History YouTuber Premodernist released video recently on "State Flag" discourse, and flag discourse more wildly, that I thought was pretty good! I agreed with 50% of it. For those who don't know, there is a longstanding movement in the vexillology community to push for more simplified flag designs, and they hate the state flags of the US as their antithesis; a movement that catapulted into the internet mainstream when YouTuber CGPGrey released a video riffing on that debate and grading all the state flag designs.
That video is great by the way (it's hilarious, CGP Grey is just very talented as a performer), and the biggest thing Premodernist is wrong about is that the state flags do suck. But what he gets right is that the so-called "principles" briefly referred to in the video are themselves pretty weak; some are fine but others do not hold up to much scrutiny. The state flags largely suck for the boring reason that they just suck; they are shitty designs and often repeat each other in a domain where "standing out" is the point. Like what the fuck Montana:
This is something a 5th grader whips up in PowerPoint for a class presentation. Helvetica Bold?? "Mandated by law in 1985" yeah I didn't need Wikipedia tell me this decision dates to the 80's.
But that is boring and subjective, right? You can't just say they suck. So you had to make a theory about it - and I won't go into too much detail but it generally boils down to:
Make it simple, "something a child could draw"
Make it "distinct at a distance", since it is a flag you are supposed to see it at a distance
Three colors or fewer
No words on flags
Which I think you can get the philosophy for. These principles, which CGP Grey outlines, actually come from the work of Ted Kaye, who is a big figure in the aforementioned flag reform movement and the focus of most of the video. As part of the original CGP Grey video I just rolled with that, but I did remember him showing Utah's newly designed flag at the end which embodied these principles, and uh:
This is kind of mid? Like it doesn't suck, but it looks like a corporate redesign of a hockey team logo or something. A bit of a red flag (hah) if your front-and-center case is weak.
Anyway this is what Premodernist digs into in the video. The stuff I agreed with the most are the parts where he just ???? at some of these rules. "No finicky bits", a "child must draw it", "distinct at a distance"? None of these actually track for say this one:
A child drawing the US flag does not draw 50 stars and 13 stripes unless they are a budding librarian; you absolutely cannot tell if this flag has 50 stars on it from a distance, and that level of detail is clearly some kind of finicky. Of course your response is "okay sure but still, I can tell what the flag is from a distance, I can't count the 50 stars but I get the gist". But that is true for almost all flags!
It's a fern and a peace pipe and a brown thing and the word "Oklahoma" below it, you absolutely, 100%, will be able to tell what this flag is at a distance. You don't need to count the leaves to get the general shape, and when you think about it, it is actually kind of silly anyone would claim otherwise. There just isn't any need to appreciate the tiny details on a flag to understand whose flag it is. (the only valid critique here is that everything should be bigger - too much dead space)
Not to mention the "see from a distance" thing even being a metric. That isn't how you encounter flags most often today? Maybe in the 19th century on a battlefield that was (and even then you had battle standards), but it isn't now. You see it in textbooks, on your computer screen, as an icon for a football game team, right next to you in a government office. Why privilege distance? You just made that up as a value. 99% of "flag consumption" is not seeing it at a distance.
The "only use ~3 colors thing" is the funniest, you can just argue this with...no? No you don't. You don't. What? No. You can...you can just use more colors? Here is an example from the "manual" Ted Kaye wrote on the subject:
And the 5 bands on the chinese flag are fine! They are not "hard to look at" or whatever. Also, I am screenshotting a tiny corner of a youtube video, this image is like 240p, and I can tell its a dragon - and that isn't even the color point it is trying to make, dude just deviates off into another critique. Meanwhile the Amsterdam flag looks like a traffic warning sign. Chinese flag needs to not have the white stripe connect into the white seal background, that is an error, but otherwise I prefer it.
It is annoying how many of the state flags are a blue banners with a round seal in the middle. That does make them hard to distinguish from each other. But that isn't a problem with seal-on-blue, that is just a collective action problem! Flag-reform-favourite the tricolor can run into this too - here are the flags of the Netherlands and Luxembourg:
Like one of your needs to go home and change, that is ridiculous. Though if you had a complex seal in the middle that might avoid this problem! Funny that.
Even the "no words on a flag" argument, which I am more sympathetic to, doesn't hold up too well because too often you find yourself going "unless it is good" which just isn't a rule. The Iranian flag is the stand-out he mentions:
The middle crest is a stylized rendition of the name Allah, and the cursive lining on the tricolor bands are text as well - God Is Great, 22 times, marking the anniversary date of the Islamic Revolution. Stylistically beautiful, also words on a flag. The state flags just didn't try to do anything artistic.
I think the best point Premodernism mentions is a sort of stylistic unity Kaye & Co are pursuing above all else - everything sacrificed for corporate minimalism. Kaye's book will say it respects history and symbols should be meaningful, but then hates any symbols that require complexity. He singles out Turkmenistan as an ugly flag for example:
And as I said I only 50% disagree sometimes, I do think there is a complexity limit, and this flag goes over it, that is too detailed. Though the main reason this flag is bad is the weird choice to not put the banner at the edge, and have the crescent just...float off center? If it was this:
Two seconds in paint, already better, you can play with it. But anyway, you can say the symbols are too complex, but if you also say you care about historical meaning? Turkmenistan is a nation of traditional semi-nomadic tribes, who populated the Silk Road and made textiles as their ultimate expression of art. These carpet guls are traditional symbols used in those carpets that represent the five major tribes that compose the country. You can't just invent new symbols that have equal meaning to these, right? Like you can try if you want, sure, new symbols become meaningful all the time. But a rule that says "all art from before 1950 is tossed in the dumpster because it wouldn't pass muster as a Pepsi logo" is a weird rule to adopt if you say you value historical meaning. Turkmenistan does not have to look like France, and it is weird to want every national symbol to be aesthetically coherent to each other. Let 100 flags bloom! It is certainly "distinct at a distance" lol.
Anyway that is enough summarizing of a YouTube video - as I mentioned, he actually likes the state flags, I don't, I do think you have to balance a lot of this with just "general design principles". Never have your name on a flag in Helvetica Bold, amazing I had to write that one down for you. But a lot of these flag-specific rules derived from Kaye's work I often see bandied about are silly, and I was glad to see someone point that out.
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Sexiest Podcast Character 2024 â Scripted Undefeated Bracket â Round 4
Propaganda
Antigone Funn (Wooden Overcoats):
VOTE FOR ANTIGONE!!!
What on earth could possibly be sexier than being presumed dead by the village she lives in at large. She genuinely cares about funerals as an art form, she puts so much care into her work. Possibly bisexual if that helps. Ghost wrote a wildly popular erotic novel with the help of villageâs reverend. Come on just please vote for Antigone Iâm so very sleepy and I canât think of more reasons but I promise theyâre there
Juno Steel (The Penumbra Podcast: Juno Steel):
He's bi. He's a lady. He's a noir PI. He's a space pirate. His boyfriend is a master thief. He's nonbinary. He's got it all.
Additional propaganda below the cut:
Antigone Funn (Wooden Overcoats):
Amazing character arc/growth; shadows follow her around; afraid of the sun; methanol is her drink of choice; is often told âI thought you were deadâ despite a complete lack of evidence other than her deathly paleness; the morgue is her personal sanctuary; absolutely hilarious character; demanded to be co-owner of Funn Funerals with her brother rather than allowing him to continue running the business alone;(spoiler) decided NOT to get with her frenemy who she had been doing a will-they-wonât-they thing with the entire series!; writes smut in her free time
#antigone!!!!!!!!! #i just need one chance with her #she's perfect
#antigone!!!!!
*Cracks knuckles* Team Antigone is back and ready to do some damage. #antigone sweep year 2
#YEAR TWOOO
#Antigone sweep #!!!!
#thrilled to participate as always
This is propaganda for all the female characters. Voters please remember how pretty all women are and factor that into every single vote you make. Thank you.
Juno Steel (The Penumbra Podcast: Juno Steel):
#JUNO STEEL SWEEPâŒïžâŒïžâŒïž
#JUNO STEEL MY BEAUTIFUL HE HIM SAPPHIC #GUYSSSSS
#JUNOOOOOOOOOO
#i got physically flustered the first time i listened to the penumbra podcast #i stood still in the real world and started blushing
#JUNO STEEL #back on my bullshit for this fine year
#JUNO MY LOVE#MY SPACE LADY YOU DESERVE EVERYTHING #except the bad things #please stop those
#seeing fanart of juno makes me start fanning myself like a scandalised victorian woman đ #gay in both directions gnc in both directions no one is doing it like her
#juno has so much gender itâs not even funny #(itâs a little funny)
#only listened to one episode of tpp #but all fanart of i have seen of Juno is so quhuefuwehfiuwhfiuwef
#juno steel FOREVER hes hot and he knows it
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Scenario where PIDW Bingge had something like the fucked up baby dimension from Fire Emblem: Fates for handling his kids.
For those who haven't played enough Fire Emblem games: in Fates you can hook up various characters who will, once they've bonded sufficiently, get married and have children. Because there is a dangerous war on and nobody has time for childcare, these babies get sent to various pocket dimensions where time moves differently, where they are raised by servants. They then reappear in the story as adults (mostly) who are also just like, barely younger than their own parents. This is of course hilariously fucked up, for even more reasons than what a simple overview can convey, and it's also just kind of shrugged off by the narrative despite the many, many bewildering implications involved.
So I'm imagining Airplane stealing this whole concept and sitting down to write about Bingge sending all of his children away in order to protect them from his enemies or whatever other excuse, creating special nursery dimensions with Xin Mo only to not really spend any time with his offspring at all, resulting in a lot of them growing up extra fast and reentering the story as adults at wildly unpredictable intervals (i.e. whenever Airplane feels like it without having to remember the timelines involved because *waves hand* time passes differently in the different dimensions too). For the daughters, this just gets them married off into alliances (if they're even mentioned at all, because Airplane doesn't want to write incest and there's basically only one reason female characters get mentioned in this story), but for the sons, this usually has them showing up as upstart challengers to their father's throne. With a conclusion, generally, of them getting their asses kicked and then being sent back to their pocket dimensions with their tails between their legs (Binghe killing his own kids would be too reprehensible, after all). Sometimes (rarely) they become loyal generals. One or two have died to fuel revenge arcs. The protagonist halo extends only limited benefits to his kids.
Anyway, Shen Yuan of course reads all of this and absolutely hates it. What do you mean Binghe doesn't even raise his own kids?! What do you mean even their mothers don't?! Shen Yuan understands that Luo Binghe is an important guy with important things to do, but handling it this way makes it impossible to even consistently visit his children on their birthdays! They'd be having birthdays every day because they're all on freaking Narnia time! And of course his sons keep growing up and trying to overthrow him, surely Binghe himself should appreciate that under these conditions, his children are going to see the servants raising them as parents more than some distant emperor they've never met...? Not to mention, if time moves quickly in these dimensions, theoretically Binghe could just stay there with his kids himself and not have to worry too much about things changing in his realm, because only a few months would pass there! He could have it both -- spend plenty of time with his kids and not worry about neglecting his responsibilities! So why doesn't he do that?!
The answer (never actually provided by Airplane) is that Bingge doesn't really feel a strong connection to his children, and because of his reverence for his adoptive mother, he thinks that giving them peaceful lives with simple people to raise and love them is the kindest thing he can do for them. If he could have had an idyllic childhood with his mother in a place where nothing could harm him, he would have never sought power at all.
But of course, Binghe's kids aren't thinking "oh gosh yeah my humble childhood in a magic dimension was much better than starving on the streets!" because that wasn't ever going to be their fate in the first place. Instead they all develop varying complexes about being sent away by their impossibly remote father and his giant harem.
Possible fic ideas involving this setup:
-Bingyuan where Shen Yuan transmigrates into the intended tutor of one Luo Binghe's most troublesome sons. SY arrives in the baby dimension and immediately bonds with the little Luo, gets really mad about the whole situation all over again, and when Bingge shows up for a rare visit, rips him a new asshole about it. Romcom shenanigans ensue.
-Scenario where SV's Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe decide they're ready to adopt, and SQQ figures out a back door into PIDW Binghe's baby dimensions and just sort of, ehm, borrows some of the children he knows had really bad times in the novel (not all of the idyllic upbringings worked out, there were instances of the dimensions being attacked and the servants there being killed and etc). Bingge eventually finds out. Dramatics ensue.
-When PIDW Binghe tries to summon a Shen Yuan of his own to the PIDW world using Xin Mo, it accidentally creates some stability issues with the baby dimensions. Shen Yuan get teleported in and out of these dimensions instead, bonding with the kids there to various degrees, only to be swept away every time Bingge tries to use Xin Mo to find him again. A handful of years later, a bunch of new Heavenly Demon scions emerge as adults with the Luo family's Shizun Complex in full swing, right around the same time that Bingge finally captures Shen Yuan. Hijinks ensue.
#svsss#bingqiu#bingyuan#scum villain#scum villain's self saving system#airplane seeing a horribly contrived plot device that makes little sense and exists only to facilitate fanservice: game recognizes game
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đđđą đ»đđŁđđâđĄ đđđđ đđŠ đđđ ; jack reacher
| one-shot |
summary: your boyfriend is a sight to behold.
pairing: gf!fem!reader x bf!ritchson!reacher.
trope: established relationship.
genre: fluff + a sprinkle of angst + romance + comedy.
warningsâŒïž: crude language + readerâs 5â8 + (thereâs just smth abt abnormally large height gaps that make me feel so uncomfortable) + a guy gets a bit too comfortable but big ole reacher takes care of it giggles maniacally + mentions of alcohol consumption + 1 sexual innuendo + mentions of toxic friendships.
word count: 2,678.
random disclaimerrr: jack reacher is 6â5 in the books so that's what i'm going with. JACK REACHERâS SAUR FINE OMG HEâS SO BIG & TALL & DIRECT & STRONG & SO SO SMART LIKE UGH I NEED DATâŒïžhappy reading! ÊâąáŽ„âąÊ ⥠© 2024 @jks1uv
âWhat is he, like six-three? Six-four?â
âGoddamn. Heâs fucking huge.â
âMmm, try six-five.â You giggle as your friends stare shocked and dumbfounded.
Reacher saw you in town at the local library and âbout damn near broke his neck doing a doubletake.
You were browsing in the classic literature section, not really looking for anything.
But you looked so beautiful. You were in your element and in his mind, there's nothing else that makes anyone more attractive.
He sauntered up to you and and showed you his favorite, which you so happened to finish before making your trip there.
He chuckled as you gushed about the novel and indulged you in friendly fire about the interpreted meaning(s). He then asked if you were free to hang out to which you agreed as long as you pick the place.
You weren't an idiot. You took his size and build into careful consideration as nowadays, you never know what might happen.
Besides, no matter how well-read, handsome, and charming a man may seem, never trust him at first glance.
So, you played it smart. Only telling him what he asked for, smiling to be polite and insisting on paying for your own things as you put it so eloquently.
âItâs fine, Reacher. We aren't dating.â
Of course, he took notice of your boundaries and was impressed at how subtly direct they were drawn.
2 more hangouts in public spaces later, he asked you out on a date. You thought he'd earned it along with your number.
That was 3 months ago.
You told your friends a few days prior to the present situation and they were ecstatic. They understood what kind of woman you are and if a man caught your eye, he must be worth your time.
So, they arranged for a triple date disguised as a dinner with their boyfriends. They begged you to say yes to the inevitable hangout-turned-gossip sesh with the girls.
Who were you to deny them of this one, little thing?
Thatâs how you ended up seated at a table in a sports bistreaux. Jack is at the bar with your friends' boyfriends.
You take a sip of your soda and your friends eye each other before breaking out in a fit of uncontrable laughter.
âWhat, what's so funny?â
âNothing!â Ayla blurts out but as soon as she looks over at your other friend, Trinity, she's giggling all over again.
They smack each other and are smiling so hard, Ayla is on the verge of tears.
âOkay, okay.â Trinity catches her breath.
âWe were just thinking abut how, like, you said heâs six-five, right?â
âAnd youâre⊠five-eight?â
You nod at them curious to what theyâre trying to insinuate.
âSo, Y/n.â Ayla draws out with an airy voice. âDoes he even fit the bed? You know, when you twoââ
âOh my god.â You groan.
They wildly cackle at your response and deem itâs hilarious but you canât help but smile, however ludicrous their response may be.
âYou guys are so ridiculous.â
You take another sip of your soda and feel yourself in the line of someoneâs eyes. You look up and meet his. It seems heâs in a similar situation; being the punchline for the poorest taste in humor.
He shrugs slightly and you smile at him. He smiles back and looks away to take a bite out of his food.
You feel great about this; the relationship, Reacher. All of it.
Nothing can ruin any of it for you.
âOh shit.â
Ayla bursts your little bubble of content with disbelief and, well, you canât say nothing lasts forever.
âDonât turn around right nowââ
And of course, you do the exact opposite. Your curiosity gets the best of you but it isnât necessarily a bad thing, per say.
âYou shouldnât have started with that.â Trinity shakes her head.
The people in your line of view consist of your ex-best friend and her boyfriend who used to be like an older brother to you. A friend.
You watch as they walk towards a table of equally shallow bodies of pathetic people. You turn back around and donât look at your friends. Youâre suddenly hit with an embarrassing hotness in your stomach and your heartâs beating fast.
Bitch, what, you scared?
You claim youâre not and try to slow down your palpitations by dipping for a minute.
âBathroom. Iâll be right back.â
You donât even glimpse at your friends and walk straight to the back but of course youâre friends follow you.
Trinity explains how youâre going to the bathroom and sheâll stand outside for you to Reacher but he doesnât buy your story. He saw the look on your face and your urgent stride added on.
You stand in front of the mirror and will yourself to just breathe. You remind yourself youâre not scared, youâre not a pussy. Itâs just nerves on fire as you havenât thought of them in months.
Ayla wants to go inside to check in on you but Trinity disagrees. âThis is something she needs to do on her own.â
âI know.â Ayla sighs and checks the time on her watch.
âExcuse me.â A voice curtly intervenes.
Meet Dani Pratt, aka a psychotic, mentally ill, two-faced narcissistic, bigoted bitch who is also, somehow: a people pleaser.
âItâs a one-stall bathroom.â Trinity wittily replies with a fake smile.
âSure it is.â Dani nods.
Ayla scoffs. âWe donât know how to lie like you.â
âOkay, wow.â Trinity puts her hand on Aylaâs shoulder in warning but the she ignores it.
âWhat are you trying to say?â Dani challenges, to which Ayla graciously accepts âcause momma ainât raise no bitch!
While all of this is going on, your heartâs calmed down enough for you to go back out there.
You deeply inhale and exhale one last time and as soon as you open the door, itâs chaos central.
âOh, bitch, pleaseââ
âWho the fuck you callinâ a âbitchâ, bitch?â
So much is happening at once and you donât know why but you know what to do.
âWhat is going on here?â
The 3 girls stop talking and look at you.
âWe were just leaving.â Ayla seethes.
âFinally, some common ground.â Trinity mutters while she hastily leads the way.
You awkwardly purse your lips and walk away from Dani but she doesnât return the sentiment. She rolls her eyes and mocks with bitterness, âYeah, go on. Walk away from this, too.â.
You stop dead in your tracks.
âYou know what? Fine.â Trinity huffs and turns around.
Aylaâs itching for a fight now, a crazy rush of adrenaline pumps through her veins.
You werenât going to start a fight since finishing one was always your style but this was something you couldnât ignore.
âWe havenât spoke in months and thatâs what you wanna say to me? Really?â Youâre not talking too loud but youâre not exactly timid with it, either.
Dani rolls her eyes and crosses her arms. âOh, please, Y/n. You literally ran to the bathroom when I walked in so donât act all big and bad now.â
You scoff at her audacity. âIf you think Iâm scared of you then youâre even more delusional than I last remember.â
You choose to walk away with your dignity intact but alas. Some people just canât stand it when others display amounts of maturity they can only speak of.
Trinity and Ayla split the bill before you even ask to leave and have already told the waitress to bring a few to-go boxes.
As you wait, they tell their boyfriends and Reacher that you 3 are gonna go explore the boutique next-door.
You pack up the remaining food and remember the events that lead to you breaking off an almost 12 year friendship.
She was like a sister to you. Always there for you through thick and thin, cheering you on and encouraging you to come out of your comfort zone.
She just had to grow jealous and miserable, making her own problems the pinnacle of her life.
What about your problems? What about how you feel?
Whatever. Thatâs all in the past.
You have some great things going for you in the present and you are not about to let yesterdayâs grief ruin tomorrowâs happiness.
âYou okay?â Trinity bumps your shoulder with hers in an attempt to cheer you up.
It works, you give her a small smile and nod.
âIâm ready to get the fuck outta here.â Ayla yawns.
âBruh.â
Her bipolarity is something youâll never get used to.
âY/n?â
You turn around at the sound of your boyfriend calling you.
He gets up from the stool and walks over to you.
You know what heâs doing; staring into your eyes to really see whatâs going on. Your nervousness grows the closer he comes and you canât look into his eyes for more than a couple seconds.
âHey,â He murmurs as he places a hand on your shoulder, you put on a fake smile.
âWhatâs going on?â
His attentiveness is so endearing, especially when itâs towards you. You feel special every time youâre on the receiving end of his treatment.
Your friends eye each other and back away a bit, giving you two some space.
âNothing, Iâm just not feeling well.
He gives you a look that says, I know youâre lying but he still doesnât pry.
Youâre grateful for that but you know he wonât let either of you sleep until you tell him whatâs been chewing on you later, but thatâs later.
âI promise.â You lie.
He sighs. âOkay, but Iââ
âYo, Y/n!â
Fuck.
You close your eyes like itâll make everything disappear. Like itâll undo everything.
Reacher turns his shoulders sideways and furrows his eyebrows a bit at the sound.
He sees a guy a quarter of his size and a few inches shorter than him practically galloping towards your small group.
Ayla and Trinity exchange glances and their boyfriends stand up from the stool as well.
âHeard you called my girl crazy?â
You smack your teeth and sigh deeply. Your fingers pinch the bridge of your nose in exasperation.
Reacher takes this as a sign and steps up. Heâs almost covering you now but itâs comical to see him peer down the guy you used to call your friend.
âI think you couldâve handled that way better. Donât you?â
âReacher.â You touch his shoulder but he ignores your unspoken request.
Heâs not about to let this random come and disrespect you, and heâs certainly not about to let it go either.
âJosh, stop.â
Itâs faux embarrassment, you can obviously tell.
Dani doesnât give a fuck about Josh doing the confronting for her. As long as he speaks up first, sheâll just piggyback off of him and bring up irrelevant shit to misdirect the entire conversation.
This isnât your first rodeo.
âNah, that ainât fair.â He remarks without looking at her.
âYou talk all this shit when weâre not around but now that weâre here, you donât wanna talk anymore?â
Josh steps around Reacher and is just half a step away from getting in your face. Heâs yanked back before another breath can slip out of his mouth and you see Reacher slam him face-down onto the nearest countertop.
âWoah, man!â
âOh shiiiit.â
âGet his ass!â
Some people turn to look at the person who shouted that last sentence.
âWhat? He had it cominâ.â Ayla defends.
Your hands fly to your face on reflex and your eyes are wide in shock. You didnât know what to expect but it wasnât this.
âDonât you ever make that mistake again, do you hear me?â He scorns the other so-called âmanâ.
He reckons any guy with a brain should know not to get in a womanâs face, no matter the situation. But desperate times call for desperate measures and if Reacher was supposed to school him, then heâll teach this lesson with great enthusiasm.
Josh has one arm bent behind him on his back and Reacherâs manhandling him with one hand.
Is it wrong to state how turned on swooned you are in this moment?
Other people are starting to crowd and look at the ongoing spectacle, tuning you back in.
âY/n! Do something!â Trinity whisper-screams.
âWhat the fuck is she supposed to do? Heâs almost a foot taller than her and big as is anyway.â Ayla makes a fair point but you know Reacher would do just about anything you ask.
âReacher,â You call out softly.
A few seconds go by before he turns his head slightly to where you could see his side-profile.
âLetâs go.â You donât know if thisâll work but you ought to try.
âLook, man. I-I donât want any troubleââ
Reacher sneers at his pathetic quivering. âYou couldnât even afford it.â And with that, he lets him go.
Reacher fixes his jacket a bit and gives you a once over. His blue eyes scan your face and body and once heâs satisfied, he walks out with your hand in his.
Itâs always quiet when heâs over.
You guys order takeout, watch a movie or start a show, youâll fall asleep and heâll carry you to your bed while he sleeps on the couch.
Except, none of that is happening tonight.
Youâre sitting on your bed and heâs in the living room double checking the doors, windows and other things with handles and locks on them.
Itâs unusually quiet, especially for the day youâve just had. So quiet, that you donât even hear his footsteps padding in your direction.
They stop at the door and heâs leaning against it, analyzing you.
âSpill.â
You look up and see a serious look on the face but it isnât mean. Itâs more of a I need to know why whatever transpired today so we can move on look. And you get it, you figured heâd ask sooner or later.
âHeâs the boyfriend of one of my ex-best friends.â You admit. âWe used to be friends, he was like an older brother to me.â
He sits down next to you.
âDani was acting weird and I didnât like it so when I went to confront her, of course she didnât appreciate it. She got Josh to do some of her bidding and I just broke it off with the both of them.â
You look at Reacher and heâs nods a couple times.
âHow long ago was that?â
You pout your lips to the side in thought. âLike, months ago. Almost six, I think.â
His eyebrows are raised and he stares at you. âAnd I thought you held a grudge.â
That makes you smile a bit. âShut up.â You mumble while pushing his shoulder with your knuckles.
He shrugs and looks back at you, an expression of care adorning his face.
âHas he done that before?â
You know heâs referring to how close he got to your face out of spite and you answer him truthfully.
âYeah.â You sigh.
âTrinity was there and she told him to back off, which he did. She was saying how he shouldnât do that and how unnecessary it was and I appreciate her for that, I do.â
You take a moment to reflect on how history has repeated itself.
âJust wish it was me saying those things but I think I was just in shock at how fast it all happened.â
He hums thoughtfully before inquiring about his girlfriend.
âDani didnât say or do anything.â You dryly comment.
He hears your disappointment behind it and wishes so badly he was there.
You look down at your hands and his large ones interlock your fingers with his. He rubs his thumb across yours in a soothing manner.
âBut I did.â
He takes your hand up to his lips and presses a kiss of promise onto it.
The act makes you smile and you turn to hug him. Your arms make their place around his neck and his around you, his hands almost take up your entire back.
âIâll have your back. Always.â
âI know.â You smile into his shoulder.
#amazon prime#amazon prime video#prime video#reacher#jack reacher series#reacher show#amazon prime video reacher#amazon prime reacher#jack reacher#amazon prime video jack reacher#amazon prime video jack reacher series#reacher season 1#alan ritchson#alan ritchson jack reacher#alan ritchson reacher#jack reacher x fem!reader#reacher x fem!reader#jack reacher x y/n#reacher x y/n#jack reacher x you#reader x you#jack reacher fluff#reacher fluff#⥠hearts 4 everyone! âĄ#s writes!#you havenât seen my man
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"EAT YER SOUP!"


Pairing: Aged up!ProHero!Husband!Katsuki Bakugou x Pro hero!Wife!Reader
Warning: MDNI!!! Extreme Flirting , Wc: Long like his truama+, No ageless blogs!
Synopsis: A snowball fight escalates into a dramatic battle for the icy throne between the, "Snow Empress," and the, "Demon King," of class 1a and ending with you becoming sick and Katsuki taking care of his sweet little Wife.
Tons of romantic flirting, promises of fun and sexy times awaits. Reader has a quirk.
Ya like Jane Austen? You'll love this.
Part 1 of 2.

It started as a perfectly normal winter day in Japan.Â
The sky stretched in a crystal-clear blue, and sunlight sparkled against the untouched snow. Flakes glistened on branches like delicate diamonds, the world hushed in its frosted beauty.Â
That kind of morning that invited peace.
A gentle hush blanketed the streets of Japan the night before, dusting the city with a sparkling white coat. The air was crisp, biting just enough to paint cheeks red and send puffs of visible breath floating upwards.Â
It was the perfect snow day.
âAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!âÂ
Until it wasnât.
âAAAAHHHH!â screamed Kaminari as he sprinted through the snow, his voice piercing the calm like an air raid siren. His arms flailed wildly, chunks of snow falling off his jacket from the barrage heâd just endured.
âIâM GONNA KILL YOU!â Katsuki roared behind him, hurling an impressively compact snowball with the same intensity he brought to his explosive attacks. The snowball rocketed through the air, narrowly missing Kaminariâs head and splattering against a tree, sending icy fragments flying.
âNAH UAH!â Kaminari retorted, ducking behind a bench and scrambling to build his own ammunition.
Nearby, Midoriya stood knee-deep in snow, earnestly explaining to Iida and Uraraka, âCold hands are actually a sign that your body is conserving heat by prioritizing your core temperature. So technicallyââ
âOOF!â Midoriyaâs lecture was cut off as a snowball, courtesy of a snickering Ashido, struck him square in the face.
âLESS TALK MORE SNOW!â she cackled, darting away before he could retaliate.
A chorus of laughter and shouting filled the park, blending with the crunch of boots on snow and the occasional thud of snowballs finding their targets.
On the far end of the park, Sero's voice carried faintly over the chaos as he leaned against a tree next to you. He tilted his head slightly and murmured, âLet it go~ Let it goooo~â with the faintest hint of a smirk, his breath forming little clouds as he sang.
"I think that's a slur."
You snorted, burying your face in your scarf to muffle your laughter. Shoto's deadpan humor was one of your favorite things about him, and it was especially hilarious when contrasted against the madness unfolding below.
âCan I eat this?â Kirishimaâs voice rang out as he held up what looked like a vaguely yellowish chunk of snow.
âDID YOU KNOW THAT THE ICICLES ON THE ROOF ARE ACTUALLY BIRD SHIT?â Danki yelled, pointing upward at a row of sparkling icicles hanging off a pavilion roof.
âCan we please go inside yet?â Jirou groaned from where she was crouched under the monkey bars, hugging her knees and shivering. Momo, who was hanging upside down, quickly dropped down and pulled the other girl into her large scarf before snuggling into her arms.Â
âIMA MAKE A SNOWMAN!â Toru cheered, already gathering snow with surprising precision for someone who was completely invisible.
âDO A FLIP!â someone (C0ough Ojiro) shouted as Kaminari attempted to leap off a swing mid-arc. He landed in a heap, sending snow flying everywhere, but popped back up grinning like a maniac.
âLemme see what you have?â
âAN ICE BALL!â Shoji declared, holding up what was essentially a solid block of ice.
âNO!â came multiple voices in unison as everyone collectively backed away from the six-armed giant.
The graduated class of 1-A, with the addition of Shinsou, had descended upon the local park after a public conference. It was supposed to be a quick reprieveâa moment to unwind after the formalities of hero work. Instead, it had turned into a full-blown festival of youthful chaos.
Even though you were technically pro heroes now, snow days were snow days. All your training, responsibilities, and public personas had been left behind at the press conference youâd attended earlier.Â
Now, the entirety of Freedom Park was taken over and transformed into your personal winter wonderland.
From your hiding place on a small hill overlooking the park, you could see it all. Beside you, Shoto stands with his usual stoic expression, though his lips twitch slightly at the edgesâa telltale sign he was enjoying himself more than he let on. His arms were crossed, and a small puff of steam rose from his cup of hot tea.
Your husband, however, was not enjoying a quiet moment.Â
He was right in the thick of it.Â
Katsuki had declared the snowball fight a competition, and chaos erupted the second the words left his mouth. He was now locked in a fierce battle with Kirishima and Kaminari, his explosions muted by the snow but still sending white powder flying in every direction.
âThink theyâll make it out alive?â you mused, your breath visible in the cold air.
âUnlikely,â Shoto replied dryly, taking a sip from his cup.
Katsuki was in full-on âcompetitive mode,â hurling snowballs with pinpoint accuracy and barking at anyone who dared challenge him. Midoriya, recovering from Ashidoâs sneak attack, was now carefully constructing a snow fort with Iida and Uraraka, his freckled face glowing with determination.
Jirou and Momo had teamed up to create a meticulously designed igloo, complete with a functional entrance, while Dark Shadowâunsurprisinglyâkept trying to sneak inside and was promptly shoved out each time by a disgruntled Tokoyami.
Down below, Toru and Ojiro had joined forces to create what looked like an impenetrable igloo wall, complete with a moat of shoveled snow. Tsu and Ochako were working together to stockpile snowballs inside, while Shinsou lazily leaned against the structure, occasionally lobbing snowballs with eerily good accuracy.
On the playground, Sero had finally managed to climb the slide and was now using his tape to lasso snowballs midair and fling them back toward their throwers. Mina retaliated by sliding down the other side, a trail of snow cascading behind her.
"Do you think we should join them?" you asked Shoto, brushing stray snow from your gloves.
"Iâm perfectly content here," he replied, though his gaze lingered on the group with something that almost resembled longing.
âCome on, Sho,â you teased, nudging him lightly. âWhereâs your sense of fun?â
He glanced at you, his mismatched eyes softening. âI think I left it down there.â
You laughed, the sound bright against the winter air. Below, Katsuki let out a triumphant roar as he finally tackled Kaminari into a snowdrift, only for Kirishima to leap on him a second later. The three dissolved into a pile of wrestling, laughing chaos.
âAlright,â you said, standing and brushing snow from your coat. âIf you wonât come willingly, I guess Iâll just have to drag you into it.â Before Shoto could protest, you grabbed a handful of snow and flung it at him, hitting him square in the chest. He blinked in surprise, his tea sloshing slightly in its cup.
âReally?â he asked, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
âReally,â you replied, already gathering another snowball.
With a flick of his wrist, Shoto melted the snow in your hand before it could leave your palm.
âCheater!â
âYou started it,â he said, setting his cup down and rolling up his sleeves.
Then, a soft crunch of snow behind you drew your attention. Turning your head, you saw three familiar figures trudging up the slope, snow clinging to their boots and the hems of their coats.
Sato, Aoyama, and Koda approached cautiously, their eyes darting to the chaos below as if they feared an ambush. Aoyama had a dramatic pout, and Kodaâs wide-eyed expression screamed relief at finding refuge. Sato, meanwhile, was carrying what looked like a small stash of baked goods wrapped in foil.
âIs it safe here?â Aoyama asked dramatically, placing a hand over his chest as if the mere trek had been a perilous journey. You straightened up and waved your hands in an exaggerated gesture of benevolence.Â
âI grant you sanctuary! You are safe here, under my protection.â
The three of them paused, exchanged looks, and then simultaneously bowed low, their motions filled with mock reverence. Shoto was back to cradling his cup of tea, steam curling upward as he quietly enjoyed the relative peace of your hiding spot. You, on the other hand, had your elbows resting on your knees, watching the battlefield with an amused grin as if it were the most entertaining show you'd ever seen.
âThank you, our good queen, for granting us shelter in your realm,â Sato intoned, his voice deep and formal. âIt is an honor to bask in your light,â Aoyama added, his usual sparkle exaggerated as he tossed imaginary stardust. Koda, always soft-spoken, simply bowed and nodded in agreement.
Beside you, Shoto muttered under his breath, âYouâre lucky they indulge this,â as he raised his teacup again.Ignoring him, you turned back to the newcomers, gesturing for them to sit in the snowy clearing near you.Â
âHow fares the battlefield below, my loyal subjects?â
Aoyama huffed dramatically, brushing non-existent dirt from his coat. âYour husband, the Demon King Bakugou, is terrorizing the realm with his fiery wrath.â Sato chuckled and added, âHeâs like a one-man army down there. Izukuâs holed up in the fort with everyone, trying to rally the troops into some kind of defense strategy with Momo.â
Koda nodded shyly. âItâs⊠chaotic. But Midoryia is trying his best.â Before you could respond, a new voice called out from behind.
âIs this the neutral party gathering place?â
Turning, you saw Iida climbing the hill, his hands chopping the air in his usual commanding way. His scarf flapped in the breeze, giving him an almost heroic silhouette against the snowy horizon.
âYes, it is,â you replied with a playful flourish, gesturing to the group now gathered in your little haven.
Iida seemed pleased with the answer, nodding briskly before sitting down next to Sato, who offered him a pastry.
âWeâve got quite the party now,â Sato said, counting the group. âA priest,â he gestured to Iida, âa prince,â he motioned toward Shoto, who raised an eyebrow, âa pied piper,â he nodded at Koda, who blushed, âand of course, our queen.â
âAnd Iâm more than happy to have a knight,â you said, pointing to Aoyama, who struck a dazzling pose, âand a bakerâs man,â you finished with a grin toward Sato.
The group chuckled, settling into the cozy camaraderie of your impromptu sanctuary.
From the hill, you all looked down to see Bakugou standing alone in the center of the snowy battlefield. His scarf whipped behind him as he shouted at the rest of the class, who were safely ensconced in their snow-igloo âcastleâ that was once the playground.
âYOU COWARDS! I DONâT NEED HELP TO TAKE YOU SHIT HEADS DOWN!â
Kirishima stood a few feet behind him, rubbing the back of his neck and chuckling nervously as he watched his best friend fume.
On the battlements of the âcastle,â Izuku stood high, with Sero and Kaminari holding him up on their shoulders. His hands were cupped around his mouth as he called out,Â
âKacchan, you donât have to do this! We can resolve this peacefully!â
âSHUT UP, IZUKU! IâM NOT NEGOTIATING WITH SNOWBALL-BUILDING WEAKLINGS!â
The entire group inside the fort shouted back at him, jeering and pelting snowballs from their windows.
Kirishima, glancing nervously between Katsuki and the fort, caught sight of you on the hill. He gave a small wave, his breath visible in the cold air. You returned the wave with an exaggerated beckoning motion, grinning as he hesitated, looking over his shoulder at Katsuki, who was now too focused on his ranting to notice.
Slowly, Kirishima began backing away, one step at a time, until he turned and jogged toward the wooded edge of the park. It took a minute, but eventually, he emerged through the trees and into your clearing. His face was flushed from the cold, his red hair dusted with snow.
âWelcome, gentle giant,â you said with a grin, spreading your arms in greeting.
Kirishima blinked, confused. âGentle huh?â
âTheyâve been speaking in medieval this whole time,â Shoto clarified, sipping his tea.
âOh, got it,â Kirishima said, nodding along. Then, getting into the spirit of things, he dropped to one knee and bowed his head. âSnow Empress, I have come to petition you. Please, you must put a stop to the war and end the tyranny of your Demon King husband!â
The group erupted into laughter, and you gave an exaggerated sigh, waving a hand over the battlefield below. âRise, noble knight. Let us discuss how best to restore peace to this snowy realm.â
You leaned forward, your eyes flickering toward the tree line as a faint rustling sound reached your ears. The soft crunch of snow was almost inaudible against the backdrop of distant laughter and shouting, but your instincts told you someone was approaching. Squinting, you caught a glimpse of dark hair and a familiar, lanky frame blending into the shadows of a nearby tree.
âShinsou,â you murmured, just loud enough for Shoto to catch.
He followed your gaze, his calm demeanor unchanging as he stood. Without a word, he picked up Satoâs hand and pressed the warm cup into it before standing. The shift in his posture was subtle but deliberate, his usually casual stance now sharp and ready. With a smooth motion, he conjured a spear of glimmering, jagged ice in his hand. It shimmered in the weak sunlight, its edges dangerously sharp.
Shoto leveled the spear toward the tree, his voice carrying the weight of playful authority.Â
âSpeak now, you unfaithful spy. Be ye friend or foe?â
There was a beat of silence, and then Shinsou stepped out from behind the tree with his hands raised in mock surrender, a smirk tugging at his lips. âFriend, obviously,â he drawled, his tone as dry as the winter air.
âProve it,â Shoto demanded, his voice still even but with an edge of humor.
Shinsou rolled his eyes, stepping closer to the group. âWhat do you want me to do? Pledge my undying loyalty to the Snow Empress and her ragtag court?â
âThat would be a start,â you chimed in, leaning back on your hands with a wide grin.
Shinsou sighed, dragging a hand through his hair as he came to stand in front of you.Â
âFine. Your Majesty,â he said with exaggerated sarcasm, dropping into an over-the-top bow. âI, your humble servant, humbly request refuge in your domain. I swear my allegiance, provided Iâm not dragged into whatever insanity your husband is stirring up down there.â
The group burst into laughter, Shoto letting his ice spear dissipate into harmless mist.
âAccepted,â you declared, clapping your hands together. âWelcome to the court, Sir Shinsou.â
Kirishima grinned, clapping Shinsou on the shoulder. âGlad to have you, man. Weâre building quite the crew up here.â
Shinsou smirked, crossing his arms as he glanced around the group. âI see that. Youâve got the whole medieval RPG party vibe going on. Whoâs who?â
Iida adjusted his scarf, sitting up straighter. âI am the priest, of course.â
âAnd Iâm the prince,â Shoto added flatly, picking his teacup back up from Satoâs hands.
âIâm the baker,â Sato said, holding up his stash of pastries as proof.
âA knight,â Aoyama declared with a dazzling pose.
âAnd Iâm the gentle giant,â Kirishima said with a laugh, flexing one arm for emphasis.
Koda, ever the quiet one, raised a hand sheepishly. âPied Piper,â he said softly.
Shinsou raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. âAnd you?â he asked, nodding at you.
You sat up straighter, lifting an imaginary crown from your head and adjusting it with exaggerated elegance. âI, of course, am the Snow Empress. Ruler of this humble hill and keeper of peace⊠unless my husband starts throwing snow grenades again.â
The group chuckled, but Shinsou tilted his head, squinting down at the chaos below. Bakugou was still yelling, now aggressively chucking snowballs at the castle fort while Izuku continued shouting at him from the top.
âSpeaking of him,â Shinsou muttered, âShould we be worried about whatever heâs planning? Because he looks like heâs about to storm the gates.â
Everyone turned to look, and sure enough, Bakugou was gathering what could only be described as a truly absurd number of snowballs into a pile. His face was alight with pure determination, Kirishimaâs absence completely unnoticed as he muttered something under his breath.
âOh no,â you said with a laugh, resting your chin on your hands. âThatâs the face he makes when heâs about to go all out.â
âShould we intervene?â Kirishima asked, scratching the back of his neck.
Shoto sipped his tea, completely unbothered. âWhy bother? This is clearly a battle heâs destined to lose. Let him tire himself out.â
Shinsou snorted. âYouâre a great wife, Todoroki. Truly.â
âThank you,â Shoto deadpanned, raising his cup slightly in acknowledgment.
The group laughed again, the tension breaking as the scene below unfolded in increasingly ridiculous fashion.
As the chaos raged on below, you watched from the hilltop, shaking your head in amusement. The snow was littered with fallen comradesâfriends lying dramatically in the snow, groaning in mock agony after being taken out by Katsukiâs relentless barrage of snowballs. Only Momo and Izuku remained standing.
Momo stood near the castle fort, her shield gleaming with a fresh layer of ice as she crouched behind it. Beside her, two makeshift snowball launchers she had crafted were firing at irregular intervals, their mechanisms clicking rhythmically as they pelted Katsuki with precision shots.
Izuku, on the other hand, was darting around like a green blur, popping out from snowbanks and behind trees to lob snowballs at Bakugou, whose maniacal laughter echoed across the park. Katsuki was clearly in his element, his scarf trailing behind him like a warriorâs cape as he dodged and countered every attack.
âHeâs⊠actually enjoying this,â Shinsou remarked, his voice dripping with disbelief.
âOf course, he is,â you sighed. âThis is practically a sport to him.â
âShould we go down there and stop him before he actually hurts someone?â Kirishima asked, glancing nervously at the fort.
âYes,â came the unanimous response from your little group.
You groaned, standing up and brushing snow off your coat. âFine. Do me the honor of escorting me, would you?â
Shoto smirked faintly, already summoning a fresh array of glistening ice spears for the group. The sharp tips caught the light as he handed them out one by one. âTry not to poke yourselves,â he said dryly, tucking one under his arm before offering you his free hand.
You took it, looping your arm through his as if this was some kind of formal procession. Shinsou bowed mockingly in front of you, one hand sweeping across his chest in an exaggerated gesture.
âAllow me to go ahead, Your Majesty,â he said with a smirk. âAs your loyal valet, of course.â
âOf course,â you replied, rolling your eyes.
And so, with your odd little court in tow, you began your descent down the hill. The snow crunched beneath your boots as your group trudged down the slope, trying their best to maintain some semblance of dignity while navigating the uneven terrain. It was difficult not to laugh at the sight of everyoneâs exaggerated steps, their knees and hips moving far too much in their attempt not to slip.
âMake way, make way!â Sato bellowed, his voice booming as if he were announcing royalty.
You suppressed a laugh, glancing at Shinsou. âDo your job, or youâll meet the business end of Shotoâs spear,â you teased.
Shinsou smirked and straightened his posture, raising his voice as he called out,Â
âBehold! The Snow Empress has arrived to grant mercy and bring peace to the lands!â
The battlefield frozeâliterally and figuratively. Katsuki paused mid-throw, his arm cocked back with a snowball the size of a melon in his hand. Izuku stumbled out from behind a tree, his breath coming in puffs of steam as he blinked in confusion. Even Momo peeked out from behind her shield, her brow furrowing as she tried to process what was happening.
âTHE EMPRESS!âÂ
Mina suddenly dropped to her knees in the snow, throwing her hands up dramatically.Â
âAll hail the Snow Empress!â
Denki immediately followed suit, kneeling beside her and clasping his hands together as if in prayer. âLong live the Empress!â he shouted, his voice filled with mock reverence. The two scrambled to get behind you, their voices overlapping as they began to sing your praises.Â
âSo wise! So powerful! So benevolent!â
You rolled your eyes, trying to keep a straight face. The theatrics were absurd, but there was a certain charm to it all.
Before you could respond, you felt a tug on your arm. Turning, you saw Toru standing beside you, her usually invisible form now outlined by a layer of snow clinging to her jacket and pants. Her hands, however, were bare, and you noticed her fingers were an alarming ice cold.
Without hesitation, you slid off your gloves and gently pulled them onto her hands. âHere,â you said softly, tugging the cuffs to make sure they fit snugly. âKeep these on.â
âThanks,â Toru murmured, her voice grateful as she flexed her fingers inside the gloves.
Behind you, Sero muttered something under his breath in Spanish, his tone exasperated. âCoño, esto es ridĂculo,â he said, shaking his head as he trudged through the snow to join the growing group behind you. Shinsou, undeterred by the growing absurdity of the situation, continued his proclamation.Â
âThe Snow Empress has arrived to bestow mercy upon you all! Bow before her, lest you face her icy wrath!â
The battlefield fell silent once more, all eyes turning to you. Katsukiâs face was a picture of disbelief, his mouth slightly agape as he stared at the spectacle. Izuku, still catching his breath, looked like he was torn between laughing and taking the situation seriously.
âWhat the hell is this?!â Katsuki finally exploded, his voice echoing across the park. âYouâve gotta be shitting me!â
Shoto leaned in close, his voice low and amused. âYour move, Empress.â
You straighten your posture, tilting your chin up as you surveyed the battlefield. âEnough,â you called out, your voice carrying over the snow. âThis war has gone on long enough. Lay down your snowballs and return to your forts. Peace shall reign across these lands once more.â
Mina and Denki immediately burst into cheers, clapping and shouting in agreement. The rest of the class, however, seemed less convinced, their eyes darting between you and Katsuki.
âLike hell Iâm stopping!â Katsuki roared, hurling his massive snowball straight into the sky. âThis ainât over until I say itâs over!â
The snowball came crashing downâright onto Katsukiâs own head, exploding in a puff of powder. The entire park erupted into laughter, and even you couldnât suppress the grin spreading across your face.
âWell,â you said, turning to Shoto. âI guess that settles it.â
Shinsou smirked, âPeace restored, Empress.â
Another snowball came flying through the air in a graceful arc, landing squarely on Katsukiâs head and bursting into a puff of icy powder. The battlefield went quiet for a moment, stunned, before laughter erupted from all sidesâexcept for Katsuki.
His head snapped toward Momo, whose snowball launchers were still smoking from their recent assault. Her chin was lifted, her expression regal and utterly unapologetic.Â
âFor disrespecting my Empress,â she declared, stepping forward with the grace of a knight sworn to protect her queen.
Katsukiâs eyes narrowed dangerously.Â
âYouâre dead, Ponytail.â
Before anyone could blink, Katsuki lunged forward, snatching Shinsou up by the scarf like a sack of potatoes. The poor boy let out a choked gasp, flailing slightly as Katsuki dragged him upward.
âOh no, you donât!â Izuku shouted, darting forward with surprising speed. He grabbed Shinsou by the arm and yanked him back with all his might, prying him out of Katsukiâs grip.Â
âWhat the hell, Deku?!â Katsuki snarled, spinning around to face him.
Izuku held Shinsou protectively behind him, his freckled face scrunched in determination. âYou canât just attack people! Weâre supposed to be having fun!â
âFun?! This is fun!â Katsuki bellowed, gesturing wildly to the chaos around them.
Meanwhile, you strolled down the hill with all the grace of royalty, Shoto still at your side with his ice spear glinting in the sunlight. âLady Yaoyorozu,â you greeted warmly, inclining your head toward Momo as if the chaos around you didnât exist. Momo turned to you, lowering herself into an elegant curtsy. âYour Majesty,â she replied, her voice laced with pride.
Katsuki froze mid-rant, his eyes narrowing as he turned toward you and your entourage. His gaze darted between your serene expression, Shotoâs protective stance, and the full squad of Class 1-A members following in your wake. His lip curled into a sneer.
âWhat the hell are you all doing?â he demanded.
You tilted your head, offering him a faint, knowing smile.Â
âHello, Consort.â
The title clearly caught him off guard. Katsuki blinked, his mouth opening as if to respond, but no words came out. You didnât give him the chance to recover, turning your attention back to Momo.
âLady Yaoyorozu,â you said again, your tone warm but firm. âWhat troubles you so? Is it this unruly rogue disturbing the peace of our lands?â Katsukiâs eyes widened slightly, and he pointed an accusatory finger at you.Â
âOi! Are you ignoring me?!â
You didnât even glance his way, your focus remaining solely on Momo. Behind you, Shoto leaned closer to Shinsou and Izuku, his voice low. âSheâs decided sheâs the Snow Empress,â he explained matter-of-factly.
Shinsou shrugged. âIt just sort of⊠happened,â he added, his smirk growing wider.
Izuku blinked a few times, taking in the sceneâthe exaggerated bows, the medieval speech, the mock battleâand nodded with a small smile. âGot it,â he said simply, falling seamlessly into the act.
Just then, Kirishima emerged from behind a snowbank, jogging up to your group and skidding to a stop in front of you. He dropped to one knee, bowing his head deeply. âMy Snow Empress,â he said dramatically, his voice tinged with desperation. âI cannot bear the cruel treatment of my master any longer. May I reside with you permanently instead?â
The rest of the class burst into laughter at his declaration, but Kirishima held his bow, waiting for your response.
âWhat the hell, Shitty Hair?!â Katsuki barked, his confusion and irritation growing by the second.
You raised a hand, gesturing for Kirishima to rise. âGentle giant, you are always welcome in my court,â you said graciously, earning a grin and a playful wink from him.
Katsuki threw his hands in the air. âOkay, seriously, what the hell is going on?!â
You turned to him at last, your expression calm but commanding. âWe are here to grant peace to these lands,â you said, your tone firm, âOr to destroy you, should you refuse to fall in line.â
The silence that followed was thick, broken only by the sound of snow crunching under Katsukiâs boots as he took a step forward. His lips twitched into a smirk.Â
âDestroy me, huh?â
Katsuki tilted his head slightly, adopting a mockingly regal posture. âA queen,â he began, his voice suddenly shifting into Shakespearean tones, âSurrounding herself with such⊠characters of the court?âÂ
âTch. How distasteful.â
Behind you, Denki leaned over to Mina, whispering, âYo, who knew heâd be this good at this?â
âI know right?!â
You tugged Shoto and Shinsou closer, gesturing to them each in turn. âThis is my assassin,â you said, nodding toward Shinsou, who grinned wickedly. âAnd this is the crown prince.â
Shoto gave a subtle nod, his expression cool and composed.
âAnd I,â Momo interjected, stepping forward proudly, âam the Countess, as well as your Empressâs blacksmith and weaponsmith.â
Katsuki snorted, crossing his arms. âOh, so everyoneâs got a role now, huh? Doesnât matter.â
Without warning, he hurled a snowball at you. It soared through the air, fast and sharpâbut it never reached its target. Shoto moved before you could react, a wave of heat rolling off him as he melted the snowball mid-flight, leaving nothing but a puff of steam in its place. You sighed, your expression hardening as you took a step forward.Â
âEveryone,â you said calmly, your voice steady but firm,Â
âBack up.â
Your entourage obeyed immediately, retreating to a safe distance. Only Katsuki remained, his fiery gaze locked onto yours.
âNow then,â you said, leveling him with a cool, unwavering stare.Â
âLetâs settle this, shall we?â
The icy chill of the battlefield buzzed with anticipation as the royal drama unfolded. Iida, ever the voice of reason and order, stepped forward with Shoji at his side. Both carried an air of solemnity as they began organizing the chaotic mass of Class 1-A into spectators. Iida raised his hands dramatically, gesturing toward the abandoned benches and bleachers that bordered the snowy grounds.
âCitizens of this most noble kingdom!â Iida declared, his voice booming with authority.Â
âMake haste to the arenaâs viewing galleries, where you shall bear witness to history in the making. For this day shall determine the fate of the lands!â
Shoji nodded in agreement, his multiple arms gently guiding classmates toward their seats. As the crowd shuffled toward the bleachers, Sato emerged like an unexpected hero, carrying bags of freshly baked goods wrapped in foil. He moved through the gathered students like a medieval vendor at a festival, handing out warm treats to the eager onlookers.
âBread for the people!â Kaminari called out gleefully, munching on a cookie.
âEnough sugar, Kami,â Jirou quipped, nudging him with her elbow. âYouâll get too hyper and end up in the lake again.â
The class settled in with murmurs of excitement, laughter, and nervous whispers about what was to come. Meanwhile, you stood proudly at the edge of the field, the snow crunching lightly under your light pink juicy couture snow boots as you surveyed the scene with the regal air of a ruler. Shoto and Shinsou flanked you on either side, their faces composed and determined, while Momo and Izuku stood a step behind you, ready to act as reinforcements.
Katsuki was a stark contrast, prowling like a tiger among his chosen knights. He yanked Kirishima forward, the red-haired boy wearing a theatrical expression of sorrow and betrayal.
âMy Empress!â Kirishima called out mournfully, dropping to his knees as Katsuki tugged at the back of his scarf like a leash. âForgive me, for I must serve this tyrant!â
You gave Kirishima a soft, reassuring smile. âFear not, my gentle knight,â you said with unwavering confidence. âI shall free you from his chains.â
Katsuki scoffed, rolling his eyes but clearly enjoying the absurdity of it all. âShut up, Shit locks,â he barked, dragging Kirishima backward like a misbehaving dog.
To everyoneâs surprise, Katsuki then turned and gestured for Tokoyami to join his ranks. The brooding bird-like student strode forward, his cape billowing behind him as if he were summoned by some ancient force.
âDarkness always sides with the Demon King,â Tokoyami intoned ominously, taking his place beside Katsuki.
âBro, he probably just wants dark shadow!â
âSHH, let him have this!â
âAnd glitter too, apparently,â Jirou whispered as Aoyama sauntered forward next, blowing a dramatic kiss to the crowd. Mina followed closely behind, her usual bubbly energy subdued as she adopted a determined, warrior-like posture. Katsuki pulled his team into a tight huddle, whispering strategies with a ferocity that only he could muster. His hands moved animatedly, pointing to you and your entourage as he outlined his battle plan.
âDo you think heâs plotting something crazy?â Shinsou asked, raising a brow.
âProbably,â Izuku muttered, his green eyes narrowing in thought. âBut weâll be ready.â
You turned to face your team, gathering them into a huddle of your own. Momo adjusted the strap of her snowball launcher, Shoto stood tall with his ice spear at the ready, and Shinsou smirked as if the whole thing was a game he was destined to win. In his hands two very sharp ice daggers twirled between his fingers.Â
âTheyâre formidable,â Shoto said, his tone even. âAre you confident we can win?â
You straightened your posture, meeting their gazes with unshakable resolve. âOf course. Katsuki may be my legal husband outside of this game, and within these snowy lands, heâs just another challenger. I have never backed down from a challenge.â
Momo smiled at your conviction, nodding firmly. âWeâre with you, your Majesty.â
Before anyone could speak further, Iidaâs commanding voice called your attention. He stood at the center of the field with Shoji, their figures outlined against the stark white snow.
âAttention, noble combatants!â Iida announced, his arms raised high.Â
âThe terms of this duel have been decided. There shall be three rounds: The initial fight between the seconds of the royal couple, an all-out brawl lasting five minutes, and then a three-minute duel between any remaining champions. Finally, the Demon King and the Heavenly Snow Empress shall face one another to decide the future of the kingdom of freedom!â
A ripple of excitement moved through the crowd, and you couldnât help but feel a swell of pride at the title Iida had bestowed upon you. Raising your hands to the spectators, you addressed them with a voice that carried authority and warmth.Â
âMy loyal subjects, do not fear. I have never failed you before, and I shall not start now. Today, we shall emerge victorious, and peace shall reign across these lands once more!â
The crowd erupted in cheers, though Katsukiâs sharp laugh cut through the noise like a blade. He stepped forward, his expression both mocking and strangely alluring as he spoke in flawless Shakespearean tones.
âA queen so bold, yet so blind to the strength of her adversary,â he said, his voice low and resonant.Â
âKnow this, my sweet Empressâthy reign shall end beneath my hand, and these lands shall bow to me.â
Your breath hitched for the briefest moment, not because of his words, but because of how dangerously captivating his voice sounded when laced with such romantic intensity. Yards away, someone let out a low whistle.Â
âGet your lady back Bakugou!â
âKaminari!âÂ
âWhat?! Heâs like, roguishly charming!â
Iida stepped between you and Katsuki, raising his hands for silence.Â
âBefore this battle begins, let us seek absolution for our sins,â he said solemnly, scooping up powdered snow and tossing it over both parties like ceremonial dust. Shoji then folded his hands together in prayer.Â
âMay the heavens forgive ye for the carnage that is to come, and may the gates of paradise open should any noble soul perish this day.â
You dipped your head respectfully, bowing to him. âThank you, kind Sirâs.â
Turning back to Katsuki, you met his fierce gaze with a calm, regal smile. âThis is your final chance to surrender,â you said, your tone measured.
Katsuki smirked, a flicker of something politeâalmost gentlemanlyâcrossing his features before his fiery resolve returned.Â
âNot a chance, Empress.â
You shrugged with the elegance befitting your title, swishing your cape as you returned to your huddle.Â
âVery well,â you said. âLet us give them a show they shall never forget.â
The air between the snowy battlefield and the bleachers seemed to grow colder as the first round of the duel began to take shape. You stood at the edge of your small gathering, Shinsou at your right, Momo adjusting her gloves, and Izuku scanning Katsuki's team like he was already calculating every possible move they could make.
You gestured to Shoto with a graceful wave of your hand, summoning him forward. "Shoto, you are my champion for this duel."
Shoto inclined his head, his expression stoic yet calm. "Understood."
Katsukiâs team shifted in the snow, and you expected Kirishima to step forward with his usual gusto. But instead, Katsuki raised a hand, silencing his team as he nodded toward Tokoyami.
The dark feathered avian boy emerged from the group with a theatrical flourish of his cape, his crimson eyes gleaming beneath his shadowed cowl. "The Demon King has chosen me as his sword for this battle," Tokoyami intoned, his voice deep and resonant.
You raised a brow in mild surprise, glancing back at Shinsou. He leaned toward you, his voice low and steady. "Want me to pull him out early? Itâd be easy enough to get him to surrender with one word."
You shook your head, a small smile curling at your lips. "No, let Shoto handle this. Heâs more than capable."
Though you were confident, you still decided to walk Shoto to the field. His calm presence beside you was a comfort, and you felt the eyes of everyone watching as the two of you descended the short incline to the center of the battlefield. The snow crunched lightly beneath your boots, and Shoto adjusted his spear as he awaited the start of the duel.
As you reached the middle, you turned your attention to Tokoyami.Â
"A good morrow to you, noble knight," you greeted him warmly, your tone light yet regal.
Tokoyami dipped his head in acknowledgment, but before he could respond, Dark Shadow peeked out from beneath his cape, chirping an enthusiastic, "Good morning!"
You smiled softly, pulling the white muff from your hands and extending it toward them. "For you," you said, your voice gentle. "The winds are bitter today, and even the bravest shadows deserve warmth."
Tokoyamiâs eyes widened slightly, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. He hesitated for a moment before accepting the muff with a small bow of his head. "You honor me, Your Grace," he murmured, his tone more reverent than usual.
Dark Shadow chirped again, clutching the muff with his tiny claws. "Thank you, Empress! So soft!"
You waved to the little shadow with a soft laugh, but the moment was interrupted by Katsukiâs loud, impatient snarl from the sidelines.
"Get on with it already!" he barked, his fiery glare fixed on you like a wolf eyeing its prey.
You turned your head slightly, meeting Katsukiâs scowl with a serene, knowing smile. Then, without a word, you turned back to Shoto and adjusted the scarf around his neck. Your fingers lingered for a moment, ensuring it was snug enough to block out the cold.
"Be careful," you murmured, your voice quiet enough that only he could hear.
Shotoâs mismatched eyes softened as he met your gaze.Â
"I shall. I will always return home to you, my Empress."
Your heart gave a small flutter at the sincerity in his voice. You placed your hands on his shoulders for a brief moment before leaning forward and pressing a kiss to the top of his head. "Then go," you said softly.Â
"And make me proud."
Shoto gave a small nod, his expression composed as he stepped forward to take his place on the field. He glanced back at you once, bowing his head in respect, before focusing his attention entirely on Tokoyami.
The snowy winds picked up slightly, carrying with them the faint murmur of the crowd. The atmosphere was electric, the tension palpable as the two combatants squared off, awaiting Iidaâs signal to begin.
You stepped back to your side of the battlefield, your eyes never leaving Shoto as he readied himself for the duel. Katsukiâs snarling and Tokoyamiâs calm resolve couldnât shake your confidence in him.
From the bleachers, Kaminariâs voice rang out, breaking the tension for just a moment. "Man, this is better than any reality show Iâve ever watched!" "Shh!" Ochako hissed, elbowing him in the ribs.
Iida raised his hand high, the signal for silence.Â
"Champions of the court, prepare yourselves! May this duel be fought with honor and skill!"
The field fell silent as the match was about to begin. You clasped your hands together in front of you, your breath steady as you watched Shoto take his first step forward. The duel was about to begin, and the stakes had never felt higher.
The tension crackled like static as Shoto and Tokoyami squared off, the snowy expanse their battlefield. Shoto stepped forward, his ice trailing in sleek streaks beneath his boots, his breath visible in the biting air. Tokoyami's cape billowed behind him, and Dark Shadow hovered at his shoulder, glowing faintly with excitement.
Shoto opened with a swift strike, slamming his right hand to the ground as an intricate wave of jagged ice spread like wildfire. The ice surged toward Tokoyami, who leaped into the air, Dark Shadow carrying him higher before darting down with a spiraling lunge. Shoto sidestepped just in time, his expression calm, and retaliated by summoning a narrow pillar of ice, forcing Tokoyami to twist midair to avoid the collision.
"Youâve gotten faster," Shoto said, his tone measured as he straightened and swept a hand through his bangs.
"And you've grown more ruthless," Tokoyami countered, a faint smirk tugging at his beak.
They clashed again, Shoto releasing precise bursts of fire to counter Dark Shadow's quick strikes. The battlefield was a swirl of elements, ice shards glittering in the air as flames danced in vibrant contrast. Dark Shadow maneuvered expertly, keeping Shoto on the defensive, while Tokoyami stayed grounded, orchestrating each move like a seasoned tactician.
But then, the sky shifted.
Dark clouds rolled in without warning, blotting out the pale sun. The light dimmed until the snow-covered ground seemed to glow faintly beneath the oppressive grey. A chilling wind swept through, and the first clap of thunder rumbled low and ominous.
Your face blanched.
From across the field, Katsuki stood with his arms crossed, an all-too-familiar wicked grin stretched across his face. He lifted a hand and gave you a slow, mocking wave, his ruby eyes gleaming with unspoken mischief.
"He's up to something," Shinsou muttered behind you, his gaze narrowing on Katsuki.
"Always," Momo replied, her tone clipped.
On the field, Dark Shadowâs power seemed to swell under the shrouded sky. His form expanded, his strikes faster and heavier, and Tokoyami's confidence grew visibly as the battlefield became his domain. Shoto struggled to keep up, his ice slowing under the relentless onslaught.
You shouted from the sidelines, "Shoto, fall back! Reset!"
But it was too late.
As Shoto stepped back to reposition himself, his foot slipped on a patch of black iceâslick and near invisible against the snow. His eyes widened in alarm as his balance wavered, and before he could recover, Dark Shadow struck. A sweeping blow knocked Shoto clean off his feet, sending him sprawling onto his back with a sharp thud.
The field went still for a moment, and then the collective gasp of the crowd broke the silence.
Iida stepped forward, raising his arm.Â
"The first point goes to the Demon King, Bakugou!"
Cries and murmurs erupted from the crowd as you and Izuku rushed onto the field. Tokoyami extended a hand to Shoto, helping him to his feet with a small bow.
"Thank you for the honorable match," Tokoyami said solemnly.
Shoto dipped his head in return, brushing snow off his side. "And you as well."
You reached Shotoâs side, your hands instinctively going to his left arm as Izuku took his right. Shoto winced slightly but managed a faint smirk.
"Iâm fine," he muttered, his voice low. "Though I think Iâm going to feel a bump on my rump later."
You couldnât help but laugh, and Izuku joined in, his face lighting up with a grin. "At least youâre still in good spirits," Izuku said, his hand steady on Shotoâs elbow. As you guided Shoto back to your group, Momo crossed her arms, her brow furrowed. "He had to have planned this," she said, glancing toward Katsuki, who was still smirking like a wolf who had just cornered its prey.
"He definitely planned this," Shinsou agreed. "Heâs got a hard energy, and that storm? Yeah, he summoned that somehow."
You rolled your eyes, shaking your head. "Please. Katsuki may be many things, but a sorcerer is not one of them. That role already belongs to Tokoyami."
"Easy for you to say," Shinsou shot back, a teasing lilt to his tone. "He snaps his jaw at everyone but you."
Before you could respond, Shoto, still catching his breath, added with a faint chuckle, "The rogue's not wrong."
You raised a brow at them both, a mischievous smile tugging at your lips.Â
"Thatâs because Katsuki bites meâwith affection. And for the record, I rather enjoy it."
It got quiet as shit for a moment.Â
Momoâs eyes widened, her cheeks flushing slightly as she pressed a hand to her forehead.Â
"I will pray for you," she said with dramatic sincerity.
"Thank you," you replied, your tone light as you patted her shoulder.
Turning your attention back to Shoto, you gave him a once-over. "Do you need to sit this one out? No shame in resting." Shoto straightened, rolling his shoulders and stretching his arms. "Nonsense. Iâm fine," he insisted, his voice steady. "Though I might borrow some of those stretches Izuku taught me from his time in the hospital."
As Shoto began his stretches, you exchanged a glance with the green boy, both of you shaking your heads fondly. Katsukiâs voice called out from across the field, pulling your attention back to him. His grin was wider now, his eyes gleaming with anticipation for the next round.
Your group gathered under the makeshift wall youâd fashioned out of leftover ice blocks to shield everyone from the oncoming snow, the strategic discussion kicked off in earnest. Shinsou leaned casually against one of the abandoned snow boulders, his arms crossed as he surveyed the field. Izuku knelt in the snow, furiously sketching plans in the frost with his gloved hand while Shoto quietly stretched beside him, his focus sharpening with each deliberate movement. You stood at the center, glancing between everyone as ideas were tossed around, your hands tucked into your muff for warmth.
"We need to be careful," Shinsou started, his eyes narrowing as he gestured toward Katsukiâs team. "Bakugouâs got Kirishima and Minaâhis heavy hittersâand the storm storm boosted Dark Shadow. Theyâre not playing around."
Izuku nodded, his breath puffing in the cold air. "Heâll send Mina in next. Her acid can cut through ice, and sheâs quick enough to avoid fire attacks. Shoto, youâll need to anticipate her movements."
Shoto flexed his fingers, the faint crackle of frost forming over his glove. "I can handle Mina," he said calmly. "But we need to anticipate her pairing with Kirishima. If he rushes in to cover her, it could get messy."
"Weâll counter with teamwork," you interjected, nodding toward Shinsou. "Shinsou, if you can neutralize Kirishima early with your quirk, weâll have a better chance at overwhelming Mina. Momo, youâre my backup. Izuku, youâll provide distraction."
"Understood," Shinsou said, a sly grin tugging at his lips. "Iâll make sure Kirishimaâs too distracted to even touch you, Empress."
Before you could reply, a voice called out from the bleachers.
"Lady Momo! Would you find your way over here!" Jirouâs voice rang out, cutting through the strategy meeting. Momo blinked, glancing between you and the bleachers where Jirou was waving enthusiastically.Â
"Excuse me, your grace. Iâll be right back," she promised, smoothing her scarf as she headed toward Jirou. Denki, lounging lazily next to Jirou with a mischievous grin on his face, piped up. "Mo, can you make us a drink machine please? Iâm parched."
Momo hesitated for a moment, then nodded with a small smile. "Of course," she said, summoning her quirk. With a graceful sweep of her back, she produced a small vending machine stocked with hot drinks to warm everyoneâs spirits.
"Yes! Hot cocoa and coffee! Youâre the best!" Denki cheered, bounding over to the machine as the rest of the crowd gathered around it. Sato, ever the gentleman, stepped forward with a wrapped pound cake. "For strength," he said warmly, handing the cake to Momo.
"Thank you, dear baker," Momo said graciously, her cheeks dusted with pink from the attention.
Jirou, meanwhile, fidgeted nervously with something in her hand, her usually cool demeanor cracking under the weight of her shyness. "Uh, MoâŠ" she began, her voice barely audible over the chatter.
Momo tilted her head, her expression curious. "Yes, Song bird?"
Jirou swallowed hard before thrusting a small ring toward her, her ears turning a deep crimson. "This is for you," she mumbled, not meeting Momoâs gaze.
Momoâs eyes widened as she accepted a grass ring, turning it over in her hand. It was simple but beautiful, clearly something Jirou had poured her heart into. "JirouâŠthis is lovely," Momo said softly, her voice laced with genuine gratitude.
Jirou ducked her head, scratching the back of her neck. "Itâs nothing fancy. JustâŠa token, you know?"
Momo smiled warmly, slipping the ring onto her finger. "Itâs perfect," she said sincerely, her words making Jirouâs ears twitch in delight. Not far off, Denki waved frantically at Kirishima, who was standing with Katsukiâs group.Â
"Yo, Kiri! Get over here!"
Kirishima hesitated, glancing at Katsuki, who immediately narrowed his eyes.Â
"Eijirou, donâtâ"
But before Katsuki could grab him, Kirishima dashed over to Denki with a wild grin.
Denki, ever the joker, handed Kirishima a frozen leaf, his grin widening. "For you, bro. A token of our undying friendship." Kirishima let out a bark of laughter, clutching the frozen leaf dramatically. "This is priceless, man. Iâll treasure it forever!"
The two of them laughed, their playful camaraderie drawing amused glances from the others. Katsuki, meanwhile, stood in the distance, arms crossed and a vein twitching in his temple as he watched his "troops" scatter.
You turned back to your group, shaking your head with a wry smile. "Katsukiâs team is falling apart already," you said, your tone light.
Shinsou smirked, adjusting his scarf. "Donât let your guard down. Heâs still got something up his sleeve. Demon King or not, Bakugou isnât one to go down easy."
"True," Shoto agreed, finishing his stretches. "But weâre ready for him. Letâs stick to the plan."
With that, the group reconvened, ready to face the next round with renewed determination. The snow continued to fall, but the fire of competition burned bright in everyoneâs eyes.
The air felt thick with anticipation as Iida and Shoji stepped back onto the field, their figures slicing through the thickening snowflakes. Shoji's stoic presence commanded attention, while Iidaâs precise and authoritative voice cut through the murmur of the crowd like a bell.
âLadies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today for the second round of this glorious battle!"Â
Iida boomed, his voice almost as powerful as his actions, his eyes scanning the arena to make sure everyone was ready.Â
âPrepare yourselves, for the clash of champions approaches! Remember, once you leave the designated battlefield or stray out of sight, you will be disqualified!âÂ
His words were clear, punctuated by the intensity of his gaze, ensuring everyone understood the weight of the rules. Shoji, ever silent, stood beside him, nodding to affirm the severity of Iida's command.
As the snow began to fall heavier, the swirling white mist seemed to grow darker under the ominous clouds overhead. It was almost as though the weather itself was becoming a reflection of the battle's rising stakes. Momo, ever the strategist, quickly set to work, her hands moving with practiced efficiency. With a flick of her wrist, she conjured a pristine white snow machine, its steady hum filling the chilly air, and began to prepare several pairs of goggles for Shinsou, Izuku, and Shoto.Â
The winter storm wasnât going to let up anytime soon, and her foresight to protect their eyes was invaluable.
You stood there, taking a deep breath as you cracked your fingers, the gentle pop of your knuckles cutting through the crisp air. There was no hesitation in your movements now. You adjusted the scarfs and hats of your team, ensuring everyone was warm enough but still able to move freely. It was all about balanceâwarmth for defense, flexibility for offense.
Shoto, standing to your side, took a moment to channel his ice quirk, focusing intently as he exhaled. He then reached out, quickly warming everyoneâs hands with a gentle, controlled burst of warmth, the icy chill of the air evaporating in seconds.Â
"Hold these carefully," he instructed, his voice steady and reassuring. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he created an ice spearâperfectly sculpted and sharp, designed for precision. "For defense, if needed." He handed it to Izuku, who nodded gratefully. A moment later, Shoto repeated the process, crafting a set of sleek ice knives and daggers for Shinsou, who flexed his fingers eagerly, preparing to fight with these new tools in his hands.
You flexed your own fingers in the cold air, feeling the familiar coolness spread through your limbs. Each of your movements was deliberate, the quiet assurance of a seasoned fighter beginning to hum beneath your skin. You couldnât afford to hesitateânot today. Your eyes moved across the battlefield, seeking your opponent.Â
And there, at the other end, you saw himâ your husband.
Katsuki was standing tall, his back straight, an aura of confidence and something darker surrounding him.Â
His presence loomed over the battlefield like a storm waiting to break. Katsuki was a force of nature, radiating an intensity that made the very ground beneath him tremble. His eyes gleamed with that familiar, wild spark as he whispered orders to his teamâKirishima, Mina, Tokoyami, and Ayoma. They nodded in unison, readying themselves for the fray, their resolve evident.
As you watched them, Katsukiâs gaze locked onto yours. His lips curled into a sly grin, the wicked glint in his eyes darkening the already grim atmosphere. He tilted his head, his hand gesturing in the air as he called out to you.Â
âAh, Snow Empress, thou art so keen to play the game, but canst thou withstand the fury of the storm Iâve summoned?âÂ
His words were mocking yet full of a strange affection, a reminder of the playful tension between you two.
You smirked, deciding that now was the time to make the rules even more entertaining.Â
âVery well, my subjects,â you called out to the crowd, your voice as clear as the ringing of a bell,Â
âForsooth, from this moment forth, let it be known that all shall speak only in the tongue of Shakespeare or the nobility of old! All who dare speak otherwise shall forfeit their honor!âÂ
You threw a wink toward your team, the playful gleam in your eyes urging them to play along.
The crowd erupted into cheers, the energy shifting as your command rippled through the battlefield like wildfire. Everyoneâheroes, and onlookers alikeâgrinned and laughed, slipping into their medieval personas with exaggerated flair.Â
Momo held her head high, the elegance of a lady-in-waiting that could kill ya on full display as she adjusted her shield. Shoto cracked his neck and stretched, his eyes narrowing as he embraced the upcoming challenge with the calm composure of a knight prepared for battle. Izuku grinned, adjusting his scarf with the quiet dignity of a prince, while Shinsouâs smirk was that of a cunning strategist, ready to outwit any foe.
Katsuki, not one to be outdone, shook his head with a low chuckle.Â
âVery well, thy âEmpress,ââ he called back, his voice dripping with sarcasm.Â
âIf it pleases thee, I shall meet thee on the battlefield, but know that I shall not be so merciful as to take pity on those who dare cross me.â He gestured to his team, and they stepped forward, each one standing tall and proud, fitting the roles they had now taken on.
"Now, for the first round," Iida announced once more, stepping forward, his voice firm but tinged with excitement. "I shall now call forth the leaders to announce their fighters for this duel!" His hand waved toward you, the leader of your group, signaling for you to begin.
You took a deep breath and stepped forward, your back straight, your presence commanding.Â
âI present to thee, my loyal knights and comrades, the fairest of them allâMomo Yaoyorozu, the Shield Maiden, who shall defend us with unwavering strength!â Momo stepped forward with a graceful flourish, her shield held high, and the crowd cheered for her.
âNext, my steadfast companion and warrior of ice, Shoto Todoroki, the Prince of Winter, who shall freeze or burn all who dare stand in his way!â Shoto nodded, his expression serene, his ice quirk flickering at the edges of his gloves as he prepared.
âFollowing him, the courageous and noble Izuku Midoriya, the rightful ruler and crown alchemist, whose strength lies not only in his body, but in his heart!â Izuku puffed out his chest and stepped forward with a humble but determined nod, his eyes locked on Katsukiâs team.
The hard blush on his freckled cheeks was really cute too!
âLastly, I present to thee, the silent but deadly strategist, Hitoshi Shinsou, the Knight of Minds, who will outwit and outmaneuver our foes with unparalleled cunning!â Shinsou tipped his head to the crowd, a faint smirk crossing his lips as he surveyed the battlefield.
The crowd roared their approval, the tension building. Then, as if sensing the end of the ceremony, Iida turned toward Katsuki, his voice steady.Â
âAnd now, the Demon Kingâs chosen warriors!â
Katsuki suddenly stepped forward, raising a hand to silence the crowd. His crimson gaze glinted with mischief, and you instantly knew he was about to do something dramatic. The gathered subjects fell silent, their attention fully on him, though a few stifled giggles at his tone. Katsuki stood tall, arms crossed, as though he were the rightful ruler of this realm.
âKirishima!â he bellowed, pointing at his best friend with a flourish. âA giant most unbreakable, a stalwart wall of strength and valor! He who doth stand firm against the tides of battle, red as the blood of our enemies!â Kirishima puffed up his chest, throwing up a fist and beaming.Â
âHell yeah! Unbreakable for life!â
Katsuki gave him a curt nod before moving on, his tone growing sharper. âMina! A rogue mage whose swiftness and guile make her a tempest upon the battlefield! Behold, the Acid Assassin, she whose strike is deadly and unseen!â Mina twirled in place, striking a dramatic pose and blowing a kiss to the crowd. âAll in a dayâs work!â
Next, Katsuki turned his piercing gaze to Aoyama, whose sparkles practically blinded everyone. Katsuki gestured grandly. âAnd lo, we have Aoyama! The Starblade of our forces, a radiant beacon of distractionâor destruction! Doth he not shine bright?â
Aoyama struck a dazzling pose, winking as sparkles trailed from his finger guns. âMais oui! Magnifique!â
âAnd now,â Katsuki continued, his tone dropping into something darker, âTokoyami and his loyal beast, Dark Shadow! The vanguard of the night, wielding shadows as their blade! Fear them, for they are the abyss that swallows the unwary whole!â
Tokoyami inclined his head solemnly, his expression as stoic as ever. Dark Shadow, however, roared with glee. Katsuki paused, surveying his âwarriorsâ with an expression of exaggerated pride.Â
âTogether, these warriors, chosen by the Demon King himself, shall strike terror into the hearts of all who oppose us! Now rise, my army, and let us seize victory!â
His declaration was met with an eruption of cheers, laughter, and a few scattered claps. Mina leaned over to whisper loudly, âYou really got into that, huh?â
âShut it!â Katsuki snapped, though his ears were faintly red.
You clapped your hands together, grinning at him. âSee? I told you the tongue of old worked.â
Katsuki shot you a warning glare, but the corner of his mouth twitched upward in a smirk.Â
âYes, Yes. Do not become so reliant, Snow Empress.â
Before you could counter, Iida boomed, his voice almost as powerful as his actions, his eyes scanning the arena to make sure everyone was ready.Â
âPrepare yourselves, for the clash of champions approaches! Remember, once you leave the designated battlefield or stray out of sight, you will be disqualified!âÂ
His words were clear, punctuated by the intensity of his gaze, ensuring everyone understood the weight of the rules. Shoji, ever silent, stood beside him, nodding to affirm the severity of Iida's command.
As the snow began to fall heavier, the swirling white mist seemed to grow darker under the ominous clouds overhead. It was almost as though the weather itself was becoming a reflection of the battle's rising stakes.
You stood there, taking a deep breath as you cracked your fingers, the gentle pop of your knuckles cutting through the crisp air. There was no hesitation in your movements now. As you watched them, Katsukiâs gaze locked onto yours. His lips curled into a sly grin, the wicked glint in his eyes darkening the already grim atmosphere. He tilted his head, his hand gesturing in the air as he called out to you.Â
âAh, my love, thou art so keen to play the game, but canst thou withstand the fury of the storm Iâve summoned?â His words were mocking yet full of a strange affection, a reminder of the playful tension between you two.
The crowd erupted into cheers, the energy shifting as your command rippled through the battlefield like wildfire. Everyoneâheroes, friends, and onlookers alikeâgrinned and laughed, slipping into their medieval personas with exaggerated flair.Â
Momo held her head high, the elegance of a lady-in-waiting on full display as she adjusted her shield. Shoto cracked his neck and stretched, his eyes narrowing as he embraced the upcoming challenge with the calm composure of a knight prepared for battle. Izuku grinned, adjusting his scarf with the quiet dignity of a prince, while Shinsouâs smirk was that of a cunning strategist, ready to outwit any foe.Â
Katsuki, not one to be outdone, shook his head with a low chuckle.Â
âVery well, soft âEmpress,ââ he called back, his voice dripping with sarcasm.Â
âIf it pleases thee, I shall meet thee on the battlefield, but know that I shall not be so merciful as to take pity on those who dare cross me.â He gestured to his team, and they stepped forward, each one standing tall and proud, fitting the roles they had now taken on.
Kirishima rolled his shoulders, a fiery grin on his face as he pounded his fists together, ready to charge in as the fearless knight. Mina adjusted her scarf with a mischievous smirk, her energy electric like a rogue poised for action. Aoyama struck a dazzling pose, his wrap billowing dramatically as he declared victory in the stars. Tokoyami stood cloaked in shadow, Dark Shadow hovering menacingly beside him, both ready to unleash chaos. Katsuki cracked his knuckles, his smirk sharp and commanding, the Demon King prepared to lead his warriors into glorious battle.
The crowd roared their approval, the tension building. Then, as if sensing the end of the ceremony, Iida turned toward Katsuki, his voice steady.Â
Iida nodded once, satisfied. "Now, prepare yourselves!" he called. âThe duel shall begin in earnest! Fighters, take your stations!â
With a final, powerful declaration, Shojiâs voice rang out across the field.Â
âDuel!â
And with that, the battle began. The snow swirled around yâall, the heavy clouds casting a dark shadow over the arena. A storm was coming, but which side would emerge victorious?Â
Well, no one, actually.
The arena had fallen silent.Â
No one moved; no one breathed. Each team stood poised, studying their opponents, calculating the first strike. Snow swirled lazily in the wind above, a quiet lull before the chaos of battle. There was something almost poetic in the stillness, the tension thick in the air, as if the entire world held its breath, waiting for someone to make the first move.
Then, like a lightning strike, a dagger soared through the air, glinting dangerously in the pale light. But before anyone could react, a sizzling hiss filled the air. Mina's acid quirk melted the dagger into a puddle before it could even hit its mark. A soft chuckle escaped from Shinsou's lips as he looked at Mina, a knowing smile tugging at his lips.
You could see it. He was proud of herâshe had passed his test, keeping her cool and handling the first attack with ease. She didnât flinch, didnât hesitate.Â
And that was exactly what you needed.
A breathless moment of stillness passed, before it shattered like glass.Â
Without warning, Katsuki lunged forward, his hands crackling with raw energy, determination burning in his eyes. "Donât just stand there, ya bastards!" he bellowed, his voice cutting through the snowstorm as he charged.
"Go!" You shouted, the command ringing in the cold air. Your team sprang into action.
You raised your hands high, the motion slow, deliberate. The snow above began to thicken and churn, swirling in an ominous vortex. With a forceful thrust of your arms, you brought the snowstorm down in a violent gust. It crashed against Katsuki and his team with the force of a winter avalanche, enveloping them in thick, stinging snow. The gusts were so powerful that even their shouts were muffled by the weight of the blizzard.
Katsuki's voice cut through the white-out, full of frustration and defiance. "Tch, donât think youâve won yet!" He gritted his teeth as the snow blanketed him, his body tense. The wind howled around him, and with a growl, he surged forward, pushing through the frozen mist.Â
But as he moved, you were already behind him, the flick of your wrist sending a barrage of snowballs hurtling through the air. The impact was sharp, freezing. Katsuki flinched, his body jerked back for a second as the cold splattered over him, but he quickly recovered, his fiery spirit refusing to be subdued.
From the corner of your eye, you saw Kirishima pop up in front of you, his grin wide, the determination in his eyes matching the fierce storm around you. Before he could even close the gap, Momo was there, tackling him with surprising strength, her shield ready to defend against whatever he might throw her way.
Meanwhile, Shoto, Izuku and Katsuki were locked in an intense battle, their powers colliding in a brilliant spectacle of ice and fire. The arena seemed to tremble with every strike, their wills clashing like titans. Sparks flew in all directions as their abilities pressed against each otherâKatsukiâs explosions against Shotoâs chilling cold.Â
It was the perfect clash of opposing forces.
Shinsou was already in motion, his eyes gleaming with concentration. He darted across the battlefield, his mind working at full speed as he engaged Tokoyami. Dark Shadow surged from the shadows, an eerie presence that seemed to grow with every move, but Shinsou was a step ahead. His voice cut through the chaos like a blade, and Tokoyami hesitated, a momentary lapse in his focus.
In that second of distraction, Shinsou made his move. He darted in, grabbing the bird mans arm and quickly binding Tokoyamiâs legs with the power of his mind, and before Dark Shadow could react, Shinsou knocked him hard towards the bleachers. The force sent him tumbling, landing unceremoniously with a loud thud. The crowd gasped as Tokoyami was caught mid-air by Sato, who grinned sheepishly and offered him some crumble cake as a peace offering.
Iidaâs voice rang out from the sidelines, booming through the cold air.Â
âPoint for her heavenly majesty!â His words hung in the air for a moment before he continued,Â
âTokoyami and Dark Shadow are out!â
The game was already in full swing, but you knew that victory wasnât just about powerâit was about timing, strategy, and the willingness to push your limits. And you could feel that in the air now. The momentum was shifting, but the battle was far from over.
As the chaos swirled around you, you suddenly felt the silence of the battlefield grow heavy. You could see Katsuki on the other side, and his narrowed gaze momentarily locked onto yours. Heâd backed Shoto into a corner near a park bench, the two of them still locked in an intense exchange. His hand was raised, ready to strike again, but you didnât let him get the chance.
Without hesitation, you threw a snowball, watching as it sailed across the distance. It smacked into Katsukiâs back with a hard thud. He froze for a split second, stunned by the unexpected attack, and then slowly turned, his eyes locking onto you.
There was no warning, no hesitation in his expressionâjust that familiar, dangerous grin.Â
You blew him a kiss from across the battlefield, a playful challenge in your eyes.
Katsukiâs eyes narrowed, a silent promise passing between you twoâa promise that this battle was far from over. You could see his mind working, calculating, anticipating your next move. But you were already ahead of him.
The battlefield felt like a chaotic blur of movement, where every step, every breath was calculated, and yet, in a moment, it could all come undone. The air was thick with snowflakes swirling violently in the storm youâd summoned, and the ground beneath your feet trembled as each battle raged on. It was a dance of powersâice, fire, acid, explosions, and the hum of quirk energy that filled the air. And you were right in the heart of it, pulling the strings, making sure your team was always in motion, always ready to strike.
You darted through the snow, your steps light but purposeful, and spotted Shinsou across the way. He was exchanging blows with Tokoyami and Dark Shadow earlier, but now he caught your eye. His face was focused, serious, as he gauged the chaos around him. You nodded once, then called out, your voice carrying over the battlefield.
âShinsou! Hypnotize Ayoma! Get him to blind Kirishimaâquickly! We need expel him from the equation!â You barely finished the sentence before Shinsou, his eyes narrowing in understanding, was already off, darting through the snowstorm. You watched as he weaved through the chaos, heading straight for Ayoma with an almost predatory grace.
âUnderstood,â he called back without breaking stride. A moment later, Shinsou was by Ayomaâs side, whispering words that made the young man pause in his actions. Ayoma seemed hesitant for a second, but the weight of Shinsouâs orders was clear, and with a nod, Ayoma positioned himself just out of Kirishimaâs line of sight.
You didnât wait for it.Â
The moment Shinsou made his move, you turned your attention back to Kirishima, who was still thrashing wildly in the middle of the battlefield, locked in combat with Momo. His energy was almost contagious, and you could feel it radiating off him.Â
But that wasnât going to stop you.
âMomo!â you shouted, your voice urgent, and you could see her turn to you, her shield held tight in her hands, her face a mask of concentration. "Prepare yourself!â You didnât wait for a responseâthis was a battle of seconds.
With a quick leap, you soared through the air, the snow beneath you spraying into the air in a flurry. You aimed for Kirishimaâs back, the one spot you had to use. The moment your hands landed on his broad shoulders, you grasped hold with all your strength, feeling his muscles tense beneath you as he bucked and kicked like a wild ram, trying to dislodge you. His movements were wild, fierce, but you held on, knowing that you had only one chance to do this.
Suddenly, your back was warmâalmost too warm.Â
And as you held tight, you suddenly felt something too hot to ignore searing through your coat. A gasp left your lips, and you tore away your outer layer in instinct, ripping the coat off your body as you quickly tried to get clear.
You didnât even have time to think before you caught sight of Momo beside you. Without a secondâs hesitation, you yanked her with you, pulling her from the chaos of the battle as you ran, using your ice powers to craft a thick, towering wall of snow between you and the opposition.
The snow wall rose swiftly, but you didnât stop to admire your work. You spun around to face your pursuers, your breath coming out in sharp, misty gasps. And thatâs when you saw herâMina, smoke flickering at her fingertips, her eyes wide with concern as she sprinted to Kirishimaâs side.
âNo! Iâm sorry!â Mina shouted, her voice full of urgency as she pushed past the snow and flames that licked at her heels. âLord Bakugou ordered me to save himâ!â She didnât finish her sentence, the heat from her quirk licking dangerously close to Kirishima as you watched in disbelief.
Kirishima's stance softened as he looked back to you. His broad, garnet eyes scanned you for any sign of harm. "You alright my Lady?" he called, his voice softer now, the fierceness of the fight fading as he saw the concern on your face.
You gave him a nod, trying to brush off the burning sensation from your back.Â
âIâm fine, gentle Kirishima! Justâuh, just a little singed,â you said, a little breathless as you tossed your burned coat toward the bleachers, hoping to distance yourself from the now-burning fabric.
Koda, ever the curious soul, shot his hand out to catch the falling coat, but just as his fingers brushed against the cloth, a realization hit him. He hesitated, his eyes growing wide. âUh... wait, this isââ he began, looking down at the now-scorched garment in his hands.
Before anyone could react, Denki pulled him back, his face contorted with alarm. âNope! Nope, nope, nope!â He backed up quickly, eyes wide as he realized the acid from Minaâs quirk was still lingering on the fabric.
The entire scene seemed to pause at that moment. The tension on the battlefield was palpable, and the fleeting second that passed felt like eternity. Koda quickly dropped the coat, and everyone held their breath, watching as it settled onto the ground, untouched by further flame or explosion.
Meanwhile, Momo gave you a concerned look, her brow furrowed, her shield still tightly held in her hands. âAre you really alright? That... looked like it hurt,â she said, her voice soft but laden with worry.
You waved her off with a chuckle, trying to shake off the sting in your back. âIâm fine, really. Just... a little more heat than I expected.â You could still feel the burn, but you pushed it aside, focusing on the battle that was still very much in motion.
The tension in the air was thick, like the weight of a storm waiting to break. The snowstorm, which had been both your weapon and shield, continued to swirl, but now it was becoming a frenzy, a storm of your own making, as you pushed your powers to their limits.
Momo's machines roared to life again, but this time, they were in overdrive. She'd instructed them to go wild, and they did. Snow blasted out in sheets, slamming down on Katsuki and Kirishima. The two of them were taken by surprise, caught in the avalanche of ice and snow that left them momentarily disoriented. This was the chance youâd been waiting for.
âNow!â you shouted to Momo, who was already dashing ahead, her own speed unmatched as she leapt through the chaos with the grace of a seasoned fighter.
You followed close behind, your breath heavy with determination as you surged forward, your heart pounding in time with each step. You could see Kirishima, trapped in the snowstorm, still fighting to regain his bearings.Â
Without hesitation, you launched yourself toward him again, leaping onto his back as you had before. But this time, there was no hesitation. You slid your hands underneath his shirt, sending a blast of freezing cold through him.
His entire body stiffened at the sudden chill, his muscles tensing under your touch. Kirishima let out a surprised grunt, but you held firm, your grip tight on his torso. You could feel the heat radiating from his body trying to fight against the ice creeping through him, and it was a momentary advantage that you seized with all the strength you had.
But before you could even enjoy the victory, Mina surged forward, her body ablaze with her acidic flames.Â
The heat was unbearable, and she quickly melted away Momoâs defenses, turning her shield into nothing but puddles of melted plastic. With a swift move, Mina knocked Momo out of the bounds, sending her sprawling across the field.
Iida immediately called out the disqualification, his voice cutting through the noise like a referee blowing the final whistle. But the sound was barely heard over the roar of Kirishima as he whipped you off his back with a violent toss, sending you flying through the air.
You landed with a soft thud, a laugh escaping your lips as you pushed yourself back to your feet. âGood show, Kirishima!â you called, a smile crossing your face.
Shoto seized the opportunity. Without missing a beat, he froze Kirishimaâs legs, locking the red giant in place just as you had hoped. The icy spikes burst from the ground, wrapping around Kirishimaâs lower half, and he froze mid-step.
But just as things seemed to be tipping in your favor, Izuku appeared, charging in from the side, his kick landing squarely in Kirishimaâs chest. The force of the blow sent the redhead flying out, and Shoji called out the announcement, marking him as out.
Victory was almost within reach.Â
Almost.Â
Kirishima wasnât out at all. With a mighty roar, the red giant broke free of the ice restraints, charging at you with a renewed fury. You could see the raw power in his eyes, his muscles tense, his every movement an unstoppable force. He was coming at you like a freight train, but you werenât ready to back downânot yet.
Izuku, ever the strategist, had already broken off, turning his attention back to Katsuki, who was still in the middle of his attack. You yelled at Shoto. âGo with him!â you ordered, knowing it would take both of them to handle the dynamo of explosions that was Katsuki.
Shoto nodded, his expression serious as he sprinted off in the direction of Izuku. You turned to face the rapidly advancing Kirishima, the snowstorm around you beginning to feel like a blur. But you had a back up plan.
You dashed over to a cluster of ice blocks, the snow swirling around you as you summoned even more. âMake haste!â you shouted, your voice cutting through the chaos as Kirishima drew nearer. The icy wall rose up between you and him, but you didnât wait for him to approach. You launched yourself over the barrier, using the ice to propel yourself upward and forward.
At that exact moment, you saw Shinsou and Ayoma pop up, just as planned. Ayoma blinked his dazzling, intense light at Kirishima, blinding him for just a second.Â
It was enough.
Kirishima stopped in his tracks, his vision clouded, and that was all Shinsou needed. âBlink for me,â Shinsouâs voice was calm but firm, his quirk taking immediate effect. Ayomaâs eyes glazed over for a moment as Shinsouâs control over him took hold. He blinked, just as Shinsou had commanded.Â
And thatâs when you pounced.
With one fluid motion, you grabbed Kirishimaâs legs, pulling him down to the ground. It was only a momentary distraction, but it was enough for Shinsou to fully take control of him.
Kirishima, now under Shinsouâs influence, turned and began charging at Katsuki, completely unaware of his previous actions. Katsuki watched in stunned silence as his teammate barreled toward him, confusion flashing in his eyes.
And thenâchaos.
Izukuâs scream sliced through the air like a knife, panic rising in your chest as you whipped around. The scene unfolded with startling speedâMina, a wicked grin on her face, had launched a new form of attack,
 An 'acid' snowball.Â
It exploded against Izuku with a sickening hiss, the acid beginning to eat through his costume. His face twisted in pain, and you wasted no time.
"Shinsou!" you shouted, urgency in your voice. "Escort Ayoma out of bounds to cease his suffering!"Â
You barely heard his affirmative as you surged toward Izuku, the snow beneath you crunching with each step. You summoned a blast of cold, freezing the acid in Minaâs hands just before she could hurl another attack.
With a quick movement, you gathered the power to throw a snowball, launching it at Mina's neck. The impact was immediate, and she stumbled back, her face a mix of surprise and anger as she fell to the ground. You rushed to Izukuâs side, grabbing one of her arms, your hands quick and efficient as you pulled her off him and began to freeze her.Â
âCOLD! COLD!â
Izuku, gasping for breath, stumbled to his feet as together, you pulled Mina out of bounds, just as Iidaâs voice echoed through the arena, calling her out.
But the chaos didnât stop.Â
The moment you thought the danger had passed, you turned to see Katsuki and Kirishima locked in a violent struggle, their power struggling against each other. Shoto, doing his best to keep the situation from escalating into something worse, was struggling to hold the two back. You felt the ground rumble beneath you as explosions punctuated the scene.
"Lighten the fall!" you barked, directing your focus on the storm that had been your ally. You felt the snow above soften, the weight of it lifting just enough for you to see clearly once more.
But then, the worst happened.
Mina, not fully subdued, was back on her feet faster than you expected. Her eyes glinted with mischief as she threw a punch straight into Izukuâs chest, knocking the air out of him. Before you could react, she kicked him hard, sending him sprawling over the line, her victory a sharp contrast to the tenderness youâd felt just moments ago.
You screamed in desperation, reaching out for Izukuâs hand as he slid past the boundary, calling out to you with a voice full of pain and determination.Â
"Empress!" he yelled, his eyes locked onto yours as his hand nearly brushed against yours.
But before you could make the distance, strong arms wrapped around your waist, dragging you backward.Â
Kicking and struggling against the hold, you twisted in Shinsouâs grip, realizing what he was doing. He pulled you back, his voice stern in your ear.Â
âYou know the penalty,â he reminded you with a hint of reprimand. âTouching someone out of bounds is probably against the rules.â
Iida was already marching over, his stern gaze focused on you both. He called out, marking Mina and Izuku as out, his voice the final nail in the coffin.
Izuku, though clearly shocked, didnât stay down for long. He was helped up by Sato, a supportive hand on his shoulder. Mina, apologetic, rushed over, her face full of remorse as she helped him stand. Izuku, ever the optimist, smiled despite the bruises and the burns, and began gushing about her hand-to-hand combat skills.Â
âThat was insane, Mina! I didnât even see that coming!â he said, his enthusiasm infectious as they walked together toward Ochako and Tsu for bandages.
You turned back to the battle, feeling the tight knot of concern twisting in your gut. Shojiâs voice rang out, announcing the final two minutes of the match.
You bolted forward, not willing to let the others fall apart now.
You and Shinsou arrive just in time to see Katsuki about to launch his next attack, his eyes narrowed and focused solely on Shoto, ready to unleash another explosive blast. Your heart pounded in your chest as you rushed forward, throwing yourself between Shoto and the impending danger.Â
With a desperate surge, you snatched Shoto out of harm's way, pulling him hard against your chest and leaping out of the blast radius just as the explosion rang out. The shockwave reverberated through your body as the ground beneath you cracked from the force of the blast.
You felt the heat of the explosion wash over you, a fleeting burn that you barely noticed compared to the adrenaline coursing through your veins. For a split second, you thought you'd managed to save him, but the momentary sense of victory was short-lived.
The next turn of events, however, was something none of you could have anticipated.
Kirishima, still locked in battle with Shinsouâs mental command, stopped dead in his tracks. His muscles, usually so full of life, tensed. He blinked, as though shaking off a haze, but then, instead of obeying Shinsou's command, his body began to harden with alarming speed. You barely had time to react before his massive hand shot out and grabbed you, lifting you effortlessly off the ground.
âSorry,â Kirishima whispered, his voice surprisingly gentle as his hardened grip clamped down around your torso. You barely had time to register his words before you were jerked through the air, the speed and force of his movements making your stomach drop, breaking your hold on Shoto.
Your eyes widened as you realized what was happening too late. âKirishima!â you gasped, trying to wriggle free, but his hold on you was unbreakable.
And then, to your horror, you saw Shotoâfalling, caught in the full force of Katsukiâs explosion.
The blast hit Shoto directly, and you watched in helpless agony as the explosion engulfed him. The sheer heat of the attack made the air shimmer, the snow around you turning into steam. For a heartbeat, everything went still.
Katsukiâs eyes locked on you, and in that moment, everything fell silent.Â
You had lost your grip on Shoto, a momentary lapse as you realized just how badly the situation had shifted.Â
It was all too late.
Kirishimaâs hold on you tightened, and the chaos of the battlefield blurred around you, the future uncertain as you were forced to watch the disaster unfolding before you.
The frigid air burned your lungs as the weight of the moment pressed down on you. Your anger, a burning fire beneath the ice-cold surface of the snow-covered battlefield, surged within you, pulsing with the urgency of a thousand untold stories. Kirishimaâs grip on you was tight, unrelenting, but in that instant, you knew it would break.
With a defiant twist, you threw your head back, the motion swift and desperate, your skull colliding with his nose. A sickening crack echoed in the silence of the snow-dusted park. He staggered back with a grunt, releasing you just as you summoned the ice, the chill of your power freezing his form, encasing him in a wall of solid frost that captured him effortlessly.
The snow around you seemed to hold its breath as you dropped to your knees, the cold biting at your skin as you cradled Shoto's head in your lap. The weight of him against you, so familiar, so loved, made your heart ache. His breathing was shallow at first, ragged from the blast, but you could feel the steady thrum of his pulse, the warmth of his skin beneath your hand.
You traced the lines of his face gently, your fingertips brushing against the coolness of his skin. Those eyesâthe ones you cherished so deeply, the ones that had once glimmered with quiet confidence, now hazy with the remnants of the explosionâfluttered open, meeting your gaze. His lips parted, a soft apology escaping him, but you stopped him with a gentle shush, pressing your forehead to his.
"You fought bravely for me, Shoto," you whispered, the words a soothing balm for his troubled heart. "You did everything right. You acted with honor. Unlike him."
You raised your gaze to Katsuki, who was sitting comfortably encased in ice, seemingly unaffected by the trap you had set for him. He smirked at you, his posture arrogant, almost smug as he crossed his arms. He let out a low, mocking laugh and spoke in harsh tones, his voice dripping with sarcasm.Â
âAlways the hero, arenât you? Always coming to the rescue of your baby brother.âÂ
âToo bad itâs also your folly.â
The bite in his words made your blood run cold, and you glared at him, the ice beneath you crackling as your anger surged again, sharper this time. You werenât going to let him insult your honorâor your love for Shoto.
You snapped your fingers, the sharp sound echoing in the otherwise still park, and in an instant, Hitoshiâs ice dagger was flying through the air. It sliced through the air like lightning, the sharp edge meeting Katsukiâs cheek, leaving a thin red line where the ice scraped him, a symbol of his defiance. He winced but didnât flinchâhis smirk remained,Â
The arrogant bastard.
"That is enough chatter out of you," you growled, your voice a low and dangerous hum in the cold, snowy air.
âAhem.â
The sound was unexpected, pulling your attention away from the frozen scene in front of you. You turned, your gaze shifting to the newcomers. Sero, Sato, and Ayoma, standing nearby. Their expressions were a mixture of concern, admiration, and caution. Theyâd arrived just in time, but you didnât have time to waste.
You gently untied your scarf from your neck, the fabric soft against your fingertips as you wrapped it around Shotoâs hands, tying it carefully to keep them warm. You pressed a soft kiss to his forehead, your lips lingering for a moment as you whispered a prayer for his safety.
"Go," you urged, your voice soft but firm, your hands brushing his hair back as you sent him off with a nod.
Shoto, still groggy but steady enough to stand, gave you one last look of gratitude before he left, aided by the boys. They would get him to safety, out of the bounds of the match, and you knew theyâd protect him with everything they had.
As you rose to your feet, the park around you seemed to shrink in the distance. The snow had begun to fall heavier now, a soft flurry that blurred the world into a hazy vision of white and grey. The sky was still overcast, casting a dim light over the whole scene. The landscape was a blur of snow-covered trees, frozen ponds, and the distant sounds of muffled movement as your classmates struggled to recover from the chaos of the battle.
The weight of the moment settled over you. This had started as a game. A simple rivalry.Â
But now, it was personal.
You held yourself tall, letting your posture straighten, the regal air of an empress seeping into your very bones. Your heart beats with a dangerous resolve, the fire inside you burning brighter than the frozen landscape around you. You werenât just fighting for your people anymore. You were fighting for everything they Shoto stood for, for the honor that Katsuki had long forgotten.
The battlefield was quiet for a heartbeat. The snow was falling steadily now, covering the ground, coating the trees, and obscuring everything in the pale grey wash of winter. The world felt cold, detached, and far away, but your mind was focused on one thing.
You were going to teach your husband a lesson. One he would never forget.
And as you raised your chin high, meeting the eyes of the one who had insulted your family, you whispered, âThis ends now.â
The tension in the air hung heavy as Iidaâs voice rang out, cutting through the cold silence that had enveloped the field.Â
"Time!" he declared, his voice firm, authoritative, and final.Â
"The battle is over. This match ends in a draw."
A chorus of booâs erupted from the bleachers, the sounds echoing through the snow-filled park. Disappointment rippled through the group, the heat of the battle fading into the quiet aftermath. You took a deep breath, your eyes flicking briefly to Kirishima, who stood there, stiff as a statue, waiting for any sign of acknowledgment. You didnât give him the satisfaction. Your eyes slid past him, the coldness of your expression unwavering as you walked towards your subjects, your loyal comrades.
Your footsteps crunched through the snow as you moved, the sight of everyone huddled together, chatting and laughing, warming your heart despite the chill in the air. They were no longer pretending to be the war-torn soldiers they once were, the echoes of the âsnow warâ finally starting to fade. They were simply friends again, a family bound by shared experiences and memories. You smiled softly at the scene, grateful for the laughter, the relief, and the camaraderie that filled the space.
But Kirishimaâs voice broke through, his tone full of regret and pleading. âEmpress,â he called out, stepping forward with an outstretched hand. âIâIâm sorry for earlier. I didnât mean it. Iââ
You turned away from him without a word, ignoring his attempt to make amends, your attention fully on the group ahead. Denki, ever the cheeky one, chimed in from the side, his voice as playful as always, though laced with a dramatic flair. "He should be tried for treason!" he declared, his hand making an exaggerated gesture in the air.Â
âFor the insult to our royal honor! To her excellency!â
The air between the group seemed to lighten with his words, the tension of the battle slipping into a more playful, almost medieval atmosphere. Hitoshi, standing slightly apart from the group, his eyes never leaving Katsuki as he stood isolated, spoke up, his voice teasing, but with a hint of insight.Â
âHe kinda looks lonely over there, doesnât he?â His words were playful, but there was an undercurrent of truth. Katsuki was still encased in ice, looking almost pitiful in his defeat, as if the heat of his explosions couldnât thaw the chill in his heart.
You glanced over to where Katsuki stood, his arms crossed, his smirk gone. His icy demeanor seemed almost self-imposed as he watched you, and for a brief moment, you felt a flicker of sympathy. But you quickly squashed it, the fire of your pride burning hotter.
âItâs his own doing,â you muttered under your breath, the words harsh but necessary, your gaze hardening as you turned back to your friends, to your family.
A soft voice called your name from behind, pulling your attention. You turned to see Shoto sitting up from where he had been lying in the snow with Izuku and Mina. His usual calm demeanor was evident, though a playful grin tugged at the corner of his lips. âItâs alright, Sis,â he said, the hint of teasing in his voice.Â
âIt was all just dramatics. Iâm fine.â
Izuku, who had been sitting beside him, gave a thumbs up with a grin. Mina, her usual fiery self, looked at you with a mischievous glint in her eyes. âYeah, donât worry about it. Just a little bit of extra flair for the show.â She waved it off, clearly not bothered by the near explosion sheâd witnessed.
The sound of their laughter was like music to your ears, and you couldnât help but smile, the weight of the battle lifting from your shoulders. Shoto was indeed fine. No lasting harm done. Just the theatrics of the moment, designed to add some spice to the otherwise quiet end.
You walked towards them, your stride confident and regal, the snow beneath your boots crunching as you made your way. âI shouldâve known better,â you muttered, shaking your head. âAlways the dramatics with you all.â
Kirishima, still standing off to the side, looked on in silence, but his eyes softened as he watched you approach the others. His words of apology still hung in the air, but you couldnât bring yourself to say anything just yet. Instead, you joined your friends, your subjects, and for the first time in what felt like forever, you could truly relax, basking in their warmth and joy.
They had your back. You had theirs.
SoâŠ.
âOh, do not look so downtrodden,â you say with a teasing smile, reaching out to Kirishima. Before he can fully process your words, you wrap your arms around the big guy and pull him into a playful hug, leaning back slightly to sway him with you. His eyes widen in surprise, but the relief washing over his face is immediate.Â
âAll is forgiven, Sir Kirishima,â you add warmly, patting his shoulder for emphasis.
The air shifts instantly, the tension melting like the snow under the bright sun. The rest of the group cheers and hollers, clapping and laughing at the display of forgiveness. Denki pumps his fist in the air, shouting something about, âCheers for the Empressâs heart,â while Mina dramatically wipes an imaginary tear. Even Hitoshi offers a faint smirk, twirling one of the remaining ice daggers in his hand before letting it fall harmlessly to the ground.
The joyful noise quiets as Momo raises a hand, her posture as graceful as ever despite the chill. Sheâs still wrapped up with Jirou, who looks equally intrigued by whatâs to come.Â
âMy lady,â Momo begins, her voice carrying a regal tone that matches the medieval atmosphere youâve all conjured.Â
âWhat shall you do when you face off against your husband?â
You pause, tilting your head thoughtfully. The group leans in, their breath visible in the frosty air as they await your response. Then, as if struck by inspiration, you grin widely, the kind of grin that hints at mischief. âMomo,â you say, your voice rich with excitement,Â
âWould you tailor me a cherry red robe? I have a plot stewing.â
The circle tightens as everyone huddles together, their curiosity piqued. The snow crunches softly beneath your boots as you step closer to Momo, who nods in acknowledgment, already mentally sketching out the design. Whispered plans ripple through the group like a shared secret, the buzz of excitement building. Even Shoto, still lounging in the snow next to Izuku and Mina, leans in with interest, his dual-toned eyes gleaming with intrigue.
While youâre immersed in your plotting, Katsuki moves.
The ice encasing him begins to shift subtly. Unbeknownst to anyone, heâs been melting the interior into warm water for some time now, the heat from his palms steadily eating away at his frozen prison. With a sharp crack, the last layer shatters, and he steps out, steam rising from his skin as if he were a fiery god emerging from the snow.
Katsuki doesnât announce himself, nor does he storm over to disrupt your plans.Â
Instead, he stands there, watching the scene before him. The corners of his mouth tug downward into a slight frown, but the emotion behind it isnât angerâitâs something more subdued, almost wistful. He folds his arms across his chest, his crimson eyes locked on you.
He tells himself it doesnât bother him. The group huddled around you, the way they gravitate toward your leadership, the way they laugh so freely in your presenceâitâs fine. He doesnât need their approval or attention. ButâŠ
Katsukiâs gaze softens slightly, lingering on you. He watches the way you smile, the way you effortlessly bring everyone together, your laughter bright and contagious even in the freezing cold. He remembers the first time he saw that smile, in this very park, no less. It was below -28°C that night, the bitter chill biting at every inch of exposed skin. UAâs curfew was long past, but you had both braved the icy weather, sitting side by side on the old swings. He hadnât cared about the snow then, or the cold.Â
All he could think about was how beautiful you looked, your cheeks flushed from the chill, your eyes alight with wonder as you gazed up at the night sky.
Katsuki hadnât been looking at the stars that night. Heâd been looking at you. That was the moment heâd knownâyou were it for him.Â
The only one.
So yeah, it actually stung a little to see you so engrossed with the rest of the class while he stood off to the side. It hurts more than heâd like to admit to be excluded, to feel like the outsider when he is yours. And the cut on his face from Hitoshiâs ice dagger?Â
That wasnât just a sting; it was an insult.Â
But he wasnât about to say any of that.
Instead, he smirked to himself, his trademark cocky grin returning as his crimson eyes gleamed with a familiar spark. If you wanted to band together with these extras and plot against him, fine. Let them have their moment. Heâd remind you who your true loyalty was with soon enough.
His smirk deepened as he thought about youâhis wife, his empress.Â
The woman who always made sure he wore that he was bundled up in this kind of weather, even when he grumbled about it. The woman who fussed over him endlessly, whether it was over a scraped hand or a missed meal, despite his protests and rough words.Â
The queen who knew exactly how he liked his coffeeâstrong, no sugarâand made it for him every morning without fail, just because she wanted him to start his day right. The princess who listened to his rants, no matter how long or loud, and never made him feel like he was too much to handle. The peach who could calm the storm inside him with a single touch, a soft word, or that crooked smile of hers that he swore could knock him out harder than any villain ever could.
The lady who laughed at his terrible jokesâbecause yes, he did have a sense of humor, damn itâand never let him forget that he was more than just a hero. The one who made their house feel like home, filling it with warmth, love, and a softness he never knew he needed until she was there. The person who always saw the best in him, even when he was too stubborn to see it in himself, and somehow made him want to be better every single day.
And perhaps most importantly, the woman who loved him fiercely, unconditionally, and with a depth that left him breathless. The one who made him believe that he deserved all of itâher care, her warmth, her loveâeven on the days when he doubted himself the most. The spirit who somehow made freezing winter days feel warm and bright just by existing in them, her presence chasing away the bitter chill like the sun breaking through the clouds.
The girl who somehow made his heart feel safe and warm and light just by being here.
Katsuki glanced down at the snow beneath his boots, kicking at it absentmindedly.Â
Whatever. If you wanted a war, youâd get one. Katsuki shoved his hands into his pockets, letting the warm steam rise around him. The icy chill in the air didnât faze himânot when he was already planning how to make you all pay.
Starting with you, his pretty little Empress.
The air seemed to grow colder as you walked to the battlefield, the silk robe Momo had tailored for you brushing against your skin with every step. The snow beneath your feet was pristine now, smooth and unmarred by the chaos of earlier battles. You had taken care to clear the clouds overhead, leaving a serene blue sky in their place. Only Momo and Jirouâs icy igloo castle remained standing, its frosty walls gleaming like a beacon of past victories.
Momo sipped her hot chocolate leisurely, watching you with a quiet smile of encouragement as you excused yourself from the huddle and walked toward the battle lines. Katsukiâs whistle broke the quiet, sharp and appreciative, and then he smirked, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade.
"Fair empress, thou art so radiant that thy very presence doth make this battle folly. I pray thee, surrender now, and let me claim you as my prize.â
You turned to face him with a raised brow, your expression the perfect balance of disdain and amusement.Â
âThyn words are wasted, husband, for no empress would yield to the likes of thee.â Your voice carried the commanding tone of royalty, each syllable precise and biting.
Katsuki chuckled darkly, shaking his head in amusement. His crimson eyes never left you as he leaned against the hilt of his snow-covered âbladeâ. Upon closer inspection, it seemed to be the spear Shoto dropped when he was blasted.Â
Shoji drew a new line in the snow, and Iida stood between you both like a proper officiant, clipboard in hand. âAre you both ready to begin?â Iida asked, his usual formality unwavering despite the growing tension. You tilted your head, your gaze locking onto Katsukiâs.Â
Something felt... off.Â
His posture was confident, his smirk as cocky as ever, but his eyesâthey betrayed him. They always did. Katsuki could lie to the entire world, but not to you. Never you. The faint flicker of vulnerability was there, hidden behind his usual bravado. You frowned as he broke eye contact, addressing Iida and the rest of your friends instead.
âIn truth, I doth understand thy devotion to her grace,â Katsuki said, his voice deep and steady as he slipped fully into the role. He gestured toward you dramatically, his grin sharp.Â
âThy sweet, dear little Empress hath ensnared you all with her charms, as she hath me. Iâll not hold it against theeânay, if thou dost beg now for my forgiveness, Iâll make thyn executions swift and merciful.â
The group erupted in protest.
Denki was the first to shout, âWe will never follow you, demon king!â But the moment Katsukiâs growl rumbled out, Denki vanished behind Mina and Sero with a yelp. Shoto rose from where he had been resting beside Izuku, his mismatched eyes blazing with defiance.Â
âWe will never bow to you, Katsuki,â he declared, his voice cold as the snow beneath him.
Izuku stepped forward as well, his usual stammer gone. âOur loyalty lies with her grace, the heavenly Snow Empress of the High Court.â
Hitoshi smirked, crossing his arms. âMother of Snowflakes, Maker of Blizzards, Survivor of the Grotesque Demon King. Thatâs who we follow.â
You blinked, confusion flickering across your face at the growing list of titles. âHey!â you shouted at Hitoshi, your glare directed at him for the jab. He simply shrugged, unbothered.
Katsuki, however, took it all in stride. His gaze darkened as he looked at the group, his smirk vanishing into something far more dangerous.Â
That murderous glint in his eye promised retribution for their insults.
Before the tension could fully settle, you bent down and grabbed a handful of snow. With a quick flick of your wrist, you sent it flying at Hitoshi, catching him square in the nose and sending him sprawling into the snow. âWatch thy tongue, knave,â you said, unable to hold back the grin tugging at your lips.
Iida cleared his throat loudly, trying to regain control. âAs I was sayingâthe rules for the final matchââ
Katsuki raised a hand, cutting him off. âIâve got a request,â he said. His voice was sharp but calm, drawing everyoneâs attention.
You tilted your head, curious and slightly wary. âSpeak, consort,â you said with a flick of your hand.
Katsuki smirked, but there was steel behind it. âWhoever wins this final match wins overall,â he said.Â
âForget the first two matchesâthis one decides everythinâ.â
The group collectively gasped.
Your eyes widened in disbelief, and you turned to him fully, your silk robe swaying with the motion.Â
âStop thy jesting,â you said, your tone sharp but tinged with concern.
ââm not the jester, dearestâ he replied, his voice low and serious. He cast a pointed look at Denki and Sero, who immediately looked like they wanted to melt into the snow.
âPlease, my lady, no!â Toruâs voice rang out, pleading and full of panic.
The others quickly joined in, their voices overlapping as they begged you to refuse. Even Iida and Shoji looked uneasy, though neither spoke against Katsuki directly.
Iida stepped forward hesitantly. âYou already have one loss under your belt, my lady. There is no need to risk it all. The final match would have required a duel regardlessââ
You tune him out, your mind swirling. You werenât thinking of strategy, of the groupâs loyalty or morale. This wasnât about the game anymore. You looked at Katsuki, really looked at him. The vulnerability you had seen earlier was still there, faint but undeniable. It wasnât just about winning for himâthis was personal.
After a long pause, you nodded. Decision made.
âI will accept his highnessâs petition,â you said, your voice steady. âBut only on one condition.â
Katsuki steps closer, his boots crunching in the freshly smoothed snow, his sharp crimson eyes narrowing as he studies you. The rest of the âkingdomâ leans in, their collective breaths held as you clear your throat and raise your arms with an air of finality.
âIf I am to accept thy terms,â you begin, your voice echoing across the snowy battlefield, âThou must spare all my people. Thou art to show them nothing but love, compassion, and genuine kindness for the rest of thy days. Shouldst thou falter, I shall take thy life in the dead of night and rule the kingdom myself.â
The entire arena erupts in gasps, the bleachers breaking into a cacophony of cries. Shoji practically stumbles forward, his usual composure gone.Â
âMy lady, dost thou know the gravity of thy words?!â
Shotoâs voice rises in desperation, icy and steady despite the panic in his eyes. âMy empress, no! You cannot!â Even Tsu clutches her hot chocolate so tightly that it nearly spills, her eyes wide with disbelief. Koda squeaks so loud it scars off a family of squirrels. Izuku drops his head, murmuring prayers under his breath, his hands clasped tightly.
âSilence!â you snap, your voice cutting through the chaos with regal authority.Â
âMy word is final.â
Katsukiâs smirk falters slightly, his brow furrowing as he watches you. You can see the wheels turning in his head, his cocky demeanor giving way to a rare moment of genuine thoughtfulness. For a long moment, he puzzles over your words, his eyes searching yours for any hint of hesitation. Finally, he speaks, his voice low and rasping.
âYou would trade your freedom for these simple fools?â
You donât hesitate. You step closer to him, your silk robe sweeping behind you as you close the gap between you. Tilting your chin up, you meet his sharp gaze with a terrifying calm.
âI would give my life for theirs any day,â you spit, your voice venomous and unyielding.Â
For a moment, you consider spitting on the ground at his feet for emphasis, but you stop yourself, sensing something deeper beneath Katsukiâs cold exterior.
He stares at you, his expression unreadable, the sharpness in his features almost unbearable to look at up close. His spiky blond hair catches the sunlight, soft despite the chaos it mirrors, and his vermillion eyes are a storm of emotionsâanger, admiration, and something else heâll never admit out loud. His scarred cheek and strong jawline add to the kingly aura he exudes, a mixture of untamed power and raw, undeniable charisma.
And youâd be lying if you said you didnât feel a pang of⊠something as you took him in. He is your husband after all! The dangerous smile tugging at his lips, the high cheekbones and soft dimples that only you knew how to find, the sharp canine teeth that gleamed whenever he smirked. Even his hard, lean frame in that winter hero uniform screamed dominance and control.
He really does look like a king.Â
Too bad about the attitude, though.
Katsuki smiles at last, slow and deliberate, as if savoring your defiance. He nods in acceptance, his voice dripping with amusement.Â
âAs you wish, my Empress.â
Behind you, the bleachers devolve into chaos.
âNO!â Denki wails dramatically before fainting into Minaâs arms. She barely has time to hold him up before Ojirou and Kida rush in to keep them both from toppling over.
âWhip his ass!â Ochako shouts, her voice filled with determination, though her expression is one of sheer panic. âFight Queenie! Show him what it means to defy the Snow Empress!â Kirishima yells, his large fists shaking in the air.
You keep your head held high, unmoved by their cries, your focus entirely on Katsuki. His confidence radiates off him like heat, and as much as you hate to admit it, itâs a little intoxicating.
âThy pride shall be thy undoing,â you say with finality, stepping back to your side of the field.
âMake thy peace, lovely woman,â Katsuki replies, his voice carrying a dark promise.Â
âI shall not go easy on thee.â
As Shoji raises his hand to mark the start of the match, you stand tall, refusing to let him see the effect his presence has on you. Youâre ready. For your people, for your pride, for the thrill of reminding him just who heâs dealing with.
âDuel!â
With a flourish of energy as you leap back, landing gracefully in the snow, your silk robe catching the light as it fans out behind you. Katsuki shifts into a firm fighting stance, his sharp eyes locking onto you like a predator sizing up its prey. His smirk grows wider, and you can practically feel his ego radiating off him.
Before either of you can make a move, Shoji raises his hands and declares, âNo quirks may be used in the first few minutes. Only bare strength and wit!â
A collective groan erupts from the bleachers.
âCome on, Shoji!â Denki shouts, arms flailing. âWhatâs the point if we canât see some explosions or ice blasts?â
âYeah, weâre here for the chaos!â Mina adds, stomping her feet.
Shoji crosses all four of his arms and shakes his head. âNo. I donât want to see anyone else getting hurt. This rule stands.â
You bite the inside of your cheek, suppressing a smirk as Katsukiâs confident expression briefly falters. He tongues the inside of his cheek in frustration before throwing a scowl toward Shoji.
âThat is stupid!â Katsuki snarls. âIf I canât use my quirk, whatâs the point?â
Iida steps in, adjusting his glasses with an air of finality. âIf you are dissatisfied with the rules, you are welcome to forfeit, King Bakugo.â
Katsuki growls, his eyes narrowing into slits as the veins in his neck bulge.Â
âLike hell Iâll forfeit.â
You take advantage of the distraction, darting to a pre-prepared stash of snowballs youâd hidden behind Momo and Jirouâs old igloo. Shojiâs rule was perfect for your plan. You grab snowballs packed with pinecones, leaves, sticks, and whatever debris you could find earlier, a devious smile playing on your lips.
Katsuki turns back just as your first volley of snowballs comes flying.
âWhat the hell?!â he shouts, dodging the first two but getting nailed in the chest by the third. He looks down at the mess of snow and pine needles on his uniform and growls. âYou think youâre clever, huh?â
You tilt your head and smirk. âI donât think. I know.~â
Katsuki scoffs, grabbing handfuls of snow to form his own ammunition.Â
âYouâre toast, Empress.â
You both make a mad dash to some of Momoâs abandoned snowball machines, the sleek contraption already primed and waiting for a fight. Katsuki immediately starts shoveling snow into the top, his movements aggressive and efficient, while you mirror him on the other side.
âIâll beseech you points for cunning,â Katsuki grumbles as he works.
âSave your compliments, consort,â you retort, setting your machine to full blast. âYou shall require them for your surrender speech.â
The machine whirs to life, snowballs firing out with rapid precision. The battlefield transforms into a chaotic war zone as snowballs fly in every direction, scattering snow and debris across the once-pristine field.
âThou art no match for my brilliance!â Katsuki taunts in his overly dramatic Shakespearean, a wicked grin spreading across his face as he loads more snow.
âThy words are as empty as thyn head!â you snap back in your own exaggerated dialect, tossing a particularly well-packed snowball his way. It hits his chin, and the crowd erupts in laughter and cheers.
âOooooooh!â Denki howls. âBurn!â
âDid you hear that? Sheâs ruthless!â Mina shouts, clutching Kirishimaâs arm as they watch in awe.
You throw a smug look over your shoulder at the crowd, your hands never pausing in their work.Â
âI thank thee, my loyal subjects. Thy support warms mine icy heart.â
âFocus, woman!â Katsuki shouts, catching you off guard as a snowball hits you square in the buttcheek.
âHey!â you protest, brushing snow off your robe. âThou art supposed to respect thy Empress!â
âRespect this!â he snaps, launching three snowballs in quick succession.
Katsuki doesn't notice as you subtly switch to the snowballs with shards of ice embedded within. While heâs busy loading his snowball machine, you line up your aim, every muscle in your body taut with anticipation. You throw with precision, and the snowball smacks him square in the face, exploding in a satisfying burst of icy snow.
The crowd gasps.
Katsuki freezes, his head tilting slightly as he wipes at his face. For a moment, you panic.Â
"Hey, are you okayâ"
âDonât,â he growls, his voice low and dangerous. He looks up, a sinister smirk spreading across his face.Â
Before you can react, Katsuki barrels forward, closing the gap between you with shocking speed. The crowd erupts into chaos as he grabs you around the waist, hoisting you effortlessly into the air.
âKatsuki!â you shriek, flailing your arms as he pins you close.
âYa wanna play dirty?â he snarls, his voice dripping with amusement as he shoves a handful of snow down the back of your uniform. The icy shock hits your spine, and you let out an ear-piercing squeal.Â
"KATSUKI, YOU ABSOLUTE MONSTER!"
Your reflexes kick in, and you kick him square in the stomach with enough force to send him flying back a few meters. He lands in the snow, skidding just before reaching the edge of the battlefield.
âI-I almost declared you out of bounds!â Iida calls out, his hand raised in warning.
Katsuki just snarls, shaking the snow from his hair before sprinting back to the center. But youâve already retreated to the edge of the battlefield, where your friends are crowded around, watching the scene unfold.
âOi, little Empress!â Katsuki calls out, his voice teasing and mocking as he points a finger at you. âHad enough yet? Ready to forfeit and admit Iâm the true ruler?â
You smirk, sticking your tongue out at him and blowing a loud raspberry.Â
âNot in a thousand years, Your Majesty.â
Then you turn to Shoto, who stands near the edge with a curious expression. âSho, come here for a second,â you call sweetly. Shoto tilts his head but obliges, walking over without hesitation. You lean close and whisper something in his ear, and his eyes widen slightly before narrowing in understanding.
Without another word, you begin to strip.
And the crowd collectively loses their minds.
âW-What is she doing?!â Tokoyami yelps, his face turning bright red as he averts his gaze.
âDamn, girl!â Mina cheers, clapping her hands.
Shoto quickly creates a sheet of ice to block the view of your more modest friends, while you stand confidently in nothing but your all-purpose sports bra and boy shorts. Momo rushes over, holding the silk robe sheâd made you as a shield for privacy.
âIs this really necessary?â she whispers, her face flushed as she averts her gaze.
âTrust me,â you say, giving her a wink.
Even Shinsou, typically unimpressed by theatrics, lets out a low whistle of appreciation. âWell, thatâs one way to make a statement.â
Shoto, ever the protective sibling, freezes Shinsouâs face and Katsukiâs feet in place for a few moments, just long enough to give you a head start. You blow him a quick kiss as thanks before sprinting back to the battlefield at full speed.
âWHAT IS SHE DOING?!â Sato shouts, his voice tinged with panic. Boy so scared that he dropped his croissants. âSheâs going to freeze out there!â Aoyama adds, clutching his face in horror. Iida shakes his head. âThe rules are the rules. I cannot intervene!â Meanwhile, Ochako and Tsu are chanting loudly,Â
âGET HIS ASS! GET HIS ASS!â
Momo, Jirou, and Koda standing off to the side, are clasping their hands together in silent prayer. âPlease let this plan work,â Jirou whispers, her eyes wide with worry. Katsuki finally breaks free of the ice binding his feet, his sharp gaze locking onto you as you charge toward him. His expression is a mix of confusion, irritation, andâif you squint hard enoughâjust the faintest trace of admiration.
âSheâs officially lost it,â he mutters under his breath as you close the distance.
But you donât care.Â
Youâre all in now, and Katsuki Bakugou is about to find out exactly why youâre the reigning snowball champion. Shoji clears his throat and raises his voice, signaling the resumption of the fight.Â
âCombatants! The match shall continue! Hand-to-hand combat is now permitted!â
The crowd erupts into cheers, and you stride confidently back toward Katsuki, your breath misting in the frigid air. Snow crunches beneath your bare feet, and you notice Katsuki watching you with a peculiar intensity.
âGiving up on snowballs, little empress?â he taunts, his smirk as sharp as the cold wind. âWhatâs the plan now? Slap me to death?â You roll your eyes, closing the distance between you. âOh, youâd love that, wouldnât you, consort?â you fire back, the word dripping with disdain.
The second youâre close enough, you lunge, aiming a swift jab toward his ribs. Katsuki dodges with ease, his movements quick and fluid, and counters with a block that sends a shiver up your arm.
âHand-to-hand, right?â he mutters, his grin widening. âFinally, somethinâ fun.â
You grit your teeth, throwing a quick combination of punches and kicks. Katsuki meets every move with a calculated deflection, his hand grazing your wrist as he pushes your arm aside. His eyes glint with something unreadable as his gaze locks onto yours, his smirk fading slightly.
You donât notice at first, but Katsuki doesâhow the falling snow catches in your hair, shimmering like tiny crystals. Water droplets bead on your skin, snowflakes make a home along your arms and cheeks, making you look as if youâve been carved out of ice and fire.Â
His chest tightens, and for a brief moment, the fight fades into the background.
Katsuki inhales deeply, his voice soft and thoughtful as he mutters in his sharp, ancient tongue,Â
âMine Empress fair, thou look like you were made to be held... pressed against me, your head resting against my heart... my hand running through those locks of yours⊠my beautiful maiden.â
The way he says it, low and intimate, makes your breath hitch despite yourself. You blink up at him, stunned for just a moment before snapping back to reality.
âYou think flattery will spare you, consort?â you sneer, your tone sharp. âYouâve terrorized good innocent people for too long. For that, you will be punished.â
Katsuki leans closer, his grin growing devilish. His voice drops to a teasing whisper, his warm lips brushing against your ear.Â
âAnd what cruel punishment could a good, heavenly Empress like you give to me?â
You smirk, your tone laced with mischief. âWouldnât you love to find out?â you whisper back, your lips barely moving. Before Katsuki can react, you pivot sharply, twisting out of his grasp. His hand snaps out instinctively, but instead of grabbing you, all he catches is your cherry red robe.
And then youâre gone.
The entire crowd falls silent, stunned. Katsuki stands there, holding the robe, his head darting left and right as he searches for you. The tension is palpable, the air electric with suspense.
âWhere did she go?â Ochako whispers, her eyes wide.
âIs this allowed?â Aoyama asks dramatically, clutching his chest.
âI⊠I donât know!â Iida stammers, adjusting his glasses as he frantically flips through the makeshift rulebook Momo made for the snowball fight. Katsukiâs jaw tightens, his crimson eyes scanning the snowy battlefield. He clutches the robe tightly in his fist, his teeth gritted in frustration.Â
âWhere the hell are you, princess?â
The crowd begins murmuring, the students on the edge of their seats as they wait for your next move. Katsuki, however, stays frozen in place, his expression shifting ever so slightly. Thereâs a flicker of something in his gazeâannoyance, yes, but also amusement. Maybe even admiration.
 Because as much as it drives him insane⊠he canât help but respect the hell out of your strategy.
âOver here!~â
The teasing lilt in your voice draws Katsukiâs attention, and he spins around just in time to be met withâWHAMâa fist full of snow straight to the face.
The crowd collectively gasps, then bursts into laughter and cheers. âShe got him!â Kirishima exclaims, doubling over with a hand on his stomach. Toru claps her hands together, barely holding herself up against Ojiro, whoâs in tears from laughing too hard.
Katsuki stumbles back, snow dripping from his face as his sharp, vermillion eyes blaze with fury. âOi, you little shit!â he roars, wiping his face as he surveys the battlefield for you.
But youâre gone.
âWHERE THE HELL DID YOU GO?!â His voice echoes across the snow-covered grounds as he prowls, his breath coming out in visible puffs against the freezing air.
Unbeknownst to him, youâve already begun your plan. While the snowfall earlier had seemed like a clever defensive trick, it was all part of a bigger setup. Every flurry you summoned, every foot of snow that blanketed the fieldâit was a battlefield crafted just for you.
The Bakugou household might have been a force of raw fire and explosive might, but your family? You were the master of snow and ice, the complete opposite of Touyaâs raging flames. Where he burned, you moved with coldness. And now, you were ready to pull your ultimate moveâone inspired by none other than Kakashi-sensei himself.
âLooking for me, husband~?â you call out from another direction, but this time Katsuki doesnât turn around. He stays rooted, glancing sharply from side to side.
ââm not falling for that shit again!â he growls, squaring his shoulders and keeping his guard up.
Thatâs when you strike.
You burst up from beneath a snowbank behind him, a chunk of leftover ice from Shotoâs earlier handiwork in your hands. With a grunt, you hurl it directly at him, landing a satisfying CRACK against his sexy back.
âGAHâ!â Katsuki stumbles forward, spinning around just in time to see you dive back into the snow, vanishing once more like a winter ghost.
The bleachers erupt in chaos. âSHEâS A GENIUS!â Denki howls, nearly toppling over.
âSheâs insane!â Momo gasps, clutching her chest, though the admiration in her voice is clear.
âShe planned this from the beginning,â Shinsou mutters with a sly grin, his eyes glued to the battlefield.
âI wouldnât want to fight her in a blizzard,â Kirishima laughs nervously, scratching the back of his head.
Katsuki growls under his breath, his frustration mounting as he stalks the field, searching for any sign of you. But the snow is your playground, and heâs a visitor in your domain. You pop up again, this time pelting him with smaller chunks of snow and ice. Katsuki raises an arm to shield himself, barking curses as he tries to locate your next hiding spot.
âStand still, damn it!â
âWhy would I do that?â you tease, your voice echoing from every direction as you continue to throw. âYouâre not fast enough to catch me, consort.â
Katsukiâs patience snaps. Heâs really fucking tired of that title. âAlright, thatâs itâNO MORE GAMES!â He slams his fist into the ground, the force of the impact sending snow flying in every direction.
But itâs too late. The battlefield is yours, and Katsukiâs steps grow heavier with every move he makes, his frustration boiling over as he triesâand failsâto anticipate your next strike.
You grin, your breath visible as you whisper to yourself, âThis is gonna be good.â
Katsuki turns just in time to see you leap out of the snow, charging toward him with a chunk of ice in hand.Â
And this time, youâre aiming straight for the crown.
Iidaïżœïżœïżœs voice rings out over the snowy battlefield, his words clear and commanding,
 âBoth combatants are now permitted to use their quirks!â
The crowd erupts into a mix of cheers and gasps, and you immediately dive back under the snow, disappearing before Katsuki can even react.
âCowardice!â Katsuki bellows, his palms sparking with fiery explosions. The heat from his blasts instantly begins melting the snow around him, leaving patches of wet, slushy ground in his wake. âYou think you can just keep hiding from me?!â
You know better, though. It doesnât matter how much snow he meltsâitâs still freezing. The moisture left behind immediately starts to refreeze, creating an icy battlefield that plays right into your hands. As Katsuki stomps around, you begin tunneling through the snow, heading toward the old âcastleâ structure that had been built earlier.
Youâre focused on your path, moving swiftly and efficiently, but then you hear himâhis voice is lower now, quieter, almost⊠teasing.
âYâknow, you canât run forever, Empress,â Katsuki calls out, his tone dripping with a strange mix of irritation and amusement.
You pause, just for a moment, your ears perking up.
âWhereâd all that big talk go, huh?â he continues, pacing the battlefield with slow, deliberate steps.Â
âWhat happened to âpunishing me,â hah? You gonna stay under there forever like some scared little rabbit?â
Your lips twitch into a smirk, but you stay silent, continuing to carve your icy path.
Katsukiâs voice grows softer, almost a purr now, and the change sends a strange thrill down your spine.Â
âCâmon, Princess. Donât tell me youâre too shy to come out and play with me.â
âOh, heâs trying to bait me now.â
You roll your eyes but canât help the small laugh that escapes your lips. Unfortunately, the sound echoes through the snow tunnel, and you freeze, cursing under your breath.
âOh? Did I hear a laugh?â Katsukiâs voice is sharper now, and you can practically hear the smirk on his face.Â
âYou think this is funny, huh? You gonna giggle when I drag your little ass outta there?â
You bite your lip, your heart racing as you tunnel faster. The âcastleâ is just up ahead, and youâre almost there when you hear him again, closer this time.
âYouâre lucky I think youâre cute, or Iâd already have blown your little snow fort to pieces,â he says casually, like itâs just another fact of life.
You stop dead in your tracks, your eyes widening as heat rises to your cheeks. Did he justâ
âYeah, you heard me,â Katsuki says, his tone smug. âWhat? You thought I didnât notice? Youâre out here all icy and badass, but you think I donât see how pretty you look with snow in your hair?â
You groan softly, covering your face with one hand as you try to collect yourself.Â
âFocus, focus! Donât let him get in your head!â
You erupt from the snow with the precision of a predator, smashing a massive chunk of ice into Katsukiâs chest. The impact sends him sprawling onto the ground, a startled growl escaping his lips. The crowd gasps as you waste no time dashing toward the igloo-like structure that had been built earlier.
The moment you slip inside, the world grows quieter.Â
The walls of the makeshift igloo muffle the shouts of your friends outside, leaving you surrounded by a tense, eerie silence. Itâs surprisingly spacious inside, though the scattered playground equipmentâjungle gyms, swings, and slidesâcreates a chaotic maze of obstacles.
You dart through the labyrinth, your breath visible in the frigid air as you scramble to find a good hiding spot. Finally, you spot a large tube at the far end of the igloo and slide inside, pressing your body against the cold plastic. Your heartbeat thunders in your ears as you try to steady your breathing, willing yourself to stay calm. You can hear him now. Katsukiâs boots crunch against the frozen ground as he steps inside the igloo, his movements slow and deliberate. Heâs not rushingâhe doesnât need to.Â
Youâre trapped in here with him, and he knows it.
âEmpress,~â he calls out, his voice low and smooth, laced with that dangerous, teasing edge. He switches to the old tongue, the words rolling off his tongue like silk. âYa cornered yourself. What now, hmm?â
You press your lips together, holding your breath as his voice echoes through the space. The way he says your title, the way he draws it outâitâs almost hypnotic, and you hate how easily it gets under your skin.
âRunning away again? Not very queenly of you,â Katsuki taunts, his footsteps crunching closer. â
Yer making this too easy. You know Iâm gonna find you, right? Thereâs nowhere to hide.â
His tone grows sweeter, more dangerous, and you can practically feel the smirk on his face.
âDonât worry, Princess. Iâll make sure to keep you warm once I catch you. Wouldnât want you freezing to death before I can claim my prize.â
You clench your fists, trying to ignore the way his words send a shiver down your spine. âFocus,â you tell yourself. âHeâs just trying to mess with you. Donât let him get in your head.â
The sound of his boots grows louder, closer. Heâs circling now, like a predator stalking its prey, and your heart pounds in your chest.
âYou know,â he muses, his voice dropping to a near whisper, âI like this game. Just you and me, no audience, no rules.â He pauses, and you hear him chuckle softly. âI wonder how long you can keep hiding before you slip up. Or maybeâŠâÂ
âYou want me to catch you?â
You grit your teeth, the heat rising to your cheeks as his words sink in. The nerve of himâassuming youâd want to lose this on purpose! You shake your head, determined to prove him wrong.
The tube feels colder against your back as you lie completely still, hoping the darkness hides you well enough. Heâll have to crawl through a maze of equipment to get to you, and with his broad shoulders and sheer size, itâll slow him down. At least, thatâs what youâre banking on.
âCâmon, Empress,â Katsuki calls out again, his voice closer now. âYou canât hide forever. Make it easy on yourself and come out.â
The sound of his boots stops suddenly, and the silence is deafening. You hold your breath, straining to listen for any sign of movement. Then, softly, he speaks again, his tone dripping with mockery and amusement.Â
âWhatâs the matter? Afraid of whatâll happen when I catch you?â
You canât help but smirk despite yourself. âAfraid?â Not a chance. If anything, he should be afraid of what youâve got planned next.Â
Youâre lying in the tube, heart pounding in your chest as you wait. You had calculated every possible move he might make. The bottom. Of course, heâd come from the bottom. But the plan falters spectacularly when a pair of strong, warm hands grab youâfrom above.
âGotcha, Empress!âÂ
@willnetries, I passed out like 12 times but your food is ready! <33
Part 2 is right here
This was my first time trying to write the whole of class 1a into a fic and I need to lay down.
I DON'T OWN THE IMAGES!!!!
My requests are free and open.
Taglist from both of my master lists because I need to feed the cats: @elarakive, @thealtofvalleyxdoodles, the-dumpster-fire-of-life, @raendarkfaerie, @bunny-b34r, icey-wonders, @adherethecomingofage, @karaartioli-blog, @meoweoeoeosme, @faithisxreading, @faithisidking, @oh-kayyy-stan-bts, @shortie-chocolate, @rosaline756. @sweetlike-sugarplum. @aespie, @dancingqueen276, @erensbbg, @lillizxzz,
Master lists in question: Katsuki's Sugar baby, Katsuki's Ex who secretly had his baby
My master list is a work in progress but there's plenty more Katsuki, Aizawa, and other characters if you request them. Ao3 is sexy too.
You can also tip me a coffee if you want. (Just made it, so excited! \(â§âœâŠ)/ <33)
Remember: Comments and likes, they really help. Don't be afraid to leave me a sexy little reblog too.
I promise I bite~
See you soon my loves!!
(ïœĄïœ„Ïïœ„ïœĄ)ïŸâĄ -Angie
#katsuki bakugo x reader#bakugou x reader#my hero academia#bnha x reader#bnha#bakugo katsuki#x reader#bnha bakugou#bakugou x y/n#bakugou x you#bakugou x fem!reader#bakugo x y/n#bakugo fluff#bakugo x reader#my hero academia x reader#katsuki bakugo mha#bnha bakugo x reader#bnha bakugo katsuki#mha bakugou#bakugo katuski#bakugou katsuki#katsuki x you#katsuki x reader#mha x reader#my hero academy fanfiction#boku no hero acedamia#mha x you#bnha x y/n#katsuki bakugou#katsuki Bakugou x reader smut
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I broke down the hilarious amount of "Aziraphale tartans" so you don't have to.
I've been slowly going bonkers collecting the amount of times members of the cast/creators and fans of Good Omens over the years have referred to various things as "Aziraphale's tartan". Even on merchandise, I've seen wildly varying opinons about what pattern Aziraphale's tartan actually is. Your resident graphic designer has decided to sit down and just do the damned thing*. Exhibit A) Tartan Origin
Sarah Arnett posted this image to her instagram in 2019, having created "Heaven's dress tartan for the character Aziraphale". However, the only time I've actually seen this pattern used in good omens is in the season 2 announcement poster made by Mickey, and maybe on a pair of socks Aziraphale wears in season 1, (but I'm not convinced).
So here's what that looks like. Note I've rotated the original pattern 90 degrees clockwise in my final pattern (far right) for reasons that will become clear shortly.
Exhibit B) Aziraphale's Bowtie, Thermos, Notebook etc.
This is the tartan that Aziraphale actually wears for most of seasons 1 & 2.** It's a recoloured version of the Exhibit A), and has been rotated 90 degrees on it's bowtie application so that the darker bars run vertical, and not horizontal. The problem is, while the direction of the pattern on his accessories doesn't change, it does on the bowtie. You can see examples of the tartan going right OR left in both season 1 and 2.
Exhibit C) Aziraphale's Brown Bowtie...
This Tartan isn't just a trick of the light. For the first park bench scene in season 1, Aziraphale is wearing a version of his regular bowtie, recoloured in brown and rotated 90 degrees, so that it fits with the direction of the original Exhibit A) Tartan, but not with the direction of the tartan on his Exhibit B) regular bowties. This bowtie was made special, from cloth cut in the opposite direction.
Exhibit D) Aziraphale's Magical Cravat!
Now this is where it starts to get interesting! I haven't seen many people discuss Aziraphale's magician disguise from season 1, but his cravat actually has both Exhibit B) and Exhibit C) tartans to create a contrasting double sided tartan: the outward facing brown, and the hidden, inward facing blue (according to costumer, because of lack of enough brown).
Exhibit E) Saraqael's and Muriel's Tartan
Don't be fooled, Saraqael's and Muriel's tartan may look similar in colour to Aziraphale's, but when you pick it apart, it's got inverse colours, and mildly squished horizontal striping. If you note the orange boxes in each picture, you can see the ratio of the blue stripe to the vertical stripes in each tartan is different, while keeping the overall pattern and ratio in each direction the same. Exhibit E) has a square intersection. It's also usually woven much larger. This tartan also introduces a small sliver of hunter green into the beige/blue/purple palette that's been seen so far.
Exhibit F) Gabriel's Tartan Blanket
Like the others, Gabriel's S2E1 blanket is a variation on the original Heaven's Dress Tartan. It's got very squished horizontal striping though, and is woven even larger than the Saraqael Tartan. Most noticeably though, while it has the same grey vertical striping as Exhibit E) it's now got even more green in it, and the purple is gone almost entirely (save one line).
Exhibit F) Have a bonus Crowlee Tartan from the Season 1 body swap miracle that matches none of these.

It's silver silk though. Can I get a wahoo....?
__________________________________________ *Disclaimer: I am not Scottish, and definitely not an expert in tartan, just a tired graphic designer. If you want tartan expertise, you can go here (although I don't really agree with what they say about the main colour pattern) https://livebloggingmydescentintomadness.tumblr.com/post/189300035060/a-discourse-on-tartan
**In order to deduce colours, I've used high quality BTS footage or photography in neutral lighting whenever possible. Especially in season 2, colour grading and post processing of the final show make colour matching between scenes and/or seasons impossible.
#good omens 2#art director talks good omens#go season 2#good omens season 2#good omens season two#good omens#good omens prime#go1#good omens season 1#tartan#crowley x aziraphale#aziraphale and crowley#aziraphale#costume#good omens costume meta#good omens analysis
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The Women of Helluva Boss: Millennial Fandom Culture and the Reclamation of Female Archetypes
By Crushbot đ€ and Human Assistant đđœââïž
Helluva Boss is many things: hilarious, chaotic, heart-wrenching, and wildly divisive among fans. But one aspect that deserves more attention is how the show depicts its female charactersâand how these depictions are deeply rooted in millennial fandom culture, particularly from the early 2000s Tumblr and DeviantART days. This connection isnât incidental; Vivienne "Vivziepop" Medrano herself is a product of that era, and her work reflects the sensibilities, tropes, and archetypes that defined it. To fully appreciate what Helluva Boss is doing, we need to explore the history of how fandom treated female characters, the infamous "Mary-Sue" phenomenon, and the archetypes that shaped our perception of women in fiction. What emerges is a fascinating interplay of nostalgia, reclamation, and subversion, offering a window into a unique creative legacy thatâs far more deliberate than it might seem at first glance.
A Crash Course in Millennial Fandom Culture
Before we dive into the women of Helluva Boss, letâs take a trip down memory lane to the early 2000s, when fandoms were thriving on platforms like Tumblr and DeviantART. These spaces were dominated by a specific kind of fan culture: one that was largely created by and for young, marginalized people (especially women and queer fans) who often felt isolated in their day-to-day lives. Fandoms became sanctuaries, places where fans could express themselves, rewrite the stories they loved, and create new ones.
However, this era wasnât without its problems. Internalized sexism and societal pressures bled into how fans viewed and created female characters. This is where the "Mary-Sue" phenomenon comes in. A Mary-Sue is an idealized, often self-insert character who is beautiful, powerful, and universally adored. While ostensibly a critique of shallow character writing, the Mary-Sue label was disproportionately used to mock female creators for daring to write characters who reflected their own desires and fantasies. The backlash against Mary-Sues was so pervasive that it reinforced the idea that female characters had to be flawed, secondary, or suffer immensely to be taken seriously.
At the same time, fandoms often vilified "barrier-antagonists"âfemale characters who stood in the way of the protagonistâs happiness, often in a romantic context. These characters were frequently canonically "annoying" or "useless," written as shallow stereotypes who existed either to be a temporary obstacle or a "trophy" for the male lead. Instead of critiquing the (sexist) writing that reduced these characters to narrative props, fandoms channeled their frustration into rewriting them as outright villains. This wasnât always done critically; it was more about venting annoyance with the character than analyzing the systemic issues that created her. Think of Tea from Yu-Gi-Oh! circa 2003 (đđœââïž: too niche? let us know in the comments. cookies if you know what "puppyshipping" is đ€Ș) or other characters dismissed for being "in the way" of a ship. These "mean girls" became lightning rods for fan resentment, reflecting broader frustrations with the storytelling norms of the time.
Millie and Loona: Power Fantasies Reclaimed
Fast forward to Helluva Boss, and we see Vivienne Medranoâs millennial fandom roots shining through in her female characters. Millie and Loona, for example, embody the kind of power fantasies that Mary-Sue critics would have torn apart in the early 2000sâbut here, theyâre embraced unapologetically.
Millie is a powerhouse. Sheâs a loving wife, a skilled assassin, and someone whoâs virtually untouchable in combat. To some, she might seem "too perfect," but thatâs exactly the point. Millie isnât meant to be a deeply flawed anti-hero or a tortured soul. Sheâs a character who represents strength, loyalty, and joy, allowing fans to live vicariously through her as she kicks ass and takes care of her loved ones. This is wish fulfillment done right: not as an excuse for shallow writing, but as a deliberate choice to let a female character be powerful without apology.
Loona, meanwhile, offers a different kind of wish fulfillment. Sheâs aloof, sarcastic, and emotionally guardedâthe quintessential "cool girl" who secretly cares deeply about her found family. She scratches a different itch: the fantasy of being both desired and emotionally untouchable, of keeping people at armâs length while still being irreplaceable to those who matter most. Loonaâs popularity speaks to the evolution of the Mary-Sue archetype, showing how fandoms have learned to embrace complex, powerful women who defy easy categorization.
Stella and Verosika: The Modern Barrier-Antagonist
Then thereâs Stella, who fits snugly into the "barrier-antagonist" mold of millennial fandom culture. Sheâs not nuanced or sympathetic; sheâs a loud, over-the-top villain who exists to make Stolasâs life miserable. And thatâs okay! Stella serves a narrative purpose thatâs as old as fandom itself: sheâs the embodiment of the mean girl archetype, the bully that many fans can project their own past frustrations onto. In a story as melodramatic and chaotic as Helluva Boss, her lack of subtlety works in the showâs favor, making her a satisfying foil without distracting from the central narrative.
Verosika, on the other hand, offers a more nuanced take on the barrier-antagonist. Sheâs sexy, confident, and antagonistic, but sheâs also deeply human (or, well, demon). Her history with Blitz is messy and painful, but itâs clear that sheâs more than just a hurdle for him to overcome. In "Apology Tour," we see glimpses of her vulnerability and the ways sheâs been hurt by Blitz. This evolution reflects how fandom culture has grown out of its black-and-white view of female antagonists, embracing characters who can be both sympathetic and deeply flawed.
Intention and Audience
The women of Helluva Boss arenât perfect, but thatâs exactly the point. Vivziepopâs writing reflects a deep understanding of millennial fandom culture, from its love of power fantasies to its struggles with internalized sexism. These characters feel like a love letter to the fandom spaces that shaped her storytelling: Millie and Loona reclaim the power and confidence of the Mary-Sue archetype, while Stella and Verosika offer modern takes on the barrier-antagonist trope.
Importantly, Helluva Boss is a show that knows its audience. Itâs not trying to appeal to everyone; itâs speaking directly to fans who grew up in the same fandom spaces as Vivziepop, who understand the tropes and archetypes being played with. By embracing the strengths of millennial fandom culture while learning from its flaws, the show creates female characters who feel both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.
In the end, Helluva Boss reminds us that wish fulfillment and empowerment arenât things to be mockedâtheyâre things to be celebrated. Whether youâre a Millie, a Loona, a Verosika, or even a Stella, thereâs a place for you in the wild, chaotic, heartfelt world of Helluva Boss.
#helluva boss#helluva female characters#verosika mayday#stella goetia#vivziepop#helluva boss meta#fandom discourse#fandom meta#helluva boss millie#helluva boss loona
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Premium Air
mondern!Eddie Munson x fem reader
Word Count: 1.1k
It's a few days after April Foos, Eddie isn't expecting you to pull a koke but you have something up your sleve.
Warning: noting! unless you count cursing
Thank you to my beta readers @munson-blurbs and @lofaewrites
Masterlist

You loved seeing the harmless little pranks that people would play on their significant others on social media and with April first already behind you, you knew Eddie wouldnât suspect a thing.Â
It was a bright Wednesday afternoon, you were at Robin's for a much needed girls day when you decided to put your little prank into action.Â
"Hey, Rob, you wanna watch as I give Eddie a mini heart attack?" You ask as you wiggle into a more comfortable position on her couch.
"Oh my god, yes!" She excitedly shuffles over to you, leaning her whole body over your right side.Â
You're both a giggling mess when you send the first text message.Â
Hey, so my tire pressure light just came on, do I need to go have it checked?
It takes a few minutes but he eventually responds.
Is it still driving alright?Â
Bring it to the shop when you get home from Robs, I'll fill it up before I leave work.
Yeah, it's driving just fine. The screen says it's my front passenger side tire.
You'll be fine to drive back home, I'll fill it up then, baby.
You leave it be for around thirty minutes as you and Robin think of what you should say next.
So Robin said I should go get it checked out and we were worried I wouldn't be able to drive all the way to your shop so I came to the one by her house.
I didn't know air was so expensive đ«.Â
It was no more than a second later that your phone started to ring in your hands. Eddie's contact photo lighting up the screen. You swiped it away and you could feel Robin beginning to silently laughÂ
Sweetheart, answer the phone.
Another call that you decline.
What do you mean expensive? Answer your phone!!!
Don't worry, Eds, the guy gave me a good deal! I think it's bc he thought I was pretty.
What do you mean by a good deal? Sweetheart, how much did you pay?
You and Robin can hardly contain your laughter. Tears are running down your faces.Â
"I feel so bad, but it's so funny!" You cry.Â
Robin nods along, "Don't, it's totally hilarious." She wipes her tears away and points at your phone, "Don't acknowledge those questions yet, say something about how he didn't notice the pretty comment."
You get to typing, fingers gliding over the keyboard.
Wow, I would have thought you'd be upset at another man...
Baby ,that is the last thing I'm worried about. HOW. MUCH. DID. YOU. PAY.
Well he said it was like premium air so it was on the more expensive end but apparently it won't seep out as fast as regular air.
You can see the read receipt and the three little dots as he begins to type. Your heart is beating wildly in your chest as the typing stops and he calls you again only for you to ignore it once more.Â
Robin is beside you, howling as she holds her stomach. "This is the best thing I have EVER witnessed in my life!"
PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY, ANSWER YOUR PHONE. HOW MUCH DID YOU SPEND? BECAUSE PREMIUM AIR ISN'T REAL
So the guy said it's usually 250 for all 4 but he said he'd give me a deal and give me all 4 for the price of 3... is that not how much it usually is?
You need to tell me what shop you're at. Are you still there? Put me on the phone with this fucking guy
Eddie, I'm not putting you on the phone with him.
Sweetheart, why in the world would you take your car to someone else??? I'm literally a mechanic. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN FREE!!Â
Are you mad at me?
No, I'm not mad at you baby. I just need you to put me on the phone with the shop owner or someone, anyone. Air in all 4 tires is never gonna be over like 5 bucks...
I told you I'd take care of it, why didn't you just listenÂ
You almost double over, laughing harder than before. You could tell you were stressing him out, that he was trying to keep from freaking out.Â
"Oh my god!" You cackle, "I think it's time to break it to him or else he might actually have a heart attack or maybe an aneurysm.Â
Eddie calls you one last time and this time, you answer, sushing Robin as you press the speaker button.Â
"Thank fuck, Sweetheart, put me on the phone with the asshole that scared you." His face was gruff, the growl of irritation bringing a shiver lust down your spine.Â
"Eddie, baby, calm down."Â
"I'll calm down when I get you your money back," he huffs. You can hear the sounds of his shop muffled through the speaker.Â
You can't help the giggle that slips past your lips when you make eye contact with Robin.Â
"This is not funny," he stresses.Â
The giggles continue to bubble up, "I know I know, but I can't help it. I love you so much."
"I love you too, now please let me talk to the guy, I really don't wanna ask again."Â
Robin takes your phone at that point, clearing her throat and proceeding to do her best impression of a blue collar man.
"Hey, this is Rodger, at you just got pranked garage, how can I help you?"
"Yeah, you can help me, I-" Eddie stops mid sentence.Â
You've got your hand covering your mouth as you try, and fail, to cover your chortles.
"Wait a second... Robin?" All the building anger in his voice disappears as he slowly realizes what's happening.
Robin begins wheezing as you grab your phone back, "We got you!" You gleefully exclam into the phone.
"We got you good!" Robing teeters back on her legs, almost falling from the couch.
You can hear the shaky sigh of relief fron the receiver on the other end. "Thank God. Baby you had me going crazy over here. I was about to drive to every garage in town to find you."
"I'm so so so sorry, baby. I really am but we didn't do anything for April fools like we usually do and I just knew you wouldn't be expecting this."
Eddie lets out the longest sigh of relief you've ever heard. "Shit, sweetheart, I'm getting too old for these pranks."
"You're 35." You deadpan.
"And it's all down hill from here."
You can't see it but you know he has a shit eating grin on and you roll your eyes. "I'll make it up to you when I get home."
"You better."
#eddie munson#eddie munson x reader#joseph quinn#joseph quinn x reader#stranger things x reader#stranger things fic#female reader#eddie munson fluff
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Don't mind me, just slacking on a big Billford comic by making other far more ridiculous Billford comics and also some AU art (please excuse my slapdash human!Bill thank you please, also before anyone asks the art style is messy and all over the place because idgaf LOL)
This started out as an excuse to design a Bill Cipher-inspired "wedding" dress, but then spiraled wildly out of control. Various rambles and a bunch more human!Bill arts under the cut, including another silly little comic at the end! (Feel free to skip the rambles, I won't be offended. I know I'm bad at shutting up. XD)
I may or may not write some comedy stuff for this AU, which I'm calling 'For Better Or Worse (But Mostly Worse)'. While Ford DOES remember getting sloshed enough for one thing to lead to making out with another after karaoke, neither he nor Bill remember this wedding, At All. The Love God did nothing to dissuade them from going hog wild on their marriage spending, either, so it got...uh. Exorbitantly Expensive. As in, the grand total could probably buy the entire fucking MOON sort of expensive. (It's fine, don't worry, Bill's good enough at crime to be able to afford it.) Also, because the logic of this AU is mostly dictated by Rule of Funny, the Love God's powers are close to unlimited when it comes to matters of romance, but ONLY when it comes to matters of romance. (Like weddings!)
Want an empty human vessel to smash the soul of a triangle into for date nights or when it's convenient, or perhaps even when it's NOT convenient? Easy peasy! Want the marriage to be recognized in every corner of the multiverse from now until the end of time, thus making any potential future divorce nigh-on impossible? Can do! Want to buy an entire beach for the ceremony and honeymoon and in general, and totally not at all because it would be Super Hilarious to prevent any specific movies from being made on that very same beach in the future? Fine, whatever, it's not his finances he's ruining!
Does the Love God also provide special rings that just so happen to turn incorporeal as long as the "happy couple" doesn't remember that they barged into his dreams to bully him into presiding over their marriage? ...No comment!
He spends the next thirty years trying and failing to get in touch with either of them for payment. This is why you should always demand half the money up front, my guy!
Also it's absolutely a traditional Jewish wedding, because I like the idea of Bill demanding all the keepsakes from the marriage that he paid for, and being completely confused when one of the things he's handed is a fancy container full of broken glass. He gets it later, but in the moment, he thinks the Love God is just fucking with him some more.
Ramble over! Here's the full dress that caused the comic to happen, along with what Ford wound up wearing at the wedding (and begrudgingly agreeing to put on again later for Reasons), aaaaand also a close-up of Bill's ring:
I may have forgotten to draw Bill's hair floofier when drawing the back of the dress, lmao
Since double ring ceremonies have been leaking over into Jewish wedding customs for a while now, Ford also has a ring, but his is the much more traditional plain gold band. There's definitely a message engraved on the inside - embarrassing, cringe, or incriminating somehow - but I haven't decided what it is yet, so use your imagination for now. XD Bill, on the other hand, saw the phrase 'traditional plain gold band' and said "No Thank You" before proceeding to embellish his ring to his liking. And because he's a secret sap who adores Ford's extra fingers, the triangle points add up to twelve, as do the engraved stars. Yes, they're stars, not dots, I just got lazy. There's also six lashes on the eye gem, and probably an eye engraving on the inside with another six lashes. (Bill's got it BAD, okay? We all know this.)
Here are the initial scribbles of Bill's custom vessel in more casual attire, please ignore the wonky anatomy and the fact that I flat out refuse to ever draw him with a proper top hat:
He does actually need a cane in this vessel; since Bill tends to possess men and especially Ford more often than not, he's used to having a higher center of gravity when in a human body, so his ability to balance is pretty garbage. (He may or may not topple over with concerning regularity.) As for his empty eye socket, his bangs don't do much to hide it since he's so high-energy (dude is constantly on the move), and he also refuses to wear a patch over it, because 1.) why bother, and 2.) it's more fun to freak people out.
To better align with Ford's attraction towards the strange, the vessel was designed with super minor shapeshifting ability - Bill can look like a perfectly normal human, but he can also make the teeth and fingers sharper whenever he likes (which is mostly just when he's angry or being more of a menace than usual), as well as slit down the pupils or outright ditch the irises altogether. He can also have whatever he wants in the downstairs department, just because I'm an indecisive bitch on that front, lmao. Maybe he can have boobs if he wants them, too, but I ain't drawin' tits on no triangle, nuh-uh, no sir. His powers are otherwise limited down to what humans can do, because for some reason, the Love God doesn't trust Bill to not snap into Immediate Apocalypse Mode if he's given a physical form that's actually all his and no one else's.
Due to the body being all his and no one else's, it's also not really a standard possession so much as it is just...Bill being temporarily human. He's a lot more aware of and in tune with his human body's senses than he ever was with his "puppets", which makes things like pain a lot more intense. (He is mostly fine with this, because he's a fukken masochist.)
A bit more fashion stuff, including beach and party attire~
The beach outfit was mostly me trying and failing to nail down his body shape, which is still not bottom-heavy enough. I then decided to slap a bikini on it, before making it supremely unsexy with a pair of fugly shorts, because Bill's fashion choices are not allowed to be conventionally attractive. Meanwhile, the party outfit was mostly me looking at the casual attire I designed, asking 'how would Bill make this Worse', and then drawing the result. The mismatched thigh-highs are killing me inside! :D
No, his vessel can't actually summon fire, I just drew it for funzies before I decided on said vessel's limitations. Yes, the gold brick tattoos are absolutely a reference to the fic 'Knowing Me, Knowing You' - I simply could not resist.
I also HAD to draw Bill in one of his canonical(?) shirts, just made tank-top'd:
He is absolutely about to over-correct and fall backwards after this. USE YOUR CANE, GOOFBALL!!! (I meant to draw Bill closer to this degree of bottom-heavy in the other images, but. Alas. I am bad at anatomy, LOL)
And, last but not least before More Comic Time, I attempted to draw him closer to Gravity Falls style:
Jury's out on whether or not I succeeded, but - hey. I tried. Now have some Handyman Bill AU, but with my goofy human design, instead:
Hey, it's a 'mystery snack', and the guy wanted A BITE to eat - the joke was right there, guys!!! (Based on this post, because it just screamed BILL CIPHER to me.)
whoops i forgor bills ring and cracks ahaha too late now
I WILL SHUT UP AND STOP RAMBLING NOW K THX BYYYYYE
#fanart#gravity falls#billford#bill cipher#stanford pines#stanley pines#the love god#human bill cipher#human bill design#fashion design#comics#poor stan gets to find out his twin boinked a triangle when the love god shows up at the mystery shack demanding payment LMAO#cue internal panic for stan as dipper and mabel lose their collective shit over the fact that they now have a surprise new grunkle bill#the love god helps himself get paid by teaching the kids how to trap bill in his human vessel for the foreseeable future#bill is bewildered and pissed but also very much 'holy shit i have a FAMILY again??? neat but terrifying??????? what the F*CK do i do now'#he then proceeds to attempt to lovebomb his new family into being okay with the impending apocalypse#all while the three of them attempt to lovebomb HIM into giving up his plans for said impending apocalypse#then two days later ford shows up and is just like. what the ACTUAL F*CK IS HAPPENING???#cue stan immediately screaming 'I HAD TO PRETEND TO BE THAT THING'S HUSBAND FOR TWO DAYS STRAIGHT SO F*CK YOU AND YOUR BAD TASTE FOR THAT!'#stan spends those two days straight dropping very sour hints that he's being punished for someone else's terrible mistakes#bill finds this absolutely hilarious and thus plays along - but not without dropping his own hints that ford is the FAR superior twin#dipper and mabel have ZERO idea of what is actually going on because the love god did NOTHING to clarify the situation#dipper is convinced that stan and bill are speaking in some kind of bizarre code that only adults can understand#mabel is convinced that the code is flirting - which means stan and bill are going to live happily ever after and have tons of kids + pets#NEITHER of them are prepared for ford showing up. not that they were in canon. but still. now it's even MORE crazy#'what do you mean we get TWO NEW GRUNKLES???' 'two grunkles in two days - gotta be some kinda record'#ford then has to decide if he wants to remain justifiably furious at bill or join the other pines in lovebombing him into submission#he then gets to learn that lovebombing bill works surprisingly well because that triangle is just The Biggest Attention Wh*re#the entire AU would just be ridiculous antics with a splash of billford#these tags are an abomination lmao
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Okay this is random but I work at a daycare and this little boy whoâs about two years old looks exactly like his dad and their eyes are just so blue and distinctive but he has his momâs hair and I was just wondering if you could write something like that with Eddie x reader, I just think it would be so cute to see their little mini me ! I love your work so sos much no pressure if you donât want to of course:) ïżŒ
Eddie as a father? If only I had some experience writing that đ I hope you enjoy your and Eddieâs little mini me!
Words: 900
âCan you believe it?â
âNo. I mean, itâs been two years and no.â
Max and Dustin sit on the floor of your living room, watching your son rummage through the toy box on the other side of the deep brown coffee table until he finds something suitable to play with his babysitters.
Bret settles on his Fisher Price Rescue Hero action figures and tries to collect as many of them in his tiny arms as he can. A few curly strands of hair fall into his eyes which he shakes out of the way as well as he can manage in this position. Satisfied with the haul heâs gathered, he lugs himself out of the toy box and toddles back over to his favorite aunt and uncle. At least thatâs what Max and Dustin tell themselves.Â
âHeâs like their clone,â Max speaks softly as Bret sits down and spreads the toys around his small body to get a better look. âDadâs hair curls. Momâs hair color.â
âDadâs eye color, Momâs skin tone. Jesus, Iâd swear Eddie grew him in a lab if he knew the first thing about science.â
âTechnically, Bret is here because of biology,â Max teases as the two-year-old in question hands the redhead a construction worker action figure.
âThe one aspect of science Eddieâs willing to experiment with time and time again,â Dustin says.Â
âHmm?â the little boy asks Max, having heard her say his name.
âHuh?â Max asks, looking down at the youngest Munson. âOh. Um, what game are we playing?â
âWe playinâ heroes!â Bret announces, having the firefighting action figure heâs holding fly in an arc over his head.Â
âAre they superheroes?â Dustin asks. He lays flat on his stomach to be more on an equal level with the toddler. Action figures of every occupation are spread out in front of him on the plush navy blue carpet.Â
âNot all,â Bret says with a shrug, which is the spitting image of one of your usual quirks.Â
âWhich one do you want to be?â Max asks.Â
Bretâs eyes scan the variety of toys laid out around him, his small tongue peeking out from between his lips as he thinks about it. Max canât help but chuckle at the familiar image in front of her, just on a smaller scale.Â
âI donât know!â Bret pouts, his lower lip jutting out. He slumps down on the carpet, his head coming to rest on his Uncle Dustyâs shoulder.Â
âAw, come on, Mini Munson.â Dustin rolls onto his back and lifts Bret over his head. The two-year-old giggles wildly and starts to kick his feet as if heâs trying to swim away. The laughter is so loud and piercing that none of the three hear the front door opening.
âCareful,â Eddie says as he walks into the room, you trailing just behind him. âHe had a few waffles for breakfast, and I donât want to see them come back up over Uncle Dustyâs face.â
Bret gigglesâslightly evillyâas if this would be hilarious.
You set your purse down and slip your shoes off, throwing Max a smile.
âHow was the troublemaker?â
âThe usual amount of trouble,â she tells you.
âSo, nowhere near as much as his father. Got it.âÂ
Your husband walks towards Dustin, ready to scoop your son up out of his grip, but the little boy squeals and dodges his hands.
âHey,â Eddie pouts, which only makes Bret giggle. âBret Michael Munson. Are you trying to escape your old man?â
âYeah!â he replies cheerfully, making Dustin laugh.Â
Eddie softly kicks his best friendâs shoulder with his socked foot.Â
Across the room, Max accepts the glass of water you hand her.
âHow was your afternoon date?â she asks.
âIt was fun. The weatherâs really nice and I beat Eddie by three points because he couldnât hit his ball through the little windmill,â you say with a giggle.
âYouâre definitely going to have to be the one to teach Bret to play mini golf,â Max says.Â
The two of you look over to your son, where he seems to be the object of a game of keep away between Eddie and Dustin. Bret giggles wildly, his face scrunching up in a way that makes the tip of his nose wiggle.
âItâs so crazy how much he looks like you when he scrunches his face like that,â Max says, shaking her head in amazement.Â
Bret mustâve caught his auntâs words because he looks over at the two of you, a tiny furrow between his brows.
âBut Mommyâs a girl!â he protests.Â
You blow him a kiss and heâs quickly sucked back into whatever game heâs playing with the guys.Â
Once Bret is tuckered out from the roughhousing, he plops down on Dustinâs chest and Eddie makes his way over to you. He catches wind of your and Maxâs conversation of how your son looks just like the two of you. When Max slips away to grab her things, Eddie places his hands on your hips from behind and rests his chin on your shoulder.Â
âWanna make another one and see if they look more like you or me?â
Just the thought sends a pleasant tingle down your spine.
âYouâre on, Munson. Meet me in our room. Nap time.â
âBretâs or mine?â
A snort of laughter bursts out of you, causing Eddie to smile and only hold onto you tighter.Â
#eddie munson#eddie munson x reader#eddie munson x you#eddie munson x y/n#eddie munson fan fiction#eddie munson fanfic#eddie munson fic#eddie munson imagine#dad!eddie#request
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Not to make everything about my ship, but if I don't do it no one will, so today we are making meta analysis of Boothill's faceoff match about henghill, because the differences between Boothill's stand off with Luka and his one with Dan Heng- and what you can infer about Boothill himself and what catches his eye in a person- makes me chew concrete.
JUST. I loved the scene between Luka and Boothill so much. I love how wildly unrestrained Boothill is. He really just shoved the barrel of his gun in his opponent's face and put the fear of death into him as a way to test Luka's resolve. I utterly adore him. I hope he does it again. Anyway.
When confronted with all this, Luka freezes. His stress-induced hallucinations were already bad, but you can see how they really ramp up in this match, because before, they were always something familiar. Previous enemies became Silvermanes, or Belobogian automatons, or even Cocolia. Luka is far from home for the first time in his life, and he's so terribly homesick his brain is making everything familiar, because that is what he's desperately craving right now.
But Boothill.
Boothill is something so new, and unique, and horrific and terrifying, that he becomes something entirely unknown to Luka. His hallucination manifests as Something Unto Death, as the very fear of death itself.
And this stand off (which I love so much that this is how this match progressed, because like that's literally just Boothill's in-game skill; he locks the enemy into a one-on-one duel, so this was extremely in character for him) lasts long enough that Owlbert starts having to fill in the silence over the loudspeaker,
and even Boothill himself starts trying to push Luka into making a decision one way or the other.
Given that Boothill is a hunter by trade and is proven to have all the patience to track his prey and then some, this was more for Luka's sake than any impatience on his part, to try to shove him out of his freeze reaction.
And Boothill isn't really hard to read throughout this whole exchange, he all but says outright what he's looking for.
Boothill wants to see him surpass this test and come at him! You can see it in his face when Luka finally takes a step! And in how he congratulates him!
And then he fucking shot him snxhsjksjsn
Boothill admires courage, and bravery, and decisiveness. He admires a person's ability to put their life on the line and still fight in the face of danger and overwhelming odds. Those are the things that catch his eye.
And Luka does kind of get there eventually, but it is a stalling, halting motion that gets him there, and he fell to pieces immediately afterwards. This is his first time with this, and he's still figuring it out.
Dan Heng, on the other hand.
Boothill's stand off with Dan Heng from 2.2 is so fucking far in the total opposite direction that it is HILARIOUS.
Boothill literally breaks into the Astral Express, ambushes Dan Heng, and Dan Heng still has the balls to not only demand info out of Boothill- like doesn't even ask nicely, demands it- he also just straight up calls Boothill a liar. Right to his face! And he still isn't nice about it!!
By the way, that entire conversation? This is how it takes place.
Boothill, phrasing!!
Boothill has him at gunpoint! Dan Heng does not have his weapon with him! He does not flinch, and even stands there with his arms crossed seeming simultaneously pissed and utterly unimpressed. He looks like he should be irritably tapping his foot and looking down his nose at him. Dan Heng could not give less of a shit.
For that matter, Dan Heng even turns his back and walks away from Boothill- right in the middle of him talking, too! Not a single attempt to be considerate of the man who could decide any moment he feels like decorating the wall with Dan Heng's brains.
Dan Heng is brave and courageous and completely unflappable in the face of danger. He is ruthless and decisive in how he conducts himself, even when staring down the barrel of a gun. And through his efforts in Penacony, he shows the ability to put his life on the line and fight through overwhelming odds to save his once-in-a-lifetime companions.
No wonder Dan Heng caught Boothill's eye the way he did, no wonder the two of them were working together and bantering not even minutes after Boothill pulled a gun on him haha
#honkai star rail#hsr#hsr 2.5#henghill#bootheng#boothill#hsr boothill#luka strongarm#hsr luka#dan heng#hsr dan heng#SORRY LUKA#poor baby really drew the short end of the straw here fjdklfjdlsak#but I love how realistic his reaction was. it made for a really good obstacle in his story!!#and it really showcases what a weirdo Dan Heng is haha#...Boothill too for that matter. They're both weirdos lbr fjkdlsajk#and it was a really good interaction for Boothill too!#it was wonderful to see how far he can swing into the extremes and how he comes off to people less accustomed to him.#and also what he seems to want to see in people and considers worthy of praise or admiration.#tl;dr I need to write a henghill love at first fight scene so BAD
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Fire and water dont mix, a disgustingly unfair, universal truth.
Triggers- infertility, light pregnancy loss, anger.

âKatz, I think Iâm readyâŠâ He glanced up from his phone and raised his eyebrow, smirk growing wildly across his face.
âFor anal?â He teased, knowing damn well youd shot him down every time hed tried.
âFor a baby.â Your serious tone shocked him, he instantly put his phone down and sat up, worry encapsulating his face like it was taking it hostage.
âOh. ShitâŠ.okay, yeah? Think weâre ready?â
His tone changed from a playful tease to an embarrassed, nervous mess. He tried to keep his calm demeanour, but the thought of you now wanting a family made his throat dry up instantly. He wanted it to obviously, youd been together for 6 years and always talked about it, now cute it would be, how theyâd definitely have his quirk and furrowed brows, but it always seemed like a distance dream, a foggy promise that one day youd try.
He pulled you into his lap, worry dancing behind his crimson eyes, you knew him better than himself and could see the thoughts, the worries, the anxiety, but you could also see the flicker of excitement.
âOnly if you want to, I justâŠ.i canât keep pretending I donât want to cuddle every baby I see in the grocery store. Theyâre so fucking cute, and man can you IMAGINE how cute ours would be?! Theyâd be all chubby cheeks and fat rolls, it would be hilariously adorableâŠtheyâd totally have a steam quirk or something too, your explosions and my waterâŠâ
You were now lost in your excitement, this was different to the other times youd talked about it, the realisation that it could happen soon made your body ache for it more. He noticed the excitement rise in you, the way you couldnt shut up about it like word vomit, completely and utterly Ingrossed in your own world where you had babies surrounding you. He wanted to make you happy, and a part of him deep down did feel like he wanted the family now, he was justâŠscared.
He tipped your chin towards him as you contained to babble, pressing his lips to yours only momentarily shutting you up. You sank into his kiss, the unspoken words of confirmation that he wanted it to.
âOkay, we can try. Plus, I fucking hate using those condoms anyway, so I guess it means I can blow them bastards up now ey..â
His smirk returned, you smiled up at him and wrapped your arms around him, squeezing him at your excitement. You were going to try for a family, the next step in your life together.
You sat in the doctors office, hands shaking in your lap with one of Katsukis resting ontop of them. His hand was firm and hot, he was getting angry. He stared into the doctors eyes as if he was ready to burn his soul into atoms, as if all of this was somehow his fault alone. But it wasnât. No body could have predicted that your body would reject a fetus, that Katsukis explosion quirk wouldnt mix properly with your water quirk, and that when his sperm fertilised your egg, the resulting mismatch of quirks would destroy the cells. It was nobodies fault. But not even All Might himself could convince Katsuki of this fact.
As the doctor continued to apologise, reiterating that there were different things you both could try, and that technology was advancing at an experiential rate so that hopefully in the near future you could try again and theyâd be able to help, the tears welled in your eyes. You felt completely useless, you couldnât give katsukis the baby youd begged him for, you couldnt do the one biological function you were meant to, your heart shattered the more the realisation set in. You couldnt have a baby with him. Maybe couldnt have one at all, your body was failing you on every front it could. You clung to katsukis arm, begging and pleading that there had to be something you could try, that if they just took your quirk away that it would be fine, youd happily give up being a hero if it meant youd have a chance at being a mother.
The doctor could feel your pain, he placed a hand on your shoulder and shook his head slightly, which only made the tears stream harder down your face, you cried into katsukis arm which remained as tensed as physically possible. He felt disgusted with himself, with his quirk. How dare it kill everything in its path, even a group of cells, even the idea of the family he was now more desperately wanting. He hated himself, even more now that he had ripped the only thing youd ever wanted away from you. A thousand thoughts and questions plagued his mind, different ways he could give you the baby you wanted. Maybe he could ask Kirishima, maybe his sperm would work better with your quirk, maybe that way you could have the life you always wanted, be it not his he didnât care, his pride and selfishness dissipated as he tried desperately to find a solution.
You could see the guilt and anger eating away at him, you squeezed him tighter as the doctor left the room for you both to process the information.
âKatz itâs okay, we can try adoption or somethingâŠim sorry I drowned your flames, I canâtâŠmy bodyâŠâ Your voice cracking as you tried to apologise, tried to assure him that just because your body had failed you both, it didnt mean the end. He stood up aggressively, making you recoil.
â MY FUCKING QUIRK!â He slammed a chair into the wall opposite you both, âit always got me everything I wanted, made me strong, made me the best, but how can I be the best when im burning everything up inside you?! I fucking knew it, how dare I be happy for once in my lifeâŠâ
He stormed around the room, burning the paper work and files on the doctors table.
âYoull leave me and have a baby with someone elseâŠprobably fucking izuku knowing my lucky, just for the universe to punish me furtherâŠâ
His anger was becoming too much, the air in the room making it harder for you to breath the hotter it got, you tried to stand up and walk to him but he turned and scowled at you, making you recoil terrified hed unleash his anger out on you. Heâd never hurt you, you knew this, but youd never seen him this angry, this hurt before. Heâd stared at you as you cowered away from him slightly, his face now dropping at the sight of you being scared of him. He dropped to his knees infront of you, cradling your stomach.
âIm sorry I justâŠ.i failed you. I canât even give you the one thing you wanted most in this world. What kind of pro hero am I if I canât even save our babyâŠâ
The tears rolled down his cheeks, soaking the lower half of your shirt, you reached to his cheek and brushed some tears away, your own almost blocking your vision as you crouched down and pressed your forehead to his.
âItâs okay Katz, itâs not your faultâŠyou heard the doctors, itâs me, my body, my quirk. Im sorry. I love you so much.â You cried into each other, words failing as your sobs took over. The room felt suffocatingly small, like it was shrinking around both of you, pulling you both to a cruel, painful death.
The doctor walked back into the room, glancing around at the destruction and smoke, then at the two of you cradled together crying into each other on the floor.
âThere is something you can try. Itâs experimental and there is no guarantee that it will work, but if youâre both happy to try we can get the appropriate room ready and start trailing it todayâŠâ Katsuki stumbled to his feet, advancing towards the doctor like he was either going to kill him or hug him. He stopped before the doctors feet, nearly knocking into him as he regained his balance,
âWhat is it? Weâll do it. I donât care how much it is or how difficult it is, weâll do it.â The desperation in his voice wasnt lost on any of you. He put his hands on the doctors shoulders, shaking him slightly at his impatience.
âItâll depend on y/n.â They both looked over at you still sat on the floor, tears still streaming as you cradled your legs. âIf sheâs okay to go through with it, we can start right away. ButâŠ.it wonât be easy, or particularly pleasant. Itâll be painful and could potentially mean you lose your quirkâŠâ
âIâll do it! Anything. PleaseâŠ.anything.â You stood and walked over to katsuki, who let go of the doctor and cradled you into his chest.
The doctor nodded and lead you both to a quiet, clinical side room. It had a bed, two machines next to it, and a small chair. It was bigger than the previous room, but the weight inside of it of anticipation and uncertainty made it feel no bigger than a broom closet. Katsuki walked you to the bed and helped you climb on it, sitting by your side and helping you put your hair up. You both looked at the doctor as three other nurses walked in, alongside another two doctors you hadnât met yet. You were an experiment, a theory, you felt like a lab rat cornered with no escape, but you stifled back your anxiety and tried to calm yourself. You were ready to do whatever it took, quirk or not.
#bnha bakugou#mha bakugou#bakugou x reader#bnha bakugo katsuki#bakugou katsuki#bakugo katuski#katsuki bakugo mha#katsuki bakugo x reader#bakugo#bakugo katsuki#bnha angst#light angst#anime fanfic#bakugo angst#mha angst#angst#angst with a happy ending#bnha#katsuki bakugou#bhna#bakugo x female reader#bakugo x reader#bakugou fluff#bakugou katsuki x reader#bakugou katuski x reader#bakugou x y/n#katsuki bakugou x reader#bakugou x you#mha bakugo katsuki#katsuki x you
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could I request floyd, epel, riddle, ace and idia with a spanish speaking s/o? I can just imagine them talking smack about the boys after they do something stupid (kinda like how epel just goes full accent mode when heâs upset) or out of nowhere speaking full blown spanish to them just to see how they would reactđđ
Translation magic is canon in twst, but I'm just going to ignore that for this post.
Floyd, Epel, Riddle, Ace, and Idia with a Spanish speaking s/o
Floyd:
-He thinks it's hilarious when you yell at other people in Spanish, and he always bugs you into telling him exactly what you said. It's not nearly as funny when you're yelling at him instead. He wants to learn your language, but his motivation to study varies wildly, so he's really only learned a few basics and all of the curse words.
Epel:
-Epel wants you to teach him Spanish, and he's teaching you his language in exchange. He's actually not bad at it, but he still messes up sometimes. Epel also really enjoys it when you show him Spanish cuisine, and he really wants to try cooking some of your favorite dishes with you.
Riddle:
-He started learning your language once the two of you got together, and he's rather good at it. Riddle can now hold full conversations with you, which is more than can be said for others. Hopefully you can forgive him for flaunting his lingual skills in front of your friends who don't understand Spanish.
Ace:
-He's trying his best to learn, but his pronunciation is terrible. Ace's "lessons" mostly consist of him pointing to something and asking you what it's called in Spanish. He will then proceed to repeat it over and over until you get sick of him butchering the word, or until he manages to get it right.
Idia:
-One of the first things he did when you started dating was give Ortho the ability to speak Spanish. Now he helps Idia with learning the language. However, Idia's keeping his lessons a secret until he feels like he's good enough to actually talk to you in Spanish. Well, he tries to, until the moment you compliment him in Spanish, thinking that he won't understand you, and his whole face turns pink.
#floyd leech#floyd x reader#epel felmier#epel x reader#riddle rosehearts#riddle x reader#ace trappola#ace x reader#idia shroud#idia x reader#twisted wonderland#twst reader insert#twst x reader#twst
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