#i’ll be listening to it on the way to class and actively restraining myself from skipping along

[pallases]

i am once again gazing with heart eyes at my village festival playlist

[adventures-in-a-world-of-fiction]

The Leverage/Stargate fic I’ll probably never write

I have an idea for a Leverage/Stargate crossover fic but no drive to actually write it. So I’m going to lay down the plot summary of the story that exists in my head. If anyone wants to take some or all of this idea and flesh it out into a full story, you’re welcome to it.

AU!Eliot Spencer went to work for Stargate Command early on in its existence and has been there ever since. He's extremely good at his job but in a ruthless way that has everyone at best wary of him and at worst terrified. He's the guy you send on the most dangerous missions, but he's also the guy you send when you want something awful doing without any questions asked.

The Goa'uld have put a bomb in a child and killing the child is the only way to stop it going off and killing thousands? Eliot Spencer is your guy. The megadeathray gun is surrounded by slaves as human shields? Eliot Spencer is the guy who will blow it up while everyone else is busy arguing about whether there's a better way. Need someone to headshot a Goa'uld and not care about the innocent host? He's the guy who will pull the lever on your trolley problem while everyone else is still arguing the ethical ramifications.

They keep him around because he is really good at his job but also because everything he does is technically for the greater good and you can see the logic in shooting the guy with the alien virus before he can spread it and cause a plague but still, you'd think the guy would show a little remorse about shooting an innocent person in the head. So he doesn't really have friends in the SGC just reluctant allies, but he's doing good and saving the world in his own, violent way.

But then one of the science teams discover something that's giving off the same sort of energy readings as the quantum mirror and Eliot is there to act as bodyguard/escort to the scientists. They bring the shiny, aliens toys back through the Gate but then something gets activated by accident, zapping Eliot, and then suddenly canon!Eliot is there in the base, with an apron and a wooden spoon because he was in the middle of cooking dinner.

Naturally, he's immediately on the offensive because he's apparently been kidnapped and these people are all in military uniform, so he starts fighting and takes down six marines with a wooden spoon but then AU!Eliot is there fighting him and they're evenly matched. Neither can get an upper hand and they only stop when someone shoots them both with a zat while they're locked in combat and knocks them out.

Eliot wakes up heavily restrained and they try to explain that they think he's been pulled from a parallel universe and of course Eliot doesn't believe a word of it because it sounds like something from one of Hardison's weird TV shows, and the guy who looked like him was clearly a trick. He's scared that the other Eliot is part of some plot to get to his team and so of course he's not going to give them any sort of cooperation. Everyone else is scared of him because they know how scary their Eliot Spencer is and they don't want to get on the wrong side of him, but they need to get one of the techs to try and undo what was done, so they get one of the team to bring in the alien gizmo - and it's Hardison.

The Hardison of this world was still a computer genius and got recruited to get alien and human tech to work together. He doesn't really know Eliot because the techs tend to spend most of their time with other techs generally, but also that guy's scary. He really doesn't want to be in the same room as two of them, glaring at each other, because if their Eliot Spencer is the good version, he really doesn't want to know what the evil mirror universe Eliot Spencer is like. But he drew the short straw so he's got to come in and try to get some tech they barely understand to zap this guy back to where he came from.

Canon!Eliot recognises Hardison at once but thinks that he's here as part of a con as a rescue mission, so he pretends to have no idea who he is, but plays along. When Hardison starts explaining about parallel universes and alternate timelines and quantum mirrors, Eliot listens and pretends he might start to believe this technobabble and asks questions like he's starting to be convinced. The first test to send Eliot back to his universe doesn't work but he agrees to cooperate if Hardison keeps working to send him home, because he needs to get out of these restraints anyway if Hardison's rescue plan is to have any chance of succeeding. And the other people who are around standing guard or watching the events unfold are surprised that Eliot would believe Hardison over an alternate universe version of himself.

"Of course I don't trust me. I know me!"

But AU!Eliot knows him too and thinks that he's been convinced too easily and that this is a trick. He knows he would never be so quick to believe a total stranger and thinks that Eliot is just lying to get out of the restraints and then he'll start fighting everyone again, probably taking that tech as a hostage.

But while all this is going on, people are referring to Hardison by his real name and talking to him like he's been here for years, and canon!Eliot starts getting weirded out because Hardison would never use his real name in a con and he has a very distinctive tell when he's playing a part and he's not showing that tell now.

AU!Eliot wouldn't just announce that he doesn't think this guy is telling the truth so he beckons whatever senior officer is present over to the far corner so that they can talk quietly but he can still keep an eye on canon!Eliot and warns him about what he thinks the guy is planning. Meanwhile, Hardison is still running tests on canon!Eliot with the alien tech and now no one is close enough to overhear, so Eliot lets his hair hang in front of his face to shield his mouth from the security cameras and whispers, "Is Parker okay?"

Hardison just goes, "Who's Parker?" in a voice loud enough that everyone in the room can hear it.

"Damn it, Hardison!"

The senior office asks Hardison what happened and he repeats back exactly what Eliot said to him. That's what convinces Eliot that this is real because he knows that Hardison would never do anything to expose Parker and he wouldn't blurt something like that out in the middle of a con after all the years they've been doing this.

"You're not my Hardison, are you?"

"Your Hardison?!"

And Eliot tries to then convince them that he now believes them, even though they're more suspicious than ever because he was pretending to believe them before. Eliot just looks at Hardison and says, "I swear on your Nana's chicken, chilli caserole recipe that I won't hurt you if you let me out of these restraints."

Everyone else is really confused but Hardison is astonished because Nana's chicken chilli caserole recipe is sacred. It's a family secret, but she will only give the recipe to family members she deems worthy, meaning that only one of her foster kids has ever been told it and Hardison (who consists off gummy frogs and orange soda in every universe) has never so much glimpsed the page it's written on. It's a meal that is served on the specialest of special occasions and Nana would guard that recipe with her life.

"You know Nana's recipe?"

"I proved myself worthy at your engagement party. She gave me the recipe for the wedding."

"I'm married in your universe?!"

"Not legally." Because three-way unions aren't legal and besides, the guy they had officiate their wedding dropped out of priest school to become an insurance agent con artist, so it's not exactly official, but that's never stopped them. Hardison is still confused but thinks that maybe it wasn't legal because of gay marriage rules and this means he had an unofficial commitment ceremony to Eliot Spencer. He has to sit down while he processes this.

After some discussion, they let Eliot out of the restraints and he spends a little bit of time in the SGC while Hardison works on the tech. He talks to the alternate version of himself and suggests he take a cooking class and tells him he should get to know Hardison better because, "Once you get past the annoying surface part that makes you want to murder him, he's one of the smartest, bravest, and best people you could ever hope to meet, and half the irritating stuff he does is just to make you smile."

"And the other half?"

"He's just being irritating," but Eliot says this with a soft, caring smile that AU!Eliot hasn't seen in his reflection in a very long time and that makes him think it's worth giving it a shot.

And Eliot talks to Hardison too, telling him that he has absolute trust in his ability to work out all this alien tech stuff and get him home safely because he has people there who need him because he doesn't trust Hardison to feed himself any with more nutritional value than gummy frogs without him there to take care of him. And he convinces Hardison to take a chance on this universe's Eliot because if anyone can get past his defences, it's him. Or Parker, but she doesn't seem to be around in this universe.

And that seems like the perfect moment for Parker to appear out of a vent because she wanted to give herself a challenge breaking into a facility with more security than any museum and she's been listening in on all of this stuff as it unfolds.

So this universe's Hardison and Eliot convince the SGC guards not to shoot Parker because she has a really useful skillset, and canon!Eliot wishes them luck as he gets sent bak to his own world, where his Parker and Hardison are in the middle of tearing the criminal underworld into a million pieces to find out what happened to him.

[redhoodieone]

I Want to Suck Your “C”

A/N: Hiiii everyone! I haven’t written smut in so long, so I thought…what the hell? Write something dirty for the hell of it! So, here it is! Hope you enjoy it! P.S…if this becomes a big hit…I’ll write a Part 2 where Jason Todd returns the favor for the reader and eats her…you know…hahahha!!!!

Warnings: Smut…language…just filthy stuff.

Plot: Reader wants to suck Jason’s cock so bad. He doesn’t mind one bit. Once they’re alone in church, she shows him how much she needs him. Two horny teenagers in Catholic school give into temptation and they soon learn being bad is so good.

  I Want to Suck Your “C”

I know I shouldn’t be proud. This revelation should be a wakeup call to get help, or go all our church services to beg for mercy and forgiveness.

Because what would my parents say if they found out I was secretly a cock slut? What if they think if I just came right out and said I’m a cum slut...

For Jason fucking Todd.

Here I am, an eighteen-year-old who is about to graduate from St. Mary’s Catholic School, sitting in the church with my other classmates and listening to Father Peter telling us stories about...wait for it...

Temptation.

I silently whimper, wiggling my ass in my seat to properly pull down my plaid skirt to my knees, but the length isn’t as long as it should be. I swallow hard when I chance a glance at the other side of seats where Jason Todd is sitting with his friends.

For an eighteen-year-old boy, Jason isn’t like the other guys in our grade who still look like they’re growing out of puberty. Already taller than most boys, Jason’s body is as masculine as I could imagine despite always wearing his school uniform of gray slacks, a white button down, blue blazer, and blue and yellow striped tie. I can’t lie and say I’ve never noticed how his pants really define his rather large bulge and how his biceps flex every time he’s reaching out to throw a football on the front steps of the church before and after school.

And don’t get me started on his dark hair and blueish/gray eyes. The guy could be a fucking model when he graduates, but the sexiest guy in school has already claimed he wants to become a priest.

If Jason Todd really becomes a priest, consider me his devoted believer.

Or sinner...

I can’t really say that I disagree with Jason’s future plans considering I do know for a fact that he had a very rough past. Details about his upbringing and parents have never been discussed amongst us peers as Father Peters and our other teachers have told us Jason’s past will always remain a secret. But they couldn’t blame us for being curious anyways since Jason was brought into the church and school when he was just fourteen years old  after getting into dangerous trouble. Father Peters actually saved Jason’s life, and in a way, he gave Jason a second chance at life.

And he gave him a home here in the church.

Maybe that’s why Jason is dead set on becoming a priest...maybe to help others and give them a second chance at life.

I’m completely staring at Jason now. He’s facing forward, listening to Father Peters ramble on and on, while I’m imagining the ways I would commit sin and give into temptation to Jason Todd.

I would suck his cock.

Fuck that. I WANT to suck his cock.

Damn...I bet Jason has a big, heavy, thick cock.

I mean, his hands and feet are huge, and I overheard from some other girls that the size of hands and feet could confirm boys’ dick sizes.

Even my best friend Bree had said her boyfriend Ryan’s dick size was accurate from just the size of his big hands and feet.

My mouth waters from just thinking about Jason’s cock. I bet if I sucked him hard and swallow his dick good that he’d shoot his hot, delicious cum down my throat and have such an amazing orgasm all because of me.

But then to my horror, Jason turns around in his seat and spots me staring at him like a psychotic, creepy stalker. Embarrassed and wanting to die in this church, I slowly sink in my seat and force my eyes away from him.

What the hell is wrong with me? Why am I suddenly losing my cool? How in the world could I be so fucking horny?

True, as a Catholic teenager, I admit I haven’t ever engaged in any sexual activities because of my vow to wait until marriage. But just because I’m saving myself until marriage doesn’t mean I have to ignore and suffer through the agony and war of my sexual urges. And it’s simple: I masturbate.

Most of the time it works. I’m no stranger when it comes to massaging and pinching my sensitive nipples or finger fucking my pussy until I literally explode through my wet release. But lately my uncontrolled horniness seems to be coming from my longtime crush Jason who has lately been hanging around my inner circle.

True, we do have mutual friends and we are in most of each other’s classes, but I can’t help but wonder why. Why is Jason always close by? Why does Jason always look like he’s watching out for me when I’m by myself?

And why is Jason staring at me right now during our church service?

From just the corner of my eye, I can see Jason staring at me with an unreadable expression.

Is he mad at me for staring at him first?

Is he wondering what my deal is?

Is he trying to tell me I need to get help or he’s going to file a restraining order against me?

The church bell soon rings, and we’re all dismissed to go home.

Standing in the hallway just outside the church doors, I slide my messenger bag over my shoulder. I then notice everyone had quickly taken off to go home. Skipping my way down to the doors, a hand grabs a hold of my elbow and tugs me backwards until my back hits against a strong chest.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

Jason Todd.

I would recognize that deep, addictive, and unforgettable voice anywhere. 

I initially freeze. Is he really talking to me right now, after I made a complete idiot of myself for staring at him like he’s some sort of expensive prime rib?

“I said, where do you think you’re going, Y/N?”

I’m suddenly being turned around to face him. His hands move up from my elbows to my shoulders. I’m able to finally see how serious he is and how he wants me to answer to him.

So, I look up at him and squeak an answer out like a mouse because I apparently can’t speak like a human being. “Home.”

Jason raises an eyebrow. “You’re really going to go home right now?”

His hands are still gripping me, and I swear his fingertips are rubbing hard through my blazer so I can feel him touching me.

“Well, everyone else has gone home so...I have to go, too,” I answer weakly.

Jason licks his lips and instantly smiles down at me. “That’s a shame...because I thought you wanted to stay behind and explain why you were staring at me like you wanted to eat me.”

You mean, eat your cock. I think to myself.

“About that, I’m really sorry I was doing that to you earlier. It was...very creepy of me to do that,” I apologize, feeling more embarrassed about how stupid I am, and how I can’t handle this stupid crush I have on him. “I won’t do it again. I know it bothers people, and I-I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

“But you didn’t make me feel uncomfortable,” Jason speaks out fast and stares into my eyes. His pupils are blown. “In fact, you made me feel like you wanted to do something...”

“Something?” I whisper.

Jason leans in closer to me. I can feel his hot breath on me. He smells so fucking good. He must be wearing a woodsy type of cologne, and his breath smells minty from chewing gum earlier.

His lips practically touching mine, but there’s still that thin open space between us.

“Yeah...but what? What were you wanting to do...to me, sweetheart?” Jason whispers.

“I wanted to suck your cock.”

WHAT THE FUCK?!?!?!

DID THOSE FUCKING WORDS JUST LEAVE MY FUCKING MOUTH?!?!

Holy shit, Y/N!

I stare at Jason; horrified and humiliated at how blunt I am, how I can’t keep my sexual thoughts to myself, and how I’m going to have to change schools because of this!

Jason is going to hate me now. Any chances I had with him before graduating school are now gone.

I need to leave. I need to get the hell out of here now. I need to leave town.

I force myself to look up at him after having my eyes shut tightly in fear from what I did. But Jason’s eyes are not angry. He doesn’t seem offended or even weirded out.

In fact, Jason looks...horny.

His eyes have darkened, and his pupils are huge. His hands grip my shoulders tighter and I can see he’s breathing kind of hard; almost restraining himself.

“I’m sorry. I’m so-so sorry for what I said. Please. Please don’t hate me,” I plead, after noticing he hasn’t moved or said a word to me. “Let’s just pretend this never happened. Okay? Let’s just pretend I never said that and I never meant it.”

I expect Jason to leave now. I even expect him to tell Father Peters what I said.

But no. What Jason does next is something I could have never imagined.

“No.”

I blink a few times. “Excuse me?”

“I said no. No, I don’t want to pretend this never happened.”

“But...but I seriously made you uncomfortable. I know you don’t like me, but-”

“That’s bullshit! Of course, I fucking like you, Y/N! I’ve always liked you!” Jason snaps, obviously angry at me for a reason. “Why do you think I’ve been hanging around you more? And don’t tell me it’s because of our friends, because if you watched me more, you would see I was the one staring at you the whole time.”

I softly smile. “Really?”

“Hell yeah, Y/N. You’re so fucking beautiful, and that completely confuses the shit out of me that you can’t or don’t see that.”

I open my mouth to speak but Jason beats me to it again.

“I want to eat your pussy.”

My eyes widen at Jason’s confession. I don’t know what startled me more: Jason having a dirty mouth and swearing, or him actually admitting he wants to go down on me?

Maybe both.

I feel like I’m dreaming. I’m probably asleep in the church from earlier. Oh yes. I fell asleep during Father Peters’ story.

Jason pulls me towards him until our bodies touch. I feel his lips against my ear. “Is that something you’d want, Y/N? Huh? Is that something you’d want me to do to you?”

I feel my pussy tingling with excitement. I know I’m getting so wet in my panties. I rub my thighs together but unknowingly rub myself against Jason during the process.

“Do you want me to eat that delicious, wet pussy of yours?” Jason whispers to me.

“Only if I can suck your cock, Jason.”

Jason quickly pulls back to look down at me with such heat and adoration that he kisses me hard. He wastes no time licking and nibbling my bottom lip for me to open my mouth. His tongue searching throughout my mouth, rubbing against my tongue, and just swallowing each other’s moans is everything I’ve ever dreamed of.

Breathless, we pull away from each other; but not for long.

“Father Peters won’t be back for another half hour. Let’s go to the church.”

Not even a second to think, I agree with Jason’s suggestion. We need to be alone now.

Jason takes my hand and leads me into the dark silent church. We stand behind the alter where no one could see us unless they turned on the light. But with the sun still out for another hour, we could see each other just fine.

He quickly brings me close to him so our bodies are touching. He slams his lips against mine and we fall back deeply into our kiss. I can feel his hands running down my shoulders, down my back, until he grabs a hold of my ass with both hands.

I moan into his mouth. I allow my hands to rub his hard chest until I move my hands down his abs and eventually down to his crotch area.

I pull my lips away from his only enough so I can whisper to him. “I want to suck your cock so badly, Jason. I want to suck so hard. I want you to fuck my mouth until you cum. I want to taste your cum so much. I’ll swallow every single fucking drop until you can’t give me more. I just want you, Jason. I want every inch of your masculinity, please,” I plead like a desperate little slut. And I literally feel no shame or embarrassment now.

I can see Jason’s hunger for me in his eyes. He’s panting so much right now that I know for a fact this won’t last long.

“Fuck...doll. Are you my cock slut? Huh? Are you my cum slut now? You want my cock and cum, don’t you?” Jason asks me breathlessly.

I grip his tie so hard. I’m having the hardest time controlling myself until he gives me the green light. “YES! Oh God, yes Jason! I’m your cock slut! I’m your cum slut! I want your cock and cum so much! Please let me!”

Jason grins cockily and unzips his pants. “Drop to your knees, Y/N.”

I fall to my knees. Hard. But I don’t care. I’ll handle the pain because nothing is more important than Jason’s cock.

Unbuckling his belt, I waste no time pulling down his boxers until his long, hard, thick cock slaps against his stomach. I stare in amazement. It’s everything I imagined it to be. I quickly reach up to grab a hold of dick just so I can lick the tip, sucking and swallowing his precum like I’m drinking from a ripe peach.

“Oh fuck...Y/N,” Jason moans out breathlessly. His hand quickly runs through my hair until he’s holding a good handful of it to tug. “Suck my cock good, sweetheart.”

I moan from just the smell and taste of him. Despite the natural sweat of his, his scent is pure musk and it’s just...so Jason.

Jason is literally all man. And I love that.

I then lick his cock from the base back to the tip while looking up into eyes. “Go ahead, Jason. Fuck my mouth. Give me everything you’ve got.”

“Y/N...”

I wrap my lips around his cock while holding the rest I can’t fit into my mouth. Slowly, I begin to bob my head back and forth just to get used to Jason’s cock. I’ve never sucked a dick before so I just try to go along with what seems like could feel good and by the hot sounds coming from Jason.

Jason begins to pant hard; moaning every time I swallow his cock only to pull back and suck his sensitive tip just to get a response from him.

And that’s what I’m getting myself off on: Jason’s moans.

I grab a hold of his hips and begin to push him into my mouth: showing him he has my permission to thrust in my mouth. He starts off slow; gradually gaining speed when he sees that I can take his cock no matter what.

I could feel myself wetting more in my pantries. With one hand, I reach down under my skirt and rub myself against my underwear; feeling the juices I’m making because of this hot guy.

“Ah shit...oh fuck...Y/N,” Jason moans louder. “You suck my cock so good. Fuck...you like sucking my cock, don’t you? You like sucking my big cock?”

I nod my head and moan my answer; humming around his cock that vibrates and makes him whine.

God, I fucking love destroying this guy with my mouth.

I quickly glance up and see Jason with his head tilted back and eyes shut tightly when I begin to go faster. I start to jack him off fast, gripping his cock in a tight fist while sucking harder. I moan around his cock to encourage him to fuck my mouth with every hard thrust he’s giving me.

His hips colliding against me doesn’t bother me at all. The way his cock goes farther and farther into my mouth makes my eyes water, but his whiny moans and the thought of him cumming because of me is worth it.

I start to imagine Jason fucking my pussy. I imagine him fucking me with his deep, hard, and fast thrusts. I know he could make me scream his name and cum. I could cum right now just because of what I’m doing to him.

“Y/N...I’m-I’m gonna cum,” Jason moans and grips my hair tightly. He’s breathless. He’s whimpering because he’s going to cum hard. “Fuck...I’m gonna cum in your mouth. I wanna see my cum on your tongue.”

Just the thought of Jason cumming from me is what I want the most. I know once this is over that this can’t be the end.

It just can’t be.

Suddenly, Jason thrusts hard three times in my mouth; gasping and choking out my name as he cums hard into my mouth; spurting and coating my throat and tongue.

“Y/N...” Jason moans my name. “Fuck...”

It’s delicious. Jason gently pulls away from me as I sit up straighter on my knees and open my mouth for him.

There on my tongue. Jason’s cum. Hot and delicious, just for me.

“Fuck doll...do you like my cum? Does it taste good?” he asks, panting hard from his orgasm.

I swallow all of it. “I love it. It’s yummy.”

Jason’s eyes darken again from what I said. He growls. He immediately almost turns into a predator as he kneels down to the floor and crawls over to me.

Without any warning, Jason pushes me down onto my back. Lying down on the floor, he gets on top of me only to pull down my skirt and panties. I squeal when his hands finally settle on my hips only to hold me down.

My bare pussy is on display. Just for Jason.

 With a cocky grin, he looks into my eyes and licks his lips.

 “I want to eat your pussy.”

[queen-of-the-trash-planet-tm]

Knock Knock. Who’s There? (Jasonette) (continuation of The Most Vibriant Color)

Orange. Orange was the color of pill bottles, the eyes of vampiric bats in the night, and the tint of the orange plastics that polluted the earth. Orange was the color of a shirt Jason Todd was trying to pack. The voices finally broke him into going to Paris and now he needed to pack. Jason had no idea how long he would be there, but he also had no plans of returning to Gotham anytime soon. Dick walked into the room, “Dickie boy, what’s up?”

The older adoptee stared at his brother, “Are you sure you want to leave? You just got back.”

Jason didn’t just want to go, he needed to leave. If the pit madness didn’t drive him insane, the constant way Bruce and Dick treated him like he was a bomb just waiting to explode would. They claimed they missed him, mourned him, wept oh so many tears, but in the end they had just replaced him. Jason would never be Dick; he knew it; Bruce knew it; hell, Dick himself said he would never be good enough.

The steel blue orbs bore into Jason’s making him shift uncomfortably, “Then it will feel like I never came back,” he laughed but Dick found no humor in his words, “Listen Dick, I’m not you. I’m going to be fine.”

Jason wasn’t fine, not right now, not in Gotham. He was suffocating. Loneliness was a silent killer, one worse then the Joker. Jason knew it would kill him all over again if he didn’t do anything to stop it. Dick didn’t understand, he was the golden child. Dick was the first, the better Robin, the most charming, respectful, and kind one of the Bat’s kids. He lived a good life in the circus with his family and then immediately be adopted by one of, if not, the richest men in the world. Dick didn’t grow up on the streets, he wasn’t treated like an outsider in his adopted family, he wasn’t toyed with, frayed, bruised, ripped, or mutilated like Jason. A stranger in his own body is what Jason was.

All of these feeling were internalized of course. What’s the point of talking about the emptiness that plagued him, when everyone was already moved on? Jason had no purpose anymore. Why would Bruce miss one of his thousand kids? Jason was just another passion project... right? Did he serve any real purpose to begin with? All of these thoughts stuck with Jason. No matter how much he wished they would just go away, they would stay ever fervently whirling like a tornado inside Jason’s psyche. The only way to escape them was to leave. They’d have to, if they didn’t Jason didn’t know what he’d do. This is his last hope to try and just be a kid again. A luxury Jason was never given, this is the time where Jason reclaims the innocence that was stolen from him.

He swore it. He meant it. He was going to live it.

After Dick had finally left the room, Jason finished packing. This was the final piece to the puzzle that was Jason’s future. Gotham would lose Jason Todd again, this time by choice. What good did his return do anyway. Gotham could live without Red Hood, she could live without another troubled kid, she could live with one of her kids living without her. Gotham couldn’t live with one of her babies dying again in front of her. Paris craved chaos and by Kawamii was Jason going to raise hell while he’s there. Gotham knew this, so she passed one of her favorite boys to Paris in hopes of his life being preserved. Paris welcomed him with open arms too. What about a baker’s daughter?



Orange. A color of insincerity, empty calories, a color without substance. Orange was a color that would haunt Marinette. Everywhere she turned an Ex-friend and a liar would be there trying to gain her attention. The liar spun beautiful tales of her exploits, but she also created terrors to ruin Marinette. The pathetic excuse of a reporter pestered her into helping her tabloid of a blog, “Come on! Get me an interview with Ladybug!” She would shout, “I have to know about what happened with Rena and Carapace!”

“For the last time, Alya, I’m not in anyway, shape, or form obligated to help you. I’ve made myself very clear in stating that we aren’t friends. You talk bad about me, try to ruin my commission website, and on top of all of that you expe- no, demand something of me?!?” Marinette was furious. The insolence Alya repeatedly shown to her angered her to new bounds, “You think you are in a position to be speaking to me at this moment? Alya, I’m tired of this routine you have taken accustomed to falling into. Just because you forgot your own actions, doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten nor forgiven you for. If you come by the bakery again, I’ll put a restraining order on you in school and outside. You have become a stalker, I don’t want anything todo with you.” 

Marinette had to take deep breaths and close her eyes to calm herself down. 1... 2... 3... repeat. 1... 2... 3... repeat until calm. She could not risk akumitization, it was not an option. Ladybug couldn’t be compromised. Emotions are a luxury that Marinette cannot be awarded. Alya on the other hand, she had no control and abused that.

Once Marinette had opened her eyes, she saw a purple little butterfly touch and be absorbed by Alya’s frames. The exchange between the supervillain and Alya was brief, he didn’t have to say much before the glow of power overtook the glasses sporting journalist. Marinette thought to herself, ‘I can never catch a break, can I?’

Marinette ran, commanding the people to evacuate, to the nearest locker to hide and change in. Tikki has taken no time to change and showcase her new look. Ladybug had outgrown the red and black, polka dotted, skin tight, spandex. She was much too mature for that now. Ladybug was layered in body armor, away with the pigtails that feigned innocence. Her hair was now loosely pulled back by two braids with the rest of her hair down, now her suit was a majority of black. Marinette’s mask’s colors had been inverted. Ladybug was a guardian of the order, a leader, a symbol, she needed to update her look.

She existed the locker, yo-yo in hand. Ladybug swung to higher ground. She had no information on the powers of this akuma, it was time to play everyone’s favorite: the waiting game. This also allowed for Char Noir to get here in time. In the beginning Chat was a little pushy and childish, but after 5 years of fighting he became jaded and more serious in his role. He got himself a girlfriend that didn’t work out but she was there, became a better friend, and more importantly a friend. Chat was tired, the only reason he was still fighting is because of Ladybug. His lady needed someone to balance her out, so until they can find his replacement they’re stuck.

After 5 minutes of waiting and observing, Chat had arrived, “What’s the status? What happened Bugsboo?”

“The akuma’s in her glasses. Alya, was told off by Marinette apparently and couldn’t handle it. And before you say something about Marinette instigating, Alya was harassing her about an interview with me. I will not give her an interview either. She doesn’t want to fact check, fine. I don’t want to give her an interview.”

Chat sighed. This whole situation was getting out of hand. He lost Marinette. Alya is on a warpath. Lila keeps harassing him. Maybe it was time to build his ark while the flood rages. He’s exhausted of playing middleman, of losing important people, he’s tired of fighting. After this he would beg Marinette to accept his apology, but if she didn’t want to he’d understand. This was going on for long enough.

The fight itself only took around 30 minutes. Once the cure was done, Alya awoke to see Ladybug staring her down. Alya didn’t seem to get that Ladybug was infact angry at her, “Ladybug! Can I get an interview?”

“I believe Marinette had told you I wouldn’t be giving you anymore interviews,” she said with venom, she hadn’t meant to but it was seeping out. “I saw the messages you and the rest of you class sent her. All of the hate, I know you tried to ruin her website. And for the last time, I do not know a Lia Rogatonie or whatever her name is. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to leave. Bug Out!”

Alya was left stunned. Tears stained the cheeks of the “reporter” and she realized that she had been live-streaming the exchange. All of Alya’s followers had seen her be chewed out by the savior of Paris and Chat had only nodded. It wasn’t long after Ladybug left that Chat went in the opposite direction.

Marinette landed in an ally by the airport. She had to run home now that school was cancelled. Not actively paying attention to her surroundings, she had run into a large man. He was about 6’0 (182.88 cm) and all muscle. His jet black hair had a white streak going through it, he was devilishly handsome, and his eyes. Oh god, his eyes. They were clear blue, however, there was green infringing on them. It was a sickly green too. Marinette almost drooled at the sight of the Grecian god standing before her.

He had stumbled a bit but she had fell completely on her bottom. Marinette’s face was the same shade of her old suit design. Eventually the man had helped her up with an extended hand, “Are you okay?” He asked in rapid English.

If it wasn’t for all of the lessons Jagged and Penny had given her, she wouldn’t have understood a lick of anything he said, “Umm, I’m fine. T-Thank you,” she responded in accented English.

“You wouldn’t have the directions for Le Grand Paris would you,” he switched the language on her. “That’s where I’m staying, I got lost.”

“Oh, yes of course! I could help you get there, Monsieur...” she waited for him to fill the blanks.

“Jason,” He supplied, “Jason Todd.”

She outstretched her hand again, “Marinette Dupain-Cheng,” she said with her blindingly bright smile.

The sun was setting. A gorgeous orange glow was cast over the two as they walked towards Le Grand Paris. Each thought the other as etherial being and fell into comfortable conversation. This would be the start of a beautiful friendship and possibly romance.

A/N: This was one of my favorite things to write. Thank you to everyone who likes, comments, reblogs, and thank you for sending in the asks. They make my day like you wouldn’t believe. I never expected this many people would actually like the word vomit that comes from my mind. Also, special thanks to @/abrx2002 for the idea to make this series dealing with the entire rainbow! I was just going to do red, but now I’m doing the whole rainbow. If the series isnt done by purple, I’ll do more colors. Also if I didn’t tag you, it’s because I can only tag 50 people at a time. However, I’ll tag you in the comments!

Tag list: @abrx2002 @amayakans @mystery-5-5 @normal-piece-of-shit @st0rmy-w1th1n @mysteriouslyswimmingfan-blo-blog @g-arya @smolplantmum @rayray384 @rosa97 @drarryismylife101 @kris-pines04 @black-streak @storyteller-d @weird-pale-blonde-person @maribat-shenanigans @vivilakitty @mycupisbroken @zalladane @gingerdaile @18-fandoms-unite-08 @seraphichana @zebrabaker @northernbluetongue @jardimazul @ranger-gothamite @grimmhallow31 @finallyaniguana @persephonebutkore @rarity36 @throneoffirebreathingbitchqueen @hell-or-high-waters @moonlightstar64 @raisuke06 @evil-cricket @starwindmaden @kuroko26 @primeemeraldheiress @ladysblackcat @senpaiweird @loveswifi @2sunchild2 @timetomakeanewwish @theyellowfeverexperience @iloontjeboontje @vgirl-10123 @vixen-uchiha @winter-gardenflower @yokizu @risingmoonyue @semaalcocer-blog

[moist-astronaut]

things my friends and I have said over the last year

“I’m verbally illiterate” “Isn’t that called dyslexia”

“I’m going to chemistry and I’m gonna light myself on fire” “No” “Damnit let me burn like the witch I am!”

“Don’t worry it’s not anti-Christ it’s just anti-government”

“I’ve been getting migraines everyday and I’m considering chopping my head off” “But that would kill you” “Two birds one stone!!”

“I swear to god I will hug you” “My house is 5 miles away and my doors are locked” “Your locks are FEABLE”

*writing an email* “Bitch comma”

“Ok but I could be a top” *laughing* “What I totally could be!” *laughing and crying for literally 6 minutes straight*

*on a group call, friends cat misha walks into the room* “Tell misha I would live and die for her, whichever she prefers” “She says thank you” *cat noises*

*joins discord vioce chat at 11:26 pm* “You guys are gae but I love you” “Thank you saeren very cool” “Goodnight” *leaves chat at 11:28pm*

“Jake jake jake jjjake -j-jaaake hey jake” “W H A T” “Can I eat your pens” “I literally have a restraining order against you”

“I’m educatn’t”

“Me calling you to dumb to be a slytherin is payback for you leaving multiple handprint bruises on my legs” “It’s not my fault your skin is weak”

“He’s rolling so that we can walk” *rolling in the grass and collecting leaves on his jacket* “I’m rolling for your sins”

“There are 7 of us so we can each be a deadly sin” “I wanna be Ross” “You mean wrath?” “No that dude from Friends”

“Ok but other than his strict attraction to women, his multiple wives, his hatred of gay people, and the fact that he is dead, what is standing between me and Joseph Smith the All American Hottie from being happy together”

“Consider: Mullet” “No”

“I do my homework while loudly eating a pop tart asmr”

“No no listen, he’s my brother, he’s a bastard of my dynasty…I might just ransom him off”

“These Norwegian bastards indroduced a fucking PLUAGE to my COUNTRY”

“Ooooo meth”

“Half of my life is me resisting the urge to sing the zaboomafoo themesong, the other half is me actually singing the zaboomafoo themesong. So either way my entire life revolves around zaboomafoo.”

“I just don’t think I would hire a gay man-wait no I’m not homophobic”

*chucks half a gallon of milk in a gas station* “-ah- got milk?”

“Gimme your sternum boy”

“Nooooooo he stole my sternum!!!” (Side note these were two separate occasions)

*being force fed milk duds* “No!! This is the worst way to die!!”

“Hey babe come over I have a hammock and a heated blanket”

“Be afraid, be prepared- IN THE WORDS OF SCAR”

“Stress eating stress gummies Stress eating stress gummies Stress eating stress gummies stress eating-”

“I thought to myself ‘Y’know if I die today this is how I want to be remembered- a leather skirt and leg warmers’”

“I think I’m telling you to go to sleep” “You’re gonna have make me” “I can’t tell if this is cry for help or flirting” “Yes”

“This is at best cannibalism and at worst being straight”

“Oh look Percy Jackson’s here now, ooh they replaced every character’s face with Mr. Bean. I hate it”

“You can’t be mean to me! I’m gay AND a woman! That’s a hate crime!” “Yeah well I’m brown and Muslim! Square the fuck up bitch!”

“Babe it’s not very metal to be afraid of your hair dresser” “It’s not very metal to have a hair dresser and yet here we are” “It’s fine you’re into glam metal”

“Hey augie, got any grrrrrrapes?” “I’m doing IXL :(“

“Can I come?” “No” “What if I bring watermelon?” “You can come, leave the watermelon, then leave” “:(“

“What in the jersey shore”

“Rad’nt”

“Ok but consider: Mullet-hawk” “I can and will divorce you”

“Dee-vorce 👏 Just to 👏 re-vorce 👏 👏 “

“Ah yes, that’s why I’m fat…for combat reasons…”

“You fool I consent!”

“My Boston fern is being a bitch but that’s because it’s winter and that’s BITCH season”

“You walk through the rest of the house and it’s like ‘ooo witchy and aesthetic’ then they’ll get to the guest room and it’ll just be a tacky twink Fever dream”

“Who needs a scalp”

“HeHe, sexing”

“Council has decided, your vibes are rancid (and not the band)”

“You’re never to young to hate women”

“Look at me I did the dishes I’m a 1950s housewife with a strangely new jersey accent and affinity for lesbianism”

“Well look who has the table now”

"contrary to popular belief, fuck you"

"There's nothing here that requires whisking, i'm just problematic"

"If you could go anywhere in the world with two people, who would you choose?" “New Orleans!”

"So he proceeded to bite me on the butt...like, really, really hard."

“I don’t cheat, I win. It’s not cheating if it’s consensual.”

“My mouth, my choice”

“Do you like my ombré of a tan"

“Who’s the cutest in the chat right now then?” “It’s Paige!” “No, it’s obviously Augie.” (paige's boyfriend)-said by a straight man

“Francis is just a one and done.”

“Would you ever have a threesome?” “...yes...” *To Francis* “Sure!”

“How do you feel about anal sex?”

“Of the people in this room, who would you most want to make out with?” “Augie” “The answer is yes, but only if it’s 6 feet apart.”

“Square, flat, and overcooked.”

“The virus would be over if everyone would breathe underwater for 5 minutes.”

“I have daddy issues, but not with my father.”

“You’re a ladies man but you have two boyfriends.”

“That means lesbian in sign language” “No, that means fuck boy in American”

“I’m like a parasite, you can’t get rid of me. I’m here forever.”

“You’re like my long term hit man”

“Is it Jake?” “No, why would the evil Russian man be Jake?” “Because he would never hire a gay man and you don’t look like a gay man”

“Jake is homophonic, Augie is racist, and Francis is a woman hater!”

"Grew a korean radish, 1 star"

"I've got more cause i'm a rich boy, and by that i mean my father sometimes buys avocados. And that's on what? Upper middle class"

"Tell your good for nothing boyfriend to stay away from my mom"

"It's not inciting violence it's just ~inspiring it~ "

"Listen bitch just because you have avacados and a roomba doesn't make you better then me"

"i would totally let narthex ruin my life. and that's on what? daddy issues and bisexuality"

"who is titty"

"how is he racist" "he hates the french and russians right?" "don't forget italians" "that's just self loathing"

"This is the last time i wear a thong- it's for educational purposes"

"babe come over i'm a burrito"

"he put bread with milk. luckily he passed away"

"you touched my wiener!" "you offered it!"

"foot'nt"

"i took a shower and realized the floor doesn't bounce"

"i love ass whoooaaaaaa i meant cassie"

"Rosalie you're the deciding vote. Be decisive." "Dude i'm bisexual and a gemini. what're you talking about?"

"Okay so to recap: jake is homophobic, augie is racist, francis is a woman hater, and now paige is a bunny abuser?"

"Just bring a watermelon keychain and it'll be fine" "Whooaaaa i'm gonna need a big key then"

"If you were blind what would you even see"

Post Traumatic Youth, plus D for danny's disorder"

"i think she's past the phase where she likes people just because they're russian"

"francine is a lesbian, but only during quarantine"

"don't be a home wrecker!" "i can't help it!"

"we are not doing coed tents" "i wanted to go purple-ing though"

"if it's not perfect i'm gonna through hands" "with who" "i don't know, the CEO of stupid"

"don't make me feel guilty for bullying you"

"it doesn't look very cash money cool but okay"

"slinky cat" (ferret)

"The pond behind my house didn't freeze all the way through this winter, so i couldn't go ice skating" "okay, so i have an idea. we can go to walmart and get-" "ANTI FREEZE!" "well, yes- wait, no. No, the more i think about that definitely no."

"The amish will win, the amish will prevail" "the amish will conquer us all!"

"He do be kinda mafia doh"

"i'm being sneaky sneak. stairs go creaky creak. and i need. DRUGZ"

"brain on shutdown, power saving mode"

"Somebody go tip her, she's dancing like a stripper" "thatd be nice- oh wait no!"

"fellas, is it gay to lick your homies eyeball?"

"it's not racist if you're only targeting one group of people" "that literally racism" "but what if they're french"

"i'm not racist yet but the option is available, and it's good to have options"

"they don't call me Mr. Steal Yo Boy for nothing!" -a straight man who has a girlfriend

"i think he has a bad habit of not dating girls"

"kinda hot tho 🥵 in a Santa Claus kinda way...hoe hoe hoe"

"i'll be your hot jacuzzi bubble dealer"

"when deceit and doubt fills you up, you cleanse your mind through creative activities, such as making organic soap"

"friendly reminder #4: you're never to old to eat a freezie-pop"

"sorry i'm just nervous" Chinese Teacher: (Waving her hand in front of her face) “Just pretend I’m cabbage.”

"me when my dads name is publicly broadcasted on the radio for his 14 felonies and assorted war crimes"

"<@!523669420435046401> I sentence you to a solid nine by the banhammer. For your crimes against Humanity, God, Satan, and Matt Frank. See you in hell."

"Danny, just because you're playing *Just Cause* doesn't mean you need to Just Cause our friendship!"

"Silly Matt! You fell for the ole’ Heimlich maneuver!”

"i got a bunch of new shirts over quarantine" "you would"

"Ok, there's a 32 year old doctor in new Jersey dying right now" "Yeah, but to be fair everyone in new jersey has a pre-existing condition"

“This is the longest period of time we’ve had without a Nintendo direct” “Maybe they’re gonna make a Nintendo indirect?”

"you’re looking extra white today.” "thanks i've been practicing"

"do you have any batteries" *looks inside shirt* "not yet"

"let's go colonize the middle school!" "yyayayyayayay!!!" " wait I gotta ask my mom first" What happened next is know called the *Juniors burden*

"oh so you're a DOWNSTAIRS milk kinda guy"

"you are literally the human embodiment of crumbs in a bed"

"The Berk-ey Creamery isn’t a place, it’s a people!”

 "He shoved a floating joy-con straight up his flux-capacitor.” "great! now it's paired"

"No, that isnt armor, the real armor are the friends you made along the way"

"This one goes out to all my lady friends out there *proceeds to kill himself in game*

"i'm a coward" "that's what a coward would say!"

"rest is for cowards and fools"

"every time you speak you take years off my life"

"Shark dick hoo ha ha"

"Me and the boys brushing our teeth at 3 AM"

"remember if you kill yourself the fascists win"

"The Beatles aren’t real. Have you ever seen a beatle? No? Exactly." "Babe” "Shut up I’m right."

*reading over these quotes* "god i hate that" "you said that!"

[lovemesomesurveys]

What Rhymes With “AIN”? 1. What is something that is the bane of your existence? My health.

2. How often do you actually use your brain? I guess it’s workin’ up there. Although, it needs some serious work and decluttering. 

3. Do you know anyone who walks with the help of a cane? No.

4. Do you have a chain-link fence on your property? No, we have a wooden fence around the backyard.

5. Have you ever used a crane before? If you count those machines you waste money on trying to get the stuffed animal. It’s a crane/claw machine.

6. Have you ever seen a whooping crane before? No.

7. Do you know anyone named Dane, Elaine, Lorraine, Zane, or Jane? Nope.

8. Is there someone you do not deign to look at? No.

9. If you had a child, would you name him Duane or Dwayne? No.

10. Have you ever lost something down the drain before? Nope.

11. Have you ever just felt completely drained? That’s how I’ve felt for a long time.

12. Did you ever feign sickness in order to stay home from school when you were younger? I didn’t have to do that cause I got sick often enough, but I admittedly milked or maybe exaggerated sometimes. 

13. How much weight have you gained during this pandemic? Is it due to stress or over-eating?  I haven’t gained any weight. I’ve been underweight the past few years, I could really use some extra weight.

14. Have you ever seen sugarcane before? No.

15. Who lives down the lane from you? People I don’t know.

16. Who’s your main squeeze? I don’t have one.

17. Would you ever like to visit Maine? Sure.

18. Do you know anyone who owns a Maine Coon cat? Possibly? I’m not familiar with cat breeds. 

19. Have you ever brushed a horse’s mane before? No.

20. When is the last time that you were in extreme pain? Recently.

21. Are all of your panes inside of your windows properly? I think so?

22. Have you ever flown on a plane before? Yes.

23. Do people ever refer to you as “plain”? Ha, probably. 

24. Do you enjoy listening to the sound of rain on the rooftops? Yesss.

25. Would you like to reign over everyone? Absolutely not.

26. Have you ever needed to be reined in before? No. Like, I haven’t felt controlled or restrained.

27. Who’s the most sane person you know? My younger brother.

28. Are you insane in the membrane? “Insane in the brain!”

29. Have you ever used an entire skein of yarn before? No.

30. Do you know of anyone who’s been slain? Yes.

31. Have you ever visited Spain before? Would you like to?  I’ve never been, but I’d like to.

32. Have you ever sprained anything before? Which body part? No.

33. Do any of your shirts have a stain on them right now? Ugh, it still upsets me that I ruined my Disneyland sweater. I was excited about getting one when I went and like the 2nd day of wearing it I spilled coffee on it and it stained it. D: Disneyland sweaters aren’t cheap. :/

34. Do you know how to stain wood? I’ve never done it.

35. What is something that would put a strain on your relationship? If they cheated.

36. Have you ever ridden on a train before? Nope.

37. Have any of your pets ever needed to be trained? We took her to puppy training classes at Petsmart. 

38. Have you ever read anything by Mark Twain? No, actually. 

39. Is it hard for someone taking your blood to find your vein? Ugh, yes. I don’t do well with needles and getting my blood drawn is never a quick and easy experience. 

40. Are you vain about your appearance? I’m most definitely not vain. 

41. Do you only eat foods that are whole-grain? No.

42.  The longest you’ve abstained from sex after becoming a sexually active person? I’m a virgin.

43. Have you ever done cocaine before? No.

44. When’s the last time you had a migraine? I haven’t had a migraine, but I get terrible tension headaches, which also aren’t fun. I can’t take any medication for them either, so I have to ride them out.

45. Whose presidential campaign are you following closely? Gah.

46. Do you like the taste of champagne? No.

47. Have you ever been detained? No.

48. Who’s the last person you looked at with disdain? Some people in the news and certain public figures.

49. How often do you refrain from speaking your mind? Quite often. I do it often in surveys and on Twitter, but “in real life”... not so much.

50. Do you know anyone who owns a Great Dane dog? I don’t think so.

51. What are you like in your own domain? Comfortable in the sense I’m just being myself, not caring how I look and just doing my own thing.

52. How often do you feel the need to explain yourself? Often.

53. Your thoughts of Saddam Hussein? I felt how a lot of people felt about him, I’m sure.

54. Have you ever adopted an animal from the humane society? No, but we got our doggo from an adoption center.

55. Have you ever done anything inane before? I feel like I’ve done a lot of stupid things.

56. Have you ever had chow mein? Yeah, that’s one of the main things I get when I get Chinese food.

57. The last mundane task you completed? Paying my bills.

58. Has anyone ever tried to mansplain something to you? Yeah, but I’ve had women explain things to me in a condescending way as well as if I were dumb.

59. Is your appearance difficult to maintain? My long hair is. I always have it up in a bun or pony tail cause I don’t have the energy or motivation to do anything else with it and brushing it is a chore (it gets knotty easily as well) and gah. I sometimes just want to chop it short again. I also dye it red, so keeping up with that is a lot of maintenance as well and I have’t done a great job with that the past few years. I go too long in between getting done. :/ Right now I can blame it on covid and the lockdowns, but let’s be real even if that weren’t going on I’d be slacking. 60. Thoughts on John McCain? He passed away.

61. Do you know anyone who has been ordained? No.

62. Something you need to obtain? A life.

63. Do you feel that the rules pertain to you? Yes?

64. Do you prefer propane or charcoal? My dad uses charcoal when he BBQs, so I’ll go with that.

65. Do you eat romaine or iceberg lettuce most often? I don’t eat lettuce. 

66. Have you ever had to regain your strength before? Yes, after having to be bed ridden after surgeries and from being sick.

67. Do you believe that some things should remain unsaid? Yes. Just because you can say it, doesn’t mean you always should. 

68. Have you ever had a restraining order against someone? No.

69. What is something that could sustain you? Food?

70. Have you ever driven over rough terrain before? I don’t drive. I don’t think I’ve been in a car as passenger going over rough terrain either.

71. Would you like to visit the Ukraine? Why or why not? I haven’t thought about it.

72. Do you ever use cellophane? Rarely. I use Ziploc bags or foil more often.

73. Favorite flavor of candycane? The regular peppermint kind. 

74. Have you ever witnessed something inhumane happening? Yes. 

75. Have you ever smoked Mary Jane before? Or do you prefer edibles instead? I’ve smoked it and had edibles. 

76. Do you know what a weather vane is used for? Yeah.

77. Last time you experienced a water main break? I don’t think I have before. Not to my knowledge, anyway.

[a-zebra-is-a-striped-horse]

[tunasama13]

Fading ⚡️ (BNHA fic)

“Can you say the same about young Bakugo? Who was kidnapped in the incident?”.

“What if the League manages to manipulate him into becoming a villian?”

Shota stood up, Kan looked over at him, worried. “He’s trying to provoke you, don’t listen to him.”.

Bowing down, he muttered, “I take full responsibility for what happened to my student, (I don’t remember what he says here but whatev’s)”.

Another reporters face contorted, his hands sparked and he suddenly reached forward. The man who had just interrogated the group looked over and his eyes widened.

“YOU WOULD HELP THAT VILLAIN TO BE?!”

“WATCH OUT!”

—————————————

The 5 students looked on in horror at the scene that unfolded on the TV, Bakugo screamed in the Leagues hideout. At home, the students that weren’t on the mission either immediately got up; such as Tsuyu Asui, Miyo Aiyuki, Mina Ashido, Denki Kaminari, Mezo Shoji, and Ochaco Uraraka; the others stared on helplessly.

‘I’m not going through this again, has that reporter gone out of his mind?! He almost struck Sensei!’ Miyo thought as she ran towards the bus to the Kamino Ward.

‘I managed to see a bit more of it, our three teachers were unharmed but I saw the big guy stomp towards Sensei... he was completely caught off guard...’ Jirou had met up with Uraraka and Tsuyu as they ran to the bus.

—————————————

The five other students watched what was happening, on the monitor, the larger reporter was holding their teacher up around the chest in front of the crowd, who had started to scurry away. “What... what are you doing???!...” Shota tried activating his quirk to stop his quirk from being activated, and he suddenly felt an intense pain shoot through his abdomen before he could even feel his hair rise. Shota bit his tongue, trying to keep from screaming, out of the corner of his foggy vision, he saw Kan trying to intervene.

“I wouldn’t move if I were you Vampire, if you move, i’ll up the volts until one zap just might kill your little friend here... and then your next...” The reporter smiled as Shota went limp in his grip, trembling. Kan had no choice, this man was fast, if he tried to restrain him, then his colleague could die right there.

“Yaomomo! Iida! Go help them!” Deku yelled as he saw his teacher get shocked right in front of him. The two nodded, and Deku, Todoroki, and Kirishima rushed off to find Bakugo. As the class representatives ran, they saw the building the conference was being held in.

“Momo! Go on my shoulders!” Iida yelled, Momo complying as she quickly grabbed around his neck and both were blasted off as Engine activated.

Shoji had met everyone who ran out of their houses to try and aid in the situation on the bus, as it headed to the building the conference had gone haywire. As the bus stopped near it, Tsuyu yelled, “COME ON!” Before everyone rushed out.

They had been running for a while when they found Iida and Momo there already, without questioning their out of the ordinary appearances or why they had gone separately. They opened the door to find people rushing out by them, a female journalist stopped to yell, “Please! If you can, call 911!” Iida took out his phone and dialed the number as his other classmates rushed in. At the door of the conference, Miyo could see that the angry reporter had turned around, possibly to watch the two teachers who weren’t in his grip to keep them from stopping him. Momo had turned around to tell everyone, “Okay, on my mark, Miyo, you are going to summon a forcefield to protect us all, Iida will run and save Sensei, Tsuyu will use her tounge to restrain him, and Kaminari will find a way to give him a taste of his own medicine.” Momo, without thinking accidentally bumped open the door.

The reporter, startled, let some electricity go and this time, Shota couldn’t stop himself from screaming as a more painful power surge went through him. Momo gasped, tearing up at hearing his cry of pain, Kan yelled, “What do you kids think you’re doing! Run!” Nezu agreeing, Miyo screamed, “YOU BASTARD!” As Mina had to stop her from lunging forward. Shota was trembling even harder than before, reaching out to his kids.

“G-g-get... o..out o-of h...h-here...” He wheezed.

“We aren’t leaving you here!” Uraraka cries, Kaminari noticing when the reporter starts reaching for the already shocked man again. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?!” Miyo responds to this. The reporters hand sparks, Shota looking slightly to the side and makes a small whimper, he’s too exhausted to use his quirk, he can’t focus enough.

“Let him go!” Momo and Jirou remember something as Mina yells, this was exactly what could’ve happened to Kaminari if Snipe hadn’t saved his ass. “Why should I? He wants to help a future villain, so why not make him see what happens when you stick with someone evil?” The man smirks, and in a huge burst of lightning strikes the man he’s holding.

“AAAAAAAAAGGGHHHH!!!!” Shota screams in pain, throwing his head back, before he is suddenly launched to the side when the reporter loses his balance. “SENSEI!!!” Iida yells as he kicks the electric bearing man’s knee in. The reporter howls, falling to his side, Shoji is quick to get Shota before he hits the ground. Kan and Tsuyu are quick to restrain the man before he can shock anyone else, Miyo rushes out of Mina’s grip, heading to Shoji.

Everyone else follows, Jirou immediately checking out Shota’s condition, seeing as he is incredibly pale and shaking. His pupils are also incredibly dilated. “Someone, get help! He’s going into shock!” Uraraka yells, Nezu running off to see if there is anyone with medical experience nearby. Shota yelps when Jirou tries to lift his legs up, “Jirou, don’t, I read somewhere that if it causes the victim too much pain, you shouldn’t.” Miyo whispers. Kaminari then mentions, “Hey, I know you probably want to yell at us, but don’t move. That asshole left a number on you...” as Shota tries to get up. “W-why... why a...are y-you h-h-here?...” He mumbles in a tiny voice. Miyo finally breaks, tears pool at the corners of her eyes and then spill.

“I-i... I wasn’t going to let you get hurt again...” She cries as Mina hugs her. Shota smiles a tiny bit, managing to reach his students shoulder, but then his arm suddenly drops as he starts having trouble breathing. “Oh my god... we can’t wait for the ambulance! We have to get him to the hospital, now!” Iida orders.

“Sensei, this might hurt a little...” Shoji then stands up, the man in his arms hisses as the pain starts flaring up again, then he starts shivering as the cold part of the shock starts hitting him. “Wait... does anyone have a blanket?” Miyo hiccups between silent sobs. Momo’s expression lights up, then without warning, she creates... something like a blanket?

“Here Shoji, he probably needs it...” Momo murmurs.

They set off, Tsuyu leaving the adults to deal with the crazy reporter. “Is... he going to be alright?” She ribbits, Kaminari answers with, “We don’t know... he might be if we get him to the hospital in time...”. Tsuyu gives a sad ‘kero’ and Uraraka whimpers.

“Guys... w...what’s going o-on with...with the co-costumes?” Momo and Iida looked at each other, laughing nervously. “Don’t worry about it... just try to calm down...” Miyo murmurs, walking beside Iida.

“There’s a hospital really close to here, at the most it should take us about 15 minutes to get to the lobby...” Momo says, Shoji looks down and then mutters, “I don’t think he can hold out for that long, we need a quicker way!” He looks up again, Uraraka getting an idea.

“Maybe Miyo can summon a forcefield and I can make it float? I’ll have to stay behind though...” She presses her fingers together to prove her point. Miyo looks down at her hands.

“I don’t know how large I can make those forcefields... besides, I might be running out of water that my quirk needs to work...” She states calmly, “I’m also afraid that the sudden pull up into the air might accidentally hurt Sensei even more...”.

“Mi-miyo... don’t b-be afraid... of-of hu-hurting... m...e... just b-because o..of t-the USJ in-incident a...and everything t-that h-h-happened with m-my injuries... pl-please... d-don’t be s-scared of w-what y...your quirk c-can do...” Shota looks determined, and exhausted. Miyo, for the first time, smiled and whispered, “I promise... I’ll try my best!” She then closes her eyes and imagines a bubble expanding around her friends, just like Shiashi had taught her, then she opened her eyes when she heard, “NOW! OCHACO!” Then they started floating.

“Miyo... you... you did it!” Iida yelled, taking her by the hand that was outstretched towards him. “Sensei... don’t worry, I’ve got everything under control now...” Miyo quietly says.

Shota manages to give a weak thumbs up before he jolts, Kaminari’s head whipping around to recognize that the electricity was still rocketing through him. “Uhh, we’re going to have to hurry guys???” Kaminari yells as Jirou turns around. “He’s right, as long as he’s still getting shocked it could still stop his heart!” Iida orders, rubbing Miyo’s thumb when she visibly starts to pale a bit.

“Guys, I swear to god if he dies... I’ll never forgive myself!” Miyo grunts, from the strain of holding so much weight in one bubble. Mina starts to encourage her to look out for the hospital while Jirou sees how small Shota looks cradled in Shoji’s arms. “Kero...” Tsuyu tears up when she hears a small gasp. Iida looks to the side while Mina talks to Miyo, noticing the hospital rising into his vision in the distance. Putting Ochaco on the phone.

“We’re almost there! Just a little longer Miyo-chan!” He yells, startling Shoji. In response to his little flinch, Shota gasps as another shock runs through him. Jirou can’t take it anymore, she walks up beside Shoji, noticing how tired her teacher looks. He didn’t deserve this, Bakugo didn’t deserve any of the criticism he got for being so furious during the Sports Festival.

“Look at me Sensei, wait, here”, Jirou takes his hand, then sees how his eyes are unusually foggy, she takes her other hand and puts it to Shoji’s shoulder. “Just hold onto me, alright? You’re gonna get through this, I promise...” Tsuyu breaks, falling to her knees and sobbing while Kaminari rushes to her side. “We’re not gonna let you go out like this, you hear me?” Shota’s eyes are following the concerned expression on Jirou’s face as Shoji pulls him a little closer to his chest.

Jirou tears up, “Damn it... I know you’ll pull through, you have to!” Momo walks up to Jirou, Mina following. “Come on... you’re the bravest hero I know and we need you here with us!” She closes her eyes as a tear slips out.

“I-i don’t know if you can think about it right now... but... remember the USJ?” Tsuyu cries, “You... you saved my life there! Even though you were beat up pretty badly, and i’d sworn never to let... you almost suffer the same fate!” Kaminari hugs the frog girl as she breaks down into loud sobs.

“Miyo! I see it! Now, Ochaco! Let us down slowly!” The forcefield starts to descend gently. After touching the ground, the field disperses, Mina’s feet slipping from under her, causing her to fall on her back. “ACK!” She yells, everyone snickering a little when she sheepishly rubs the back of her head. The mood, however, is suddenly purged.

“Uh oh...” Momo gasped, Miyo looking over and her heart sinking as she saw that Shota was unconscious. “NO!” Jirou squeezes his hand until his eyes flutter open with a ‘Nngh...’, curling up against Shoji’s chest once more. “Hey... you can do it, just stay awake...” Shoji murmurs, Kaminari still hugging Tsu.

Jirou couldn’t really believe what she was seeing, her teacher; who was always so strong for them; was huddled up against Shoji’s chest, holding Jirou’s hand, struggling to stay awake and keep from fading. Jirou came to the conclusion they had to be strong for him now, that’s what heroes did.

Heroes stayed strong for anyone, even other heroes.

Before they all knew it, they were in the lobby of the hospital. Iida ran up to the front desk, Miyo following. “We need a doctor! Now!” Iida yells, the lady at the desk giving a concerned glance. “Oh goodness, right away, can I just have your-“, the others barge in, Momo at the front of the group.

“We don’t have time! He’s going to die if we stall any longer!” Iida then looks back where Shoji is holding Shota. A few nurses passing by gasp as they see the pro hero crumpled against the white haired boys chest, eyes halfway open and blinking slowly. He is still taking stuttering breaths and he jolts every 5 seconds, Jirou lets go of his hand.

The secretary gasps right along with the others, “Oh my... of course sir!” She then calls in a ‘Plan: Blue’ and all of the sudden, a swarm of doctors with a stretcher rush into the lobby. Taking Shota from Shoji’s arms and after placing him on the stretcher, they flow out, one by one. Leaving the kids dumbfounded as their teacher is whisked away without any warning at all.

Finally, he’ll be safe, the doctors will take care of him. Feeling like weight was lifted off of her shoulders, Miyo falls to her knees, and lets the sobs break through. In a split second, everyone is joining her on the ground, and anyone who wasn’t crying, definitely was now.

—————————————

A few days later....

Miyo felt that huge weight again when the two teachers visited Shiashi’s place to see if he was okay with letting his sister stay in a dorm at UA. She walked downstairs to see Shota, looking completely normal (except for the bandages she can see going up to his neck), talking with Shiashi, All Might sat beside him, in his ‘Small Might’ form, looking at her.

“Ah, Young Aiyuki, it’s nice to see you again...” All Might gives a sigh of relief, glad the girl wasn’t too affected by the incident a few days ago. He as well remembered the sinking feeling he felt when he heard from Hizashi that the younger teacher was in the hospital, nearly dead when he got there. Shota had narrowly missed dying right in Shoji’s arms. However, a pretty degrading after effect was that he had to take it easy or else his heart could spiral out of control again.

“Sensei..?” The girl murmured, Shota looked over at her, Shiashi following. “Oh! Imōto-chan, you’ve finally come down!” He greets, Hanako yelling from the kitchen where she sits with Kira, “GOOD AFTERNOON OBA-SAN!” Kira shushing her.

Miyo gives a shaky step forward, Shiashi getting a little worried, Miyo then suddenly rushes forward, and without warning, Shota is suddenly tackled into an embrace. “Um, Aiyuki-“ He is interrupted by, “I’m so glad your alright, you scared me.” In the usual monotone voice Miyo had. All Might snickers, the Nerve Hero gives a warm smile. “Out of all the ‘I’m so glad your ok’ nonsense I’ve gotten all day, I think that one was the best one i’ve gotten so far.”. Miyo then mentions, “You helped me back there, thank you...”.

“No problem kid...”.

[sinninginpurple2-0]

Some Casual Relief

Will Write For Coffee

Nothing explicit but still a little unsafe for work

“Okay, what is it this time?” Marinette asked with a smirk as she opened the hatch above her bed for Chat to drop down through, “Are you just horny, stressed, or did she do something to wind you up?”

“Last one,” he mumbled in embarrassment, “She was going on and on about needing to warm up and-”

“And all you could think about was the way you normally warm up?” she teased, as she closed the window to block the chill of the evening outside.

He rolled his eyes and smirked in response. Ladybug hadn’t meant it as anything other than an innocent comment he was sure, but her voice had sounded positively sinful when she’d asked if he knew what she needed to spread some warmth through her chilled body. Hot chocolate hadn’t exactly been what he was thinking of when she’d announced it in an overly cheery voice before leaving him stunned and far too warm to be comfortable despite the cold.

So of course, he’d had to stop by Marinette’s before going home. He had a pretty severe itch to scratch that he knew she’d be only too happy to help him take care of it, given her own sex drive was as furious as a raging bull.

If someone had told him six months ago that he and his cute classmate would have a regular arrangement to work out their sexual frustrations together, he’d have laughed until he hurt himself. Ladybug was the only one for him, after all; no one else would ever do. Which, it turned out, was exactly the same situation for Marinette and some boy at their school.

After some awkward initial discussions, they had come to terms with the fact that they were both attracted enough to each other to be interested, but far too caught up in other people for it to be fair to try anything so serious as dating. They had promised to stay just friends, enjoy each other’s company and never complicate anything. That was until exams and university applications and stress joined the mess and they found themselves finally agreeing that letting off a little steam might be helpful and possibly even necessary.

And, of course, it turned out to be a handy way to deal with the unfortunate side-effects of their oblivious love’s words and actions at times.

“Was it as bad as the popsicle incident during the summer?” Marinette asked.

He groaned, remembering the way she’d teased the frozen treat in front of him, with no regard for the way his male brain was wired to react to such a thing. “Nothing could ever be as bad as that,” he said before leaning into her personal space and observing the way her face was already flushed pink. Perhaps she’d been hoping he’d visit before Ladybug had ever stirred his interest tonight? “Anyway, what about you? Mystery Boy been distracting lately?”

“Yup,” she said, eyes dragging down his body as she leaned back -not to move away- but instead to recline against her bed.

“You ever gonna tell me who he is? You know my not-so-mystery Lady.”

“Yeah,” she snorted, “because it’s obvious. If you don’t already know who gets me wet, I’m not opening myself up for your mocking.”

“You don’t seem to have any issue opening up for me in other ways,” he grinned before pushing her onto her back and grinding his hardness between her legs.

***

“Holy shit, that was awesome,” Adrien gasped as he rolled off of her and onto his back, removing the condom quickly and tying a knot in it before throwing it to the edge of the bed. He watched Marinette’s grin turn sly as she wiped sweat from her forehead, careful not to disturb the blindfold across her eyes as she did.

“Isn’t it always?” she asked as she sat up, slowly feeling her way to the edge of the bed and facing away from him before she lifted the scarf from her face and dropped it to the mattress. He chuckled breathlessly as she reached down for his clothes, blindly passing his jeans and boxers back to him so he could begin to dress before transforming for some cuddling.

She stilled slightly as she grabbed his button-up shirt from where it had fallen in a rumpled pile on the floor. Holding it out in front of her, she considered it and he wondered what was going on in her mind, considering he couldn’t see her expressions to work from.

“Is this from your father’s new line he hasn’t released yet?” she asked casually.

He froze. “My…my father’s?” he choked out.

“Yeah. I haven’t seen this one before, but it screams runway version instead of adjusted for the racks.”

Her voice was still too casual. Too nonchalant. Was she aware of what she was saying? Had she forgotten who she was with? Or, did she-

“Yeah, I know Adrien,” she said in answer to his unasked question, turning her head slightly so that he could see her face in profile.

“H-How?” he asked, feeling more exposed than he ever had before, even considering that he was more dressed than she was right now.

“You remember how I found your wallet in the school library?” she asked, finally turning fully to face him, handing him his shirt as she did so. He nodded as he took it. “It wasn’t really in the library. It fell out here. I wouldn’t have looked, but it was already open and your student ID card’s right at the front.”

“But…that was three days ago!” he spluttered, “You’ve known all this time? And you still let me- We just-” He vaguely gestured to the used condom discarded amongst the sheets.

She smiled and shrugged at him, moving onto the bed fully again to recline beside him. She was still very naked, and he was really surprised she didn’t seem to have any issue with it.

Pushing herself against his side, she wriggled her way into his hold so that they were snuggled up much the way they usually were after working out some tension, and Adrien couldn’t help but wrap his arm around her out of instinct.

“So, it turns out two of my friends are the same person,” she said, “Doesn’t change anything. Just means it’s easier for me to get in contact with you now when I’m horny, instead of scanning the rooftops and trying to get your attention when you pass.”

“Really? You’re not…freaked out? You don’t hate me?”

“Don’t be stupid. It took a couple of days for it to...marinate, I guess. But I’m over it now. Besides, now I don’t need to wear a blindfold, so I’ll get to see your pretty face when you come, Kitty.”

Adrien couldn’t help but laugh nervously. Could he really be this lucky, or would everything start going wrong?

***

He was still a little shell-shocked the next day at school. He got ready for class and sat in the back of the car in a stupor, watching the world from a distance until he got out and approached the building, absently saying hi to Nino. He was just starting to feel more human again and was actively listening to the latest talk about local club-life, when his best friend suddenly started to choke on the bottle of water he was drinking from, Adrien thumping him on the back until he gasped in breaths again before turning to see what had gotten him into such a state.

Immediately he grabbed for Nino’s forgotten water bottle himself and gulped down a huge drink, suddenly feeling a might thirsty at what he saw.

Marinette had just arrived at school -with a scandalised looking Alya in tow- and boy, was she ever underdressed for the chilly weather. She wore an off-shoulder, low cut, black corset top -one he was sure would be picked up on by the teachers citing dress codes the second she walked into class- and she had paired it with a short, pleated green skirt. Her long legs remained completely bare until they ended in cute little black ankle boots. The fact that she must have been freezing was only a distant thought at the back of Adrien’s extremely overheated mind.

“Just felt like looking pretty today,” she said in response to something from Alya that he had managed to miss in his haze, and he shakily handed Nino his water back, so the other boy could take a much-needed sip himself.

“Screw pretty. You look hot!” Nino blurted out and Adrien had to internally restrain himself before he socked his friend in the jaw.

“You have a girlfriend,” he reminded him in a harsh tone of voice.

“And she has no issue with him staring at Marinette today,” Alya told them with a wide-eyed grin, “She does look hot. I am seriously considering asking how you feel about a threesome.”

Marinette let out a full-blown laugh as she continued on her way, walking right past Adrien as she made her way inside. The quick wink she sent him was probably not lost on the others, but thankfully, neither said a word about it as all three of them openly gawked at their sexy friend.

Adrien was actually kind of grateful when they made it to the classroom because Marinette suddenly pulled a black hoodie from her backpack, covering up her rather obvious cleavage from view. He felt it like a fog suddenly lifting and he gained the ability to think clearly again without her chest distracting him.

At least, until he took his seat a few desks behind her, only to realise that the hoodie had the words “you know you ‘knead’ me” written on the back in green stitching with a couple of paw prints beneath. He groaned. It was going to be a long day.

***

Adrien was beginning to think that things might not be so bad after all.

He’d managed to get through an entire day now and -other than her provocative clothing and that initial wink- Marinette hadn’t acted any differently than usual towards him. They’d had shared classes and chatted like always. The four of them had had lunch together in the cafeteria as usual and there had been plenty jokes, some innocent and a few naughty ones -but that was typical of their interactions before she’d known. She’d even been more open to the dirty jokes he and Nino made when normally they caused her to blush even as she giggled.

So now, everyone had headed out to go home and he was on his way to his locker to retrieve his fencing gear before his driver came to take him to practice.

He was just passing by the supply closet two doors from the locker room when he felt a tug on the back of his shirt and stumbled backwards into the small space with a yelp. His back was pressed against the shelves with a thud as he heard the door slam shut and the sound of a lock engage.

It took him a few seconds to take in what had happened and the girl standing in front of him, smirking. Marinette had just dragged him into a small, secluded spot at school. After everyone else had left. There was no way in hell this was meant as anything innocent.

“Marinette?” he asked tentatively, trying to hide it with a firm tone.

“You could have at least commented on my clothes, you know,” she said with a pout, “I froze myself half to death to get a reaction from you, and it was Alya and Nino who ended up with their eyes hanging out instead.”

“So, you did wear that for me.” It was something he had been wondering on all day. Just in case. He didn’t want to feel conceited by assuming it was meant for his benefit.

“Of course I did. I’m cat themed and these are your colours.”

“Uh, yeah. So…any reason you had to pull me in here to tell me that?”

She smirked again, and Adrien just knew he was in all kinds of trouble now.

“You -as Chat- used to tell me you had an activity after school on a Thursday. I’m guessing that’s your fencing group?”

She placed her palm against his chest and his eye widened as he considered what else he had told her about that particular activity. “Um, yes.”

“Well, as you said, fencing’s an energetic sport. Really gets the blood pumping. One naughty thought at the wrong time and…”

And he’d embarrass himself in his tight uniform is what he’d do. Something he’d told her once before, although to be fair it had been an attempt to be seductive rather than give her fodder to taunt him with.

He took a deep breath. “Please don’t make fun of me,” he said.

“Oh, I’m not going to make fun of you,” she said, her hand sliding down his chest until it rested on his stomach, her pace slowing but not stopping completely as her hand continued its downwards route.

He cleared his throat, swallowing and desperately trying to wet the inside of his mouth. Fond memories of this morning’s water bottle returned, and he wished he had brought another with him to chase away the dryness trying to wreck his voice. “Please don’t try to get me worked up right before I need to go be around people for the next hour,” he practically begged.

“Too late,” she giggled as she began to palm him through his clothes. He couldn’t help but growl a little in both arousal and annoyance at her actions before his mind caught up to the fact that Marinette wasn’t doing this for Chat -she was doing this for Adrien right now. Despite what she’d said last night, did she really have no issue with knowing that who she was touching was a close friend?

“Wait-”

“Besides, that is the exact opposite of what I plan to do,” Marinette purred, ignoring his words and suddenly dropping to her bare knees in front of him and wrenching his belt loose.

“What are you doing!?” He squeaked as she looked up and held eye-contact with him as she unbuttoned his jeans and tugged them down. Because of the blindfold she’d never been able to keep eye-contact before. It was so hot.

“Well, I can’t promise you’ll go the entire hour without a little danger,” she said, pulling him out his underwear, “but this should hold you for at least the first half of fencing.”

“B-But you don’t have to-”

He trailed off with a moan and his head hit the shelf behind him as she engulfed his length and her mouth and tongue went to work.

***

Adrien was pleasantly surprised by how little his identity revelation affected things between him and Marinette. As time moved on, they only seemed to grow closer as friends, and other than a few sly looks thrown at them by Alya and Nino, who simply didn’t know about their arrangement and therefore didn’t understand the ins and outs of their specific friendship (a childish pun, but one he was extremely proud of himself for), everything flew under the radar.

The things that did change were definitely for the better.

At first, too awkward and unsure of the shift between them, Adrien had stayed away from her house. Two days after the unexpected fellatio in the supply closet, however, he’d gotten an unexpected late-night call from Marinette. He’d ignored it at first, but finally answered on her third attempt to reach him and after a nervous hello, she’d jumped right in without preamble.

“I’m stressed out over this essay question for ESMOD and I need you to come over and return the favour I did for you the other day.”

“Are you…sure you want me to come over?”

“Well, I can hardly sneak into your room, can I Monsieur Superhero?”

“I suppose. But…do you really-”

“Less talk, more cock, Chat.”

It had taken surprisingly little convincing to get him to visit after that, at which point he had done far more than just return the favour. The two of them soon fell into a new rhythm of school closet shenanigans followed by late-night booty calls from then on.

A part of him was disheartened that both he and Marinette had other people they were interested in; they seemed to work so well together.

***

His new favourite game was strip studying. The two of them would take turns using flashcards to quiz each other on Bac topics and every incorrect answer lost them an item of clothing.  It was the one time Adrien was okay with messing up and getting things wrong.

“Maybe I peaked when I aced the French section last year?” he told her, handing over his jeans to be added to her pile of winnings. He had completely forgotten a key point on statistics that would have seriously hurt his score on any essay he wrote, so now he was sitting with nothing to wear but his tight boxer briefs.

“I think you just like losing,” she joked, sitting back on her bare legs and stretching so that the oversized sweater she wore dropped to reveal her pale shoulder beneath.

“Maybe,” he said with a smile, grabbing another flashcard, “Okay, translate as many of these subject names as you can into English.”

“Easy,” she said, beginning to list them off as he gave her each one.

He faked a long-suffering sigh. “Something tells me your questions aren’t nearly as hard as mine.”

“Two more questions wrong, Kitty and you can show me just how hard yours is when you have to start paying in sexual favours,” she said with a wink.

“Why wait?” he asked sensually, pulling her forward to sit in his lap, their underwear the only barriers between their lower halves.

***

“So, um…you called me Adrien,” he said, gasping deeply for breath now that she had rolled off him and was curled into his side, also recovering.

“Yeah?-” -she panted in a quick breath- “-It’s your name.”

“I know. I know. It’s just…I think that’s the first time you’ve said Adrien instead of Chat when you come.”

“Really?” she said, the surprise in her tone evident, “Huh.”

He tilted his head and glanced at her as he dealt with the condom. Her eyes were shut, in bliss or tiredness he wasn’t sure, and her face was wonderfully flushed. It was the best way to see her, he had long decided. Only he got to see her like this.

Their breathing calmed after a few minutes and just as he prepared to close his eyes and doze off for a while, her own opened, piercing him deeply. “You called me Ladybug again,” she said.

He flinched. “Sorry.”

“No, it’s fine.” Oddly, she actually looked like she meant it. Her face was nothing but casual indifference. “You love Ladybug. It’s expected you think about her when we have sex.”

He opened his mouth to explain himself. To tell her that while he loved Ladybug, he was also very much into her. That the arrangement only worked because they both liked each other -at least a little- and because she was one of the two hottest and most talented girls he’d ever had the good fortune of laying eyes upon.

He stopped short though, as something occurred to him.

“Hey,” he said, his brow furrowed in confusion, “don’t you ever think of Mystery Boy?”

“What?” she responded, looking equally confused, “Of course I do. What makes you think I don’t?”

“Well, you’ve never used another name. It’s always been Chat, and well, now Adrien too. I thought his name might have slipped out by now.”

She tucked her head under his chin tightly, her voice becoming quiet and muffled. “I was really careful not to use his name before. It’s a mystery remember?”

“Before? So, you think you’re getting closer to slipping up?” He grinned and pulled back to look down at her face. “Will I hear a familiar name soon and just suddenly know?”

“Adrien,” she said, “Don’t.”

“Don’t what?” he asked, reaching out to tickle her, his hand brushing her bare breast as he did and stealing a gasp. His body twitched in response. His recovery period was lessening all the time. Soon her Thursday afternoon pre-fencing precautions would only buy him fifteen minutes or so.

“I already slipped up, okay?” she said. Her tone sounded relaxed and unconcerned, but she wore a pout on her face and there was a slight wrinkle appearing between her eyebrows that countered her apparent ease.

“Really? When?”

“I said Adrien, didn’t I?”

He frowned. Was there another Adrien he knew? It was a common name, there was bound to be. But Marinette had implied in the past that she knew him personally and he spent most of his free time with her these days, so surely he’d have met him. Or at least Nino and Alya would have mentioned-

And suddenly it hit him. They spent all their free time together. The looks Nino and Alya always threw them when they got a little too flirty in front of other people and had to reign it back. The way she had acted and dressed for him right after she’d discovered his identity. The way she complained to Chat that Mystery Boy had wound her up when he’d spent the day with her, teasing her.

He was Mystery Boy.

“Oh. Uh, Marinette, I-”

“It doesn’t matter,” she said, looking a little pained but surprisingly upbeat considering, “You love Ladybug. I’m happy to get what I can.”

His heart reached out for her. The one person she’d turned to in order to help her through her crush on him had turned out to be the same person. And she’d kept going all because she had realised that he could never truly want her while he continued to hope Ladybug might love him.

“I…I don’t think we should keep doing this,” he told her, chest aching as she rolled away from him to lie on her side, “I don’t want to hurt you.”

“You’re not,” she said with a yawn. Probably pretending she was just tired, not upset.

“I need you to know,” he hesitated, unsure if his next words would help or make things worse, “If I hadn’t met Ladybug, if I hadn’t fallen for her…it would have been you. No one else.”

She remained silent and he dressed quickly before calling for his transformation. Looking over at her one last time, he could see that she had fallen asleep, breathes coming deep and even and a small smile playing about her lips. He wondered if she was dreaming of things having gone a different way.

He placed a tender kiss on her forehead and pulled the blanket up to cover her before letting himself out and making his way home.

***

Chat felt like the lowest form of life on the planet.

After breaking off things with Marinette last night, she had tried calling him several times and sent several texts. Considering most of them had consisted of her telling him she didn’t mind and wanted to continue things, followed by many typical booty call texts, he’d elected to ignore them. She needed time to realise that things had finally changed between them. Then he’d talk to her, let her work out any anger she might have, and hopefully see if they could salvage any part of their friendship.

If she never wanted to speak to him again, he’d follow her wishes, but there was a good chance it would kill him. He wondered how they would explain things to their best friends. Alya was the kind of person to stick by her BFF and as Alya’s boyfriend, Nino would be forced to choose between her and Adrien. He never wanted to put that on him, so he would do the noble thing and allow them to drift apart. Which meant, if she did hate him, he would lose all of his friends.

So, here Chat was, sitting atop Notre Dame and feeling miserable instead of patrolling. Of course, he also felt guilty for daring to feel miserable at all, considering what he must have put poor Marinette through already.

He was a little distracted, so he missed Ladybug’s arrival until she was right beside him. Jumping slightly at being caught off-guard, he put on a smile for her benefit and stood to greet her.

“How are you this evening, My Lady?”

Ladybug smiled at him, her usual brand of devilish beauty behind it. “I’m cold, Kitty. As always.”

“You should have brought that hot chocolate with you. We could have shared,” he said, his smile faltering a little as the effort to pretend everything was fine started to take its toll.

“I can think of something better to warm me up.”

His smile dropped completely at that. It was the kind of thing that would normally have him riled up to the point of racing back to Marinette’s afterwards for some much-needed relief. With what had happened yesterday, it had the opposite effect of usual as he slumped in place.

Only to startle when Ladybug lifted his arm to cuddle into his side. “Warm,” she hummed in pleasure.

He gave a humourless laugh and rubbed his hand against her arm in an attempt to counteract her Miraculous tendency that caused her to struggle with the cold. He slowed and stopped nervously as one of her hands unexpectedly roamed his chest.

“Um, Bug?” he squeaked.

“You’re just as warm as hot chocolate,” she said in a syrupy smooth voice, “Are you as sweet to taste, Kitty?”

“Woah!” Jumping away from her, Chat cursed his bad luck. He’d been waiting forever for his Lady to take an interest and now, at the worst possible time ever, she had decided to do so. “Ladybug, don’t take this the wrong way, but now is not the best time.”

“Why not?” she asked, in the same rich, chocolatey, indulgent tone, “I thought you loved me?”

“I do. But…I’ve done something. Something horrible. And if anything happened between us right now, I’ll hate myself all the more.”

The seductive almost love-drunk look slipped from her face and softened to one of concern instead. “What’s wrong?” she asked, a genuine note of caring in her tone.

So, he told her. He explained all about his arrangement with a classmate, about how she had found out his identity via misplaced ID and how things had evolved from there. About discovering he was the one she was in love with and how he realised he must have been hurting her all along.

And most of all, he told her about his own genuine feelings for Marinette. It didn’t make a lot of sense in the grand scheme of things. He loved Ladybug and he wanted her to love him too. But he needed her to understand that he hadn’t agreed to become a fuck-buddy with his friend because he was just some kind of cad. That it had been in part because he didn’t think it would be fair to try and date someone while he still loved someone else. That he had thought she was in the same position and that they were simply helping out someone they both cared for, without hurting them over their unrequited loves.

He ended by telling her that he still loved her, but that he also had strong feelings for Marinette -as well as the need to protect her- and that he needed some time to allow her to heal before even considering moving on in case he hurt her.

Ladybug listened in silence the entire time. Her face remained mostly expressionless and neutral, mostly just allowing him to get everything off his chest.

“I understand, Kitty,” she said, standing to leave as he watched.

As she walked across the top of the slanted rooftop, his eyes caught sight of something dropping from her hand, sliding down the facing and catching on a roof tile. He skittered down the side to grab it for her quickly before it fell again and was lost.

“My Lady, you dropped something,” he shouted as he reached the small piece of laminated card, lifting it to his eyes as he did so. His eyes widened, and he stared at the card for far longer than necessary before turning to look up at Ladybug, still standing on the edge of the roof above him.

“Is this yours?” he asked, indicating the student ID card in his clawed hands; the one with Marinette’s name and picture on the front.

She grinned and nodded, before sliding down the rooftop and coming to a stop on the slate tiles beside him. She leant in to kiss him lightly and Chat melted -just enough so that he didn’t notice as she took the card from him carefully before pulling back.

“How about we go to your place for a change, Mystery Boy?” she said with a grin, quickly latching her yo-yo around a gargoyle and swinging away in the direction of the Agreste Manor as he watched dumbfounded.

Will Write For Coffee

Bonus:

"Wait - we started this in the summer. You did that popsicle thing ON PURPOSE!!!"

[cosmosogler]

hi guys. i decided to stop and read for a while. i finished my drawing goal for the day, but i won’t have the scene ready for tomorrow evening. 

i’m about out of posts for the comic.

maybe i’ll try to finish one more panel before bed... i dunno.

umm anyway i got up this morning kinda late, like 9:30, even though i was awake for a long time beforehand. i was doing something on the computer... i don’t remember what it was. my tumblr activity feed is broken again which is really aggravating, since i can’t see if people liked my comic posts recently unless i check the actual posts. makes it feel more quiet. that’s what i need right now. definitely. silence. a flat “0 notes” line.

i considered putting my halloween story into the writing club’s google drive to see if i could get feedback on it, but raul basically said that the only person who leaves comments on others’ work is me.

i tried talking to one of my acquaintances about his story when he said something about it in a discord channel. he was cagey about it, which is fine of course. he left without asking about my project or progress or anything. i got up and brushed my teeth. i realized it was 11 already so i made an early lunch.

lunch made me super ill and exhausted so i went back to bed for an hour. i putted around on the internet for an hour watching a video while refreshing my tumblr and deviantart pages. nothing came up to comment on. i felt bored and irritated so i started doing homework just to have something to, like, interact with and pass the time. i got caught up on my class notes, which is a relief. i would have done some grading but i saw my comic scene sitting on my desk and realized i couldn’t neglect it for yet another day. i made an oven dinner and watched another video in the meantime and ate miserably trying to get my thoughts in order, and then wrote that other post and then got to work. mbmbam cheered me up a little bit. i finished four panels. six and a half left. i could finish that loose half a panel if i gave it another 10 minutes... 

eventually i started feeling bland and gunky so i put the sketchbook to the side and read a fanfiction for a while. but it feels like... i’m reading it to complete it, you know? like i just want it off my bookmarks bar / to-do checklist. normally i’d be all over the fandom and topic but it’s hard to feel engaged right now. it was like that with my drawing, too. i’m really happy with the paper quality and the way the panels are coming out- something about the pencil work just looks really, really good in a way my other, ancient sketchbook hadn’t been able to hold. i wish i could feel happier about that. or, more consistently happy? i wish the happiness would last longer than the exact amount of time i’m looking at the page? yeah, that.

and the scene itself is even not upsetting, for once. i’m happy while i’m drawing it, but i dunno. something seems to wear off after the first 30 minutes and it’s hard to stick with it. it’s not really artist’s block... i know exactly what i want to be drawing and how to do it. it’s just that i can’t enjoy anything right now and it all feels mushy and gray. 

(kind of like the actual art of the comic, dohohoho)

i did feel less lonely though, getting to work and listening to a podcast and putting together all the trappings of productivity. reading distracted me for a while, even if feeling like this was also distracting me from the reading. 

tomorrow i’ve got an extra em lecture to attend, as review before the midterm. i’m not gonna skip it, but i am just... exhausted. i gotta finish an entire assignment for my other class before wednesday, and the midterm is also on wednesday, and... gaahhhhhhd. i’ve got three missing em assignments, and each of those takes like 6-8 hours. (i’ve got sooz’s help, so it will take less, but the learning still has to get done...) grading has to happen somewhere in there, and finishing the scene, and trying to move this entire comic delay trainwreck back on schedule with my bare hands. 

i don’t even want to talk to anyone anymore at this point. harrison is actively exhausting, i just haven’t really felt a connection with tia or harith or any of the new students... everyone else seems just too hard to reach out to. it’s hard to want to talk to closer friends because i get so caught up in “is this conversation balanced? did i ask about their day? i need to catch up with them first. oh they have something to talk about. it’s way easier to listen to their story about their trip and look at pictures. oh now the conversation’s over i guess.” (or whatever. i’m not talking about anyone specific. i’m not mad or upset or anything. i’m just so tired.)

i’m choking up 200 dollars at my therapist appointment on tuesday, to cover my deductible... at least i’ve got my budget fairly balanced now. i gotta get snoopy to the vet in two weeks which will put a hole in my pocket. and i also need to start actively complaining to my mother’s insurance company about the reimbursement they never gave me despite the doctor’s office filing the paperwork for me. that’ll cover snoopy’s bills. 

everyone at the office seems to think i’m, like, super nice or work hard or whatever. i’m so tired all the time. i did, at least, today, keep my screaming entirely internal. i think the most noise i accidentally made was a strangled groan when i had to get up after sitting in the comfortable chair to too long transcribing class notes. 

but! sitting curled up in the chair like that hurts an entirely different part of my back than sitting at the desk, so it gives my shoulders a chance to rest. 

what i mean is, i didn’t go off at anyone. i got kind of curt with harrison and i said something unnecessarily gloomy to asher but i kept it... restrained, more than usual. i think. just wait for it to go away. no one can help anyway. no one would help. no one would know to help, that i need help, or how to help.

i’m so tired! i’m too tired to do all my stretches every single day! i’m too tired to reframe every bad thought as it comes up! i’m too tired to challenge every single bit of the endless tsunami of negative self talk all day every day! i’m too tired to do the dishes after every meal! or even every day! i’m too tired to go to bed on time every single night and do the breathing exercises and try to force myself asleep. i’m too tired to get up and comfort myself after the scalding nightmares until i can sleep again. 

i’m too tired to do any of the things that would make me have enough energy to do them. and i’m too injured to go for a bike ride and enjoy the cold front that blew through town and lowered the temperature by like 15 degrees. the best i can do is keep my window open and try to ignore the downtown noises. 

maybe i could go stand in the public pool. if i can get myself up early enough. that cheers me up a little bit, sometimes, not always. 

i wish i had someone with me to do those things. but i don’t. and no one’s gonna do them but me. so i gotta also devote energy to being my own cheerleader while i don’t even have the energy to not be my own worst enemy. 

“nothing better to do.” that’s all the motivation i’ve ever had. sometimes it’s enough. but not always. sometimes i’m too tired. gotta lay on the floor and make whiny noises and stare off into space for five hours.

then i gotta pick myself up and get moving again. no one’s gonna pick me up. can’t lay there forever. i don’t like laying there doing nothing. 

[mrepstein]

Daily Mirror - October 22, 1963

by Noel Whitcomb

A year ago there was a young man who owned a Liverpool record shop, and he was trying to please one customer.

The shopkeeper was Brian Epstein, 29, and the customer, a teenage lad, wanted to buy a record made in Germany by a group called The Beatles.

That was a year ago. Today’s success story is of The Beatles - and Mr. Brian Epstein.

“At school - Wrekin, you know,” he said, “I was interested almost solely in symphonic music and the arts. I didn’t like jazz.”

As I sat listening to this elegant and cultivated young man in his hotel suite overlooking London’s Park-lane, I couldn’t help thinking that this must be the most extraordinary link-up in the history of show business.

“I definitely think The Beatles are an art form,” he went on. “I wouldn’t say that all pop is art. But I would say that I am involved with the 10 per cent that has artistic merit.”

I don’t know why he picked the figure of 10 per cent. Maybe because he is their agent.

“I still live in Liverpool with my parents,” Brian went on.

“As far as I can trace, Sir Jacob Epstein, the famous sculptor, was no relation of mine.

“We have a small chain of furniture and radio-TV shops there.

“I went into the business when I left school, and I opened up one business that was going to be an artistic interior decorating place. But it turned into a good upper-middle-class furniture store. Very successful.

“But I was 21, and beginning to feel like a tired businessman. I thought of acting. So I suddenly took an audition for the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. And I passed it - just like that.

“That was quite good. They brought me in right away. I was there about eighteen months. But although I needed some creative outlet, I realised that this wasn’t it. I was already too much of a businessman to be acting like a student in a duffle-coat.

“And I kept having the feeling that it was rather foolish to throw away the good business career that was obviously on a plate for me, for something so much more insecure.

DECISION

“So I thrust myself back into my father’s business wholeheartedly.

“My brother and I had always been rather ambitious about expanding into retail radio and television. So I decided to concentrate on records.

“For five years I worked very hard on the record store. Starting with two assistants, we built up to a staff of over thirty on records alone.

“My principle was, if customers want it - I can get it. That was how I first heard of The Beatles.”

Brian smiled, thoughtfully. “During August, 1961, there was a boy who used to come into the shop every Saturday and ask for a record by The Beatles.

“I didn’t realise they were a Liverpool bunch of boys, so I started writing around to find out about them, and found out they had made a record in Germany. I got 200 copies for the shop.

“Then suddenly I heard that they were actually playing in a small club called the Cavern, near my shop.

“I think I had been there, years before, when I was a teenager - it was one of those places that attracted teenagers. So I went down there one day.

“Quite frankly,” he said, flicking a speck of dust from his silk socks, “I thought The Beatles looked a mess.”

“Their hair was untidy - terribly long. They wore jeans and leather jackets. But, nevertheless, very attractive indeed. I enjoyed hearing them.

“Anyway, I saw them in the interval, asked them about the record. I loved their sense of humour. I thought they were very charming.

“There is a lot of talk about the New Sound now, but, to be quite frank with you, it never struck me as being a new sound. I liked it. They didn’t use echo - that was the different thing about them. And their presence... it was indefinably exciting.

“I decided to call them for a formal meeting at my store.

'CLEAN’

“I was working on Christmas orders that Sunday afternoon. Three of the boys arrived slightly late, without Paul McCartney. He still was not there half an hour later.

“So I told George Harrison to telephone him. George came back and said: ‘He’s only just got up - he’s in the bath.’ I said I thought it was disgraceful and that he would be very late indeed. ‘Yes,’ said George, thoughtfully. ‘Very late - but very clean.’”

Brian Epstein smiled affectionately at the memory. “Such an enchanting sense of humour.

“At any rate, we began to work out a master-plan. Then, later, we worked out a contract. It all took a great deal of time. There was no question of their coming in and my saying ‘Sign here, lad.’

“I talked to them about every aspect of how we should set it up, about finance, about how it should run in its initial stages. I didn’t bother them with details of how I would pay them when they were earning £200 a week.

“I worked it out with the co-operation of their parents, who were absolutely marvellous. I mean they said to me ‘What these boys need is a manager, then they could go a long way.’ So true.

“I remember saying: ‘This could be the biggest thing since Presley.’

“I smartened them up - haircuts and things. I made a rule that they would never appear for less than £15 - a lot, at the time. And I got a major record company to send an expert to Liverpool.”

TESTED

Then followed the months during which Brian’s determination was tested, hard.

The record company turned The Beatles down.

Brian brought them to London himself and hawked their tapes round the companies. No interest.

“The Beatles were terribly upset. I was feeling frightfully low. I planned to go back to Liverpool because I felt I had been neglecting my record store.

“But the night when I was due to go home I walked into a London shop to get some tapes of the Beatles made into discs.

“The fellow who was doing it said: ‘Look, we’ve got a publishing company upstairs - do you mind if I ask the boss down to listen to these?’

‘TALK..’

“He came down, listened, and rang George Martin of EMI right away. Martin said he could see me the next morning, so I decided to stay one more night.

“Next morning, Martin said: ‘Talk terms of recording contracts to me.’ I think I would have accepted without royalties at that time. I walked out of there feeling ten feet tall, and sent a cable to Germany, where the boys were playing, to say we had got an EMI recording contract.

“From which I got back a flurry of little postcards saying: ‘Gee, O Lord, how marvellous!’

“That was it. in October last year - just about a year ago this week - they released ‘Love Me Do.’ The start.

“As a businessman, I set about promoting them rather as I would have done a product, but I was learning.

“To give myself more power... perhaps that is the wrong way to put it... to make me as their manager more important, I decided to sign some more acts.

“So I took on Gerry and the Pacemakers, The Fourmost, and Billy J. Kramer, for whom I found the Dakotas in Manchester, as backing. I also signed another act, which I got into the top thirty, but which I have since ceased to manage.

FINDER

“In actual fact, analysing myself, I think the thing that I am best at is finding talent.

“Discovering people is a weakness with me. I think I could probably find a new top artist every day if only there was somebody who could do all the things that I do for my artists.

“I mean, take Cilla Black. She was just a friend of The Beatles, a semi-pro singer. Her name was Priscilla Maria Veronica White. I changed that the first day we met.

“Now I am sure that she will unquestionably be the principal female artist in this country.

WORK..

“Then was Tommy Quigley. I changed his name to Quickly on the spot.

“But I’ve had to restrain myself about creating new discoveries. When one’s artists are up there, you must work to keep them up there. I work all the hours God sends, and travel as much as my acts - no time for anything else.”

I asked him how many records his acts had sold in the year since the business began. He made a quick calculation on a piece of paper.

“Add them up,” he said. “It must be more than two million.”

I added them up.

It was considerably more than four million.

“Of course,” he added, “The Beatles make more money from their personal appearances than they do from records.

“Two of the boys write the songs, too. They are not musicians, and none of them can write or read music, but they have published - through our company - about twenty-five songs this year. My other artists sing them, too. I am a director of every aspect of my artists’ activities.”

Mr Epstein’s normal contract as agent is twenty-five per cent.

“It has been suggested,” he said, “that they bring in £15,000 a week, but that is an exaggeration - at the moment.

OFFERS

“Of course, I am bogged down with acts asking me to manage them. Because now I am in a very happy position. Any producer will take any act that I offer.

“There have been a number of take-over offers for my business. I have been offered extremely substantial capital gains to sell out.

“I have listened to them. I always listen to everything. I have also probed them. But although there is no legal reason why I should not sell the company to which my artists are contracted, I feel it would be a wrong thing to do. It would be slave-trading. I am handling human beings, not pieces of wood.

“Now I propose to promote The Beatles in America. In November I am going to the States with Billy J. - I’m madly enthusiastic about him, he is a very good-looking boy, and I think he will be the principal male soloist in this country - and I’ll start spreading the gospel of The Beatles in the USA.

“People have called me the New Svengali of the Pops, but this is nonsense. Between me and my artists there is respect on either side.

“It is probably something to do with myself and my own choice of people. We have gentlemen around us.

“Every aspect of their lives is carefully planned. Planning and timing are desperately important.

“By the way,” he added, thoughtfully, “do you know when the new Prime Minister is making his maiden speech to the country on television? I just wondered, because it is supposed to tie up with something one of my boys is doing - a programme to follow it, you know - timing is so important...”

[mae-gi-writes]

We’re Just Friends (RM/Namjoon x OC): Part One

Synopsis: In which Namjoon and Yehwa have been best friends since childhood, until Namjoon falls in love with one of their classmates. Cue the drama. 

Part: One | 

When I was little, my mother used to tell me that confiding everything to a single boy was a bad idea.

I couldn’t understand where her logic had come from.

But now, maybe I do.

Scratch off the maybe part, I really do understand what she means by that.

“Please Yehwa,” I can see the desperation embedded in Namjoon’s features as he begs for me to lend him a copy of my homework, just because he does not understand the simple concept of French Grammar and had totally ignored the homework given by the teacher yesterday just before the bell rang, his desire to go skate getting the best of him. And now, he’s on the brink of breaking into a sweat, either that or having a panic attack. It’s understandable, considering that the French Teacher is a real bitch and doesn’t give any second chances.

Where Namjoon’s concerned, he’s already on her blacklist.

It’s not like he’s always struggling like this in all his classes. To be fair, he gets along quite well with Maths, Physics, and all the other subjects that require logical thinking and critical perspective. But French is the one thing that I can gloat about in his face, for although he has the brain of a mastermind that can solve literally anything —and I’m not joking when I say literally everything— it seems like his ability to learn new languages is almost as weak as a red goldfish’s.

I push his restraining arm away with a roll of my eyes, “That’s what you get for not listening in class.”

“Come on, It’ll be the last time. I promise.” He cups his face with his hands as he slides his elbows onto the table and sends me that look, that look he always does when he knows he’s wrong but tries to convince me to help him anyway. “Hm?”

I sigh, and with a reluctant hand, hand him over my assignment in defeat. He’s never going to let me off the hook if I don’t show a bit of compliance. And who am I to kid anyway? He would’ve gotten someone to help him either way, even if I didn’t help him.

He grins and ruffles my hair, “You’re the best, you know that?”

I huff, “Of course I know.”

It would’ve been a normal day, like any other. The bell had rung for fifth period—French— and Namjoon managed not to get his head chopped off by the French Teacher once more, and school ended as per usual. I remember standing there, waiting for him to come out of the classroom because we always walked home together. It was an unspoken rule between us ever since we became friends — best friends— and really it had just become part of my routine.

And then I remember.

I remember that it had been raining that day.

The rain was what started it all.

I watch the droplets fall to the ground, plummeting onto the sidewalk in an echo of soothing symphonies  like pebbles rolling along a river, before fetching my umbrella from my backpack. It’s not like I dislike the rain, but when I have to walk all the way back home it gets kind of annoying to have water sloshing in your shoes and water making your hair stick to the sides of your face like you’d just taken an involuntarily bath. Now I know how dogs feel like whenever they had their shower times.

“You’re kidding me,” the familiar alto belonging to the owner I’m waiting for rings behind me, and I turn with a scowl to ask him, “Why are you so late?”

“Sorry, I got caught up talking to the guys.” he rubs the side of his head, an act that he only does when he’s slightly guilty, and my heart softens a little.

I punch his arm jokingly when he comes closer, “Please tell me you have an umbrella.”

“I do.” He makes a face at me and pulls out his own, opening it with an extravagant flourish that causes a chuckle to fall from my lips. He tilts his head at me in a silent proposal to go home, and I answer with a single nod, a small grin on my face.

The raindrops seem to pick up their pace and rhythm and the wind isn’t helping as we try to make our way out of the courtyard. I try my best to make myself as small as possible when the water splashes involuntarily up my legs, the cold wetness making me hiss, more in shock than in pain. If it’s like this when we’re still in school, then I’ll sure be drenched by the end of my walk back home.

Ain’t that great.

In my peripheral, I notice a figure running past us, their coat flying behind them as they try their best to cover their heads against the heated rainfall.

Pity swells slightly within my chest, before Namjoon suddenly voices out his thoughts, “I think I know that girl.”

“Huh?” I turn around once more to watch the said individual take refuge under a tree that isn’t doing a very good job at keeping her dry from the endless rain. I squint and wonder whether her face is a familiar one, but nothing comes to me.

I shake my head, “I don’t know her.”

“She’s in my Creative Writing class. The one I take as an activity?”

“Mhm.”

He adjusts his bag more securely onto his shoulder, “Maybe I should go help.”

“Oh, prince charming now are you?” I snigger, but before he can open his mouth to retort back his answer, I swat him away with a hand, “Just go. She needs it.”

“Stop making fun of me,” he throws me a pointed look before walking away. I pull my tongue out at him behind his back while replying, “I’m definitely going to ask about this when I’m home!”

I didn’t know then, that this one agreement would mean that I could lose him for the rest of my life.

I didn’t know that this would set off an alarm and wreck the deeply embedded roots of our friendship.

I didn’t know.

-----

I see him at school the next day and proceed to slap his back with everything that I have, a punishment for not replying to me yesterday when I asked if everything had gone alright.

But when he turns and flashes me this smile, the smile that made me realize years later that there was something underneath the waters that I didn’t know about, I knew for a fact that this boy had been a goner from before the time he requested to accompany her to a nearby bus station.

“What’s up?” I say as I casually sit down next to him like I always do. He has this sort of expression on his face, the kind that’s unidentifiable and yet, makes me twitch with a sense that there is something he’s hiding behind that face of his, behind that seemingly innocent expression.

“Nothing much.” his reply comes a little too quickly, where I can only raise a brow in question, “Oh, something’s definitely up.”

I haven’t seen Namjoon blush in a really long time, and the last time he’s confessed his affections for a certain individual had been in elementary school, sixth grade, where he almost immediately got rejected. That was before the time we actually started talking, and I remembered feeling pitiful towards the boy whose heart and soul got broken when the said girl had skipped away after telling him that he as an ugly monster and that no one would date him.

Up until now, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Namjoon trying to hit on other girls.

So might as well start now.

“Care to tell me about your walk after school yesterday?” I say, wriggling my eyes suggestively, to which he can only roll his eyes and turn away from me in an attempt to hide the growing smile on his face.

But I catch him anyway, and cross my arms in satisfaction, “Oh my god, Namjoon. It only takes a rainy day, a soaked girl and a shared umbrella for you to be so smitten?’

“It’s not like that.” he protests even though the way he avoids my gaze says otherwise.

“Come on,” I nudge him consistently so that he’d give up and start talking, if only to get rid of me being an annoying pest at his side, “just tell me what happened.”

“Nothing. I asked her if she wanted to share the umbrella. She said she was going towards the bus station, so I walked her there. We talked. And that’s it.”

Still, I know he’s not giving me the full story, and I know that he knows from the look on my face that I’m not completely satisfied with what he has to say. So he sighs in reluctance while scratching the back of his neck, a slither of a murmur leaving his lips, “And we might have exchanged numbers and texted yesterday night.”

Now that’s better. “So that’s why you haven’t been replying my messages.” I grin, “Totally makes sense. Usually, I’d scream at you, but since this is a special case, I’ll let you off this time.”

He scoffs, “You talk as if you’re actually a threat.”

“What did you say?!”

“Nothing” He singsongs, “Come on, before I get another lecture from that poor excuse of a French Teacher.”

I still didn’t know then.

A/N: First chapter is up! What do you think of it??? :) This will be your typical stereotypical bestfriend au and yes ladies and gentlemen I am not afraid to say that stereotypes are actual truth. My experience is the living proof of it so cheers to the cute predictable bestfriends turned to lover’s story!  Thanks for reading :) xx

[ellawritesficssometimes]

My Save Year: ch. 4

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12554533/1/My-Save-Year

Summary: Depressed and rejected by his family, Arthur longs for a new beginning during his first year of university. There he meets Alfred, an optimistic bright-eyed oaf with a sunny smile. An unlikely romance develops between them, one that was already doomed from the beginning. (USUK, multichapter)

Mid-October…

Prof. Braginski dismissed us from the lecture fifteen minutes earlier than usual. The new location of the lecture was desolate, much farther from the other buildings on campus. This was already the third switch up of classrooms; the class was nearly down to half its size. Most students dropped out because of the course’s inconsistency, choosing to take the online version instead.

Francis, Antonio, Lovino, Gilbert, and myself, on the other hand, stubbornly stuck it through with the original course. We were very much visual learners and had to see the material presented to us in order to truly engage with it.

Although, it was hard to listen to Prof. Braginski without feeling sorry for him. The man looked like he hadn’t caught a wink of sleep judging by the dark bags under his eyes. Everyone in the University stayed far away from him because of the paranormal rumours attached to his reputation.

Hell, we’d all experienced the random bangs and moans of ghosts haunting the classrooms he taught at. Although, only Francis and I could hear the latter. Still, it was hard for anyone to dispute that there was some sort of paranormal activity going on.

So far, this third location proved to be the quietest in terms of hauntings. The lights flickered, but that’s about it. We were located in a dingy basement of a church, using desks that were hardly big enough to place a laptop on. It was crowded and humid despite the cool fall weather outside.

Just as I was about to leave with Francis – we managed to tolerate each other now, and could even be considered just a tad bit more than acquaintances – Prof. Braginski asked me to stay back.

I complied and met the professor at the front podium.

Prof. Braginski gathered his papers before neatly placing them in his briefcase. “Ah, Mr. Kirkland, I’ve been meaning to speak to you for a while now,” he said apologetically, snow-white hair shining under the artificial fluorescent lights.

“I’m sure you’re aware that you’ve received the highest mark in the class for the first assignment, da?”

I nodded my head. My cheeks warmed. I was unsure of myself and quite frankly didn’t know how to react to praise. “Yes, sir, you sent me an email to inform me of this last week.”

Prof. Braginski straightened, readjusting his scarf in preparation for baring against the cold weather. “That long ago, huh?” he chuckled. “My apologies. If it’s any consolation, I have been quite busy lately with booking new classroom locations, as well as re-grading assignments. Many people in the class weren’t pleased with the results they received. Most of the time, these are the students who don’t attend any of my lectures.”

I nodded awkwardly, still unsure of what to say. The Russian was very intimidating up-close. He looked like he was capable of cracking a spoon with his thumb alone.

“Anyways, I just wanted to congratulate you,” Prof. Braginski continued. His violet eyes shined with kindness. “I know what’s its like to be an emerging writer. It’s tough, because you never truly know if you’re good enough. You’re always criticizing your writing, unable to see the talent laying right out before you like a shining beacon. Doubt is blinding like that.

“I try to tell students not to think that way when they get better. Just because you improve doesn’t mean that you were horrible before… I expect a lot of things from you, Mr. Kirkland. It was an immense pleasure reading your work. You just have such a way of getting down to the gritty details of how a character feels. It was almost paralyzing to read, and yet, I couldn’t unglue my eyes from the paper.”

“T-thank you, sir,” I stammered robotically. “This means a lot to me. Really, it does.”

“Anytime,” Prof. Braginski smiled. “All it takes is a bit of encouragement. We writers, we’re always so insecure about ourselves. Sometimes all it takes is a little push from someone who knows exactly what you’re going through.”

“I know what you mean,” I replied, wide-eyed. Briefly, my thoughts traced back to Alfred before focusing on Prof. Braginski’s slightly hooked nose. I was too shy to establish direct eye contact with him.

“So, have you started on the second prompt yet? I’m sure that you have. The deadline is fast approaching. What is it? Two weeks until it’s due?”

Our second prompt was to write a historical fiction piece. The time or genre didn’t matter so long as it was before 1960. We could depict anything we wanted to.

“Yes, sir,” I answered politely. “I’ve begun research in the library, and intend to continue it right now, actually. This was my last class of the day.”

“Oh, well, I won’t keep you for much longer then,” Prof. Braginski pursed his lips in approval. “Now, keep in mind this offer may not stand if I decide to leave next semester, but if I do decide to stay, I’m always looking for an assistant. This position would build you a lot of credit, and I’d be happy to invite you to a writer’s residency program afterwards. I see lots of potential in you, and I would hate for it to go unrecognized.”

“I…I don’t know what to say other than thank you,” I said, mouth gaped open like a bloody idiot. “I don’t know what I did to deserve–”

“Nyet! None of that,” Prof. Braginski interrupted, kindly. “You deserve every opportunity this world has to offer. I only offer this to students who I believe have a future in writing. Don’t question it, but rather accept your talent for what it is and hone in on it; tweak it; perfect it; and then, share it to the world, touch and reach the hearts of others, and maybe then, you’ll achieve the happiness you’ve long sought after.”

There was a knowing look in Prof. Braginski’s eyes as he clapped a hand over my shoulder. “When I was your age, I was stunted by a fear of rejection. It brought me many pains, and…” he paused. I could almost swear that tears were swimming in his old, wise gaze.

“…some ‘experiences’ I would rather not talk about. The point is, Mr. Kirkland, is to never let doubt plague you from achieving what you want. Don’t think, act. Now go, you have another marvelous one-shot to write for me. I very much look forward to reading it once it’s complete.”

Stunned, I stumbled forward. I had completely blanked out and forgotten what I had said to Prof. Braginski as I left the lecture room.

I was finally able to breathe again once I made it into the library.

The relief didn’t last long as I had to duck and creep past the study tables on the first floor. Matthew was holding his weekly Friday Homework club session, and since Francis was a stalker, he had long decided to attend them.

All right, to be fair, Gilbert first went to the meetings, and since Gilbert went, Antonio and Francis went too. Lovino was also forced to attend because of Antonio.

What was important was that Francis mainly came to these meetings because he wanted to check up on me. I avoided him because I didn’t want him to find out what I was doing here, other than working. I’d solve the case of the rooftop without his help, thank you very much.

It was hard enough coming up with excuses of why I couldn’t attend the meetings as all five of us walked over to the library together after class. Apparently, studying alone was beginning to lose its potency as an effective justification for not joining them.

Francis turned and eyed the bookcase I was using to hide/ walk behind. He was waiting for me to walk into the library, likely planning to use another guilt-trip tactic. Just because I tolerated him now didn’t mean that I wanted to spend every waking minute with him. Living together was more than enough.

Sapphire eyes narrowed before shifting their gaze to Matthew, who had cleared his throat several times to garner the Frenchman’s attention.

“Francis, focus on your work!” Matthew timidly scolded. He had about as much assertiveness as an endangered baby panda.

“Ah…oui,” Francis bashfully rubbed the back of his neck.

“Kesesese! Oh look, you made the little birdie angry,” Gilbert cackled.

“Gilbert, what did I say about you calling me that?” Matthew deadpanned.

“I’ll keep calling you as such until you finally agree to go out on a date with me,” Gilbert countered, a definite smirk on his face judging by the tone he used. “They don’t call me five meters for nothing…”

Lovino yawned and picked up his mobile. “Hi, yes, operator? I’d like to report a case of unnecessary sexual harassment.”

Antonio snickered. Lovino’s comment was unnecessary. Shy as he was, Matthew was more than capable of looking after himself.

“I’m starting to think that they call you five meters because of all the restraining orders people have filed against you,” Matthew huffed.

“OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

Smirking, I left for the rickety metal staircase leading up to the third floor. I couldn’t use the elevator, since it was in plain sight of the study group. God forbid that I had more than one social interaction today.

I wanted to look at the records’ section again. I was contemplating doing a piece about someone who had lived here in the past. Obviously, I would adjust the storyline and names and keep it tasteful, but I think it would be interesting if I wrote about what it was like to have attended this university many years ago. The spirits here that I’ve met already only attested to how rich and dark the school’s history was.

But, before I got to that, I had a certain yank to greet. Alfred waited for me at 4PM on weekdays where we met and chatted on the library’s rooftop. On the weekends, we had also grown accustomed to studying at the ‘food’ table in the fiction section together. As you can probably guess, I had yet to come up with any leads about the food snatching.

Not yet anyway.

The moment I stepped foot onto the rooftop, Alfred exploded. He was even more jittery than usual. “Dude, where were you? You’re late! I…I was beginning to worry,” he trailed off, solemnly reseating himself as I sat next to him on a bench. He was perfectly comfortable with me sitting next to him now.

“Sorry, one of my professors asked me to stay back,” I apologized for reasons inexplicable. When Alfred pouted like that I immediately felt sorry regardless if his sadness was irrational or not.

“He wanted to congratulate me for doing well on my first assignment. You know, the one I sent in last month?” I explained.

Alfred angrily scribbled in his notebook. “Yeah, yeah, you told me,” he muttered. “Good for you.”

I rolled my eyes. “What’s wrong now?”

Alfred ignored me. His cheeks weren’t just pink from the cold.

“Alfred, don’t be a twat. Tell me.”

“I thought you got tired of me and weren’t going to come again!” Alfred blurted out. “Sorry! I know I’m being irrational!” he chuckled. “Anxiety man, it really likes to mess with your brain, huh?”

“You’re correct. You are being irrational. We’ve been friends for how long now? Six weeks? Seven? I’m not just going to abandon you, Alfred. I couldn’t stand it if I did. Loud and crude as you may be, I truly enjoy talking to you. Just like you keep encouraging me to believe in myself, I’ll do the same for you. I like being your friend.”

“Say that. Say it again.”

“Why?” I smirked.

“Please?”

“I like being your friend, Alfred,” I huffed, crossing both my arms and ankles. Great, how was I going to tell him that I had to leave to do research?

Alfred broke out into a grin. “Thanks, buddy. I really needed that.”

I shrugged. “Anytime. Honestly, you can be so weird sometimes.”

Alfred ignored me again and began jotting down more ideas in his notebook. I had to look away when his tongue poked out of the corner of his mouth.

“So,” I let out a deep breath. Cold air clouded around my face. “How’s class going for you? Are you working on another assignment?”

“Nope, just brainstorming ideas for my War AU,” Alfred chirped. “I can do that literary bullshit essay late at night like I usually do. Class is good, boring, but good. You?”

I deadpanned. Classic Alfred. If something didn’t peak his interest, he would torture himself and leave an assignment until the very last minute. What infuriated me was that he got higher marks than students who had started weeks before him. He was naturally talented. If only he put more effort into his studies…

Alfred was bright, but not keen.

I faltered. I didn’t want to leave Alfred just yet. Watching him work and brainstorm was a guilty pleasure of mine. He wore his emotions on his face. My heart fluttered every time his eyebrows would furrow, lips pursed in thought, cerulean eyes sparking with determination. I’ll repeat myself again: he was beautiful, stunning, gorgeous, but I couldn’t have him.

“Hey,” I started. “I’m supposed to write a historical piece for my next one-shot. Would you… mind if I took a look at your ideas? I could really use the inspiration.”

Alfred’s head shot up, blond cowlick bouncing. His expression was more surprised than anything else, but he didn’t look opposed to it. “Sure, man. Suit yourself. Not that any of this is good.”

He handed the bounded notebook to me. I intended to cradle it gently, as it was very valuable to him, but ended up gasping as the notebook landed sharply on my lap – it was a lot heavier than I had expected.

“Jesus Roosevelt Christ!” I cussed. “How much does this thing weigh?”

Alfred blushed, placing a gloved fist over his mouth. “I don’t know…this is years of ideas and ink you’re looking at.”

“Clearly,” I said as I flipped through the notebook. Several extra notebooks and papers had been clipped into the binding, which explained the extra weight. Still, it was unimaginable how much this thing weighed. I could barely hold it up without feeling like my wrists were about to snap.

“Say something already!” Alfred spluttered, red up to his face, neck, and ears. “You’re killing me here!”

After some time had passed, I closed the notebook having briefly glanced over the plot and historical notes. I didn’t need to do this, I was merely fibbing around so that I didn’t have to leave Alfred right away.

I had told myself before that I wouldn’t stay with him for long. Half an hour later, and it still wasn’t enough. Spending time with Alfred was like a drug. You craved it, needed it. Instead of a high, he gave me praise and acceptance. To me, this was the only satisfaction I would ever need and couldn’t nearly get enough of.

“It’s so thorough,” I remarked in awe. “And here I thought I was a good researcher. I can’t imagine how much thought was put into this. And the characterization, my word! You really root for Allen to survive the war in the end. It’s just a pity that it seems like you’re intending to have his mental health be his final undoing. You’re not going to kill him off, are you?”

Alfred’s solemn expression indicated the opposite.

“That’s so cruel!” I complained.

“Yeah, well, life is unfair like that,” Alfred grumbled, leaning back to drape his arms over the bench. God, how I wanted him to wrap his arms around me.

I fidgeted with my hands, thinking about how I was going to break the news to Alfred. He treasured our time spent together just as much as I did, only for different reasons.

“Thank you for showing me something so personal,” I murmured softly. “That was very sweet of you.”

“Did it help?”

“Yeah,” I smiled. “I really think that it did. Which brings me to my next point. I’m afraid I can’t stay here any longer. I have some research to do for the piece, and now that my professor is expecting a lot more from me, it’s got to be absolutely perfect.”

I stood up and slung my backpack over my shoulder.

Alfred spluttered. “Wha–?! You’re leaving?! Already?!”

I gave Alfred a sad look. “Yes, that’s what I just said, didn’t I?”

“No!” Alfred fumed. He slammed his notebook into his satchel.

“What do you mean, no?!” I snapped, irritation setting in.

“You heard me, Artie,” Alfred growled. He curled his gloved hands into fists as he stood up to loom over me. “This is our daily meeting time, so wherever you go, I go.”

“Alfred,” I deadpanned, promptly ignoring the putrid nickname. “You can’t just follow me around. I have work to do.”

“Yes I can! Watch me!”

“You’re going to get bored,” I shook my head in disbelief. Meanwhile, my heartbeat sped up, hammering in my chest uncontrollably. He was going out of his way to spend time with me. Me!

“No, I won’t. Now stop talking, and get researching. I’ll eat and supervise.”

I scoffed when Alfred pulled out a PB & J sandwich from his jacket. He really fancied those from the school’s cafeteria.

“Fine,” I growled. “Just don’t be too loud. And that means chewing with your mouth closed!”

“Yep! Mhmmghgph.”

“Oh dear god,” I sighed, holding open the library’s door for him. “How can you switch from being sweet and endearing to insufferable in thirty seconds flat?”

Alfred swallowed heavily. “Beats me.”

“Don’t you have something better to do? How come you don’t socialize with your actual classmates?” I asked. I let go of the door and it swung shut with a satisfying click.

This was something I had always wondered. I only ever saw Alfred in the library, or very rarely in the cafeteria. I didn’t know what he did in his spare time, let alone which dorm building he was residing in. He was a mystery, but I never asked these things out of fear of breaching his privacy and very fragile personal bubble.

We walked together comfortably on the soft padded carpeting and approached the balcony railing that overlooked the entire library. I took a sharp right and Alfred followed.

“I do,” Alfred replied. “But you’re the one I hang out with outside of class. I like you the most. I’m getting better at initiating conversations, though! It must be because of the practice I have with you.”

Of all people, the yank had learned how to socialize better from me. How ironic.

Still, that comment made me blush furiously; I had to turn away. If he kept saying things like that…

“So!” Alfred whistled. “What type of reaching are ya doin’?”

“I’m looking up biographies or newspaper articles about people who used to attend the university. We’re supposed to write a story about the past. I figured I would write a historical fiction piece about one of the lores people on campus like to gossip about. I mean, seriously. If I hear one more suicide horror story, my ears are going to bleed!” I sighed.

Alfred inhaled sharply. “That’s uh, real weird, Artie. Where are you taking us anyway?”

“You mean where am I going?” I smugly corrected. “You’re the one following me, remember? And, the records section, of course. I have to base this piece on someone, even if I am going to change up a few things.”

“Oh,” Alfred squeaked.

I stopped abruptly, turning to shed Alfred with an annoyed glare. “Let me guess,” I started. “You’re afraid there’s going to be more ghosts in this section?”

“Well, yeah dude, that’s a fact! I know this library from head to toe! I…uh came here a lot earlier in the summer than you did! The records section is the worse because it’s about real people! I would know, I used to sit there before I moved to the rooftop!”

“Tsk! You’re such a baby.”

“Am not!” Alfred protested.

“Are…” I turned around and realized that Alfred was gone.

I nearly jumped three feet in the air when Matthew came walking around a nearby bookshelf. “I thought I heard you up here, Arthur. Francis was looking for you earlier. He wanted you to come down and join us, but the meeting’s over now… Eh, who were you talking to? I thought I heard another voice?”

“Oh just some ridiculous yank who’s a total baby and is scared of ghosts!” I spoke up just in case Alfred was nearby.

“How nice, you made a friend,” Matthew smiled. He looked eerily maternal. I stifled a sigh. “I’ll let you two fight it out then,” he smirked. There was a knowing expression on his face. “And Arthur?”

“Yes?”

“You should really start coming to the meetings. Your other friends in it would really like you to go.”

“Maybe,” I shrugged.

“Mhmmm. Bye now.”

“Like hell I will,” I finished when Matthew’s soft chuckles had faded away.

Without a certain loud-mouth to interrupt me, I began pawing through several records. I flipped through maybe five of them before jumping again at the sound of a pop can opening.

“What the hell are you doing?!” I hissed, angry because I had nearly dropped the record book I was holding.

Alfred guzzled down a can of Fanta. “What?” he whined, letting out a loud “AH!” as the carbonated bubbles scraped at his throat. “There was a vending machine nearby and I wanted something to wash the sandwich down.”

I pointed a sharp index finger at a bin around the corner. “Garbage, now. You know full well that I work at this library. You’re breaking one of the only rules here.”

“But Artieeee!”

“Don’t you ‘but Artie’ me! Now I’m going to count to ten, and if that’s not in the garbage by the time I’m done…”

“I’m not doin’ it.”

“1…”

“…”

“2…”

“…”

“3…”

“Fine! Whatever! Be a stick in the mud, see if I care.”

“Hmmph! That’s what I thought,” I conceitedly murmured to myself, and then smugly resumed my research.

Alfred had his revenge when he snuck up on me from behind and playfully jabbed my side with his thumb.

“Gotcha!”

“AH!” Since I was a very ticklish person, I jolted and accidently elbowed Alfred in the stomach.

“OOMPH!” Alfred turned and staggered backwards. He grabbed at my waist to prevent himself from falling. All he managed to do was bring me down with him.

Disorientated, it took me a solid thirty seconds before I was aware of my compromising position. I was straddling Alfred.

Horror quickly set in.

Much to my surprise, Alfred didn’t panic. Instead he laughed, squinting up at me as his glasses were left askew on the bridge of his nose. His cerulean eyes seemed bluer under the fluorescent lights; it was an indescribable shade.

So was how red my face was.

“Bahahaha! Your face!” Alfred reached out to pinch my cheeks. “It’s so red!”

Silence.

“Oh, go fuck yourself!” I scowled and rigidly crawled off him. I stood up and brushed off the dirt from my pants, attempting to maintain some dignity.

“Aw, Arthur come back!” Alfred protested. He scrambled to his feet. “It was just a joke, I’m sorry! I’m also sorry for messing up your research!”

I looked over my shoulder, lips pursed in a death glare. “Good night, Alfred. I’ll see you tomorrow,” I grudgingly admitted that last part. I could never stay mad at him for too long. The way that his hair stuck up unevenly from the fall almost made me laugh, almost.

“Night!” Alfred giggled. He was shaking his head as if I were the weird one.

Unfortunately, I had a much larger problem in my pants to hide and eventually get rid of.

…

Several hours later…

…

I furiously rubbed at my eyes, hoping to alleviate a late-night grogginess spell. Each day, I had a set number of course readings and work to do. If I didn’t finish what I had set out to accomplish, I wouldn’t be able to sleep. Perhaps, this was my OCD, but I absolutely despised being behind on my work. My anxiety simply wouldn’t be able to handle it.

I was stubborn, but at least this trait didn’t bring me unnecessary stress caused by procrastination. Yes, Francis, I’m talking about you, you overstuffed amphibian.

As of now, the Frenchman had gone to bed early, intending to get some beauty sleep. For once, he wasn’t out partying. Either way, he was a chronic procrastinator. Just watching him do his assignments at the last minute gave me high blood pressure, and I didn’t even like him!

“Come on,” I grumbled to myself, both squinting and widening my eyes. The pages were getting fuzzier and fuzzier.

It didn’t help that my level of focus was next to shit since the incident with Alfred in the library a few hours ago. I couldn’t stop thinking about it, and when I did, I would cringe so hard stars danced before my eyes.

I leaned against the frame of my bed and straightened my posture. I had lost count how many times I’ve cracked my shoulders and spine. It was taking me over three hours just to get through thirty pages of material. Normally, something like this would take me an hour and a half at most.

A voice in my head begged for me to sleep, and my heavy-lidded eyes pleaded for this as well.

I hadn’t realized that my eyes had already closed until a large bang against my windowsill startled me back into focus. Again, with the irony here.

“I’m probably just imagining things,” I muttered. “Come on now, only ten more pages to go. I can do this.”

Not thirty seconds later, my window banged again.

Irritated, I swung my legs over the bed. The cold tiling pressing into the soles of my feet caused me to wince in discomfort. I padded over to the window anyway and narrowed my eyes.

“AH-! FUCK!” I gasped without a shred of elegance. A tall, hulking figure was perched on the tree outside my window. They were on the closet branch, waving at me with a massive hand. Were they going to throw a rock at me this time?

What if it was those delinquents from the bar area? Did they know where I lived now?

Panic crept up my throat. I could hardly breathe, and yet, I was frozen; motionless; terrified of what would happen next. Tears pricked at my eyes, but I willed them back.

“Artie!” The figure bellowed. Their voice was muffled by the glass panelling.

The clouds outside cleared. Under the moonlight, a gleam of spectacles and cerulean eyes reflected back at me.

I grabbed at my chest as if it would somehow stop my heart from beating as fast and unhealthily as it was now.

“Alfred!” I snapped. “What the hell are you doing here?! It’s one in the morning!”

Alfred motioned for me to open the window. “Can’t hear you, dude!” he mouthed, gloved hands cupped around his mouth. There was a devilish smirk on his face that didn’t sit right with me.

Because I was embarrassed, I couldn’t hope to stop myself from being rude. I wasn’t expecting company, not ever, but certainly not at this hour. I was wearing sweats and a hoodie; being presentable was far out of the question.

SLAM!

I opened the window harshly and scowled. “I said, what are you doing here?! It’s one in the morning, you imbecile!”

This was the first time I had seen Alfred outside of the library or cafeteria. I was being bombarded with too many surprises I wasn’t nearly prepared enough to deal with.

Alfred shrunk back. “I…ah…wanted to apologize for earlier. I didn’t mean to scare you off. I only meant to tease ya, and I guess it really backfired, huh?”

I blushed at the reminder. I couldn’t even bring myself to think about what I had done when I had gotten home earlier. Looking myself in the bathroom mirror in shame afterwards was more than enough.

“Apology accepted,” I scoffed. This whole encounter was just too ridiculous for me to process. “I’m sorry too. I get flustered easily. Although, what you’re doing right now isn’t helping. How did you even find out where I live?”

Alfred’s face brightened. “You told me you lived in the Gaul dorm, remember? This window was the only one with the lights on, and since you’re always studying, I figured this would be your room,” he explained. “You’re very predictable, Arthur. It doesn’t take a genius to figure you out.”

“Brilliant,” I remarked sarcastically. “You’re a true detective if I’ve ever seen one.”

“So,” Alfred shifted nervously. “You wanna come out and gaze at the stars with me?”

“Honestly,” I crossed my arms. “You make no bloody sense. First, you come to apologize to me when you could have done that tomorrow, and now you expect me to sit with you on a flimsy tree branch that likely won’t be able to hold up both of our weights?”

“I didn’t want to wait!” Alfred blurted out. “It was really bugging me. You just left so abruptly. I thought I hurt your feelings and then I felt really shitty about it and then I couldn’t sleep, so I came here because residence doesn’t let you in past 11 PM and now you’re being really mean and ah! I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m sorry! Crap! You must think I’m so weird… Also, this branch is a lot sturdier than it looks, man! I mean, it’s holding up my dead ass weight, ain’t it?!”

Silence.

Alfred rubbed at the back of his neck again and bit his lip. He was breathing heavily, too petrified to form a coherent sentence.

I caved almost immediately. Seeing Alfred be sad like this was too painful to watch.

“Fine,” I sighed. “But if I fall, I’m suing you. And are you really that surprised that I’m being mean to you? I thought you were trying to assault me! You nearly gave me a heart attack!”

“Oh god!” Alfred gasped, sheepish. “I didn’t think of that! Not that I think anything through, ahaha!” he laughed nervously. “I just thought it was a nice night to enjoy. You would see this for yourself if you came out here.”

“Well, I can’t do that if you’re not going to help me,” I countered. “Not everyone has the figure of an Olympic athlete like you do. I’m not exactly made for climbing.”

Alfred smirked and crawled closer to the window. He extended a gloved hand, smug in all of his entirety. “My dearest pasty prince, may I escort you onto this branch?” he mused.

“Forget it,” I snarled. “If you’re going to be insufferable, I’ll just go back to doing my work.”

“No! Please!” Alfred whined. “Artie! Come on! It’s so nice out! Take a break for once.”

Silence.

Alfred’s cerulean eyes widened, tearing up for dramatic effect. “Please,” he said, waggling his massive hand at me. His long fingers grabbed at empty air.

Silence.

“Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease?”

My eyes twitched. Don’t look. Don’t look.

Damn it, I looked.

“Ple–!”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake, fine!” I snapped.

Laughing, Alfred took my hand. With a grunt, he hoisted me up onto the branch. He held my waist with both hands until I settled on the branch, comfortably next to him. There was a decent amount of distance between us. I pretended not to acknowledge the jolts of electricity that shot up my spine every time he touched me.  

“See, isn’t it nice out?” Alfred said serenely, pointing up at the near perfect night.

I furrowed my brows. Just twenty minutes ago, it had been pitch-black out and now there wasn’t a single cloud in the sky. The moon shone against us, a bright yellow orb that painted the campus with a dream-like dewy light.

“Yes, actually,” I admitted, glancing at the cluster of stars dotting the night. If you looked even closer, you could just barely make out the murky trails of several nebulas. The campus was in a remote enough location where star-gazing was far easier than it was in urban areas.

“I can’t remember the last time I was able to see full constellations,” I continued. “Actually, I just haven’t bothered to do something as simple as this for a long time now. You’re right, Alfred. It is nice.”

Alfred playfully bumped his shoulder against mine. “Thought so. You’re always so busy that you never look up to enjoy the simple things in life. I’ve yet to see you relax. Being high-strung must be a talent of yours.”

“Haha, very funny,” I yawned.

“Woah,” Alfred exclaimed when I began to sway without realizing. “Just how tired are you exactly?”

“Very,” I murmured. “I’ll be…fine.”

“No, no you’re not. Can I um…” Alfred faltered, craning his neck to look at me. “Can I wrap my arm around you? I just want to make sure you don’t fall!!!”

Turns out I wasn’t the only one blushing profusely.

“W-what?!” I spluttered, only to falter when Alfred shrunk back, embodying a kicked puppy position. “Well, ah, I mean, if you’re comfortable doing it, sure?” I squeaked.

Without another word, Alfred wrapped an arm around my torso in support. He was warm. I could feel the heat emanating from underneath his bomber jacket.

“T-thanks,” I whispered.

“Any time,” Alfred just about squealed, his voice a few octaves higher than normal.

Silence, again.

I willed myself not to breathe too much. Not that I was able to. Alfred was so close. I could smell him: leather, and the gruff scent of polish and hair gel. His arms were strong in their grip. I wanted to lean closer, but knew it wouldn’t be appropriate given our relationship.

Instead, I focused on admiring the night sky. If I met those wondrous cerulean eyes one more time, I didn’t know if I’d be able to handle it. They weren’t mine to look at. For now, I could only cherish them.

“Hey,” Alfred spoke up again. His entire body was tense. If he pointed up his chin any higher, he’d surely break his neck.

“Yes?” I replied, breathless.

“I really am sorry for earlier. I shouldn’t have done that.”

“It’s fine. You just startled me, that’s all.”

Alfred chuckled. “Just like I did now?”

“Yes,” I smiled faintly. “Just like you did now, you stupid yank.”

“Aw come on, that’s not nice,” Alfred chided.

“Oh shut up,” I huffed. “You’ve patronized me enough tonight. Just let me enjoy this moment while it lasts. Soon it’ll be over, and then I’ll be thrust back into the never-ending cycle of lectures, papers, and mid-terms. I need an outlet to vent my frustrations onto; you just so happen to be it.”

“Fair enough,” Alfred snickered. “But, didn’t you say something about having an annoying roommate? Don’t you get to vent your frustrations onto him?”

“Oh, believe me I do,” I said in loathing. “I try to avoid him most of the time, though. Unfortunately, he has a tendency to find me wherever I am. Our meeting spot on the rooftop is the only place I can hide from him.”

“Is he really that bad?” Alfred asked.

“Absolutely intolerable,” I shuddered. “He blasts music all day, drinks wine, and parties just about every other night. Not to mention that he constantly picks at me for, well, everything. My clothes, my diet, my hair…my writing; apparently it’s really depressing and cryptic. He usually shuts up after I tell him his writing sounds like it’s written from the perspective of a sixteen year old drama queen. God, I can’t stand angst. Maybe it’s because my life is already full of it enough as it is.”

Alfred shrugged. “I don’t know, dude. Maybe your roommate is just trying to pull out the best in you. I’ve seen what you bring for lunch. Not that I’m a master chef or anything, but bread and butter isn’t enough to get you through the day. I don’t mind how you dress, and as for your writing? As long as he’s not malicious, it’s okay to accept constructive criticism. I’m sure he cares about you a lot more than you think. He wouldn’t bother if he didn’t.”

“Alfred,” I groaned. “I’m trying to vent. I don’t need a rational explanation and analysis like you’re my frigging therapist. I’m angry, leave me be.”

“I’m just saying,” Alfred protested, albeit weakly. “It won’t do ya any good if you keep pushing away people.”

“You currently have your arm wrapped around me,” I slyly remarked. “I hardly see that as pushing people away.”

“Touche,” Alfred admitted.

“How about you?” I asked, re-directing the conversation. “Surely, you can’t be that great of a roommate if you’re out this late at night. Aren’t they going to be angry when you come back and wake them up?”

Truth is, I had no idea where Alfred lived on campus. We had never even spoken about the subject.

“Nah,” Alfred waved his free hand. “I’m in a single. All I have to worry about is sneaking past my res supervisor. It was pretty easy considering most people are partying in their rooms at this time.”

I nodded my head, stifling my jealousy. What I would have given to have a room to myself. If only I wasn’t dirt poor. No matter, this was what I came here for. I’d get a degree and make myself a solid career.

“Are you always this impulsive?”

“Yes.”

“That was a rhetorical question,” I deadpanned.

“I know, it’s just fun bugging you,” Alfred countered with ease. “I like how your eyebrows furrow together. It’s cute.”

Words cannot how flustered I became after that comment.

Thankfully, a distraction in the form of a very drunk Italian saved me from responding.

“Antonio, you bastard,” Lovino slurred twenty feet below. “Come here, and sweep me off my feet. I c-can’t walk, ahahaha!”

Antonio stumbled forward and giddily wrapped his arms around Lovino. “You’re so cold, mi amor. That coat isn’t warm enough for you. Here, allow me to help.”

I had to look away for the sake of privacy when the two began to make out.

Alfred and I remained quiet until they had finally walked away.

“They’re sure having a good time,” Alfred said shyly, a hesitant smile on his face.

I don’t know what overcame me, but suddenly, a surge of boldness balled up in my chest. Seeing Antonio and Lovino together didn’t just make me jealous. I was motivated to test things out with Alfred, however small the chances they were.

If not, I was perfectly fine with being friends with him.

Still, there was a small sliver of hope. Alfred was bi. He had his arm wrapped around me. Everything was set into place, and appeared like they were in my favour. Maybe it was the sleep deprivation talking, but I didn’t care.

I leaned closer into Alfred, humming pleasantly. Alfred stiffened, but didn’t pull away.

Perhaps it was the sereneness of the moment, or that I was enjoying myself, but I desperately longed for more intimacy. It’s been too long since I’d experienced it. After years of keeping to myself, Alfred was the first person whom I had ever kept for more than just a couple weeks at a time.

I wanted him. More than that, I trusted him.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t me who made the next move.

Alfred brushed his right hand over my left. “You’re not wearing any gloves,” he murmured. “They…they must be cold, right?”

“Mhhhm, yeah, very cold,” I said, impatiently.

I curled my fingers so that my knuckles brushed into his palm. “Tell me something, Alfred. Are you comfortable?”

“Y-yeah why do you ask?”

I flipped our hands so that I was holding onto his. “How about now?”

“Yeah…very comfortable,” Alfred flushed. “I’m never shy with you, Arthur. You k-know that.”

I leaned closer, pressing my face a nose’s distance away from his. “How about now?” I blinked.

“I would be more comfortable if you kissed me,” Alfred said, bravely meeting my eyes.

“Took you long enough, lad,” I grinned. “I knew you were clever.”

I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed my lips against his. I moaned lowly when his tongue poked at my bottom lip. I opened in compliance, letting our tongues slip together in slow, experimental movements.

“Mmmph,” Alfred sighed, and closed his eyes. Large, steady hands raked through my hair while my own placed themselves against his rock-hard chest.

I couldn’t believe it. I was kissing Alfred Jones… and he was kissing me back no less, with just as much want and need as my own.

Our kisses became rougher, teeth clacking against each other; messily, hungrily.

I gasped when Alfred squeezed my hips, moving so that his back was placed against the trunk of the tree. Sometime in between our sloppy brushing, I had crawled over to straddle him.

“Easy,” I growled. “You’re going to leave bruises.”

“I’m sorry,” Alfred breathed into my neck, feathering the sensitive skin with delicate kisses. “I’ve just wanted to do this for so long now. You’re beautiful, Arthur. I can’t help it.”

I nearly sobbed right then and there, but instead focused on drinking up the pleasure of the moment. For once, I was being called beautiful. I wasn’t just thinking that of another person.

I needed a moment to breathe, to take in what had just happened. I resorted to pressing my forehead against Alfred’s, inhaling deeply.

Alfred grinned and rubbed his nose against mine. “You haven’t said anything. I’m worried.”

“That’s because I don’t know what to say,” I replied, sliding to rest my head against his collarbone. I was too shy to make eye contact. “Here I’ve had a crush on you all this time, and it turns out that you feel the same way. I’ve never had something work out for me so perfectly like this. Forgive me for being stunned by it.”

Alfred tucked his chin over my head, one arm rubbing my back in comforting circles. “Yup…” he trailed off, voice cracking. “That’s me for you: I think I’m being straight forward, but I only end up confusing people. I’ll probably never stop being impulsive.”

“Don’t!” I smirked.

“Don’t what?”

“Don’t stop being impulsive. It’s the part of you that I like most. How you get antsy at every off-hand remark. Or how easy it is to make you happy. You’re precious, Alfred. I wouldn’t ever want you to change that about yourself.”

“You don’t know me, I mean, all of me,” Alfred murmured into my hair. “I suck sometimes by being awkward and getting mad easily, you just haven’t seen it yet. I say things that I don’t mean. I…I… shouldn’t have done this. It’s a wonder why you want to be friends with me. I…always fuck things up…”

I pulled away from Alfred, alarm setting in. “No.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me, I said no. Don’t you dare give up now. Alfred, I’m in no rush to take things farther. I’ll be patient if I have to, because hell if we both know that I’m far from perfect myself. Still, you’re the best thing that has ever happened to me. I couldn’t bear it if you left, not after all that we’ve shared together. I would be happy only being friends with you. Please, just don’t leave.”

Alfred’s arm tightened around me. “Okay,” he took a jagged breath. “Someone’s got to protect you, right? I won’t leave you, Artie. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me too. You make everything bad happening around me feel like it’s nothing. I just want to see you smile; to hold you close; to make sure you…take care of yourself.”

“I do take care of myself,” I hiccupped into his chest.

“No, you don’t. Come, I’m putting you to bed and then I’m going straight home. What kind of lunatic does homework this late anyway?”

“A nerd,” I dryly replied, trying not to look too disappointed as I pulled away from him.

“I must be in love with a lunatic nerd then,” Alfred smiled, shyly with a bigger one just begging to be released. He still looked so uncertain. I didn’t want him to feel this way, so I resorted to being sarcastic in the hopes of teasing him out of his shell.

“And I must be in love with a grammarless yank.”

“Selective grammarless yank,” Alfred corrected.

“Yes, yes, whatever. Now are you going to help me into my room or not?”

“Oops, yeah, sorry.”

After much protest, and awkward fumbling movements, Alfred helped me into my room. He also forced me to put my books away. I offered no protest. He had an insufferable habit of making it impossible to say no to him.

Once the lights were shut and I was tucked underneath the covers in an angry, curled position, Alfred smiled and sat next to me on the side.

“What?!” I snapped. “I did what you said, didn’t I?”

“Nothing,” Alfred whispered. “You just look really cute again, grumpy too.”

“If you’re trying to flatter or court me, it’s not working,” I scoffed, turning my back on him.

Alfred placed a hand on my waist. Even though there was a good amount of fabric between us, it still burned pleasantly. “Don’t be like that,” he tutted. “Artie, look at me.”

Reluctantly, I flopped onto my other side. My glare was still in place, but my hot cheeks took away from the act. “What?” I spat.

Alfred bent over to kiss my forehead. “Good night. I should really get going, though. I’ll see you tomorrow, all right?”

When he got up to leave, through the window as we had already agreed that Francis seeing him would cause way too much trouble and questions, I panicked. “Wait!” I hissed.

Alfred turned around, gaping. “Huh?”

I bit my lip. “Can you…stay?”

“Only until I fall asleep!” I added when I noticed the hesitant expression on his face.

The mattress shifted with another weight again. Things didn’t seem real. I was just so happy. “Okay, that I can do.”

“Good,” I said stiffly, and left it at that.

“Geez, Artie. Aren’t you just full of surprises?” Alfred laughed lightly. “I thought you didn’t need anyone else in your life?”

“Shut up. People change. It’s called character development.”

“Right, right. I’ll just let my handsome prescence lure you to sleep.”

He hadn’t just been teased out of his shell. He was lounging on top of it now.

“You’re lucky I’m exhausted,” I warned. “Otherwise – yawn – you would be expecting a good slap to the face for being so cheeky.”

“Literally.”

“Could you stop being such a smartass?” I snarled.

Alfred reached over to sweep a few strands of hair out of my eyes. “That I can’t do,” he said in a smug tone.

I rolled my eyes, too tired to argue. “Good night, Alfred. I hope you trip and fall on your way out.”

“You don’t actually mean that. Stop being so mean.”

“You’re right, I don’t. But it was still fun to say.”

“Shhh,” Alfred smoothed the back of my head. “You can argue with me all day tomorrow. But, you won’t be able to if you don’t get a good night’s rest.”

“Very true, love.”

“I just said shhh. You’re so stubborn, geez. I’m going to be here all night if you don’t stop.”

Precisely.

I hmphed but didn’t say anything more. Last night was the best sleep I’ve had in years. Why? Because someone other than Alistair genuinely liked me for me. I didn’t doze off with pervasive guilt, self-loathing or general anxiousness.

I was finally at peace.

…

The following morning, I staggered into the kitchen. I had woken up far later than usual, Alfred of course having already left some time last night.

I had a shift in an hour, so I would be able to see Alfred then. Honestly, I’d never understand why he was so adamant on being old-fashioned in everything he did. To not have a cellphone in this day and age was almost unheard of.

Francis was sitting at the small table we had set up, his laptop open with the latest news and a mug of coffee in his hands. He was already dressed and primed to perfection, whereas my hair was sticking up in every possible direction

I pretended to ignore Francis, refusing to let him sour my good mood. Hell, if he wasn’t there to stare at me, I probably would have allowed myself a small smile.

Someone liked me.

And I liked them back.

I still couldn’t get over it.

I drew the last straw when Francis tsked at me for my choice in breakfast: oatmeal and a slice of toast.

“What?!” I snapped. I was standing up, eating my toast over the sink. AS if I was going to sit down with him and engage in a civil conversation. Not when he was looking at me so critically.

Francis took a slow sip of his coffee, eyebrows raised. When he finished, he set down his mug in a dramatic, languid motion.

“You’ve been out communicating with spirits again, haven’t you?” he accused. “Arthur, it’s dangerous to do it alone, especially late at night. I would have come if they were bothering you that badly.”

“I did no such thing,” I said, and bit into my toast with a loud crunch.

Francis’s eyebrows raised even higher.

“I swear to God, I didn’t!” I snarled. “Stop looking at me like that. Even if I did, which I didn’t, I’ve already told you that if I need your help, I’ll ask!”

“Oui, whatever, keep lying to yourself. See if I care,” Francis sighed. He stood up from his seat and exited the kitchen.

“And what’s that supposed to mean?!”

Francis looked over his shoulder, sapphire eyes rolling. “I don’t know, ask yourself. You’re the one being suspicious.”

I turned away from Francis, furious.

My curiosity peaked when I realized that he had left his laptop open. Carefully, I leaned over the device.

In the search bar, he had typed in “How to get rid of nosy roommates.”

With a splutter, I blinked harshly when the webcam opened to snap a photo of me with a bright flash.

Francis poked his head into the kitchen, an obnoxious lilting smirk on his face. “What did I say: suspicious. Now I have my proof. The Arthur I know would never care about what I search, let alone think. You’re unusually happy, and it’s beginning to freak me out.”

So much for my good mood.

To be continued…

[darnloveablecharacters]

Far From Home, Part Seven: Holy...

Series Summary: Reader is torn from her reality and dumped into the middle of a war. Will she make it home? Or will she find where she belongs? A Rogue One Reader Insert Fanfiction. Gifs and recognizable characters are not mine, but the story and all of the mistakes are!

Far From Home - Masterlist

Chapter Notes: Ahh, I’m so excited for this chapter to be up. Y’all finally get to meet two of my favorite people in the story!

Warnings for this chapter: language

I sat in the room with the circular table being interrogated by General Draven again. Mon Mothma was there as well, and another man who introduced himself as Bail Organa. Captain Andor was no-where in sight.

Don’t worry, if you join you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see him.

“So, you want to join the rebellion?” General Draven was saying with an air of suspicion. “Mon Mothma seems to think that you are trustworthy, but soldiers won’t be trained unless I approve it.” He sat in the chair opposite of me and leaned forward. “Convince me.”

Okay, maybe I hadn’t completely thought it through before volunteering.

Shocker.

I crossed my arms, thankful that I was not restrained to the chair this time and asked, “How shall I do that?”

“What’s your name?” He asked as if were an obvious place to start.

I looked at Mon Mothma and she gave me a small smile and winked at me.

She didn’t tell them.

“My name is Y/N Y/L/N.” I said, looking back at the General.

If the fact that I answered shocked him, he didn’t show it. “Where are you from?”

“Earth.” I said, feeling defiance creep back into me.

Do you want to help them or not?

“I’m not familiar with a system called Earth.” He looked to the others for confirmation, and they both shook their heads.

I sighed, resolving myself and started with “You’re probably going to think I am insane after this but…” And I told them, everything. Well, maybe I left out the part that being close to Captain Andor made my heart jump into my throat. It didn’t take as long as I thought it would, and they listened without interrupting which I appreciated. At the end of my story Mon Mothma had a look of pity, Bail looked curious but deep in thought and General Draven looked… grouchy.

Does that man have any other expressions?

I took a deep breath and focused on a spot on the floor. I wasn’t sure what to say at this point, so I waited, begging from someone to break the silence.

It was Mon Mothma who spoke first. “Thank you, Y/N. While your story is incredible, I believe you are telling the truth to the best of your knowledge.” The others nodded in agreement, which shocked me.

Bail spoke next in a commanding, yet kind voice. “Why would you choose to fight then, if you have no ties to this war or anyone in it?

Why indeed?

The answer came strangely easily to me, “It’s the right thing to do. People are meant to be free. They shouldn’t have to fear for their lives or the lives of their families if they tie their shoes in the wrong spot. I didn’t understand it at the time, but I understand now that if I wouldn’t have run into Captain Andor and followed him when I did, those storm troopers would have imprisoned me. Or worse, they would have killed me.”

Did you already forget these people imprisoned you too?

I shook off the thought and looked at the ground again, waiting for the next question.

I tensed when General Draven started to speak. “That’s either very brave of you, or very foolish.”

I agree, I tell her she’s an idiot all the time!

He considered me for a moment before his face showed that he had come to a decision. “I will allow you to train with the next group of recruits.” My head shot up to look at General Draven. “You will begin in four days. I suggest you prepare yourself, the training will push your limits mentally and physically.” He typed something on a small monitor as he continued talking. “You will be moved to the wing set aside for trainees and will be put on probation.” I couldn’t stop my disappointment from showing when he smirked.

Oh my God, even his smile looks angry.

“All of the trainees start off in a probationary period. You will be free to move around the communal areas on base.” He said.

Sweet, blessed, near freedom!

“You will need to take remedial classes, however, to learn about our world.” I flinched at the word ‘remedial’. “After training every day, you will meet me here at twenty hundred hours and you will learn the basics.”

Good feelings gone.

“You are dismissed.” He said waving me off. I head to the door feeling a mixture of excitement and terror, when I hear the Generals voice call out, “Oh and Y/N. I recommend keeping your story to yourself. If anyone asks, just tell them you were born on Tattooine.”

“Yes, Sir.” I said nodding, then exited the room and met my guard in the hallway who would escort me to my prisoner’s room for the last time.

A year after that conversation with the General, I stand outside the door of the command room with a group of new rebel soldiers that have just completed the basic training, waiting for our ranks to be assigned.

The physical training had been murder at first. Every day, all I wanted to do was head straight to my room, shower and go to bed like the rest of the recruits. Instead, after my shower, I would meet with General Draven, and on a few lucky occasions with Mon Mothma or Bail Organa and learn about the world I now live in. Turns out those robots wandering around the base are called droids, go figure.

No wonder people kept laughing at you.

It got easier as time passed. My muscles grew stronger, and by sheer will, my endurance improved. I excelled in the majority of the classes. The instructors were delighted to find that I was already an excellent marksman, and had experience in mechanics. As the training progressed, I made a few mental notes to thank my friends for all they had taught me if I ever make it back home. One brave instructor even began to teach me how to fly a few of the ships. My first time at the controls was absolutely terrifying. The instructor assured me that I did fine for my first time though.

After he finished throwing up.

When we received the results of the final testing, which was also awful, I was delighted to find that I had top marks in all the classes apart from one. I came in second for hand-to-hand combat.

Damn it.

Boe Boe, a Gran recruit, leaned over to me and whispered, “Look at your score in espionage. I don’t think even Cassian scored that high.”

I looked again and couldn’t help the warmth that flowed through me at the mention of Captain Andor’s name. A smile tugged at my lips at the thought that I may have done better than him. 

Competitive, much?

I haven’t spoke with Captain Andor since I had thanked him for the blanket. Mostly I would just see him in the corridors as I would run with my fellow trainees to our next class. The most communication we would have would be a nod of acknowledgement before returning to our individual activities. This was apparently a big deal though, as the other two female recruits had informed me giggling. He was viewed as somewhat of a legend among the group and they spent their time trying to find out what they could about him, as well as some of the other officers. They didn’t shut up for a week when they found out that he had been the one who picked me up and I had refused to tell him anything about myself.

Stop daydreaming, the General is coming.

We stood at attention as he approached us, with Mon Mothma at his side, and he scowled at us.

Oh, you big huggable bear.

I have spent way too much time with this man this year. 

“Congratulations, you have passed basic training.” He said. “Once we assign your ranks you will be dismissed and the real work begins.” You could feel the collective groan building as he smiled his angry smile. We all managed to remain silent as the General continued. “Gather your belongings out of the training wing and move them to your new quarters. There will be a data pad waiting in each of your rooms with your first assignments. Good luck.” He moved down the line and began issuing the rank badges. Only three out of the twenty of us had received an officer rank. Boe Boe and Rhayna, the silver skinned twi’lek who had beat me in the hand to hand combat score, both received lieutenant. And myself, who was awarded…

“Congratulations Captain.” General Draven said shaking my hand.

Holy shit.

He leaned forward and whispered in my ear. “Don’t make me regret this.”

Holy shit.

“Thank you, Sir. I won’t disappoint you.” I said, barely able to keep the excitement out of my voice.

Holy shit.

Mon Mothma walked up to me smiling an embraced me. “I’m so proud of you, I had a feeling you would do well.”

“Thank you so much!” I said, still trying to contain my emotion.

We were dismissed and managed to make it back to the training wing before I was tackled by Boe Boe and Rhayna. “You got Captain!” They both yelled at the same time.

I began to giggle. I hugged them both, while fighting tears, and said, “Congratulations Lieutenants!”

After a few moments of this, and having to endure mock salutes from all the new soldiers. We packed our things and headed our separate ways. As I split off from the group and headed toward my new room I heard Rhayna call out. “Hey Captain! If you’re not too good to be seen with us lowly Lieutenants then meet us at the cafeteria at eighteen hundred to celebrate!”

“I’ll pray about it!” I called back smiling. She pushed out her bottom lip in a fake pout and turned to find her own room.

I stood outside the door to my room, suddenly nervous about my first assignment. Taking a deep breath, I opened the door and dropped my bag on the floor heading straight to the data pad.

I read it at least ten times before setting it down and sighing heavily. My mission summary was a total of one sentence. ‘Report to Cpt. Andor tomorrow at 0500 in the hangar.’

Are you kidding me? Out of the gate!?

“Holy shit.”

[fae-fucker]

The One: Chapter 5

“Don’t get mad,” I warned as he approached.

[...] 

“I’ll try.”

“The girls know I saw you without your shirt on.” [...] “I didn’t say anything about your back,” I vowed. “I wanted to, because now they just think we were in the middle of some big make-out fest.”

He smiled. “It did end up that way.”

“Don’t joke, Maxon! They hate me right now.”

This is what passes for conflict now, huh? 

Great.

America also tells him that she knows what he’s been doing with the other girls and Maxon acts all pissy about it. It’s very dramatic, apparently. I can’t belive I’m reading this garbage. But I’ll spare you, since it’s a long-ass chapter and I want to get it over with. Otherwise, we’d be sitting here for ages.

“Everything is out in the open now. We all have a pretty good idea of where we stand, and I, for one, am thankful.”

He rolled his eyes. “Thankful?”

“If you had told me that Celeste and I were at about the same point with you physically, I would never have tried to come on to you like I did last night. Do you know how humiliated I was?”

He scoffed and started pacing again. “Please, America, you’ve said and done so many foolish things, I’m surprised you can even be embarrassed anymore.”

HOLY SHIT MAXON 

YOU JUST SET HER ON FIRE

OH MY GOD

And of course, it’s Maxon and Celeste’s fault that America chose to act all weird and OOC. Honestly, this is so many layers of wrong that it’s a fucking cake at this point. I can’t be assed to unpack it. I’m fucking tired.

I can’t believe this is the main conflict right now. I can’t believe they’re fighting over this. Except I can believe it. That’s what makes it so much worse.

America is now doubting that Maxon likes her again and goes away to sulk. He doesn’t follow!!! OMG DRAMA

Please just end this book.

America angsts around and does random shit to avoid everyone. Queen material. Something mildly inconvenient happens and she just falls apart like a house of cards. What a strong female character.

Later, Maxon comes by but America hides and pretends that she’s taking a bath. Maxon was hoping to eat his dinner with her! Oh noes!

Guys, I’m gonna fucking implode.

“She decided to take a bath before she ate.” There was a tiny waver in her voice, uncomfortable with being dishonest.

Come on, Lucy. Hold it together.

In case you needed MORE proof that America is a giant, selfish, entitled, inconsiderate twat. America chooses Lucy to lie, which is like ... the dumbest thing. Lucy is nervous and transparent as fuck. COME ON. YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO BE FRIENDS. And like ... I’m pretty sure a servant lying to royalty is literally fucking illegal. I’m pretty sure Lucy could be punished harshly for this, because “cheating” on Maxon was punishable by death before Maxon brought it down to “just torture”. 

I wanna sit down a fan of this series and shove this in their face and be like HOW CAN YOU LIKE THIS GIANT FUCKING BITCH WHO DOESN’T CARE ABOUT ANYONE BUT HERSELF AND THE DICKS SHE’S GONNA SUCK?!!

Like I’ve seen ACTUAL ADULTS worship America like some sort of saint (which isn’t surprising, since Cakeass does it herself). Who ... Why ... How ...

It was strange tucking myself into bed, knowing something was hanging between Maxon and me, but I didn’t know how to talk to him right now. It didn’t make sense. We’d already been through so many ups and downs together, so many attempts to make this relationship real; but it was clear that if that was going to happen, we still had a very long way to go.

I’m pretty sure this book is actively trying to murder me.

Someone wakes America up in the middle of the night and she instantly assumes that her family are all dead. Which is fucking weird and knowing how evil America is, I’m pretty sure she’s subconsciously hoping that they are, so she can be the only Singer left in the world.

When I got to the first floor, Maxon was there, talking intently to a guard. I ran up to him, forgetting about everything from the last two days.

Someone please help. This book is out to get me. 

Anyway, there are rebels in the palace, but they’re not attacking, they’re here to talk. With America! Because she’s just ... so ... goddamn ... special.

The rebels aren’t even restrained, they’re just chilling. I don’t know what the fuck is happening anymore. 

America is surprised that the rebel dude isn’t a wild-ass violent freak and just looks like a normal, random-ass dude, and she’s even more surprised that his partner is *GASP*¨

A 

GIIIIIIRL?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!

She, too, wore boots; but as if she was trying to be resourceful and fashionable at the same time, she had on leggings and a skirt constructed from the same material as the male’s pants.

Don’t worry though, she’s appropriately feminine still, and also worries about fashion and wears a skirt even though she’s in a REBEL MOVEMENT THAT WANTS TO OVERTHROW THE GOVERNMENT AND REMOVE THE CLASS AND CASTE RESTRICTIONS THAT THE MONARCHY IMPOSES UPON THE POPULATION.

CAKEASS, YOU ABSOLUTE FUCKING HACK. 

Apparently the guards just listen to Maxon now and don’t alert anyone that there are rebels in the palace? Is this really what this book is pulling? They’re gonna have a “private” conversation with a billion guards in the room who will all 100% be quiet about this and not report it to the king?

Oh my god.

“Don’t you think introductions are in order?”

Maxon eyed him warily but then relented. “Maxon Schreave, your sovereign.”

The young man chuckled. “Honored, sir.”

“And you are?”

“Mr. August Illéa, at your service.”

DUN DUN DUUUUUUUN.

Also, take “your sovereign” and shove it up your pompous lily-white ass, Maxon.

[chibi-mochi-chan]

Chapter 1: Izuku Midoriya and Akira Hayashi: The Beginning

Men…          “It’s really cruel to do that, Kacchan…! He’s crying, you know …? I won’t let you… I won’t let you continue without doing anything!” Midoriya cried as he was shivering in fear while protecting the other kind behind him.

 “You’re ‘without individuality’, so… *Poof* Don’t think yourself as a hero. You good for nothing!!” Bakugou mocked as he and his friends went towards Midoriya. … Are not all equal at birth. “HIII!” Midoriya squealed and was beaten up by Bakugou and his two friends. This is a fact that Aki-chan and I realized when we were four. “Oi! Kacchan leave Izu-chan alone!” Akira exclaimed. “Ehhh? No way Aki!” Bakugou yelled backed. “KACCHAN! STOP HURTING IZU-CHAN RIGHT NOW!!” Akira shouted angrily. Bakugou’s eyes widen surprised that Akira was angry at him for hurting Midoriya. “Tch. Let’s go.” Bakugou said letting Midoriya go glaring at him, as he and his friends leave. From the corner of Bakugou’s eye, he sees Akira run towards Midoriya worried. Which made him fall under the green eyed monster’s grasp. “Are you okay, Izu-chan?” Akira asked worriedly. “Mhmm, I’m fine Aki-chan,” Midoriya reassured. “Izu-chan doesn't listen to Kacchan, I know you can be a hero,” Akira said with a smile,   And then… “Hurry up Aki-chan!” Midoriya exclaimed while running towards the train station. “Okay okay, Izu-chan,” Akira said following. “Wow!” Midoriya and Akira said in awe. I knew… My first and last great discouragement. “This villain is huge!” Midoriya exclaimed as Akira nodded in agreement. While the two looked at the heroes battle the enormous villain. It all began in the town of Quig Quig, China. One day. They announced the Birth of a “Luminescent” baby! Then, the “Paranormal” was declared everywhere… Time passed … And we could not explain the cause of these phenomena. Very quickly, the “Paranormal” became “Normal”... … And “Dreams”... Became… “Reality”!!! Current society is composed of supermen, and about 80% of the world population has “A unique physical constitution!” Disorder swirled around the world! It is in these circumstances that the profession that everyone has dreamed of… … came under the spotlight!        “GO AWAY EEEEEN!” the gigantic villain shouted. “It must be really impressive “individuality” to be able to transform into a monster. What’s wrong?” “Oh, it’s just a handbag thief acting violently now that his back’s against the wall.” Midoriya and I squeezed through the crowd to the front to see who was fighting the villain.   “Uh, a villain appeared… and thus trains are stopped… Yes, I do not know when I’ll arrive at the office…” “Kyaaa! Do your best, Kamui!” the fangirls squealed. “Who’s fighting?” Midoriya asked. [Izuku Midoriya (14 years old)]. While I stood next to him. [Akira Hayashi (15 years old)]. “You used your skills for illegal purposes when people are going to work, and you have committed a theft resulting in injury.  You’re really evil incarnate.” Kamui said. “This is the “Kamui Wood”! He is a young talent experiencing a surge of popularity!” Midoriya fanboyed. “Hey, you know a lot about him! You would not be… a fan…?!” the guy with small spiky horns asked Midoriya. “Ah, no…” replied Midoriya. ‘As usual, spreading his knowledge of heroes again.’ I thought with a smile. “This is your punishment,” said Kamui as he started to use his moves. “Show us some big moves, Woodsman!” the guy shouted. “Ah! Here it is, the famous “Absolute Preemptive Confinement… Lacquered Chains Prison” Midoriya said. As Kamui was about to use that move…        “Canon Canyon!” exclaimed a gigantic female hero as she kicked the villain. “!?” astonishing Kamui. “!?” Midoriya was also astonished and so was I. Until many men with cameras were taking pictures of the gigantic woman’s ass. ‘Perverts.’ I thought disgusted. “I just started today! I am called Mount Lady! A pleasure to make your acquaintance!” Mount Lady said. As she and the police restrained the villain, while many were taking pictures because she debuted today. As the number of “Paranormal” phenomenon grows up. The number of crime exploded like wildfire. And when governments were bound hand and foot by laws that restricted radical revisions of any reaction… Courageous people… and character traits of American comics went into action. They kept an eye on the “paranormal” and defend the people of bad intentions! Very quickly, under the leadership of public opinion. The hero, after acquiring specific civil rights. Saw their professional activities officially recognized. And to reward their efforts… They received their salaries directly from the state!! And they were acclaimed by the crowds!!! “Titan’s transformation (A.K.A Gigantification), huh..? It is true that it is quite popular and it is really a great “individuality” but when you consider the damage caused to the city, can you fear a bad cost-benefit ratio and limitations of use to come? No… It might depend on whether she can grow at will or not.” Midoriya mumbled to himself while taking down notes. “Hey hey, you also take notes!! You think of becoming a hero or no?! It’s good, continue and give everything you got!! Ah, you too girly!!” the guy that was next to us said to Midoriya and me. “....! Yes! I will do my best!” Midoriya replied with a huge smile. “Same here! Now let’s go!” I said dragging Midoriya to school.        “Ok, you are all in your Third Year in Junior High! *Flap* In other words, it is now or never that you should think of your future!! I will now distribute the career aspiration document!!!” The homeroom teacher exclaimed while slamming his desk. “But hey, you have, for the most part, the ambition to go the section of heroes, no?” “ the teacher said. “YEAH!” everyone except Midoriya, Bakugou and I exclaimed cheerfully. “Well, well. Is everyone here has good “individuals”? But be aware that the use of it outside the establishment is against the rule.” The teacher said. “Sir, please don’t put me in the same bag as “others”! I really do not intend to make buddy-buddy… with… those who have “weak individualities”... You know…?” Bakugou told the teacher. [Katsuki Bakugou (14 years old)]. I sighed ‘There he goes being cocky as always.’ Which caused almost all the students in the class to an uproar in rage. “What do mean by that. Katsuki?!” “Shut up, you secondary characters! Behave as such!” “Oh yes, indeed, Bakugou… You want to go to… “Yuuei High School”, don’t you?” The teacher said making everyone in the room shocked. “..” especially Midoriya. ‘That National High School? It takes a total score of 79 to enter there this year, right?! “It also said that the entrance examination has the air of cutthroat… well, I think?!”  While Midoriya put his head down, as I looked at him with sympathy but was also very annoyed and bored with the occurring events.   “I’m not surprised that secondary characters like you are quaking! I got an A on the exams. Me! I am the only one here that will go to Yuuei!” Bakugou exclaimed while jumping on top of his desk. He continued his proclamation, “I will even surpass All Might. And then, I will become the highest ranked hero of all!! I’ll leave my name forever in the annual ranking of the richest people in the world!!!”        “Oh. Now that we’re talking about it, it’s true that Midoriya and Hayashi also wish to enter Yuuei.” the teacher said. As Midoriya twitched in his seat, I grinned while looking at the frozen Katsuki. While everyone turned to Midoriya and started to laugh at him uncontrollably except Bakugou and me. ‘Even though Izu-chan doesn’t have a Quirk there’s no reason for preying on him.’ I thought annoyed. As the students began to mock Midoriya. “Seriously?! Midoriya?! It is impossible for you!!” “Someone who only knows how to study can’t join the Heroes Section!” “It... It’s not set in stone! You say that just because it has never happened…” Midoriya defended while standing up from his seat. I smiled, ‘Izu-chan you’re standing up for yourself. I haven’t seen that since we were 4.’ (Even though he didn’t but for another kid). “Good for nothing!!!” Bakugou screamed and aimed an explosion at him. “Huh?!!” Midoriya exclaimed flying out of his seat and onto the floor. “You don’t even have a “weak individuality”, You… … You got nothing! So, why are you trying to enter into the same arena as me, huh?!!” Bakugou exclaimed. “Wait… You’re wrong. Not so fast, Kacchan. I… don’t intend to compete against you, not at all! … I swear!” Midoriya said backing away against the wall. “It’s just… It’s my goal since I was little… and then… … Nothing ventured, nothing gained...” Midoriya stuttered. “What do you mean by that?!!” Bakugou exclaimed angrily. “HII!” Midoriya squealed. “Say your prayers!! What are you capable of, anyway?” Bakugou asked. “....” Midoriya was silent and looked at the floor with a frown. ‘Alright, I had enough.’ I thought and got up from my seat, and the class turned to me, ignoring Katsuki and Izuku who we’re too focused on each other. Walking closer to Bakugou, who now noticed me and turned around to face me, as Izuku soon followed behind. I smiled at Bakugou, even though he’s still the jerky guy I still know and I want to slap him above the head. “Katsuki-kun, please sit down. You’re disrupting the class. Also stop using your Quirk, even though the teacher allows you to use it. I am not, especially when you’re terrorizing the students. Especially Izuku.” I said with a polite smile. His reaction was expeditious, but now Bakugou began to yell at me.        “Why should I listen to you, Aki?! I have to admit you have a pretty good Quirk but not as good as mine. And I shouldn’t be listening to a person who’s under me!!” Now, this boy has done it this time. I dropped my smile and stepped closer to Katsuki face-to-face. “ Kacchan, I already told you it is against the rules to use our Quirks, so please go it down because I’m not going to repeat myself a third time, okay?” I said with a closed eye smile. Bakugou’s face flushed red in embarrassment since Akira was standing so close to him. He grumbled, “Stop calling me that…”, as he quickly went back to his seat hoping Akira didn’t see him blush. I turned and walked over to Izuku, who looked at me in awe. I gave him a smile and stuck my hand out to help him off the floor. He quickly took my hand and stood up, thanked me quietly. As we both sat down at our respective desks. “Oh right. Teach, I don’t wish to enter Yuuei. I’m gonna enter Yuuei.” I declared with a grin making everyone astonished, but made every pay attention to the lesson we’re about to learn. ~12:02 Same City~ “NOOOOO!” “THIEF! STOP HIM!” “Catch me… *Squish* … if you can!” the villain exclaimed while running, as the money stuck to his body. “Someone is coming, though.” A blonde man coughed from coming out of the convenience store. “He just enjoys the mess this morning to put him as a grain of salt, right? People who struggle to curb their “individuality”, there definitely everywhere.” “There are no limits.” “Yes, there is. *Dum* Why you ask?” the blond man grew shocking the two guys in front of him. The villain turned around and automatically knew who it was. “Because I’m here!” the blond guy said with a large grin which shined greatly in the radiant sun. ~Back at school~ “Let’s go to the karaoke!” “I can’t!” I finished packing up and looked over Izuku’s phone to see the incident this morning to be at the top of Yahoo. ‘The incident this morning is at the top of Yahoo! News.’ Midoriya thought and finished as he got up. ‘I should hurry to get home and make a summary!’ thought Midoriya while taking his notebook. Until it was snatched. “Ah!” Midoriya exclaimed and looked up to see Katsuki. “I still have things to settle with you, good for nothing,” said Bakugou. “What is that, Katsuki?” Katsuki’s friend asked. “‘For the future’ … Seriously? Pffft, Midoriyaaaaaa!!” Katsuki’s second friend laughed. “It doesn’t concern you! Give it back!!” Midoriya panicked. Since that notebook controls a lot of information on superheroes and some that he favors, so it was precious to him. But it didn’t seem to matter to Bakugou, who immediately exploded the notebook in between his hands. “HUH!?” exclaimed Midoriya. As Bakugou left the book whole, but there were black soots and burnt pages.        “Kacchan, what the hell did you do that for?!” I exclaimed angrily. Midoriya letting out a small cry, “This is too cruel…!!” “Hmph… Some say that it is possible at the start of the year… … To determine the person who will be the first ranked hero.” said Katsuki as he threw the notebook out the window. I’ll be the first! But also only one of this shabby municipal school! And more, since I am a perfectionist, I want those who claim the title of “One who seeks to continue his studies at Yuuei” have a certain “dignity.” Bakugou said. ‘He really is not open-minded…’ Izuku thought. “For the moment… Forget the idea of passing the entering contest of Yuuei, you dirty nerd!” Bakugou said putting his hand on Midoriya’s shoulder, as Izuku shuddered in fear, and Bakugou burned his shoulder. “......” Midoriya was silent. “Oi, hey …try to answer at least something.” Katsuki’s friend told Midoriya. “He can’t. It’s so pathetic that even in third year… He… still can’t see things in the face.” Katsuki’s friend #2 said. As they and Bakugou were near the door. “I forgot there is a method that can be really effective if you want to become a hero so much. Making the leap of the faith from the roof… believing with all your might that you will have an “individuality” in the other world!” Bakugou exclaimed, “Kacchan, that’s going too far!” I exclaimed. “Shut up, Aki!” Bakugou yelled at me. Midoriya looks at him while I was still boiling inside. “You’ve got something to say?” Bakugou taunted while making tiny explosions in his hands. “....” Midoriya was silent, as Bakugou and his friends left. “Izu-chan! Let’s go find your notebook.” I told, he nodded as we went to his notebook outside the school building. We found in the dirty water fountain. ‘Moron! If I really jumped from the roof. It would mean suicide for me. Right?! Think before you speak!!’ Midoriya thought. “This is not for eating, stupid fish! This is my lecture notes… Fools… Fools…” Midoriya said to himself as I looked at him with a sad expression on my face.        “Mom! The computer!” Midoriya exclaimed “Again?! Seriously, you ask me to watch it so many times that you have all by yourself increased the number of views by thousands. It gives me the chills just looking at it.” Midoriya’s mom said starting the video while young Midoriya was excitedly moving his head back and forth in the chair. This is… an old video… “Did you see that?!” “He has already saved 100 people!! And it didn’t even take 10 minutes!! Really, what a monster!! … Just after a disaster arrived. “HAHAHAHAHAHA” All Might laughed loudly carrying many people on his back. “He laughs loudly!” “You no longer have to worry! Why do you ask? BECAUSE I’M HERE!!” All Might exclaimed. “Soooo cool! If I get an “individuality”... ...I want one that looks like his!” Midoriya exclaimed happily and sparkles appeared around him, while his mother looked at him.        “That will not happen, you’d better give up.” the doctor said, as Midoriya was shell-shocked. “Yikes…! There really was something wrong with him? Other children in kindergarten have all had manifestations of their abilities, but my son is the only one that doesn’t yet…” Midoriya’s mom said to the doctor. “You see, in general, this is where the complex individuality manifests, until the age of four. Well, in the past, when the “paranormal” was still in its beginning, the results of research about it made a great noise in their publication. These results, which have spread like a wildfire, indicated that everything depended whether or not the presence of articulation at the small toes. Do you not know? You see, one might compare it to the maxim: men hardly need what they don’t use. And as regards the men which these joints are absent “type”, we can say that it represents a new stage of evolution! Izuku, meanwhile, has two joints. And although this is increasingly rare in our world… It means… He has no “individuality” of any kind.” The doctor said as Izuku was devastated. “....” “He laughs loudly!” “... Mom.” Izuku said making his mom look back. “Whatever the problems that people encounter… I will save them with a smile on the lip… Heroes are really cool. Maybe… ...me too, I could become one someday.” Izuku said turning his chair, pointing at the video of All Might while looking at his mother about to cry his heart out. As his mother broke down and hugged her son behind the chair. “I’m sorry, Izuku. I am so sorry…!!” She cried heavily, as did poor Izuku. Of course not. Do not say that, mom. At that time. I wanted you to tell me...        “When I was little, I had made my decision already. Yeah! I should avoid listening to what people say! *Woosh* I have to keep my head up and continue to move in the direction that I have to set myself!!” Midoriya said confidently. “Good luck Izu-chan I believe in you,” I said with a smile, as we walked out of the tunnel. *GLOOP* “Invisibility Cloak… Size M…” a voice rasped out, materializing out from the small holes from the manhole covering the floor. Izuku and I stopped, turned around to face a villain. Then it suddenly launched at both of us, but Izuku pushed me out of the way. “Aargh.” Izuku gasped out as the villain latched onto him. ‘A villain!?’ Izuku thought. “Don’t worry.” the villain said. “Mmgh! Mmgh!” Midoriya words were muffled out by the villain’s gooey body. “Stop wiggling like that. I’m just gonna take control of your body for a lil’ time, good? It’ll hurt you for 45 seconds… Then the pain disappear. Thanks for that, man. You are my hero… Still, I would never have thought that someone like him would come in this town.” The villain said. “Mmgh!” Midoriya scream was muffled. “If he thinks he can catch me when I’m in liquid form, he can always dream!!” the villain said. ‘I can’t breathe!! I am losing… all my strength. I’m gonna die! Is this the end for me!? Someone. Aki-chan!! Help me!!! I’m going to die!!! I don’t want…’ Midoriya thought as he tries to get out of the villain's’ grasp.  “Let go of Izu-chan!” I exclaimed, grabbing Midoriya’s hand. “Crystal Slash!” I screamed cutting the villain in half, and it’s arm and head, and freeing Midoriya from its clutches. “Izu-chan, are you okay!?” I asked as he managed to nod, laying his body on the ground. “Heh… It seems that I’ve come across a unique Quirk. A Quirk like yours, I could definitely defeat All Might!” the villain yelled, launching itself at me now. I covered Midoriya’s body with my own, closing my eyes hoping someone would appear to help us. “Do not worry, kids!!” exclaimed a stranger who came out of the sewers. I opened my eyes, and Midoriya looked to the side to see All Might. “!?” The villain was shocked. “I’m here!”  All Might said coming out of the sewers. “TEXAS… SMASH!!” All Might shouted punching the villain away, as I held Midoriya from behind, as I crystallized my feet so we don’t get blown away by the air pressure All Might made. “Just because… … the air pressure?!” the villain exclaimed as he was splattered all over the tunnel. ‘Huh!? All… Mi….igh…’ Izuku thought before losing consciousness. Once the wind stopped, I put Izuku down outside the tunnel and retrieved his notebook while All Might put the villain in a coca cola bottle. All Might step outside the tunnel.  “Ah, young Akira! It’s nice to see you again, and you’re okay!” All Might greet me.“Geez, All Might. I thought my parents told not to over do it.” I said looking at him with a straightforward look. “Sorry about that.” He said while grinning and scratching behind his neck. I sighed, “Well just don’t over do it again okay?” “I know I know.” said All Might. ���Anyway… Do you mind giving my unconscious best friend an autograph?” I asked handing him Midoriya’s notebook. “Sure!” He exclaimed, signing Izuku’s notebook. All Might gave it back to me, I smiled. ‘Izu-chan’s gonna flip out over this.’ as we walked over to the unconscious Midoriya. All Might crouched down towards him and began to pat Midoriya quickly on the cheek.        "Hey! Kid! Wake up… Ah!” All Might said seeing an awoken Midoriya. “Thank god!” All Might exclaimed. “HOOOOOW?!” Midoriya screeched quickly backing away from All Might on his butt and clinging onto me. “You seem to be doing well, that is the most important!! I’m really sorry!! You got involved in my removal of the villain. I don’t usually make beginners mistakes like this, but well… Maybe I have let myself go a little since I’m in a strange land, and that the capture was made “off screen”?” All Might said while laughing [Hero no. 1: All Might]. “Anyway, it’s thanks to you that I have succeeded, so thank you!!! I did a “checkmate” without a problem, at the end!!! *BRAAAAP!*” All Might said holding out the villain in the cola bottle. ‘All Might!!! The real… The real one!! All Might in the flesh and bone!! It is designed in a completely different way!!!’ Izuku thought fanboying inside. “I forgot! C-Can I have your autograph…?” Midoriya asked All Might while looking around for his notebook, only to see it in my hands. “Ah, on my notes… Thanks, Aki-chan…” Midoriya said taking it from my hands as I nodded. “Please!!!” He shouted and opens it up to see the autograph. “Woaaaaaaaah! T… Thank you very much!! I will make this a family heirloom!! A family treasure, even!!” Midoriya said bowing his head so much, I had to hold the back of his uniform jacket so he doesn’t hit his head on the concrete. All Might gave a thumbs up to Midoriya, “Well, I have to take him to the post! Check out my exploits on LCD TV, kids!!” Midoriya stopped bowing and looked up as I let go of his jacket. “Ha! Really…? Already…? But I still…” He said with a dejected sigh, “You know, professionals must constantly fight against time and evil.” All Might said as he was stretching ready to launch. ‘Wait! I still…! Have a bunch of questions for you…’ Midoriya thought. “With that, I am counting on you to continue in the future… TO SUPPORT ME!” All Might said launching up high in the sky. “Huh? No, no!” All Might exclaimed to see Midoriya and me hanging onto his legs. “Let me go!! Are you crazy or what?!” All Might exclaimed trying to push Midoriya and me off. “If… If we let you go now… We’re going…!! We’re going to die…!” Midoriya told. “Indeed!!” All Might said as he stopped pushing us off his legs. “I…! Have many things…!! To ask… you directly! You…” Midoriya finished as his mouth and eyes were open wide. “Ok, ok, I understand. Close your eyes and mouth now!” All Might told him as Midoriya did what he was told. “*Cough* Hum… Shit!!” He muttered under his breath as a small amount of blood appeared on his mouth. *FSSHHHH* “...... Where am I…? Damn…! Motherfucker… If only he didn’t exist…!” the villain said as he opened his eyes to see Bakugou and his friends. “But you’re childhood friends, right?” Friend #1 asked Bakugou while having a cigarette in his mouth. “You’ve really gone too far now.” Friend #2 said grabbing a cigarette. “It's his fault for getting in my way,” Bakugou said kicking the cola bottle that the villain was a pole, opening the bottle. “Even when we were kids, he was already a jerk who believed in a dream... And Aki was always there to protect him...I’m getting angry just remembering that.” Bakugou said angrily exploding the soda can that was in his hand, ‘Why does Aki prefer Deku instead of me? I have a Quirk and he’s Quirkless.’ He thought in envy. “Argh.” the two friends flinched. “Enough about that. I told you to stop smoking! If you get busted, it will make me look bad on my school report…” Bakugou shouted angrily at them while waving his hand off because of the can he exploded. The two ignored him and stuttered while pointing, “Lo… Look!” “?” Bakugou was confused. “Invisibility cloak… … With good “individuality”...” muttered the villain as he was behind Bakugou ready to engulf him in his liquified body.        We landed on a rooftop of a building. “That was creepy…” Midoriya shuddered out while I patted his back. “Seriously!! I was forced to land to talk to a person at the bottom of the social ladder. Oh well. I really have no time to lose, so I’ll leave you two here!!” All Might said, “ Wait!! Uh…” Midoriya panicked while turning his body around. “No! I can’t wait!” All Might exclaimed, slightly scaring Midoriya as he was shaking. “Can I become a hero… even without an “individuality”?!” “Is it possible for a person without an “individuality”... to become like you…?” Midoriya asked All Might with a slightly flushed face while shutting his eyes tightly. “No “individuality”...?” All Might questioned turning his head slightly. ‘The truth is going to hurt you, Izu-chan. Even though you already know that for years, but it’s gonna hurt even more from your favorite hero.’ I thought with a sad expression on my face. “!” All Might look up. ‘Oh, I smell a rat… Holy shit, holy shit, holy shit…’ All Might thought as steam was coming out of his body. I looked up to see steam coming out of All Might’s body. ‘Oh crap! His time is up! I have to cover All Might so Izu-chan doesn’t see him. But I can’t run towards him Izu-chan will see… Gahh!!’ I screamed in my head. “Because I do not have an “individuality” … No, it is perhaps not only because of it either, but… … They laugh all the time at me… I… do not really know why, but… I think… it’s really cool to be able to save people.” Midoriya said looking down on his feet, while All Might was deflating. “I want to save people with a smile that knows no fear! I want to become the best heroes, just like you…” Midoriya trailed as he looked up with a smile to see a deflated All Might. “....” All Might was silent. ‘Welp the cat’s out of the bag now.’ I thought. “HUUUUH!?” Midoriya screamed astonished. “You narrowed!!! Huh?! Suddenly… Huh?! You are a fake, right?! You are an impostor, right?! You’re too thin!!” Midoriya exclaimed while pointing at All Might, ‘I knew he wouldn’t take this well.’ I sighed. “....” All Might was silent. “I am All Might.” All Might said as blood came out his mouth, as I gave him a handkerchief to wipe the blood away. “WHAT!!? I DON’T BELIEVE YOU!!!” Midoriya exclaimed flabbergasted, while All Might was wiping his blood with my hanky. As All Might replied, “There are many people who retain their Abs at the pool, right? Well there is none!”, “Stop lying!” Midoriya exclaimed. “He’s telling you the truth Izu-chan.” I said Midoriya turned to me, “EH?! Aki-chan?! You’re lying right!?” Midoriya exclaimed as I shook my head. “*Sigh* A smile that knows no fear, huh…?” All Might said sitting on the floor. “Well, as you can see, kid… and Akira already knew about it… What is written on the internet is not necessarily true, you know?” All Might said. “That’s… not true.” Midoriya said still shellshocked from the true form of All Might.        All Might lifted his shirt up, “This is a wound… I got 5 years ago by the attack of a villain.” “HIIII!” Midoriya gasped in horror. “Result: Semi-destruction of my respiratory system and total removal of my stomach. My face is emaciated and haggard; my eyes are side effects of repeated surgeries. Currently, I can’t work actively as a hero more than about three hours a day. This is my limit.” All Might finished. “5 years ago…? When you fought against the “Venomous Chainsaw…?” Midoriya asked. “You know your subject well. I won’t let them get me like that, anyway!” said All Might as he clenched his fist. “What I told you was never publicly disclosed. I will, therefore, ask you to not to reveal to anyone, please. The “Symbol of Peace” who saves people with a smile… Absolutely can’t afford to bow to the forces of evil. If I laugh, it is just… to distract me from the fear that I feel and the pressure under which I awash as heroes.” All Might said, “....!” Midoriya was speechless. “Professionals must always put their lives at stake. So, I can’t openly say that being a hero is “possible without an ability” … Because it may not be possible, simply.” said All Might. “... I see…” Midoriya said as he tries to hold in his tears. “If all you care about is to save people, then you can also become a policeman. That way, you are also “responsible for receiving the villain”... A job often ridiculed and disparaged, but no less admirable!” All Might said, standing up and headed to the door. “....” Midoriya was silent, as I put my hand on his shoulder. “It’s not a bad thing to dream. But… be careful not to obscure the facts, kid. Oh and Akira, I’ll be coming by tonight to talk with your parents.” All Might said as I nodded. He closed the door leaving Midoriya and I alone, while I hugged him to comfort him knowing the truth would hurt him. ‘... Well, I gotta hurry and take…’ All Might paused his thought while going through his pant’s pocket. “....? ….” only to see that it was not there. *BWOUM!* “....” All Might look out the window to see an explosion. “This is not true…” All Might trailed and began to panic.        “GWOAAAAARGH!” Bakugou screamed at the top of his lungs while pulling on the slime around him. “As if I’d let me… … get absorbed by a muddy… bastard…” Bakugou exclaimed. ‘What incredible strength!! Looks like I pulled the right number! With this “individuality” and this force, I’ll sure take my revenge on that guy!’ the slimy villain thought. “Perfect! Who’s this guy? A villain of the first rank, perhaps?!” “Go heroes!” “I can’t do anything if there are at least two lanes of traffic!” Mt. Lady said, ‘Explosions and flames are not really my cup of tea…! I give my place to someone else this time!” Kamui said rescuing Bakugou’s friends and other civilians. “We expect your help, thank you! Turning off this fire requires my full attention! Is the truck not here yet? What the fuck?!” Backdraft exclaimed while putting out the fire. “It is so slippery that you can’t catch him with bare hands, and more, because this kid has a good “individuality”, the only solution is to wait it out! Because of that, we believe it to be a minefield!” Deathgoro ( aka. Death Arms) exclaimed. “Even going there, it’s difficult to do anything!!” said another hero. “It’s useless! There’s no one here who can stop this!” Deathgoro said, “One can only wait for someone with an advantageous “individuality” to show up!!” the other hero said. “What will you do with the number of victims growing during this time?! Bring someone now!” Backdraft exclaimed while putting out the fire. “It makes me feel sorry for the kid, but we have to wait a little longer!” said the hero with steam coming out of his helmet. “Fuck!!” Deathgoro cursed while tightening his fist. ‘If only I had the power to send him to the other world or something like that…!!’ he thought frustratedly. While All Might was in the crowd sweat dropping from the running he had to do to get to the district. ‘He must have fallen at that time!!’ he thought to remember Midoriya and Akira were hanging on to his legs in mid-air. ‘I was so absorbed in what I was doing that I did not see the time pass! What a mistake on my part! And all of this just because I was trying to reason with a fan!! I’m pathetic… so pathetic!!!’ All Might thought while clutching his shirt with a guilty look on his face.        Midoriya and I were walking down the street, as Midoriya looked at his burnt notebook remembering the hurtful words he was told before. I look at him with a sad expression. "Be careful not to obscure the facts.” “It’s so pathetic to see that even in the Third year, I still can’t face these things.” “In other words, it is now or never that you will seriously consider your future!!” ‘The highest… in the professional ranking…’ Midoriya thought as tears were forming in his eyes, he wipes his nose with his hand. ‘No crying… I have known it already, right!? This is the reality… But it is precise because that I knew… that I was dead serious…!’ he thought. “Ah,” I said and looked at the crowd across the street, getting Midoriya to look over there. Do not look. I tell you not to… Watch…! “....” Midoriya was silent, as he crossed the street and I followed to see what was all the commotion. ‘This explosion yet…’ Midoriya thought. You’ll look because you’re used to it. Huh? Stop right now! It’s useless to continue watching. “....!?” Midoriya and I were astonished to see that slimy villain. ‘What he’s doing here?!!! All Might! The Villain has escaped?!... Or is it that he fell…?! But then…’ Midoriya thought paused. “....! … It’s… my fault…!” Midoriya said, “No… it’s both of our faults!” I said. “Why is it that the heroes are standing there like pegs?” “I understand that a schoolboy got caught.” “....!’ Midoriya and I heard over the two civilians. ‘He got caught… That is to say, he faced this pain?!! Hell…!’ Midoriya thought as he covered his mouth with his hands in fear, remembering how he got captured by that villain. ‘Damn it! We’ve messed up big time.’ I thought with a frustrated look. “Anyway, this villain…” “Isn’t this the one All Might pursued earlier?” “All Might! Seriously?! Do you think he will come?!” “....!” Midoriya and I flinched. “I’ve caught a glimpse of him before.” “Well then, what takes All Might so long?!” “....!” All Might flinched as well.        ‘This is all our faults…!! And whoever is caught can’t move. This mud is elusive! They are just waiting for a hero with an advantageous “individuality” to come!!’ Midoriya and I thought, as Midoriya covered his mouth as if he’s about to puke. ‘Hang on…!!! Sorry!! I’m really sorry…!! Some will come and save you right now… Someone… A hero will come to save you from one moment to another…’ Midoriya thoughts trailed. As Katsuki turned to look at the crowd, his eyes instantly looked at Midoriya’s trembling ones and mine. His eyes widen looking completely helpless. Midoriya grabbed my wrist and immediately sprinted towards Katsuki. “!?” astonishing everyone. “Eh!? Izu-chan!?” I exclaimed as I was dragged in by Midoriya.  “MORON! STOP! STOP!” Deathgoro exclaimed as we ignored him and continued running forward to Bakugou. “Those kids…” the villain trailed, “Good for nothing and Aki…?!” Katsuki said. I pulled my wrist away from Midoriya wrist. ‘Why did I rush towards him? What makes me?! Why?!!’ thought Midoriya. “Death by an explosion.” the villain said. “HIII…!” Midoriya shrieked while running. ‘What do I do, what do I do at a time like this?! Page 25!!’ he thought. “Argh!!” Midoriya exclaimed and threw his backpack at the villain’s face. “Ugh!” the villain groaned. “Crystal Dragon’s Claw!” I exclaimed and kicked/ sliced a piece of the villain’s body but nowhere near Bakugou. “Gah!” the villain screamed in pain as it loosened its grip on Bakugou. I reached out to his side and began to help Izuku to pull Katsuki out. “Kacchan!” cried Midoriya and me, as Midoriya grabbed his arm. “Why? Why are you two here?” Katsuki yelled, surprised to see us here trying to rescue him. “My legs moved by themselves! I… really don’t understand why!!!” Midoriya yelled. I think there were several reasons for this. “This is my fault.” ���You’d better not give up.” “Yes, I won’t!! I will do my best!!” “So why is it that you are trying to get into the same arena as me, huh?!!” “Kacchan. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” “That is my goal.” “Heroes are really cool.” “Be careful not to obscure the face.” “I want to save people with a smile.” But at that time, it was mostly… “Because… … your face seemed to be calling for help!” Midoriya said determined with tears in his eyes. Shocking Katsuki, All Might, and me. “Yeah! We don’t want anything bad to you even if you are a jerk. We care about you baka!” I said with a smile, and tears coming out of my eyes. “Stop….. You…!” Bakugou muttered out. ‘Pathetic… Pathetic!!!’ All Might think as he started to flex back. “I’m almost finished, so… Move, it brats!” the villain screamed. I grabbed Midoriya, and I stomped my feet creating a crystal shield as the villain began to smash it with its hand. But the shield I created started to have a small crack each time it hits the shield. As the heroes began to panic. “They will die needlessly! It is as if asking to commit suicide!!” Deathgoro exclaimed as he and the other heroes try to save us. As soon as the shield was broken. *GRAP!* “!!?” “You have managed to persuade me… That my morals are there just for me to listen. To me, it’s saying that I do not set an example!!!” All Might exclaimed as he raised his fist back. “The professionals put their lives all the time in the game!!!!!” All Might finished as blood came out of his mouth. I knew what was going to happen, so I grabbed Midoriya and Bakugou by the hand and crystallized our feet. “DETROIT SMASH!!!” screamed  All Might blowing away the slimy villain. While everyone crouched down and held onto each other so they don’t start flying away. Then a raindrop came down from the sky. “.... It’s raining?” “Wait, did he just caused an updraft…” “... With just air pressure…?” “Hey hey hey hey hey hey hey.” As All Might look at the three unconscious teens holding each other hands while wiping away the blood that remains in his mouth. Midoriya on the right, Akira in the middle, and Bakugou on the left. As the crystallization on their feet were gone. “Time has changed nothing that with a straight!” “So cool, so this is it. The real power of… All Might!!!” Everyone celebrated and started to move towards him. “....” All Might look back. After this incident. The hero recuperated pieces of Muddy… And carry them without harm to the police station. I was right to long sermons from the hero. “You didn’t really need to expose yourself to such danger!!” Deathgoro yelled at Midoriya as he sat there being scolded by the heroes. Kacchan and Aki-chan. Meanwhile, they were being complimented. “What incredible strength! And “individuality”!! If you become professionals, I will make you my junior!! Especially you Hayashi! When you become big as your family, Gaia, Night Shadow,  Apex Gale and Flare. I’ll be honored to have you as my sidekick.” said one of the heroes. I only smiled politely, but I had a feeling they would mention my family. I looked over to see Midoriya still being scolded by the heroes, poor guy. Bakugou huffed in envy, due to Akira receiving a lot of praise from the heroes, also paying attention to Midoriya well… at least in his eyes. But he did get to hold hands with her and was told by her that she cares about him. Causing Bakugou to blush slightly, remembering how soft and warm her hand was. Good thing she was looking at Deku and the hero was still praising them. ‘Why do always do this to me, idiot…’ Bakugou thought gripping his shirt. Though that didn’t stop him from glaring at Midoriya and burn holes at the back of his head.        ‘I wanted to apologize All Might, but… I guess I’ll have to settle for me to send him a message on his home page after returning…’ Thought a dejected Midoriya as I was walking home with him and patted his shoulder and gave him a smile, he blushed slightly and returned a smile. “Hey, good for nothing, Aki!!!” Katsuki called us out. “!” making us turn around. “I… never asked for you two to come help me…! I did not need to be saved!! Ok?! You’ve got it?! I could take care of myself, yeah! The only thing missing is that I have to apologize to a good for nothing without an “individuality” and a goody two shoes with an “individuality” like you! I owe you apologize!! Fucking nerds!!” Bakugou said turning around and began to walk away. ‘What a strong head…!’ Midoriya thought with a sweat drop. “Typical.” I sighed. ...Things are as you said. My helplessness is still there. But anyway… I’m happy. After all these events. I will now be able to abandon the future I dreamed… “I’M HERE!!” All Might exclaimed, cutting off Midoriya by appearing from the left side of the road. “HUH?!” Midoriya and I screamed. “All Might! What are you doing here…?” Midoriya asked. “You were surrounded by a horde of reporters earlier…” I trailed off as he started to laugh. “I can avoid them if I wanted to! After all, I’m All Mi… *Cough*” All Might then deflated back to his skinny self. “AARGH!” Midoriya screamed. “Here,” I said giving All Might another hankie as he took it and started to wipe off the blood. “Kid. I came to thank you and make some corrections… and I also have a proposal for you.” All Might said, “Huh?” Midoriya said with a confused look on his face. “If you hadn’t been there and if I did not hear your personal story… And you even told me that I had fake muscles!! For all that, I must thank you!!” All Might finished. “Fake muscles…I don’t think you have to thank him for that...” I trailed off. “Don’t… from the beginning, it’s entirely my fault! I disturbed you during your work… And I was relatively cheeky as I am “without an individuality”...” Midoriya said as his voice trailed off. “Hey, it was my fault too,” I told. “About that!!” All Might interrupted, causing Midoriya to look up, and I too look at All Might. “At the time, no one could act. You are the only one who could do it, you, a shy person and just “without an individuality”!!! And that really touched me!! Okay, but then what? How does the story end up for most of these people?! It always concludes with these words: “My body moved by itself!!” Some say that while being at school. It is possible to determine most people who will be part of the best-ranked hero…” said All Might, as Midoriya was trembling vigorously. For one reason or another…   “.....” … I remembered the words of my mother. “I’m sorry, Izuku, I’m so sorry…!” “This is… what happened to you too, right?!” All Might asked Midoriya. “... Yes…” Midoriya cried out. Don’t say that, Mom. At that time, I wanted you to tell me… “YOU CAN BECOME A HERO.” All Might screamed proudly. As Izuku stuffed his face into my chest, hugging me tightly and cried his heart out, sobbing loudly, pulling me down to the ground. I hugged him back, “See? I told you that you’ll become a hero.” I said with a closed eye smile as he sobbed even harder, while I hugged him tighter.   “Dreams… eventually, become real.” Also, I forgot to mention. But… This will be the story of my journey to become the best of all heroes along with Aki-chan of course.

[portalprivado-blog]

How to Improve Your Communication skills

To begin with, let's specify communication. Personally, I presume that nearly all we (engineers) do will be communicating in certain sort: for example, I consider writing code has been expressing our ideas into the computer about that which we need it to do, but also has the responsibility of conveying our ideas into our coworkers. So, if you ask me personally, 1 solution to convey better within an engineer will be always to write more elegant/readable code.

Nonetheless, it sounds likes you are mostly worried about oral communication skills during discussions, and therefore let's confine ourselves to this discussion.

If People state that communicating is a Two-way road, Both components They're talking about are :

   Expression    Interpretation

In order to fully communicate an idea, each of this articles has to be included in at least one of these simple elements. Since the speaker, expression may be that the area people restrain. The listener is responsible for that interpretation portion.

Some listeners chance to become very good at interpretation; no matter how we express the concept, they appear in order to just make it somehow, and reevaluate our occupation while the expresser. This really is one particular form of an amazing communicator.

In case we want to refine our capabilities in saying, we should assume that everybody is lousy at all, and shoulder each one the cognitive load of communication on the end.

Let us break down expression into two Important components:

   The words we pick    How we send

Selecting words is tough. At a technical conversation, phrases carry on quite special definitions, and employing the erroneous ones can cause some miscommunication. 1 step into choosing keywords would be understanding the relationship between individuals, the protagonist, and the circumstance. Consider those 3 instances:

   We have a more thorough understanding of the circumstance compared to our listener.    We and the listener have an equal grasp of the circumstance.    Our team has a much better knowledge of the context that we all perform.

As soon as we know that the dynamics of the connection well we can start deciding on our words more wisely.

With case 1 we run the chance of unintentionally using too much jargon. But there's an entire class of words that don't qualify completely as jargon, but yet are overly special to our listeners that are unknown. These are probably more harmful compared to jargon out accurately because they truly are more difficult to identify and catch. Frequently, we have spent so long thinking about a concept in your own heads that individuals do not realize any words took on more meaning within the context. For instance, let's imagine we are considering that a server/client system you simply coded. As soon as we state the term "consumer" inside our heads, we are able to see the traces of signal which comprise the Client.c record; the connection is extremely intimate. We imagine the functions, both the structs and also the execution flow voiced from this code. To people, the term "consumer" in this circumstance no longer means, an overall client in a client/server connection, but this exact specific item, using very specific functionality and capability. Now let's imagine you are outlining your idea to a friend, a person who is an engineer and trained, however, has been believing in your code for as long as you have. It will be quite effortless, but rather unsafe, to make use of the word "consumer" without clearly defining it. When you throw this phrase out there, you are imagining this specific thing that you created and he believes you are feeling an overall customer. As a result of this, you're likely to use assumptions on your excuse which may perhaps not be evident to the listener.

Us: "The machine sends batch upgrades to the customer every 30 minutes, and push notifications in some scenarios"

Listener: "But how do the server are aware that the client continues to be attached?"

Us: "Oh the customer sends a heartbeat signal each minute"

Within cases like this our listener has been equipped to pick up the simple fact there was an inherent premise and describe the point by asking us a question. This is awesome, but keep in mind, we want to suppose our team is awful at listening and that people should flex the cognitive load of communicating on our ending. Within cases like this, we should've recognized the legitimate jump and explained ahead of time that our platform remains one at which the customer sends heartbeats. This is not an element of their typical server/client partnership, however, is contained within our specific system. Lots of listeners wouldn't have requested this question and also sat confused for the remaining part of the conversation. In certain cases, the listener is confounded and wishes to request a question, however, maynot properly formulate a problem because they're so dazed. It is wonderful to have breakpoints on your excuse and ask easy such things as "Are you confused in any way?" Or "Does this sound right to date?" .

I'll go away the pitfalls of instances 3 and 2 as exercises to the reader.

Generally, to become better at choosing phrases, we must apply. A fantastic way to try so is during composting. 1 extreme would be to read and compose poems, considering that expressing sophisticated notions at the minimum sum of phrases is a defining part of poetry. Just have a look at a number of Shakespeare's poems and determine just how they can express more in a sonnet than a lot of folks can in a novel. However, in the event that you're not so extreme, it can also be rewarding and helpful to compose Quora posts about stuff ( really any issue works as long as you actively focus on picking out your phrases properly).

The other important portion of saying would be delivery.

Shipping and delivery are equally not hard. The first thing we want to do is know the significance of this delivery. Most engineers that I speak to do not care much about shipping; they presume that material and stuff are most the most of the battle and that delivery would be the last 5% cherry in addition to Many live from the credence that if the idea is technically the very best, it should win. I think it is charming and romantic but people who would like to eventually become far more successful really should not register for this. Poor delivery with great content Contributes to scenarios similar to that:

Listener (buyer): "I understand that the strategy out of the technical point of view [and I think that it is great], however, I will not be getting it as you appear to possess low confidence into yourself. It really is inappropriate for you, since the guide scientist, so something has to be amiss and that I really don't desire to take any dangers"

This actually happens a group, but most people are not as explicit as to the reason they will not be following up after a conversation alongside you. Within this case, the listener has been a customer who won't be buying our products, but it may just as readily be yet another programmer who won't be utilizing your library.

Unfortunately, I consider myself to be still unrefined within my own delivery procedures so that I can't help a great deal.

Luckily, I understand some fantastic paths for becoming better at this.

It really is amazing that you have been going to Toastmasters simply because that's an outstanding way to practice, however beforehand we absolutely should discover the principle of delivery so that individuals can practice well. At the beginning, I think that it's vital to own an experienced instructor show you the fundamentals, just as with almost any additional skill. After that, we should exercise as much as possible by yourself personal.

There exists a company named SpeechSkills (http://www.public-speaking.com/) in the bay area that does workshops for businesses. Yes, even I personally know that this website looks like everything which engineers despise about work, but listen to me out.

I just work at Palantir and we ask them to give month-to-month assignments here which everyone may register to get so I've always chosen this course. The lady who educates it, Cara change, has been extremely excellent. Maybe not only was she knowledgeable concerning the theory of delivery, but she's clearly a professional and highly capable to instruct the class.You will achieve the very first time she speaks for you personally.

This is probably not the only good expert speech workshop at the world so that you should get one near you personally, but I urge which one if you happen to be in the bay region.

In the Event You really don't need to accomplish this, there is this book Cara wrote, that I've read, '' also can be pretty great: Amazon.com: The Reliability Code: How to Project Confidence and Competence As It Matters Best eBook: Cara Hale Alter: How Kindle Keep

There are some video cases from the publication which means that you may view the execution of this processes.

The book is just a great alternative to expert instruction, in case you don't want to really go that much, but I'd recommend it.

Anyway, this short article is long, therefore I'll leave it at this.