#if you've ever had a severe cough that did not go away for Two Months Straight you would not question that

[likethecities]

I had a pretty strong - not life threatening but pretty bad - allergy to corn when I was a kid. Corn. In the United States. In the 1990s. Think about that one for a few seconds. when I got diagnosed, you could barely find bread that didn't have corn in it. Forget almond flour or potato bread or oat bread or gluten free. Almost every single packaged bread at the store had corn flour. If the one brand that didn't have corn flour - and you know that was the most expensive bread in the store - wasn't available that week? No bread for me. So many cereals. Soups that used corn starch as a thickener. SO MANY snacks. Almost every non-diet soda. My mom described it as throwing out the entire pantry when I got diagnosed. To this day I have extremely clear memories of specific snacks - Triscuits, cheezits, smarties candy, one very specific and rarely available brand of marshmallows - that were safe for me to eat. None of those foods were cheap. There's no allergy section for corn, either - it's so omnipresent in everything that you just have to check every. single. item. to see if it's listed. (literally, I just ate some potato chips that were fried in "vegetable oil". Guess which vegetables.) And frankly, we were lucky, because my mom was part time or a SAHM during those years, and she had time to cook from scratch. (Finding the One Frozen Food Brand that didn't have corn was also a very exciting day). We had the money to buy the more expensive food that didn't have corn. And if I did eat something with corn in it by accident, well, I wouldn't have to go to the ER. I was very fortunate that it was never that severe. What I would have was an asthma attack, sometimes within minutes of eating the food. not as bad as having to call 911, but still pretty alarming to watch an eight year old cough for hours because they ate the wrong thing. (also, on a personal note, exhausting. those coughing fits take it out of you) be nice to people about their allergies.

My hot take is that actually food allergies are a disability and more people need to realize that. The amount of research people with food allergies have to do when they want to go visit places but arent sure if they’ll have access to any food there is insane. Allergy friendly food is almost ALWAYS incredibly expensive in stores bc of all those fucking fad diets that like yoga instructors and middle age soccer moms make popular. And on top of the price, it is so hard to FIND! Almost evrry grocery store ive been to has a tiny ass allergy section that is almost always near empty. Plus what about people who don’t have the money to pay 10$ for a loaf of bread? You go to starbucks and non-dairy milks are like 70 cents extra? People are definitely out there buying and eating stuff that is destroying their digestive systems because they have no other choice. I am begging people to stop pretending that catering to people’s food allergies is elitist and not worth is. We need to make these options openly available.

[moiyume]

How would yandere Deku react to the reader faking her own death to escape from them? And how long do you think it would take for him to find out about her ploy?

♡ YANDERE!IZUKU MIDORIYA HEADCANONS: LIAR.

A/N: I got excited writing this request because it's very similar to one of the plots in Ashes From Purgatory (the villain Deku series I'm currently working on). I hope you enjoy it because it came out a little bigger than I expected...

Warnings ��️: syringe use, mentions of fake death, lies, yandere themes, use of feminine pronouns.

Genre: only angst.

Pairing: Izuku Midoriya × fem!reader.

You were one of the best chemistry students in the class, and all that accumulated knowledge contributed to your escape. You knew that by mixing the right chemical components, you could replicate a neurotoxin capable of reducing your heart rate to one per minute. It was risky, but you had to try.

Izuku arrived home and couldn't find you, he felt a stabbing in his chest and a bad, very bad feeling. His paranoia increased when he called your name and you didn't answer.

He ran around the house looking for you only to find you lying in the bathroom. He panicked. Izuku sat on the floor and pulled his body gently, his skin was cold and pale as marble. "My angel? Please... please..."

He checked his pulse and a wave of hopelessness stole his breath. Izuku shed tears over his skin and hugged you so tightly, he loves you so much so why did you have to die like this?

The pain of loss makes him blind. So blind that he is not able to see the broken syringe behind the vase that you used to apply the substance on yourself.

Two years pass.

After your death Deku goes into depression and becomes even more delusional than he used to be, this reflects in his actions and in his work as a pro-hero. He searches for his face in every girl he saves, a face in the crowd he is sure he will never see again.

You are living in hiding in a small town in the countryside. You've taken on a new identity, changed your clothing style, dyed and altered the length of your hair, becoming a completely different person from the radiant girl you used to be.

You don't attract attention and you don't get involved with anyone, for fear of meeting someone like Izuku. For the last two years you have been working in a small coffee shop, giving it your all. Your salary pays your bills and you even get free coffee as a gift, the customers really like you.

Unfortunately, your peace ends when they discover there is a League of Villains cell in your town. Heroes begin to appear, some in disguise and some not so much. You shudder every time the doorbell rings, afraid that Izuku will walk through. He is hero number one, you think. He won't come here.

But he did.

You've suddenly taken ill, a cold strong enough to knock you out for three days, you know you have to go back to work and work overtime to make up for lost time, or you won't be able to put food on the table this month.

So you put a mask on your face and go to work. Your boss is careful not to overburden you, but it's inevitable, the city is busier than ever thanks to the heroes. People are coming here from all over.

You're coughing behind the counter when someone walks through the front door, you know it's a customer thanks to the little bell. The moment you pull yourself together and lean on the counter to serve the customer, your jaw drops.

You're lucky you're wearing a mask at that moment. It's Izuku. You'd recognise those big green eyes anywhere. He's wearing his civilian clothes and a cap on his head.

"Hello, I'd like a cappuccino" he says softly avoiding eye contact. You blink several times trying to believe what you're seeing, and when the chips fall, you abruptly turn away from the counter. "And if you have cupcakes I'd like to take-" Izuku chokes as he levels his gaze at the waitress. She looks a lot like his sweetheart, so much so that he could swear they were twins.

"[Y/N]?" he calls and you stiffen, it's been so long since someone said your real name, you want to run out of there as fast as you can and escape to another city, but your legs don't move and you can't react.

A vein pops out on Midoriya's forehead and tears run down her freckled cheeks. "[Y/N]..." he repeats your name but this time his voice is laden with hurt and pain. "Midoriya I can explain-" you give him the confirmation he unwillingly wanted. He raises his hand to reach out to you but you are interrupted by a group of teenagers who have entered the cafeteria.

Izuku is boiling, he is not sure if it is from hatred or happiness for having found you. Until recently he was sure that you were dead and buried in a beautiful hill full of flowers, but here you are. Alive.

"You're coming with me" you open your mouth to deny, but the words die in your mouth as a dark and threatening aura envelops his body.

You walk out of the coffee shop without looking back, afraid that he will hurt someone. You feel helpless and are cornered like a caged animal. For the past few months this small town has been your home, your safe haven and now everything has been ruined.

[dabifixation]

see you later

pairings: dabi x fem!reader

warnings: smut, fluff, angst, major character death, mha manga spoilers, slight gore, MINORS DNI

summary: Dabi knew he had to end things soon before they got out of hand. He knew this wasn't supposed to last long, he told himself that everytime he left your apartment in the early hours of the morning. Until he found himself back here again, in your arms and lost between your thighs.

word count: 4.7k words

"... We encourage everyone to stay at home tonight, as there is a possibility of a severe thunderstorm, along with it flashfloods all over the city..."

The television only served as background noise for you as you moved around your kitchen. Cleaning up the dirty dishes and utensils, a small smile on your lips after the friendly company you had tonight.

It's been a while since you invited your friends over for some supper after the long depressing week you had. You needed that, the entertainment and companionship only they could offer you. You've never laughed or cried so hard in months, telling each other about your sorrows and thoughts for your futures ahead.

Being an adult was never easy, especially in a world full of rejected heroes.

You were so lost in your thoughts that you hadn't heard the warning cough behind you, or the tap against your kitchen counter. But you did give a short shriek when you felt someone wrap their arms around your waist, their chin resting on your shoulder, inhaling your scent.

You relaxed once you felt the familiar warmth of who it was. Only one person in the entire world could be dubbed a walking, breathing furnace, and it was him.

"I missed out on a big meal didn't I?" He drawled, his warm hands rubbing soothing circles against your stomach.

"Maybe if you didn't pop into my life every few months, I would've saved you a plate." You sarcastically replied, but you didn't miss the way how you sounded partially hurt.

You weren't expecting much all those years ago when you found him bloodied and passed out behind your childhood home, and you weren't expecting much now.

You never asked questions, and he never pried in your personal life. You were quite fine with that. Not everyone was an extrovert and had their whole life story ready to be dished out. He was a very private person and you respected that.

He ignored what you said and continued to nuzzle his face into your neck. Using one hand to push your hair over your shoulder, exposing your neck to him.

You suppressed a sigh when you felt his warm lips give short kisses against your neck.

"I've missed you." He breathed cold air into your neck, making you stiffen at those words. He's never said something like that before, not once in the six years since you've known him.

Dabi noticed you stiffen in his arms, but he didn't say a word. He wasn't lying. He did miss you, achingly so.

He missed your stubborn attitude, the sarcastic replies that were on par with his own, the homemade cooking you offered to teach him countless of times that he doubt he'd pay attention to cause he wouldn't be able to keep his hands to himself. But most importantly he missed you. The way your touch lingered even days after his monthly visits, the way your lips would pay close attention to the magenta scars all over his body, and the different ways you'd say his name depending on what he was doing to you.

God, he was going to miss all of this once he leaves for the League of Villains.

"I've missed you too." You shyly said, you've never admitted these words aloud before and it felt good to tell him that.

"Turn around for me, I wanna see how good you look." He whispered in your neck.

"Dabi I'm wearing nothing but my puppy printed sweater." You deadpanned.

"It doesn't matter, you always look good no matter what." He playfully nipped your ear, making you roll your eyes despite the heat in your body relocating to your cheeks.

You turned around to face him, a beaming smile on your face that was only ever directed at him. Your heart always soared whenever you looked at him. He was beautiful. The most beautiful man you've ever had the pleasure of laying your eyes on. His eyes were the most vibrant blue you've ever seen, little specks of grey dancing in those pretty blues that were half lidded but always calculative and aware of his surroundings. He licked his lips, bringing your attention to the plump flesh that were an interesting contrast between soft and jagged, and the pink tongue residing in his mouth.

Your eyes were transfixed on his appearance, making sure no hair on his head was missing or any new injuries to his increasing collection. You rested your forehead against his hard chest once you found nothing out of place, letting out a sigh of relief when you finalized that he was okay, and not sporting a limp or any other injury.

"Damn, I stress you out that much huh doll?" You could hear the smirk in his voice, but didn't have the energy to make a snarky remark, only offering him a small smile.

"Your visits are becoming less and less you know, the last time I saw you was five months ago. I was..." so worried about you, you wanted to say. You were so worried that you stayed up everyday, two hours after your initial bedtime hoping that he'd at least show up once in those five months. He didn't, and you were beginning to think he never would, until tonight. You didn't want to tell him that.

He wouldn't care.

You felt embarrassed that you were crying to your friends about him earlier on. Scared that you'd never see him again, not because he's moved on from you as you know there's nothing keeping him here other than sex and a warm bed to crash in, but because you were worried he'd get himself injured or worse. And you didn't like dwelling on what worse could imply.

"I kno–" Dabi's words were cut off by a small sneeze he muffled into his arm. Sneezing twice more before he regained his composure.

You only noticed now that his clothes were slightly damp and heavier than usual. It made your eyesbrows furrow.

"How long were you in the rain Dabi?" You questioned, knowing you wouldn't like whatever answer he'd come up with.

"Ever since your lady friends came by."

"That was over two hours ago? You've been sitting in the rain this entire time?!" You felt your blood pressure rising when he only shrugged at your accusations. It was like arguing with a toddler sometimes.

You sighed again, pinching the bridge of your nose. "I've got a box of mens clothes laying around here somewhere. Go take a shower and I'll get them for you and make you a cup of hot tea."

He quirked one eyebrow up, staring intensely at you.

"What?" You averted your eyes away from his, embarrassed that he was searching your face for something.

He shrugged again, rolling his battered coat off his shoulders and started stripping the rest of his clothes off. You turned around before he could go any further. Busying yourself with getting his tea ready.

Dabi stopped undressing, standing there with nothing but his jeans on. Watching you as you got the correct items in order to make him tea, muttering to yourself about which biscuits he might like with it.

He liked the butterscotch ones, but he didn't bother opening his mouth. Too memorized by the way you moved around so frantically as if he was dying instead of coming down with a small cold.

He liked that about you, he liked a lot of things about you. Especially the way you cared about the simplest things pertaining to him even during moments of intimacy. You treated him like glass even if he didn't offer the same treatment in return, not because he didn't want to, he just didn't know how to go about it.

He frowned.

Dabi was only ever vulnerable around you, and you didn't even realize it. You didn't know the power you had over him, and he'd like to keep it that way. Afraid that you'd use it against him and he wouldn't be able to bring himself to hurt you for that. He could never hurt you.

He found himself walking towards you on impulse, hugging your waist once again. This time pressing his body flush against yours. He heard you gasp and that pulled a smirk out of him.

"Do you know what you do to me?" He gripped your hip with one hand, and snuck the other hand underneath your shirt. His lips against your neck, right above your pulse point.

Your stomach tensed when you felt his hot fingers rubbing soothing circles against it. He pressed you further against him, making you feel the growing length against your ass. You bit your lip, stopping yourself from whimpering too early.

"The way your nipples are perking up so nicely for me in this shirt that's practically transparent is driving me nuts." He snaked his hand further up your shirt, brushing the skin underneath your breasts gently. Your breath caught in your throat as you gripped the counter tightly.

Your panties were clinging to your pussy uncomfortably, you could feel the material getting wetter with each passing second. You tried rubbing your thighs together for some friction, but Dabi wasn't having any of it. He clicked his tongue out of irritation, the hand on your hips falling towards your inner thighs, parting your legs. His hold was strong enough to prevent you from rubbing your thighs together, you wanted to whine when he didn't place his hand right where you wanted them.

Just a little higher.

"I asked you a question doll." He spoke into your hair, taking a deep breath from the rooibos shampoo you used. The smell turned him on even more.

"W-what question?" You whimpered, resting the back of your head onto his chest, sighing out as he brushed the pads of his thumb against your hardened nipples.

"I don't like repeating myself." He growled, pinching your nipples harshly causing you to whimper pathetically in his arms. He continue to tweak at your nipples roughly before groping your breast and fondling it the way he liked.

"Dabi... " You mewled.

"Don't. Don't say my name like that." He gave your nipples a warning pinch.

You bucked up into his hips, involuntarily grinding against his cock. The swollen head rubbing in between your ass despite the jeans restricting him. Making him choke back a groan.

Dabi was just as impatient as was it in his nature to tease. He took his hand away from between your thighs to quickly lick the tips of his index and middle finger, bringing them back towards your aching pussy. You were such a good girl, not once taking the opportunity to touch yourself or rub your thighs together.

He wasted no time in pushing your thong to the side, sucking a deep breath through his teeth when he rubbed his fingers through your slit collecting the thick moisture gathered there. You always got so wet for him.

After coating his fingers in your arousal, he moved his fingers towards the bundle of nerves that had been pulsing ever since he rocked up at your house.

You let out a breathy yes, eyes rolling to the back of your head as Dabi rubbed your clit just the way you liked, grinding it down in tight circles that had your toes curling. He pinched at your clit piercing, knowing how much you liked it when he played with the metal and how easily it could make you gush for him. The pleasure was overwhelming and had you feeling light headed.

Without warning, Dabi plunged those same two fingers into your tight pussy. You bit back a scream as your body jerked and writhed against him. Hips chasing after his fingers as they thrusted deeper into your spongy walls, the palm of his hand grinding against your clit. The stimulation was too much for you.

"Fuck!" You shouted out, bringing your hand down to his, gripping on his wrist tightly so he could go deeper and faster. He could get you cumming around his two fingers alone, he didn't need more than that.

"Dabi please." You begged.

"Please what?" He asked curiously, knowing exactly what you so deeply craved.

The hand around your breast disappeared. He reached for his jeans so he could unzip it and pull it down. A short relieved sigh left his lips once his jeans were pulled down his thighs, just enough to free his heavy cock from all that pressure. He gripped his cock in his free hand, he wanted to feel you around him so bad but he had to be patient, as much as he hated it.

Dabi watched you from underneath his dark lashes, the way your body responded to him in delicious squirms and moans drove him mad. He added pressure to your clit, grinding his palm hard against it. Your body rocked back into him for more, a high pitched wail leaving those beautiful lips he couldn't wait to claim.

"I want you ins- shit shit shit!" He watched your body shaking silently against him, thighs trembling, pussy clamping so hard around his fingers he hissed as he pulled them out and quickly replaced them with his angry, pulsing cock.

"Fuck." Dabi let out breathlessly in your ear, feeling you clench and gush around him as you came. He wasn't prepared for this. To feel you around him after five long excruciating months. He loved the way your pussy gripped onto him after all these years, as if it was the first time all over again.

Dabi pulled your head back by your chin so he could look into your eyes as he drove you into your next orgasm. Ignoring your pained whimpers of pleasure from being overstimulated like this. He dragged his cock slowly out of you, holding back a gasp as he slid out of your warm walls, missing the snug warmth around him, and then slammed right back into you without warning, making you cry out.

Your ass bounced against his thighs as he gained momentum, making him cuss underneath his breath at the squelching noises that came along with it and the mess you made on his jeans. Your hands fell down to Dabi's thighs, gripping them tightly but not tight enough to leave your mark, as he practically seethed from the power trip of fucking you after so long.

The drag of his cock inside you had you nearing your second orgasm so soon, and with the animalistic grunts Dabi let out, you could tell he wasn't too far behind. He usually lasted longer than this, way longer, he underestimated how much he truly missed you it seemed.

"Dhabi... Phleasinside... Please!" He could barely make out what you were saying, a stroke to his ego at fucking you so silly to a point you couldn't use your words properly.

"What doll? Use your words." There was a slight wheeze to his words, your pussy clenching so tightly around him had him close to losing his breath.

"Please cum inside... fuck your cum inside me please. Please!" You momentarily gained back your speech long enough to form coherent sentences. You screwed your eyes shut as you felt your orgasm nearing.

His grip on your hips tightened immensely, no doubt leaving his fingerprints there for days. He wouldn't last much longer and you knew it, the telltale signs of his thighs tensing and the urgent bucking of his hips told you he was close.

Dabi let out a groan so deep from the very depths of his stomach, goosebumps began to rise on your sore arms from the intense sound alone. He forced your head to the back so he could kiss you as he came, making a sound so damn carnal it had you cumming alongside him.

The two of you came together in perfect harmony, your pussy clenching down so hard on his cock it had you lurching forward from the force, breaking the heated kiss. Long strings of hot semen shot up into your awaiting womb, dripping down your thighs when it had no more room to go.

Your breathing was uneven, your chest and throat burning from your screaming session. Forever grateful that you didn't live by your parents anymore, back when you had to muffle all your moans from when you and Dabi used to fool around even back then.

He was no better, his breathing shallow and unsteady.

Dabi didn't pull out just yet, savoring the moment of the two of you being joined as one. His fingers traced the long line running down your back, not caring how sweaty you were as he kissed your shoulders gently in gratitude. After awhile he pulled his softened cock out of you, groaning from the oversensitivity while you winced from the evidence of what took place running down your shaky thighs.

The high from sex quickly came crashing down on him. He wasn't here to have sex with you, it just happened. Guilt began to chew at his mind from what he was about to do next, but the way you looked at him, with those caring eyes someone like him didn't deserve, made him drag this moment out far longer than it should've been.

He wasn't a ''now rather than later'' kind of guy after all.

"Let's get you cleaned up." His stomach churned when he watched you look up at him in confusion.

That's right, Dabi never cared about aftercare or basking in the afterglow. He thought it was unnecessary, but couldn't say he hasn't wondered how it would feel to have you running your fingers through his hair and humming childhood lullabies the way his mother used to do to him.

A pang shot out to his heart at the thought of his mother, quickly stomping those traitorous thoughts from making an appearance tonight. Not now, he thought. Returning his full attention towards you and your warm hand grasping his own. Squeezing it gently to bring him back down to earth.

Usually after he was done he'd leave, not that you were bitter about it or anything. That's just how it was. A small smirk would grace his two-toned lips with a "See you later" sent your way before he left your apartment. It was a little tradition shared between you two, the first time he said it you were still 16, applying ointment to his injuries after you found him in your parents backyard. He abruptly left without so much as a thank you, only offering those three words.

Now whenever he left, he'd always say those words to ease your brewing anxiety in promise of seeing you next time. And he never broke that promise.

He didn't speak to you about it, but you could tell he risked everything by coming to your place every once in awhile. You were not ignorant to the things Dabi did, some part of you knew he was involved with some shady things. Things you didn't want to bring up with him.

A man didn't get that many scars in their 23 years of life by being a good samaritan.

You reached your shower, stepping in while Dabi adjusted the settings to both of your liking, joining you once he was satisfied. You've come to love the heat as much as him, hot showers always reminded you of the flame user.

The water ran hot against the both of you. You looked up at Dabi, surprised to see him watching you. For a short moment, you held his gaze. Wondering what could possibly be running through his head that had him looking so defeated.

He wanted to tell you then and there that he'd have to leave for good this time. The League weren't people to be taken lightly, especially with that unhinged brat as their leader. He wouldn't be surprised if the creepy fucker was the type to kill the loved ones of people in order to maintain compliance.

But Dabi kept his mouth, and reached for your blue loofah instead. Squirting some of your lemon scented body wash onto it, scrunching it up so it could get more soapy. He worked in silence, scrubbing your body gently with utmost care and concentration.

Hell would freeze over before Dabi allows anyone to touch a single hair on your body. He didn't care who it was, even if it was the League members, he'd make damn sure their life would end with them being nothing but dirt underneath his shoe. He had to stop coming over after tonight, he was heading into dangerous, unknown territory afterall and he'd rather avoid killing the people he needed to exploit. His plans were finally at his fingers tips, and he wasn't about to throw them away over sex.

No, it was more than sex, no matter how many times he tried convincing himself that he was only here for one reason, he'd just end up fooling himself. At night when he'd look for shelter on the streets, when his quirk couldn't keep him warm the way he wanted, you'd plague his mind with your sweet smile and honey voice. Scolding him for not taking better care of himself and that he could crash at your place if he needed to get back on his feet.

That's why Dabi stopped scrubbing you just as you began to relax at the newfound comfort. You felt his hands tense against your body, making you turn around in concern.

"Hey. Is everything okay?" You were so concerned about him, his chest tightened. Why did you care so much about someone like him. You were so ignorant and stupid. Could you not see the blood on his hands from all the innocent people he convinced himself he killed out of pleasure. It infuriated him to no end, but he could never get mad at you. Not really. He tried pushing you away before, but you were as stubborn as him so he gave up on that method.

Your shoulders fell from his lack of response.

You were too grown to be playing guessing games with him, it was cute entertaining it before, but not now. Not when you were just coming to terms with... with what exactly?

You had an inkling of what was going on, but didn't want to push further. If he was going to tell you, he would. So you asked the next best thing.

"When will you be back?" You asked hopefully, water running down your face. He flashed you a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. His fingers brushing your wet hair out of your face. He learned in, placing a soft kiss against your forehead, his lips lingering for a moment.

"You're so important to me and I don't want you getting hurt because of my suicidal actions." Was what Dabi wanted to say, but he didn't.

So Dabi did what Dabi did best, deflect from the situation and push his true feelings down. Just when you thought you were making progress (as small as that progress was) in this twisted relationship you had with him, you were right where you started.

"I don't know when, I can't tell you exactly. But just know it won't be anytime soon." Or ever.

"Okay. Just... just stay safe." You whispered, placing your hand above his chest, where his heart was. You could feel the way his heart was beating ferociously against his chest, like a caged animal.

He brushed his thumb against your cheek, wanting to remember how soft your skin felt underneath his fingertips, wanting to remember everything from tonight before he left for good. He gave you one last kiss, this time on your lips. A quick peck that said a thousand words, and got out of the shower getting ready to leave. You stood still underneath the scorching heat of the shower, for the first time in years it actually made you flinch in pain.

You watched as he dried himself off with your towel, not paying any attention to you as his hand reached for the doorknob. Much to your relief, he spared you a brief glance that said everything you needed to know in that moment.

"See you later."

-

It's been ten months since you last saw him, almost a year. And in those ten months you've moved out of the city, got a new job and apartment better than the last. You were happy, content with how life has been treating you lately. Your skin was healthier and glowing, you made time for the gym and started toning your body to your liking. Everything was perfect.

It's been ten months since you last saw him, until you finally did.

There Dabi was, or as it said on the news headline, Touya Todoroki, all over your television. Standing above the ruins of a burning building. His clothes were torn, and his body full of cuts and bruises. You didn't even notice the white hair until the news reporter pointed it out.

There was a ringing in your ear as the camera zoomed in on what looked like a teenage boy emerging from one of the ruins, sporting dual coloured hair. Shouto Todoroki was his name they said, Dabi's younger brother who was a 1st year student at UA High School.

Dabi burst into those beautiful blue flames that you admired so much, while the young boy's left side burst into flames of red and orange. They appeared to get ready to fight, the entire country watching with bated breath.

And then everything happened so fast after that.

You don't remember when the tears started falling, but you do remember the loud sob that tore out of your throat as you watched Dabi's flames engulf him from over-exerting his quirk. He fell on his knees, face twisting as he screamed in pain. You couldn't hear what was happening as the mic from the camera crew melted from the overbearing heat of the two flame users, but you could tell that the pain he was going through was excruciating.

You didn't even recognize your own scream when his body swayed as his flames ate away at his flesh. The staples holding his two skin types together, melting into his flesh. You felt sick to your stomach.

Dry sobs continued to leave your sore throat as you watched the man you've known since you were 16, the man you were afraid to admit that you loved so deeply and finally came to terms with it after six years, slowly dying on national television as the entire world watched and didn't do anything about it.

The anchorman's voice was muffled as you watched your lover fall down, face first into the concrete. His body immobile. Your throat clogged up in pain, all you could do now was cry and watch as his little brother tried reviving him using CPR. A failed attempt, but what else could a 15 year old with zero experience in the medical field do.

A part of you felt like it was being ripped out as you watched heroes rush to the scene trying to pry the young boy away from his older brother. You watched as he pushed them away baring his teeth at them, tears streaming down his young face. You watched as a stretcher rolled by, two medics picking up Dabi's burnt corpse and putting him in that black body bag, zipping it up and slowly moving away from the scene.

The screen went blank, offering nothing but silence as you came to terms with what just happened, before the news anchor popped up, a nauseating smile on his pinched face.

"... The villain Dabi has finally been defeated by his own quirk. A win for hero society against their fight with the villains!!"

You were too numb to tell how many hours passed by as you sat there all alone in your room.

While the country celebrated his defeat, your entire world came crumbling down.

You would never be able to feel his warm hands cup your cheeks, pecking you all over the face while he praised you. You would never get to kiss him again, the type of kisses that left you weak in the knees. You would never get to do things with him that you always wanted to do, simple things such as falling asleep in his arms after a long day of work.

But most of all, you would never hear those three special words of his again, the words you didn't even realize until now, were his way of proclaiming his love for you.

"See you later."

[tuancore]

Lost You (Part 13) :

Starring- Jinyoung x reader

Genre- Heavy angst, self harm.

Summary- It's your choices and actions which made you miserable.

Gladly Jackson brought his car otherwise rest of them would have been walking to their houses right now, "Jackson....we are sorry for not believing in you........we genuinely are" Mark sighed, staring at Jackson as he drove. Shaking his head lightly with a small smile, Jackson spoke, "Hyung it's okay, everything was really pointing out at me and we purposely made it look like I'm behind all of this...right Yugyeomie".

"Yeps....." Yugyeom chuckled, "You knew everything from the start!?" Mark asked, his tone laced with shock. Seeing Mark's and JB's eyes widened like some fungus Jackson and Yugyeom chuckled.

"Actually Jackson hyung was the one who figured out Youngjae hyung's handwriting on that card, from there all three of us decided to portray as Jackson hyung is the one behind all of this so Youngjae hyung wouldn't doubt us" Yugyeom explained with a slight grin, "What about Jackson meeting up with Jisoo?" JB inquired hastily.

"Oh that" Jackson chorused aloud, "The night when you guys kicked me out, Youngjae messaged me showing his concern, so just to test him further I told him that I'll be sweating on gym—".

"And just like that I proposed the idea to follow Jisoo, we didn't really think that he'll get on proving Jackson hyung as the culprit but he did by sending Jisoo there" Yugyeom added as a matter of fact.

"What about the other girl that Jackson met at the café?"

"The girl was Minyoung..." Yugyeom laughed like crazy, poking Jackson's shoulder, "Shut up Brownie" Jackson glared at the younger, making the others smile in return.

"What do you guys think will she forgive Jinyoung?" JB asked worriedly, exchanging looks with Jackson, Yugyeom replied sternly, "The damage is already done, the way he hurt Noona is no joke and to be very honest I don't want Noona to forgive him".

_____________

"I'M SORRY ANGEL...... I'M SO SO SO SORRY......"

Upon hearing his voice, your tears stopped spilling out all of a sudden, but your heart picked up the pace making it hard to breathe, a knot forming in your throat. Brushing your locks back angrily, you walked towards the door but didn't open it, you didn't want to and you won't.

"STOP CALLING ME THAT!" You growled vehemently standing right in front of your door, "NOW YOU THINK THAT A SLUT CAN BE AN ANGEL!".

Jinyoung sobbed harder, his painful whimpers loud enough for you to hear, of course you didn't ignore his whimpers and you hated yourself for still caring for him, you hated the fact how much you always have loved him and how much you still did, that the mere thought of him crying made your insides churn in pain, but unfortunately he didn't feel the same, back then when you cried like anything on your knees he didn't dare to spare you even a drop of mercy and it hurt you, bad, real bad.

"Please don't say that.....please" He croaked out, plopping down on the floor, his back pressed against the door. Trying to gulp down some of your pain, you spat, "Why not? Wasn't it you......who called.....me..... a.....slut.....". At this point all he wanted was the ground to swallow him whole, he cursed at himself for calling you such a terrible thing. "I'm sorry.... I promise I didn't.......mean it......" He clasped his hands hoping for you to accept his apology, "Please....Forgive Me, please give me one more chance.....".

"One more chance? Huh? For what? To not to trust me again? To not to love me enough to hear me out? To break me into pieces all over again?!" Your each word pushing the dagger of hurt and guilt deeper into his heart, "No, I won't do it ever again, I won't. I was an asshole for not trusting you, for not letting you explain but I'll never repeat the same mistake ever again, I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY!".

His throaty voice was now starting to get to you, your heart stung at his sobs and apologies. But the amount of scars and stabs he has given you was much severe than his and he has to know what you went through in these past two months without him. As difficult it was to voice out your sad times in front of him, you encouraged yourself to do it.

"I wish everything could be placed back as it was before with a single sorry" You chuckled dryly, no humour in it, feeling your legs wobbly you slid down the door with your back pressed against the door same as him. Jinyoung hugged his knees to his chest, his head ducked down, with tears soaking the fabric of his knee area.

"Jinyoung-shi...." You called out with a dry laugh unable to believe that you'll ever use this on him, his breath hitching at your words. You once told him, that you don't like calling people by their first name but always used the prefix 'shi' for the one' you didn't know well or you were awkward with, even if they are younger than you.

"How funny, the one I loved is the one who became unknown to me......anyways Jinyoung-shi I hope you have time in hand, and if you don't mind hearing tales".

"Two months ago, when you started staying at office during nights with the same excuse again and again, that you've to finish you paperworks. I didn't complaint even once. Did I?....." You asked softly, all he could come up with was a hum.

"You know why?..... because I trusted you, because I loved you......I thought you were saying the truth but in reality......you were warming up some other girl's bed, while I craved for your presence every now and then......hoped with everyday to see your smiling face and just recoil in your arms which I proudly called home. Instead what I failed to notice was, you already kicked me out replacing me with someone else....." You choked on your tears which you held in with all your might, how can you not cry. Just how?

"BamBam and Lisa told me about you cheating on me with your own secretary, but I yelled at them, for them to be wrong that they mistook you as someone else. You were my pride Jinyoung.....You were my everything. Do you have any idea......how much I loved you......do you?....." Your vision blurred with tears streaming heavily down your face and neck, "That's not what I am hurt about...I'm hurt because you never loved me the way I did. It wasn't the love that I wanted to keep for my entire life, to cherish it with my life. You proved me so wrong so—" Unable to speak further you sobbed hard, the whole place echoed with your's and his' cries.

"I know baby, please let me in again, let me try to fix the things again.....give me one last chance. It doesn't matter how much I beg for you to forgive me, not a thing will change but I promise to love you the way you want, the way you always deserved......be mine again......for all the times we were together, please" He coughed out painfully.

Shaking your head vigorously, you replied hastily, "I was ready to forgive you back then even when you cheated on me because I didn't want our child.......oh sorry, My child" You purposely empathized on 'My'. "To grow up without a father, I was ready to reconcile and try out things anew.....then again,you called my child a filth.........you accused me of sleeping with different men out there, tell me Jinyoung. Did you ever hold any respect for me? Was I that low of a woman? And because of you only. I lost my only hope of living, my child".

"No. You never were, you can never be! I was the selfish one, I'm sorry for hurting our child, for being the reason for our child t—".

"MY CHILD!" You interrupted him with an inhumane growl, you won't let this man call your child his child anymore, after he openly denied that it was his child. Neither can you ever forget that he is the one to take away your child from you, "My child! It was only my child! Do you fucking hear me Park Jinyoung? It was my child.....which you took away from me. You are the reason my baby left me! You hurt my child by saying it wasn't yours!!!".

"I'm sorry....I'm sorry" Jinyoung continued to chant his apologies, sobbing and sniffing, as much as it was hurting him hearing your venomous words he had to endure everything. After all his pain stood nowhere compared to yours. He felt like the worst person alive, how could he go around cheating on you so freely without thinking about your feelings one? How could he say that you slept with men behind him?

"Your sorry won't bring my child back" You smiled remembering the time when you found out that you were carrying a mini you and Jinyoung, "You know how ecstatic I was to find out that I was pregnant that finally you were going to be a father, we were going to be parents, it was your dream to have kids, I couldn't wait to break the news to you while you were busy fucking Jisoo, I waited for you to let you know face-to-face but you never came home, all that came to me was the news of you cheating on me, then also I believed in you so blindly, I'm a fucking bitch to be so blinded by your lies! I cried every night to sleep, engulfed in coldness........talking to our child for everything to be alright, and this is where my hope led me to.......".

"I know I broke you so bad, but let me be the one to fix you again, I knew I was hurting you but I—"

Cutting him in the midway, you laughed, "You knew what you were doing will hurt me, but somehow it didn't stop you from doing what you did! Gosh! Jinyoung I seriously can't believe I fell for a guy like you! I loved a man like you for these past five years like crazy! For what? Just to not be loved the same way? Only to get betrayed at the end!".

"I don't love Jisoo! Nothing was about her! It was always you, it's still you and it always will be! You are it for me baby! Trust me!" He yelled aloud showing his desperation for you, determined to not to let you go, "I always loved you! I still love you! And I always will, you're the only woman I'll ever love!".

"Stop! Stop! Just stop! I don't want to hear your lies anymore! If you really loved me that much then didn't your love scream to trust me! Didn't suffocate you before you found your way in between her legs! " You screamed back, grabbing your scalp harshly, kicking the vase behind the door.

"I'll not ask you to forgive me anymore, but please give me a last chance to prove that I can be your old Nyoungie again! I will never hurt you again! I love you and forever will! " He stammered pressing his head onto the door, hearing your sniffs.

"I don't want to hear that you love me, you made me hate Love! You took everything from me, because of you I've turned into a person I don't even recognise" You shouted cupping your face messily wiping your fresh tears, "Why did you do this to me? Why ? Just why? Tell me what about me made you not trust me enough? What was I even lacking?!"

"You never lacked anything, you were more than enough for me baby".

"THEN WHY YOUR ACTIONS DIDN'T MATCH WITH YOUR WORDS WHY?!!! PLEASE LEAVE ME ALONE LIKE YOU DID FOR THESE TWO MONTHS!"

"PLEASE DON'T SAY THAT, I can't live without you angel...." He pleaded softly knocking on the door, "Then move on, you decided to step on our love, you drained all trust and love out of me in the most brutal way possible, there's no love left in me.........anyways it won't be difficult for you to move on, how confidently you said that you love Jisoo now and that I'm trying to break you both off because I can't see you happy for once, now I'm only telling you to go back to her".

"Don't come to me now Jinyoung, Don't.....just go where your happiness resides..." Your throat burning with all the sobbing.

"I never loved her, I never will!—".

"Didn't you notice how much it hurt me when you believed her that I tried to kill her! That my tears were a lie, my whole self was a lie! I begged you Jinyoung, I fucking begged you on my knees but that was also not enough, you went so far as to slap me! It was the absolute last straw" You explained him your feelings in the most calm way possible, "The person I fell in love was the most caring out there, he couldn't see a drop of tear in my eyes, he vowed to be the best partner ever. Instead the Jinyoung I saw at Jisoo's house was.....just someone else......so animalistic......so carnal, you raised your hand on me Jinyoung and for what? Telling you the truth!! I don't need you in my life".

Jinyoung stared at his right palm with which he slapped you, he was so ashamed of himself for hitting you, You are right, he wasn't the same Jinyoung you fell in love with.

"Why? Why did you even come into my life? I was so well without you! You.....You are not my Jinyoung......my Nyoungie couldn't even think about hurting me, but you fucking killed me, it's only my body left, my soul has already died".

"I AM A FUCKING MONSTER FOR HITTING YOU! I'M A FUCKING ASSHOLE, HOW COULD I DO THIS? YOU'RE RIGHT BABY, DON'T FORGIVE ME! I ABSOLUTELY DESERVE THIS! FOR BEING THE WORST FIANCÉ EVER! FOR BEING THE WORST FATHER EVER!" He yelled aloud in a carnal tone, because he wasn't irritated by you but was angry at himself, for ruining his life with his own hands, wiping his tears harshly.

"Angel.....all I want you to know is I'm genuinely sorry for everything and ashamed of my whole existence, I will no longer budge you or show you my terrible face, I'll leave you like you want, but I'll always love you remember that....." His demeanor changing completely as he whispered softly, loud enough for you to hear from another side of the door, standing up on his feet to leave, Hot tears streamed down your face. He is leaving, isn't this what you wanted, to not to be his anymore. Then why were you crying for him.

Listening to his words, something lit up inside your chest, your heart beating erratically all over again, you went completely pale, hands and legs feeling as heavy as a metal, you didn't want to forgive him, for what he has done to you and your child. Then again, why was his words hurting you all over again, it felt all of your bones were breaking at the same time and you just couldn't bare it any longer. He hurt you so much but why did you still want to hold onto him.

All your heart chorused was his name on an infinite loop, Park Jinyoung. He is it for you, there's no doubt in that, from your head to toe, from your heart to soul, you were bounded to this man and atleast not in this lifetime you will be able to separate from him.

You don't know what was from his side, but from your side it was an unconditional love, a love that bloomed in a millennium.

Your eyes landed on one of the shards of the vase which you kicked before, picking it up you did what you never thought you ever would.

Jinyoung snapped his head at the sound of the door unlocking, you stumbled your way in front of him before hugging him tightly leaving no space for air. He hugged you back with the same intensity kissing the side of your head.

"Jinyoung I want to hate you but I don't know why my love for you is stronger than that....." You whispered into his chest, "I love you too baby", he replied in a heartbeat, peppering your head with chaste kisses.

"I love you but I can't bare to be in love with you anymore, I can't see you walking away from me, leaving me, I can't live without you, but I also don't want to live with you......I'm sorry that I couldn't find an easier way to end my misery...." You murmured with a strangled breath, before darkness swallowed you a whole, your body fell limp in his arms. He panicked at your unconscious form, shaking you lightly he tried to wake you up, but upon not getting any reaction. He called your name impatiently multiple times, lightly patting your cheeks, and that's when his gaze went to your hand, his blood ran cold, his heart almost stopping, seeing blood spurting out from your wrist, dripping down on the floor.

Part 12 // Part 13 // Part 14

______________________________________

[iridescentides]

hi again dia! happy first day of december ❤️💚 i wanted to ask you what, in your opinion, are the 5 most underrated dcoms? i remember you saying before that you've watched all of them so i'd love to hear your opinions 😊 - 🎅🎁🎄

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH secret santa you are so good! asking me all the best questions 💜

okay so i literally had to make a list of all the dcoms i consider underrated and then narrow down a top 5. theres lots of dcoms that i love, but that i think got the right amount of attention and care (like lemonade mouth and the teen beach movies, for example), so this list just focuses on ones that deserved more hype for their quality level.

5. The Cheetah Girls: One World (2008)

okay so even as i type this i feel like a hypocrite. i have only watched this movie one time. BUT i can acknowledge that its one of the most criminally underrated dcoms ever, tons of people didnt watch it simply because raven wasnt in it. thats why i avoided it as a child, and i didnt get around to watching it until i did my big dcom binge in 2016. and it was so good. theres a really long post floating somewhere around tumblr full of specifics on why its actually the best cheetah girls movie (my favorite is the second one purely out of nostalgia), so to paraphrase some points from that post:

its a solid example of cultural appreciation, rather than appropriation, as the girls go and learn about bollywood and indian culture together

the indian characters arent treated like props or unimportant sides, they get their own agency and storylines that are important

the songs are good!!!

basically this movie was overlooked and slept on even though in terms of role modeling and social value, and just like the first two cheetah girls movies it was important and impactful.

4. Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure (2011)

okay so as someone whos very neutral and occasionally negative-leaning towards the hsm franchise (mostly bc its overhyped and not really representative of all dcoms), i was pleasantly surprised by sharpays fabulous adventure. this is another one that i know lots of people skipped right over and dont hold with as much esteem as the main hsm franchise, and that doesnt sit right with me.

i do not agree with the “uwu sharpay was the real victim in hsm” arguments bc in their efforts to look galaxy brained the people who say that overlook the fact that she was a rich white woman who used her power and status to exercise control over opportunities that should have been fairly and freely available for all; they were not “making a mockery of her theater” in the first movie, they were literally just kids who wanted to try out a new school activity that everyone was supposed to be allowed to participate in; and despite allegedly learning her lesson and singing we’re all in this together with everyone at the end of the first movie, she literally showed no growth in the second movie as she fostered an openly hostile environment and favored troy so heavily that it literally cost him his friends, all as part of yet another jealous plan to take things away from people who already have less than her. she was NOT the victim in the main franchise, and she did not seem to exhibit any growth or introspection either.

and that!!! is why sharpays fabulous adventure was so important. in focusing on sharpay as the main character, they finally had to make her likeable. they did this by showing actual real growth and putting her outside of her sphere of influence and control. we saw true vulnerability from her, instead of the basic ass “mean girl is sad bc shes actually just super insecure” trope (cough cough radio rebel), and this opened us up to finally learn about and care about her character. throughout the movie we see her learn, from her love interests example, how to care for others and be considerate. she faces actual adversity and works through it, asking herself what she truly wants and what shes capable of. and in the end, when she finally has her big moment, we’re happy for her bc she worked hard to get there. she becomes a star through her own merit and determination, rather than through money and connections. this movie is not perfect by any means, but it is severely underrated for the amount of substance it adds to sharpays character.

3. The Swap (2016)

okay i know im gonna get shit for this but thats why its on this list!!! just like sharpays fabulous adventure, its not perfect and definitely misses the mark sometimes, but it deserves more attention and love for all the things it did get right!

the swap follows two kids who accidentally switch bodies because of their emotional attachment to their dead/absent parents’ phones. and while i normally HATE the tv/movie trope of a dead parent being the only thing that builds quick sympathy for a young character, they definitely expanded well enough to where we could root for these kids even without the tragedy aspect. we see them go through their daily struggles and get a feel for their motivations as characters pretty well. as a body switching movie, we expect it to be all goofy and wacky and lighthearted, but it moves beyond that in unexpected ways.

the reason the swap is on this list is for its surprisingly thoughtful commentary on gender roles. its by no means a feminist masterpiece, and its not going to radicalize kids who watch it, but it conveys a subtle, heartfelt message that deserves more appreciation. the characters struggle with the concept of gender in a very accurate way for their age, making off-base comments and feeling trapped by the weight of expectations they cant quite put their finger on. we watch them feel both at odds with and relieved by the gender roles they are expected and allowed to perform in each others bodies, and one of the most interesting parts of the movie to me is their interactions with the other kids around them. as a result of their feeling out of place in each others environments, the kids inadvertently change each others friendships for the better by introducing new communication styles and brave authenticity. 

the value of this movie is the subtle, but genuine way it shows the characters growing through being given the space to act in conflicting ways to their expected norms. ellie realizes that relationships dont have to be complex, confusing, and painful, and that its okay to not live up to appearances and images. jack learns that emotional expression is good, healthy, and especially essential to the grieving process. one of the most powerful scenes in the movie comes at the end where, after ellie confronts jacks dad in his body, jack returns as himself to a very heartfelt apology from his father for being too hard on him; the explicit message (”boys can cry”) is paired with an open expression of love and appreciation for his kids that he didnt feel comfortable displaying until his son set an example through honest communication. this is such an empowering scene and overall an empowering movie for kids who may feel stuck in their expected roles, as it sets a positive example for having the courage to break the restrictive societal mold. for its overall message of the importance of introspection and emotional intelligence, the swap is extremely underrated.

2. Freaky Friday (2018)

this is my favorite dcom, and probably my favorite movie at this point. ive always assigned a lot of personal value to this movie (and i love every freaky friday in general), for the message of selfless familial love and understanding. i know i can get carried away talking about this topic; i got an anon ask MONTHS ago asking me about the freaky friday movies and i wrote a super super long detailed response that i never posted bc i didnt quite finish talking about the 2018 movie. and thats bc on a personal level, i cant adequately convey all the love i have for this movie. so i will try to keep this short.

first lets state the obvious: the reason people dont like this movie is bc its not the lindsay lohan version. and i get that, to an extent, bc i also love the 2003 version and its one of my ultimate comfort movies, and grew up watching it and ive seen it a billion times. i even watched it a couple days ago. but the nostalgia goggles that people have on from the early 2000s severely clouds their judgement of the wonderful 2018 remake.

yes, the 2018 version is dorky, overly simplistic plot wise, a bit stiff at times, and super cheesy like any dcom. the writing isnt 100% all the time. the narrative takes a couple confusing turns. the song biology probably shouldnt have been included. i understand this. but at the heart of it all, this movies value is love. and its edge over all the other freaky friday movies is the songs.

on a personal level, the movie speaks heavily to me. i cried very early into my first viewing of the movie bc i got to see dara renee, a dark-skinned, non-skinny actress, playing the mean popular girl on disney channel. that has never happened before. growing up, i saw the sharpays and all the other super thin white women get to be the “popular” girls on tv, and ultimately they were taken down in the end for being mean, but that doesnt change the fact that they were given power and status in the first place for being conventionally beautiful. so, watching dara renee strut around confidently and sing about being the queen bee at this high school got to me immediately. and in general, the supporting cast members of color really mean a lot to me in this movie. we get to see adam, an asian male love interest for the main character. we have a second interracial relationship in the movie with katherines marriage to mike. ellies best friend karl is hispanic. and we see these characters have depth and plot significance, we see them show love, care, and passion for the things they value. the brown faces in this movie are comforting to me personally. additionally, the loving, blended family dynamic is important to me as someone in a close-knit, affectionate step-family.

but on a more general level, this movie is underrated for its skillful musical storytelling and the way it conveys all kinds of love and appreciation. in true freaky friday fashion, we watch ellie and katherine stumble and misstep in their attempts to act like each other. its goofy and fun. but through it all, the music always captures the characters’ intimate thoughts and feelings. the opening song gives us a meaningful view into ellie and katherines relationship and the fundamental misunderstandings that play a role in straining their connection. ellie sings about how she thinks her mom wants her to be perfect, and her katherine sings about all the wonderful traits she sees in her daughter and how she wants her to be more open and self assured. this is meaningful bc even as theyre mad at each other, the love comes through. the songs continue to bring on the emotional weight of the story, as ellie sings to her little brother about her feelings of hurt and abandonment in her fathers absence. the song “go” and its accompanying hunt scene always make me cry bc of the childlike wonder and sense of adventure that it brings. for the kids, its a coming of age, introspective song. for katherine who gets to participate in ellies body, its a reminder of youth and the rich, full life her daughter has ahead of her. she is overcome with excitement, both from getting to be a teenager again for a day, and from the realization that her daughter has a support network and passions that are all her own. today and ev’ry day, the second to last song, is the culmination of the lessons learned throughout the movie, a mother and daughters tearful commitment to each other to love, protect, and understand one another. the line “if today is every day, i will hold you and protect you, i wont let this thing affect you” gets to me every time. even when things are hard and dont go according to plan, they still agree, in this moment, to be there for each other. and thats what all freaky friday stories are ultimately about.

freaky friday 2018 is a beautiful, inclusive, subversive display of familial love, sacrifice, and selflessness, and it is underrated and overlooked because of its more popular predecessor.

1. Let It Shine (2012)

this is another one of my favorite dcoms and movies in the whole world. unlike the other movies on this list, it is not the viewers themselves that contribute to the underrated-ness of this movie. disney severely under-promoted and under-hyped this movie in comparison to its other big musical franchises, and i will give you five guesses as to why, but youll only need one!

let it shine is the most beautifully, unapologetically black dcom in the whole collection. (i would put jump in! at a notable second in this category, but that one wasnt underrated). this movie was clearly crafted with care and consideration. little black kids got to see an entire dcom cast that represented them. the vernacular used in the script is still tailored mostly to white-favoring audiences, but with some relevant slang thrown in there. in short, the writers got away with the most blackness they were allowed to inject into a disney channel project.

the story centers on rap music and its underground community in atlanta, georgia. it portrays misconceptions surrounding rap, using a church setting as a catalyst for a very real debate surrounding a generational, mutlicultural conflict. this was not a “safe” movie for disney, given its emphasis on religious clashes with contemporary values. it lightly touches on issues of image policing within the black community (cyrus’s father talking about how “our boys” are running around with sagging pants and “our girls” are straying away from god), which is a very real and pressing problem for black kids who feel the pressure (from all sides) of representing their whole race with their actions. its a fun, adorable story about being yourself and staying true to your art, but also a skillful representation of struggles unique to black and brown kids and children from religious backgrounds.

on top of crafting a fun, wholesome, thoughtful narrative and likeable protagonists, let it shine brought us what is in my opinion the BEST dcom soundtrack of all time. every single song is a bop. theyre fast, fun, and lyrically engaging. “me and you” is my favorite disney channel song of all time due to its narrative significance; i will never forget my first time watching the movie and seeing that big reveal unfold onstage, as a conversation and a plot summary all wrapped into a song. the amount of thought and care that went into the music of this movie should have been rewarded with a level of attention on par with that of other musical dcoms.

if disney channel had simply cared about let it shine more, it couldve spanned franchises and sold songs the way that other musical dcoms have drawn in success. i would have loved for a sequel that explored and fleshed out cyrus’s neighborhood a little bit more, and maybe dipped into that underground scene they caught a glimpse of. i wanted a follow up on the changed church community once cyrus’s father started supporting his sons vision. i want so much more for these characters and this world than disney gave them in just one movie.

for its bold, unabashed representation of blackness and religion, subtle, nuanced presentation of race-specific issues, strong, likeable characters, and complex, thoughtful songs, let it shine is the most underrated dcom.

and because i made a full list before i started writing this post, here are some honorable mentions:

going to the mat (2004)

gotta kick it up! (2002)

tru confessions (2002)

dont look under the bed (1999)

invisible sister (2015)

[whattodowithace]

Roommates Code: How it Began (Seyoon’s Story)

Title: Roommates Code: How it Began

Pairing: Liju x Seyoon & Donghun (But can be reader x Seyoon & Donghun)

Genre: Humor, slight spice

Word count: 2187

Writer: Kpopmadness (Ju)

"Would you stop playing that video?" I groan, ready to throw my textbook at my schoolmate who sat on my head watching a music video for the hundredth time.

"I have to watch it closely. It's for science." She answers me, her eyes staying glued to the screen in front of her.

"You could help me with our homework project due in a few days. For science." I mimic her wording, making her narrow her eyes at me before shutting her laptop down to get her books.

This is how our relationship was. And how it probably always would be. My relationship with my classmate was fairly new. Both of us meeting one day at a study group in the library at our school. We continued to see each other for the next four weeks. The group we were with ignoring us most times, leaving us with just each other to talk to. Now we had moved our study sessions to my house. Us studying for school together becoming a weekly habit on top of sitting next to each other during lunch break at school as a excuse to hang out.

The room is silent for five minutes before she pipes up again; "You know, with the amount of times we talk to each other and see each other, we could move in together as roommates once we graduate." She tells me.

I look up from my book to meet her eyes, surprised to see she was actually being serious. I lean back in my chair as i say, "We would probably kill each other."

She shrugs, her long hair falling over her shoulder as she does so. "We might." She says, "Or we might not. We've been hanging out with each other for five months now and haven't manged to argue yet. And we don't seem to stress each other. And i don't see you or i getting boyfriends means how we like being alone so much."

I laugh,  the idea amusing and sounding fun. But it seemed a little outlandish means how we still had another nine months of high school left.

"We'll see where we are when we finish school. We might hate each other by then." I say before turning back to my book.

``````

The problem with us, however, is when we kid about something, it often times happens somehow. Two months after graduating high school we found good paying jobs and a available apartment.

"I'll let you two look around a bit more." The landlord of our new apartment said as she walked down the stairs, "Congratulations on getting the place."

We both thanked her with smiles on our faces before shutting the door and letting out an excited scream. Our place small but roomy enough for us, making it feel like a palace compared to our small bedrooms at home. And the biggest difference was this was our place.

"Which room do you want?" She asks me as we make our way down the hall.

"You can have the bigger room. You have more things than i do." I tell her, stepping into what would be her bedroom.

"You've never had a big bedroom before though." She says, sounding guilty.

I laugh, "Please, my room has a bathroom. That's a luxury by itself."

We both laugh as we continue walking around our rooms. At one point I stand in my room trying to think of how to arrange things when i hear her call,

"If we shut our bedroom doors can we still hear each other?" She asks, poking her head into my room.

Our bedrooms were stationed right next to each other, the thought of being able to talk even from our rooms making me giggle.

"Lets see." I say through a laugh. Shutting my bedroom door, hearing her do the same a moment later.

She taps on the wall next to my room, the sound echoing through my empty room. "We could learn mores code!"   I hear her say as she starts randomly taping the wall with her hand.

I laugh and lean my back against the wall, "If our walls are this thin that means our neighbors can hear us. Which means they're going to wonder why your using mores code to summon Satan."

I hear her laugh as she walks out of her room and into mine, "But if we ever get boyfriends it might be an issue. We'll hear more of each other than is wanted."

``````

Four years later:

I sit at the kitchen table one afternoon scrolling through my Ipad when the front door unlocks and my roommate steps inside. I open my mouth to greet her but quickly shut it when i see the man standing behind her.

"Thank you again for walking me home, Seyoon." She says, smiling at him as she leans her body weight against the door.

"It was no problem." He says sweetly, smiling back at her.

I bite my lip and slowly move off my chair to try to sneak away to my bedroom to give them some privacy. I had just stood up when she turns her head and looks at me,

"Where are you going?" She asks, a hint of annoyance in her voice.

I straighten and force a smile on my face, silently cursing her for drawing attention to me.

"Nowhere." I answer  in a sweet voice, my eyes narrowing at her.

"Hey Seyoon." I wave at him.

Seyoon waves back at me, "Hey, good to see you."  His smile widens as he looks back at my roommate before saying, "I should get going. But it was really good to see you all. Thank you for letting me walk you home." He says. I don't miss the way his hand slightly reaches for hers that rests on the doorknob or how he lingers at the door though. All of this making me smirk.

She thanks him again before shutting the door completely and whirling around to throw her bag at me. I let out a cry when it hits me on the shin.

"What the heck do you keep in there? Bricks?" I grumble as i rub my leg.

"I keep them in there for when i need to beat you to death." She fires  back. "I told you to stay in the same room as me if we ever see him. Then you try to wonder off!"

"He looked like he wanted to be alone with you!" I shout, a smirk on my lips.

She narrows her eyes at me before running up and kicking my feet out from under me, making me land on my back, air leaving my lungs.

She kicks me in the butt, making me scream.

"He walked you home! That's a clear sign he wants a relationship with you!"  I scream at her. Her face going red.

"I don't care, because i don't want a relationship with him." She mumbles quietly.

I stand up from the ground and brush myself off, "Are you sure about that?" I ask, making her hesitate but still narrow her eyes at me.

This had been an ongoing conversation between us for the past month. Kim Seyoon was her workmate, he also only lived a block away from our apartment. For the past month, he had been making it very clear he liked her. Making lunch for her, sending her texts to check on her when she didn't show up at work. He even brought over some soup once for me when i was sick and she had stayed home to make sure  i didn't die. Clearly trying to get on my good side as well.

Needless to say, i liked him for her. But her being the stubborn person she is, refused to admit she liked him or wanted a date with him. So for the past month we had talked, argued, and screamed at each other about the matter. Even though she denied it, i could see her walls cracking slightly. She was growing more of a weak spot for him than she wanted to admit.

"I'm going to go. I ordered a Pizza for dinner for us." I tell her as i pick up my car keys.

A smile grows on my roommates face at the mention of her favorite food. "This doesn't change anything. I still don't like you."

I laugh and roll my eyes, "I know." I sigh out as i walk out the door.

```````

"This one?"

"No." I answer after observing the dress briefly that she had pulled from her closet.

"I don't know what to wear!" She groans in frustration. Raking her fingers through her hair.

After three months of bucking liking Seyoon, she finally caved in to him. Tonight being their first official date that he was going to pick her up for in an hour.

"I still say this dress," I tell her, holding up a red low cut dress with a thick black belt around l the waist.

"But i don't want to wear it." She whines, stomping her foot slightly.

I sigh and put the dress down on her bed. "You look good in it and you know he would like it. You just are too scared to wear it."

My roommate glares at me, mumbling words under her breath as she goes to put the dress i picked out on.

For the remaining hour we walk around our apartment finding things she needed to complete her look. Which included her borrowing one of my necklaces, me doing her hair while she worked on her makeup, and us arguing back and forth like always.

The doorbell rain as she was putting her shoes on, the noise making her jump and look at me panicked. I smirk at her as i wonder down the hall to my door so he couldn't see me when she opened the door. She gave me a passing glare as she went to open the door, Seyoon greeting her warmly in a white button down shirt and black slacks. His blonde hair falling over his eyes in fluffy locks. His eyes widening slightly and his voice going nervous when he saw her.

I smile to myself as i watch the pair walk out the door. I retreat into my bedroom for a night to myself while she was gone.

```````

I stumble into the kitchen sleepily the next morning. My eyes refusing to stay open. I go to the fridge and pour some cold coffee into a cup when my roommate comes out of her room, her eyes sparkling.

"Good morning." She say brightly, going to the fridge to pour herself a glass of milk. Her long hair doing little to hide several of the dark patches that cover her neck and collarbone

I stand by the counter with a glare on my face as she does so. My gaze on her making her meet my eyes.

“Why are you looking at me like that? And why do you look so tired?"

"Maybe it's because certain people wouldn't stop moaning and panting last night." I snap. Making her almost spit her mouthful of milk all over the floor.

"You heard us?" She coughs.

"Our walls are paper thin!" I say, "Your bed is close to the wall so i could hear everything. Until 3AM i heard many many things."

"No.. you... you didn't,  did you?" She asks, her voice cracking and her eyes wide from shock.

"That's a good boy." I mimic, using one of her choice words that night.

She gasps loudly, her face and neck going red. "I thought you would be asleep!"  

"I was. But all the noise definitely woke me up." I tell her, finishing off my coffee to put the cup in the sink.

"We need a code of some sort if he's going to be coming over here a lot for your make outs." I tell her.

She gives me a nervous look, her face still red. "What kind of code?" She asks.

"Something. An agreement that we will leave when the other one wants to spend time alone with their boyfriend or something."

"You don't have a boyfriend." She jabs, a smirk tugging at her lips.

"Shut up." I snap, making her laugh.

For the next hour we sit on the couch going back and forth on the rules of this code. The code being simple enough, but holding a measure of  trust that the other one would respect the others privacy when asked. We had just finished setting special text tones for each other as part of the Roommates Code when Seyoon walked out into the living room. His blonde hair sticking up in funny places and several dark marks littering his neck.

“Do you guys always laugh so loud?" Seyoon teases, a smile tugging at his lips as he rubs his eyes.

"I know someone else who's loud."   I mumble under my breath, making my roommate stand up quickly and chase me to my room, screaming at me the entire time. Leaving a chuckling Seyoon to stand in the living room alone.

[immysticalgarbage]

A Cup of Coffee

~(Just a short story on Jonathan's mental health.)~

Scarecrow: *pours two cups of coffee and carries them to a table, giving one to Bane, and sits across from him*

Bane: And how many cups will this make, Espantapájaros?

Scarecrow: At least it's not that cough syrup excuse for an energy drink.

Bane: *sighs* That is cyanide for a person like you.

Scarecrow: More like apple seeds. Those actually have cyanide and it'll take a lot to kill someone.

Bane: Japes aside, how are you feeling today? Did the medication do anything to help?

Scarecrow: As much as I protested taking medication, I will admit that it is helping. It made me fix up my office, make new clothes, a-...wait. Did you give me Adderall?

Bane: No, it's not.

Scarecrow: Good. But this medication is helping me sleep peacefully. Christ, I hate myself. Just confessing that is vomit inducing. I shouldn't be needing medication to keep me calm. There are other ways for me to cope besides taking pills to be reduced to a sedated sack of flesh waiting in line to be slaughtered.

Bane: There you go overthinking everything. Not all medications are like that. They help when you're sick or in severe pain. You can deny and hide it as much as you want, but you're in pain. You even got a broken arm and didn't react to it one bit. You just went to your office like you're fine.

Scarecrow: I'm use to having bruises and broken bones, Bane. I've grown desensitized to it.

Bane: And this medication is to help you have some sort of feeling instead of being an emotionless ragdoll. You can believe that stupid conspiracy that people are purposefully medically sedated to fall in line and work themselves to death, but sometimes therapy can't help.

Scarecrow: I'm not insane, Osito. *drinks coffee* All my doctors said the same. I'm just evil.

Bane: Where in my statement did I ever mention that you're insane? Nowhere. You're mentally killing yourself. The same schedule you follow is draining you. When I saw you 4 months ago, you looked like a corpse. It took hours of convincing you to let me help you. When it comes to progress, you'll have to do things you hate. I had to team up with Penguin once just to-

Scarecrow: *serious but calm tone* Don't mention that damn name.

Bane: Then what am I supposed to call a flightless black and white bird?

Scarecrow:.....*facepalms* You've got to be kidding. *looks at Bane* Are you serious?

Bane: Pretty much.

Scarecrow: I despise that man as much as you do. *takes a sip of coffee*

Bane: Hey, that candle store has autumn scents out. Maybe we can pick up a few later today.

Scarecrow: *zoned out to the point Bane's voice fades to an ear ringing noise*............*looks down at coffee cup*

*A gnarled lanky arm reaches out from the cup and grabs Scarecrow by the face, slowly dragging him into the cup. Scarecrow falls and splashes in*

Scarecrow: *eye is closed*.....I can breathe...but I dare not open my eye.

???: Oohhh Johhhhhnyyyyy.....Johhhnyyy boyyyyy.

Scarecrow: *holds head* Go away!

???: Come here, Jonathan. I have something to show you.

Scarecrow: PISS OFF! LEAVE ME ALONE AND GO BACK TO HELL! YOU'RE DEAD AND GONE!

???: I have a gift for you.

Scarecrow: *tries to run away* BANE! HELP ME!

*Mirrors surround Scarecrow, revealing the Scarebeast.*

???: Be the product of fear you claim to be.

Scarecrow: THAT ERA DIED! GO AWAY!

Bane: Scarecrow?! Hey!

Scarecrow:.......*drops coffee cup* It itches.....*scratches forearm* It burns...The irritation burrowed deep in my flesh. I want it to stop. There's no point running from it.

Bane: *rushes to Scarecrow's side* What itches? What are you talking about?!

Scarecrow: *keeps scratching forearm, making the skin turn red* Maybe......*digs fingers in and tears the skin off*

Bane: Espantapájaros!

Scarecrow:.........It still itches....*falls onto the floor*

Bane: Espantapájaros! *lifts him up and rushes him to the infirmary*

*8 hours later*

Riddler: His brain probably fried because he tried to outsmart me in my own game.

Bane: *smacks Riddler upside the head* Cállate, gilipollas egoísta.

Mad Hatter: Hush now, my friends, we must not disrupt. Dear Alice, she's finally waking up.

Scarecrow: *opens eye*

Mad Hatter: Yes! Hoorah! Alice has risen from her sleep! Her precious life isn't for the Jabberwock's to keep.

Riddler: Oh be silent, you naive nonsensical nitwit.

Bane: Espantapájaros, are you ok?

Scarecrow:.....I feel sick.

Riddler: Well it's no big surprise that you grow sick of the fact you can never best me, Jonathan.

Scarecrow: If you keep flapping your mouth, I'll rip your tongue out and sew your mouth shut, Nygma.

Mad Hatter: What did you see? Who did you see? Right through the looking glass, who could it be?

Scarecrow: Someone that should've stayed dead...

[kzbrandt]

 



     “The way is clouded, there is a fog surrounding your desires, the path to your future is subject to change, it’s up to you and you…”

     “Victoria! What in Taboo is this? Of all the Tabians, why am I cursed with the most insolent?”

     The scent of Lilyrose and lavender did nothing to ease the tension between two very different generations. Victoria came from an ancient line of oracles and royalty, and with each new child their power got stronger. Only Female-born, they alone inherited these coveted abilities. Along with supernatural prowess, their beauty made them all the more desirable, but these were dangerous times in Tabian history. 

      What year was it again…? Ah, yes, here it is, now that we're on the right page, let us continue. A multitude of illnesses were ravaging Taboo and sickness here wasn’t exactly your run of the mill cough, there wasn’t any syrup or vaccine to fix it. The first arrived after The Fall, which presently was only a short while ago, evil had been consummated with the bed sheets drenched in blood. Each realm invited it in, nefarious entities needed permission, without it they are nothing, impotent. 

     Siandra of the Sun was blessed by the Triplicate Goddesses, who brought magick to this realm. Born of the birthing trees and fostered in the Netherlands, the Goddess’s bathed their toddler in a river that ran of rainbows and elixirs. As a child, this was the maiden of light’s favorite place in the world. 

     She reached full maturity within only 12 cycles of sun, she wasn’t human, Sìandra was so much more. She would become the mother and matriarch of Taboo. It is an enormous task to birth one child alone, but an entire population, can you imagine? Through raw, agony she endured until there was enough life capable of sustaining itself. The years following her coronation were full of peace and prosperity, but nothing stays perfect forever. 

     Twenty years into her reign, all tree-folk caught an unusual malady, around the same time Zotan the Betrayer started to make a name for himself. He was born a corrupt sapling and went on to infect many more, inevitably bringing the demise and imprisonment of the Sky Lovers. 

     Pulling back soft, obsidian hair, Victoria felt like betraying her gentle nature and giving into the inferno that never subsided. She wasn’t a child anymore, the twelfth month was almost upon them. 

     “Grandla, I am almost a woman, one more day and I will be! You can’t control me anymore.”

     “A child is all you will be until you act otherwise. I am your only living relative and I won't be bound to Taboo forever. Who will save you once I am gone? You are too careless, you know what you are?!”

     “I can save myself, I won’t fear the world until I experience it first hand. Tomorrow I will be leaving, I’m sorry Grandla Elena, you know I love you… I just.. I want my own adventure, not the ones from storybooks."

     “Well no matter what, if that world you so desperately desire to run to veers too far left, just come home. You are my heart... but with the power of four generations, go in peace.”

_______________________________

     Only weeks later, Victoria would receive word that her great Grandla was brutally murdered by some of Zotan's followers, contractors of The Black. The Darkness was already making her way through the crowd, she would leave no survivors. Who could stop her now?

     Being a woman after The Fall was complicated and dangerous, especially when you were an Elderspark descendant.  Despite this, our young reigning heiress was quite capable of cutting her way through the winding shadows. Once Victoria became the last of her bloodline, her girlish whim faded away. 

 There’s no one to watch out for me anymore, I’ll have to do it myself now…

     It was a lonely existence, danger lurked around every corner and the riots were steadily getting worse. 

     “Vicki, can you please take my table, I can’t deal with those pigs for one more moment…”

     “Sure Nella, go rest awhile, in your condition you shouldn’t strain. That little one might arrive any day now. Here, lie down and drink this, and all you’ll feel is euphoria.”

     “What would I do without you?”

     “Go on now,” Victoria kissed her friend softly upon her flushed cheeks, feeling the warmth radiating off them. 

Poor Nella, so young and soon to be a mother, I worry about that myself. 

 Being an Elderspark has its advantages, but I worry about the uncertainty of my future. 

     Elderspark translates in the Tabian tongue as the flame of old, and this line of celestial women would live from one to five hundred years on average, with a slim possibility of many more. Along with heightened and elongated mortality, each fruit fallen from Sìandra’s tree would conceive a female heir, without the influence of man. Unfortunately, once womanhood is reached this could happen at any time. 

     This wasn’t much comfort for Victoria Elderspark and it was constantly on her mind. In the midst of sorting through a collage of dilemmas, she straightened her stained apron and tried to hide the bust protruding atop the coffee dipped dress, made of shredded bark and plant fiber. The fabric was similar to silky taffeta, but cozy like cotton. 

     “What can I get for you tonight? In the back we have some berry strudel, I could warm it up if you’re hungry?”

     “Mm, I think we’d like to take you out back, our hunger is more of a carnal nature… Ain’t that right boys?”

     “That’s right!”

     Three men stood hungrily and vile, drool basically foaming from their mouths, dark and ominous they surrounded her.

     “See, we took it easy on your little blonde friend, since she's with child, but you're just a ripe little apple. I think I’d like to take a bite…”

     Scrambling for an idea, or anyway to defend herself, the tavern door blew open and a frozen gust of snow traipsed in along with a formidable stranger. As the curious, tall figure spoke it was barely legible, almost a growl, “ Let her go, vermin.” 

     Looking at what the other three scoundrels feared, both of their eyes locked, his eyes were peculiarly beautiful, while hers reflected a deep emerald that ensconced all who fell into them. Something clicked, it was so strong and irrefutable, nothing would ever be the same. As time began to slow, a lovers knot encompassed and secured their souls, binding them for all eternity. 

     Victoria stood there in a trance as body parts flew in the air and stray blood splatters soaked into her apron and love melted within her heart. 

I can’t explain it, but this beast is my soulmate. I won’t fight against it… I can’t.

     “My name is Vlad Valentina, will you come with me, better half of my heart?”

     “Yes, I will...”

__________________________________

As the oldest Elderspark lied in a pool of her own blood, the small puddle soon became an ocean and she had only minutes left. 

     “Vlad, take her, bury her deep in the ground, Taboo will keep her safe until it's time for her to be born again.”

     “Darling no, I won’t let you die alone, after everything I’ve done, it’s the least I can do.”

     “No,” coughing, her last breath was creeping closer as she grew smaller, the final stretch before silence eclipsed, thwarting her onward. “ Consider it a last request. Tony must not know the truth, my love, he must think you killed me, until the time is right. Forgive me for this burden I place upon you.” 

     “There's nothing to forgive, you've given me everything, sweet Victoria...farewell mon chere…” 

     Vlad Valentina left his wife to die alone as she wished, and dispatched the newborn girl of prophecy into hiding, away from the real monsters who would tear her apart defenseless or not. 

     Sleeping soundly, Vlad placed her gently on a heap of foliage in the Woodlands of Yamanì and almost simultaneously several branches moved to swaddle her, a precious star in need of their protection. 

   “Goodbye my dear Valerie, I will look after you always, although you will not know it. Before I leave you, your mother wanted you to have this.” He placed a locket down into the ground, and Valerie Elderspark faded away until the future songs of destiny and reunion were trumpeted into the blanched sunlight, reviving her once again. The day Sìandra’s true heir returned, a Gathering would be marked, but be warned nothing is ever as it seems, in this Darkening Universe.