#the eyes and the mouth being like that on purpose reminds me of momo and i mean this as affectionately as humanly possible > >

[dreamescapeswriting]

Stray Kids Reaction || His BFF Doesn’t Like You [Request]

For entertainment purposes the best friend in each reaction is called “Areum”

CHAN:

It wasn't hard to see that Areum was completely in love with Chan but there was just one problem with it...You were with Chan and Chan was with you only Areum didn't seem to care. She would try to push her way into your time together even on dates, she would randomly show up knowing that you and Chan hardly got time together as it was. 

"I was thinking we could go to Seoul tower this weekend, we could get some padlocks." You stared at Areum from across the dinner table as she took Chan's hand in hers, tracing her fingers over his skin as she suggested a couple idea to him. 

"Isn't that a couple thing?" He complained as he put some chicken into his mouth, she grabbed a napkin and began dapping his face while you stared at them both. 

"No. It's just something fun!" You continued to stare as she wiped Chan's lips with the napkin, Felix standing at the door and watching as well. 

"Damn Hyung, who's the couple here?" Felix teased but you got up, throwing down the napkin you had on your lap, 

"I don't even think he fucking knows." You grumbled as you tried to storm out of the dorms, being stopped just outside the front door by Chan.

"What's up with you?" He shut the door behind him, folding his arms over his chest as he waited for you to answer him. It was unbelievable to you that he couldn't see what Areum was doing. 

"What's up with me? Let's see, my boyfriend is cuddling up to his best friend who seems to think they're dating! She's in love with you! Are you really that fucking blind?" The door opened to reveal Areum who was doing her best to look as innocent as possible, 

"Channie...We need to clean up and get to bed if we're going to get to Seoul Tower tomorrow." Scoffing at her you stormed away leaving them both alone while Areum tried to drag Chan back into the dorms. 

[X] 

Chan showed up at your apartment later the next day holding a giant plushie as he smiled at you, 

"What do you want?" You questioned taking the plushie without question as you cuddled into it, 

"You may have been right about Areum." You hummed stepping aside so that he could come into your apartment, he kicked off his shoes and sighed. 

"What did she do to give it away?" He groaned laying down on your sofa as he thought back to earlier that day when he took her to Seoul Tower, 

"Tried to kiss me on the cable cart ride...I didn't let her, I moved before she got close enough and she admitted it on top of the ride." You nodded sitting on the floor beside the sofa to look him in the eyes, he looked upset that he had just lost someone who had been there for him since he'd been in Korea. 

"Baby I'm sorry-"

"Don't. It's not your fault," He cut you off so you kissed on the lips softly, 

"It's your fault for being so irresistible Channie," You teased as you kissed his cheek softly, getting up to go and make you both something to eat.

MINHO:

Jeongyeon and Momo were stalling you from going into one of the dance studios and you knew why, Minho was inside there with Areum. Areum had been his best friend since you could remember and she hated you, she made it her life mission to ruin your relationship with Minho. Making him cancel on dates, show up late or stand you up without a word from him. 

"I can handle it, she hates me but it doesn't mean I hate her." You reminded Jeongyeon who was the one that first told you that Areum was the reason your dates were being cancelled so much. 

"She's not in the right frame of mine." Momo cut in right as your hand touched the door handle, frowning at the words you pushed the heavy door open to find Areum barely even dressed and running around the studio. 

"Y/n, it's not what it looks like," Minho said panicked as he saw you standing there but you said nothing as you walked over to Areum, reaching into your bag to pull out one of Minho's many hoodies you had stolen. 

"Here Areum, do you want one of Minho's hoodies?" You whispered as you placed it over her head, smiling as she seemed to relax against the scent of Minho. 

"Minho," She breathed in as you began leading her over to one of the seats and laying her down on it, she snuggled into the fabric as you looked down at her. 

"You know, you look just like his partner." Your heart hammered against your chest as you nodded along, just trying to get through everything she was saying. 

"I hate Y/n. They're so fucking full of themselves, they think just because Minho is with them it'll last," She laughed loudly as you looked down at her, handing her a bottle of water. 

"He'll be mine in no time, Is Minho here?! I want him to see me!" She yelled out before sipping on the water. 

[X] 

Before long she fell asleep on the sofas and you and Minho stayed in the room with her, wanting to make sure she didn't choke on her own vomit. 

"How did you do that?" He questioned as he interlocked his hand with yours and squeezed your hand, 

"Do what?" You asked as you laid your head on his shoulder, watching Areum as she slept soundly. 

"Pretend you were okay with her saying that stuff about us?" You shrugged your shoulders,

"I know you won't leave me for her...You promised you only saw her as a friend and I believe you." He nodded as he pulled your hand up to his lips and left a small kiss on your soft skin. 

"I'll talk to her tomorrow...When she's sober and not hungover. I'll make sure she knows nothing will tear us apart."

CHANGBIN:

Another day another rumour about you was circling around the JYP entertainment building, you had to find out about the new one on your extremely slow elevator ride. The newest was that you were only with Changbin because you wanted to sell stories about him and the boys to the media. 

"Have you heard the latest?" You questioned Changbin as you walked into one of the studios he had locked himself inside of, 

"No?" You laughed softly, neither you nor Changbin had an idea where all of them were coming from but you both knew that they were fake. 

"I'm with you so I can sell stories...Does the person making this up know I can't even afford to buy a packet of ramen?" Both of you started laughing until the door opened and Areum walked inside holding coffee.

 "Oh. I didn't know you were here," She said sarcastically as she handed Changbin a coffee, she knew you were there she'd passed you in the hallway on her way to get coffee.

"It's fine, I was just about to ask Changbin to come on a lunch break with me, I need some cake." You laughed as you leant your head on his shoulder, she stared at you up and down before humming sarcastically. 

"Cake? Is that a good idea," You ignored her and Changbin frowned as he turned to look at her, remembering a few weeks earlier when there had been a rumour about you with food and how much you ate. 

"Y/n can eat whatever they want-"

"I never said they couldn't." She snapped at Changbin who shook his head at her, turning back to the screen he was working on. 

"Binnie. I want to go out, you promised we could." She began to complain but Changbin shook his head. 

"No, I want to stay in today. Y/n and I are going downstairs-"

"Why do you hang out with her when she does nothing but sell stories about you and is no doubt with someone else right now." Staring at her you looked down at yourself wondering if you had suddenly become invisible in the seconds she had walked into the room.

"I'm right here,"

"Ugh, I know. You never leave. You're so clingy, Changbin thinks so too, right?!" Changbin stood up finally having enough of her passive-aggressive comments towards you, it seemed as though whenever she was around she was trying to put you down or be rude and he finally had enough,

"Look, I'm sick of you trying to put Y/n down or call them out on things they haven't done! You're supposed to be a friend but you're doing nothing but belittle Y/n when they've done nothing! I love them and if that makes you unhappy...Leave," You reached out to calm him down but shook his head at you, 

"I'm tired of her being rude to you and you just accepting it, enough is enough." He squeezed your hand and Areum scoffed before storming out of the room. 

"Changbin..."

"Don't. If Areum is going to be like that I don't want her around...I can bet my life she started the rumours," He mumbled as he bought you into a tight hug.

HYUNJIN:

"Here." You slid a coffee to Chan as you sat down on the sofa behind him, rolling your head back on the seat as you wanted the rest of the world to go away for a while. 

"You only come in here with coffee when you want something, spill." He mumbled not taking his eyes off the screen for even a second as he waited for you to say something but you didn't, you just stared at the ceiling.

"Hyunjin thinks I'm sleeping with you." The typing on his keyboard stopped as he turned to face you, ears bright red and skin sweating. 

"Why would he-"

"Areum," You said in unison as you sat up straight and stared at the door doing your best not to cry, he'd confronted you in front of five stylists and Areum and you couldn't even say anything in defence for yourself. 

"See, look at you, Running straight to someone I thought I could trust!" Hyunjin yelled as he got to the door of the studio you were hiding out in. 

"Listen, Hyunjin-"

"No! You're supposed to be our leader! And yet here you are-"

"Hyunjin I did not sleep with Y/n, they're my best friend just as Areum is yours but there is nothing between us." You stared at Hyunjin who looked down at the floor. 

"Areum wouldn't lie."

"And I would?" You questioned as you continued to stare at him waiting for him to say something, 

"No." You sighed before moving over on the sofa so he could sit down beside you. 

"Why would she lie to me?" You rubbed his back softly. 

"She hates me Hyunjin. Always has." You whispered as you kissed his cheek softly, 

"But you let me continue being friends with her," You nodded at him, 

"Because I don't want to be the partner that tells you who you can and can't hang out with." You kissed his shoulder softly and he sighed. 

"No, but I can...I don't want to be friends with someone who would do that to me." You smiled weakly glad that he was going to make the right decision in it but you still didn't feel great about him losing someone he once held dear to him. 

"All I need is you," He whispered before kissing you deeply, earning a groan from Chan as he left the studio.

JISUNG:

At first, whenever Areum would flirt with Jisung you thought it was some kind of an inside joke between them and you let it go. Not wanting to come between two best friends who had known each other since Jisung had lived in Malaysia. But as time went on you could see how more and more uncomfortable it was making Jisung as she flirted with him and how the slight flirting turned into her being overly flirty with him. 

"Jisung you can come too, I don't mind having a girly night in a Jacuzzi with you. No shirt though," She winked making him cringe, you looked at him and then to Areum. 

"I think you should stop with the flirting." You suggested trying to make sure Jisung was alright but Areum scoffed at you, 

"Someone is jealous Sungie, you didn't tell me that Y/n was insecure." That was something you weren't. There was nothing that could come between you and Jisung and she knew that, 

"Don't worry babe. I don't want your man, we're just friends....With benefits." She laughed loudly making you angrier each time she slapped Jisung on the arm and tried to get him to play along. 

"Baby, can you get me a drink?" He questioned you but instead, Areum got up and got him a glass of water, 

"Here you go sweetie," She kissed the top of his head before laughing again but this time before you had a chance to say something Jisung did. He got up from the desk and slammed the laptop lid shut, 

"Enough. Fuck. You're always being so clingy and annoying whenever Y/n is round. What is it? You're trying to make them think something is going on when there has never been something between us and never will be," You froze in place hearing him rant like this to someone you thought was his best friend. 

"Jisung-" 

"No. She needs to hear it Y/n. I'm sick of her acting like this whenever you're around. It ends. Now." She nodded before looking down at her hands, you looked at Jisung who sighed to himself and sat back down. He knew it was something that needed to happen and he didn't feel an ounce of regret for doing so, you were the love of his life and he couldn't stand her flirting with him for one more minute.

FELIX:

Areum held you tightly as she rubbed your arms, whispering over and over again that everything was going to be okay while you sobbed into her chest. 

"I can't believe he would do this to me!" You whimpered as she continued to hold you in her arms, rolling her eyes as she checked the time. She didn't think it was going to take this long to comfort you about it and yet here she was two hours later. 

"He's an idiot, he cheated and you should just never speak to him again. Block him." She told you as she sat you up and smiled weakly at you, rubbing your arms again before getting up to leave your apartment. 

"You're leaving?" Your voice cracked as she reached for the door handle, 

"I'm going to have words with him, the cheating low life!" She yelled before slamming the door, sighing in relief as she finally got out of your apartment to go and spend some well needed time with Felix. In the meantime you sat on your sofa wearing one of his hoodies as you rolled yourself into a tight ball, balling your eyes out. 

[X] 

Instead of wallowing in self-pity all night you charged down to the dorms demanding to know why Felix felt the need to cheat on you,

"Y/n we thought-" Seungmin tried to speak as he opened the door to you but you pushed him aside, tears streaming down your face as you went to confront Felix. 

"I know but I watched them get onto the plane Lix. I couldn't stop Y/n." You stopped dead in your tracks as you heard what she was saying to him, holding him close to her. 

"A-Areum?" You stuttered out as you looked at her, her eyes widened as she stood up and stared back at you. 

"Y/n?! What are you doing here?" She panicked looking at you and then to Felix who was now upon his feet, tears streaming down his face, 

"I came to yell at him for cheating on me! I wasn't going to let him get away with it,"

"Cheating on you? Why would I cheat on you! You were the one leaving the country!" He yelled at you, Areum trying to sneak out of the dorms but Chan stopped her by placing his hand on her shoulder

"Someone has some explaining to do." He said loudly enough to stop you and Felix from ranting back and forth with one another and confront Areum.

"You made the whole thing up? I thought we were friends," You whispered looking at her as she scoffed, 

"Please! As if I would be friends with someone like you, fuck. You're so clueless-"

"Don't you dare speak to them like that!" Felix yelled out making everyone stare at him in shock as his voice boomed out. 

"You need to leave." He ordered her as he took you by the waist, keeping you close to him as he made sure she left. 

SEUNGMIN:

Strolling into the dorms one night you expected to hear laughter as you always did but instead you found Areum sitting on the sofa with an ice pack on her cheek. 

"What happened to you?" You frowned as you noticed all the boys watching her like hawks, 

"You would know since you did it!" She hissed at you moving the ice pack to reveal a hand imprint on her face, you stared at her waiting for the joke to be over but no one laughed, they just glared at you.

"Seriously? You think I would smack her?" You questioned Seungmin who was the one cradling Areum in his arm, you knew he had known her longer but the two of you were dating he had to believe you over her.

"Looks pretty convincing to me." He mumbled as he ran his fingers over her skin as she hissed and moved dramatically away from him, 

"Oh please, I don't slap, I punch and if I'd punched her she'd have a broken nose." You mumbled staring at them as they all began shaking their heads at you, 

"She has been nothing but nice to you," Seungmin scoffed as he stared up at you it was clear he believed what he was saying, 

"Really? She's been nice to me...When all I get are insults thrown at me when you're not around...The constant belittling when she knows I won't say anything to you because she's your best friend." You grabbed your bag up from the floor and began making your way to the door, 

"I wasn't going to say anything because she's your friend but you know what. She does nothing but harasses me, threaten me and bully me into cancelling dates with you. She's not a friend Seungmin, she clearly wants more and if she's going as far as to fake that-" You gestured to her face as she began to cry out,

"Then please be my guest and keep believing her lies, I don't want to be with someone who doesn't even get my side of the story first." Opening the door you left, slamming it behind you as you made your way home for the night. 

[X]

"Y/n! Wait!" At the front doors of the dorms building, Seungmin caught up to you, grabbing your hand and forcing you to turn and face him. 

"I should have spoken to you first," He panted since he'd just ran down 10 flights of stairs. 

"You should have." You reminded him as you pouted a little 

"Did she tell you the truth?" You questioned as you both walked over to sit down on some steps, 

"No, but it became easier to see that it was blush on her cheek when Chan shone a torch on her face." He mumbled as he held you close to him, apologising over and over for believing her instead of you. 

JEONGIN:

The air was cool as you and Jeongin took an evening walk around the Han river, it was the first time in weeks you'd been able to be alone with him. Normally he was busy with work or hanging out with his family but you didn't mind. What you minded was when he was hanging out so much with his girl best friend, it wasn't so much that she was a girl but that she always faked something to be around him. It seemed as though every time you and Jeongin had plans she automatically fell sick and needed Jeongin to take care of her, or she would be upset that a date had stood her up. Her excuses were endless and you saw right through her. The only problem was that Jeongin didn't. She'd been his best friend for years so it was no surprise he didn't notice, she'd probably pulled it all of the time on his old partners.

"I gotta get this," He sighed as he unlinked your hands and began walking away from you to answer the phone. Staring over the railing at the water you thought about telling him how you felt about Areum but you knew he would always take her side, they'd been friends for far too long to throw it away.

"I have to go, Areum and her boyfriend got into a fight." He kissed your cheek as a quick goodbye, 

"Of course they did." You grumbled not expecting him to hear you but he stopped and stared at you, furrowing his eyebrows together, 

"What does that mean?" Without any hesitation, you gave him the answer you had been holding back for months. 

"She's always doing this, whenever she knows we have some time together she ruins it. Last week she was sick, last month she "broke" her wrist and you spent all of your time in hospital with her." Jeongin stared at you a little shocked at where this was all coming from, he thought you loved Areum.

"You're just overthinking it," You stared at him shaking your head as you began to walk away from him, 

"Don't-"

"Don't what? Don't let you take the side of someone who clearly wants to take us away from one another? Making it her life mission to keep us apart." You took your wrist off his hand and walked off not wanting to speak on the subject anymore. 

[X] 

Later that night Jeongin let himself into your apartment the way he always did and crawled into bed with you. 

"What happened with her?" You questioned as he wrapped an arm around your waist and placed a small kiss on your temple. 

"I asked her about all of the trouble she's been causing." You hummed waiting for him to continue but he hid his face in your neck. 

"She admitted she was doing it for me to be around her," You smirked knowing you were right but you didn't feel good about it. 

"What did you do?" You began tracing small invisible patterns into his skin with your index finger and he sighed, 

“I told her I wouldn't be around her if she was going to do that to me...I'm happy with you and she would just have to accept it." Rolling over to face him you cupped his face in your hand running your thumb over his skin, 

"That couldn't have been easy for you babe. I know how close you were," You sighed, you never wanted to break them apart but it was nice to see that Jeongin would take your side in things instead of his best friend.

"I love you...If she was willing to compromise my happiness she was never a friend." He whispered before kissing you deeply, wrapping your legs around his waist as he pulled you closer to him.

Tagline: @minholuvs​ @taestannie​ @sw33tnight​ @acciocriativity​ @mwitsmejk​ @taeechwitaa​ @justbangtanthingz​ @stillwithlix​

[drwcn]

《 Without Envy 》 storyboard 10 - concubine/sleeper agent!wwx & prince!lwj

Other snippets and storyboards can be found on [Master List]

Exactly 851 days - 2 years, 4 months and 11 days - after Wei Wuxian arrived at Gusu and began his mission as a sleeper agent, he was activated.

That chilly morning, he walked into the pastry shop - a front maintained by a decade-long Wen spy - a walk he'd done hundred of times on hundreds of mornings since he arrived. He breezed past the packaging counter, skipped through the faded cotton drapes, and rounded behind the back staircase to the room where Xue Yang always waited for him. Only this time, it was not just his candy-obsessed, murder-happy shidi, but a face he hadn't seen in many, many months. "...Shifu?" Wen Zhuliu's visit meant the end of his carefree days. It's time. That night, Wei Wuxian did not look at either Lan Wangji or Jiang Yanli when he bid "dianxia" and "Jiang-zhuzi" good night. He pretended to retire to bed early, after washing himself of his servant's exterior and donning his robes of night-black. He laid in the dark, waiting for time to pass, and reminded himself of his true purpose. He was never meant to care about these people; love these people. Jiang Yanli was not his doting foster sister; Lan Wangji was not his beloved wangye. I am Wei Wuxian of the great Qishan Wen. Nevernight is my home. I am a spy. Gusu is my enemy. Wei Wuxian kept his eyes closed, his breathing even, and his heartbeat slow. In the lonely quiet, he waited, and waited, and waited. Until the candlelight around the princely manor dimmed to nothing, until the night grew still and the moon shone bright and high in the dark, dark sky. Reaching under the floorboard beneath his bed, Wei Wuxian retrieved his life-long companion from its hiding place and released it from its sheath. "Hello, old friend." He whispered, stroking the blade edge. Suibian's steel glistened with cold malevolence in the stark, pale moonlight.

It would be another year before WWX's identity is discovered. During that time, he lived a double life. In the day, he was Lan Wangji's precious Wei Ying, and at night, he was the blade in Wen Ruohan's hand, stealing, killing and destroying on command. His assignments were not always murder; sometimes it required him to break into secure facilities and obtain copies of certain documents. He was never alone on these jobs; there was always someone convalescing with him from within. Slowly, he began to realize just how deep Wen Ruohan's spy network had infiltrated Gusu's foundation. In a way, it excited him, to know that the posturing and pretending would soon be over, that in the near future a quick war would sweep across the land and unite the two nations. In another way, it frightened him to the bones.

Wei Wuxian killed 37 individuals within the span of a year, 37 men and women of different ranks, status and stations. He did not always know why these people needed to die; in fact, he often didn't and preferred it that way. If he didn't know the motive, then he couldn't argue against the reason, and thus could go on believing that what Wen Ruohan did was ultimately for the betterment of everyone. The men of Gusu were weak - Wei Wuxian was always told - they were not fit to rule. The people of Gusu would be better served under a united empire. He repeated this statement to himself before every job, but over time, the mantra on his tongue began to lose its flavour.

In the meantime however, Lan Wangji and Jiang Yanli quickly formed a strong plan on how they wanted to live out the rest of their lives. Lan Wangji never quite enjoyed laying with women, but Jiang Yanli had just enough wickedness behind her demure exterior that things were... well, interesting. In any case, it was not long before she came to him all smiles and whispered the good news over luncheon .

"Truly?" Lan Wangji set down his chopsticks. "Hm uhm." Jiang Yanli dapped her mouth delicately. "Now, perhaps it's a good time to discuss how dianxia should go about winning A-Xian's affection. He's under the impression you've cast him aside on taishi's orders and has been giving him the cold shoulder." "I wasn't." Lan Wangji defended himself, distressed and slightly offended. "It's just, huangshu's been watching me like a hawk. I was afraid any further attempt to be closer to him would give my uncle reason to remove him from my household entirely." Jiang Yanli was sympathetic. "The summer hunt is in two week's time, and afterwards, since bixia always likes to finish the night on the river with fireworks, perhaps...." She let the sentence dangle, a knowing smile playing at her lips. Lan Wangji felt hope.

Unfortunately, a little hiccup happened before the hunt could take place. Jin Ziyan falsely believed that Wei Wuxian had fallen out of favour with Lan Wangji and was itching to show him his place. Poor Mo Xuanyu was caught in the middle. Jin Ziyan knew Wei Wuxian was an audacious one, but not so stupid that he could be easily goaded into committing a grave offence. Thus, Jin Ziyan planned to cause an incident in the garden whereby poor Mo Xuanyu would unwittingly "offend" him, and he would publicly announce a punishment that was harsher than necessary. He made sure that Jiang Yanli and Wei Wuxian were near by, as they usually took a mid-afternoon stroll after lunch. True to his predictions, Wei Wuxian could not stop himself for interfering on Mo Xuanyu's behalf. Then in their altercation, Jin Ziyan would fall into the pond, making it seem as though Wei Wuxian was the one who shoved him out of anger. Oh but a lowly servant shoving Hanguang-wang's deputy consort into the pond??! He was as good as dead. What's more, everything happened on the same afternoon that Lan Qiren was scheduled to visit Lan Wangji to discuss matters of court. If it was only Lan Wangji, Jin Ziyan knew Wei Wuxian would suffer little consequence, but taishi tolerated no insubordination or churlish behaviour of any kind.

Lan Qiren was incensed, livid, but he was not hasty to deal the punishment. Instead he turned to his nephew and asked, whilst fully knowing the answer, "Wangji, your household follows the regulations that govern all princely manors, does it not?" "It does, huangshu." "Then tell me what is the punishment reserved for a servant for daring to lay hands on a deputy consort and to cause physical harm to said consort?" "It....I - huangshu -" "What is the rule?" Lan Wangji knew very well that the punishment was death for any servant, maid or eunuch who dared to harm any member of the harem. But Wei Ying, his Wei Ying... "Wei Ying is very precious to Yanli and to Yunmeng-hou. As well..." Lan Wangji hesitated. "Yanli is with child again. It is still very early so we thought it best not to announce it lest we have a repeat of last time. It would not do to upset her at this time." Lan Qiren was extremely dissatisfied with his answer, but conceded for Jiang Yanli's sake. "I'm glad, Wangji, that you've found your way back to your proper companions. This Wei Wuxian clearly has been spoiled to the point of impropriety. His actions today are utterly unacceptable and cannot be allowed to go unpunished or else others would surely follow his example. Guards!" "Detain Wei Wuxian. Have him strung up on a post in the servants' courtyard and give him fifty lashes. No food nor drink. Sun or rain, he is not to be let down until dusk tomorrow." "Huangshu!" Lan Wangji's head buzzed, as though someone had struck him squarely in the temple. His chest felt tight, and his heart ached where it rebelled inside him. "Please -" "He has his life. That is mercy enough."

Wei Wuxian was stripped down to his trousers only and tied up to a post, his hands bound together above him and his bare feet never finding purchase on the ground no matter how he struggled. This fucking suck ass. Jin Ziyan you're a dead man. When all fifty lashes were dealt, even the guards were sweating through their robes. They left him dangling there in the blistering summer heat. A young maid dared to try and sneak him some water but was thwarted by an older momo. "What do you think you're doing, lassie? Did you not hear taishi, no food or drink until dusk tomorrow. Do you want lashes too? Go on! Go!" It rained hard all through the night, only easing up at dawn, but the aftermath of the storm left the air muggy and humid. Combined with the heat, it felt as though he was being steamed alive like a wheat bun. At some point during the second day, Wei Wuxian finally lost consciousness. He was not aware when Lan Wangji barged into the courtyard against Lan Qiren's explicit orders and cut him free.

Really tho, i just want this scene to happen (╹ڡ╹ ) "I'm sorry." Wei Wuxian blinked at Lan Wangji's hunched figure sitting at his bedside. "Whatever for? You saved me, dianxia." Lan Wangji, "But it was my attention that put you in such a position in the first place. Huangshu was looking for a reason to punish you since that day he saw us in my study." Wei Wuxian, "dianxia..." "I find you... lovely, Wei Ying," confessed Lan Wangji with a heavy sigh. His ears burned red not only with the embarrassment of a youth in love but with shame. "I wish for your company, even when you have no desire to be part of my harem. Now I know my mistake. I should have respected the boundaries. I should've known my attention on you would incite jealousy from the others, and as a servant, you have no means of protecting yourself. This is entirely my fault." Wei Wuxian's heart fluttered despite himself. He quickly shook his head. "No dianxia, please don't blame yourself -" Lan Wangji, "perhaps I should send you back to Jiang-fu; I'm sure Jiang-xiao-gongzi would be delighted to have your company back. You would be safe there." Jiang Wanyin had come to visit his sister the very next day after Wei Wuxian was sentenced to whipping. He was one of the most accomplishment young men of his generation, anticipated to be a great general. Nie Mingjue had thought highly of him and had expected great things from this youth. Though perhaps what the late feng-jun found truly commendable was Jiang Wanyin's complete lack of pretense and his short-fuse temper. That is to say, he did not hesitate to get in Lan Wangji's face. His sister would have chastised him, had she not been so preoccupied by her tears. Wei Wuxian, "Jiang...Jiang Cheng was here?" "He was, and he was very upset about your condition. He left many fine medicine and ointments for you." Lan Wangji sighed again. "I shall speak with Yanli. If she is amenable, then I shall make arrangements for you to go back to Jiang-fu. You would not have to put up with me any longer." Lan Wangji stood up. Wei Wuxian grasped his sleeve immediately. In that moment, he could not tell if his panic was derived from his worry that he would not be able to complete his assignment if Lan Wangji were to send him away or if he simply did not wish to part with the prince. "Dianxia - I - I don't want to leave. I - it's true I had once rejected you, but...would you think less of me if I said your attention … hasn't been unwanted for a while, that I have come to enjoy them." At Lan Wangji's widened eyes, Wei Wuxian continued quickly. "You need not give me anything, no elevation, no rank. I don't care about any of that. I am a man, I have no ability to give you children. Nor do I have any family who would benefit from your continued favour of me. I am an orphan, dianxia, I have no place to go. I just....don't send me away. Please let me stay! I'm not afraid of Jin Ziyan, or taishi, or anything!" Lan Wangji sat back down. His hand trembled when he laid it on top of Wei Wuxian's. "Wei Ying...?" Wei Wuxian smiled, still radiant despite his pale complexion. "Dianxia -" "Lan Zhan. No more dianxia, I only want to hear you call me by my name." Wei Wuxian flushed pink. The blush was real, as was the pleased little smile he tried to hide. "Lan Zhan, Wei Ying is yours, if you still want him." The worst part of that was that he meant it. Just the mere thought of being held by Lan Wangji, of being kissed by him, of... so many other wonderful possibilities, made Wei Wuxian want to hide his flaming face into his pillow. Lan Wangji smiled. Quietly, he lifted Wei Wuxian's hand and pressed a kiss to the inner side of his wrist. "Rest, I will be right here." Wei Wuxian felt his treacherous little heart soar: oh no … oh no no no no ….. (Xue Yang's voice in narration: and it was in this moment, that Wei Wuxian knew, he fucked up.) The cruellest thing Wei Wuxian ever did was give Lan Wangji hope knowing that one day he would take it all away.

[slythergirlimagines]

What’s A Date Without A Little Adventure?- Aang x Reader

Summary: After the war, Aang is desperate to ask you out and he enlists the help of his friends. Things don’t quite go to plan. Fluff and some angst! (GIF is not mine)

  Words: 3,232      Requested: yes!

Masterlist

         What’s A Date Without Some Adventure?

    Aang was completely and utterly in love with you. It was a deeper and truer love than he’d ever experienced before. He knew now that his love for Katara has been a child’s crush, a product of being a young starry eyed kid. Not that Katara wasn’t lovable or that he still wasn’t starry eyed. It was just different now that he was older.

   Aang had met you after the war. He had been somewhat lost after defeating Ozai. His purpose had been fulfilled, and all of his other friends had gone off to find their own purposes. Aang had decided to do the only thing that made sense and traveled, looking for any place he could lend a helping hand.

   Your village was one of the first he had come to. It had been nearly destroyed by the war, and your people were desperately trying to repair it. Aang had a good feeling about helping, something in his spirit told him that this was an important place for him. Appa landed right outside of the village, and Aang had instructed his friend to stay there. Using his glider, he had bended himself right into the center of town, and right to you.

   There was a fire blazing in one of the buildings. The villagers had been desperately trying to keep it contained to the one building, as they tried to fight it. You were front and center, giving orders and commands. Aang had been instantly taken with you, and the fierce determination on your face as you lead your people.

   Aang had been so transfixed by you, that he hadn’t noticed the young girl trapped inside the burning building. In fact, it was your horrified expression that alerted him. Before he had even had time to act, you were rushing in yourself. Aang instantly jumped into action, trying to follow you. By the time he got to the top window, you were already there, tying a cloth around the girl’s nose.

    You had locked eyes with Aang, and recognition seemed to pass over your features. His stomach had fluttered at the idea of you knowing who he was.

    “Ana, go with him. He’s the Avatar, he’ll get you down safely.” You had told the little girl.

   Aang had quickly taken the little girl down to her waiting parents. After making sure she was ok, he turned to come back for you. He had heard the building cracking, signaling that it was about to fall, and there you stood at the window’s ledge. You locked eyes with him, and then you jumped.

   Aang got to you in no time, cradling you in his arms as you both landed.

    “Good catch!” You had told him breathlessly.

  And that had been it for him.

   Aang had cultivated a deep friendship with you as the years went on. He had begged you to accompany him on his travels, and you had accepted. Together, you made a huge difference in the world. Appa, Momo, and the rest of the Gaang all loved you. Even Toph, who didn’t particularly like anybody, thought you were amazing.

   Aang knew he couldn’t deny his feelings for you any longer. He wanted to ask you out, but he knew it had to perfect. You deserved perfect. He just didn’t know where to start. This week you guys were going to the Peace celebration, hosted by Ba Sing Se. All of his friends were going to be there, and he could think of no better time to ask you out. All he needed was a plan.

           ———————————————-

    Aang’s plan was simple. You loved flying, and there were really pretty sunsets over Ba Sing Se. Aang decided he would take you up on Appa at sunset, and confess his feelings to you then.

    When Aang asked you to go flying with him later that day, you enthusiastically agreed, throwing your arms around him and kissing his cheek. Aang blushed for the next few hours as he tried to make sure everything was perfect.

    You showed up looking prettier than anyone ever had the right to. Your hair hung loosely over your shoulders, and you had been wearing a beautiful emerald green dress with golden arm bands. The color was perfect on you, and Aang could hardly form words or coherent thoughts as you approached.

     “Let’s blow this joint!” You said by way of greeting. Aang watched starstruck as you hopped up on Appa and looked back down at him.

   “Coming?” You asked, eyes sparkling in the evening light.

    Aang nodded dumbly, and then climbed up after you like a puppy.

    The night went well. You cooed over the sunset, and the colors had bathed you in a soft light. Aang opened his mouth to tell you his feelings when you interrupted.

    “Aang, what is that?” You pointed down at something. A beam of light was shooting towards you guys. Aang sat puzzled for a minute, and then it clicked.

    “Firework!” He cried. Appa got the hint, and dodged just before the thing exploded. Appa weaved through the various fireworks and managed to get you all to safety. You both had soot on your faces, and your hair was messed up from the sharp dives Appa took.

   You and Aang just stared at each other for a minute in shock, and then you started laughing.

   “Wow!” You said when you finished. “That was kind of awesome.” You had a beautiful grin on your face, that made Aang smile too.

    “Yeah..” he said. “Awesome.”

    “Next time we do that, let’s not try to get blown up.” You laughed. “But it does kind of remind you of how we first met doesn’t it?”

    You eyes were soft in the starlight, and Aang had felt himself melt. He should have said it, but he just couldn’t. It wasn’t perfect.

          ——————————————-

   Aang went to Sokka next. Sokka was like a brother to him, and anytime Aang had ever needed advice, it was Sokka he sought out.

   Aang burst into Sokka’s room bright and early the next morning, ready to come up with a plan. Sokka was snoring, and drool collected on his pillow.

    “Sokka wake up!” Aang yelled. He didn’t have time to wait patiently for Sokka to wake up. He needed a plan now!

    Sokka jerked awake and screamed.

    “Aang! What are you doing?!” Sokka cried, pulling the sheets over his body to cover himself. Aang rolled his eyes.

    “Sokka I need your help, it’s about y/n!” He said, and bounced up and down on the balls of his feet.

    “Oh I see.” Sokka said. His face changed from anger to a smug grin. “You’ve come to Ol’ Sokka for some advice on the ladies.” Aang rolled his eyes at the way Sokka pronounced “ladies” as “laydays.”

    “I tried to ask y/n out yesterday, but it didn’t go so well, and I want it to be perfect!” Aang cried.

    “Oh Aang. You’ve come to the right place my friend.” Sokka patted the spot beside him on the bed. Aang sat, shoulders slumped.

    “Aang, let me tell you a little thing about the ladies. They love food!”

      Sokka’s plan was a picnic. It seemed simple enough, and Aang had seen the perfect spot when you had flown in. There was a large tree on a grassy hill that looked inviting and romantic. Aang packed up the food and flew it out on Appa to set up.

    Aang whisked you away on Appa with the excuse of a fun lunch. Everything had gone according to plan. The food had been good, Aang had been coherent enough to keep up a normal conversation. All was well. Again, Aang built up the courage to ask you.

    “Y/n...” and then it started pouring.

     You all were soaked by the time you got back, and you were shivering.

     “Too bad about the rain. That was really fun!” You said. You stood there for a second longer waiting for Aang to say something, but he stomped off, huffing. If he hadn’t been so frustrated he would’ve seen the way you deflated as he left.

     He should’ve known not to take advice from Sokka. What did he know about girls anyways? It’s time he asked Katara.

        ———————————————-

    The next morning, Aang woke up determined to find Katara and get some real advice. He stalked through the hallways, on a mission. He remembered that Katara always practiced her bending in the mornings. You intercepted Aang in the hallway.

     “Morning, Aang. Would you like to-“ you started to ask.

    “Sorry, I can’t!” He said quickly. “I’ve gotta practice bending with Katara!”

     Aang again missed your sad face as he hurried away.

     Katara was practicing her bending like Aang had expected, and he quickly interrupted her.

     “Katara I need your help!” Aang launched into the full story, and caught Katara up to speed on what was going on.

     “So you see, Sokka’s idea didn’t work and now I need your help!”

     “You went to Sokka for advice before me?” Katara asked hurt.

     “Ugh, Katara please!” Aang practically shouted.

     “Alright fine. Hmmm.” Katara said, one hand on her hip. “Oh I know! You should take her on a boat ride! Girls think that’s really romantic!”

      “Katara that’s perfect!” Aang said, throwing his arms around her. “Thanks!” Again, he failed to see you watching them outside the window.

      It was surprisingly easy to find someone with a boat, and Aang had you all out in the middle of the water by mid-afternoon. It was calm, and he was convinced that this time nothing could go wrong.

     He noticed that you looked less excited than usual, and he started to feel insecure.

    “Aang, are you in love with Katara?” You asked him hesitantly.

     “With Katara?? No!” Aang said, laughing hysterically. It came out more panicked than truthful, and you began to read into it.

     “It’s ok if you are.” You whispered softly.

     “No no! Seriously, I don’t love anyone! Psh!” He said.

      “Oh.” You said, face falling. Aang instantly wanted to take back what he said, but then you changed the subject.

     “Aang what are those people doing?” You questioned. You pointed in the direction of a boat not too far away from you. The people on board were waving their hands and shouting.  

      “I think they’re saying hi.” Aang said, and as soon as he did, a giant sea serpent shot out of the water. Aang jumped into action, using his bending to get you away from the monster.

     You all barely managed to make it to shore in one piece.

     “Ugh!” Aang cried. “Let’s just go home.”

    ——————————————————-

     Zuko was the next person Aang sought out for help. Zuko had been in a long term relationship with Mai for some time. He clearly had to know how to ask a girl out.

    Zuko was at Iroh’s tea shop when Aang found him.

    “Zuko! I really need your help.” He said, out of breath from running.

    Zuko listened stoically as Aang explained his troubles.

    “I need you!” Aang begged when he finished. “No one else has been able to help!”

    Zuko sat in thoughtful silence for a long time, and then answered.

    “If you ever tell Mai this, I’ll kill you.” He warned. Aang nodded eagerly so he continued.

    “Once Uncle forced me to go on a date here, and there was a really pretty fountain that lights up at night. My date kissed me there. You may have to light it with your firebending though. The lights didn’t work on their own.” Zuko says thoughtfully.

    “Thank you!” Aang cheered, and rushed off in the direction of the fountain to check it out.

    That night, you were nearly asleep when Aang tapped on your window.

    “Aang?” You ask him.

   His heart was instantly in his throat as he took you in. You were sleepy and rumpled, but so so beautiful. His heart stuttered, and skipped a beat as his brain tried to remember what he was doing there.

   “Y/n! Up for a little late night adventure?” He asked, holding out his hand.

    You looked hesitant, but ultimately you nodded.

   “Let me change really fast.” You said, hurrying back into your room.

    Aang blushed and turned around to give you some privacy. Your tap to his shoulder nearly made him fall off of the window ledge.

   “Ready?” He managed to ask you, swallowing hard. It just wasn’t fair that you were so beautiful.

    “Ready!” You said, smiling widely.

     Your walk through the streets of Ba Sing Se was beautiful. Streetlights casted a hazy, yellow glow over everything, and Aang was really starting to believe that Zuko nailed it.

     When you arrived at the fountain, everything was dark. Zuko had been right about needing to start the lights then.

     “Close your eyes.” Aang said, winking at you.

     You did as he told you, and covered your eyes waiting.

     Aang quickly threw a few balls of fire at the lights, casting the pond in a beautiful glow.

     “Ok open!” Aang said proudly, arms open wide.

     “Oh my!” You said. Aang was confused about the horrified expression on your face. He turned around to see what you were looking at.

    A banner had been hung off of one of the lights and was burning.

    Aang quickly doused the fire with waterbending, and the tatters of the charred banner floated to the ground.

     There was nothing to say as Aang doused the remaining lights and lead you back home.

      —————————————————-

     Toph was the last person Aang considered going to for advice about love, but now she was all he had left. Aang found Toph under a shady tree on the back lawn. Her toes were digging into the ground, and she was lazily tapping a foot.

    “Twinkle toes.” She nodded in his direction.

   “Toph!” He started.

    “Save it. I know just what you need to do.” Toph said. “A girl like y/n enjoys the wild things in life. You need to take her to earthbending fight. She’d love it.”

     Aang thought this over. He didn’t really know what was romantic about bending, but at this point there wasn’t much else he could do to screw it up further.

    “Ok, maybe you’re right! Thanks Toph!” Aang said, rushing off to find you.

     You had woken up with a raging headache. Everything was making your head pound.

     Aang knocked on your door, and you winced as the sound reverberated through your skull.

    “Y/n!” Aang said, excitedly. “Wanna come on a walk with me? I know something fun we could do!”

    “Oh, Aang that’s really sweet but...” you started to tell him about your headache.

    “Please!” He begged, giving you the puppy eyes.

    “Alright.” You smiled. You couldn’t say no to him, even with a headache.

   The bending tournament was packed. Everyone was cheering for their favorites, and the air was rife with excitement. However, you weren’t doing so well.

   Every cheer brought on a new wave of nausea and pain, and everything was too bright. Aang was absorbed in the fight, doing his own cheering.  You wanted to be strong for him, because it was obvious that he was enjoying himself, but you just couldn’t handle it any longer.

   “Aang.” You said quietly next to him. Aang turned his attention to you, and was immediately aware something wasn’t right. You were pale, and your cheeks were flushed. Someone close to you booed loudly, and you flinched. Aang understood then what you had tried to tell him this morning. And he had ignored you like a jerk.

    “Oh y/n, come on let’s go!” Aang said, trying to keep his voice low.

    “I’m sorry. I know you were looking forward to coming..” you started apologizing.

    “No seriously, don’t worry about it y/n. I’m so sorry, you tried to tell me.” Aang winced.

    “It’s ok. I think I’m just going to sleep it off.” You said.

      Dejectedly, Aang hung his head as you left.

      ——————————————————-

    “You all suck!” Aang yelled the next morning at breakfast. Everyone was here eating but you. Aang figured you were still upstairs sleeping off your headache.

     “I tried every single one of your suggestions, and every single one failed. Every. Single. One.” Aang snapped. He didn’t really mean to project his anger on his friends. He knew that he was the one who messed things up on each date, but still their suggestions hadn’t even been things you would like.

       The group eyed Aang nervously. Katara started shaking her head as if she was trying to tell him something.

    “Aang.” She muttered.

    “I shouldn’t have listened to any of you. All you all did was tell me things that you all wanted to do. I know y/n. She’s funny, kind, and brave. Not to mention beautiful, and I know her better than anyone. All I should’ve done was look her in the eyes and say ‘y/n will you go out with me?’” He finished, pounding his fist into the table for emphasis.

     “Aang?” You said from behind him.

    Aang froze, looking at all of his friends’ faces.

    “We’re just going to go.” Sokka said, grabbing Toph by the elbow and leading her out. Katara and Zuko followed close behind them, and then you two were alone in the kitchen.

    “Aang, did you really mean it?” You asked.

    Aang turned to face you, blush and all. It was time for him to just admit it. Even if you didn’t feel the same, it was time to get it off of his chest.

   “Y/n, I’m sorry.” He said. “This whole week I’ve been trying to ask you to go out with me, but I wanted it to be perfect and I messed it up each time.” He sighed, slumping his shoulders.

     “Aang, why didn’t you tell me?” You asked him.

     “I just wanted it to be perfect.” He said sadly.

    “Aang, you didn’t have to go to any big effort to ask me out. I love you.” You chuckled.

    Aang whipped his head up faster than you thought possible.

    “You love me?” He asked, completely astounded.

    “Of course I do!” You laughed. “And for the record, every single one of those dates was perfect.”

    “But we almost died, and fought a sea monster, and I caught something on fire!” He exclaimed, throwing up his hands.

    “Yes, but you were there and we were together. That’s all I need. And what’s a date without a little adventure?” You said, eyes sparkling.

    Aang didn’t wait a second longer, pulling you into a happy kiss. He was so thrilled that he subconsciously started floating the two of you into the air.

    It felt right, kissing you. Like every dream he’d ever had came true. Aang was so happy he could sing. And you loved him.

    “Y/n!” He said, breaking the kiss. “I love you too! What I said on the boat, I was just trying to say I didn’t love Katara. Obviously I love you-”

    You laughed at his antics, and simply shut him up with another sweet kiss. Aang was truly the happiest man alive. Then a terrifying thought hit. When the time came, how would he ask you to marry him?!

A/n: I’m slowly making my way through these requests. I’m really happy with what I’ve gotten done so far. Make sure to check out my masterlist to read my other work! Requests are open! I think I tagged everyone who wanted to be tagged in my ATLA stuff, but if I missed you please let me know and I’ll correct it.

Taglist: @galacticamidala​ @a-random-queer-kid​ @taeeemin​ @realimbo​ @samsmultifandomblogs​

@fire1ordzuzu​ @shortmexicangirl​ @wingeddemonclub​ @mangoberry34​ @marvel-ing-at-it-all​

[burnedbyshoto]

Amelioration

pairing: todoroki shouto x reader

warnings: cursing, soulmate!au

word count: 5,792

a/n: here is the final part to the happiness series!!!! does reader forgive shouto??? does shouto marry momo??? who knows!!!

Happiness (part one) ~ Bravado (part two)

✩✶✩❇✩✶✩

amelioration: (n) the act of making something better; improving

✩✶✩❇✩✶✩

For the first time since that night seven months ago you feel truly and completely happy.

✩✶✩❇✩✶✩

Two Months Later

✩✶✩❇✩✶✩

It took time, but you believed after months of being upset, you were happy.

The periods of you crying over a boy, who didn’t want you, had stopped two months ago. Two months of rediscovering who you were. Two months of figuring out what kind of person you were outside of this soulmate ordeal.

Why did romance always have to overpower everything?

Why did everyone need someone else to love them when they could love themselves?

Why the hell couldn’t you love yourself despite believing no one else could?

So you had thrown yourself into work. You decided to invest yourself into what you did best as you figured out how to make yourself happy. You hadn’t spoken to anyone in your old class since Kirishima’s birthday celebration; you weren’t embarrassed by your actions, but you didn’t want to discuss anything with them.

Your phone number was changed, and you had moved out of Kaminari’s place within twenty hours. You hadn’t opened any sort of social media in weeks because you had started to get DM’s from your friends— if they even wanted to consider you their friend after that.

Yes, your guilt had quickly consumed you after that night, but the truth of the matter was that you were, in fact, happier. Your role as a sidekick to Miruko kept you busy (she was aiming to climb the charts again) and you, finally a Pro Hero, were now inducted into the chart. You needed to perform well to keep Miruko happy.

Todoroki’s name on your wrist was no longer covered; it was visible by anyone and everyone who dared to look.

“Todoroki Shouto?!” the man in front of you exclaimed as he held your wrist gently in his hand. “Isn’t that the Pro-Hero Shouto, son of the number one hero?!”

You nod your head with a smile. It was the downside of being soulmates with someone as big of an influence in Japan as the Todoroki’s. “It is,” you say as you pull your arm back. “Is that a problem?” You ask, your head tilting to the side.

You were on one of the many dates you’d had since that night two months ago.

Each one started or ended sort of like this.

You were happy, yet no one else would let you forget about your cosmic mistake.

“Don’t you know Shouto?” he asks with a confused look. “Didn’t you two go to U.A. together? I remember watching the two of you compete at the Sports Festival!”

“As much as I would love to discuss Todoroki, I am trying to learn about you tonight,” you say as coolly as you can.

It was nearing Christmas Eve.

It was a holiday for lovers. A day that held the record for the most black ink tattoos turning gold in Japan. You just didn’t want to spend it alone, especially seeing that you would most likely not be celebrating it with your old classmates.

“Yeah, but the thing is I’m friends with Shouto! I can’t be here romancing his soulmate!” He exclaims whipping out his phone, and immediately you’re on guard.

“What are you doing?” You ask trying to peer at his phone screen.

“Just texting my friend,” he laughs as he pockets his phone, “but I mean, what did he do to deserve the silent treatment? I know there are fangirls out there who would die to have his name on their wrists! Did you know that some girl actually got his name tattooed on her wrist over her soulmates?!”

Your eyebrows scrunch and you felt uneasy, but you let it go, deciding to continue the conversation instead. “You’re not able to put ink over soulmate tattoos.”

“It was part of her quirk or something like that!” He laughed merrily. “But what made you run away from him? Is it because he’s the worst at keeping conversations going?”

“I don’t really want to talk about Todoroki,” you admit as the waiter set your plates in front of you.

You wanted to leave. You didn’t want to be associated with anyone that would remind you of Todoroki. You could handle your dates being in awe over your soulmate, but them knowing him on a personal level? That was too much.

“Oh, okay sure!” he nods as he grabs his chopsticks. “I have no filter, sorry!”

Your smile is strained, but the dinner goes on smoothly.

The conversation between the two of you flows as smooth as it can. You’re apprehensive about getting too personal with him and he asks anything on his mind. Besides knowing about his connection to Todoroki, it wasn’t a bad date. But it was not likely that you would go out with him again in the foreseeable future.

“So you’re a sidekick over at Miruko’s agency?” He asks.

The plates that had held your food have been eaten to completion. The waiter returning to grab the dirty dishes as he leaned towards you. Your fingers grasped onto your glass of water as you drink it slowly. Your head nodding as you place the cup down.

“Yeah, I started off as an intern my first year at U.A., and I think it’s safe to say we clicked.” You explain brushing your hair out of your face. “It’s really great getting to work with her, I love Rumi.”

“Oh, I bet! Miruko scares me though! But again, I nearly crapped myself the first time I met Endeavor.” He laughed good-naturedly and you smiled in amusement. Being a side-kick at Endeavors agency was a testament to his strength as a hero. Getting in and staying there was no joke. “Plus with that ugly-- oh, hey! Over here!” He exclaimed with a large grin, his arm-waving to someone behind you.

Your eyebrows scrunched in confusion but the warmth of your tattoo grew as you felt someone standing by you.

“Shouto,” He says standing up and bowing to the man behind you. You stay in your seat, frozen stiff while burning holes into your dates head. “I’m so glad you came!”

“You invited a stranger on our date?” You snap as you stand up, immediately grabbing your purse and jacket that hung on the chair. “Thanks for a good evening but I have to go now.” You say ignoring his protests.

Your fingers grabbed a few yen you had and threw it on the table.

Making sure to turn out towards the side that Todoroki was not on, you hurried out. Their calls for you to come back falling deaf on your ears.

Your name being called did not stop you, nor did the looks being thrown your way. Weaving through people, you finally made it outdoors.

It was empty outside. No cars were driving by; no people walking either. It was empty with only the slowly falling snow to keep you company. Your jacket was hastily pulled on and the cold air stung at your cheeks as you continued walking. You needed to get away, yet you have no idea where you are right now.

“Y/n!” A voice called out for you.

It was him.

Your step doubled in speed, not quite running because of your low traction shoes. But the air stung more against your cheeks, and your nose turned red as you continued hustling.

“Y/n, wait!”

You didn’t want to wait. It had been months of you waiting, and now he wanted to make amends?! Now he wanted you to wait?

No.

Fuck that.

But then you heard the all too familiar sound of his quirk being used, and your feet were frozen in place.

Your eyes widen as you nearly fall over, your balance uneven.

“Fucking let me go!” You yell as you power your quirk through your legs, snapping yourself free from his trap, but it’s too late.

He holds your wrist before you can get away, pulling you towards him, and still, you don’t look at him.

Todoroki’s hand burns through your jacket and warms up your body and you hate that it makes you dizzy. You detest how unnaturally your body wants him near. How your heart yearned for him to win you over, but your brain screamed louder. Your brain demands you to move, and you comply.

“Let go of me.” You growl lowly, as you pull yourself away from his grasp.

“Please hear me out.” Todoroki pleads, once again holding onto you, but this time it’s by your jacket.

You despise the cold but it makes you unhappy being trapped by Todoroki. It makes you unhappy feeling like you will forgive someone when they don’t deserve it. So defiantly you slip out from the jacket.

The bitter and sharp air stab into your skin as you continue storming away, his shouts falling deaf on your ears. You didn’t want this, you didn’t need this. You were perfectly okay without him in your life, and now he was doing what? Trying to get you back into his life?

Was he going to ask you for permission to marry Momo?

Demand that you continue being unhappy for his sake?

That wasn’t going to happen, you wouldn’t let him use you like that.

Hot and angry tears freeze on your cheeks as you sniffle from the cold.

Footsteps hit the ground and your eyes widen as Todoroki is suddenly in front of you. His chest heaving, his eyes angry and sad.

“Put on your fucking jacket, idiot.” He speaks as he puts the warm fabric back around you.

“I don’t want it.” You sneer throwing the jacket onto the floor. Your eyes glaring daggers into him as smokey breaths expel from your mouth. “What do you want?! What is so damn important to you that you’re chasing after a girl you don’t fucking want?!”

“You’re my soulmate,” Todoroki flatly states, bending down to grab your jacket. He misses the way you roll your eyes and the temptation you have to kick him square in the dick and run away.

“I’m not your soulmate.” You say, your eyes locked on his as he stands back up. “You made that perfectly clear the first night. Say what you need to say and leave me alone.”

He stares at you at a loss of words.

It’s so cold, and you want nothing more than to leave him standing outside in the cold. You want to take your jacket from his hands. The jacket is warm because he’s using his quirk, and yet you want to yell at him to stop it. Why is he doing this? What is his purpose in standing here in front of you?

“What is it!” You scream but it’s broken. It sounds like a pathetic plead as your heart pounding in your chest.

“I’m…” Todoroki looks at you with panicked eyes. He doesn’t know what he needs to say, and it makes your throat tight. “I’m sorry…” He mumbles, his eyes falling from your face down to the jacket in his hands.

“You’re… you’re sorry?!” You repeat, your voice pitching as you stumble backward. Your face is twisted with anger and defeat. “Why the hell are you sorry?”

Todoroki looks back at you, his jaw dropping to respond back to you, but you don’t want to hear his reasoning. You don’t want to know what dared him to feel sorry.

“Shut up.” You whisper, making Todoroki stop in his tracks.

“What--?”

“You didn’t want me. You were the one who told me that you wouldn’t break your promise with Momo! You were in love with someone that isn’t yours and you decided that no matter who your soulmate was, she was the one. You rejected me! I wasn’t the one who fucking rejected you! A-And now what?! You’re goddamn sorry?!” Your voice is shrill. This is a never-ending fight, a looping argument that will never find its peace. “I deserve someone who fucking wants me for me! You didn’t want me until my name was slapped over your wrist, and even with that, you didn’t want me! So why on fucking god would I want your apology?!”

Your chest heaves and all Todoroki can do is stare at you, his eyes wide, his mouth locked together.

“I wasn’t lying, nor was I being petty when I said I wanted you to drown in your guilt and your thoughts. I want you to never be able to look at me again because you broke me in seconds.” Your finger jabbed against his chest as you took your jacket and pulled it around your steaming body. “But I also wasn’t lying when I said I wished you and Momo happiness and love, so I hope whenever you marry her… whenever you’re years down the road and you have your own family and are happy... I want you to see my face. I want you to remember that it was my unhappiness, my sacrifice, that gave you that.”

Your eyes held no tears as you turned away, the cold wind futile as you walked away.

“You rejected me on my birthday, and now this is me rejecting you.” You mutter just loud enough for him to barely hear you.

The snow falling onto your head a joke. It was a mockery of the beauty and innocence of yourself.

But you felt better, you were getting better, and now you were going to move on.

You were improving, even if it was ever so slightly.

✩✶✩❇✩✶✩

Ten Months Ago

✩✶✩❇✩✶✩

Shouto’s eyes stared at your name inked into his skin.

The black ink mocking him of what had transpired that night. It wasn’t that he was unhappy with your name being there. Had it not been for Momo he would have thanked the world for giving him someone he already trusted. But that was not the case right now.

Momo had been there for him for years. A force that reminded him that someone cared for him. She was a great friend, and it was only a matter of time before he fell for her.

Shouto had been there the night of her eighteenth birthday, the white light consuming her as Shouto realized that they weren’t meant for each other. He hadn’t been sad, and in fact, he had been happy for his friend as she exclaimed she knew who was on her wrist.

Shouto listened as she pulled out her phone, immediately calling the name of the person who was meant to be hers. It was exciting, and Shouto remembers laying on her mattress looking up at the ceiling in happiness for her. That is until her voice cracked.

Momo pulled the phone away, dropping it to her lap as she smiled.

Her soulmate was leaving the country.

They weren’t coming back to Japan ever.

Momo sniffs as she brushed away a tear. “What’s a girl to do about it,” she whispers.

“I’ll be your soulmate then,” Shouto said without thinking, as he normally does.

“Wha--”

“I’ll do it.” He insists as he sits up. “Being rejected isn’t something anyone should go through, especially if it’s just about distance. I know you don’t believe me, but if by the time it’s my birthday and I don’t have a soulmate I’ll pretend to be yours.”

“Todoroki-san, I can’t ask that of you!” Momo says shaking her head. “That would be unfair to when you have your own soulmate!”

“I want to help you out,” Shouto insists. “I won’t force you of course, but if you show up tomorrow with the ink-covered up, I’m all for it.”

It was then that Momo’s face flushed red, and her head turned away.

Shouto watched as the following day she appeared with her wrist blank, and his heart pounded at the thought of just what they were hoping to pull off.

But as all things go, a fake romance and a tight companionship turned into a real one, and Shouto found himself falling for the girl who couldn’t be his. Her persona became his drug and like a madman, he craved her, and the thing was she did too.

His birthday came around and he had no soulmate, so they went public.

Shouto was allowed to love the heiress out in the open, his own future soulmate wasn’t a thought on his mind.

That was until that March night.

He had been close friends with you since the end of the first trimester of the first year at school. Having Hero Work so frequently together only strengthened his friendship with you, and when he saw his name appear on his wrist, the reality of his lie came at full force.

Shouto should have known, he’d never been lucky in life. His soulmate both knew of his lie and was someone important in his life. Shouto didn’t know how to respond as you stood before him in complete euphoria. There was a serene look on your face as you seemed ready to give him anything.

But he panicked.

His feelings -- his love -- for Momo were too strong, and he had long ago said fuck what the universe wanted. So, like a fool, he denied you. Rejected a soulmate as Momo’s had done to her. But you were relentless, albeit correctly so at that, and burned away all the reasonings he had for this predicament. Your eyes inflamed, your energy wild, and Shouto made the mistake of lashing out as well. Submitting to his own emotions and saying things he regrets.

So currently, Shouto found himself in Momo’s room as routine. Sitting on her chair, he was silent as his girlfriend chatted about her dream. She then went on about how hopeful she was that you would have your soulmate’s name on your wrist. Shouto wasn’t listening though, his eyes locked on your name, the most twisted reality was coming to life and he didn’t know how to stop it.

“Okay, but my foundation is almost out so we need to go buy some later,” Momo announced as she walked over to him, the permanent marker in her fingers. “I know we tested out the new pen last time, did it work…” Her voice trailed off and Shouto looked up at her.

She had seen it.

“Oh, my god!” Momo panics as she drops the pen. “W-What are we going to do?!”

Shouto looks up at Momo, his face as confused as hers, “I… I don’t know?”

“Where you still with her when she found out?”

Shouto groaned as he put his face in his hands and dropped his head.

“Shouto…”

Shouto looked up at her, his face full of guilt and told Momo exactly what had transpired. Her face only grew in anxiety and a look of guilt exploded within her eyes.

“I can’t believe you told y/n that!” Momo cried as she shook her head. “You probably destroyed her! She’s your soulmate, Shouto! I would have understood!”

“But I promised you that I would be yours.” Shouto whispers. His head feels like it’s ready to explode. He wants to be with Momo but everything within him yearns for you.

Duty versus love.

Which was more important to Shouto had never been touched before, and now it was making his head split.

“I want to try with her, but I don’t want to just leave you… and the class thinks we’re soulmates!” Shouto groans even more as his fingers clutch at his hair. “We fucked up.”

“We can figure things out later?” Momo suggests with a confused face. “We need to discuss this more before we make a final decision.”

Shouto found himself unable to keep his eyes off of you from that moment on.

Your wrist was clear of his name, and he watched as other boys in the class continue to flirt with you. Shouto noticed every fake smile, every moment where you weren’t being truthful about your feelings, and it made him feel like throwing up.

You were everywhere all at once, and Shouto could only watch.

It didn’t help that you absolutely hated his guts now. Every single private interaction had you fifty steps ahead of him. Your steps light as a feather yet felt like an earthquake as you denied him the chance at looking at you.

Shouto found himself in Momo’s room with his decision one morning. The morning that ended with you telling him to forget all about you.

“I want y/n,” Shouto whispered to Momo. “I know I said I was going to stay with you, but… I can’t do this to her anymore. I thought I was sure about you but is missing your soulmate this hard?”

Momo was silent as she rubbed his back, her fingers stiff and foreign. Since your birthday they hadn’t been able to be comfortable around each other anymore.

“Well,” Momo whispers with her lips pursed. “I had you to distract me, it made it so much… more bearable. It wasn’t that I didn’t want them any less, but you have me enough love and attention it wasn’t always in my thoughts.”

That sent a painful twang to his heart as Shouto groaned, yet another heated line to your argument was true. He had fucked you over and now you didn’t want a single thing to do with him. “I fucked up.” He rustles.

“We both did, I owe y/n the biggest apology, I just hope she’ll forgive us,” Momo mumbles. “And I know that the situation is awful timing, but my soulmate reached out to me last night, and well… they’re coming back.”

Despite the bittersweet feeling of that revelation, Shouto smiled for his friend as he pulled her into a hug.

“I’m happy for you,” Shouto says. “I hope that you’ll be happy.”

Momo sobs and Shouto pulls away to see the heiress rubbing tears away as she shakes her head.

“I should have just dealt with it! I wouldn’t have put you into this situation and you would have been happy! It was just six m-months! I could have dealt with six m-months of h-heartbreak!” She guilty cried into her hands.

“I was the one who did the most damage,” Shouto disagrees as he rubs her back softly. “At the end of the day, it was me.”

It was hard for him to admit it but as he said those words Shouto felt the need to prove to you that he was your soulmate. A soulmate you could love.

He was going to win you back, no matter how long it took.

The next day was their graduation, and for the first time ever both Shouto and Momo wore their true soulmates names on their wrist. It just so happened that no one noticed, and before Shouto could confront you, you were gone.

His school uniform, a proud symbol of where he was from and of his journey, wilted. The second button on his jacket broken and in his hand. It was to be a gesture to you, the sign that you held his heart, but you were gone. The worst part was that he had no idea where to begin looking for you.

It seemed that the universe was not in his favor either.

You had blocked his number, no longer lived at home, and Miruko was no longer working in collusion with Endeavor.

He wasn’t sure where you were and no one would give him any hints. The birthday celebrations for his old friends were always attended by everyone, but you. The one he missed you showed up to. It was a constant reminder of his tragedy, and it was the same for Momo.

You wouldn’t let him get near and the first time he saw you, it was in a situation he didn’t want, and yet couldn’t blame you for.

Shouto was running late to Kirishima’s party. He had accidentally fallen asleep at his desk at work and woke up to it being nearly midnight. Cursing he changed quickly and rushed to where Momo was hosting the party. Tonight was the night where he was going to get you to talk to him. He was going to confront his mistakes, and for him to apologize for being one of the biggest douches on the planet.

When the taxi pulled outside of the house Shouto clutched his present close to him. His anxiety high, his heart pounding at the thought of finally being able to see you.

But the first thing he saw were two figures kissing sensually on the doorsteps. He didn’t need to wonder who it was, he could point you out in a crowd of imposters.

Shouto watched in silent jealousy and horror as you pulled away, and your face shines with joy.

You were happy.

Shouto watches with swinging emotions as he can’t figure out whether to be happy, mad, jealous, or sad. Did he have a right to any of these emotions? God, he knew he didn’t but they were stirring within him.

Paralyzed and overwhelmed, Shouto continues staring at you, unable to figure out why the fuck Kaminari is touching you like that. Your head leaning against his shoulder as your fingers play with his hands.

It takes everything within him not to freeze the world into the next Ice Age, but the feeling disappears when Kaminari glows a bright white.

Shouto can’t help the small victory that erupts in his chest as he begins to walk over, his mind on a single track of getting you back. You and Kaminari seem immersed in a conversation so that you both don’t notice Shouto.

He stood there, hearing from you about how you had been hiding your soulmate, and Kaminari talking about staying with you. It angered him, this shouldn’t have been a thing to happen to begin with!

So when his name was finally spoken, and you told Kaminari to shut up, did Shouto finally speak up. But it wasn’t the conversation or tone Shouto wished for. He was angry still, emotionally stunted as he couldn’t keep quiet. Your comments about this being a mistake piled up onto his emotional horror. His anger palpitating as he wanted to say what he had been rehearsing, but it wasn’t coming out.

Blame and anger were what was expressed instead. Hurtful things pouring from each other’s mouths and accusations of not waiting.

You had been angry about something that had happened seven months ago. Shouto thought it was about you hiding away from him, not an engagement ring that sat on Momo’s finger. But when that was revealed to him it was too late to apologize. The deception Momo and he had pulled months earlier was revealed as you left with the last laugh.

Nothing had been accomplished, and Shouto felt like the world was crashing around him once more. He kept fucking up… why was he so bad at this?

Shouto wanted you, he needed you; still, whenever he confronted you it seemed to end in a battle.

Even tonight as he stood under the falling snow watching your figure storm away he paused. He wanted to make things work, but you weren’t bending to his pleas.

He shivered due to the cold, his eyes looking at your name printed on his wrist. Shouto couldn’t blame you for behaving the way you were, and with one final resolve he took after you in the snowy environment.

Even if you didn’t want him back, even if you truly rejected him, he was going to make you listen to his apology.

✩✶✩❇✩✶✩

You climbed the staircase into your apartment, the sounds of your shoes echoing through the hallways were loud in your ear.

Why was it that you couldn’t get away from him? Why were you never able to be free of your goddamn soulmate? You didn’t want him and he didn’t want you so why did it matter?

You pushed through the third-floor door and your ears caught onto the main floor door slamming open. Someone was in a rush, you thought as you walked down the halls pulling out your keys and entering your apartment.

It was a hot tea and bath night. You wanted to rub his touch off your body.

Fuck the universe and everything it claimed, you weren’t happy with who they had chosen for you. What made them so sure you and Todoroki of all people were destined lovers?

What made him perfect for you?

You slipped your key into the lock and stepped in. The door clicked behind you as you take off your shoes, saying hello to an empty apartment that was still littered with your moving boxes. You didn’t even have that many belongings, but you had been too busy to start unpacking, too unmotivated to begin.

The apartment was warm and you slipped your jacket from your shoulders and hung it on a hook. Ready to end your night with a cup of tea and a nice soak in the bath, you turned on your heel.

But you stopped.

A frantic knock echoed through your hallway, your front door physically moving from the pounding.

Your eyebrows knit as you walk over to the door, your guard up as you open the door.

It’s Todoroki, his eyes widen as you open the door, and his hand flying out as you try slamming the door in his face.

“Please hear me out!”

“I don’t have to give you shit!”

“Y/n--!”

“Stop! I don’t fucking want to hear it!”

“I want to say sorry!”

“I said I don’t want to hear it!”

“I know you don’t, but -- fuck -- y/n, please!”

You hate that the desperation, pain, and sincere guilt in his voice makes your constitution crumble.

Sighing, you open the door, and Todoroki pulls his hand away. It’s slightly bleeding and most likely bruised from having been trapped by the door.

“You have ten minutes to explain yourself, and after that, you will respect what I want to do concerning you.”

Todoroki walks into your apartment, and you watch as he walks to your living room. You follow behind and sit down on the chair furthest away from him.

“You have eight minutes.” You say as you sit down, your legs pulled up on the chair, your chin sitting on your knees.

Todoroki nodded, his fingers clenching with his nerves as he began.

You listened to every word, every excuse, and every reason for what happened.

Your eyebrows scrunched together as his apology became a speech. His apology was a story that you knew was coming.

Months of wondering what made him choose Momo unraveling before you as he apologized. His fingers locked into his pant legs as you stared at him.

“I know I fucked up. I fucked up more than anyone really could, and I don’t know how to fix it.” Shouto dragged his fingers through his hair, a clear indication of his frustrations. “I know that my apology can be seen as something you can see as being pure guilt, but I want to go back. I want to go back to that night and yell at myself for being an idiot. I shouldn’t have rejected you, and I should have done more to get you back but I didn’t. I just can’t stop thinking about you, and I want you, but I know it isn’t right of me to demand such things.”

Your eyes fall away from his face as you try to figure out your own thoughts.

What should you do? What can you do?

You were becoming happy without him, why did you need him now?

“What are you expecting from this?” You whisper staring at him. Shouto’s eyes widen, he wasn’t expecting that question, and eight minutes had been up ages ago. “What do you expect me to do?”

“I don’t expect anything,” Shouto confesses, his eyes looking at the floor. “I apologized for myself, as you said. I’m not expecting you to forgive me or give me a chance at winning you over again. I know I messed up a lot, and if you don’t want me that’s okay.”

You fall silent, your mind roaring as you try to figure out what to do.

What should you do?

“I can forgive you,” you said with a soft sigh. “I can forgive you, but I won’t be your girlfriend, nor will I be romantically involved with you.”

Shouto’s face falls as he takes in your words.

“Y/n--” 

“Let me finish,” you interrupt as you raise your hand. “If you want my name to turn to gold, and if you want my genuine love, you have to work for it. Just because the universe chose you for me, doesn’t mean I agree. Make me agree with the universe. Fight for me, woo me, make me want you in return. I’m willing to love you for the rest of my life, but you need to give me a reason to want you.”

Shouto’s eyes warmed as he nodded, a smile falling on his face as he nodded.

“I can do that.”

✩✶✩❇✩✶✩

Bonus!

Your arms wrapped around Shouto’s neck as you grinned.

Your mouth pressed kiss after kiss after kiss on his mouth.

“You’re. An. Idiot.” Shouto laughs between every kiss, his fingers tracing up and down your thighs as he had you lifted up on his waist.

It was a year later, and the mess that had come about for the two of you had finally dissolved. The two of you were in love, and yet those words had yet to be told between the two of you,

You hadn’t said it because you still weren’t sure. Shouto refused to before you because he was scared of how you’d respond.

Your mouth moved fluidly against his as he hummed in appreciation.

“I love you,” He whispers as your lips pressed against his jaw.

You freeze as you feel Shouto still underneath you. You pull away as your heart pounds in your chest. It's silent as neither one of you speak. Eyes lock on each other and your smile grows as you press a kiss against his mouth again.

“I love you, too,” you whisper as he drops you to the floor. His hands cup your face and it brings you elation as his mouth pressed against yours.

Neither one of you sees it at the moment, but as his sleeve falls from his wrist and your wrist is exposed as you clutch his shirt, gold ink stains both your wrists.

True love after the pain is possible, sometimes it takes a bit of personal improvement to get there.

[onyxiana-is-obsessed]

Camp Confessions | Toshinori Yagi x Reader x Shouta Aizawa

Howdy friends! This was a request by @evaesis​ and it took me months to complete it! I’m so sorry but I’m quite proud with how it turned out. Sidenote: I LOVE ERASERMIGHT Length: 2.5k words Warning: It gets a bit spicy, but nothing super nsfw! Erasermight x Reader

Summary: Toshinori and Shouta are madly in love with you! On a camping trip, the two finally decide to confess, but the damn students keep getting in the way.

Your fox quirk was something that often intrigued Toshinori and Shouta, for no real reason. They’d seen so many quirks in their time, for yours to stick out the way it did was just odd. They just found the ears absolutely adorable and there were times where they had to physically hold back from touching them.

Toshinori and Shouta both had a really big crush on you, one they couldn’t act on, unfortunately. Both of them were extremely busy heroes and teachers, much like you. Love wasn’t an option for them and this was something they were constantly reminded of. However, as time went on, they found it harder and harder to keep it together.

Why were you so damn perfect? The way you talked, walked, acted, freaking breathed. You were the epitome of perfection to them. Anything and everything you did, they were biased to. Sometimes they could cover it up, other times it was as obvious as the color of their hair.

It was only a matter of time before they found out about each other’s feelings. Shouta was the first to confront Toshinori. He wasn't hostile, just curious. He preferred to talk about everything rather than going head to head with the number one hero.

Overtime, the two had come to know you quite well, and one thing they knew for sure was that their fighting would do nothing but make you even more upset. They came to an agreement and that was to not fight over you.

Their plan was simple: they would find you, confess to you, and ask what you wanted to do. But it was easier said than done because currently, class 1A was on a camping trip… another one. This time you and Toshinori came as backup but it wasn’t like the first one.

It was an actual camping trip. One with tents, roasting marshmallows, and telling scary stories. It was more for fun than it was to teach the students anything but, of course, Aizawa wouldn’t let this opportunity pass by.

“Hey, (f/n).”

“Oh! Hello Sho!”

“You look g-good today.”

“Aww, I do? Thank you!” Crap… what now? Shouta wracked his mind for something but absolutely nothing came up. “You look quite nice yourself!” Dammit!

“Can we talk?” Shouta inquired awkwardly, while looking away. Your ears twitched a little and you smiled at him. His awkwardness was almost too adorable for you to handle. He was great at holding a front, but when it came to personal feelings he was a mess. 

“Sure thing! What’s up-”

“Miss (l/n)! Miss (l/n)!” You turned around to see Mina and Tsu walking towards you as well. “We need help with our tent!”

“Oh I’m coming, hold that thought, Sho! We’ll talk later.” With that, you disappeared and Shouta sighed. It was ok! He had three whole days to talk to you about this!

***

Unfortunately, after helping the girls you went looking for Shouta but he seemed busy, himself. You decided to talk to him later and moved toward your tent. You had almost everything set up.

“(f/n)! Where are you headed?” You smiled when you saw the tall hero approaching you. You waved at him, then pointed towards the woods.

“I’m just heading over there for a second. I’ll be back though!”

“Oh? If I can help, I’d love to! Besides, who knows what’s lurking in these woods. I’m here to protect you!” Toshinori said, with a flex of his muscles. You giggled and looked up at him.

“You’ll protect me while I use the bathroom?” Blood almost exploded from his mouth as he immediately started to backtrack. His face turned beet red and he fumbled over his words.

“I-no! Never-I mean unless you wanted to! Not that you’re too weak and can’t handle yourself, which you definitely can! I… I just needed to talk to you about something.” Ok, Shouta was cute as he stumbled over his feelings but Toshinori was both hilarious and a bundle of cuteness. You had to keep yourself from laughing to further his embarrassment and nodded.

“We can talk right now. Is everything ok?” He nodded and he started to return to normal. Of course, he looked normal on the outside. On the inside, his heart was beating a mile a minute and he felt the bundle of nerves in his stomach. No matter how old he got or powerful, he’d always be weak to stuff like this. 

He opened his mouth to tell you his true feelings, but alas, it wasn’t meant to be. It had been quiet one second, then extremely loud the next.

“Miss (l/n)! Bakugou’s trying to kill Mineta again!” Midoriya yelled, running to you and almost tripping on the way.

“Oi! BAKUGOU!” You yelled as you quickly followed the green-haired boy.

“... dammit young Bakugou. Just one minute… can’t you be obedient for one minute?” Toshinori mumbled as he, too, followed you and Midoriya.

***

After separating Mineta and Bakugou, you and Toshinori were split apart. You weren’t able to talk to him because he’d taken Bakugou away. When you were free, of course, you couldn’t find him. But you were able to find a certain underground hero, instead. Taking your chance, you quickly called out to him.

“Shouta! Hey! You wanted to talk about something?” Shouta nodded as he felt the anxiety start pooling in his chest. He was calm just a second ago! Then you brought up this mess and his anxiety spiked like a rocket. But this was something he needed to do. As soon as possible or he’d never do it.

“Yeah, is now a good time?” You nodded with a smile as your tail swished around behind you. You stopped in front of him, breathing in his familiar scent. There was a sweet scent with Shouta, while Toshinori carried a more citrusy scent. You adored both the calming effect that came with them and the people themselves.

“Yeah, I’m finally free! Let’s go.” As the two of you began to walk somewhere more private, a voice called out. You two let out a sigh simultaneously before turning around and facing Mina.

“Sorry to interrupt, but Momo was wondering if she could create things we didn’t bring along with us.”

“I don’t think it should matter too much.” You answered, trying not to seem upset. Every time you had a moment to talk to the two, it would be interrupted for some damn reason and it was starting to bother you.

“Well, the thing is, Jirou and Tsu wanted to build a cannon to shoot Mineta through it!”

“Wh-why would you build a cannon?!”

“Well, the question is-”

“No, you can’t build a cannon!” You interrupted Mina, who gave you a sheepish smile. You’d just gotten Bakugou away from Mineta only for the girls to shoot him out of a cannon?!

“MINETA!” You screamed as you ran past Mina, who followed you, and towards the tents to save Mineta… again.

Shouta frowned and leaned against a nearby tree. Maybe it wasn’t meant to be. These distractions could be some sort of sign from the universe. Shouta knew what his job entailed and one of the things he needed to remove from his list of things to do in life was to have a romantic partner. No dating, no marriage, no family. 

Toshinori was in a similar situation. Being the number 1 hero was dangerous. Every villain targeted him, some of the worst came after him. Romance wasn’t something he could afford. He couldn’t have someone be his weakness, someone who was constantly targeted because of his love for them. That would defeat the purpose of his sacrifices. 

Yet, no matter how much they reminded themselves of his fact, they couldn’t help but fall in love with you. 

“Hey, Aizawa,” Toshinori called out and walked up to the man, “I have an idea.”

***

Toshinori’s idea had worked perfectly, almost too perfectly. Aizawa had trained the students until they were exhausted, claiming villains never stopped so they shouldn’t either.

At night, they were all too busy sleeping soundly to bother you, which was the perfect time for them to talk to you.

The two of them approached your tent and called out, poking the fabric.

“Hey, (f/n). You in there?” You happily poked your head out when you heard Shouta’s voice.

“Sho! And Toshi! Hi! What’s up?” They explained that they needed to tell you something important, so you invited them into your tent. Thankfully, it was just big enough for someone like Toshinori to fit in.

“So… we wanted to tell you something,” Shouta started, feeling his nerves returning. You waited patiently with curious eyes when Toshinori decided to confess.

“Look. We both like you- well it’s much more than that- and we’ve been trying to find the perfect time to tell you. It’s been… a busy day.” Your eyes widened and your heart thumped in your chest. Almost immediately, your cheeks turned red and you wondered if this was a dream.

You, yourself, had a little crush on both Toshinori and Shouta. They were both quite wonderful, they were caring, and they often did everything they could to help you. At first, Shouta was cold and Toshinori kept his distance, but just like them, you found it hard to stay away. You knew a relationship with them and the type of work you did, didn’t mix. Yet, you couldn’t help it. No one can help it, love just worked that way. You knew for a long time how you felt, you were in love with them both. Hopelessly. But it wasn’t something you could tell them. Especially two heroes who didn’t even seem mildly interested in love. The last thing you wanted was to be rejected and then have an awkward relationship between the three of you. So you kept quiet. You didn’t expect them to feel the same way. 

“Look, you don’t have to answer us now. We just wanted you to know this. We want you to choose either of us if your feelings are the same.” Shouta explained, making you frown. You knew exactly how you felt and you weren’t going to deny it. Even if a relationship wouldn’t work out, they confessed. It was only right that you did too.

“I can’t.”

“What?”

“I can’t choose, I mean. I… I feel the same toward both of you and I don’t want to choose.” Both Shouta and Toshinori looked at each other for a moment before turning back to you.

First off, you liked them back?! That was a huge relief. Both of them had been mentally preparing for rejection ever since they agreed to confess to you. But here you were, telling them you liked them back.

Second, they had the perfect solution. The two had talked about this a while back, when they’d first confronted each other. There was a chance you’d outright refuse to choose and well, they were prepared. 

“Then… you don’t have to.” Toshinori said softly, with a smile.

“Really?” Both of them hesitated for just a moment before nodding. You felt the nerves immediately disappear and smiled, breathing out in relief. Just the act told both Toshinori and Shouta how nervous you were and it only added to their own relief. They were both worried that not only would you dislike them for throwing their feelings at you, but that you’d also reject them horribly.

“So what will we do?” You inquired and the two looked at each other once more.

“I don’t mind… sharing I guess.” Shouta muttered, looking away with pink cheeks. He was never good with feelings and this wasn’t going to change that. He would give it his all to make you as happy as possible.

“I think the term’s a polyamorous relationship, right?” Toshinori asked, placing his hand on his chin.

“That means we’re all in love though, doesn’t it?” Shouta retorted, looking back at him.

“Well, I love you!”

“Not like that, stupid!” 

“Oh, like-oh I get it.” The two men went back and forth but eventually stopped when they heard you giggling. It was pretty adorable how they didn’t really understand this, but it also made you comfortable. You were in the same boat, this was all new to you. A relationship, especially with coworkers- fellow heroes.

“As long as it isn’t super awkward, I’ll give this a try.” You said with a brilliant smile, which immediately melted their hearts. The two nodded immediately, wanting to do their best with the chance they were given.

Deciding you wanted to seal this with a kiss, you leaned over and pressed your lips against Shouta’s first. You could feel him tense up, but slowly melt into you. It was meant to be innocent but… it wasn’t.

Shouta pulled you onto his lap as his arms wrapped around your body. His hands slowly wandered up your legs and thighs, pushing against your shorts. You sighed into the kiss, desperately wanting more before a huff caused you two apart.

“Don’t forget I’m still here.”

“Oh yeah.” Toshinori pouted, making you giggle a little. Who knew the number one hero could be jealous and look so adorable at the same time. You moved over to his lap, giving him a sweet and lust-filled kiss as well.

You felt hands around your waist, pushing your shirt up. Shouta’s cold hands caressed your warm skin as his lips kissed your neck and shoulders. A sigh of content left your lips, which were still locked with Toshinori’s. You made no effort to stop either man as their hands slowly caressed your bare skin. The warmth started to build up quickly and clothes were quickly discarded.

“W-we don’t have to do this,” Shouta started, realizing what he’d done without giving it much thought. Toshinori also stopped and nodded in agreement. Knowing full well you didn’t have to go along with this, you chose to give in to the pleasure. This was your decision and you wanted this.

“I know, it’s ok. I want to keep going.” Although reluctant, they chose to trust you and nodded.

“Just… stop us whenever.” Toshinori managed to mumble out in between kisses.

***

Ochako let out a scream as Mina burst into her tent, causing Momo to wake up as well.

“They’re missing!” She screamed, causing the other girls in the other tents to stir and quickly jump out. Her voice carried into the boys’ side, making them wake up with a start as well. Before they knew it, everyone was outside following Mina’s panic. “I went to Mr. Aizawa’s tent and no one was there! All Might’s missing too!”

The students were already on high alert and quickly ran to your tent, wanting to check up on you. Jirou stopped them before they got too close and glared.

“Shh! They’re in there, I can hear them.” There was an awkward pause before Denki spoke up.

“They?” As quietly as possible, the students snuck up towards the tent and peeled open the entrance. They saw three heads poking out, nuzzled against each other in a deep sleep. The girls resisted to let out a loud “aww” and kept you three from waking up.

Of course, they didn’t miss the opportunity to take pictures. The students snapped as many as possible before scuttling away. If you three were, indeed, in a relationship, maybe the excitement would keep Mr. Aizawa from training them until they fell apart like yesterday.

[kurokoros]

some like it hot (2/4) | todoroki x reader x bakugou

Rated: T (bakugou’s dirty mouth, sexual humor)

Words: 9.2K

Pairing: shouto todoroki x fem!reader x katsuki bakugou

Summary: A Charity Fundraiser leads to you going home with not one, but two of the most popular Pro Heroes of your generation. They say some like it hot, and you certainly aren’t complaining.

AKA: a totally not self-indulgent threesome fic

Chapters: One | Two | Three | Four | AO3

AN: It’s been a terrible week, but I still managed to pump out a chapter, so I feel accomplished! Also available on AO3. Ask to be added to the tag-list. Chapters will be weekly until completion! Thanks in advance for reading!  A note: the reader does have a name used only in dialogue because I hate using “Y/N” in fics. Both names are puns. “Yuna” = Y/N, and the kanji in “Hikai” means “fire time”.

Dubiously, you stare at the file Izuku is holding out to you. The look you send him is all but reproachful as you place your hands on your hips, your lips pressed into a tight line. Izuku fidgets under your gaze, sweat beading on his hairline, but his smile never falters for a second.

“Let me get this straight,” you start slowly. Maybe you didn’t hear him right. With all the muttering and nervous babbling he tends to do, it wouldn’t be a surprise for you to mishear a few things. Though, you have practically mastered the art of deciphering him at his most incoherent. Regardless, you press on, not even trying to mask the utter bewilderment in your voice. “You want me to run all the way to Shouto’s Agency to drop off a single file?”

It sounds even more bizarre when you say it out loud.

Izuku fiddles with the pen on his desk. “Yes?”

The questioning inflection of his reply only makes your frown deepen. Resisting the urge to rub your temples, you send him another hard look. “Aren’t you supposed to be seeing him and Bakugou tonight?” you ask, sure you heard him mention something about the three of them going out for dinner. “It can’t wait until then?”

“It’s important,” he tells you, only slightly more confident in his reply than he was before.

You know you shouldn’t roll your eyes at your boss, but you do so anyway. “I see. And you do realize I’ll be gone for at least two hours, right?”

“It’s very important?”

Your frown turns into a pout.

Any other day you might have agreed to go right away, always happy to see one of your favorite Heroes. But ever since that night at Momo’s, you’ve been doing your best to avoid both Shouto and Katsuki. It wasn’t on purpose at first. You planned on going out for drinks with Katsuki and Kirishima over the weekend like you always do, only to be slapped in the face with the reminder of what you told the girls. Mina’s jokes about a threesome came crashing back over you, and with the dirty fantasies floating through your head, you knew that being drunk around Katsuki would end in nothing but loose lips and an extremely awkward confrontation.

You didn’t even want to think about the possibility of rejection, so you called Kiri to cancel with excuses of planning the fundraiser—which wasn’t technically a lie.

Katsuki wasn’t happy about it, obviously, but you know how to handle him. You just need to make it through this fundraiser before making any life altering decisions including, but not limited to, trying to fuck two Pro Heroes that also happen to be two of your closest friends.

Avoidance was clearly the best answer to this.

Of course, your luck seems to have run out today thanks to Izuku. You have no idea where he’s going with this or why one of his sidekicks can’t bring Shouto this supposedly very important file, but seeing as the alternative is more phone calls and paperwork, you might as well go along with it. And you won’t lie and say you aren’t a little excited at the prospect of seeing Shouto today.

That being said, you aren’t above giving Izuku a little hell for it first.

“I don’t feel like I can leave you alone for that long without something terrible happening,” you say bluntly, careful to keep your mouth from twitching into a smile. Though you’re only teasing, a part of you does mean it. As great of a Hero as Izuku is, he’s also practically a walking safety hazard.

He really hasn’t changed all that much since UA.

The pout that forms on his face makes you feel like you’ve just kicked a puppy. “I don’t know what you mean,” he says, sulking. Those big, green eyes of his stare down at you from the other side of his desk, only adding to the effect.

You aren’t so easily swayed. “The last time I left you alone here, you managed to dislocate your entire arm,” you remind him, casting a pointed glance at said arm. Even now, you aren’t entirely sure how he managed that in the time it took you to grab lunch at a cafe not even fifteen minutes from the agency. You’re never going to let him live it down.

“That was an accident!” Izuku defends himself, flushing all the way to the tips of his ears. The color clashes spectacularly with the green of his hero costume.

Your tone is beyond dry when you say, “I’m aware.”

Izuku’s expression melts into one of distress, and again you wonder why this file is such a big deal. Whatever it is, it’s making your boss more skittish and awkward than usual, something you didn’t even think was possible. “Please, Hikai? This is really, really important! I don’t trust anyone else to do this but you!”

“This is manipulation,” you tell him, crossing your arms. Even as you say that, your heart swells with the sheer level of trust he has in you. Izuku must realize it too. There’s something cunning behind those puppy dog eyes.

He blinks at you far too innocently. “I don’t know what you mean.”

Well played, Deku.

Heaving an over-dramatic sigh, you hold out your hand and wiggle your fingers impatiently. “Give me the damn file.” A megawatt smile stretches across his face before the file is practically shoved into your hand. “Really, Midoriya, you have to stop leaving things until the last minute. One day it’s going to get you in trouble.”

He rubs the back of his head in embarrassment, ruffling the curly strands of his hair. “That’s what I have you for,” he tells you. The sincerity in his voice makes you soften. “Oh!” His eyes suddenly light up. “How’s everything been with planning the fundraiser?”

“About as well as you’d expect considering the short notice,” you muse, idly thumbing the edge of the file you’ve been handed. Surprisingly, you haven’t had too many issues beyond your less than friendly conversation with Mr. Fujikaze. Most other agencies have been understanding about the situation, and your contacts have been pulling through despite the time crunch. “I’ve contacted most of the agencies in the country like you asked and almost all have replied affirmatively, though some will only be making short appearances.” You glance at him. “Not everyone can leave the field for an entire night.”

Izuku nods, his brows furrowed in thought. “That makes sense,” he murmurs aloud, staring down at the surface of his desk. “Even with the crime rate dropping again, we can’t be too careful.”

Humming, you turn your gaze to the windows overlooking the city behind him. While not nearly as grandiose as some other agencies you’ve been in, you’ve always loved the view from Izuku’s office.

“Exactly.”

With the highly publicized nature of the fundraiser, you’re sure that some people will take the opportunity to commit crimes, violent or otherwise, but it’s nothing most Pros haven’t had to work around before. The event itself will have heightened security even with the amount of Pros attending. Frankly, you’re more worried about the general public, though you know they’ll be in good hands even without Heroes like Deku, Shouto, and Ground Zero. Izuku himself would probably insist on patrolling that night if he wasn’t the one hosting, but you know his sidekicks will be able to handle things for one night.

“How’s everything else going?” he asks. “I know you had to pull a lot of strings to make this work. Thank you, by the way.”

You wave him off and shrug, but offer him a small smile. “It’s my job.” And, hey, if this whole personal assistant gig falls through, at least you have a potential future as a wedding planner. “We have a venue and caterer lined up,” you explain to Izuku. “I’m hoping to hear back from my other contacts by the end of the day, but so far, everything seems to be going well.”

A look of relief appears on his face. “That’s good,” he says, breathing a sigh. At your raised eyebrow, he panics, thinking he’s said something wrong. “Not that I thought you couldn’t do it!” he’s quick to explain, quickly turning an even darker shade of red. “You’ve always been great at organizing things! Though this was super short notice, so I wouldn’t have been disappointed if you couldn’t put it together that fast. But I would never doubt you like that. You always go beyond! Plus—”

Mercifully, you hold up a hand to stop his rambling. You have work to do, and you know from experience that he would go on and on until someone stopped him or he ran out of air, and Izuku has quite the impressive set of lungs.

“Deep breaths, Midoriya,” you chide playfully, reaching out to pat him on the back. “I know what you meant. Thank you for having so much faith in me.”

“Okay,” he murmurs, going right back to beaming at you. “Thanks again for doing this—the event and the file, I mean.”

You gather your discarded purse and jacket, carefully tucking the file into your bag. “Well, it’s not like I had much of a choice,” you joke as he leads you to the door. “What would you do without me?”

“Apparently, I’d die.”

Your laughter cuts off as soon as you reach the door, your expression sobering as you remember the phone call you received shortly before Izuku called you into his office. You didn’t have the chance to tell him before he was practically shoving a folder in your hands and babbling something about you needing to see Shouto immediately. 

Izuku stops beside you. His expression turns to one of concern as he notices the look on your face.

“There’s one more thing,” you tell him, lowering your voice though it’s only the two of you in the room. “I received an answer from Endeavor’s assistant this morning.” 

The statement is heavy and laced with more meaning than so few words could typically hold. You can’t keep the bitterness from creeping in as you say the former Hero’s name, but Izuku either doesn’t notice or chooses to ignore it. 

Somehow, he manages to keep his voice light when he asks, “Oh? And what did he say?” Izuku’s gaze slides to the door and refuses to move. You can only imagine what might be running through his head.

“He’ll be making an appearance at the gala.” Absently, your fingers clench around the strap of your purse, knuckles turning white from the pressure. As soon as you realize what you’re doing, you sigh through your nose, forcing yourself to release your grip. “He may be retired now, but it matters a lot to the public that the former number one Pro Hero makes an appearance at things like this. Not everyone may like Endeavor, but most people do respect him. It’s exactly the show of support we need right now.” You turn to Izuku, and his gaze finally rises to meet yours again. “Similarly, All Might will be there as well, even though he retired almost a decade ago.” Your lips quirk upwards. “Though, I’m sure you’re already aware of that,” you tease, hoping to lighten the mood.

It works. Izuku is always an easy target to fluster. He sputters and makes a vague excuse while awkwardly waving his arms around like he isn’t sure what to do with them. You wait patiently until he’s done, used to this kind of outburst after so many years. When he’s finally calmed down, his eyes widen a little as he looks at you.

“Does Todoroki know?”

The question makes your stomach churn. “Not yet.” Your admission is soft as you rock back on your heels. “I just found out. Besides,” you look past Izuku to stare out the window again, “I thought it would be better to tell him in person.” 

When Izuku doesn’t respond, you clear your throat. “I’ll be back in a few hours.”

He snaps out of his thoughts quickly. “Right!” Izuku reaches around you to open the door, holding it for you politely as you step into the lobby. Your eyes immediately drift to your desk, and you’re more than a little surprised to see a familiar, nervous face sitting behind it. When you stop, Izuku follows your gaze and smiles. “Oh! I’m sending Nakamura with you!” he explains as the hero in training waves at you awkwardly. “He’ll be heading back to UA after and I want to make sure you get to Todoroki’s agency okay!”

It’s a poor excuse if you’ve ever heard one, but you don’t have time to question it. Your eyes follow Izuku as he darts back into his office. He’s not fast enough to hide his ever widening smile though.

He’s up to something, you decide as you make your way to the flustered intern behind your desk. You don’t know what he’s up to, but you’re going to find out.

The train ride across the city was nothing short of awkward between you and Seiji. The poor intern didn’t seem to know what to say to you outside of a professional setting. He kept squirming in his seat and wringing his hands, glancing at you occasionally in a way that wasn’t nearly as subtle as he thought he was being. Clearly there was something on his mind, but you weren’t about to ask. You figured if it was important enough, he’d come out and say it when he was ready. 

Meanwhile, you took the opportunity to get some additional work done. Izuku may have kicked you out of the office, but you did still have a job to complete. The fundraiser wasn’t going to plan itself, and the date was rapidly approaching. You’d made good progress so far, but that didn’t mean you could start slacking.

It isn’t until the two of you are within a block from Shouto’s agency that Seiji finally perks up. There’s an additional bounce to his step that reminds you of an overexcited puppy, and it makes your lips twitch in amusement.

It’s only then that you realize he’s so much taller than you, gangly with long limbs that carry him faster than you can walk. He keeps getting ahead of you, only to freeze up when he realizes you aren’t there, quickly glancing around almost frantically until he spots you again. It’s absolutely adorable the way his eyes light up and he visibly relaxes.

“Hey, Hikai?” he asks once you catch up to him for what must be the fifth time. “What’s Shouto like? You seem like you know each other pretty well.” Those blue eyes of his are too wide with innocence, and you school your expression before you can flush once you remember what Seiji saw last week.

“You met him last week,” you remind the teenager, adjusting your grip on your purse and double checking that the file is still tucked into place. “What do you think he’s like?” There’s something disconcerting about discussing one of your friends that you’ve thought about fucking on multiple occassions with your boss’s new student intern.

Seiji’s eyebrows furrow as he thinks over your question. “He was nice,” he decides, glancing down at you. “Just… really quiet.”

A low hum of agreement escapes you. “Don’t take it personally. Sho isn’t much of a talker.” Especially in comparison to Izuku’s excited ramblings and Katsuki’s loud presence. “If you stay with Deku for a while, I’m sure he’ll warm up to you though.” You smile up at Seiji and pat him on the arm.

He flushes at the attention. And there’s no hiding the pride shining in his eyes at the insinuation that the Deku would take him on as a sidekick after graduation. To cover his embarrassment, he sputters out, “So, you’ve known them for a long time then? Shouto and Ground Zero?”

“Almost as long as Izuku. I met them through him. Deku has a way of adopting people.” You sigh. “Neither of them have changed much since UA.” 

“I see,” Seiji murmurs as you reach the front doors to the agency. He politely holds the door for you as you step inside, a look of deep contemplation on his face. His head cocks to one side as he stares at you, eyes narrowed just a tick before they widen. “That must mean you’re pretty close.” There’s an unexpectedly sly tinge to the statement, like he’s hinting at something more.

Your breath catches at the statement. Seiji notices. “I suppose so,” you say before turning your attention to the receptionist in front of you.

After a short greeting, she lets you pass, recognizing you from previous visits. You’re told that Shouto just returned from a patrol and is already waiting for you in his office, and with a parting smile you and Seiji head for the elevator.

It’s only after the doors close behind you that you look at Seiji again, confusion clear on your face as you remember what Izuku told you earlier. “Shouldn’t you be heading back to the dorms by now? I don’t know how long this will take, and I don’t want you to have to wait for me. You should go enjoy your afternoon.”

“No!” Seiji protests a little too quickly, voice cracking. He shakes his head almost violently. You stare up at him in bewilderment as those big blue eyes meet yours seriously. “Deku told me to walk you to Shouto’s office,” he babbles, struggling for an excuse. “We aren’t in the office yet!”

“I—” You shake your head, decide it’s not worth questioning as the elevator comes to a stop and the doors open. “Yeah, okay, sure.” If that’s what he wants to do, who are you to stop him?

An achingly familiar voice calls out your name as you and Seiji step into the top floor lobby. The smile that overtakes you in response is automatic once you see Shouto already waiting for you.

“Shouto.” You practically breathe his name, and it would be pathetic if there was anyone else around aside from Shouto, who’s, frankly, as dense as a brick at times, and Seiji, your boss’s dorky intern. Before you can do something stupid like staring at his toned forearms, you forcibly peel your eyes away from the sliver of skin at his throat left uncovered by his hero suit and look up at Seiji. “Can you make it to UA from here, Nakamura?” Your voice is higher than usual. “I don’t want you getting on the wrong train.”

Seiji smiles a little too wide. “I’ll be fine.”

“Good.” Turning to Shouto again, you nod towards his office. “Should we…?” You could just as easily hand him the file and leave with Seiji, go back to work, return the dozen phone calls you still have to make, and check to see if everything is still going smoothly in your short absence, but you’re rooted in place under Shouto’s fond gaze. You’ve missed him more than you care to admit—Katsuki too—and now that he’s in front of you, you can’t just walk away.

More than that, there’s something you need to discuss. The thought makes your stomach flip anxiously.

Shouto seems to relax at your suggestion and gestures for you to follow him as he turns toward his office. You wave to Seiji over your shoulder and are vaguely aware of him taking a seat in one of the leather chairs situated in the lobby area.

You shut the door behind you.

“I believe this is yours,” you say as you pull the folder from your bag and hold it out for him.

Shouto gives you a small smile. “Thank you.”

“How’s the case going?” you ask, gesturing to the file you’ve handed over. The two of you easily slip into a familiar routine as Shouto settles himself behind his desk and you lean against the side of it before hoisting yourself up to sit on the glass surface. “I was a little surprised when you called in Izuku and Katsuki for help. The last time the three of you worked together like this was…”

“Operation Vermillion,” he finishes for you, thumbing through the stack of papers. “That was right after we opened our agencies. I remember you leading the briefing.” His blue-grey eyes flicker to yours, and his smile widens a fraction. “My old man tried to give you trouble, and you shut him down. I’d never seen him so shocked before.”

Humming, you start to smile as well. “He never did like me much.” It’s a perfect segway into what you need to discuss with him, though you wish it wasn’t.

You lean back on your hands, watching silently as he idly flips through the files from Izuku. That knot in your stomach tightens. Your gaze shifts to the aged burn scar covering his left eye. Just another reminder of Endeavor. It makes you sick to think about, and this is the last thing you want to talk about right now, but you know he deserves to hear it before Friday night. Even so, your tongue feels thick and heavy in your mouth. 

Clearing your throat, you wait until he looks at you to speak. “I figured I should let you know that Endeavor will be at the charity gala.” Your gaze holds steady as you say it, gauging his reaction.

Predictably, Shouto stiffens. It’s slight. Anyone else probably wouldn’t notice it. Shouto’s always been good at burying his emotions and acting like he doesn’t care. But you can read him. And you’re close enough to hear him inhale sharper than normal. The tense line of his broad shoulders and the nearly imperceptible twitch of his fingers are your only warning before the temperature in the office drops drastically.

Goosebumps prickle across your bare arms, and you shiver reflexively. The ghost of your breath clouds the air as you exhale, but you don’t move from your spot on his desk even as frost begins to creep across the glass. It branches outward from his palm, slow and sluggish, and you wonder if he realizes he’s even using his quirk. 

The ice stops just shy of your fingertips. A heavy sigh falls from his lips. Your eyes flicker back to his only to find him already staring at you apologetically.

“I expected as much,” he tells you, a bitter tinge to his voice. When Shouto smiles, it’s rueful and nothing short of sarcastic. “It would look bad in the eyes of the public for the former number one Hero not to be there.”

You hum your agreement, having said as much to Izuku earlier. The temperature begins to rise again, and the thin layer of frost on the desk melts and evaporates before it can make a mess. You watch him carefully as you pick at a spot of lint on your dress. “How have things been lately?” you ask casually. “Between you and him.” 

Shouto is silent for a moment that seems to stretch on for hours, seemingly frozen behind his desk as he stares at his reflection in the glass. What he’s seeing there, you don’t know, but the torrent of emotions that flicker in his eyes makes your chest feel tight. It’s melancholy. Resignation. Bitterness. A dozen other things that come and disappear so quickly that you couldn’t put a name to them even if you tried.

An incessant need to pull him close buries itself inside you and takes root. You can feel it in your throat, choking you, urging you to move, but for now you ignore it.

“He’s… trying,” Shouto settles with. “But…” Those mismatched eyes hesitate before they meet yours, and you’re struck by just how exhausted he looks. Sighing, he stands and glances away from you, looking out the large window overlooking the city. “I don’t know,” he finishes bluntly, eyes finding you again. “It’s difficult. I understand that he’s trying, but I still…” he trails off again and shakes his head.

Shouto walks around the edge of his desk to stand in front of you, close enough that his leg brushes against your knee. His palms settle on either side of you, boxing you in, and heat creeps along your spine as you tilt your head to maintain eye contact with him.

Like last time, the scent of his cologne tickles at your senses. Automatically, you lean in closer, lulled by the heat rolling off of him in gentle waves. Shouto doesn’t pull away, and like always you’re pinned in place as those mesmerizing eyes stare down at you.

He wets his lips, and you unintentionally follow the movement with your eyes. “Izuku thinks I should forgive him,” Shouto tells you, voice lower than before. Deeper. His thumb brushes against your bare leg, just above your knee. It’s freezing to the touch and you swallow your gasp. “He says it would bring me peace.” The heat of his breath tickles your skin.

“Oh?” It takes more willpower than you thought to keep your voice even.

A low sound rumbles in the back of his throat. His thumb taps against your leg again, flirting with the hem of your skirt. Shouto’s eyes stay locked on yours. “Bakugou says I should tell him to shove it up his ass.” The faintest hint of a smile tugs at the edge of his mouth.

That doesn’t surprise you. Katsuki can be too blunt for his own good at times. He and Shouto are both like that. Clearly, you have a type, and it’s fogging your brain a little how close he is. A little voice in the back of your head that sounds suspiciously like Mina whispers how easy it would be to close that distance and pull him down to you, how good it would feel to have those hands of his sliding across your skin.

Now isn’t the time for that though.

“And what do you think?” you ask him in a voice barely above a whisper. His hand stills beside you, and the burning chill makes you shiver again. Surprise flickers in his eyes as he peers down at you through his bangs. “This isn’t about Izuku or Katsuki,” you remind him. “What do you want to do, Sho?” 

Shouto inhales sharply as you move. Your fingers find his left hand, still pressed to the glass, and slowly your palm slides up his arm until you’re gripping his bicep just like the other day. An anchor. Like he did before, you allow your thumb to rub slow, soothing circles against the tense muscle beneath your fingertips. In response, his right hand shifts so that he’s gripping your thigh in his palm, long fingers wrapping around you and squeezing.

“I don’t think I’m ready to accept him,” he admits, voice just as soft as yours.

“And that’s okay,” you tell him, brushing his hair away from his eyes with your free hand. Gentle fingers ghost against his cheek and the curve of his jaw, and you allow your hand to linger there, tilting his chin to better meet his eyes. Shouto leans into you. “You don’t have to do anything. It’s not your job to forgive him.” When he looks like he wants to argue you squeeze his arm, pinning him with a harsh stare. “It doesn’t make you less of a Hero.”

That strikes a chord with him. Shouto’s eyes stay locked on yours, refusing to budge as he searches your gaze. For what, you don’t know, but you hope he finds it. His grip on your leg grows tighter, a little bit colder, and you think about the ice that covered his desk without him realizing it. But he’d never hurt you. You know that more than anything.

And then, quietly, “Okay.”

The tension slowly drains from his shoulders as the two of you stay like that. The soft pad of your thumb rubs against his cheek, and you absently stroke the high point of the bone just under his eye. Shouto leans into your hand, lips pressing against your palm in what isn’t quite a kiss, but something close. In response, you squeeze his upper arm before letting go. There’s a noise of protest bubbling in the back of his throat, but your hand reaching up to cradle the left side of his jaw silences him before it can slip out entirely.

With your finger you trace the edge of his scar, smooth with age and familiar under your gentle touch. You try not to think too hard about the way he’s looking at you or the heat of his breath on your forearm. Raw instinct begs you to do something—anything. To lean in. To draw him down to you. To sink your fingers into his hair and pull.

Instead you smile and hope he can’t hear how fast your heart is beating. “If you ever need to hide a body, you can call me,” you joke, because you aren’t sure what else to say. You just want to make him feel better.

Shouto’s chuckle is low and throaty and it sends a shock down your spine. “Oh? Is that so?” He shifts his weight to his other leg but is careful not to dislodge your hands from his face. And you can’t bring yourself to release him either.

Your thumb brushes against his scar again, and you say, “I know a guy.”

His head tilts to the side, and he raises an eyebrow at you, clearly amused. “You do remember what my occupation is, correct?”

You should stop holding him like this—intimately—but the way he’s looking at you makes you feel like you have the whole damn world in your hands, and how could you possibly let that go?

“Are you going to arrest me, Hero?”

Shouto shakes his head, a small but genuine smile tugging at his lips. “You are so…” He sighs as he trails off, and you’re surprised when he releases your leg to wind his arm around you instead, pulling you into his chest. You go willingly. Tucking your head under his chin, your hands leave his face to wrap around him, returning the embrace. His heart beats loud beneath your ear, as strong and steady as his hands.

His lips find the crown of your head and his hand slides up your back so that he’s cupping the nape of your neck. “Thank you, love,” he murmurs against your hair, too quiet for you to hear.

You aren’t sure how long the two of you sit like that, but the next time you speak your lips brush against the cold buckle holding together the collar of his hero suit. “You don’t have to talk to him at the gala,” you remind him, returning to your initial conversation. The mention of Endeavor is sobering, and you hear him sigh above you. “And if he tries to talk to you, I can be your human shield.”

The offer makes him hum. “My human shield, huh? Will you have time for that on top of everything Izuku has you doing?” His thumb rubs against the back of your neck absentmindedly.

You shrug. “I can make time for one of my favorite Heroes,” you tease him, tightening your grip around his waist.

He stiffens. “I see,” Shouto murmurs. His fingers are still against the back of your neck, and you could swear you feel the heat of his hand begin to grow. “And what about Bakugou?” There’s an edge to his voice that you almost don’t notice, but when it registers, you pull your head from his chest with a small frown. 

Jealousy. That’s what it is, you realize as your eyes seek out his.

Your traitor heart practically skips at the mere mention of the other hero. Right, Katsuki. That’s another thing you have to figure out. Not for the first time you think about Momo’s suggestion. This time, though, you don’t force it away just as quickly as it comes. A part of you is desperate to know if it would work between the three of you, if it’s worth the risk. Because you can’t keep holding Shouto like this if you won’t do something about it. It’s not fair to Shouto or Katsuki to keep dancing around things.

But then your thoughts go back to the gala, and your stomach drops when you remember how much you still have to do, how much pressure you’re under, and how important it is that this event goes as planned. No slip-ups. No disasters. And absolutely no messy relationship drama.

It just has to wait until after Friday night.

“What about him?” you ask, hoping your voice isn’t higher than usual.

His expression shifts, his brows furrowing as he looks down at you. “I thought—” He cuts himself off with a shake of his head. Your stomach drops as he starts to unwrap himself from your frame. “Nevermind. It’s nothing.”

You’re left overwhelmingly cold as he slips away, and you follow him without meaning to, sliding off the desk and landing back on your feet. “Shouto?”

He avoids your eyes as he reaches for the file sitting on his desk. “Thank you. For dropping this off.” Shouto hesitates before he looks at you again, swallowing thickly, but then his expression goes carefully blank. “You didn’t have to go out of your way.”

Your heels click against the tile as you take a step towards him. “What do you mean?” A frown forms on your lips, confusion sweeping through you at the turn in conversation.

Whatever was going through his head a moment ago seems to have disappeared. Shouto peers down at you with a puzzled look. “Midoriya was going to give this back to me tonight,” he explains. You nod, having already known that. “He called and told me you offered to drop it off on your way home. He said you have a half day.” Shouto’s expression softens. “That’s good. You’ve been working too hard.”

“Oh. Did he?” A half day. Amazing how Izuku neglected to mention that little detail to you earlier. It seems like you’re due to have a little chat with your boss. You glance at the door to see a familiar head of dark hair duck out of sight and your eyes narrow when you realize Seiji has been waiting here the entire time. So much for going back to the dorms. “Well, I should get going,” you say, gathering your things. “I don’t want to bother you.”

Besides, apparently it’s your day off.

He’s shaking his head before you’ve even finished, expression nothing but sincere. “You never do,” he says as he walks you to his office door. And then, softer, “I like when you stop by.”

Your chest tightens at the admission. “I’ll see you Friday,” you tell him as he opens the door for you. There’s so much more you want to tell him, but now just isn’t the right time.

Shouto’s palm presses against your lower back and you readily relax into his touch, glancing up at him. Heat sinks into your skin and radiates through you until you can feel it everywhere at once, all consuming. “Save me a dance?” he asks, his breath tickling your ear.

Smiling, you nod. “Of course.”

“I’m telling you, Ochako, Izuku is scheming something.” You glance at her from across the table, idly stirring your drink, and your eyes narrow when you notice she’s biting her lip to keep from laughing at your assertion. “This isn’t funny, I’m being serious!”

This time she does laugh. “This is Deku we’re talking about,” she reminds you, waving off your concerns as she picks at her food. “You really think he would do something like that?”

“If he thought it was the right thing to do, yes. He’s kind of nosy.”

You ended up calling Izuku directly after leaving Shouto’s office, only waiting until you saw Seiji racing around the corner to get to the train station and frantically texting on his phone to dial your boss. He picked up on the second ring, like he’d been waiting for your call. It wouldn’t surprise you if he was. You could barely get a word in before he was babbling something about you deserving the rest of the day off and to do something fun before you were abruptly hung up on, only furthering your suspicions.

Hence, you called Ochako. Though, you’re beginning to regret that decision.

“I don’t know,” she drawls, quirking a skeptical eyebrow. “You seem to think people are much more invested in your love life than they really are.”

You scowl. “Oh, don’t give me that bullshit when you and Mina interrogated me the other night.” Not invested in your love life, your ass. You were perfectly fine ignoring your feelings until they brought up a threesome. Now, it’s the only thing you can think about. “Besides, why else would Izuku have his intern spy on me while I was talking to Shouto today?”

“I seriously doubt he was spying on you.”

“Izuku told us two different stories about why I was dropping off that file. That’s not exactly subtle.” For a Pro Hero it was a pretty lame move, if you’re being honest. “And Nakamura sat outside Sho’s office for like fifteen minutes while we talked. And he insisted on walking me up to his office. That doesn’t seem odd to you?”

Ochako shrugs. “Maybe he has a crush on you?” The suggestion makes you blanche and she backtracks. “I just don’t think Izuku would actively try to spy on you and Todoroki. That’s a little weird, even for him.”

“Maybe you’re right,” you reply, propping your elbow up on the table and resting your chin in your palm.

“See?” Ochako reaches across the table to pat the back of your hand, offering you a sunny smile. “Besides, even if Deku was trying to spy on you guys, you know he’s only doing it because he cares about you guys. He’d never try to make you uncomfortable or anything.”

“I know, I know. I just… I don’t get why, you know? According to you I’m incredibly obvious and Izuku already knows they like me, so I don’t understand why he’d go out of his way to make me see Shouto today unless—” Eyes wide, your gaze snaps to Ochako and you gasp, betrayed. “Did you tell him something about the other night?”

She almost chokes on her drink. “No!” she says just a little too loudly, drawing a few curious eyes their way. Ochako flushes and plays with her chopsticks as you continue to stare her down. “Maybe,” she relents, “but not on purpose! Like I told you the other night, Todoroki and Bakugou have been fighting because they’re jealous idiots, and Deku didn’t know what to do, and it just kind of slipped out, I’m sorry!” The apology in her eyes melts into a more curious look. “Anyway, have you thought about what you’re going to do?”

You sigh and shake your head, picking at your food. “Not yet.” Ochako makes a disgruntled sound, and you pout, glaring at her half-heartedly. “In case you don’t remember, I’ve been extremely busy planning a major event with little warning. I barely have time to eat, let alone seduce two men.”

Seducing just one of them seems like a daunting task. Katsuki is the more open flirt between the two of them, but he tends to clam up whenever you even hint at returning that affection, so actively trying anything could send him running. And Shouto can be difficult to pin down, if his open affection earlier today is anything to go by. He’s usually more reserved; the last thing you want is to scare him away.

“Oh, I don’t think you’d have much trouble trying to seduce them.” Across the table, Ochako’s smile becomes sly. “I mean, they’re both pretty blunt, right? So if you just went up and asked if they wanted to have sex they’d probably say yes. You’re just being a chicken!”

“I am not!” you argue, offended. “I just need this gala to be over before I worry about my love life. That’s all.” It’s been your mantra since girl’s night. Just a few more days. Everything will work out.

She snorts. “You keep saying that, but then you go and cuddle up with Todoroki in his office.”

“It wasn’t cuddling,” you correct her not for the first time today. “It was just a hug because we were talking about his dad.” A very long and intense hug that kind of made you want to let him have his way with you right then and there, but still a hug.

Ochako doesn’t look impressed. “Prolonged physical contact counts as cuddling.”

You throw down your chopsticks and cross your arms, leaning back in your chair. “Ugh, why did I call you?” You’re pouting, you know, but it’s hard not to when you can see her blatant amusement over your suffering. Why are all of your friends so mean to you?

She blows you a kiss. “You love me!”

Damn right you do.

Before she can keep heckling you over the complicated situation that is your love life, a familiar, gruff voice shouts, “Oi! Sweetcheeks!” from across the cafe. You stiffen in your seat as heat rushes through you, leaving you feeling uncomfortably hot. You blame it on the eyes that have shifted to look at you and not the disgustingly attractive Pro Hero stomping towards you.

You don’t dare to look at him as he approaches, sure you’ll turn into a stuttering fool if you do. “Katsuki, what have I told you about calling me that in public?” The correct answer is “not to.”

He scoffs, and you finally force yourself to look at him. He’s already glaring down at you. Why? You have no idea, but you match his look, holding his intense ruby gaze with a stare of your own. It’s a challenge. One he usually takes. But you’re surprised when he drops his gaze first and glares at the floor instead. “Whatever,” he grumbles, cheeks a little pink.

You’re a bit put out by the distinct lack of any flirty comments or obvious—according to Mina—bedroom eyes, but before you can ask what’s wrong, someone else cuts in.

“Oh, hey, guys!” 

It’s only then that you realize Kirishima is there too, and you’re only a little embarrassed about that.

But Kiri, bless him, is either entirely oblivious to you not noticing his presence, or just decides to roll with it anyway. He really is too good for the rest of you. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here, too!” His smile is wide and toothy as he rubs the back of his head, careful not to dislodge the bandana holding his hair back. “Midoriya suggested we stop by for lunch, what a coincidence, huh? I gotta say, it looks like a nice place. Hopefully we don’t get kicked out because of this guy.” He jerks a thumb in Katsuki’s direction, electing a sour look from the cranky man.

Your eyes widen as Kiri mentions Izuku, and you shoot Ochako a look that she ignores. Kirishima and Ochako begin to chat about the cafe, but you stop listening.

Okay, now you’re almost positive you’re being set up. The cafe isn’t anywhere near their agency, and it’s more than a little suspicious that they just happened to show up while you and Ochako are here. Coincidences, your ass. You should have known better than to trust Ochako. Of course, she and Izuku would be in cahoots. Assholes.

You glare at Ochako one more time before allowing yourself to stare unabashedly at Katsuki instead. He isn’t looking at any of you, instead choosing to glare at something across the cafe and pretend the rest of you don’t exist. You resist the urge to roll your eyes, instead using the rare moment to just look at him.

Katsuki is nothing short of eye-candy, though you never really get the chance to appreciate just how damn hot he is without the chance of being teased mercilessly in front of other people. Even now, you can see Ochako biting her lip to keep from laughing at you, but really who can blame you for just wanting to ogle him a little? Katsuki is by far one of the most attractive men you’ve ever seen. Years of training and fighting have covered him in lean muscle, and his features have become sharper since you were teenagers.

He’s nothing short of someone’s wet dream, and he damn well knows it, too.

Your eyes drag down his bare biceps slowly, silently thanking whatever gods are out there for his aversion to anything with sleeves. You stare a little longer before your eyes trail back up, lingering a moment on those broad shoulders before moving higher.

Red eyes stare back at you, and you almost choke on your spit.

Katsuki’s eyes narrow.

Like the hero he is, Kiri chooses that exact moment to turn to you in excitement. “Hey, how has the event planning been going?” His interest is nothing but sincere, and you can’t help but smile. “It sucks that we missed you this weekend, but hopefully afterwards you’ll have more free time, yeah? It’s super manly of you to take on all of this by yourself!”

“It’s going well, Kiri. Thanks for—”

“I need to talk to you,” Katsuki cuts you off, scowling. He shoves his hands into his pockets, when you don’t move.

You blink back at him, baffled. “What?” He rolls his eyes at your confusion. “Katsuki, I’m kind of in the middle of—Katsuki!” You call after him, gaping as he just turns around and walks away from you, heading towards the back of the cafe. 

“Hurry up, angel face!” he calls over his shoulder without stopping.

The pet name makes you flush. You glance at your friends, noticing their similarly dumbfounded yet amused expressions. “Ochako?” You aren’t sure if you should apologize or not as you cast another look at Katsuki just in time to see him round a corner.

She waves you off. “Take your time! Have fun!”

Resisting the urge to roll your eyes, you slip out of your chair and hurry after Katsuki. If you take any longer, he’ll probably bitch about it. Though, you are curious about what he wants, especially if he decided it’s something he can’t say in front of Ochako and Kirishima.

A less than PG thought flashes in your mind, but you force it away just as quickly, fighting down a blush.

You turn the same corner that he did, finding yourself in a dim hallway that has you searching for your favorite head of spiky hair. A hand lashes out, grabbing you by the arm. You gasp as you’re suddenly spun around so that your back is pressed flush up against the nearest wall. Just as quickly, a large pair of hands slap against the wallpaper on either side of you, boxing you in.

A pair of red eyes glare down at you, closer than before. Your breath catches, and your hands press against a well-muscled chest automatically. There’s hardly any space left between the two of you, but Katsuki manages to close that short distance even more until your bodies are just barely brushing against each other. It sets your nerves on fire, all of your senses suddenly attune to him.

He speaks before you can ask him what the hell he’s doing. “Damn Deku said you went to see Icy Hot today,” he practically growls against your ear. His breath fans against your cheek and you shudder.

It takes you a second to collect yourself, overwhelmed by the feel of his chest rising and falling beneath your fingertips. “I dropped off a file with Shouto, yes,” your voice trembles a little, but not because of anything like fear. No, you’re just stupid and horny and he’s close enough for you to smell the heavy caramel scent that clings to him because of his quirk.

You were already more riled up than you’d ever dare to admit out loud, and the heat rolling off of his body paired with the way he’s pinning you between his broad chest and the wall is doing things to you.

Whatever you were expecting from him, it certainly wasn’t this.

He huffs. “Figures,” he sneers, lip curling back. His eyes shift from yours to glare at the wall, and without his gaze on you you find you can breathe again. It only makes you more aware of the knee that’s pressed against the outside of your thigh. “Bastard would do it first,” he grumbles under his breath. You wouldn’t have heard him if he wasn’t pressed up against you like this.

“Excuse me?” Your mouth is dry. Your tongue is thick and heavy. And the heat radiating from him is making you dizzy. Somewhere in the back of your mind, you realize that, just like Shouto earlier, he’s jealous. Though where it made Shouto pull away from you, it only made Katsuki bolder than usual.

“Ask you to be his date to this stupid fucking thing.” His eyes snap back to yours for just a second before they’re raking down your body just like the other day at the agency. He leans in a little closer. “Ask you to dance.”

How does he know about that? “Katsuki?” 

When you don’t deny it, he makes a low sound in the back of his throat that has heat pooling low in your stomach. Your fingers fist in his tank top. Katsuki’s lips brush against the shell of your ear as he whispers, “Guess, I’ll just have to remind you that I’m better than Icy Hot.”

As turned on as you are right now, the mention of their stupid rivalry makes you want to roll your eyes. 

“Katsuki,” you say again. He’s so close that this time you notice the faintest hitch in his breathing at the way you say his name, sweet as honey. Despite the way your heart is pounding in your chest, you can’t resist the urge to tease him. “If you want me to save you a dance, all you have to do is ask.”

“Tch.” His lips brush against your jaw, barely grazing your skin. “Who’d wanna to dance with you anyway?” Katsuki is slow to lean back again, but only enough to meet your eyes.

You breathe a laugh. “You’re such a grouch.” Tilting your head to the side, you lean in close enough to press a sweet, fleeting kiss against his cheek. Katsuki freezes, sucking in a harsh breath. “I’ll see you Friday?” you ask, sliding your palms down his chest.

He lurches away just as your fingers reach his stomach, edging closer to his belt. “Whatever, sweetcheeks,” he huffs, not meeting your eyes.

Katsuki shoves away from the wall and stomps away without looking back at you once, but you still manage to catch a glimpse of his pink cheeks and the tiny smile he’s trying to hide as he disappears back into the main dining area. He’s flustered, and satisfaction floods through you at the mere thought of leaving him all hot and bothered.

Maybe Ochako was right. This seduction thing might be easier than you thought. 

That night, Katsuki leans back in his chair, nursing a drink and only half-listening to Kirishima telling a story to Kaminari, Jirou, and Mina. He stopped paying attention after his first drink, annoyed at being the fifth wheel among his friends, but he only has himself to blame for it.

He was supposed to meet up with Midoriya and Todoroki tonight to go over a case—the same fucking one they went to talk about last week only for it to turn into an argument. That was his fault too, not that he’ll ever admit it. He shouldn’t have cancelled tonight either, but Icy Hot backed out first, and the last way he wanted to spend his night off was listening to fucking Deku give him relationship advice.

The memory of your lips on his cheek makes his skin itch, and he scowls over the rim of his drink as he thinks about that Icy Hot bastard asking you to save him a dance at the stupid party coming up.

The sound of his name draws him out of his stupor.

“Ugh, finally,” an intoxicated Mina slurs, cuddling up closer against Kirishima’s side. “It’s about time one of them made a move. I thought for sure she’d be the one to do it after what she said on girl’s night, but I’m proud of them for finally doing something about it. Usually Bakugou and Todoroki are more emotionally constipated than that.” Apparently, she doesn’t remember that one of said emotionally constipated men is sitting right across from her. Or maybe she doesn’t care. Mina tends to say whatever the hell she wants when she drinks. No filter at all. Mina heaves an over-dramatic sigh. “If those three would just fuck already.”

Katsuki chokes on his drink. Wild, red eyes lock on Mina across the table. “What the hell are you talkin’ about raccoon eyes?” he finally manages to sputter out.

Kirishima and Kaminari look equally as shocked, and Jirou’s face has gone pale, frozen in horror.

And Mina, with no filter or hesitation, looks Katsuki dead in the eyes and says, “Just how Yuna wants to fuck you and Todoroki.”

“Mina!” Jirou snaps, glaring at her furiously and shaking her head. A silent conversation passes between the girls and then Mina gasps, covering her mouth with her hands when her brain finally catches up with her mouth.

A very tipsy Kaminari glances down at his frazzled girlfriend before he blinks and turns to Mina instead. “Like… at the same time or…?” he trails off.

“Don’t answer that!” Jirou lurches forward and slaps a hand over Mina’s mouth as she starts to answer. Despite being unable to speak, the other girl nods behind Jirou’s hand, happily spilling her friend’s sexual fantasies.

Kaminari’s question is like a punch in the gut to Katsuki, but the wave of interest and arousal that crashes over him is unexpected.

Jirou groans and peels her hand away from Mina’s mouth. “Fuck, she’s gonna kill us later.” She shoots a withering glare at Katsuki. “Look, Bakugou, you can’t tease her about this, okay? She’s stressed enough about liking both of you dumb assholes, and if you make her feel bad for it, I’ll make sure Denki lights your ass up like a Christmas tree.”

“I will?” Kaminari asks. Jirou glares at him too. “I mean, yeah I will!”

“Yeah, whatever,” Katsuki grumbles, staring down at his drink. He’s never been shy about wanting to fuck you, and he’s known for years that Icy Hot wants to fuck you too, but he could never figure out which one of them you wanted to fuck. Apparently, it’s both of them.

He can work with that.

Katsuki waits until the conversation shifts to something else he’s not interested in to pull his phone out of his pocket and find a specific name in his recent texts. He keeps the message short and vague, glancing over it once before hitting send.

‘Yo, Icy Hot. We need to talk.'

[ink-on-parxhment]

it’s never too late to turn the other way

also find it here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/30085704

Summary:

First it's graduation, and then one years passes, then two, then five. This job they're in, everyone around him seems to love it, seems to need it like they need the air in their lungs and blood in their veins, but sometimes he looks up and can only see how much it takes and takes and takes.

This life was what he was made for, what he was good at, but just maybe he can have something else, be something else.

Excerpt:

“I don’t know if I was ever meant to be a hero in the first place.”

There’s a sigh on the other end of the line that seems like it releases every bit of air in Aizawa’s lungs.

Graduation day rolls around with pale sunshine and what he feels is relatively little fanfare. For all that they have seen in their three years at UA, he thinks that this should feel more monumental, like maybe it should be bigger than his brain is making it.

But he looks around at the crowd and the decorations, sees Midoriya bouncing on the balls of his feet and exuding enough energy to power a city block, and thinks maybe it is that big, maybe it is monumental. It just doesn’t feel like anything monumental to him.

So he sits in a fold out metal chair and listens to Nedzu talk about the fundamentals of heroics, about what it means to be a Pro. He watches Midoriya rise from his spot further down the front row, where he sits right beside Momo, his suit gleaming green in the streaming sunlight, and take the microphone with shaking hands. He talks about how close their class is, about how they are siblings in arms, bonds forged in blood-wasitworthitwasitreally- and how it is an honor to take up the mantle as heroes amongst other professionals. He watches in a daze, hands cold as ice and sweating bullets, as Momo takes the mic from Midoriya and talks about dedication, about honor, about bravery-I’mnotreadywe’renotready-and then they’re all standing to get their diplomas and, more importantly for most, their licenses.

The Big Three go first, and then it’s all alphabetical from there. He watches Midoriya wipe tears from his cheeks on the sleeve of his uniform as he walks away from a handshake with Toshinori, watches Momo take her diploma from Nedzu and a wide, full smile stretches her mouth, watches Bakugou bare his teeth in a grin down at his license.

Eventually, it is his turn. He walks up the stairs to the stage and takes his diploma from Nedzu, shakes the chimera’s paw, and takes his brand new Pro Hero License as well. The look on Nedzu’s face is unreadable as always, but now more than ever he cannot decipher the glint in his eyes.

He steps away and off the stage, watches the rest of his class take their diploma and license with a sense of awe about them. He looks down at his own license, official Commission seal in the corner, and his face and name stare back up at him. Their licenses aren’t supposed to have their real names on them, for security reasons and for underground Pros like Shinsou who need anonymity to survive, but he had never gotten around to changing his hero name.

He stares down at his ID photo, traces a thumb across the official seal, and breathes past the lead weight that has dropped into his lungs at the thought that they’re here, they’ve made it.

He looks around, sees Midoriya pull his mother into a hug, both of them crying happy tears with All Might standing awkwardly next to them, as if the whole class hadn’t figured out he had practically adopted Midoriya. Bakugou is being aggressively group hugged by his group of friends, face a storm cloud but hands unlit, his equally explosive mother taking pictures in the background. He sees Shinsou pull a faux dismayed Aizawa in for a picture, and that’s another mentorship turned pseudo-family that has been poorly hidden since their second year.

His own family, his own father, is walking toward him, and he can see their smiles from here. He’s holding his Pro license and his family is proud. There’s so much happiness in the clearing he can practically taste it, and he feels nothing.

This is what he’s worked for since he was a child. So why does it feel like he’s still got a full marathon to run and no end in sight?

 I saw you’re in town. Want to grab lunch?

He sends the text before he can overthink it, going back to halfway watching the late-night news and idly eating his cooling dinner. According to the newscast, Midoriya will be in town for the next week, and he hasn’t seen his friend face-to-face in over a year.

I work most days that im there!! Are you free Monday? The text also has what feels like way too many overly excited smiley emojis that still don’t compare to the literal sunshine that is Midoriya’s megawatt smile, and he has to shove down the rush of affection that settles in his ribs at his friend’s enthusiasm.

I am free Monday. Just let me know what time.

He is free most days, is what he doesn’t say. He sees his mother once a week and video-chats his siblings just as often. He tries to see Momo once a month, but she is busier than ever between her new agency and her recently revealed relationship with Jirou. He texts Midoriya and Iida, does his best to stay in touch with Tsu and Ochako. He has a text chain with Shinsou that goes quiet for weeks and then chimes notifications constantly for days. He sends memes back and forth with Kaminari.

He came out of graduation with hard won friendships, relationships he bought with blood and sweat, and he clings to them with a ferocity he does not cling to his work with. They all talk about their work like it brings them this greater purpose, like it’s what supplies the blood in their veins and oxygen in their lungs, but he clocks into the same agency he interned with his third year exactly on time and clocks out exactly the moment he is supposed to.

He does his work. It pays his bills, and that is no small thing, he thinks. He is saving lives and making a difference, and that should be enough. (It is enough, it has to be enough, what else would he even do?) But he thinks about the light in Midoriya’s eyes when he talks about a job that sounds like it just keeps taking and taking and taking and can’t quite muster the same level of enthusiasm.

Does 1:30 work???

It does, in fact, work. He would have made whatever time work, he thinks, barring a major villain outbreak.

Yeah

They make plans to meet up at the restaurant their friend group had haunted back in high school, which isn’t too far away from his agency or where Midoriya will be that day. He types the plan into his phone’s calendar and sets up a reminder he will not need. The strict organization is a habit he fell into in high school alongside Iida’s detailed schedules and Midoriya’s enthusiastic notes, and it is a habit he has yet to shake.

The newscast flashes on the screen in front of him, the aftermath of a fight and newscasters talking. There’s a video of Red Riot carrying civilians, and then a transition to him looking scuffed and beat up but relatively unharmed.

Something close to ice settles in his stomach as he watches his former classmate, his friend, field news reporters, and even through the screen and all this distance he can see how tired Kirishima is. The newscaster is talking, but he cannot hear their words. All he can see is the way Red Riot, because he is Red Riot right now, is smiling for a camera and the way his shoulders are inching up towards his ears, a habit he’d been reprimanded for in Media classes since first semester second year.

The ice solidifies, and he picks up his phone before he can think about it.

I can’t wait to see you Monday.

I can’t wait to see you too!!!   

xXx

Time passes til Monday in a hazy crawl. He has Saturday off, and uses the free time to go see his mother. He has recently taken up new hobbies, primarily punch needle just because when he brought it up at the last class get-together Bakugou had laughed right in his face, and he couldn’t resist the eye-twitch it brought about every time he brought it up in conversation. That’s what started it. Now it’s just soothing.

He calls his sister, feels his shoulders relax as she tells him all about her elementary classroom. They don’t talk about anything heavy, and he feels all the tension in his body seep into his couch cushions as the call ends.

He’s been trying for more precision with his ice recently, more out of idle curiosity than any use it will have in the field. It has morphed into his second hobby at home, which is tiny ice sculptures that melt and leave puddles when he gets distracted and are too lumpy by half. He thinks about his sister and her soft, gentle voice on the phone, talking about her classroom of kids, and her fierce, sharp eyes that always see through him, cut him to the quick, and conjures his quirk until there is a tiny badger in his palm, only recognizable by the fact he knew that’s what it was supposed to be.

“Oh well,” he thinks, vaporizing it. “They’ll get better.”

He stops, blinks. The thought buoys him all the way through work the next day and into Monday.

 Midoriya is already at the restaurant when he gets there, so he makes his way to the table and sits across from his friend. He’s got his characteristic green curls pushed up under a cap, and he’s in a well-worn All Might sweatshirt that he recognizes from third year. Shouto has done nothing to cover his own recognizable hair, but he changed out of his uniform before he left the agency. It’s enough, he thinks.

 Midoriya is bouncing slightly in his chair like he’s barely holding words back, like he can’t quite keep his energy contained in his mortal frame, and it reminds him of research rabbit holes and long nights and manic grins. He looks so different from the smile he gives the press that it would have given him whiplash had he not seen this same megawatt smile across a phone screen at least once a week.

“Hey! How are you?! I know we talked the other day, but I haven’t gotten to talk to you since I traveled and I haven’t seen you at all on the news, which I hoped was a good thing, but you never know.”

He smiles, waits for Midoriya to finish his thought process before answering his first question. It’s good to see his friend. “I’m well, well enough. I’m not on the news enough to make watching the news a good indicator for how I am, though.”

Midoriya scoffs, his grin still in place. It’s a little bit blinding. “You’re on the news more than you think! Anyway, what have you been up to? We spent our whole last call talking about my last case, I want to hear about you!”

Midoriya has leaned forward, resting a little on the table, and Shouto is the sole focus of that green gaze. It’s a little breathtaking to be under that much scrutiny all at once, because one hundred percent of Midoriya’s attention is no small thing. He realizes in that moment how little he has to actually say, when he isn’t talking about his family or his friends. He doesn’t want to talk about work.

So he just… doesn’t. “I took my mom my latest project, and she’s doing really well. She’s been asking about you, actually.”

If Midoriya is confused about him not talking about their jobs, he does an admirable job of hiding it. He leans forward on his arms, twists a napkin in his scarred hands, and lets Shouto talk about his family and his new hobbies for longer than he thought he had words for.

Their drinks come, and eventually their food. Midoriya is swirling broth around his bowl by the time he runs out of questions and Shouto runs out of words. He hasn’t brought up work once during the entire meal, and Midoriya hasn’t asked. He feels happier, lighter than he has in months, and Midoriya is smiling, softer and gentler than his megawatt smile and more precious for it.

 “We should make a habit of this.” He says, before he can let his brain get in front of his mouth.

Midoriya doesn’t even hesitate. Both their schedules are busy and the travel time would be insane, but he doesn’t hesitate when he says. “We should.”

 xXx

There’s a heart monitor beeping steadily, and the rapid fire tap-tap-tap ­of a cell-phone typing indicator somewhere to his left. When he turns his head he can see a bowed head of mussed green curls and broad shoulders covered by a partially torn uniform.

The room smells like antiseptic and the air feels chilled even with his constant thermoregulation. Even if he can’t quite remember what part of the fight landed him here, he’d recognize the hero-specific hospital rooms, head-wound or no.

“Hey,” he says, and almost chokes on how dry his throat is.

Midoriya’s head snaps up at the sound of his voice, phone forgotten in his hand. He looks exhausted, tension lining his shoulders and bruises smudging his eyes, though whether those are from lack of sleep or from his own round with a healing quirk Shouto doesn’t know.  

“Hey.” Midoriya says, clearing his throat. “How do you feel?”

He takes inventory of himself, tenses the muscles in his legs and arms just to prove he can, then rolls his shoulders and tenses at the shock of pain that shoots down his neck. “My head hurts, but mostly I’m just tired.”

Midoriya sighs, but mostly he just looks fond. Shouto doesn’t think he has any right to be this aggrieved considering how many times he has been on this end of the hospital bed.

“That makes sense. I don’t know how much you remember about the fight, but you went head first into a wall there at the end, so you should be free to go once they clear you on the concussion.”

He hums, looks around for a clock to see how long he’s been here for. The fight had been midday, but the curtains are pulled tight and the bright, artificial lights from above give nothing away. There isn’t a visible clock, but the board on the wall they use for long-term patients hasn’t been filled out and they’ve only clipped his papers there, so he assumes he hasn’t been here very long.

“You know,” Midoriya starts, and his voice shakes like it did years and years ago, like he’s nervous and doesn’t know how to get these particular words past his teeth. “You end up in the hospital more now than you ever did when we were kids.”

He whips back around to Midoriya, fast enough it sends pain shooting behind his eyes and down through his shoulders. He grits his teeth as it passes, even though Midoriya’s eyes go soft and concerned. He’s leaning forward in the barely-padded visitor chair, still scuffed and worn from the battle Shouto barely remembers, and thinks that can’t be right, can it?

He thinks back, traces the past few months, past few years in his mind. The fifth year anniversary of their graduation had come and gone with little fanfare not too long ago, all of 1-A that could get off of work crowding around a busy restaurant table. They’d poked fun at Midoriya and Bakugou and their new tug-of-war over the Number Two spot until the two (or Bakugou, really) had almost come to blows, and they had had to bow out of the establishment before someone called a camera crew.

But then he thinks beyond that. Thinks about how many times someone has had to call in Midoriya for this exact thing, especially after he had moved back here after he had shot up the rankings again. He closes his eyes and tries to remember if there has been a single month in the last year he hasn’t landed himself in the hospital, always over something minor, and can’t come up with a single stretch of time.

“Yeah,” he says, because he has nothing else to say in the face of the pit that has opened up in his stomach. “Being a pro is hard, Midoriya.”

 Midoriya laughs, bright and loud and utterly exhausted as he slumps back in the creaky hospital chair. “I know. I know! But still. Be careful out there. If not for you then for the rest of us.”

He smiles, wry and knowing, and hauls himself out his chair. There’s a pit yawning wide in Shouto’s stomach, numbness and horror warring for space in his chest, because what has he been doing, what has he been letting happen?

“I’m going to go let someone know you’re awake, okay?”

He just nods.

 xXx

Half a year passes before anything comes of his conversation with Midoriya, but he cannot get his words out of his head. He goes into situations at work just like he always does, throws himself into the line of fire like he has since he was a teenager, and cannot get the nagging voice in the back of his head to stop whispering, “you’re being reckless, you’re not trying hard enough, you need to be careful.”

He sits vigil over his coworkers when they get hurt and thinks nothing of it. It’s part of the job. He watches Midoriya get slung through drywall and crumble the brick behind it a month later. He feels cold and empty just long enough for the panic to set in, just long enough for him to get him to first responders and see Midoriya open hazy eyes as they bandage his face. He passes the neutralized villain to the authorities by complete muscle memory, and somehow makes his way to sit with Midoriya in the hospital until he wakes up from all the different healing quirks used to set his body to rights. When he wakes up, he doesn’t seem that upset about the whole affair, but then Shouto thinks back and realizes he hasn’t been hurt like this in over a year, and this is nothing compared to the damage that maps out his exposed arms.

He himself is nursing a bruise the size of a grapefruit along his ribs and got closer than he is comfortable admitting to hypothermia in the fight that took Midoriya out, and he’s not the one in the hospital bed.

“How are you feeling?” he asks Midoriya, hovering a chilled hand over Midoriya’s shoulder, where he knows bruises lay.

“Ah, I’m alright. It could have been worse, you know?” he says, and presses the bandaged skin into Shouto’s offered hand.

He doesn’t want to think about the alternate, could-have-been-worse situation. Instead, he amps up the power in his palm until Midoriya sags against his hand, a relieved sigh passing between his lips. “I do know. You’re still hurt.”

“Couldn’t’ve been avoided.” His words are slurred, all soft around the edges in pain relief and exhaustion.

It couldn’t have been avoided. He thinks about the bruise marring his ribs. He thinks about the concussion that had landed him in the hospital not that many months ago, and the other, minor concussions and sprains and bloody-blue-turned-purple bruises he’s taken home and wrapped because he took a hit he couldn’t, wouldn’t dodge.

He thinks about the way his very skin aches sometimes, in the mornings and after being out in the cold for too long.

“Maybe.” He says, and curls his fingers more securely over his bandaged shoulder.

 xXx

It goes on like that for a while, and he can’t quite figure out what hits are the ones he’s supposed to take and the ones that can be avoided. He watches his friends take hits day after day, throws his own body into the fray and comes out mostly unscathed. They went to school for this. He should have the answer to this by now, he thinks. He remembers answering questions about acceptable risk. But then, it’s all different in the field, now that it’s his job and his call and there are people he could save if he just got between the situation and them.  Midoriya’s words rattle around his brain at night, and he spends a lot of time making tiny sculptures of mishappen lions that melt in his palms as he thinks about what it means to put your all into a job and what it means to be reckless.

He figures it out all at once on a Thursday evening.

He’d been called in as backup for villain apprehension, what should have been textbook and a relatively safe position considering Midoriya and several sidekicks were the heroes taking point on the assignment.

One minute he’s helping shepherd civilians out of the wreckage, and the next minute he looks up and is met with a flying chunk of concrete coming right at him, rebar sticking out at lethal angles. There’s nowhere to go, no where for him to dodge and he’s protecting civilians besides.

So he just. Stands there.

Time seems to slow down to a crawl.

There is no fear.

The chunk of road is still flying at him, there are explosions in the distance, and there’s a hollow pit in his stomach.

This is how I die. He thinks. It isn’t a scary thought. After everything, this is how I die.

A voice, shouted loud enough to be heard over the boom of the explosions is what pulls him out of his stupor.

“Shouto!” It’s Midoriya. His voice is frantic and panicked and full of fear and his adrenaline kicks on pure instinct, and that’s when he remembers to do something.

His quirk manifests in his hands not a second too soon, a mini glacier freezing the oncoming boulder (and half the destroyed roadway) in place feet before it can hit him.

It is far, far too close for comfort.

Midoriya bounds over with a crackle of green lightning, sparing a brilliant smile for the remaining civilians before grabbing Shouto’s shoulder and turning him towards an awning for as close as they’ll get to privacy right now.

“Are you okay?” he asks lowly, and his eyes are wide and concerned despite the fact that neither of them have any noticeable injuries.

Except Shouto’s heart is beating so hard he’s surprised Midoriya can’t hear it, his right hand has completely frosted over despite his otherwise complete control over himself, and the hollow feeling he’s been carrying around since he can remember has just cracked wide open into something hot and raw and painful.

“I will be.” He says, voice rough, and it’s the truth even if it doesn’t feel like it.

“Okay.” Midoriya frowns, hand warm and heavy on his shoulder. “Okay. Just let me know.”

He doesn’t push any further, just squeezes Shouto’s shoulder and then heads off to take care of the rest of the civilians caught up in all this.

Shouto turns, chest aching and heart racing, and does the same.

He has a job to do.

 xXx

He is fine, or close to it. He sits in his living room hours later, heart still thumping hard in his chest and hand still icy against the rest of his skin, and bounces his phone against his thigh.

He is fine. He’s got a text message from Midoriya checking up on him and an email notification from their agency manager asking if he got checked out by a medic, and he’s ignoring both of them. The image of concrete rubble keeps flashing through his mind, jagged rebar tearing through the air at fatal speeds, and he can still feel the way his body wouldn’t move.

The way he just accepted it. Welcomed it.

He can’t call Midoriya. For all that he is his best friend, the thought of laying out the endless pit, the numbness that has plagued him since before he can remember scrapes him raw. He cannot face that boundless optimism with the cracked weight in his lungs right now.

But he cannot go on like this. The kind of indecision, the kind of recklessness, the kind of hopelessness, he had felt is going to do what Midoriya had warned him about sooner or later and get him killed.

This might have been the path he has always been on, the path he was set on and guided down, but maybe there’s another way. Maybe there’s something else out there for him.

He hits the unlock button on his phone and searches his contacts, looks for a number he hasn’t needed in a long time. Swallows down something like bitter pride, remembers if you ever need anything from days a little more fearful and chaotic, and hits call before he can talk himself out of it.

It rings four times before an answer.

“Aizawa.”

 “I-“ He cuts himself off.

“Are you safe?” He asks, urgent. The sounds of laughter trickle in over the phone’s tinny speaker, voices muffled but loud in the background. He had forgotten in the onslaught of his own personal numbness, but Eri would be starting high school by now. He still remembers her wrapped up in Mirio’s cape and Midoriya’s arms, and hearing her laugh muffled by the hallways of her home sends a surge of guilt through his chest for calling his teacher out of a happy, early retirement.

“Yes.” He answers, because he is physically safe. “I’m sorry. I—”

He feels like his words are falling from his mouth completely unbidden.

“What’s going on, Todoroki?”

 “What do you do when you can’t be a hero anymore?”

“Kid—"

“I don’t know if I was ever meant to be a hero in the first place.”

There’s a sigh on the other end of the line that seems like it releases every bit of air in Aizawa’s lungs.

“There are other options for you, Todoroki, other than hero work. You’re good at what you do, but this isn’t your only option, kid.” He sighs again, and this time it sounds just as tired but more accepting, more like contentment. “Trust me, there’s a life beyond your license. If you need to, get out while you can.”

Shouto takes a deep breath in, holds it, lets it out. In for eight, hold for four, out for eight. The cracking, aching pain in his chest that has replaced the numbness he has been carrying around since he can remember eases ever so slightly. It feels a little lighter, a little easier to breathe around.

“Okay.” He says, and his voice is rougher than he wants it to be. “Okay.”

“Let me get you a phone number to call, okay kid?” Aizawa says.

He hears a shriek of laughter and thundering footsteps in the background, and even before he finds a pen for the phone number, he can feel part of the weight weighing down his lungs chip off and away.

 xXx

He ends up talking to Hound Dog, who he wasn’t aware while he was in school but is not only a therapist but a licensed career counselor for the Gen-Ed and Business students along with dealing with the Heroics and Support kids’ course load.

Hound Dog starts the call with the ever professional “How can I help you?”

Which he appreciates more than he can say, because he saw Hound Dog more than anyone in his class except for maybe Midoriya and Bakugou, but it also grinds his brain to a complete and utter halt.

He hasn’t talked to Hound Dog since graduation. Unlike Aizawa, he hadn’t had a connection with him outside of their strictly professional one. He isn’t comfortable or familiar with the man. He cannot imagine making this call without the prompting he had gotten, and he wonders, wildly, if he would be freezing this much if he had made this call to someone with the exact same job title that he had never spoken to before.

He thinks the answer would be yes, considering he can’t get words out past his teeth.

“Hello?” The tone is worried, but not confused. He has a feeling this is not the first time someone has frozen on the other end of a phone call to Hound Dog. This isn’t even the first time Todoroki hasn’t been able to get his thoughts in line when talking to the man.

He clenches his fist, lets his nails press into his palms, and breaths so deep he thinks he can feel it in his toes. Thinks about the words he’s been rehearsing.

“Ah. Hello. I was calling to ask you how I could market my hero-course education and experience in a non-heroics field.”

He can hear the tap-tap-tap of a keyboard, and then, “I think I can help you out with that. Do you have any ideas for what you want to do, or are you just starting this process?”

His brain stutters to a halt again, his thoughts a whirl of—I don’t know, I haven’t thought this far ahead, this was all I was ever meant for, I don’t know what to do now—but it’s quicker to cut off that train of thought this time. He has his laptop open in front of him, and a pad of paper beside him. He resolutely doesn’t click the pen like he wants to.

“I don’t know exactly what I want to do yet. If you have ideas, I would welcome them.”

It comes out a lot steadier than he feels.

 xXx

He finishes the call over an hour later with about forty tabs open for different vocational programs, for local colleges with education and analyst and support programs, with a notepad with numbers to call if he has questions about programs.

He ends the call and breathes deep, the room around him dark except for his computer monitor. His resignation letter is typed and ready to print, glaring up at him from his Important Personal Documents folder.

He raises his hand over the little bowl he keeps on his desk to practice his sculptures.

With a rush of cold, the details are lacking. It wouldn’t win him any awards, but he thinks it looks like it’s meant to. A phoenix taking flight.

For the first time since he picked up his license, since maybe forever, the feeling carving space in his chest is hope.

[shoutosteakettle]

word count: 1692

key: ☾

warnings: y/n being a total bitch that low key deserves to burn, and uhhh...cheating 

a/n: let’s not talk about how it took me three weeks to write this and just thank @ererokii​ for bullying me into finishing it, also if this complete dog shit blame her because she said it was good.

side note: forgot to say that this is a continuation of this fic right here :)

tag list in the replies - get added here//dm me to be removed

“Y/n,” his eyes wandered around your face, taking in your appearance for the first time in eight months. Your cheeks were stained with tears, and your make up was ruined beyond salvation. Your eyes were red and just as puffy as the white wedding dress you were wearing. But even so, you were gorgeous, as always.

“You were right. I love you. I love you so much, it’s ridiculous. It’s been eight months, and you’ve been the only thing I could think about. I thought I was happy;  I wanted so badly to believe that I was happy, but how the fuck could I be happy when I wasn’t with you? I-” you were cut off by the sudden clash of Hitoshi’s lips on your own. Without thinking, you threw your arms around his neck, pulling him impossibly closer to you.

This kiss was unlike any you shared with Katsuki - or anyone for that matter. It was warm, and it was inviting, but most importantly, it was loving. You’ve been in love plenty times, more time you could count, so why hadn’t you ever felt like this before?

Hitoshi pulled away, and you whined into the empty space where his mouth used to be, taking a couple of seconds to process everything that had just happened, his purple eyes never leaving yours, until he turned around and walked back into his apartment signaling you to follow.

Closing the door behind you, being careful not to snag your dress, you followed Shinsou to his kitchen, where you watched him sit down on a  stool by the counter, lowing his head to his hand so he could rub his already aching temples. “What are you doing here? Aren’t supposed to be getting married or, is there another reason for this,” he asked, motioning toward the telltale wedding dress that clung to your frame.

You looked back at him, remembering why the tiniest part of you didn’t mind having him out of your life; fuck was he annoying, “Were you listening to a single word I said? I’m here because I want you, not Katsuki,” you reminded him, purposely floating over the question about your would have been wedding.

He looked you in your eyes, hearing the genuineness laced throughout your voice he tried his best to push aside the million different feelings he was experiencing right now, and just focus on the love coursing through his veins. “You don’t have to tell me what’s going on, not yet at least. What’s important is that you’re here, finally. Plus, I’m sure it’s not like you left him at the altar or anything,” Hitoshi joked, his airy laugh trailing off when he saw the more than overly guilty look on your face, “Fuck Y/n, really? I’m going to need a drink to deal with you.”

-

“Dude, calm down. I’m sure that she just got cold feet, Y/n’ll be back any minute now,” Kirishima claimed, trying his best to ease the nerves of his best friend.

“You’re right, we should just wait it out. She has to come back,” Katsuki mumbled, talking more to himself than the red-head next to him.

“D-Did Bakugou just agree with Kirishima,” Shouto asked the black-haired woman beside him, his voice not daring to reach above a whisper.

“He must really be out of it,” Momo whispered back, watching across the room as Kirishma cared for Katsuki as if he was a wounded puppy.

“No. No fuck this waiting shit, I’m going to go find her,” the blonde declared pushing Kirishima off of him, standing up beginning to take long strides over to the large mahogany door that lead to outside the dressing room of the church.

“There’s no need Bakugou. Kaminari and Ashido are already on it,” Shouto reminded him, trying his best to un-rile the angry groom in front of him. “I know where she is and I’m going to ho get her. So get out of my way before I move you out of my fucking way,” Bakugou stated simply, his voice about as cold as the right half of the male in front of him.

Shouto swore he could see the determination leaking from Katsuki’s pores, as a move of good faith (and personal safety), he took a step to the side. Feeling the angry eyes on him from both Yaoyorozu and Kirishima, Shouto offered to go along on the trip with Katsuki as a compromise, one that Katsuki reluctantly accepted.

-

Craking the bathroom door open just enough for you to hear him over the running shower, Hitoshi called out, letting you know that he left you some clothes on his bed.

Reaching behind yourself to your back, you pulled the zipper of your wedding dress down, the only thing running through your mind was the fact that if you had stayed at the wedding like you promised, Katsuki’s hands would be in place of yours. He would be here pulling your dress over your head, removing the lace garters from your legs and your waist, and joining you in the shower. He would be the one washing away your doubts and regrets making sure that you felt safe and reassuring you that you were perfect.

But instead, you were here trying your best to do it yourself. Washing away your own worries along with your tears, the reality of everything that had happened today finally starting to set in. You had obliterated everything you and Kstsuki had built without so much as a note to explain yourself, sure you might’ve been happy now, but what about him, the man you proclaimed to love enough to spend your life with him.

Rinsing off the last soap sudds, you turned the knob that shut off the pipe, reaching for the deep blue towel Hitoshi had left for you, neatly hung on the rack outside the shower. After wrapping the fabric tightly around your chest, you walked out the bathroom and to Hitoshi’s bed where he had said he left your clothes, but they were nowhere to be found.

Making sure that all of your sensitive bits were covered, you took a deep breath in before opening the door and walking out to the living room.

“Are you sure you haven’t seen her? I know you guys have been fighting or whatever, but I know this is the first place she would come,” Katsuki said to the conflicted purple-haired man standing in the doorway.

“Uhh…” the sight of a disheveled Katsuki at his doorstep accompanied with Shouto just standing there like his chaperone had Hitoshi nearly breaking out into a cold sweat. “Yeah, I haven’t seen her today,” Hitoshi lied, tasting the guilt on his tongue, staring at the dressed-up blonde in front of him.

“Damn. Well, let me know…” Katsuki’s voice trailed off when his wondering eyes met you, dripping wet and naked in another man’s house. His gaze turned back to Hitoshi, noticing the smudged red lipstick on his lips. One last time his attention shifted, this time to Shouto, before letting out a dark chuckle. “You see this shit,” he asked the very concerned mixed-matched man behind him, pointing toward the treacherous scene in front of him. Wanting to set the record straight, you began hurried steps towards Katsuki, who was still laughing, an indicator that something bad was about to happen. 

No one could’ve been fast enough to stop the plumbing of one Hitoshi Shinsou happening on the apartment floor right now. Hitoshi had fallen to the floor after Katsuki’s initial blow to his face, making it easy for the blonde to straddle him, never faltering in the haste of his assault on to the Hitoshi.

There was at least a minute where no one did anything, for the simple reason of not knowing what to. “Get off of him Katsuki,” you cried, snapping Shouto out of his confusion, you watched as he rushed over to try and stop the completely one-sided fight happen between Katsuki and Hitoshi. 

“Katsuki please,” this time, your words seemed to be enough to snap Katsuki out of his violent trance. You watched him stand up and brush himself out as if nothing had happened, before pushing past Shouto completely intent on leaving everything that had happened here in the past, plus you.

“Katsu stop, I can explain,” you called out, not expecting him to actually stop his strides towards the building’s elevators.

“What? What could you possibly have to say,” he peered down at your still dripping body, but by now, you couldn’t tell if your face was soaked by the water from your shower or the constant stream of tears pouring from the corner of your eyes.

Struggling to find the right words to say you decided not to sugarcoat the reality of the situation and just to say the words that had been on your mind for the past eight months, “You can’t really be that surprised Katsu, can you? I fell out of love with you months ago, and I know that you noticed, so if we’re being honest, you’re just as at fault for all of this as I am. I’m sorry, I really am. You have to know that even if I’m not in love with you anymore, that I still love you and that it hurts me to hurt you like this. I know that your forgiveness is the last thing I deserve, but do you think you could give it to me.” You let your head fall forward, watching as your falling tears created a small puddle on the tile beneath you.

“Hey Y/n,” Katsuki called out, placing a hand on each of your shoulders, his voice much softer than expected. You raised your head, your eyes meeting with his vermillion ones, burning holes straight through you. “You could cry me a fucking river for all I care; my forgiveness is that last thing that you’ll ever get,” with that Katsuki left, joining Shouto on the elevator, gone just as fast as he had broken bits of your soul.

[heycallmeladytypewriter]

The Call of a Siren- Chapter Four

Chapter One / Two / Three

A/N: Here is the promised longer chapter! You'll notice I changed some minor things, something I will occasionally do as most writers. Once again, if anyone is interested in beta reading please DM me! Enjoy!

I don't own My Hero Academia. I only own my own characters and the story I create within Horikoshi's masterpiece of a world I'd love to live in.

The next day was more of a normal school day. Well, almost.

Present Mic was going on and on about proper grammar of the sentences he would write and adjust on the board for fifteen minutes before Delia zoned out. She didn’t get much sleep as yesterday’ s fitness tests scores bothered her still. She was second to last which only reminded her of her lack of experience using her quirk. Once again, she felt frustrated being raised in an ‘anti-quirk’ home. Everyone else except Midoriya and herself had years of training and time to figure out their abilities but at the very least Midoriya had All Might. She had no one.

“Oi brat! Stop doing that!” Angry boy hissed in her ear. She jolted in her seat before realizing she was rapidly clicking her pen - a habit of hers when deep in thought. Delia lifted her pen slightly so he could see it and clicked it a few more times aggressively before putting it down on her desk.

Then he kicked her chair leg a bit when Present Mic turned around to write more sentences on the board. Bastard.  Just another happy reminder that she sat in front of Bakugo which was already proving to be the pain in the ass she figured it would be when assigned. She curled her hands around the edge of the desk to prevent from turning in her seat to kick him in the shins.

She was practically bouncing to get out of her seat for hero training just to get a break from sitting in the same room for the past few hours. That was one thing she probably wouldn't come to love- staying in the same classroom for multiple classes rather than back home she would change classrooms with each subject - something she liked due to stretching her legs, changing seats, different people, and getting away from the asshole who kicks her chair when she annoys him.

“ I AM HERE!” All Might rushed in with his booming voice, “COMING THROUGH THE DOOR LIKE A HERO!”

Everyone immediately sat up in their seats in excitement that the number one hero was...well coming through the door like a hero! The class practically jumped out of their seats they were so excited.

“I can't believe it's really All Might.”

“So he really is a teacher! This year is gonna be totally awesome!”

All Might marched right over to the podium as the class took in his choice to wear his Silver Age costume which was pretty cool. He announced that he will be teaching ‘Hero-ing 101’ and that today he was starting off with battle training.

“Fight training!” Bakugo growled out excitedly while Midoriya countered with a nervous “Real combat?”

“But one of the keys of being a hero is looking good!” He swept his giant arm towards the wall expanding with numbered briefcases. “These were designed for you specifically based on your Quirk registration forms and the requests you sent in before school started. So everyone grab your assigned cases by your number and get to the locker rooms! Meet me at Training Ground Beta!”

The girls around her were chatting away while opening their cases but Delia sat with it in her lap for a few moments.

“Wow, you guys look great.” Delia said to the girls. Momo Yaoyorozu was dressed in a simple red leotard with a chunky yellow utility belt and short red boots. Mina Ashido gave her a twirl in her new costume of a cute camo-like body suit of teal and purple with a short cropped fuzzy jacket. It was random out of context but given what little she had seen of the bubbly girl - it weirdly worked. Kyoka Jiro rocked ripped jeans, a long coral shirt, black jacket with a popped collar, and what looked like giant chunky boots with a speaker in them. Tsuyu Asui was a ‘frog’ personified in a black and green suit with webbed feet and giant goggles on her head. Lastly, Ochaco Uraraka looked like an adorable astronaut in her pink and black suit with her cute oversized boots and wrist accents. Yaoyorozu smiled at her compliment, “Thank you. Why aren’t you getting dressed?”

“Are you nervous, Bell?” Asui asked her, looking concerned.

Delia pulled on her neck, “A bit, yeah. But I’ll be fine.” Ashido let out a small squeal and nudged her, “Well then put on your costume! We wanna see you looking great with us!”  

Delia bit her lip before clicking open the clasps to reveal her new costume she spent months trying to create. Blowing air out her cheeks, she stood up and placed it on the bench to start dressing. “Here goes nothing.”

“They say that clothes make the pros young ladies and gentlemen, and behold, you are the proof!” All Might stood a few feet ahead of them as they entered Training Ground Beta. “Take this to heart. From now on you are all...heroes in training!”

Everyone was checking out one another's costumes as they walked. The guys looked great except Mineta’s looked like he was in a diaper so that was an odd choice. When she saw Midoriya run out she almost facepalmed. Way to be obvious dude. The simplistic green and red design was fine but the hood part of it resembled too much of his all time favorite person. Her eyes kept scanning until it landed on the person practically foaming at the mouth to start.

If she had to be honest with herself, she would say he had one of the best costumes but she wouldn’t tell him that. He wore a tight tank top with a large orange ‘X’ in front, a belt with what looked like grenades on the side, some hardcore knee pads, then down to some heavy duty boots. The giant grenade gauntlets hooked on each arm looked heavy so she hoped he could take them off in a tight spot. She let out a small snort... Of course the boy with anger management problems would resemble a human grenade.

Biting her lip, she looked down at herself wondering if her costume matched her the same way. She pulled her hair up in a high ponytail mostly for practical purposes. She wore a high collar but sleeveless open shirt that was hooked to her by a small silver belt under her chest. She was wearing a silver strapless swim top underneath as well as black small swim shorts that could be seen as well because her thick skirt was cut into three large panels- two on each hip covering her sides and partly her backside and then one straight down the middle with a medium silver utility belt fastening it to her person. One of her favorite pieces was her, as she liked to call them, her ‘ass kicking boots’ that went to midthigh and had thick non-slip soles and a slight wedge heel. Plus, they were pretty with their silver intricate designs.  She also had silver gauntlets on her arms. The coolest feature was her water storage system. In the event, she was without any water near her to use her quirk she had compartments built into her suit. Every silver accent and design on her clothes like her boots, shorts, belts, and gauntlets were made of some ridiculously strong but flexible material that was hollowed and filled with water that she could pull from or store for emergencies. It wasn’t a massive amount but was enough for a quick emergency whip or two. Plus, everything was in a shade of dark azure blue. She felt like a water warrior.

Momo Yaoyorozu came over to her and knocked her with her hip, smiling. “Told you. You look great and it seems some others are taking notice.” She subtly nodded off the side where Angry Boy was standing diligently. Delia frowned because she had no idea what she was talking about but before she could open her mouth to say that she heard weird breathing down behind them.

“God, I love this school.” They turned to see Mineta standing way too close and way too happy.

“Okay, that’s just wonderful. Go love the school from over there, please.” Delia pointed to the group of others gathered a couple feet away. Yaoyorozu even went as far to actually ‘shoo’ him with hand gestures like he was a bug. That had Delia cracking up which prompted Momo to start giggling with her as he trudged over to the other group when All Might cleared his throat to signify class was starting. The class promptly lined up to face the number one hero.

“Now that you're ready, it's time for combat training!”

______________________________________________________

As they got settled in the monitoring room, she introduced herself to her partner for the exercise today. She spotted him a few feet from her in a martial arts costume and noted that he was the kid with the really big tail. Delia walked right up to him and stuck her hand out, “Hi, I’m Delia Bell. Looks like you’re stuck with me today for the ‘mission.’” She used air quotes for that last word jokingly.

“Oh hey! I’m Mashirao Ojiro. Happy to be stuck with you.” He joked back. “So I think we should watch this first run and get some idea of our strategy, sound good?”

“Agreed.” With that, they turned to the screen as the first mission started. Unfortunately, her excitement abated because she had a really bad feeling considering who was involved in this group as Midoriya and Uraraka walked through the building.

After a few turned corners, it started...then never really stopped. The class was on the edge of their seats after Midoriya laid Bakugo out flat on the floor and declared his hero name, “Deku.” Despite the escalating situation, Delia smiled proudly as Midoriya basically gave Bakugo the finger as he took back the name that was used to hurt him and stood his ground. Unfortunately, this only encouraged Bakugo to continue with full force. Midoriya then used his impatience to trick him again with the capture tape they were given before the match and ducked under another explosive punch before running down the corridor.

“The little guy’s really good!” The boy in a yellow bodysuit standing beside Jiro commented.

“He’s holding his own and he hasn’t even used his quirk yet!” The boy dressed in what looked like a tape dispenser helmet (?) said impressed.

We watched as Midoriya ran from Bakugo until he was completely lost to him. Bakugo began to yell furiously, “DAMMIT! You were tricking me for years by acting weak! Bet you’ve been laughing behind my back, huh?” If this idiot only knew…

“Come out and face me you coward!” Bakugo was blowing up doors left and right but walking with such arrogance, Delia was surprised his giant sized ego could fit through the door.

Meanwhile, Uraraka finally reached Iida who again proved his intelligence by hiding everything in the room that she could possibly float and use against him. She snickered when she heard Iida’s ‘evil voice’ while calling Uraraka a ‘do-gooder,’ What a dork.

“That isn’t a bad idea really.”

“What is? Hiding everything?”

“Yeah. Something to take a mental note of and I also think maybe we should try sticking together and allowing the ‘do-gooders,’ ”Delia again snickered at his impression of villain Iida, “to come to us on our home turf.”

She nodded, “Sounds like a plan to me.”

They both turned back to the screens to see Midoriya had found Bakugo who was now smiling which probably was a bad sign. “ Since you’re such a stalker, by now you probably know how my Quirk, Explosion, works. I secrete a nitroglycerin-like sweat from my hands and make it blow up. Imagine what I could do if I had a lot of it. “ He stood back into a lunge with his arm extended to the boy across from him. Oh, no . “That's right, these gauntlets aren't just for show. I’ve been storing my sweat for one monster blast.” Okay, One: Ew. Two: Mega Oh, no.

“Young Bakugo! Don’t do it! You’ll kill him!” All Might yelled into his microphone that she assumed was connected to their ear pieces.

“ He’ll be fine as long as he dodges !” Bakugo yelled right back and pulled the pin.

Delia’s hand went out to Ojiro's arm next to her as if to brace herself from what she just witnessed. He didn’t push her off as he too stared in horror at the screen.

“Whoa, whoa! This is fucking nuts!” Kirishima called out as the whole building they were in shook from the blast.

“Come in! Come in, Midoriya!” All Might was all but pressed against the screen as the dust cleared and we saw a giant hole where the walls and windows once were in the room. The class collectively sighed in relief when we heard a weak, “Is that even allowed?”

Then this goddamn psycho came out of the smoke and laughed. Laughed!

“Go ahead. Use your stupid Quirk on me, Deku.” He crouched low and smiled that disturbing smile again. He almost looked unhinged. “Even if you use everything you’ve got, you’ll never beat me.”

“Sir, isn’t this getting outta hand? That Bakugo is getting real crazy. He’s gonna kill ‘im!” Kirishima voiced Delia’s exact thoughts. The class all nodded in agreement and looked at their teacher expecting him to follow suit and shut this down.

“Not so.” Sorry, what? “Bakugo. Use that stored-up power again and I’ll stop this fight. You’re team will lose.”

“ Huh? ”

“To employ such a strong attack indoors is inviting the destruction of the stronghold you should be protecting. That’s a poor strategy, whether you’re a hero or a villain. The penalty would be a massive loss of points.”

That resulted in an angry yell before he rushed Midoriya who was talking to his partner. It seemed he had a plan though she couldn’t even see how at this point especially how her floating herself to the weapon earlier didn’t work against Iida’s speed. Midoriya threw a punch but Bakugo, in an amazing amount of speed and skill, flipped mid-air using a small blast and counter attacked from behind to hit Midoriya right in the back with a strong explosion.

“He doesn’t come off as a guy with strategy. But he’s actually quite intelligent.”

Ashido, Kirishima, and Delia took their eyes off the battle for a moment to look at the boy half covered in ice. “What’re you talkin’ about?”

“He changed his trajectory while in midair and using a blast that doubled as a smokescreen. Very clever.”

Yaoyorozu chimed in with noting his ability to understand the physics of the situation and his Quirk. Denki Kaminari, whose name she remembered only due to that Mr. Aizawa had already used it so much in a day and a half because he was a high school five year old, moaned, “Ugh, Bakugo is uber talented. I hate it.” Delia pressed her lips together because while she agreed with her classmates on Angry Boy, she was still horrified by his behavior as he continued to beat the hell out of Midoriya. This oh, so intelligent and talented boy is basically throwing a tantrum and he had the nerve to call her ‘brat.’

“This is hard to watch! All he has to do is wrap tape around him, not kill him.” Ashido cried out.

“Bakugo is certainly acting like a villain.” Tokoyami responded.

“I thought Midoriya was pretty amazing at the start of the fight, but he’s completely outmatched in terms of combat power. Not to mention, Bakugo seems like a natural at all this stuff.”

“Give him a chance.” Delia said sharply. Kaminari looked at her surprised as her tone was with more bite than she intended. “Sorry. But give him a chance.”

Delia turned back to the screen once again and saw the boys facing off again but near a different set of windows. They exchanged words then lunged at one another but this time it was different. Midoriya was finally using his Quirk and Bakugo’s hands started sparking up as well.

Delia gripped her arms harder, “All Might…”

“They’re gonna kill each other! Sir!”

The Pro hero said nothing but gripped his tiny microphone hard enough it should've been in splinters before speaking into it, “Both of you-”

“Uraraka, now!” The class looked up at the video feed of the others and the brunette grabbed hold of a pillar. All of a sudden, Midoriya punch for Bakugo went upwards creating a giant amount of force to break the ceiling above as he took on Bakugo’s explosion head on. “SMASH!”

His punch created massive amounts of debris for Uraraka to use and she used the pillar she held onto as a bat and swung the floor pieces at Iida. As he was distracted in fending off the debris, she floated herself over to the weapon thus winning the mission.

The class was entirely silent as All Might declared the hero team the winners. Was this really a win?

After a few moments, she heard Ojiro say, “Okay...we aren’t going to do that.”

_________________________________________________

“Match two! Team B will be our heroes! Team I will be the villains!”

As Ojiro stretched, Delia pulled out some water from her belt to form a whip. “Hey, I’m going to hide behind one of the pillars near the door so I can surprise them.”

He nodded, “Good idea.”

The buzzer went off.

As they braced themselves for the heroes, it turns out Shoto Todoroki had different ideas. All of a sudden, the whole room was covered in freezing ice. Her boots were stuck in ice and as she peeked around the corner of the pillar so was Ojiro's. Damn. I didn’t think he had power like this!

“This Quirk is insane.”

She may be stuck but she still had her whip which she kept moving to prevent from freezing. They both stilled when they heard footsteps.

“Pry yourself up if you want, but it might be hard to fight me with no skin on the bottom of your feet.”

“Good thing I wore boots then!” Delia kicked herself free and lashed her whip around Todoroki’s right arm which wasn’t covered in ice. His eyes widened slightly before freezing her whip around his arm but she had another one at the ready that grabbed his arm again and tugged as if to throw him back but he had stuck himself to the floor with his left side. Before she could react, he covered her body from the chest down in ice preventing Delia from doing anything more.

“The hero team winnnnnns!” All Might announced over the loudspeaker.

“Fucking dammit!” She muttered as she tried to break free of the ice. But she didn’t need to as Todoroki suddenly emitted enough heat to defrost the whole building, Ojiro gasped, “Heat, too?”

Delia scrunched her face as everything was now wet which would’ve been great if the fight was still going. “It’s not your fault. We’re just playing on different levels.” Well, damn. Thanks so much. He said it so mildly and without emotion as if it was as simple of a fact that two plus two equals four. For some reason, she couldn’t find her anger at it because he was right. Delia felt deflated as he walked right back out the door he came in. Ojiro shrugged at her, “It’s the second day. We’ll get it next time.” She attempted a small smile at his effort to not seem upset on how quickly that ended. She gathered some of the water on the floor and refilled her tanks before walking out with her partner.

They settled back in the screening room as each battle went on. Delia took the time to see everyone’s Quirk and was impressed by how power heavy the class seemed. Acid, shadow, hardening, tape, energy beams, and it went on which was great to watch but definitely put even more attention on how short her and Ojiro’s battle went. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Bakugo far from the group with his gaze on the floor and teeth gritted. He was not taking this well. Maybe I wasn’t far off in the unhinged part from earlier...  

Delia was half tempted to see if he was alright, which she obviously could tell he wasn’t, but pulled herself back as she did not like how he was in his battle in the slightest. The urge never went away as her classmates continued the missions and she kept one eye on the screen and the other on the boy looking on the verge of a crisis in the corner.

Finally, everyone had battled and class was dismissed with a quick congrats speech in from their teacher then an even quicker exit as he zoomed right out. Delia figured it was because he was losing his stamina at holding his form.

_____________________________________________________

Back in the classroom, Delia was putting her books in her bag when she heard the door open.

It was Midoriya who looked much better than when she saw him last. A bunch of the class ran to meet and introduce themselves to him which was a nice change of pace for him, she assumed. She doubted he was very popular in his last school considering how he and Bakugo came from the same school.

“Tokoyami! Stop using that desk as a chair!” Iida walked determinedly to the boy sitting on his desk while he talked to her former mission partner and Jiro. Jiro put her hand on her hip and said, “Dude, you need to chill.”

Ojiro pointed at him, “You’re carrying a lot of tension.”

Iida slumped forward in defeat as she walked over to the small group, “No one understands.” Delia swung herself on the desk next to Iida which caused them to laugh as she put her hand on his shoulder with comfort and some slight mocking, “It’s okay, Iida. Someday they’ll learn proper manners and respect.”

He sighed and nodded before turning to her, “Yes, well uh - Oh, c'mon!”

Delia giggled and swung her legs like a child, “I said they would. I didn’t say I would too.” She giggled again when the blue haired boy pinched the bridge of his nose in irritation before walking away.

“Hey, Bell.” She looked up from laughing at Jiro. “Yeah?”

“Is that a My Chemical Romance button on your bag?” Delia looked over to her desk with her various buttons and stickers on the side of her bag.

“Yes, it is. You a fan?”

“Major.”

“I listen to them occasionally as well.” Tokoyami threw in. Jiro grinned, “Nice to know some of us have some taste.” Ojiro scratched the back of his head, “Well, I guess I have none.”

“It’s alright. We’ll just have to educate you!” Jiro elbowed him gently. Delia looked at her watch then hopped off the desk, “Oops. I have to catch my train!”

When she ran outside, her eyebrows raised as she saw that Midoriya and All Might were staring off into the distance. Delia waved at them, “Feel better, Midoriya. Have a nice night, Sir!”

Running down the hill, she flew up to Bakugo and found her feet slowing a bit. They looked at each other for a moment and Delia opened her mouth to say something before she thought better of it and continued down the hill to catch her train home.

[shadowbanki]

I wrote a parody of Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day but with Ritsu Namine, who is actually 6 years old in this

The grammar is completely awful on purpose.

Written on a complete whim

AO3 link

———

Once upon a time My name is Ritsu and last night I fell asleep playing Pokemon and the dog gone battery went out and I didn’t save the freaking game and now I have to play the mother father game all over again so I threw my stupid stupid Nintendo DS at the wall and it broke so I yelled and stomped down the stairs and mom gave me a time out and didn’t let me eat my favorite Coco Krispies so instead I had to eat WHEATIES.

I knew it was gonna be a terrible, horrible, no-good very bad day.

At breakfast Ruko found an awesome 65 neon blue race car in her cereal box and Taya found a real cool pair of 3D sunglasses and all I found in by stupid freaking dumb wheaties box was stupid boring awful wheaties.

I think I will move to Korea.

In the school bus I had to sit next to stupid Tei the devil and I hate her because she calls me names and never lets me sit next to the window and since I was already ticked off I said a really bad word and I expected her to cry like a baby chicken but instead Tei got really excited and told the bus driver the word and I had to sit in the stupid time out seat in the back that smelled like donkey butt and was hot and always made me feel like puke.

I really could tell it was going to be the most terrible, horrible, no-good very baddest day ever.

At school Mr. Hiyama said he liked Uta’s boring picture of a spaceship better than my masterpiece of a dinosaur eating Tei’s head off. Mr. Hiyama said it was not a very wholesome picture. It made me feel very insulted.

At singing time he said I sang too loud! At counting time he said I left out 39. But who needs 39. 39 is a stupid number and it reminds me of stupid spoiled divas. I could tell it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day!

I could also tell today was SUCKY because Teto said she wasn’t gonna be my best friend anymore. She said that weird ugly girl Uta Utane was her best friend and that stupid wimpy Momo Momone was her second best friend and that I was only her third best friend!

I hope you step on a flaming Lego brick, I said to Teto! I hope the next time you get a double-decker strawberry ice cream cone the ice cream part falls off the cone part and lands in Korea.

There were two Rice Krispy treats in Uta’s lunch bag and Momo got a cupcake with extra icing and Teto got a big ice cream sandwich with both strawberry and chocolate ice cream! Guess whose mother didn’t even pack them any dessert?

It was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

That’s what it was, because after school my mom took us all to the dentist and Dr. Bruno found a cavity just in me because I’ve been eating Cocoa Krispies too much and brushing my teeth not too much. Come back next week and I’ll fix it, said Dr. Bruno.

Next week, I said, I’ll be in Korea. SeeU later.

On the way downstairs the elevator closed on my hair and while we were waiting for mom to get the car out in the thunderstorm Ruko made me fall where it was muddy because they’re a big tall gigantic meanie head and then when I started crying because of the mud Taya scoffed like the smug face he is and said I was a crybaby and while I was punching Taya in the mouth for saying I was a crybaby my mom came back with the car and scolded me for being muddy and fighting and told me I should be a gentleman like Taya. I would rather eat my foot than become like Taya.

I am having the terriblest, horriblest, no-goodest, very baddest day of my entire life. I told everybody. Nobody even answered.

So then we went to the shoestore to buy some sneakers. Ruko chose black ones with blue streaks. Taya chose blue ones with white streaks. I chose red ones with black streaks but then the shoe man named Shuu said, We’re all sold out. They made me buy plain old white ones, but nobody can make me wear them!

When we picked up my dad at his office he said I couldn’t play with his copying machine, but I forgotted, and I ended up using all the paper on the picture I drew today of Tei getting her head eaten by a dinosaur and now apparently me and my dad have a bad reputation whatever that means. Dad also said to watch out for the books on his desk, and I was careful as could be except for my elbow. He also said don’t fool around with his phone, but I did and I think I called Korea. My dad said please don’t pick him up anymore.

It was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

There was spinach for dinner and I hate spinach. Taya and Ruko got to eat delicious chicky nuggies, but not me, because I was still in trouble for this morning.

There was kissing on TV and I hate kissing.

My bath was too hot, I got soap in my eyes, my marble went down the drain, and I had to wear my clown pajamas. I hate my clown pajamas.

When I went to bed Taya took back the pillow he said I could keep and the Pokemon Squirtle nightlight burned out and I bit my tongue SO I SCREECHED LIKE A PTERODACTYL AND WOKE UP THE ENTIRE HOUSE.

It also ended up scaring away the cat.

The cat wants to sleep with Ruko, not with me.

It has been a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. My mom says some days are like that. Even in Korea.

——————————————

References fo Ritsu’s (and others’) official bio:

His official age is 6 years old. I made him (and the rest of the characters) an actual 6-year-old, in personality and all.

Ritsu is said to like Cocoa Krispies so I incorporated that.

He also is supposed to “Hate Japan, but love North Korea.” I made it just “Korea” in this story, however.

He is often depicted as very hot-headed.

Uta is said to like rice, so I made her dessert Rice Krispies.

Ruko’s shoes were “black with blue streaks.” Reminds you of their hair?

[abouldersbxtch]

Fight With Your Words

Karina was sitting at the table that she and her friends usually sat at during lunch, eating her food. Sitting with her was Bakugo, Kirishima, Denki, Sero, Mina, Jiro and Momo. Momo didn’t usually sit with them, but she was trying to spend more time with Jiro without actually saying it out loud, but Karina and Mina knew why. Bakugo questioned why ‘ponytail’ was suddenly sitting with them, but the girls were all quick to tell him to shut up and deal with it. Considering he didn’t actually care that much, he left it alone. As always, Kirishima was on one side of Karina and Mina was on the other side. Everyone was talking about the scores they got on their latest test while also eating. “I was so close to getting an A.” Kiri sighed out in disappointment and Karina patted his back gently. “You still did good Eiji.” “Maybe if you weren’t so busy making goo-goo eyes at Karina, you would have gotten a better grade.” Denki teased with a chuckle. “I don’t think you have any room to talk Kaminari. What was your grade again?” Jiro questioned him with a smirk and Momo and Sero both laughed while Denki narrowed his eyes at her. “Hey, I only got a C because I’m not good at studying. Not because I was making heart eyes at someone.” “So you have no reason to have failed other than the fact that you didn’t pay attention.” Bakugo spoke in a monotone voice in between bites of his food and Kaminari frowned. “You guys always gang up on me.” He pouted and Karina giggled. “Only when you deserve it Denki.” Mina looked over at Karina. “What’d you get Kari?” “Oh, I got an A. I scored a 97.” Karina smiled proudly and Bakugo scoffed and looked over at Kirishima. “How’d your girlfriend get a higher score than you Kiri? I thought she was tutoring you? Did you not learn anything?” Kiri and Karina both blushed brightly at Bakugo’s question, both of them knowing exactly why his ‘tutoring’ hadn’t paid off. Karina went back to eating her food while Kiri rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. “I think I might need to go back to studying with you Bakugo.” Bakugo rolled his eyes and Mina gently nudged Karina with her elbow while wiggling her eyebrows at her suggestively. “What’s got you blushing so hard Kari?” Karina shoveled more food into her mouth and then motioned to her full mouth and shrugged slightly, as if to say that that was why she couldn’t answer Mina’s question. Mina narrowed her eyes at Karina and then turned her attention to Kirishima, brow quirked in curiosity. “What about you Kiri?” She asked with a taunting tone, but before Kiri could do or say anything, Bakugo interrupted. “Stop being so fuckin’ nosy pinky. You probably need to be tutored too. I wouldn’t be surprised if your score was as bad as Pikachu’s. You two seem to share a braincell between you.” “Hey!” Mina and Denki both shouted in unison, clearly offended by Bakugo’s words. Karina and Kirishima on the other hand were grateful for Bakugo taking the attention off of them, whether he did it on purpose or not.

Everyone continued eating and after Karina finished, Kiri got up and gave her room to slide out from behind the table. She and Jiro went to throw their stuff in the trash and leave the trays on top of the garbage cans but as they turned to make their way back to the table, there was someone standing in their way. “Excuse me, you’re Karina right? The newest addition to class 1-A?” The blonde boy asked and already Jiro was visibly annoyed, but Karina focused on the boy. “I am. You’re Neito Monoma, right? From class 1-B?” Karina politely extended her hand to him with a smile on her face. By now, both Bakugo and Kirishima had seen Monoma standing with the girls and they knew better than to think he was going to say anything remotely kind, so they quickly got up and started making their way over. Monoma took Karina’s hand and gently shook it as he smiled back at her, but it was an obvious fake smile and she saw straight through it. “I am. It’s nice to finally meet you. I can only assume we haven’t met yet since class 1-A probably doesn’t want to parade around their resident villain, right?” Regardless of his words, Karina’s grip on his hand remained gentle until they both released each other. At that moment, Kirishima and Bakugo had walked up and as usual, Bakugo was loud and angry. “What the hell did you just call her you extra bastard?!” Kirishima was also visibly angry and the annoyed look that was once on Jiro’s face was turned to anger as well. However, Karina side-stepped and out-stretched her arms in front of her friends to keep them back. “Relax. I can handle this.” “Ah, if it isn’t her faithful pets, come to save her.” Monoma smirked and that was when Karina’s face took on an angry look. “First of all, do not call my friends pets.” Monoma’s smug smirk remained on his face. “Regardless, you know this is a school for Heroes right? You know, not villains.” Kirishima and Bakugo both pressed against Karina’s outstretched arms, stepping towards Monoma, but Karina still kept them back. “Let me blast the hell out of this guy!” “Katsuki, stop. You’ll just get in trouble. I can handle it.” Karina returned her attention to Monoma, narrowing her golden eyes at him. “Listen Neito, I know exactly who you are. I know that most of what you do is talk down to everyone in my class for absolutely no reason at all other than to make yourself feel better because I’m assuming you’re upset that you’re in 1-B instead of 1-A. Honestly, it’s very unhero like behavior, and you know you’re in a school for heroes, right?” Karina’s tone had started off serious but got more sarcastic towards the end. Monoma looked at her with a surprised expression while her friends just looked proud and now it was Bakugo and Kirishima who were smirking smugly.

Monoma was about to say something, but Karina cut him off. “Ah, ah. Don’t. You’re probably just going to say something else that’s rude and demeaning for no reason. Instead, let me talk. First of all, how dare you come to me like that and call me a villain. We’ve never met before. You don’t know me or anything about me other than, I assume, who my sister is. Right?” “Yes a-” Karina quickly cut him off again, holding her index finger up in front of him to get him to stop. “That’s what I thought. You’re labeling me, someone you don’t even know, as a villain just because my sister is one. Let me educate you on something because maybe class 1-B hasn’t gotten there yet in their hero training. Profiling or labeling someone as something when you have absolutely no proof or evidence of what they’ve supposedly done, is frowned upon in the Hero occupation. So might I suggest you get rid of that aspect of your mentality before you go further in trying to become a hero. Second of all, I worked my ass off to be here in U.A., the school where future heroes are educated and trained. I got here and into class 1-A by being a hard worker and strengthening my quirk to be able to help people and Principal Nezu saw and acknowledged that. Finally, I wouldn’t go pointing fingers and accusing people of being villains if I were you. Last time I checked, isn’t your quirk basically ‘borrowing’ other peoples quirks? That sounds kind of familiar if you ask me.” Karina tapped her index finger against her chin, pretending to think of who it reminded her of. “Now why does that seem so familiar? Oh I know! Isn’t that kind of similar to All For One, one of the worst villains currently known? He basically takes someone else’s quirk and uses it for himself right?” Jiro gasped at the realization and Kirishima seemed surprised at the connection she made, but Bakugo was still just standing there with a large, proud smirk on his face. “If you ask me, it’s really interesting how similar your quirk is to his. You ‘borrow’ other peoples quirks for yourself right? I suppose the only differences are that you don’t completely take their quirk away and after a while, you no longer have it right? Has no one made that connection before? How interesting. Maybe that’s another reason you deflect and project onto others so much, but I could be wrong. I’m not a therapist and honestly, I don’t even want to try and unpack all the issues you have. I don’t have the time or patience for that. So, Neito, it was lovely meeting you, but lunch is just about over and I’ve got things to do. I’ll see you around.” Karina patted his shoulder as she walked past him, her three friends walking after her and leaving Monoma standing there shocked and speechless.

As the four of them headed back to the table, Jiro grinned at Karina proudly. “That was awesome! You handled that so well.” “I still think I should have blasted him to hell.” Bakugo huffed, slightly annoyed at the fact that he didn’t get the chance to do what he wanted. “If you would have blasted him Katsuki, you would have just gotten in trouble, and thanks Kyoka.” They returned to the table and Jiro and Bakugo sat back down in their spots, but as soon as Karina was about to sit down, Kiri reached out and took her hand in his. “Hey Kari, I forgot some homework for our next class back at the dorms. Would you mind coming with me to get it?” Karina stopped when he grabbed her hand and a smile formed as she listened to him, nodding once he finished. “Yeah, sure.” As the two started to walk off, Mina couldn’t help but call out to them. “Don’t be late to class you lovebirds!” Karina blushed brightly while Kiri chuckled, intertwining their fingers together as he held her hand as they made their way out of the cafeteria and towards the dorms. “So, I didn’t actually forget anything at the dorms. I just wanted to talk to you away from everyone.” Kiri admitted as they continued on their way. “Oh, okay. What did you want to talk about?” Karina looked over at him as they continued walking towards the dorms, regardless of the fact that Kirishima hadn’t actually forgotten anything there. “I just wanted to make sure that you’re okay. The rest of us have had to deal with that guy for almost two years, which is why Bakugo and I rushed over when we saw him talking to you. We knew he was going to say something messed up and he did. You didn’t deserve that.” His grip on Karina’s hand tightened slightly as he became visibly upset with what had happened, but Karina squeezed his hand gently in reassurance and smiled at him. “Ei, I’m okay. It wasn’t the first time someone has said something like that to me and it won’t be the last. People have bullied and judged me since middle school when Himiko attacked someone. It’s happened less since coming here and for the most part, everyone has been very accepting and kind, but not everyone is like that and I always expect it to happen at some point.” Kiri frowned as she explained, his attention focused on her as he stopped walking which also caused Karina to stop walking and turn to face him. “That’s not fair though. You shouldn’t have to deal with stuff like that. It isn’t your fault your sister is the way she is. You had nothing to do with it. You’re so much different than her and one of the kindest and best people I’ve ever met.” Karina blushed and bit her bottom lip bashfully. “Thank you Eiji, but you’ve also had the chance to get to know me. You’re also very kind and open-minded about things. The people who bully and judge me aren’t usually like that. Katsuki at least had a reason. He’s been directly affected by the things my sister has done and for two months I hadn’t been honest with him about who I was. He’s the only person who I would have accepted to be angry with me and rightfully he was, but even he got over it after I apologized. I’ve apologized to people that weren’t even affected by anything my sister ever did and they still hated me. Sometimes you can’t change peoples minds and I’ve accepted that. I just don’t let them hold me back or bring me down anymore.”

Kirishima stared at her as she spoke, focused on her eyes and her lips as he listened intently to everything she said. It upset him that his girlfriend had to deal with such things, but he knew she was right. Not everyone could have their minds changed and some people would always hold onto anger or hate. He just wished there was more he could do to help her whenever it came up. “Well I’m glad you don’t listen to them or let them hold you back. That’s very manly of you.” He grinned that goofy toothy grin of his which made Karina giggle lightly. “To be honest, if you hadn’t held me back, I was really tempted to punch him.” “Oh trust me, I wanted to punch him too, but then I would have just been giving him what he wanted.” She shrugged slightly but Kiri was confused. “What do you mean? What did he want?” “Well considering he confronted me in the middle of the cafeteria which was completely full of people by calling me a villain, he was probably hoping it would anger me enough to lash out and fight him. It’s happened before. If I would have hit him or anything like that, it would have given him the ammunition and ‘evidence’ to justify him calling me a villain. In a sense, I would have been proving him right to people who only saw his side of it or who don’t know what he’s really like. He could have gone around telling people ‘the Toga girl attacked me out of nowhere, she’s definitely a villain just like her sister’, and if they saw the fight or heard about it, they’d probably believe him. Obviously everyone who is wise to the kind of person he is might not believe him, but even then there’s a chance they would. Now if he had said that to me a few years ago when I didn’t know any better, I definitely would have kicked his ass. No hesitation, I would have punched him in the face, but I know better now. Now I know how to tear people apart with my words that way I don’t have to get my hands dirty or get in trouble.” Kiri couldn’t help the small smile that came to his lips and he pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her waist, hugging her tightly. Karina smiled and hugged him in return and when she did, Kiri seemed to hug her tighter before letting go and staring down into her eyes. “I admire you so much, you know that?” Karina’s blush grew brighter as she looked into his eyes, her hands resting on his biceps while his hands rested on her hips. “I think I’ve picked up on a few hints here and there, yeah.” She giggled and Kiri’s smile grew before he leaned in and gently pressed his lips to hers. They both closed their eyes and Karina kissed him back for a moment until the loud bell sequence that signaled everyone to get to their next classes rang out. They pulled away from each other, both smiling bashfully and blushing lightly. “I guess we should get to class. If we’re late, I don’t know who’s going to be worse; Mina or Iida.” Karina giggled and nodded in agreement. “Probably Mina.” She leaned up and kissed him gently again before taking his hand in hers and they both started to make their way back towards the main building of the school.

[keig-hoe-takami]

Chapter 3

Masterlist

So, what do you all think All Mights gonna be like as a teacher?’ Denki asked as they got settled for their first class with the Pro Hero,

‘I still cant believe he’s really here, man!’ Kirishima swivelled around in his chair to face the blond boy,

‘Yeah, I heard he’s-‘ Ichirou started, only to be interrupted by a large booming voice,

‘I AM… coming through the door like a normal person’ All Mights voice resounded round the room as the students turned to stare at him in awe,

‘Its really him!’ Kiri said from beside Ichirou, still unable to turn his eyes away,

‘I know! And he’s so dorky too!’ Ichirou replied, finding the hero’s weirdness endearing,

‘I teach basic hero training.’ All Might explain as he took his classic stance at the front of class, ‘It’s a subject where you train in different ways to learn the basics of being a hero. You’ll take the most units of this subject! Let’s get right into it! This is what we’ll do today- Combat training!’

It felt as if the entire classes eyes lit up, this was what Ichirou had been expecting when she dreamt of UA, and finally they were going to complete their first real lesson on becoming a hero!

‘And to go with that are these!’ All Might gestured to the wall, which began to move, revealing cases containing what could only be their- ‘Costumes made based on your Quirk registrations and requests you sent in before school started.’ Ichirou met Mina’s eye, who looked just as excited as she felt at the prospect finally getting the hero gear.

‘Could you just move, we all need to get our costumes.’ Ichirou grumbled as she watched Bakugou struggle to get the case out of the wall, the boys face snapped towards her, eyes narrowed and teeth clenched, if looks could kill, she’d have been dead in an instant,

‘Damn runt, always getting in my way.’ Bakugou snarled, not moving from his repeated motions of jamming the case in and out violently,

‘Just don’t do it like that. You need to be calm, if that’s even possible.’ Ichirou raised her eyebrows as the boys tugs became more and more violent

‘Shut your mouth, mut,’ Bakugou replied, catching her eyes in a piercing glare,

‘Not a dog, remember.’ Ichirou’s scowled at the new nickname, it was one thing to have Kiri calling her a puppy,

‘Tch- whatever.’ The boy rolled his eyes,

‘Would you just move, I cant get mine till your done!’ Ichirou explained in exasperation, looking at the others who had already got their cases and were heading to get changed. The boy didn’t make a sound, instead he stepped back from the almost dislodged case, his breath heavy,

‘Thank you.’ Ichirou stepped in front of him, the feeling of his hot breath all too close to the back of her neck causing her heart to flutter slightly. She first grabbed at her own case, the one above Bakugou’s and pulled it down. The silver briefcase was surprisingly heavy as it fell into her grip, causing the flustered girl to stumble backward further into Bakugou’s chest. The boy gripped her waist to steady her,

‘Dumb runt.’ He muttered behind her, but Ichirou could feel his heart rate increasing,

‘Not a dog.’ Ichirou reminded him in a singsong voice as she reached forward again to dislodge the boys own case from where it was stuck, ‘There now try again.’

Bakugou rolled his eyes as Ichirou stepped out from behind the wall, briefcase clasped in both sweating hands. He pulled it out calmly as possible, it slid from the wall on the first try,

‘Whatever.’

‘What was that? A thank you?’ Why your welcome boom boy.’ Ichirou joked as the boy snapped his head to face her,

‘The hell did you just call me, runt?’ The boy took a step closer to the girl, bending down slightly to reach her eye line,

‘Oh please, you got to give me a cute nickname, it’s only fair.’ Ichirou turned away from him, heading back to her desk where Mina was waiting excitedly,

‘My name is Bakugou. Call me that or nothing.’ He combatted, storming after her,

‘What if I just called you?’ Ichirou winked, enjoying how riled up the boy had become,

‘So damn hard to talk to.’ He muttered under his breath,

‘Oh I’m hard to talk to?’ she turned to him, her sensitive ears picking up on the comment, ‘Tch- whatever.’ She said, mimicking the boys low, gruff voice.

‘Shut it, brat.’ Bakugou rolled his eyes, throwing his case down on his desk with far more force than necessary,

‘Bye boom boy, good chat!’ Ichirou giggled before meeting Mina’s wide eyes, ‘What? Did something happen?’.

‘Um- yeah it did.’ Mina dragged the confused girl out of the classroom,

‘Is it about the costumes? Did you look at yours with out me?!’ Ichirou guessed as she was pulled down the corridor towards the girls changing rooms,

‘No I didn’t- don’t worry.’ Mina reassured, ‘This is about you, flirting with that pomeranian-looking, anger issues-having, God-complex abusing dick.’

‘Whoa! That was not flirting at all, its just funny to make him mad.’ Ichirou defended herself, still amused by her friends choice of insults,

‘Oh really so- ‘how about I just call you’- isn’t flirting? Weird, cos it kinda sounds like flirting to me.’ Mina poked her friend in the arm,

‘No it wasn’t- he set himself up! I was just trying to get a rise out of him.’ Ichirou tried desperately to explain herself, okay maybe she had been trying to flirt with Bakugou, but it wasn’t like he was flirting back,

‘Ichirou, look at me,’ Mina stopped walking, placing a hand on Ichirou’s shoulder, ‘I know you have a thing for troubled men-‘

‘I do not!’ The other girl exclaimed,

‘Endeavour.’ Mina deadpanned,

‘Stop it- he’s Todoroki’s dad!.’ Ichirou batted Mina’s hand away, carrying on walking, ‘Besides, Bakugou’s got the personality of a garbage truck, even if he is cute.’

‘Damn straight! Wait- what you think he’s cute ?’ Mina called to her friend as Ichirou opened them door to the changing rooms.

The girls of class 1-A were making their way over to ground beta, where All-Might was waiting to begin the first practical class.

‘I wonder what Combat Training entails.’ Momo pondered, eyes falling on Ichirou walking next to her whilst desperately trying to pull up her thigh high boots, ‘Hey, just leave them you look really hot- and at least its not as bad as mine.’

‘Well yours is sexy to help with your quirk- I thought I was going to have shorts!’ Ichirou explained, the boots were going to help her with her quirk, allowing her to feel the ground beneath her more accurately, but she hadn’t expected to basically be wearing a bathing suit,

‘Nonsense, you look really really cute, especially with all this fluff.’ Momo stroked a hand through the fur collar of the white jacket that contrasted Ichirou’s dark grey tail perfectly, ‘And you and Mina sort of match.’

‘Thanks Momo,’ Ichirou smiled up at the tall girl who smiled back.

‘Yeah we did that on purpose!’ Mina, who had been checking out the costumes of the boys ahead of them chimed in, ‘Did you guys see Kirishima’s final costume? He looks so cool.’

‘Mhm, he wouldn’t let me see the designs but it looks very manly.’ Ichirou replied jokingly as they noticed the boy rushing back to talk to them,

‘Ichirou! Mina! You both look awesome!’ Kiri shouted out excitedly, ‘oh- Momo, you um, you look great as well.’ A red blush spread across his face and neck as he took in the girls appearance, something Ichirou had guessed would happen to all the boys,

‘Thanks Kiri, you and the guys look great too.’ Mina replied as they carried on walking, Kiri falling into place next to her,

‘Yeah, I’m so excited to do more hero stuff, especially with the number one hero!’ Kiri pumped his fist in the air enthusiastically,

‘I know! We’ve been wondering what we’re going to do for our first class.’ Ichirou said,

‘Sero- the guy with the elbows- thinks we’re gonna do something like the entrance exam. But I don’t think we’ll be doing that again for a while.’ Explained Kirishima as they caught up with the boys at the entrance,

‘Hey guys.’ Mina waved excitedly, as Kirishima pulled them towards Kaminari and Sero, his new friends, ‘you look so cool!’

‘Heh- thanks.’ The black haired boy replied as he fiddled with the helmet in his hands, Denki was yet to reply, his eyes trained on the bare skin of Momo’s chest, Ichirou noticed and quickly shuffled herself in front on Momo, pulling him out of his trance,

‘Yeah- um yeah, cool. You all look great!’ Denki stuttered out, eyes widening at Ichirou’s scowl,

‘Let’s head in!’ Kirishima cried enthusiastically as the entire group reached the gates of ground beta where All Might was waiting.

‘Bakugou’s cheating!’ Kirishima cried as the class watched him head straight for Izuku in a surprise attack, ‘That’s not manly at all!’

Oh trust me, he’s looking real manly from where I’m standing. Ichirou thought to herself, watching the muscles beneath the blonds hero suit ripple as he felt the impact of his own blow, before shaking her head of the gross thought.

‘A surprise attack is a strategy, too’ All Might responded as Ichirou snapped herself out of her head, ‘They’re in The middle of a real battle now.’

‘Midoriya avoided it!’ Mina gasped, eyes glued to the screen, Ichirou couldn’t believe he’d managed it without using his quirk- though they had known each other for quite some time. Bakugou moved forward again, and Ichirou could see the determined grimace written across his face, despite that, Midoriya once again managed to dodge his rapid attack, this time using Bakugou’s own strength against him to flip him over into the ground.

The entire class gasped in shock as the boy tried to catch his breath, the smaller boy was saying something that seemed passionate, thought the class couldn’t hear. Bakugou got up from the ground to face the green haired boy, small explosions emanating from the palms of his hands,

‘Excuse me, Ichirou?’ A soft voice came from behind her, forcing her head away from the entrancing battle, it was her partner Ojiro,

‘Hey! I’m guessing you want to talk strategy for our match?’

‘Yeah, it’ll be pretty tricky since we don’t actually know who we’re up against yet but we have pretty similar quirks so I think we could work something out.’ Ojiro explained,

‘I agree, we’re both fairly agile thanks to our tails so we’ll be alright when it comes to hand to hand combat.’ Ichirou commented,

‘So maybe we should try and get in close as soon as possible, if we’re hero’s that is.’ Ojiro built on Ichirou’s idea

‘I’ll be able to sense them around the building if we play our cards right, but if we’re villains,’ The girl pondered, struck from her thoughts as a large explosion lit up the screen behind her, she could feel the tremors of Bakugou’s enhanced quirk even from this distance.

‘We cant do the same as Bakugou, no matter how well its going for him.’

‘Yeah, we should stay at base where there’s space to move.’

‘Sounds good.’ Ojiro concluded as the two turned to face the screen again

They ended up being villains, facing the slightly terrifying team up of Shoji and Todoroki as their hero’s.

‘Do you think we should hide maybe? Or protect the bomb more?’ Ichirou said nervously, looking around for something to better protect them with,

‘If we hide, we might not get to the bomb in time,’ Ojiro explained, ‘And I’m sure we’ll be fine protecting the bomb,’ Ichirou smiled determinedly at the boy, throwing him a thumbs up,

‘Now lets start the second indoor person-to-person combat training match!’ All Mights strong voice could be heard through the loud speakers as the villain team readied themselves,

‘I can feel them, on the ground floor,’ Ichirou relayed to her partner as her ears twitched, ‘only one is advancing- its cold, I think its Todoroki. We need to be careful.’ Ojiro nodded as the two steadied themselves. ‘Can you feel that?’

‘Feel what?’ The boy turned to her, Ichirou could sense the building around becoming cooler by the minute,

‘It’s getting cold, I think he’s incasing the building.’

‘He doesn’t want us to escape?’

‘I’m not sure- wait no watch out!’ Ichirou jumped up to grab at a pipe above her head just as thick sheet ice burst through the door, covering the floor and trapping Ojiro’s legs,

‘I’m so sorry!’ Ichirou said as she dropped onto the now icy floor, boots thankfully giving her enough friction to move with good agility.

‘It’s okay, this quirk is-‘ Both head turned towards the door and they heard Todoroki steps echo through the corridors, Ichirou steadied herself for a fight,

‘I didn’t get both of you huh?’ Todoroki assessed the situation, his blank expression not giving away any feeling of confusion, ‘We’ll fight then.’ An icy blast was sent Ichirou’s way with no hesitation, she slid behind the bomb to offer herself some protection, knowing there was no point hiding from him, Ichirou realised she would have to fight this in close combat- she silently hoped Todoroki was less suited to the style. The room was almost bare, there was no way she’d be able to sneak up behind him, but hopefully she’d be able to gain some height advantage. Popping out her claws, Ichirou used the leverage to pull herself up the wall, a strategy she counted on Todoroki noticing, he inevitably did as he shot ice towards her which stuck to the walls as she skilfully dodged each rapid attack until she decided it was time to strike. Now having scaled almost halfway round the room, she found herself promisingly close to the stoic boy and decided that this was her chance. Mustering up all her strength, she pushed off from the wall, using Todoroki’s ice block as leverage to knock the boy to the ground, pinning him under her with her body weight, thighs clenched around his waist.

‘Gotcha!’ Ichirou said, smiling as she reached for the capture tape at her side,

‘I think you’re forgetting something,’ Todoroki finally spoke as he twisted his wrist in her grasp,

‘Oh yeah?’ Ichirou replied, taking the bait as the boy beneath her conjured up an icy blast from his finger tips, somehow aiming it right at the stunned girls abdomen and forcing her sprawling across the floor and against the wall, ice surrounded her stomach and blocking her from moving in anyway other than flailing her arms slightly. Todoroki touched the bomb, ending the match,

‘That was really amazing- its no wonder you were a recommendation!’ Ichirou exclaimed, getting up off the floor as the boy used heat to get rid of the ice he’d encased the building in, Todoroki nodded his appreciation, crossing the two rather bewildered students as he headed out the door,

‘Heat too?’ Ojiro mumbled as the they followed him,

‘Well, he is Endeavour’s son, plus the whole- y’know,’ Ichirou gestured to the two sides of her head in turn, ‘It kind makes sense.’

‘Yeah, I guess you’re right.’

The forth battle was in progress, Todoroki had obviously won MVP of Ichirou’s match which had left her quite salty- the girl had thought she’d done well but she guessed that losing a teammate had put her behind. Ichirou looked around the room her, averting her attention from the battle as she heard the quiet clanging of metal hitting the floor. A dejected Bakugou sat on one of the boxes, grenades lying at his feet, his lips drawn into a scowl and his eyebrows furrowed. He’d expected to win against Midoriya, there was a clear childhood rivalry between the two that was understandable, both boys were extremely powerful.

Ichirou wanted badly to go comfort him, another embarrassing downside to her quirk- she felt responsibility fo her pack (well class) as people with animalistic quirks often did. Thanks to her mother having no experience with the quirk except for the time she’d spent with Ichirou’s ‘dad’, most of what she knew was from visiting the hospital every time she nearly scratched herself apart or bit her tongue almost in half that one time.

Deciding on a relatively decent excuse of needing water, the girl made her way to the back of the room and grabbed her water bottle. She stood away from him, whilst still letting the seething boy know she was nearby, and fixed her attention back on the fight. Bakugou was mumbling to himself, something so quiet that Ichirou didn’t think it polite to listen. They stayed like that for the rest of class, silently acknowledging each other’s presence. Ichirou wasn’t certain as to whether Bakugou actually wanted her there, but she sensed his heart rate decreasing steadily and his breathing begin to calm.

a/n : sorry she’s an endeavour simp 🥺 i promise its for ✨character development✨

tagliat : @jazzylove

[ferallymine]

Worldbreaker Pt. 1

The rubble. The screams. The frantic hands digging through the mess above her buried broken lifeless body. The last stone moving away- seeing the white light shine onto her. A hand reaching out-

Mardea shot up, sweat covering her body. Reaching out to see the alarm clock, she had to bite down a yelp of pain.

“Not…again…” Her voice was tired and straining. Black Energy had marked her arms in the night, leaving burns on her skin and the sheets.

She stumbled into her bathroom, slamming the cold water handle on to fill the tub. Her feet sizzled on the chilled ivory tile, heat coming off her body in waves. She shouldn’t be this hot with just panties and a loose cotton tank top on, but this is one of many burdens of being Mardea Lin.

The water stung her tender burnt skin. Steam hissed from her body, distracting her from wanting to scream. Mardea hadn’t been severely burned by fire, but she imagined they were just as bad as her energy burns. Izzy’s the only one she ever felt the need to explain the difference to. His curiosity was always humorous to her.

The fact that the water was ice cold made the next part easier. Keeping thoughts in her mind to ground her to reality, Mardea submerged herself completely in the tub.

Green wisps flowed out from her palms. Interacting with the water, they went to work cooling her down and resolving her burns. A waterlogged scream escaped her throat, the sensory overload and pain being overwhelming. The burnt skin ripped itself off, attaching to the energy  swirling around it. New unblemished skin replaced it quickly- unnatural if one didn’t have a medic-related quirk.

It felt like hours, but Mardea was done in minutes. The water was grey and heavily clouded when she sat back up, now shivering from the cold. Her stomach churned, and without a moment to react, she vomited into the already dirty water.

“…fuck…” her voice was a quaky whisper. She couldn’t keep going on like this.

The push and pull of energy forces from within herself danced with the outside ones. It was as if something out there wanted her to lose control, wanted Code Black to become the new normal.

The water-vomit mixture spiraled down the drain. Mardea waited until the tub was empty before fighting for strength to rinse herself off with the shower.

Morning couldn’t come soon enough.

-----

“But consider the reverse!” Kaminari shoved a spoonful of cereal in his mouth, “If you had a human head and a bird body, all the villains would be too scared to fight and you could round ‘em up easy!”

“Easily,” Tokoyami corrected, pulling his hoodie as he stood up to leave, “And that is utterly ridiculous.”

Sero set his coffee down, “Does that mean if Hawks was reversed he’d have a bird body and human arms on his back?!”

“Holy. Shit. Dude.” Kaminari looked like he had an epiphany, “That would be…terrifying. I love it.”

Ashido slammed her hands flat on the table, “KIRI WOULD BE A ROCK THAT TURNS INTO A BALL OF FLESH!”

“Noooooo,” Kirishima groaned, leaning back with his hands on his face, “I was already a ball of flesh in the hero test! Unpleasant, 0 out of 10 do not recommend.”

Sero giggled, “Guys, guys listen… Bakugo… Is an explosion that throws out humans.”

An eruption of laughter consumed the living room of the dorms. The noise echoed into the hallway leading to the stairs.

“Wait, wait, wait,” Kirishima wiped a tear from his eye, “Does, ehehehe, does that mean that mean that he’s a continuous explosion or like, hah, one out of every 5 explosions is Bakugo randomly spurting out humans to attack villains.”

The laughter quieted, giving the group time to think, then Ashido spoke, “Can you imagine if the latter was true? Like, if you’re a villain using C4 to break into a bank then suddenly ‘I AM A VERY ANGRY EXPLOSION HAVE SOME HUMANS TO THE FACE!’ Bruh, I’d shit my pants.”

“What about the former?” A sudden appearance of Lin behind Kaminari made him jump and spill his cereal. “If he’s a continuous explosion he’d have to be put in a container to function as a ‘human’ in society. Imagine shoving Boom-boy into a reinforced Smucker’s jam jar.”

The laughter resumed. Kirishima looked up to ask Lin a question, “Hey, what if- wait. Lin you’re glowing.”

A brief panic, “Wh- no I’m not.” She looked herself over, “I’m not outputting any en-“

“No! Your skin is radiant,” A cheeky smile, “Did you do a new skincare routine from YouTube?”

A pause, “…Yes…that’s what I did.”

Ashido’s eyes sparkled, “DEAAAAAA you gotta show me!”

“Maybe later, after you bring your grade to a B.” She winked, “Anyway, I’m hungry, see ya later.” Lin meandered over to the kitchen, where Uraraka was making what smelled like waffles.

“… aaaand voila!” Uraraka flailed her arms in a dramatic manner, “A Together Breakfast!” The platter was filled with waffles topped with syrup, whipped cream, popcorn, and strawberries.

“Wow!” Midoriya’s stomach rumbled, “This looks great! Thank you!”

She giggled, “I made enough for everyone so dig in!” She gestured to those surrounding the counter. “Let our Saturday breakfast tradition begin!”

Lin leaned on Todoroki’s shoulder, the sudden contact startling him, “It’s just me, don’t worry.”

“Hello, love,” He tilted his head to lean on hers, “Sleepy?”

“Sore…”

“Training yesterday was that rough?”

“…Yes.” She straightened. Her silent body language purposely telling him that she didn’t wanna talk about it in front of the others. “My whole body feels vulnerable and tender. Like one touch will bruise for days.”

“Take it easy today, then,” He smiled, “Eat something to regain your strength.” A soft kiss to her head, reminding her that they can talk privately later.

“Hey Frick and Frack, save the PDA for when we’re not eating,” Bakugo sat on the counter, munching on toast with tomato and cheese slices on top. “You’re gonna make me puke.”

“Your taste in breakfast food will make me puke,” Midoriya stuck out his tongue.

“Says fucking you. Who eats shitty popcorn for breakfast?”

“It’s not popcorn, it’s pepcorn!” Uraraka tossed a kernel at the blonde, “Popcorn with a pep!”

Bakugo scowled, staring the group down. He swiped the kernel away from him, “You’re not original, this is all from YouTube.”

“Stop being such a fucking killjoy,” Jirou slammed her glass of juice down on the counter. “We get it, your aesthetic is to hate everything and think you’re the best. Don’t you get tired of having your head so far up your own ass? Huh?”

“I’m done,” Lin backed away and turned towards the hallway. “It’s too early for arguing.”

Yaoyorozu stood up, “Mardea, don’t go! We were gonna go out today! The Saturday Flea Market is up in the plaza across town!”

Fuck I forgot “Yeah, right…. Lemme put on proper ‘going out’ clothes.” A snap and she was gone in a green flash.

------

“Isn’t this fun! Nice to stretch our legs on a sunny day off.” Momo did a little spin, flowing out the bottom of her sunflower sundress.

Tsuyu joined the twirling, though her green romper left little to flow out. “Ribbit, it’s the perfect temperature today. I bet the pools will be packed.”

“Whaddaya think, ‘Dea?” Mina, clad in her pastel blue crop top and matching shorts, “Should we try swimming today or just mingle in the market?”

Mardea thought a moment, “Market wandering sounds good for now. Plus I didn’t bring a swimsuit- I doubt jean overalls would fair well in a pool.”

“Hmm, fair point.” Mina skipped ahead, stopping at a sunglasses stall. The sun reflected off them, making the products glitter and look more enticing.

Mardea glanced around the crowd. Mina was at that stall, whereas Tsuyu and Momo had been lost to the growing population of the market. The tips of her hair shifted to magenta. Her eyes scanned the scenery. Where were their energy signatures?

“Nice trick,” Mardea froze at the unfamiliar voice behind her, magenta instantly switching to lilac, “Color shifting is good for quick blending into crowds, though I feel that this little cosmetic show is a front for your quirk.”

It was a feminine sounding voice- maybe an older woman who smoked on occasion?

“I can feel your thoughts from back here, pumpkin.” A warm hand gripped her right shoulder, “You don’t have to turn around, I know who you are, Mardea. Don’t you think it’s strange that I snuck up on you with your magenta setting on?”

The lilac grew.

“You don’t need to be afraid. I want to help you. There’s a lot of energy in this world, you know. How would it be to not feel like it’ll crush you at any moment? What if you could control it? Not your definition of control- you still let that Code Black sit alone, festering. What if you could harness it?”

“Hey ‘Dea?” Mina’s voice called out, “We got lunch! Where ya at?”

“I will find you again,” The hand left, “Be wary, Mardea. You’re not the only one who knows energy.”

Momo came through the people, “Guys! She’s over here!” She turned, smiling, “Where have you- oh my god are you okay? You’re purple-y.”

Mardea looked up, eyes matching her hair, “We need to leave. Now.”

“Okay yeah. Yeah.” Momo took her twin’s hand, “You’re okay now. We’re here.” Mina and Tsuyu emerged, confused at the color shift. Momo pointed at them, “We’re leaving. Now. Back to UA.”

-----

“You’re sure it was a woman?” Aizawa sat across from Lin in his office.

Lin shrugged, “That what she sounded like. She snuck up on me, didn’t let me turn around.” She pulled her shirt collar over to expose her shoulder, “She bruised me when she grabbed me.”

Aizawa raised an eyebrow, “How did she do that?”

“I DON’T KNOW!” Lin’s stress boiled over, red and lilac strands forming in her hair, “I don’t know who she is all I know is I didn’t sense her and she said I wasn’t the only one who knew energy and that she’s gonna find me again and I don’t know how to not let that happen because if I cant find her then no one can find her probably like how-” A gasp of air, hair returning to normal, as Aizawa grabbed her shoulders, kneeling in front of her.

“You need to calm down.” His voice was calm. “You didn’t do anything wrong. I’m not going to tell you to not worry, because I know you will anyway. All the teachers will be on the lookout for suspicious women around campus. I’ll let the Pro-Heroes know that this happened and see if they can snoop out anything. Okay?”

“Okay…” She leaned forward, hugging him with tears in her eyes, “Thank you…”

A smile, “It’s okay.”

[emeraldwaves]

Title: Only You Pairing:  Todomomo Rating: E (This is NSFW) Word Count:  5,303 Read on Ao3 Summary: 

After graduation, Shouto and Momo decide to share their first time together, despite being nervous about it.

Full fic under the cut! For @amaisenshi‘s birthday!!! ILU GIRL SO MUCH!!! Thank you to @its-love-u-asshole for betaing! <3

Shouto is staring at the floor, his gaze fixated on one spot for a reason only Momo can place; she sees his hands trembling gently against the bed.

"Shouto..." she whispers. The name still sounds a bit foreign on her tongue. It's only been a few months since they started referring to each other by their first names. But they've been together for over a year, almost two.

"..." He doesn't answer and Momo tries her best not to panic. She likes to think she's gotten her rolling, anxious thoughts under control; Shouto doesn't do things he doesn't want to, he's very kind, considerate, but blunt.

They wouldn't be here if he didn't want to be. She reminds herself of that.

In general, they've taken their relationship slow and for that, Momo is grateful. She's never been in a rush, not like Mina-chan or Toru-chan who made bets about who would be the first of the girls to lose their virginity. It took Shouto and Momo awhile to hold hands, and kiss even... so this... is a fairly large step. (Needless to say, the girls certainly didn't bet on them, which Momo is also thankful for.)

She swallows and moves to sit next to him on the edge of the bed, her fingers curling over his. "We don't-"

"No. I want to," he mutters.

But it's difficult; she knows.

Shouto has always been a little slower when it comes to social things. He's quieter, blunt still, and while showing affection is something he wants to do, he has a difficult time with it. Momo doesn't mind. She much prefers to be private with him.

She leans towards him, but he turns to her, stopping her movement. "Momo-"

"Mmm!" she squeaks, biting on her lip as she stares at him, her eyes wide.

Her reaction elicits a chuckle from him, his lips curling up into the most gentle smile. "What's with that face?" he asks, his eyes looking at her with such kindness.

Shouto is the most handsome boy Momo has ever seen. Or maybe she should call him a man now. As of this evening, they are adults, no longer students.

"I-It's nothing!" she says, waving her hands quickly. She tucks a piece of her hair behind her ear and bites on her lip. "I know... we talked about this... but if you don't feel ready we don't have to do anything."

It was something they discussed; spending the night together just the two of them after their graduation night. The ceremony was at a fancy hotel, with a beautiful after party. Instead of going home after, they decided to spend the night together in said hotel.

"I want to..." he says, repeating the line again, like it's a mantra he's saying over and over. The words slip from his lips on a sigh, dripping to the bed.

"Can you tell me... what you're thinking right now?"

It's a line they use with each other often, when Shouto retreats to his own mind and when Momo is consumed by overwhelming thoughts... they try and check in, to be on the same page with one another.

He pulls in a long breath and lifts his eyes to look at her. "I don't... know," he mutters. It's probably his honest feelings. A lot of times Shouto struggles to pinpoint why he feels how he does, though usually it goes back to his family life. By now, Momo knows enough about the Todorokis to know it's not something Shouto enjoys lingering on in his thoughts.

"I don't want to hurt you," he whispers finally.

"Shouto," Momo says, her hand wrapping around his gently. "You will never hurt me. I-I mean..." She purses her lips. "Mina-chan told me it hurts a little for every girl their first time but... but you won't be doing it on purpose!"

He bites down on his lip, glancing at her hands. "That's not what I mean..."

"Hm?" She blinks, trying to hide her confusion.

"Are you sure you feel ready?" he asks, but Momo wonders if that's what he truly means. Concern flickers in his multi-colored eyes. Shouto is beautiful, honestly. The care in his eyes only solidifies her choice.

She nods once, with conviction. "Mhm," she says. "It's you. I trust you with my everything."

"I trust you with my everything," he replies, using her own words. She knows he's being honest.

She, above anyone else, knows the most about him. She knows about his mother, and she's met her a few times. She knows about his father and how Shouto feels about the man; she's met him a few times too, and though they've always been polite, she knows what kind of person he is deep down.

She knows how his roots have settled under Shouto's skin. They burn him still, scarring him more than the scar over his left eye.

"I promise you," she says, "I wouldn't have suggested it if I didn't feel ready."

She almost wonders if she should've waited for him to suggest they try sex for the first time, but of course, she had accidentally blurted it out after their kissing got intense one evening.

They were sat in her room studying together when he pressed his lips to hers, the two of them kissing. She always lost herself in his lips, her body melting against his, her hands shaking like gelatin.

She let out a squeak and when he pulled away, she spoke the words faster than her mental filter could process.

"Should we try... making love?"

Oh, and she said it so lamely too! She had wanted to cover her face and hide forever, assuming Shouto would think she was some... sex-crazed fool when all they had done was kiss!

The look on his face that day was priceless, jaw dropped, eyes blinking, but admittedly, Momo was thankful when he said he wanted to.

He had seemed so sure that day, and now, he seems like he's about to curl in on himself even more, like he does when his mind wanders too far, focusing on things from his past.

She wonders...

Her free hand comes up to Shouto's cheek, and gently strokes his face.

"Shouto..." She says, her thumb gently brushing beneath his scar. "You're nothing like him. We... have talked and we both want to."

He flinches at the words for a moment, but Momo looks at him with her gentle, dark eyes.

"I love you," he whispers, as if to reassure himself.

It's not as if they never confessed their deeper feelings for each other, but something about the way Shouto says it makes Momo's heart race every time.

"I love you too," she replies and leans forward to brush their lips together.

"I just... I know what he's like... I know she couldn't have... enjoyed..." He shakes his head at the unpleasant thoughts. "I just want to be sure..."

"I know," she says, pausing for a moment to think. "Well, technically... I asked you." Her cheeks heat up. How could she have been so forward?!

He smiles, as if reading her thoughts. "I'm... glad you did." He pauses and leans forward, pecking her lips again. It makes her stomach flip, even though she's experienced it so many times.

He leans his forehead against hers, taking a deep breath. "I don't want to be scared of this... with you..."

She doesn't imagine Shouto being scared of many things. She knows him well, and has seen how brave he is in the face of villains who could decimate his entire body, and yet... this is what scares him.

"You don't have to be," she says, coaxing him gently. She doesn't want to force him to do anything too fast, and truthfully, she would much prefer to do things at a slower pace.

He places his hand on her knee, sliding it up her thigh slowly. The touch tickles, even against her tights, little shocks tingle against her skin.

A breath slips from her lips, her stomach fluttering as the feeling trickles down to her lower abdomen. She wants him to touch her, and it takes all her being not to lock her knees.

His other hand cups her cheek, tilting her chin towards him as he takes his lips against her own. His lips are soft, caressing hers so slowly. From what she recalls, their kisses have improved, Shouto's lips always making hers feel warm, even when his breath is cool, like the ice in his body slipping is into his breath.

A throaty hum vibrates from her throat and she knows her face is heating up. How embarrassing it is, to let such noises escape from the confines of her body, her deep desires rising to the surface.

"Shouto," she breathes, his name slipping from her lips.

"My Momo," he says, after taking a moment to suck on her lower lip. So far this is familiar territory; something they've experienced time and time again. Still, it doesn't feel old.

Her finger brush over his forehead, stroking at his white locks. "Should I... lay down, maybe?"

He nods, "Okay."

The bed is large and very plush; when Momo moves herself back, she falls against the pillow, her dark hair fanning out behind her as her head sinks into the soft cushion. The bottom of her red dress splays out against the pink comforter.

She notices him freeze momentarily, staring at her lying down before he crawls over, hovering above her. "What?" she whispers.

"No, you just... you... look very beautiful."

She immediately turns her head to the side, her cheeks on fire. "T-Thank you!" she gasps.

He chuckles again, and she's happy to hear the sound, he's calming down perhaps, or at least enough to be willing to laugh. "You're cute when you get a little flustered."

She scrapes her teeth across her bottom lip, turning to face him. "I know you do it on purpose."

"Maybe," he says quietly, leaning down to kiss her again.

This time, she slides her hand up his shoulder, her fingers brushing over his neck. She gently touches at the red and white hairs which tickle his hairline.

His tongue slips between her lips and she welcomes him, opening her mouth. She likes when their kisses get like this, slightly heated. He curls his tongue around hers and she hums against his lips. Her knees rub together, the tights making a small noise. She wants him between her legs... and she tries not to squeak when she thinks that.

As silly as it is, they haven't done much more than this; passionate kissing is fun, but her heart races at the thought.

She swallows, pressing her other hand tight against her chest. She wants to ask... wants to see if it's okay...

"Shouto... Can you..."

"Hm?" he says and sits back, looking at her.

She pushes herself up too, reaching behind her back to unzip her dress.

"O-Oh!" Shouto catches on, leaning forward to help her. The zipper's whir is loud in the quiet room and Momo's breathing grows shallow. It's not as if Shouto hasn't seen her skin, her hero costume doesn't exactly leave much to the imagination, but this level of intimacy is so different.

His throat bobs as his mismatched eyes watch the sleeves which gracefully fall down her shoulders. She moves her hips, sliding it down more so all that's left is her lacy red bra and her tights and panties.

Shouto stares then, his eyes fixed on her body. She feels their gaze trace over every roll and curve. They linger briefly on the small scar on her tummy from when she was attacked in the field. "What..." she mumbles. "Is it... too much?"

"N-No!" he says, much louder than he was speaking before.

"Are you sure?" she asks, pressing her teeth into her bottom lip.

He leans forward to kiss her once more. "I'm positive," he says.

"Okay," she whispers, and her fingers gently stroke over the top of his tie. "Can I..."

"O-Oh... Mhm..." he nods, helping her pull the tie down and over his head. She slowly unbuttons his shirt, joining her dress in a pile on the floor.

She runs her fingers down his arm, sometimes forgetting how defined his muscles are. His skin is soft, the thick muscles rippling against her fingertips. He's handsome, not that Momo didn't know that before.

She sits back and he follows her, laying against her. His fingers slowly touch up her stomach. She wants him to go higher, to give her breasts the attention they desire. She's tempted to take her bra off so he can fully touch, especially at her nipples, hardened against the lace material.

Her hips roll down ever so slightly, and she strokes her fingers through his hair. "It... might be easier if you were... on top..." she suggests softly.

"O-Oh... is that okay?" he asks, rolling towards her, placing his hands on either side of her head.

She nods, and adjusts her legs so he can settle between them and, ah, there it is...

She gasps, sucking in air when she feels his slight bulge pressing against her own hips.

"What?" He freezes, panic slipping through his eyes.

"N-Nothing... I-I just... you..." She rolls her hips against his and she sees his eyes twitch.

"O-Oh... yeah... looking at you... it can do that sometimes," he admits shyly.

She can't help but giggle. "W-Well that's okay! I-I mean in this case it's a good thing right? We couldn't do it if you weren't..."

"True..." he says, and kisses her again.

She doesn't want to rush it and she doesn't want to ruin the pace they have, but she wishes, oh how she wishes he would kiss her neck, or touch her breasts.

"Momo," he says quietly, his hand ghosting over her chest.

"Yes," she breathes.

"Can I-"

"Please," she urges, cutting him off.

"Right. Okay."

She notices the way his eyes trail over her cleavage and then down to her stomach. His fingers slip under her bra and a soft whimper leaves her lips. "Please, Shouto..." she moans. "I... I want you to."

Nodding, he brushes his fingers over her hard nipples and she jerks towards him, almost involuntarily. "Mmmm..." she hums,

"Is this good?" he asks, groping at her chest from under her bra.

"M-Maybe we should just... take it off?"

He swallows. "If you're comfortable with that."

Momo blushes. She's not ashamed of her body, but the intimacy of it is terrifying. She knows Shouto will never judge her, he's not that kind of a person, but... baring her body completely is terrifying.

But she wants to...

She sits up and reaches behind her back, unhooking the red bra. She shrugs her shoulders back, allowing the straps to fall gently down her arms, holding her own breasts in place while she slips it off.

Letting her breasts go, they bounce a bit, resting on her chest. Shouto's cheeks are almost immediately red, his eyes not leaving her chest.

"Y-You're staring," she whispers, glancing down.

"W-What?! Uh..." he swallows. "They're... you're..." He covers his eyes with his hand and shakes his head. "Y-You're... beautiful, they're really nice... I just..."

Shouto isn't a man of many words and when he loses his train of thought, he's even worse. A smile pulls across her cheeks, unable to control her small giggle. "I'm... glad you like them?" she asks.

"Yes!" he blurts out. The two of them lock eyes for a moment, before laughing together.

"I still want you to touch them-I mean, me! I mean... them too... I guess..." Her sentence trails off weakly, and she turns to look at him again.

This time, he leans forward, gently cupping under one of them. His left hand is warm, but it sends a shiver down her spine, especially when he squeezes gently, his thumb brushing over her nipple.

"Mmph..." she sighs, her eyes fluttering shut.

"Is it okay?"

She nods. "You can touch more... if you want."

He presses his lips back against hers, pushing her back down to the pillow while he begins to grope at her breast. "I like... the sounds you make," he mutters against her lips, gently rolling the bud of her nipple between his fingertips.

"Ah! Sh-Shouto!" she gasps, her chest thrusting up towards his finger. It's embarrassing, but she can't help but kiss him back, her body rolling towards his. She can still feel him against her hips, and she's eager to know... an itch she's desperate to scratch.

Despite her embarrassment, the noises seem to spur him on. He brings his other hand under her breasts, touching both of her nipples between his fingers.

"Mmmm..." she moans into his mouth, sighing against his lips. It makes her lower half tingle, her body completely on fire. More... she wants him to touch her more. "More..." The word slips from her lips before she can stop herself.

"More?" he asks.

She nods, knowing her body wants this. It surprises her, how heated she feels, how much she wants to beg for him to do something about the heat pooling between her legs. She's felt the hints of this sensation before, but never to this extreme.

He pulls back from her, pecking at her jaw, before he moves his head down, wrapping his lips around her left nipple. His mouth is even better than his fingers, warm and wet... it makes her chest tingle, sending pleasurable shock waves down her spine, straight to her core.

"Hah... Shouto!" she gasps, her hand brushing through his red and white locks.

"Too much?" he asks, turning to look at her with concerned eyes.

She swallows and takes a breath. "N-No... Please..."

"More?" he says, using her word from earlier.

"Yes," she sighs, her voice breathy and needy.

He takes her nipple back into his mouth, sucking on her while he rolls the other between his fingers. Her body is trembling so much and she simultaneously never wants him to stop and wants him to go lower. To ask for that seems so embarrassing.

"Hah..." She covers her mouth with the back of her palm, letting her chest arch up into his mouth. When he switches sides, she gasps again, her breathing shallow.

He runs his hand down her stomach, her body trembling at the touch. It feels good to feel him close to her, but he stops when he gets the edge of her tights, his finger curling around the waistband. She pauses, noticing he's panting himself. His warm breath is hitting her cool nipple and it only makes her chest feel hotter.

"Shouto..." she breathes. "It's okay..." She reaches her own fingers down, hooking them around her tights. "I want you to," she whispers.

"I want to," he says back, but she can see the hesitation in his eyes. He's looking at her like she's uncharted territory, something he might not be able to figure it out. "Just... tell me if I do something wrong," he says.

"I will, but... I believe in you," she breathes. Her cheeks are still flushed, her body heated and quite frankly, she’s convinced she might explode if he doesn't keep going. She's not alone, either. His cheeks are still red, his breath shallow, and all evidence points to Shouto being just as pent up.

He curls his fingers around her tights and panties, slowly rolling them down. His fingers feel rough against her smooth legs as he follows the movement of the garment.

He sighs, looking at her naked body laying on the bed. He looks at her with desperate eyes, filled with a passion and a hunger she hasn't seen from him before. It's a face she finds she likes, one that feels private and special; for her eyes only.

"I-I meant it when I said you were beautiful."

"I know you did..."

He leans down and brushes their lips together. "Thank you... for showing all of yourself to me."

Her chest swells at that, the emotions bubbling in her chest threatening to come out. "I-I love you... of course I... I would do this. With you and only you," she says against his lips, kissing him.

"I want to... do it all with you. Can I... prepare you?" he asks, so formally, but then again, Momo probably would've said it the same way.

She nods, pecking his lips again. "I trust you."

Hips twitching, she feels his finger stroke over her lower abdomen as he tucks his fingers between her legs. "You ready?" he asks, his voice husky and tight.

She swallows and nods, taking a deep breath. All the books she read and advice she received said to relax. It's Shouto, she trusts him, she knows she can.

Gently, he runs his finger over her wet folds. "You're... wet." He observes, and slowly begins to push the finger inside, his eyes widening as he pushes it fully inside of her. "And warm."

"T-That's probably a good sign," she grunts, rotating her hips.

"Is it okay?" he asks, running his other hand gently over her smooth stomach.

She nods, taking a deep breath. "Mhm... I-I just... want to stay relaxed."

"Tell me if I hurt you," he says immediately. She notices him glance down, pulling his arm back as he takes his finger out of her. He pulls back and slowly pushes it back in, brushing his thumb over her swollen nub.

"NGH!" she gasps, her eyes widening as her toes curl against the bed, her knees rising up. The pleasure jolts through her when his thumb pushes on the sensitive spot.

"Was that... good?" he asks, rubbing it gently. She clenches around him hard and he's breathing heavily. "I... I like seeing you like this, Momo. You look beautiful and you sound... incredible."

"Mhm..." she breathes. "It's... good..." She rolls her hips, her dark eyes staring at him. He's so calm right now, taking every step so methodically. She can see the gears in his mind turning as he rubs at her, making her muscles spasm with delight. "You can... do more," she says, wanting to urge him on.

"I'll add another," he replies, pushing two digits inside of her. His fingers curve and another jolt of pleasure rolls down her spine, her body clenching around him hard.

"H-Hah... S-Shouto!" she yelps, breathing heavily now. She wants him to do it faster, now that she knows he can make her body practically vibrate.

"Too much?" he asks again.

This time she shakes her head back and forth against the pillow. "No... please keep... more..." Why is forming sentences so difficult?

He pushes his two fingers inside and out of her, scissoring them and brushing against her clit with his thumb. Her knees tremble, her core feeling tight. Tension is rising and rising, her chest heaving with each pump of his fingers.

"I want it..." she breathes out.

"What?" he gasps, clearly turned on by stretching her. He presses a third in without asking and the sensation is more intense, pressure building up in her insides.

"I want you," she whimpers, louder than she original meant. She clenches around his fingers, her hips thrusting towards him. If she can just angle herself a little more... she'll be close... she can feel it building and building...

But she doesn't want it to end.

Not yet... Not when he hasn't...

"W-Wait... wait, wait... Shouto!" she gasps, curling her fingers into the sheets to clench hard, her breasts bouncing light when she stops her movement.

He immediately stops. "Momo! Are you hurt?" he asks.

"N-No..." she says, trying to breathe and speak at the same time. "I... I didn't want to... without you."

"Want to what-" He glances down at his fingers inside of her, his cheeks flushing so red. "A-Ah! Were you... going to?" he asks.

"C-Close..." she admits.

Slowly, he pulls his fingers out and her body trembles. Her insides are throbbing, begging for the relief she denied herself. "Shouto... Can we..."

"Yeah," he says, pulling back to unbutton his pants. "Admittedly... I've... been wanting to take these off." Sliding down his pants, his cock is completely hard, the tip dripping with his precum.

She swallows, suddenly very aware his cock is much bigger than his fingers. "R-Right! Condoms!" she gasps and rolls over to reach into the drawer, pulling out the small packet.

"Here. I can do it," Shouto says, sitting back down on the bed. Taking the packet from her, He tears it open, rolling the condom down his length.

His eyes flutter shut, and he takes a moment to pull in a few breaths. "Mmm..." he sighs, his words muffled.

"Shouto... are you okay?" Momo asks, pushing herself up on her elbows to look at the boy she loves so much. She wants him to be comfortable.

"Yeah... I just... I... I thought about being inside of you... and how good it would feel and it was... almost too much," he sighs, opening his eyes.

"R-Really?" she says, surprised he would be that affected by her.

"Of course," he says. "The idea of doing this with you is almost overwhelming." He pauses, quickly adding, "in a good way..."

"Are you ready?" she asks, laying herself back down to adjust her hips.

"Mhm... are you?" He climbs towards her, lining himself up with her, settling between her legs.

"I am," she breathes, wrapping her arms around his neck, pulling their lips together one more time.

She feels his tip against her entrance and she breathes, knowing she needs to relax. She’s certain it's going to hurt a little... even with the preparation, even with how wet she is... how ready she is... she's certain it's going to be a lot.

He starts to push in, his cock thick and warm. Her walls immediately clench, the pressure pooling between her legs. She breathes in deeply and he looks at her. "Should I stop? Is it too much?"

She shakes her head. "It's not! I promise... Please don't stop." The last thing she wants is for him to pull out and start over.

"Okay..." he says and presses his lips to her forehead. "I don't like making you uncomfortable."

She wraps her legs around his waist, hoping it will open up her hips more, allowing him to slide in easier. He pushes again and lets out a sigh. "There..." he says. "I'm in."

Her fingertips dig into his back, pressing so hard against his skin. He's filling her completely and she tries to breathe as normally as possible. She feels like her mind is about to go blank, completely surrounded by him. "O-Okay..." she sighs, rocking her hips up towards him.

"Okay?" he breathes and lets his head fall against her shoulder. He's panting hard, sweat rolling down his back. She didn't realize how much this would affect him.

"Shouto?" she says, leaning her head towards him. "Are you okay?"

"Y-Yeah..." he pants, pushing himself up to look at her. "I... was trying not to move too soon."

"It's okay... you can..."

"Okay," he says, pulling his hips back and slowly pushing them back in. His body shivers and she clings to him, her insides feeling heated.

Pushing his hands against the pillows, she's pleased when he picks up speed, thrusting into her faster, and the muscles in his back pulse against her fingers. "Shouto..." She breathes his name in his ear and he grunts, moving into her faster.

He turns to her cheek, peppering kisses across her jaw and chin until he reaches her lips.

"Momo," he whispers, breathing heavily.

"Mmmm," she moans, nipping at his lip. She loves how close their bodies are, how connected she feels to him.

"I love you," he breathes, sliding his hands down to her hips. His palms scoop under her ass, gripping her gently as he angles her to push in deeper.

She gasps, her head pressing back into the pillow, her chest heaving, breasts bouncing against her chest as he thrusts into her. "I-I love you too..." she moans, clutching at the sheets.

Their skin presses together, their movements and moans echoing in the ornate hotel room. Shouto grunts when he pushes down and Momo lets out a deep moan, especially when his tip goes especially deep, pushing against spots of pleasure Momo had no idea existed. "Ah! S-Shouto!" she whimpers, rolling her hips to match his thrusts.

It feels incredible and he moves over her again, bringing their lips together. His pace is faster, his hips thrusting quicker, moving deeper into her. "I-I... M-Momo... I..."

"Mmm... M-Me too... Shouto... please... T-Touch..." She wishes she could find the words easier, but she's grateful Shouto understands her without much explanation. He reaches his hand down, rubbing at the spot which made her absolutely jolt before. "There, yes..." she breathes, her hips thrusting towards him.

The familiar tension is back, the feeling in her body rising and rising. "S-Shouto!" she gasps, wrapping her arms around his back as she finishes, her orgasm washing over her. The pleasure throbs through her core, pulsing around him. "Ahh!" she sighs, letting her head drop back, each vertebrae in her spine twitching.

"I... I... w-wow..." he pants, holding onto her while he begins to rapidly thrust into her, chasing his own finish. "Momo I-I... I'm... hah... Ngh!" He pushed himself in deep, his head falling forward, sweat rolling down his cheek. She feels him twitch inside of her, his cock emptying into the condom.

"Hah... hah... Momo..." he sighs, pecking at her lips.

"Shouto..." she breathes out, cupping his cheeks. "I love you."

He nuzzles at her cheek, pressing his nose against her skin. "I love you more."

"That's not fair," she sighs, still breathing heavily.

"Oh it isn't?" he asks, a soft chuckle slipping through his breath. He reluctantly pulls back, pulling out of her to tie off the condom and toss it away.

She turns to the side, staring at his naked body. For a moment, it confuses her, seeing him completely bare in front of her; a strange sensation, even though she's just as naked currently.

"What?" he asks, catching her gaze when he comes out of the bathroom from washing his hands.

"Nothing," she says softly. "I just..." She's not sure how to word it.

He moves back to the bed, pulling the covers back and she moves herself to lie underneath. The bed feels cool against her naked skin. Snuggling next to her he gently runs a finger over her shoulder. "You just... what?" he says, prompting her again.

"I'm... happy we... shared this together," she says.

He smiles and leans down to kiss her. "I... really am too. I apologize for being so paranoid at first. Hopefully it... wasn't horrible for you." He looks down, his face filled with uncertainty.

"Shouto, I promise you, it was perfect. Mostly because it was with you, but it also was good," she giggles, rubbing their noses together.

"Good, I wanted to make sure you enjoyed it," he mutters.

"I know. I did," she says, brushing her thumb over his cheek. "I wouldn't mind if we did it again sometime." She wants to suggest the morning, but that's probably too soon... isn't it?

"I wouldn't mind that either," he says. "I only ever want to share this with you."

Momo blinks, unsure if Shouto realizes what he's saying. However, Momo can only agree she feels the same. She can't imagine ever leaving Shouto, ever losing him... she loves him with all of her being, enough to give her entire self to him and she never wants to do that for anyone else. This is... special.

"Only you," she whispers. She snuggles close to him, more comfortable than ever to sleep next to him.

[polar-stars]

🕯️ HanaRu !! 💟 Noboru/Takara!!

I hope I did okay ovo;;;

Remind my muse that they matter - HanaRu

“Are you nervous about tomorrow?” “Absolutely, I mean it’s Momo-senpai we’re up against. I am praying that our president will stand a chance.” 

Kaoru overheard two younger students conversing as he strolled through the almost empty hallways of Totsuki.

It was the time of the so-called “Survivor’s Hunt”. A purge that serves the purpose of fuelling Central’s power by eliminating the few who still dared to stand up with their Research Societies. Whatever RS the two students were part of, it had to prove its worth tomorrow as well. 

Kaoru bit his lips. Then he put on a friendly smile and made a slight head turn.

“I wish you the best of luck.” He then said earnestly. The two girl flinched, startled by the sudden voice. 

As they made a turn to inspect where the voice was coming from, they were faced with a friendly, warm and assuring smile. After a few moments of silence they gave him a nod and one of them mumbled “Thank you”. Then the two moved on on their way. And so did Kaoru.

However, just soon after he took a halt in his walk once again. Almost automatically.

The cause? 

A suspicious noise that reached his ears. A noice that sounded very much like….crying. 

His heart skipped a beat and in the very next second he was already onto searching where the voice had come from.  He began following his ears and they let him to the slightly opened door of an empty classroom. 

As Kaoru leaned forwards to inspect the room his heart sank further, as his yellow eyes found who it was that was making that miserable noise.

She may have had her face buried in her hands as she heavily sobbed into them, but Kaoru would recognise that smooth, dark-blue hair anywhere. Once tied into a neat, professional bun it now hung completely loose ever since that day. The day of Tetsuji Kabutoyama’s expulsion. 

The girl crying was none other than Hanako Fujioka. And said sight, laid painful clamps around Kaoru’s heart while his mouth became dry and his mind blank. 

“Hanako….” He could only manage a painful whisper. The sudden noise sent visible shock through the girl as she flinched and abruptly took her head out of her hands. 

With wide eyes, red from all the crying and with tears still streaming out of them and running over her porcelain skin, she turned to him, her lips trembling. “Ah….I….” She struggled for words. 

Calmingly, Kaoru raised his hands, signalising to her that there was nothing she had to justify or that she had to hide. Slowly he took his approach towards her and asked. “Do you need someone to listen? Sometimes, just talking about it can help.”

“…I don’t want to be a bother.” Hanako whispered, barely audible even due to her voice being exhausted from all the sobbing. She hid her face from him again by burying it into her hands once again. “I am useless, I’m sorry.” 

In a heartbeat, Kaoru was beside her, a hand on her shoulder and nothing but concern and hurt in his golden eyes. “But what would make you say such a terrible thing, Flower?” 

Lightly, Hanako lifted her head a little again, taking it out of her head but still averting his gaze. “I…..I did nothing…….absolutely nothing…….I….” 

“But there is nothing you could have done.” Kaoru stated a little bitterly but earnestly. “It was a hopeless situation, for all of us. And the few who could have acted, did not. If you ask me, they’re the useless ones but certainly not you.”

Gently, he got a hold of her chin and turned her head a little to make her look at him and see the seriousness in his eyes. 

“You’re one of the most inspiring people I ever met, your diligence and dedication is greatly inspiring. You carry an intelligent head on your shoulders and a good heart in your chest.” The words just came spilling out of his mouth. “You contibuted a lot to many people’s lifes already and this school. In no way, flower, are you what one would call ‘useless’. I’d go as far and say you’re the very opposite.” 

Hanako’s eyes had widened slightly at all the praise that had just rain over her. They sank in slowly, bringing bits of warmth into her devastated soul. She felt how a few wounds were healed inside her and how the waterfall in her eyes had stopped. 

Her hand shivering in uncertainty, she reached out for Kaoru’s hand to lower it again. Almost as if she was a little afraid of its powers. “….Thank you.” She muttered, thankfully. 

For a happy hug - Takara/Noboru

It was Noboru’s favorite day, Sunday. The one time in the week where he had the greatest chance for some peace. 

He had chosen to spent the morning of said favorite day with a stroll through the park. A coffee that he had prepared at home was in his hands and headphones in his ears, in order to block out all outer sound through a careful selection of some of the most beautiful French Chansons. 

By coincidence, to make everything even more perfect, it also happened to be his favorite season: Autumn. The artist in him certainly loved seeing the leaves change their color and dance through the winds once they fell. 

Yes, everything was to his liking. No classmates near and even more annoying underclassmen even rarer away. Everything was soothing and quie-

“Noboru-kun!” Not even his headphones could overtone the sudden enthusiastic yell coming from behind him. Before Noboru could make any attempt to even turn however, two arms already wrapped around him as a jolly force crashed into his back.

As he chanted a few rare curses internally, Noboru pressed the pause-bottom, cutting of the comforting, warm voice of Édith Piaf. He turned his head to inspect who it was now that was disrupting his rare peace and quiet. 

“What a coincidence to meet ya here!” Takara Tsukasa laughed loudly. “What are you up to this early? Is it something exciting? Are you about to have a date?” 

Sarcastically Noboru replied in his head, I am up to finally having some relaxation and alone-time. Aloud, he said. “Nothing much….” One could hear the typical hint of annoyance in his polite voice. Takara, however, was deaf to it or straight-up ignoring it. 

With sparkles in her eyes she exclaimed. “You’re free?”

Quick, make up some appointment. A voice in Noboru’s yelled. Another voice was quick to shot back. It would be immoral to lie! We already have two rude, bespectacled people in our Elite Ten! We don’t need more addition.

In the end, Noboru hosted a quick, little funeral for his peace and quiet in his head. Before he finally gave a sigh and gave his answer to Takara.

“I am.”

Noboru did not even know how that was possible, but Takara’s face lightened up even more and the grip she still had around his waist tightened. “How fun! They opened a new amusement park near and I would love to check it out!”

[comedicreliefonlyworkswhenfunny]

Villain! Deku au; chapter sixteen: A Fire In The Night

First

Previous

Midoriya ran the bar as usual that day while his teammates went over what they were to do during the infiltration. They were to attack in the evening, when the students would be tired from quirking out and the teachers would be tired of putting up with them. The only problem was the annoying wait until evening… and telling the customers that they wouldn’t be open from prime drinking time, but that was mostly just arguments. About half of the bar patrons were participating in the infiltration, reading the vague instructions that Deku had given them each. Somewhere along the line, somebody started a discussion about what they should be called- not that it mattered. “League of Villains’ Frontal Force!” Twice, a boisterous villain with a cloning quirk, chimed in. His attitude was always a bit too bubbly for a villain, but he was the appreciated working comic relief. “Nice alliteration, but that sounds stupid. We need a name that does the job; it doesn’t need to sound flashy. We should be the Attack Force,” Mustard, a B-ranked assassin with a knack for murder, argued. Unlike some of his comrades, he prefered quiet kills and using his quirk to take out enemies without a struggle. “We should be a squad! A tight knit group fighting under the same ideals! The League of Villains’ Attack Squad!” added Spinner, to describe him as outgoing wouldn’t quite cover it; he was enthusiastic, to say the least, and a justice fighter(™) to boot. His past altercations left him with an oxymoronic hatred for heroes and a love for justice. He was, most definitely, the strongest Stain fan of the group. “That’s so childish, go for something like the League of Villains’ Vanguard. It sounds so much cooler and has a meaning behind it,” surprisingly the philosophical input came from Dabi; more likely than not, he just wanted to sound smarter than the rest of the group, though. “We take action!” Toga gleefully chimed in, “Action to make the world a better place!” They could have gone on all day and never left the hideout if Midoriya didn’t chime in. “The League of Villains’ Vanguard Action Squad. We lead an action based revolution with a tight knit group. Over. Done. No further discussion,” if Deku hadn’t said anything, Kurogiri looked like he was about to resolve the conflict himself. A silent, almost invisible, nod of thanks was sent to Midoriya.

Kurogiri slowly fed the villains through a warp gate to a mountain protecting the hideout. Miscellaneous chatter soaked up the short waiting time that the villains were currently being melodramatic about. “No good, it’s just not cute!” Toga, one of the many bouncy children in the League complained aimlessly. “The abstruse administration has laid out our orders. While they don’t appear to be the most professional, their planning is sure to be sound,” Mustard argued for the sensibility of the plan. “Not that, not that. It’s just not cute,” she aimlessly complained about whatever was most prominent in her cluttered mind at the time. “Who the hell cares? We came to kill, and I want to get to it!,” Muscular was just ticked that he was the newbie of the group and was very much treated as such. He was a powerful ally to have, but he did not embody the beliefs of the league at all. He was a chaotic evil amongst lawfuls and neutrals. “Shut up, weirdos, the plan is to wait for all of us,” Dabi spoke up, looking over the see of forest. Magne, Spinner, and Moonfish all walked through the portal after taking too long to get ready. “Ambitious punks only cause more damage than they’re worth. What they need is a hit from a gang of elites,” an open mouth declaration to the rest of the squad, “Peace is ours, and they will learn that tonight.”

Eventually the time came for the mission to truly begin. Mustard and Dabi were to launch the initial attack, drawing the attention on them, while Magne and Spinner were to hunt down the Pussycats. Once the smoke was up and ready, everybody spilt. The League of Villains’ Vanguard Action Squad slunk into the forest like a snake in the grass. Mustard released his quirk, the gas swirling like a typhoon, and Dabi did his job, igniting various trees, all far enough away to spread the fire, but not too far away as he was lazy. Magne and Spinner went to target the Pussycats. Moonfish and Toga wandered the forests in search of stragglers.

Mange was the first to officially strike, pulling on of the Pussycats towards her and landing a heavy blow to Pixiebob. “We are the League of Villains’ Vanguard Action Squad, tiny UA students. Pleased to meetcha!” Spinner stupidly declared. He was a living definition of a poorly written comic book villain, always blurting out whatever comes to mind. ‘Ha ha, heroes! I (we) have (think we have) the upper hand! (we don’t) Since we’re so confident (cocky, stupid), here is the entire layout of said plan, step by step (as if we were explaining it to one of our recruits)’ type of badly written comic book villain. Magne was smarter than Spinner, holding Pixie-Bob to the ground with her weapon. “Should I crush her pretty little skull? I don’t see why not, but what do you guys think?” psychological manipulation that was to instil a feeling of helplessness. It wasn’t outwardly taking a hostage, but it was showing that she wasn’t hesitating. The problem with hostages always becomes ‘if you kill them, you have nothing,’ so having the clear ability to ignore your “advantage,” shows power. Student’s shocked faces were priceless as they gaze upon the villains. Tiger, however, was not having it. He knew the woes of being a woman, and, as a person, also wished for a similar happiness. It was no secret that the Pussycats were steadily creeping past optimal age. Pixie-Bob was taking it the hardest. “Don’t you dare!” he hissed- pun intended, with rage hot on tongue. Both Ragdoll and Tiger were happy with hero life, Mandalay was just worried about the idea of being old, but Pixie-Bob was the romantic of the group. Magne didn’t care for that though, she had her heart broken far to many times to care about the heart of a “beautiful” woman. Tired of being the “coyote ugly,” she wanted to make it so that beauty didn’t run the world. Spinner cut in as well, completely knowing Magne’s anger for those deemed “attractive.” He called out, “Don’t be hasty Big Sis Mag,” he knew she loved that nickname, for several reasons, “You, too, Tiger,” he held his arms out to stop the two readied opponents. “Holding life in your hands is the most important thing you can do! Do you not remember Stain’s teachings?”

Of course that fanboy would bring up Stain. He took every word from that man’s mouth as if it was his lifeline, after a while that was what happened. He believed heavily in justice, but was always made fun of as a kid. He wasn’t the strongest, the smartest, and definitely not the most beautiful: he wasn’t an “ideal” hero, and his strong sense of justice got him nowhere. “Stain… So these people were his followers,” Iida almost felt regret at this point, the thought that Stain had followers who quite clearly knew his face as one that brought their “teacher’s” demise. He could easily push it aside because Stain was an asshole who put his brother in intensive care, despite being a hero for the purest of reasons. “You got that right!” half right, at most; most of “Stain’s followers” weren’t actually his followers, they just believed in same or similar ideals. Shiragaki couldn’t understand that, but he was just a big man child who refused to try- a statement taken directly from fellow members of the league. “And we know all about your feats, four eyes,” Spinner looked at him with a side glance, “And how you helped bring Stain’s end in Hosu.” He placed his hand on his weapon before he continued, “I’m who they call Spinner, and I’m here to make Stain’s dreams come true!” he declared as he “unsheathed” his weapon. It was a new addition for him, made of every knife Stain left behind, with a few of his own, awkwardly tied together to create a patchwork buster sword. Spinner, still lost in the confidence of his introduction and the echoed ‘woah’s of his blade’s reveal, plucked a nerve of Tiger’s.

“That’s good for you, but,” he looked to Pixie-Bob who was lying unconscious, “Pixie-Bob, my friend and teammate, has been worried about marriage. Happiness in life is a woman’s woe! With all of it’s difficulty, she tries very hard!” at this point it was just an oration. Until Tiger got to the point, “How dare you leave an ugly scar like that on her beautiful face, and blab like that without any care?” he was yelling now, showing his true colors. “So heroes have such plain dreams, too?” Spinner was laughing at the thought. The term ‘hero’ had degraded so much, to the point when they’re worried about life after their job. Wasn’t that so funny to think about? A profession where your only purpose is to help people, and there’s a question of what comes after this? People who are trusted with lives have time to worry about marriage and their white picket fence dreams; do the people not matter? Spinner couldn’t help but laugh as he charged towards half of the Pussycats. “Tiger! I’ve sent out the order to Ragdoll to make sure the students are safe! All we need to do is hold them off here!” Mandalay relayed to the partner beside her. She turned to the students and gave them what they needed to know, “Get on your way kids! Be alert, but remember: no fighting!” she couldn’t afford to turn her back. “Keep them safe for me, Class President!” a statement to encourage Iida; being called the class president reminded him that Momo accepted the ‘Vice’ role because she trusted his decision making more than her own. “I’ll make sure we stay safe and out of the way. You heard her, time to go!” Iida rallied his peers as their fearful feet pounded down the path to safety.

Shiragaki and Kurogiri discussed the likelihood of the mission as their pawns were in play. “Do you think they can pull this off?” being honest, Kurogiri still wasn’t over the stupid naming ceremony that they held instead of preparing for battle. “Maybe, maybe,” he almost laugh, unwilling to admit that Midoriya’s words made him change his strategy. Sure, he could have thought of it on his own, and that was what he told himself, but, ultimately, it was Midoriya who told him to think of it like a video game. “I thought this was an rpg, advancing through the storyline as quickly as possible, but I was all wrong. See, when my level one party and I should have been killing slimes, we were trying to fight the boss,” he understood that his ambition got ahead of him, seeing as all the he wanted to do was defeat All Might; it was a heavy fault to admit. “Instead, I am the player, I am the GM, moving my characters and the storyline to places that will get them closer to the end goal,” he grinned at the idea of his master plan, “And to do that, we need to break a few walls to allow the chaos in. It doesn’t matter if they thrive or not, they might not even survive,” he laughed leaning back slightly. Kurogiri didn’t follow, “So they are disposable?” how would that help at all? “No, no, of course not! They’re all comrades, but what matters is the lingering fear that something could happen at any given moment. Wariness, mistrust, accusation; why fear us when they fear each other? But of course, I do hope they succeed,” he made a point. Wariness would fry their systems; who has time for self care when evil might be anywhere? Mistrust would scramble their minds; it was exactly that! Just a thought! Who’s to say if it’s wrong or right? Accusation would tear them apart: why am I suspicious? The fact that you find me suspicious is quite so. Do I even know you? Not to mention the big pawn: Deku; the young boy Izuku Midoriya. Shiragaki knew his relations to the explosive blonde boy, an ex bully who knew him as a hero fanboy. All Might himself, who had shot down the young boy’s dreams. The two students who fought Stain in Hosu, side by side with the kid who saved their lives. Shiragaki grinned as the battle raged throughout the mountains. Several unconscious and unaccounted for, injury count racking up a total; it was going just as planned.

Next

Master