#Festive writing exercises

[365momme]

12 Days of Christmas Personal Development Journal Prompts

Looking to reflect on your personal development and set goals for the upcoming year? Look no further! We’ve curated 12 days of Christmas-themed personal development journal prompts just for you. These prompts will guide you through gratitude, skill development, goal setting, self-care, overcoming limiting beliefs, and much more. Each day, you’ll explore different aspects of your life and discover…

[shortfictionweeklychallenge]

Searching...

So many prompts to choose from. What can we find in the archive today?

Festive Food: Few human holidays are celebrated without food. Special cakes or cookies, the bread that only comes out for the holiday, roasts, stews, vegetarian, carnivore, and everything in between. Some of the special foods are cultural: everyone all around you is making the same things because of course everyone makes them. Sometimes it’s a special thing in your family alone: Grandma’s holiday bread, Dad’s special cookies, Auntie’s secret-recipe casserole. Sometimes the special thing is special because it is part of a culture otherwise left behind: the thing no one makes here, but does where you’re from. What special food does your character associate with holidays and why? Do they make and enjoy it and share with their friends? Who likes it and who hates it? Does your character hate it, but make it anyway because reasons?

[howcouldmuffin]

Suits Me.

With your sister wed, the realization dawns—you are next. Thus, you begin seeking what truly befits you.

PAIRING : Gwayne Hightower x Fem!Reader

WARNING : KISS, Non-canon

AN : I’ve always thought of Gwayne as my ideal gentleman. I hope you enjoy this piece of writing. Love.

please be kind to me English is not my first language.

“I desire a man of a composed nature, one who is not quick to anger.” you declared, your voice steady yet tinged with a hint of yearning. You were describing the ideal qualities of a husband to the person who shared the room with you, a figure whose attention seemed divided—though it was hard to tell if he was more captivated by your words or by the enchanting presence of the young woman who occupied his thoughts.

Your acquaintance with Sir Gwayne had begun rather serendipitously at your father’s most recent nuptials. He had attended in honor of his sister’s marriage, a grand affair where the echoes of laughter mingled with the clinking of goblets and the rustle of silk. It was on the secluded balcony, away from the festivities, that your paths first truly crossed. You, seeking solitude from the overwhelming company, had stumbled upon him, a knight known more for his quiet presence than for any overt display of gallantry. Initially, suspicion had flickered in your mind—was his interest in you born of some hidden agenda? But as the days passed, such thoughts faded into insignificance, replaced by a growing sense of familiarity.

“I see no reason for you to rush into choosing a suitor.” he remarked after a long stretch of contemplative silence, his voice calm yet carrying the weight of unspoken thoughts. His words caused you to pause, turning your gaze toward him as you rose from the sofa where you had been languidly reclined in the sanctuary of the library.

“I am not rushing.” you replied, your tone defensive but with a hint of introspection. “I am merely exercising prudence, weighing my options with care.”

“You are a princess.” he said, his voice soft yet firm, “and with that title comes the liberty to court whomever you wish. For now, would it not be wiser to savor the delights of youth? There is time yet for the bonds of matrimony.”

“Why do you persist in this notion that I should delay my marriage?” you inquired, a trace of exasperation slipping into your voice. “Surely, you do not speak from experience. Or perhaps.” you added, your eyes narrowing as a thought occurred to you, “you have never been married yourself?”

“And why would you assume that?” he countered, his surprise evident. With measured steps, you approached him, a new idea taking root in your mind. If you were to assist him in finding a suitable wife, perhaps it would broaden your own circle of acquaintance, and in turn, increase your chances of meeting a gentleman who might suit you.

“Perhaps you should consider marriage yourself.” you suggested, your voice taking on a tone of playful challenge. “Surely, there is a woman out there who could capture your heart.”

“That, I cannot entertain.” he replied, standing abruptly and distancing himself from you, his expression resolute, yet clouded with a faint shadow of unease.

“Since the day I met you, I have never known you to be attached to any woman.” you continued, undeterred. “Though you claim to have had lovers, I suspect such affairs occurred far from these walls. Perhaps helping you secure a match would aid me in finding a fiancé as well.”

“Princess.” he began, a note of reluctance in his voice, “I have no intentions of marrying anytime soon, for my heart is already given.”

“To whom?” you asked, the question slipping from your lips before you could restrain it.

He hesitated, his gaze dropping to the floor. “I am not yet ready to divulge that secret, but I promise you, when the time is right, you will be the first to know.”

“Do I know her?” you pressed, curiosity now fully piqued.

“Indeed.” he replied, his voice tight, “you know her exceedingly well.”

“Then you must tell me!” you urged, stepping closer, your voice now filled with genuine concern. “How else can I assist you? If you do not act swiftly, another might claim her hand, and you would be left to mourn what could have been.”

“True.” he conceded, his lips curving into a faint smile, though it did not reach his eyes. “She is admired by many, but I believe no one could be a better match for her than I.”

“Who could challenge you?” you teased lightly. “You are the son of Otto, Hand of the King, a knight of great renown, brother to the Queen herself. You could have any lady you desire, perhaps even… me.”

“Ah, but what of her heart?” he asked, his voice dropping to a whisper as he stepped closer still, his eyes locking with yours. “Guard your affections, Princess. Do not let them stray before I have a chance to make my claim.”

His nearness sent a jolt through you, your heart pounding in a way that was both exhilarating and unsettling. True, he was a man of striking appearance, his features carved as if by the hand of a master sculptor, but until this moment, the thought of him as your potential husband had never crossed your mind. Yet, his words carried an implication that left you breathless.

“Then I shall wish her well.” you murmured, your voice barely audible as you averted your gaze, the sudden rush of emotions overwhelming. “May she remain unattached until you are ready to speak your mind.”

With that, you turned away, retreating to the safety of the sofa, though the book you picked up could do little to quiet the turmoil within. Your heart rebelled against the calm you tried to project.

“I must take my leave now, Princess.” he said softly, the formal tone returning to his voice.

You nodded, unable to lift your eyes to meet his, a warm flush spreading across your cheeks. It was not often that you found yourself flustered in the presence of a man, especially one who was so highly sought after by others. You had often admired him from afar, and in truth, he would make a most suitable match. But it seemed fate had other plans, for his heart was already spoken for. And as for yours—well, that remained to be seen.

“Smile a bit, Sir Gwayne. The children are watching.” you whispered softly to him as he demonstrated the basic weapons of a knight, a spectacle meant to both instruct and inspire the eager young minds gathered around.

“I only came with you because you said your usual knight was unavailable.” he murmured through gritted teeth, ensuring his words reached no ears but yours. Yet, despite his reluctance, he obliged the children’s requests with a weary smile that, though tinged with exasperation, made you stifle a laugh.

“Consider it a favor to me.” you replied with a playful lilt. “I’ll make it up to you later.”

After the day’s visit to the townsfolk concluded, you returned to your chambers, where you indulged in a long, warm bath, washing away the dust and the fatigue of the day. You dressed anew, choosing a gown of soft gold, simple yet elegant, and arranged your hair with modest care. Just as you were about to step out to join your family for the evening meal, you found someone already waiting outside your door.

“You should have knocked. You could have waited inside my room.” you said as you closed the door behind you. “Are you here to claim the favor I owe you?”

“No.” he replied, his tone even. “The Queen sent me to fetch you. It seems you’re running a bit late.”

“In that case, we should hurry.”

You took the lead as you walked down the corridor, your footsteps echoing lightly against the stone floor. Though he was not originally meant to join the family at dinner, your father, ever the gracious host, had extended an invitation when he saw an empty seat beside you. It was a small surprise, but a welcome one—you would have a chance to speak with him more about the day’s events.

The meal progressed smoothly, with conversation flowing freely around the table. As was his custom, Sir Gwayne offered to escort you back to your chambers once the evening had drawn to a close, just as he had done on other nights following shared meals or court gatherings. Despite the growing rumors circulating about the two of you, you paid them little mind, though you couldn’t help but worry that they might affect the woman Gwayne held in his heart.

“Perhaps we should keep more distance from each other.” you said quietly as you walked the familiar path back to your room.

“Why?” he asked, his curiosity piqued. “Is there someone you’ve set your heart on?”

“No, nothing like that” you replied, shaking your head. “But the rumors about us are becoming more frequent, and I don’t think it bodes well for either of us.” He looked at you, confusion etched across his face. “If I were in love with someone, I wouldn’t want him to be linked to another woman through idle gossip.”

To your surprise, he chuckled. “So, you’re concerned about me, then?”

You nodded, feeling a flush of embarrassment rise in your cheeks. Your heart betrayed you once more, beating far too quickly for your liking. Without thinking, you quickened your pace, desperate to hide the warmth spreading across your face. Noticing this, Gwayne lengthened his strides to match yours.

“I don’t pay any mind to those rumors.” he said, his tone casual. “But I suppose it would be unseemly for our Princess to be the subject of such talk, especially if it involves me.” His words left you with a strange sense of disappointment, though you could not quite understand why. A slight irritation flared within you, unbidden and unexplained.

“I’m not concerned about it at all.” you answered dismissively, brushing off his comment as you reached your door. “Goodnight.” you added curtly, before stepping inside and closing the door behind you, leaving him to stand, perplexed, outside your chamber.

In the grand ballroom, with its resplendent chandeliers casting a warm, golden light, you found yourself entwined in a dance with Lord Cedric. His conversation, though amiable and courteous, failed to hold your full attention. Your gaze kept drifting toward Sir Gwayne, who, amidst a throng of eager admirers, was the center of attention. His presence, commanding and dignified, was accentuated by the swarm of women vying for his favor.

“Princess… Princess.” Lord Cedric’s voice, tinged with concern, reached you, rousing you from your daydream.

“My apologies, Lord Cedric.” you said with a slight blush, your voice betraying an edge of fatigue. “I have grown rather weary this evening and must take my leave.”

You disengaged from the dance and, with purposeful strides, sought refuge at the nearest table, where a decanter of wine awaited. The crystalline goblet, filled with rich, ruby-red liquid, seemed to beckon you. The wine’s warmth spread through you, a balm to the unrest that you could not quite fathom.

As the wine flowed, so did your inhibitions. The haze of intoxication lent you a boldness that you might not otherwise possess. Lords continued to solicit your company for dances, and you accepted with a newfound abandon. The evening’s merriment, combined with the wine’s effects, made you more flirtatious than usual. Your movements, graceful and deliberate, drew admiring gazes and appreciative murmurs. You felt the hands of various suitors, some daringly touching your waist, others almost reaching for more intimate areas. Each time, you managed to redirect their attention with practiced ease.

“Lord Cedric.” you said, your voice laced with a suggestive lilt as you gripped his broad shoulder, “you truly have a knack for making this evening delightful. I can scarcely imagine how fortunate the woman who wins your hand will be.”

Your eyes locked with his, and you leaned in slightly, allowing his hands to encircle your waist with a languid familiarity. The atmosphere between you was charged, almost palpable.

But just as the moment seemed to reach its zenith, Sir Gwayne appeared, a determined look on his face. He grasped your wrist with a firm yet gentle hold, guiding you away from the revelry. His stride was brisk, forcing you to keep pace, and you found yourself pleading for him to slow down.

Upon reaching a quieter, more secluded corridor, he finally halted. You steadied yourself, the wine’s effects making your head spin and your heart race.

“What are you doing?” he demanded, his voice low but intense. “You’re behaving like a courtesan in a disreputable establishment.”

“Whatever are you talking about?” you replied, a mix of confusion and indignation coloring your voice. “I am merely enjoying myself.”

“That Lord was on the brink of kissing you!” he exclaimed, his frustration evident. “Do you not realize how forward he was? How could you permit such liberties?”

“It is merely the way of dancing.” you said, though his words stung more than you cared to admit. “You are overreacting.”

“But you are a Princess.” he said, his voice softening but still firm. “It is unbecoming of you to act so… freely. Do you understand?”

You nodded, feeling a tinge of remorse as his anger seemed to dissipate. Despite the tumult of emotions swirling within you, you did not wish to return to the ball. Instead, you expressed your desire to retire to your chamber. With no choice but to carry you, Sir Gwayne lifted you with a tenderness that belied his earlier agitation.

In the solitude of your room, he placed you gently on the bed. He meticulously arranged the blankets, ensuring your comfort as he tucked them around you. As he adjusted the cover over your chest, you reached out and took his hand, your touch lingering.

The proximity between you was electric, and the tension between you both was almost tangible. With a deep breath, you lifted your face to his and pressed your lips against his. The kiss, initially hesitant, soon grew into a tender exchange of passion and longing. However, as you began to regain your clarity, you pulled away, a mixture of regret and yearning in your eyes.

Sir Gwayne, his expression one of profound turmoil, rose swiftly from the bed. “I am deeply sorry, Your Highness. Please forgive me.” he stammered, his voice a strained whisper. Without waiting for a response, he fled the room, leaving you alone amidst a swirl of conflicting emotions.

As you lay there, the weight of what had transpired settled heavily upon you. The room seemed colder now, the remnants of your emotional turmoil hanging in the air. Your heart ached with a mix of sorrow and unspoken affection, knowing that this moment, however fleeting, had altered everything between you.

The air is thick with scandalous whispers, each rumor more outrageous than the last. Tales circulate of him entering your chamber under the cover of night, while you, bereft of clarity due to your inebriation and unattended by your maidens, were left exposed to gossip and innuendo. The degradation of his reputation and your own only compounds your deepening sense of remorse.

A maid enters your chamber with a solemn expression, announcing, “His Majesty requests your presence, Your Highness.”

You nod, masking your trepidation with a veneer of composure. “I shall go.” you reply.

As you traverse the grand corridors toward the royal study, your heart beats with an uneasy rhythm. The room before you, adorned with opulent tapestries and the grandeur befitting the royal court, now feels stifling. Your father, seated at his imposing desk, appears stern and unyielding, while Gwayne, standing by the window, avoids your gaze with a palpable discomfort.

The air is thick with tension as your father begins, his voice laden with disapproval. “There have been alarming rumors regarding Sir Gwayne. Pray, elucidate what has transpired.”

You turn to Gwayne, his demeanor averted, his countenance a study in restraint. “I.. well, Sir Gwayne was merely kind enough to escort me to my chamber after I became somewhat indisposed due to excessive libations—”

“Is that so?” your father interrupts, his voice rising. He slams his palm on the desk with a force that echoes through the room. “You allowed a gentleman, not of the King’s Guard, to carry you in such a state? What of my honor? What of the propriety expected of a princess?”

Viserys collapses into his high-backed chair, his hand pressed to his forehead in exasperation. The grand room, with its rich wood paneling and gilded accents, seems to close in around you.

Otto, ever the pragmatist, interjects with a stern resolve, “I believe we must act swiftly, Your Majesty. A marriage between the princess and Sir Gwayne should be arranged without delay.”

The very thought of such an arrangement sends a shiver down your spine. You are acutely aware of Gwayne’s likely opposition to this forced union.

“He only helped me to my room.” you argue, your voice a blend of desperation and defiance. “Nothing untoward occurred. If we proceed with this marriage, it will only serve to validate the most nefarious rumors.”

“Enough!” Your father’s voice booms, cutting through the air with finality. “Return to your quarters and prepare yourself for what is to come.”

Overwhelmed by a torrent of emotions, you steal a final glance at Gwayne, who stands with a look of profound disappointment. The realization that you have brought shame upon him, as well as upon yourself, weighs heavily upon you. You hasten from the study, tears streaming freely, unable to meet his eyes.

“Wait!” Gwayne’s voice rings out, halting you in your tracks. You turn slowly, your face streaked with the evidence of your sorrow.

“I… I am deeply sorry,” you manage to stammer, your voice quaking with emotion. “I am truly, truly sorry.”

His gaze softens, a mix of bewilderment and tenderness in his eyes. “What is it that you are apologizing for?”

“I..I made you marry me instead of the one you truly love.” you stammer, tears continuing to flow down your cheeks.

“Oh, my dearest.” Gwayne murmurs softly, gently wiping away your tears with his calloused fingers. His touch is tender, almost reverent, as he lifts your tear-streaked face to meet his gaze. “The one I love is you.”

His confession leaves you momentarily stunned, the enormity of his words sinking in with a gradual, dawning clarity. Your heart races as you begin to piece together the puzzle of his actions. The hesitation to accept a forced marriage, his repeated offers to escort you to your chambers, the lingering kisses on your hand, and the intense, unwavering glances—all of it now falls into place. He had never been indifferent; rather, he had been hiding his true feelings, perhaps out of a sense of duty or a fear of scandal.

A wave of realization washes over you, and with trembling lips, you respond, “I love you too. No one is more suited to me than you, Sir Gwayne.”

His eyes, filled with a blend of relief and profound emotion, search yours. The air between you seems to shimmer with unspoken promises and the weight of unvoiced sentiments. He pulls you close, his arms encircling you with a warmth that speaks of earnest affection and unwavering devotion. For a moment, the world outside fades into insignificance, leaving only the two of you in your shared understanding.

As he holds you, the reality of your feelings and his becomes undeniable. The burdens of misunderstanding and the weight of societal expectations dissolve, giving way to a future you both secretly yearned for. The tumultuous emotions of the past days seem to settle into a quiet resolve as you both embrace the newfound truth of your hearts.

[seiwas]

two-part something (shouto x reader)

wc: 1.3k

contains: christmas, holiday parties, santa, mid-20's pro-hero!shouto x assistant!reader

full fic sequel: three-part honesty

a/n: just a lil writing exercise on shouto! first time writing him hehe

shouto’s late to his agency’s holiday party tonight. 

he breathes out, warmth floating as white puffs from his lips. the heating system on his office floor has been turned off, subtext directed solely to him: whoever’s here today, at this time, shouldn’t be.

his fingers move deftly around his waist, routinary—utility belt unbuckling as he reaches his desk. 

the venue for tonight is on one of the lower floors—a function room where briefings and press conferences are normally held. the number of attendees has grown compared to last year’s, sidekicks doubling and staff tripling; expected, given the agency’s projected growth next quarter. 

this is the agency’s third move since humble days in a rented studio unit (one shouto stubbornly and adamantly paid for fully, on his own), but one thing’s invariably stayed the same—

shouto’s office has always existed in its own space, whether tucked in a corner or spread out over an entire floor.

and wherever that space is, so are you. 

he settles in his seat, leather creaking as he twists to stretch his back. it’s been a long night, being dispatched earlier for an emergency downtown. his hand reaches for the folder on his desk, fingers swiping to release the yellow paper clip on the far left corner—evidence of your presence. 

since being hired as his assistant five years ago, you’ve devised a system for shouto that he now deems essential to keeping his entire agency afloat. his own urgency for paperwork hinges on the color of your paper clips (blue for next month, green for next week, yellow for tomorrow, and red for now).  

he should listen to you; the details of this evening’s take-down can be set aside for tomorrow—tomorrow, when everyone’s allowed to clock-in midday for the sake of tonight’s festivities. knowing you though, you’ll still show up early, if only to go over his desk, ensuring to swap that yellow paper clip for red. 

if he finishes this now, you won’t need to ensure anything; in all the years you’ve been his first and only assistant–a perfect match for how much of a workaholic he is–you might actually opt to sleep in for once. 

besides, it’s more productive if he gets it over with; crimes and mishaps never take breaks to party, after all—even during the holidays. 

that’s what he’ll tell you, at least. 

the party’s more for everyone else than him, anyway. 

he clicks his pen, letting out another puff of warm air as he spreads the document in front of him: 

page 1: basic information. identification details, time markers, a summary of the take-down. 

page 2: breakdown of events. scene-by-scene, additional comments, a two-beat knock on his door. 

then comes your voice, soft, unsure—

“sir?” 

—before you step inside, heels clicking against the natural stone finish of his office floor. 

he looks up, wide-eyed, piercing gray and blue. 

your gaze flits to the papers in front of him, eyebrows scrunching before you sigh. there’s an all-too-familiar smile on your face, a quiet chuckle brought about by how characteristic it is of him to be in this situation right now. 

“sir, that report is tagged yellow.” 

he shifts, looking at your paper clip; without a word, the leather of his seat crinkles again. it’s like this with shouto sometimes, you’ve come to learn: a non-response is a response on its own.

when his eyes meet yours, you shiver. 

goosebumps litter the sides of your arms, the decision to forego your blazer leaving yourself exposed to the chill of tonight’s office air. you try to hide it, but some things are impossible to keep from shouto. 

of course he notices your jaw quivering. 

“are you cold?” he stands up immediately, already moving halfway out from behind his desk.

“i’m okay, sir,” you stop him just as quickly, hands motioning for him to stay where he is.

two beats of silence find him tilting his head, gaze as intense as it’s always been pointed towards you. 

“shouto.”

“pardon, sir?” you step closer, leaning forward. 

“call me shouto.” 

the red fabric in your hand almost slips from your hold. 

this isn’t the first time shouto’s insisted on you using his name—he offered it up the moment he hired you, and the day you searched store after store for his thrifted leather chair during the agency’s second move; he’s suggested it plenty over the years, a casual reminder that it’s no big deal—if the world can call him shouto, so should you. 

pro-hero shouto, top three in the charts. 

pro-hero shouto, late to his agency’s holiday party because of paperwork—his tendency to be a workaholic. 

pro-hero shouto, asking you to call him shouto, but not in the way the world does. 

his eyes don’t leave yours as you blink, swallowing down your feelings (inappropriate, you tell yourself). 

“shouto.” you repeat. 

he nods slightly, a small, imperceptible lift to the corners of his lips. there’s an awkward pause as he looks down to the papers on his desk then up at you again.

“the party,” you clear your throat, smoothing out the fabric between your fingers, “you’re running late to your own party, si–shouto.” 

he tilts his head again, confused, “is this party not for everyone else?” 

you blink—he’s got you there. 

“i guess that’s true,” you sigh, chuckling. a pause, “that report is still yellow, though.” 

blue and gray land on white, bond papers spread out on his desk. he could argue with you, but where has that ever gotten him? you’ve kept him in check for years—it’s how he’s managed to stay on top of things. 

he looks down at his jumpsuit, the same shade of blue since he was 15. not much has changed with the design of his hero suit, just an overall sleeker design fit to match his age. the utility belt still exists, albeit more compact and less clunky; a similar modification was done to the straps that run down the sides of his chest. 

if anything, the biggest change is how the suit has molded around him—shoulders more defined, arms large enough for the fabric to cling onto it. shouto’s build has always been lean, but the areas of defined muscle stick out more evidently now that he’s older, much taller and wider.  

“i don’t have a costume.” he pouts.

you grin, stepping closer to his desk, hips digging into the edge. the red santa hat unfurls from your hands as you wave it in front of him—a perfect match to the shades of his hair. 

he blinks before you catch it, the slight curve of his lips as he leans forward, dipping his head low enough for you to reach the top of it. you tiptoe just a bit when you open up the hat to place it over his head.

you’re gentle with your touch, fingers running through the strands of his hair lightly; you tuck them neatly underneath the fluffy white rim of the santa hat. 

(it’s warmer near him, you notice—his quirk regulating a circumference of heat around himself that extends to you right now, you know. but you’re confident you’d still feel your own version of it–on your cheeks, down your neck–even if he weren’t). 

the hat sits perfectly atop his head, much like anything else that’s on him. when you lean back, moving away to take a better look, you notice it—

midnight blue, the backdrop on shouto’s floor-to-ceiling windows, littered with speckles of white—the first snowfall, and one you stand in awe of.

—gasping at the sight. 

you’re still so near when your eyes light up, zeroing in on the view behind him. you can’t help it, that smile on your face, bright and pretty, he thinks; it’s a short moment, but he feels it, a two-part ‘ba-dump’ that resounds in his heartbeat. 

a/n: they thrift the chair bc it's real leather so buying a new one is just no-no + he texts natsuo otw home after the party that he feels a bit funny! (it's just his feelings 😭)

comments, tags, and reblogs are greatly appreciated ♡

[sepptember]

𝐂𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐇 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐍𝐒 — Hanta Sero

sypnosis :: what I think would happen if sero had a crush on you!

content warnings :: gn!reader, mentions of reader possibly getting hurt, probably ooc sero, kinda all over the place. not proofread. requested by my bff @lunatiqez.

wc :: 0.8K

Hanta Sero’s interest in you bloomed early on; the sampling was planted after the villain is. hero exercise in the beginning of the show!

I like to think his admiration stemmed from you two playing on separate sides, and he began admiring you & your quirk when he saw you in action.

He immediately attempts to befriend you after, and upon getting to know you I definitely think he falls head over heels.

He likely yaps about you a lot. Bro writes about you in his diary using pink glitter pens, giggles and kicks his feet when talking with you on the phone, twirls his hair as he daydreams about you.

None of this actually happens, but Bakugo is extremely talented at being overly dramatic and says that is what Sero is like with you.

Kirishima is probably Sero’s wing man. He talks with you sometime and Sero, not so subtly, is like “So what did you two talk about? 😊 Did they say anything about me? 😁😄.”

He gets distracted thinking about you during class. You are a welcomed mind weed; you spread but he doesn't have heart nor the desire to pick you.

He's the type to ask you to look at your notes or to borrow a pencil for the sole purpose of talking to you. He did it more at the beginning of his attempts to get closer with you, and they definitely worked because it gave him openings to start conversations.

He also makes that everyone else's problem!! he will talk about you for HOURS to Kamanari or Kirishima, and on the rare occasion Bakugo, but also everyone in class notices the way he looks at you. It is a gaze of pure adoration, and each day it just grows stronger because you continue to impress him.

He looks at you as if you're his favorite hero, and it is so cute at first, but everyone lowkey gets fed up with it because he is taking so long to make a move.

He is ROOTING for you during the sports festival, but when you two face one another, you bet your ass he is giving you everything he's got.

He REALLY likes you and admires your talents, he would actually kick himself if he went easy on you just because of his feelings because 1.) he has a hero future to work for and 2.) he will not disrespect you in such a way.

Whether you beat him or not, I definitely believe his feelings increase tenfold! he just falls deeper in love with you.

He never directly says anything about his feelings, but he does make really subtle moves!!

He was raised to have at least some manners, so he is so chivalrous. Dude holds doors open for you and everything.

I like to think he doesn't act on his feelings until after the camp. He's stuck in that room while you are out there and that freaks him out. It genuinely terrifies him to his core.

He made an effort to get close with you because he enjoyed your presence, even before his crush developed. You two become super close friends, so his worry about your safety stems from far more than his romantic feelings for you.

Of course he is super worried about all of his other friends, but because he formed a stronger bond with you, you're at the forefront of his mind.

He visibly deflates when he sees you. If you got affected by the gas in the same way as Jiro or Hagakura, then he visits you until you're awake. (He contemplated bringing you flowers.)

But if you're just scuffed or non-fatally hurt in the way most of your peers were, he gives you the biggest hug ever, which doesn't happen often because I think he hates hugging people because of his elbows.

He gets insecure and worries that they are uncomfortable, but that all slips out the window at that moment. :((

He also cries. I think he's a quiet cryer, the only hint you get is his trembling body and the tears coating your shoulder.

It was such a tender moment between you two, when you hug him back, he almost begins squeezing the absolute life out of you.

It takes a few days after for him to say anything to you about his crush. It's likely after Bakugo is “rescued”.

He tells you straight up. It's a messy confession, he's definitely nervous, but he doesn't think he can keep it to himself anymore.

Yet when he tells you, you're like “funny story! me too.”

He is kicking himself because you're saying that you like him too?! and that you have for a while?? and that you two could've been together all this time?

He tells his friends and they're like “. . . you were the only one who didn't know it was reciprocated . . .”

He is stunned because they tell him all of these ways you've shown him. Bakugo calls him an idiot and that it obvious. He is so irritated with Sero.

reblogs appreciated! <3

[marilearnsmandarin]

These are the apps and links I currently have on my phone to study Chinese:

SuperChinese: my main study resource. There are currently 7 levels, level 7 (still incomplete, they are still slowly adding lessons to it) being HSK 5 stuff. Each lesson has vocabulary, grammar and a short dialogue where those are used in context (I love context). It has a few free lessons in the lower levels but after that you have to buy a subscription. There are many sales though. When I was a beginner I used HelloChinese instead, which has more free content, and switched to SuperChinese when I finished all the free content there. It also has social network features and chat rooms I don't use.

TofuLearn is like a flashcard app with many pre-made decks (you can also create your own on their website and import decks from Anki) and the option to practice writing hanzi. Anki didn't work for me, but I find Tofu very helpful. Practicing writing helps me with character recognition, and it also helps me remember the tones thanks to the audio in the pre-made HSK decks.

Dot is a reading app with new texts being added every day. It used to be completely free, which actually seemed too good to be true, and then they put practically everything behind a paywall and very strict limits for free users. After a couple of months they made it a little less restricted though - we still can't choose the articles but we can read as many as we want as long as we do the vocabulary exercises after each article (plus, during the Spring Festival, they made all articles available for free for 3 days and we could save the ones we were interested in to read later). It follows the new, not-yet-implemented (and harder) HSK levels, so you should start one or two levels below yours and if the texts are too easy move up.

Google Translator: not the best but helpful when I need to translate whole sentences, plus I can point my camera or open an image and it translates writing.

Pleco: best Chinese to English dictionary.

Stroke Order: not an app but a website, does what it says in the tin: shows stroke order for a specific character.

YouGlish: also a website, you can put a word or phrase and it shows videos where people say that word/phrase. Very cool.

Todaii is a graded news app that has only two levels: easy and hard. I'm around level HSK4 and the "easy" level is quite hard though (but I admit reading is my nemesis).

I also use YouTube and Spotify a lot.

[bulliestrolls]

A Streams Psyche [FLEEK AU]

Introduction to the Fleek AU and what's to come (this was so fun to write hiii)

Honestly, Creek’s never been a huge fan of Branch.

At first, it wasn’t personal at all, or at least he didn’t mean for it to be, he just didn’t like how Branch treated his friends. He was always such a grouch and he was such a downer at every given moment, and it was such a drag to listen to over and over again. If anything, Creek was grateful that Branch typically barricaded himself from everyone else, I mean, if he wasn’t going to be positive, then what was the point of having him around? And yet that never seemed to stop Poppy, her being the future Queen of pop and also his best companion. 

Poppy always seemed adamant on having Branch join their crew and changing his ways. While he never really understood why she wanted to so badly, he couldn’t help but admire her attitude. Something about the peppiness always brought a smile to his face, and he always supported her decisions as a best friend should. Usually though, it never seemed to work in her favor. Branch always blew her off and gave a stink eye to her and everyone else, and quite frankly it got on Creek’s nerves. 

He always did his best to cheer up Poppy whenever it happened, finding it strange how upset she gets over it. Why should she even care if he doesn’t? What was the need to show emotion over someone that didn’t even matter in the long run? Regardless of his thoughts, he succeeded often in bringing back her spirits, the gang usually partying together the remainder of the night as a result. Creek always greatly enjoyed their company, and loved to share his exercises with everyone, his life seemed perfect.

That was until the bergens attack on Pop village. 

Even now, he remembered that day so vividly. Poppy had planned a gigantic celebration for the village to party over them being free from the monsters for so many years. Everyone was so excited to join in on the festivities, everyone except the one who he can’t even think about anymore without clenching his jaw. 

Branch. 

As usual, that damned troll was set on ruining the rest of their fun, claiming how they’re being far too loud and the bergens would get them. Same shit as usual, it was incredible how Creek didn’t gain a headache from the repetitiveness of it. He’s tried before to talk some sense into the troll, but Branch always shoved him away, seemingly as if he were more irate with him than anyone else, which was pretty confusing to Creek. 

Branch, of course, had ended up retreating back to his lonesome bunker, and the rest of the group set up in preparation for the lovely party. And what a party it was, it would’ve been one for the books if the attack hadn’t happened right after. Before much notice, he saw the yellow beady eyes looking down at everyone, and all he can recall is the screams of his friends and the pleas for help which were left unanswered. 

Next thing he had known, he and his buddies were stuffed into a back, shaking with fear and breathing hard, their fate unknown. He remembers not reacting as strongly as his friends had back then. Really, he remembered only thinking of how to relax everyone and for them to have an open and clear mind. How come he hadn’t really processed how awful the situation had been?

Whatever hope he had given his companions started to dwindle the more time went on, especially when everyone had been thrown into a cage, a bergen staring down at them. Even in that situation, Creek had been adamant on everyone remaining calm, and that help would be there soon. He didn’t know if he was even being honest with himself at that moment, he already knew how hopeless the situation had been. And the problem only cemented itself when he was grabbed to be eaten by the Bergens king. 

The moment was instant, he remembered his friends shouting and crying out his name and it all became muffled as the world around him darkened. Originally he had thought he had shut his eyes only to realize he was inside the king's mouth. He was terrified, for the first time in his life, and he could do nothing but accept his fate. Only.. the king’s mouth didn’t do anything. He hadn’t chewed, or swallowed, and it left Creek puzzled.

He still had time! He let out a deep inhale before using all of his core strength to push against the walls of the mouth, letting out a guttural scream until he found himself falling out of it, being met with the two bergens, and the fear kicking back into gear. What was the plan at that point? They were skyscrapers compared to him, running was out of the question. All he could do in that moment was beg for his life, pleading mercy and willing to do anything to be granted such. 

It seemed to have been a running thing through his life, the will to do anything he could in order to get what he wanted. In this case, that was making out of this alive. 

And so, he had made a deal to spare pop village and everyone in exchange to live. He truly wished it didn’t have to be that way, not when he has achieved such a strong bond with the others, but he didn’t have any other choice in the matter, so he reluctantly agreed. The next time he had seen everyone, they were all ecstatic to see that he was still alive, and he couldn’t help but smile despite the circumstances. It was short-lived however, when his eyes traveled to Branch, who seemed shocked and… annoyed that Creek was there. 

Really? Even after everything he was still acting like that? Before he had known it, Branch was exclaiming Creeks’ betrayal, his hair wrapping around Creeks neck harshly, cutting off his circulation to breathe. Relief overflooded him when Poppy had pushed Branch back and tried to talk reason into him. When everyone turned over to him however, he wasn’t quite sure of what to say. 

He… didn’t want to lie so he told them the truth of his betrayal, but it was for good reason. He hadn’t been able to get another word in before Poppy was doing the exact same assault Branch was previously. That was expected from Branch, but from HER? His heart was shattering, wondering where his Poppy had gone. She would never have acted like this towards him before, this must’ve been all his doing. He must’ve been changing her.

Why?

Why was she acting like that towards him? Surely she would’ve understood he didn’t have a choice in the matter, he would die otherwise! He insisted that the other trolls would’ve done what he had to if they were placed in his situation. When Branch had resisted her, Creek’s head felt like it was going to blow when he saw him holding onto Poppy like that. What the hell gives, exactly? It wasn’t like this until only now, and it confused the hell out of him. 

If anything, HE should’ve been the one to be angry in this situation. None of them had done anything to save him from his supposed doom, they all thought he was dead, after all. And, while he may not have enjoyed having to betray pop village, he felt a bit of sadistic glee when it involved Branch being part of the equation, especially now. After all, he made all of his friends hate him, telling them things behind his back. Things that showed Creek was the villain in the scenario, which he couldn’t help feel were ridiculous. SURELY they all would’ve done the same in this scenario, right? Right? Branch would’ve, definitely! He didn’t like ANY of them until only recently, apparently. 

The thought of it all made his head spin, he hated it. He hated him. None of this would’ve happened if it weren’t for that fucker. Creek could’ve calmed his friends down about the betrayal if not for HIS outburst. He wouldn’t have already been rooted against if not for Branch, his friends would’ve believed him, surely. Maybe… maybe this all was for the best! Yeah, yeah that’s it! At least in this way, Creek could properly punish Branch for all he believed was his fault, and maybe, just maybe, he could change Branch to their side once and for all, a feat Poppy wasn’t able to achieve so he would do it for her instead. Then… everything would return to normal. 

He had hoped at least that everything would return to normal.

Creek ended up returning to Pop village and doing what had to be done, which he felt sorrow for, at least that’s what he showed. It wasn’t really known how he was feeling about it all, but he did pity them all for being so weak and powerless in the situation. 

Some time later he finds that plans went south, and he was rolling out of the bergens kingdom with their chef, who was on fire. It was yet another moment of blink fast and you’d miss it. That was also the moment he realized that he didn’t need to betray them at all and everyone was still alive, which gave him momentary happiness, only for it to dwindle at the fact that everyone was leaving him to die. All he could do at that point was to scream along with the other bergen until the fire was put out and she was dead. Except that’s not exactly what happened. For some reason, the fire hadn’t killed her, which was a bit of a shock to him. It might’ve been due to the rough and thick skin of the bergens, but he wasn’t entirely sure. Regardless, since she was out of it from the pain, he thought he could maybe make an escape.

That was until he felt her cold and bony hand grab him, preparing to finish the job and eat him herself. God, he was just going to die no matter what he did, huh? How was any of it fair at all? 

The moment was thankfully short-lived, or at least so he thought, as he felt both of them falling down into a pit. The bergen had died almost instantaneously, sinking down into the stomach acid of the creature that had swallowed them both. He had more time to react than her about it, his small stature having him fall down at a slower pace. With quick thinking he gathered his hair strength to break out, but he still gained acid burns from being in there already. He screamt from the pain but was desperate to get out, to live.

He eventually had made it out of the monster's pit, gasping heavily as he had access to basic air once more, thanking whatever entity above him that was giving him a second chance at life. The troll had focused on tending to his wounds, letting out a hiss of agony at every touch, but it needed to be done. Once he had finally had a chance to think properly once more after his second near-death experience, it washed down on him like a dam. 

None of them cared if he died, hell, it seemed as if nobody even realized he was gone. What could he do from here? He certainly couldn’t have returned to pop village, at least not right now. If they were willing to give him up to a bergen, then they’d likely execute him on the spot for his ‘crimes’. All he could do right now was prepare for his eventual return, knowing that whenever that may have been, there was no going back to the way things used to be. His relationship with them all had been completely severed, and the way he could feel about things felt more warped than ever. 

In the months and the year it took until he returned, he practiced learning basic expressions, reacting to things suddenly and unreasonably to see their effect on others. How to truly react to things became null to him ever since that day, and it was a struggle to come across as normal afterwards. Nevertheless, he persisted, adamant on changing people's minds on him, and getting them to love him once more. 

As expected, his return was at first unwelcomed, him being met with Branch yet again, who was right at Poppy’s side. He couldn’t help but scoff mentally at the fact he was replaced with THIS troll of all things, but he kept his calm and cool stature, claiming guilt and being apologetic to everyone, even though he still didn’t really believe he did anything wrong. It was a stressful situation after all, still, he let them know he was willing to repent for everything and do whatever it takes to gain back everyone’s trust once more. Branch’s face during that moment couldn’t help but creep into Creek’s mind, remembering its vile expression clearly. 

For the most part, everything had been calm. He worked hard and dutifully, really gaining back his place back into the village. It was going according to his plan beside the.. Setbacks. For some reason, anytime he saw Branch, there was the unbridled and raw rage that built inside of him. Sure, he could just stay away from where Branch is, but it’s not that easy unfortunately. Not when he’s constantly walking behind Poppy like a mutt. That is also not to mention Branch had recently reunited with his family members, his brothers. 

Oh great, there’s more of them multiplying. They’re like amoeba. Disgusting, filthy amoeba. 

It seemed that no matter what Creek did, he was always met with Branch’s face in one way or another. Sometimes it got so bad that he lost sleep due to it. He’s also had violent spells on his lonesome just thinking about it all, punching at walls and ripping out his hair just to do something about the thing he had no control of. That was getting pretty old though, and he decided if he couldn’t get away from Branch, he should work on ways of getting rid of him. 

There was one brother that Creek didn’t seem to mind, whose name was Floyd. Floyd was the second youngest brother, according to Branch, and was also quite the apathetic being. Creek never intended getting close or even talking to him, but one thing led to another and it turned out that they could connect pretty well. Floyd would always check up on him, and even started doing yoga, which made Creek overjoyed. Nothing else was expected of their partnership, that is until he had noticed how uncomfortable it had made Branch. Not only that, but Poppy even talked to Branch about how nothing could be done because Creek wasn’t hurting anyone. The comment of her not liking him either stung, but was quickly wiped once he realized what this could mean for him. 

This was it. THIS was how he could fix his issue with Branch, it all made sense! Creek hated seeing Branch happy, and that must be where all of the rage came from! If Branch were in ruins however, then Creek could return back to normal, even feeling a bit of joy from it. His friendship with Floyd was enough to unsettle Branch, so why not take it a step further? He could start flirting with him, taking him out on dates, hell, maybe one day he could even ask for his hand in marriage. Oh, Creek bet that would kill Branch. The thoughts in his head raced with ideas for what he could plan with Floyd, and it made him positively giddy.

If only he had known what this all would’ve done to him, then maybe he would’ve rethought everything.

[bones4thecats]

Hello, hello! Before requests close, could I request Deuce, Silver, Ace, and Malleus getting plushies from their s/o? For example, Deuce gets one of him in a chicken costume.

Type of Writing: Request Characters: Deuce Spade, Silver Vanrouge, Ace Trappola, and Malleus Draconia Name: {Character} when their S/O gifts them a plushie Requester: Anonymous

A/N: This is adorable! I would cry if someone gave me a plushie of these men, especially one of baby Malleus. He's so damn cute I nearly cried when I first saw him!

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♠️ It was around his birthday and you wanted to give Deuce, your boyfriend, something that he would love and keep around for years to come

♠️ You remembered hearing a story from his mother that, when he was younger, Deuce loved to mess around with the small plushies that his mother and grandmother both collected growing up

♠️ Deuce was rough around the edges, but, it sounded to cute for your heart to handle seeing a small little stuffed-Deuce sitting on his bed, just waiting

♠️ So, in the name of your sanity, you had designed a small plushie of your boyfriend, one that looked exactly like him inside of a large chicken outfit, it reminded you of when he dressed up as a bunny for the festival a few months prior

♠️ The small stuffed version of your boyfriend was adorable, and as you walked down to Heartslabyul, you asked one of the members where your boyfriend is, and they answered with practice for track

♠️ You sat down on the bleachers and cheered as he ran and did his exercises, and when his practice finished, he changed and met with you just outside the changing rooms

" Happy birthday, my One of Spades! "

♠️ He chuckled at the albeit odd pet-name and hugged you as you wrapped your arms around his midsection, his head resting against the top of yours as you chuckled at his reaction

" I have a surprise for you, it's in your dorm though, so come on! "

♠️ Dragging him by the arm, you went through the halls and eventually found your way to the mirror chamber and to his dorm's building before snapping his room's door shut

♠️ Pulling out the small box from underneath his bed, you smiled and held it out to him with both of your hands, a smile ever so present on both your faces, though his was covered in a rose-red blush underneath

♠️ The sound of paper being torn apart echoed through both your ears as he threw it in his garbage can and took the lid off the cardboard cube, his eyes widening as they laid upon the small object, it was him in a chicken outfit

" W-what is this exactly? "

♠️ You began to laugh as his face erupted in a flustered faze, why did you think of this as a gift? Oh god, if Ace sees this he's gonna-

" I hope you like this, dear. Happy birthday to my favorite boy in the entirety of Twisted Wonderland. I love you. " " I-uh, heh, I love you as well, love. "

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⚔️ This guy sleeps so much that he ends up forgetting what day it is sometimes, and for the past couple years, Lilia has been having to remind his own son when he birthday is, because of this issue

⚔️ But, this year, he had his S/O to remind him more often, since his father was dealing with something back in Briar Valley, though he did send a present for his son to open

⚔️ He was resting when you gained an idea. You heard from Rook that one of Pomefiore's second years was an amazing sewer and could make a bunch of stuff, and thinking about that, you wanted to make a thing for Silver to rest with when you weren't around

⚔️ Your boyfriend had his head on your lap with a small amount of animals surrounding you both, so, since nobody else was around, you messaged Rook and asked for the second year's number to ask him things, and he happily gifted you it

⚔️ While messaging the male, you sent an image of your boyfriend resting with you in his arms, in which he just sent you so many heart-eyed emojis in response, as well as a price for the gift and wishes of luck to you both

⚔️ Silver awoke nearly 30 minutes later when Sebek came to drag him to their Equestrian Club as you kissed his forehead and gave Sebek a nod of approval as he dragged your boyfriend away, with him waving tiredly as you grew smaller and smaller

⚔️ Once you knew he couldn't see you anymore, you began to walk towards the mirror chamber to transport to Pomefiore to check up on the plushie being made by the resident there

⚔️ When you walked into the dorm, he was just coming outside with a small box in hand, and you exchanged words and handed him the money he wished for before giving him a small hug before going your separate ways

⚔️ Silver had just fallen asleep again by the entrance of the stables, Sebek trying to awake him as Riddle sighed and rubbed his temples, frustration evident on his face

⚔️ You eventually were able to wake him and bring him back to his dorm with Sebek wishing you both goodnight as he trudged back to his room, probably to say prayers to Malleus before sleeping

⚔️ Before Silver could fall back asleep, you poked his forehead and handed him the same box the Pomefiore student gave you and he smiled lightly before thanking you and opening the gift

" What is this? Is this- " " It's us. I asked a Pomefiore student to make you it, you see? That's you holding me, and that's me right there holding my phone up to take our picture! Isn't it cute? "

⚔️ He smiled and hugged you before saying

" It's lovely, my flower. But, I'd rather rest with the real thing than a memory. Now, let us rest, I'm tired. " " You're always tired. "

⚔️ He chuckled as he fell asleep, the plushie of you both finally finding a place in his room, right on his nightstand, where it could be a reminder of the person he loved more than anyone else

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🪅 Ace Trappola, where do I begin with how many plushies you could get made out of him?

🪅 He does so many stupid things that you had caught on camera, and one of those moments was when he was holding a small hedgehog that they had in Heartslabyul

🪅 The smile that graced his face was one that you loved seeing, so, you asked Epel if he could bring this idea to the second year he had been talking too

🪅 He, of course, agreed and showed the second year a photo that you loved of your boyfriend and gave the student the money you owed before bringing the finished item to your dorm room and wishing you good luck

🪅 When you pulled out your phone, you immediately pushed the call button and the contact photo you had set for your boyfriend

" Heyo, it's Ace, what's up, Y/N? " " Well, I have something special for you because it's your birthday. Meet me at your dorm room, yeah? " " Sure. See ya then! "

🪅 Once meeting the mirror leading you to Ace's dorm, you rushed through and began to spring with all your might, adrenaline pumping through your veins as you ran, passing Deuce and Cater as they chuckled at your actions

🪅 You found your boyfriend's room and began knocking on his door with your heart pumping and your brain spinning, why did you decide to run like that?

🪅 Ace opened the door and pulled you inside, saying that Trey was looking for him, since it was his birthday, and he just wanted some peace and quiet with his S/O at the time

" So, what did you get me? "

🪅 You smiled and pulled the box out from the bag you put it in so you wouldn't drop it while visiting, and you handed it to him with the brightest smile on your face

🪅 He opened the box and his face froze when he saw a piece of paper on top of everything, a printed photograph of him on it, and his face dropped into a playful scowl

" Why this of all things? " " Damn it, Epel! It's underneath that. "

🪅 He watched as you pulled out a thin layer of tissue paper and hand him the small plushie of him with his signature grin in a 'chibi' form

🪅 He grabbed the plush and he smiled before laughing

" I guess I have to get a matching you one, huh? After all, one is not the same without the other. "

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🐉 You knew that Malleus had an issue with his birthday, especially after the fact that he normally had no one there, so he'd have to eat the rest of his cakes himself, and that has to be hard on his stomach and rest of his body

🐉 He loved spending his birthday with those he cared about, and since he had you now, his S/O, he would be able to enjoy this day maybe a bit more

🐉 Despite the tradition, he would tell you that you didn't have to worry about getting him any kind of gift, claiming you were the best thing he could ever want in the many years of his life

🐉 When you couldn't think of anything to get Malleus, you went to his father-figure, Lilia, and asked for his opinion

" Well, you know that he loves gargoyles, and you, of course. Why not merge it? Make him a gargoyle themed after you! " " Uh, I think that'll take me around five years worth of time, and his party is in eight hours, Lilia! " " Oh! I nearly forgot. I have a photo of a small Malleus that you wanted, and I need to get started on the amazing side they wanted me to work on. Aparently Trey, Jamil, and the ghosts want to work on the main courses with me, isn't that exciting? "

🐉 Malleus stood outside of Diasomnia, the wind blowing through his hair when you messaged a specific dorm member of Pomefiore's, asking where your gift for Malleus was, and they sent you a thumbs up emoji

🐉 Telling Malleus you needed to grab something from your dorm room, he smiled and nodded as you walked away to grab the gift from the dorm member

🐉 You paid him and began running back with a bag containing your present inside, a note on the front of it saying, 'Do not open until after the party!'

🐉 Once the party was over and everyone else had gone to bed, you and your boyfriend sat outside on a large vine of the rose garden, you pulled out the bag and laid it in his lap

🐉 He smiled and thanked you before de-summoning the tissue paper you had laid inside to hide the objects inside

🐉 Once he pulled them out, Malleus' eyes widened and he laughed as he allowed the mini Malleus, Lilia, Silver, Sebek, you, and gargoyle plushies float in the air

🐉 Malleus hugged you tightly, his now-revealed tail wrapping around your leg as his eyes began to tear up

" Thank you, darling. This is the best day of birth I have ever had. "

[obsidian-pages777]

Pick a Card: Messages for More Peace and Well-being. [Goddess Salus]

Top Left to Right -> Pile 1, Pile 2.

Bottom Left to Right -> Pile 3, Pile 4.

[Feel free to pick more than one pile]. [Bonus: Practical Action Steps]

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Introduction

Goddess Salus, an important deity in Roman mythology, is the personification of health, well-being, and prosperity. She is often equated with the Greek goddess Hygieia, who is associated with hygiene and preventive health. Salus was highly revered in ancient Rome, symbolizing both personal health and the overall well-being of the state. Her role extended beyond physical health to encompass a broader sense of safety, welfare, and public health. Temples and altars dedicated to Salus were common, and her worship included rituals aimed at ensuring the health and stability of both individuals and the community at large.

Salus was frequently depicted in Roman art holding a serpent, a symbol of renewal and healing, often accompanied by a patera (a shallow dish used in religious ceremonies) or a scepter. These attributes underline her association with medicinal practices and protective qualities. The worship of Salus illustrates the ancient Romans' understanding of the interconnectedness between individual health and the state's prosperity. Festivals and offerings in her honor were part of the public and private religious practices, reflecting the high value placed on health and well-being in Roman society.

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Pile 1

Message: Healing through Nature Salus advises you to spend more time in nature. The healing energies of the earth, trees, and fresh air will help soothe your mind and bring clarity. Whether it's a walk in the park, a hike in the mountains, or simply sitting in your garden, connecting with the natural world can significantly reduce stress and promote inner peace. Make it a habit to regularly immerse yourself in natural surroundings.

Actions to Take for Pile 1.

Daily Walks: Schedule at least 15-30 minutes each day for a walk in a park or natural setting.

Weekend Hikes: Plan a hiking trip once a month to explore new trails and immerse yourself in different natural environments.

Outdoor Activities: Incorporate outdoor activities like gardening, cycling, or picnicking into your routine.

Nature Sounds: Use apps or YouTube to play nature sounds (like rain, ocean waves, or forest ambiance) during meditation or relaxation time.

Sunlight Exposure: Spend at least 10-15 minutes daily in direct sunlight to boost your mood and vitamin D levels.

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Pile 2

Message: Healing through Self-Care Salus encourages you to prioritize self-care. This involves more than just physical health; it includes emotional and mental well-being. Establish a daily routine that includes time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as reading, meditating, taking a warm bath, or practicing yoga. Treat yourself with kindness and compassion, and listen to your body's needs. Remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury, but a necessity for maintaining peace of mind.

Actions to Take for Pile 2.

Create a Self-Care Routine: Dedicate at least 30 minutes a day to activities that relax and rejuvenate you, such as reading, journaling, or taking a bath.

Healthy Lifestyle: Focus on a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep to maintain physical health, which supports mental well-being.

Mindful Breaks: Take short breaks throughout the day to practice deep breathing, stretching, or simply resting your mind.

Digital Detox: Set aside time each day to unplug from digital devices to reduce stress and increase mindfulness.

Gratitude Practice: Keep a gratitude journal and write down three things you’re thankful for each day to cultivate a positive mindset.

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Pile 3

Message: Healing through Connection Salus suggests that you seek healing through connection with others. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who uplift you. Open up about your feelings and allow others to support you. Sometimes, sharing your burdens can significantly lighten them. Additionally, consider joining a community or group that shares your interests and values. Human connection and the sense of belonging can profoundly impact your mental well-being and peace of mind.

Actions to Take Pile 3.

Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular calls or meet-ups with friends and family to maintain strong, supportive relationships.

Join a Group: Find and join a local club, group, or community organization that aligns with your interests, such as a book club, fitness class, or volunteer group.

Share Your Feelings: Practice open and honest communication with trusted loved ones about your thoughts and feelings.

Social Media Detox: Limit time spent on social media and focus on real-life interactions to build deeper connections.

Acts of Kindness: Engage in small acts of kindness, such as helping a neighbor or volunteering, to foster a sense of community and fulfillment.

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Pile 4

Message: Healing through Mindfulness Salus recommends incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily life. Mindfulness involves being present in the moment and fully experiencing it without judgment. Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindful walking can help you stay grounded and reduce anxiety. By focusing on the present rather than worrying about the past or future, you can achieve a greater sense of peace and balance. Start with a few minutes each day and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable with the practice.

Action Steps to take Pile 4.

Daily Meditation: Start with 5-10 minutes of meditation each morning, using guided meditation apps like Headspace or Calm.

Mindful Breathing: Practice deep breathing exercises multiple times a day, especially during stressful moments.

Mindful Eating: Pay attention to the taste, texture, and aroma of your food. Eat slowly and savor each bite.

Body Scan: Perform a daily body scan meditation to check in with how your body feels and release any tension.

Mindful Walking: Take short walks where you focus on the sensation of your feet touching the ground, the sights, and sounds around you.

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[jamiethebee]

(In which I spiral down a rabbit hole with Midoriya that has little to do with @codenamesazanka 's original post that started this (x).  FYI I sorta separated Deku/Izuku to indicate Deku as the hero and Izuku as the person outside of heroics.)

I started thinking about this post again (see the link above) and how Deku doesn’t really understand that non-perfect or sanitized victims exist AND still need to be saved and not by destruction. (The "maybe killing someone does save them" thing is a great way to assuage guilt but it's a stupid copout.)  Deku (hero) and more importantly Izuku (person) doesn’t really understand that though because he WAS a “perfect” victim.  Midoriya stayed quiet and inconspicuous and didn’t make a fuss about the bullying or discrimination he faced, he just kept his head down and hoped that something would change without any real effort on his part.  And if he had died as a result from the bullying he would’ve been hailed as an unfortunate victim (of who? or what? Don’t worry - isn’t his death so tragic? oh well now on to our next news story -), so any critique of society and the individuals who reinforce the status quo don’t actually have to do anything.  I know there’s more nuance here and lot of cultural things happening with this all but I’m not gonna dig into that right now.

Moving on!  Quite frankly the boy didn’t live long enough to get out of his childish mindset and get some “righteous" anger at the wrongdoings and failings of society.  All Might came along when he was still starry eyed and hopeful to lift Midoriya out of the trajectory of his life and Izuku never had any time to get to the point where he comes to terms with the hurt caused society’s rejection of his self and get angry about it.  As such, he can’t understand the league.  It probably doesn’t even occur to him that he's missing that understanding because for him it worked out - he got the attention and support to be able to escape the circumstances of his birth/quirklessness and to leave the box (deku) that society shoved him in. Twice and Toga never had that support – they both lived how they needed to in order to survive in a world not meant for them until they broke down.  (Maybe that's why Vigilante Deku AUs were so popular back in the day - they speedran Midoriya past the hopeful kid stage and to a point where a lot of the fanbase was in their own lives - seeing the issues in the world and wanting to affect change.)

Izuku, for all that he claims to want to connect to the villains, hasn’t given enough thought or empathy to understand how continuing to live a life where you don’t fit in with society can be deeply hurtful as well as the emotional repercussions of having unchangeable parts about yourself be reviled.  This isn’t to say Izuku had it easy -  of course Izuku went through hardships but.... there’s a big difference between living through stuff as a kid and finding a way out of it vs living through that, growing up, maturing, and in turn looking critically at society.  But I can’t bring myself to fault Midoriya for those exact reasons because he's just a kid. He doesn’t have the perspective to see outside of himself – at least not for the villains.  Because that seems to be too far of a stretch for him?  But Todoroki was close enough to Izuku’s mindset for him to help back in the sports festival arc.  I also acknowledge that he's a teenager and IS capable of critical thinking, but from what we've seen, his schools have never actually made the students examine the world they live in - which is a different skill from quirk analysis or historical or literary analysis or the various writing exercises that students go through. 

(Believe me – you can have the brightest kid but, most of the time, unless you point out the shortcomings of their mindsets, it won’t occur to them to look further.  (Not necessarily assuming that they’re wrong, but rather that their consideration of life is not as expansive as it should be. Especially for a kid wanting to be the greatest hero and save everyone.)  For example: many abled bodied people don’t realize how inaccessible places can be until someone brings it up to them or they find themselves in that situation (like a temporary crutch or wheelchair).  It’s through no fault of the able bodied person that they weren’t aware enough to consider it in the first place, but what they do once they realize physical accessibility is an issue, is on them.)  Back to the point – hero society never calls attention to it’s own shortcomings despite the proof quite obviously existing and the people within society don’t seem to spare much thought either. The adults who have seen more of these instances are then of course more culpable in this than the kids who haven't.

So, Midoriya was also failed by society (cough all might cough) as well, but he chose the hero path - to save people. We see him starting to consider the deeper issues in his talk with Uraraka, and the few times he “tries” to talk to various villains shows that he is aware enough of underlying issues - which makes it his duty as a hero to do something about it.  In that way, he is at fault. He chose a profession to devote his life to that should require this of him.  And through his hero work, Midoriya has seen the problems in society and yet he’s chosen to turn away from them (and by problems/them I’m referring to the villains “too far gone to save” and the issues they represent). 

(Sorry Midoriya, but considering we’re nearing the end and you haven’t shown any growth in this area….. I am faulting you for metaphorically pushing your head in the sand.  I do want to be wrong though.  I really want the kid to prove me wrong.)

And he’s able to turn away from them guilt free, in part, because he’s gotten the proverbial thumbs up by his classmates that it’s ok and that they’ll just be better and be model minority heroes and that will fix the problem! Because they’re positive representation!  Or something?  If you can put your mind to it that will fix things! Just try harder! Again, very idealistic but they are kids, so it comes with the territory.  (Horikoshi didn’t have to make them unquestionably right in that approach though.  Toga and Uraraka coming together for the win! The Shoji and Spinner match up not so much.)

Overall, there’s something about how Deku still fit into society's boxes in an acceptable way and never truly faced what existing outside of "acceptability" was like.  Don’t get me wrong it’s tough to live in the mha world as a quirkless person and of course it has its problems and restrictions, but that’s still a box that society provides for, even if the society in question doesn’t like it. 

And I'm not saying that Izuku had to live through a terrible life to understand the villains!  Just that, he has the capacity to look outside himself and be empathetic, but the application of it is lacking, despite knowing there’s problems, despite having LIVED with some of those problems. Extrapolate, boy!!!! You don't need empathy to reach out to others but the whole compassionate/kind Midoriya thing has been touted since the beginning! So I want to see it!

(Not sure how much sense this will make to people, but there’s a maturity that comes about with either time or certain circumstances that can be hard to grasp unless you’ve lived through it.  And quite frankly, Midoriya hasn’t. He went from a perfect/acceptable victim to the top tier of society (heroes).)

(Basically: Midoriya never **matured in the restrictive environment he grew up in and can't emotionally connect with the league who did, because of that. Instead he seems to have internalized the "if they were better" or "if they were truly good" then there wouldn't be a problem because just look at his classmater!, so villains being villains is their own fault and no one else is culpable.)

**centers on the idea that someone starts off as hopeful in regards to their discriminated position in life and over time matures to understand how society supports that discrimination and come to terms with the hurt that it's caused them personally (and in this case to fight back against it)

also, if you made it this far, i'm just having a fun time reading codenamesazanka's posts about the latest chapters

[chaos-bites]

☀️ Subtle Baldr Worship 🌱

@broomsick helped a lot with this list!!!

Drink herbal tea or tea that you like; raise a glass to him!

Take an herbal or relaxing bath/shower

Grow your own herbs or produce

Collect flowers; press flowers; decorate with flowers; make a flower crown

Have a candle that reminds you of him (no altar needed)

Keep a picture of him in your wallet

Wear jewelry that reminds you of him

Have a stuffed animal of animals that you associate with summer; keep childhood stuffed animals or ones that comfort you

Have symbols of sunrises, sunsets, summer, flowers, citrusy fruits, or anything you consider beautiful around

Decorate using fairy lights or lanterns

Practice writing if you'd like (poetry, stories, etc.); read your old writing, and celebrate any improvements you notice!

Sketch or draw - any sort of creative expression

Practice forgiveness and compassion, especially towards yourself

Set time aside to relax and decompress

Take a walk/hike in nature/a forest, especially on a sunny day

Meditate or sit in the sunlight

Fall asleep/meditate to the sound of birds or ambient forest sounds

Eat fruit, especially citrus fruits

Nurture and express your wonder towards the world around you; let yourself view the world from the perspective of a child; find the beauty in every day things

Practice emotional regulation as well as feeling your feelings

Find healthy emotional outlets; drawing, boxing, dancing, singing, etc.

Cloud-watching and star-gazing

Camp in the forest; sit in nature for awhile

Listen to music that calms or comforts you

Spend time with loved ones or pets

Support humanitarian or environmental preservation organizations

Cook yourself a delicious meal

Cook a warm meal for someone in need

Donate clothes, food, blankets, hygiene kits, etc. to homeless shelters

Take care of yourself physically and emotionally

Exercise; get some movement throughout your day, even just stretching

Play with your pets

Engage with childhood media/activities

Keep a self-care/self-love journal

Keep a personal diary filled with both positives and negatives; sketch in it, add stickers to it, make it your own!

Make a list of things you enjoyed and things you disliked about the day at the end of it

Make your space comfortable for you; make it your own!

Hang your accomplishments, drawings/paintings, or creations on your walls

Celebrate your achievements, even the little ones

Dance to music you enjoy, especially if it makes you feel lively

Light a bonfire for him; sit alone or gather around it with loved ones

Make s'mores or similar treats on a summer night

Tell stories around a fire

Try new things; take risks, and go outside of your comfort zone; be spontaneous

Visit an amusement park, local fair, or local festivals; engage with celebration and fun!

Learn about the local flora and fauna

Learn about herbs and their different properties/usages, especially in a Norse/Viking context; try to use them in those ways

Clean trash in your neighborhood or environment; recycle if you can

Feed neighborhood birds, cats, dogs, etc.

Practice mindfulness; try meditation if you can

Try bird-watching or wildlife watching

Practice open-mindedness; try to comprise with others; agree to disagree

Honor your ancestors or passed loved ones; learn about your family history

-

I may add more later on! For now, this is my list of discreet ways to worship Baldr. I got a lot of help from @broomsick who is extremely knowledgeable on Baldr and other Norse gods. I recommend checking them out if you have any questions! Thank you, and I hope this post helps! 🧡

Link to Subtle Worship Master list

[bambisnc]

OK! [or, group projects w riize]

pairing : ot7 x reader! genre : fluff with crack delicately lined in cw/tw : food mention + use of caps wc : idk ,,

shotaro ,. ! - the mood maker!! - is the person who Socializes, helps to coordinate between the members, makes the gc, arranges meet-ups; just overall supportive and cheerful even if your team is doing literally nothing and is very likely about to get an F (D:) - shows up w like cut fruits for everyone, goes on coffee runs + writes encouraging lil messages on sticky notes and leaves them around/in notebooks etc etc - also x2 i see him as someone who like,... doodles on your people’s hands :( draws a smol star and writes something adorably cringe like “ur my star ^-^”

eunseok ,. ! - he’s the type of guy who’d take charge and delegate work to everyone; to put it simply : BOSSY AF. dare i say dictator coded even, but hey, he just wants this to get over with yk?? - bit scary to work w at first but when if he warms up to you he might would definitely indulge in a lot of partiality; assign you the easier tasks/the tasks that you prefer + if someone pisses him off he would, w the nicest sweetest smile ever, assign them the worst possible task.. - can be bribed if you offer to help w his work though sooo :) do w that what you will :) 

sungchan ,. ! - trust on me this, he’d be the one who’s always “busy” except in his case he probably fr is bc my guy is just into That Many extra curriculars - you call him up like hey where are you we’re supposed to meet at *insert name* coffee shop rn?? and he’d answer w all seriousness that his “rap music club members have a mandatory team exercise for which they’ve gone fishing and after he needs to prepare an ad for the video game club because he kinda insulted the ad making team and now they’re all on strike . oh and he has football coaching (as in he needs to coach like a bunch of tiny kindergarteners as a favor to some aunt) right in between!” - he’ll send all his work at like 4am tho dw ^^ sleep is for the weak.

wonbin ,. ! -perfectionist!!! he would be The aesthetic stationery + supplies guy with like pouches and pouches of pretty washi tapes, metallic coloured calligraphy pens, stickers and much more - would definitely call out people if their handwriting was bad.. - also he would totally use the project as an excuse to get to know whoever he’s interested in~ might offer to split the work into like duos and immediately choose you as his partner~ - prepare yourself for a lot of really obvious and goofy flirting..

seunghan ,. ! - ah yes the wise guy (genuine) (no why does he fr know everything about Everything) - puts out the most thought provoking, viewpoint shaking, world stopping arguments then half-slumps over the table and or rests his entire weight to lean on you and mumbles something about wanting to watch shin-chan >< he’s versatile (read : cute) like that - also would quite honestly go along w any idea no matter how bad it is <3 + seems super calm and composed but watch him be the most excited when taro suggests some team bonding at an arcade/festival :( <3

sohee ,. ! - he gives me manages stuff best under high pressure situations - if you’re freaking out about one of your teammates cough cough you can guess who it was having fumbled up and accidentally written down the wrong date and oh no your project is due tomorrow?! don’t worry! he’s got this :D - procrastinator at heart but for the right persuasion tactics done by ahem a certain someone (it’s you) he’d probably give it his all <;3 - also he’s an enabler at heart.. supports the ideas which he knows are going to be a trainwreck just for funsies

anton ,. ! - :(( he is Doing His Best okay - gets a bit overwhelmed due to the rising panic and chaos + leads to people being very partial to him but honestly yk he deserves it <3 - also a rich guy tm, would definitely ahem ahem pull some strings to get some extra fine quality materials~ - feel like he’d be good at research work + another 4am worker would definitely pester you to join zoom calls or ft you and be like hey!! look at this!! i did this!! is it good!! - as an excuse to show off to yuo splurges a lot for an end of the project celebration for sure

notes : inspired by very very real life events (wrote this in a zoom meet w my current group proj members ehe)! if you know me irl and feel like these are based off of you.. they're not!! you're simply hallucinating!!!! <333 + [m.list]

[angie-words]

Writers Guild Presents: Write A Way, Chapter 8

Art by @ines2925 💜

CW/tags: self-doubt/esteem issues, past trauma due to being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world, light angst, smut, explicit sex (eventually), slow burn, human AU

Summary:

Azira Fell and AJ Crowley are both successful authors in their own right, invited to speak at the same national book festival. Despite a falling out a couple of years ago, they've never actually met in person - so this event is going to be excruciatingly awkward for both of them.

Right?

As it happens, and unbeknownst to them, it seems they share a love of a certain TV show... and being very active parts of its fandom (yep, it's Fanfic Writer Crowley and Fanfic Reader Aziraphale time!)

Excerpt:

Well. That was a thing.

After Crowley had fled breakfast, Azira had decided to take a moment to collect himself. For once, he was certain that it had not been something he’d said, some social misstep.

“I’ve written fanfic-”

Replaying the moment over in his mind, the way the poor man had blushed up a storm before scattering to the winds like a discombobulated slinky, Azira was certain he had not misheard at all.

He quietly munched on his croissant, now appropriately covered once more with apricot jam, and considered the implications. Of course, Azira understood some of the obvious ones, like the fact he was fairly certain writing fanfic whilst a published author may be seen as a bit scandalous. He also knew better than to assume that people would have a somewhat open mind. He’d come across those dismissing the form as the realm of ridiculous, outlandish pairings; of nothing more than a place for people to exercise their right to be extremely horny.

And, yes, of course there was that too. Azira smirked to himself as he wiped a crumb from his lips, thinking of SerenDuckity’s catalogue as a stellar example...

Continue reading on AO3!

Thank you to @sakascal @playdohangel and @rofell @azeutreciathewicked and @ines2925 for being my wonderful beta readers!

@goodomensafterdark @whickberstreetwriters

[allisonbaelfire]

Amethyst. - PART 15

The UA Sports Festival was over, but its effects still lingered in the air like a heavy fog. As we returned to our normal routines, the atmosphere in Class 1-A was subdued. The usual energy and chatter had been replaced with quiet reflection. It felt like everyone was processing what had happened, myself included.

I walked down the hall, my thoughts a jumbled mess. The fight with Bakugo, the power of the Ice Dragon, and everything else still reverberated in my mind. I could feel the stares—some filled with fear, others with awe—following me wherever I went. The shift in how people saw me was unsettling. I had felt this before, back when I was still Amethyst, but now it was sharper, more tangible.

Some students kept their distance, the fear on their faces barely concealed. Others, mostly younger kids, looked at me with wide eyes, fascinated. I heard whispers about dragons, their excitement almost tangible. But the admiration felt hollow, contrasting sharply with the cold detachment I’d become used to.

And then there was Shoto. Since the festival, he seemed to hate me even more. He wouldn’t talk to me, whether at school or at home. I’d catch him glaring at me, but when I tried to approach him, he would turn away, colder than ever. Maybe nothing had changed at all—maybe the distance between us was always going to be there.

Mr. Aizawa’s voice cut through the quiet murmur of the classroom, snapping me out of my thoughts. “Listen up. Today, we’re deciding on your hero identities—your code names.”

The announcement stirred a bit of excitement among my classmates, breaking the tension. I could see the spark of anticipation in their eyes. Picking a hero name was a big deal, a step closer to becoming the heroes we all aspired to be.

“For most students, this isn’t something you need to worry about until your second or third year,” Mr. Aizawa continued, “but our class is different. With the Pro-Hero draft picks coming up, you need to decide now. Especially the top five from the Sports Festival. You’ll also be attending the Pro-Hero Ball this weekend. It’s a rare opportunity to mingle with pros and start considering where you want to intern.”

The mention of the ball made my heart skip a beat. It was a reminder of how high the stakes were now, how much attention was on us. I didn’t have to ask to know who the top five were, but when Mr. Aizawa announced the numbers, it still felt surreal.

“Shoto Todoroki: 4,123 invitations. Katsuki Bakugo: 3,556. Fumikage Tokoyami: 2,367. Y/N Todoroki: 1,987. Tenya Iida: 300.”

The words washed over me, and my mind spun. Nearly two thousand invitations… from pros who had seen what I could do—and still wanted me?

As Mr. Aizawa continued, the room buzzed with excitement. My classmates began brainstorming their hero names, eager to choose their identities. Ms. Midnight had to give final approval, so one by one, my classmates proudly shared their names. Bakugo, of course, insisted on “King Explosion Murder,” despite the collective groans from the class.

But as the minutes passed, I just stared at my blank page. “Amethyst” lingered in my mind, but I couldn’t bring myself to write it down. Amethyst was who I used to be—back when I was a pro-hero. But now? I didn’t know. I wasn’t sure who I was, or who I wanted to be.

Days passed, and while everyone else proudly sported their new hero names, I remained undecided. It was hard to explain, even to myself, why I struggled so much with this. Choosing a name felt like committing to an identity, to a future I wasn’t sure I was ready to embrace.

Denki noticed. He always did. A few days after the name exercise, he approached me during a break.

“Hey, Y/N,” he said, sliding up beside me with his usual grin. “Why haven’t you picked a hero name yet?”

I hesitated, unsure how to put the confusion inside me into words. “I just… I don’t know who I want to be,” I finally admitted, my voice quieter than I intended.

Denki’s grin faded into something more serious. I wasn’t used to seeing that side of him. “You don’t have to figure it all out right now, you know. But… you were Amethyst before, right? Why not keep it?”

“I’m not sure if that name fits me anymore,” I said, my voice strained. “Amethyst was who I was, but now… I don’t know.”

Before Denki could respond, I heard footsteps behind us. I turned to see Shoto, his eyes locked on me. He had overheard the conversation. For a moment, I thought he might say something, but he just turned and walked away, his expression unreadable. My heart sank as I watched him go.

_________

Later that evening at home, I stayed in my room, trying to drown out the world with music. The day had been heavy, and I needed to escape. But then there was a knock at my door—unexpected and confusing. No one knocked on my door, least of all Shoto.

I opened the door, shocked to see him standing there. The last time Shoto had come into my room, he was just a little boy, and we were still close. Now… things were so different.

“You finally want to talk?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

“This was a mistake,” Shoto muttered, already turning to leave.

But I wasn’t going to let him go that easily. I stepped forward and grabbed his arm, stopping him. “Wait.”

He paused, tense but didn’t pull away.

“Why?” His voice was quieter now, hesitant. “Why can you use your fire so well, but you chose not to for so many years? And why are your flames purple?”

His questions caught me off guard. For the first time in a long time, I saw genuine curiosity in his eyes—a need to understand. Maybe this was his way of reaching out, trying to mend the gap between us.

I took a deep breath, my mind racing. “While you were being trained by Father, I was trained by Toya.” I kept it vague; the whole truth was too painful, too heavy to share. But it was enough for now. Shoto’s expression softened, just slightly, as he accepted my answer.

“I wanted to talk to you about the Pro-Hero Ball,” Shoto said, his voice steadier now. “Father wants us to go as a family, wearing something that probably fits well to him. But… if you want, we can go without him. We can wear something that fits us.”

I blinked, surprised by his offer. It was the first time Shoto had ever suggested defying Father. Slowly, I nodded. “Yeah, I’d like that.”

Before he left, Shoto turned to me again, his eyes searching mine. “Keep your hero name,” he said quietly. “It fits your flames. And… you get to decide who you want to be.”

Then he was gone, leaving me standing in the doorway, his words echoing in my mind. For the first time in a long time, I felt a flicker of hope. Maybe I didn’t need to find a new name. Maybe Amethyst was still a part of me, a part I wasn’t ready to let go of.

__________

Shoto had already told Fuyumi about our plan. We weren’t going to attend the Pro-Hero Ball with Father. Instead, we’d go on our own terms, wearing something that represented who we were, not just as Endeavor’s children. To my surprise, Fuyumi loved the idea.

She was so excited that she insisted on helping me find the perfect dress. After school on Friday, she picked me up, nearly bouncing in the driver’s seat as we headed to the mall.

“I’m telling you, Y/N, you’re going to love this!” she said, practically dragging me inside.

I gave her a skeptical look as we entered. “I’ve never really been much for dresses,” I muttered, feeling out of place under the bright fluorescent lights. I was used to patrolling this mall at night, not browsing for ballgowns in the daylight.

Fuyumi waved me off. “You’ll find something, trust me. And when you do, you’re going to knock their socks off. Especially Shoto’s.”

“Shoto doesn’t care about this stuff,” I said with a sigh as we wandered through the first store. “And I don’t either.”

Fuyumi turned to me, hands on her hips. “It’s not about them. It’s about you. It’s about showing up as you. This ball isn’t just about looking good; it’s about showing everyone who you really are outside of Father’s shadow.”

That hit me harder than I expected, and I didn’t know how to respond. So I just nodded, letting her guide me from store to store.

We tried on what felt like hundreds of dresses, each one rejected with a shake of Fuyumi’s head. I wasn’t used to all this attention, and by the fifth store, I was ready to call it quits.

You’ve got to try this one, Y/N,” Fuyumi urged, holding up the ice blue dress with shimmering crystals.

I hesitated at the sight of it. It was beautiful, sure, but it felt so far from who I thought I was. I wasn’t used to standing out like this, not outside of battle. Still, Fuyumi’s excitement was contagious.

“Fine,” I mumbled, taking the dress.

When I stepped out of the dressing room, Fuyumi’s reaction was immediate. “Oh my god… Y/N, you look incredible.”

I glanced at the mirror, barely recognizing myself. For the first time in a long time, I felt… like myself, and yet… not quite. The reflection felt like a stranger. Was this who I really was now?

_________

The day of the ball arrived faster than I had expected. Fuyumi came over early to help me get ready. She styled my hair with careful precision, humming softly to herself as she worked. I shifted awkwardly in my seat, unused to this kind of pampering.

“You don’t have to do all this,” I muttered, glancing at the elaborate setup she had brought with her—curling irons, hair pins, makeup.

“Nonsense!” she said, waving me off. “This is your night. You deserve to look and feel your best. Besides, it’s not every day my little sister gets all dolled up.”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help smiling a little. “You know I’m not great with… compliments.”

Fuyumi paused, meeting my eyes in the mirror. “I know. But you should start getting used to them, Y/N. You’re amazing, and it’s okay to let people see that.”

Her words caught me off guard, and I didn’t know how to respond, so I just stayed quiet, letting her work her magic.

Meanwhile, Natsuo was upstairs helping Shoto with his tie. I could hear Shoto’s muffled protests as Natsuo teased him about not knowing how to tie it properly.

“You could just wear a clip-on, you know,” Natsuo was saying, laughter in his voice.

“Shut up, Natsuo,” Shoto grumbled, but I could hear the faintest hint of amusement in his tone.

By the time I was ready, Fuyumi stepped back, her eyes misting up as she took in the final result. “You look… beautiful,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

I shifted uncomfortably, unused to such open affection. “Uh, thanks,” I mumbled, trying to avoid her gaze.

She smiled and helped me down the stairs. Shoto and Natsuo were waiting at the bottom, deep in conversation. They didn’t notice us until Fuyumi cleared her throat.

Natsuo looked up first, his jaw dropping. “Y/N… wow. You look… wow.”

Shoto’s eyes widened slightly when he looked up. “You look… nice,” he said awkwardly, trying to form a compliment.

“Thanks, I guess,” I said, smiling a little at his awkwardness.

Fuyumi drove us to the venue, her hands gripping the steering wheel with excitement. “I can’t wait for everyone to see you two. You’re going to make a statement—together.”

As we pulled up to the venue, Fuyumi turned to Shoto, raising an eyebrow. “Shoto, help your sister out of the car. That dress isn’t exactly easy to move in.”

Shoto rolled his eyes but reluctantly got out of the car. Fuyumi and I both assumed he wouldn’t actually help, so when he walked around the car and opened my door, we were surprised.

“Here,” he said, offering his hand.

I hesitated for a second before taking it, allowing him to help me out of the car. The fabric of the dress made moving tricky, and I appreciated the unexpected gesture.

“For tonight—peace,” Shoto said quietly, placing my hand on his arm as we prepared to enter the ballroom.

I smirked slightly. “Peace.”

________

The moment we stepped through the grand doors of the ballroom, I could feel the shift in the air. Eyes turned towards us, whispers spreading like wildfire. The entire room seemed to pause as people took in our presence.

“That must be Endeavor’s kids.”

“Look, it’s Amethyst… I heard she’s not a pro-hero anymore. Probably because of that dangerous quirk. Did you see her at the Festival?!”

The weight of their stares and the whispers made my stomach churn. My grip on Shoto’s arm tightened as I fought to keep my composure. I glanced at him, hoping he hadn’t noticed how tense I was, but of course, he did.

“You’re fine,” Shoto said quietly, his voice steady, meant to reassure. “Just ignore them.”

I nodded, trying to take comfort in his words, but the tension in the room was suffocating. And then, just as I thought I might break under the pressure, I felt someone take my free hand.

I looked to my left, my eyes widening in shock. Katsuki Bakugo was standing beside me, his expression fierce, as always.

“Katsuki…?” I whispered, confused.

He didn’t look at me, his eyes scanning the room as if daring anyone to say something. “You’re shaking, Frostburn,” he muttered, his grip firm. “Get a grip.”

__________________

This is the dress I imagined Y/N to wear that evening. Let me know what you think about this Part and the Story so far, I'm always happy to read your comments! <3

Amethyst. - Masterlist: Click Here!

[creative-kny-fics]

hey!!!!! how are you?

if fic are open..... can I ask you for some lee: Muichiro and ler: Tanjiro or Genya?

Thank you for reading, you don't have to write if you don't want to ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Well, the three certainly have a nice friendship, so I don't see why not!

Lee: Muichiro Tokito

Lers: Genya Shinazugawa and Tanjiro Kamado

Class had ended, the trio were preparing to leave when... 'KAMADO TANJIRO!!'

'Oh... What's up Genya?' 'Let's talk about this somewhere else...'

They went to the nearest cafeteria, once Aoi left the meals and left, Genya told him about his problem.

Sanemi, his older brother and a mathematics teacher, had threatened to confiscate his free festival tickets if Genya's rank was not the best. 'Oh... I understand... Mmmmm, maybe we could find someone to help you study! Something like a private teacher!'

'Hey, why don't we ask Aoi for help?! AOI!!!', Inosuke hadn't even received a response and was already taking action.

But Genya refused, covering his red face as he repeated 'Not girls! Girls noooo!!', fortunately when Aoi arrived, Inosuke asked her for the second dish. 'Hmmm, I was planning to ask Kanao or Shinobu-San for help... But I respect your decision of no women!'

Tanjiro snapped his fingers, he had the perfect candidate!

'TOKITO-KUN!!', Tanjiro knocked on the door of the residence. From it came one of the Tokito brothers, precisely Muichiro, who welcomed them.

After hearing the story, he agreed on the condition that Genya call him 'Tokito-San', and he reluctantly agreed.

'Wow...Tanjiro was right, you're terrible at this. I think I should have agreed to let Kotetsu use his robot on you instead of letting him go out with that boy in yellow and that girl face...', Tanjiro gasped and Genya resisted the urge to yell and curse him.

'T-Tokito-Kun! That was very rude and impolite!'

'Telling the truth is not being rude and ill-mannered... I gave him easy exercises and he still took too long to answer the questions...'

Genya growled, it was the only thing missing, first Sanemi and, now, a child were complaining to him about his grades. But Tanjiro wasn't going to sit idly by, it wasn't the right way to help his friend.

'Tokito-Kun... I feel obliged to do it... Excuse me' 'What-? T-TANJIRO NO!!', Muichiro grabbed Tanjiro by the wrists and tried to push him away, but he wasn't so successful.

Genya was also an older brother and knew what Tanjiro was trying to do, so he approached him and held him by the arms, pinning him in a hug.

'Well, this can be resolved in two ways... If you say a few words of support to Genya, I'll let you go free. Otherwise, you'll know what will happen...'

'WHAT?! BUT HE'S TERRIBLE AT MATH, I HAVE TO BE HONEST!!', Tanjiro sighed and knelt down.

Muichiro thought it was ridiculous, it wasn't the first time he was tickled, Yui always did it, but now?! Although... He wasn't Yui...

'T-Tanjiro... Thihihis is... RiHIdiculohohous...!! Mhmhmhmhm!! G-Gehehenyahaha!! L-lehehet me gohohoho!!'

'No. Tanjiro is right, be a better teacher and tell me some words of support or I won't let you go~'

'Buhuhut yohohou suhuhuck in mahahath!!' 'Then deal with this'

Genya simply laughed and started running one of his fingers down his neck, trying not to laugh when Muichiro shrugged from laughing. As if it were worse for Muichiro, Tanjiro dared to tell Genya to give him a raspberry on his neck while he continued to squeeze his sides.

'W-wahahaihit!! I wihihill dohoho ihihihit!! EAHAHAHAHA!! NOHOHOT THAHAHAT!! O-okahahahay!! No no no no no!! COHOHOMEHEHE OHOHON!!'

'Come on, you think you could fool us with that "I'll do it" bullshit?! Please! We have siblings and they ALWAYS do the same thing when they realize the tickling won't stop, right Tanjiro?!', Tanjiro nodded.

'LEHEHET ME GOHOHO!! THEHEHE LEHESSOHOHON-!!' 'The lesson will continue after you say something nice to me, say it and we'll stop~'

Muichiro was stubborn and flatly refused, he was being honest, right?

'WAHAHAIHIT!! AHAHAHAHAHA!! YOHOHOU TWOHOHO AHAREHEHE TO MUHUHUCH!!'

'Come on Tokito-Kun, are you seriously using that tone with Genya knowing the consequences? Last chance, will you colaborate~?', he received no response. 'Well, poke poke poke', Tanjiro said, as he poke his belly button

Muichiro put his head back, he thought of something that is short but convincing enough for both of them. 'GEHENYAHAHA!! YOHOHOU AHAHARE AHAHAHAHAHA GREHEHEHAHAT MHMHMHMHM STUDEHEHEHENT!!'

'Sorry, what did you say? I can't understand you if you laugh so much~!', Tanjiro laughed and stopped Genya.

And he did it just in time, Yuichiro came in looking for his brother and found him in a ball. When he asked them, their response was 'he was surprised by Genya's math skills', Yuichiro didn't believe it until his brother gave a thumbs up in approval.

'You are better?'

'Y-yehehes...'

'Well, we have to continue with the lesson and I hope that this time you treat me with more respect unless I want that "break" again~'

Muichiro got up and sat down, he didn't deny that he felt okay, but that wasn't relevant to the lesson, although it was relevant to the future

[bangaveragewhitewine]

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