#Oooh... I hope no one ruins her beautiful face with acid ^^

[vannahfanfics]

Spoiled

Category: Mild Romantic Fluff

Fandom: My Hero Academia

Characters: Mirio Togata, Nejire Hado 

Hey, everyone! I’m super happy to participate in the first MiriNeji Week! Here’s my story for Day 1, for the prompt “Confession”! Enjoy! 

Mirio inhaled sharply through his nose as he straightened his bowtie for the millionth time in the floor-length mirror spanning the back door of his closet. He flashed his winning smile to his reflection, but it crinkled at the edges, betraying his anxiety. Come on, Mirio. You’re just going to tell Nejire that you love her. It’s not that big of a deal! he told himself in a pitiful attempt to psych himself up. It didn’t really work; his smile remained limp and strained, and his stomach continued to bubble with unease, spreading the bitter acid of apprehension over his tongue. It’s not that big of a deal… he repeated like a mantra, running his arms over the fabric of his dress shirt. It was crinkled, because he couldn’t decide if he wanted to let the sleeves hang loose or button them around his elbows. In a last-minute decision, he clasped them at the elbows to display the bulge of his muscular arms and exited the room before he changed his mind again. 

Mirio had possessed feelings for the beautiful periwinkle-haired girl for some time now, but he’d always kept them to himself; life at U.A. was stressful, after all, and he hadn’t wanted to add to the chaos with a relationship. Graduation was looming near, however, and Mirio had decided it was high time to lay all his cards on the table and get an answer from Nejire. With some calculated smooth-talking, he’d convinced Nejire to go out with him on a “platonic friend date.” It’d taken every ounce of his charisma to persuade her against inviting Tamaki. He loved going out as a threesome, but having the boy along as a third wheel didn’t quite align with his plans for the evening. 

Mirio took the dorm steps two at a time, briskly descending the steps to the common room. A few male students jeeringly wolf-whistled at him as he strolled to the glass doors and adjusted his suspender straps. Mirio clicked his tongue and tossed them a sardonic grin, playfully snapping the fabric bands against his broad chest. 

“Mock me all you want, gentlemen, but who’s the one going out on a date here?” he taunted haughtily. 

“Yeah, but if we were going out, at least the girl would know she was going on a date!” one of them shot back pompously. A pink haze blossomed on Mirio’s cheeks as he was effectively had. Another round of raucous laughter echoed in the common room, making his face take on a deeper hue. 

“All right, all right, laugh it up,” he snapped irritatedly. One of his friends draped themselves over the back of the couch and winked at him. 

“All right, we rest our case. Seriously, Mirio, good luck. We hope it goes well.” Mirio’s small amount of ire immediately dissipated, and he grinned broadly. Before he could thank them for their well wishes, he heard wedges clunking against the wood stairs. He whirled around just in time to see the swish of Nejire’s white and blue floral-patterned dress as she descended the steps. His mouth fell open in a shameless gawk at the way her bright blue hair whirled around her shapely hips, and the way her eyes sparkled brightly above her happy smile. Mirio recounted Tamaki’s description of her after the school showcase, calling her a “fairy.” In that moment, Mirio thought the moniker fell dreadfully short, because Nejire was nothing short of a radiant goddess. 

“Ready?” she chirped as she skipped happily over to him. Mirio’s eyes fluttered a bit as he struggled to find his words, but after a second, he managed to return to his senses and utter a quick “yep!” With a cheeky grin, he offered Nejire his arm, and she cooed delightedly. 

“Oooh, Mirio, you’re really playing up the whole date thing, aren’tcha? Well, don’t mind if I do!” she giggled and hooked her slim arm around the thick muscle of his forearm. Mirio flashed the other guys a glare over his shoulder as they whispered and snickered under their breaths, then hurriedly pushed the glass door of the exit open before they could ruin his carefully crafted plan. Nejire pressed close to him as they walked out of the dormitory, a smile on her lips all the while. 

It was about six in the evening; the height of the day had long since passed, and so the air was pleasantly cool with just enough of the fading warmth of the sun to keep the temperature comfortable. The sun bubbled just above the horizon, eclipsed by the residential houses across the street from the massive school campus. With their off-campus passes tucked into the back pocket of his slacks just in case a patrolling teacher harried them, the two third-years proceeded towards the towering walls of the front gate. It was then that Nejire decided to speak up. 

“Soooo, Mirio, where are we going?” The blond flashed her a brazen grin. 

“Well, now, I’d hate to ruin the surprise,” he explained mysteriously. His will almost wavered when she poked her lips out in a displeased pout, but he remained steadfast. With a good-natured chuckle, he threw his head back a little and beamed proudly. “But I’ll give you a hint! I don’t skimp on dates, so I’m treating you to some first-class cuisine tonight!” Nejire trilled delightedly. 

“Wow, I feel so special!” she sighed dreamily as she laid her free hand against her light pink cheek. She fluttered her eyelashes and smiled jubilantly. “Keep it up, and I might be fooled that I really am your girlfriend, Mirio~” She was teasing, but Mirio couldn’t help but grin triumphantly to himself. He already had a foot in the door. 

Little do you know, that’s exactly what I want, Nejire! With her pleasant attitude and positive responses, Mirio found his anxieties melting away. So far, so good! 

The young couple walked the short distance to the downtown area, which was lined with a multitude of shops and restaurants. When Mirio stopped at a street corner where a building was ringed in iron-wrought fencing and laughter drifted out of a gazeboed outdoor eating area, Nejire exclaimed in awe. “Wow, Mirio, is this place what I think it is?” Mirio grinned proudly at the periwinkle-haired girl. 

“That’s right! It’s the highest-rated restaurant in the area. It’s been a while since someone treated you to a good time, so I thought, why not splurge a little?” he winked while nudging her in the ribs with his elbow. Nejire giggled, and though her demeanor was usually bubbly, Mirio could tell that she was really excited by the elated twinkle in her eyes. She tugged excitedly on his arm as she scampered through the gate, pleading, “Let’s go! Let’s go!” Mirio laughed joyfully at her excitement and trotted after her. 

Classical music floated on the air as Mirio and Nejire walked through the elegant glass doors. Mirio gave his name to the usher, who promptly delivered them to a table in the center of the spacious restaurant. Mirio graciously pulled back Nejire’s seat for her, making her smile pleasantly and throw him a demure flutter of her eyelashes. Mirio placed an order for two glasses of water after seating himself across from her, and then folded his hands on the table to smile broadly. “So? Living up to your expectations so far?” 

“Hmm, I would’ve expected a live band,” she shrugged teasingly. Mirio chuckled at her joke, and Nejire then smiled sweetly at him. “Thanks, Mirio. I really appreciate it. I’m enjoying myself already!” 

“Yeah, well, you’ll enjoy yourself immensely once we get some food on the table, if the rumors are true,” Mirio joked and picked up the menu to peruse the contents. This venue was one of the ritziest in town, and that was reflected by the impressive price tags attached to the various meals. Not that Mirio cared; his full intentions were to spoil Nejire, so he really wouldn’t care if he came out of this with his wallet much emptier. You only live once, though, right?

“Wow, that is an impressive salad,” Nejire praised with wide eyes when the waiter set a very aesthetically-pleasing bowl of mixed vegetables, grilled chicken, and tangy vinaigrette in front of her. Mirio had contented himself with some soup, and he smiled at Nejire as he gestured playfully at her with his spoon. 

“Told ya,” he chuckled. Nejire wiggled her shoulders as she sampled some of the crunchy leaves, throwing him a wink. 

“You sure know how to treat a lady, Mirio. How come you haven’t landed yourself a gal yet?” A sudden sweat bloomed over Mirio’s body, and he laughed as he tugged at the collar of his shirt, finding it already damp with perspiration. Hehe, well, hopefully, I’ll have one by the end of the night, he thought. 

“Eh, y’know. Priorities,” Mirio answered vaguely and busied himself with his soup to save himself from further interrogation. Nejire eyed him suspiciously, but thankfully decided to deviate from her normal tendencies and drop the conversation. Mirio and Nejire were never one for awkward conversation, so they resumed the pleasantries soon enough, chattering all through dinner and dessert with bright smiles. 

After they stepped out of the restaurant with full bellies (and a flatter wallet, in Mirio’s case) into the twilight, Nejire propped her chin on his shoulder with a pout. 

“I don’t wanna go home yet! Let’s do something else, Mirio.” He brightened visibly at her suggestion. The dinner hadn’t really given him a good opportunity to profess his feelings, so her desire to continue out into the town afforded him another chance. The restaurant shared a border with a community flower garden. He gestured with his chin at the garden.

“How about there?” 

“Sure!” she cried. Mirio yelped when she yanked on his arm and forced him into a brisk walk. The iron-wrought gate creaked as Nejire pushed it open. The scent of damp earth and aromatic flowers immediately greeted them, making Nejire sigh in exultation. “They’re so pretty!” she cooed in delight. She released his hand to scuttle over to a rose bush, drawing her long, thick hair over her shoulder to lean down and deeply inhale the rich aroma of the bright red bloom. “Mmmm…” Mirio watched her with a sweet, endeared expression. Nejire tossed a smile over her shoulder, sapphire eyes gleaming. 

“Nejire…” Her name fell from his lips without him realizing it. The girl blinked and straightened up, running her hands over her beautiful light blue hair. 

“Yes?” Mirio gulped and shuffled his feet shyly, suddenly finding it difficult to speak. Nejire cocked her head to the side and strode over to stand in front of him. “Mirio? What is it?” He rubbed his sweating palms against his slacks compulsively, then abruptly grabbed both of hers. 

“Nejire… Tonight… It wasn’t just a platonic thing. Not for me,” Mirio admitted quickly. He couldn’t bring himself to look at Nejire’s face, so he stared at her hands, watching his thumbs slowly caress the tops of her dainty hands. He felt them grow rigid beneath his fingers. A sinking feeling rose in his belly when she tugged one of them away, but shock replaced it when she cupped his cheek. It slowly trailed down to his chin, forcing him to meet her gaze. He found it kind, welcoming- loving. 

“That’s good. It wasn’t for me either.” 

“Really?” His jaw nearly hit the cobblestone path at her startling confession. Nejire laughed airily at his reaction. 

“I knew something was up when you were so insistent against Tama joining.” Mirio scowled, ashamed at his obliviousness. Of course she would’ve known… Nejire smiled kindly and began stroking his jawline gently with the flat of her hand. “Don’t feel bad. I said yes, didn’t I? I really did have a great time and would love to go out with you again- as a couple.” Mirio’s heart thumped against his ribcage with a great big leap, and his face turned as pink as the carnations behind him. 

“Ya mean it?” 

“Mhmm.” Mirio was still holding her other hand, so he grinned cheekily and brought it to his mouth to press a light kiss against her skin. Nejire’s eyes lidded as she watched him perform the intimate gesture. 

“I’ll be looking forward to it. How about next Friday?”

Enjoy this oneshot? Feel free to peruse my Table of Contents!

Tag List: @mirinejiweek​ @deliathedork​ @simplybakugou​ @lovelusional​ @wesparklebitch​

[batkatbrown]

MiniMerMcCree c11 ( aka Beyond the Sea)

Huge shoutout to the anons and  @drizzerey for supporting this chapter <3

Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five | Part Six | Part Seven| Part Eight | Part Nine | Part Ten

Now on Ao3!

The waves crashed around Hanzo’s boots, sweeping away the scarlet of his latest mission. It had not taken long. He was a professional hunter and the nest of drowners was easily enough to clear. The mix of worries that haunted him was not.

Hanzo reached down and fished in the cold water for his arrowhead. He had collected half of his quiver already but it did not do to waste resources. Fingers going numb, he managed to pull part of an arrow from the thick sands before it was lost forever.

The sea no longer seemed a place of safety and comfort.

Hanzo finished his hunt and left the beach after disposing of the monster’s bodies. The smoke of a cleansing spell rose behind him and trailed away in the afternoon’s breeze. Sunlight glanced off the waves and Hanzo narrowed his eyes as he climbed up the cliff above the coast. Handholds that others would not dare to try, he used with confidence and ease.

There was little he could not climb when he put his mind too it. Even with stiff fingers from the cold, he soon reached the crest. He turned at the top and settled into a seiza facing the water.

Somewhere in the shimmering depths, the secret to Jesse’s curse lay. Small pricks laced the horizon that hinted at little islands and sandbars. The witch could make a breathing potion. He chewed the inside of his cheek as his stomach rolled. He already owed her too much and with terms too vague for his liking.

He could make one himself but it would take time to gather the raw ingredients. He would need to find a proper grimoire to refresh himself on the incantations. His hand fell to one of several small pouches on his belt. The leather was warm from the sun and the magic that hummed through it.

It protected him from the acidic nature of drowner blood in the harvested claws. He would need them if he dared to try to create a spell powerful enough to grant him access to the dark recesses of the sea.

Footsteps far to his right raised Hanzo from his thoughts and he waited patiently till his contact stopped at his side. “I have completed the contract from the Whitehill Village.”

“You certainly have. We cannot thank you enough for your swift help.” The village elder knelt on her knees beside them. Her robe was worn thin but had once been regal. A pattern of waves was faded on the hem.

“You will recover the shipment.”

“Yes. Some will have been ruined by the water but most should be salvageable. We can pay you once the chests are dragged up. Our local divers are eager to get back in the water now that it is safe.”

Hanzo nodded, gaze lingering on the horizon. “This is our arrangement.” He hesitated, weighing what he knew of the woman and the village. “May I ask a question of you. Of a sensitive nature.”

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her weathered face crinkle with amusement. “We are old enough friends to venture into these waters.” She pulled out a small wax paper bag and offered the contents to him.

He gratefully took a bit of taffy and popped it into his mouth. It gave him an excuse to stall as he chewed and consider his words. Once the sweet was gone, he faced Lydia completely. The sea glass woven into her hair glimmered in the sun.

“Have you ever seen merpeople along this coast?”

“You know I have.” Her laugh was like the spattering of raindrops. “Once upon a time, they were common here. As common as they are anywhere before man colonized the beaches.”

“Do you know where they live in the sea?”

“The only way to find them, is to know someone that has already been there.”

-

Jesse splashed through the koi pond with a small herd of the golden fish following along. “That’s a good little filly,” He praised a small koi that was trying her best to stay at his side. He rubbed her scales above her eye where he just knew it must itch.

She glupped at him and slide across his side. He affectionately pet her back as she went by and the school rose to investigate a bug with unfortunate timing. He was proud of them. It had only taken a few hours and the rest of the food Hanzo had set out to get them to behave.

They weren’t dolphins or sharks, that was for sure, but he was glad to have a bit of familiarity. Would his little Bessie remember him if he ever made it home? He fought off a wave of sadness at thoughts of his life among the vibrant ocean hunting and fighting and chasing adventure at every turn.

That’s what got me into this mess, he sighed in a flurry of bubbles and sent the school of koi on their way. He would work more with them later if he got the chance. He just hoped he didn’t end up eating them all if the curse struck before Hanzo got home.

He swam from one end of the pond to the other, an eye on the sun the whole time. The fading rays turned the water orange and his heart began to thunder.

It didn’t last long as the back gate squeaked and Jesse darted over to look. “Hanzo, darlin!” Jesse waved excitedly to see Hanzo stepping through. He raised a hand and waved back and a smile rose to scrunch his cheeks. It was more beautiful than the sunset over the ocean on its best day.

“I have some good news.” Hanzo trotted over, instrument case bouncing slightly on his back. “Let us talk over dinner.”

“I’d love that, got a might bit of hunger going.” Jesse swam to the edge closest to Hanzo and didn’t resist when he was scooped up. He wriggled his rump into the middle of his palm and slung his good arm around Hanzo’s thumb. “What are we gonna eat for dinner?”

“Have you tired of salmon already?” Hanzo chuckled and cupped the merman tight to his chest. Jesse took the time to rub himself against the little vee of skin that peeked out beneath his shirt. It was warm and soft and he planted little kisses against it. It tasted like the sea, salt and brine and something spicy from what he had eaten for lunch.

“I was thinking maybe something with pasta?” Jesse licked his lips. “I used t’come on shore all the time t’get a big bowl of noodles.”

“Truly?”

“Wouldn’t lie to you, sweetheart.” Jesse blinked to adjust his eyes as they passed into the darkness of the house. Hanzo quickly turned the lights on and carried him through the house to the kitchen. Jesse pointed to the sink next to the stove. “I can swim there while you cook. I like t’see you working your magic.”

“Very well.” Hanzo filled the sink with lukewarm water and Jesse was happy to dive in. He splashed and wriggled to clean the pond water off. A few scales fluttered off and fell to the bottom of the sink. He frowned at them and absence scratched the patches on his shoulders. The shifting had strained his body and he’d be shedding for a while.

It poked at the vain streak that had been growing since living with Hanzo. He fusted with his hair as he rose above the surface and crossed his arms on the ledge. He rested his chin on it and studied Hanzo.

“I will make ramen tonight. If it is agreeable.”

“Ramen? I think I had something like that once. When i was roaming around Japan as a young buck.” He sniffed excitedly at the onions, garlic and spices Hanzo set out on the counter. “Oooh, can you put an egg in mine? I remember the eggs. Big pretty golden yolks.”

“I will put an egg in yours.” Hanzo chuckled and leaned down. His beautiful brown eyes crinkled in the corners and Jesse lifted himself higher from the water. “It will be as big as your head at least.”

“You’re making me drool,” Jesse waggled his eyebrows and cast his eyes over the hunter. Strong, sturdy shoulders shook with his laugh and a fingertip was pressed to Jesse’s chest. He leaned down to kiss the top and added a nibble for good measure in case Hanzo couldn’t feel it.

“It is a good thing you are so small. Or your fangs would be quite painful.” Hanzo teased with a flash of a smile as he started adding things to the pots on the stove.

“Oh darlin’,” Jesse preened, flashing his tail in slow undulating movements. “They can feel mighty nice, or so i’m told.”

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