#beyond the stuff manga readers know

[chromatic-lamina]

episode 1103!

[sanchoyo]

idk if ur updated on the mha manga cus i don’t wanna spoil it for ur but ur u kinda predicted Tomura’s quirk w ur shigaraki x oc fic 😭

W….which part of it wdym exactly 👀❓❓

(thank u for trying to not spoiling it!! But Tbh I don’t rly mind spoilers of bnha at this point ngl. Spill all the details if u wanna!! I Might come back and binge it if I hear my villain blorbos get a good ending but for now it’s on my backburner and spoilers are whatever, lol)

[popponn]

here and there, about him.

summary: is he perfect? no, just like anyone else. but there will always be something about him. (aka a snippets of one of many, many things he will do for you.)

notes: missing lovesick bllk boys trope for a hot minute while doing other stuffs. short and light stuffs to scratch the itch. was about to isagi and nagi, but turns out self control is still a thing for me. warning: none, just minor swearing + fluffs capital f of smitten boys, chigiri is ready to fight for you. reader's gender unspecified.

characters: rin, chigiri, kaiser.

itoshi rin is very, very much very obvious in his favoritism to you. so obvious that both his teammates and his brother told him to tone it down a little bit. of course, rin only scoffs and tells them to mind their own business (actually he said it more as ’fuck off, cretins’, but details). but, really, no one could exactly blame them. this guy could be in an ongoing tirade about how person a is an utterly pathetic soggy wet trash, then you greet him with a smile and he turns into a cold, suave, rich boyfriend on a snowy winter day. drape his jacket on you, hold your hand, and ’let you hug him from behind while discreetly intertwining your finger with his’ type of stuff. it’s a bit disgusting, honestly. and no one wants to start commenting on how he immediately looks in your direction after scoring a goal. also if he buys something, the only one who has the slightest bit of hope of ever receiving anything is his brother here—and that chance is very miniscule on its own since none of them are you. put simply, it’s a bit infuriating, yet undeniably infuriatingly cute in its own way to watch. especially when there is a very high chance you will be the one and only romance this anti-social guy will ever have. everyone in the team supports the two of you, but by gods maybe please do something about him a little bit?

chigiri hyoma will never let anyone hurt you. it’s common knowledge already that he takes no shit from anyone and ever since he has seen you as ‘the one’, he pretty much already thinks of you as an inseparable part of his life already. so, in other words, that means you have gotten yourself a boyfriend who is ready to become a biting guard dog at a moment's notice. someone insults you? tries to physically harm you? oh, baby, hold your boyfriend back because he is also known to get angry real quick. save his reputation and hold himself back from spouting words that would make someone’s ancestors cry or, worse, from beating someone up. this is a speedster athlete trained by ego jinpachi himself—no one could escape unscathed from something like that. but hey, this is someone who naturally turns into a shoujo manga male lead with soft gazes and flowery smiles the moment you put a hand on his cheek. this is, in a way, just another way for him to protect and make sure of your comfort. also, he needs to have an outlet for the less soft part somewhere other than soccer.

michael kaiser is very reliable and observant, despite whatever persona or deflection he will give you even in the ‘official already’ part of your relationship. this guy has a high ego and puts on an air of someone high and mighty, beyond your league. but everyone all knows if you get to the part where he proudly lets you wear his clothes or makes sure you stay pressed to his side during walks, he is down bad. still, for his sake and maybe everyone else’s, let him take care of you and act casually about it. don’t point it out when he suddenly crouches down and ties your untied shoelaces, keep talking as if nothing happened when he puts a hand in the small of your back, and just act as if nothing happened when he gives someone a ferocious glare while making sure you cling unto his arm. don’t praise or, god forbid, swoon at those. it will only make him get flustered and lose his composure or, worse, get real annoying. he is indeed good at the whole act of service thing, surprisingly, but please do remember his attitude is indeed also in the ‘piece of shit’ category most of the time. just let the yellow and blue betta fish swim at his own pace and let what means to happen in the future, happen at its own time, including giving praises to him without him reacting like a lovesick brat.

[seulszn]

Listen I love TLOU and the fandom very much but a lot of people (not calling anybody out) need a reality check and need to grow up. I wanna say my two cents on things that bother me in this fandom.

1. Boycotting for Palestine

I have seen multiple times on multiple occasions where people would sit on their phone and complain about why writers are “flooding the tags with this boycotting bullshit” and honestly all I have to say is your super childish you can’t take a hour or a week out of your day to raise awareness on a important topic that is affecting millions of people? Your so horny so down bad for pixelated characters that you don’t care about the innocent children, women and men that are dying in Palestine? The boycotting isn’t gonna stop just because you want your needs filled, the boycotting isn’t going to stop because you think it needs to, it’s not gonna stop until Palestine is free. And if you wanna read things that bad then read nobody is stoping you but a take into ignition that if a writer is spreading awareness then don’t be ignorant and say stupid shit

2. Less Sex and more angst or other genres.

Listen I love Abby and Ellie just like everyone else and I read a lot of smut about them but does that all y’all see when y’all look at them? As sex objects? Like I’m not saying that you should stop writing smut for those characters but write other things to that don’t involve smut, like angst I see a lot of people under that tag say how they wish writers would as write other things that isn’t just smut and majority of the time when they say that they get hated for it. It lowkey gets boring reading fanfics where the whole plot is smut, smut, smut. And again I’m not saying to stop writing smut but please for the love of whatever you believe in write other genres.

3. Black inclusivity

As a black writer and a black person TLOU tag isn’t inclusive enough. I know you must be thinking “Why are we speaking about this again?” Because I’m honestly so tired of how uninclusive the fandom is like I said before Ellie dates WOC if you don’t know what WOC is it’s Women Of Color all of Ellie’s girlfriends where WOC now I’m not saying you can’t write for Ellie as a white person and I’m not saying that never did all I am saying is once again all of Ellie’s girlfriend where POC

Riley was a Black African American who Dated Ellie

Cat the girl who wasn’t mentioned alot but is in the game is Asian American who also dated Ellie

Dina is a Jewish (Mexican, Middle Eastern ) American who dated Ellie

Also yes we know when the reader is white coded so don’t try a put that you don’t mention when race mentioned cause you do and we can tell when you do “She’s Petite and cute with her long blonde hair” or whatever you bitches be saying we know when you guys aren’t inclusive the whole point of fanfiction writing is to be inclusive is to make sure that readers can see themself in your xreader so if your putting all these “white things and then labeling your story as “the readers race is not mentioned” or that OC stuff that y’all do then just label the story as a white reader or a OC reader

4. Futa, trans and masc

Now here I’m gonna discuss two or three things starting off with Futa and Trans. Now I don’t know when “Futa” or “Trans” Ellie and Abby came from but a lot of you readers need to understand and learn the difference between the two because they are both very different things.

Futanari: is the Japanese word for hermaphroditism, which is also used in a broader sense for androgyny. Beyond Japan, the term has come to be used to describe a commonly pornographic genre of eroge, manga, and anime, which includes characters that show primary sexual characteristics from both females and males. In today's language, it refers almost exclusively to characters who have an overall feminine body, but have both female and male primary genitalia (although a scrotum is not always present, while breasts, a penis, and a vulva are). The term is also often abbreviated as futa(s), which is also used as a generalized term for the works themselves.

Transgender (often shortened to trans) is someone whose gender identity differs from that typically associated with the sex they were assigned at birth. Some transgender people who desire medical assistance to transition from one sex to another identify as transsexual. Transgender is also an umbrella term; in addition to including people whose gender identity is the opposite of their assigned sex (trans men and trans women), it may also include people who are non-binary or genderqueer. Other definitions of transgender also include people who belong to a third gender, or else conceptualize transgender people as a third gender. The term may also include cross-dressers or drag kings and drag queens in some contexts. The term transgender does not have a universally accepted definition, including among researchers.

Mind you I am not transgender I am nonbinary but I see a lot of transgender people speak up about how offensive it is to write a character as Transgender but it’s not really transgender but a Futanari remember a Futa is a character who is assigned a gender at birth but just has extra sexual parts like a penis.

Now another thing that bothers me is how y’all Masculinize Masc Lesbians as if they still aren’t women themselves like every time I read a fanfic with Ellie or Abby or even Vi and Sevika from Arcane you guys like to ignore they fact that they are also women themselves like it’s not gonna kill you to give those characters feminine compliments there shouldn’t be a reason why your calling these women “handsome” or other Masculine compliments and also a lot of Masculine women where makeup it’s not just a feminine woman thing. Masc Lesbians are women they aren’t men so stop treating them as if they are men and ignoring the fact that they are women

5. the Innocent childish reader gotta stop.

They title says enough I don’t think I need to say too much but a lot of y’all get innocent and corruption mixed up but a corruption kink is When you find the idea of "corrupting" someone, mostly in a sexual way, like taking virginities or introducing people to stuff like bdsm etc. It's the idea of having someone "pure" do "bad" things under your influence. And innocent is not corrupted or tainted with evil or unpleasant emotion; sinless; pure. not guilty of a particular crime; blameless. (From the dictionary)

Y’all need to understand yes not everyone knows what sex is but everyone knows what a vagina is what a penis is, what a orgasm is and what sex is but they may not knows what happens when you have sex so making the reader what y’all call innocent isn’t innocent it’s honestly to me perverted cause the only one who would say something like “my cunny feels weird 🥺” or that “what is sex 🥺” is a child. Children don’t know what sex is children don’t know what pleasure or orgasms is and when y’all say “the reader is a Bimbo” is also funny cause Bimbos know what sex is as well yes they may be stupid but they aren’t slow so before you make a innocent reader please think “am I making my reader act like a child or am I gonna make her really innocent like how regular grown ass adults act?” so don't get not knowing and "innocent" mixed up

6. The stories where they have sex inside a church also gotta stop

Now I’m not a Christian but these stories are honestly really bad and are Blasphemy a lot of people have come out and said that they don’t like the fact that people are writing stories about church in a sexual way like their shouldn’t be any reason why your characters are fucking inside a church, that’s like stomping on someone’s dead grave. You guys do shit like this and then wonder why Christian’s don’t like us. Religion isn’t something to be sexualized it’s not something to be playing with either this idc how much you hate Christianity you can be a Atheist, or Catholic or Jewish but please for the love of whatever you believe in don’t sexualize people’s religion.

That’s all I can think of at the moment if I think of more I’ll of course make a part two to this but don’t take anything I said here to heart it’s just my blunt honest opinion on things in this fandom and if I get hate for this 🤷🏾‍♀️

[bugs1nmybrain]

Shigaraki With a Crush on Fem!Reader

MINORS DON'T INTERACT

Notes/Warnings: 18+ themes but no smut, Fem-Reader, White-Haired Shigaraki w/ Long hair (he's 21 in this fic), alcohol use but no one gets drunk, other members of the League make an appearance, Shigaraki is pervy, they play League of Legends cuz I'm just as much of a loser as Shigaraki, story has TWO PARTS in one fic, fluff, not proofread

i will not stop babygirlifying Shigaraki YOU CAN'T STOP ME

Notes about reader: quiet-type, wears flashy alternative clothes and makeup, nerdy (artist, gamer, loves anime & manga), neurodivergent

The PLF was staffed with a multitude of skilled folks, all of different positions. There were those on the front causing trouble, like most of the League. Some people held side-line positions, which is where you come in. You worked as a research, statistic, and data analyst, as well as an undercover intel gatherer. Under Skeptic's duty. More of a down-low kind of role.

You weren't the most talkative, but you were always there at every meeting and event. However, the outfits you wore and the way you did your hair almost completely contrasted with your rather quiet personality. Bold eyeliner, frilly skirts, sexy fishnets. You'd come to meetings and usually have your face buried into a sketchbook, yet whenever you were called on it seemed like you were paying attention perfectly.

Shigaraki kept tabs on most of the PLF members, though not extensively. You, however, always managed to catch his eye. For such a minuscule role in the organization, you seemed to pop up everywhere. It was never hard to spot you.

What truly caught him was when you walked into a meeting wearing a fucking League of Legends shirt. He recalls it perfectly. The way you fwumped down in your chair, always across the table in the same damn chair every time. You carried about five manga books with you and your sketchbook, and a Monster Energy right by you. He paid closer attention at that meeting and picked up on your habits and suddenly he found your voice exciting to listen to. It was a bummer you were so reserved.

With all that damn shit you carried around with you, it was frequent that you'd be stuck in the meeting room a couple minutes after everyone left. Just trying to gather your things.

Tomura noticed you questioning your packing methods as he walked toward the door. He was getting a little irritated just watching you struggle with your bag, trying to get it all to fit. He thought to himself "fuck it" and strolled over to you. You weren't really paying attention as he grabbed one of your books with only two fingers and a thumb, eyeballing your backpack. You packed a lot of shit.

You looked up and you began to freeze. The big boss. You were beyond confused and a tiny bit frightened. You didn't say anything until he looked at you as well.

"Need help?" Tomura asked, gently waving the book in his hand. You took note that he was being careful with it.

"Uh..sure, yes," you stammered.

"You have a lot of stuff. How'd you even get it all up here? Cuz to be honest all this ain't gonna fit."

"I carried it."

He now took note of the headphones around your shoulders. You were funny, he thought.

"Let me take the backpack and you can carry your books."

You paused a moment, confused that he stopped to help you. Especially considering he's, him.

"O-okay."

Tomura took your bag, which typically is a little heavy for you, but less than a breeze for him.

"Where's your room?" Tomura asked.

"Skeptic's wing."

"Oh, right. You're the research girlie."

You were impressed that he knew. You followed him sheepishly. "Girlie." Shigaraki sure did have a smart mouth, judging by the meetings. Once you got down the stairs, Tomura gestured for you to go in front of him.

"Lead the way. I don't know where the hell we're going."

You lead him toward your room of the building. Tomura snuck a look at your ass as you guided him through Skeptic's wing. The fishnets looked nice on you, too. A part of his mind wanted to compare you to a hooker, but he had a feeling that wasn't very progressive of him. He wasn't complaining, though.

"Here."

You two had finally arrived at your bedroom. You opened the door and Shigaraki questioned if it was okay for him to come in, so he sat the backpack down just beyond your door.

"I, uh. Thank you, Shigaraki."

He felt a little excitement in his pants listening to you say his name, especially in such a thankful tone.

"Yea, no prob." He began to step away, no formal goodbye until he stopped, realizing he didn't exactly know your name.

He made steps backwards towards your door.

"You're name..it's Y/N? If I remember right. Sorry. There's a lot of us."

"No worries," you smiled. "Yea, that's me."

"You play League?" He asked, noticing your shirt again.

"Oh! Yea! I mean, I fucki- sorry-language, I suck. But I love playing."

"No shame. I'd carry you," Tomura flirted? He wasn't sure. He eyed you like an excited puppy. "I just don't know any girls who play. Or anyone aside from Spinner, honestly."

"He does?"

"Yea. We, uh..We should play. Tonight?" Tomura felt his face get warm and he knew he had to cut the convo short before he went red.

"Yea!!" You perked up. Excited to make friends, which was very hard for you because of how quiet you were. With Shigaraki, too? Definitely would come in your favor, you figured.

Shigaraki felt himself get flustered at your sudden excitement.

"Do you have a paper and pen?" He asked, figuring you should.

"Yeah hold on," you went to your desk and pulled out a paper and pen and handed them over to him.

Tomura used his thigh to write down his user, and also included his phone number while he was at it, just in case.

"Here. I, uh, I gotta go but you can text me. I'll tell Spinner to be prepared."

"Okay," you beamed. Tomura tried holding back his smile that would've spread right across his face if he didn't.

"Okay. Bye." He turned away and trailed off faster than lightning. For the first time in...wow. For once, he felt like he was experiencing happiness in an objectively good way that didn't involve murdering a whole city. He then wondered if that was gonna be a deal breaker.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A couple weeks had passed. You and Tomura were certainly friends up to this point. You played League a bunch (with Spinner, who could tell Shigaraki had the hots for you), but you two had also played other games together. Minecraft and GTA were regulars. He even pestered about Animal Crossing, but you didn't have a Switch! (He was going to change that).

As for in-person? You two sat closer together at meetings. You had even left your designated chair to come join his side. Some of the other higher-ups were starting to question it, but Shigaraki always found ways to write them off.

You made Tomura feel normal. Almost child-like. Like there was someone who only needed him for mutual jokes and fun. You were also a very understanding person and didn't shame him for things that you had every reason to. Of course, he hadn't spilled every bean in his can yet. He couldn't handle sharing all that and then you did not like him the same way he liked you.

-

"Dude, just ask her out." Dabi sipped from his beer and scowled watching Shigaraki stare at you from across the room. The League threw a party for no good reason. Of course, PLF members were encouraged to come.

"She doesn't have other people to hang out with so she's probably looking for you anyways," Spinner included.

"Don't call her a loner," Shigaraki said spitefully, taking a drink from his glass of whiskey.

"If the shoe fits," Dabi includes.

"She's smart for that. This world is full of posers."

"Not like yourself, right?" Dabi includes.

"I will dump my whiskey on your burn scars. Shut the fuck up."

"Just fucking ask the girl out. She gets all smiley around you anyways. Probably gooey, too."

"Knock it OFF!" Shigaraki rumbles. Though the hypothetical idea of that definitely made him feel pride. "I've like. Never had a friend, who was a girl, that I liked this way."

"You're a virgin, got it," Dabi joked, knowing full well he was risking his life.

"I fucking hate you." Shigaraki sighs and scratches his, neck. He turned his gaze over to you, noticing your fitting black dress with your classic fish nets. He noticed a boob window, too. That was gonna make this harder (ha). He actually appreciated your style a lot. He was always excited to see what you chose to wear whenever there was a meeting, or he knew he was gonna see you somehow. Always full of surprises.

Spinner was right, though. You looked lost. You hung around the bar, bored and stagnant. Shigaraki noticed some guys looking at you, making him feel protective and angry. You looked your head around and then you and his gaze met. He figured it was time to approach you.

He walked up to you at the bar with his whiskey in hand. He sat in the chair next to yours and looked at you with a restrained smirk.

"Hi."

"Hi," you giggled.

"Having a good time?"

"So far I've been bored."

"When did you get here?" Shigaraki says sneaky. He saw you come in twenty minutes ago.

"A bit ago."

"Why didn't you come look for me?"

"I saw you with Spinner and Dabi, actually. I didn't know if you wanted me to hang out with you."

"Are you kidding me?" Shigaraki furrows, but sees you genuine face of worry. "Of course, I want to hang out with you. More than Dabi, I can say that."

"I'm just not as cool as most of the others."

"Girlie, you're out of your mind if you think you're any less cool than these losers. You're uh. You're like the coolest girl I know," he begins to transition into a mumble, though you heard every word.

"You're uh," Tomura's head whipped around when you began speaking. "You're cooler."

"I'll agree with you there. I'm better at games. And murderous ways."

"Yea."

"You're a deviant little devil, though," He chuckles, semi-sarcastically.

"Okay, maybe I am cooler, actually."

"Fuck you," He laughs.

He really couldn't handle it anymore. Not being transparent about how he felt about you. He did the good thing, right? He didn't solicit himself onto you and try the nice guy shit. He also wanted to get to know you better, though. But he felt himself get excited to see you. He'd get sad when you didn't text him for a while. He found himself wanting to comfort you, as well as Shigaraki possibly could. He wanted to touch you, and not even sexually (well, yes sexually). He wanted to feel your hair and how you felt hugging him. Oh, yea. His quirk. He's gotten gloves from the Doctor before, though. He can make it work.

"I knew you were here when you got here," he admits.

"I know. You looked over at me a couple times."

"Oh."

"What took you so long?"

"I..uh-" his mind was screaming. "I was nervous."

"You were nervous? When do you get nervous?"

"Tonight. Right now. I-It's just, I-fuck!" He buried his face in his hands, itching the area on his face he could reach.

"What's wrong?"

"I like you," Tomura muffled in his hands.

You're eyes shot wide open and your heart beat faster than you thought possible.

"Really?" You began to smile wide, though Tomura still couldn't see.

"YeuUP! A lot. Like so much so that..FUUUck."

"Being shy is my job!" You giggled, voice shaking. Shigaraki could hear the tremble in your voice and looked at you, seeing your huge smile and bright eyes.

"Yea, well. You're cute. You did this to me!" He scoffs with a cackle.

"I brought the big boss to his knees, then?"

"Uh-huh. Ya got me."

"I, um.." Tomura turned his head to you while you began to speak. "I like you too."

"You do?"

"Yea. I've been scared to say it. I didn't think you did."

"For a data analyst I figured you'd pick up on it."

"Well. Maybe I did. But I doubted that it was true."

"Well," Tomura turned to face you directly this time. "It's pretty canon, as you'd say."

You chuckled at him and looked at his hands. You reached out and trailed your more delicate hands against his, rubbing the inside of his palm. He looked at you in awe, in slight disbelief of what you were doing.

"Do you want to be my girlfriend?" Tomura asked, slightly shaking.

"Yes." You smiled, his hand now holding yours, with his pinky up. "Please?"

"Yea. I'm the one who asked, silly. And I'll get gloves, okay?"

"Okay. I trust you."

"Thanks. So...is it too early to ask for a kiss?"

You blushed and hid your face in your other hand.

"No. But there's all these people."

"True. Let's get out of here then. My room? I got a huuuuge bed."

"What're your intentions?" You blushed.

He shrugged and smirked. "Whatever you want. I also have like, six gaming consoles and a PC. Mario Kart? Or...Smash? ;)"

"Both?"

"Good choice."

[ohkkotsuu]

𝐈𝐁𝐓 — 𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐁𝐅 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆! choso kamo.

ৎ୭ PAIRING: choso kamo x gender neutral reader (they/them pronouns used, unspecified anatomy)

ৎ୭ ABOUT: your boyfriend never experienced many things from the normal human world, as a half-curse. he's fully convinced that he needs to be a better boyfriend. so, he'll do his best to be the best for you. he sets some rules to be a boyfriend, a good one.

ৎ୭ CW/TW: SFW. choso is just so sweet i wanna bite him, overprotective behavior (a bit), choso is a simp and he wants to marry you, this is really just him being head over heels for you, choso calls you some petnames, itadori and nobara are mentioned (not as a couple)! fluff. straight up fluff. i just wrote a lot of him being silly about you lololol maybe this will become a series?? with other characters maybe. also, please, if you enjoy it, tell me about it! i would love to interact more with reblogs and comments from you all.

CHOSO never knew what to expect from the future, always being surprised by the violent turns in his life. lose two of his brothers, find a new brother — and certainly, he hadn't expected to have his heart so deeply won by you. nor win yours back. a sweetness of fate after so much sourness, which he hoped to make it last.

so choso became your partner (apparently, a modern term is boyfriend, so that works too). however, he has no idea how to be a good boyfriend. that makes choso resort to the best wingman he knows, an expert in people and relationships — his brother, yuuji itadori.

and it's from there that choso actively engages in what yuuji called “intensive boyfriend training”.

said training consists in watching hours of romantic movies, flipping through cliché books with good male leads, even retorting to reading shojo manga to know how to act romantic. yuuji even enlisted the help of a friend, nobara, so they only have quality content for training. no toxic male leads, no weird unconsensual stuff. only the best examples so he could become the best boyfriend. choso wants to know everything about how a guy should act to be a good boyfriend. after all, you're his world, and you deserve the best and the best only.

curses acquire information from the brain of the vessel they inhabit, but choso himself has no relationship experience. Centuries of his life were focused solely on protecting his siblings, and that is still one of his priorities — but, another priority is also you. he sets down some personal rules to himself, just so he can guide his heart through this whole “being a good boyfriend” thing.

his number one rule is never lie to you. never. doesn't matter the circumstances, choso will absolutely always be truthful and honest with you. relationships are based on trust, love and sharing. you are the person who showed him that there are ways to love someone beyond platonic — and, in return, you'll have his heart and he'll have yours. you are a partner for life in his eyes, and he would trust you with everything.

he's always truthful about things: where he's been, who he's been with, how he's feeling, he doesn't hide anything. choso even overshares every now and then. in his eyes, there is not even a single reason to lie to you. originally, he hesitated at the question of “how are you?” if he wasn't doing alright. choso wanted to be your white knight, the one who could protect you and his brothers without having to be weak. he slowly opened up as he realized it wasn't wrong to be weak. another valuable lesson you taught him.

if he is not feeling well, he will be sincere and say that he is not feeling well. choso will usually asks for what he wants — hold your hand, cuddle, kisses, anything really. he is also very honest when you ask for outfit opinions, for example — he admires how different colors suit you, how different types of fabrics of many different looks adorn your body. you usually need to call him more than once.

“choso.”

“hm? yes, baby?”

his heart skips a beat when he sees your smile. “you're staring. did you like this one?”

unfortunately, his opinion for visuals isn't exactly helpful, per say. he thinks everything look pretty in you, and he'll be very straightforward about it, because it's never about the attires you wear for him, no — you are insanely perfect. you're what makes this clothes pretty, not the opposite. you are what makes his world more worth living.

“I love everything you wear. you look amazing in everything.” the corners of his mouth lift up a bit as he give you the usual lovey-dovey stare.

you giggle a bit, unable to stop yourself from thinking that he's just so cute, staring at you like that. as if you were the moon and the stars. or even more than that.

“thanks, choso, but we've been here for half an hour. I need help to pick an outfit.”

the second rule he sets for himself is to protect you and care for you. he's absolutely never taking you anywhere risky. he'll do anything to be sure you're safe — anything he can. choso is always off guard for you, you make him feel safer than ever. but he's not relaxing about other things.

he would never forgive himself if you were hurt because he's too relaxed. he doesn't always have to be perfect, he knows, but he will still give every last drop of his own blood for your safety and your smile.

he's always keeping an eye out for suspicious people or cursed energy. if any signs of danger appear, he is ready to catch you on his arms, bridal style, and just run away to get you somewhere safe — which has already created some situations that are as embarrassing as they are amusing. another option is him entering on this intimidating mode, if not the immediate fight response.

he also doesn't like curses, even weak ones, around you. he acquired the habit of killing them immediately, being careful not to splash the purple blood of the spirits on you. he also carries around a tissue, either to wipe his face if a drop or two has spilled or to wipe his hand — he would never hold your hand while his is dirty like that. this is his version of “boyfriend who kills bugs for you” (to be fair, he would kill bugs too, if they're bothering you). choso was surprised when he learned that this is something boyfriends do for their partners, watching it on a romance series where a guy kills a bug when his love interest was too scared to do the same.

he's protective, but he's trying to be careful not to scare you or be creepy. he pulls you by your waist, always so gentle, staring daggers at a guy at the mall, scaring him away.

“choso.” he turns his head to you, and his eyes soften immediately. “what are you doing?”

“that man was staring at you.” he says, a bit grumpy. you only giggle and lean in to give him a kiss on the cheek — something that makes his face pink and a soft smile creeps it's way into his expression.

“thank you. but you didn't had to scare him, I know that guy. he's an acquaintance of mine.”

“oh. should I get rid of him?” he asks.

“choso, no, that's not what I meant—”

the third rule is something he made up seeing romantic movies: be a gentleman. he was doing that already, by taking care of you, showing his love, but according to yuuji and nobara, people love when their boyfriend is kind and does stuff for them. which made choso really confused.

“people get..impressed, when their loved ones show affection and minimum care or respect?” he can't really understand it, but if it's what will make him a better boyfriend, he'll become the most cliche of a gentleman.

(he's totally unaware that he is one already, and that no one was expecting him to do more).

so he looks for all kinds of opportunities to do something for you. place your orders in stores if you are too shy to do so, carry your shopping bags for you, put his coat over your shoulders when it's cold.

the “problem” is that it becomes something on a medium-large scale. you don't carry anything around choso, he carries everything for you. even small bags. the only thing with you should be a purse or backpack (if you wear any of those), and even with that he offers to carry it for you.

then there comes a day when you two are walking and choso stops. before you can ask him what's wrong, he picks you up on his arms. you cling to his shoulders with a surprised yelp. one of his arms is under your legs and the other supporting your back like a groom carrying his bride — as he hopes that one day, he will be that to you. and much more.

he just carries you for a few moments more without even complaining. he never complains. he loves carrying you, doing things for you, and you weight nothing to him.

“choso, what are you doing? what was that for?” he looks down at you.

“there was a mud puddle in the way, dear. if you crossed it, you would get your shoes dirty.” he explains nonchalantly, with you still on his arms. he seems ready to put you down, if you ask for it.

you both know he would have you bridal-style on his arms for a whole day if you let him.

hearing your giggle makes his heart flutter. although, one of his eyebrows raise softly.

“choso, we could have just skirted around the puddle.”

“oh.” he hadn't thought of that.

the fourth and final rule is never forget. he should never forget anything about you or involving you. dating anniversary, your birthday, this man has it engraved on his memory. he understands that these are special days not only for human customs, but for him personally — after all, your dating anniversary is a celebration of one of the happiest days of his life. the day you and him became a couple.

he certainly thinks that day would only be surpassed by your future wedding anniversary. but these things can wait. the wedding can wait. he's happy just by being with you.

it memorizes all your preferences, from the simplest to the most complicated. he knows what kind of movies you like, which series you hate, which food you prefer for every situation. he has your favorite brands decorated so he can get those for you. choso memorized all your orders in coffee shops or diners so he can order for you, too. it also learns if you have allergies.

sometimes he can't really believe that humans have such organisms. resist some diseases, but if you eat a tomato being allergic, something like this kill a human? impressive.

if you are in a situation where another person is hanging out with you and they ask for something “wrong”, choso will politely correct them.

“no, actually, they're allergic to those.”

“my partner asked for this, actually.”

people may think he's being arrogant, by correcting everyone about what you want — but what surprises everyone, even you, is that he always get it right. he knows your gift preference: what items you like the most, or, if you like it, handmade gifts. he learns how to do those for you.

with a lot of help from the internet, yuuji and some moral support from nobara, choso sucefully made you a bracelet. he hands it to you carefully, a bit scared that you won't like it. it's one of those bracelets with letters on it, it reads:

“cho loves you”. you look at him, and he seems shy. this is the first time he actually made something instead of buying something.

“ran out of letters, so there was no way to have another S and O.” his tone is a bit apologetical, and his cheeks are pink. “I made it for you.”

before he can say anything else, you pull him for a gentle, sweet kiss. even such lovely action knocks the breath out of his lungs and makes his head spin. your smile when you lean back makes choso think he's in heaven.

“thank you, choso. I loved it, I loved it so much! help me put it on?” you ask with those cute puppy dog eyes.

and of course you could put the bracelet on for yourself, you both know it. but he accepts any excuse to touch you, and you want to see him do it. while he helps you with your new jewelry, it reminds you of the day he slipped a dating ring on your finger.

“done, baby.” he says softly, eyes laying on the bracelet and moving to your hand, where a ring that matches his adorn one of your fingers. his fingertips touches it softly and he smiles, whispering: “I'll marry you someday.”

“what was that, choso?”

“nothing.” he looks away, embarrassed. but in a way, you both know it: it's a promise.

©OHKKOTSUU on tumblr.

[rinniemybeloved]

Omg Heyy I just wanted to say I love your haikyuu writing!🥹 I was wondering if I can request kageyama, tsukishima and hinata (separate ofc) or whoever you want leaving lipstick lipstick stains on their faces I just think that’s so cute ❤️😪

[✦] - 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐊 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒

You leaving lipstick stains on their faces

notes : idk if u wanted headcanons or scenarios. Sorry if u wanted scenarios instead

warnings : MANGA SPOILERS, kissing??? Hinata's is kinda vague sorry

pairings : kageyama x fem!reader, tsukishima x fem!reader, hinata x fem!reader

𝐊𝐄𝐈 𝐓𝐒𝐔𝐊𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐌𝐀

It was a prank. Tsukishima would have noticed straight away that there was lipstick if it wasn't. You were quite excited that this prank might just work.

Right before he went to practice, you kiss him on his cheek with a grin on your face. He asks you why you were smiling, but you shrug it off. Unlike any other day, he doesn't really take it into mind and goes to practice.

Literally the second he enters the gymnasium, Kyotani looks him up and down and say "had fun?"

Kei is confused. He honestly doesn't understand why Kyotani asked him that. He raised an eyebrow and answered his question with another question, "what do you mean?"

Kogane, who was listening to the whole conversation, bursts out laughing.

"Didn't you look in the mirror?" He can hardly get the words out, too busy laughing to see that his usual unaffectionate teammate doesn't notice that he has red lipstick on his cheek.

When he pulls out his phone from his pocket and looks at himself in the camera, the man is beyond annoyed AND embarrassed. Two emotions that Tsukishima didn't want to feel right now. He's gonna have a talk with you after practice.

𝐓𝐎𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝐊𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐘𝐀𝐌𝐀

In his case, neither Tobio or you noticed. It was really just an accidental thing. He was already in a rush, so he didn't care to look at himself once.

When he goes to practice, most of his teammates kinda just stare at him for a few seconds until all of them make a plan to not question Kags on why his neck is pinkish and just see how long it will be until he realizes.

Ushijima really wasn't up for it, but the others convinced him (random, but he's ushi so why not)

It wasn't that long until Tobio started to feel eyes on him, though. Whenever he felt someone staring, he'd mouth the word 'what?' But his teammates always shook their head to show that it was nothing big.

At last, he came up to Hoshiumi and sternly asked him, "What's wrong? Is there anything on my face?"

Hoshiumi looked around the gym a bit and then finally let out a chuckle. "Go look at yourself, dude."

Kags made a weird face a him as if he were trying to say 'why tf would i do that' but, when he actually goes to the bathroom and looks into the mirror, he finally gets it. There's pinkish-red stuff all over his neck.

Lucky you, he sent you a pic before wiping it all off <3

𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐘𝐎 𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐀

This happened at a family reunion, so expect to feel second hand embarrasment

just moments before shoyo's mum opened the door, you gave him a kiss, knowing that you had lipstick on. You wanted to tell him and rub it off, but there was no time.

Shoyo's mum was already smiling when she welcomed you two in, but her smile grew when she saw Shoyo's cherry lips. She was hoping to see how long it would go until her son notices, but her daughter ruined it all.

Natsu ran up to her brother and hugged him tightly after months of not seeing him, but when she looked up, she started giggling. She didn't even ask him what it was. "Ewwww nii-chan, you were kissing (y/n) ?"

He was kinda put on the spot with that because didn't realize that he kissed you while you had lipstick on. So, he didn't really know what to do except turn his head to you and depend on you to answer.

Requests are open!

[sailorblossoms-rankane]

there's a gag that essentially 1. shows both Ranma and Akane's flaws for laughs (but not to judge) 2. relies on assumptions and misunderstandings so it can do "raunchy" comedy without really compromising how fateful Ranma is to Akane

There's plenty of perverts in rumic world (their harassment is the setup & beating their asses the punchline) but despite his assholery, Ranma is sorta chivalrous, and he's faithful to Akane (everything else is a challenge/battle).

That's the joke: what if an innocent guy is seen as a pervert

He's often in those types of situations because of naivete and impulsivity – he doesn't think until he's already in trouble (or what he thinks is naive or dumb). It's also plot (or someone's plot). No way "gotta touch a tiddie (pressure point) to defeat her" won't look bad. Any person with a brain would realize that, but that's also the joke:

1. the situation is impossible not to misunderstand

2. Ranma genuinely doesn't realize until it's Too Late. So Ranma is dumb but always innocent, and for that, the formula is as follows:

The setup: the reader ALWAYS gets all the context BEFORE he's put in a compromising position. The other character is generally someone Ranma "shouldn't struggle to deal with." The punchline is that we know he's innocent, but he looks guilty to the character discovering him.

I can see not loving this gag as sometimes Ranma is harassed/invaded. I think the logic behind this happening to him (and not to the girls for example) is that "he's not vulnerable" "wouldn't happen if he grew a spine or used his brain" or something (also, fanservice) it is what it is. (imo some shit definitely doesn't land, but the manga has the ability to make wrong and/or extremely out-of-pocket shit funny just by the strength of its pacing, composition, and characters' expressions)

Part of the humor is also that for Ranma, it's important that Akane doesn't misunderstand (he ALWAYS wants to explain himself to her)... so of course she will lol but it's not just Akane! ANYONE who catches ranma misunderstands.

Here's the thing:

Akane is insecure (remember we learn that she felt like she needed to change herself to get love in the first volume – growing out her hair like Kasumi – experienced an unrequited crush for years, and other fiancées show up just as she's discovering her feelings for Ranma). She's quick to anger, impulsive (Ranma is too) she will hit first and listen later...

But even if Ranma is innocent, Akane's reaction still makes sense as an emotional response. She never gets the context we do before she catches him in a compromising situation, and you'll be hard-pressed to find a single motherfucker on this planet who would be chill seeing their significant other in the situations she finds him.

Akane is very jealous, but it's not like she's beating his ass because another girl breathes in his direction. The comedy always pushes both in extreme situations. Even if logically Akane knows Ranma, insecurities and emotions aren't logical.

(here's the context behind this panel btw)

Akane needs a lot of reassurance, but the comedy often pushes her BEYOND her limits, so she reacts badly. Even if there's always an explanation, finding your significant other in compromising situations regularly would piss any bitch off. At some point you just want it to stop.

Assuming the worst is a consequence of insecurity and being used to having unrequited feelings. But Ranma also does stupid shit like sneaking into a woman's apartment. Getting overwhelmed with anger and struggling to listen makes sense as an emotional response to that.

Sometimes is more about Akane not feeling like she's desirable enough for Ranma, who's surrounded by cute girls, so even if he's faithful she still believes he's interested in someone else. Sometimes she's perceptive, but still frustrated by having to find him in those situations (or stuff like... sure, she doubs Ranma is trying to actually date their teacher, but he's never ~romantically giving her his coat~ to protect her from the cold now is he).

If it keeps happening, Ranma's innocence by itself is not enough to suppress a bad gut reaction. That it is happening at all is also the problem, especially if it's happening because Ranma jumps into situations without thinking.

Something to also keep in mind is that they're both teens sharing a single braincell. Being FULLY aware of the situation doesn't suppress the emotional response. Because... emotions aren't logical!! (and that too is part of the joke)

[arvandus]

Touch Chapter 15 - Past and Present

Pairing: Dabi x Fem!AFAB!Reader

**18+ ONLY - MINORS DNI**

OVERALL FIC WARNINGS: Soft!Dabi, Fem!AFAB!Reader with a fictional backstory, fanon version of past events (I started this before the canon stuff dropped), manga  spoilers, canon deviation, drug abuse/withdrawal (with inaccuracies since it’s outside of my experience and relies on research and imagination), violence, heavy angst, past trauma/abuse, anxiety/panic attacks, PTSD, hurt/comfort, pining, slow burn, eventual emotionally charged SMUT,  all characters will be written with complexity (i.e., no  one-dimensional/hateful representations). *please pay attention to specific warning tags within each chapter!*

CHAPTER WARNINGS: Reader has a panic attack (described in detail); explicit violent thoughts; friendly reminder that this fic has a fanon-based backstory for Dabi and a fully-fleshed out backstory for Reader (think OC without a name/face); multiple uses of Y/N (sorry, couldn’t really be avoided this time).

Chapter Songs: All The King’s Horses by Karmina (Reader)/The Fragile by Nine Inch Nails (Dabi)

Part 1   Part 14

Chapter 15: Past and Present

Dabi felt like an idiot. A complete and utter dumbass.  It had happened so fast, so suddenly.  He hadn’t thought about the consequences of what he was doing when he pinned you onto his mattress in an attempt to wipe the smug grin off your face.

But as soon as he was over you, it was as if his mind went blank, the inner voices that criticized and warned falling unexpectedly silent.  All that had mattered in that moment was the look in your eyes, the feel of your skin beneath his palms, and your voice...

The way you’d said his name, as if you wanted him, needed him...

Dabi had always known you were attracted to him; you were never very good at hiding it. He could tell in the way your gaze became bashful as you touched his scars on his face.  He could tell in the way heat rolled off your body whenever you flushed hot in response to his close proximity, his own quirk-sensitive skin fine-tuned to temperature changes in the environment.  And of course how could he forget how flustered you got when he’d opened his door, fresh out of the shower that one night.

Dabi knew; he always knew.  He never really understood it, but that part didn’t matter, because it was fact.  It was why he enjoyed flirting and teasing you so hard early on, just to see you fluster beneath his gaze.

But physical desire was one thing. The way you had pleaded his name was another entirely.  It had nearly unraveled him from the inside out, your soft voice pulling at an invisible loose thread within his chest. It was more than just wanting; there was longing, as if you were begging him for something only he could give you.

So, for the briefest of moments, he let himself hope...

But then your phone rang, and then later you had left before he’d so much as had a chance to speak.  It was obvious you were running away, and it stung him to the point of dumbness, the simple goodnight falling from his lips while his mind screamed for him to stop you.

Maybe he’d assumed too much too quickly.  He’d felt a crashing wave of relief at your explanation for the birth control pills, but now his doubts had returned full force.  After all, it may not have been your only reason.

Maybe you were involved with someone else, and your quick exit the night before was fueled by guilt, guilt at allowing yourself to get caught up in the moment.

Or maybe, the attraction between you two wasn’t enough.  After all, you’d gotten to know him well enough now to see him as the hot mess that he was.  It was no surprise to him that you wouldn’t want to get involved beyond the precarious friendship you’d built.

Either way, your actions spoke volumes, and the defeat settled heavy on his chest.

Sleep was hard to settle into last night as it always was.  Dabi’s mind replayed the events over and over, partially to obsessively decipher the meaning of it all, and partially to avoid drifting off into the nightmares that would undoubtedly plague him.  He had half a mind to go knock on your door demanding answers; he was tired of guessing, he was tired of the uncertainty.  And most of all, he was tired of the distraction, of the way you occupied his thoughts. He just needed to know.

But he never did.  Maybe it was pride that kept him locked up behind his bedroom door, refusing to buckle first.  Or maybe it was cowardice, his refusal to come face to face with the very real possibility that you didn’t want him, not really.

He should be used to rejection; it was written through every page of his life, so this time should feel no different.  But at the same time, it was the rejection that had broken him in the first place. So, if he showed up on your doorstep, vulnerable and exposed and you refused him...

Dabi shoved the thought away. He didn’t want to entertain the possibility.  Besides, last night had been enough of an answer, right?  It told him everything he needed to know.

So, he stayed in his room, his mind replaying the sound of his name on your tongue over and over again, letting it torture him in the hopes that it would follow him into his dreams where you’d be waiting for him.  He let the memory of what had almost happened play out in his mind as he finally allowed himself to indulge, relieving his frustrations with the grip of his hand in the silent solitude of his room.

He had to fulfill his needs twice before sleep finally claimed him, only to wake up later in the night to sweating skin and wordless whispers haunting his ears from dreams he couldn’t remember.

Now, Dabi sat on the train with you in silence, the railcar slowly rocking back and forth as it moved along the tracks.  Your quirk once again coated him like a whisper, his mind eased slightly by your pills, as his nerves hummed quietly beneath the surface of it all.  Neither of you had brought up last night’s events, and while the air between you wasn’t uncomfortable like it used to be, there remained an undercurrent of awareness that neither of you wanted to breach; at least not here in public, under the watchful eyes of strangers.

Dabi was once again wearing his hoodie; it was still damp from the night before, and the feel of it along with its musty odor annoyed him.  But it was the only one he had, his wardrobe limited to what he was able to find in trash bins and homeless shelters, and the occasional donation from Giran when the old man finally took pity on him. 

Dabi increased his body heat just enough to warm the cotton fabric in an attempt to help it evaporate faster in the cool, damp air, but the action only made the humidity inside the hoodie worse, causing his unscarred skin to sweat and his healing wound to itch.

He wiggled his shoulders slightly in an attempt to alleviate it, and you glanced at him.

“You okay?” you asked.

“Itchy,” he replied.

If Dabi had a choice in the matter, he would have worn his usual stitched jacket.  But as soon as you’d told him where you were going – into the heart of Musutafu – he knew such a trademark piece would get him caught in an instant.  So, begrudgingly, he’d donned his disguise from the day before, complete with sunglasses and a mask to cover his scarred skin.

“It just means it’s healing well.”

“It needs to heal faster.”

You gave him a soft smile, and the pounding in his chest skipped.  “At least you only need to have your bandage checked once a day instead of twice like before.”

So you’d said that morning when you had treated him.  Dabi was glad that his healing wound would soon be a thing of the past, and so too would his reliance on your pills.

“How much longer ‘til we get there?” he asked.  His leg bobbed its usual rhythm.

“Two stops away,” you reassured.

“I don’t like how central your source is.  It’s too dangerous.”

“Sometimes it’s better to be right under the heroes’ noses,” you replied.  “Besides, normally it’s not an issue.  Compress and I pass off as perfectly normal citizens.”

Dabi humphed and sank back into his seat with his hands shoved deeper into his hoodie.

Compress.

Dabi still wasn’t convinced you two weren’t involved.  The selfish part of him didn’t want to care; he wanted to take you anyway, make you his; put an end to any possible involvement with a press of his lips against yours.

The selfish fantasy soothed his moodiness.

A few minutes later, the automated female voice rang out through the railcar, interrupting his daydreams.

‘Now approaching Musutafu City Hall and Cultural Center.  Next stop: Hero Commission Headquarters and Hawks Agency.’

“This is our stop,” you announced as you stood.

Dabi followed you silently like a protective shadow as you exited the railcar into the underground space.  His presence behind you made the hairs on the back of your neck and your arms stand on end, a constant awareness of him.  And yet, at the same time, that acute awareness made you feel safe. He was watching over you.

You had forgone your usual medical bag that you had, keeping it locked away in your room with the exception of a few of your pills that you kept in your pocket, just in case.  Instead, you kept the bare minimum on you, your fake ID provided by the League and cash in one pocket, and your burner phone in the other.  It made traveling easier; you didn’t have to worry about losing items or being pick-pocketed, especially with Dabi behind you, protecting your rear.

It was a Saturday, and the streets and sidewalks were busier because of it.  You and Dabi passed through crowds of people unnoticed as billboards, signs, and moving pictures covered the tall buildings that towered above your heads.  It wasn’t long before you were once again entering the familiar building of Yatsumoto’s residence. Only this time, it was a new front desk clerk – a young lady with a warm smile and trusting eyes.  You announced your arrival and a moment later were granted access to the elevator.

“Nice place,” Dabi commented as he eyed the locations of the cameras.  You smiled, appreciative of his perceptiveness.

"He does well for himself," you replied.

You both stepped off the elevator together, and you knocked on the door.  A moment later, Yatsumoto answered, ushering the two of you inside.

“You’re early,” he commented.

“We were in the area,” you lied.

In all honesty, it was Dabi who had pressured you out the door, eager to finally get his hands on his medication.

Dabi watched the man who you seemed to know so well with distrusting eyes.  He was attractive. Unfortunately.  Dabi half-wondered if this was who you were involved with.  He wouldn’t be surprised... he seemed like your type, or at least someone he’d picture you with.  Handsome, well-off. He seemed to like you well enough, based on how he smiled at you and how he addressed you.  It made Dabi’s skin crawl, and he subconsciously stepped forward to position himself slightly ahead of you.

You caught it instantly, the undercurrent of tension, the change in Dabi’s behavior. If you didn’t know any better, you’d call it protective at best, and jealous at worst.

The possibility almost made you laugh out loud in disbelief. For Dabi to be jealous, he had to care about you enough to want to lay claim to you, to consider you his.  And that mental picture did not meld with how you viewed yourself when it came to Dabi.  Sure, you knew he was attracted to you, and you knew the two of you had a connection that was ever-changing.  But you certainly didn’t see any heartfelt confessions of love or promises of commitment coming from scarred lips any time soon.

No, Dabi seemed more the ‘friends with benefits’ type.  And friends with benefits didn’t get jealous. Or, at least they weren’t supposed to.

Either way, there was nothing to be jealous of.  There was nothing between you and Yatsumoto. Not anymore, at least.

As you and Yatsumoto exchanged words, Dabi’s eyes scanned the space. It was neat, organized.  Nothing that would imply a stash of high quality, very expensive drugs on the premises.  Dabi wondered if he had a second, secret location that he pulled from as needed, or other handlers that fulfilled his orders from government facilities.

Yatsumoto stepped away into another room to grab the order, and you waited patiently.  Your eyes locked with Dabi’s, and you looked away quickly.

Dabi stared at you a moment longer before looking away as well.

“You two are close, huh?” he commented.

“We’ve known each other for a long time...” you replied.

Dabi didn’t respond; instead, he let his feet begin to take him where his gaze wandered.

“What are you doing?” you asked suspiciously.

“Nothin’,” Dabi replied.  “Just checking it out.”

“Nosey...” you accused.

“Curious,” Dabi corrected.

“They mean the same thing.”

Dabi smirked at you beneath his mask, but you couldn’t tell.  He made his way slowly to the nearby table that had papers stacked on it, his fingers drumming the surface as they itched to peek at their contents.

Yatsumoto came back, a small bottle in his hand.

“Got it,” he announced, his keen eyes on Dabi.  Dabi stepped away from the table nonchalantly to stand protectively at your side.

“Thank you,” you replied.  You took the bottle from his hand, and Dabi read the contents on the label.

His temperature shot up in anger.

“What the hell is this?” Dabi demanded, snatching the bottle from your hand before you could stop him.

Yatsumoto bristled.  “What are you talking about?  It’s what she ordered.”

“Bullshit, the dosage on this isn’t right.”

“Stop,” you whispered at him harshly.  You reached for the bottle, but Dabi held it out of your reach.

“How much are you charging her for this?”

“Half of what I charge everyone else.” Yatsumoto replied with narrowed eyes.  “And I don’t appreciate the accusation you’re making.”

“Stop!” you repeated, your voice louder, more insistent.

Dabi ignored you, though.  His eyes were set on Yatsumoto, and any moment now you expected the sunglasses to melt off his face.

“I’m not accusing you of shit. I’m telling you outright that you’re ripping us off.”

“Look, I don’t know who you are, but you gotta lotta nerve.”

Panic was drowning you, filling your veins with ice as you watched them bicker back and forth.  The longer it went on, the more certain you were that Dabi was effectively burning the only strong bridge you had that made you even remotely valuable to the League.  Lose Yatsumoto, and you lose... everything.

“Dabi, STOP!!” you finally yelled.

The sound of his name made him freeze and stare at you.  Even with most of his face covered, you could see the shock and incredulity in his expression.

You froze, wide-eyed.

You’d used his name. His Villain name, the one that was plastered on wanted posters and shown on the late-night news.

“Dabi??” Yatsumoto’s voice made you turn and look at him.   His eyes were wide behind his glasses, the color of his cheeks drained. “I need to speak to you.” He glared at Dabi.  “Alone.”

You followed Yatsumoto into his bedroom where he promptly slammed the door. You winced at the sound; your arms crossed over your chest.

“Dabi??  Dabi?? As in Dabi from the League of Villains?? Damn it, Y/N!”  Yatsumoto’s hands were in his dark curls as he paced.  “Is that who you’re involved with??”

You swallowed. “Yes.”

Yatsumoto pointed an accusatory finger at you. “I thought you were smarter than this.  Damn it, you are smarter than this.  What the hell are you doing?”

“Why does this shock you?” you replied angrily.  “You have an entire undercover operation here that you’re raking in MILLIONS of yen on.  Are you telling me that you don’t sell to villains?? Do you really sit here and vet everyone that comes through?”

Yatsumoto’s jaw clenched tight.  “That’s not the point.”

“Like hell it isn’t,” you replied.

“This isn’t like an organized crime syndicate like the M.L.A. or the Yakuza.  They have rules.  At least the M.L.A. would have made sense since I know your stance on quirk suppression.  But this... this is something else entirely.”  Yatsumoto began pacing again. “This is The League of fucking Villains.  They are the most wanted group out there. They allied themselves with All For One, who nearly defeated All Might, for fuck’s sake.  They attacked high school students and abducted a fucking kid.  And you’re okay with all of this??”

“You talk about them like they’re the Boogie Man.  They’re not.”

“They are!” Yatsumoto shot back.

“They’re not!” you insisted.  “I’ve spent time with them, Yatsu.  I’ve gotten to know them.”

Yatsumoto shook his head as he stared at you, his disgust evident on his face.  “I feel like I don’t even know you anymore.”

“Don’t.” your voice wavered.  “Don’t say that. I’m still me, Yatsu.  I still care about people. I still want to help people.  And right now, I’m helping him.” You pointed at the closed door where Dabi stood on the other side.  “Do you know what his quirk does to his body? How much pain he’s in all the time?”

“Did you know that he’s a murderer?” Yatsumoto shot back.  Your jaw clenched to the point of aching.  “Did you know that he burned up a group of street thugs not too long ago? It was all over the news.”

“It was self-defense.”

“It was a slaughter.” Yatsumoto shot back.  “They could only identify them by their dental records.”

A chill went down your spine, but you pushed it away, struggling to ignore it.  You didn’t want to think about it... not right now, not with Dabi...

“You’re such a hypocrite,” you whispered.  “The League aren’t the only ones who have blood on their hands.  Where did the old receptionist go, huh, Yatsumoto?  You said you took care of it... where is he now?”

“That is—”

“What? Different?  Oh, because it matters to you.  It protects you. That’s what this is all about, right?  It’s about covering your ass.  You make it sound like it’s because you care, like you’re morally above them, but in reality, all you care about is yourself and your goddamn drug empire.”

“The empire that you’re a part of, that you depend on.” Yatsumoto corrected. 

He stared at you a moment longer, before finally sitting on the end of his bed.  The fight that had been in him deflated slightly and his shoulders slumped.

“You’re right...” he finally said as he rubbed at the bridge of his nose beneath his glasses. “I have to protect myself and my assets.  And The League... the risk is too high with them. They’re too reckless.  The last thing I need is for it to get back to me. Why them, Y/N? Why not someone else, anyone else?”

“I... I didn’t have anywhere else to go.”

Yatsumoto’s tone softened.  “That’s a lie and you know it.” He pinned you with a familiar, warm gaze.  “You always had a place here, remember?”

You looked away.  “You know that wouldn’t have worked out.”

“Why not?”

You looked up at him and tilted your head slightly.  “You know why.”

Yatsumoto stared at you for a long moment before looking away, scratching the back of his head. “Yeah... yeah, I guess you’re right. But why the League? Why not the Meta Liberation Army?”

Your mouth opened and closed a couple of times before finally finding your voice.  “The League can give me something the Liberation army can’t.”

Yatsumoto furrowed his brow.  “And what’s that?”

You stared at the closed door, knowing Dabi was listening intently on the other side.

“My brother.”

Shock crossed Yatsumoto’s handsome features.  “Your brother is in Tartarus.”

“I know.”

“No one leaves Tartarus.”

“I know.  But he said he could do it if I helped the League.”

“Who said that?”

You gave Yatsumoto a long stare, allowing him to put the pieces together. There was only one villain strong enough to make such a brazen promise.  Yatsumoto’s grey eyes widened behind his glasses.

“Wait, you mean—”  Yatsumoto’s voice lowered.  “You met him?”

“No, not directly. But he passed the message on to me through one of the League members.” 

“Was this before or after All Might beat his ass at Kamino?”

“After.”

“So, he’s able to communicate with the outside world even though he’s locked inside Tartarus?”  Yatsumoto let out a low whistle and ran his fingers through his hair.  “This is bigger than I thought. You’ve really got yourself in deep.”

Tears brimmed your eyes.  “I have to try, Yatsu.  He’s been in there for so long...”

Yatsumoto put a comforting arm around you, and you leaned into his hold.  “I know. But... it’s Tartarus.  All of hero society would have to collapse before Tartarus would fall.”

Your expression hardened as you stared blankly ahead of you.  “Yeah… I know.”

Deep down, a loathsome, unforgiving part of you wanted that.  It wanted to tear it all apart.  The entire barrel of apples was rotten, so better to dump them out and start over.

Yatsumoto slowly removed his arm from your shoulders and stared at you.  For the first time, he seemed... scared of you, and you realized that maybe…

Maybe you and Dabi weren’t so different after all.

But this desire for violence was one thing you didn’t want to have in common with him.  You put your head in your hands, confused.

“I just... I hope it doesn’t come to that,” you whispered. “I don’t want anyone to get hurt. I just want my brother back.”

Yatsumoto stared at you long and hard before looking away again.  “I don’t think it’s something you have much control over. Unrest has been building for a while now.  Eventually it’s going to bleed into all of hero society, and when that happens, there’s going to be casualties.”

Your eyes brimmed with tears as you stared at your friend. “I—”

A knock at the door cut your words short, followed by Dabi opening the door without waiting for an invitation.  He leaned against the door frame, his arms crossed as he stared down at you before pinning Yatsumoto with a narrowed gaze.  His glasses were off his face and his face mask pulled down to his chin now that his cover had been blown.  Yatsumoto stiffened at the sight of him.

“You ready, doll?” Dabi asked. “Or are ya gonna chat all day?”

You took a breath and blinked away your tears.  “I’m ready.  I’ll be there in a minute.”

Dabi gave you a long, lazy look before stepping away again, his arms behind his head as he stretched.

Yatsumoto eyed him as Dabi walked out of his line of sight.  “I don’t trust him.”

You chuckled.  “I don’t think he trusts you either.”

Yatsumoto eyed you again, and you could see the hesitation in his posture.  “Are you sure you’re okay with him?”

You smiled as you stared at Dabi’s back.  “I’ve never been safer.”

You stood up to follow Dabi, but Yatsumoto grabbed your wrist.  You turned to look at him.  He stared up at you with concern.  “I mean it, Y/N.  Be careful with him.  Please.  You already know what he’s capable of.”

You hesitated, unsure of how to communicate how certain you were that Dabi would never hurt you.  But you knew whatever you said would be futile, so you opted for cooperation.

“I will,” you reassured.  “I promise.  So does this mean you’ll keep helping me out?”

Yatsumoto sighed and scratched the back of his head again.  “To be honest, I don’t really want to.  But I don’t think I have much choice at this point.  I don’t need the League coming after me because I’ve refused to supply them.”

“They wouldn’t...” but your words faltered, swallowed up by uncertainty.  You thought they wouldn’t, but you couldn’t say for sure, and that realization brought a new kind of discomfort.

Yatsumoto tilted his head at you knowingly.  “Yeah. Exactly.”

“I’m sorry...” you muttered.

Yatsumoto placed a hand on your shoulder.  “Don’t worry about it.”

You walked out from under his palm and made your way over to Dabi.  His posture relaxed slightly once you were next to him again, safely within his reach.

You held out your hand.

Dabi stared at it.

“What?”

“The pills.” You pinned him with a look. “Hand ‘em over.”

He let out an annoyed sigh and took the bottle out of the pocket of his hoodie and put it in your hand.

“You think I wouldn’t notice?” you whispered to him teasingly.

Dabi raised an annoyed eyebrow at you.  “Just like you thought I wouldn’t notice you lowered my dose?” he shot back.

You raised your own eyebrow at him in return.  Without speaking, you opened the bottle and counted the contents onto the table.  The amount matched the prescription and you put the pills back in, satisfied.  It wasn’t just to make sure Dabi didn’t take any; it was to make sure you were getting what you paid for.  You trusted Yatsumoto completely, but you knew Dabi didn’t, so the action was more to ease his own nerves.  You pulled out the cash from your pocket and counted out the bills into Yatsumoto’s open palm.

“Here you go, as we discussed.”

You bid your goodbyes to Yatsumoto as you left, Dabi following behind you in silence with his disguise back in place.

As soon as you were back in the elevator, Dabi let loose the question that burned at his tongue.

“Why did you order a smaller dose?” he demanded.

“Because you’ve been on mine for a couple weeks, so going back to the amount you were taking before would be a very bad idea.”

“Tch.” Dabi frowned and looked away.  “I don’t need you making those kinds of decisions without me, you got that?  That’s not your call to make.”

You stared at him in reproach.  “Actually, it kind of is. I refuse to be responsible for you overdosing.  Again.”

“Yeah? And what if they don’t fucking work?  What then? All this would be just a waste of fucking time.”

“It’ll still work,” you reassured. “You know that, right?  They’re extended release, so they’re meant to last longer than your originals.”

Dabi liked them even less.

“Whatever…” he muttered.  “Nice blowing my cover, by the way.”

You sucked your cheek.  The elevator dinged and the doors opened.

“I know. I’m sorry,” you replied.  “But maybe next time when I’m telling you to stop, you’ll listen.”

Dabi buried his hands deep in his pockets.  “Maybe next time you’ll give me a heads up. I wouldn’t have thought he was taking advantage if you’d told me what you did.”

He had you there.

“You’re right.  I’m sorry.” You finally said.

Dabi glanced at you out of the corner of his eye, but didn’t say anything. Your lips pressed together in frustration, his lack of reciprocal apology for his behavior making the resolution feel incomplete.  But you held your piece for now as you made your way out of the parlor and into the street.

As you stepped out, you noticed a yatai across the street, pictures of yakitori on the side of it.

“Are you hungry?” you asked.

Dabi followed your gaze.  “Yeah.”

“Come on, I’ve got a little money left over.”

Ten minutes later, and the two of you were tucked in an alley away from the bustling crowds as you ate.  Dabi’s mask was pulled down to his chin again as he ate the chicken off the skewer. The sour mood of before was lightened thanks to your meal, and you decided to extend an olive branch.

“How’re you doing?” you asked around a mouth full of food.

Dabi swallowed.  “It’s too bright outside.”

You stared up at the overcast sky, grey clouds low with the promise of more nighttime rain.

“Do you need me to touch you up with my quirk?” you asked.

Dabi shook his head.  “I’m fine, doll. Just a little uncomfortable.”

The nickname he used for you had become one of the many ways you gauged Dabi’s mood, the term of endearment coming up only when he was comfortable and at ease.  Hearing it now gave you a little bit of the comfort you needed, letting you know he had let go of his frustrations from earlier.

You looked out at the passing throngs of people.  There were a wide variety of ages, looks, attire... they milled along, unaware of your watching.

“Dabi...”

“Yeah?”

“Say everything works out the way we want, and we come out on the other side... where do you see yourself?”

Your question was so left field, that Dabi had to do a double take.  “What??”

“Like, what are your plans if we win?”

Dabi fell silent, the truth trapped behind tight lips. He didn’t have the heart to tell you that he didn’t have plans for after.  He’d never planned on living past his confrontation with his father.

“I don’t know,” he said evasively.

“Well, when you think of a happy life, what do you picture?” you looked at him.  “Toga wants to be able to love how she wants.  Twice just wants to be around people he cares about. Shigaraki... well...”

“Let’s not think about what Shigaraki wants,” Dabi replied.

Destruction.  Destruction, and nothing else.  The thought had never bothered Dabi before, because he’d never planned to live long enough to see the totality of it all anyway.  But now...

He watched you as you watched the people passing.

“What do you want?” you continued.  “To live alone at the top of a mountain? To stay with the League?  Find a stable job?” 

You watched as a child ran by you, a balloon in tow, and you smirked.  “A house and kids?”

It was a joke, of course; you were already sure of the answer.

Dabi choked on his last bite of yakitori, coughing and clearing his throat.  “Oh hell no,” he replied adamantly.

You laughed at him.

“No kids, not ever,” he continued.

“That doesn’t surprise me,” you chuckled.

“Fortunately, that’s something I’ll never have to worry about.”

You finally tore your gaze away from the crowds and looked at him as he tossed his skewer into a trashcan and put his mask back into place.

“Fun side effect of my quirk being incompatible with my body is that I’m shootin’ blanks.”

“Wait, seriously??”

 “Sperm don’t do well with heat.  Might’ve been fine if my body was fire resistant, but… y’know…” He smirked. “Little swimmers never stood a chance.”

“Oh…”

“C’mon, little doctor.  Didn’t you learn about the birds and the bees at your fancy school?”

You rolled your eyes.  “Of course we did. I guess I just never thought about it, is all.”

You were both done eating so you began walking down the street towards the train station.

“Does it bother you?” you asked.

Dabi scoffed.  “Of course not. It’s a damn blessing.”

“Yeah, but this is like... you never even had a choice.”

“Even if I did, I would have gotten myself snipped by now anyway.  All it did was save me from a very painful recovery period.”

“Good point... so no white picket fence for you. What would make you happy then?” you asked.

The blue of Dabi’s eye caught yours behind his sunglasses as he glanced at you while you walked. He was quiet for so long that you wondered if he even had an answer.  But finally, he replied, “Justice.”

You waited for him to elaborate, but he didn’t.  It didn’t matter; you didn’t need him to.  You already had enough information to fill in the blanks, thanks to the little bit of digging you did through old news articles on your phone yesterday while you were stuck waiting for Dabi to answer your calls.

It had shocked you to your core when you’d confirmed what you had suspected, but by now you’d adjusted to it.  There was a certain poetry to it all, between your history and his all being tied to the same man, and it only served to deepen your empathy for him.

You knew Endeavor was his father, you knew who he really was.  And with that information, while you didn’t have the full details of his story, you had enough to understand why he wanted to bring his father down.

All you had to do at this point was hear it from Dabi’s own lips, to confirm what you already knew.  For now, though, his lips remained sealed, and you didn’t press the issue further.  Instead, you changed the topic.

“So,” you prodded, “How much did you hear earlier with Yatsumoto?”

Dabi gave another side glance at you.  “Some of it.”

You stared at him.

“Okay, most of it.”

You couldn’t help the smug grin that pried your lips apart.  “I thought so.”

Now that it was all out in the open, Dabi had no reservations in asking all the questions that had piled up over the past couple of weeks. 

“So, your brother’s locked up, huh?”

“Yeah...” you replied.

All the pieces were finally falling into place.  Dabi had always wondered how someone like you ended up with the League of Villains.  Now it made perfect sense.

“What did he do?” Dabi asked as his eyes following the sudden mass movement of the people around him. No doubt a popular hero showed up nearby...

He waited for your response, but it never came.  He looked next to him, but you weren’t there.

Panic ran hot through Dabi’s veins until he saw you frozen in your tracks thirty feet behind him. Your eyes were wide with fear, and even from this distance he could see the way your chest heaved as if you were gasping for air.

Dabi followed your gaze, and then he saw it... across the street, three buildings down, stood Endeavor surrounded by a crowd of civilians.  Cameras flashed and phones were held high in the air to get pictures with the new number one ‘hero.’

Dabi’s blood instantly boiled, his heart rate tripling in his chest as his quirk itched at his fingertips.  A giddiness filled him, every nerve ready to spring into action.

He was right there.  Finally.

He felt the pull of all his hatred, his pain, focalize into a single point on his father’s face in the distance.  It was a face that was burned into his memory with every insult he received, with every punch he had to endure, despite the additional years added to the old man’s face since he’d last seen him.  It was almost as if no time had passed at all, the fire of rage burning as bright as it had on the night he’d committed himself to bringing him down.

All he had to do was go to him.

But something nagged and pulled at the back of his mind, forcing his focus away from the man ahead, from his past, his future.

Dabi looked back at you.  Your hand was clutching your chest and you looked ready to faint, your skin sheened with sweat.  Dabi stood rooted, torn between his zealous wrath and you, trapped and vulnerable. He wanted to yell at you, to tell you to hide, to take cover.  But he knew just by looking at you that you wouldn’t be able to do it yourself.

Damn it, why did this have to happen now??  What was wrong with you??

Dabi recalled the scar across your back, remembered how you’d reacted to seeing Endeavor’s face on the television that one night, every nerve in your body tense.  And now, it looked as if you were seeing the devil himself.

It was the nail in the coffin, verifying what Dabi had already suspected.  His father, his dear old dad, the number one hero, had given you that scar. You, a harmless civilian.  The reality didn’t surprise him. It was just another skeleton in his father’s closet.  Instead, it made the anger and hatred in his veins burn hotter still, the vengeance twice as strong as it had been a moment before. The need for retribution stretched beyond just himself; now that retribution included you as well.

He wanted to beat his father’s ass, tear him limb from limb, watch him cry and snivel and beg for mercy as Dabi threw his flames back in his face until the flesh burned away. He wanted you to watch, to see how weak the old man was, to see that he’d never be able to hurt you or anyone else ever again.

Black smoke began to flavor Dabi’s tongue, his hands burning hot within his gloves that began to bubble and peel.  Dabi stepped forward, ready to act, and yet... something in him hesitated.

On the brink of eruption, he forced himself to reason, assessing the situation.

It’s not the right time, not with all of these people here and other heroes close by.

And not with you frozen on the sidewalk, at risk of getting struck by his flames.

You’d already been burned by one Todoroki. He refused to let you be burned by another. That was his father’s legacy etched into your skin, not his.

It would never be his.

He had to get his father alone, without you nearby and when Dabi had more than just his weak, broken body to face him.

His father’s words rattled in his skull, mocking him.

You’re not strong enough.

It took every ounce of strength for Dabi to turn his back on his father and go to you, a growl gurgling low in his chest at the frustration of it all.  The first step was the hardest, turning on his heel, putting his target behind him.  But with each step it became easier, his frustration being forced to the backburner as his steps quickened into a sprint towards you.

“Hey,” Dabi called as soon as he reached you.

You didn’t respond; you couldn’t.  Fear had a tight grip on your throat, your brain so consumed by it that you couldn’t even hear Dabi’s voice.

Dabi grabbed you by your shoulders.  “Hey!”

 Still, you didn’t respond, your eyes glued beyond Dabi, across the street.  It was like you weren’t even here with him, your breaths gasping, your eyes wide like a frightened animal.  He cupped your face in his hands and turned your face towards his.

“Look at me, look at me.”

Dabi’s eyes found yours, but it made no difference.  You began to hyperventilate as your heart pounded with such strength you were sure it’d burst from your rib cage to land at your feet.  You could feel your world spin beneath you.  All of your senses were thrown into hyper awareness, like a scared rabbit catching the scent of a predator you couldn’t see.

But you could see.  You could see the red of his hair, his broad shoulders well above the crowd.  And if you could see him, then he could see you. All he had to do was look in your direction…

There was a crushing weight on your chest, and you knew that any moment now, he would get you, hurt you, kill you.  You were dying, you realized; the life was squeezing out of your lungs with each shallow breath, your vision blurred.

All you could see was red and orange flames, angry blue eyes.  You heard the sound of screaming that sounded like your voice, yet it wasn’t, because you couldn’t produce words, you couldn’t even breathe.

You barely registered the feeling of Dabi’s hand holding yours, of the tug on your arm. It brought forth the ghost of a memory, of a different hand dragging you down winding back streets.

‘Go! RUN!’

It wasn’t Dabi’s voice in your head.  It was your brother’s, loud and frantic.

You don’t remember running. You don’t even remember moving.  One moment you were standing in the middle of the sidewalk staring at the man who’d ruined your life, to leaning against a hard wall behind a dumpster.

You sank down to your heels, your knees drawn up as you covered your ears. Your panicked breaths ripped themselves out of your chest until your lungs ached and your face was streaked with tears.  Your entire body shook, ready to flee as soon as you could get your damn legs to work.

I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe...

The mantra ran through your head in a loop.

He’s coming... I’m going to die...

The faint recognition of warm, rough skin on your hand cut through your fog just enough to allow your other senses to pick up your environment.

“Y/N...” the voice was deep, familiar.  “Y/N, you’re safe now.”

You shook your head. It was a lie. He was coming. He would find you, and then it would all be over...

The hand cupped your cheek, and dark bangs and blue eyes came into your field of view, framed in a black hoodie.  You shied from them at first, the blue so familiar, so dangerous.  But your vision focused when you heard his voice again, familiar and safe. And his eyes... they weren’t filled with fiery fury like you remembered.  They were clear, shallow pools of aqua, black brows drawn together as they searched for you, finding you, trying to save you from the dark waters of your memories.  But the waves of trauma were great, huge swells that dragged you under with each beat of your heart against your rib cage and burning of your lungs.

Dabi stared at you, watching you fall apart in front of him, as an unwelcome sense of helplessness drowned his chest.  Familiarity pulled deep from his mind, old memories rising to the surface.  He’d seen this before...

‘Touya...’

The memory of his mother’s face, her hair fallen forward as she shook and gasped. This very thing had happened so many times, especially towards the end...

‘I’m here, mom.’

He’d learned how to respond, how to help. Memories sharpened, bringing forth experience like an old guidebook that had been lost but whose pages had been memorized.

Dabi moved on instinct. He took your hand and placed it against his chest.  You could feel the warmth, feel the cotton of his shirt where he’d unzipped his hoodie.  “Feel my heartbeat,” he said.

You could feel it, slow and steady.

“Focus on the feeling. Right here.”  He tapped his hand over yours to the rhythm of his heart that pounded strong beneath his sternum.

You forced yourself to focus on it.

“Good. Now count them.”

You couldn’t get your body to move, couldn’t get enough air in your lungs to speak.

“Count,” Dabi repeated.  His heart vibrated beneath your palm.  “One...”

Your mouth shaped the word, but there was no sound. ‘One.’

“Two...”

“Two...” your voice now carried on the smallest breath.

Now, with your voice coming back, you counted together in unison as Dabi helped your body slowly release the fear that had a chokehold over you.

“Three... four.... five....”

Dabi kept his hand over yours, while his other cupped your cheek again, making you look into his eyes.

“Eight... nine... ten.”

Your world came back into focus, and with it came the great cresting wave of emotion.  It rolled through you now, your body shuddering like it was sloughing a second skin, and fresh sobs fell from your throat.

“Dabi...” you whispered. You wrapped your arms around him, burying your face into his chest. He held you tight against him as your sobs became heavy, your body purging the marathon of stress it’d just endured.

Your senses came back full force, everything around you sensitive and raw.  The feel of Dabi’s hand on your back, the heat emanating from him, the musky moist smell of his hoodie mingling with the distinct smell of smoke.  You felt safe, protected, as long as Dabi continued to hold you, his body surrounding you like a barrier against the world.

When you finally calmed down, you realized that you were both on the ground, with Dabi’s legs bent on either side of you as you leaned against him.  You sat up just enough to look at him, tears still stuck to your lashes and wet on your cheeks.  Dabi’s eyes took in every inch of your face.  You were so close now that you could feel his breath on your skin, see the details of his irises.  The band-aid still covered his cheek, the skin beneath it purple where it had bruised from the torn staple.

Dabi’s thumbs wiped away at the tear tracks on your cheeks as he finished his inspection of you.

“You okay?” he asked.

You nodded and straightened up.  “Yeah. Yeah, I’m okay.”

A mild, numb sense of shock settled over you as you watched him stand up and dust the dirt from his jeans.  He extended his hand out to help you up, and you took it gratefully.

“How did you... where did you learn to do that?” you finally asked as you brushed off your own clothes and adjusted your jacket.

Dabi put his sunglasses back on and placed his mask over his mouth.  “My mom used to get panic attacks,” he replied.

You stared at Dabi for a long moment.

You nearly jumped out of your skin when a new, unfamiliar voice spoke in your periphery.

“Hey, is everything okay here?”

You spun to come face to chest with a tall man with spiked white hair and grey eyes.  He had a strong jaw that was familiar in its shape, but you couldn’t immediately place it, too dazed still from your panic attack.

“What??” you asked dumbly.

The man looked from Dabi to you, his brow furrowed in concern.

“I wanted to see if you were okay. I saw you across the street, it looked like you were having a panic attack.”

You glanced at Dabi, and immediately noticed how rigid his posture became, how he was practically holding his breath as he stared at the man in front of him who was a head taller than him. You waited to see if Dabi would answer, but he fell strangely silent.

“I’m okay,” you replied, giving the stranger your best smile.  You locked your fingers with Dabi’s and leaned into him; you realized his gloves didn’t feel right, and you glanced down to notice the damage on them for the first time.

Had he used his quirk??

No. If he had, you’d both be caught by heroes by now.  But it had come close...

You cleared your throat, realizing you’d gotten briefly distracted. 

“I just don’t do well with big crowds,” you lied.  “He helped me through it.” 

You patted Dabi’s chest and gave him an affectionate glance, playing the role of the sweet girlfriend.  Anything to try to soften his rough edges and aloof behavior that was making him look more suspicious by the second.

“Oh, okay.  Well, I’m glad you’re okay now. Do you need anything?”

This guy was nice, just another Good Samaritan.  So why did it seem like Dabi wanted to run?

“No, I’m okay, thank you.”

“Are you sure?”

Something in Dabi snapped.  “She said she’s fine.”

The man turned and stared at Dabi, and for the briefest moment, it felt like time stood still as they looked at each other.  There was something in the air, an energy that you couldn’t place. You watched with bated breath, waiting for something to happen. But the moment passed, and the man put his hands up and backed off slightly.

“Hey, no need to get mad.  I was just checking.”

Dabi turned and looked at you, and his hold on your hand tightened.  “You ready to go?”

“Yeah,” you replied.

Dabi brushed by the white-haired man, pulling you with him.  “Thanks for the help,” he said gruffly without so much as a glance.

You had to practically jog to keep up with Dabi as he whisked you away down the sidewalk, the man left standing behind you to watch your retreat.

As soon as the two of you had entered the train station, Dabi slowed to a stop and leaned against a concrete column.

“What was that about?” you asked, looking back over your shoulder.  The man didn’t follow, but you half expected him to.

“Nothing.” Dabi replied.  “Train’s here, let’s go.”

He led you by the hand into the railcar and picked out a couple of seats towards the back where he could have a clear line of sight of anyone who came in or out of the train.  Dabi didn’t relax until the doors had closed and the train began to move.  Then he slumped into his seat and leaned his head back against the wall behind him, his eyes closed behind his sunglasses.  He still held your hand but he hardly noticed, his mind racing.

That was close. Too fucking close.  He’d managed to keep away from his family for literally years, and now, today of all days, he managed to see not one, but two Todorokis.  Dabi didn’t startle easily. But coming face to face with Natsuo was not something he had ever considered a possibility until ten minutes ago.  At first, he feared that he’d recognize him, even with his face nearly entirely covered and his hair dyed.  He was eternally grateful when his brother’s grey eyes showed no signs of recognition.  But then Dabi had to open his stupid mouth…

It almost stung when his own brother hadn’t recognized his voice.  But then again, how often did people keep an eye out for ghosts?

Dabi was yanked from his thoughts when he felt the weight of your head on his shoulder.  He opened his eyes and looked down to see you resting against him as you gazed ahead.  That’s right… you’d gone through an ordeal yourself.  He was sure you were feeling fatigued now in the comedown. 

Dabi stared at the crown of your head and the intrusive thought of planting a kiss on the top of it invaded his mind. He shoved it aside.  Instead, he subtly pulled his mask down just enough for his nose to peek out above. Instantly, the smell of your hair drifted up and he inhaled gently, letting the scent of you calm him as he leaned his head back against the wall.

As the train moved, Dabi felt the slow creep of his nerve pain and drug withdrawal return.  He suppressed the small pangs of pain that ran along his body; he didn’t want you to know, he didn’t want you to worry. You had enough on your mind.  Besides, you were close to home, and you finally had his pills. Eagerness and relief filled his chest, allowing him to breathe easier through the discomfort.  He’d waited for so long, what was a little longer?

The train finally reached your stop, and you sat up begrudgingly.  You expected Dabi to let go of your hand, but he didn’t. Instead, he led you out of the railcar and into the late afternoon. Once you were on the sidewalk, he casually put his arm over your shoulders, his hand hanging lazily over the edge.  You glanced at him, surprised by the gesture, but he didn’t return your gaze, his mind deep in thought as he kept his eyes ahead of him.  You could tell he was thinking about something, because of the way his brows were pulled together.

So, you leaned into his hold, enjoying the closeness and the warmth, even though your mind was screaming internally as your heart floundered in the gray area of whatever this was.  Nothing had been said outright about last night; but each day, each moment, brought more and more dismantling of barriers.

And yet, so much was still left unsaid.

His arm left your shoulders once you approached the back entrance of the old run-down hotel, his hand finding yours again as he took the lead up the stairs.  But as Dabi began to take the steps up, you halted, frozen in your tracks.

The tug on Dabi’s arm made him stop and turn to face you.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

You stared up at the building with a mixture of relief and trepidation.  You couldn’t entirely put into words why you were hesitating going in.  A part of you wanted to.  While the building wasn’t much to look at, it spoke of home, of familiarity. And right now, familiarity was what you needed.

But it also spoke of isolation, of separation from the world around you.  With its run-down façade, old single-pane windows and leaky pipes, it spoke of a place forgotten, a place haunted by ghosts.  And in a way, that’s how you felt; a ghost, existing unseen in hero society, swept under the rug when you no longer fit their perfectly cut box.  You were all ghosts, here; nightmares created by others, hiding away to find solace in each other’s loneliness.

“I... I don’t know...” you whispered.  You looked at the ground with a frown.

Dabi stepped towards you.  “You don’t wanna go in?”

You shook your head silently.  Your answer surprised Dabi; when his mother had her panic attacks, she always sought a safe place after to recuperate. He had assumed that meant you’d want to go back to the hideout.

So, did you not feel safe here? That possibility bothered him.  Maybe that friend of yours had gotten into your head earlier...

Dabi’s jaw clenched.  He hated that guy.

He turned around and came back down the steps towards you.  You let go of his hand and crossed your arms over your chest protectively, and Dabi shoved his hands into his pockets.

“Where do you wanna go?” he asked.

“I dunno...” you confessed with a shrug.  You didn’t have a plan; it was all just feelings.

Dull pain bloomed across Dabi’s neck and he rubbed at it subconsciously. You saw.

“My pills and my quirk are wearing off, aren’t they?” you asked.  “We should get you inside.”

Your steps up the stairs were heavy, filled with resistance.  Dabi watched you as guilt chewed at his bones.

“I thought you didn’t want to go in,” he said.

“I’ll be fine,” you replied. “I’m just... in a weird place right now.”

“How about you just give me a couple of my pills and then we can go somewhere else.”

You smiled at his effort to try to find a solution that worked for both of you, but you shook your head. “I don’t want you going out there on your first dose.  I’m not sure how your body will handle getting back on it again.  Yesterday you lost hours, remember?”

You reached the top of the step, your hand on the doorknob.  You hesitated again, staring at the worn, dented metal.

Dabi sighed.  You were right, of course. Again. You were always right.  The last thing either of you needed was Dabi high off his ass in the middle of the city with you in tow, vulnerable and scared.  Dabi chewed on the inside of his cheek, feeling a ring with his tongue. 

A solution popped into his head, a solution he didn’t like.

“Give me your pills,” he said.

Your hand fell from the doorknob, and you turned to look at him with surprise.  “What?”

“Give me your pills,” he repeated.  “We already know they work okay.”

It wouldn’t fix it completely; Dabi would still feel the pain.  But it’d be muted, dulled. He could manage that for a few hours.

You hesitated with your lip caught between your teeth.  Dabi eyed the action intently.

Dabi joined you on the last step in front of the door.  “C’mon, doll.  Trust me for once.”

Let me take care of you.

Your gaze was pensive as you weighed the pros and cons.  “Okay,” you finally breathed.

Dabi grinned.  “Atta girl. C’mon, I gotta change my clothes first. I hate this fucking hoodie.”

-----------------------------------

Chapter 16

-----------------------------------

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[evillex11]

might get flamed 4 this but comments like “gege is just killing everybody now, gege needs to stop cooking, gege doesn't know what he's doing, etc.) r getting annoying ngl like they're posting that on every chapter no matter what happens 😭 and it's fine to criticize something obviously that can't be avoided but these empty comments that provide no actual/meaningful input into the criticism is just so redundant 💀

+1. these kinds of comments kinda encourage the disrespect gege receives... cuz they leave these kinds of comments everywhere to the point where it's pretty icky. and not much ppl bat an eye cuz some might think it's all lighthearted or normal when rlly, it's getting a bit too far. like there's ppl who r genuinely saying he deserves to get sick n stuff?? bc he kiiled ur favorite character?? bc u don't like the manga??? 😭wtaf

+2. y'all have something to say when a character “has plot armor” and y'all still yap when a character doesn't... so rlly there's no winning 💀and I, personally, don't think jjk is meant to be one of those “defeat evil with the power of friendship” shows,,, mind you, they are going up against a supernatural being who's named the king of curses and is known to be impossible to beat—of course that 17 year old ain't gonna beat his ass just cuz everyone's counting on them??? nor will that adult who's never encountered a being that strong before. it feels kinda corny saying this but the outcomes of the battles in jjk are a bit more realistic ... “gege's just killing everybody now” obviously they're going to die???? they're going against a power beyond them what do you expect 😭 i get that it's a fictional show but the characters are still humans ... even with their cursed techniques and weapons, they're not always gonna survive ... not every plan or tactic of theirs r gonna work or turn out the way they expected

+ they're at a war with something rlly powerful so ofc they're gonna fire every shot they have which, in this case, are their comrades

+ it has been addressed by the show/series itself that jujutsu tech lacks the manpower to protect everybody, this is literally part of geto's reasoning for his actions—he knows he and/or his fellow sorcerers r bound to end up with a pile of their colleagues' bodies bc there arent much sorcerers in the world esp ones that could survive for a v long time. if a character is aware of this, that means gege is as well bc he literally wrote him to think about that

+3. if u hate the writing so much JUST DROP IT 🤯 crazy idea, never been thought of before, I know !! but some comments rlly are not necessary.... just stop reading if u can't take it anymore... no one is forcing you to read it. and if u feel compelled to cuz u already read so much, then don't leave harmful comments towards gege?? it's so easy to stfu and be a decent person on the internet 😭 you're contributing nothing by leaving comments like that under someone's work. if u hate how it's going so much then go make an au and satisfy urself. it's just so unnecessary

+4. idek if gege gets paid enough to deal with reader's bs ... people need to remember these mangakas are also people with real lives who are just trying to live and get by. some authors rlly get dehumanized just bc of the art they make

idc if I get called a dickrider,, as an artist myself I'm just so annoyed I'm sawry 😓😓 drawing and writing takes a lot of work.. I get concerned abt gege's well-being when the quality drops a little in the manga. maybe they're seeing something that I'm not, that's why they leave comments like that. maybe I got something wrong too, I'd like to be enlightened if that's the case /gen

[chimerafeathers]

thinking about Frieren and Dungeon Meshi today and just remembered seeing a post/comment or two saying that people have no reason to compare the two stories since they have nothing in common except being non-isekai fantasy. different tones, different pacing, different themes, etc.

i don't know if whoever said that were dunmesh manga readers or not, but i kinda assume they were making judgments based purely on however much of the anime was released at the time, because i think about how similar these stories are a LOT, actually.

[spoilers for the dungeon meshi manga below, and a little bit of frieren manga]

i think that's a pretty fair assessment to make based JUST on the "prologue"/setup arc leading up to the red dragon. while some of the main themes are very in-your-face, others are still being woven into the characters and established much more subtly, and we don't get the full weight and payoff for that early work until later into the story.

Frieren establishes its identity within the first episodes and never drastically deviates from that first impression. on the other hand, dunmesh takes its time to build its foundation...but instead of using it as groundwork to build a house above, it then leads you into the depths of the dungeon below.

the stuff about conflicts between long-lived and short-lived races seem like just jokes/banter and a touch of political worldbuilding, in the beginning, but that tension is absolutely central to both Marcille and Kabru's arcs. both Frieren and dunmesh are about elves facing their (near) immortality in contrast with the brief mortality of their companions.

I think about the ways Frieren, with a thousand years of life behind her, carries the memories of those she's outlived along with her and all the ways she emulates them to preserve their lives and values. I think about the way Marcille, with a thousand years of life ahead of her, clings so tightly to the people she holds dear and fears the future she sees beyond their deaths.

I think about the way Serie talks about training Flamme on a whim, casually dismissive of short human lifespans. I think of the way Kabru resents the way elves treat short-lived species like children and fights so desperately for their agency and right to speak on the same level as the rest, fully informed of the dangers that threaten them all instead of being left in the dark.

beyond that, too--you can really feel that these series come from a place of love for the genres that inspired them. dunmeshi's speculative biology for the monsters and the ecosystem they're a part of, the exploration of how and why different races get different "stat" bonuses (dwarven constitution, half-foot perception, tall-man versatility, elven/gnomish magical affinity), the side comic about "Grease" as a starter spell--all obviously come from deep knowledge and affection for D&D and/or similar rpgs.

meanwhile, Himmel gives thoughtful weight to doing "side quests" for paltry rewards--they help because they're heroes, but they accept scraps and useless items for rewards because no one wants to feel pitied or indebted to anyone. he says they "went the wrong way" if they find the stairs to the next floor in a dungeon, because the "right" way is to explore every nook and cranny first before you progress. it would be very easy to mock how annoying fetch quests are, or make the dungeon bit a pure joke--but this is a story that relishes the process and the journey of it all, down to the smallest detail and silliest quest.

flashbacks to Falin being achingly kind and gentle, and also strange and awkward. flashbacks to Himmel being blindingly heroic and noble, and also vain and goofy.

these are both stories about the weight of death and loss and the things we'll do to see our loved ones one last time, when we are destined and doomed to outlive them. they're about the joy of the journey even when it's painful, thriving on silliness even when things are "serious," and loving the people in your life knowing you will lose them, and how you carry them with you when they're gone. dunmeshi is heavier on the comedy side of things, but both have their fair share of emotional gutpunches, and their themes and values mirror each other.

all this to say, these stories are holding hands.

[shitpostdevil]

Your intimidating manager secretly has a thing for you~

Suguru x F!reader

Warning: 18+, jealousy, coworker interest~

I do not own any of the characters or the art I find to include (unless if I explicitly state otherwise)

These are solely MY headcanons, if you don't like them, it's okay, you don't have to read, just mind your business, m'kay?

If you happen to know that the art is yours and want credit, or for it to be removed, please, say something. I will fully respect your wishes.

He was the one to interview you for the job. It absolutely enthralled you that he asked "what's wrong with you to make you want to work here?" as one of the interview questions. (You had to bite your tongue not to say, 'what isn't wrong with me?')

Every other day that you two work together, as soon as he's clocked in, he ignores everyone else and is immediately talking to you about another anime/manga he found (which you immediately start consuming as soon as you have the chance to because they're all good)

You've grown to look forward to shifts with him, always feeling like something is missing if he's not there (he would never outright admit it, but he feels the same exact way)

Working after close has become your favorite part of the job when it's with him, getting the stock ready for the next day while he speaks about his latest interest as you quietly listen (buzzing because he's telling you about his life, but keeps it on lock for anyone else- he's not even sure when it started to happen or why, he doesn't talk about anything personal, especially not at work)

One day while putting out stock for the next morning, Suguru was opening the next morning and knew that he would be putting the stuff out, so he made a fort out of the boxes and dubbed it "'Fort Suguru'!" with the brightest smile (it's the first time you remember your heart racing because of him- it was the only time you had ever seen him smile like that and you thought it was beyond precious)

After the store is locked up, your current boyfriend would always take forever to show up to bring you home, but Suguru would wait with you every time without fail- even when the minutes turned into an hour more than once (and he would always stare daggers at your boyfriend- he would always ask on the way home, "Why does he always have to sit and wait with you?", to which you respond, "I think it's policy or something about safety."; you could never actually say that if he wasn't late every time then Suguru wouldn't have to wait with you because you secretly didn't want the alone time to stop)

After months of watching your boyfriend treat you like actual garbage, he breaks up with you while you're at work and takes the car you shared, abandoning you even after your shift is over; you're sick to your stomach in the bathroom for hours, sobbing (every time Suguru comes back to check on you his hand hovers at the door for way too long. Hearing your choked on sobs over such a horrible man hurts him somewhere he didn't believe could be hurt again- he had locked that door a long time ago, why does this hurt? He never ends up knocking, choosing to give you space- he wouldn't even know what to say anyways...)

When you still don't get the car back, Suguru begs the closing worker not to say anything to any of the other managers after he makes the decision to drive you home after they lock the store- (it could get both of you in trouble, but he isn't sure what else to do)

The only problem with the previous is that it seems like the moment you get into his car, you pass out from what he can only assume is exhaustion- which means that he doesn't have the slightest clue where to drive you (Is it really so bad that he drives you to his place? He has a spare room...)

He doesn't have the heart to wake you so he chooses the stupidly selfish option- putting both of your jobs on the line in the process (can you really blame him after listening to you sob all day?)

He tries to miss all of the potholes on the way home- petrified to his core that you'll wake up- (What if you freak out? What if you think he's planning on taking advantage of you? He would absolutely perish if you thought badly of him)

When you both get to his place unharmed he tries to be as gentle as possible, taking you from his front seat bridal style, carrying you up the flight of stairs to his apartment (hoping none of his neighbors get the wrong idea by carrying an unconscious girl back to his place after always strictly staying alone)

He struggles to open the door with you in his arms, which makes you mumble something incoherent, but not wake up- he rushes into the door and straight to his spare room, moving the sheets the best he can to lay you down; he tucks you in carefully and lets his eyes linger on your sleeping state for a little too long, then leaving you to get much needed rest (he lets out a 'Tsk' at his slight annoyance that it took you two this long to break up, and even bigger annoyance that it was you that ended up being more hurt by it- but he couldn't fully blame you for having too big of a heart, even if it was someone that didn't deserve it; deep down he wanted violence)

(This is the end of Part 1, there is absolutely going to be more than one part due to apparent character limit)

[chiffaust]

— 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗦𝗢 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗝𝗢 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬.

𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿. h. keito/reader

𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁. TALKS ABOUT MARRIAGE, he proposes... thats the plot, sopping wet cat keito hasumi, probably ooc... i made it as cute n fluffy as possible. he cries too at the end (out of happiness!!!), no pronouns is used except for 'you'! pretty cheesy...

Only one word to describe it; embarrassing.

Completely acts like a sopping wet cat when you kiss him in public, and now he's thinking about proposing? He'll only embarrass himself even more.

He's more hesitant about proposal but it isn't like he is not ready for the commitment, to be with you for life and stay by your side until you're both grey and old, it's just he has no idea what would be considered as a great proposal.

His friends are just as hopeless as he is in terms of stuff like these, so he's not going to ask them. He'll only get teased relentlessly if he does. (he eventually do give in along the line and asked them for ideas since he absolutely have none)

Keito had also read a few shoujo mangas where the love interest confesses his love to the main character and proposes to her, promise to be there by her side until death do them apart and then kiss... But he isn't stupid. He knows you'll eventually come to ask him how he thought of such idea and he absolutely dread the of thought explaining to you that he got the proposal idea from a shoujo manga he read. It brings him second hand embarrassment just thinking about it.

Although he talks about it to others, he does a pretty good job at not mentioning it around you and forcing telling others not to do so either. He wants it to be a surprise to you, and he's really careful about it. He does hint to you about marriage now and then, but it is extremely subtle.

He even reached out to your parents personally to ask for their approval before asking for your hand in marriage. He'll even go on long tangent about you in front of your parents — he could list out reasons on why he thinks he deserves to marry you if they'd ask to.

It doesn't matter if it takes weeks, months or even years to gain their approval. As long as you two are together, he'll try whatever it takes to win your parents favor — hell, all of your family if you tell him to.

So he was beyond relieved when all of his efforts paid off and your family eventually agreed to let you marry him. After the meeting, he didn't even stop by anywhere and got back home as soon as possible to you. You could see that he's more smiley around you and even affectionate, but you didn't thought much about it since you thought something good must've happened to him.

Well, it was good to him, alright.

Now that everything's out of the way, it's time to really ask you about it. Face to face.

He wants to wait until you're both financially stable enough before he could even indulge himself in his delusion of living a happy domestic life with you. And if you aren't ready for it yet, he would wait until you are no matter how long it takes.

Once he feels that you're both ready, he finally takes the final step: to finally propose to you.

He thought of taking you to an expensive restaurant and then walk you somewhere with a beautiful scenery, and just as before it reached midnight, he'll get down on one knee and propose to you like a charming love interest from a shoujo manga!

... Or at least that's he wants. It's really embarrassing now that he thinks about it, but he really wants to make it the most memorable moment for you.

But then, his plans changed and the expensive eating out turns into you two walking together in the night while you're walking back home from a late night snack run you'd roped him into.

Although he doesn't appreciate being dragged into one of your shenanigans, he was really couldn't help but feel warm inside although it was cold outside in the night breeze — he couldn't help but let his mind wander to a scenario where he pulls out his ring, get on his one knee and proposes right here right now.

Even if it's a setting far beyond what he imagine he wants to propose in, he can't help but nervously put his hand in his pocket, fiddling with the ring he brought along just in case as he shyly looks away from you.

It was really out of impulse, but he did it. He stopped you, got down on one knee as he held your hand gently, talking about how much you mean to him all of these past years you've been together and how he'd really like to take your relationship a step further.

Thus, he pulled out the ring.

Proposing to you in such a casual setting isn't something he had in mind, he would've liked to propose to you on a more charming way to entice you to say yes. The longer the silence prolonged, the further anxiety eats him from the inside. He would've taken your silence as a rejection if he hadn't seen the expression you were making.

The happiness you bore, the tears of happiness prickling at the corner of his eyes — he would've thought that this is simply but a dream and he's still keeping silence about marriage from you. Oh, how he adores you, it feels like he's falling in love all over again.

He just can't believe that you said yes, but he was just so happy too he couldn't help but tear up and hug you just as tightly as you were, almost completely forgetting that you're both still in the middle of the park at night but it doesn't matter — all that matters is you two at the moment.

He looks at you with the most softest the most lovestruck look he had given since the first time he went on a date and gave you the sweetest kiss on the lips as he slides the ring onto your finger.

And then you two kissed. Although he would never say he's story is something compared to those shoujo mangas plotlines; the happiness he feels truly does make him feel like he's in one of his own. A story with you, just as sweet together and this would only mark the beginning of another chapter in your lives.

[misslaevna]

A little rant about episode 11

Just finished watching episode 11, and to be honest I am so, so disappointed. I'm not one to complain openly about something, but right now I feel like it's time to.

Spoilers below, also tw: personal opinion, if you can't take that, please do not read this.

Also I'd like to state that I like bsd. I love bsd, I wouldn't have a blog and a tiktok account dedicated to the series if I didn't - this isn't to hate on the series nor on Asagiri, just my two cents regarding the plot.

I have voiced my concerns to friends and mainly on discord how the current direction of the manga and the plot worries me, and I am beyond stunned that my biggest fear actually came true.

All the 'Fyodor is my comfort character' personal stuff aside, I feel like since the prison break arc started, the quality of the writing and the plot hit an all time low.

From my perspective, we got this huge buildup about Fyodor being this absolutely genius of a character. He is smart, he accounts for every possibility and there is no detail that he could possibly miss.

On the other hand, we have Dazai, who is, well, just as smart and perceptive as Fyodor.

So, we have two very smart characters up against each other, which I get why is challenging from a writing perspective, however (especially) since the intrudction of Time Cat Lady, I feel like the writing went from a carefully and logically built up plot to throwing in deus ex machinas and a looot of explanations afterwards to conveniently give the upper hand to Dazai.

I have no problem with Fyodor dying and Dazai emerging as winner (actually I kind of do because I would've loved to see the Agency or Atsushi or Ranpo take him down, but what else could have possibly happened anyways? Dazai is a fan favourite, we don't kill the money machine), however I have a bone to pick with the execution.

I think I would've loved to see a more carefully constructed plot where I can actually root for characters and actually worry for them. Asagiri pulled way too many 'oh they look dead but oh wait actually this and that happened which the reader wasn't aware of so they're not dead' shenanigas to the point where, in my opinion, as readers we simply just couldn't take any major character 'death' seriously - they'll somehow be resurrected anyways or it's gonna eventually be revealed that they weren't even dead to begin with.

And this was the case with Dazai and Chuuya here as well. To me this feels more like trying to put out a fire because of being cornered and having created characters so smart that they prove to be too difficult to write (at least in a pace fast enough for monthly chapter releases?) than actually putting effort into the plot.

All the 'well actually Chuuya wasn't even a vampire' bullshit to me was just way too fucking convenient. I'm happy that Chuuya is alive and well, but this too just served as a convenient plot point to give Dazai the upper hand while dumbing Fyodor significantly down.

I'm sorry but I didn't interpret Fyodor's character so careless (especially for someone who's very sensitive about his physical health) as to not take the antidote as soon as he got out. I didn't get to know Fyodor who would just fall for that trick Dazai pulled.

I really feel like we missed out a LOT on Fyodor with no backstory or whatsoever provided. His character stayed shallow and empty, and I'm actually really mad at Asagiri about this because he was supposed to be this very dangerous and complex villain but I feel like what we were teased with was just not delivered.

I really hope we get a more refined manga ending or that this will be better executed in the upcoming chapters.

Once again, I'm not mad about Fyodor dying, I'm rather disappointed by the way it was delivered. It feels rushed, it feels empty and it didn't live up to my expectations at all.

[mywitchcultblr]

NSFW and the importance of AO3

My biggest concern if Twitter really die is nsfw artist and sex workers. Us NSFW artist has been betrayed time and time again by many platform who used to welcome us then spit us out once the platform is big enough or to bow down to advertisers.

TikTok censorship is beyond ridiculous

Pinterest wouldn't even allow topless art of a woman

Instagram too not that friendly to nsfw artist

Tumblr banned porn post 2018 and wouldn't hesitate to delete your blog

I'm not sure about pillowfort i heard it's allow nsfw but not as free as twitter? Correct me if I'm wrong tho i never use it

Facebook? Nah i wouldn't even bother.

There's Pixiv but it's not accessible for all people

Mastodon is still new and frankly many said that it has a steep learning curve

DeviantArt turned it's back both to both nsfw and sfw artist with their censorship (literally i see more and more artist who have to censor tits, cock, asshole and even pussy) and also their bullshit piece of shit AI generation + stealing from artist for their generator

Sites like Rule 34 and Hentai site are there but they are not really platform to grow your audience as an artist + too many art thief

Patreon I heard implementing more censorship? It's not social media but many artist using it

Poipiku is a Japanese platform and not all people are native Japan speaker

The fucking dystopian corporations like apple and Google ( and purity culture both in fandom and non fandom) keep sanitizing the internet and wiped out nsfw content for profit (it's not for protecting children or blah blah blah it's all for ads) kicking out all nsfw content creators from all platform they touch, forcing us to wander with no home to express ourselves. NSFW artist still have some wiggle room to thrive but I think sex workers have it harder to thrive on a more mainstream platform...

I know there's many sites for sex workers like for camgirl or whatever but mainstream sites that once more accepting of nsfw has been kicking down sex workers down to the curb again and again and again

If Twitter let's say goes down suddenly or gradually goes down and maybe banning nsfw... Artist will lost the last mainstream global platform that allow them to grow an audience as an nsfw artist

This for fandom nsfw artist who are not using site like poipiku and pixiv it left us with only AO3 to store our art

Yes you can post art to AO3 just tag it as art, literally it is the best safe haven for writing + art with it's mission to protect people creation, they even have lawyer and stuff to protect your rights + AO3 is super nsfw friendly literally you can upload anything that is legal within the USA law (that's a lot of things, thank God it's not based on my country Indonesia law or you wouldn't even see gay people kissing)

But AO3 is primarily used for fanfic + it's not a social media and shouldn't ever be a social media, it is an archive to preserve fanwork. It is fanwork library of Alexandria. The downside because it's not a social media and thus doesn't have features like chatting, algorithm and stuff is that it's harder for you to grow like in other social media. Let's say Twitter really gone if i want to post a series of comic/manga

Then i have to post the sfw/censored pages to Tumblr + post the nsfw page to AO3 it'll be a hassle for both me and my readers but it's possible

Still such a hassle and it'll be easier to just post to Twitter or when Tumblr still allowed nsfw

Also original artist will find it harder to gain audience faster on Tumblr and AO3 because both website are primarily for fandom. Like i can draw a sketch of let's say Anakin Skywalker and it'll get more traction than a fully rendered piece of original artwork

I mean it's possible but if you want to get traction easily as an original artist your art have to be godlike to be noticed amongst seas of fanart that the general public sees as more favorable... I mean you can try to build audience with doing fanwork and once you got big you can post more OG art

Still... It's easier to grow as an original artist on Twitter than on Tumblr or other platform...

Look yeah it's fun to see Twitter on fire but if it's really gone it'll be a disaster for nsfw creators/artist especially those who are making money from it to keep the roof above their head. I hope Twitter doesn't die tbh (I only made acc to see nsfw art, if Tumblr didn't ban porn i wouldn't even bother to use it or too many social media) also this situation brought back the reminder of AO3 importance as the safest and biggest archive especially for nsfw writers and fan artist that keep losing places to post their work, express themselves and earn a living

[bookskeepers]

the neuroscience of falling in love - bokuto kōtarō

pairing: timeskip ! college ! bokuto kōtarō x fem ! reader

content warnings: some heavily suggestive content (MDNI). a bit of kuroo x reader. mentions of alcohol. definitely some darker humor. other languages (bad portuguese from Hinata, fluent Hebrew from reader). typical college shenanigans. will add more as series progresses

series masterlist

introductions!

y/n l/n, a.k.a. you!

neuroscience major

you come off as very professional everywhere except for your private twitter account

third year of uni - working on your honor's thesis... woohoo...

you're studying sleep and the effects of deprivation on performance in athletes

luckily your entire friend group is athletes who are prone to sleep deprivation, exciting stuff

besties with: kiyoko shimizu, yachi hitoka, yamaguchi tadashi (lives with the 3 of them)

knows tsukishima kei through yamaguchi

knows kuroo because y'all were a situationship/are a situationship; it's a little weird and he makes very sexual jokes towards you

currently shares a class with akaashi keiji (it's an anthropology class you're taking as an elective because your schedule was too barebones otherwise -- damn your tendency to take 24 credits per semester)

☆彡･:*:･★彡･:*:･☆彡･:*:･★彡･:*:･☆彡･:*:･★彡･:*:･☆彡･::･★彡･::･☆

bokuto kōtarō

professional volleyball player -- majoring in nutrition because he wants to stay healthy

third year

was originally in control of the Verified twitter account until he yapped too much on there and management gave the reins to a PR specialist

he's very upset about it

besties with akaashi keiji, kuroo tetsurou (the three of them live together)

hasn't met y/n despite kuroo and y/n's relationship (kuroo doesn't talk about it either

actually meets y/n through akaashi keiji, although we'll see that later

he and hinata are pals too because they're on the same team

☆彡･:*:･★彡･:*:･☆彡･:*:･★彡･:*:･☆彡･:*:･★彡･:*:･☆彡･::･★彡･::･☆

akaashi keiji

literature major; pursuing his dream of working as an editor (slowly but surely)

third year

regretting his co-op program with the manga editor every day (even though he enjoys the free manga)

his housing arrangement was because of bokuto's insistence that they "take kuroo in" like kuroo was a stray

he and y/n were paired on a group project in their shared anthro class once, that's how he has y/n's number

definitely on the fruitier side, but he also keeps to himself

secretly a party animal. no one was expecting that

lowkey crushing hard on tsukishima but he doesn't talk about it (who he knows through bokuto)

☆彡･:*:･★彡･:*:･☆彡･:*:･★彡･:*:･☆彡･:*:･★彡･:*:･☆彡･::･★彡･::･☆

kuroo tetsurou

chemistry / biochemistry double major because "i hate myself" (his words not mine)

third year

met y/n their freshman year in their shared intro to general chemistry lab

he spilt aqueous sodium bicarbonate on her. she was not happy

their situationship started in their 2nd year though

he's ... not sure how he feels about her beyond the sex but it's okay because she's also not sure

besties with bokuto, tolerates akaashi (akaashi tolerates him back)

is the reason their apartment is spotless though

also good friend with hinata (hinata is good friends w him) and tsukishima (definitely one sided)

☆彡･:*:･★彡･:*:･☆彡･:*:･★彡･:*:･☆彡･:*:･★彡･:*:･☆彡･::･★彡･::･☆

hinata shoyo

also majoring in nutrition because he's following bokuto's footsteps (and two brains are better than one when it comes to college)

third year

lives with tsukishima (despite tsukishima being very unhappy about this) because he found a really good deal on a 2-bedroom apartment right before their second year started and everyone else already had a roommate, save for tsukishima

like bokuto, lost access to his main account because he yapped too much, hence the private

he's very upset he only has 7 followers

chronically on pokemon go - his proudest achievement is hatching a shiny mudkip as his first ever egg

will bother you about trading + adding him on pokemon go all the time

has dragged tsukishima to campus for raids

knows bokuto through MSBY (they're besties), knows akaashi and kuroo through bokuto, knows yamaguchi, tsukishima, kiyoko, and yachi from karasuno; knows y/n through yachi

☆彡･:*:･★彡･:*:･☆彡･:*:･★彡･:*:･☆彡･:*:･★彡･:*:･☆彡･::･★彡･::･☆

yamaguchi tadashi

conservation major! also spends most of his money on books. he calls himself a hypocrite

third year

met y/n in their intro to bio class. best friends ever since

has lived with y/n + kiyoko + yachi since the start of his third year, since their 4th roommate moved out

no one knows if he and tsukishima are dating or just friends

#1 gossip at utokyo (he and kiyoko know everything at all times)

he's also secretly a mastermind and definitely the group matchmaker, all of the people he's set up have lasted 1+ years or are still dating (he's failed constantly with y/n though)

knows of y/n + kuroo's situationship and tries really hard not to judge and fails miserably

y/n's his #1 confidant and vice versa

☆彡･:*:･★彡･:*:･☆彡･:*:･★彡･:*:･☆彡･:*:･★彡･:*:･☆彡･::･★彡･::･☆

tsukishima kei

archaeology / anthropology double major

third year

his honor's thesis is going to focus on dinosaurs

he is pretty good friends with hinata despite his annoyance with the ginger's existence

definitely not as close to kuroo as kuroo likes to say they are

the relationship between him and yamaguchi is either romantic or platonic as hell and no one knows which one it is

will outright judge y/n

often hangs out with yamaguchi and "the girls" because their apartment is homier than his (hinata tags along sometimes too bc karasuno reunion)

also judggling sendai frogs volleyball while studying, but he makes it work while achieving perfect scores

will flex on you

yamaguchi changed his twitter banner and bio and he can't be assed to change it back

the 12 people he's following and the 12 who are following him are slightly different

☆彡･:*:･★彡･:*:･☆彡･:*:･★彡･:*:･☆彡･:*:･★彡･:*:･☆彡･::･★彡･::･☆

yachi hitoka

art + graphic design double major

third year

lots of overlap between her majors so she isn't dying 24/7

her 74 followers (save for her friends) are all people that follow for her art content that she barely posts

she often draws her friends mid-volleyball poses

attends every game of tsukishima's and drags the girls + yamaguchi along (although yamaguchi plans on going anyways)

#1 supporter of everything her friends do, very wholesome

definitely something going on between her and hinata though... although she never talks about it unless drunk and she is rarely ever drunk

knows bokuto through hinata and occasionally asks hinata and bokuto for nutrition advice

☆彡･:*:･★彡･:*:･☆彡･:*:･★彡･:*:･☆彡･:*:･★彡･:*:･☆彡･::･★彡･::･☆

kiyoko shimizu

operations and informations management major (essentially coding and business combined)

third year

absolute girlboss - takes no shit

#1 gossiper (along with yamaguchi)

frequently judges y/n for her situationship with kuroo

would die for her friends

has had incidents with stalkers

she and tanaka are long distance

easily the busiest out of all the characters in terms of coursework and trackstar-ing and girlbossing but she always, without fail, makes time to hang with her friends

literal queen

☆彡･:*:･★彡･:*:･☆彡･:*:･★彡･:*:･☆彡･:*:･★彡･:*:･☆彡･::･★彡･::･☆

utokyo sleep lab

y/n runs this account for the lab she works in

very popular on campus because they tend to offer monetary reimbursement for study participants

y/n occasionally posts stuff she means to post on her private on this account (she gets reprimanded for it and also people make fun of her for it for days)

everyone present in this story follows this twitter account

tsukishima has partaken in a sleep study before too