#there is plently to unpack here

[cienie-isengardu]

I find it hilarious the Grandmaster probably banging Sektor's head on the wall about how loyalty is important and how Lin Kuei principals are absolute since he was baby and he didn't see Sektor might develop a tinge of independence to realize he didn't have to be told what to do once he's in a superior body. I feel like Sektor was kind of just waiting for a chance to seize power from his father and the Cyber Initiative gave him an opening and I feel his programming somewhat deteriorating was actually just Sektor's personality resurfacing above protocol and seeing that his father was no longer necessary.

I feel Sektor was honestly probably waiting for his father to die in the back of his mind prior(maybe he thought the guy would just die of old age or something) but when the Cyber Initiative was in motion and he got converted, this thought came back and eventually it just kind of weakened the loyalty protocols to where Sektor's desire to rule overrode his father's authority and he didn't feel like waiting for him to expire on his own.

The major reason why I have so hard time buying the whole human Sektor's desire to replace his father from MK9’s BIO is that the story mode, alongside other sources, doesn’t give me anything suggesting he was that ambitious or cunning to begin with and even less to think he was the designated heir. Quite the opposite, from the all named Lin Kuei characters from the same game, he is the most obedient one, the most willing to put Grandmaster’s wish over his own well-being and (at least visually wise) easily dominated by the presence of his fellow clan members. When Bi-Han is shown with Cyrax and Sektor, he takes the central place within their little group. When he is out of the picture, Cyrax openly questions Grandmaster’s vision of cyber Lin Kuei while Sektor is on the defensive, as he has no real argument to add to the discussion and Cyrax clearly doesn’t treat him as his superior, especially when Sektor confronted him about not killing Johnny Cage. 

It may be just me, but the human Sektor lacks the initiative that is characteristic for his cyber version. Similarly, for a supposed heir he feels so… subdued and withdrawn, not to mention his father sent him on a very dangerous mission in which the chance of dying was very high. Sub-Zero’s BIO from Deadly Alliance summed Kuai Liang’s choice to aid Raiden in his quest against new threat as “It was highly unusual for the Grand Master to embark on such a dangerous mission” and I think it wouldn’t be too far-stretched to assume Lin Kuei had a similar approach to the Grandmaster’s designed heir.

Sektor is a grown up man in MK9, if he was meant to replace his father at some point, I imagine he would be trained from birth for this duty. However, all the BIO says is that he had no choice about being Lin Kuei, but there is no information he was designed to be next Grandmaster. For all we know, the Grandmaster could have more children than Sektor and even if the man was considered as a potential candidate, sending him to the Mortal Kombat Tournament seems like too much risk - if he died, literal decades of proper education for the leadership would be wasted, wouldn’t it? 

My point is, I don’t think Sektor was seen by his father as the future leader of Lin Kuei - or anything more than an useful pawn, so I can understand that Grandmaster has never considered him a threat nor questioned his loyalty. Especially after automation, as C.I. Project was supposed to perfect the human warriors, not grand them better understanding of trauma and abuse they endured for Lin Kuei's benefit.

Frankly, maybe the fact that his son was so obedient and lacked initiative was the reason why he allowed Sektor to volunteer for C.I. Project - additional sources like Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms adds a lot to that feeling of my, as Grandmaster’s explanation - complaint - about human weakness seemed to be solely directed at Sektor, the only cyborg fully presented during the speech: “The mortal body is fragile, weak. So, we enhanced them.”

Maybe you are right and Sektor waited for a chance to seize control and C.I. Project provided it - and the BIO indeed tells the truth that his “ultimate goal is to supplant his father as Grand Master of the Lin Kuei”. However I personally think it was not human Sektor’s desire for power nor personal ambitions that corrupted his programming, as he has never been shown trying to enlist Bi-Han or Cyrax for his planned coup. I think the problem lies in the fact that Grandmaster removed the “flaw” that kept Sektor in check, be it out of love or fear of his father. And once the flaw was subdued, Cyber Sektor could clearly see for the first time that his father is the danger he needed to remove to ensure his own safety, but also Cyber Lin Kuei’s independence. Because this is what you get when you remove humanity from a ruthless killer - no loyalty, no mercy. 

And yes, indeed, there is something hilariously ironic about Grandmaster's blindness to the danger of the C.I. Project and perfecting his own son that already dedicated all his life to him and the clan.

[seresinhangmanjake]

Signed Away: Part 4

Jake “Hangman” Seresin x Reader Series

Summary: You find out about the contractual marriage your parents arranged with Jake’s when you were a baby. You’re plently angered by it, but Jake doesn’t seem too bothered. He might even be happy.

Notes/Warnings: typos, i’m sure, cursing, fluff, eventual smut, angst, contract marriage, loss of rights, feelings of being trapped, poor parent/child relationships, use of the word ‘whore’.

As always, comments can make my bad days worth getting through, so i’ll never not appreciate them. Reblogs and likes make me smile uncontrollably, but no pressure :)  

Masterlist

Words: 1900

-----

“So what did your mother have to say about this?” Jake asked, leading you through the front door with one of your moving boxes in hand.

The apartment was nice, far nicer than you expected; a two-bedroom with tall walls on a floor high enough that the sun flooded the space with light and warmth. Jake had picked up the keys the day before and called to tell you to start packing for the move while he spent the day furnishing the place, setting up the internet, and stocking the fridge. I don’t want you to have to worry about any of this, he had told you over the phone. I’ll take care of it all. You just start getting everything together and I’ll come get you tomorrow around noon, ok?

Jake was silent, waiting for your response, but you were too busy staring at the shape of his muscles straining under taut, tanned skin from the weight of the box of books in his arms. He was strong; he always had been. The summer before he left for college, you remember looking out your window to find him lifting weights in his backyard, sweat dripping down his torso and dampening his brow. He was a man, freshly eighteen years-old looking like damn twenty-five-year-old with years of physical training under his belt. Those college girls undoubtedly salivated at the sight of him, likely walking up and down the halls of his co-ed dorm donning revealing skirts and short towels, begging for his eye. Hell, he probably spent all of orientation week flirting and fucking and flirting and fucking some more.

You weren’t blind. At fourteen you had a very good understanding of what women wanted. Being in high school changed that perspective. You started finding the boys from middle school lacking in charm and physical appeal as freshman, and that maturity was what gained you the attention of your ex, three years older and well-experienced.

You shivered, brushing away the unwelcome memory.

Jake set the cardboard cube on the floor with a thud, put his hands on his hips, turned to you and rose an eyebrow. You realized you still hadn’t answered him.

“Oh…she’s in full support.” That brought a little smile to his face, but then you said, “As long as I don’t throw myself at you out of desperation. Because letting you fuck me so easily would just make me a whore and she doesn’t want her grandkids to have a whore for a mother.”

The smile fell to a flush, a delicate pink rising and coating his cheeks. Jake rubbed the back of his neck and released a light chuckle as he looked down to the dark flooring. His chest heaved; the deep breath pushed his perfectly carved pecks to definition against his t-shirt.

“Right, um…I’m going to go get another box,” he said.

“I’ll come, too.”

“No! I mean, you stay here. Relax or unpack.” He was already walking himself backwards toward the door, almost tripping over the threshold into the hallway. “Whatever you want, just…stay.” And then he was gone.

-----

You were going to kill him, plain and simple. Just by being who you are—with your words and your smile and face—you completely ruined him through and through, and chances were you didn’t even fucking know it. But that didn’t keep you from succeeding. He didn’t want to imagine the power you would have over him if you were actually trying. A shudder flew down his spine.

All you had to do was speak in your sweet voice words of sex and future babies and Jake turned into a blushing mess. Never in his life had he been flustered in front of a woman. Not even his girlfriend in his freshman year of high school could reduce him to the current state he was in, and she was the first girl to pay him a significant amount of attention besides his mother. But like with all of his girlfriends, he was in control then. He knew how much girls liked him well before he thought to make any of them his girlfriend. He had them in the palm of his hand the way he knew he never would with you. No, it was you who had him in your hand, wrapped around your pinky, on his knees and at your beck and call.

Jake blew out a breath and adjusted himself in his jeans. He willed his hard on to go away, praying no one else needed to use the elevator midday on a Tuesday. He wanted you; no ifs, ands, or buts about it. He wanted you like nothing and no one else.

-----

You wanted a shower, so he promised dinner would be ready by the time you were done. But it wasn’t until you walked back into the kitchen, fresh-faced, smelling like soap and clean laundry, that Jake realized the mistake he’d made in allowing you out of his sight.

The spoon he was dipping into the pasta sauce to taste fell from his fingers, sinking entirely within the marinara pool when he saw you. A large t-shirt hung over your body, the hem brushing against your thighs just barely keeping you decent, if even that could be said. Your nipples pebbled under the thin material, and god, Jake was thankful the counter stood between you, otherwise you’d get the shock of the growing tent in his sweatpants. He wasn’t so sure you were quite ready for that, which was a damn shame because pure sin was in front of him and he couldn’t think of anything other than bending you over and burying himself balls-deep in heaven.  

“Do you need help with anything?”

Jake’s mouth snapped shut, bugged-out eyes settled back in his skull, and he shook his head as he grabbed a fork to sink into the sauce, digging out the lost spoon. “No, you can sit if you want. It’s pretty much done.”

You sat in one of the chairs at the small round table, tucking one leg underneath you as you started to unfold your napkin. From your right, Jake could see your t-shirt ride up with your movement, gathering by your navel and now barely covering your ass. He cursed under his breath. Fucking torture.

He set the plate of pasta in front of you and handed you a fork that you accepted with a smile and a nod of thanks. But before the first bite could pass either of your lips, a banging echoed down the hall. Your heads twisted to the sound, then you looked back at one another, your eyebrow quirking and Jake’s two pinching in the middle. He rose, taking the napkin from his lap and placing it on the tabletop.

“Stay here,” he said, walking around the corner into the darkened hall and out of your line of sight.

As far as he knew, no one had your address but his parents. Yours hadn’t asked, thank god. Not that that would guarantee keeping your mother from you. If Deanna questioned Amelia, the information would not be withheld. His mother didn’t have it in her to lie. From that good nature, Amelia insisted on helping with the move, but Jake begged her to let him handle it alone. You didn’t need to pressure of a future mother-in-law in your brand new space while you got acquainted with it. But unlikely was she to go against Jake’s wishes by showing up now.

Peering through the peephole, Jake groaned and rested his forehead against the door. “Fuck,” he whispered.

“We can hear you, you know,” came the voice from the other side of the wooden slab. “You ought to just open up.”

So he did, reluctantly. The grins of his three friends clashed with his glare of irritation. “What the hell are you guys doing here?”

Rooster smirked, Coyote was practically hopping on his toes with excitement, and Phoenix said, “We’re here to see your new lady.”

He knew he shouldn’t have told them. But had his high school friends found out about his engagement through their parents, forgiveness would be an uphill battle. However, perhaps stupidly so, Jake thought they’d stay tucked away in Maryland until otherwise advised. “You’re two weeks early,” he snapped. “How did you even find out where we live? I didn’t give you the address yet.”

“Went to your parents’ house,” Coyote said.

Phoenix smiled. “Asked Amelia.”

“She was very willing to give over your personal information,” Rooster snorted, crossing his arms. “So, can we meet your girl now?”

“She’s not available. Come back in two weeks.” Jake began to close the door only to be stopped by Phoenix’s firm hand pushing back.

All three pouted in sync. Practiced puppy eyes shining in full force. “Why?” Coyote whimpered.

“Because I haven’t told her you’re coming and I don’t want to overwhelm her. We literally moved in today, so you all need to—”

“Jake?” Your voice came from behind him.

He froze. Fuck, he loved that sound. But of all the times for you to say his name so beautifully melodic, why did it have to be now? He closed his eyes, thinned his lips, and let out a slow exhale in preparation.

“Is that her?”

Jake shot Coyote a look. “Obviously.”

Then Phoenix was shoving past him, leading the pack in making their way over to you despite your deer-in-headlights look. “Hi,” she grinned wide, encasing your hand between both of hers and giving it a few light shakes. “I’m Phoenix.”

“Phoenix?”

She nodded, glanced at the two men beside her, and said, “This is Rooster and Coyote. We’re Jake’s friends. Well, a few of them anyway.”

“Oh,” you said with a note of surprise, looking around the group to find Jake’s eye.

He shook his head in apology and you giggled, barely, but it was there. He felt his heart clench behind the cage of his ribs. OK, maybe his friends weren’t so bad if them arriving rudely unannounced led to getting a laugh out of you.

You excused yourself for a moment, likely to go put on some pants, and three pairs of brown eyes landed on Jake.

“She’s so cute, Jake!”

His lips couldn’t help but curve at Phoenix’s enthusiasm. Coyote patted his bicep, and said, “Yea, I would not be upset about this marriage thing at all.”

“I’m not.” Jake shook his head. That was the understatement of the year. “Now go to your respective houses and leave us alone.”

“Oh, we can’t do that,” Phoenix said. “You see,” She sighed dramatically, “It’s late. Rooster’s grandmother is already in bed, Coyote’s parents are out of town, and—”

“Everyone can sleep at yours.”

“No can do. Mine were at an arts festival all day in the city and are staying in a hotel overnight. Won’t be back until tomorrow and they don’t keep a spare key under the mat anymore, so...” Standing on tiptoes, she rested one arm across Coyote’s shoulders, the other across Rooster’s.

The latter grinned. “You’re stuck with us for the night.” He glanced around the apartment. “So where do we sleep?”

 Wedding Countdown: 581 days

 A/N: Those three ending up being like Lock, Shock, and Barrel by the time I was done with this chapter. Not exactly my intention, but I don’t hate it. Also, I know I used their call signs, but it will be explained in the next chapter. Oh, and the pilot friends are not the friends from the flashback in part 1.

tags: @marvel-ousnesss @thespeeder @nobody7102 @marrianena @fangirlingoverfangirls @blue-aconite @my-soulmate-is-mycroft @dempy @chaoticassidy @alana4610 @hotch-meeeeeuppppp @dracosluvbot @smoothdogsgirl @smit41 @princessphilly @kkrenae @castle-bookworms-world @xoxabs88xox @blackwidownat2814 @acupnoodle @callmemana @zippitydoda @asteria33 @the-mouse27 @111angelnumbers111 @shanimallina87 @creativitybeware @love2write2626 @adaydreamaway08 

[stormblessed95]

Ok, Storm storm, I need you to talk about this video, I only discovered it today and I'm collapsing... I don't know if you've already talked about it or not but I'll leave it here

https://twitter.com/motivatedpjm13/status/1498735024572665859?s=21&t=Orjsp5vvdZLlKDiA2rpXnQ

Lmaooo I was going to talk about this in part 2 of my 2015 post, but we can talk about it now!

Link:

It comes from the 150505 Radio Interview, you can watch the full thing subbed here, this particular part happened about 19 minutes in

There is plently to talk about with all of them from this interview, so you should watch the whole thing if you haven't yet, but we can just focus on this particular jikook moment here.

The host takes turns asking them all questions and before moving onto JK from Jimin, the host mentioned that Jimin really liked their golden maknae and asked what it was he liked about him. What truly stands out to me about this moment is JKs reactions more than anything else. 👀 The host asks what Jimin likes about JK, and JK goes shy as heck, rubbing as his neck, this is almost shy girl twirling her hair around her crush type behavior. He wants to know too. He is fairly interested in this answer

Jimin says "there's somethings I don't like, but he's cute. Because he is the maknae and all..." And JK smiles all sweetly. And while he is preening, Tae jumps in with a "I think he kind of likes men." To which JK seems to process that comment himself too.

And Jimin immediately cuts back with a "I don't like you." And JK immediately laughs and giggles. Jimin does not deny the liking men comment, just cuts back at Tae with his own. Idk if JK took note of that lack of denial or not but to me, it did seem like that comment did not pass by unnoticed.

The interview moves quickly on at this point to JK talking about his drawing skills and learning it from his older brother.

Now before moving on, I don't think this was a malicious or bad comment from Tae. I think it just wasn't thought through like at all as a joke before it was said. I think they have ALL grown a lot in the way they joke around with each other and with being tactful of others too. They all occasionally threw out a gay joke in these early years. It just... was just a bad joke with no ill intention behind it. While it wasn't great, I think Jimin handled it really well, he made people laugh and allowed the conversation ton continue to flow smoothly. And if perhaps the comment was correct, and he DOES like men and was well aware of that fact at this time (both of which I personally think are true) he didn't lie or backtrack or make things awkward, which he could have done, while also deflecting the situation admirably.

Anyway though, honestly it's an amazing moment, but honest JK, what was going on there. That was like preening. Shy, squirming in his seat, giddiness and anticipation over what Jimin was saying. I'm 👀👀 over that reaction. Like damn baby, your crush might be showing. It was like he was two steps away from twirling his hair and biting his lip over that question. Lol

So much we could unpack there. Lol just wow! And the sass on Jimin is top notch as always! Thanks for the ask! I love this moment!

[sixtyeightdays]

hello and here are my thoughts on traitor!hagakure, even though no one asked

hagakure could have a multitude of reasons for being the traitor and frankly right now? im choosing to believe that the main reason is because she's being blackmailed

1. we don't have enough info on her to assume otherwise

2. she seems so cheerful and genuinely happy to be around 1-A, i don't think she'd willingly be a traitor

but im not saying she wouldnt make a good traitor, she probably would if she really had to, but if she betrays the lov in the end bc she didnt want to or is really committed to her role, i think shed probably be one of the best options for traitor

--

here are some reasons i can think of off the top of my head:

- shes being blackmailed/threatened into being the traitor

- she is actually willingly a traitor because 1. family on other side? 2. nothing left to fight for 3. wants her quirk to be taken away by afo 4. wants a new quirk from afo

--

but addressing hgk slander;

i understand that some people don't like her and i get it, shes a side character shes not very relevant to the plotline of bnha - but if you hate her purely because "her quirk is useless" then idk what to say really

- people hate on shinsous bullies and then go right round and hate on hagakure for the exact same reason as shinsous bullies (hypocritical, ex. heavily hc-ed amongst fandom that shinsou was bullied in youth due to quirk)

- hagakures quirk is "useless" ; 1. invisibility has a lot of functions and it is actually good for being a hero, she can be stealthy and even more useful especially since she's figured out her light refraction trick. just because her quirk isnt combat oriented doesnt mean shes useless (again, hypocritical. many people as kids when asked choose to be invisible if possible, one of the most basic and simple quirks, but also a popular one amongst superheroes fans. simple and stealthy)

- "she couldnt have passed the entrance exam with invisibilty" okay then how did jirou pass? from what i can remember, she only figured out broadcasting her vibrations after being in ua for a bit, so how did she pass the exam when all her quirk helped her do was listen for robots? (hc-ed amongst fandom that robots had off switches to help people shut down robots, and both jirou and hagakure couldve idk lead the robots in circles and slam them against each other or into buildings. there were plently of buildings and lamposts u cant say otherwise)

- doubling back to hagakures quirk being noted as "useless", imo the person with the worst quirk is satou. sure he has strength enhancement but it relies entirely on his sugar intake. he'd have to carry sugar around with him constantly in order to activate his quirk, and even then it wears off after a short while (as can be seen from kiri + satou vs. cementoss in final practical exams) im not saying his quirk is completely useless, im just saying its not super efficient or reliable especially if he runs out of sugar. and unlike hagakure, he doesnt have the option of being super stealthy. (he's tall, buff and wears a bright yellow suit)

--

im not trying to slander hagakure or satou or jirou or anyone that ive mentioned, im trying to point out things that people ignore when faced with someone they dislike. (im guilty of that as well sometimes, which can probably be seen from this post itself)

but to people who say mineta > hagakure? stay 10 feet away from me please

i dont want to unpack how you think a sex offender is better than an invisible girl, but i can assume its because of the quirks, and quirks only. well buddy, please double back to what i said abt shinsous bullies

not the same, but similar

-

please let me know what u think as well, id like to hear anyone elses opinions on traitor!hagakure

[thisisthehardestthing]

This Is The Hardest Thing - 2

CHAPTER 2

Synopsis: A exchange student from the US in enrolled into UA when her father has to move to help with the increased crime rates in Japan. The final year of high school is a lot to handle, adding on top the class of 3-A and the trouble they get into will make for a wild ride.

Author’s note: Switches to third person in the middle. I hope it’s not complicated lol. I have been reading this chapter over and over and over again trying to tweak it but I think this is the best I’m going to get it. After this chapter, the plot is going to get a jumpstart in a new direction.

Triggers: swearing

Word count: 3.4k

@whats-her-quirk​ , @aizawascumslut 

CHAPTER 1 , MASTERLIST

CHAPTER 2 - BUTTERFLIES

Sun’s setting earlier, you mused. Different to what you were used to. The cool breeze of this morning was back. In a few days, it would officially be autumn. Your chest rose as you took a deep inhale. The scent of sweet grass lingered in the air as though it was recently mowed. There was a sigh of content that escaped your lips.

You walked to the dorms that you were to live in. Large doors loomed in front of you as you dragged your purple suitcase over the stoned walkway. The 3-A was hanging above the entrance painted in white on the red brick.

During the last class of the day, you were called to the reception to fill in some forms about the living arrangements, and received the key to your bedroom and front door. You recalled the amenities mentioned by the smiling receptionist; a full gym, kitchen, laundry and bath area’s. Your suitcase had also arrived, being couriered directly from the airport. You had only one that wasn’t even full, so it had felt like a waste to not have waited for it yourself.

As you stood in front of the large doors to the dorm house of Heights Alliance, the butterflies in your belly managed to start up again, wings fluttering and getting caught in your intestines. There you stood in front of the closed front door, not knowing what to expect on the other side. It almost felt as if you were supposed to knock before entering, even though you now lived there too. Your eyelids shut as you took a breath before gripping the handle with white knuckles.

The floor was wooden. A light birchwood that bent and bounced under your weight as you walked across it. Inside the large front room, the lights were bright and gave the room a warm glow. Some of your new classmates were sprawled in the lounge area, watching T.V. It was a collection of arms on the back of the chairs, legs thrown over the top of pillows. Mineta was sitting on the floor near the tv as an actress was jumping off a building, almost as if he could look up her skirt from his angle.

There were dishes clattering in the kitchen, it was carrying voices arguing about who is cooking and who is washing up. Kirishima wants barbecue meat, Momo wants a green salad with plently of fried sides to share. You heard them come to a decision of a mixture of both. Todoroki was standing in front of sink, filling up empty ice cube trays with water. It was as if the house was both the eye and the storm at once. They were working together in a neat chaos and you took it all in as you walked in.

The sounds of your footsteps and the bag wheeling behind you caught the girls’ attention and they all rushed to you. Mina and Uraraka gave you a welcoming hug. Your intestines unwound and you forgot why you were nervous in the first place.

“Finally! We were wondering if you were going to be living with us in the dorms or not!” Mina gestured, linking her arms with you like when you first met. She was extremely friendly and put you at ease with how natural it felt to talk to her.

“Yeah, I am. I had to go fill some stuff out before I got here.” You replied, smiling back at her.

“Awesome,” She said with a thumbs up, catching you off-guard because it was in English, and your smile widened. You pulled your arm out of hers and fumbled for your room key in your pocket.

“What room is 2-3?” You ask, showing the girls the yellow tag.

Mina, Tsuyu, Momo and Uraraka said they would accompany you up to your room.

“Do you mind if we help you unpack?” Uraraka asked, footsteps lightly padding on the floor as you made your way to the staircase, past the kitchen. “We want to get to know you! There are so many boy’s in our class, it’s nice to have another girl to talk to.” You heard a laugh that bordered on a bark.

“HA! As if she’s a girl.” Bakugo roared out, still bitter that you had the upper hand for a few seconds during the short fight. Kirishima grabbed him in a headlock, pulling him down low. Your eyebrows shot up as he was able to keep a firm hold on the neck, not faltering under the strength of Bakugo’s threats and tugs. He had a grey gym tank on that had wide armholes. The movement had shifted one so that half of a dark brown nipple was on display.

“Ignore him,” He flashed a toothy smile. “He just needs to get used to you. Kind of like a dog.” You gave Kirishima a small grin in return. Your eyes snapped back to Bakugo who had set off an explosion against Kiri’s side to free himself. The girls dragged you up the stairs as they rolled their eyes.

“See what we mean?” They all giggled.

Your bedroom was on the second floor, the third to the right of the split hallway. You unlocked the door. It swung open with ease, as if welcoming you home.

There was a simple bed with light grey covers folded neatly on the end. A dark wood desk and chair to do your work on, a set of drawers and a single closet, that already had some school uniforms hanging, courtesy of dad. The mini-fridge and microwave was snugly against a marble counter that had storage space both above and below it. There was an attached bathroom with a toilet and a sink. It was a bare room, which was fine because it meant you could decorate it throughout the year with things you come across.

Your bag fell heavily on your bed and Mina jumped on after it, giddy with excitement. Uraraka explained that they wanted to see what kind of clothes you wore in the USA.

“Well, I don’t want to disappoint you, but it’s pretty normal stuff.” You laughed. They were acting like you came from another planet. “I also don’t actually own a lot of things, so I’m sorry if it’s not up to your expectations.” The purple trolley bag was now unzipped and open. Tsuyu peered over your shoulder as everyone looked at the items. They watched as you hung up your clothes and they chatted animatedly among themselves, handing you some of the shirts and jeans.

It felt good to be talking to other girls your age. Ever since your mom left, it had been you and your dad. The people in your old school had started to shun you after a particularly bad incident with your quirk, which is why you didn’t want to bring it up for as long as possible. And the girls were fine to not talk about what it was, instead bringing up other topics. They’d seen how you’d danced around the questions about yourself from Midoriya’s examination during lunch. He’d been scribbling a notebook about your father but you had changed the topic as soon as he asked about you.

“Oh my!” Momo interrupted as she saw your underwear. It was a rather large collection of thongs, some lacey, most plain. Yet you only owned three bra’s in total. “So skimpy!” She lifted one up by the waist band and stretched it out gently, blushing red. You grabbed it from her, your own face and ears going pink, burning hot.

The girls fell down in their laughter. You quickly gathered it all up and stuffed it into a dresser, deciding to sort it out later.

“I like nice things” you shrugged, closing the drawer quickly.

“What else can we expect from the land of Victoria’s Secret?” Mina wiggled her eyebrows.

They soon left you to your own devices to sort out the rest of your room, welcoming you to UA as they closed the door.

It was 1 in the morning when you were finally ready to climb into bed, having just changed into your red night dress. Everything was meticulously packed away, and you were happy with the way the day turned out. Three framed photograph’s of your family sat atop the dresser. You were about 10, gap toothed smile on display with your parents staring lovingly at each other behind you. The other two were more recent pictures of you with each of your parents after their divorce.

But then your stomach rumbled and you moaned as you realized you had never eaten dinner. You raked your fingers through your thick hair, pulling it against your scalp. How could you have completely missed it? That’s also when you realized that you had not looked at your phone the entire day, and had no one’s numbers. Which was a shock. Your body was still not used to the time difference, so you convinced yourself to head downstairs since you wouldn’t have been able to sleep anyway.

Maybe there are leftovers? You thought to yourself as you shrugged on a thin, white cotton bathrobe and padded quietly down the hall with your bare-feet to make your way to the kitchen. The nerves in your feet hummed in response as your quirk begged to be used.

*************************

Bakugo was definitely not expecting to see anyone. He’d went to the gym after dinner, training until late and was once again hungry. He’d just finished a shower, drops were dripping down his neck. Fingers combing through the blonde hair to fluff it back to its usual points as he made his way to the kitchen, stopping when he saw the light was already on.

Who else could be awake at this time? He thought to himself, eyebrows knitting together as the corners of his mouth turned down.

He really did not feel like talking to anyone and he was exhausted from the extra hours of exercise, so he had every plan of ignoring who else was in there until he saw her. The sight of Rei’s back to him made his blood boil, white-hot heat exploding in his body. It was a melting pot of hormonal lust, embarrassment and knowing there was an unfinished fight. It was made worse by the red nightdress hanging on her body. It dipped into a slight V, showing half of her back. She was fit and muscular, it was obviously the kind of body only achieved by intense training. He found her insanely attractive, which pissed himself off even more. He was 100% focused on being the top hero when graduating at the end of the year. He did not have time for feelings. Especially when it was only normal hormonal lust. So he redirected the anger onto other things: the punching bag in the gym, the sponge he scrubbed himself with and at Rei.

He watched in the shadows as she opened the fridge, bending forward slightly to scan the contents. Her short nightdress rode up, dangerously close to the fold of her ass and he felt his hands begin to sweat. His frown deepened. It felt stifling hot in the dark common area and if he wasn’t already shirtless, he would’ve been pulling at the neck to try and get some air. She straightened up, not finding anything that would satisfy the midnight cravings, and her dress dropped again to a somewhat respectable length.

What an idiot. Dressing like this in a common area. He thought to himself, then he saw the bathrobe on the table that had been taken off when she thought no one was going to be there. He wondered if she was as warm as he in that moment.

He heard a huff and she put one hand on her hip, the contours of her shoulders muscled reflecting in the warm glow of the kitchen and moved the hair that was over her shoulder to the back, thick strands covering smooth skin. It bounced with the movement, natural highlights glinting from the hours she would spend in the sun. It was almost mocking Bakugo for staring so intently.

He watched as she moved to inspect the cupboards and scowled when his designated doors in the corner were opened. Rei’s hands lifted up above her head as she reached for a cookie tin that was just out of reach, her dress lifting up one again. Part of him wished for it ride a little higher, the other part of him wished she would crawl back to the hole she’d come from. It was his cookies that he saved for whenever he wanted a treat. There was no way he was letting her take some. They were his.

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The cookie tin kept shifting away from your fingertips as you made a grab for it, pushing it back a little further each time. Your bottom lip was caught between your teeth as you stretched up onto your toes. You huffed as it scooted all the way back and you dropped back down onto your heels. Someone tall must be their owner to store it up so high, or someone wanting to keep it hidden. Your stomach grumbled again, egging you on for the sweet snack.

Fine. You grumbled, stretching your arm out, hand open. To an outsider, it seemed as if an invisible string was connected to the tin, dragging it from the shelf as it flew into your hand. But what you felt on the inside was pure bliss. It was the first time you used your quirk, in weeks. You loved the rush of endorphins it gave you to have control over the object and you smiled. The cool metal of the tin vibrated against your palms, double chocolate chip goodness gripped firmly.

“Oi, new girl!” A gruff voice cut through the silence of the kitchen and you froze, painfully aware that you were naked underneath the dress. Pivoting on your heels, you saw Bakugo standing across from you, leaning against the counter top with his arms crossed across his bare chest. His biceps and shoulders bulged, nostrils flared.

How long has he been standing there? You wondered. Usually nothing could sneak past you, especially when your feet could feel the vibrations of everything.

Then you realised he saw you. It was nothing impressive, just moving a small object to you, but it wouldn’t be long until the rush of power it gave you would call out to be used again.

“Is that your quirk?” He sneered, with an eyebrow raised, “controlling cookie tins? That’s so shitty.”

You frowned. It was anything but that, but you learnt your lesson a few months ago when people challenged you and it went horribly wrong, and so you bit your tongue.

“Whatever, I’m not trying to impress anyone.” You retort back, opening the lid. You saw his eyes dart to the cookie tin, pupils narrowing.

“I don’t think you can impress anyone even if you tried.” He snapped, his hands dropping to the counter behind him as he leaned back. The pose was relaxed, inviting you to prove him wrong.

“Oh yeah?” you challenged, slamming the tin on the countertop, taking a few steps forward. If he wanted to fight, you wouldn’t back down. You were now a meter away from him, and you puffed your chest up to show that you weren’t going to take any of his shit.

“Yeah, dumbass. You fight like a girl, can’t even punch right.” You had to look up to him. Even though you were tall, he was still a few centimeters above you. His eyes glanced down at your chest before glaring at your eyes again. It was so fast that if you weren’t paying attention, you most probably would’ve missed it. The purple bruise on your sternum that he gave you was bright against the skin of your chest, perfectly in between the sun and moon tattoos underneath both your collarbones. His eyes glinted wickedly.

Your body moved before you knew what you were doing. You stuck right your hand out diagonally, a few centimeters away from touching him. He didn’t flinch, eyes traveling to look at your outstretched hand, raising an eyebrow.

“What’re you going to do? Throw the cookie tin at me? Hah.” He barked, laughing at his own joke.

You held your tongue and just dragged your hand horizontally through the air. Your toes pressed into the floor, feeling for the vibration you wanted. His eyes followed your hand and before he knew what was going on, the cupboard door behind him opened and smacked into the side of his head. He grunted and you turned on your heel, walking back across the kitchen. You were no longer hungry, angry at a man that taunted like a child.

“What the fuck!” Bakugo shouted, his voice echoing in the empty space.

“What are you going to do? Swear at me?” You spat back his own ‘insult’. Your comeback felt sour on your tongue. It wasn’t any good, but you were pissed off and anything you said seemed to make him angrier, which was fine with you. “I was going easy on you during training today.”

His nostrils seemed to flare at that last sentence. The palms of his hands began to steam and spark. There was nothing he hated more than people not giving their all when fighting, people thinking they had to hold themselves back when fighting him.

“YOU WERE WHAT!?” He bellowed, his fists clenched. “I’M GOING TO KICK YOUR ASS BACK TO AMERICA!”

If you weren’t already used to intimidating men in New York, you probably would’ve flinched at his shouting, but instead you squared your shoulders and started walking back towards him, your own fist closing. You both pulled back to launch punches at the same time. Then, the air got freezing cold and Bakugo’s fists came crashing down as two thick balls of ice wrapped around them. If he weren’t as strong as he was, he would’ve fallen to the floor. Instead, they dropped to his sides, making his shoulder droop down with the weight. A look of complete shock came across both of your faces and your heads snapped to look at the source.

Shouto Todoroki was standing behind the dining room table, looking extremely pissed off in his beige pyjama set. His half-white, half-red hair messy and shadowing his eyes.

“Can you guys please just shut up and go to bed. You’ve woken up the entire building.” He said, voice dripping with contempt. A slew of curse words erupted from Bakugo’s mouth as he lifted up the ice to bang them against each other, trying to crack them open.

You felt your nipples harden in the now cold room and grumbled, once more aware of just how bare you were. You grabbed your dressing gown that was on the dining table. Wrapping it around yourself as you walked back to the cookie tin to put it away. Bakugo seemed to ignore what Todoroki said, instead calling out to taunt you again. There was no way he was going to let this go.

“What, don’t want to eat the cookies anymore? Fine with me, you were pretty fucking heavy.”

You froze. Through the vibrations, you felt Bakugo adjust his weight to lean back, pleased that it granted a response from you. With the cookie jar away, you strode back up to face him for the final time that night. Shouto tensed up, ready to interject once more. It was a low blow, Bakugo knew it too but his chin was raised indignantly.

You said nothing as you stood in front of him. Your eyes searching one another for a hint that either one of you would back down. The balls of ice were already melting and forming puddles by his feet, the cold water spreading to tickling your toes, so you twisted them out. The cupboard door that you had opened next to his head slammed shut. The loud noise echoed in the kitchen and you turned away from the irritating man.

“Sorry, Todoroki. Good night.” You nodded to him and walked back to the stairs, fuming with anger. You could just hear Todoroki mumble about the time to Bakugo and a scoff in reply, but you couldn’t care enough to pay attention anymore, his insult replaying over and over in your mind.

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Thanks so much for reading Chapter 2! <3 Hope you liked it.