#lessons in thermodynamics (fic)
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Lessons in Thermodynamics: Chapter 7
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A Matter of Pride
Thirty-one days until winter break
Friday
Momo sat in the restaurant booth, surrounded by her friends, feeling relaxed and happy. She wasn’t totally at ease, but as she laughed along with Kyouka and Hagakure at Mina’s jokes, it was tempting to forget she had a deadline hanging over her head and that in almost exactly four weeks, her fate at Yuuei would be determined.
“I needed this, especially after everything that happened.” Frowning at the thought, she remembered her visit with Todoroki’s mother, and then his confession about his scar, the frankly disastrous study session afterwards, and his abrupt departure.
Most of her Saturday had been spent replaying that moment on the sidewalk over and over in her head, trying to figure out what to do with her newfound insight regarding Todoroki’s past.
In the end, she hadn’t been able to settle on any course of action, a dissatisfactory outcome, even if things had worked out in the end.
“Our meeting on Monday could have gone better,’ She mused, fiddling with the straw in her milkshake, ‘that’s for certain…”
---
“Yaoyorozu-san, you’ve got nothing to apologize for.” Todoroki had said, cutting her off before she could finish her apology.
Momo sighed, shifting the papers in front of her around, “Then stop treating me like I do.”
He seemed perplexed by her words, utterly unware of the tension between them.
“Just… Never mind, let’s just get started,” Fuming, she opened the novel, resigning herself to the silence.
---
They only managed to go through around half of the assigned chapter, thanks to her partner zoning out every few minutes. It had irritated her to no end, but thankfully, she hadn’t had to endure many sessions like that.
Kyouka, after listening to her problem, had been the one to suggest simply explaining her feelings to Todoroki clearly. It was a solution she’d overlooked, and one that allowed them to return to the easy camaraderie she enjoyed.
“What’cha smiling about, Yaomomo?” Mina asked, a mischievous grin stretching across her face, “Someone finally capture your debutante heart?”
“What?” Despite her efforts to retain her composure, her cheeks began to warm as she attempted to rebuff the question, “N-No, it’s nothing like that. I was just remembering…”
Mina leaned forward eagerly, grin growing wider, “Remembering… what?”
“Yeah, tell us!” Hagakure clapped, as she mimicked Mina’s motion.
Glancing at Kyouka, eyes pleading for an assist, Momo struggled to think of something innocuous to say, that wouldn’t pique their interest
“I saw… a-a… a cute cat the other day,’ She offered weakly, ‘While I was… walking to the store with Todoroki.”
“AHA! I knew it!” The gleeful exclamation was accompanied by a squeal of surprise from Hagakure, and stifled laughter from Kyouka. Shooting her best friend a look that demanded ‘how could you?’ Momo suddenly wished she hadn’t taken the seat by the window. It meant exiting early would be far from a graceful affair.
“You an’ Mr. Hot-and-Cold have been spending an awful lot of time together recently.” Mina began, her pointer finger tapping on the table to punctuate each point, “Not to mention how secretive you’ve been about that fact.”
“Furthermore, you’ve been actin’ awful jumpy in class. As if there’s something on your mind. Yeah, there’s no doubt about it, Yaoyorozu Momo, you…”
Momo stiffened, fearing the worst. She had tried so hard to hide her failure from the class, but she should have realized that she wouldn’t be able to forever. No doubt her friends would be hurt by her secrecy.
“You’re dating Todoroki-kun! Right, right?” Hagakure said brightly, interrupting Mina’s string of observations.
Indignantly, the pink-haired girl crossed her arms, “Hey, I was getting to that!”
“They just think we’re dating…” The thought was accompanied by a wave of relief, which quickly turned to embarrassment as the accusation sunk in.
With her cheeks approaching the colour of her hero suit, Momo considered what to say. On one hand, it would be incredibly presumptuous of her to buy into the lie. But correcting her classmates would most likely involve fessing up about her failed test…
“I could just… not say anything.” She thought, her hand clenching under the table, bunching up a small section of her skirt, “Todoroki and I are so far from involved like that, denying it isn’t necessary.”
Even in her head, the words rang hollow, tinged with the familiar fear of failure. As she finally rolled her eyes at Toru’s remark, Momo plastered an easy-going smile to her face, pushing all the doubt to a far-off corner of her mind.
She’d just have to deal with this later.
…
Once she was back at the dorm, Momo was eager to return to her room.
“A break with my friends is nice’, she sighed, ‘but I can’t blow off homework. Not completely, at least.”
Climbing the steps, she paused near the top, her attention caught by the sounds of a not-quite-peaceful discussion.
“C’mon, man, just tell us!” Kaminari’s voice whined, carrying down the hall.
The next voice that spoke brought a frown to her face, “Yeah! What’s the deal with you and our babe of a vice-rep?”
“Mineta. Ugh.” God forbid she make it to her room without getting harassed once.
“Deal? What do you mean by that?” Todoroki’s calm tone responded, but she could tell his patience was wearing thin. She could practically picture the disinterest on his face.
Kaminari sighed, and then continued, “Dude, are you guys, like, together? You’ve been hanging around each other a lot, an’ I-’
There was a sound like an elbow connecting with a kneecap, and a grunt of pain from the blond, as well as a loudly muttered ‘Ow!’
“Sorry, we,’ He stressed the word, ‘don’t wanna step on your toes or nothing. Considering you could probably destroy us.”
The silence stretched for longer than was comfortable, and the temperature seemed to drop noticeably. Momo held her breath, hoping her study partner wasn’t about to tell them anything.
“Yaoyorozu-san is more than capable of doing that herself, you know. Destroying you, I mean.” Todoroki spoke with confidence, and she could clearly envision the set of his jaw, “And besides, my relationship with her shouldn’t matter more than her own feelings.”
A crackling sound filled the air – that chill hadn’t just been her imagination, then – accompanied by exclamations of surprise.
“Please, take Kaminari! This was all his idea!”
“Hey! It was not, you gremlin!”
A pause, and then the electricity user spoke again, “Uh, no need to start freezing things, Todoroki. We’ll just… be going, then. Sorry to have disturbed you.”
Suppressing a laugh, she turned the corner just in time to see the two other boys disappear up the stairs, bickering about whose fault the incident was, and observed Todoroki using his left hand to melt a patch of ice on his doorframe.
“Oh, Yaomomo,’ He turned to look at her, ‘how was everyone? Did you have fun?”
“When did he start calling me that?” She wondered, twirling a strand of hair around her finger. Not that she minded. It was nice, the way he had warmed up to her.
With a shrug, she made a so-so motion with her other hand, “Everyone’s a little stressed right now. But, yes, I did have fun. You… should come with us, one of these days.”
His answer was simply a non-committal huff, but one that meant he’d consider it. She knew Todoroki still felt awkward around many of his classmates, but was making strides to be more social.
Still, Momo couldn’t shake the lingering memory of the conversation she had listened in on.
“I heard what you told those two.” She confessed, “Thank you.”
He smiled softly, shaking his head, “Ah, it was nothing. Just the truth.”
“Well, I appreciate it nevertheless.”
Fumbling for other conversation topics, she asked if he was going to be ready for their session on Monday. After an assurance that he would, she bid him goodnight, finally returning to her room.
…
Homework nearly complete, Momo glanced over at her phone as it buzzed yet again, finally catching her attention. She stood up from her desk and grabbed it, before sprawling onto her bed with a huff. Her phone had practically blown up with notifications.
“I hope nothing happened.” Usually, it only got this busy the night before a test, as many of her classmates asked last minute questions.
The messages, and there were a lot of them, were from a group chat Mina had set up, one that was used to plan things like that afternoon’s outing. Momo was tuning in just in time to catch the middle of a conversation.
{Class 1-A Girl Power!!}
∞ girl
[whaaaat? yaomomo and todoroki are really dating??!! FOR REAL??!]
pinky <3
[YEAH!! i asked her today lol!]
[she was p tight-lipped about it tho…]
hijacks
[c’mon yaomomo never actualy *said* they were]
[haga-chan, back me up!]
see-thru
[i mean…]
[Jirou is kinda right?]
pinky <3
[*hmph* w/e she just doesn’t wanna admit they’re really together]
[bc she didn’t know either]
[ >8P ]
hijack
[hey mina]
[🖕🖕]
pinky <3
[ily 2, boo ;)]
∞ girl
[deku says todoroki hasnt mentioned anything abt this?]
[also that kaminari and the purple one were gonna check w/todoroki]
[he’s gonna ask around see if anyone else knows]
hijack
[uraraka]
[urararararaka]
[YOU TOLD MIDORIYA???]
∞ girl
[oh]
[oops]
Several people are typing…
The only reason Momo cursed out loud was because she let her phone drop out of shock, hitting herself square in the forehead. Not because it would take a miracle to prevent the rest of her classmates from latching onto the rumor about her and Todoroki.
Definitely not that.
With a groan, she rolled over, burying her face in her pillow, muttering muffled by the plush fabric, “Perfect, absolutely perfect.”
To join the group chat now would be like jumping into a shark tank with an open wound. Extremely awkward, to say the least.
She wracked her brains for a solution, but was too drained think of anything, “We’re definitely going to need to meet before Monday, and figure out what to do…”
“Yes, having yet another private chat with Todoroki would certainly go a long way to clearing up these suspicions,” Her doubtful side deadpanned, “Nothing flawed with that logic.”
With another groan, she pushed her face deeper into the pillow, “I just want to pass the test, is that so much to ask?”
There are twenty-four days until the Retest.
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BokuAka fic recs
@lnsouke asked for some BokuAka recs, so here’s a list of some of my favorite BokuAka fics!
♥ = personal favorite
First of all, literally anything by norio, who’s like THE BokuAka author, but my favorites so far are:
if kisses were fishes, then i'd be an ocean (G | 4.600)
notice me kouhai (G | 4.400)
nine hundred lies (G | 8.400)
the volleyball is beautiful tonight (G | 2.400)
one in a hundred (G | 4.000)
apowlogize (G | 2.300)
Fight! The Exciting Adventures of a High School Girl! The Fire Will Never Die! (G | 1.900 | Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun AU)
i put my hand out, unfolded, into the sunlight by carafin
G | 3.700
In which Bokuto Kotarou is woefully inept at conveying his feelings, and Akaashi Keiji has a sort-of superpower. Sort of.
Next to him, Komi is chewing his cupcake dutifully, albeit with obvious effort. Washio has assumed a completely neutral expression on his face, although Akaashi thinks that his eyes might be watering. Sarukui, having seemingly demolished the entire thing out of sheer willpower alone, looks like he deeply regrets every single choice that has led to this precise moment in his life.
‘It isn’t too bad, huh?’ Bokuto says, grinning. ‘I made them in our school colours, so they’re like, marbled black and white chocolate swirls! Do you guys want more?’
Sarukui looks like he might pass out at the thought alone. Komi pauses mid-chew to shake his head weakly.
‘I’ll have more,’ Akaashi says, to the general astonishment of everyone.
From the text logs of Bokuto Koutarou by koikawa
T | 2.800
(To: Keiji) akaashi!!!!! I got a new phone!!!
(From: Keiji) Who is this
(To: Keiji) it’s your best friend in the whole world!!!!
(From: Keiji) Konoha-san?
legs killed the owl by dalyeau
T | 1.900
He's not smiling anymore an hour later, after he's fucked up four perfect spikes that Akaashi tossed carefully for him because he's too distracted by the lean, elegant line of Akaashi's legs, kneepads dark against the white of Fukurodani's gym.
third wheel by arsenicjay
T | 4.500
"So you and Bokuto, huh?"
Akaashi's attention snaps back to Kuroo and he gives the other boy a blank stare. "What about us?"
Or, Kuroo figures out that Bokuto is interested in Akaashi long before Bokuto does himself and being the kind friend that he is, tries to help them along.
pink roses for the couple at the back by orphan_account
T | 4.800
The first-year, who Kuroo assumed to be Akaashi, seemed to grow more dead inside as the two approached them, and Kuroo couldn’t help the smirk on his face as Fukurodani’s setter patted Akaashi’s shoulder and departed with a pitying, “Good luck, Akaashi-kun.”
Akaashi barely looked at him as he dryly said, “Thank you, Uchido-san.”
“AGHASHEE!”
Kuroo briefly wondered if that was how Bokuto always pronounced his name, then snorted when he saw the first-year close his eyes and mutter a bitter, “Fuck you, Uchido-san.”
alternatively: bokuaka is in love but in kuroo's point of view.
our destiny, in ourselves by drifloon
G | 6.600
Akaashi was probably thinking about how stupid he was for having said yes to this, a day at the zoo when it wasn’t even that warm yet, March air keeping everyone on their toes. But the sun was out and shining, and for a first date, the weather was good. Not that this was a date, Koutarou quickly corrected himself. Just a last hurrah while they were still teammates. A last chance to see each other before it was all over.
5 tips to get your guy by Mizaaistom
G | 5.900 | ♥
Second-year Bokuto gets fantastic dating advice from his sister’s magazines.
Something good can work by choir
T | 3.700
“Do you want to date, Akaashi?”
The serve that Keiji is about to hit curves and hits Konoha in the back of the head.
idyll by mutterandmumble
T | 6.600
In which a risk is taken, a list is made, there’s a piano, and somehow Akaashi gets a boyfriend out of all of it.
Victory Will Be Mine by spadebrigade
T | 4.000
"Bokuto-san," Akaashi found himself saying, sweat dripping down his forehead. "If we win this match, I’ll give you a kiss."
Sphoeroides maculatus by himbokuto (hibouu)
G | 1.100
Akaashi's plan to boost Bokuto's confidence has unexpected results, but he's not complaining.
desire as your holy fire by blushytobio (blanketkicks)
G | 4.900
The five times Bokuto calls Akaashi by his first name.
(alternate description: Akaashi’s weaknesses are Bokuto, Bokuto, and Bokuto.)
Red Reed by yuuki
T | 5.200
It's Aka-ashi, Keiji wants to say every time Bokuto says his name wrong, not Ah-kashi. He never corrects him.
It's easier to study if you don't talk and actually study, Keiji wants to tell Bokuto every time he fails a test. He never tells him.
Everything Bokuto does makes Keiji fall in love with him, and there's a lot that Keiji doesn't tell him.
Something to Look Forward To by mousapelli
T | 500
Bokuto's a bit clingy, which makes Akaashi curious what he did the whole of his first year.
Right Outside Your Window by hokshi
G | 2.100
Akaashi has a frequent visitor in his classroom.
Principles by timkons
G | 2.800
Akaashi has a list of Bokuto's weaknesses.
Bokuto has a list of Akaashi's principles.
Observing You Observing Me by undercovermartian
G | 2.700
Bokuto realizes that he doesn't know Akaashi as much as Akaashi knows him. Bokuto comes to the conclusion that this will not do so he vows to learn everything about Akaashi that he can, using his powers of observation alone.
Akaashi is a weirdo and a worrywart.
soft blue by groaninlynch
G | 6.000
Koutarou finds a sketchbook that he's never seen before.
Owl Notes by orphan_account
T | 8.800 | Bullying and implied self-harm
Bokuto has brought an owl plushie with him to school every day since junior high. One day, while running down the hall, he crashes into someone, and loses it.
It makes its way back with a note under its wing, and prompts him to search for the owl's rescuer.
Flaws Upon Your Sleeve by downtownfishies
G | 9.400
First Akaashi fell hard for volleyball, which was fine. Then he made the questionable decision of falling for his team's ace.
Lumos of my Life by DeathBelle
T | 6.700 | Hogwarts AU
Bokuto knows who Akaashi Keiji is. Everyone knows who Akaashi Keiji is. Bokuto has never spoken to him, but that's by personal choice. He doesn't fancy making a fool of himself. When he and Kuroo get caught sneaking out past curfew by Akaashi himself, who is a fifth-year prefect, Bokuto has no choice but to speak to him.
As expected, he kind of makes a fool of himself.
Thermodynamic by Telenovela
G | 5.000 | ♥
Heat can be transferred from place to place in three ways: conduction, convection and radiation.
Noctua by Telenovela
G | 2.200
Every night before official matches, Bokuto and Akaashi lie side by side on the roof of Akaashi's apartment building and watch the stars together.
Maybe We're Airborne, Baby by fathomfive
T | 3.100
Realizing he's got it bad for his setter is the easy part. Getting his feelings across might be the hardest thing Bokuto's ever done, not counting his literature final or putting out the flames on that birthday cake he tried to bake for Akaashi last year, or—or a lot of things, actually.
But the point still stands. Reaching out to Akaashi is a leap in the dark, and he wants it more than he's ever wanted anything. He's an expert at seizing his perfect moment, at bringing victory home against the odds. So he's got this, right? It's gonna go great, right? Right?
(After all, it's what you attempt with your own two hands that matters.)
wonders that remain by shizuoh
T | 2.900
The door swings right open, like Akaashi had been standing there, waiting for him. He hasn't even knocked yet.
Oh, jeez. He's going to die.
(or: bokuto goes on his first date with the one and only akaashi keiji.)
bitter by silvercistern
G | 14.000 | ♥
He accepted his classmate's chocolates gracefully, then declared his lack of interest with as much dignity as he could muster. She deserved the courtesy. At least she'd acknowledged that Valentine's Day was all about her, and not about him in the slightest.
Because if any of these girls had taken the time to actually get to know him, they’d quickly realize something even more important than his lack of interest in girls.
And that was that Akaashi hated sweets.
Kissing Ace by Karasuno Volleygays (ToBeOrNotToBeAGryffindor)
G | 2.400
It happens right after training camp.
Akaashi Keiji has a secret he has guarded since he was a child. He won’t go so far as to call it a fear, but more of an aspect of himself of which he is horribly mortified. No one on the team knows about it, and Akaashi does his best to keep it that way. But years of dodging hugs and casual contact come to naught in the blink of an eye and the swipe of a hand.
A Lesson In Anatomy by Zillyhoo
T | 830
Bokuto gets his hands on a label maker, and after filling the dorm with them, he decides to get a little creative with where he starts to place them.
Notes: Bokuto Koutarou by dgalerab
T | 8.700 | ♥
Bokuto knows he's a hassle, but he likes to think that Akaashi likes him. Sometimes, he even shows it.
Or: 5 times Akaashi showed that he thought highly of Bokuto and 1 time that Bokuto proved he thought just as highly of Akaashi.
Karma by dgalerab
T | 9.000
Akaashi pulls a muscle and Bokuto offers to help him with yoga. Akaashi knows a bad idea when he sees it, and he really only agrees because he's suddenly acquired a deeply rooted desire to see Bokuto do yoga.
For multiple reasons.
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the nature of possibility
Two things possessed me to write this: the concept of including some actual thermodynamics in a fic about dunamancy, and the idea of hand contact during a spellcraft lesson. What ensued was nearly a thousand words of Shadowgast.
"Dunamancy is equal parts science and art, you see. It's a bit like alchemy that way. Where alchemy studies the magical properties of substances and their interactions, dunamancy is more fundamental. It relies upon manipulating order and disorder to manipulate chance, draw upon alternate realities, warp space and time itself."
A measured smile spread across Essek's face. "Are you ready for our next lesson?"
"Ja, of course," responded Caleb. "Always ready to learn."
"That's what I like to hear." Essek traced a vertical line in the air with a slender finger, deftly withdrawing a dark leatherbound tome from the magical rift he'd just opened and sealing it up just as quickly with a pinching motion. He flipped open the spellbook and riffled through its pages before pausing thoughtfully. "Actually... shall we warm up a bit?"
Caleb was still studying his expression intently, but the drow remained inscrutable. "What did you have in mind?"
"Oh, nothing much," said Essek casually, closing his book and setting it down on the table. "Just a cup of tea. I'm sure Caduceus can arrange that, yes? With cream on the side, if you don't mind."
"Um. Yes, of course. Not a problem. This is... just a refreshment then, or part of the lesson?" asked Caleb.
"Bit of both. You'll see." The Shadowhand's eyes seemed to sparkle as he said this.
"...very well. Caduceus?" Caleb called out to the other room.
A moment passed. "Yeah?" The serene visage of Caduceus Clay appeared at the doorway.
"Could we get some tea in here, please? For our guest. And, ah, some cream also. On the side."
"Sure thing, Mister Caleb. Tea and cream coming right up." The firbolg departed for the kitchen, and soon the tea and cream were brought out and set on the table.
As Essek raised a hand languidly, the clay teapot rose into the air and tipped to fill one of the teacups with a light amber brew, followed closely by a small pitcher of cream. "Watch carefully."
The cream flowed smoothly from the pitcher into the cup, creating swirls of white. Essek picked up a teaspoon from the tray and gave the cup a stir for good measure. "This is the nature of possibility, you see. It starts out concentrated, localized, and then it spreads out into the countless paths of reality." He let go of the spoon, which continued to stir gently as he spoke.
"In general, things proceed from order to disorder. Entropy increases. The river of time flows on and possibility becomes hopelessly lost in its currents. However--" The spoon and the liquid in the cup froze mid-stir. "If you knew every ripple, every eddy, every splash and churn... who's to say you couldn't trace them backwards, figure out where they came from upstream?"
On cue, the spoon reversed its direction. As Caleb looked on, the contents of the cup seemed to rewind in time, going from a uniform mixture to distinct clouds of white and gold to a single splash of cream which deftly unpoured itself out of the cup and back into the floating pitcher above.
"That, my dear wizard, is the power of dunamis."
~~~~~
They had been practicing for a few hours, at least. Essek had presented a small hourglass filled with grains of black sand, counting away the seconds and minutes that elapsed. He had demonstrated how to create a bubble of stasis that could not only slow time but bring it grinding to a halt, freezing the sand in the hourglass in place.
Caleb etched arcane equations in the air with a series of careful hand gestures, his brow furrowed in concentration. The air rippled with magical energy as he completed the final arc, pressed his fingers together to form the last seal, and... nothing. The tension in his hands relaxed, but he was still staring intently at the hourglass.
"A worthy attempt. Why don't you try it like this?" said Essek, who had risen and was now floating gently behind him. Caleb felt the gentle pressure of the drow's hand upon his own, guiding him back into position. He glanced over his shoulder to meet his tutor's gaze, but Essek only nodded for him to face forward.
Caleb began the spell again, his movements deliberate and his incantations as crisp as he could manage. Every so often, he felt Essek redirecting a line, adjusting an angle by a degree or two. Each motion felt more natural, almost inevitable in its fluidity.
As the final gesture took shape, the falling grains slowed and stopped midair, like water crystallizing into ice. With the spell successfully cast, Caleb maintained his focus for a few seconds more, savoring the sensation of arcane power. His gaze drifted as he became acutely aware of their hands still pressed together to form the last seal, and as his concentration dropped, the grains of the hourglass began to flow once more.
Essek shifted back quietly as Caleb turned to face him. "I, ah, think that's enough for today. You're very gifted, Caleb. Don't waste it."
"I will try not to. I... should take some notes on this, while it is all still fresh in my mind," said Caleb, already reaching for pen and paper.
"Of course. Until next time, then."
"Until next time." Caleb glanced up from his notes, but Essek was already gone. The memory of his touch, however, lingered long into the late hours of the dark Xhorhasian night.
#caleb widogast#essek thelyss#shadowgast#critical role#critical role fic#writing#the concept being alluded to here is that of entropic time#that the arrow of time is linked with the increase of entropy#also i'm aware that entropy isn't strictly a measure of disorder#i like essek am being dramatic#was this last line incredibly self-indulgent? yes#did i also have fun writing this? also yes#so really we're all winners here#ah to have an attractive wizard teaching me to bend space and time to my will#in my mind this takes place somewhere after c2e62#when they're all still in xhorhas but after essek has taught caleb some of the basics
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Hey I don’t know if you are comfortable or if this is really rude, but do you know any fics like/similar to pm in the way of the reader also having powers. I completely understand if you don’t but if you do thank you 🙏🏾
Heyy, this is not rude at all, I’m glad you like my Prove Myself fic :) Here’s a little collection of fics I know that feature Superhero!reader x Peter Parker, if anybody wants to add fics, feel free to do so :D
Unsteady (Several Chapters) by @starksparker
Summary: Theone where you’re assigned to Peter Parker as a partner.
Shut The Fuck Up, Parker (Imagine) by @imaginingspiderman
Summary: Spiderman and the reader are enemies whenthey’re “working” but in the day, they’re mutual and one day Spidey has to gether out of trouble because she gets drugged and taken.
Gym Class Badass (Imagine) by @peter-is-the-best-avenger
Summary: (Pre-CivilWar) You are trying to maintain your cover in school when your gym class istreated to a self-defence lesson by someone you know all too well. And you justhappen to be picked for a demonstration.
Hidden Identities (Several Chapters) by @yoinkmyheart
Summary: Reader is one of peter’s best friends andhas so far successfully hidden the fact that she’s a butt-kicking superhero bynight until she finds herself fighting side-by-side with Spiderman and gettinga little injured.
Superheroes (Imagine) by @hollanderheart
Summary: Peter and reader are best friends (childhoodfriends) and they’re both superheroes but neither knows and the whole fic isthese kinda funny near miss scenarios where they both nearly find out.
Tiger Lily (Imagine) by @parkermanparkercan
Summary: Y/N is Tiger Lily and Peter is Spiderman,but neither knows the truth.
Overpowered (Several Chapters) by @imfucking-magical
Summary: The reader is an Avenger who has the superabilities to disappear and travel in shadows along with the ability to useenergy (kinetic, potential, and thermodynamic) to create shields, heal people,and to fight. Also reader has a relationship with Peter.
Tangled Up In Webs (Several Chapters) by @mattstarrxfandomimagines
Summary: Youare one of the Avengers hiding in Wakanda. Being the youngest and the only onewith a secret identity, you are sent to New York to be undercover in Queens.You’re supposed to be focused on the mission- but then a distraction pops intoyour life. Well- more like swings.
#fic rec#sorry nonnie this is really late#and I hope you see this#peter parker x reader#tom holland x reader#peter parker#tom holland#spiderman x reader#spiderman#superhero!reader#fanfiction#imagine#fanfic#avengers#ask#anon#marvel#infinity war#spiderman homecoming#hoco#tony stark#steve rogers
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I Need Fluff. Get Me Fluff. (Please? Pretty please?)
Hi Nonny! I have a TONNE of fluff fic rec lists! It’s the most requested Fic Rec lists next to angst!
Funny and Fluffy Stories
Chapstick and Lipstick
Irene the Matchmaker
The Speckled Blonde / BedSharing
BedSharing Pt. 2 and Insecure Sherlock
Bed Sharing Pt. 3 (Dec. 2017)
Fake Relationship / For a Case
Meeting the Family
Christmas: Oblivious That One or The Other is In a Relationship
Married For a Case / Fake Husbands
Tooth Rotting FluffHugs & Cuddles and Tooth-Rotting Fluff Pt. 2
Christmas Fic Recs (Dec. 2017)
Marriage and Weddings
Proposals
Weddings / Proposals / Husbands and Established Relationship
But since you asked so nicely, let’s give you some more from my Monstrous Fluff Fic Rec list. Hmmm what section should I do? Hmm, I was going to do platonics, but I got another request for Smut-free, so I’ll save it for them :) Let’s update some of these lists :D Hope you like them!! :D
HUGS, CUDDLES and KISSES Pt. 2
Undeterred by 221b_hound (T, 221 w. || 221B Ficlet, Christmas, Mistletoe, Kisses) – Sherlock does not approve of this mistletoe nonsense. Though he will make exceptions. Part 6 of The Million Word Festival // Part 42 of Unkissed
The Cure for Snoring by Goddess_of_the_Night (G, 1,278 w. || Bed Sharing, Cuddling, Fluff, Domestic, Platonic / Sleepy Cuddles) – Sherlock and John spend the night in Scotland after finishing a case. The sole Inn in town only has one room left...one bed. This would be fine - if not a bit awkward - if Sherlock hadn't developed a habit of snoring loudly. John suffers through many hours of sleeplessness before he discovers that skin-to-skin contact stops the noise. Part 1 of Dreamscapes
I Hear Newcastle is Dreadful This Time of Year by oxfordlunch (G, 1,515 w. || Sofa Cuddling, Hugs, Mentions of Alcoholism, Pining / Anxious Sherlock) – When the fourteenth day comes, he gets a cab to Heathrow.
Caught by Salambo06 (E, 1,859 w. || Frottage, First Time / Kiss, Bed Sharing, Wet Dreams, POV John, Masturbation) – A hotel room. They’re here for a case, hadn’t planned to spend the night and ended up sharing a room. No, sharing a bed. Suddenly John is very much aware of his own hand closed around his hard cock and the ragged breathing next to him. Closing his eyes for the briefest second, John dares to turn his head just enough to confirm what he already knows. Sherlock, on his side, watching him.
Unwrapped by 221b_hound (E, 3,022 w. || Christmas, Fluff, Oral Sex, Feet and Toes, Tow Fetish, Pet Names, Licking) – It's Christmas morning. John doesn't really want the Christmas Sex that Sherlock proposes and explains the reasons why. Sherlock discovers a new element of how his desire functions, and later John gets to indulge his foot fetish. Part 8 of Unkissed
The Sweetest Taste In The World by crossroads (G, 3,121 w. || First Kiss, Fluff, Pining, Friends to Lovers) – The sweetest taste in the world is rarely ever the easiest to come by.
Entanglement by orphan_account (G, 3,218 w. || Pining, Confessions) - On Christmas Eve, snow covers London, John visits Harry, and Sherlock and Mrs. Hudson untangle some knots.
The Second Law of Thermodynamics by entanglednow (T, 3,614 || Asexual Sherlock, Bed Sharing, Sharing Body Heat) – In which there’s no heating and there’s a dead owl in Sherlock’s bed. Part 1 of Thermodynamics
The Honeymoon Suite by Salambo06 (E, 5,827 w. || Fake Relationship, Fake Marriage, Frottage, First Kiss, Cuddling/Snuggling/Sleepy Cuddles, Bed Sharing, Holidays / Hotels, Case Fic) – “You’ll see,” the receptionist smiles, handing John the key to their room, “This honeymoon suite is quite spectacular. Our hotel has won many awards, most of them for these rooms.” John nods, licking his lips and playing with the key in his hand. We’ll probably be leaving first thing in the morning, he wants to tell her. As soon as Sherlock proves who robbed the previous couple who booked a room here, we’re out of here and stopping this happily married charade. “Thank you,” he says instead.
Disguises are always a self-portrait by yellowteapots (NR, 6,223 w. || Case Fic, First Kiss, POV John, Fake Rel.) – Sherlock and John head out of town on a case of murder / suicide at a Pride Fest.
TOOTH-ROTTING FLUFF Pt. 3
You Know, The Old Saying by songlin (T, 2,248 w. || Wedding, Marriage Proposal, Fluff, Engagement) – "Marry me. I need to have you forever." Unrepentant husbands!Johnlock fluff.
Unwrapped by 221b_hound (E, 3,022 w. || Christmas, Fluff, Oral Sex, Feet and Toes, Tow Fetish, Pet Names, Licking) – It's Christmas morning. John doesn't really want the Christmas Sex that Sherlock proposes and explains the reasons why. Sherlock discovers a new element of how his desire functions, and later John gets to indulge his foot fetish. Part 8 of Unkissed
Entanglement by orphan_account (G, 3,218 w. || Pining, Confessions) - On Christmas Eve, snow covers London, John visits Harry, and Sherlock and Mrs. Hudson untangle some knots.
Happy anniversary by Salambo06 (E, 3,772 w. || Est. Rel., Vulnerable Sherlock, Wedding Anniversary, Anal, Texting, Lingerie) – John inhaled deeply, feeling his cock pulse under the silk gown, and he let his eyes travel on the lean body in front of him. Sherlock was kneeling on the bed, their bed, and the picture had been taken so John could perfectly see his bare chest and pelvis. But what mattered most, what made John harden rather quickly, was the pair of panties Sherlock was wearing in the picture. Black, string over each hip and laces that outlined Sherlock’s erect cock barely hidden under the soft underwear.
Fine Print by mistyzeo (E, 4,224 w. || ACD Holmes || Est. Rel, Retirementlock, Glasses, Oral, Hand Jobs, Bees) – Holmes needs glasses, but he's too much of a stubborn arse to go get his eyes checked. Watson is used to bullying him for his own good. The glasses have unexpected but not unwelcome consequences for everyone.
Christmas at Holmes Cottage by johnlockedstarkid (G, 4,295 w. || Christmas, Fake Relationship, Love Confessions, Holmes Family, Pining, Kisses, Fluff, Allusions to Mystrade) – Sherlock doesn't want to have to deal with his mother's wishes for him to find a partner when he goes to visit them for Christmas, so asks John to pose as his boyfriend. Little does he know he's not the only one who wishes that the relationship could be real.
Adjacent by weeesi (E, 5,711 w. || Bed Sharing, Fluff and Smut, Pining Idiots, On a Trip, Frottage) – Sherlock and John spend the night at a hotel in adjoining rooms, and keep finding excuses to visit each other’s rooms, until WHOOPS they’re sharing a bed.
Beg for Mercy (Twice) by Solitary_Endeavor (E, 7,060 w. || Est. Rel., Bottomlock, Bearded John, Edging, Rough Sex, Idiots in Love, Canon Compliant) – Sherlock hasn’t left the flat in four days, the itch of impatience beneath his skin too great to allow him to suffer interaction with any human being who isn’t John. This is probably a mercy that goes both ways, as he’s driving even himself mad. Sherlock supposes there is a lesson to be learned here about having himself to blame, but of course he blames Mycroft.
What Meets the Eye by worldaccordingtofangirls (M, 8,251 w. || Amnesia, Fluff) – Amnesia is just another case to solve. Piece together unfamiliar faces, reconstruct the old identity, the lost reality. A challenge that Sherlock could even enjoy. He can read people like books. The man with the silver hair is his boss. The tottering old woman, his landlady. The girl with the worried look in her eyes…infatuated. And as for John Watson? His husband. Obviously.
FLUFFY ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIP
{{There might be some overlap on this from my last Est. Rel. fic recs... these are specifically Fluffy, absolutely.}}
Whispers in the Dark by coloured_ink (G, 833 w. || Bed Sharing, Anxious Sherlock, Anxiety, Caring John, Spooning, Little Spoon Sherlock) – Sherlock has anxiety attacks. Good thing John always knows what to do.
A Discourse on the Inadequacy of a Duvet by guns_and_poses (T, 1,005 w. || Est. Rel., Fluff, Humour, Bed Sharing, Romance) – Sherlock keeps stealing the covers when they share a bed because he wants John to move closer to him when they are sleeping but of course doesn't want to ask. John gets annoyed at first until he realises what Sherlock wants and is more than happy to oblige.
Under The Covers by berlynn_wohl (E, 1,221 w. || Est. Rel., Shy Sherlock, Anal, Fluff) – John would have liked to have the lights on and seen everything, but Sherlock was shy, so they did it this way, always.
John Was Nice Like That by hannah_baker (T, 1,307 w. || Est. Rel., Fluff, Body Worship, John’s Bum) – Sherlock Holmes may not ever sleep, but that hasn't prevented him from having a kip on the couch with John.
So, this is normal for us now? by TooManyChoices (M, 1,445w. || Bed Sharing, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Est. Rel., Cuddles) – John and Sherlock have been sharing a flat, and a life for some time. This is a story of how the glacially slow movement of their relationship makes another agonising crawl forward another inch.
To Sleep, Perchance to...Cuddle by nerdyandiknowit (NR, 1,563 w. || Sleepy Cuddles, Fluff, Stubborn Sherlock, Bedsharing, Cuddles & Snuggles) – Almost immediately after they got together Sherlock formed this dependency on John-he could not (or would not as John believes) sleep without John being there, in bed, next to him.
A Metaphorical Gesture by cyparissus (T, 1,578 w. || Marriage Proposal, Fluff) – "Sherlock, are you--" the words die in John's throat and he has to swallow and start again, "Are you asking me to marry you?"
and yes I said yes I will Yes by Mithen (T, 1,662 w. || Fluff, Humour, Est. Rel. Marriage Proposal) – Sherlock has deduced that John is going to propose to him, and he's ready to accept. If only John would actually get around to it...
You Know, The Old Saying by songlin (T, 2,248 w. || Wedding, Marriage Proposal, Fluff, Engagement) – "Marry me. I need to have you forever." Unrepentant husbands!Johnlock fluff.
In Which John is Attractive and Sherlock is Angry by kim47 (T, 2,382 w. || Fluff, Est. Rel., Jealous Sherlock) – Sherlock's reaction to finding out that everyone wants HIS John, and how he told them to piss off and get their own Watson.
Unwanted by 221b_hound (T, 2,436 w. || Est. Rel., Wedding Rings, Asshole Exes) – In the jewellers to collect their wedding rings ahead of the Big Day, an old friend of John's spots him. Well. I say 'friend'.Sherlock isn't jealous. He's possibly a little bit grateful. That doesn't mean Lydia Templeton isn't an idiot. Part 19 of Unkissed
Let the Sun Fade Out by nothingislittle (E, 2,711 w. || Fluff & Smut, Praise Kink, PWP, Obsessed Sherlock, Bottomlock) – "He could warm the sun itself, Sherlock thinks, could heat their flat with just his presence, could brighten the room with one dazzling smile or just the sparkling in his eyes. John is everything, he’s beautiful and he shines, he’s everything." {{Sherlock loves John so much that it RIPS OUT YOUR HEART}}
Extraordinary by queenoftrivia (G, 2,860 w. || Fluff, Marriage Proposal, Morse Code, Est. Rel, Violins) – Sherlock's deduced that John's going to Italy to buy him a violin. Even the greatest detective alive makes a few mistakes.
Unmissed by 221b_hound (M, 3,235 w. || Est. Rel., Pet Names, Insecure Sherlock, Worried Sherlock) – John enjoys a good brawl during a case, and Sherlock begins to worry - when they retire, will John get bored? Will John get bored and leave. But even if John isn't a genius about cases, he knows a thing or two about Sherlock's panic attacks about them as a couple. With only four days till the wedding, he's not about to let Sherlock continue with this misplaced notion that John will be bored in retirement. Part 20 of Unkissed
Bagged & Tagged by Regency (T, 3,339 w. || Drunken Confessions, Fluff and Crack, Marriage Proposal) – A very inebriated John devises a clever means of proposing marriage to Sherlock. Unfortunately he's forgotten all about it by the next morning.
Engaged by lifeonmars (NR, 3,146 w. || Marriage Proposal, Fluff, Holmes Family, Song Fic) – Sherlock did not believe in marriage, but he wanted to be married. He found this something of a surprise. Part 2 of Damage
And as the seasons change, I love you more by Teatrolley (NR, 3,219 w. || Fluff and Angst, Est. Rel., Marriage / Proposal) – A year in the lives of John and Sherlock, essentially.
In Nomine by Atiki (E, 3,517 w. || Est. Rel., PWP, Anal, Domesticity, Love Confessions, Sherlock Loves John, Overwhelmed Sherlock) – “Alright?” John asks gently, planting a kiss on Sherlock’s left collar bone, smoothing a hand down his chest and belly until it rests in the soft trail of hair below his belly button. John’s smile is all soft and warm. His hand feels tender and solid and real. A soldier’s hand. A surgeon’s hand. A lover’s hand. Oh. “John”, Sherlock gasps. And that’s where it begins. Written for a prompt on the Kink Meme: The only word Sherlock says during sex is "John".
Rumpled by WhimsicalEthnographies (E, 3,601 w. || Est. Rel., Insecure Sherlock, Fluff, PWP, Proposal, Bottomlock) – Then, halfway through a documentary on river otters that neither of them was paying attention to--how could John, with a gangly, limp consulting detective practically purring in his lap?--Sherlock suddenly bolted upright, looked at John with a perplexed expression and a crinkle above his nose, and blurted, “Marry me.” Part 4 of Longitudinal Cohort
Love and Hair Dye by WhimsicalEthnographies (E, 3,920 w. || Est. Rel., Body Worship, Self Conscious John, Voyeurism, Idiots in Love, Smutty Smut) – Self conscious John decides to cover the greys on his head, and the colour isn’t what he thought it would be. Now he’s more self-conscious than ever.
Let me be the wallpaper that papers up your room by Teatrolley (NR, 3,966 w. || Est. Rel., Two Idiots in Love, Fluff, Domestics) – Four seasons in the life of Sherlock and John, really.
Practical Johnkeeping by what_alchemy (M, 4,330 w. || Beekeeping, Aging, Gladstone, Tooth Rotting Fluff) – Sherlock predicts nectar flow the same way he deduces a murder, but he harvests the honey like John coddles the dog.
Linger by queenoftrivia (E, 4,908 w. || Lingerielock, Fluff and Smut, BJ / HJ, Bottomlock, Dirty Talk) – Sherlock decides to surprise John after a somewhat stressful day at work.
a very soft epilogue (my love) by darcylindbergh (E, 5,395 w. || Retirement, Domestic Fluff, Dancing, Dogs, Grumpy Old Men) – Across the pillows, Sherlock shifts and hums, the creases of his face deepening and then smoothing before settling. John watches him wake up, his chest swelling with affection and fondness, and thinks he’ll never get tired of Sherlock in the mornings, sleepy and soft. It’s been some forty-odd years, and John hasn’t gotten tired of it yet. Part 5 of things fairy tales are made of
All the Flavours, Cherry and More by cwb (E, 6,274 w. || Est. Rel., Lip Gloss, Lingerie, Birthday Presents, Insecure Sherlock) – Sherlock feels a blush rising to touch his cheeks, more sensual than uncomfortable now that he knows John isn't disgusted by him. No, John is responding exactly the way he had hoped.
Inside by magikspell (E, 6,757 w. || Loss of Virginity, Anal / Rimming, Fluff, Humour, Awkwardness, Shy Sherlock, Bottomlock) – "Being inside someone. Feeling someone inside you."
For you, there's only me by shock_blanket (E, 19,557 w. || Jealous Idiots, Virgin Sherlock, UST/RST, Pining, Miscommunication, First Kiss / Time, Insecure Sherlock, Masturbation) – Sherlock realizes he has fallen in love with John, but believes he is unlovable. Cue lots of pining and jealousy on Sherlock's part, followed by our favorite cuddly marksman making it all better. Because for Sherlock, there's only John.
Abatement by WhimsicalEthnographies (E, 6,816 w. || Est. Rel., Retirementlock, Fluff, Sherlock’s Self Esteem, Grumpy Sherlock) – “What’s wrong with you? You love the cottage,” John glances over to the passenger seat, then quickly turns his eyes back to the road. Driving was still not his forte, but considering Sherlock still couldn’t properly bend and lift his new knee enough to press and release the clutch, he had to make do. Not that Sherlock hadn’t tried to argue his way into the driver’s seat. “I love the cottage for a week or two, John. Don’t be deliberately obstuse,” Sherlock grumbles, sinking further in his seat. Well, as best he can with a four-week-old knee replacement. “And that’s all we’re going for, love,” John says out loud. But what he’s thinking is, shit. He knows.
Caught In The Act by ShirleyCarlton (E, 7,009 w. across 6 stories || Est. Rel, Voyeurism, Character POV’s, Mastrubation, Switchlock) – This is a series of six scenarios written from the points of view of six different people as they accidentally walk in on Sherlock and John having sex.
With This Ring by Quesarasara (E, 9,121 w. || Est. Rel., Marriage Proposal, Angst and Fluff and Smut, Idiots in Love, Embarrassing Hospital Visits) – Sometimes even the best of plans go wrong. And sometimes wrong turns out to be exactly right.
The Important Bit by Solshine (G, 9,984w || Platonic Relationship, Ace!Sherlock, Domestic, Fluff) – Just where exactly is the line between “to love” and “to be in love”? What difference is required between “flatmate” and “husband”? (Besides the rings, obviously.) No, the important bit is that they have each other. Thirty years, give or take, in an atypical marriage. Basically a long bit of platonic domestic fluff.
Never-Ending Cycle by orphan_account (T, 17,211 w. || Christmas, Est. Rel., Proposal, Fluff) – Or, four times Sherlock Holmes attempted to propose to John Watson, and the Christmas Party at which he finally did. Sherlock thinks he's a miserable failure, John is confused, Mrs. Hudson and Lestrade provide some unsatisfactory advice, and Mummy is, as always, the solution. All in a lovely, fluffy holiday theme.
A Symphony of Chemical Reactions by what_alchemy (T, 2,351 w. || Experiments, Est. Rel., Fluff) – Cooking’s just chemistry and time management.
Christmas by WhimsicalEthnographies (E, 7,673 w. || Worried Sherlock, PWP, Drunkeness, Christmas, Est. Relationship, Tooth-Rotting Fluff) – John feels a lump rise in his throat, and it hits him, again, that this beautiful, infuriating creature is his. Completely, one-hundred percent his.
And if you say the word, I could stay with you by CaitlinFairchild (E, 12,842 w. || Domestic Fluff, Dirty Talk, Anal, Fluff and Smut) – What Sherlock thinks is, On the day I die, be it in a dirty alley at forty or in my bed at eighty, the last thing I will remember is tonight, the way you looked at at me on the snowy pavement, cheeks pink with the cold, breath puffing in frosty white clouds, your heart in your eyes and snowflakes in your hair. I will remember that single perfect moment in my life, that moment I knew I had everything I ever wanted, and whatever happens next, I will die content. What he says is simply, "Marry me."
The One With the Proposal by kim47 (E, 22,375 w. || Fluff, Romance, Marriage Proposal) – Proposing shouldn't be this difficult.
a good old-fashioned happy ending by darcylindbergh (E, 32.731 w. || Christmas, Frottage, Comfort, Est. Rel., Fluff, Insecure Sherlock) – For Christmas this year, Sherlock wants to get John something special: something every fairytale deserves. Part 2 of things fairy tales are made of
Where Else Would I Be? by cwb (E, 34,910 w. || Retirementlock, Domestic Fluff, Falling in Love, Parentlock, Fluff and Smut, Reminiscing) – John and Sherlock's five-year-old granddaughter spends the weekend with them in Sussex. Sherlock happily indulges her whims, and John takes care of them while quietly revisiting the past thirty years of their lives together.
Resistivity and Relative Charge by liriodendron (E, 41,750 w. || Synesthesia, Angst, Case Fic, Romance, Est. Rel., Homophobia, Religious Content, Victor Trevor, Mild Jealous John, Mild John Whump) – In which Sherlock Holmes meets an old acquaintance, John Watson doesn't enjoy a trip to the country quite as much as he thought he would, and the past absolutely refuses to stay where it belongs. Part 3 of Conductivity
#steph replies#johnlock fic recs#my fic recs#fluff fics#johnlock fluff#established relationship#hugs and cuddles#tooth rotting fluff#Anonymous
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How about Toff and the fathers of Lin and Suyin?
Send me a character and I’ll write 10 headcanons for them! Or a lengthy not-fic about what happens to them after canon, I guess that works too, brain, thanks ever so for your contribution.
So I… haven’t actually watched Korra yet. I kept meaning to, and it just never happened. Oops. How about some Toph headcanons that are completely unrelated to anything from LoK? Most of them under the cut bc this got away from me in a BIG way.
Toph used to dream about telling her parents she was the best bender in Gaoling. That was why she started joining underground bending tournaments, actually: so she could show them her champion belt and say, See? See how much your daughter can do?
That’s not actually why she joined the tournaments. She knew from the beginning that it would never work. She just wanted to feel, for a little while, the freedom and strength she had felt with the badger moles. After every tournament, she’d tell herself, One more. One more, and then I’ll tell them. One more, and it’ll be enough.
Toph wasn’t surprised by her parents’ reaction to her bending. She was furious, she was heartbroken, but she wasn’t surprised.
Toph loves junk food. (We all know this in our hearts.) As a daughter of the house of Bei Fong, she’d never had a potato chip in her life, and the first time they have some time to kill at a street market, Toph makes Aang take her round to every fast food stall in the place and buy her one of everything. She feels queasy and uncomfortable the rest of the day, but she refuses to regret it. (Sokka nearly faints when he hears how much money they’ve spent, and Toph regrets that a bit.)
She discovers that she really likes Fire Nation cuisine in general, with its tendency toward dramatic use of spices. They buy a kebab or something at a Fire Nation village, and it sets Toph’s entire mouth on fire. She falls instantly in love.
“It’s food that hates you, Katara! I’ve been punched in the face by a kebab!”
After the war, she decides she wants to learn how to cook. If you ask Toph how it went, she picked up a valuable skill. If you ask any of the string of harried chefs she leaves in her wake, they will turn very pale and beg you never to bring her back. It’s not that she isn’t enthusiastic to learn, and the blindness isn’t even that much of a hindrance because there’s a lot you can tell about your ingredients from smell and touch alone. But Toph’s very proud of her new metalbending abilities, and she practices at every opportunity. Do you know how much metal is in a kitchen, these chefs will ask you. Do you know how much damage that metal can do when it’s flying through the air into the hands of a young girl who wants to show you how fast she can whisk this egg. Do you know what she did to the stove.
Toph is really uncomfortable around Suki. You know those girls who are charming and smart and effortlessly graceful, a couple years older than you and always so kind, warm and friendly and infinitely cool, like the badass older sister you always dreamed of having? That’s Suki. Toph only knows how to be elegant in the context of high-society parties, and no matter how badass a fighter she knows she is, she has never in her life been effortlessly cool. She never knows how to talk to Suki about anything other than fighting. Suki thinks Toph just doesn’t like her much, and gives Toph her space. Toph absolutely hates this, but she doesn’t know how to fix it.
Taking down a fleet of war blimps together helps a little.
A lot of people want to learn bending from Toph after the war – metalbending, especially, but also earthbending in general. This twelve-year-old girl is one of the best earthbenders in the entire world, after all. She has people showing up every day, begging for the privilege of being her student. At first she’s pretty into the idea – she taught the Avatar, and he saved the world with it. Clearly she’s a fantastic teacher. She holds auditions and takes the most dedicated, the most impressive. She starts teaching them.
It’s awful. She hates it. Turns out teaching Aang how to understand the earth is very, very different from teaching a bunch of people more than twice her age how to stand, how to move their arms, how to breathe. She’d never realized before how much of bending was instinctual for Aang – he’s the Avatar, he’s not learning bending so much as remembering it from a past life. She’d never realized, either, how much of bending was instinctual for her. She struggles to explain how she moves to make the earth do what she wants, or how her students should move to do the same. More than one lesson ends with Toph getting so frustrated that she stomps her feet hard enough to knock over a wall, then storms off before she can cry actual tears of rage in front of these people.
She closes the school after a month. People keep showing up, though, asking her to teach them. She’s equal parts angry and ashamed every time she turns them away. She’d thought this was something she could do.
(Later, when she is older and more confident, when she’s had long conversations with benders who’ve been perfecting their craft for decades, she tries again. She finds a few promising students – young this time, almost as young as she is – and shows them how to feel the earth. She tells them to close their eyes and doesn’t worry if it means she’s forcing them to ignore their most important sense. She dumps mud on them and tells them to feel every speck of it on their skin, and get it off with nothing but bending. She tells them to move their hands and feet however feels right, so long as they’re strong and in tune with the earth. In short, she doesn’t bother adhering to any rules about how you’re supposed to teach bending.
This time, people leave her school with confidence and skill. Toph takes on more and more students. The best ones learn how to metalbend. Toph watches with her feet as her students learn how to listen to the earth, and finds that she’s proud of them. It’s a warm glow in her chest, and it never leaves her, the rest of her life.)
She leaves, to avoid the constant barrage of would-be students, and goes to stay with Sokka for a bit. He’s at the Fire Nation’s premier engineering university, and he has a huge apartment that the city gave him. (All of them get gifts wherever they go, these days. Some of them are more comfortable about this than others. Sokka never seems to mind it at all.) There’s more than enough room for Toph to move in with him, and he’s happy to have her. Every day he comes home from his classes bursting with information about machinery and thermodynamics. He sketches a dozen new inventions a week, and describes them all to Toph in convoluted detail. She understands about a quarter of what he says, but she makes a valiant effort to poke holes in all his ideas anyway.
Sokka gets letters from the others all the time, and always reads them out to Toph. When he answers, he reads that aloud too, and Toph calls out jokes and additions. He puts them all in, and letters from the two of them are a jumbled mess.
After one particularly memorable letter from Suki, the opening lines of which are, unfortunately, seared into Toph’s mind forever, Sokka started reading the ones from his girlfriend in private first, and giving Toph an abridged version.
Sometimes they talk about the war. Mostly when they do, it’s lighthearted, “Remember that camp by the town with the weird fish statue, where Aang tried to turn a waterfall into a water slide?” Sometimes it’s… not.
I was gonna write something angsty here about their darker conversations but honestly, I’m not sure I have the skill to pull that off in a single bullet point, and anyway we all know what conversations they were having. These were children who saved the world from an oppressive invader. Every day they walked through war-torn places and they never stopped to help for long. Every night they went to sleep wondering if they’d wake up to Azula fireballing them in the face. Now they’re heroes, and the world is rebuilding, and they’ve never lived in a world that isn’t at war.
After a while Toph gets restless, walking aimlessly day after day through this Fire Nation city while Sokka’s in school, and she goes to visit Zuko. Zuko greets her warmly, hugs her close, thanks her for coming, and gives her rooms in his palace, but he’s horribly busy. She’s invited to the daily dinner banquets, where Zuko sits at the head of a huge hall and the whole court watches him for weaknesses. She slips back into her cultured elegance like putting on clothes several sizes too small. Zuko sits her at his right hand and they talk, but it’s stilted and strange, each of them smiling stiffly through masks they don’t know how to wear well. She stops going to the banquets.
They hadn’t grown especially close, the two of them, back when they were fighting and fleeing together, not like they had with the others. But they’d understood each other, in their approach to bending and to ending the war. They’d understood each other, too, in ways neither of them was really comfortable admitting – both of them highborn children who would never be what their parents wanted, both of them used to luxury and quietly amazed by all the unexpected things involved in living off the land, both of them secretly proud of themselves for handling it so well. Both of them dedicated to winning the war because of their ideals, because of what they knew to be wrong, not due to personal loss. Both of them sitting awkwardly as Katara and Sokka, and later Suki, reminisced about struggling to find enough food for the winter, about passing clothing down through so many generations that it was patched beyond recognition, about learning to fight when they were barely old enough to hold a weapon.
They talked about it so glibly, laughing about the horrible taste of boiled seaweed for the fiftieth day in a row, showing off scars from when they’d stabbed themselves with knives they were too small to wield properly. Aang had laughed at their jokes and been horrified at their scars. Zuko hadn’t laughed, and Toph had heard the shame thick in his voice as he offered scars of his own, from firebending duels with his sister. (He never talked about the one on his face. Toph realized, later, that he assumed they knew how he’d gotten it. They never asked him about it
Toph always figured he had more to be ashamed of than she did – her nation, her family, hadn’t started the war, after all – but she’d been warm and fed and pampered while her friends had been starving, and she didn’t even have scars to show for it.
Now Zuko’s a king and Toph is his honored guest, and she wanders the hollow wooden halls of his palace – Zuko’s palace, her friend’s palace, her friend is a king and he lives in a palace – with one hand trailing on the painted walls. People bow and move out of her way wherever she walks. Generals try to talk to her about battles and tactics, about how a tiny group of violently powerful children evaded an entire army for nearly a year. Their voices are awed and condescending all at once, laced with suspicion and derision and oily flattery. Toph smiles the polite, unassuming smile of a daughter of the house of Bei Fong, and tells them that really it was Sokka who handled the tactics and strategy, she was mostly there to save everyone’s hide when things went wrong.
Then she remembers herself, remembers that she saved the world and she doesn’t have to be anyone’s daughter now. She starts telling them to fuck off.
She thinks, walking through the peaceful palace gardens, feeling the life that wriggles and squirms and breathes through the soil, that if her parents could see her now, friends with a king, they’d — well, actually, they’d probably want to arrange a marriage. At the thought, Toph starts to laugh, and she laughs so hard she has to sit down by one of the elegantly sculpted fountains and rock back and forth, gasping for breath. She hasn’t thought about marriage in so long – over a year, though it feels like so much longer. It used to be such a certainty, looming over her future, that her parents would arrange a marriage with some nice, malleable member of the middle aristocracy, who didn’t mind having a useless blind girl for a wife if it meant marrying into the Bei Fong family. But she’s no one’s daughter now. She resolves, there in an ornamental garden, laughing loud enough to scare the turtleducks, that she will never marry.
Zuko, almost to her surprise, steals time to hang out with her when he can. The first time he showed up in her rooms unannounced, it was in the middle of the afternoon, and he stood and cleared his throat the moment Toph walked in. Her room was tiled in stone – a small consideration that she’d been unreasonably pleased about, when she first saw it – so the moment Zuko put his feet on the floor, Toph recognized him. “Hey,” he started to say, nervous and stilted, “I hope you’re—”
Toph didn’t think about it. She barreled forward to give him a hug, catching him round the waist and almost knocking him back into the couch. She was almost instantly embarrassed, and started to draw back, but before she could, Zuko wrapped his arms hesitantly around her, and then he was hugging her as tight as she was hugging him.
Zuko doesn’t have much free time, but every few days he shows up in her rooms with a plate of delightfully spicy food and a bottle of something that she’s probably too young to be drinking and bitches to her about his advisors, the nobility, the merchant guilds, and the treasury officials constantly shoving new expense reports under his nose. Toph mocks all of them and offers to catapult people out of a window for him.
“No really, I won’t even need bending, these aristocrats are almost as bad as Aang about keeping their feet planted. I’ll just sneak up on them and grab them by the ankle. They’ll never expect it, come on Zuko, it’ll be hilarious!”
They talk, too, about the war. When they do, Toph tells him about the things she’d seen, wandering the subjugated Earth Kingdom. Zuko listens, without interrupting, and Toph thinks that maybe the silence is from shame, and she almost stops. But when he does talk, Zuko asks questions, probes for details. The conversation always turns to how to fix it. The two of them spitball ideas back and forth for how to start healing a shattered world.
They feel acutely the absence of their friends. Aang would be so much better at peacemaking, Zuko laments. Katara would be so much better at understanding what the deeper problems really are. Sokka would have so many ideas for improving access to isolated villages or distributing food and aid efficiently over all the vast expanse of the ravaged Earth Kingdom.
“So why don’t you ask him?” Toph says. “All he does all day is come up with weird new inventions anyway. He might as well come up with something useful.”
Zuko’s letters to the others have always been few and far between, and slightly reserved. He’s been very busy, and a part of him sort of assumed that now they weren’t stuck traveling with him anymore, they wouldn’t want anything to do with him. At Toph’s urging, he asks Sokka about a couple of his mechanical dilemmas, and is startled at how quickly he gets an enthusiastically rambling answer, complete with several pages of blueprints.
Toph tries to get him to do the same with Aang and Katara, but this he won’t do.
“They don’t have time to solve my problems,” Zuko tells her.
“Isn’t solving people’s problems pretty much Aang’s whole job now? He can just put you on the list.”
Zuko bows his head, like he’s looking into his drink, and says quietly, “If the Avatar is solving the Fire Lord’s problems, then either the Avatar works for the Fire Lord, or the Fire Lord is too weak to rule on his own. Either way, it just causes more problems.”
Toph, who grew up surrounded by the petty intrigues of politics and knows the weight of rumor and reputation, doesn’t contest this. She does say, “You should write them more anyway. Real letters. I bet they miss you.”
Zuko huffs out a laugh, and takes a swig of his drink, and doesn’t answer.
She goes to find Aang and Katara next. They’re wandering the world again, flying from city to town to village, and Toph thinks maybe it’ll be like old times. It even is, when they’re in the sky and Toph’s whole world is air, empty space, nothing but the rustling of the wind in Appa’s fur and the warm round weight of Momo sleeping on her belly. The three of them tease each other, tell jokes, share stories from the months they’ve spent apart, and it feels like home.
There’s no looming threat anymore. It’s strange, still, even after so many months. Toph used to spend the first few minutes after they landed anywhere stretching her senses as far as she could, looking for any signs of people. Now, the first time they land, she feels hundreds of people, and there are a good ten to twenty of them headed right for them, and she panics. She shouts for the others to run and pulls a wall of stone up between them and the oncoming force, eight feet tall and as wide as she can make it, and she’s bracing for the call to topple the wall onto the enemy and run for Appa while Aang and Katara cover their retreat, only instead she hears them yelling at her to stand down. That there’s no threat, that they’re safe, that she’s going to hurt someone.
They sleep in the cities, not in makeshift campsites. Village elders give over their homes to the Avatar and his friends. City mayors offer them luxurious quarters. Aang spends a few hours talking to the people in charge of each new place, then goes out into the streets and spends the rest of the day there, looking for the people he’s not supposed to be talking to. Katara and Toph flank him, and at the formal meetings Toph finds herself once again slipping into formal elegance, while on the streets she tries to keep track of all the people around them, whether they’re threats, whether there’s something Aang should be seeing that’s being kept from them. It’s impossible to track so many moving bodies, and it gives her a headache to try. She tries anyway, because a headache is no price to pay for keeping Aang safe, for helping him heal the world. Several times she stumbles or nearly walks into something, so focused on how everyone’s reacting to Aang that she doesn’t notice the obstacles in her own path. After a while Katara moves to her side, puts an arm around her shoulders as they walk. Toph leans into her, relieved.
Katara is still the nearest thing she has to a mom. Katara makes sure the three of them are getting enough food and sleep and aren’t wearing themselves out. Katara keeps track of their provisions now that Sokka’s gone, and she and Aang work together to figure out their route. Katara makes sure Toph doesn’t get into fights with city officials. (Sometimes Katara gets into fights with city officials, at which point Toph cheers her on and Aang tries desperately to mediate.) Katara makes sure they don’t lose heart at the sheer daunting size of the task ahead of them. Katara sees Toph sitting alone one night against Appa’s side, knees pulled up to her chest and tears running silent down her face, and comes to sit next to her.
Eventually Toph says, “We’re only a few days away from Gaoling.”
Katara nods. “We’ve been wondering whether we should stop there,” she says softly.
Toph shrugs. “Gaoling was mostly untouched by the war. Not a lot of scars there for the Avatar to heal. It’s got some solid political clout in the whole region, though – probably worth making some connections there.”
“It’s up to you,” Katara says. “We’ll go if you want to go.”
Toph pulls her knees closer to her chest. After a moment she leans into Katara, and Katara puts an arm around her shoulders and pulls her close. Toph falls asleep like that, with Appa snoring gently behind her and Katara murmuring a lullaby into her hair.
They go to Gaoling. They talk to the city’s ruling council, as they do in every city, and Toph braces herself for it but her parents aren’t there. Close to the start of the meeting, one of her cousins – she has a lot of cousins, most of them in her parents’ generation, none of them close – turns to her and says, “Your family has been worried by your long absence, Toph Bei Fong. We are relieved to see you well.”
She should bow politely before answering, she knows – but he didn’t bow to her. Maybe he technically outranks her, maybe she owes him deference as an older cousin – but she’s at the Avatar’s left hand, and she’s grown used to being no one’s daughter. She doesn’t bow, and she doesn’t smile. She just says, “I notice my parents are absent from the council.”
“They rarely attend,” her cousin says. “They were much grieved by your loss.”
Toph stands abruptly, jarring the table with a clatter of cups and plates. She does not say, “Oh were they.” She does not say, “My loss?” She does not say, “I’m not fucking dead, I’m right here, the war’s been over for two years and they never so much as sent a note—”
She does not say any of this. She turns to Aang and Katara and says, “I’ll meet you in the city once you’re done here.” Then she turns and leaves.
The gate to her family estate is closed. She puts a hand on the wrought iron and knows that she could twist it out of shape, could wrench a hole out of it and step through. Instead she kicks at the earth and launches herself up and over the gate, landing in a neat roll on the manicured lawns. She walks unimpeded to the front door, marveling at the lack of security – there used to always be guards on the walls, where did they go? was it always this easy to get in, or to get out? – and goes looking for her parents.
She’s not surprised, when she finds them, by their reaction. Furious, yes. Heartbroken. But not surprised.
They go to Omashu and King Bumi greets them by siccing Flopsy on them. A giant goat-gorilla comes bounding at them before they’ve even landed and knocks Aang flat as soon as he hits the ground, looking for treats. Appa gives a disgruntled roar, probably jealous, and the huge thing keens in fear and starts running around in circles. Aang’s feet have gotten caught in its collar and he goes flying through the air, trying to get himself free without hurting Flopsy, screaming all the while for Katara and Toph to do something. Katara and Toph are too busy laughing themselves silly. When Bumi finally comes out to meet them, Toph giggles out, “I like your rabbit.” Bumi tells her solemnly, “You’re not the only one. Flopsy’s more popular than I am, so I’ve made him king of Omashu. We all pay our taxes in carrots now.”
Toph and Bumi play so many pranks together. So many. Bumi’s court is actually pretty used to it by this point, but Aang and Katara aren’t. One night at dinner, Bumi sticks all of the furniture and himself to the ceiling with his bending, and screeches in horror when he sees the three of them walking in “upside down.” Katara freezes in shock, and Aang starts airbending a shield above his head before he realizes what’s happening. Toph, who saw it coming from out in the hallway, laughs so hard she cries.
She talks to Bumi a lot about earthbending, about the feel of dirt hardening between your fingers, about the shift and grind of stone as you pull boulders from the ground. She tells him about the sand raiders taking Appa, and the next day he takes her to a sand-filled arena and they duel there for three hours. She gets her ass handed to her, and she gets sand everywhere, but it’s the most fun she’s had in ages. They duel every day, and after leaving Omashu Toph makes a point of practicing wherever she can, until she can bend sand almost as well as she can bend solid ground.
She’s never met anyone else who bends, not just with his whole body, but with his whole being. Bumi’s fascinated by the way she uses bending to see, and she tries to explain it to him as thoroughly as she can, because she’s finally found someone who understands.
Toph travels a long time with Aang and Katara, roaming the world from top to bottom and all the way around.
They stop for a while on Kyoshi Island and she realizes, when she sees Suki running forward to greet them, that her old awkward embarrassment is gone. Suki’s just as flawlessly cool as she always was, but somehow Toph’s not intimidated by it any more. The two of them become friends in a way they never had a chance to before, and it actually does feel a lot like having a badass older sister.
Eventually, almost by coincidence, they find Zuko and Sokka visiting a coastal city that caught the brunt of the attack on the day of Sozin’s Comet. Sokka and Katara rush into a hug, and are teasing each other about their hair and clothes in five seconds flat. Sokka only lets go of his sister long enough to sweep Aang and Toph into hugs of their own, then he starts tugging on Katara’s arm and urging them all to come see the structural supports they’re building for the new docks.
By then Zuko’s reached them, trailed by his gaggle of advisors and attendants. He bows deeply to Aang, who returns the gesture, and says, “We welcome you, Avatar, to these shores.” Aang thanks him, just as formally – he’s learned how to be formal, these days. Toph listens to how their hearts are pounding nervous in their chests and can’t believe she’s friends with such idiots.
“Now kiss!” she hollers. Everyone stares. Sokka’s the first to start laughing, then Katara and Aang and finally Zuko’s laughing too, and Sokka drags Zuko into a group hug, and after that everything is – it’s not perfect, it’s not simple, but it’s okay. After that, it’s okay.
#toph beifong#atla#finx writes#finx has friends on the internet#this was a lot of fun to do#you guys should send me more so I can procrastinate homework in fun and creative ways#also this legit did help me with midterm stress so thank you#I have iroh lined up to do next#and loki for when I watch ragnarok - hopefully this weekend#I'm gonna try to keep it shorter than this for the sake of my sanity but either way it should be fun#also the iroh one is probably not gonna be that much shorter than this it's already getting away from me and I'm only a few bullet points in
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Hi do you have any todomomo fics you could recommend?
Oh you bet I do anon
My all time fave is definitely 13 Faults by @okadolet so far - It takes place after the Tournament Arc, and there’s plenty of fluff and angst to go around. (The Exam Arc is mentioned at some point as well.) The writing is phenomenal, the characterization is on point, and just gO READ THIS FIC NOW.
My Deepest Secret is You by @flaminkomage - College AU. Momo Kurieiti meets Shouto Fukasu at the bus stop by chance, and their paths cross way more than they’d like. What’s up with their last names? Well *coughs* you should read to find out. Lots of fluff at the beginning, and you’ll be drowning in angst later. (Also I may or may not have helped with the planning of this fic lmao)
Tulips, Butterflies, and Hearts by @raechelpapaya - College/Coffee Shop AU. If you’re looking for a fluffy fic, this is it. I mean look at the title, need I say more.
Noon is Later Enough by @vixenofthemist - What do you do when your crush is at your parents’ party, and you both don’t wanna stick around? Make out in a library of course. (This author is also writing a Todomomo Hogwarts AU, which seems just as promising.)
Lessons in Thermodynamics by @i-am-the-altman - When Momo receives a failing grade on an important test, she’s forced to either retake it in two months time, or risk losing her place in the Hero Course. To stop this from happening, the one and only Todoroki Shouto is assigned to tutor her. Super duper cute, with slight angst.
Cherry Chapstick on the Tip of Your Tongue by @yaoyoroz-u - Beach AU. Let’s just say, Jirou’s tips for the summer should never be overlooked on. Side Kamijirou and Kacchako as a bonus too. (Also you should definitely check out this author’s other works)
The Effects of Special Relativity on Sublimation by @electrodragonfly - Arranged Marriage AU. There’s only two chapters so far, but this fic is so GOOD. To get out of their arranged marriage situation to strangers, the two students decide to get together instead, until their problems are sorted out. Or at least that’s what they’d planned.
Of Heroes and Magic by Drosolmire - Fantasy AU. When an approaching barbarian invasion threatens the peace of the nearby kingdom of Liesen, Prince Shouto takes up the task of preventing the disaster from coming. (Along with the help of several other individuals and a certain warrior Momo) Lots of side pairings in this one. I highly recommend checking out their other works as well!
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TumblrFrostbite: How would you want schools for villains' kids (for Marvel villains' kids, for DC villains' kids, etc) to be ran? And who would you want to run those schools?
This is one of those things that I’ve put way too much thought into after you sent this, because I love stuff like this. The question is, are the villains running this school for their kids, or is this something the heroes are putting on to try and rehabilitate the kids while their parents are in prison? I’ll assume the former, but the latter is also super interesting to me.
Disclaimer: this will have a strong DC bent because I have little to no interest in most Marvel villains, whereas I could yack on about DC villains for month. In fact, I might just stick to DC in its entirety because other than Loki (who would be the worst teacher ever, he would encourage so much shenanigans) most of the Marvel villains I know are Nazis or space monsters.Second disclaimer: I’ve watched a lot more animated DC movies and read a lot more fic than I ever have comics, soooooo these depictions might not be comic book accurate. Fanboys, please don’t come for me…but I also don’t really care that much tbh. I like the incarnations that I like. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Actual answer under the cut because this got hella long. Hope you like it!
Sponsor: Lex Luthor. Funds the school, shows up to speech day to give speeches and hand out prizes, gives the brightest and most stable kids scholarships to work at Lex Corp in the holidays. Absolutely 100% has his own ends, no one knows what they are. Chucks buckets of money at every problem. Likes to bring the school up at fancy soirees in front of Bruce Wayne and Oliver Queen just to piss them off.
Headmaster: Deathstroke (or rather, Slade from Teen Titans). Has no idea how he wound up with this job, complains about the pay 24/7 even though it’s in the range of millions of dollars a term paid in untraceable cash from 50 different countries. Basically ends up like Gordon Ramsey: threatens to assassinate the teachers and parents all the time, has actually taken out some abusive parents, but is weirdly, gruffly nice to the younger kids. Teachers self-defence to all the non-powered kids and weapons to anyone who’s interested and has the discipline for it. Grudgingly tolerates old man jokes.
Deputy Headmistress: Talia al Ghul. Absolutely terrifies all the older kids, mothers the younger ones. In charge of who graduates and who doesn’t; will only let kids graduate if their villainy won’t critically endanger their own life. Sometimes shows up in the backs of random classes and lurks there for ‘assessments’; shows up in more than 50% of Deathstroke’s classes to harass him about his technique. Keeps a photo of Damien on her desk, refuses to acknowledge it’s there if someone asks about it.
Biology: Poison Ivy. Excellent teacher, surprises both herself and her students at how brilliant she is. Everyone wants to take biology with her even if they have no villainous interest in the subject. Litters her lectures with feminist rants, eco-warrior tirades and talks about LGBT+ rights, will gently but forcefully correct anyone who disagrees with her. Runs a vegetable outside the school and encourages the kids to get closer to nature. Just enough passing knowledge of memes to make her older students roll about with laughter: ‘Batman’s homophobic because he inconveniences me and I’m gay’. PDAs with her girlfriend in the corridors.
Women and gender studies: Harley Quinn Ivy’s girlfriend, part time teacher. Wanted to take up the psychology post, but after she seriously suggested sharing it with Jonathan Crane (Scarecrow) no one wanted to let her anywhere near it. Knows every meme. Gives great relationship advice, will kill anyone’s abusive boyfriend with no questions asked. Brings her hyenas to school in a ridiculously massive handbag. Has her own locker.
Thievery, sneaking around, Gotham safety: Catwoman. Definitely brings in her cats to act as therapy/comfort animals for the kids. Unofficial therapist; absolutely mothers anyone from Gotham, no exceptions. Brings the kids super expensive (stolen) jewellery to wear on prom night and for big dances, charges in secrets about their parents.
Business and Economics, with a side in mind control: Maxwell Lord (in the more business-orientated editions). Keeps to himself, is one of those teachers who doesn’t actually seem to like kids. Always wears a freshly pressed suit. Bit of an asshole. Selina tripped him down the stairs once.
Magic: supposedly taught by Felix Faust, but Klarion enrolled as a student just to show up in his lectures and argue. Every. Single. Point. Magic classes have turned into a magical war several times. They can only get along when someone else turns up claiming magic isn’t real. Faust has a lecture prepared for the non-believers, Klarion has a fireball. Circe often shows up in these classes, ‘borrows’ all the female students for private lessons and turns all the boys into pigs. Pig-Klarion does not appreciate this.
Physics and advanced thermodynamics: Killer Frost. Gets on really well with the Gotham City Sirens; they have cocktail parties in the staff lounge every second Thursday. Is paid by other villains kidnapping Firestorm so she can feed. Absolutely has favourite students and students she hates with a passion; has been known to freeze some students to their chairs in lieu of detention.
Other random villains that show up from time to time:- Flash’s Rogues Gallery. Created the infamous ‘Rogues week’ at the end of the year where every single one of them shows up and helps the students wreak absolute chaos across the school. Can never be stopped from showing up and starting this. Captain Cold comes grudgingly, sits in Slade’s office and has a drink with him; the rest of the Rogues join in with the chaos a bit too enthusiastically. Best week for the seniors. The younger rogues would totally be students and help to smuggle the older ones in for Rogues week.
- Black Manta: shows up sometimes, teaches a few lectures, leaves. Always on super random topics, often tangentially related to his latest evil scheme. The students have a betting pool that reawakens after each visit on how his talk will relate to his next scheme. Literally no one understands why he shows up. Doesn’t get paid, doesn’t seem to enjoy it. ?????? Has great on-land fashion sense though. A lot of the older students have lowkey crushes on him
- Cheetah takes advanced genetics and many other complex of aspects of science. Only shows up to teach special classes for the seniors. High fives Ivy in the corridors.
- Deadshot. Sometimes shows up and interrupts Deathstroke’s guns lessons (poor guy can never teach a lesson in peace), always gets chased out of the school. Gets teary eyed over the young female students kicking ass. Doesn’t seem to do anything useful but somehow gets paid a salary. Sleeps in the gym when he’s on the run from Amanda Wakker/Batman.
- Hugo Strange keeps showing up in disguises and trying to get the psychology job. Last time it was just a fake moustache. What is he even hoping to achieve.
- Merlyn shows up when he’s bored to host archery competitions on the front lawn. Mostly does this when Oliver Queen is in town. Keeps saying he’s going to pick a protégé out of the best archers and never does because the Arrow Clan kids annoy him so much he’s wound up thinking he hates kids. Actually loves kids, pretends to be snooty and above them though. 100% has to prove he’s still the best archer at every competition, even the one for 12 year olds.
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Lessons in Thermodynamics: Chapter Seven (Fixed)
[Chapter Index]
The AO3 version of LiT: Chapter 7 has been fixed! Apologies to everyone who was undoubtedly confused by the abrupt ‘ending’ of the chapter.
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Lessons in Thermodynamics: Chapter Six
{Previous Chapter} | [Chapter Index] | {Next Chapter}
Introductions
Thirty-eight days until Winter Break
Friday
“I really should get going.” Shouto frowned, unsure of why he found himself so reluctant to stand up and get on with his day. He was dressed in his usual casual outfit, as his Quirk meant that he didn’t have to worry about the cold, and his bag was packed.
There was nothing preventing him from leaving, aside from a persistent doubt.
“What am I doing?” He asked the empty room, knowing he wouldn’t receive an answer.
Why did he tell Yaoyorozu about his mother? Why had he agreed to let her come with him to the hospital, when he hadn’t even told the person who inspired him to start going about his visits? How were they different?
“Yaoyorozu knows how to keep her distance. She isn’t cold, not really, just careful not to trample over others’ feelings…” He concluded, after considering the question, “If he knew, Izuku would take it upon himself to ‘fix’ the situation, unable to turn a blind eye to someone’s suffering. And I… I want to be the one to help my mother. I want to be strong enough to do that on my own.”
The thought felt incredibly childish, but no amount of chiding himself would shake it.
“Such selfish aspirations, Shouto.” His father’s voice berated him, eyes burning, “They are not fit for a hero… I still have so much work to do.”
“You might not be a perfect copy, but you’ll have to be good enough. I’ll make sure of it.”
“Shut up, shut up.” He muttered, shaking his head. His left hand trembled, and the only thing keeping it from scratching at his scar was the loose grip his right hand had on its wrist.
Beginning his deep breathing exercises, focused on the flow of air in and out of his lungs, he gradually felt calmer, and more prepared to face the day, “I am my own person. I will be a hero in my own right.”
*Bzzzt*
He blinked, startled by the sudden noise from his phone, a message from the one he was supposed to have met by now.
{Creati – Yaoyorozu}
[We should probably leave soon, yeah?]
[Wait]
[You arent still sleeping, are you!?]
[ :0 please tell me you’re awake…]
He rolled his eyes, biting back a yawn, “Surely she doesn’t really think I sleep that much.”
[Don’t worry I’m fine :)]
[Just spaced out for a moment,]
[sorry.]
[I’ll be out in sec.]
Not bothering to wait for a reply, he stood, full of a nervous energy not unlike the feeling he got before an important fight. But that didn’t make sense. What about this day could possibly be important?
“Just a da- day out with a friend, that’s all. A friend, who will undoubtedly be annoyed with me if I delay longer.”
Shouto could picture it with clarity, having seen her annoyed at many things recently, usually a difficult concept that for whatever reason, defied her razor-sharp mind. The way she’d scrunch up her nose, furrow her brow, eyes glaring with an intense focus at whatever, or whoever had raised her ire.
“A lot like how she concentrates, really. Except then she’ll sometimes stick her tongue out just a bit…” He found himself smiling, a fuzzy sort of pressure building in his chest. When had he started paying attention to stuff like that?
He shook his head, forcibly grounding himself in reality. It didn’t matter anyway, not right now.
…
Standing on the platform, waiting for the train, Shouto found that the nervous feeling had only gotten more intense since he had met up with Yaoyorozu. While it wasn’t like they had never hung out before, there were always other people involved, or they had a very specific goal in mind.
The study sessions didn’t count, couldn’t count, but he wasn’t sure why that distinction held so much importance to him. Maybe because he knew exactly how people would talk if they found out.
“Yes, that has to be it. I don’t want to deal with idiotic rumors any more than she does.” He thought, as they stepped onto the train together. With no seats available, they wound up standing side by side.
As the movement of the train caused their shoulders to jostle together, something else occurred to him. He hadn’t actually explained his family situation to her, and though it was extremely unlikely, the possibility of his father showing up at the hospital filled him with dread.
“Uh, Yaoyorozu, I think…” He began, but couldn’t bring himself to complete the thought, not when it might ruin the whole day.
“I think we’re making a mistake.”
But he couldn’t put his finger on why he thought that.
Startled out of her own daze by his voice, she seemed less composed than usual, “I’m sorry, did you say something?”
“I, er, wanted to make sure we both know which stop to get off at, in case we get separated.”
“Ah, good thinking.” She nodded, and they proceeded to go over the plan once more. The mundane conversation helped calm the anxiety, until it was barely noticeable
He wouldn’t let fear control his life, not anymore.
…
They arrived at the hospital with one minor hiccup, in that neither Shouto nor Yaoyorozu had much experience with the train lines, usually only taking them in the company of their friends. Changing trains had been hectic, but in the end, the two made good time.
“Oh, Todoroki-kun! Welcome back, and so early in the day too!” The nurse smiled brightly, used to his face by now, “It’s been a while, no? How are you?”
“I’ve been well, Hogara-san,” He replied courteously, inclining his head, “just a little busy with school. We actually have the day off today.”
“Well, Mrs. Todoroki is feeling very energetic at the moment, so you picked a good day to bring a guest.” Hogara tilted her head, observing Yaoyorozu, smile growing wider, “Especially one so striking. What’s the occasion? Some special news for your mother perhaps?”
“Occasion? Does she think that Yaomomo and I are…?” His ears began to burn at the implication, but before he could protest, his classmate beat him to the punch.
“O-Oh, no, w-we’re not…” She seemed a little taken aback by the nurse’s words, shaking her head politely, “It’s nothing like that. I’m merely here to offer my friend some… moral support?”
She glanced at him for approval, and he found himself nodding.
“Yes, Yaoyorozu truly goes above and beyond as our class’s vice-president.”
Hogara held a hand over her mouth, clearly mortified at her mistake, “Ah, I see. Please, excuse my presumption. Anyways, if I could just get you to write your name on this chart here, you two can head right on up…”
…
Opening the door into his mother’s room, Shouto paused, observing her in her usual place by the window. She was engrossed in a book, and he hesitated, not wanting to disturb her.
“Will she really want to see me?”
As if she sensed his doubts, Yaoyorozu gently nudged him in the side with her elbow, smiling warmly.
“Well? Aren’t we going to say hello?” She whispered, tilting her head to one side, “After all, Hogara-san said it was a good day for visitors.”
“R-Right, of course.”
Clearing his throat, he stepped forward, encouraged by her words, “Hello, mother. Um, is now a good time?”
Miyuki looked up from her book, an enthusiastic grin breaking across her face.
“Shouto! It’s always good to see you.” She said, gesturing to a chair across from her, “How are you? Is school going well?”
He began to move to sit down, as was his habit, but then he remembered he wasn’t here alone.
“I’m fine, school has just been a little busy.” His reply was a little hurried, rushing to the point, “I actually, well, brought a friend. To meet you.”
Stepping to the side, Shouto ushered her forward, “Mother, I’d like to introduce Yaoyorozu Momo, vice-president of my class. Yaomomo, this is my mother, Todoroki Miyuki.”
Miyuki rose, bowing politely as Yaoyorozu did likewise. He was glad neither of them had seemed to notice his use of Yaoyorozu’s nickname.
“If I’m not careful, I might give my mother the wrong idea…”
That was one conversation he’d rather avoid, if at all possible. With how awkward things could sometimes get between them, he wasn’t sure he would be able to handle it. Death by embarrassment was no way for a hero to go.
“Hello, Missus Todoroki.” Yaoyorozu said politely, taking a seat on the bed, leaving the chair for him, “It’s very nice to meet you.”
Though her face had fallen when Yaoyorozu had addressed her, Miyuki now smiled warmly, seated once more, “Likewise, Yaoyorozu-san… Would you think it presumptuous if I asked you to call me ‘Miyuki’? I’m afraid Enji’s last name doesn’t sit well with me at the moment.”
Though she seemed momentarily stunned by the request, Shouto was impressed by how quickly his friend adjusted, barely missing a beat before responding.
“Oh, of course, Miyuki-san.” She said brightly, chuckling, “I’m sorry to have made you uncomfortable.”
“Please, there’s no need to apologize. You know, Shouto has spoken highly of the vice-president before, and I can see he didn’t exaggerate. I do hope he hasn’t given you too much trouble.”
“No, quite the opposite actually,” She waved her hand, smiling, and Shouto could tell she was pleased by the compliment, “Todoroki-ku… Todoroki is an exemplary member of our class, and a good friend.”
He nodded in agreement, as the three began to talk about day-to-day life for Yuuei students, what classes they were taking, things that were simply normal. Shouto felt at ease in a way that had never happened during his visits, so as he excused himself to get drinks for everyone from the vending machine, he was surprised to find himself smiling.
“I don’t think I’ve had this long of a conversation with my mother in a while.” He thought, pleased by how well things were going.
Returning with the drinks (two ice-teas for him and his mother, an iced-coffee for Yaoyorozu), the somewhat awkward silence that had fallen across the room was very noticeable, especially since he had left them chatting amicably.
He sighed, placing one of the ice-teas on the table – he should have known it couldn’t last – before walking over to the bed, and offering his friend the coffee with a quizzical glance.
She shrugged, and after a few more moments of slience, the tension in the room broke, and the earlier atmosphere returned.
…
Sometime later, Shouto caught Yaoyorozu’s eye and inclined his head towards the door, silently asking her if she wanted to leave. She nodded, slipping out her phone to check the time, her brows shooting upwards in surprise.
They had been conversing with his mother for nearly two and a half hours, though it had barely felt like any time at all.
“Mother, I hate to leave so abruptly,” he began, “but I’m afraid we have to go…”
She laughed, actually laughed, like he hadn’t heard in years, “Ah, it’s fine, Shouto, don’t worry!”
“I was thrilled just to have you visit,” Miyuki’s voice seemed much brighter, “and I even got to meet one of the friends you’re always talking about! You two run along and have a good day, and be sure you’re not working too hard.”
After another series of bows, and hurried goodbyes, Shouto was left wondering how his mother had managed to extract a promise to bring not only Yayorozu to see her again, but more of his friends soon.
…
The weather had cooled somewhat, and as they made their way towards a café that Ashido had recommended, he tentatively warmed himself with his left side. Falling into step beside his friend, he had to admit that today had been much nicer than he had expected.
“I have to make sure I thank Yaoyorozu for accompanying me…” He decided, nodding to himself.
“Um, Todoroki, can we talk for a moment?” Her voice was nervous, tinged with an emotion he couldn’t place, and he stopped, turning to face her.
The way her gaze kept flicking away from his, only able to meet his eyes for a few seconds, set him on edge, but he was able to keep his tone neutral, “Sure. What is it?”
“When you left the room, your mother, she, uh,” Yaoyorozu paused, hesitating, “she said she was ‘very lucky that Shouto still wanted to visit’, after what she did to you…”
Taking a moment, she seemed to gather her courage, finally making eye contact with him, dark pupils determined, “What happened?”
There was a small part of him that wanted to run, but it was as if her gaze was pinning, no, anchoring him to the spot. He spoke almost without thinking, the automatic habit of answering her questions wrenching the words from his throat.
“Oh, she gave me this,” He heard himself say, pointing to the scar on the left side of his face, “with some boiling water. She couldn’t handle how my father was treating us, or stomach watching the harsh training he was putting me through. One day, my mom, she, well… y’know.”
Yaoyorozu looked horrified, and he wished suddenly he could be anywhere but here. What would she think of him now?
That he was someone to be pitied, who should be shielded from all strife?
“Say something, you idiot!” His mind raced, desperately searching for words that could fix this.
“It’s all in the past, don’t worry.” Shouto forced himself to laugh for a moment, before continuing, “We’ve resolved our issues, my mother and I.”
That eased her stricken expression, but didn’t dispel it completely.
“Ah, I-I see.” She was clearly floundering, out of her element, “In th-that case, I don’t think there’s m-much more to say, is there?”
He shrugged, “Not really.”
They walked in silence the rest of the way, feeling the cold more deeply than before.
…
The session was a disaster.
Shouto could barely focus on the notes, and Yaoyorozu was no better. They were too busy scrutinizing each other, every little shift in posture and gesture analyzed intensely.
This newfound uneasiness between them made him want to go back in time, to right before he had given his response, and deck himself. Twice.
“What were you expecting? That she wouldn’t judge you like everyone else does? That knowing your own mother marred your face wouldn’t change anything?”
He sighed, closing the book, “Let’s call it here. I don’t believe this is helping you.”
He didn’t know if he meant this lesson specifically, or their whole arrangement. His thoughts were a mixed-up jumble, a swirling maelstrom of scientific terminology and memories better left alone.
For a second, he was sure she was going to argue, from the way her shoulders tensed.
But she didn’t. She merely accepted his words, with a resigned nod.
“I want you to fight me on this”, he suddenly realized, “to say something, anything, that tells me moving forward is what you want. Please.”
He couldn’t stand to be here any longer, so he got up, moving towards the door.
“Todoroki, I-I… I had a nice time today. With you.” Her voice stopped him in his tracks, “Is Monday still OK? For the next lesson, I mean.”
“Y-Yeah. That sounds great.” He replied, surprising himself with how much he meant that, but he was still unable to turn around, “Yaoyorozu… Thank you, for coming with me.”
“It was no problem. We’ll talk later, alright?”
“Sure.” Shouto hesitated, wanting to say more – it didn’t matter what, he’d list the periodic table to keep himself from leaving – but everything caught in his throat except for “Goodbye.”
There are thirty-four days until the Retest.
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Lessons in Thermodynamics: Chapter Five
I’d like to take a moment to say ‘thank-you’ to @jircu who kindly agreed to beta this chapter! They’re an amazing writer, and I’d highly recommend checking out their blog!
{Previous Chapter} | [Chapter Index] | {Next Chapter}
Exothermic Behaviour
39 days until Winter Break
Thursday
Yaoyorozu Momo had a problem.
Well, technically she had several problems, all stemming from a single failed test, but the one she was most preoccupied with was the fact that she hadn’t heard a word her tutor had said in the past ten minutes.
“The lesson’s barely started… And yet my mind feels so fuzzy…” She shook her head, unsure why she had zoned out, unless the anticipation for day-off they were getting tomorrow was affecting her more than she had expected. Taking another sip of the coffee Todoroki had brought for her, she tried to focus on the review he was going over.
The now-familiar lilt of his voice seemed a little muted, and for some reason, she felt much calmer listening to him speak, “So, given that energy moves from, um, areas of high heat to areas of low heat… we can, well, surmise that…”
It was no use. Despite her efforts, she found herself thinking back to the previous sessions.
After leaving so abruptly at the end of their first lesson, she had assumed Todoroki would be a little mad at her. Surprisingly, he texted her the next day as if nothing had occurred, and never brought up the subject again.
He seemed somewhat withdrawn the next few times they met up, and she worried that her requests for help had annoyed him, despite his kind words to the contrary. There had been a sort of unquantifiable tension between them, one that resisted her every attempt to ease or dispel it.
Several times, it seemed like one of them might back out of their deal, for one reason or another. An unacceptable result, but one that she felt ill-equipped to prevent.
By the time Momo had sorted out what she wanted to say, what she should say, and what she was going to say, that icy distance between them had somehow thawed, returning them back to their usual camaraderie.
Or at least, something fairly close to it, almost indistinguishable, in fact. And yet, that ‘almost’ left her feeling slightly off balance, but lacking a satisfactory explanation as to why.
Aside from that, her studies were going well, but not to a point where she could afford to zone out like this.
“I’ve got to start paying attention,” She sighed, resolving to cut out the day-dreaming once and for all.
“-rozu? Yaoyorozu? Are you alright?” Todoroki’s concerned voice cut through her mental fog, prompting her to sit up straight and blush.
Her quick reply was demure, and she silently thanked her parents and every boring social event they had put her through for teaching her how to maneuver a conversation, “Y-Yes, I’m fine. I was a little distracted for a moment, that’s all.”
Of course, those maneuvers only worked if everyone played by the same rules, holding their tongues out of politeness. She had always been pressured (‘required’) to abide by the social niceties that governed her parents’ world, whereas Todoroki Shouto could shake off those conventions with ease, shedding them like a thin sheet of ice, in a way that she found enviable.
Todoroki simply acted according to the respect you had earned from him, and she had seen him treat their classmates better than some adults.
“Is something wrong?” He asked, scratching absent-mindedly at the bottom edge of his scar with his left hand.
“One of his nervous tics.” Momo frowned, not quite sure when she had picked up on that, or why it mattered to her. Subconsciously observing your friends, taking note of their habits, it was something everyone did, right?
“Ah, it’s really nothing. I guess I really do need that day off tomorrow…” She laughed, but it trailed off, before she took another sip of her drink. The bitter taste helped ground her, which is why she preferred it black while she studied.
Todoroki accepted her answer with a shrug, and though it seemed like he had more he wanted to say, she was relieved when he handed her the page of today’s topics.
“Did you have more questions from last time? Or did the review clear them up?”
She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, and consulted her notebook. Her neat handwriting listed the terms and concepts that had given her trouble, with a small checkmark beside the ones they had sorted out.
“Yes, actually. Do you think we could go over the ideal gas law once more? I’m not sure I understand it completely.”
…
With a yawn, Momo snapped her binder closed, the undeniable thrill of a successful lesson giving her a much needed boost. Caffeine was great, but a single cup of coffee could only carry her so far.
“Tired?” Todoroki asked, and although he didn’t show it, she suspected he was almost as worn out as she was.
She shook her head, small smile on her lips, unwilling to admit defeat before he did. A small rivalry between them, lacking any point or payoff other than pride.
Still, she was very glad they had managed to wrap up early, as it meant they’d both be well rested for tomorrow’s session.
As they both began to clean up, occasionally chatting for a few moments about their day at school, Momo let herself relax, enjoying the comfort of an emerging routine.
She finished putting the last of her notes in her bag, and was preparing to stand when Todoroki spoke up.
“Yaoyorozu, I know we agreed to meet up in the morning but…” He sighed, hesitant, “Could we wait until the afternoon instead?”
The request surprised her, since Todoroki had never wanted to reschedule before, only telling her that he’d be a little late if and when something came up.
She tried to hold back her curiosity, but the possible insight into the enigma of Todoroki Shouto’s personal life this presented was too enticing to resist.
“Oh, of course.” She said, nodding, “Is, uh, everything OK?”
He frowned, scratching at his scar once again, “Yes, it’s just I need to… I want to go visit someone.”
That vague answer just made her eager to know more, and almost without thinking, she leaned closer to him, “Who is it?”
The words slipped out before she could stop them, and their demanding tone made her want to cringe. She knew he was unlikely to elaborate further. After all, she hadn’t even tried to answer when he had inquired something of her.
“To pry now, when you ran from him before is incredibly hypocritical.” Her logical side chimed in, much to her chagrin.
Where that side had been not five seconds ago was beyond her.
“I’m sorry, that was rude of me, wasn’t it.” She said, mentally berating herself, “Forgive me, I’ll be more courteous in the future.”
He shrugged, face as impassive as ever, “I don’t mind. You’re supposed to be asking me questions, right? Nothing rude about doing that.”
The logic behind that statement made her almost double over, and the only thing preventing her from bursting into laughter was the hand she clamped over her mouth. After a moment fighting against that urge, she looked back up at her friend.
By the subtle upwards curve of Todoroki’s lips, she could tell this reaction to his words was the desired result.
“I supposed you have a point.” She took a deep breath, smoothing out her hair, and composing herself once again, “Still, I should have phrased that more politely.”
“Todoroki, if you don’t mind my asking, who do you want to visit tomorrow?”
With only the slightest of hesitation, he told her, “It’s… It’s my mother, Miyuki. She’s, well, been in the hospital for a long time. About ten years, actually.”
He continued without pause, and she got the feeling that if he stopped, he might not start again.
“I only reconnected with her recently, after the Sports Festival. And with how busy things have gotten, I haven’t been able to go see her for some time, so, uh, I’d like to take advantage of the day-off school.”
At first, she didn’t know what to do with the information. Everyone at school knew who his father was, you’d have to be living under a rock not to.
“But he’s never really mentioned his mother.” Momo thought, trying to recall if the topic of family had ever been discussed without Todoroki leaving the conversation. She came up with nothing, not even if he had any siblings.
So what could she offer but encouragement with a smile? His family situation was far removed from her own, and any advice would sound condescending at best.
“In that case, I’ll have to insist we reschedule. Please, take all the time you need. What hospital is she at?”
He told her, and she frowned. That hospital was a fair distance away from the school library, so even if he went early, there was sure to be lots of traffic.
“That’s pretty far, isn’t it? Are you sure you’ll be able to make it back without any problems?” Momo considered the other options, and while there was one simple solution, she wasn’t sure it would be acceptable to him.
“Pretty sure. I mean, I’ve never gone on a Friday morning before, but it can’t be that bad, right?” He replied, shifting uneasily in his seat, “Besides, I don’t want to cancel your lesson completely.”
With nervousness beginning to constrict her throat, she bit her lip, gathering her courage.
“Well, how about I accompany you? Once you’re done your visit, we can find a café, or somewhere else to study nearby.” She asked, words rushed, hardly able to believe she had managed to speak.
“It’s just a practical offer, that’s all.”
Somehow, that thought rang hollow, as if she wasn’t telling herself the whole truth, but she ignored those misgivings, “I’d extend the same courtesy to any… well, almost any of my classmates.”
“Yaoyorozu, I-I, uh…” He stammered, a slight grin on his face, “It’s very kind of you to suggest that, but I couldn’t ask you to give up what might amount to your whole day.”
“I would think,” She countered, “that it’s my decision how I spend my time. And I don’t mind spending it accompanying a friend to visit their mother.”
They both knew his protests were mostly a formality at this point, but she couldn’t resist seizing the opportunity to reuse a phrase that had been stuck in her mind.
“Besides, it isn’t like I would make other plans.” She echoed his words spoken outside the library, nearly two weeks ago. This time, it was Todoroki who was unsure how to react, mouth slightly agape.
Sensing there wouldn’t be any more arguments from him, Momo stood up, hoisting her bag onto her shoulder.
“We’ll figure out a plan later this evening, OK?” She said, turning to go, “Thank you for your time, Todoroki.”
…
Once Momo was back in her dorm, she pulled out her phone, heart hammering in her chest. The nervous fizzle in her stomach wasn’t exactly an unpleasant feeling, just puzzling in a way that made her shiver slightly.
{♫ Kyouka ♪}
(Kyouka? Do you have a sec?)
Her thumb hovered over the ‘send’ key, but she didn’t feel up to dealing with Kyouka’s inevitable good-natured teasing in order to ask for advice.
“I’m just not in the mood.” She concluded with a sigh, clearing the message, “I’ll talk to her this weekend.”
Flopping down on her bed, she figured she should at least pick out an outfit for tomorrow before she got too involved in her work.
Beginning to sort through her closet with a smile, she realized she was more than a little excited, “Well, there’s no doubt it will be an interesting experience…”
There are thirty-five days until the Retest.
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Lessons in Thermodynamics: Chapter 4
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Initial Reaction
Fifty-one days until Winter Break
Saturday
Leaning on the wall beside the entrance to the library, Shouto frowned, searching the passing crowds for any sign of Class 1-A’s Vice-President.
“She’s late… Should I call her?”
He sighed, checking his phone once more, and finding no new messages. Of course, it had only been ten minutes since they were supposed to meet up, fifteen since he had arrived, no reason to worry. And he wasn’t worried. Despite the way he nervously shifted his weight from one foot to the other.
He glanced down at the bag that held papers he had compiled, a mixture of his own notes and passages from the textbook, and sighed again.
“Did something happen?” He wondered, thumb hovering over the ‘call’ button beside her name.
Before he could take action, a familiar voice caught his attention.
“Ah, Todoroki! Good afternoon!” Yaoyorozu called brightly, as she approached at a brisk pace, “You haven’t been waiting long, have you?”
“No, I only just arrived.” He replied, shaking his head.
“That’s good. Sorry I’m late, I promise it won’t happen again.”
“Don’t worry about it. It isn’t like I would make other plans.”
Yaoyorozu didn’t seem to know how to respond to that, and the two regarded each other awkwardly for a few more moments, before Shouto suggested they head inside.
The library wasn’t busy, probably by virtue of the nicer than average weather for this time of year. Not many people would want to be stuck indoors, which meant it was easy to find a table. Taking seats beside one another, they began readying their various materials in a companionable silence.
“Todoroki, before we get started, there’s something…” Yaoyorozu began, turning towards him, “There’s something you should know, about my situation.”
The statement puzzled him, and he furrowed his brow slightly.
“I thought we cleared everything up on Tuesday.”
But from the tension in her shoulders, and the way her hands were clasped nervously in her lap, he could tell that Yaoyorozu obviously didn’t agree.
So instead, he kept his reply simple, “Alright. What is it?”
“This test… It’s more than just a bad grade.” She said, biting her lip, “If I fail the retest, I, well, I might lose my spot in the Hero Course.”
He blinked, letting the information sink in. Part of him was suddenly overwhelmed by the pressure, the thought of losing one of his friends.
“This is what your ‘kindness’ gets you, boy.” Endeavour’s voice sneered, “You’ll fail, and your friends will pay the price.”
He felt his right hand curl into a fist, struggling against the urge to give in to his fears. It wouldn’t help at all, he knew. But what could he do?
Shouto simply couldn’t think of anything to say. Despite her obvious distress at the thought, he didn’t know how to help, at least not with words.
Her shoulders fell a little, and she sighed. Right now, she seemed about as far from her usual self as he had ever seen her.
“I’m sorry, I-I should have made this clear before you agreed to tutor me.” Yaoyorozu’s voice was quiet, rough with anxiety.
He remembered her request, the earnest bow, and obvious relief on her face when he said yes.
He remembered their meeting in the library, how she wanted this to be a partnership, rather than a simple one-sided favour, and the pride that she carried, battered but unbroken.
He asked himself if this changed any of that, and found the answer to be:
“No.”
She looked up, startled at his unusually forceful tone, “I, uh… What?”
“No, you don’t have to apologize. You’re hardly in an enviable situation, and if our places were reversed…” He trailed off, unable to keep eye contact as he continued, “I wouldn’t have had the courage to ask for help like that, so there’s no need for an apology.”
He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, shifting back to his notes, “Besides, I already said I’d help you. And a Hero shouldn’t go back on their word.”
“Now, let’s get started, shall we?”
Shouto glanced back up at Yaoyorozu, relieved to see that she seemed to have recovered some confidence. Her shoulders were no longer slouched, and with a resolute nod, she shuffled her papers in to order, “Alright. Where should we begin?”
Handing her a unit outline, he launched into the introductory explanation he had prepared.
“The first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred from one form to another.”
…
After almost two hours (including a few breaks), they both agreed it was time to call it a day. Drained as he was, Shouto still felt like the lesson had gone well, with Yaoyorozu quickly grasping the basic principles.
“So, do you want to meet up Monday?” He asked her, as they cleaned up their workspace, “I don’t know what works best for you, but I was thinking we should have at least two of these sessions a week…”
She nodded, her brow furrowing in thought, before she responded.
“I’d prefer more, actually. Not all of them have to be this long, of course. But the more questions I can ask, the better.”
“She’s already approaching this like a mission, making a plan of attack.” He realized, impressed by her tenacity, “Despite everything, Yaoyorozu hasn’t given up.”
“I-I mean, that is, if you don’t mind.” She added quickly, “Anything you can manage is fine.”
“Why don’t we work this out later? I’ll text you tomorrow.”
Trying, and failing, to stifle a yawn, Yaoyorozu agreed as she gathered up the rest of her things and stood to leave.
There was just one last thing he wanted to know.
“May I ask why you were so exhausted last month?”
She froze, looking away, posture as tense as at the start of the lesson, reminding him of a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming car.
“Todoroki, I-I, um, I… I should get going, I’ve taken enough of your time.”
It was obvious he wouldn’t receive an answer, at least not now. He wasn’t the type to pry, especially to merely satisfy his own curiosity, and accepted her evasive response with a tacit shrug.
“Alright. It was no problem. I’ll, uh, see you around, Yaoyorozu.”
She was gone so quickly, he could have sworn she borrowed Iida’s Quirk.
Once he was alone at the table, he let his head fall to the desk, suddenly robbed of any remaining energy.
“Seriously, ‘I’ll see you around’? I bet I sounded so lame.” Shouto groaned, unable to put his finger on why that, of all things, was bothering him.
“I must be more tired than I thought…”
Sighing, he collected the rest of his things, hoping she wouldn’t be too upset with him for asking that question.
There are Forty-seven days until the Retest.
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Lessons in Thermodynamics: Chapter Three
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Dissatisfaction
54 days to Winter Break
Thursday
It had only been four days since Momo had found out her test mark, and she could already feel the stress building. Like a splinter just below the skin, it was a constant source of irritation.
As she used yet another lunch hour to agonize over the few (barely) coherent notes she had made during those lessons, it occurred to her that at this rate, she’d probably burn out soon.
“Haven’t I been through this before?” She sighed, resting her head on her desk, “I can’t let myself get overwhelmed. It won’t do any good.”
Her resolve had carried her through many trials before, and this would be no exception. Hopefully.
Still, she felt like she needed to talk to someone, get all these thoughts out of her head, before she was overwhelmed. Keeping it all bottled up wouldn’t help, not at all. Suddenly, her phone buzzed, and she unlocked it to see a message from Jirou Kyouka.
{♫ Kyouka ♪}
[Hey! wanna grab some coffee after school?]
[its been AGES since we talked]
[i have less trouble seeing Hagakure these days tbh]
[did u finally find a date or smth?]
Momo snorted, an amused smile forming on her face. She hadn’t meant to be so evasive recently, and she was glad Kyouka didn’t seem too mad.
[I’d love to get some coffee!]
[my treat, since i’ve been so… out of it]
[but I might spend most of the time venting…]
[ ; ) u know i’ll never turn down free stuff!!]
[if that’s what u need its chill!]
[meet u at the usual spot, k?]
[Thank you, Kyouka]
Momo let out a sigh of relief, already feeling like a small weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
The café was crowded, but not uncomfortably so, and Momo found the low buzz of other conversations in the background rather soothing. She had missed hanging out with Kyouka like this more than she had realized.
“Yo! What’s up, Miss Vice-President?” a familiar voice called out brightly, and she smiled as Kyouka slid into the booth across from her.
“I wish I could say ‘Nothing’…” She sighed, letting her shoulders slump forward, “I’ve just… had a rough couple of days, is all.”
Kyouka nodded sympathetically, placing her bag on the table, off to the side, “You look like you could use some caffeine. And some serious best-friend talk.”
“Is it that obvious?” She asked, a little mortified by the thought, “I thought I was keeping it together rather well.”
“You are. I don’t think too many people picked up on it. Like, maybe three, including myself.”
She waited for Kyouka to elaborate on who exactly had noticed, but the other girl had already moved on.
“Now, let’s go get our drinks.” Kyouka leaned forward, a serious look on her face, “And then, you can tell me exactly what’s going on.”
-Wham!-
Shouto hit the mat hard, falling victim (quite literally) to one of Midoriya’s favoured throws. Though it knocked the air from his lungs, he didn’t stay down long. Rolling quickly to his feet, he turned towards his sparring partner, lashing out with a right hook. As the blow was deflected, Shouto tried to step in closer, but his legs were swept out from underneath him and fell to the mat again.
“I, uh, think… Why don’t we call it a day soon?” Izuku said hurriedly, helping Shouto back to his feet, “I’ve, um, got a lot of homework, so…”
“It’s OK, I know I’m not at my usual level today.” His reply was calm, as he stretched his arms out behind his back, “You don’t have to pretend there’s another reason.”
Midoriya shook his head furiously, clearly a little upset at his matter-of-fact tone, “Nonono, that’s not it! I swear!”
“I mean, you do seem a bit, well, distracted, but, I-I don’t…” His friend looked down for a moment, “These no-Quirk sparring sessions, they help a lot. Whatever ‘level’ you’re at.”
“But what if I’m not good enough?” That fear has been running through Shouto’s mind for the past two days, ready to spring up at any time.
He hates the thought of letting his friends down. Of failing.
His father’s voice is lurking there too, just below the surface, waiting to tear him down as always. He can practically hear him now.
“You must be the best. There are no other options, Shouto.” Endeavor declares, a cold rage burning in his eyes, “Weakness must be crushed. If someone can’t cut it on their own, you shouldn’t lower yourself to help them.”
“That’s not true, you bastard. You might see it that way,” He replies harshly, less fearful in his own head, “but I’m not you. I will never be you.”
Midoriya gave him a concerned look, and Shouto shook his head to clear it, settling back into a combat stance.
“My apologies, I… got lost in thought for a moment.”
The other boy settled into a similar posture, albeit one that was more defensive.
“O-OK, if you’re sure you’re alright to keep going…” Midoriya replied, expression serious, “You are sure, right?”
He charged forward, as if that were answer enough.
“Man, I knew something was up with you lately, but I didn’t realize it was that serious!” Kyouka exclaimed, setting down her drink and leaning forward, “He really said you might lose your spot in the Hero Course?”
Momo nodded, taking another sip of her own coffee, “Yeah. It’s… it’s a touch spot, no doubt.”
She had been trying to keep her voice bright, but she couldn’t quite hold back the edge of anxiety any longer. Telling Kyouka had helped, but the shame and anger still bubbled up as she had recalled the events of three days prior.
“What happens if I fail?”
The question loomed in her mind, and she couldn’t seem to find an acceptable answer. Even just the thought of having to tell her parents was almost unbearable.
“We had such high hopes…”
“What a waste, you could have been a wonderful hero.”
Their imaginary voices jeered at her, much harsher than her parents would ever be, and she felt tears begin to well up in her eyes.
Suddenly, Kyouka’s cheery tone snapped her back to reality, and she looked up to see a confident smile on her best friend’s face, “Hey, why d’you look like it’s a done deal already?”
“You have plenty of time, right? Don’t start beating yourself up about this now.”
“When you put it that way…” She couldn’t help but grin in response, “Things don’t seem so bad.”
“What a lame thing to say…” The understatement made her snort almost immediately after she said it, and from the way Kyouka was rolling her eyes, it was evident she agreed.
Twirling one of her earlobe-jacks around her finger, she suddenly shifted the conversation in a slightly different direction.
“So, who else knows about this? Is it just me an’ you?”
Momo shook her head, and fiddled with her straw, “Todoroki-san knows the basics, but not about the potential consequences. He’s the one tutoring me, and… keeping him in the dark, it just doesn’t sit right with me.”
“Todoroki’s helping you again? First the Practical Exam and now this…” Kyouka raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly.
“Don’t put it like that, please.” She grimaced, looking down, “I feel bad enough about asking him for assistance as it is.”
“And, you’re sure you can trust him to keep quiet?” Kyouka paused, and then giggled, “Well, more quiet than usual, I mean. That guy’s practically mute.”
She frowned slightly at the derisive tone of her friend’s words and opened her mouth to protest but stopped as Kyouka raised her hands.
“Sorry, I guess that did sound pretty mean… He doesn’t really, well, talk to people, is all.” She sighed, taking a sip of her drink. “Anyways, have you two already started studying?”
“No, we’re planning to meet this Saturday, at the library.” Momo replied, “We both agreed prep time would be helpful.”
“Of course you did.” Kyouka’s agreement was accompanied by a good-natured eye roll, and they turned towards other topics, the kind that let her feel like everything was normal, at least for a little while. Momo let herself enjoy the moment, even if the anxiety wouldn’t vanish completely.
The two boys finished their cool-down stretches in silence, and Shouto tossed Izuku a freshly-chilled bottle of water before speaking up.
“Hey, Midoriya, can I ask you something?”
“Uh, sure! What’s on your mind?”
“Do you think I’d make a good teacher?”
His eyes went wide, the question clearly catching him off-guard. After a pause to collect his thoughts, he nodded, more to himself than Shouto.
“I guess so? I mean, you are smart, and you seem to understand that not everyone approaches stuff the same way, which goes a long way…” He muttered, the words almost too fast for the other boy to understand, “I might be inclined to say you lack the approachable nature necessary, but given that you’re better than Aizawa-Sensei, and he isn’t out of a job yet, that’s not really a concern.”
“It’s not a career choice I’d have considered for you, but every Pro should have a plan beyond just being a Hero, right? And if you’re already thinking that far ahead…”
“He thinks I meant a teacher like at Yuuei,” Shouto realized, waving a hand in front of Midoriya’s face in an attempt to snap him out of it.
“Ah, sorry, I got a little, um, carried away there, didn’t I?” He said apologetically, laughing quietly, “May I ask why you brought it up?”
“Someone needs my help with the physics unit. And I don’t know if I’ll be able to do a good enough job.” His reply wasn’t technically a lie, and while Momo had never asked him to keep their arrangement secret, he didn’t want word of it to spread.
“Oh, well, all you can really do is give it your all, right? That way, no matter what happens, you won’t have any regrets!”
There was a certainty in his voice that suddenly reminded Shouto of All-Might, and he found himself smiling slightly.
“Just give it my all, huh?” Nodding, he prepared to leave the training room, mind already on the half-finished overview waiting for him in his dorm.
Tonight was going to be busy.
There are fifty days until the retest.
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Lessons in Thermodynamics: Chapter 1
[Chapter Index (Links to AO3)] | {Next Chapter}
Bad News, Good News
2 Months until Winter Break
Monday
It was nearing the end of another ordinary day (well, ordinary by their standards, meaning there had only been minimal property damage and/or injuries) for the students of Class 1-A. Many muted conversations could be heard throughout the room, and all were momentarily silenced as the bell finally rung, freeing the heroes-in-training.
Or at least, most of them. Today, there was one unusual exception staying behind.
Yaoyorozu Momo stared at the piece of paper in front of her, biting her bottom lip nervously. Aside from that, there were few signs that she was truly distressed by the note at the top of her test, ‘See me after class’, written beside her dismal mark of twenty percent.
A mark she had taken care to hide, holding the paper close to her chest, ignoring the buzz of her classmates’ chatter. She had shaken her head almost imperceptibly when Todoroki had asked to compare answers like they often did, and thankfully he had accepted her response with no further comment.
Holding a smile for those last five minutes of class had been exhausting. But now that the other students had departed, her face fell, brow furrowing in irritation.
“I-I knew I wasn’t going to do well,” She thought, fighting the urge to crumple up the page, as if that would make her shame go away, “but this? This is disgraceful.”
“Miss Yaoyorozu. Are you planning on wasting much more time glaring at your paper?” Aizawa called out, still slumped at his desk. His put-upon tone, slightly sharper than his ordinary voice, just made her feel worse.
“N-No, Sensei.” She replied, and made her way to the front of the room, cursing the tremor in her voice, “What did you wish to speak with me about?”
“I’d have thought that was pretty obvious.” The pro-hero snorted, “Your mark is, to put it mildly, unsatisfactory. Well below what we both know you’re capable of, given that the subject of thermodynamics could be vital to better using your Quirk.”
His words hit her already battered pride like a sledgehammer, and she felt the pin-pricks of tears at the corners of her eyes. After a moment teetering on the brink of panic, she straightened her posture, resolutely meeting her teacher’s gaze.
Chiding herself, Momo grit her teeth and nodded, “You’re supposed to be a hero, dammit! Stop acting like a child!” Eraserhead continued, seeming to take no note of her reaction.
“I won’t sugar-coat it. With the amount of interruptions and complications we’ve had this year, every test mark counts for a lot more than normal. A score like this? It could mean you may very well lose your place in the Hero Course…”
He sighed, and shook his head, “This entire unit, you’ve been unfocused, acting more like Kaminari after he’s gone over his voltage limit than the vice-representative of this class. I don’t know the reason, and frankly, I-”
She clenched her fists, unable to hold her tongue any longer, “That’s not-”
He held up a hand to silence her, “And frankly, I don’t care. As a hero, you’ll often have to push through exhaustion, but not to the point where you cannot function. I had hoped you would learn your lesson and pull yourself together before this test.”
“It seems I gave you too much credit, or perhaps too little guidance. However, the point still stands: in the field, acting with such disregard could very well cost a civilian or fellow hero their life. Is that something you want on your conscience?” Though Aizawa wasn’t one to offer pointless criticism, the dismissal still hurt.
“Absolutely not.” She snapped, unable to fully suppress her anger, tone sharper than she intended as a result. She knew that if her parents were here they’d have berated her for that unladylike action. But they weren’t, even if the weight of their expectations was still present.
The teacher shrugged as if he had heard all this before, and rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. He seemed to be weighing his words carefully, the silence stretching on for an uncomfortably tense moment.
“I understand better than you think. Everyone at Yuuei runs into this situation sooner or later, but usually during their second year. You’re still in-training, and if we cut everyone who screwed up, I’d barely have a class to teach.”
“As long as you understand that you won’t be given this kind of leeway in the real world, I don’t see much point in punishing you, especially given your track record.” He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, “Even if it’ll be a pain in the neck, I have an alternative to offer you.”
She nodded, her heartbeat pounding in her ears, “Another chance, that’s all I need. I can’t… No, I won’t let myself fail like this.”
“What, um, exactly is this ‘alternative’?” Momo asked, frowning slightly.
“In roughly two months, you’ll take a harder version of this test, covering all the material we learned, plus some supplementary modules that I will provide.” He explained, and noticing the stricken look on her face, raised a hand.
“Hey, easy now… I know, asking you to learn all that on your own would be, at worst, counter-productive. So, I’ve taken the liberty of asking a student who excels in discretion, and possesses a thorough understanding of this topic to hang around today. But if you want their help, you’ll have to work out the details on your own, ‘cause I can’t be bothered to do any more.”
She had a sneaking suspicion she knew exactly which student he was referring to. After all, their powers were closely related to the subject.
He cleared his throat, and called out in a louder voice, “Hey! You can come in now!”
As the door opened, she did her best to smile at the familiar figure with the two-toned hair, but it wasn’t exactly convincing.
Todoroki Shouto paused, eyes briefly meeting her own before his glance shifted to their teacher. In that moment, she took note of the barely noticeable lift at the corners of his mouth, which she had come to recognize as his usual equivalent of a smile.
“Sensei, your note said to wait outside after class. Was there a problem?” His question was direct and to the point, phrased with his usual bluntness.
Aizawa grinned, leaning back and placing his legs up on his desk, “No, just the opposite, actually. Tell me, would you be opposed to tutoring one of your peers in thermodynamics?”
The fire-and-ice user shrugged, unfazed by the request, “I can’t think of any reason to decline. May I ask who you’re talking about?”
“I think she’d prefer to tell you the details.”
“She? You mean…”
Taking a deep breath in, Momo stepped forward, bowing respectfully, and holding up her test for him to see, “Todoroki Shouto, may I ask for your help? Can you assist me in learning thermodynamics?”
He stiffened, a little surprised at the formality, but nodded almost immediately.
“Of course I will, Yaoyorozu-san. You, um, really didn’t need to bow, you know.”
She straightened up, a genuine smile gracing her face for the first time since she had received her the bad news about her mark, “Thank you, Todoroki-san. I promise I won’t be a bother.”
Shouto merely nodded at her words, already preoccupied with figuring out a lesson plan. He’d definitely be contacting his sister tonight, seeing as she was a teacher.
Aizawa snorted, rolling his eyes at their conversation, “You can pick up all the supplementary stuff tomorrow. The re-test will be… the Thursday before Christmas break, alright? That gives you about fifty days to learn everything. Don’t waste them.”
“Thank you, Sensei! I’ll make sure I’m ready.” Momo replied resolutely, her eyes bright with determination, “Todoroki, let’s meet tomorrow after school. Once I have everything, I mean.”
Nodding once, Shouto turned towards the door. He raised an arm in farewell, calling back over his shoulder as he left, “That sounds fine by me. I’ll see you then.”
Gathering up her own things, Momo felt relieved by how the meeting had turned out. She sighed a little, and made a note in her phone about her plans with Todoroki.
“Needing to rely on him like this is a little embarrassing, but the fact that he didn’t make a big deal of it is a good sign.” She thought. Once again, he was helping her out. She’d have to think of some way to repay him. But that could wait until tomorrow.
#i wrote a thing#todomomo#todomomo fanfiction#Lessons in Thermodynamics (Fic)#BNHA#todoroki shouto#yaoyorozu momo
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Lessons in Thermodynamics: Chapter Two
{Previous Chapter} | [Chapter Index] | {Next Chapter}
Setting the Terms
Fifty-six days until Winter Break
Tuesday
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Todoroki’s pen contacted the desk, its repeated motion the only sign that he had something on his mind. His notes on the current lesson were sparse by his meticulous standards, but it wasn’t anything he hadn’t heard before, just more about the role of heroes in society and the laws surrounding their duties.
Tap. Tap.
Things which his father had been lecturing him on for years; tuning out back then wasn’t an option, so he let his mind wander now. A petty act of retroactive defiance that changed nothing, but gave him a small measure of satisfaction.
Tap.
“I should be paying attention. Especially after what Yaoyorozu-san asked of me yesterday.” He thought, letting his gaze drift sideways to where the vice-president was sitting. Scribbling furiously in her notebook, she hadn’t noticed his attention, a fact he felt oddly grateful for.
Her focus was intense, brow slightly furrowed, as she quietly muttered what he assumed were key phrases from the lesson.
Truth be told, she was the last person he had expected to need his help. Her name hadn’t even crossed his mind when Aiwaza-Sensei had mentioned tutoring. It had completely blindsided him, even if his reaction implied otherwise.
“I was sure he meant Kaminari or Mineta…” He sighed, “I can’t let my assumptions cloud my judgement like that. It could be disastrous in a real fight.”
“Yaoyorozu! What are some considerations heroes need to keep in mind when taking shifts with their agency?” Aiwaza’s sudden question snapped him out of his musings, and he resolved to pay attention for the rest of class. He’d have time to daydream later.
Momo took a moment to consider her response, lips set in a hard line. Of course he would ask her about this, given their discussion yesterday. The seemingly innocuous question was almost certainly a subtle jab at her, and although her pride took it as such, she couldn’t let it get to her.
“Just answer normally. Like you always do.”
After a deep breath in, she spoke, shoulders tense, hoping her voice wouldn’t break; hoping no one would notice the slight tremor of her hands, or the pen that she had just created.
“When taking shifts with their agency, a hero should consider their overall health and ability first and foremost. Other factors, such as charity work, are secondary to ensuring that a hero hasn’t pushed their body too far.”
Momo notices a few other students nodding appreciatively, and from Aizawa’s satisfied grin, she knows she gave the right answer. Or at least, the answer he wanted to hear.
But it doesn’t ease the gnawing pit in her stomach, the anxiety of knowing she might lose what she has worked so hard for. There isn’t any comfort in playing the role of the perfect student, not when she has only herself to blame.
Frowning, she makes the mistake of glancing to her right, catching the eyes of the one person who knows, in part, the truth of her situation. With both his hands resting on the desk in front of him, he gives her a subtle thumbs-up and a small smile, before his gaze shifts back to the front of the room.
The gesture reminds her of something Midoriya would do for some reason, but it’s so at odds with Todoroki’s usual stoicism that she has to suppress the urge to laugh.
“Focus! There’s no time to slack off!” Her logical side chides, “You need to pay attention.”
With a huff, Momo sat up straighter, returning diligently to the task of taking notes.
Finally, after what seems like an eternity, the lunch bell rings, signaling a temporary respite from learning. Students move into their various social groups, seeking the familiar company of friends (or in certain cases, people who tolerate their explosive temper), as they prepare to head to the cafeteria.
Jiro invites her over with a wave, but Momo opted to stay at her desk, declining with a shake of her head and gesture to her homemade lunch. Frowning, she turns away with a shrug, already involved in another conversation.
After Jiro’s group leaves, a small wave of guilt hits her, and she wishes she hadn’t turned her friend down, “It’s just that… having to pretend I’m fine, is more than I can handle right now.”
Putting like that feels selfish, as if her self-made problems are worth hurting her friends over. She frowns, berating herself for acting so weak.
“Heroes are supposed to be brave, and yet you can’t even find the courage to smile for one d- stupid lunch period!”
However, before she can get too involved in sulking, her phone buzzes, its notification light flashing pink, signalling she has a message from one of two people: Ashido Mina, who insisted Momo use that colour when they had swapped contact info, and…
Todoroki Shouto, oddly enough.
Why had she thought that it was a good choice for him again? Really, she could have picked either red or white, but having a mix of the two colours just seemed right, especially since he had begun to work to master both halves of his power.
Expecting it to be a question from Ashido about their homework, she was surprised to see it was actually her new tutor. They hadn’t really texted much, and she cringed slightly as she read the dumb nickname she had assigned him on a whim.
{Freezer burn}
[So,]
[is it alright if we meet in the library after school]
[?]
[Once you’ve gotten everything, of course.]
Momo bit her lip, unable to completely hold back a giggle. Todoroki had professed that he didn’t have a lot of experience texting, but she had thought that he just meant he wouldn’t understand slang. That had been an overestimation, as it turned out, and this type of broken-up message was common, whether because he had accidently hit send too soon or wasn’t used to not using punctuation, she didn’t quite know.
[yeah]
[that sounds fine with me!]
[oh wait, one more thing]
[What it is?]
[Thank you! :)]
[It’s no problem]
[ :) ]
[See you then.]
Shouto stared down at his phone, not quite sure what had compelled him to add that smiley face. Maybe it was just because he had seen how shaken Yaoyorozu had been by that question earlier in class. She wasn’t her usual calm and collected self, and he found that a little concerning. Especially with how she had been acting last month, tired and unfocused, offering only brunt answer of ‘I’m fine’ when questioned.
He didn’t have many people he could call ‘friends’ (but that number was growing), and he liked doing what he could to help them out. The emoji was a simple way of telling Yaoyorozu he was happy to help her out.
“Of course, you could have just said that in person. There wasn’t any need for it.” He pushed that thought down with a shake of his head, stuffing his phone into his pocket and turning his attention back to his lunch. Midoriya was giving him a funny look, although Iida and Urakaka hadn’t seemed to notice anything.
“Todoroki, is, uh, everything OK?” He asked, fidgeting with his fork, “You were staring at your phone for a while.”
“I’m fine. Just checking on some after-school plans.” Shouto replied, regretting the words almost as soon as they left his mouth. From their expressions, it was easy to see the information had caught the three off-guard.
“You really have plans? That’s awesome!” Uraraka blurted, pressing her fingertips together excitedly, “Come on, tell us the details!”
He frowned and crossed his arms, rolling his eyes at her questions, “I-I… I just made some plans with a friend, that’s all.”
However, this vague answer only served to pique their interest further, and it took Shouto the rest of the lunch hour to convince them to lay off. He resigned himself to the fact that they’d be needling him for details about it tomorrow, if not the rest of the week.
Having friends isn’t easy, he decided, but that didn’t mean they weren’t worth it.
Afternoon classes passed without incident, and Shouto made his way to the library as soon as the bell rang. Waiting around for Yaoyorozu would only draw attention to them.
Feeling three sets of eyes drill into his back as he left the classroom, he corrected himself with a sigh, “Well, more attention at any rate…”
Taking a seat at a fairly isolated table, he busied himself by looking over his test once more, waiting for Yaoyorozu to arrive. Luckily, it wasn’t long before he heard the scrape of a chair beside him, and he glanced up as she placed the booklets on the table.
“Thank you for waiting, Todoroki.” She said quietly, eyes bright with determination, “What are we going to work on today?”
“I wanted to take a look at your test, to get a sense of what we’ll need to focus on.”
“Of course he’d want to see it,” She frowned, “not sure why I thought otherwise…”
Nervously fidgeting with another newly created pen, it takes her a moment of consideration before she nods. Even though she wasn’t proud of the mark, Todoroki wasn’t the kind of person who’d mock her for it.
“Alright, but I’m afraid that the answer to that question is probably ‘everything’.” Momo sighed as she slid the papers over to him, along with the stress-made pen. He accepted both with polite thanks, most signs of his earlier warmth hidden behind his usual dour expression. They sat in silence for another minute, before she spoke up again.
“I, uh, had one thing I wanted to ask you, actually.”
“You did? What is it?” He looked up, his gaze serious.
“I really appreciate you agreeing to this, and I, um, was just wondering if there was something I could do for you in return…”
“Oh, you… you don’t need to.” His voice falters, and he seems surprised by the offer, “Do anything, I mean.”
“Well, I want to.” She counters, refusing to break eye contact, “Otherwise, I’ll never be able to stomach being so… so reliant on you.”
The word burns like venom on her tongue, and she hates even admitting it. But pride is the only reason she’s absolutely sure Todoroki will understand. Whether familial or self-imposed, they have both carried heavy expectations, and know how hard overcoming those burdens can be. Even still, she couldn’t help but feel relieved by the flicker of empathy in his gaze, as he gives her one of his half-smiles, and nods his head.
He seems a little embarrassed, but only for a split-second, “I could use some help with that novel… the one we just got assigned in class.”
He pauses, gauging her reaction, before continuing, “I can be a very… straight-forward person, most of the time. I don’t always grasp the, well, the underlying messages or symbolism in a text…”
Momo leaned forward, mulling over what to say. That wasn’t an uncommon problem, but she could understand why it bothered him. He didn’t like asking for help any more than she did, and exchanging aid would lessen the blows to their pride.
“Alright, then we can assist each other.” She says brightly, extending a hand to her classmate, “You teach me about thermodynamics, and I’ll help you work through that book. Does that sound good?”
He grasps her hand, but his usual intensity seems muted.
“Yeah, I’ll just need,” He looks away for a moment, biting at his lip in concentration, “a few days to prep stuff. Does Saturday sound good?”
“That’s fine. I’d like some time to prepare as well.” She replies, suddenly noticing that they’re still holding hands. His right hand is slightly colder than she expected, but it’s not uncomfortable.
“Kind of nice, actually…” The idle thought causes her to pull away, and she begins to gather up her things, hoping she didn’t offend him.
“He probably didn’t even notice. It was just a handshake, after all.”
Besides, there are more important things for her to focus on. Her dream of becoming a Hero is on the line. She has to stay focused!
With that reminder echoing in her mind, she and Todoroki say their goodbyes, promising to work out the details later.
There are fifty-two days until the retest.
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Lessons in Thermodynamics Chapter Index
Links to each chapter on AO3.
1. Bad News, Good News
2. Setting the terms
3. Dissatisfaction
4. Initial Reaction
5. Exothermic Behaviour
6. Introductions
7. A Matter of Pride
#How I'll be getting around the bullshit involving links...#Chapter Indices#Lessons in Thermodynamics (Fic)
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