Archive of Our Own

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Tumblr DMs between is-not-that-strange and quirkedcharacters

is-not-that-strange: hi! i just wanted to say thank you for such an in-depth analysis! i totally agree with everything you said and you brought up some points i’ve never thought of before!

is-not-that-strange: so, uh, anyway… thank you! your answer literally made my day!

quirkedcharacters: omg no problem!!! it was really fun to make!

quirkedcharacters: i’m glad i did the characters justice!

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quirkedcharacters: hi sorry if me dm-ing you is weird and you can totally ignore this or tell me to stop messaging you, but i love your latest web weaving post about exhaustion! i especially love that picture of All Might you included!

quirkedcharacters: i think so many people forget that All Might is human, too. like, yeah, his quirk is superhuman, but he’s not his quirk, and i can’t imagine how exhausting it must be to be the symbol of peace.

quirkedcharacters: and you used a picture from All Might’s fight against the azure king which was one of his most controversial fights, and that really emphasizes the theme of exhaustion!

quirkedcharacters: oops sorry! i didn’t mean to ramble! 😅

quirkedcharacters: i’m just a HUGE hero fan

is-not-that-strange: omg my post is approved by quirkedcharacters???

is-not-that-strange: you’re, like, the quirk and hero EXPERT, dude!!!

quirkedcharacters: uygtfrdftgy you’re too kind! but really, great web!

quirkedcharacters: and you don’t have to call me by my url! you can call me moon!

is-not-that-strange: pssh, thank you 🥹

is-not-that-strange: then you can call me benedick!

— —

is-not-that-strange: sorry someone sent you such a shitty ask

is-not-that-strange: ik this doesn’t mean much coming from a stranger, but i thought your analysis of how quirkless people are presented in media was really thoughtful and was a good reminder to be open-minded!

quirkedcharacters: oh wow, thanks for the support!

quirkedcharacters: it’s not a big deal, anyways! running a blog about quirks is bound to make people upset lmao

quirkedcharacters: i’m used to it

is-not-that-strange: yeahhh

is-not-that-strange: having opinions on tumblr is dangerous lol

is-not-that-strange: still sucks tho

quirkedcharacters: well, this is the piss on the poor website

is-not-that-strange: tiuygtfrdftyu8i9 indeed it is

— —

quirkedcharacters shared a post.

quirkedcharacters: hi sorry if i’m overstepping, but i saw this post and thought of you uygtfgyhu

is-not-that-strange: HAHHAHAHAHUYGVAHJIUHYGF

is-not-that-strange: that’s so funny omg

is-not-that-strange: thanks, dude!

— —

is-not-that-strange: whar do yuo thnk plinko horses quirK it

— —

quirkedcharacters: benedick, what?

quirkedcharacters: also: why were you awake at 5am 😭

is-not-that-strange: oH MY GOD I AM SO SORRY

is-not-that-strange: i sent that when i was half asleep 😭 you do NOT have to answer that!

is-not-that-strange: i accidentally started hyperfixating on the history of bananas

is-not-that-strange: then i decided to make a web about bananas, like how people make them about oranges, ya know?

is-not-that-strange: but then i saw plinko and got slap happy

quirkedcharacters: the history of bananas?

is-not-that-strange: it’s actually really interesting!

is-not-that-strange: like did you know that the original banana became extinct by 1960 because of panama disease?

is-not-that-strange: the kind we eat now is called “cavendish” and is less tough and has less flavour

quirkedcharacters: huh

quirkedcharacters: that’s really interesting!

quirkedcharacters: i can’t wait to see your web!

quirkedcharacters: also… i know you said i didn’t have to answer that but…

quirkedcharacters: animals don’t have quirks, so in this scenario, plinko is a human

is-not-that-strange: one must imagine plinko and a human /ref

quirkedcharacters: uygtfdfgyhu

quirkedcharacters: so, this is what i came up with…

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quirkedcharacters: hi! sooooo, you and your ask from a few months ago may have inspired me to read “romeo & juliet”...

is-not-that-strange: oh my god oh mu god ohg my god ohg my god

is-not-that-strange: holy shit this is so exciting

is-not-that-strange: not a single one of my irl friends have or are willing to read any shakespeare play

is-not-that-strange: this is the best day of my life

is-not-that-strange: what did you think? tell me ALL your thoughts!

quirkedcharacters: well, i had to read the japanese translation since my english isn’t very good, but i liked it! i loved how you go into the story knowing it won’t end happily but read it anyway bc you’re curious how it all happens and then get fooled into believing there Will be a happy ending…

is-not-that-strange: YES YES YES

is-not-that-strange: shakespeare is really good at getting your hopes up and distracting you with a love so powerful that you think it can surpass any barriers thrust upon their path but the story was already written and destiny inevitably catches up to them…

is-not-that-strange: heh sorry that was a lot

is-not-that-strange: i didn’t mean to lose my tumblr vernacular 😅

quirkedcharacters: nonono! i really like hearing your thoughts, benedick! you’re really smart!

is-not-that-strange: ljhgfcdfgyhuj aw you’re too nice to me

quirkedcharacters: i mean it, you’re really smart!

quirkedcharacters: i kinda want to dissect mercutio, though…

is-not-that-strange: 👀

is-not-that-strange: i would DEVOUR that analysis

is-not-that-strange: i think we should be allowed to lock mercutio in a room with endeavor and see what happens…

quirkedcharacters: HELP

quirkedcharacters: i’m not sure who would drive the other crazy first…

is-not-that-strange: omg what if they make each other worse?

is-not-that-strange: like, mercutio is a cynical realist who lowkey hates love and i get those vibes from endeavor…

quirkedcharacters: ooo that’s interesting…

quirkedcharacters: i think the biggest difference between them is that mercutio’s cynicism is playful and pouty while endeavor is angry and reserved

quirkedcharacters: their difference in approach would ultimately drive them apart since mercutio is too loud and complains whereas endeavor is too focused to contribute…

is-not-that-strange: moon you understand mercutio better than scholars 😭

is-not-that-strange: not to be a tumblr user but

is-not-that-strange: mercutio x endeavor…

quirkedcharacters: that’s the worst thing i’ve ever heard

quirkedcharacters: i need an ao3 fic about them STAT

— —

is-not-that-strange: heyyy

is-not-that-strange: so i just realized we’ve been dming each other for a year now

is-not-that-strange: and i really enjoy talking with you

is-not-that-strange: and would consider you a good friend so like…

is-not-that-strange: do you wanna be friends on discord?

is-not-that-strange: but also it’s totally okay if you don’t want to!

quirkedcharacters: 🥹

quirkedcharacters: YES

quirkedcharacters: i was thinking of asking you the same thing but wasn’t sure how

is-not-that-strange: man, anxiety is a BITCH! you mean we could’ve been discord friends for months now?

is-not-that-strange: you’re never gonna guess my discord

is-not-that-strange: isnotthatstrange

quirkedcharacters: iuygtfrd

quirkedcharacters: okay mine is actually different but it’s kinda embarrassing…

quirkedcharacters: allmightishere

is-not-that-strange: nah i love it!

is-not-that-strange: all might’s your favorite hero, nothing wrong with being yourself 😎

is-not-that-strange: imma add you now!

isnotthatstrange created a server.

isnotthatstrange named the server, “mercutio x endeavor”

allmightishere is here!

isnotthatstrange: oh bet, you got the all might greeting!

isnotthatstrange: i hope it’s okay that i added you to a two person server instead of just dming you

isnotthatstrange: it’s easier for me to organize my thoughts with channels

isnotthatstrange: plus we can have a gc name this way lol

isnotthatstrange changed their display name to benedick

benedick: oh and i also added that bot with the tree so we can grow the tree!

allmightishere changed their display name to moon

moon: the server name 😭

moon: you better help me water the tree bc i was in a server and no one watered the tree but me and two others

moon: poor tree might was so neglected :(

benedick: LMAO

benedick: dw, i take tree watering seriously o7

benedick: #mygoodparenting

benedick named the tree “mab might”

benedick: sorry endeavor, mercutio cheated on you with all might </3

benedick: okay realistically i doubt he would since he’s weird about romance, but it’s funny

moon: when the mischaracterization is funny </3

moon: i love the name tho, b!

benedick: omg did we reach nickname status???

moon: ijuhygvfgh sORRY i didn’t ask if that was okay!

moon: i’ve been uh working out a lot lately and my hands are sore so it just happened! that’s also why i haven’t been as active lately

benedick: nah, don’t stress! i’m honored!

benedick: i haven’t been very active lately, either

benedick: i’ve been studying a LOT

benedick: i REALLY want to get into my dream school!

moon: me too!

moon: i believe in us!

mercutio x endeavor

benedick: @moon stop studying and get your ass in here to water our son!

moon: sORRY i was working out and left my phone at home

moon: training for wrestling, you know how it is 😅

moon: our son is freshly watered o7

benedick: you’re good! i was just being silly haha

benedick: oh i didn’t know you wrestle! that’s dope!

benedick: but man i feel you, i run track so my calves have been killing me lately

moon: yeah! my hero fixation inspired me to try wrestling! it’s a lot of work, but fun!

mercutio x endeavor

benedick: I DID IT

benedick: I GOT INTO MY DREAM SCHOOL

benedick: HOLY SHIT I ACTUALLY DID IT

benedick: sorry i’m still reeling, i can’t believe it! i didn’t think i would pass the test!

moon: I KNEW YOU COULD DO IT!

moon: i never doubted you for a second!

benedick: jiuhygfcg

benedick: thank you for believing in me

benedick: wait i’m so rude! did you get into yours?

moon: i have no idea 😭

moon: i’ve been staring at the envelope for twenty minutes 👍

benedick: you’ll feel better when you open it, whether you made it or not

benedick: but you obviously made it bc it would be stupid to reject you

benedick: i believe in YOU, dude

moon: oKAY I’M OPENING IT

benedick: HELL YEAH!!!

moon: oh my ghod

moon: oh my ghod i mafe ir?

moon: sry i can’t sewe the screen i’m crtingf im so happt

benedick: 🎉

benedick: i told you!

benedick: we both made our dream schools wow

benedick: this calls for a celebration and the best way to celebrate is…

moon: playing among us!

benedick: more like DOMINATE among us! we’re UNSTOPPABLE

mercutio x endeavor

benedick: holy shit

benedick: moon

benedick: i just met the cutest guy

benedick: and he’s iN MY CLASS

benedick: [so-hot-santana-fanning-glee-gif]

moon: you and your cute boys jhgfghj

mercutio x endeavor

benedick: hey i had a shitty day

benedick: do you want to play among us

moon: yes pleases

moon: *please

moon: my day was also shitty

Izuku never really thought about romance; he had other things to worry about. It was simply a thing that existed and compared to heroes, studying quirks, and combat and training with All Might (because holy shit All Might trained him!), he just… really didn’t care.

Not to mention that people didn’t want to be friends with the quirkless kid, let alone date him.

And then he met Kaminari Denki.

His bright smile and overall cuteness caught his attention for sure, but it wasn’t his dashing good looks that drew Izuku to him.

No, it was the way he basically called Kacchan’s personality shit and remained unflinching, even under the threat of death by explosion. But even that isn’t what sold him on the whole “crush” thing.

The first day back after the crisis at the USJ, Izuku is eating lunch under a tree outside, mumbling to himself about the villains’ quirks while taking notes and chewing absentmindedly on an apple when someone plops down next to him.

“One of the guys Jirou-chan, Yaomomo, and I fought was immune to my quirk. Pretty sure he’s the one who jammed the signal, too.”

Izuku’s head whips up and he meets Kaminari’s intrigued gaze. His lips are quirked and his eyes are sparkling with interest.

“What?” Izuku squeaks, slamming his notebook shut upon instinct.

Kaminari sighs and leans back against the tree, bumping elbows with him. “You were muttering about the villains’ quirks. I don't remember much because I was kinda out of it, but I remember that guy.” He pauses and then says, “So, what do you have so far?”

That makes Izuku freeze. Kaminari cares? He wants to hear Izuku’s thoughts?

Normally, Izuku would try not to ramble too much so he doesn’t scare Kaminari away, but Kaminari keeps asking him questions—like good, analytical questions. He nods along and listens in a way no one but his mom and Benedick do.

By the time they had to leave for their next class, Izuku hadn’t even come close to finishing his analysis or lunch.

“Ah! Sorry—were you able to eat lunch?” he asks Kaminari as he jumps to his feet and begins packing.

Kaminari waves him off. “Eh, I snacked a little. No need to apologize, though! I had fun! I like listening to you talk, dude!”

And suddenly Izuku understands how people can develop crushes so quickly.

Kaminari’s sincerity and open, warm personality just makes him all the more attractive to Izuku.

He kinda reminds him of Benedick in a way.

During class the next few days, Izuku’s gaze keeps drifting to Kaminari. He wants to know Kaminari, wants to learn everything there is to know. He notices that his tongue sticks out of his mouth when he’s concentrating, notices how he often mouths what he hears during lectures—oh, and sometimes he’ll pass little sparks between his fingers! It’s all so endearing and distracting that Izuku actually has to ask Uraraka and Iida to borrow their notes a few times.

And, well, it doesn’t help that Kaminari is nice to look at.

Like, he has freckles, just like Izuku, except Kaminari has more and they’re lighter. His nose wrinkles when he smiles, too, and Izuku didn’t even know he found that cute until he saw it happen in real time.

He’s a bit ashamed to say that he’s added personal information about Kaminari in his analysis of his quirk. It’s not intentional! Kaminari is just an enigma with a really high vocabulary, a low attention span, and riddled with so many intricacies that Izuku can’t help but get hooked.

What really does him in, though, is when Kaminari quotes Shakespeare out of absolutely nowhere. Monoma from Class 1-B went off on some crazed rant about how superior his class is, and Kaminari shuts him down with a Shakespearean insult.

And when Monoma recites the next line, Kaminari says the next line, and it just keeps going.

When they end the scene, Kaminari is smiling and claps Monoma on the back and tells him he had fun while Monoma combusts at the thought of having an intellectual conversation with someone from Class 1-A. And Kaminari keeps smiling and saying nice things, even after Monoma insults him and storms away.

So not only is he pretty, not only does he actively listen to people (and not just Izuku, but everyone in class!), not only does he have cute mannerisms, not only is he really smart, but he’s also just… generally nice and friendly.

But Izuku won’t let a silly crush grow when he has things like finals and quirk training and also continuously getting attacked by the League of Villains to worry about.

Surely it won’t last, right?

(Kaminari snort laughs from across the room and Izuku thinks that, maybe, he’s wrong)

BAKUSQUAD 😝

sparky: SNED HELP HAVING A CRISIS

sparky: *send

GEMGD: No.

Red: what’s up kami bro?

raccoon eyes: bet i can guess what it’s about~

sparky: guys 😭

sparky: i have a crush on two different people wHAT DO I DO???

GEMGD: Stop feeling love.

sparky: methinks thou art a general offence and every man should beat thee.

Soy Sauce: lol nice one

ears: do you even know what that means?

Soy Sauce: nah but it was definitely an insult so i support it

sparky: aNYWAY BACK TO ME

sparky: wHAT DO I DO???

ears: well you could start by telling midoriya you like him

sparky: midoriya??? who said anything about midoriya???

raccoon eyes: oh babes

raccoon eyes: did you think it was a secret?

Soy Sauce: yeeeeeah you aren’t subtle, dude

sparky: oh my god does that mean midoriya knows?

sparky: blasty, now would be a GREAT time to commit a murder, if you’re still interested in killing me

GEMGD: No.

sparky: you threaten to murder me all the time! it’s literally in your hero name! why not?

GEMGD: I want to see you suffer. 🖕

sparky: rude :/

GEMGD: That’s what you get for falling for the nerd.

sparky: i can’t help ittt

sparky: have you SEEN HIM? he’s pretty but also built like a greek god and he’s NERDY AND NICE

GEMGD: Fucking gross.

GEMGD: Maybe your grades would be better if you stopped staring at him during study sessions and actually paid attention.

sparky: i’VE BEEN STARING?

raccoon eyes: yeah!

raccoon eyes: you get this dreamy look in your eyes and it’s kinda sweet tbh

sparky: now would be a great time for someone to murder me

Soy Sauce: ok as much as i love teasing kami, they’re exaggerating, dude

Soy Sauce: you don’t stare so much as look at him more than you look at everyone elses

Red: dw kami bro, i don’t think midoriya knows!

Red: honestly, i think we’re the only ones who’ve figured it out bc we know you so well

Red: your stealth is very manly 💪

sparky: oh thank GOD

sparky: so anyway

sparky: what do i doooooo

raccoon eyes: who’s the other person?

sparky: …

ears: always knew he had a crush on ellipses

Soy Sauce: lmao

sparky: it’s embarrassinggg

ears: it simply cannot be more embarrassing than the things you do on a daily basis

sparky: -_-

sparky: promise you won’t laugh at me?

Red: we promies!

Red: *promise

GEMGD: Who’s “we”?

Red: all of us!

Red: right guys?

raccoon eyes: for sure!

raccoon eyes: and if anyone does, i’ll beat them up 😚

sparky: ughhhh okay fine

sparky: so it’s uh… okay

sparky: i’ve had this internet friend for almost two years now

sparky: he goes by ‘moon’

sparky: and idk what he looks or sounds like but he’s the same age as me and guys he’s SO SWEET

sparky: he calls me smart and he likes my poetry and he even read a whole ass shakespeare play bc he knew i liked it!!!

ears: and you’re positive he’s not some creep online?

sparky: i thought you guys promised not to make fun of me :(

ears: i’m not! i just want to make sure you’re being safe

sparky: i am - promise!

sparky: i haven’t noticed a single red flag

ears: positive?

sparky: positive!!!

GEMGD: Moon is a stupid ass name.

sparky: gestures to our group chat names

GEMGD: Stupid ass names for stupid ass people.

ears: wow

Red: anyway!

Red: bakugou approves!

sparky: awww thanks blasty!

GEMGD: I literally never said that.

Soy Sauce: nah i definitely saw it 

GEMGD: 🖕

sparky: back to me!!!

sparky: send help and advice please 🫴

raccoon eyes: polyamory?

Soy Sauce: [spit-take-drink-laugh-funny-thats-gif]

sparky: how would i even begin explaining that to them 😭

sparky: hey midoriya, you wanna date me and my internet friend? sure i’ve never seen his face or heard his voice but he’s real! please trust me and an internet stranger?

sparky: that would scare him away for sure

raccoon eyes: well they don’t have to date each other! it’s still polyamory if they’re both dating you but not each other

sparky: see the other issue with that is

sparky: that it requires BOTH of them to Actually like me back and want to date me

raccoon eyes: who says they don’t like you back?

sparky: me.

raccoon eyes: explain.

sparky: midoriya is in the top five in class, he’s hella hot, he’s SO NICE…

sparky: i’m teh class idiot who can barely control his quirk

sparky: *the

sparky: and don’t even get me started on moon! he’d probably think it’s weird that i developed feelings for an online stranger!

sparky: and he’s SUPER smart, too! you should see the way he analyzes quirks and characters…

sparky: why would he want to settle for me?

Red: you’re not the class idiot!

sparky: i’m literally at the bottom of the class.

Soy Sauce: that doesn’t mean you’re an idiot tho

ears: who told you all of this

sparky: uhh no one? it’s obvious???

Red: :(

Red: you’re not stupid and you can control your quirk just fine

sparky: :/

sparky: i literally went into whey mode yesterday.

raccoon eyes: hey no shhh

raccoon eyes: what did we say about calling it that? you over used your quirk, you didn’t “get stupid”

Soy Sauce: midoriya-kun used to break his bones when he used his quirk

sparky: key words: used to

ears: the reason you struggle the most with your quirk in class is bc of how damn powerful it is

ears: you have electricity constantly running through your body, ofc your quirk drawbacks will be more frequent than other people’s

Red: you’ve improved so much! you used to overload your brain almost every day we did quirk training, and now it’s only a few times a month when you push yourself! i’m really proud of you, dude!

sparky: i know that, i guess

sparky: it’s just hard to believe it when everyone is constantly surpassing you

raccoon eyes: Kaminari Denki you are SMART and you are HOT

raccoon eyes: you can read shakespeare in old english and understand every word

Soy Sauce: and you’re fluent in, like, five languages

ears: i’ve never met anyone who can list as many digits of pi as you

Red: and you understand electricity better than anyone!

sparky: 🥹

GEMGD: Stop being so damn self-deprecating. You’re fucking smart, you just don’t test well.

sparky: thanks guys

raccoon eyes: no but fr kami

raccoon eyes: you should ask one of them out

sparky: mmmmmmmmmm idkkkkkkk

GEMGD: You asked for advice, you got your advice. Don’t complain about the advice.

Soy Sauce: in the nicest way possible, you ask people out and get rejected all the time

Soy Sauce: why are they different?

sparky: i like flirting and making people feel good

sparky: and when i flirt with random strangers, the possibility of rejection doesn’t hurt as much bc there isn’t anything for me to lose if i get rejected

sparky: if midoriya rejects me, i’ll be faced with that rejection in the dorms and at class and there’s no break

sparky: and if moon rejects me, then i’m losing my best friend or, maybe not losing, but it’ll make things really awkward

raccoon eyes: you’re really good at making awkward situations less awkward though

sparky: not when it’s personal

sparky: i know they would both let me down gently, but i tell moon everything and i wouldn’t be able to handle the pity or sadness or whatever in midoriya’s eyes

sparky: midoriya and i have been getting closer, too, and i *really* like hanging out with him

raccoon eyes: babe you need to have more confidence in yourself!

Red: yeah!!! You’re super manly, dude! 💪

sparky: i appreciate the love, guys

sparky: look, i want to ask one of them out so badly, but i’m just not ready

sparky: i need to know that they like me back or that we can still be friends first

Red: and we respect that!

raccoon eyes: yeah, sorry if it felt like i was pushing you babes

raccoon eyes: i just wnat you to be happy

raccoon eyes: *want

sparky: i know you do <3

sparky: thanks for listening, guys 🥹

Red: we’ll always be here for you bro ❤️

sparky: 🥺bro,,, 💛

Soy Sauce: sooooo

Soy Sauce: you’re into analysts?

sparky: shut uppppppp

raccoon eyes: i can deduce from the excessive amount of p’s that you are toooootally blushing

raccoon eyes: did that do anything for you

sparky: -_-

ears: oh it for sure did

ears: bet you like being analyzed, don’t you

sparky: NO

sparky: if anyone looks at me too deeply i will short circuit forever

ears: fair enough tbh

Soy Sauce: ohhh so you’re a sapiosexual then? you like hearing other things analyzed

raccoon eyes: that explains a lot → said kindly

Red: woag

GEMGD: I hate you all.

mercutio x endeavor

moon: IHUGYFTDRDTFYGUH

moon: okay so

moon: there’s this REALLY cute boy in my class, like sunshine personified

benedick: personified is such a good word

benedick: but wait that’s so cute! the sun to your moon!

moon: …

moon: IJUHYGFCGY I DIDN’T EVEN THINK OF THAT

moon: but wait it gets better

moon: we were partners for this thing in gym and we won aND HE HUGGED ME

benedick: HELL YEAH 🎉

DMs between kamiii ⚡ and minaaa 👽

minaaa 👽: so like… that hug tho???

kamiii ⚡: that was sO EMBARRASSING

kamiii ⚡: but i was so excited that we won and he was smiling at meeee

kamiii ⚡: why did i launch myself at him 😭

minaaa 👽: wellllllllll as an outsider looking in, he seemed to like it~

kamiii ⚡: stahhhhhhp

minaaa 👽: he lifted you right off the ground!

kamiii ⚡: i knowww

kamiii ⚡: it was the best moment of my life, i think

kamiii ⚡: his MUSCLES IJUHYGFCVGH

DMs between Izuku and Ochako

Ochako: that spin tho

Izuku: i am going to disappear

Ochako: nooo it was cute!

Izuku: idk how it happened! one second we were a few feet apart and then next he launched himself at me in a hug

Izuku: and i took so long to react 😭

Izuku: he’s going to think i’m so awkward 😭

Ochako: to be fair, you’re both really awkward

Izuku: he’s not!

Izuku: kaminari-kun is so sociable and he’s so good at reading people!

Izuku: oh my god, do you think he thinks i was showing off my strength? what if i came across as cocky?

Izuku: disappeared here i come 😭

Ochako: ok read that question out loud to yourself and then see if you still need an answer

Izuku: ahhhhhhhhhhhh

Izuku: he’s so good at giving hugs

Izuku: i really want to hug him again

Izuku: argh but i can’t bc then he’ll ask why i want to hug him and i can’t control my brain to mouth communication when he smiles

Izuku is typing…

Ochako: izu you’ve been typing for ten minutes

Ochako: you’re overthinking this

Ochako: kaminari-kun hugs his friends every day!

Izuku: if he hugs his friends every day but he doesn’t hug Me every day, does that mean he doesn’t consider me a friend

Ochako: …

Ochako: ok, again, try rereading that and see if you still need an answer

Ochako: look, your anxiety is getting the best of you

Ochako: take deep breaths bc i know you aren’t breathing

Ochako: quit pacing a hole in your floor and sit down, grab a fidget toy

Ochako: kaminari-kun isn’t the kind of guy who’ll hate you for wanting physical affection. besides, i’m like 90% sure he likes you back, and even if he doesn’t, he’s not the kind of guy who would avoid you or hold that against you

Ochako: one hug isn’t the end of the world, i promise 💗

Izuku: okay no you’re right

Izuku: i’m freaking out over nothing

Ochako: exactly! do you want to come over and watch all might videos while i do your nails?

Izuku: oihugyve only if they’re all might colored

Ochako: i was thinking maybe yellow and black…

Izuku: those are a good color combo…

Izuku: i’ll be there in ten!

Izuku: … wait what’s that about me having a crush on kaminari-kun???

DMs between Midoriya and Shouto

Shouto: So are we going to talk about your giant crush on Kaminari-kun?

Midoriya: No.

Shouto: Hm.

DMs between minaaa 👽 and ochaaa 🪐

minaaa 👽: asking for no reason in particular but do you know what midoriya-kun thinks of denks 👀

ochaaa 🪐: … i may know a thing or two if you tell me what kaminari-kun thinks of izu 👀

minaaa 👽: ok so they both have crushes on each other then?

ochaaa 🪐: oh for sure!

minaaa 👽: i kNEW IT!!! my romance senses were tingling

ochaaa 🪐: no meddling though!

minaaa 👽: ugh i knowww

minaaa 👽: they’re like birds

minaaa 👽: even approaching them will make them scatter </3

minaaa 👽: #mymetaphors

ochaaa 🪐: 😂

minaaa 👽: you know who else is clueless about their crush liking them back?

ochaaa 🪐: ooo tea?

minaaa 👽: you and setsuna-kun 💅👀

ochaaa 🪐: …

mercutio x endeavor

benedick: Wordle 1,803 2/6

🟩🟩🟩⬛⬛

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

benedick: HELL YEAH BEAT THAT

moon: literally HOW???

benedick: 😇

benedick: how many guesses did it take you?

moon: four 😢

benedick: that’s not bad!

moon: 🤨

moon: don’t patronize me

Class A

Kami: Wordle 1,803 2/6 😎

🟩🟩🟩⬛⬛

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Kyo: fuck you

Kami: [super-normal-cutesy-drawing-meme-reaction-gif]

Iida: Language.

Uraraka: no kami deserves it for rubbing his wordle score in our faces

Uraraka: he is unfairly good at wordle

Kami: man if yuo’re that pressed about wordle then you don’t want to see my connections results—

Kyo: 🖕

Yaomomo: Impressive work, Kaminari-kun! I got the Wordle in three today!

Kami: hell yeah, yaomomo!

Shinsou: what’s your starting word?

Kami: it’s a secret 😇

Yaomomo: Oh! You do the Wordle, too, Shinsou-kun?

Shinsou: no but mic does and i think it’ll be funny to dangle the sacred knowledge in front of him like a carrot and then take it away.

Shinsou: it’s revenge for the amount of times he’s screamed about the wordle. he’s good at it, but not kaminari-kun good

TOKOYAMI: revelry in the dark 🥀

Sero: alright buddy

Mido Izu: Wow! Nice job, Kaminari-kun! You’re really smart!

BAKUSQUAD 😝

sparky: IJHUGYFTDRFTGYUHIJ

sparky: hE CALELED ME SMART

racoon eyes: cause you are smart babes!!!

sparky: REWSDRFTGYHJVGFCV

Red: don’t forget to respond!

sparky: sHIT THANK YOU

Class A

Kami: awwwww

Kami: you’re too kind, midoriya-kun!

Shinsou: so about that starting word

Kami: no <3

mercutio x endeavor

benedick: pRETTY BOY CALLED ME SMART

benedick: HE CALLED ME SMART

benedick: IJUHYGTFRDTFYGUHIJOK

moon: !!!

moon: you ARE smart!!!

DMs between Midoriya and Shouto

Shouto: Why are you in a group chat called “mercutio x endeavor”?

Midoriya: … do you know what the ‘x’ means?

Shouto: Yes, I have been on the internet. Why are you shipping my father with the most obnoxious character in “Romeo and Juliet”?

Midoriya: it’s a joke between my friend, benedick, and i

Midoriya: bc mercutio and endeavor are obnoxious and we’d like to lock them in a room together and observe what would happen

Midoriya: also you’re sitting next to me, why are you texting me?

Shouto: I am not saying “mercutio x endeavor” out loud.

Midoriya: fair enough

Shouto: You have a friend named Benedick?

Midoriya: that’s what he goes by online to keep his identity hidden

Shouto: Hm…

Shouto: As in Benedick from the Shakespeare play “Much Ado About Nothing”?

Midoriya: how do you know so much about shakespeare?

Midoiya: and yes

Shouto: I read.

Shouto: Isn’t that Kaminari-kun’s favorite Shakespeare play?

Midoriya: i mean, it is? why does that matter?

Shouto: No reason.

DMs between Shouto and Iida

Shouto: Hear me out: Kaminari-kun is Midoriya-kun’s internet friend.

Iida: Midoriya-kun has an internet friend?

Kaminari added a choker to his hero costume.

He added a choker.

DMs between Izuku and Ochako

Ochako: boy, that choker took you OUT

Izuku: CHOKERS SHOULDN’T BE THAT ATTRACTIVE

mercutio x endeavor

benedick: i tesly ekile ouyyg

benedick: toys’ed m bessd firbjhed

benedick: iqiwiqiqoiqiqi

benedick: uy rwa;kjy gate m7 euiork aometies

benedick: ;m stuikj n cant nreahe

benedick: o’ dvared

benedick: jrts

“No—fuck! Give me that!”

“Whey!”

Izuku glances over his shoulder to see Sero wrestling a wheyed out Kaminari’s phone from him.

“Sero-kun, please watch your language on school grounds!” Iida says.

“Sorry—no, Kami, stop it—sorry! He’s just really persistent today, I guess.” Sero pockets Kaminari’s phone and manages to get him seated on a locker room bench. “There ya go, buddy.”

“Why’d you take his phone?” Ojirou asks.

“He asked us to!” Kirishima explains. “He can still text like this, well, it’s not really coherent but he can do it, and he’s sent embarrassing stuff before, I guess. We hold onto it so he doesn’t do that.”

That makes sense. Kaminari’s hands are usually cramped when he overuses his quirk which would make typing a lot harder. Not to mention his lack of brain to body coordination.

A low whine from Kaminari draws Izuku out of his thoughts. He usually sounds slap happy like this, but that whine sounded kinda sad.

Something about the sound makes Izuku uneasy. He continues to take off his hero costume, but he keeps Kaminari in his line of sight, just in case.

Kirishima sits next to Kaminari. He takes one of Kaminari’s hands in his and starts massaging it. “I know, dude. I’m sorry.” He frowns at Sero. “He must’ve gone too far in training today.”

“He did unload more than usual…”

“You can go ahead and shower, dude. I’ll keep an eye out for him until you’re done,” Kirishima says, nodding at the showers. “Kami’ll be fine after a kiss from Recovery Girl and a long nap.”

That seems to ease a bit of Sero’s nerves. It eases some of Izuku’s, too. He knows everything will be fine, but he can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong. He tries tuning out of the conversation out of respect after that.

Kaminari continues to make sad, pitiful sounds as everyone changes. The locker room is quiet, uncomfortable, and tense. The silence is suffocating and just amplifies Kaminari’s distress.

It doesn’t take long for it to become so unbearable that Izuku rushes to the showers half-dressed, if only to drown out Kaminari.

He feels bad because it’s not Kaminari’s fault and it’s not like he can control his vocal chords. He can’t even formulate words in this state. It’s just really difficult to hear someone he cares so much about be in so much pain, because Izuku can only assume the pain Kaminari’s experiencing is awful.

The hot water feels good as it pours down his neck and back. If he could, Izuku would stay under the water for hours.

Training was messy today. All Might had them doing an exercise in the woods and, well, not a single perso, All Might included, left the exercise clean. They were victims of, well, the easiest way to describe it is a mud explosion.

Scrubbing the dried mud and grime off his body is heavenly and even begins to soothe some of his anxiety surrounding Kaminari.

When he’s done, he puts on his uniform and sits down to wait for Todoroki and Iida.

Sero must’ve said he was almost done in the shower because Kirishima is changing. Izuku also notes that Kirishima must’ve gotten Kaminari’s jacket off of him and managed to wipe his face, neck, and arms. His lower half is still muddy, but hopefully being partially clean has helped him. Plus, his sounds have dwindled down to almost nothing now.

Izuku unlocks his phone, probably to text Benedick, but freezes when he sees the messages he missed. They’re nearly incomprehensible, but the little he can make out is concerning. He thinks he sees something about being in pain? Maybe something about friends?

God—is Benedick okay? Izuku replies, asking if he’s okay or if he needs anything. He’s used to weird or random messages from Benedick, but this is different. He sounds scared. Maybe he’s just half asleep right now or-or sick? But his usual half asleep texts aren’t this bad.

Tears prick at the corner of his eyes. He swallows them down with shaky breaths.

“Midoriya-kun, are you okay?”

Izuku jumps as Todoroki sits next to him, freshly showered with a towel around his neck.

But just as Izuku is about to splutter out a lie, Kaminari bursts into tears.

Whey mode is relatively common—though much less than it was at the beginning of the year, thank goodness—so everyone’s gotten used to the overuse side effects. They’ve seen him throw up, dance and jump, get physically affectionate, stare blankly, act like a child, but he has never once cried before.

Well, until now.

“Shit.”

Sero jumps out of the shower and comes running back to the bench. Kirishima trips over his pants, which he was in the middle of taking off.

“What happened?” Iida asks.

“I have no idea,” Kirishima mutters, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t think he got hurt during class?”

Sero crouches at Kaminari’s side. “Hey, dude, you’re all good,” he whispers. Both of Kaminari’s hands are clenched into fists, undoing Kirishima’s work. Sero futily tries gently coaxing them open. You’re okay. You’re in the locker rooms, remember? You’re safe and everything is fine.”

The reassurances sound… not rehearsed, but common, like they’ve done this before. Maybe they have—maybe that’s what they whisper in his ear when they’re sitting on the sidelines.

Despite the tears pouring down his cheeks, Izuku can’t help but notice that Kaminari is still smiling.

Seeing Kaminari like this is weird and a little scary. No matter what Sero or Kirishima or Iida or even Kacchan (who stomped over when he heard the crying) say, Kaminari just keeps crying.

“I can take him to Recovery Girl while you guys finish up?” Izuku speaks up before thinking, scrambling to his feet.

Sero and Kirishima whip around to face him. Kacchan narrows his eyes.

“Are you sure?” Kirishima asks. “I can-I’m basically dressed. I can skip a shower and—”

“I’m finished in here, I was just waiting for Todoroki-kun and Iida-kun,” Izuku insists, pushing through the small crowd to get to Kaminari. “I’ll take care of him.”

They seem hesitant to pass Kaminari off to Izuku, but when Kacchan gives a grunt of approval and nods his way, Sero and Kirishima step away to give him room.

Izuku isn’t really sure how to approach this since he’s never really helped a wheyed out Kaminari before, so he crouches down to Kaminari’s level and echoes Sero’s words from earlier.

“Hey, uh, hey, Kaminari-kun. It’s Izuku—or, uh, Midoriya? Deku?—I’m gonna get you some help, is that okay? Can I pick you up?”

Ultimately, he decides to treat Kaminari the way he’d want to be treated if he were hurt, vulnerable, and not of sound mind.

Now, Kaminari can’t truly respond, but Izuku swears he sees a subtle nod and prays it was permission.

“Okay,” he whispers, “I’m going to pick you up now. Try to wrap your legs around me if you can.”

With help from Kirishima, Izuku manages to maneuver Kaminari in his arms, chest to chest. Kaminari is one of the leaner people in class, still muscular, but not in a strength-based way like Izuku or Satou. He’s built for speed and agility.

Izuku continues to whisper reassurances to Kaminari before taking off, just to make sure he’s comfortable with him. He thinks that Kaminari can recognize people like this, but he’s not really sure.

Miraculously, Kaminari’s cries gradually taper into whimpers. He shoves his head in the crook of Izuku’s neck, almost as if he’s embarrassed.

“Okay, I’m going to Recovery Girl’s now,” Izuku announces quietly. “I’ll text you what she says.”

“Thank you, Midoriya-kun,” Sero says, bowing his head. Kirishima follows suit, and Bakugou even finds it in his heart to grunt.

Izuku rubs Kaminari’s back as he walks to Recovery Girl’s office, still whispering reminders that he's safe. He does calm down the closer they get, and even snuggles against him, holding Izuku tighter. It would be really sweet if he weren’t in pain.

He wishes he was holding Kaminari under better circumstances.

Class A

Mido Izu: hey guys! Recovery Girl said that Kaminari-kun will be just fine!

Mido Izu: apparently he hasn’t been getting enough sleep and he expelled a lot today, which culminated in a more intense aftermath

Mido Izu: Recovery Girl gave him a kiss and he passed out, so he’ll probably be there until morning, but he’s completely fine!

Iida: Thank you for the update, Midoriya-kun! I’m glad Kaminari-kun is alright!

Kiri: thank god

Kiri: yeah, thank you so much, midoriya-kun!

GEMGD: Dumbass will be going to bed at 20:00 the rest of this week.

Sero: careful blasty, it almost sounds like you care

GEMGD: FUCK OFF

Sero: but srsly thank you midoriya-kun

Mido Izu: it was no problem, i’m happy to help!

mercutio x endeavor

moon: b?

moon: is everything okay?

moon: are you okay?

moon: b, you’re freaking me out a little

moon: do you need me to call you? i can call y

— —

benedick: I AM SO SORRY

benedick: i’m okat, i promise!

benedick: *okay

moon: oh thank god

moon: i’m glad you’re okay! did something happen?

benedick: just some quirk bullshit

benedick: my quirk is… well it causes me a lot of pain sometimes. i don’t really remember what happened, but i think my hands spasmed?

moon: you know you can tell me anything, right?

benedick: awwww you’re sweet

benedick: i’m fine i promise

benedick: it’s not a big deal! just couldn’t message you back until my hands stopped spasming XD

moon: okay

moon: okay

moon: you just really scared me

benedick: shit, moon, i’m sorry

benedick: i was just in so much pain that i couldn’t really think

benedick: i didn’t even realize i texted you until, like, five minutes gao

benedick: *ago

benedick: ig my body moved on its own accord and remembered that you’re my safe space

benedick: i’m still really fuckiing sorry

benedick: *fucking

moon: nonono don’t be sorry!

moon: one of my classmates got really sick right before i saw your texts, so my anxiety was already really high and i care about you so much but you weren’t answering so i assumed the worst

moon: it’s fine—my classmate is fine now and you’re okay

moon: sorry i’m still kinda shaking but i’m not mad at you!

moon: wait

moon: do you really consider me a safe space?

benedick: dude stop apologizing, you’re fine! my anxiety woild be through the fucking rooof if i got those kinds of messages from you tbh so i gert it

benedick: *would *roof *get

benedick: haha my hands are still kinda messed up 😅

benedick: ofc you are, dude! you’re my best friend, ya know?

moon: shit i’m crying again

moon: happy tears though!

moon: you’re my best friend, too

moon: as much as i love talking to you, go rest your hands! we can talk more later, okay?

benedick: o7

benedick: but only if you drink some water

benedick: you forget to drink when you’re anxious

moon: god yeah that’s probably why i feel dehydrated

benedick: MOON???

moon: i’m getting water, dw!

DMs between Midoriya and Kaminari

Kaminari: hey! i just wanted to say thank you for helping me out earlier! i don’t really remember what happened, but kiri told me you took me to recovery girl and i know i’m not easy to handle like that

Kaminari: so um, sorry if i threw a fit or made your life harder or something

Kaminari: but i really appreciate your help, dude

Midoriya: hi, kaminari-kun! i hope you’re feeling better!

Midoriya: it was no problem, really! i’m just glad you’re okay!

Kaminari: you’re a really great guy, you know? you make people feel safe and that’s really cool

Kaminari: idk if i’ve ever told you, but i appreciate you a lot, dude

Midoriya: oh um wow thank you!

Midoriya: sorry that’s a genuine thank you! i just wasn’t expecting such a nice compliment!

Kaminari: haha no worries, i knew what you meant!

Kaminari: well, i’m headed to bed before bakubro smothers me for not sleeping lol

Kaminari: goodnight, sleep tight 😉

Midoriya: goodnight, kaminari-kun!

mercutio x endeavor

benedick: hey, moon? are you online?

benedick: something happened irl and i

benedick: shit

benedick: i just need someone rihgt now.

benedick: please answer me

benedick: you’re my best friend i need you

benedick: midoriya ran off and everything is shit and idk what to do

benedick: i’m worried im s scare dhe’s going to get killed or something

benedick: shit i shoduln’t have said anything what the hell am i doing fuck

benedick deleted nine messages.

mercutio x endeavor

benedick: hey…

benedick: can i say something kinda controversial?

moon: always

benedick: it’s about the war that just happened… is that still okay?

moon: … well now i’m curious

moon: i mean, as long as you don’t say something like “someone should’ve died” or “afo was in the right” then you’ll be fine

benedick: dw it’s not like that!

benedick: i just…

benedick: i was watching, ya know, the *War*, and

benedick: ugh it’s so messed up that teenagers were fighting in it!

benedick: why were kids on the front lines AGAIN??? it’s not fair!

benedick: sorry if my take is too hot

benedick: i just can’t say anything to my friends or family bc they’re so…

benedick: idk… it’s like they’re idolizing it all and i needed to get it out to Someone before i lose my shit and explode

moon: well, that certainly is a hot take

moon: if the kids consented to it, it’s probably fine, right?

benedick: ig???

benedick: i hate that the kids were in a position where they felt like they had to in the first place

benedick: none of them should’ve been that close to it

moon: well, that one kid—deku—he had all might’s quirk, so didn’t he kinda have to be in it?

benedick: i don’yt think so

benedick: *don’t

benedick: i know that all might didn’t give him the quirk knowing this war was coming, but i can’t help but feel some resentment towards the heroes for what they put him through

benedick: what they put all the kids through

moon: i’m going to need a minute to think about all of this, if that’s okay?

moon: i’ve never thought of it like that before

benedick: you’re good, moon! take all the time you need! i know it’s late and maybe i’m just tired and being dumb lol

moon: you’re not dumb, b

moon: you made good points. i just… need to reflect, i guess

benedick: get some sleep while you’re at it <3

moon: only if you do, too!

benedick: o7

benedick: i’ll do my best

moon: goodnight!

benedick: sleep wellllllllll

Izuku smiles fondly at his phone before tossing it aside.

Shit.

A part of him wants to cry, but he’s not sure why, and that just makes him want to cry even more.

It's just that he’s in such a weird position. Benedick makes some really good points—like, really good ones—but if he thinks about it for too long, he’ll have to acknowledge that everything that happened was royally screwed up.

Because, yeah, he shouldn’t have had to see Kacchan die. He shouldn’t have had to… to lose his arms. He shouldn’t have had to see his classmates get loaded onto stretchers while getting loaded on one himself.

But he had to, right?

No one told him he had to, but he knew he did. What was he supposed to do? Sit and watch? No, he wasn’t made for that.

He doesn’t realize he’s crying until the tears hit his thighs.

Dammit, Benedick!

Izuku scrubs his eyes with his sleeve, but that only seems to increase the downpour.

Water… he should get water or something to drink. That’s what Benedick would tell him to do if he knew the state he’s in.

He ends up going to the kitchen to grab a water bottle. He could’ve settled for tap water from his sink or a drinking fountain, but he wants to get out of his room, he needs to walk.

But he’s not alone.

When he rounds the corner, he’s met with the sight of blonde hair peeking over the back of the couch.

Of course Kaminari would be here! Of all the people to run into while having a breakdown, it just has to be him, doesn’t it?

Izuku considers quietly going back to his room, but he knows Benedick will be disappointed in him if he doesn’t drink water when he’s thirsty, and Benedick will somehow be able to sense that. So, he sucks it up and opens the fridge to grab a water bottle. Hopefully his eyes aren’t too red.

When the door shuts, Kaminari jumps, nearly falling off the couch.

In the dim light, Izuku sees Kaminari’s eyes widen—his red eyes.

For a moment, they stare silently at each other, neither willing to point it out because if they do, then that opens the conversation to ask about them in return.

After what feels like forever, Kaminari clears his throat, plasters on that wide smile of his, and says, “Hey, Midoriya-kun! What’re you doing down here?”

“I’m hungry! I mean, thirsty!” Izuku blurts out.  He takes a cautious step closer. “What about you?”

Kaminari hums. “I have too many thoughts right now,” he says. “My brain won’t shut up. Do you, uhhh, want to join me?”

“Sure!” Izuku nods perhaps too enthusiastically.

Neither of them say anything for awhile. Whatever’s on Kaminari’s mind must be weighing on him. Izuku gets it, though. He feels like his own thoughts are eating him from the inside out. There are so many conflicting thoughts in his head: his morals are fighting his heart.

Kaminari huffs, running a shaky hand through his hair. While he does, he messes up his bangs just enough for Izuku to see the scar on his forehead, the one from the Paranormal Liberation Army war.

Kaminari was on the front lines for that war, wasn’t he? Because there was someone with an electricity quirk that only Kaminari could counter.

But… was Kaminari really the only possible way to counter it or was he just the easiest way? The most convenient way?

It’s vague but he remembers hearing Kaminari protest against being on the front, saying something about how he wanted to be with his friends.

He was terrified.

That’s the only time he remembers hearing anyone argue against participating in the fight.

Damn Benedick, always messing with his comfortable thoughts.

“Hey, Kaminari-kun,” he begins hesitantly, “do you… would you have fought in the war if you really had a choice? Like, if you could’ve stepped out of the front lines at the PLF, would you?”

They did have a choice, in a way, but it also didn’t really feel like it.

It’s quiet for a moment and Izuku starts to worry that maybe he offended Kaminari in some way. Then, Kaminari sighs.

“Is it awful of me to say that I don’t know?” he finally says. He sounds tired. Older. “I don’t think I could’ve abandoned you guys in either war. You’re like my family. But if I could’ve gotten all of us out of it…”

He licks his lips, then turns to look Izuku in the eye for the first time since they started talking. His eyes are usually full of light and joy, but in this moment, they’re hard. It’s a surreal sight.

“If I could’ve gotten all of us out of it, I would’ve done it in a heartbeat.”

His gaze falters and shifts back to the floor. “I probably sound like a cowardly asshole right now, don’t I? Everyone else was so eager to fight but I… a big part of me didn’t want to. Some hero I am.”

“I don’t think you’re cowardly,” Izuku says immediately. “I think it’s really brave to do something you don’t want to do, especially if it’s scary.”

The corners of Kaminari’s mouth twitch. “Aw shucks, you’re making me blush.” A pause and then, “Are you doing alright?”

Izuku shrugs. “I don’t know. I’d rather be the one who fights the war and gets hurt if it means the rest of you are okay, but you guys weren’t okay. I can’t help but wonder if it was worth it.”

A sharp, quick pain bounces off his forehead. “Hey, quit being so self-sacrificial. You’re not a martyr, you’re a kid,” Kaminari scolds, shaking his hand as if flicking Izuku actually hurt.

“Like you wouldn’t do the same thing,” Izuku counters, but there isn’t any bite in his words.

“I would,” Kaminari nods. “But you’re the one who took the brunt of it all. You and Bakugou—shit, man. I was there. I saw him die live.”

Instead of crying or yelling or being angry, Kaminari smiles. He does that a lot, Izuku noticed, smiling when he’s uncomfortable. Sometimes it’s when people tease him about his intelligence or when he gets an assignment back, sometimes it’s when the topic of his quirk drawbacks are brought up, even if someone’s just asking if he’s okay.

For all the times Izuku’s stared at Kaminari, he’s a bit embarrassed to say it took him until recently to realize that that specific smile of Kaminari’s—not too wide but not too small, just barely showing his teeth, no crinkling of the nose—isn’t real. It’s just a deflection, and a really effective one, one that Izuku has fallen for too many times.

“I don’t know… I’m not mad that we fought because, like, it was the right thing to do, right? But I’m kinda mad at the pros who put us there with no resistance. Like, they should’ve begged us not to, but they didn’t, they asked us to join.” Kaminari’s voice wavers for the smallest of seconds. “Like, all those pros got to retire after the PLF to avoid backlash, but we didn’t really have that choice. Those seasoned pros would rather see teenagers fight in a war than fight themselves and that’s really messed up. But then it’s hard to blame the teachers for making us fight because, like, that’s what we’re trained to do, right? Like, our entire time at Yuuei has been speed running childhood and pressuring ourselves and holding ourselves to unspeakable standards, and I mean, that’s what they learned when they were in school, too. And then it’s like, what do you do with that?”

“You don’t want to, uh, drop out of the hero course, do you?” Izuku asks before he can stop himself. It’s a selfish question, and perhaps it’s his own way of deflecting the truth bomb Kaminari just unleashed on him.

Kaminari’s eyes widen. “No—of course not! I want to be a hero, I want to help people! It's my dream!”

“Oh, good,” Izuku sighs. “I mean I would support you if you wanted to drop out, of course! But class wouldn’t be the same without you and I would miss you so much—”

“Hey, you’re all good, dude. I know what you meant.” And then Kaminari’s smile morphs into a much, much smaller one, but his nose crinkles and it’s real and raw.

The sight is enough to pull a smile out of Izuku, too.

“Anyway, uh, thank you for talking with me,” he says. “I was really stressed about it.”

Kaminari nods. “It’s hard to feel things in the midst of a war—or, uh, the aftermath of it, too. But thank you for, ya know, letting me yap about all this. It’s been weighing on me, too, but I never said anything because I didn’t want to offend anyone. Hero society is just… really messed up.”

“It is,” Izuku agrees, “but at least there are people like us in the hero course. We’ll fix things. Maybe not a lot, I think we’ll make some kind of change.”

“Aw, look at you hopemaxxing,” Kaminari laughs, nudging his shoulder. “You’re right, though. Thanks for making life seem less hopeless.”

Izuku’s heart flutters.

And then he yawns.

“Sorry!” Izuku cries, waving his hands. “You aren’t boring me, I’m just tired!”

A flick lands on his forehead once again. “Stop apologizing for being human,” Kaminari says. “It is late, after all. We should probably try and get some sleep.”

They walk back upstairs together, and when they reach Izuku’s room, Kaminari gives him a tight hug.

Izuku, embarrassingly, stills for a moment, almost hesitant to hug him back.

But when he does, it’s like the sun is beaming down on him. Kaminari is warm and so lively. Izuku feels his fingers tapping patterns into his back.

“Thank you,” Kaminari mutters again. “I really needed this.”

“Me too.”

And then he’s gone, and Izuku is alone in his room.

The things Kaminari’s saying, the way he’s speaking… something about it is so familiar. And maybe, if Izuku weren’t so bone-deep exhausted, if he weren’t just tired, maybe he’d be able to remember why.

But he is tired.

And while his heart still settles heavily in his chest, some of the weight has been lifted. Not a lot, but enough for tonight.

mercutio x endeavor

moon: hey sorry! i ended up falling asleep before i could answer!

benedick: you’re all good, dude!

benedick: and, honestly, you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to

benedick: idk why i was so… *gestures vaguely* last night

moon: nonono i actually thought about it a lot and… yeah

moon: you made some really good points

moon: it’s hard for me to fully agree bc i think that if i were there, then i probably would’ve fought even if they told me not to

moon: so i get why the kids fought

benedick: yeeeeah

benedick: i probably would, too

benedick: it just Sucks

moon: yeah, it does

moon: but uh thank you for your insight! i’ve never thought about it like that before

mercutio x endeavor

benedick: MOON

benedick: LOOK AT THIS IDES OF MARCH MEME THAT CAME UP ON MY TUMBLR FEED

benedick sent an image.

benedick: I’M CRYING IT’S SO FUNNY

Izuku snorts at the meme Benedick messages him. He hasn’t read “Julius Caesar”, but he knows the basic plot thanks to Benedick. He’s also been on Tumblr long enough to know that the Ides of March is, essentially, a national holiday. Well, on Tumblr and in literature classes.

The sun’s glare makes his phone screen a bit hard to make out, but he replies to Benedick with a hearty keyboard smash and reacts to the image with the laughing emoji. He puts his phone away and leans back against a tree.

Tsu convinced Izuku and some friends to eat lunch outside since the weather is so nice. The sun is bright, but not too hot, and it’s relatively peaceful despite it looking like almost half the school had the same thought.

He’s in the middle of reassuring Aoyama that his hair looks fabulous despite the mild humidity when Kaminari comes running towards them, laughter on his lips.

The sun shines behind Kaminari, making it look like his hair is glowing. This is not good for Izuku’s health.

“Guys!” he shouts once he reaches them, absolutely cackling. “You’ve got to see this meme! None of my besties understood it, but I trust that Todoroki-kun and Class Rep have my back! Oh, and Yaomomo is here, too! I know you’ll love it!” He holds out his phone, hands shaking with laughter.

Todoroki briefly glances at Kaminari’s phone, snorts, then goes back to his soba. Iida and Yaoyorozu say something, but it all goes in one ear and out the next once Izuku sees the image.

What the hell.

Izuku stands up abruptly. “I need to go to the bathroom!” he shouts, which is super embarrassing, but his mind is too busy reeling to fully process that now.

Uraraka shoots him a curious look, but he rushes off before she can say anything.

The bathroom is, thankfully, empty when he arrives, all but throwing himself into a stall and locking the door. He pulls up his latest conversation with Benedick and… there it is. The same exact meme.

Kaminari and Benedick… they’re the same person. Kaminari is Benedick.

Moments and texts flash before Izuku’s eyes: the similarities in the way they speak, their love for Shakespeare, Benedick’s silence when Kaminari short circuits, Benedick needing a distraction the day after the USJ attack, summer camp, their talk a few weeks ago about the war…

The signs were all there, and Izuku missed all of them.

And then it hits him all over again.

Kaminari and Benedick are the same person. The two people he’s kinda been crushing on are the same person.

It doesn’t change much, well, maybe it makes Izuku fall deeper for them—him? Somehow, knowing they’re one in the same makes them even more attractive, intellectually and literally.

He should probably say something, right? Like, it’s not fair if he knows this huge friendship changing secret and Kaminari doesn’t. But what if it changes things for Kaminari? What if Kaminari is disappointed that he’s Moon? No, Kaminari’s way too friendly with him to suddenly hate him, and Izuku is pretty sure it’s not an act since Kaminari literally spilled his heart out to him about how conflicted he feels about hero society.

But, ugh, there’s no way Kaminari could like him—he’s way out of Izuku’s league. Which also makes Benedick out of his league.

Dammit!

Well, it’s not all bad, at least. Izuku just found out two of his favorite people are actually one.

Yeah, he’ll have a breakdown over this later for sure.

Then his phone vibrates.

DMs between Izuku and Ochako

Ochako: why’d you run off? are you okay?

Izuku: nonono i’m fine!

Ochako: 🤨

Izuku: i just discovered something

Ochako: and that is…

Izuku: so um

Izuku: you know my online friend?

Ochako: the one that you’re in love with? yes <3

Izuku: oh my god that just makes everything WORSE!!!!!!!!!

Ochako: why? what happened? did he say something mean cause i’ll fight him 👊

Izuku: nononono

Izuku: please don’t fight him

Izuku: i just… i know who he is

Izuku: like… irl…

Ochako: WHAT?

Ochako: major plot twist! do i know him?

Izuku: …

Ochako: i’ll take that as a yes…

Izuku: so you know how i’ve been developing, uhhhh, feelings for kaminari?

Ochako: oh my god

Ochako: NO WAY

Izuku: yEAH

Izuku: benedick is kaminari

Ochako: this is like some miraculous ladybug type shit

Izuku: ???

Ochako: it’s a french cartoon

Ochako: look. aoyama got me hooked. blame them.

Ochako: but this isn’t about that! don’t change the subject!!!

Izuku: i didn’t even say anything!

Ochako: you were thinking it?

Ochako: so… what’re you going to do?

Izuku: panic and suppress?

Ochako: no.

Ochako: izuku. the two people you have a crush on turned out to be the same person! you can’t let this opportunity go to waste!

Izuku: ochako, there’s no WAY kaminari would like me back!!!

Ochako: … what?

Izuku: he’s so smart and funny and pretty and he could get anyone!!! why would he choose me?

Ochako: okay, first of all, you are ALL of those things so don’t even try it

Ochako: second, ‘zuku, you should SEE the way kami looks at you

Izuku: bold words from someone who won’t confess their undying love for setsuna-kun

mercutio x endeavor

moon: okay

moon: okay, b

moon: i’m gonna do it!

benedick: i’m not sure what you’re gonna do, but i know you’ll kill it, dude!

moon: I’M GOING TO CONFESS TO MY CRUSH

moon: i don’t want to

moon: bUT I AM GOING TO DO IT!!!

benedick: omg is this about the mysterious cute boy? the one that gave you hug?

moon: how do you remember that 😭

moon: but yeahhhhhhhh

moon: one of my irls convinced me to confess

benedick: hey don’t let anyone force you to confess if you don’t want to!

moon: nonono

moon: i want to!

moon: i just don’t know if i can do it without crying 😭

moon: i’m so nervous and i have no idea how to confess to someone!

benedick: quote shakespeare

benedick: he’s, like, the wooing expert /hj

moon: … actually, he may like that…

benedick: not to be biased but you should quote much ado

moon: … he’d Really like that

benedick: haha then you’ve found yourself a good guy

moon: yeah, i have

benedick: good luck o7

Izuku puts his phone in his pocket and peers around the corner at Kaminari who sits on the common room couch.

Okay—he can do this. He’s fought in a war, this should be easy!

Except it’s not, and there is a really big chance that he’ll cry, though. 

Either way, Izuku steels himself then marches over to Kaminari.

“Oh, hey, Midoriya-kun!” Kaminari says as he approaches, flashing a bright smile.

He should greet him in return, he should say something normal, but instead, he blurts out, “Kaminari-kun! I do-I do love nothing in this world so well as you! Is-is not that strange?”

And when he says, “blurts”, he means blurts. Like, so loudly that Satou and Yaomomo look up from where they’re frosting cookies at the kitchen table.

Izuku feels his cheeks and ears heat up and he’s shaking and water starts gathering in the corner of his eyes, but he stands tall.

“What?” Kaminari whispers, his eyes wide.

“I do love nothing in the world so well as you, is not that strange?” he repeats. Then, because he wants to show off a bit to regain some of his dignity. “It’s a quote from, Much Ado About Nothing. Benedick says that to Beatrice. A-Act four—”

“Scene one…” Kaminari trails off. “How do you… Moon?”

“Heh, um, hi, B?” Izuku says.

Kaminari stares at him then jumps to his feet, grabs his wrist, and begins dragging Izuku behind him as he books it to the stairs. Not even the elevator, the stairs.

Haha, shit.

I could just die, Izuku thinks.

When they reach Kaminari’s room, Izuku is shoved towards the bed. He sits down compliantly, legs bouncing.

Instead of saying anything, Kaminari mumbles to himself while pacing back and forth. His  neck jerks to the side and his lips flutter between words.

“So,” Kaminari finally begins. He sits in his desk chair with his legs crossed. “So, you’re Moon?”

“Yes?” Izuku squeaks.

“As in ‘quirkedcharacters’ on Tumblr?”

Izuku nods.

There’s silence for a moment, then Kaminari groans and leans so far back in his chair that his head touches the desk. “I should’ve known you were Moon,” he cries. “The signs were all there, and I kept thinking, ‘I’ve connected the dots’ and then a little voice in my head went, ‘you haven’t connected shit’ like that one American meme—oh my god.”

Izuku involuntarily snorts. “Sorry! I, just, uh, I like that meme.”

Well, other than the groan, it seems like Kaminari is taking it well? And his groan didn’t sound angry or disgusted so maybe Izuku didn’t just ruin the best friendship he’s ever had. Hopefully.

Kaminari brings his head back up and blinks at Izuku and he looks so cute. “Wow, this is surreal, I can’t believe you’re a memer, too! You hide it well, my friend.” He playfully nudges Izuku’s shoulder. “So, uh, how did you find out?”

“Uh, you remember that Ides of March meme?”

Realization flashes across Kaminari’s face. “Oh my god. I sent it to you and then showed you immediately after. That’s so embarrassing!”

Before Izuku can respond, Kaminari splutters and shakes his head. “Wait! Okay, no—okay. Did you mean it?”

“Mean what?”

“The Shakespearen flirting. Did you mean it or were you just clueing me in?”

Izuku blanches. “How could I not mean it? I-I mean, you’re so…” He gestures wildly, struggling to find the right words. “You’re so nice and friendly and you listened to me when we were talking about the USJ villain’s quirks! But, um, it’s okay if you don’t feel the same way! Or, uh, or if you want to stop being friends because I didn’t tell you sooner! I wanted to, but I didn’t know how. But I really like talking to you and-and want to take you out on a date, but even if you’d rather just stay friends because I’d rather have you as a friend then never speak to you again! But—”

“No, dude, listen.” Kaminari shuts Izuku up by grabbing his cheeks then6 presses their foreheads together. His eyes are uncharacteristically serious, and if he looks close enough, Izuku can see insecurity in there. “You were the first person ever to call me smart.”

Izuku blinks. “Really?” his voice cracks.

Kaminari nods. “You were a total stranger on the internet, or, I guess we were mutuals at that point, but—anyway. You were a stranger and you called me the one thing I’ve been trying to be my whole life. My grades were shit because my parents didn’t believe in meds, I didn’t test well, I was the class joke. You actually listened to me and heard me and—” Kaminari cuts himself off. He lets go of Izuku’s face and rubs his eyes with his sleeve. “I really needed to hear that. And I never told you because I didn’t want to seem insecure or… I didn’t want you to change your mind.”

“Kaminari-kun…”

Kaminari laughs wetly. His body trembles lightly as he keeps laughing. “You’re the reason I applied to Yuuei, you know? My teachers told me I should strive for something more achievable, my friends laughed at me and I was like, what’s the point? I felt good enough about my quirk, but the test? Man, no one thought I could pass it. I guess what I’m saying is you made me feel like I could pass it and-and you made me believe that maybe I am smart, and I’ve had a little bit of a crush on Moon—you—ever since.”

So many thoughts are racing through Izuku’s head, like, more than usual which is saying something. There’s so much he wants to say, but all he’s able to blurt out is: “Crush?”

And—yeesh—that voice crack was horrendous.

A deep blush spreads across Kaminari’s face. “Do you remember that hot boy in my class?”

Izuku blinks. “M-Me? I was the hot boy?”

Kaminari ducks his head but nods. “You’re so cute, dude! Your freckles and-and your hair! And then you opened your mouth and, like, god—your personality is hot, too! What did you expect me to do? Not have a crush on you? Please! I was a goner the second I laid eyes on you.”

Never before in his life has Izuku ever been as confused or overwhelmed, but it’s not… it’s not a bad thing? It’s the kind of overwhelmed he feels when he’s happy, like so much is good that he can’t possibly contain it.

“So, yes: I would love to go on a date with you. More than one, preferably.” Kaminari rubs the back of his neck.

“O-Oh! Umm, would you like to go today? I found this bookshop cafe, and it’s not too far away, and I thought you might like that?” Izuku says, still positively reeling from Kaminari’s confession.

God—he wants to hug Kaminari so badly. And kiss him, maybe. Later, though, after the date. Maybe he should get him flowers. Kaminari does seem like the type of guy who would find flowers romantic. But what kind of flowers? He should ask Kouda or Yaomomo or Ashido, they would probably know. What would he wear? He can’t wear one of his silly shirts that say shit like, “shirt”, but he shouldn’t wear a suit. He can ask Aoyama for help dressing. And should he hold his hand on the way there? Does he have enough money to cover Kaminari? He was the one who asked, so he wants to cover the cost of food and drinks and at least one book for Kaminari. And—

A gentle knock on his head draws him back to the moment.

Kaminari’s grinning ear-to-ear. “Knock knock!”

Shit, Kaminari hasn’t even answered him yet! What if he doesn’t want to go today? Or ever… no, he said he wants to go on a date! No—bad Izuku! Kaminari said something, stop thinking!

“Uh, who’s there?” Izuku replies eloquently.

Maybe now he’ll disappear.

“Me, silly!” Kaminari giggles. “I’m standing at your door with flowers—some for you and some for your mom, of course—and I’m offering you my hand…”

Izuku stares. He spent too much time in his head.

“I’m saying yes, dude!” Kaminari nudges him. “I don’t know what I was going on about, I just wasn’t prepared for you to say ‘who’s there’! I do want to get you and your mom flowers one day, though. But, uh, that bookshop cafe sounds like a hella cute place for a first date.”

Kaminari’s ears are pink and his amused smile fades to something more shy. “So, uh boyfriends? Maybe? Like, obviously we’ll talk more on the date but I’m kinda vibrating and like I already know you so well, and I—”

Now it’s Izuku’s chance to cut him off, and he does so by slipping his hand into Kaminari’s and giving it a squeeze. “Yeah, boyfriends.”

His face is on fire and the gathering sweat has started dripping down his back, but Izuku is so, so happy.

And then he suddenly has a thought.

“Damn it!” Izuku shouts. “I should’ve used the destiel meme to ask you out!”

Kaminari giggles and leans against his shoulder. “That would’ve been pretty funny, but you used one of my favorite Shakespeare quotes. That’s pretty romantic. We could use it for something else, though…”

Izuku raises his brows as Denki unlocks his phone and begins doing… something. His tongue sticks out of his mouth as he concentrates, and, god, Izuku is enamored.

Class A

Kami:

Several people are typing…