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pinksugarscrub · 2 days

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Sun and Moon

Deep sea! Hobie x mermaid! reader

Scenario: Inspired by an ask by🪦anon on @the-kr8tor 's blog! When two fish nerds meet.

taglist: @theres-a-spider-in-my-pillowcase

Warnings: blood, gore

Parts: 1, ?

Prologue

Bottles and vials clink together. It’s a sound you’ve come to love as you scribble in your notebook. Pearls coated in luminescent algae overhead so you can see your work. Held together by strings of silk or seaweed.

You sneak a glance at him. Watching as he mixes together a new concoction before quickly looking down and pretending to write when in all reality there’s an out of place squiggle on the page. You wait a few minutes before bringing your attention back to the man you love. A fishing net around his waist (a new addition) that holds together his black robe. Neck littered with random trinkets, shells, and pearls.

Sighing softly you rest your chin in your palm. The sketch of him long forgotten as you admire the real thing. This time you don’t shy away when he looks over his shoulder.

Hobie laughs softly, “caught you…” His eyes sparkling as he sets down his tools. Swimming over to your side he towers over you (quite easily I might add) as he reaches down. Gently, he rubs his thumb over your jaw. “What are you thinking about guppy? Me?”

Bubbles leave your lips as you laugh. Playfully pushing his hand away but it’s soon replaced by his own lips as he leans down. Peppering kisses to every inch of skin he can reach.

“Yes and-” You laugh louder as he changes to blowing raspberries against your neck. “-no! And if you don’t stop I won’t tell you anything!”

Hobie, of course, ignores this and wraps his tentacles around your waist. Bringing you closer until you’re effectively trapped. The only portion of you left uncovered are your fins. Flailing weakly against the water.

“I could just force it out of you my love,” he grins. The pearls in his hair shining under the dim light that managed to squeeze through a crack in the cave. You’ll never get tired of the way his eyes glow, even under the sunlight. Like gold rings of fire that you’ve seen on the mainland.

“You could,” you muse,“but are you going to?”

He stares.

You stare right back.

Then he clicks his tongue and loosens his grip but only enough to allow you to shift around to lay against him. The telltale sign being his hand placed over your naval.

You follow his motions without protest and eventually you both settle into the comfort of your bed full of kelp and sea sponge. His chin resting atop your head as he wraps his arms around your waist. Immediately tracing the outline of gold in your scales ever so gently.

“Alright, on with it. What did I do this time?”

Hobie relishes in your laugh. If he could, he would bottle up the sound and keep it tucked away for the days you’re away. He wishes he could finally convince you to stay but he wouldn’t think of ever getting in the way of your dream. For now, the daily visits would suffice.

“I was just thinking…about the day we met.”

“The day we met?” He repeats. Chuckling as he moves to bury his nose into the crook of your neck. “What about it lovie? Are you missing the days where my hair was longer?”

Your eyes glaze over the scar on your tail. The scales surrounding it are a bit discolored but iridescent nonetheless.

You reach for his hands wanting to seek the same feeling you felt all those months ago. Tending to you. Even the rings on his fingers are the same except for one on his left hand. The peridot matching the one around your neck. He glady intertwines your fingers.

“You did look quite rugged,” you tease.

His chest rumbles beneath your back. “And what is that supposed to mean?”

You inhale sharply.“Anyway-”

“No, no, we’re coming back to that.”

You shush him while petting one of his tentacles and he practically melts into jelly. Accepting defeat he moves another tentacle to caress your fin. You chuckle at the gesture. He might as well be a sea urchin.

“I was just wondering, what would have happened if you hadn’t found me.”

He pauses, taking his hand and lifting your chin so he can look into your eyes. “Why are you thinking about that?” You can practically feel him frowning. “Are you-”

“No,” you answer quickly. Smiling softly to reassure him. “I’m not. I feel safe with you.”

Hobie scans your face for any sign of a lie. Knowing how stubborn you can be when admitting to having nightmares again.

“I mean it love,” you laugh. Shaking your head as you poked his nose. “Don’t look so distressed. I’m referring to how much you’ve changed my life.”

He quirks a brow and you can’t help but laugh harder. Seems you have some convincing to do.

It’s not easy recalling some memories from the past but you can’t have light, without the darkness. Much like Hobie can’t be without his sun and you, can’t be without your moon.

Chapter one

Scavengers were the absolute bane of your existence. For weeks, weeks, you’ve been sourcing red seaweed. Rare red seaweed. Because greed and pollution seem to infect every corner of the sea now. It’s specifically ordered to be used as parchment for royal records and as the kingdom’s archivist it’s your duty to provide. You would lose your job in an instant if someone, anyone, found you unfit to continue guarding documents that are as old as the man who calls himself your superior.

You can’t lose the one chance you have to advance into a position you actually enjoy. So if it takes you another decade of stocking scrolls and collecting algae, so be it! But you can’t do that if you don’t figure out some way to get the remaining seaweed.

There isn’t much you can do except probe the regular patrons of the library for any leads. They seem to pity you with how their eyes follow you as you sift through maps that you already know like the back of your hand. You’re hoping a new path will magically appear on the page when you blink.

It’s hours before you finally stop and rest. You don’t think you’ve swam this much in months.

“A witch?” A voice whispers.

You sit up straighter on the bed of sponge you’re sitting on. Leaning over to see past the spiral staircase of stone. There’s a woman— scratch that—two women along with a small girl. The young mermaid sucking on her thumb as her eyes traced over the coral chandelier.

Witches weren’t…unheard of but it’s not like you believed in such stories. They were just tactics used to scare children into eating their clams and keeping them away from deeper water.

The stories claim witches have golden irises that can turn you into seafoam with just one glance. A voice so enchanting that they use it to lure sailors just as much as they would merfolk. The only positive thing you’ve heard over the years is their ability to heal but even that came at a price.

You sit back into your original position. Making bubble rings and watching them make their way to the surface.

The women are talking in hushed tones that you deem unnecessary with how vacant the library is. You close your eyes as you continue to listen in. Gossip is normally beneath you but you need a laugh after how long a day you had. Honestly, you’re only taking bits and pieces of information until you hear one word, apothecary. And it’s like it all clicks into place.

“An apothecary!” You laugh before promptly slapping your hand over your mouth.

How could you be so stupid? An apothecary! There were several of them strewn about. Most abandoned as the men and women who practiced lived inside the kingdom now. In the past however, they always grew their own stock to avoid having to pay merchants or hire a forager. If you can find just one, that should be enough to satisfy the king’s order. What’s even better is it’s entirely possible you’ll be able to regrow what was stolen. It’s the best solution you could have asked for.

By some miracle your ‘aha’ moment isn’t heard. Neither is the flick of your fins as you sneak past the trio. You really don’t want to try to justify your eavesdropping and you’re sure they don’t want to discuss the existence of something only known to be in folklore with a very skeptical scholar.

The water rushing by your ears blocks out the rest of their conversation. Only the statues bear witness about the abandoned apothecary the witch inhabits.

That night you gather a sickle, a ration pack, and a bag with plenty of room to stuff bundles of seaweed into. A map tucked into the outside pocket.

There were six apothecaries in total, all surrounding the castle at varying distances. There’s a chance the ones closest have already been raided so you decide to venture further out towards the ones in the south. You’re both excited and terrified to be venturing out on your own but maybe this will prove you are capable.

When the sun rises, you’re already out the door. Compass in hand as you swim around the castle gates.

You are in complete awe at everything you see. Tall stalks of coral the size of ships and fish so bright you have to stop and admire them. You try not to get too distracted but with the number of things you see you lose your way. Heading East, toward the dark sea.

After what feels like hours you arrive at the mouth of a cavern. So large it almost seems to come to life as the shadow cast from the sun moves low. Fish swimming in and out like it was sucking and spitting them out.

Flipping open the map you stare at pathways. Tilting your head to try to make sense of the markings. There is an obvious seal at the edge of the cave but the image is practically scratched off so you can’t identify it. Your compass, as it turns out, is left unusable as it spins in every direction. Obviously, this isn’t good news but did you really risk all of this just to return home empty handed?

You swallow thickly as you stare down into the cave. It can’t be…too far. Can it?

Circling the entrance you gnaw on your thumb. Turning away to face the already rising moon. You weren’t expecting to stay out all day but you have enough supplies to tide you over for the night. You’re not completely inexperienced.

A deep rumble echoes through the water and you pause. Eyes darting to the cave again and darkness stares right back but it dawns on you as you feel the current shift that it wasn’t coming from inside.

This was wrong. You shouldn’t be here.

The fish dart away to any available crevice along with the vibrant anemone that sink back into themselves. Another hum reaches your ears but you can’t bring yourself to look behind you.

Shaking you count to ten then twenty before a shadow is cast overhead. The sea is silent. Nothing moves, nothing breathes except…

A leviathan.

Breathe.

You choke back a sob. It reeks of death. Jaws stained with blood, fresh blood as it dissipates into the sea.

Stories filter through your mind at a mile a minute. You were told about great adventurers. Of their bravery and cunning against giants like the leviathan but you feel neither brave or prepared.

For the first time you hear your heartbeat. You weren’t even aware that, that was possible. Maybe it was a form of mercy, feeling your lifeforce before it was stripped from you.

It’s waiting. You can see it. Its eyes have never left yours. Its pupils so dark it reminds you of the sky. Above the surface of what you call home.

You make the mistake of looking away and everything happens in an instant.

You scream and it bellows as it strikes. Hot rushes of pain erupt with every flick of its head as it tries to swallow you whole. Jagged rocks digging into your skin as your hands bleed from smashing against its teeth. Your fear only doubles as it takes you deeper into the cave you were so hesitant to even look at. You can’t see, just feel and hear the monster that’s in front of you.

You wish you hadn’t tried to fight back. You wish you were home. You wish it had killed you quicker.

You’re so disoriented that the flashes of light that spark into your vision you mistake for the sun. The heat of each bang doing nothing to aid the tears in your body.

The leviathan roars and with each smash of glass it shrinks back until eventually it flees. Thick tail hitting the walls of stone and breaking just the surface.

You hear sounds above the calamity, words that you can’t make out because you think it’s finally over. You can rest now.

Gentle hands run over your body as you lose consciousness. Holding onto you like you were as precious as a pearl. Rings of gold are the last thing you see.

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ficsforgaza · 3 days

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˗ˏˋ HOW TO PARTICIPATE ˎˊ˗

There are two options: “Sponsor a WIP” and Requests

OPTION 1: “SPONSOR A WIP”

↳ For writers:

You will make a post listing the current WIPs or ideas you are working on/would be willing to work on as a gift for proof of donation. We will link to your post on a masterlist of writers who are participating. People who wish to donate can donate money to a fundraiser for Gaza as a way to advance your WIP. For example, someone can donate $5 and show you proof, as a response you write 500 more words towards the WIP that they are interested in. (This rate is an example. You can set another rate if you want to. Please include that in your post!).

The onus of updating word counts/proof will be on the writer. For example: if your fic’s expected word count is 2000 words, and you’ve written 500 so far as donations, just leave a word count on your wip page like, “Currently 500 words. Expected WC 2000.”

Once you have completed any fics that you wanted to use for this, you can let us know, and we will remove you from the list of active participants.

↳ For readers:

You will go to a writer’s WIP list, and choose a WIP that sounds intresting to you. You then make a donation to a VETTED fundraiser for Gaza. Take a screenshot of your donation. then, send the screenshot to the writer along with your WIP of choice.

OPTION 2: REQUESTS

↳ For writers:

If you are open to taking requests or prompts , please let us know and make a post listing the types of requests or prompts you will be able to take. Also please include the fandoms you are willing to write for and any pertinent rules for your requests. We will link your post onto a post with a list of writers who are open to requests. A donor will send you a request/prompt which you can fulfill as long as you are comfortable with their request. You can discuss privately if more details are required, but at the end of the day, perform the request/prompt as a gift for donations to a VETTED fundraiser.

↳ For readers:

The writer will be open to requests or prompts, depending on their preference. Please work with the writer directly to make a request and send proof of a donation in order to receive your gifted fic.

NOTES

↳ For writers:

We set a $1 donation per 100 words rate as an example and as a low barrier to entry. You can set your own criteria as you see fit.

This blog is set up more so to be a repository for which writers are open to "sponsors"/requests. We will not accept your requests directly, nor will we ask writers for fic updates. Once the fic is completed, if you tag this blog, we will see it and reblog it.

Please update us on how much money you have raised! We’ve made a form which you can use, here’s the link. We’d like to display how much money this collaboration has raised together so we can all see the results of everyone’s work :)

Once you post a fic on tumblr, if you could tag this blog or insert some blurb about donating to Gaza, that would be appreciated! If you post your fic on ao3 however, do not mention any type of fundraiser at all to avoid any TOS issue.

↳ For readers:

Please abide by each writer’s individual rules and DNI criteria as well as the criteria for requests if they are accepting requests.

Please only donate to vetted fundraisers; we want to be sure your donation is reaching people in need and not scammers. If possible, along with your screenshot, send a link to the gofundme so that the writer can easily locate which fundraiser you donated to.

When you send your screenshot, please make an effort to redact personal information!

BE KIND. Writing is a hobby. Please do not rush anyone! Writers write at their own pace. This is just meant for the community to do something positive for the genocide we are witnessing! So we ask that everyone be kind when making requests and reading people’s works.

#navigation

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prettyiwa · 14 hours

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🍉 Fics for Gaza — Sponsor a WIP 🍉

Hello, everybody! I'm honestly not sure how this will go, if at all, but I want to participate in the fundraising efforts of @ficsforgaza. Lately, I've been focused solely on projects that bring me joy regardless of readership and so for this, I'll be opening up all of my WIPs, including those not listed on my official WIP page but previously mentioned on this blog. For this fundraiser, I'm committing to returning to those old projects that have been unceremoniously left in the dust.

I'm committing to this undertaking with the hopes that one of my projects will encourage donations if they weren't previously inclined or were on the fence.

How it works:

$1 = 200 words!

Make a donation to a vetted fundraiser of your choice (links below) and send me a screenshot of your donation excluding identifying information + the WIP you'd like me to work on. For every $1 donated, I will write 200 words for your chosen WIP. Upon receiving proof of donation, I will begin working on the WIP.

Example message template:

Hey, Ix! I've donated [this amount] to [link to vetted fundraiser]. Would you be able to work on [WIP title]? Thank you! (Included screenshot of proof of donation)

Vetted fundraiser links:

Vetted fundraiser masterpost-masterpost

List of Palestinian Evacuation & Support Fundraisers

Masterlist of links, official & vetted

how you can help palestine

Eligible WIPs:

Because the list of WIPs included is so long, they'll be listed below the cut. Fandoms included: Daiya no Ace, Haikyuu!!, Attack on Titan, Fullmetal Alchemist, & My Hero Academia.

Daiya no Ace

The Catcher's Accomplice - Miyuki Kazuya Major Leagues, Interpreter, Forced Proximity (Belated Quarantine Fic), Falling in Love, Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, Fluff

When Kazuya insisted he be posted for the MLB, he wasn't quite aware of all that entailed, only concerned with being able to continue playing. He didn't fully anticipate the sheer loneliness of moving to a different country, especially just before a pandemic. How lucky for him that you're there every step of the way.

word count: 4,591/20,000+

Promises We Made - Miyuki Kazuya Childhood Best Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, Hurt/Comfort, Soulmates (if you squint), Expression of Grief, Anxiety, & Depression

He existed as a beacon for you—someone who had been there since before you can remember, someone who always found you when you got lost. All you wanted was to be able to stand on your own two feet beside him.

word count: 14,119/50,000+

His Name - Miyuki Kazuya Non-Linear Storytelling, Falling in Love, Break-up Fic, Angst, Hints of Pining & Regret

Kazuya never realized how much he loved the way his name sounded as it rolled of your tongue, a promise he didn't hear until it was too late.

word count: 1,593/6,000

Bittersweet Lotus Leaf - Miyuki Kazuya Epic, Royalty!AU, Politics!AU, Prince & his Knight, Political Intrigue, Assassination Plot, Rebellion, Grief, Hurt/Comfort, Slow Burn, Developing Relationship, Eventual Smut, Eventual Happy Ending

During a royal wedding, you were posed with the question, "Do you love me?" from your liege, and it haunts you even as the world falls apart around you. (This is a story about love and trying to return home).

word count: 2,177/100,000+

not a stranger - Sawamura Eijun Younger Brother's Best Friend, Childhood Crush, Childhood Friends to Lovers

Fifteen years after he used to announce to the world, "I'm going to marry you one day!," he no longer looks like the Ei-chan you once knew.

word count: 3,548/12,000

Play with Me - Kuramochi Youichi NPB, Bassist, One Night Stand to Lovers, Falling in Love, Shared History, Fluff, Suggestive

The story of you and Kuramochi Youichi goes further than the night he finds himself in the audience of your show, but it takes you a while before you acknowledge that.

word count: 339/7,500

Chink in My Armor - Kominato Ryousuke University!AU, FWB, Jealousy, Stubborn Ryou, Getting Together, Suggestive

For someone who "didn't have the time to focus on a relationship," Ryou spends an awful lot of time focusing on you.

word count: 273/5,500

Wanna Run with You - Yuuki Tetsuya University!AU, Friends to Lovers, Old Crush, Reunion, Falling in Love, Fluff

A favor for your new editor puts you in contact with your old friend and crush, someone you fervently wanted to avoid. Now that Tetsu has you in his life again, he isn't so ready to let you go this time.

word count: 6,513/9,500

Haikyuu!!

Mine to Keep - Iwaizumi Hajime Yakuza, Fight Club, Violence, Light Stalking & Obsession, Possessive Behavior, Smut

Iwaizumi's taken his time with you, preferring you willing and wanting, but there's only so much waiting he can do before he snaps.

word count: 10,444/15,000

Always You - Iwaizumi Hajime Fallen Angel, Demon, Memory Loss, Reincarnation, Angst, Love Perseveres

You two were favored angels, models for how others should perform until you made the grave sin of loving more than your Creator. For your crime, you were doomed to loving one another time and again through never ending reincarnation, forever watching the other suffer and die.

word count: 1,100/6,000

Coming Home - Iwaizumi Hajime Punisher!AU, Grief, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Friends to ??? to Lovers

After your mother died, you never expected to find comfort in the return of the friend you long since dead.

word count: 1,524/6,500

Late Nights - Iwaizumi Hajime University!AU, Pining, Getting Together

In the cover of night near the university baseball diamonds, Iwaizumi finds the courage to talk to you.

word count: 328/3,000

Maker of Myths - Oikawa Tooru Trojan War!AU, Paris & Helen, Falling in Love, War, Infidelity, Grief, Angst

The first choice you ever made was which suitor would be your husband, the King. The second choice you made allowed for you to choose your lover, your partner. The third choice you made started a war.

word count: 4,860/13,000+

This Tree, This Bed - Kuroo Tetsurou Odyssey!AU, Odysseus & Penelope, Falling in Love, Separation, Reunion, Hurt/Comfort

Kuroo liked to fashion himself as one of the smartest men in the known world. While his cunning managed to win your hand and your heart, it was unable to save him from going into a war unrelated to him.

word count: 3,215/7,500

Anxious, Wide Awake - Kuroo Tetsurou Magic & Monsters!AU, Vampire, Sorceress, Witcher inspired, Violence, Blood, Established Relationship

The more they touch you, the more their stench sticks to you, the more violent their deaths will be when he comes for you. Because he is coming for you. You have more faith in that fact than you do that the sun will rise tomorrow morning. His promise can still be heard nearly a century later, still humming along the skin where he first whispered it. He’s coming.

word count: 4,353/10,000

Please Look at Me - Hanamaki Takahiro & Matsukawa Issei Love Triangle, Not Polyamorous, Smut, Getting Together, Angst

“Is it okay if I have a taste?” Don’t you kids do anything I wouldn’t do. Takahiro’s seen Mattsun do a lot. He’s seen Mattsun in so many compromising situations throughout the years, he’s given up on keeping count long ago. And this? This is definitely something Mattsun would do.

word count: 867/6,000

Rosebuds & Black Currant - Futakuchi Kenji Strangers to (eventual) Lovers, Falling in Love, Getting Together, Fluff

It takes you entirely too long to understand the messages Kenji's been trying to send through the arrangements he gives you if only because you don't believe he's familiar with the language of flowers.

word count: 188/3,500

Attack on Titan

Rapture for the Sinners - Erwin Smith, Levi Ackerman Canon Divergent, Violence, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Friends to Lovers, Grief, PTSD, Smut

Fiercely loyal to Erwin Smith, you find yourself to be one of his most trusted soldiers, ready to do what is necessary for either of you to get what you want. With no room for romantic relationships, you two easily find yourselves engaged in a sexual relationship. Why do you suddenly find your situation muddled when you're tasked with bringing three thugs from the Underground to the Survey Corps? What happens when you suddenly find yourself developing feelings for the one you were prepared to kill and who was prepared to kill you in turn?

word count: 103,168/170,000+

For You, in the Future - Bertholdt Hoover, Levi Ackerman VOV Rewrite, Canon Divergent, Tech Advancements, Friends to Lovers, Lovers to Enemies, Political Intrigue, Grief, PTSD, Love Perseveres

An attempt at a rewrite of my first story. I've worked on it in secret over the winter and could be swayed to starting it once more.

word count: 7,601/150,000+

Fullmetal Alchemist

From the Ashes Flowers Bloom - Roy Mustang Canon Divergent, Violence, Religious Guilt, Subterfuge, Exes to Lovers, Hurt/Comfort

You've spent the last four years avoiding staying in one place for too long due to the belief in the superstitions of your mother's religion. After the murder of your adoptive brother, you begin to learn the truth of the larger conspiracy that's left a pile of bodies wherever you go. Deciding to confront the root of the problem head-on, you find yourself reforging old relationships, for better or for worse.

word count: 43,580/80,000+

My Hero Academia

Set You Free - Aizawa Shouta Pre-UA Teacher!AU, Hurt/Comfort, Falling in Love, Grief, Getting Together

An unfortunate quirk, bad timing, and grief-induced anger tied you to Aizawa years after the death of Shirakumo. He wanted to be a hero, and it takes him a bit too long to realize he may have ruined yours.

word count: 2,256/6,500

Hit Me Before I Knew It - Bakugo Katsuki Pro!AU, Fake Dating, Pining, Getting Together, Parental Grief

“I’m sorry—can you repeat that?” “I’m not saying it again.” “No, please. I didn’t quite hear you the first time,” you push, trying to repress the uptick of your lips at Bakugo’s unexpected question. He looks at you and you can tell he knows it’s not quite the truth, but he obliges you. The peculiarity of it all has you struggling to process it just as much as he’s struggling to say it. With a heavy sigh, he tries again, voice lower than before. “I need you to pretend to be my girlfriend. Just a date or two to get my buddy off my back.”

word count: 531/6,500

#fics for gaza #✒.ix writes

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doumadono · 21 hours

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Warnings: graphic descriptions of self harm, pro hero Shoto, established relationship, mentions of depression and negative thoughts, blood

Synopsis: even as a pro hero who faced countless villains and saved innumerable lives, Shoto realized nothing had prepared him for the battle he was about to fight — one involving one of the most important people in his life

A/N: this story was commissioned on my Kofi page by @aethien11-blog - I'm sharing it with their kind permission 🌸 If you like my writing, please consider supporting me via my Kofi page

MY HERO ACADEMIA MASTERLIST KO-FI COMMISSIONS

The night had draped its shadowy cloak over Musutafu, casting an eerie stillness over the bustling city. The only sounds were the distant hum of traffic and the soft rustle of leaves as a faint breeze blew through the trees. The city skyline glowed faintly, a haze of light pollution against the pitch-black sky.

Todoroki Shoto stood on the balcony of his high-rise apartment, the chill night air biting through his casual clothes. His dual-colored hair, a stark contrast to the darkness, swayed gently in the breeze as he gazed out over the city he had sworn to protect.

Shoto had just finished his shift and was savoring a quiet evening with his beloved girlfriend. Todoroki brought a steaming cup of tea to his lips and took a sip. He reflected on his life, recognizing it as fulfilling and stable.

It had been years since he graduated from U.A. Now a pro hero, Shoto was known for his unwavering dedication and unparalleled control over his quirk, a perfect balance of ice and fire. He had faced countless villains, saved innumerable lives, yet nothing had prepared him for the battle that was about to unfold very, very soon.

Celeste sat in the living room near the balcony, a gentle breeze wafting in through the open door. She was engrossed in a book, her amber eyes skimming the pages. The rustling of leaves and distant sounds of the city provided a soothing background.

Feeling the weight of her boyfriend's gaze, she raised her head, her eyes meeting Shoto's. A soft smile spread across her face, filled with warmth and affection. "Hey there," she said, her voice as gentle as her smile, and second later, she returned to reading her book.

Shoto and Celeste had met shortly after Todoroki graduated from U.A. High School. Shoto had already begun his career as a pro hero, and Celeste, with her healing quirk, often assisted heroes in need of medical care. Their paths crossed frequently in the field, and it wasn't long before Celeste noticed the deep, unspoken pain behind Shoto's stoic exterior.

Intrigued by the quiet hero who always seemed to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders, Celeste made an effort to get to know him. She saw the shadows in his eyes, the haunted look that spoke of past traumas and inner turmoil.

As they spent more time together, Shoto gradually opened up about his troubled childhood, his complicated relationship with his father, and the emotional scars that still lingered.

The more Celeste learned about Shoto's past, the closer they grew. Her empathy and kindness slowly chipped away at his defenses, and he found solace in her unwavering understanding.

Their bond deepened, built on a foundation of mutual respect and shared vulnerability, and before long, their friendship blossomed into a deep and loving relationship.

Celeste had been a constant source of warmth and solace in his life from the moment the two met. Her quirk, a powerful healing ability, had earned her respect and admiration in the hero community. But it was her unyielding spirit and genuine kindness that had captured Shoto's heart. She had a way of seeing through the facades people wore, helping them find their true smiles. She was a constant source of cheerfulness, radiating light and positivity wherever she went. Her laughter was contagious, and Todoroki found himself cherishing it immensely.

Yet, in recent weeks, Shoto had sensed something was off, a gnawing worry that he couldn’t quite put his finger on. He had noticed cracks in her facade. Moments where her smile seemed way too forced, laughter that didn’t quite reach her beautiful eyes. He had attributed it to stress, the pressures of her own hero work weighing heavily on her shoulders.

This evening was different. This evening, the shadows seemed deeper, the silence heavier.

Inside, the apartment was dimly lit, the soft glow of a single lamp casting long shadows across the room.

Shoto felt a knot tighten in his chest as he called out her name upon returning from his hero shift, his voice echoing through the seemingly empty apartment. "Celeste? I'm home."

No answer.

Panic started to creep in, an unfamiliar and unwelcome sensation. The silence that greeted him was unusual. Normally, Celeste would be bustling around the kitchen or reading a book on the couch, always ready with a warm smile. Concern tugged at him as he moved quickly through the rooms, his heart pounding louder with each step.

The bathroom door was slightly ajar, a sliver of light spilling out into the hallway. Shoto approached cautiously, his breath catching in his throat as he pushed the door open.

Celeste sat on the tiled floor, her back against the cold porcelain of the bathtub. Her usually vibrant brown hair, with its distinctive patch of bright red, was disheveled, cascading over her face like a curtain. She wore a long-sleeved sweater, even in the warmth of the apartment, but it was pushed up to her elbows, revealing the fresh, angry cuts marring her skin.

The bright red streaks on her forearms stood out starkly against her pale, delicate skin, deep and raw. Blood trickled from the wounds, mingling with older scars, and pooled on the pristine white tiles, creating a macabre contrast. Each breath she took was shallow and shaky, her chest heaving with the effort.

The razor blade was still clutched in her trembling hand, its edge stained crimson. More blood dripped from the blade, joining the spreading puddle beneath her. Her amber eyes, usually so full of life, were distant and hollow, tears streaming down her cheeks, mixing with the blood on her arms.

The sight was harrowing: streaks of blood had smeared across her skin where she had wiped at her tears with her hands, creating a grotesque pattern of red on her face. Blood smeared her wrists and fingers, and small droplets had splattered against the walls as well, painting the room in a chilling tableau of her anguish.

The room was silent, save for the occasional ragged breaths Celeste was taking. The sharp metallic scent of blood hung heavy in the air.

Shoto’s world narrowed to that moment, the sight of your pain cutting deeper than any villain’s attack ever could.

"Celeste..." Shoto's voice was a broken whisper, his heart shattering at the sight. He rushed to her side, dropping to his knees, gently taking the blade from her hand and tossing it aside. “What have you done?!”

She looked up at him, a flicker of recognition breaking through the haze of her despair. "Shoto... I'm sorry," she murmured, her voice barely audible. "I didn't want you to see this." Tears streamed down her cheeks, her mask of cheerful indifference shattering. “I’m sorry, Shoto. I tried… I tried to be strong for too long… I’m just too tired.”

He pulled her into his arms, the warmth of his inner fire contrasting with the coldness of her skin. “Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you let me help you?”

Her sobs were heart-wrenching, each one a dagger to Shoto’s heart. “I didn’t want to burden you. You’re always so strong, so perfect, so busy. I didn’t want you to see how broken I truly am.”

Shoto’s grip tightened, his voice fierce and filled with emotion. “You are not a burden. You are the light in my life, Celeste. I’m here for you, no matter what. We’ll get through this together.”

He reached for his phone with one hand, the other still holding the girl close. With a calmness that belied the storm inside him, he called for an ambulance. As he spoke to the operator, he kept his eyes on Celeste, his thumb gently stroking her cool cheek.

The minutes stretched into an eternity as they waited, Shoto whispering words of comfort and love, his heart breaking anew with each tear that fell from her eyes.

When the paramedics arrived, he stayed by her side, refusing to let go even as they bandaged her wounds and prepared to take her to the hospital.

The hospital corridors were a blur as Shoto Todoroki sprinted through them, his heart hammering in his chest. He could barely breathe, his mind consumed with the fear and urgency of reaching Celeste.

When he reached the ER doors, a group of doctors and nurses blocked his path, their expressions a mix of concern and determination.

“I need to see her,” Shoto demanded, his voice trembling with barely contained rage.

“I’m sorry, sir, but you can’t go in there right now,” one of the doctors said, raising a hand to stop him. “She’s in a very serious condition, and we need to stabilize her. She lost a lot of blood.”

Shoto’s eyes flared with a dangerous mix of anger and resolve, his control slipping for the first time in years. “You don’t understand. I need to see her. Now.”

“Please, we’re doing everything we can —”

“Do you have any idea who I am?” Shoto’s voice was a low, menacing growl. “I’m Todoroki Shoto, one of the top pro heroes. And if you don’t let me in, I swear I will tear this place apart to get to my girlfriend.”

The sheer intensity of his anger and desperation caused the staff to falter. They exchanged uneasy glances, clearly aware of the volatile nature of his quirk and his reputation.

“Let him through,” came a calm but authoritative voice from behind. An older doctor stepped forward, his gaze steady. “He needs to be with her.”

One of the younger doctors shook his head, concern etched on his face. “But sir, she’s lost a lot of blood and is very weak. She needs rest.”

The older doctor walked closer, his eyes narrowing with a scolding gaze. “I know exactly what happened,” he said firmly. “I’ve just come from her room. What she needs now, more than anything, is the support and love of her close ones. This is a challenging time for her, and having her close ones by her side will aid in her recovery more than solitude ever could.”

The blockade parted, and Shoto pushed through without a second glance. He burst into the room, his eyes immediately locking onto Celeste’s fragile form lying on the hospital bed. The sight nearly brought him to his knees. Tubes and wires were attached to her, machines beeping steadily as they monitored her vitals. Her complexion was sallow, and her wrists were heavily bandaged.

He couldn’t shake the image of her on the bathroom floor from his mind, the raw pain in her darkened eyes haunting him. How had he missed it? How had he not seen the depth of her despair? He had faced monsters and menaces, but this — this was something entirely different.

He approached her slowly, his heart shattering with each step. He reached out, gently taking her hand in his. “Celeste,” he whispered, his voice breaking.

Her eyes fluttered open, and she looked at him through a haze of pain and sedation. Tears welled up in her eyes, spilling over as she struggled to speak. “I’m sorry, Shoto. I’m so sorry.”

He sank into the chair beside her bed, holding her hand tightly, as if afraid she might slip away. “Why didn’t you tell me how much you were hurting? I could have helped you. I would have done anything.”

Celeste’s voice was a fragile whisper. “I didn’t want to be a burden. I thought… I thought if I kept smiling, it would be enough. But the pain… It was too much. I couldn’t see a way out.”

Shoto’s tears fell freely now, his chest aching with profound sorrow. “You’re my everything. Seeing you like this… it’s tearing me apart. I need you with me. I need you to fight through this.”

She squeezed his hand weakly, her eyes filled with regret and longing. “I didn’t want to hurt you, Shoto. I love you so much. I just didn’t know how to cope.”

He leaned forward, pressing his forehead to her hand. “We’ll find a way, together. I promise you, Celeste, you’re not alone. We’ll get through this, no matter how hard it is. Just… don’t leave me. Please.”

Her tears continued to flow, her fingers trembling in his grasp. “I’ll try, Shoto. I’ll try for you.”

He lifted his head, his gaze fierce and determined. “Not just for me. For us. For our future. We’ll face this together, and I’ll be by your side every step of the way.”

As the night wore on, Shoto remained by her side, refusing to let go of her hand. The hospital room was filled with a heavy silence, broken only by the soft beeping of the machines and the quiet sobs they shared. It was a moment of profound vulnerability, a testament to their love and the battles they would face together.

In that sterile, white room, amidst the beeping machines and the scent of antiseptic, Shoto vowed to himself and to Celeste that he would never let her face her demons alone again.

After ensuring Celeste was asleep, Shoto quietly left her bedside. The rhythmic beeping of the machines and the soft murmur of hospital activity were the only sounds as he made his way to the nurse’s station.

“Excuse me,” Shoto said, his voice low but firm. “Can you tell me where I can find the older doctor who allowed me to see my girlfriend?”

The nurse looked up from her paperwork, a sympathetic smile crossing her face. “That would be Dr. Hayashi, the head of the emergency ward. His office is down the hall, third door on the left.”

Shoto thanked her and followed the directions. Reaching the office, he took a deep breath before knocking. A calm, authoritative voice called from within, “Come in.”

Todoroki entered the office, finding Dr. Hayashi seated behind a cluttered desk, reviewing some files. The older man looked up, his eyes filled with a gentle wisdom.

“Dr. Hayashi,” Shoto began, bowing slightly. “I wanted to thank you for letting me see my girlfriend. And I also want to apologize for my outburst. I know I should have contained my emotions better.”

Dr. Hayashi waved off the apology, a hint of sadness in his eyes. “No need to apologize, Mr. Todoroki. I understand your reaction all too well.”

Shoto hesitated, sensing a deeper story. “You do?”

Dr. Hayashi nodded, his gaze distant. “Some time ago, I lost my daughter under very similar circumstances. She was suffering in ways I hadn’t fully grasped until it was too late. Even as a doctor, I was not allowed to see her when she was brought in. I couldn’t hold her in my arms when she was dying.”

Shoto felt a pang of empathy, the weight of the doctor’s words settling heavily on his heart. “I’m so sorry for your loss,” he said softly.

Dr. Hayashi offered a sad smile. “Thank you. That’s why I insisted you be with her. I know how crucial it is to have loved ones close during such a challenging time. It can make all the difference in their will to fight and recover.”

“Thank you for allowing me to be there for her.”

Dr. Hayashi leaned back in his chair, his expression one of quiet resolve. “Take care of her, Mr. Todoroki. And take care of yourself as well. You’ll both need each other’s strength.”

With a final bow, Shoto left the office, his heart heavy. He returned to Celeste’s side, more determined than ever to help her heal and to never let her feel alone again.

The days following Celeste's hospital admission were a blur of consultations, therapy sessions, and quiet, somber moments. The hospital had kept her under close watch, her condition monitored by a team of specialists.

Shoto visited every day, his presence a constant reassurance, his hand always ready to hold hers.

Finally, the day came when she was discharged. A psychiatrist had outlined a comprehensive treatment plan, emphasizing the importance of ongoing therapy and support.

Shoto had listened intently, absorbing every detail, his stoic demeanor masking the turmoil within.

Celeste was waiting in the discharge area, her small bag by her side. She looked up as he approached, offering a tentative smile.

"Ready to go home?" he asked, his voice steady but soft.

She nodded, feeling a mixture of relief and trepidation. "Yes."

He took her bag, carrying it effortlessly as they walked to the car.

The drive home was quiet, the hum of the engine filling the silence.

Shoto's eyes remained fixed on the road, his hands gripping the steering wheel with controlled tension.

Celeste glanced at him occasionally, taking comfort in his presence despite the lack of conversation.

The silence was not awkward; rather, it was a shared space of reflection and understanding. Words felt unnecessary, and the quiet was a balm to Celeste's frayed nerves. She watched the city pass by outside the window, her thoughts a tangled web of emotions and memories.

As they pulled up to their apartment building, Shoto parked the car and turned off the engine. For a moment, neither of them moved, the weight of the past days pressing down on them.

Shoto finally broke the silence. “Let’s go inside.” He got out, walking around to open her door.

She stepped out, taking a deep breath of the familiar air. It felt strange to be back, as if the world outside had continued while she had been suspended in a separate reality.

Shoto unlocked the door to their shared apartment, holding it open for Celeste, who stepped inside and took a deep breath, absorbing the scent and warmth of home.

Inside the apartment, everything was as they had left it. The familiar surroundings felt both comforting and strange, as if everything had changed while remaining the same.

Once they were inside, Shoto set down the bag of her belongings from the hospital and turned to face her. His eyes, usually so guarded, were filled with a mixture of concern and pure sadness. “Celeste,” he began, his voice steady but soft, “we need to talk.”

She nodded, her eyes meeting his. “I know.”

Shoto let out a sigh, "But first, you need to eat something. You've lost weight, and with the strong meds you're on, you need to stay strong. Come on, I'll make you some soba with peanut sauce."

Celeste sat on the high stool at the counter, her eyes following Shoto’s movements as he prepared the meal. He moved with practiced ease, boiling the soba noodles and mixing the peanut sauce with care. The kitchen was filled with the comforting aroma, a blend of savory and nutty scents.

As he worked, Shoto glanced over his shoulder at her. “My mother and Fuyumi want to visit this weekend. Do you mind?”

Celeste’s face lit up with genuine happiness. “I’d love that, Shoto. I’ve missed them.”

He smiled softly, returning his focus to the meal. “Good, I’m glad to hear that. They’ve missed you too.”

Within minutes, he set a steaming bowl of soba with peanut sauce in front of her. “Eat up,” he said gently. “You need your strength.”

Celeste picked up her chopsticks. “Thank you, Shoto.”

As evening approached, Shoto suggested they sit on the balcony.

The city was bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, the sky painted with hues of orange and pink.

They sat side by side, the silence stretching comfortably between them.

Finally, Shoto spoke, his voice a low murmur. “Celeste.” Shoto took her hands in his, his thumb gently brushing over her knuckles. “I’ve been thinking a lot about what happened,” he said slowly, choosing his words with care. “I know you were trying to protect me by hiding your pain, but it’s not something you should have to bear alone.”

She sighed, her gaze fixed on the horizon. Celeste’s eyes filled with tears, and then she looked down at their joined hands. “I didn’t want to hurt you, Shoto. I thought if I kept it to myself, it would be easier for everyone.”

He lifted her chin, making her look at him. “Celeste. Your pain is my pain, and I want to help you carry it. We’ll face this together, but you have to let me in. Promise me you won’t hide from me anymore.”

A tear slipped down her cheek, and she nodded, her voice trembling. “I promise, Shoto. I’ll try to be more open. I don’t want to go through this alone either.”

He pulled her into a gentle embrace, his heart aching with a mixture of love and sorrow. “We’ll get through this, one step at a time. You’re not alone, and you never will be.”

She sobbed against his chest, the dam of her emotions breaking. “I’ve been so scared, Shoto. So scared of disappointing everyone, of showing weakness. I thought… If I kept smiling, it would be okay. But it’s not.”

He listened intently, his heart aching at her words. "I’m sorry I didn’t see how much you were struggling. I thought… I thought you were happy. And when I started noticing… It was too late.”

She clung to him, the warmth of his body a stark contrast to the cold despair she had felt just days before. In his arms, she found a glimmer of hope, a promise of better days to come.

He held her through her tears, his own eyes stinging with unshed tears. “We’ll face this together. Please, let me help you.”

For a long time, they sat in silence, Shoto’s arms wrapped protectively around her. The gravity of her pain settled heavily in his heart. He knew this was only the beginning, that their journey would be fraught with challenges. But he was determined to be her anchor, to show her that she wasn’t alone.

They sat there, holding each other as the sun dipped below the horizon. The future was uncertain, and the road ahead would be challenging, but they faced it together, bound by love and a shared determination to find their way through the darkness. In each other, they found strength and hope, a beacon to guide them through the storm.

The days that followed were filled with small, tentative steps towards healing.

Shoto made sure she attended her therapy sessions and took her medication. He was always there, a silent pillar of strength, offering his unwavering support. Todoroki watched her closely, always attuned to her moods. He learned to recognize the signs of deterioration of her mood, the moments when her smiles didn’t quite reach her eyes. In those times, he held her close, whispering words of comfort and love.

One day, after Celeste felt well enough, Shoto’s mother, Rei Todoroki, and his older sister, Fuyumi, came to visit. They brought handmade mochi and other sweets, their faces lighting up with joy when they saw Celeste looking better.

Rei was the first to embrace her, pulling Celeste into a gentle, warm hug. “It’s so good to see you, dear,” she whispered, her voice full of genuine relief. “We’ve missed you.”

Fuyumi followed, hugging Celeste tightly. “We’ve been thinking about you every day,” she said softly. “I’m so glad you’re feeling better,” the woman added, stroking Celeste’s brown hair gently.

Dark-haired girl smiled, a little overwhelmed by their warmth. “Thank you both. It means a lot to me.”

They all settled in the living room, the sweet aroma of freshly brewed coffee and tea mingling with the afternoon air.

Shoto sat beside Celeste, his hand resting reassuringly on her knee.

Rei sipped her tea before speaking, her tone soft like a summer breeze. “We won’t ask you about what happened,” she said gently. “We know it’s hard, and we don’t want to bring you back to that dark place.”

Fuyumi nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. “Just know that we’re always here for you, whenever you need us. You’re part of our family, Celeste.”

Celeste’s eyes shimmered with tears, but they were tears of gratitude. “Thank you. I can’t tell you how much that means to me.”

Rei smiled warmly. “Now, let’s enjoy these sweets together.”

As they shared the mochi and other treats, the room filled with laughter and light conversation. The support and love from Rei and Fuyumi were like a balm to Celeste’s soul, reminding her that she wasn’t alone and that she had a family who cared deeply for her.

Celeste began to open up more, sharing her fears and insecurities, and slowly, she started to find her way back to herself. The scars on her body, though a grim reminder of her struggle, began to fade slowly.

Their home became a sanctuary, a place where they could face the darkness together. Each day was a battle, but it was one they fought side by side, their love and determination lighting the way forward. And in the quiet moments, when they held each other close, they found solace in the unspoken promise that they would never give up on each other.

For Shoto, the love he held for Celeste was a beacon of hope, guiding him through the challenging times.

And for Celeste, Shoto’s unwavering support was a reminder that she was never truly alone, that even in her darkest moments, there was light to be found.

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