#plus the way he moves....HIS HACKING COUGH....he's got it all tbh | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

makeste · 5 years

Text

BnHA Chapter 202: Rival Break and the 3rd Set

Previously on BnHA: Momo made a giant cannon and used it to fire a bag of emergency supplies over the onomatopoeia wall back to her pals. The bag contained some fungicide which Tokoyami and Hagakure doused themselves with to ward off Toadette’s horrific quirk. It also contained a pair of night vision goggles which Toko used to track down Toadette and Kuroiro. For a moment it looked like he had them both contained, but then Toadette sprouted some mushrooms in Toko’s fucking windpipe, cutting off his air supply and causing him to release them. Meanwhile Kendou showed up to rescue Manga from Hagakure’s flurry of invisible attacks. She’d managed to knock Momo out, but not before Momo sprouted a bunch of steel cables from her left side to tie Kendou up and attach herself to her while she herself was still attached to the giant cannon. So basically she slowed her way down, and tbh they would have had this if Hagakure and Tokoyami (and Aoyama, who got captured before any of them) hadn’t dropped the ball. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. But anyway, so the round went to B Team, and now the classes are tied and we’re about to move into the third round.

Today on BnHA: Since Momo and Kendou’s teams absolutely trashed the battlefield, Aizawa and Vlad announce a short break before the start of round 3. All Might takes Deku aside and asks him if things are all right with his quirk. Deku says he’s fine, only to be interrupted by Kacchan who’s all THE FUCK ARE Y’ALL DOING HAVING THIS WEIRD CONVERSATION SO CONSPICUOUSLY and he makes them fill him in. Kacchan’s response to the whole OFA situation is to basically egg Deku on to become stronger already, and it fucking works is the thing, so y’all know this one-page conversation is easily the most “!!!!” I’ve been about this series in fucking ages omg. But anyways, so then round 3 starts up with Team TetsuPonyHoneSen VS Team TodoIidaShoujiRo. Shouto briefly thinks back to when he was like six fucking years old and Endeavor was trying to teach him a new fire technique by being an abusive dick. Shockingly this method didn’t pan out, but Shouto’s been thinking about it again recently since watching his dad battle the Noumu at Fukuoka. Meanwhile Iida is hyped to win since he’s representing his brother as the successor to the Ingenium name. And Tetsu is also hyped because he’s always fucking hyped! So basically everyone is getting ready to do their best and this should be good!

(As always, all comments not marked with an ETA are my mostly-unspoiled reactions from my first readthrough of this chapter. I’m caught up with the manga now at chapter 223, so any ETAs will reflect that.)

oh wow Toadette is actually offering Tokoyami a throat lozenge like I was joking about earlier. haha. only the reason it was a joke on my part is because I thought it was fairly obvious that a fucking lozenge wasn’t exactly going to do much to help after you sprouted fucking mushrooms all along the inside of his goddamn windpipe! these kids are fucking savages I swear to god. they’re out for blood

anyways he’s still coughing and hacking and she’s telling him to go see Recovery Girl before this turns into one of those hanahaki fics

meanwhile Momo also appears to be ill after using her quirk as much as she did, and she’s shaking and doesn’t seem to be able to stand, so two sarcastic asshole robots are wheeling her off to RG as well

yeah I’m gonna need you two to shut up. were they specifically programmed to be douches? this is someone’s idea of a joke isn’t it

anyways I hope my girl Momo is gonna be okay. Kendou go with her please!

Shinsou’s all “wow everyone got really fucked up” and Aizawa’s just like “yeah that’s just how it goes with hero training” as though this is in any way acceptable lol. well I guess it’s been a little while since U.A. did anything outrageously irresponsible though, so maybe we can cut them some slack this time around. plus ultra?

(ETA: nope I take it back. within three chapters all four teachers will be idly standing by shrugging their shoulders and hoping none of the kids fucking burn to death by accident. lesson learned, never ever cut the U.A. faculty any slack whatsoever.)

btw I almost forgot to mention it but it’s super cute that Shinsou is hanging out next to Aizawa. they have clearly built up some kind of bond by this point, and as usual I’m delighted by any and all instances of Aizawa being a dad

looool

did I mention that Manga’s quirk is seriously unbelievably strong though?? is there an onomatopoeia for “All for One-destroying weapon” that I don’t know about that he could speak into existence perhaps? hmm?

also smh at these teachers being more concerned with the property damage than with the attempted murder. Tokoyami’s fine by the way. but sure let’s scold them for doing some mild damage to your industrial training site which you specifically created for this very purpose

so apparently they’re going to change the stage? or “move the stage” at any rate? does this mean they’re cleaning up the training ground, or are they moving to one of the other areas? I’m not quite clear here

but at any rate, Vlad says they’re going to take a short break which I’m all for because it means more chances for the kids to interact!

look at them interacting!!

so I’m just going to assume the two speech bubbles on the right are Kirishima and Tetsutetsu, yes?

also, Manga, I’m gonna need you to stop whining about how your ultra-powerful and crazy broken quirk gives you a sore throat. fuck outta here with that nonsense son. I assume the only reason no one gave OFA to you is because the series would already be over

Deku is happily taking notes on everyone’s growth while Ochako watches, and it’s super fucking cute. I am shipping this more these days now that she’s not losing her damn mind any time she thinks about him and he’s not on the verge of passing out whenever she gets within two feet of him

and now All Might’s coming to say hi to his apprentice!

are y’all gonna talk some more about the Avatar State. because if you are then I’m the one who’s gonna start taking notes omg

so he’s beckoning Deku over so they can have a quick private chat in the corner

Mina’s all “well aren’t they close~” and I know she’s just making a mild observation, but once again I’m reminded of how these two are just the absolute worst at hiding their secret. like for real though

so All Might’s asking Deku if anything has felt off since their last conversation

and Deku says “nothing in particular”, which is a bit of a curious answer since he could have just gone with a straight “no”

All Might says he’s planning to ask Gran whether or not Shimura ever mentioned anything. I doubt it though, otherwise you’d think he’d have brought it up before now. not everyone is as cagey as you when it comes to passing on vital information

anyways, he says for the time being Deku should take care since he’ll be facing off with Shinsou

and interestingly, he says Shinsou is a piece of the puzzle as far as the Vestiges/Traces are concerned

really? I mean it’s true that Deku first saw them during his initial fight with Shinsou, and now he just so happens to be fighting Shinsou again on the same day that he had that crazy dream. but is that not just a coincidence? how could Shinsou actually be involved with this?

OH MY GOD

(ETA: speaking of onomatopoeia, Kacchan has his very own complete with exclamation point lol. what happens if Manga uses this. do the letters explode)

KEEP KACCHAN IN THE LOOP 2K19!!!! OH MY GOD YES PLEASE THANK YOU MANGA GODS

holy shit I was wondering if he was gonna get annoyed since he could hardly fail to notice them sneaking off to chat while he was right fucking there

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

OH MY GOD YOU GUYSSSSSS

IT DID!!!! AND NOW THEY’RE FINALLY GONNA TELL HIM WHEEEEE

oh my god. Kacchan/Deku rivalry. it has been so fucking long you guys. it’s been 80 fucking chapters!!

things I love:

DON’T KEEP ANY MORE SECRETS FROM KACCHAN ABOUT ONE FOR ALL, HE OFFICIALLY GETS ANNOYED ABOUT IT. HE WANTS TO KNOW SO MAKE SURE YOU KEEP HIM POSTED

for reals though, he’s making sure they remember that he’s part of the OFA squad now. that wasn’t just a one-time thing, he wants to actively be involved. I don’t know if they actually realized this before, but now they’re aware so I hope Deku tells him the next time without having to be asked

also him yelling at them to be more fucking secretive for christ’s sake lol. RIGHT?

and him immediately getting competitive and reminding Deku of what his goals are. they always do this with each other, and it’s honestly so important. the shounen rival relationship is, at its core, one of constant growth. if done right, the two rivals will each be the one person who can always unfailingly push the other when they think they can’t go any further, and nudge the other back on track whenever they start to go astray. and that is so, so important, and it’s especially important for them to keep establishing this relationship now, when for once things are actually calm and there aren’t any villain plots or other angsty things going down for the time being. because this quiet period is not going to last. and there will come a time when Izuku will need this type of push again, when the fate of the world might even depend on it. they help each other to focus and they keep each other grounded, and this shit right here is why it’s my favorite relationship, and I can’t say enough good things about it

lastly, this is fairly subtle, but you can see that this is Katsuki’s way of reassuring him. like, he realized Izuku was... not unsettled, exactly, but certainly confused and still trying to figure out what the hell is going on. so he immediately sets onto distracting him. and I’ve gotten completely distracted by my own excited ramblings and I haven’t even finished the damn conversation yet, but I bet you anything that it worked, too. because that’s the power of rivals, dammit

yeppppp

I fucking love it you guys. every damn time. this is what keeps sucking me back in. this is why I’m reading. give me some good old fashioned shounen rivals showing their concern for one another in the most indirect way possible and it fucking works

PREACH IT ALL MIGHT!

NO, HE DEFINITELY IS. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I’M SAYING. SEE, ALL MIGHT GETS IT

like, I don’t really have much more to add other than what I already said, lol. although I will say I’m fairly sure that not only is he not actually pissed off, but he’s actually relieved that Deku did smile, and it was the exact effect he was going for, which is why he called attention to it before immediately trying to play it off like h was mad

anyway, so that was everything to me you guys, but the show must go on, and we are now all set to begin round 3! and it looks like we will be staying in Ground Gamma and that they’ve just relocated to a different part of the stage, or something. idk

so Sen is the only guy in this round who we haven’t already met, although I don’t think we actually know Pony’s quirk. Honenuki’s quirk is of course the quicksand quirk of cavalry battle fame, and I’m looking forward to seeing that in action again

meanwhile they’re up against these legends!

once again I can’t for the life of me figure out how they can possibly screw this up. but we know they will somehow! guess they’ll just have to get creative

and now a quick flashback of Tokoyami, who you can tell is feeling better because he’s coming up to Todoroki and just rambling on and on for no real reason

no you don’t you boob. calm the fuck down man. go eat some ice cream and lie down

well what have we here

friendly reminder that I ship these two. by this point I think I ship Todoroki with almost as many people as Bakugou and I’m not quite sure how that happened. this boy is more social than I give him credit for

so now Shouto’s thinking back to his dad’s battle against High N’ Tight Noumu

and what’s this?

the prominence burn thing? or the flying thing? I personally think he ought to learn the flying thing first

and now some flashbacks to Endeavor being abusive

jesus christ. please tell me Shouto is smoking from his own quirk. please tell me you didn’t actually set your child on fire you utter trashpile of a man

and what the hell is with the shinai? because the fire wasn’t fucking enough??

props to Horikoshi though for showing this. it’s not pleasant to see, but the fact that he doesn’t shy away from it even after starting Endeavor’s redemption arc is really important. none of his past deeds have been erased. he’s not pretending it didn’t happen or that it’s okay now because things are finally starting to get better. it’s such a fucking mess, and I really, really appreciate that we’re being confronted with it even now and nothing is being swept under any proverbial rugs

correct me if I’m wrong, but I feel like this is pretty rare for redemption arcs, both in Eastern and Western media. usually once the former bad guy starts down the right path, the story stops addressing those past sins, presumably in the hope that audiences will eventually forget about them. but not only is Horikoshi not doing that, he’s actively showing us the bad shit again in vivid detail, the resulting effect being something like “hey, just in case you forgot...”

anyway, so here’s more confirmation that Todoroki Touya is in fact Dabi

just fucking confirm it already you cowards. it’s not like you’re trying to hide it; you purposely alluded to it so overtly at the end of the Endeavorhawks arc that no one could possibly fail to miss it. so I really don’t know why you’re playing games with it at this juncture. he must have some sort of plan here but idk

anyway, he says that Shouto is the one, and that he can pass this technique on to him and only him

I wonder if Touya accidentally immolated himself with a failed prominence burn. god I want to know what happened so bad uggghhhh

ahhhhhhh

they’re so cute omg

Ojiro says he had no idea anything was wrong because Todoroki’s expression “never really changes that much”, and he’s impressed Iida could tell

it’s because they’re lovers, Ojiro! but not really, but do you agree with me that they should be? because if not then I really don’t know why you’re wasting my time here tail boy

Iida’s all “but of course!” and says he’s the class president and is always there to lend a hand to a classmate in need. and sure. but also, lovers

AHHHHHH

SUDDEN TENSEI MENTION MY HEART WASN’T READYYYY

(ETA: his face is so cute here too oh my god. fucking adorable.)

so now he’s putting on his helmet, and he says he’s also representing Ingenium’s good name

is this in reference to what Tokoyami said earlier about him and Todo representing the #1 and #2 heroes? did your feelings get hurt bud lol

and he’s reminding everyone that he placed third in the sports festival, “so allow me to show you all!”

damn, somebody sure is fired up

you better watch it son, this enthused 40-year-old nerd is stealing your boyfriend before our very eyes

now we’re cutting to class B!

and Tetsutetsu is also all fired up!

no one thinks you’re dumb, Tetsu! just passionate!

lol but he is acknowledging that this is one of the less strategically balanced class B teams

but he has a plan to address that!

kick some ass!!

yessssssss

and stfu Sen. he has exactly one specialty so of course he’s gonna lean into it. nothing wrong with that

now I’m honestly starting to wonder how he would fare against Todoroki. he might be the only one who could actually stand up to the Prominence Burn attack if it turns out Shouto does have it

...or he might melt. but surely Shouto wouldn’t actually fire a potentially lethal blow during a training exercise... right?

(ETA: ...)

so now Vlad is grumbling about how THEY JUST SAID not to destroy the whole fucking stage, and here Tetsu is, destroying the stage

nice hero name! but it definitely is a misspelling! I’m sure it’ll be corrected at some point later on though

lol this group is something else

this is definitely my favorite class B team to date lol. and Honenuki’s personality is in such stark contrast to his somewhat terrifying appearance, who knew

also props to my boy Sen for having the appropriate reaction to being pitted against Todoroki freaking Shouto. though you could have had it worse, bud! it could have been Bakugou or Deku. at least you guys are somehow going to win which I still can’t get over

lol because it’s literally their only choice given the makeup of their team

well, bring it on!

61 notes · View notes

mintypothos · 7 years

Text

tbh burr walking into work rockin heels for a dare he DOES NOT stumble he just works it. everyone's staring, the girls are actually so confused why he can walk so well, the Rev squad has taken over 100 pics each. Washington can't deny he is hella rocking the heels -anon via @badromantics

Here’s a 2.6k fic because what else am I doing with my life. The rest is under the readmore.

“It's impossible,” Lafayette huffed under his breath. Aaron spared a look from over his book- everyone in his friends group were strict enforcers of the “no work while visiting” rule.

“What's impossible?” Aaron asked- probably not a great question to ask, but he was bored.

Lafayette frowned and pulled up something red and strappy. Stiletto-heeled, ankle strap shoes dangled from his fingers. “It looks amazing on me, I know it! But I can not walk on them for the life of me! It is utterly impossible.”

Aaron gave the shoes a contemplative stare. “It's not impossible. But if you've never worn heels, they could be difficult; I'll give you that. Start with kitten heels, perhaps, or go for wedges and platforms. They have a wider base, so they're easier to balance on.”

Lafayette stared back, a confused squint on his face. “Little Burr, how do you know so much about heels?”

Aaron didn't bother taking the bait. He wasn't ashamed of what he knew, but he did deserve some secrets. “I just do. If you want to jump straight to stilettos, you can, it's just going to take a little effort.”

“A little?” Lafayette threw a hand to his chest. “I have been trying, and I have been failing! I bet you couldn't take a single step!”

This drew an unconscious smirk from Aaron's lips. If only they knew. “You're right. I couldn't in those, they're far too big for me.” Even if Aaron couldn't tell just from looking, if they fit Lafayette, they most certainly did not fit Aaron.

Lafayette crossed his arms. Aaron recognized a glint of challenge in his eyes. He knew where this was going. “Alright. I bet you could not spend an entire day in similar heels in your size without falling once, or taking them off.”

It wasn't great for one's feet to wear stilettos all day, but Aaron could do it if he wanted to. The question was whether he wanted to. “I don't do bets just for the sake of betting.” Aaron's intent lay in the air, silent but clear. What was Lafayette willing to put on the line?

“Alright. You're bluffing.” Lafayette frowned, his forehead creasing in concentration. Then, with a sudden grin, Lafayette spoke. “The loser of the bet has to do the others' bidding for a week!”

Aaron wasn't bluffing, of course, but there was no point in telling Lafayette that. Plus, the stakes were... interesting. “Is that a work week, or the full 7 days?”

“7 days. Next Sunday, to the following Sunday. Are you in?”

Aaron pretended to give the question a long, careful consideration. His mind was already made up, but there was little sense now in tipping Lafayette off about his miscalculation.

“Alright. I'm in.” Aaron kept his face blank. He shook Lafayette's proffered hand, sealing the deal.

Lafayette's grin turned to a predatory smirk. “The bet starts tomorrow morning and does not end until midnight. I hope you like bowing and fetching drinks.”

Aaron resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “We'll see where we land, won't we?”

Lafayette wouldn't know what hit him.

Lafayette was waiting at Aaron's door come morning, phone out and ready in one hand and two coffees with a paper tray in the other.

“I feel like waiting by my door might be a little much,” Aaron raised an eyebrow. “And is that recording? Do I need to invest in a restraining order?”

Lafayette shrugged, incapable of his usual dismissive hand wave, hands full as they were. “A week of servitude is on the line, little Burr. I'm going to check you aren't cheating.”

Aaron did roll his eyes at this. “Well,” he gestured down at himself. “Does this look like cheating to you?” Aaron barely avoided striking a pose, however slight. He had to admit he was proud of his choice. Four inch, needle-thin closed toe stilettos, in a shiny black the exact shade of his usual work dress-pants. They were a classic in the formal work place, made interesting with a rich red underside.

“Little Burr, you have yet to take your first step.” Lafayette shifted his phone, aiming it more squarely in Aaron's direction.

Well, he wasn't wrong. Aaron straightened his back, squared his shoulders, and walked. Lafayette gaped as Aaron smoothly strode towards and then past him. “I assume one of those are mine?” He paused to gesture at the drinks. “A bit rude to stalk me with a camera, otherwise.”

Lafayette jumped, finally moving. He swung to Aaron, actually needing to catch up with a short jog. “Wha- how did you-!?”

Aaron grinned. It wasn't often that Lafayette looked so completely flabbergasted. On his fine features, the expression was almost adorable. “You shouldn't make bets without full knowledge of what you're betting about.” He taunted, just to rub it in.

“Hey,” Lafayette drew out the note, accusatory. “What are your secrets, little Burr?”

“They wouldn't be secrets if I told you,” Aaron countered. “Now pass me one of those coffees.”

Aaron thought Lafayette's reaction was dramatic, but it was nothing compared to coming to work. He should have, perhaps, seen it coming. Dramatics were an every day occurrence at Washington and Associates; today was no different.

Alexander was the first to greet them, outside the office. He had clearly been told about the bet, not that the forewarning stopped him from gaping like his jaw had been dislocated. It was a little amusing, but by now Aaron was more concerned about getting to work.

He took a long sip of coffee and strode past Alexander in his best, slightly swaggering walk. “You'll catch flies like that, Alexander.” Aaron's hand was on the door by the time Alexander managed to speak.

“Wh- you can wear heels? What the fuck, Aaron?”

Aaron turned back, brows raised. “Does that bother you? Because if it does, you can fuck off...” Aaron trailed off. Alexander was blushing, cherry red from nose to cheeks to ears. “Uh,” Aaron faltered, taken aback. He had just been having fun- and now he felt a little bad. Aaron didn't think he could have that kind of effect outside the stage, without even trying. Maybe good heels had a bigger effect on one's look than he thought.

“Buh,” Alexander stuttered; and then snapped from his stupour at Lafayette's giggle. “Shut up! I'm just not used- you're taller than me now, okay?!” If anything, his blush deepened- but the spell was broken, leaving Alexander huffy and embarrassed. Not an unusual state, for him. Aaron pushed through the door.

Walking into the office was also an adventure, somehow. Jefferson trailed off, mid conversation with Madison, both of their eyes bugging out impressively. Lee choked on a mouthful of coffee, hacking until he turned purple. Eliza somehow gained sparkles in her eyes, face overtaken by an ecstatic smile.

“Those shoes look amazing on you!” She skipped over. “I didn't know you liked heels, Aaron! You have great style, why don't you wear them more often?”

Aaron didn't bother hiding a pleased smile. Eliza was a joy to talk to, no matter the subject. “It's part of a bet, actually. I don't like drawing attention, you know.”

“Well, you've certainly done that today.” Eliza shot the surrounding room of silenced people an appreciative look. “So I guess you have a point. That's a shame, you look fantastic in them.”

“Ah, thanks-” Aaron was cut off by a firm, deep cough.

Washington was out of his office. “I came to see what the silence was about,” He explained himself. Washington scanned the room, quickly landing on Aaron. He sighed, “I don't even want to know.”

With a sharp turn, Washington strode back to his office. Aaron could barely hear the quiet whisper: “I don't deserve this”, before the door slammed shut. Aaron could sympathize.

The presence of the boss, however brief, was enough to push people back to their own business. Actually having to work did wonders on settling things down. Aaron felt lingering stares, and of course Jefferson tried to make a comment- but Madison pulled him away. Aaron made sure to pass Madison a thankful nod.

Of course, come lunch time, things got weird again.

“Let's go out to lunch, little Burr. It's not much of a bet if you sit in your desk all day!” Lafayette jutted a hip out, leaning against Aaron's desk like he belonged there. Aaron carefully watched the stack of files scant millimeters from Lafayette's side, just waiting for the slightest movement to send them scattering to the floor.

“Sounds like something you should have thought of before you set the terms.” A smirk found its way onto Aaron's lips.

Lafayette mirrored the smirk, somehow making it twice as flirty and three times as mischievous. “Little Burr, are you afraid of a challenge?”

The argument was basic and very, very weak. Regardless, Aaron wouldn't mind a nice lunch. “Only if you pay.”

“Deal!” Lafayette chirped, holding out a hand. Aaron took it, expecting a shake. He was hauled to his feet instead, nearly losing his balance. “Oh, should you perhaps be a bit less confident? That stumble was nearly a fall.” Lafayette's smile turned shit-eating.

“You pulled me, doesn't count.” Aaron shot back. Lafayette hummed, tone light and non-committing. Aaron ignored it.

Lafayette sauntered out with Aaron beside him, apparently well over the shock from earlier. He still peeked over at Aaron several times though, seemingly disappointed at Aaron's easy gait, keeping up with him.

Alexander was at the door, because of course he was. He took a quick glance at Aaron's legs, then up at his face- and wow, he did have to crane slightly, Aaron really was taller than him- then fervently away, an embarrassed look on his face. It was an interesting form of power. Aaron tried not to think about it.

It was entirely unsurprising when Laurens and Hercules were found already waiting for them at the diner. Expecting it by now, Aaron let them have their moment. Laurens whistled, loud and impressed; Hercules made a strange squealing sound. They both whipped their phones out.

“It's like you've never seen a man in heels.” Aaron threw a hand against his hip, unimpressed by the day's spectacle. “We better sit down and order soon, lunch break only lasts so long.”

“Oh no,” Alexander, at some point, had found his words. “Washington gave the 'i don't want to know' complaint. As far as he's concerned, today is a write off as long as the work actually gets done. But let's go in anyways, I'm starving.” Alexander threw the doors open.

“You know,” Laurens shot Aaron an up-down, appreciative look. “It's not that none of us have seen men in heels. You just make them look real good.” Aaron faltered at the compliment. He felt surprisingly warm.

“Yeah! You've really got the figure for it, and the posture, of course. How is your posture so good, man?” Hercules grinned, slapping Aaron on the back. He felt himself grow warmer.

“Uh, practice,” Aaron admitted, on the slight side of flustered. Everyone froze, even Hamilton, still holding the door open. “Never mind,” Aaron followed quickly, knowing it was too late.

“Practice, little Burr? Practice where, doing what? I'd like to see whatever it is you practice that requires high heels!” Lafayette shot Aaron a fluttery wink.

“Alright, enough, let's go get lunch or I'm heading back to the office.” Aaron stalked to the door, almost shoving Alexander.

Somehow, they were seated. “Hey Burr, you secretly a stripper?” Laurens stage whispered from the other side of the booth.

Aaron considered the question, and then considered what technically true statements he could make. He was a lawyer, after all. “I'm not,” He said.

“Damn.” Laurens crossed his arms.

“Runway model?” Hercules ventured. “Because if you are, I'd model you any day! Hell, even if you aren't, I'd model you. You look so much more... sophisticated, like this. Not that your normal stance is bad, but you just hold yourself differently.”

Aaron felt a creeping little smile. It was a cute compliment. “No I'm not, and no thank you.”

“I'll discover your secrets yet, little Burr,” Lafayette warned, leaning conspiratorially towards Aaron. The only response Aaron could dignify that with was a short eye roll.

Lunch was surprisingly quick. “It's not worth the effort of demanding those pictures don't get posted everywhere online, is it?” Aaron tried to peer over at Lafayette's phone. They all had them out, and were damn lucky Aaron didn't mind all that much.

“You know us too well,” Laurens responded with a grin. Alexander and Hercules shrugged. Lafayette shook his head, drawing his phone towards his chest and away from Aaron's sight.

They walked back to the office. “Are you sure you aren't even a little strained?” Lafayette's voice was almost a whine.

“I'm sure,” Aaron chuckled. “Why, nervous yet?”

“Of course not,” Lafayette scoffed. To his credit, he did seem confident. Aaron had no idea how he still was, given Aaron's obvious comfort in the stilettos from the get go. “You'll slip up sometime, all I have to do is be there to see it.”

“There's only half a day of work left, and I've certainly not had any trouble yet” Aaron reminded.

“So there is.” Lafayette did not seem worried in the least.

The reason why was revealed as soon as Aaron shouldered his jacket, lost in thought over what to do, now that work was out and the weekend officially started. Lafayette was waiting by his desk again. Aaron sighed. “Please don't tell me you intend to follow me home and watch me until midnight?”

“That would be a lie,” Lafayette admitted. His lips turned up, clearly pleased with himself.

And thus, the day went. Lafayette tried to challenge Aaron several times. A set of jumping jacks. A set of one-foot hops. Warm-up stretching poses. Aaron humoured him, balance far too good to be threatened by something so juvenile.

There was one thing Aaron's balance wasn't too good for, though. Lafayette challenged him to do a series of squats. Aaron had no problem with that. What he did have a problem with, however, was the firm push Lafayette threw into Aaron's shoulder in the middle of said squat. Completely unexpected and with more than a little force, Aaron toppled onto his back.

“Well, well, well, looks like I won the bet after all.” Lafayette's grin stretched ear to ear.

“That doesn't count, I didn't lose my balance from the shoes, you just pushed me!” Aaron snapped. Honestly, the things these guys tried to pull.

“Ah, but those weren't the terms, were they?” Lafayette made a mocking 'tsk' sound, and Aaron paused. He knew where this was going, shit. “The bet was, you can not take the heels off until midnight, and you can not fall. All forms of you falling must be valid, as we did not specify what causes of you falling did or did not count.”

“Yeah, but you and I both know what you meant. You're just twisting.”

Lafayette crossed his arms smugly. “Perhaps, perhaps not. Which argument do you think would stand, if taken to court?” God, Aaron hated having lawyer friends. Even though he was one, too.

“It wouldn't ever go to court,” Aaron's protest was token at this point. As annoying as it was, Lafayette did out-smart him. He couldn't help but be impressed.

“Maybe not, but it will go to be judged by our good friends Alexander, Laurens, and Hercules. Who do you think they will side with, in this?”

Aaron sighed. They both knew the answer. “You are a dirty, ridiculous cheater.”

“Yes, but a dirty, ridiculous cheater who won. Remember, the week starts on Sunday.” Lafayette pretended to consider his next words. “Addressing me solely as Monsieur, or sir, will do fine. I'll make sure to have the maid dress sent to you before then.”

Aaron froze, disbelieving. “Maid dress?”

“Of course! And now that I know you can handle them, I know just the perfect shoes to match.” Lafayette sighed, a dream-like, pleased sound. Aaron had the distinct feeling that the next week would not be very fun for him.

This was why Aaron didn't do bets.

#fic #burrlaf #kind of #its mostly a friend thing but there are probably undertones to be had if u want #insofar as they think each other is very pretty but aren't in a relationship

34 notes · View notes