🎀LYDIA🎀

Somebody in class, probably Mina (because who else would stir things up before lunch) mentions Valentine's day being around the corner.

“Ugh, I already know I'm gonna be broke,” she groans, stretching across her desk. “So many people to get chocolates for… friends, classmates, crushes…”

Her eyes land on Bakugou.

“What about you, hothead? expecting a mountain of them this year?”

He scoffs, not even looking up from his notes. “Don’t care. And no.”

Mina gasps, feigning offense. “Come on, none? Not even, like, pity chocolates?”

His pen stops moving. “Why the hell would i want people givin’ me pity sweets?”

That earns a few laughs from the class. Kirishima tries to lighten the mood, clapping Bakugou's back. “It's ‘cause you scare everyone off, bro!”

Bakugou shrugs him off, muttering, “Whatever.”

You’re a few rows back, just another classmate. Close enough to hear the exchange, far enough to know he wouldn’t notice your stare.

And yet… the idea of him never getting a single Valentine’s chocolate sticks in your mind longer than it should.

A week later, you end up sitting across from him in the campus library. it’s not planned, you both just happen to claim the same big table during midterms. He grunts a quiet “tch” but doesn’t tell you to move, so you take that as permission.

For a while, there’s only the sound of pages flipping and pens scratching. Until you speak up.

“Hey, you doing anything on Valentine's Day?”

He stills, pen hovering mid-sentence. “…The hell kinda question is that?”

You grin a little. “Relax, it’s not a confession. Just thought, there’s that new movie showing that Friday. Figured since we’re both single and stressed, we could go.”

He looks at you for a second too long, eyes narrow like he’s trying to figure out if you’re joking.

“Tch. Like I care about that dumb day.”

“So… that’s a no?”

He exhales, sharp but not unfriendly. “...fine. Whatever.”

You smile. “Great. I'll buy the tickets.”

You smile to yourself. it’s not a yes of enthusiasm, but it’s a yes nonetheless.

The theater is packed with couples, hands intertwined, cheap bouquets everywhere. Bakugou looks vaguely disgusted by the whole thing.

“Didn’t realize it’d be a damn zoo,” he mutters.

You laugh, adjusting your scarf. “We'll be the counterbalance. Two unattached people watching explosions.”

That earns a quiet huff that might’ve been a laugh if he wasn’t trying so hard to hide it.

At the snack counter, he pays for the popcorn (“i ain’t lettin’ you waste your money”), and you grab a bar of chocolate. When you hand him the receipt, he nods toward the candy.

“That for you?”

“Yeah. gotta have something sweet with my salt.”

“Gross,” he says, questioning the combination of.

You shrug and tear it open once you’re seated. “You want some?”

“Nah. Hate sweet stuff.”

You slip the other half of the chocolate in his pocket anyway when his eyes are fixed on the screen.

And that’s it. No grand gesture, no implication.

But days later, when he empties his pockets and finds the torn movie ticket practically fused with the half-melted chocolate bar, a scoff escapes him– followed by a small, reluctant smile.

Because that chocolate, casual and unassuming, ends up being his first valentine’s chocolate after all.

Even if neither of you realized it then.

For example, say you run into some friends while you're out in public, but they have with them their roommate who you've barely met. In this case, don't just ignore the roommate in favor of only acknowledging and speaking to your friends, make sure you acknowledge and greet the roommate too, even if it's just a smile or even just a polite nod.

Humans are by our nature a communal species, and as a result tend to be pretty affected by feeling ignored or excluded. Even if you're not ignoring them on purpose, you just feel awkward acknowledging someone you barely know, try to consider how you might feel if you were totally brushed off and ignored by someone who is acknowledging everyone else but you.

Even if you personally don't think you'd personally be hurt by being brushed off by your roommates' friend, know that your feelings aren't universal and plenty of people would feel bad about feeling ignored, especially if they're someone who has a history of being excluded by their peers.

For example, you're in line at a buffet, and someone reaches for the soup ladle to get their helping of soup at the same time as you. Instead of reaching for it even faster like a kindergartner trying to grab a toy before the other kids can, instead offer to let them have the ladle and scoop their soup first.

Or you're at the grocery store and reach for a can of tomatoes at the same time as someone else, instead of trying to grab it faster like a toddler trying to grab a cookie before their sibling can get it, instead offer to let them take the can instead.

If you can, it helps to make a demonstration of it, such as saying "oh no you go first!" or "oh no you can have it!", or even just smiling and/or gesturing at the thing you're both grabbing for to let them know they can have it first. That way, if this is someone being childish and acting like a kindergartner who wants to just grab things first before other people can have it, you are letting them know that you are letting them have it out of good manners, and not because they "won" by grabbing for it faster than you. It might even make them reconsider their childish and selfish behavior if they see someone demonstrating good manners by consciously letting them have it first.

Most of the time small grabby children are going to be relatively close to each other in size and physical strength. But as we get older we have to learn better because in the world at large outside of a preschool classroom there are going to be even more variances in size and physical capabilities. In a world where everyone regardless of age just reaches faster if they see someone reaching for the can or soup ladle at the same time as them, or rushes faster to get to the cash register first if they see someone approaching at the same time as them, ect. is going to be a world where children, the elderly, disabled people, and anyone just smaller in frame/stature is going to be at a disadvantage and always going to be the last to get the can or the last to get to the cash register, ect.

I saw a video of a woman with extremely thick hair doing a thinning method at home. One comment said "my hairdresser heart weeps" because apparently her method may lead to frizz and impact a unified hair look. The woman had so much hair it was giving her headaches.

Its the same as people telling me when I had long hair never to cut it because its so impressive. Its people telling natural redheads never to dye their hair because its such a rare pretty colour.

Its transmasc people being told they were so pretty as a girl and are wasting that.

Its girls being told they are wasting their figure/physical attributes because they are not displaying them constantly and wearing comfortable baggy clothes.

It's people telling you to never go in the sun, not smile and not to use a straw because it will give you wrinkles. Its being told not to eat certain foods because they are bad for your skin, or to do eat other foods because they are good for your skin regardless of whether you enjoy either of those foods. It's being expected to put hours into your skin care and prioritise it over activities you enjoy so you have younger looking skin when you are old.

It's being expected to wear clothes that are uncomfortable because they make you look thinner/more like an hourglass. Not to move in certain ways because it will be unflattering.

It's telling people not to prioritise themselves and their interests in their decisions but instead to prioritise their skin/hair/figure/etc.

I did not agree to preserve whatever natural features i was born with like a one man historical society for myself just because i happened to be made of those genes. I have every right to use and enjoy my body in ways other people don't think fitting and that don't preserve features that currently fit societal beauty standards. I do not agree to hold aesthetic pursuit over comfort and health and happiness.

PLS

I've seen this so many times already, but I just can't stop laughing

Those aren't prison guards, those are dads

Just look how angry Samon, Kiji and Kenshirou are

They're like "You did NOT just PUNCH MY CHILD*REN"

Especially Kiji with Honey and Trois- pls- I know they're in pain, but they look so cute🥺

They all look so adorable

And cell 13💀 they legit look like they've just been caught doing shit by their dad and have to listen to an hour long lecture n scolding

AND MUSASHI

My fellow German boy

He looks like he got roped into the shit or tried to stop them, but got punished too

Honey and Trois act like they did nothing, but are actually the ones who encouraged the whole thing. Little rats. But they're MY little rats, so they get a pass and forehead kithes💜

UPA MY BABY is literally in tears while Qi is annoyed af cause now he can't lay comfortably to nap cause of that big ass bump (he was probably napping while everything happened and just got punched too cause Hajime was raging) and Liang tried to fight Hajime, but lost. His pride shattered into pieces and now he's all pouty

Samon is lowkey disappointed Liang lost, but more disappointed Upa and Qi didn't try to fight back Hajime too. Tries so hard not to show it, but it's clear on his face

BEST DAD KENSHIROU KNOWS HIS SON DID NOTHING WRONG AND WILL SUE HAJIME FOR HITTING HIS LITTLE BOY

Kiji will of course sue him too cause he touched his little pretty boys

But taking care of them goes first💕only the best treatment

And they get treated to a spar day too, to process this traumatic event

This is what I see when I look at this image✨

You're welcome

:★: relationship : loid forger x baker!g-neutral reader

:★: warnings : none, fluff

:★: a/n : rereererr loid my little wheueeuehehehe (sorry not atsv/hsr post) i wrote this at 11pm so if the pacing doesnt make sense i was cery bery sleepy ok 😔

.... so you've somehow, someway have done the equivalent of a marriage proposal without realizing it. To Balam of all demons. Who accepted it.

One part of your brain was still in the wait, what just happened phase. But another part was running around hands in the air and screaming. "YES, YES, YES!" And course your greedy side was singing. "Mine, mine, mine, he's all mine!"

Overall, no regrets. You could live with this. In fact, he accepted, so no take backs, no returns. To think is all started with a shiny rock you found.

*earlier that day*

You had just been wandering the gardens, nothing really on your mind. That's when you spotted something glittery from the corner of your eye. There, by the edge of one of the ponds, was a pebble. You knelt down and carefully picked it up. How pretty!

It was maybe half the size of your palm and somewhat smooth except for the rough edging on its left side. The color was deep blue. With specks of purple, and was that silver along the jard edge? It reminded you of something.

You stood up and lifted it to the light, getting an even better view of the reflective surface. It was so colorful and so soothing to fiddle with in your hand. Releasing a pleased hum, you pocketed your find and walked back inside.

Zipping down the hall, you made your way to the den where the children were currently doing their homework. You laughed when Clara and Lied tackled you whining about the piles of work they still had. You cooed and petted both their heads before nudging them off you.

"Okay. Tell me what you don't understand and we'll go from there." Soon, all the kids were huddled tail and limbs around you as you helped with homework and talked about upcoming projects. How comfy this place felt now that it was full of life just about every day.

"Is Balam-sensei coming over later?" Iruma asked egarly as he tenderly held one of the books his teacher had gifted to him. You beamed and reached out to pinch his cheek. "Course he is how can he not want to spend time with such cute students!" Making several of the kids laugh.

"You two have been getting along well, haven't you?" Giggled Elizabetta, her tail swinging playfully back and forth. You narrowed your eyes at her for a moment before flicking her forehead. "Ow." You watched her pout for a minute before smiling.

"You're getting cheeky, aren't you. That's what you get for taking after your mentor." Playfully wagging a finger at her. "But it's no surprise that Balam-sensei is head over heels for you. He practically has hearts in his eyes whenever he sees you." Lied piped up, and you ruffled his hair as you tried to hide your embarrassment.

Of course, more of your kids chimed in, ganging up on you. "Yeah, yeah, super lovey dovey." Pops up an excited, Clara. "You two do make a lovely couple." Alice nodding happily. "I wouldn't mind another parent. Balam-sensei is cool and very nice to us." Jazz says casually, leaning against your shoulders, preventing any escape.

You spotted opera and Sullivan peering into the room mischief in their eyes. You knew exactly where the kids got the idea now. You mouthed 'traitors', and they quickly disappeared.

So this is how you would die. Out of pure embarrassment. There was a knock on the door. Oh, thank devi. You scrambled up and out of the pile. "I've got it! I've got it! Nobody else gets up!" Dashing to the front door. Yanking the door open, you saw the Demon in question.

He reached out and cupped your face gently so that he didn't hurt you. "Are you alright? Your face is red? You didn't have to run. I could have waited." Carefully turning your face before lifting you up for a closer look.

"No, no, I'm fine, just embarrassed is all," you laugh nervously as you attempt to wave off his concern. Looking at him face to face, you couldn't help but recall the conversation from before, causing a darker blush to spread.

"The kids will be happy to see you." You quickly changed the subject. "Their in the den." He cradled you to his chest, and you relaxed. It was your favorite spot, after all. Making his way inside, you avoided the kids' gazes and just listened to them interact with Balam-San.

You couldn't help but stare at him as your thoughts roamed freely. He was so sweet. A calming presence in the wild hellish world you now lived in. He had helped you and all your kids more than once. He was strong, an unyielding shield that protected all he stood before.

Honestly, you doubted you could have survived long without his assistance. Thankfully, Opera had the foresight to introduce the two of you. You smiled at the memory.

*flashback to adoration your pov*

You hadn't known much, well actually you knew nothing about the world you found yourself now living in. But that moment when you turned around and saw him staring at you kneeling in the entryway. Well, the way he looked at you made you feel special. You felt like you were some kind of artwork in his eyes, a long-lost mater piece brought to light.

His size alone should have intimidated you. Kneeling, he was still a little taller than you. But maybe it was the fact that he was so lost in thought that made you approach carefully. One step then two. Till you stood before him in the light waiting for him to realize your flaws.

That moment never seemed to come. In fact, it was harder to tell with his wild hair and the mask that covered half his face, but you could have sworn he was crying. He was crying! What a silly demon. You couldn't help but laugh.

You remember what Opera had briefly mentioned to you before meeting him. "He's been wanting to meet a human his entire life. He'll probably overwhelm you with questions and constant touches, but it's doubtful He'll ever harm you." The words brining comfort to you in that moment.

"I hear you've been waiting a long time for me. Is that true?" You prompted, watching as his head bobbed rapidly. 'So pretty.' You remember thinking in that moment seeing the bright colored eyes reflecting your image. "You know something?" You teased out, watching him as he subconsciously leaned forward.

You brought yourself closer, too, and it felt safe. Surprisingly safe and warm as you made sure he was making eye contact. "I think you and I are going to get along just fine. Please take good care of me." You giggled. Reminded of him stuttering out his reply. "O-of course."

*end flashback*

The happiness in those eyes radiant like starlight. You shake yourself out of the memory to realize you had been left alone with Balam. How he was still holding you as he read a book. Seeming content. His heartbeat is slow and calm.

"Mmmh, so they all left us, huh?" You teased. He chuckled. "It seems so." You shifted only to feel the weight in your pocket. Oh! The pebble. That gave you an idea.

"Hold out your hand." You instructed as you sat up straighter and pulled out your shiny treasure. That's what it reminded you of, Balam himself. He held out his hand curiosity in his eyes.

Carefully, you placed it in his palm and smiled. "It reminded me of you. It's so pretty. I'm sure you'll like it!" The gargoyle could only stare at it with wide eyes as you smiled confidently. "A-are you sure?" He seemed to stumble.

"Of course, I'm sure! It's almost the exact same shade as your eyes! I'll show you wait there while I get a mirror!" You jumped off of him and rushed to the bathroom where you recalled setting down a hand mirror this morning.

**Balams pov**

... his brain was not functioning correctly. In his palm, he held a saints tear. One of the rarest minerals in the netherworld. And to top it all off, you just handed it to him. Saying that, he resembled it! A bright red blush covered his face, thankfully contained by his mask.

How did you know this was how gargoyles courted?!?! Presenting a simple pebble was usually how it went, but you were giving him a priceless gift! The darker the color, the more expensive they were. Hesitantly, he rubbed the near smooth surface. A courting gift.

What was his human thinking??? They needed to make a nest with plenty of room for the kids and to ask Sullivan for his blessing. Wait! Did humans even build nests? He'd have to ask iruma! He sped up the stairs and opened the door to said boys' room. "Iruma!"

Big blue eyes stared up at him innocently, unaware of the large demons' internal crisis. "Yes, Balam-sensei?" He asked. "H-how do hu-humans court? Do you build nests? What should be given in return?" The teenagers' eyes bulged in shock at the overwhelming amount of questions.

"Well, I mean, I thought you were already courting Balam-sensei. That is well. You two are always cuddling and playing with each other's hair. You always eat together. And you help them with all of us even though you don't have to, and they never once asked you. Umm, humans don't really build nests, but we like comfort, and they always seem to be comfortable with you or in your vines, so I don't think it's a problem. As for gifts, um, most do jewelry, but Grandpa gives them lost of jewelry, so o don't think that will work. Maybe something handmade?"

He found himself listening with rapid attention nodding egarly for more information, but before he could ask anything else he heard. "Balam? Shichirou? Where did you go?" Panic entered his mind he hadn't said yes yet! What if they thought he ran off!??!

Zooming back down the stairs, he barely stopped behind you. "Oh, there you are! Look at you. You have your poor feathers all ruffled up. Such a shame they're so lovely, too." As they reached out and attempted to settle zome of his neck fluff, an idea came to mind.

**you currently**

You were momentarily startled when balam lifted you up and set you down on the couch. He knelt down so that both of you were of closer height. He seemed nervous, and you weren't sure why. Taking a deep breath, he took hold of both your hands.

"I-I never thought that there wo-would be an-anyone that wanted me. I'm not ex-exactly a catch by demon standards." You reared up about to fight anyone who had ever said anything, but he squeezed your hands, getting you to focus again.

"But I am so glad. Extatic that you would gift me something so precious." You blinked... was he talking about the rock? "I promise I will always cherish it, and I accept your offer in courting." Oh my devi, he was talking about the rock. How did he think this was a courting gift???

"I ca-can't offer you much in return, but I -I hope these will do for now." He pulled out a few of his own feathers and slowly weaved them into your hair. Tears began to swell in your eyes. Oh! "Perfect." You whispered in awe.

Throwing your arms around him tightly. "It's perfect! Don't get me anything else! I'll be so mad if you even try." You croaked out on the verge of sobbing. A pleasant rumble escaped the demons large chest as he held you against him.

You snickered for a moment. "What is it?" He asked you. "Ah, I just thought that this means Kalego-San will have to come over more if he wants to see you." More laughter spilled out, and the gargoyle also tried to muffle his own laughs at the looks of horror and distain his colleague was sure to have when given the news.

He watched as you pleasantly played with the feathers now decorating your hair. ☆one perfect pebble, just one humble stone. But oh, what a stone can do~ it means that I have one love forever and one love alone. A now and forever with you~☆ You kissed his temple as he stared at you in amazement.

"Does this mean we get to call Balam-sensei dad now?" Both of you jumped startled by Soi's question. Sneaky child. You could see the others on the stairs looking hopeful. You returned your gaze to shichirou, who appeared to be swelling with pride and embarrassment.