#*comfort

「 top comfort characters 」 | No.2

Allen Walker ‣ D.Gray-man

please do not use any of my works, in any shape or form, without permission.

The little voice in your head knew no bounds, even when things were going well, it'd show up to remind you it was only temporary. And when things were rolling downhill at a rapid speed, one you could feel weighing down on your shoulders, like right now, it only made it worse. It was like rubbing salt on a fresh wound. You just wanted something to shut it up, or at least drown it out.

Luckily you had a boyfriend who could brighten up any dark day of yours and who was on his way with comfort snacks. Somehow he had a way of knowing when you were feeling down and always called you in those moments. Today was no different. Seconds after your own mind began to attack you, he sent you a text, and you immediately asked him to come over.

Knowing him, he was out the door before he replied, "I'll be there in a bit." And he was at your door in less than 5 minutes.

"Hey." His voice was soft and low, void of his usual energy. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing... everything... I don't know." You shook your head and dropped your shoulders.

He knew pestering you with questions wasn't going to help either of you, so he nodded softly and wrapped you in a warm hug. "You'll be okay. I'm here."

After several seconds, possibly several minutes, you pulled finally pulled away from his embrace. Honestly, you didn't want to, but standing in your doorway was a bit awkward. Taking hold of his hand, you guided him over to your bed so you could both sit and possibly cuddle. You just wanted to remain close to him.

"How about a movie? I did bring snacks, after all." He shook the bag in his hand with a smile.

"Sounds good," you nodded. Spotting your favorite chips in the mix, you let a small smile pull at your lips. "You're the best, you know that?"

Trigger warnings: mentions of physical abuse in Kirishima’s part and mental/verbal abuse in Bakugo’s.

Thank you so much, my sunflower! I really poured my heart into that request. Sorry this took so long (a few months in fact) – I hope this is just as good too! :]

– Mod Katsuki

Eijiro Kirishima

Eijiro is a bit stupid when it comes to academics, but not when it comes to people. After all he did befriend the most volatile and antisocial person in all of UA – so surely he knows what he’s doing.

He’s quick to pick up on your withdrawn demeanor when it comes to talking about your past relationship. You seem to actively avoid any mention or comment on your ex, instead opting to cast your gaze downwards and hurriedly change the topic. Eijiro isn’t a fool – obviously you didn’t want to talk about it and he had no intention of pushing you to.

But he wasn’t prepared for the prospect that you were abused, much less physically abused.

Truth be told, Eijiro never paid much thought to the fact that abuse happens in relationships. He wasn’t often exposed to the concept of abuse nor did he go out of his way to learn more. He was blissfully unaware, which only made the news of your abuse pain him further. It was like his world had turned upside down – it just never crossed his mind that abuse could happen to someone so near and so close to him.

His eyes were wide and dead when you broke the news to him, his mouth trembling with anger and shock. His fingers were clenched so tight his fingernails marred his palms. He had no idea what to say – what could he say? What could he do to right this wrong? All he wanted to do was break down, angry at his own incompetence and ignorance; but, that’s not what you needed right now as you stood in front of him hyperventilating, your eyes dull and your body shaking.

It hurts. The news hurts so damn much, but what hurts more is the fact that fate did this to you. Why couldn’t he have met you sooner, before you met that horrible ex of yours? Why God, why?

It’s possible that Eijiro may even need therapy to get him through this, and that fact alone tears him up inside. You have it much worse – what right did he have to seek therapy for himself? You needed him, so why couldn’t he be a man and do that for you? He felt so selfish.

He appreciates you opening up to him, however. It must have taken a lot of courage and mental willpower, so all he could do was man up (in his own words) and be there for you when you needed him most. You’d get through this together.

For the following couple weeks, Eijiro finds himself mindlessly and hatefully attacking the punching bag every time he visits the gym. It keeps his mind from wandering to dark places – like what he’d do if he ever ran into your ex. Since he’s not an angry person by nature, he’d probably manage to ignore the person and go about his day; but, if your ex even dared to bother you again, Eijiro would raise hell to ensure that you never had to go through that torture again. You’re safe with him now.

Overall, Eijiro makes it a point that he would never, ever hurt you in any way, including physically. He always assures you that he’ll protect you and ensures that he’s especially gentle around you. He wants to be your lighthouse, not your anchor, as you navigate the aftermath of your previous relationship. Although he can’t 100% help you get over your trauma, he’ll always be there for you.

Katsuki Bakugo

Unlike Eijiro, Katsuki is quickly pick up on your warning signs. While outsiders (which he lovingly calls “damned extras”…) may view him as an irrational airhead, Katsuki is far more observant than he cares to let on.

He realized after only a few conversations consisting of him aggressively (yet playfully) yelling at you like he does with everyone (minus the playful part of course). The way you flinched when he called you “shithead” was very telling. He immediately knew there was more to the story than what you were telling him.

In typical Katsuki manner, he’d push you to tell him the truth, unaware of just how deep-rooted the problem is. He’s never dealt with a situation like this; in fact, he grew up letting his emotions manifest in unhealthy manners such as yelling or fighting rather than talking them out. He’s lost – utterly lost and worried on how to help you.

Obviously, this approach doesn’t work. Why would it when your ex behaved similarly, mentally torturing and verbally abusing you to the point that you questioning their every move and motive? You want to believe Katsuki and give him the benefit of the doubt, but blind trust is what got you into this mess in the first place.

Katsuki has to rethink his approach, perhaps even consulting Eijiro. It all clicks when the red-head points out that Katsuki’s angry demeanor may be terrifying to someone who is in shock or traumatized (think of a hero saving a terrified civilian).

From then on, the blond makes it a point to be less rowdy around you, especially when you’re down. Although it would hurt his pride if someone saw him being a softy, it’d hurt him far more if he just let you suffer in silence. Your well-being is far more important. Besides, if someone gives him (or even you) crap for it, they’ll pay soon after.

Still, this sudden change in personality isn’t enough to sway you. Of course it wouldn’t work – not when your ex would do the same after they verbally and mentally abused you, switching to a kinder and sweeter persona in order to regain your trust or guilt-trip you.

It takes a long time, a very long time, for you to open up to him. There were times when it even frustrated him, but Katsuki cared about you too much to push you into something you didn’t want to do. But after weeks of Katsuki consistently acting sweeter and more compassionate around you, you start to realize that he’s in it for the long haul. There’s no way the hot-headed Katsuki would be so patient otherwise – he must truly care for you.

When you finally open up and tell him the grisly details, he takes it in stride. Sure his blood pressure definitely rises, but after spending weeks gaining your trust, he already saw this coming.

He’s quick to wrap you in his arms and gently pet your head as you sob, unsure of what to say to calm you down. He’s not very good with words, but it’s also rare for him to be touchy-feely like this and he hopes that’s enough to help you in such a vulnerable moment.

Afterwards, Katsuki’s resolve to be a hero only grows stronger. He has a new reason to fight and be number one: to protect you.