Okay, that's true...the HN was really advanced stuff from what Ryukyu showed me. Still, a big network of people working together and sharing information and goings-on, ready to be on call for emergencies and stuff is really cool!!
Ooooh, are you going to do your robot impression again? You ALMOST beat Iida-kun that one time, remember?! The faux-interviews and you were just all 〣( ºΔº )〣
Oh no please don't remind me. That wasn't a robot impression. I was frozen stiff... like Legos... and then I rambled... How does everyone else do it? Even Kacchan was able to speak... well, maybe not normally, but he could be understood.
Um...well, it was pretty nerve-wrecking, definitely... I really don't like being the center of attention a lot of the time, but it's easier if I try to ignore everyone else and just pretend I'm in a room with one person? Just like having a chat with a friend, like we're doing now.
And having a goal in mind helps, too. Sticking to your guns, and not backing down.
I'm always looking at the people around, I can't turn that off. Except when I'm busy with my notes, or doing text like I am now. You're really good at putting on a smile anyway. Other people's smiles literally fuel you.
Then...hm. Imagine the other people as all our us cheering you on!! Maybe that'll help you feel less scared talking like that.
Ah...well. I do love it when people are smiling, and happy. It's one of the reasons I wanted to become a Hero. But you're the same way, too. You've always tried to protect everyone's smiles. It's what I admire about you, Deku.
I met someone here who talked about protecting people's smiles. To a photographer, those smiles mean everything.
When I found out Shigaraki and Dabi were in town, I asked begged this person for the negatives of photos of me with my friends. I couldn't let those fall into the wrong hands and bring danger to them. I said I would destroy the negatives.
[Oh...hm. That's definitely a bit of a pickle to be in, because Ochako actually feels like Izuku is indeed in the wrong for what he tried to do. So while she does agree it wasn't the right thing to do...she's not about to backhand him with the truth. Or how she feels. She won't baby him, they're well past that as best friends, but she knows how deeply he cares.]
I can't say I'd feel the same, but... Deku, I wanna ask you something a little personal. Please don't take it poorly.
If I was put into a situation where I had to fight for my life, and you couldn't do a thing about it, would you trust that I could make it through? On my own? Would you believe in me, my strength, and everything I've learned, and not needlessly worry about me?
Don't tell me what I want to hear, I want to know what's in your heart.
When I spoke to this person and asked for the negatives months ago, I was filled with fear. I could see not just my friends but anyone I ever spoke to killed and turned to dust, whether they were a fighter or not. You know Shigaraki doesn't care who gets in his way.
I can't say I'm never scared now. A big fear like that doesn't just go away. It's like an old injury, but the muscle around it can be strengthened again. You all back home taught me not to do everything by myself. To rely on you, the people who can have my back.
I just wanted to tell you about this because you're my friend, and what you said about me protecting smiles was really kind. But I didn't want you to believe that I never wavered. I want you to believe in me because I did, if that makes sense. All Might made being a hero look so easy, but he actually struggled too. He told me he smiles to trick the fear inside him.
[Ochako expected no different, but she still smiles very fondly at how fast that response came. She gets frustrated, of course, because she worries about him. Izuku is still the type of person to be reckless, and damage himself (physically, emotionally, and mentally) when he gets so far into his own head during a fight. But, the fact he's taken away a little from them all going after him, fighting at their maximum output for his sake - to bring him home and keep him there - it means a lot.
His trust means a lot.]
Deku, I've always believed in you. Maybe a little foolishly, because I see now that what you were doing to yourself wasn't good at all...even for the sake of what I thought, at the time, was heroic. I can't stop you from doing what you're doing, and I won't - none of us will - but you can't stop us from worrying, either. When you're hurt, we're hurt, when you're happy, we're happy. Being a Hero is...definitely way more complicated than I ever thought it was when I was growing up. ^^;;
But I know I'll always be a Hero who saves people, and protects their smiles. Yours too, you know. ♥ Your REAL smile, because I like it a whole lot. It's pretty dazzling.
[ It's the sort of familiar ease he grew to love in the UA dorms. He got comfortable enough to laugh openly with a group of friends, something he hadn't done in years. His real smile, not the collection of polite or appeasing ones he gives others when he's feeling nervous or awkward.
Always believed in you fills him with warmth like a sunburst, even if she tempers it with a gentle admonishment. ]
It is hard to remember that I get carried away. You're one of the people who sees that right away even when I don't.
[ Midoriya hid or downplayed a lot of what he was going through. He made it difficult for people to see, whether consciously by hiding the truth or unconsciously via his priorities always shifting to others. It's as Uraraka says; she had to get to know him to see it. ]
I know back home everything is changed forever. No one will be able to just forget what happened. But with you all, I feel like we can find a way to make sure everyone is safe and not scared again. Your smile tells me that. It's strong.
[ He manages one, a small smile down at his Omni, as he remembers the brave press of her hand. ]
[In their own ways, they've all come a long way. Ochako learned to grow strong, and believe in herself, her true self, a little bit more, and Deku learned how important it is to have people beside you that can support you. And, of course, bonk you over the head when you're doing something supremely stupid. Which Ochako herself is starting to get the courage to do - probably from a certain someone's influence.]
It's because we're friends. Even if it hasn't been a really long time, I feel like I know you a lot. ...And you're a really terrible liar. (▔∀▔)
Thanks, Deku. I appreciate hearing that a lot, cuz... Well, I definitely don't feel like it sometimes. Not on my own. I feel like I'm stronger when I think of, or am around you and Bakugou...or everyone else.
[But mostly those two. They just have a presence that seems to radiate confidence, courage, and a strong will. It makes Ochako feel like she can really do anything... Truly Plus Ultra.]
Anyway, my Omni is kinda blowing up...so I'm gonna turn it off to get some chores done. I'll see you around, ne? Come over for dinner if you want, too!! It's croquettes and shredded cabbage tonight!!
Yeah I'm not great at lying... Well you know, back then, it was you all who were strong for me. So I'm glad you're my friends. And thank you for listening to me today.
Oh! If you need help I could come over early.
[ There he goes again. He'd be sad not to help. He's forgotten that he's going to commandeer dish duty anyway. As a guest. As he does. ]
[There he goes indeed... Ochako is shaking her head, but she knows she would be doing the same thing if she were offered dinner at someone's house as well. It's just polite to clean up after one's mess, and offer aid when they can. Besides, maybe she can teach him something.]
It's a pretty simple recipe, I've done it a million times, but I don't mind if you come over whenever you feel like. It's never bad to talk to you. Oh!! You can set the table while I'm cooking.
[Which will take all of five minutes for three people, but it will appease the broccoli, she hopes.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
To be honest, I'm a little nervous around so many people right now. I mean, I know all of them, but still.
[ He's a little better at parties thanks to Class 1-A and his friends here, but he'll never be on Uraraka's level. ]
no subject
Still, a big network of people working together and sharing information and goings-on, ready to be on call for emergencies and stuff is really cool!!
Ooooh, are you going to do your robot impression again?
You ALMOST beat Iida-kun that one time, remember?!
The faux-interviews and you were just all
〣( ºΔº )〣
no subject
That wasn't a robot impression. I was frozen stiff... like Legos... and then I rambled...
How does everyone else do it? Even Kacchan was able to speak... well, maybe not normally, but he could be understood.
no subject
I really don't like being the center of attention a lot of the time, but it's easier if I try to ignore everyone else and just pretend I'm in a room with one person?
Just like having a chat with a friend, like we're doing now.
And having a goal in mind helps, too.
Sticking to your guns, and not backing down.
no subject
You're really good at putting on a smile anyway. Other people's smiles literally fuel you.
no subject
Ah...well.
I do love it when people are smiling, and happy.
It's one of the reasons I wanted to become a Hero.
But you're the same way, too. You've always tried to protect everyone's smiles.
It's what I admire about you, Deku.
private
When I found out Shigaraki and Dabi were in town, I
askedbegged this person for the negatives of photos of me with my friends. I couldn't let those fall into the wrong hands and bring danger to them. I said I would destroy the negatives.
I didn't feel much like a Hero then.
private forever
[Oh...hm. That's definitely a bit of a pickle to be in, because Ochako actually feels like Izuku is indeed in the wrong for what he tried to do. So while she does agree it wasn't the right thing to do...she's not about to backhand him with the truth. Or how she feels. She won't baby him, they're well past that as best friends, but she knows how deeply he cares.]
I can't say I'd feel the same, but...
Deku, I wanna ask you something a little personal.
Please don't take it poorly.
If I was put into a situation where I had to fight for my life, and you couldn't do a thing about it, would you trust that I could make it through?
On my own?
Would you believe in me, my strength, and everything I've learned, and not needlessly worry about me?
Don't tell me what I want to hear, I want to know what's in your heart.
no subject
[ The answer is immediate. ]
When I spoke to this person and asked for the negatives months ago, I was filled with fear. I could see not just my friends but anyone I ever spoke to killed and turned to dust, whether they were a fighter or not. You know Shigaraki doesn't care who gets in his way.
I can't say I'm never scared now. A big fear like that doesn't just go away. It's like an old injury, but the muscle around it can be strengthened again. You all back home taught me not to do everything by myself. To rely on you, the people who can have my back.
I just wanted to tell you about this because you're my friend, and what you said about me protecting smiles was really kind. But I didn't want you to believe that I never wavered. I want you to believe in me because I did, if that makes sense. All Might made being a hero look so easy, but he actually struggled too. He told me he smiles to trick the fear inside him.
I didn't end up destroying the negatives.
no subject
[Ochako expected no different, but she still smiles very fondly at how fast that response came. She gets frustrated, of course, because she worries about him. Izuku is still the type of person to be reckless, and damage himself (physically, emotionally, and mentally) when he gets so far into his own head during a fight. But, the fact he's taken away a little from them all going after him, fighting at their maximum output for his sake - to bring him home and keep him there - it means a lot.
His trust means a lot.]
Deku, I've always believed in you.
Maybe a little foolishly, because I see now that what you were doing to yourself wasn't good at all...even for the sake of what I thought, at the time, was heroic. I can't stop you from doing what you're doing, and I won't - none of us will - but you can't stop us from worrying, either.
When you're hurt, we're hurt, when you're happy, we're happy. Being a Hero is...definitely way more complicated than I ever thought it was when I was growing up. ^^;;
But I know I'll always be a Hero who saves people, and protects their smiles.
Yours too, you know. ♥
Your REAL smile, because I like it a whole lot. It's pretty dazzling.
no subject
Always believed in you fills him with warmth like a sunburst, even if she tempers it with a gentle admonishment. ]
It is hard to remember that I get carried away. You're one of the people who sees that right away even when I don't.
[ Midoriya hid or downplayed a lot of what he was going through. He made it difficult for people to see, whether consciously by hiding the truth or unconsciously via his priorities always shifting to others. It's as Uraraka says; she had to get to know him to see it. ]
I know back home everything is changed forever. No one will be able to just forget what happened. But with you all, I feel like we can find a way to make sure everyone is safe and not scared again. Your smile tells me that. It's strong.
[ He manages one, a small smile down at his Omni, as he remembers the brave press of her hand. ]
gonna start to wrap this.
It's because we're friends.
Even if it hasn't been a really long time, I feel like I know you a lot.
...And you're a really terrible liar. (▔∀▔)
Thanks, Deku. I appreciate hearing that a lot, cuz...
Well, I definitely don't feel like it sometimes. Not on my own.
I feel like I'm stronger when I think of, or am around you and Bakugou...or everyone else.
[But mostly those two. They just have a presence that seems to radiate confidence, courage, and a strong will. It makes Ochako feel like she can really do anything... Truly Plus Ultra.]
Anyway, my Omni is kinda blowing up...so I'm gonna turn it off to get some chores done.
I'll see you around, ne? Come over for dinner if you want, too!! It's croquettes and shredded cabbage tonight!!
gently burritos
Well you know, back then, it was you all who were strong for me. So I'm glad you're my friends. And thank you for listening to me today.
Oh! If you need help I could come over early.
[ There he goes again. He'd be sad not to help. He's forgotten that he's going to commandeer dish duty anyway. As a guest. As he does. ]
dhvhg it took me a minute and i feel dumb
It's a pretty simple recipe, I've done it a million times, but I don't mind if you come over whenever you feel like.
It's never bad to talk to you.
Oh!! You can set the table while I'm cooking.
[Which will take all of five minutes for three people, but it will appease the broccoli, she hopes.]
jfsdlf oh no /also gently burritos you
See you soon.
[ Compulsive urge to help appeased. For now. ]