Your Window to Inspiration: Seamlessly Browse Tumblr!
“Oh, you’re still so pretty.”
Midoriya knew the saying all too well. After all, it was said to him whenever his haircut came out too short or didn’t look right. He knew it didn’t make anything better, yet people constantly said it.
“Oh, you’re still so pretty.”
In junior high, his bullies decided it would be hilarious to drench Midoriya head to toe during lunch. They carelessly picked up a bucket of what they assumed was water and threw it on Midoriya. The whole lunchroom was laughing or ignoring the show when things went south.
Midoriya started screaming, wiping his eyes, and struggling to stand.
“It burns! It burns!”
Soon everyone realized that what Midoriya was been splashed with was not water. While the dumb bullies that pulled the prank were freaking out, others jumped into action. Bakugo had been in the lunch line and getting his food when Midoriya started screaming. Despite everyone assuming he couldn’t care less, he was the one to scoop Midoriya up.
While one of the students called 119 out of fear, a couple others had been trying to get handkerchiefs and napkins to help. Bakugo forced them away and rushed Midoriya to the nurse, freaking out that Midoriya was still wailing and struggling to keep his breathing calm. The nurse explained if the chemicals were harmful enough, Midoriya needed to be stripped down and thoroughly rinsed.
The curtain was drawn and Bakugo had to help Midoriya undress and get under the shower. Midoriya tilted his head upwards, more concerned with flushing his eyes. Bakugo was huffing and puffing. He was a bully, but this kind of physical violence was horrible. Whatever chemical that was been poured on Midoriya was already showing clear effects. His skin was enflamed and bright red.
Midoriya could barely stand, getting a bit wobbly. Bakugo was doing everything in his power to support Midoriya’s body weight and keep him stable. Bakugo also tried to help Midoriya control his breathing.
Once the ambulance arrived, Midoriya was taken off to the hospital as well as Bakugo. Bakugo only had mild pain in his arms and hands from where he’d been touching Midoriya and his clothes. He was still treated considering how bad Midoirya’s condition was.
Midoriya left Aldrea Junior High after the incident. Aldera Junior High in return got a bad reputation after the event occurred. Many students uploaded the video causing news stations to report the crime. The Midoriya family refused to respond to the reporters trying to get details on what went down or Midoriya’s current status.
The Bakugo family had visited Izuku many times. Inko was devastated, but beyond happy her pride and joy was alive and safe. Katsuki was still beyond pissed that his peers were so stupid and reckless. Mitsuki and Masaru kept bringing him really amazing meals in secret since the hospital food didn’t really have much he liked.
Izuku had permanent scarring from the intense 2nd-degree chemical burns. While most of his body had the bucket of strong chemicals splashed on him, there were some miracle spots where there was close to no damage. Of course, there still was a lot. The majority of his body was affected due to the chemicals seeping into his clothes.
Izuku was grateful for Katsuki. If he hadn’t stepped in, who knows what would’ve happened. Everyone in that school was a coward so they probably would’ve ran away out of the fear of being burned. Mitsuki and Inko both transferred their sons to a new school, giving them a fresh start.
Everyone left Izuku alone at the new school when people found out he was quirkless. That meant no bullies. He even made a could of “friends” but he saw them more as acquaintances. Bakugo of course rose to the top for his powerful quirk and being a new kid. Midoriya hid in the crowd, doing what he had to do.
Through the rest of Junior High and into his first year at U.A. High, the phrase that once didn’t hold any weight now felt like a punch to the gut.
“Don’t worry, I think you're handsome.”
“Your scars look so cool!”
“They are your battle scars!”
“They show you survived!”
“Oh, you’re still so pretty.”
Izuku hated people bringing up his scars just to tell him that it wasn’t too bad. It didn’t change anything. It didn't make his scars magically disappear. It didn’t change how he felt about his scars or what happened to him. It didn’t make him feel any better. If anything it made him feel worse.
The constant reminder of what Midoriya now had to deal with and that he was considered "flawed" to a certain extent was counterproductive. Why would a person point out what makes Midoriya different only to try and explain how he wasn't different? It was unnecessary and cruel to a degree. Constantly bringing up a topic and memory he didn’t want to always think about soon made Midoriya turn cold the moment people even started talking about appearance or whenever someone started their usual ramble.
Midoriya's arms were now littered with scars from using his quirk and he found some comfort in them. He may not have wanted them, but they stemmed from a place he could look back at fondly. His fingers were bent and scared from the sports festival when he helped Todoroki. His large and bright purple scar from fighting Muscular and saving Koota. Still, someone always found a way to bring up his chemical burns.
Whenever the dorms were built and the interviewer came to write a report, he took an interest in Midoriya. Not only because of his close relationship with All Might, but because of his past. After talking to the boy about it, Midoriya agreed to do a really small interview.
Soon after the man left and the article came to life, many were surprised to find out about Midoriya getting a personal interview. When the class all read through his experience and recovery journey, they stilled at one small section.
“I get so frustrated because rather than having a normal conversation with me, everyone brings up my scars. They point them out or make a comment only to immediately tell me something to try and make me feel better about a topic they brought up.”
“Oh? So it’s bugging you that people only see you for your scars. I understand how that may be frustrating, especially if they are one bringing up something you’d prefer to keep in the past,” agreed the reporter.
“Yes. It doesn’t do anything for me. It doesn’t make me feel better. It doesn’t erase what happened to me. It doesn’t change the fact I’d rather not have these burns all over my body. People don’t understand that “oh you're still so pretty” is a meaningless consolation. Just don’t mention my scars and I’ll be satisfied. They don't realize their "validation" is just them letting me know that all they see when they look at me is my scars.”
“Preach kid. I hope that your message will help remind people to be conscious of what they say to others who are experiencing something similar to you. Also, I’m sure everyone will be happy to hear you’re safe and healthy; Even though I’m sure everyone already knows you are doing well after seeing your performance at the sports festival.”
“I’m honestly doubtful. The sports festival is such a thrilling event! Everyone that participated was so hardworking to show their worth and had such amazing quirks! Something that happened years in the past wasn’t the focus,” rambled Midoriya, trying to deny his importance.
“You got me there kid. You and your classmates sure have gone through a lot since then,” noted the reporter.
“We sure have. I’m very proud of them and I’m so grateful for the friends I’ve made. They’re incredible and I hope that the world can see that,” declared Midoriya, clearly passionate about lifting up his classmates.
U.A. staff and students found themselves reading the article and being surprised. They didn't know Midoriya’s injury had been a big topic in the past. While they didn’t recall hearing about it, they probably had seen something about it before. It was easy to find. All you had to do was search up Midoriya’s name and it was all you saw.
News article after news article. News reports after news reports. Gossip channels posted video after video. The clip of Midoriya being assaulted was easy to find as well. So almost everyone watched as their close friend, student, or peer was drenched in chemicals. His screams would haunt them. Fortunately, some of the videos showed Bakugo running over revealing he had been the one to help.
Nonetheless, Midoriya made it very clear he did want people to form an opinion of him based on his appearance. He didn’t want pity. He made it very clear he didn’t want it brought up at all. They had all been meaninglessly consoling him on something he didn’t need to be consoled for. If anything it was a backhanded compliment at best.
They had been bringing up a topic that made Midoriya feel uncomfortable. They did all of that just to try and make him feel better about something he didn’t need to feel better about. Not once had they thought of how it would affect Midoriya. They had good intentions, but they should’ve minded their business unless he brought it up. They overstepped his boundaries and they felt beyond guilty about it.
Uraraka, Kirishima, Iida, Mina, Sato, Kaminari, Sero, and Ojiro were most guilty. Shoji, Tokoyami, and Kota knew better than to bring it up. Their situations were completely different considering their body alterations were from their quirk, but they still were very aware of how they felt when their mutations were brought up. They knew how painful hearing that mindless consolation was.
Aoyama, Tsuyu, Jiro, Hagakure, and Mineta had only ever consoled Midoriya when someone else around them had brought attention to it. They didn’t see where it was their business to bring it up, but then they felt obligated to say something when it was brought up. Momo on the other hand never once discussed it. She had noticed the scars, but just like how she was with Todoroki, she just kinda ignored them afterward. It was just how Midoriya looked. It didn’t warrant her input.
Todoroki and Midoriya had actually talked about their scars in private. Todoroki’s came from abuse. Midoriya’s came from bullying. They found a lot of peace from talking to someone else who'd gotten their scar in a similar situation. While the situation wasn’t able to be compared, not like it should be, they were still violent in nature. Todoroki’s mom gave him a freeze burn in an attempt to fix her pouring boiling water on his face. Midoriya’s bullies were stupid and didn’t think to make sure the bucket they grabbed was filled with water. No matter what lead to them being hurt, they still came out with scars.
Bakugo came to Midoriya’s dorm later to discuss what he said in the newspaper. He was irritated to find out that no one saw an issue in pointing out something that could possibly trigger Midoriya. After all, the scars clearly came from a traumatic experience and even the mention of the scars could make him relieve it.
Midoriya ranted a bit, getting worked up once thinking about it critically. The way Bakugo phrased things really put everyone’s behavior at face value. Bakugo enjoyed watching Midoriya get angry. Midoriya finally was doing something for himself; which was getting angry on his own behalf.
Midoriya received a lot of apologies. He wasn’t petty like Bakugo, so he accepted everyone’s apologies. All that mattered to him was that they learned their lesson and he wouldn’t have to hear them bring up his scars again.
Besides, he didn't need their pity or words of affirmation to know he was still beautiful. His scars had him look badass.
Jade never expected Azul to be so upset about his meetings with the Ramshackle Prefect. He certainly never expected how adorable Azul's obstinacy could be.
Notes: Based off of my yuufic but can be read without context, but here's the full(azul-centric) thing if you're interested, just Azul being pouty and jealous and Jade being more endeared than he'd like
Jade had always found Azul fascinating - since the very moment he'd seen the little octopus in his pot with books in his hands and a fire in his eyes.
Over the years, Jade had become intimately familiar with his mannerisms. He'd even been able to recognize him in a completely different body!
Still, some things about Azul confused him even to this day.
Like how the man was currently glaring at the wall like it had killed his mother. The reason? Jade had decided to talk to the Ramshackle Prefect. Who was also Azul, but that was irrelevant for now. Azul's anger still made no sense.
"Azul?" He asked. "What seems to be troubling you?"
Azul scowled, planting his gaze stubbornly upon his paperwork.
"Nothing."
"Please, do tell me the truth," Jade said, attempting to keep his tone light.
Silence. After a while, Azul finally spoke.
"How did you befriend the Ramshackle Prefect so quickly?" He asked. "Up until this point, you've never even had any friends."
So that was the root of Azul's ire. The actual situation was incredibly complicated and confusing to explain, and highly risky, too.
Still, Jade couldn't help but prod further.
"May I ask how that troubles you?" He said, but the way Azul's lips jut out into a pout told him everything he needed to know.
It couldn't be.
Jade felt his lips stretch out into a grin.
"You're jealous," he said with a snicker, and Azul's face flushed bright red.
"W-What sort of assumption is that?" He squawked. "I'm not- not-"
Azul's sputtered incoherently for a bit, before settling down with a huff.
"Insufferable."
"How rude. I'm hurt."
"Hmph," Azul said, finally calmed down entirely. "Besides, jealousy implies your friendship is something I have."
He wasn't friends with the Prefect, but that misunderstanding didn't really matter. Azul had no reason to care in the first place.
"Yes, we aren't friends," Jade said, and he really couldn't understand why Azul seemed upset at that. "We'll never be anything more than business partners. You've known that for quite a while."
Jade cursed the small part of himself that didn't believe his own words. And he cursed the part of himself that felt a pang of guilt at Azul's hastily covered expression of hurt.
"You're right."
At Jade's silence, Azul continued.
"Really, I ought to be thankful we're business partners at all," he said with a self-deprecating laugh. "I'm merely... Curious, I suppose. Three days was all it took for you to befriend her."
Now, Jade couldn't help the guilt he felt. Seven, this was infuriating.
"We aren't friends, I assure you," he said in an attempt at placation. Azul just sighed.
"No need to placate your temperamental boss," he said with an air of self-deprecation rather than bitterness. Jade honestly would've preferred the bitterness; it would've left him feeling much less guilty. "I'm not going to throw a tantrum just because you find others to be better company."
Jade couldn't really find the right words to say.
"You may take your leave," Azul said, looking entirely defeated. It was a sight Jade couldn't stand.
Azul was more interesting when energized, at least, that was what Jade told himself to justify his next actions.
"I'm afraid I can't go to bed without satiating my hunger," he said. "I'll be making some karaage. Would you care for some?"
At the mention of his favorite food, Azul's face instantly brightened, before it settled into a pout.
"I'm on a diet," he said simply.
Jade made a show out of sighing in irritation.
"Ah, but I'm afraid I can't take no for an answer."
Azul huffed, though he seemed less upset than before.
"...Fine," he said after a while. "I'll have some too."
"Lovely."
"Just go," Azul said, and Jade obliged.
As he left, though, he couldn't help but notice the fond smile stretched across Azul's face.
How adorable.
Felix had always walled himself up to not love again and be fooled by it again. Not again, never again, but why? After building up this façade, why is it crumbling to his feet? Right, it's because of her.
A beacon of light and love. Her dark blue hair is as deep as the color of the depths of the ocean where one can swim too deep and drown by its beauty. Her bluebell eyes that are as light as the sky that can make anyone think that they were falling down from heaven as you stare deep into them. Her warm bubbly feeling that can make anyone cozy up with her and let their guard down without their knowledge.
Ever since she transferred here and joined his circle of friends he can't help but feel drawn to the warm sweet atmosphere. He can't have it again. He doesn't want to put his heart on the line again only to be broken into millions of tiny pieces like how she had. He doesn't want to hurt again with that knowledge of not getting his chances since she is already desperately in love with his dim witted cousin.
He then turned his attention to his friends who were chatting happily over lunch. Talking about some silly antics that had happened during class. But he couldn't help but watch her close her eyes as she laughed and cover her mouth. The sound of her sweet laughter was, how would the books describe it, music to his ears, tiny sweet bells that sounded at an hour of beauty. He watched as his friend Claude balanced an orange on the tip of his nose, as Allan subtly made it fall by accidentally jabbing his side.
He continued to watch the bluenette smile and laugh, not noticing the subtle glances Allegra was giving him. The bell rung, signalling the students that they had 30 minutes before classes began again. This made his friends get up and take their trays and brought it to the counter.
"Well, see you guys later," Marinette said to her friends as she headed to the art department wing for her lesson. As she left, she didn't notice the penetrating stare the blond had fixated on her back. But the blond didn't notice the looks his three friends were sharing as a grin crossed each of their faces. Felix turned around to be greeted by these suspicious grins as he let a scowl cross his face, knowing what the three would say.
"No," was all he said to the three as he stalked away. "Come on Fe. We know that you know that you like her," Allegra told him as she walked with him. "Allegra, stop it. You know that I will not love again nor put myself to it after how the past had ended," he said his petty reason. "This is not like you dude. The Felix I know would not let the past be the reason for fear and ignorance," Allan backed. "No one will ever be worth my time in that aspect. And it doesn't help that she looks like her," Felix replied in distaste of his words.
"You know that she's the earth and heaven to you. You can't just run away from your feelings cause your bad at hiding these kinds of feelings," Claude spoke. The four continued walking until they were outside the building for their food and lockers. "I have learned my lesson in loving Claude. I will not throw myself back into this cliche and have what is left in my heart torn into pieces," Felix replied as he tried to keep his face in pure frustration and his thoughts in denial. However, it wasn't entirely working mostly because of this conversation.
"You can't deny it bro, we can read you better than others and all that we can see is a lovesick puppy thinking that it was just the meat," Allan said as Allegra kept on rolling her eyes at Felix's answers. "Hon, we're not buying your bs right now. We all saw how you change around her. You definitely care for her and ever since she cracked you, you began to grow it," Allegra added. "Grow what?" Felix asked getting irritated at his friends persistent jabbings. "A love sickness that you obviously have bad," she continued with her banter.
"That is highly impossible. I am not interested in Marinette in a romantic way," Felix said trying to wrap his words in ice. "Oh, hi Netta, didn't see you there," Claude said which caused Felix to turn his attention to where the boy was, only to find their school mate Antoinette pass by. But Felix couldn't help but let a sigh of relief and disappointment cross his face. But when he turned he was faced with a poster of Marinette and her club's saying that they would be exhibiting their art and a small pageant for the young designers that will be held tomorrow, February 14. He couldn't help but stare at the bright eyed designer in her cute sailor outfit. He couldn't help but let his fantasies run wild until someone broke him out of it. "If you ask someone right now, they would definitely say that you have it bad," Allan commented as Felix scoffed. As he tried to deny and tell his treacherous heart to shut up and let his head think.
He then faced his friends with a glare and said, "Claude your department's that way." Claude then let out a huff and rolled his eyes at the blond and went to the direction Felix had been pointing. "But just face it and say that you're in love," he said as he continued walking. This made him roll his eyes at his friend and caught the scoffs of the other two. "You two just go before me. I need the bathroom," he stated as he made his way to the closest restroom. Once inside, he went into a cubicle, locking it and resting his back at the door as his stared at the ceiling. He sighed and dropped his head letting his thoughts run back to the past.
...
"Hey Felix~~," a bubbly voice called from behind. Irritation crossed his mind as he recognized that voice. The said owner of the voice took a seat next to him as he quietly made his research in the library. "What are researching on?" the bluenette asked as she looked over his notes. Annoyed by her antics, he closed his notebook and the other books as he began packing to leave the insistent girl.
But this did not stop her as she stood up from her seat and went in front of him and waved two tickets directly at his eyes. "I was wondering if you don't have anything to do later, we can go to the theatres and watch this new movie, you know the one about 'The Little Prince' I saw you reading the book and I wondered if you would like to watch it. I'd even allow you to rant about it," she said in a hopeful tone. He then saw his friend at the back giving out yes signals. He let out a sigh and said, "Fine I'll go." This made the girl smile and jumped for joy as she gave him the details.
This was the start of the simple dates and happy experiences and, to his astonishment, love. Yes, after getting to know the bubbly happy girl he started developing feelings for the young girl. After about 10 dates he finally asked her to be his girlfriend. This made the girl tear up and engulf him in a tight hug after giving him a loving kiss on the cheek.
They had such a good relationship, it even got him out of his shell, slightly. He would be caught flirting in public and show a bit of PDA. He couldn't help it, he loved her deeply and wished that their relationship would last. He loved everything about her; her personality, her blue eyes, her long dark blue hair that were tied in twin tails.
Today was their second year anniversary, they were at the Ponte des Arts, just enjoying their time as they ate ice cream. He looked at the girl at his arm and smiled as he softly spoke, "Bridgette." She then gave a hum of response and looked up at him with a half smile. This made his heart drop as he realized that there was something troubling him. "Is there something bothering you?" he asked, scared of her answer. This made the girl sigh and let go off his arm as she took his hand and looked directly into his eyes. "Do you love me, Felix?" she asked, tad uncertain. This made his eyes widen and took both of her hands and kissed her knuckles and replied, "Truly, deeply, ardently and all the words that can increase the meaning of my love for you."
As he said that he notice a hint of heartbreak pass in her eyes. Just as he feared she lowered her gaze and removed her hands from his, as she stared at the ground. He then watched her eyes well up with tears as she brought her hands to her face to cry in. This caught him off guard as he put his hands on her arms wanting to hug her. But she pushed him away, this broke his heart as he watched his girlfriend cry in front of him and not wanting to be comforted by him.
After a few more sniffles she looked him in the eyes and said in between sobs. "I-I-I'm p-pre-pregnant," she said as he felt his world shatter. But slowly rebuild and a smile appeared on his face as he said, "It's alright, I know 16 isn't the ideal age to be parents, but I'd be glad to have a family with you." He then slowly placed his hands on her shoulders as he rubbed his hands up and down her arms in a comforting manner. (Side note: the age of consent in France is 15)
This didn't comfort the girl at all as she cried more. She then looked him with sad eyes and spoke, "T-t-th-that's the th-thing. T-the b-baby i-i ---." But she wasn't able to finish when someone pulled her away from him and glared at him. "What she meant to say is, the baby's not yours," he said with a smirk. This made him give a look of confusion and then realization came dropping on him. He then remembered that they had only done it twice and he was very careful, he had a condom on and made sure that it was of good quality.
He then looked at the two in front of him and asked, "I-is it true?" This made Bridgette freeze as she recalled this tone as his frightening tone from before they had been dating. She slowly nodded, afraid of meeting his gaze. "How long has this been going on?" he asked in his icy cold voice that set fear into anyone's hearts. Unable to answer the boy next to her answered for her, "Actually we had been getting it on since last Christmas and I claimed her long before you did," the Asian man said to him. He then turned his attention back to his "girlfriend" realizing that last Christmas she went back to Seoul(Let's just say that she's Korean since MLB was first released there. Another side note: Age of consent in South Korea is 16).
"Why?" he asked. However, she wasn't able to answer as she tried to hide in the arms of the other man. This made the shards of his earlier shattered world to break more at this action. Trying to keep his cool he then said, "Congratulations. I will back down for the both of you. I wish that you find happiness with him." With that he gave the man a killer punch and walked away, not wanting to notice the look the crowd was giving him.
...
He sighed at the awful memory not wanting it to happen again. He gave her his world, his dreams and his whole being. Thinking that she would do the same, but in the end she broke him, in the last way he thought she would. As he continued to think about it he felt tears prick his eyes, to which he immediately removed. His thoughts came rushing back to Marinette's sweet smile, comforting presence and lovable companionship. This got him sighing as he whispered to himself, "I've got it bad."
The day ended and the gang regrouped as they went straight to the bakery for final fittings. Felix walked quietly by Marinette's side as she began discussing about the adjustments she'd had to make with their clothes. Allegra began gushing about how amazing her designs are even without adjustments. Allan just told her not to worry and be confident in her talent, while Claude was just asking what treats her parents were handing out. Felix on the other hand had just been admiring her talk.
"Hey Felix, you seem out today. Are you OK?" Marinette asked him as she turned her attention to him. This caught him off guard when she turned her attention to him. He only gave her a curt nod as a light blush dusted his cheeks. They then arrived at her home and were all showered with affection by her ever doting parents who insisted that they all stayed for dinner.
The group was in her room as she made a few adjustments to the clothes she's supposed to present the next day. "Maddie this is amazing. I love it," Allegra cooed as she spun around in her white dress, which had three horizontal lines at the collar of the dress and the lower part of the skirt, close to the hem. While a navy blue jacket, sailor inspired, was matched with it, and to top it off, she wore a white sailors hat with her hair curled at the bottom part. "I'm glad you love it Allegra," Marinette replied as she beamed with pride. She then turned to the boys to find them standing with each other in a pose that they probably didn't notice.
Claude wore a fit round neck white shirt with black horizontal stripes with white ankle length pants, and a black sheer scarf was placed around his neck, while a white hat with black lining topped off the look. "Do I look fat in this shirt? I feel that I look fat," he commented as he stared at the pattern, earning a laugh from the girls. "No, it doesn't. I mean you wear vertical stripes all the time," Mari commented. "You look fat all the time," Allegra added as the group laughed again.
Turning her attention to Allan, she could see that the denim fabric fitted him perfectly. The denim polo shirt with rolled up sleeves and tucked in his denim shorts, that was held by a brown leather belt made him look simple yet stylish, and just like the others he wore a captain's hat. "Well, if you feel fat, I feel like something's missing," Allan critiqued. This made Mari give a designer's look at it as she placed a finger under her chin and tilted her head to the left. "You're right, but what can make it look more complete?" she pondered as she eyed the clothing. After a second, she snapped her fingers and made her way to the other scarps of clothing she had sewn. "No, no, not that one. Nope. Ah! There you are," she stated as she made her way to her model and tied a handkerchief around his neck and tucked it under the collar. "Better," she stated as she looked at the finished product.
She then looked at her last piece, which was being modeled by Felix. She blushed at the sight of him in a form fitting white blazer that was open to reveal a dark navy blue color that had white horizontal stripes covering the bottom half of the shirt. His legs seemed to look more fit at the sight of the royal blue pants seemed to be showing the wonderful shape, since it was slightly fit. Although he looked a bit confused at the clothing as if uncomfortable. This caused her to be concerned at the possible mistake. "Is the fit alright?" she asked hesitantly. "The designs are fine, but like you said, it's the fit. But it's just the blazer, it's a bit tight on my shoulders," he commented as he pointed at the points to be fixed.
"Alright, I'll get it done, but I'm going to take your measurements again just to make sure," she stated as she went over to her desk to take her measuring tape. "Maddie, you wouldn't mind if we change out of this?" Allegra asked. "Sure go ahead and feel free to—," she began but was unable to finish when she saw the three race out of the room. Realizing what they had done she felt her face heat up a little bit as she faced the blond who was taking off the white blazer and folded it nicely and placed it on the chaise.
He looked up to find that they were the only people in her bedroom. He cursed his friends quietly at the betrayal as he watched her make her way to him. She began taking his measurements but found it difficult with his height. This made him chuckle slightly, surprising the young designer at the reaction. "You know you could stand on a stool considering your short stature," he said. "It doesn't mean that you're taller than me by 6 inches I'm already short," she replied with a huff. He then bent down to her level saying, "Everyone who is shorter than me, I consider short and small."
This got him with a notebook slammed at his face as he saw an irritated Marinette. He then smirked and continued, "Considering that you are '6 inches' smaller than me, makes you seem like a cute munchkin that I can put in my pocket." He watched as she got more irritated at him as he insulted her height. He continued on bantering about her being shorter than him that he did not expect her to finally jump on him and say, "You know that fact that we only have a 6 inch gap makes it easier for me to jump on your back." The two continued roughhousing, forgetting about what they were supposed to do.
After a few more minutes of fighting, Felix got the upper hand and threw her up on her bed as he joined her and began attacking her with tickles. She began to laugh uncontrollably that she was having a difficulty to breath until she finally tapped out, which made him stop his attacks. He then got off her and laid down next to her as they began to calm down.
"Don't insult me with my height again," was all she could say before they got back to what they were supposed to be doing. "You're right, cause size doesn't matter," he jokingly replied as he turned to face her with his head propped up with his arm. This got her to roll her eyes at the blond as she also turned to face him. This was when they both became self conscious about their positions causing the two parties to blush uncontrollably.
Mari then let out a cough and said, "You should, um, y-you know, change." With that she got of the bed and began fixing the things that were out of place after their game.
...
It was the day for their clubs fashion show, and a lot of famous figures were there to watch. Well, that was to be expected from a prestigious school where most of the students were children from well off families. There they could see their parents along with their friends. But looking at the more out shining personalities in the crowd was also where they could find the Agrestes and their secretary, the Bourgeois family, Clara Nightingale, Jagged Stone and others.
Marinette can feel the excitement and the anxiety, and she can see that the rest of the club was also having the same panic. Their theme was "Summer and Beaches," with different sub themes from the designers. One designer had swimsuits, another had Hawaiin style, there was one that had a Tex-Mex theme, one was carnival themed, there was a bohemian theme, tropical, floral, animal and there was Mari's sailor theme.
She can see all of them were too anxious that they were able to dress their models to the T. There was also one of them that threw up because of the pressure. They then watched as one theme after another was called. When it came to her designs she saw the impressed looks of the audience, even from Chloe, although she probably doesn't know that it was her design. She even saw her former classmates looking at the designs as if for the first time. This pained her a bit since she made sure to incorporate her designer tag there but it doesn't seem like they noticed.
Once the show ended, the designers were called up front for their recognition. They were all trembling, nonetheless, were able to make it up front as they were applauded by their success. She could hear the excited cheers of her family and classmates and from a few personalities who seemed to be waiting for her appearance. She watched her former classmates' jaws dropped as they felt stupid not realizing that those were her designs.
After the whole exhausting show they were all dismissed as the group hugged and shook hands in congratulations. Mari was engulfed by her friends and were overly happy at her success. She hugged them backed and thanked them. They then went to their favorite cafe and celebrated. But one by one they left, leaving Marinette and Felix alone, again.
"Outstanding performance as all ways," he commented still trying to deny the rapid beating of his heart towards this girl. "Thanks, but I'd say the same for you guys, after all you guys modeled for me," she replied. This got their conversation moving and they were deeply enjoying each others company when unexpected guests came.
When they heard the door chime they didn't really mind until those people went directly to their table. Marinette froze at the sight of her former friends and classmates. She could feel Alya's glare as she stared blankly at her drink.
"Seriously Marinette, no note, no message. You just disappeared into thin air in the second semester not even telling me!" Alya exclaimed. Felix glared at the girl as he took Marinette's shaking hands into his and gave it a tight affectionate squeeze that gave her strength. Channeling her inner snarky self, she took a sip of the drink and said, "I saw no reason to tell you about it. It wasn't like I heard you all wish that I should just leave Lila for good, like transfer."
This made the rest of the class flush in guilt, except for Alya. "Really Marinette, are you going to turn yourself into the victim again. Can you stop saying that? We know that YOU wanted Lila out of school for good!" she accused. This just made Marinette look at her drink and begin tilting her cup in different directions as she answered, "Wow, you make it sound like I got Lila 'almost' expelled. It's not like I 'almost' got expelled for stealing her heirloom and taking the key to correction of our exam. Or I was the one who have that 'disease' that makes me spout out nonsense." At the end she moved her pupils to look at them to find them processing what she said.
"If that's all I think that we should go," Marinette stated as she set her finished drink down and took Felix's hand and began to leave. "Not so fast, Marinette. You are not leaving until Lila comes here and you apologize to her," Alya said as she grabbed her roughly by the arm. This infuriated Felix so he stepped in to intervene.
"Unhand her, now," he said as he glared at Alya. She in turn glared back at him and said, "Get your nose out of this." He then went fully in front of her, using his height as an advantage to intimidate her. He saw her slightly flinch but still did not comply. After showing no signs of letting go, he forcefully grabbed her wrist and tightened his grip making her let Marinette go because of the sudden pain on her wrist.
"Alya I'm here," they heard someone call. "Lila, great timing," Alya replied as she smiled and winced at the girl. She then turned back to the two and said, "Now, apologize." Marinette then asked, "For what?" This made the blogger more infuriated as she began recounting the times she had injured her, bullied her, humiliated her, insulted her, accused her and other forms of abuse. "Are you done?" she asked after she had recounted all of the 'times' she had attacked the Italian.
Before Alya could say anything, Felix cut in, "Now if you please, I would like to take my girlfriend out now. You lot have already wasted our time and disrupted our date." "I don't give a damn about your fucking date," Alya seethed as she got more frustrated by the pair. "I know, but I'm sure you are interested in keeping your reputation," he said as he pointed at the customers who were filming and whispering about them. Nino then approached his girlfriend and tried to calm her down but it didn't help, it only made her more aggressive. Blind with rage, she threw a strong punch at Marinette making her nose bleed.
Felix then clapped his hands in sarcasm, which brought the lady blogger back to her senses. "Ma-mari, I didn't, I'm sorry," she fumbled. "Ladies and gentlemen, the blogger of the Ladyblog," was all Felix can say before wrapping and arm around Mari and helping her with her nosebleed as he took her out of the building.
...
Now, the pair was seated in her room, her on the chaise and Felix on the floor as he began tending to her. Once he patched her up neatly they settled down. Marinette shift uncomfortably in her seat as she had been replaying the scene in her head. But what she couldn't get rid of was how protective Felix was when he claimed to be her boyfriend. She blushed again at the thought.
"Are you alright?" Felix asked in concern when he saw her heat up. "Y-yep, OK me, no. Me OK. Wait, I mean, I'm OK," she stammered. Felix smiled at her as he shifted uncomfortably as well trying to forget what he said in the heat of the moment.
After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, Mari spoke up, "So earlier at the cafe, things got out of hand didn't they." Felix only nodded not wanting this to go to that direction. Feeling his discomfort, Mari just got straight to the point. "W-when you said that I was your g-girlfriend, did you say it out of–," but before she could continue, Felix stopped her by saying, "I want you to be." This made them pause and look at each other in surprise.
This sudden realization and confession was not what Felix had in mind. So he turned his head to the other direction so to not see her face of discomfort. To his surprise, instead of rejection, he felt two arms hug his torso and a small body pressed against his side. He turned to find if it was what he think it was, Marinette hugging him tightly and resting her head on his shoulder.
"I-I'd like that," was all she could say that changed his world. Here he could see a woman who would not cheat on him for she hated liars and lying. Someone he could trust not to break his heart in the worst possible way ever. He did not see her in Marinette anymore. Now he saw the person Marinette is, a loyal friend and companion, an honest and trust worthy person who would not string him around because of guilt and displeasure.
This was all that he needed before he took her and kissed her sweetly not finding any resistance in her at all. That was all the confirmation they both needed until they found themselves sleeping next to each other, arms protectively around them and the lack of clothing was all they could think of as they relished in each other for they wanted the other more than they had wanted their pasts.