Excuse me but the idea of MC and Xav sitting on their respective balconies and texting each other The Tea while people watching in their neighborhood is both so silly and so endearing to me.
So let's go on a small adventure, shall we?
Warnings: None.
Just fluff. Pure, unadulterated fluff.
The late morning sun was already warming you through the windows of your tiny apartment before you'd even stepped foot outside. It was finally mid-spring in Linkon, which meant you could enjoy your late breakfast on the patio without having to worry about a stray chill or errant frost dampening your weekly Saturday 'brunch' plans.
Opening the patio door with your granola bar in one hand and phone in the other, you settle into the cushioned bench that overlooked your apartment courtyard and took a deep breath. Sometimes it felt like winter was neverending in Linkon, but you could finally feel the tension of the gripping cold that had settled in your bones start to slowly bleed from you.
After getting comfortable, you finally pulled out your phone, and quickly found your brunch 'date's' contact info, sending him the customary "Get up it's people watching hour" text.
[Hey Xav, you up? I'm already on my balcony?]
It doesn't take long for his reply. This has been your weekly tradition for a few months now. Ever since you had both just so happened to see that kid getting dragged down the street by the monstrous hound, it had become something of a... habit for the two of you to text each other the funny happenings on your street when you were home. Not that either of you were particularly prone to gossip, but the simple domesticity of it was oddly comforting after a long week of getting slogged on by wanderers.
[Yeah I'm up. Give me a sec]
The soft ping of your notification broke the peace, followed shortly by the shuffling of his patio door sliding open from above you. Sure, you could simply call out and greet him, as the acoustics out here are great and the soundproofing is atrocious, but the silence is cozy, and the atmosphere almost feels magical. This is your ritual, after all.
It's a bit like a storybook scene, you think, the two of you sharing a moment in time together yet still separated by some outside force. Maybe it was silly, but the fabricated longing almost made it feel romantic in a way that you're sure your neighbor would find ridiculous.
When you hear his footsteps above you come to a halt, you immediately notice something in particular is missing, however.
[You forgot your coffee Xav. Are you gonna be able to stay awake?]
[How could U tell?]
[I didn't smell any burning 🤭🔥]
He doesn't reply, but you can hear the huff he makes over the railing as his footsteps retreat, fading behind the sliding door once again. You don't even try to hold back the laughter his reaction elicits from you, hopeful the concrete carries it to him easily.
When he finally does reemerge, faint smell of bitter charred beans on the wind, his phone is already buzzing with the morning's newest additions to your people watching portfolios.
An older man you'd long ago dubbed "Green Thumb" who liked to frequent the flower garden outside your apartment complex was already taking photos of the new stargazer lily blossoms that had just opened this morning. So enamored by the vibrant petals, he didn't even seem to notice the couple he'd backed into who'd happened to spill their groceries all over the sidewalk. You heard Xavier call "Watch out!" From above you when he'd recognized the impending impact, but at your distance, it was no use.
[That was nice of you Xav. Too bad it didn't help 🫠]
[I can't believe they didn't see Green Thumb. He was so hard to miss. Even when Ur distracted U still see better]
[HEY! I'm not the one who sleep walks! 💀]
[And yet I'm always there to guard Ur back partner]
He's right of course, though you're not going to tell him. Xavier likes to play the part of a soft and harmless little thing, but it doesn't take much to stoke the hunter into burning hotter than you intended. His evol might be light, but you know better than anyone that light, under careful concentration, can start a blazing fire if you're not mindful. His teasing isn't ever harmful though, so instead you decide to simply poke the bear.
[Only because I'm starting to suspect you like it back there]
The distinct sound of a phone accidentally hitting the concrete marks the end of that thread.
Its not long before another of your regulars, pair of young kids Xavier had called the Trouble Twins arrived on scene. Aptly named for the number of times their poor mother has chastised them for chasing the ducks and picking the flowers, the siblings were quite the rambunctious duo. Today they seem to be a few steps ahead of their vigilant mother, rushing into the park with high-pitched hollers and improvised swords made of small branches they'd found. Today's unfortunate conquest seemed to be the pigeons that were being fed by the local grannies.
[They look like a pair of knights today don't they?]
[Knights? Don't knights usually protect people?]
[Maybe they're protecting us from the pigeons]
[Xavier those old ladies look pretty mad idk. That one even tried to chase the boy and almost caught him!]
The pause in messages was punctuated by his soft laughter above you, carried on the spring breeze. It was so warm, so genuine, so comfortable. You didn't need a mirror to feel the heat bloom in your cheeks; the overwhelming sensation of ardor flooding you at the the very sound.
[You're right. He needs more training. A good Knight should never be caught by an old lady]
[.... I don't think that's the message here Xav]
The rest of your morning goes back and forth like this for another hour. Watching your favorite people pass by, concocting new and interesting stories for them as they pass your balconies. Xavier has very interesting and oddly insightful opinions on those around him, considering you don't really recall seeing him with many friends. None the less, his company and companionship on your balconies has easily become your favorite part of the week. The only noises between you are the laughter that passes back and forth as the texts volley from one to another.
Finally, as the afternoon sun starts to become an uncomfortable heat, your phone chimes once more.
[I'm getting kind of hungry]
[Oh good. You're warning me this time. Thanks!]
[What?]
[No. I was going to ask if U wanted to go to lunch. With me, I mean?]
And just like that, the storybook was snapping shut. No longer a fragment lost in time where two people gazed at the same scene together from two separate places, but a tangible moment you could step into. Something intimate and real.
Perhaps you stayed in this thought a moment too long, or your silence below him made him second guess himself, as the chime of your phone snapped you out of your daze again.
[I didn't mean to impose if U have plans]
[I know it's Ur day off too]
Fumbling with the suddenly slippery device, softly cursing, and praying he didn't hear, you quickly hammer out the only thing that's been playing in your head on repeat-
[Yes absolutely! I'd love to grab some lunch I'm starving]
[Meet me downstairs in 30?]
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Just wanted to compare Midoriya and AFO in panels (DFO stuff) from different fights. Again, small things I thought were at least worth noticing
Midoriya's panels come from when Dabi told the world about Endeavor and their family situation, as they were fighting. This was back when Shigaraki was broken from his tube prematurely.
AFO's is when Bakugo aborted him.
First, the insistence of moving forward, even if their limbs are weak or won't work as well as before.
Then the fact they both came up with using a Quirk like this (below), from desperation. Who cares if their bodies won't work? They have Quirks they can fall back on.
And are both thwarted by someone who has a combustion Quirk (flames VS explosions), in a fight that boils down to family and brother problems for the Villain.
And something different from these two events, I'm gonna move to when Bakugo fought Midoriya past curfew, and when All Might faced AFO in Kamino,
When both want to win, they start spewing insults. AFO insults people to get an opening and win. Midoriya does it when he wants to win more than save.
Midoriya knows it's gross to say he thinks like that, but Bakugo is his image of victory. Meanwhile, All Might is an image of victory to Japan; and AFO gains an edge when he can rile up that symbol of victory (peace).
Or maybe AFO just riles up OFA users in general. From All Might, to calling Midoriya useless in front of Nana and Yoichi..
Either way, AFO likes to talk shit, and it trips up people. And he does this so he can win. He does it logically, but it also happens when he gets riled up, like when he ate Tenko (418) (get your head out of the gutter).
Midoriya spews insults naturally when he wants to win, when he wants to win more than he wants to save.
They think alike, is all. Both thought of using their Quirks through their mouth when their bodies weren't enough (innovation with Quirks that aren't originally theirs), and when they want to win, they insult their opponent.
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@jegulus-microfic september 9 — carry — 1.6k words — mentions of sex at the end of the chapter! kinda nsfw
or; in which Regulus has a tense neck and James is so, so helpful <3
Regulus has, frankly, had enough of carrying children around for the next three of his lifetimes.
Ron has busted his knee open on the gravel outside while playing catch and is now crying? Regulus is cradling him close as he whisks back inside and playing doctor as he gets the gentle disinfectant and band-aids. Neville had a little pee accident? Regulus is carrying him to the bathrooms with outstretched arms for a change of clothes. Harry is getting into a fight with another kid over a toy situation involving being mean to Hermoine? Regulus has to swoop down and take him to the quiet room to calm him down and then talk about voicing one’s feelings or getting the help of an adult.
The frown gradually eases off his little forehead behind his round glasses as he listens to Regulus, sniffling occasionally. He has a spiderman themed patch over his left eye that Regulus finds mortifyingly adorable.
Honestly, Regulus would have quit long ago if it wasn’t for how easily these little stinkers have weaseled their ways into his heart.
Regulus is 23 and his back is a tragedy.
His joints bop and creak and the muscles in his neck are stiffer than cement at his point.
Being bent over the low desks in the tiny chairs to help the kids arts and craft the decoration for this Friday’s Halloween party is not doing him any favors either.
“Stan Lee called, he wants his wall-crawling, web-shooting superhero back!” a warm voice comes from the door to their group’s room.
Well, Regulus supposes there might be one or two more reasons besides the kids he likes his job for.
Harry groans next to him without looking up, vaguely wagging his arm in James’ direction, “Noo, daddy, I can’t go yet. I need to finish my snow owl!”
Regulus finally lets himself look up from his seat to catch James crossing his arms and leaning into the doorframe. He’s in a crimson cable knit sweater over a crisp white button down and dark gray slacks that fit inappropriately snug in all the right places.
James nods solemnly, “Right, right, because the other five snow owls taped to your bedroom window need one more for company or they’ll be lonely, huh?”
Harry sighs exasperatedly, “This one’s not coming home with us.”
James raises an eyebrow at Regulus in question, badly concealing his grin.
“These are for the party on Friday,” Regulus supplies helpfully, quickly swiping the glue from Ron before he sticks it in his mouth the fourth time today. Lily was the one to sign herself up for bringing Harry as well as brownies and lemonade so Regulus isn’t too surprised it wasn’t at the front of James’ mind.
This one shoots up then, “Oh, fu—n,” gawking at his own slip-up.
Regulus levels him with an unimpressed stare, lips twitching.
James drives his fingers through his chaotic curls, “Yeah, funny thing, I actually meant to talk to you about it, Regulus.”
A gentle shiver tingles it’s way up Regulus’ spine, “It’s Mr. Black.”
James makes a face that says obviously, “I know, love,” licks his lips to conceal the cheeky smile threatening to spill. Regulus wants to hit him. “Lily actually had something come up, and I was able to postpone a meeting so now I’m the one bringing Harry and staying for the buffet.”
Oh.
“Oh,” Regulus’ jaw might drop a bit.
James hums happily and then steals a pen out of the little basket on the table next the door, “Unfortunately I’m no good with brownies, I do however make the best fruit sticks covered in chocolate— so,” points the pen at Regulus with a grin, “Where do i sign?”
Regulus ducks his head against the flush crawling up his cheeks as he stands up, “Um— I’ll get the list.”
“Oh, no worries, Regulus,” his colleague Dorcas leers from across the table, “I’ve got the gremlins managed. I think James would be happy to head upstairs with you and while you’re at it,” Regulus already knows what’s coming as Dorcas’ smile turns overly sweet, “I’m sure he could give you a hand with my new desk chair with those big muscles of his.”
Regulus looks over at James, “You don’t have t—”
“Lead the way,” James says with a wink.
James carries the oversized carton up the stairs without breaking a fucking sweat while Regulus had taken one look at it, nudged it with a knee to see how heavy it was and then told Dorcas not a chance in hell.
Because, as established, his back is a tragedy and all that.
It’s twinging now too as he takes the thick binder out of the cabinet and drops it on top with a thunk.
Regulus tilts his neck and lets his upper spine crack with a grunt, does the same on the other side while he flicks through the papers.
James looks at him with an unnaturally blank expression when he asks, “You okay?”
Regulus rolls his shoulders to ease the tension, making a non-comical noise.
“Well, it’s no surprise you have some back pain working with children.”
Regulus chuckles humorlessly, flicking a glance James’ way, “What are you, a physio-therapist?”
“Oh,” a smug chuckle that has Regulus turning warily, “Close enough.”
Regulus crosses his arms in front of his chest and waits for him to elaborate.
James cocks his head, mimics his stance and waits him out patiently.
Regulus has half the mind to kick him.
Asks, with an eyeroll that’s nearly painful, “Well, what’s your occupation?”
“I’m a chiropractor.”
“Oh, you’re kidding.”
“Am not, today might just be your lucky day.”
Regulus considers that for a moment.
He could easily shrug it off as a joke. Roll his eyes once more, hand James the damn list to jot down his name and stupid, sexy chocolate covered grapes and strawberries and god knows what else and then kick him the fuck out and back down to collect Harry and have him on his merry way.
He could do that.
Should, probably.
It’s just that his neck really fucking aches and it’s even gotton to the point of disturbing his sleep the past few days.
Regulus sighs, “I don’t have any cash on me right now.”
James snorts, “I didn’t expect you to pay me, love.”
Regulus worries his bottom lip between his teeth for another moment.
“C’mon you look stiff as a board,” James nods his chin at him and Regulus turns dutifully but not without another eyeroll.
James steps closer and immediately draws his left palm up over his back, thumb tracking his spine. “I’m warning you though, these babies have it in them,” digs the pads of his strong fingers into Regulus’ shoulders for enunciation.
Regulus blames what comes out of his mouth next on the mind boggling spice of James’ cologne, “I’m good with hard.”
The hands twitch against Regulus for a moment and he hears a noise that sounds like James is running his tongue along his teeth behind his lips.
Voice husky and breath tickling Regulus’ dark curls, “Alright,” a hand running down Regulus’ spine as a thumb digs into a pressure point in his neck, “Good to know.”
James seems to mostly palpate the hotspots of Regulus cramped muscles and the places of where joints would have to be realigned.
Body heat warm from behind and palms thorough as he kneads Regulus’ hard muscles and puts pressure along where he scans for more issues.
When he circles back to his neck and uses both his hands on one side Regulus can’t help but groan, shivering involuntary.
James makes a small cooing noise, “Yeah, I know, I’m sorry, I'm sorry.”
Regulus pants a breath, shakes his head feebly, “Mm, you’re good.”
“This doesn’t look too good, love,” James voice rumbles, closer to Regulus’ ear now.
Regulus hisses at the sting when James releases the muscle and goes over to the other side. His mouth drops open and he whines too loudly when James picks back up with his administrations.
“Regulus,” if he was less caught up the unforgiving press of his fingers Regulus maybe would have noticed how strangled James sounded.
He works him dutifully through the other side and then slides his palms past Regulus’ shoulder blades and rests them at the dip of his back for a lingering second before gently squeezing at his waist.
Prompts Regulus into turning around and coming to face the other man again.
His lips look a bit redder than Regulus remembers.
“Well, that’s all I can do for now without my office massage table,” James rubs at the back of his neck sheepishly.
Regulus rolls his shoulders out and notes with satisfaction how much looser he feels already, “Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it, love,” James replies with a smile so warm Regulus melts a bit around the edges.
He feels embarrassingly gooey.
James ends up filling out the sheet and then leaving with Harry five minutes later.
When he shows up Friday noon he’s clad in ridiculously tight pants again and a ridiculously orange pumpkin jumper. Also cat ears for some reason.
Lily is able to join for a few minutes at the end, watching Harry perform the trick or treating song they had the kids learn and then taking him home.
James ends up staying to help clean up.
He feeds Regulus one of the last chocolate covered fruit sticks—grape, strawberry and blueberries, honey melon and peaches.
Regulus ends up blowing James for it, turning him into a groaning, whimpering mess as he sucks his heavy cock into the back of his throat and James retaliates by realigning his spine in a very non-chiropractor way.
They crush the rest of Molly’s blueberry muffins while they’re at it.
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