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The intense heat swarmed the building like a smothering blanket. The humidity clung to the walls, the backed-up windows did little to help, trapping the warmth inside the dark room. Toga was lounging across her battered bed. She was one of the few lucky members of the league to get her own room, being a teenage girl of the group had its perks. Most of her plush bedding was pushed to the floor. She kept a few of her favourite plushies still sitting on the bed however. Currently, she was laying on her back, pink phone in hand right up to her face, locked in a text exchange with her girlfriend. Himiko’s favourite pastime.
Her thumb froze mid-scroll as a new notification popped up. Himiko's eyes widened. Ochaco sent her an attachment. The screen presented an advertisement for a pride parade, local to where they are staying, practically within walking distance. Himiko’s heart beat a little faster, but before she could excitedly ask Ochaco if they could go together, her girlfriend beat her to it.
“I will be attending this pride event with my friends from U.A. It’s going to be my first time attending a pride parade since coming out, and I am excited about it.”
Toga grinned.
“Oh my god, Ochaco! You will look SO cute in a pride outfit! I need to see it!”
“I really wish you could come too… I will be thinking of you all day. Promise!”
That last text caused Himiko’s smile to falter. Why did Ochaco assume she wouldn’t be coming too? She didn’t reply after that. Instead, she sat up in her bed and pulled out two worn ribbons from her bedside drawer. They were dyed by hand in soft pink, purple and blue colours of the bi flag. She looked at her reflection in the cracked mirror, tying the ribbons around her twin buns. An idea formed in her mind, and her iconic smile crept onto her face.
Ochaco clearly forgot who she’s dating. I will just surprise her instead.
She skipped down the hallway out of her room, her ribbons bouncing with every step. She flung open the door to meet with the others. Shigaraki was sitting on the couch with his head down, eyes fixated on his phone, thumbs mashing in concentration. Clearly deep in a game. Magne was conversing with Kurogiri near the far wall. Jin was seen pacing in the corner, a cigarette hanging from his mouth and his hand twitchy. Dabi, Atsuhiro and Iguchi were nowhere in sight.
“Look what Ochaco sent me!” Toga grinned as she pulled out her phone, the pride parade advertisement flashing on screen. She shoves the phone in front of Shigaraki’s face, blocking his view of his phone.
Tomura recoiled as if it were a jump scare. “TOGA YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE ME GAME OVER!” he shouted, shoving Toga’s phone away, tapping frantically to save his progress on the game.
“Can we please go to the pride event this weekend? Ochaco is going to be there!” Toga excitedly says, jumping on her feet. “Pride was made for people like us. Also, I need to see my girlfriend. I can’t believe Ochaco wouldn’t even invite me.” Toga whines.
Toumra rolls his eyes, putting his game on pause. “Tch…she probably didn’t invite you because she is trying to protect you. Those things are raided with heroes, they sponsor them to make them look like allies to the public. Basic PR”
Toga crosses her arms, not backing down. “We can go undercover! Kurogiri will teleport us as soon as we get caught. We belong there more than they do.” She turned toward Jin, who had been silently listening in, he was waiting to jump into the conversation. “Jin, you will come right?”
Jin lights up, “Hell yes! Let's go! No way!” He was already pulling his phone out to message Atsuhiro about the event. “I am already texting Atsu about matching costumes. Our first Pride as husbands! ”
Magne skips over, an excitement in her step, her face lit up with nostalgia. “A pride parade, you say? Ooooh, I haven't been to one of those in years. I will go with you, Himiko!”
Himiko felt happier now that she had people on her side. Maybe this will finally convince Shagaraki to come too. “See? It’s going to be so fun! I will ask Iguchi for you, Tomura.. You don’t want to be the only one left here.” Toga said sweetly.
“I have been left alone for most of my life. I think I can survive with all of you gone for one day,” Shigaraki grumbled, scratching his neck. “Besides, it's not like Dabi would agree to go. Also, don’t ask Spinner. He gets passionate about these protests.”
Suddenly, Kurogiri teleported nearer to the others, his mist making him more intimidating as he spoke towards Shigaraki in a calm but firm voice. “Tomura, you have been stuck in for weeks now. This event will be important for the league.” His yellow eyes sharpened before he gazed towards Himiko. “Go tell Iguchi.”
“YAY!!” She squeals, jumping in excitement, before skipping out the door to find Spinner.
Knowing Shigaraki was outnumbered, he just scratched his neck without an argument as he continued with his interrupted game. Magne followed Toga out of the room as she shouted. “I am just going to ask Dabi if he is coming!”
“Good luck with that,” Shigaraki mumbled, not looking from his screen.
Jin spoke up with excitement, a giddy smile on his face. “ Atsu agreed to join.” He twirled around before panicking. “I NEED MATCHING OUTFIT IDEAS!!”
“Please try to at least conceal your identity and don’t be too loud.” Kurogiri sighed, trying to speak over the loud clone quirk man.
“You look more suspicious when you are dressed like a normie. This is my first pride with my husband. Let me have this, Smoky!” Jin spoke, giving a deadpan voice and nod before going to his usual excitement, leaving the room, looking for Toga to help with outfit ideas.
Kurogiri merely hums before looking towards Tomura, who was already back occupied by his game. The shadowy mist shifted as he moved out of the room, ready to prepare for the day.
Meanwhile, Magne was standing outside of Dabi’s room. She knocked once, only gently. “I am going to a pride parade with the others,” she said softly. “You should come too.” A silence followed. Dabi could only scoff, but he didn’t shut her down. Magne smiled faintly, she soon left without asking again. She will try again later today.
Only Magne knows about Dabi not being born a male, and maybe this experience will help him like how it helped her all those years ago.
The closet isn’t just a space, it’s a scar. And Dabi was familiar with scars.
__
It is the day of the parade. The summer sun beat down on the city, and the streets were already overflowing with life. Rainbow flags in every corner, queer anthems blasting in every ear. Toga was visibly excited as she ran through the crowds while the others were trailing behind her. She had one singular focus, her eyes were fixed on finding her girlfriend. She pushed past other partygoers, her pastel pink short skirt fluttering with every step. A white tank top clung to her in the heat, her handmade ribbons still wrapped in her blond twin buns. A huge bi flag was wrapped around her like a cape; she stole it earlier with the help of Jin. Normally, when she and her girlfriend go out together, Toga transforms to blend in, but not today. Today, she wanted to be seen as herself.
Toga kept looking at every corner, her heart beating with anticipation. She had now lost the others as she ran ahead, likely distracted by the surroundings, but Toga didn’t care, she only had one focus. Her patience was wearing thin, but she wouldn’t dare to give up.
And then finally, she saw the familiar brunette bob hair and rosy soft cheeks. It was Ochaco! And she was alone? Toga was sure Ochaco had said she was going with her friends from UA. Why was she standing by herself, shifting uncomfortably? She slowly crept up towards her.
__
Ochaco stood by herself, trying not to cry. She was still waiting for her friends. Mina had asked her to come with her today, and she agreed, but the pink-skinned girl was running late. Ochaco had been standing alone for longer than she cared to admit. She hadn’t realized how hard this would be for her, being surrounded by bold fashion and joyful people; she felt like a shadow in comparison. She also couldn’t stop thinking about Himiko, and her guilt consumed her for being too scared to invite her. She wanted desperately for her to be here, and that felt like Ochaco didn’t deserve to be standing here. She couldn’t even afford a new outfit for the day as she stood awkwardly in shorts and a black tank top, eying the bright colours around her and people being themselves. And all she could feel was shame for herself.
She got her phone out of her back pocket, about to send a message to Mina that she was going home, saying she suddenly felt unwell. It’s okay, she won’t blame me. That is, until she felt a sudden poke at her side. She quickly spun away from her phone. Nothing. She slowly went back to her phone before she felt another sudden poke accompanied by some giggles.
Ochaco spun around fast, managing to catch the poker, activating her quirk in defence, until she realised who was behind her, catching the cheeky glint in those familiar golden eyes. “HIMIKO!!” She gasped but quickly covered her mouth to not draw attention.
“It’s me!!” Toga beamed before giving a pout. “You really thought I’d let you go to Pride without your girlfriend.”
Ochaco immediately wrapped her arms around Toga's waist. “I’m so sorry Himi, I just didn’t want you to be caught. I was about to leave anyway.”
Toga tightened her grip around Ochaco. “That’s why I came to surprise you, dummy. I even got the others to come too,” She looked over her shoulder. “But… I think I lost them.”
Ochaco gives a sweet laugh of relief as she kisses her girlfriend’s nose. “Only you could manage to do that Himi, also your outfit is so cute! I am so obsessed. I am kind of lacking with my outfit, it’s not much.” She sheepishly says, scratching the back of her neck. “I didn’t have money for anything fancy.” Only having a bi and pride flag painted on her arm.
Toga gives her iconic smile, “Don’t worry cutie, you are adorable no matter what.” She wraps the extra-large bi flag around both of them. “And you know what the best thing about being bi for bi is? We can share flags!”
Ochaco's blush deepened, her earlier worries had completely vanished. She is happy she got to celebrate her first Pride month, wrapped together with the girl she loves most.
“I stole this flag for today. It's so big!” Toga whispered proudly.
Ochaco gave a concerning look. “Please tell me you didn’t steal it from a local queer vendor.”
“Of course not! I stole it from one of those big corporations trying to profit from us.” Toga huffed whilst giggling. Ochaco nervously laughed, not at all surprised.
Soon, Toga saw Jin and Atsuhiro walking together hand in hand across the crowd. Her face lights up as she points to them. “Look, it's Jin and Mister!”
The two men walked up to the girls, both wearing matching rainbow suspenders, whilst representing their identity, most likely Jin’s idea. Atsuhiro, ever the elegant partner, wore suspenders with rainbow and different blue hues representing the gay flag. He wore a white button-up shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his elbow, with his prosthetic arm on full display with pride, gleaming under the sun.
Jin was in the same suspenders but in the pink, yellow and blue colours of the pan flag. Instead of a shirt, he opted for a t- shirt with “I ❤ my husband” written across it. The heart was a rainbow, of course, sparkled with sequins. He wore fitted trousers, clearly borrowed from Atsuhiro, that were perfectly snug around his assets. Both of them, without a mask, no disguises (they didn’t listen to Kurogiri), just two married men celebrating their first pride together.
Ochaco noticed something on their cheek, but they spoke first before she got to ask.
“Finally caught up to you, Toga.” Jin immediately lit up seeing them. He waved enthusiastically when he noticed Ochaco. “Oh, hi Uraraka! Long time no see.” Atsuhiro also gave a formal bow, smiling gently.
“Their outfits are so cute! Aren't they Ochaco?” Toga squealed. “I helped with Jin’s t-shirt.”
Ochaco nodded and waved back. “Hello to you too, Mr. and Mr. Bubaigawara, and congratulations on the marriage. Himiko told me all about it!”
The men gave their thanks. “Thank you, my dear, the wedding was magical.” Atsuhiro politely spoke.
Ochaco pointed to their cheeks. “Is that a painted half heart on your cheek?”
Jin was excited that she noticed. Without hesitation, the two husbands then came closer, squishing their cheeks together, showing a full heart connected together. “The good things about being the same height as your lover!” Jin said with a wink.
“This was his idea,” Atsuhiro muttered, but sounded fond.
Toga’s eyes widened in amazement. “We need to try Ochaco! You have the cutest cheeks for it!” She says excitedly, whilst poking at them giddily.
“Good thing I came prepared and brought my makeup bag with me,” Atsuhiro exclaimed, already taking a glittery eyeliner out. He started to draw the shape on Toga’s cheek before moving onto Ochaco’s, being careful with each line. Jin wrapped an arm around his waist as he watched, smiling softly.
Now that the hearts were finished, Toga took Ochaco’s hand. “Now we are ready!”
The four of them set off for the day ahead. Ready for a day full of love and pride.
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Spinner and Shigaraki were walking down the street with the rest of the low tide of the parade. They were trailing behind at the back. The loud music was muffled with the occasional burst of cheering heard from the distance. They lost the others a couple of hours ago, but Iguchi had always kept sight of Tomura, never letting him out of his sight. Tomura was dressed in his usual hoodie, which was drawn tight around his face, with sunglasses to cover his red eyes and a white medical mask, concealing an attempt to completely disguise his identity. The heat was sweltering under the summer sun, and Shuichi was concerned with Tomura in all those layers.
The lizard’s claws were clutched tightly onto a hand-painted sign he hastily put together before coming out today with his boyfriend. The sign was written in bold black strokes, the letters tacky but raw. “Protect queer heteromorphs.” To Shuichi, Pride has always been more of a protest than a party; it was also survival. Both of them were walking along the quieter stretch of the street when Shuichi suddenly stopped them both. Shigaraki’s facial expression was hidden, but he flinched from the abruption, clearly on edge.
Before he could ask, a small badge was placed into his hand. Tomura’s fingers immediately curled around the small object. When he looked down, the badge was of the aroace flag with bands of different shades of oranges and blues. He looked away, almost guiltily.
“I made it because I knew you wouldn’t bring anything,” Shuichi spoke in his usual gruff voice, avoiding eye contact as he placed his sign down on the pavement below. His claws moved with surprising gentleness as he helped pin the badge to his boyfriend’s hoodie. Tomura didn't move to stop him, his face was still unreadable under the mask.
When the badge was firmly in place, their hands touched without a word. Shuichi tightened his hold around Tomura’s hand, refusing to let go. Just enough pressure in a subtle way to tell him ‘I love you no matter what’. Shigaraki’s gaze fixated on the fading parade in the distance. They both watched strangers laugh, kiss, and wave flags around in every direction.
After a long silence, Shuichi spoke up. “Growing up as a heteromorph was hard enough, let alone a queer one at that.” He shook his head towards the ground. He crouches down to pick up his sign.
Toumra tilted his head, listening to him. He was genuinely intrigued.
“I suppressed those feelings for as long as I could remember. I had other crap to survive through first.” He looked down, tightening Tomura's hand further. “It wasn’t until the league that I started figuring it out, wasn’t until I met you.”
Shigaraki listened, their hands still tightly connected, his fingers twitching against Shuichi’s scales. Finally, he spoke in his usual rough voice. “I have no experience in …relationships, romantic ones or whatever.” His grip on Shuichi’s hand tightened. “The only people I’ve really known for most of my life are Master and Kurogiri.” His gaze dropped down to their connected hands. Touch was something he had only just gotten comfortable doing with Shuichi. The itch faded with him. There was no official declaration or confession of getting together and yet they still considered each other as their partner, they just naturally gravitated towards each other. Tomura wasn’t sure if it was romantic or just a really strong platonic connection, but he knew one thing for certain, he had never felt so close to another person before and he never wanted it to end.
“I never want to have sex,” Toumra admitted bluntly. “I have never fitted into anything like that. I never felt like I belonged.” His red eyes lifted, looking back up to Shuichi. “But it feels easy with you.”
Shuichi flushes at Tomura’s bluntness when he mentioned sex, especially since he said it with a crowd of people around them. However, he also felt a warmth in his chest. Tomura had never been so open about these things before and to Shuichi, he was happy for it. “I’m glad you told me. I’m fine with no… well, what you just said. I just want you to be comfortable, always.” Shuichi gives a relaxed smile, his cheeks still dusted with a dark pink against his green scales. “I’m happy you came here with me today.”
Tomura grunts in response, but he is unable to answer back, as his emotions are too high to speak. He didn’t dislike the feeling however, it wasn’t his usual feeling of hate and destruction. Their hands were still tightly connected as they walked down the parade. Shuichi continued showing his sign in his other hand. Tomura's side eyes Shuichi’s own hand-made pins that were pinned on his hoodie just above his heart. One pin was of the gay flag, the other was demi sexual, Tomura thinks it is. He is not too educated on every label.
The gay one stands out the most to him. He pointed to it. Shuichi stopped walking and looked at him, letting him speak. “I want one of these,” Tomura said, not giving anymore context.
“Yeah, of course, we should be able to find someone selling pins here-” His boyfriend interrupts him.
“No… I want you to make it for me.”
Shuichi’s heart skipped a beat, but he couldn’t help but smile. Only he could truly appreciate his partner’s blunt type of affection. To the average person, Tomura would lack the warm affection and security most relationships crave but to Shuichi, every small thing meant everything. “Of course, Tomura, I will make it for you as soon as we get back to the hideout.”
A smile was about to grace Tomura’s face before someone interrupted them, he scowled at their personal bubble being invaded, not wanting to be recognised.
“Hey! Loving the heteromorph rep!” It was a fellow animal heteromorph, his quirk presented him as a reptile, just like Shuichi. He pointed at the sign, giving a wink before running off. Tomura was happy he was gone, but as he looked up to see Shuichi’s face, his smile. He has never seen the lizard so at peace. That is the smile he is fighting for.
__
Magne and Dabi were the last to arrive. After much gentle persuasion, Dabi finally agreed to come and even then, he came grudgingly. He was dressed with as little colour as possible, a long black coat, zipped up all the way to try to cover his face, to blend in with the crowd as much as possible. Whilst the tall woman beside him was dressed in the polar opposite. Her outfit dazzled with a mixture of bright blues, pinks and whites that represent the trans flag with her usual shades still in place. Dabi soon realized that Magne had led him to a small group of other trans people. Everyone is unique but all represented by the colours of the trans that were incorporated into their outfits one way or another, such as candi bracelets, artistic makeup and pins. Dabi felt like an outsider.
Magne melted into the group with ease. She hugged a shorter woman. Dabi at first glance, could tell they were close friends. Magne looked exactly like she belonged. Like she was meant for this.
“Oh my god, girl! I love your outfit. It’s adorable just like you!” Magne exclaimed excitedly.
Her friend, who is a little shyer than her, gave a sweet smile, her cheeks flushed. “Thank you, Kennie. Your outfit is lovely too.” She looked past Magne, spotting Dabi behind her. “Who is this you have here, Kennie?”
Magne stepped to the side so Dabi was in clear view. “Oh him? Just one of my colleagues.” She said, Dabi stepped forward awkwardly. “He won’t bite, I promise. Not on my watch. This is his first pride.”
The woman tilted her head to look at Dabi. “Oh wow, isn’t he handsome? Don’t be shy and hide half your face, cutie.” She giggled and Magne joined in with her as they both fangirled together like teenagers. “He gives total brooding bad boy vibes.”
Dabi shifted further into his coat, he felt slightly uncomfortable. Compliments always rubbed him the wrong way. He has never had this much attention before, as he tried to focus his attention on something else. As the group walked with the flow of the parade, Dabi stayed close to Magne’s side.
“I don’t belong here,” he muttered, bringing Magne’s attention towards him, looking at him over her shades. “I am not like you or them,” He gestured towards the others, each one proud and confident, with a bright smile on their face. “The idea of pride reminds me that I was not born a real man.”
Magne gave a serene smile, and she slowed her steps to look at him. She knew all too well what he was feeling. “You are a real man, Dabi,” she said calmly. “You existing here right now with me is louder than you think. You have encouraged me and I am proud of you.”
Her words struck him deeper than expected. In his past life, those same words would have made him lash out. A childhood of doing everything in his power for scraps of recognition from a father who only reminded him of his increasing gender dysphoria. The way his father only saw him as defective, weak and wrong. His lack of an ice quirk was the excuse, but Dabi knew that wasn’t the only reason. He turned that shame outwardly, sneering at any woman close to him, including his mother and sister. Women were all useless, he once thought. But that disdain had just been a reflection of his self-hatred. What Magne told him cut through that old bitterness, leaving behind a weird sense of peace inside that he hadn’t felt in a long time.
Kurogiri suddenly appeared beside Dabi, silent as smoke, as he sensed the storm brewing inside the fire user. He offered an ice-cold water bottle to him. He was dressed absurdly over the top, like a stereotypical overly supportive parent would wear to show pride in support for their queer child. Dabi visibly cringed at the sight but yet it warmed his cold heart all the same.
Dabi took the water bottle without a thank you, twisting the cap to take a sip. He looked forward to where Magne had walked off with her group of friends, her laugh was loud like the others. He lit a cigarette before leaning onto Kurogiri’s shoulder, the mist cooling his skin.
He didn’t speak. The man covered in mist didn’t move, just letting him stay.
__
Later, as the sun was starting to set, painting the sky in soft streaks of orange and pink hues, the parade had only just begun to dwindle down. Music still pulsed from side streets where after-parties started to appear but the league couldn’t risk staying any longer. Eventually, they all regrouped at the same spot, exchanging stories with each other of what they had seen and done that day.
Shuichi’s hand remained locked with Tomura’s, their hands warm and sweaty from holding on for so long under the summer heat. Kurogiri looked at the pair with awe. His yellow eyes narrowed like he was smiling. “I am surprised we have managed to stay this long,” he said softly.
Shuichi flushed hearing Kurogiri’s words, embarrassed that he had been caught holding Tomura’s hand for all this time. “They needed this.” He muttered, ducking his head low but still keeping an eye on the others. Toga and Ochaco were still wrapped up together cuddling, practically glued to each other. Jin and Atsuhiro slowly danced under the romantic sky, swaying together in sync. Atsuhiro mostly took the lead gracefully as Jin clumsily followed, his husband fondly smiling at him for it. Dabi was continuing to smoke, lingering in the corner but for once his mouth softened into a smile. Magne was hugging her friends goodbye, already promising to meet up again soon.
Tomura held Shuichi’s hand a little tighter, his face looked pale and exhausted but was stripped of his usual cynicism.
Kurogiri lowered his voice so only Shuichi could hear. “You needed this too, Iguuchi.” The scaled-skinned man startled at the words before smiling.
The tender moment was cut short as Magne came running over towards them in excitement with her phone in hand. “Guys, let's take a photo to remember the day!”
Toga, thrilled at the idea, dragged Ochaco along in the frame. Ochaco was more skeptical about going through with it but her resistance immediately crumbled at the look of pure joy on Toga’s face. Atsuhiro and Jin also eagerly joined in the photo as they stood together behind the girls, arms around each other's waist. The others were less willing and had to be dragged along by Magne to get in frame. She got someone in the crowd to take the photo and they were more than happy to help snap the photo. Only two attempts were captured before Tomura started complaining loudly about wanting to go home, causing everyone to laugh.
In the photo, Toga and Ochaco were cuddled together, cheeks touching. Behind them, Jin and Atsuhiro mirrored the girl’s pose, cuddled together, with their cheeks that were pressed together to form the heart. Shuichi’s eyes were entirely fixated on Tomura. Magne had an arm slung around the stiff Dabi, and she gave a peace sign to the camera. The photo was awkward but soft.
People passed them by, others stopped to look, and some couldn’t help but take a picture of their own. Their lack of disguises seemed to finally catch on. They whispered in the crowd, but the villains were too engrossed with each other to care. They finally started to walk back to the hideout after much complaining from Tomura. Toga clung stubbornly to Ochaco’s side, not giving her the chance to slip away. The others stayed close as they walked down the street, feeling lighter than before.
__
Night had completely fallen by the time the league was back safely to their hideout. Toga’s make-up lingered, not ready to part with it just yet and still dressed in her full colourful get-up. She happily texted Ochaco, a constant when they were apart. She was giggling to herself, rolling across her bed in her room, phone only inches away from her, until a new notification popped up. Ochaco sent a text with an attached screenshot. The screenshot depicted the photo they took together just earlier, but now being shared on a social media site captioned: “League of Villains spotted at Pride.” The post had gone viral in less than an hour, with likes and reposts in the thousands and climbed higher every time Toga refreshed.
She didn’t have time to think as she started running out the door to show the others. “LOOK LOOK!” She frantically waved her phone around, tripping over herself.
At the same time, Jin also came rushing in from another room, having seen the same screenshot as Toga. “GUYS, YOU NEED TO LOOK AT THIS!”
Atsuhiro, lounging comfortably on the couch, sighed. “What idiocy have you seen this time, dear?” He leaned over to look at the screen, he was expecting one of Jin’s usual goofy memes or photos. What he saw shocked him, eyes widened and his jaw parted, leaving him unusually speechless.
“Give it here!” Shigraki harshly snatched Toga’s phone from her hand with a harsh swipe. He scoffed. “I knew this was a mistake. They are going to completely twist the narrative on us like they always do.”
Shigaraki's anger silenced the room for once. Shuichi carefully sat near him in an effort to comfort him, his hand resting gently on Tomura’s arm.
And Tomura was not completely wrong. Top comments in the thread were spewing lies about their appearance at the parade, calling them terrorists and scared for their lives from attending an event alongside Japan’s top villains. Conservatives used it as fuel as to why pride was an abomination, a sin, the same cycle of hatred that happens every June. But beneath the hate also came a way of unexpected support. Shuichi took the phone and scrolled through the waves of comments, reading out loud the ones that hit most.
“Is that Toga and Uravity together? They are so cute wtf.” Toga beamed from being called cute. “They think I’m cute? ME!”
“Dabi’s smiling? I didn’t know he could do that.” Dabi rolled his eyes but he smirked anyway. “Tch idiots…”
“They just look like a normal queer friend group. Not terrorists."
“TWICE AND COMPRESS MATCHING COSTUMES ARE COUPLE GOALS.” Jin and Atsuhiro cuddled closer, feeling giddy.
“Don’t care what anyone says, that photo is beautiful.” Shigaraki didn’t even scoff at that one.
“Magne is an inspiration to the trans community.” Magne was on the verge of tears. But of happiness. “God…” she whispered with emotion.
“Supportive Kurogiri is everything!” Kurogiri blinked, the inner person flashed for just a second.
Shuichi swallowed before reading the next comment. He read it softly. “That photo of the league saved my life that week.”
No one spoke after as the words lingered in the air. They were not heroes, not in the way society defines heroism but their visibility made them heroes today, even if for just one person. Dabi finally understood the importance of the word pride.
The silence lingered on, even Toga was not willing to break the silence with her usual antics. The words from the stranger held an invisible weight for everyone in the room.
Jin was the first to move as he drew Atsuhiro closer, tugging him towards him, placing his forehead onto his husband’s shoulder. His voice was softer than usual. “You hear that Atsu? We did something good today. We actually helped someone.”
Atsuhiro gave a soft smile, bringing his arms tightly around Jin in a protective hold. He brought his prosthetic hand up to brush through Jin’s blond hair. “My love,” he murmured, “you have always been good. The world was too blind to see it.”
Jin held tighter, letting out a shaky laugh. Wondering how his life suddenly got so lucky.
Across the room, Shuichi was standing still beside Tomura as he handed the now closed-off phone back to Toga. He took Shigaraki’s hand without asking and Tomura, who usually recoiled from touch, didn’t resist. His face was uncharacteristically soft from the words. Shuichi tightened his grip further, a silent I’ve got you.
Magne broke the tension next. Her shades couldn’t hide the tears falling freely down her cheeks. She attempted to wipe the drops away with her finger but they only kept flowing faster. “I am so proud of you guys,” her voice cracked. “ For being yourselves and for letting me be myself with you. I am so happy right now.”
The sight of Magne’s tears started Toga’s own waterworks, dripping down her face too. She ran up to the tall woman, jumping herself to her to give a big hug, almost knocking her over. “I am proud of you too, Big Sis Mag!”She sobbed into Magne’s chest, her voice muffled. “We need to go again next year!” she announced excitedly. Her phone buzzed, it was a notification from Ochaco and Toga’s face softened, snuggling further into Magne, smiling through the tears.
“Tch, this group is too sappy.” Dabi scoffed sharply, leaning against the furthest wall, flicking ash from his cigarette. “But I guess it wasn’t a complete waste of time.” His eyes flickered towards Magne, a quiet moment of appreciation.
From the corner, Kurogiri stood up, mist curling around him as a protective figure watching over the group. He spoke softly. “I hope you all understand something important. For once, you were not feared but seen.”
That truth finally settled over them.
Slowly one by one they retreated back to their separate rooms as exhaustion took them away. Shuichi helped Tomura to bed. Dabi muttered about needing fresh air. Toga continued texting Ochaco, disappearing down the hall, Magne following behind. Jin and Atsuhiro left hand in hand. Kurogiri was the last one remaining in the common room. He glanced over the photo once more from a glowing screen someone had left on the table. He already made a mental note to get the photo framed one day.
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Across the distance of that small hideout, high above the vast city, perched upon a tall skyscraper. The number 2 hero Hawks let the summer night air whip against his face. The dark night covers the vast sky, stars decorating above his head and neon lights blurred below. It was the place he always came to when he wanted to clear his mind, to think and draw back his wings to relax. But tonight the view was not enough to settle restless thoughts. The light from his phone illuminated his face, his eyes fixated on the photo that made a sudden internet sensation. The league of villains at Pride, being loud and proud. Nothing like the monsters the public painted them to be. It made Keigo feel something stir within.
Being free is the very thing Keigo had always stood for and built his name on. His wings are a symbol. And yet, a group of villains he was ordered to infiltrate and destroy were the first to show him what true freedom looked like. Villains inspiring the heroes. Who would believe it? He knew what he had to do next.
He didn’t hesitate and opened the app to type out a simple truth he had denied himself all this time. He made the announcement then and there.
“I am bi. That is all.”
In seconds, the singular line went viral. Speculation and rumors immediately started to brew under the surface. Some called it a publicity stunt, others were already pairing him with different male heroes. Best Jeanist retweeted, congratulating him. Yet Keigo barely looked at it, as for the first time in years, he felt a sudden weight lifted off his chest and no one knew why except himself. Just as he tucked his phone away and spread his wings to take flight, he felt the device vibrate in his jacket pocket. It was a dm from Jin.
It was one of many of Jin’s burner accounts. Ones where they had conversed together many times between missions and work. Keigo knew instantly from the contrasting emojis only Jin would choose. One short message was sent, it lacked a lot of Jin’s usual typing quirks. Keigo knew this was serious.
“Welcome to true freedom, my friend.”
Keigo’s throat tightened, finally spreading his wings wide. Letting the wind carry him into the night.