un: Accelerator; text

[levelshift]

[Accelerator normally doesn't like using the network very much, but right now he needs some very important information and it seems like his best option.]

How do you get blood stains out of clothing?

[It turns out when you reflect everything, you never have to worry about things like this.]

Comments

[wannasmash]

try cold water, but if it doesn't wash out enough, you could try warm water. but not hot, that will set the stain.

sorry for asking but have you never had to get blood out of stuff before?

[ Given what he knows of Accelerator, he's surprised. ]

[levelshift]

Alright, I'll give cold water a try.

[Yeah, he isn't surprised that Izuku of all people is asking.]

No. It's never been an issue for me until recently.

[wannasmash]

how is that possible? is it the same way you shielded yourself from me?

[ Izuku was definitely covered in blood after all that. Some might say he should have opted for a red suit... ]

[levelshift]

Basically, yeah.

[Shield? Sure, close enough. It's probably better for him to be a little more low key about his ability.]

Nothing dangerous gets through, including other people's blood.

[wannasmash]

[ With the wide range of Quirks Izuku has studied (nerded out over), he knows that a shield is not simply a shield, like his super strength is not simply super strength. But in shorthand discussion, "shield type" will do. Izuku is learning to be more mindful of accidentally launching into granular discussions. That might still happen, but only in a limited way here. ]

i see. but... every power has its limitations.

[ Given the nature of this network, Izuku can't assume Aurora isn't watching even direct messages. Accelerator isn't the only one being lowkey about his ability. ]

what about something not dangerous? like something you just find annoying?

[levelshift]

[Accelerator raises an eyebrow at that question. He isn't particularly keen on discussing his ability's weaknesses, especially in public.]

Annoying things don't get through, either.

[It either gets through because he needs it to survive, like enough oxygen to breathe, or it gets reflected. Simple.]

[wannasmash]

[ Annoying things like Izuku... ]

Are you having any luck with the stain?

[levelshift]

Yeah. A lot of people have suggestions.

[Thank God. That makes his life a lot easier.]

[wannasmash]

[ Izuku thinks about this stupid arena planet and about how angry he is that anyone has to deal with this. He thinks about Accelerator's past with enforced violence. He thinks about how he once hesitated to speak to a friend about the tough stuff and the consequences of not doing that. He thinks about how being a hero doesn't mean beating up people labeled as villains, it means supporting others. ]

i know things have been rough around here, so if you need someone to talk to, you can always talk to me. about laundry or whatever you need help with. anything really.

[levelshift]

[Accelerator raises an eyebrow at the text. He doesn't know Izuku very well beyond that time they fought, and his very awkward attempt at apologizing for said fight. This feels either like a lot of pity, or a lot of misplaced compassion, neither of which he wants.]

Not interested.

There are likely other people around here who could use that kind of shit. I'm not one of them.

[wannasmash]

[ Izuku's compassion is less misplaced and more leaking out of him every chance it gets. But he knows when to back off too. ]

that's OK. it wouldn't sit right with me if i didn't at least offer.

[levelshift]

[Reading that makes Accelerator uncomfortable. He can't seriously be that pathetic enough that he needs the offer, right?]

I'm not a fucking charity case.

[wannasmash]

[ Why that remind him of past Bakugo? Ugh!! Izuku resists the urge to retort with something he might say to him. That would be a bit much. ]

it's what i offer to anyone i meet in passing who has a rough time, and i can't ignore how much this arena place
well it sucks!

[levelshift]

[Ugh, why's this guy got to be so nice to him. Why can't he be nice at someone who'll appreciate it?]

I'm used to violence, so I'm sure I'm having an easier time than a lot of people.

[Not that he's having an easy time, but he's at least a fighter with a strong, versatile ability. All the normal Etrayans without powers, or those who don't have something they can use to gain points are going to have a much rougher time dealing with Aphaia.]

[wannasmash]

[ Everyone deserves a little kindness, Izuku thinks! ]

that doesn't make it OK. we might be in a position to help others, but we still should look out for each other.

[ He's... just going to assume Accelerator is helping others. Voicing it will encourage it, right?? ]

[levelshift]

[Wow, Izuku, big assumption there!]

Who says I've been helping people?

[That is patently untrue, he's been keeping an eye on Laura (this question about blood stains in clothing is for her) and the Archive.]

I really, really don't need someone looking out for me, third string. Direct that energy towards someone who needs it. There are a lot of powerless people from Etraya, they're the ones who could use it.

[wannasmash]

even when you broke my leg you were helping someone, kind of.
and weren't you keeping an eye on someone in moorecroft?

[ Babysitting, as Accelerator called it. Helping!! ]

OK but don't think being strong gets you out of needing help every once in a while. i have a friend who's always putting others above herself, and she's really strong, but who's there for her when she needs it?

[levelshift]

What the hell, you remember that?

[Of course he does, why wouldn't he. Oh my god, why is this idiot bringing all of that up in a public space?]

Look, that's great for your damn friend, but I'm not like that. If something big threatens Etraya then I'll step in because I don't have a fucking death wish, but otherwise I'm not interested in being that kind of person.

[wannasmash]

of course i remember, it sets you apart from being just a jerk.

[ Thanks Izuku! ]