[ Krouse can't help but feel a burst of sympathy for this particular crisis. He remembers exactly how this feels. ]
Relax. That's not how it works.
You're going to schedule the actual date in advance, so that's the first thing. But this is someone you're definitely asking out? Or did you get asked? Either option is fine, we're not in the 1950s.
i got asked out. i never thought about asking someone out i mean i didn't think this would happen at all. i was the guy who had no friends in middle school. but it was during the mission and uh that town was creepy.
But Krouse can't blame him. The agonies are what they are. ]
All right. I won't ask.
Now you're out of Moorecroft, I'd say you want to move first. Show you can take initiative. But don't be pushy. You want to keep it casual, no pressure. But you also need to have a strategy. Just don't make it obvious. You want to seem like it's spontaneous, but don't be too spontaneous.
i don't... know how to be spontaneous, so we're good there. krouse-kun, you just sound like you're contradicting yourself.
a strategy???
[ He's going to die. He's getting out his notebook because this is serious business. ]
i'm taking notes. so you mean i bring it up? ask where they had in mind for a date? i'm so nervous. what if they change their mind? is there anything i should say?
If you're keeping notes, make sure you keep them somewhere secure. Trust me.
And I know it sounds contradictory, but that's how it goes. There's a fine line to walk. You have to think about your whole affect.
My advice is bring it up. Phone calls are best, but texting is fine. You already have the date agreed to, so don't ask like you're reopening the question. That looks insecure. And you shouldn't ask where they want to go, because they already asked you out, so you want to show that you can come up with something, do part of the work.
Basic formula: 'Hey. I was just thinking about our date. Looking forward to it. What do you say to meeting up for (insert activity and time here)?'
Casual, shows interest, says you were thinking about it, offers your idea of the date without making it seem like you're attached to the specific thing. No exclamation points.
Everyone gets nervous about this stuff. If whoever this is is interested in you, they know you're nervous anyway. I guess that's comforting.
secure? well i do carry them with me at all times.
it's difficult because this city is uh really bare and weird but i do know they like the outdoors. i guess if i'm bringing it up first i'll suggest that. i'd feel better bringing it up in person actually. i guess because that's how we normally talk.
krouse-kun i don't type like that. that sounds like someone talking at work...
Right. You cannot take them on the date. There's no universe where you don't have some tragic mishap that sends your "Date 101 Tips" flying everywhere and botch your chances permanently.
And it doesn't sound like someone talking at work.
[ It sort of does, now that he looks at it, but - shut up, Deku. ]
Bring it up in person if that works for you. That's not the point. My point is that you have to play it cool.
Coming on too strong is a death sentence. It scares people off.
[ It totally does sound like someone talking at work, Krouse! ]
i have no idea how to play it cool. i've tried being cool but that doesn't work. i mean sometimes when i do stuff people say i'm cool. not in this situation though. i couldn't come on too strong if i tried, if anything this person is the one who comes on strong. maybe i shouldn't do this at all. maybe i should just wait. this all seems too much.
[ And he can't even bring his notes, damn! Who knows, maybe Bakugo will see his notes as a sign of thoughtfulness—yeah no, very uncool. ]
but i did agree to it. and i want to see what happens. i can't back out. i didn't say "i promise" or anything, but i have to meet this person head on.
[ Krouse is almost kind of proud of the insufferably wide eyed dork. ]
Listen.
If there's one thing I know, it's that if you like someone, you should go for it. We don't know how long we get. The worst thing that's likely to happen is you strike out, but at least you put yourself out there. You tried.
When I started dating, I didn't feel cool. I felt like a fucking idiot, all the time. I screwed up constantly. I made so many stupid fucking mistakes.
But I kept trying. And I'm glad I did. I do things differently, if I could, but I'd do it again. I'd do it a hundred times over. It's worth it.
i don't know if it's like that. i mean i get nervous and i want to impress this person. they're very important to me. but so are my friends. friendships are intense too. at least, they are for me.
i thought i wouldn't have to think about this, at least not for a long time. i'm not what people picture when they think of a date. but you're right. i should try to go for it. i'll do my best!!
[ Krouse takes slightly longer to respond, this time. Not because of Midoriya, but he just needed a minute, and to put on his shoes so he can go smoke outside like some kind of semi-considerate apartment neighbour instead of a degenerate. ]
Yeah. It can sneak up on you.
I think good relationships are built on respect first. You should be friends before you're anythingelse-friends. You can't treat whoever you're interested in like the only thing you care about is the romance. So hey, good for you. Another step ahead.
And don't give yourself shit. You're what at least one person thought of as what they pictured for a date. You're a nice guy, not hideously scarred, you can juggle a city bus, and I'm sure you open doors like a perfect gentleman.
Not hideously scarred. And some people go for that.
[ Thanks for making him feel bad just for being a shallow jerk, man. ]
If they don't care, that's great. It's not all about the surface, anyway.
[ And he feels even worse, thinking of a face contorted by bubbling, rippling burn scars, set with soft brown eyes. He takes a hard drag off his cigarette. ]
Wear something nice, though. You can decide how you dress. Do you know how to dress nice?
[ Thanks to his guilt, Krouse refrains from extra commentary on not looking like a try hard dweeb. ]
Unless that's standard in Japan, actually. In America we would be talking a henley or a t-shirt that fits, clean jeans without holes, and your best sneakers. Casual, but you put some attention into it. Collared shirts would be for restaurant dates.
Before you do a restaurant date, make sure you know where they stand on food. Never take someone out to eat somewhere they're not comfortable. That's important. You may already know that but it's worth mentioning.
OK. you're right, casual but nicer is normal in Japan too. imagine if someone showed up to their first date in a suit... but this is a lot to think about, so i'm putting it in my notes anyway.
[ He has to account for the differences in what casual but put together means to an American like Krouse--Izuku doesn't remember what the word "henley" is exactly--but he gets the gist. His best sneakers are his only sneakers, but he's not going to turn up in the T-shirt he wears to bed. He knows that much!! ]
i do know their favorite foods. most of the places are run by robots so it is a little weird. we'll figure something out.
[ Izuku seems to either know this person really well or have done extensive research in an almost creepy way. Katsuki did call him a stalker once while contending with the combat advantage Izuku's observational skills gave him. ]
talking to you is really helping me out. i'm still nervous but i feel better about it. it's really nice of you to be taking the time.
[ Even Krouse wouldn't peg Midoriya as that socially out of touch with his fellow youth.
As for how Midoriya keeps talking about this 'mysterious person', the more Krouse is biting his metaphorical tongue on not just saying it. It's important to Midoriya, for whatever reason, to do this whole charade. Krouse isn't going to mess with his confidence, especially not when the guy is thanking him for his support. No one thanks Krouse for his support. ]
But I don't think you're beyond help. I think you've got a reasonable shot at pulling off a good first date.
You're a nice guy, Deku. They say they finish last, but I think that's something 'nice guys' say, not actually decent guys. So if all else fails, and you think you've completely fucked the date up, keep this in your back pocket: admit you're nervous because you want to impress them, which is why you fucked up.
That's a 'smash glass in case of emergency' move, but it can work. Trust my painful experience.
[ If Katsuki found out he told someone about this, he'd be very upset. As far as Izuku is concerned, this is private business! And Katsuki doesn't like revealing or talking about his feelings on a good day. This date could mean nothing but a nice simple outing with a friend. There's enough confusion already without other people knowing about it! ]
honesty. yes i think i can do that. i don't know what their reaction would be. it could be awkward...
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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uh well we just got back from moorecroft so i guess whenever we get a chance?
oh no
it could happen at any time!!!
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Relax. That's not how it works.
You're going to schedule the actual date in advance, so that's the first thing. But this is someone you're definitely asking out? Or did you get asked? Either option is fine, we're not in the 1950s.
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i never thought about asking someone out i mean i didn't think this would happen at all. i was the guy who had no friends in middle school.
but it was during the mission and uh that town was creepy.
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[ If only he knew. ]
And congratulations on your creepy town romantic rendezvous. Who's the ardent admirer?
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i don't think i should say who it is.
[ He chooses life. ]
anyway we decided not to go on a date until we got out of moorecroft.
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But Krouse can't blame him. The agonies are what they are. ]
All right. I won't ask.
Now you're out of Moorecroft, I'd say you want to move first. Show you can take initiative. But don't be pushy. You want to keep it casual, no pressure. But you also need to have a strategy. Just don't make it obvious. You want to seem like it's spontaneous, but don't be too spontaneous.
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krouse-kun, you just sound like you're contradicting yourself.
a strategy???
[ He's going to die. He's getting out his notebook because this is serious business. ]
i'm taking notes. so you mean i bring it up? ask where they had in mind for a date? i'm so nervous.
what if they change their mind?
is there anything i should say?
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And I know it sounds contradictory, but that's how it goes. There's a fine line to walk. You have to think about your whole affect.
My advice is bring it up. Phone calls are best, but texting is fine. You already have the date agreed to, so don't ask like you're reopening the question. That looks insecure. And you shouldn't ask where they want to go, because they already asked you out, so you want to show that you can come up with something, do part of the work.
Basic formula: 'Hey. I was just thinking about our date. Looking forward to it. What do you say to meeting up for (insert activity and time here)?'
Casual, shows interest, says you were thinking about it, offers your idea of the date without making it seem like you're attached to the specific thing. No exclamation points.
Everyone gets nervous about this stuff. If whoever this is is interested in you, they know you're nervous anyway. I guess that's comforting.
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it's difficult because this city is uh really bare and weird but i do know they like the outdoors. i guess if i'm bringing it up first i'll suggest that.
i'd feel better bringing it up in person actually. i guess because that's how we normally talk.
krouse-kun i don't type like that. that sounds like someone talking at work...
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And it doesn't sound like someone talking at work.
[ It sort of does, now that he looks at it, but - shut up, Deku. ]
Bring it up in person if that works for you. That's not the point. My point is that you have to play it cool.
Coming on too strong is a death sentence. It scares people off.
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i have no idea how to play it cool. i've tried being cool but that doesn't work. i mean sometimes when i do stuff people say i'm cool. not in this situation though.
i couldn't come on too strong if i tried, if anything this person is the one who comes on strong.
maybe i shouldn't do this at all. maybe i should just wait. this all seems too much.
[ And he can't even bring his notes, damn! Who knows, maybe Bakugo will see his notes as a sign of thoughtfulness—yeah no, very uncool. ]
but i did agree to it. and i want to see what happens. i can't back out. i didn't say "i promise" or anything, but i have to meet this person head on.
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[ Krouse is almost kind of proud of the insufferably wide eyed dork. ]
Listen.
If there's one thing I know, it's that if you like someone, you should go for it. We don't know how long we get. The worst thing that's likely to happen is you strike out, but at least you put yourself out there. You tried.
When I started dating, I didn't feel cool. I felt like a fucking idiot, all the time. I screwed up constantly. I made so many stupid fucking mistakes.
But I kept trying. And I'm glad I did. I do things differently, if I could, but I'd do it again. I'd do it a hundred times over. It's worth it.
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i thought i wouldn't have to think about this, at least not for a long time. i'm not what people picture when they think of a date. but you're right. i should try to go for it. i'll do my best!!
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Yeah. It can sneak up on you.
I think good relationships are built on respect first. You should be friends before you're anythingelse-friends. You can't treat whoever you're interested in like the only thing you care about is the romance. So hey, good for you. Another step ahead.
And don't give yourself shit. You're what at least one person thought of as what they pictured for a date. You're a nice guy, not hideously scarred, you can juggle a city bus, and I'm sure you open doors like a perfect gentleman.
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[ Rude, Krouse! Now he feels self-conscious! ]
but this person knows about that already. i think they might be one of the last people i'd expect to care about that. something about survival.
what about the date itself? i have no idea how to go about a first date.
[ Other than not bringing his notes, which he thinks is a tough call...! Give him a break, Krouse! ]
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[ Thanks for making him feel bad just for being a shallow jerk, man. ]
If they don't care, that's great. It's not all about the surface, anyway.
[ And he feels even worse, thinking of a face contorted by bubbling, rippling burn scars, set with soft brown eyes. He takes a hard drag off his cigarette. ]
Wear something nice, though. You can decide how you dress. Do you know how to dress nice?
in this icon it says "dress shirt" 😔
uh
kind of?
not really. i'll look for a collared shirt i guess.
someone save deku please
[ Thanks to his guilt, Krouse refrains from extra commentary on not looking like a try hard dweeb. ]
Unless that's standard in Japan, actually. In America we would be talking a henley or a t-shirt that fits, clean jeans without holes, and your best sneakers. Casual, but you put some attention into it. Collared shirts would be for restaurant dates.
Before you do a restaurant date, make sure you know where they stand on food. Never take someone out to eat somewhere they're not comfortable. That's important. You may already know that but it's worth mentioning.
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[ He has to account for the differences in what casual but put together means to an American like Krouse--Izuku doesn't remember what the word "henley" is exactly--but he gets the gist. His best sneakers are his only sneakers, but he's not going to turn up in the T-shirt he wears to bed. He knows that much!! ]
i do know their favorite foods. most of the places are run by robots so it is a little weird. we'll figure something out.
[ Izuku seems to either know this person really well or have done extensive research in an almost creepy way. Katsuki did call him a stalker once while contending with the combat advantage Izuku's observational skills gave him. ]
talking to you is really helping me out. i'm still nervous but i feel better about it. it's really nice of you to be taking the time.
[ The power of friendship conquers all, right? ]
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[ Even Krouse wouldn't peg Midoriya as that socially out of touch with his fellow youth.
As for how Midoriya keeps talking about this 'mysterious person', the more Krouse is biting his metaphorical tongue on not just saying it. It's important to Midoriya, for whatever reason, to do this whole charade. Krouse isn't going to mess with his confidence, especially not when the guy is thanking him for his support. No one thanks Krouse for his support. ]
But I don't think you're beyond help. I think you've got a reasonable shot at pulling off a good first date.
You're a nice guy, Deku. They say they finish last, but I think that's something 'nice guys' say, not actually decent guys. So if all else fails, and you think you've completely fucked the date up, keep this in your back pocket: admit you're nervous because you want to impress them, which is why you fucked up.
That's a 'smash glass in case of emergency' move, but it can work. Trust my painful experience.
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honesty. yes i think i can do that. i don't know what their reaction would be. it could be awkward...
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The whole fucking thing will be awkward, man. You just have to lean into it.
[ Take these confidence inspiring words with you, young Midoriya. ]
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[ He doesn't feel very confident when you put it like that! ]
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[ He believes that. He's always going to believe that. ]
You'll get through it. The dates after the first one get easier.
And you know what? I think you'll get those next dates. I've got a feeling about it.
Good luck. Let me know how it goes.
later that day
i don't know if they want to have a second one, but i hope so.
DOES THIS MEAN I LIKE THEM?????
i have to go. i have to lie down.
later that day