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June Writing Prompts 2022
June is here! Time for barbecues, beaches, and beating the heat! Summer is upon us, so enjoy it while we've got it. And As always--
Disclaimer: I never close old writing prompts from previous months. People can and should be encouraged to post on old month's prompts and I highly encourage players to track these posts to catch stragglers or new people writing on old prompts.
Now. With that out of the way, onto this month's prompts.
1. "Are you proud of what you've done?"
2. If you don't confess your feelings now, you may never have another chance.
3. An unexpected heat wave.
4. A day in your character's happy place.
5. "Everyone chooses which mask to show the world. What's beneath yours?"
Bonus image prompt:
3. An unexpected heat wave | cw: swearing
1 - Are you proud of what you’ve done?
Navigating a busy airport could be troublesome even on the best days. But navigating a busy airport with a wheelchair - especially when you’re getting stopped by just about everyone else flying home from the American Ninja Warrior competition - nearly cost the Uchiwa family their seats on the flight.
“You are certainly recognizable amongst your fellow competitors.” Isamu noted as they finally boarded (and not a moment too soon).
Minoru did his best to shrug as he handed his brother the crutches to stow in the overhead bin.
Isamu, however, was right. Minoru had made quite the impression. What he’d pulled off the night before was nothing short of legendary. The other American Ninja Warrior contestants were all impressed. But more importantly, they all wanted to know how the ankle was and wish him a speedy recovery. Several of them even asked for his autograph. (Which garnered attention from even more people in the terminal - especially when Isamu broke out another package of fans from his bag.)
“You certainly helped.” He laughed, waving off the flight attendant’s offer to assist. He hopped up on one foot like it was all too easy.
“Guilty as charged. I do take my role as President and Chief Marketing Officer of the Fan Man Fan Club very seriously.” Isamu added, closing the bin. He took a seat across the aisle, beside his father.
Minoru quickly took his seat as well, settling in next to his mother - assuring her (and the flight attendant currently folding up the wheelchair) that he was fine.
“Admittedly… I may not have always understood your hopes and dreams, or prioritized your successes above my own…” Isamu continued once the attendant had departed. “But the truth is, and I likely speak for all of us, that I am very proud of what you have accomplished. Finishing within the top five.”
“Yes. Very proud.“ Chichi smiled softly, touching the back of her son’s hand. He smiled in return.
Itaru leaned forward, around Isamu, and nodded in agreement. “But more importantly, Minoru, are you proud of what you have done?”
The question caught him completely by surprise.
“…Me?”
“Yes, you. Silly…” Chichi chuckled as she reached up and ruffled her son’s hair slightly.
“We are astutely aware that because we’re your parents, our approval will always hold a special place in your heart. But in the end, our hopes and dreams for you are just that… they’re ours.” Itaru explained. “We always want what we think is best for you. And we don’t often hesitate to tell you what we think that is. But, when push comes to shove, only you know what that actually is. What’s most important is that YOU are proud of what you did.”
Minoru was quiet for a moment, but the smile that had yet to leave his face - despite the pain he was in - explained more than words ever needed to.
He’d grown up trying to find something he could be good at. Unable, or even unwilling, to live up to others’ expectations, he drifted around far more than he drove. He supported more than he led. He deferred compliments rather than accept them. But when Minoru closed his eyes, he could still see the obstacles, still hear the crowd chanting and still feel the wind in his hair. Running the American Ninja Warrior course was more than just being in the zone. When he was out in that arena, it was as though everything was right with the whole world. (Well, minus the busted ankle and the Ziggy crying parts…)
“More than I’ve ever been in my entire life.” He finally admitted, leaning back against the seat.
Itaru and Chichi shared a quiet smile. Their youngest son was really growing into his own. And they were equally pleased that Isamu was taking such an active interest too. Both had learned and matured quite a bit since moving to the Nexus.
“I can’t wait to try again next year!” He exclaimed in the midst of a yawn.
“Next year will come soon enough.” Itaru encouraged.
“For now, why don’t you try to get a little sleep while we’re in the air.” Chichi nudged him gently, in that familiar mother-knows-best sort of way. “You’ve had a very exciting couple of days. But while it’s afternoon for us, I know it must feel like the middle of the night to you.”
“Yeah, yeah…” he settled in, closing his eyes. Isamu and Itaru both pulled books out of their carry-on bags. A few hours later, they’d all be back in Seattle.
1- Are you proud of what you've done?
5. "Everyone chooses which mask to show the world. What's beneath yours?"
Consequences
4 - Masks
For Isamu, big words and complex sentences masked an inferiority complex and sizable ego. His pride was wrapped up in his intelligence, in knowing everything about everything. He wanted, dare he say needed, to be the smartest person in the room. He embraced the often-dispassionate stoicism of science, in part, so no one would notice his struggle with social subtleties or pick up on his insecurities and fears.
Some of this, he picked up from his father. Itaru was incredibly even-keeled, perhaps for many of the same reasons. He spoke deliberately and chose his words carefully. At first it was a necessity to convey his expertise in a language that was not his native tongue. Later, it simply became a habit. He and his oldest son understood each other very well.
Minoru’s mask, on the other hand, was one of indifference. Outwardly, he flitted about without a care in the world, but he cared far more than he wanted to let on. On the bright side, it complimented his happy-go-lucky demeanor so that criticism and sour thoughts never really stuck. But it also left him adrift without purpose, without goals and commitments. It hid his jealousy, his disappointment in coming in second to his brother’s need to be first. It was easier to defer than it was to defend.
Some of that, Minoru picked up from his mother. Chichi was raised in a society that praised deference, especially for women. Being poised and proper was part of her mask.
But the care-free attitude mirrored that of his Uncle Sasuke so well, it was rather uncanny. But Sasuke grew up in Itaru’s shadow, much like Minoru did Isamu’s. (although the age difference between them was measured in years, not minutes.) Ironically, it wasn’t until Sasuke met his future wife, Hanako - a loud, audacious woman who could march into a room and immediately own the place - that he found his focus. Apparently, Minoru needed very much the same kind of shove in the right direction.