Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

'I... am going to die in here.'
Lying in the fetal position on the floor of the smoke-filled room, those words echoed in your head. You couldn't move your arms. Your legs had already given up. And when you tried to open your mouth to call out for help, your throat felt like it was getting stabbed by a thousand needles.

'I'm going to die in here... and they're going to put that god-awful school id photo of mine on the news when they show the faces of all the victims.'

Earlier that day your mother had pressed a wad of bills into your hand with a wink. “Get the perfume, grab yourself a treat, and don’t tell your father.” You’d beamed, clutching the money like treasure. At ten years old, it didn’t take much to thrill you. But as you skipped into the candy store with a shopping bag slung on your shoulder and a fistful of dollar bills in your hand... You had the feeling something great was going to happen.
...So much for that prediction.

Now the once-bright store was a war zone. Somewhere in the corner a teenager whimpered, blood seeping down her temple and staining her bangs. Two younger kids were pressed against the freezer unit, eyes wide and wet.

And you… Curled up on the floor of the candy store, you could barely keep your eyes open.Your senses were surely giving out, and you frowned as you thought of your mother. From your position on the floor you could clearly see the faint glow of fire slowly inching it's way towards you, though you were too drained of energy to do anything but watch.

Too dehydrated and tired to even produce tears, much less activate your quirk, you couldn't help but think that if your mother were still in her prime, she would have soaked the entire building to extinguish the flames within an instant.

You coughed halfheartedly, futilely trying to expel the smoke you were inhaling, and as you began to succumb to the alluring call of sleep you could only think of your parents. You really hoped your mom wouldn't blame herself when she found out you'd died. You hoped Dad wouldn’t cry alone in the garage. You hoped—

...One moment you were finally fading out of consciousness, the next you felt wind on your face and a powerful arm wrapped around your waist.

Sucking in a breath tentatively, you found that the smoke your lungs were now inhaling was much less pronounced than it had been before you passed out, and as you slowly opened your eyes, you were met with the unmistakable side profile of All Might—the Symbol of Peace.

Or that was what you thought you were seeing, at least. The tears that had suddenly decided now was the time to make their exit from your eyes partially obscured your vision, but you were sure of it. You were being rescued by All Might himself.

Hearing your sniffling, the man turned his head towards you and shifted his hold of another child in his arms in order to wipe your tears. As you blinked, you were nearly blinded by a smile bright enough to rival the sun. There were other small children in the man's arms, one even draped over his shoulder, but you hardly noticed them as you locked eyes with your new idol.

"𝙄𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙤𝙠𝙖𝙮. 𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚."
...Something great happened that day indeed.

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿

"[Name]! You applied for U.A., didn't you?"

Your teacher smiles at you, silently imploring you to elaborate.
You grin, shutting your book with flair and standing like you're already center stage, causing the students in the classroom who hadn't been listening before to perk up. "That's right! I'm gonna get accepted and train to become a pro hero!"
Grinning widely, you ignore the exasperated sighs and laughs of your classmates.

"[Name]? She's been talking about going to U.A. since forever! You think she'll actually make it?"
"That school's like mega selective. If she's gonna have a chance at getting in, she's gonna have to be training hard."

You smile at your book as you sit back down, shaking your head. They'd better believe it. You'll pass that exam if it's the last thing you do.
At that moment the bell rings, and you're the first person out their seat, hastily packing up your bag and making your way to the door.

"[Name]!"
You stop and turn as Ruby barrels toward you, her feathered wings flapping with each hurried step.
"[Name]! You weren't planning on leaving me, were you?" The girl quickly catches up to you and immediately links her arm in yours, giggling as the two of you walk out the doors of the classroom.

"So..." You give Ruby your attention, tilting your head as she pauses, seemingly contemplating her next words.
"You ended up applying to U.A. after all, huh."

Smiling excitedly, you turn forward again, your arm still intertwined with hers.
“Of course I did. It’s all I’ve wanted since—well, you know.” You lean closer and stage-whisper, “All Might went to U.A., Ruby. U.A.”

The girl sighs, though there's no annoyance behind the action. She just lightly slaps your arm with her free hand, grinning at you. "Yes, I know. You only mention that every single time we get on the topic of him, so yeah."
"But..." She winces, and you see uncertainty flicker over her features. "I know how much this means to you, but have you even told your dad yet?"

You stiffen. It’s subtle, but she feels it in the way your steps falter. Frowning, you keep your eyes trained in front of you and chew the inside of your cheek, not knowing how to respond to her question.
"If you don't wanna talk about it right now it's fine," she quickly backtracks, her small wings flapping behind her in distress. "But I really think you should at least mention it before you make the decision. You know how he feels about it, [Name]..."

Sighing, you drop your arm as the pair of you reach the block your house is on. Looking back at your friend tentatively, you open your arms and pull Ruby into a hug, smiling against her shoulder. "No. You’re right. I’ll tell them tonight. I owe them that much. I'll let you know how it goes when I see you." Releasing her from the hug, you're surprised to see small tears gathering in her eyes.

"Ruby?"
The girl pulls you into another hug, nearly crushing your ribs in her strong hold.
"I hope it all works out, [Name]. I'll still be sparring with you over the weekend regardless of what happens, so you'd better be ready for me!" She huffs with new determination in her eyes.

Finally letting you go, Ruby grins at you once more, before turning back to go to her own house.

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"You did 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵?"
You should have expected your father's fuming when you decided to tell him about your applying to U.A., but you still involuntarily cower as the man frowns at you in disappointment. "Dad, you've got to understand! This is what I want to do! I've been training, and I seriously think I have a chance!" You pause before continuing. "Don't you want me to be happy?"

Your father crosses his arms, refusing to take the bait.
"You know it's not a matter of whether or not I believe in your abilities. Have you already forgotten what happened to your mother- Ow!"

Looking behind your father, you see your mother rolling towards the two of you in her wheelchair, glaring at her husband as he recovers from the blast of water she had shot at his back.
"What's going on here?"

Your father sighs, attempting to wring out the back of his shirt as he turns around.
"Honey-" You mother glowers at her husband in response, shutting him up before she looks to you, sympathy washing over her features. "[Name], what is your father pestering you about now."
Your mother shoots him another glare, and your father sighs in defeat, not wanting a blast of water to the face.

"Mom... I applied to U.A." Eyes immediately widening in delight, your mother rolls over to you, grabbing your waist and pulling you into a hug.
"Really? [Name]... You don't know how happy I am to hear that... I've always hoped you would decide to follow in your old mom's footsteps." Behind your mother, your father clears his throat, causing the pair of you to pull away from each other.
"Honey. I know you're happy about this, but shouldn't we think this over before throwing our daughter headfirst into danger? You decided to become a hero and look where that left you! Stuck in this wheelchair and unable to use your legs."

Your mom shifts. “I remember what happened. But I also remember why I fought in the first place. You don’t get to take her dream away from her because of me.”

Your father's expression darkens as he looks at his wife, though he quickly recomposes himself. “You don’t know what it was like,” he says to her. “Watching the footage on the news. Seeing your body go limp when that villain crushed your back. Then looking into our eight year old daughter’s room and wondering how to tell her. Wondering if she’d ever get to say goodbye.” He pauses, gazing at her with a faraway look in his eyes.

"If you hadn’t been healed in time… you would’ve died, and I wouldn't have been able to do a damn thing to stop it."
He turns to you now, eyes red.

“I can’t go through that again. I almost lost her. I can’t lose you too.” You step forward when you hear him sniffle. "[Name]... Every day you look more and more like your mother. Believe me, I know you have what it takes to be a hero. I've seen you training in the backyard late at night when you think everyone's asleep."

He pauses, looking you in the eye. "It's a selfish thought, but when you got caught up in that villain attack back then... A part of me hoped going through such a life-threatening experience would be the final straw for you to give up on being a hero altogether." He pauses, before allowing a wistful smile to spread across his face. "But I should have known how resilient you are."

Your father finally allows his tears to fall, his bottom lip trembling as you pull him into a bone-crushing hug.
"I know, dad. I know you only want whats best for me, but U.A. Is a reputable school. Nothing bad could possibly happen within those walls." You look up at your father, meeting his teary gaze. "Let me try. I know I can do it."
Your father closes his eyes and exhales through his nose, before finally nodding once.

"Okay." Stiffening, your eyes widen in surprise. "Really?" Your father opens his eyes and smiles at you, nodding again. “I don’t love this, but I love you. And if this is your path... I’ll try to support it.”

Grinning, you squeeze tighter, causing your father to yelp in protest. "Ack- Y/N don't kill me, please."

With one last squeeze you finally release him, looking back to see your mom smiling at the two of you, her own eyes starting to fill with tears.
"We believe in you, [Name]." She smiles wider. "Now go make us proud."

Chapter Text

8:45am

Anxiously shifting from one foot to the other, you stand by the entrance of U.A.'s exam building, silently reassuring yourself.
'Don't stress, [Name]. Your mom went here, All Might went here... Now it's your turn!' Gently patting your face with your hands, you don't notice the person behind you until they tap your shoulder.

"Sorry, was I in your way?" You ask, turning around to face a short girl with honey blonde hair and amber eyes to match. "Ah, sorry for startling you, [Name]! My name is Hana Owari, and i'm here for the entrance exam too!"

You blink once... twice... "Wait, huh? How do you know my name?"
Blushing, the girl tentatively extends an arm for you to shake. "Sorry for reading your mind without permission. I saw you looked stressed, so I read your thoughts to try and figure out a way to approach you! My quirk is Telepathy." Owari grins sheepishly, waiting for you to shake her hand.

"Oh... well I don't really mind, it's nice of you to try and talk with me anyways." You grip her hand, shaking it awkwardly. "We should probably get going now, huh. Sit next to me?" The shorter girl grins at you, clearly having hoped for this outcome.
'...Maybe she doesn't know anyone here either.'

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"For all you listeners tuning in, welcome to my show today!"

You sit ramrod straight in the middle of the auditorium, looking around at those near you. Owari sits directly to your left, but besides her you don't see anyone you recognize. Pulling out your phone you snap a quick photo of President Mic, who is currently trying to hype up the crowd to no avail, and send it to Ruby. She immediately responds with a yellow heart, her way of saying good luck.
Smiling, you quickly put your phone away and direct your attention back to the eccentric blonde on stage as he begins to explain the practical exam.

"As it says in the application requirements, you listeners will be conducting ten-minute mock urban battles after this!" Looking to your left, you see Owari writing feverishly in a brown notebook as Mic continues speaking.

Looking over the card you were given, you notice that it says your test location will be in Battle Center B. You gently tap Owari's shoulder, silently showing her your card to which she frowns and shows you her own, which says 'Battle Center C'. You're slightly disappointed you won't have anyone to talk to when you get to your battle center, but you quickly push those thoughts aside, reassuring yourself you'll get to meet new people.

...

Grinning, you look around at the competition. Nobody particularly stands out, but you know you have to watch out for everyone. You won't let your guard down. This test will be the first of many.

"That guy's the one who was about to trip in front of the school gates, right?"
Looking behind you, you see a bald guy with his back to you, pointing at someone in front of him. Angling your body to get a better look at what the other students are gossiping about, you see a green haired boy in a tracksuit, getting reprimanded by a taller student wearing glasses. 'Huh, only the entrance exam and students are already gossiping? Whatever.' You decide to mind your business and focus at the task at hand, flexing your fingers and shaking your legs to warm up your body.

"Okay, start!"
Wasting no time, you quickly sprint through the entrance, passing the various city-like buildings. Making a sharp right to break away from the crowd, you spot a large robot with the number two marked on it's arm. 'Easy point!' Grinning, you get into your ready position.

"𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘳-𝘸𝘪𝘥𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘯𝘵. 𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘦𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘥... 𝘕𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺, 𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘵, 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘵..."

Holding your dominant wrist with your other hand, you extend your pointer finger at the robot, grinning.
"Hey Ultron! Look down here!" The robot turns around, setting its sights on you as you smirk at it, already prepared. "*𝙏𝙖𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙖𝙘𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙙*." Smiling wider, you bend your knees, aiming for it's head. "Snipe Shot!"

Releasing a focused beam of water from your finger, you shoot the robot straight in the face, cheering when it falls backwards with a thud. "Hell yeah! Who's next?"
You dash through the streets, shooting as many enemies as you can, most of them falling with just one shot. Shooting yourself up onto the top of a building, you look down and see the green-haired boy from earlier staring down a robot, seemingly unable to move.
*"𝙏𝙖𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙖𝙘𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙙."*

Internally beaming at the idea of getting to show off, you call out to the boy from your perch at the top of the building, getting both his and the robot's attention. "Hey you! Let me show how it's done!" Smirking, you get into position and shoot a large beam of water from your palm, the attack cleanly blowing the robot's head off.
Grinning down at the boy who's now looking at you with a dumbfounded expression, you wink and run off just as President Mic booms "Less than five minutes left!".

Jumping over the arm of another fallen robot, you suddenly feel the ground begin to shake.

Stiffening, you jog towards the source of the commotion, finding yourself in a crowd of students. Once you look up, you're met by a robot bigger than any of the ones you had defeated before, and you gulp as you remember President Mic's words. "𝘈𝘯 𝘰𝘣𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘰 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘢𝘢𝘻𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘸 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘴! 𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘥 𝘪𝘵." 'Hah, no need to tell me twice.' Swiftly spinning around, you dash away from the commotion, focusing on racking up as many points as possible.

"Times up!" President Mic's voice booms out right as you defeat another three point robot and you finally allow yourself to relax, leaning on the torso of your fallen opponent.
Wiping the sweat of your brow, you grin, satisfied with the amount of opponents you were able to beat.

With the way you're going, you'll get into U.A. for sure.

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Sitting around your dining table with your mom on your left and your dad on your right, you stare down the envelope in front of you.
"Well... are you going to open it? It won't open itself when it's ready, you know." Your father quips from beside you, earning himself a sharp glare from you. "I'm not scared! I'm just letting you guys mentally prepare for how much ass it's gonna tell you I kicked during the exa-Ow!" Your mother shoots a spray of water at your face, causing you to sputter in protest.

"Open the dammned envelope, child." Sighing in defeat, you slowly rip open the seal
(To build suspense, of course. Not because you're worried)

and jump as a projection of All Might springs up from it. *"𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚... 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣!"* All might booms, grinning at you. "Uhh, is it meant to do this?" Your father scratches his neck and looks at your mom, who only smiles in response.

"𝘼𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮, 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙖𝙩 𝙐.𝘼." Eyebrows raised comically, you turn to your mom, who looks almost as surprised as you. "All Might's working at U.A.?! This is fucking aweso- Ow!" All Might fiddles with his tie before continuing.

"𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙜 [𝙉𝙖𝙢𝙚], 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙥𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙖𝙢 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙛𝙡𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙤𝙩 75 𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙚𝙭𝙖𝙢!" Huh? You don't remember beating that many enemies... but maybe you were just that good, hehe.

All Might waggles his eyebrows, now pointing at the camera. "𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙛𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙙. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙚𝙚, 𝙬𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣'𝙩 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚!" The man twirls around and a screen pops up in front of him, showing your villain points as well as your... rescue points?

"𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙘𝙪𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙨! 𝙄𝙩'𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙘 𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙬𝙚 𝙖𝙩 𝙐.𝘼. 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙖𝙩!" Looking at the screen, you see that you had accumulated 50 villain points, and 25 rescue points. Humming thoughtfully, you think back to how you had blasted that robots head off when it was about to attack that one boy during the exam, and briefly wonder if your showing off had actually gotten you into U.A.

"[𝙉𝙖𝙢𝙚], 75 𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙨! 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙞𝙘! 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙚𝙭𝙖𝙢!" You grin at your dad, lightly pushing his arm. "You heard that? 75 friggin points." Your parents share a look, and smile at each other before your father pulls you into a tight hug. "We knew you could do it." Your mom assures you, patting your arm. "Your journey has only just begun."

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿

The acceptance rate for U.A. High's hero course is less than 1 in 300 each year. Other than those accepted through recommendations, only 36 are accepted through the typical exam.

Sauntering through the halls of U.A., you can't help but break out into a grin. 'That's only like, twelve percent! Huh, I really am just that good.' So focused on praising yourself, you almost walk right past the entrance to 1-A. In fact, you probably would have if not for your bumping into someone standing right in front of the long door.

Snapping out of your thoughts, you realize you just knocked shoulders with a boy your age. As you look to your left, you notice the large '1-A' painted on it. '...oops.'

"A-are you hurt?" Looking back down, you lock eyes with the green haired boy you had saved from a robot during the exam. Well, not really. The boy is pointedly looking everywhere but your eyes, and the longer you gape at him the deeper his embarrassed blush becomes.

Deciding this is a good chance to make a new acquaintance, you turn up the charm and grin at him. "No worries, it was my fault anyways. I'm [Name]! are you in 1-A too?" Extending an arm out for the boy to shake, you try to catch his eye.

His blush only deepens further at this, and he quickly grabs your hand in an awkward handshake before bowing. "My name is Izuku Midoriya and i'm in 1-A too!" Standing up straight, Midoriya turns to the door, gaping at its height.
"Door's large, huh. I'd say for accessibility, though I do wonder if any of our classmates are really gonna be that tall..." You mutter absentmindedly, and Midoriya jumps at the sound of your voice in his ear.

"W-well we don't want to be late! Let's get in before we're marked absent!" Your new classmate hastily opens the door, to which you shrug and follow him inside.

"Don't you think that's rude to the U.A. upperclassmen and those who made that desk?" Turning to the sound, you see a blonde guy sitting with his leg on a desk, grinning as another boy reprimands him. Squinting, you realize the guy telling the blonde off is the same one who had been telling Midoriya off back on the day of the exam. 'Must be one of those uptight types' you sigh inwardly. 'Guess you can't get rid of those no matter what school you're in.'

As you walk past the duo in search of a seat, you hear the student in glasses introduce himself as "Tenya Iida from Soumei Junior High School!!". 'Guess it's not so bad to put a name to the face', you shrug. You eventually decide to sit in the back row, and as you take a seat by the window you notice a guy with dual colored hair in the seat next to you.

'That's sick! Wonder how often he has to dye it...' Preoccupied internally gushing over your classmate's hair, you don't notice your homeroom teacher standing in the entrance of the classroom until he begins to address the entire class.

"It took eight seconds before you were quiet." Angling your body to get a look at your teacher, you blink as you see him stepping out of what appears to be a bright yellow... sleeping bag? "Time is limited. You kids are not rational enough." The man stands inside the classroom by the entrance, looking over those sitting down.

"I'm your homeroom teacher, Shota Aizawa. Nice to meet you." Mister Aizawa ruffles through his sleeping bag, before taking out what looks like a gym uniform and holding it out. "I know this is kind of sudden, but put this on and go out onto the field."
"Already getting to the action? Hell yeah!" You jump out of your seat, skipping to the door of the classroom and taking a uniform from Aizawa, who only looks at you with a monotone expression.

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿

'705.2 meters'
You blanche at the numbers on Aizawa Sir's screen, gaping at the boy who just threw the softball as he looks to the side, a bored expression on his face.
'How... how can he throw a ball that far and look so chill about it?!' Sweatdropping, you look around at your fellow students and gape even wider at their excited expressions.
As the students around you chatter in excitement at the activity, you internally wonder how you can make use of your quirk to throw a ball the way the guy before you had. 'Bakugo Katsuki', you recall, remembering how your score was second to his in the practical exam.
Grinning to yourself, you decide you're going to take this new challenge in stride and get as high a score as you can.
'There's no way I'll let myself stay second place to that guy.'

Around you, your classmates continue to chatter excitedly until Aizawa suddenly speaks up. "'It looks fun', huh?" Caught off guard by the man's voice, the class shuts up as he continues. "You have three years to become a hero. Will you have an attitude like that the whole time?" Next to you, the pink haired girl that had made the comment stiffens, avoiding the teacher's gaze.
"Whoever comes in last place in all eight tests will be judged to have no potential and be punished with expulsion."

Aizawa ends on that note, a grin spreading across his face. 'Creepy... the first time this guy smiles is when the topic of punishment comes up...' Sweatdropping, you turn to your classmates, most of which having similar expressions to your own. "He can't really do that, right?" A student whispers to the girl next to you, while you slap your face with your hands gently to try to concentrate and assess the situation.

'I can do this! It's just practical skills, right? My quirk is pretty versatile, and since the test isn't just based on raw strength, I should be able to use it to beat these obstacles!' Balling your fists in anticipation, you decide you'll do your best to show your worth.
---

*𝘛𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦: 𝘍𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘺-𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘢𝘴𝘩*

Slipping off your shoes, you jog to the starting line where you're met with a round-cheeked girl with her brown hair in a short bob. You had noticed her mumbling something about lightening up her clothes a few seconds prior, so you mentally store the information that she may have some kind of weight reduction quirk. But that's fine, since you have a trick up your sleeve too.
Lowering into a running position, you extract water from the soles of your bare feet and use it to cover them, effectively creating a lightweight platform to support your feet and help you run.

"Ready... set..."
Speeding forwards, it isn't more than a second before there's an overwhelming gap between you and the girl you're running against.
'5.13 seconds.'
You won't lie and claim your form is at all close to perfect, but as you reach the finish line and turn around you can't help but wince at your classmate's sloppy running stance as she barrels towards you.

Huffing and puffing from the exertion, the girl stops next to you and grins sheepishly to herself before putting the pads of her fingers together, causing her shirt to loosen around her shoulders.

"You... were pretty... good huh?" She says between labored breaths. You smile at her, blushing lightly at the praise as you slip your socks and shoes back on. "Well I'm not really the best runner if i'm being honest... I just know i'm better at running barefoot, so I used that and my quirk to my advantage!" You grin as the pair of you walk back towards the group.

Without prompting, the girl extends an arm for you to shake, smiling warmly. "Well my name is Ochako Uraraka! I'm still pretty impressed with the way you used water as like, lightweight shoes to help you run."

Her smile widens, and you take her hand in yours for a shake. "Thanks a lot, Uraraka!" You redden, taken aback by her outward friendliness despite it being your first time meeting. "I'm [Name]. By the way, what's your quirk? I assumed it was something to do with weight control, but I wanted to make sure."

Uraraka brightens at your question, her infectious smile widening as she starts telling you about her power.
"Well, my quirk lets me manipulate gravity, not weight, though 
i'm surprised you even noticed! When I touch things with all five of my fingers it causes them to lose all gravity, and it can only be reversed if I do this." She puts her fingers together in the same motion as earlier, her pink cheeks coloring even more at the look of interest on your face.

"That's like... super cool!" You gush, already thinking of all the things she can use her quirk for. "If there's a collapsed building, you could totally just touch the rubble to get it off of civilians! Uraraka your quirk is so cool!!"

*𝘛𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘸𝘰: 𝘎𝘳𝘪𝘱 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩*

Looking at the numbers on the machine in your hands, you can't help but grin. As a swimmer, you've always had pretty good arm control, but you still feel a bit of a high looking at the numbers in front of you.
"540 kilograms?! What are you, a gorilla?"

Hearing the words of a classmate from the other side of the room, you pout, suddenly feeling a lot less prideful about your 42.6. That is until you turn around to see who got the score.

You gape as your eyes lock onto a fucking 𝘨𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘵, three muscular arms on each side of his long torso. You have to physically tilt your head back to look at the top of his head, and you immediately feel way less mournful about your score. "There's actually no chance in hell anybody of my build could get a score so high... holy shit."

In the standing long jump test you manage to eject enough water from the soles of your feet to help propel yourself completely over the sand pit, though your smug grin is quickly wiped off your face as two other contestants proceed to use their quirks to jump all the way over, same as you.

Your score on the repeated side steps test is fairly average, since your quirk isn't very equipped for that type of exercise. You don't let it bother you when a short boy with literal balls on his head manages to outdo you though, since you're already doing well enough that even if you mess up on the last few tests you'll still be far from last place.
Speaking of last place, you turn your head to your left to see Midoriya with a distressed look on his face. He hasn't used his quirk at all during the last tests as far as you can tell, and you briefly feel a pang of sympathy as you imagine him crying as he gets expelled for coming in last.

At the rate he's going, he'll lose by a mile, and before you know it your solicitousness is causing you to walk over to the trembling boy.

Caught up in his thoughts, Midoriya doesn't notice you in front of him until you extend an arm out in front of his face and absorb the sweat from it into your hand.
"H...HWAAH!" The boy immediately panics, frantically patting at his face. "I- you- where did..."
No wonder this kid is doing so badly, he's jumpy as hell... "You're Midoriya, right? You should probably take a walk before the next test or something. You're super tense right now, and it's probably affecting your performance."

Midoriya nods at your words, seemingly having managed to calm down. "Sorry... You're probably right," he huffs, obviously stressed. "If you want, I could spray some water on you to calm you down!" You grin mischievously, already prepared to blast the poor boy in the face. "N-No thank you that's okay!!"

*𝘛𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘪𝘷𝘦: 𝘉𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘸*

Rolling the ball in your palm, you hum thoughtfully. Your plan had been to just shroud the object in water and then try to slowly control it until it got far enough for you to be satisfied, before eventually releasing your control over the water and the ball by association.

But as you stand before the pitch, you can't help but worry you might have overestimated yourself. You know you have a good amount of control over the water you manipulate, but you haven't actually tried controlling it from long ranges... That's alright though. After all, part being a hero is adapting to circumstance!

Sashaying into the middle of the circle drawn on the ground, you turn and smile at Uraraka (to which she gives you a pair of enthusiastic thumbs up) before raising your leg high and throwing the ball in the air with a sweeping motion. Clearing back to neutral, you extend your dominant arm forward and blast the ball with a focused beam of water from your palm, causing the ball to fly even further.

Aizawa holds up the device to show that you've thrown the ball 430.8 yards, and you instinctively pump your fist and hoot, hopping over to Uraraka and picking her up into a hug.
"Did you SEE that? It wasn't nearly as cool as your infinity, but I totally used my quirk to my advantage there!" You release the blushing girl, exaggeratedly sighing as you flip your hair over your shoulder. "I'm just... way too good." Uraraka makes a choked noise, and you look back at her to see her covering her mouth with both hands, her face bright red from trying to stifle a laugh.

Your confused expression only cracks her up more, as tears spring to her eyes and she guffaws involuntarily, causing you to pout in mock disappointment. "Wow, Uraraka. Didn't know my amazingness was so funny..."

...

'So 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 his quirk?' You wince as Midoriya holds up his swollen finger, biting his lip in pain as he looks up at Aizawa. Balling his hand into a fist, the boy smiles at his teacher's stunned expression, eliciting a gasp from the girl to your right. Uraraka mirrors your expression, a fist covering her open mouth as she gapes along with you.

"Guess now we know why he wasn't using it for the other tests, huh." You mumble more to yourself than Uraraka, though she nods in response. "So cool... that was like... Such a heroic throw!" She grins, seemingly having gotten over her initial shock.

Though it seems not everyone is feeling as positive about this turn of events, as Bakugo charges towards Midoriya with rage in his eyes. "Tell me what's going on, Deku you bastard!!" Bakugo tries to close the distance, but before he can Aizawa uses his scarf to restrain him, eyes glowing red as he uses his power to cancel out Bakugo's quirk.
"Jeez... Don't make me keep using my quirk over and over... I have dry eye." Releasing his student, Aizawa walks off nonchalantly, ordering the next student to come up to the pitch. Needless to say, you're still stuck on Midoriya's performance, partially because of his insane score, but also because you were beginning to think he didn't have a quirk at all until his finger-breaking throw.
This is a view shared between you and Bakugo, it seems, because the boy in question is currently shooting daggers in poor Izuku's back as he awkwardly talks to a concerned Uraraka.
You hum in thought as you watch the green haired boy stumble over his sentences as he tries to converse with your new friend. You had thought he was just a quirkless teen who got into U.A. through courage alone, but looking at his injured finger you can't help but smile in acknowledgement.
Your new classmates are very interesting, indeed.

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿

"What a load of baloney... all that just for him to say nobody's getting expelled anyways?" Uraraka listens intently as you complain, stifling another laugh when you huff in annoyance. "I probably should have gone to see recovery girl... my hands are tingling like hell right now." You pout as you open the door to U.A.'s entrance, allowing your new friend to walk through first as you flex your fingers uncomfortably. You really need to work on your endurance... and your pride. You try to show off way too much, though you won't be admitting that to yourself anytime soon.

"Oh look! It's Midoriya and Iida!" Uraraka practically vibrates with excitement as she points to the duo walking towards the gate. Raising an eyebrow, you decide it wouldn't hurt to try and make new friends and follow at a jogging pace as she runs after the two, calling out for them.

"Wait for uss!!!!!" The pair turns around at the sound of Uraraka's voice, and Iida says something you can't hear from your distance. You jog a bit faster, stopping next to Uraraka just as she introduces herself. "I'm Ochako Uraraka! Um, You're Tenya Iida... And you're Deku Midoriya, right?"

Huh? Midoriya seems to share your confusion as he repeats her words. "...Deku?" Uraraka tilts her head to the side, an infectious smile still oh her face. "Huh? During the fitness test, the boy named Bakugo said..." She clears her throat before attempting an impression of the blonde. "Deku, you bastard!!!" Midoriya blushes in embarrassment, hastily trying to explain. "Uh... My real name is Izuku, but D-Deku is what Kacchan calls me to make fun of me..."

Yikes. You had assumed the two knew each other prior to today, but they have pet names for each other too? You snort at the idea of calling the ill-tempered blonde 'Kacchan", while Uraraka smiles thoughtfully. "But 'Deku' sounds like the japanese word for 'You can do it!' so I kinda like it!" Midoriya's face immediately reddens and he smiles sheepishly, avoiding her gaze. "I-in that case... I'm Deku!"
You immediately guffaw at his change in attitude, causing the already flustered boy to blush even harder.

It's only the first day of school, but you can already tell you have lots of adventures ahead.

. 。・゜✭・.・✫゜・。.. 。・゜✭・.・✫゜・。.. 。・゜✭・.・✫゜・。.. 。・゜✭・.・✫゜・。.. 。・゜✭・.・✫゜・。.

𝙌𝙪𝙞𝙧𝙠: 𝙃𝙮𝙙𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙨

𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙥𝙪𝙣𝙠𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 '𝙃𝙮𝙙𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙨', 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙝 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙨𝙮𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙘 𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧. 𝙃𝙮𝙙𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙨 𝙖 𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙥𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙨, 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙞𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙙, 𝙞𝙘𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙢! 𝙎𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧, 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙚 𝙞𝙩, 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙩, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚 (𝙚.𝙜., 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙡𝙞𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙞𝙘𝙚).
𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙖𝙨 𝙬𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙮. 𝙃𝙚𝙧 𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙧𝙠 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙥𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙥𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙟𝙪𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙨 𝙬𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙨 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙙𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢, 𝙖𝙡𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙮.

𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝘼𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨:
𝙎𝙣𝙞𝙥𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙩- 𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧, 𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙛𝙤𝙘𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙖𝙘𝙠.
𝙒𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝘽𝙚𝙖𝙢- 𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙡𝙢 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙, 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙙𝙚𝙫𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙮𝙨 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙝.
𝘼𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙎𝙝𝙞𝙚𝙡𝙙: 𝙎𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙞𝙣 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧, 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙖 𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙚𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙮.

Chapter Text

On the second day of school, the class of 1-A is given their hero costumes.

As much as you wish you could say you came up with the idea for your costume yourself, the truth is your mother did most of the designing. Your only contribution was choosing the colors and agreeing or disagreeing with the suggestions your mom made (mostly agreeing since she was preeety good with the costume design if you do say so yourself).

Twirling around in the mirror of the changing room, you can't help but smile at your reflection. You had ultimately decided on a periwinkle blue tubed unitard, made of high quality neoprene to keep your bits snug in the top of your costume.

A single white stripe runs down each side of your costume, disappearing under the white nylon tactical belt around your waist and ending at the bottom of your unitard shorts. On each side of your belt sit three small aluminum bullet bottles, which you mentally remind yourself to fill with water.
This way if you become too dehydrated to use the water stored in your body, you'll still have spare on your hip at all times.

The shorts of your unitard are shorter than expected, but you decide it's not worth complaining about since it gives your legs more mobility. Over your costume you wear a white cloak, the bottom of it reaching mid-shin and the large hood nearly covering your eyebrows when you pull it over your head.

Running along your forearms and stopping just short of your wrists are white compression forearm sleeves, tailored to promote blood flow in the lower arms. And finally, on your feet are white knee-high Gogo boots with periwinkle blue soles. (link to the costume visual (3rd pic))

Exiting the tunnel with Uraraka at your side, you can't do much to stifle the enthusiastic smile that spreads across your face.
'This is it... The beginning of my- no, 𝘰𝘶𝘳 hero journey!'

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿

After drawing lots at the order of All Might, you look around at your classmates. "Did anyone else draw team B?" You call, continuing your looking to see if anyone perks up at the mention of the letter. Nobody does, and you're prepared to call out again until you hear a voice from behind you. "I do."

Turning around, you're met with the heterochromic eyes of the boy that sits next to you in class. 'Hooooly handsomeness...' You haven't been at U.A. long enough to get acquainted with the faces of all the 1-A students yet, but you mentally slap yourself for not noticing just how breathtakingly gorgeous your classmate is before.
He sits right next to you, for goodness sake! Smiling warmly while simultaneously trying to suppress the foolish blush threatening to spread onto your cheeks, you extend a hand out for the boy to shake.

"You're on team B too? That's great! I'm [Name]! What's yours? Your name, I mean. We should probably make some sort of plan right? Whats your quirk?" Preoccupied firing off question after question, you don't notice his frown deepening until he speaks. "Shoto Todoroki." Without offering any more information, Todoroki turns away from you to face All Might.

A man of little words, you guess. Fighting the urge to pout, you mirror his stance instead, looking at All Might as he begins to announce the first teams to face off against each other.

...

Midoriya is like an infant that with a prematurely manifested quirk. That's the only way you can describe it. On your right, a student with a beak instead of a mouth shakes his head. "The losers are practically uninjured, and the winners are on the ground... They lost the battle but won the war, huh."

Nodding absentmindedly, you watch from the monitor room as Midoriya is rolled away on a stretcher. "So damaging... I wonder how he even managed to pass the exam with a quirk like that in the first place..." You mumble.

-𝘉𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘉𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘉, 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘸𝘰-

"So, we're acting as the heroes for this round, huh? Are you excited?" You begin, futilely attempting to engage in conversation with your partner again. Todoroki only huffs in response, leaving you to walk towards the entrance of the building.

'It's like talking to a wall... a smoldering hot wall but still a wall nonetheless.'

You eye the long corridor from behind Todoroki, attempting to strategize with the stoic beauty. "I assume the invisible girl will use her stealth to her teams advantage by ambushing us while the other one guards the bomb... Should I head for it while you focus on distracting her?"

Realizing you haven't given your teammate any chance to speak, you mentally slap yourself again. Curse your bad socializing skills when it comes to hot guys... "What do you think, Todoroki?"

He decides not to answer your question, instead replying with "Stay outside where you're safe." Seriously? What an ass. You obey while silently brooding over your classmates nonchalance, and Todoroki continues speaking, much to your surprise.

"I'm sure our opponents intend to fight a defensive battle, but that won't deter me. You don't need to do anything." Walking over to the wall of the corridor, your classmate places a palm on it and frost immediately spreads from the area his hand touched, quickly enveloping the entire hallway- holy shit scratch that, the entire BUILDING in ice.

Your excitement at your teammate saying more than a few words to you is quickly overshadowed by your awe at how fast he froze the building, and you watch in open-mouthed shock as Todoroki continues down the corridor and walks up the stairs.
Within a minute, He's already exiting the building with a stoic expression on his face.
"Wowzers..."

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵‿︵‿

"How has life at U.A. been, having All Might as a teacher?"

As soon as you turn the block your school is on, you're immediately swarmed by reporters.
"W-Wow, only my first week and I'm already getting interviewed? Blushing, you cover your cheeks coyly while looking at the cameras surrounding you. "But... if you guys insist I suppose I must oblige..."

You launch into your super cool orgin story, while the reporters nod along in fascination.
"...I thought I was gonna die... But then 𝘩𝘦 saved me... All Might is so amazing... He's like half the reason I came here, y'know? If it weren't for him I would be dead right now! All Might's an amazing teacher, and an even more amazing person! All Might World Domination!!!"

Mister Aizawa appears out of nowhere, shooing the reporters away right as you finish your sentence. "All Might is off duty today, please back away from our students."
You huff in annoyance, poking your teacher in the side. "But Mister Aizawa sir mister, I was just getting started! I haven't even told them about his epic entrance yesterday!"
Your homeroom teacher frowns at you in exasperation, and his hard gaze is enough to get you to hurry inside.

“I can’t believe there are so many reporters here!” Uraraka looks outside the window in awe, watching as the U.A. barrier raises behind Aizawa. "Humph, I didn't even get to finish talking to them before Aizawa sir interrupted me... Though I do wonder what exactly they're trying to gain from ambushing the school like that."
In due time your teacher enters the classroom, announcing 1-A will be picking a class representative. Out of everyone in the class you think Iida's best suited for the role since he's obviously a stickler for the rules, though your superior opinion clearly isn't one shared by the public since it's Midoriya that ends up being chosen, Yaoyarozu at a close second.

"Even though I've been chosen as the class rep... I don't know if i'm qualified for it."
It's during lunch when Midoriya drops this bombshell. To be honest, you're confused why he was chosen in the first place, especially since Iida was the one who showed initiative by suggesting the vote... If not him why not you?! You internally pout as you remember how literally nobody thought to choose you.

Iida doesn't seem to be as bitter as you though, as he simply shakes his head at the green haired boy. "It'll be okay. Your courage and judgement at critical moments make you worth following."

You don't really agree that Midoriya is quite confident enough for the role of class rep, but you decide to just shut up and keep your thoughts to yourself.
Spacing out as you listen to your classmates chatter, the bell catches you off guard.

"Isn't it a bit early for the end of the period?" You swallow a mouthful of rice, which you immediately choke on the next second.
"𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙖 𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝" Uraraka slaps your back gently as you cough, her own eyes widening at the intercom's words.

"𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙖𝙘𝙪𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙙𝙤𝙤𝙧𝙨 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙮" From across the table, Iida asks the boy next to him what a level 3 security breach is, to which the boy worriedly explains it's when somebody is trespassing on school grounds.

That's more than enough to convince you to start moving. Downing a cup of water, you grab hold of Uraraka's arm, the group of you, Uraraka, Iida, and Midoriya rushing into the crowded corridor. The four of you stay close, trying to maneuver through the horde of teenagers.

Midoriya says something about a panic, and the next second he's gone, swept up in the wave of students. From beside you, Uraraka gasps, letting go of your arm to get to him. Now it's just you and Iida... No nevermind he went off too.

Launching a slew of expletives, you try to push past the crowd yourself, to no avail. Getting irritated with the constant shoving, you expel a shield of water from your body, expanding it to the shape of a bubble. The students around you yelp and curse as your bubble forcefully pushes them away from you, but you only glare in response.

Letting the bubble act as a hamster wheel, you use it to push past the students in your way, making honking noises as they're shoved away from you. "Honk honk... [Name] coming through!"

You stop walking, dumbfounded as you see Iida... Cartwheeling in the air?
Guffawing in shock, you involuntarily release your hold of the water around you, accidentally covering the students closest to you in water as your bubble shield pops, though you hardly notice their protests as you absorb the water on you back into your skin and watch as Iida somehow flies over to the exit.

"Everyone, everything's fine!!!" You stifle a laugh at his awkward positioning on top of the exit, opting to make another bubble as a student accidentally shoves you.

Midoriya ends up nominating Iida for class rep after that whole fiasco, much to his (and your) delight, and eventually you find out it had just been the press trying to sneak in. You still wonder how a bunch of reporters managed to set off the breach alarm, but you decide not to dwell on it.
This is U.A., after all. Nothing could possibly go wrong while you're under the schools care.

...

Later that week, the class of 1-A is suited up and ready to take a trip to do some off-campus training. Except for Midoriya that is. As you and Uraraka walk side by side towards the bus, you notice the green haired boy is wearing his gym uniform instead of the costume he wore the last time the class had done training.

You decide he must have a reason for not wanting to wear it and choose to ignore his change in clothing, but Uraraka immediately points it out, much to your discomfiture.
"You're wearing your P.E clothes! Where's your costume?" She points at the boy, causing him to smile awkwardly and shake his head.

"They got all ripped up in combat training, so I'm waiting for it to get fixed before I wear it again." Midoriya seems much more comfortable with Uraraka now, and you smile as you remember what a stuttering mess he had been around all the students just a handful of days ago.

"Speaking of, w-where's your hood?" You're brought out of your thoughts by Midoriya's voice, and you look around dumbly before realizing he's talking to you, though it's hard to tell since your classmate has an odd look on his face and is pointedly avoiding looking at your costume. With the way he's refraining from looking at you, you wonder how he even noticed you had forgone your cloak.

"Oh, me? Aizawa sir said 'shipwreck' was one of the settings we would be in, and it would be better if I didn't have my cloak on while in the water, y'know? Didn't want to carry it around if I'm just gonna take it off anyways."

From next to you Uraraka nods in understanding and you're cut off from saying anything else when Iida announces that it's time to board the bus.

"Wow... It looks just like USJ!"
As your class follows the pro hero Thirteen into the building, you outwardly gape at how versatile it is. In one area there's a mock shipwreck, in another there's a windstorm, then there's a landslide, a controlled fire, and even more mini disasters spread out throughout the vast area.

Thirteen walks ahead of the class, explaining how she made the training area with the idea of simulating different disasters and accidents in mind. You nod vigorously, hanging on to her every word as she explains the "Unforseen Simulation Joint, or USJ for short". You personally think she named it that just so she could call it the 'USJ', but you keep your mouth shut.

"I'm sure you're all aware of my quirk, Black hole. I can suck up anything and turn it to dust." From next to Uraraka, you nod in acknowledgement of her words as Midoriya begins to gush about how Thirteen has used her quirk to save countless people from disasters.
"Yes, but it's a power that can kill easily." Thirteen turns her head slightly, and although you can't see her face behind the helmet you assume shes looking at each of the individual students in front of her.

"Some of you also have quirks like that, right?" You think about your quirk, Hydrokinesis. It's not necessarily a destructive power, but frown as you ruminate your water beam move and how if you're not deliberately careful with the amount of force you put behind the attack, how destructive that move alone can be.

"Please do not forget that there are many quirks that can easily kill with just one wrong step.

Hmm.

Thirteen finishes her monologue, eliciting a round of applause from 1-A as she bows. Smiling, you look over to Aizawa as he begins to speak, but he's cut off when the lights begin to flicker.
Looking behind your teacher, your eyes widen and you watch as what looks like some kind of warp gate materializes from the water fountain in the middle of the USJ. Has the simulation begun already?

"Gather together and don't move! Thirteen, protect the students!" Aizawa gets into a defensive stance, making you frown and look to Uraraka in confusion. "Is this part of the simulation...? I never thought Mister Aizawa would be much of an actor, but he's kind of getting me scared.."

Looking back in front of you, the words you were planning to say next get caught in your throat as you see a horde of people exiting the purple warp gate and walking forward. Midoriya tries to get closer, but your teacher quickly extends an arm to stop him.
"Don't move! ...Those are villains."

You shudder, wishing you had brought your cloak after all. The horde of villains just 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱s growing, and you can feel your heart hammering in your chest as you watch them.
Closest to the portal is a lanky man with grey hands attached to his face and body, and you feel unwelcome tears threaten to blur your vision as he raises his hand in a wave. "Thirteen and Eraserhead, huh? The teachers schedule we received the other day said that All Might was also supposed to be here."
From behind him, you hear Aizawa as he addresses the hand villain. "The trespassing the other day was the work of these scumbags after all."

You stiffen. You knew there must have been something wrong... How could a small crowd of reporters have managed to set off an infiltration alarm at a school like U.A.? You mentally kick yourself for being so naive. But this isn't the time for wallowing in sadness. There are villains at the USJ, and all your classmates are in danger. You can't just sit back and do nothing.

You're prepared to ask Aizawa if there's anything you can do to help him and Thirteen, but the hand villain's next words stop you in your tracks.
"...I wonder, will he come if we kill some kids?"

Thirteen keeps her arm out in front of the group, signalling for you not to do anything. "Thirteen, start the evacuation. Try calling the school." Aizawa turns around, facing a blonde boy wearing headphones. "Kaminari. You try using your quirk to contact the school too." Kaminari nods, although you can tell he's as scared as you.

Out of the corner of your eye, you see Midoriya step forward. "What about you, sir? Will you fight by yourself?! With that many, even if you can erase their quirks..."

Aizawa only looks down at the boy from behind his goggles. "You can't be a hero with only one trick." Turning around, he faces the other hero in the room. "I'm leaving it to you, Thirteen." The woman in question nods, and within a blink Aizawa is launching himself down the long stairs.

Uraraka grabs hold of your arm, causing you to look to your side. "Uraraka... Are you okay?" The girl only shivers in response, and you look forward to see your homeroom teacher beating some major villain ass. Smiling, you turn back towards Uraraka. "I'm worried too... But we just have to believe in him. I doubt he'd go into a fight he wasn't confident about. And he doesn't seem to be having trouble right now either!" Truth be told, you're terrified. But if you're gonna be a hero and work alongside All Might, you need to believe in yourself and your allies.

Thirteen orders the class to follow her, and you grip Uraraka's hand as the group begins running towards the exit. Well that is until Thirteen stops. Leaning your head to the side to see what stopped her, you gasp and unconsciously drop Uraraka's hand when you see what looks like a dark purple cloud with yellow eyes rising up in front of her. It somehow extends its body(?) and towers above the class, standing at seven feet tall at least.

"It may be presumptuous, but we have invited ourselves to the home of the heroes, U.A. High School, in order to make All Might, the symbol of peace, take his last breath."

What's with the way this thing talks? That's way too many commas in one sentence.
And why are they targeting All Might? The tall cloud thing continues talking, but he's quickly ambushed by Bakugo and a red haired boy, the former making an explosion that obscures your vision as smoke swirls around in front of you.

Blinking quickly, you clear your vision to see the two boys in front of the villain, the red haired one grinning as he taunts it. "Did you consider that you'd get beaten by us before you got the chance?"

Unphased, the cloud demon thing extends its shadowy arms, trapping the class of 1-A in a dark shadow prison??? "My job is to scatter you all and torture you to death."
What the fuck. Strong winds begin to encircle you and your classmates, and before you can even try to yelp you're swept off your feet by the wind.

When you open your eyes, you find yourself falling ass first onto a waterslide. Again, what the actual fuck is going on. As soon as you make contact with the slide, you use the water in it to make a full body shield for yourself. Why? Because the slide is built weird and instead of sliding down like a regular waterslide you're pushed by the currents down a FUCKING WATERFALL.

You don't have time to dwell on the weirdness of the situation, because you are literally falling to your death. You've never attempted to jump into water from this tall of a height, but you're pretty sure it won't be painless.

Curving the waterfall so that you can slide down without hurting yourself, you turn it into ice and continue gliding down, foregoing the shield so that you have better control of your makeshift slide. You somehow manage to get to the end without accidentally releasing your hold, and once you slide down into the 'sea' you use the water from it to propel yourself up, up, before releasing your hold on the water, falling down gracefully (that's a lie) onto a ship.

"That... was so friggin scary. What the hell is going on..." Standing up on shaky legs, you examine your surroundings. It doesn't seem like there's anyone else on this... nevermind. Although vaguely, you can hear familiar voices from the other side of the boat you're on. Absorbing the water on you into your body, you quietly make your way around the boat.

Once you turn the corner, you see Midoriya talking to a girl you recognize as Tsuyu as purple ball hair guy lies unconscious on the floor. "Hey... You guys?" The pair stops their conversation, and Midoriya's eyes widen when he sees you. "[Name]! When did you get here?"

From beside him, Tsu speaks up. "Is there anyone else, ribbit?" You shake your head, looking around. "Nah, just me. Were you guys dropped from an insane height too?" Midoriya shivers, while Tsu only nods.

"It looks like it's just the three of us and Mineta here, ribbit." Tsu's tongue lolls out as she speaks, and you look behind her to the short boy. "Speaking of, how'd ball- er Mineta get in that state?" You see the boy twitch slightly from his spot on the floor, and quietly sigh at the reassurance that he isn't actually conked out.

Tsu looks behind her, noting that the purple dude is still asleep on the floor. "He passed out in the water, ribbit." As if having been waiting for his cue, Mineta jumps up from the floor, looking around. "When'd you get here?" Huffing, you opt to ignore the purple grape heads question, seeing as he was clearly already listening in.

"What is it you guys were talking about before I got here anyways?" Midoriya frowns. "We were talking about how weird this whole situation is. Did you hear what they said? Somehow, they got U.A.'s schedule! ...Looking back on it, they likely set up that media intrusion the other day to gather information." "Exactly!" You chime in, glad they're having the same thoughts as you.

"I was wondering... How could a bunch of petty journalists break into the school in the first place? Like, this is THE school. I doubt the staff knew it was actually a villain attack, or they would have postponed the trip."

Midoriya nods solemnly, a serious look on his face. "They were waiting to pounce, just like Todoroki said." Your heart jumps at the mention of your good-looking classmate, but you ignore it and school your face into a neutral expression.

"But, but... It's not like they can kill All Might!!" Balls looks between the three of you in worry, shaking his fists. "Once All Might comes, he'll pound those guys!!!" You sigh. "I hope so, but I seriously doubt these guys would reveal themselves and bring such a big horde of villains if they didn't think they at least had a chance."

Tsu nods, frowning. "I wonder if we'll be able to hold out until All Might arrives... And even if he comes, I wonder if we'll all make it out in one piece, ribbit." You shiver at her words, once again wishing you had brought your cloak. For some reason Balls looks more horrified than you think the situation calls for, and he jumps to Midoriya's side, pointing at the water. "M-M-Midoriyaa what is that??!"
Looking to your right, you see what looks like a shark fin slicing through the water below.

What in the world? Shark fin lifts its head out of the water, revealing itself to be some sort of aquatic villain. Following it, a horde of villains swim through the water, quickly advancing towards the boat.

Panicking, you quickly extract water from below to make a shield around your classmates, but it seems the villains aren't planning to attack because they stop swimming as soon as they get to the boat. "Are they... Just trying to keep us from escaping? Why aren't they attacking?"

You absorb the water shield into your body, and Balls tugs on your arm with a panicked expression on his face. "Don't encourage them to fight!! They're trying to kill All Might!!!" Balls backs away from the edge of the boat, blubbering as the group of you, Tsu, and Midoriya examine the water below. "They wont stay there forever", you start. "They must be waiting for something."

Midoriya nods thoughtfully. "They're clearly assuming we'll fight them in the water, right? Does that mean they knew what was in these facilities before they gathered people?" You stiffen. "Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps."

Frowning, Midoriya turns to you. "There's something weird, though. They sent you and Asu, I mean T-Tsu here, when you're both already comfortable with water." You look back into the water, frowning thoughtfully. "Why would they make it harder for themselves... Unless they don't actually know our quirks!"

Midoriya grins, nodding vigorously. 
"That's exactly what I was thinking!" From beside you, Tsu croaks. "If they knew I was a frog, they would have thrown me into the fire zone." Nodding in agreement, Midoriya continues. "They probably split us up because they didn't know our quirks, so they planned to overpower us with numbers. The enemy isn't climbing the boat, which supports my hypothesis!!"

His point makes sense. If their main target is All Might, they won't want to risk your class overpowering them before he comes. That must be why you were all separated. Grinning, you turn back towards your classmates.

"Well in that case, let's explain our quirks to each other so that we can get the upper hand! I know the basics I think, but it'd be helpful to know what exactly we're working with."

Balls (Mineta) is crying about his quirk being unfit for battle when the first attack hits. The boat sways dangerously, the ship having been sliced in half by the impact. When you turn around, you see that it was some kind of water hand that just struck. "That guys quirk must be similar to mine!" You exclaim, backing away from the edge of the boat. "Did you guys see that? That villain could control water!"

Next to you, Tsu frowns. "The ship's broken now..." Panicking, Mineta rushes to the edge of the boat, throwing the sticky balls from his head into the water. Midoriya tries to tell him to stop, but he pauses when he sees that the villains are avoiding them. "They mush think they're bombs..." You whisper, grinning. "You could use this to your advantage! As long as they don't know what those balls are, they'll avoid them!"

From the water, one of the villains speaks up. "The boat will sink in less than a minute. Once they get into the water, we're sure to win." While Mineta begins panicking again, Midoriya turns to you and Tsu. "When the enemy becomes sure of their victory, that's when we'll strike. This is the only way for us to win!"

You frown, confused, but Midoriya steps onto the ledge without warning, jumping off towards the water. What in the world??! Before he can hit the water, he flicks his finger, shooting a large gust of air and creating a whirlpool below.

"Need me to hold you?" Tsu asks while scooping up Mineta in her arm, but you only shake your head, smiling. "I'll be fine. I'm like a human water jet, hehe."

Midoriya calls out, and you shoot water from the soles of your feet to propel yourself up, making your way over to your classmate and scooping him in your arms bridal style before using the water below to propel yourself up again, flying alongside Tsu as she carries Mineta.

The latter begins throwing more balls from his head, and they stick to the villans as they're sucked into the whirlpool. From in your arms, Midoriya speaks. "When a strong force is applied to the surface of water, it'll spread before converging back into the water!"

Tsu looks back, her tongue flapping behind her as she speaks. "I guess now we've cleared the first hurdle..." You grin, looking at your classmate. "Damn right! We're way too cool for these petty villains!"

...

Eventually your group gets to shallower water, and you lower Midoriya to his feet as Tsu continues carrying Mineta, him still being too short to wade in the water without drowning. "We're lucky that was all of them, I took a huge gamble..." Holding his broken fingers, Midoriya begins rapidly muttering as he looks down.

"Midoriya, stop that. It's scary." On your left, Tsu snaps Midoriya out of his thoughts, making you laugh at how quickly he stopped talking to himself when she spoke. "Rather than reflecting back, shouldn't we be thinking about what to do next?" Midoriya frowns, nodding. "Y-You're right.." He looks back down at his broken fingers, and you frown at the sight.

"That must hurt like hell, you okay Midoriya?" The boy quickly covers his hand, looking back up to smile at you. "It'll be fine. Getting help should be our priority right now, anyways." Pointing behind you, he continues with a serious look on his face. "It would be best to follow the shore and avoid the central plaza as we head to the exit." Nodding vigorously, you follow his hand to look where he's pointing.

Tsu agrees as well, nodding as she follows your line of sight. "That's true.. Mr. Aizawa has drawn a large number of villains to the plaza." You nod again, ready to start walking when Midoriya speaks again. "I think he overexerted himself... When he jumped into that crowd of villains to protect us." Behind him, Balls frowns, raising an eyebrow questioningly. "Don't tell me you..."

Midoriya faces the three of you, a serious look on his face. "I'm not thinking of doing anything that'll get in his way. But if we can find an opening and lessen his load, just a little..." Understanding, you place a hand on your friends shoulder. "I get it, Midoriya. Personally, I'm in. Are you guys?"

...

"We'll run away the second it seems dangerous, alright?" Huddled in the water near shore, the four of you watch as Aizawa defeats enemy after enemy, using his scarves to capture and swing around the villains.

The hand guy starts charging towards him, but Aizawa is just as fast, extending his scarf as he runs forward. The villain grabs the scarf before it can capture him, but that doesn't phase Aizawa, as he continues charging towards him.
He manages to elbow the villain in his stomach, causing the four of you to cheer quietly from your hiding spot.

Your celebration lasts only a second, as the hand villain manages to grab hold of Aizawa's elbow, disintegrating his sleeve and causing the skin of his arm to crumble. You gasp from your hiding spot, and exchange a worried look with Tsu as Aizawa continues fighting the villains after him despite his limp right arm.

After defeating the weaker villains around him, Aizawa turns back towards the hand villain, not noticing the large creature sneaking up behind him. You almost jump out of hiding to try and help, but Tsu grabs your arm firmly, gesturing for you to stay. You frown, but stay where you are.

Within a second you wish you hadn't listened, because as soon as Aizawa turns around the creature grabs his head, slamming him onto the ground. Aizawa attempts to raise his head to activate his quirk, but the creature bends his arm before he can, snapping it at the elbow.

Looking away from the scene, you see Mineta with tears in his eyes, while Midoriya looks terrified and Tsu keeps half her head under the water. "I-I'm sure you must be having second thoughts, right?" Mineta speaks while still watching the fight, seemingly unable to tear his eyes away. You try to look again, but gag as soon as your eyes land on the scene.

The shadow creature appears next to the hand villain, and although you can't hear what they're talking about, something it says must have struck a nerve because the man begins to scratch his neck erratically, causing you to hold your own neck in distaste.

"Man, it's game over this time. Let's go home." You raise an eyebrow skeptically. Are they really leaving? You doubt they'd put so much work into their plan just to leave so soon. Though you aren't complaining at all. Mineta looks wide eyed up at the three of you, a baffled expression on his face. "They're going home?? Is that what he said?" Tsu nods, although she looks suspicious. "Yeah, that's what I heard..."

Tearing up, Mineta grabs onto Tsu's torso, his hand touching her chest in a way you personally don't find appropriate. "All right! We're saved!!" "Yes, but-" Tsu's cut off when Balls gropes her chest, causing her to blanche and him to get a face full of water from you.

"I have a bad feeling about this, you guys." Midoriya frowns, nodding in agreement with her words. "Yeah. For them to simply retreat after doing all this..."

You chime in, a serious expression on your face. "After a breach like this, there's no way they aren't expecting U.A. to tighten up on their security. This could possibly be their only chance to kill All Might if that's really their plan, so why would they leave now, when he hasn't even arrived?"

As if getting ready to personally answer your question, the hand villain suddenly turns around, looking straight at your group. "Before we leave... Let's smash some of his pride." You hardly have a second to raise a shield before the man charges towards the four of you, and even as you do he swiftly pushes through it, and you can only stare in horrified shock as his hand gets closer to your face.

"...Damn it. You really are cool, Eraserhead." Looking behind the villain, your eyes start to water when you see your homeroom teacher using his quirk on hand villain from his spot on the floor, eyes glowing red as he sneers at the enemy.

Paralyzed by fear, you only just manage to back away from the villain before he swipes at you again, raising a barrier between you to create more distance. As soon as he touches the water you have raised, it completely vaporizes, and you can only stumble backwards dumbly as he raises his hand towards you again.

From the corner of your eye, you see Midoriya jumping from goodness-knows where, yelling "Don't touch her!!!" with rage in his eyes as he raises his fist. As soon as his attack connects, you're blown backwards by the waves. Still reeling from your brush with death, you almost scream when you feel Tsu's tongue wrap itself around your torso.

"Are you okay, ribbit?" Looking behind you, you see Tsu holding a teary eyed Mineta, and your heartbeat finally slows down as she releases her tongue from around your stomach. "I... I'll be okay. We need to go back there though! Midoriya's surely in trouble."

Tsu nods once, and within a second her long tongue is around your torso again, and the three of you are soaring through the air.

As soon as you land, you launch yourself towards the hand villain, who's trying to grab Midoriya's face. You lift a barrier of water between the two of them right as a loud 'boom' sounds out from the entrance, and your eyes widen as you see All Might himself stomp through the doors of the USJ entrance. For the first time you can remember, he isn't smiling.

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

𝙎𝙪𝙗𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣- 𝙐𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙙(ice) 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙞𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙙, 𝙡𝙞𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙙, 𝙜𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙞𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙙, 𝙤𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙖𝙨. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨𝙣'𝙩 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙤𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢.

Chapter Text

Shooting down from his spot at the top of the stairs, All Might quickly jumps into action, obliterating the weaker villains in a flash while simultaneously scooping a limp Mister Aizawa into his arms.
The hero turns towards your group of four, and before you can blink he's grabbed you all and transported you away from the villain.

"Everyone, go to the entrance. I'm leaving Aizawa to you. He's unconscious, so hurry!"
You nod in affirmation, and Midoriya looks up at the man in worry, supporting his sleeping teacher with his shoulder as he calls out to the symbol of peace.

"All Might, you can't! That brain villain took One Fo-" Midoriya looks back at the three of you, causing you to raise an eyebrow skeptically before he continues. "I punched him, but he didn't even flinch. He's gotta be-"
All might extends an arm towards his student, silencing him. "Young Midoriya! It's fine."
The man flashes his trademark grin, lifting a (silly if anyone asks you) peace sign before urging you all to leave.

You pick Mineta up to give Tsu a chance to rest, and the three of you start running towards the stairs to the exit. Looking over your shoulder, you see All Might battling the brain villain, and Mineta starts jumping around as soon as you put him down. "All Might's seriously on another level!"

Nodding, Tsu looks back briefly before replying. "Even though he's a rookie teacher that can't teach without looking at his notes..." Noticing Midoriya struggling to carry Aizawa on his back, you extract some stored water from your body and use it to lift your teacher's lower half so that your classmate can move quicker.
Suddenly, all three of your classmates stop walking, and you furrow your brows in confusion before turning around. What you see is enough of a shock to make you release your hold on the water supporting your teacher, but you hardly notice as you gape at the scene playing out in front of you.

All Might has the brain villain upside down in the concrete, but there's a warp gate below it, allowing the villain's top half to stick out from a separate part of the ground. With the backbend position All Might is in, he can't move at all as it digs its claws into his sides. You stiffen as red begins to bloom from the spot 'Nomu' (as the hand villain called it) is piercing.

The warp gate begins pulling All Might in, and within a few moments only his chest and just below his shoulders can be seen. Are they planning on teleporting him to some kind of... Secret murder bunker?? You panic as you watch the scene play out, debating with yourself whether or not you should try to help. But if someone like All Might is in this state trying to fight the villains, how can you do any better?

"Asui." The girl in question looks up at Midoriya, a worried look on her face. "What is it, Midoriya?" "Trade places with me carrying Aizawa." You avert your eyes from the action in front of you to look at your classmate, confusion etched on your features. "What do you plan on doing??" He ignores your words, handing his teacher off to Tsu before springing towards the action.

Refusing to let your classmate throw himself in harms way without someone else to fall back on, you immediately sprint after him, releasing water from your back to propel yourself forward. Midoriya leaps towards All Might, but the warp demon appears in front of him while he's still mid-jump. Shooting water from your palm, you use it as a lasso, wrapping the water around your classmate's torso and pulling him back just as Bakugo launches an explosion at the villain.

"You almost got in my way, Deku!!" As Bakugo subdues the shadow demon, you use your water lasso to pull Midoriya to your side before finally releasing your hold and glaring at him. "You idiot! Now what would have happened if I hadn't been right behind you? You would be in the... void right now!" You glare halfheartedly at your classmate again, and he frowns while trying to wring the water out of his shirt. "Thanks for saving me... And i'm sorry. But I couldn't just let All Might get hurt!"

His lack of self-preservation irritates you, but you'd by lying if you said you don't partially envy how quickly he jumped into action while you were still thinking about yourself. He's reckless, sure, but still heroic. Now you feel kinda shitty for thinking he'd make a bad class rep.

Looking back towards the action, you see that Todoroki managed to freeze half of Nomu's body, and you inwardly curse yourself for not having thought of that earlier. "All I heard is that you're all here to kill All Might." Todoroki stands a few feet away from the frozen Nomu, and All Might manages to pry himself out of its grip and make his way next to him, clutching his side in pain.

"But All Might cannot be killed by the likes of you." Oh, he was still talking? You avert your eyes from Todoroki as the red haired guy with the hardening quirk flips in the air and tries to hit the hand villain on his way down, only for him to sidestep at the last moment. "Aw, dang it. I didn't get to show off!" Hand villan twitches, shaking his head. "Kids these days are amazing... They make the League of Villains look bad." League of Villains? There's a whole league of these type of dudes? You grimace at the thought, eyes snapping to Nomu as it's lowered into a warp gate on the ground.

You grimace, trying to use your water lasso to pull the bird out to no avail. Nomu manages to release its top half from the warp gate its bottom half was sticking out from, but thankfully the ice Todoroki covered its right side in ends up breaking off, taking Nomu's arm along with it. Oh shit, its leg too? As Nomu tries to stand back up, the lower leg covered in ice breaks off as well, causing its right half to become immobile. But somehow... It's still moving. “Even though his body’s broken…” Izuku gapes.

"Get back, everyone!" All Might extends his arm outwards, causing you and the others to back away as Nomu... REGENERATES ITS WHOLE ARM??! Now this just isn't fair. The shock absorption you were fine with, but at this point it's just using hacks. "Shock absorption wasn't his quirk?" All Might grimaces as Nomu proceeds to regenerate its severed leg, to which the hand villain laughs.

"I didn't say that was 𝘢𝘭𝘭 he had... This is his super regeneration. Nomu has been modified to take you at 100%." What the actual fuck? Modified? What type of Frankenstein's Monster tomfoolery is this??!

"Now first, we need to get our gate back. Nomu, go." Before any of you can register what's happening, Nomu barrels towards Bakugo, who's still holding down the warp demon. Midoriya calls out to his friend in horror, but when you look to your side, you see the blonde already next to you, somehow having dodged his attack. "Holy hell, Bakugo you dodged that?!" The blonde glares up at you from his spot on the floor, rage and confusion written across his face.

"No, you idiot! I didn't even fuckin' see anything..." Looking back up, you see All Might, clearly having been blown back from the impact of Nomu's punch. He's destroyed the wall behind him as a result of the punch propelling him backwards into it, and you gape at the realization that All Might managed to throw Bakugo out of the way AND take the punch, all while you were mid-blink.

"Do you... not know how to hold back...?" All Might sneers, eliciting a shrug from hand villain. "It was to rescue my companion. I had no choice. I mean, earlier, that… that plain-looking one." Turning towards Midoriya, the man sneers behind his mask, though nobody can see it. "He was about to punch me with everything he had, you know. Violence for the sake of others makes it admirable. Isn't that right, hero?"

All Might glowers, rage in his eyes as he looks at the man. "You know what, All Might? I'm angry. I'm angry at this world that categorizes the same violent acts as heroic or villainous, deciding what's good and what's bad."

"Asshole, you just got your buff bird goon to try and kill a kid. I'd say that's pretty fuckin' villainous." The man ignores your jab, keeping his head facing towards All Might as he lifts his arms in another shrug.

"'Symbol of Peace'? Ha. You're just a device to repress violence." Idiotic villain contradicting his own words like a certified dumbass. You scoff at him, and he continues as if you don't exist. "Violence only breeds violence. The world will know this once we kill you!"

All Might frowns as he looks at the blue haired fiend. "That's preposterous. You just want to enjoy this yourself, don't you, you liar?"
From beside Midoriya, Todoroki speaks low enough that only the group of you can hear. "It's four against five." Midoriya nods, balling his hands into fists. "And Kacchan's already exposed the fogs weakness!"
Red speaks up, determination in his eyes. "These guys are crazy, but if we backup All Might we can push them back!"

"No!" All Might signals for you all to stand down, and though he's facing forward you can tell he's smiling despite the situation. "Run away."
Todoroki quiets for a moment, before narrowing his eyes at the hero. "You would have been in trouble earlier if I hadn't done anything, right?" All Might balls his hand into a fist, still facing the villains. "That was different, young Todoroki. Thanks, but it's fine!" He turns his head towards his student, smile widening. "Just watch as this pro gives it everything he's got."

Eyeing the hero in worry, Midoriya tries his luck in talking him down. "All Might, you're bleeding! Besides, time's-" Midoriya stops himself mid-sentence, and you narrow your eyes at him in confusion before looking back at the hand villain. "Nomu, Kurogiri, get him. I'll deal with the children."

He tries to run towards the group of you, but he as well as all of the students get blown back by the sheer force of All Might's punch. Burrowing your heels into the pavement below to anchor yourself, you watch on alongside the other students as the symbol of piece begins trading punches with Nomu, each of their jabs hitting the other's fist each time they attack. They punch each other repeatedly, and you find yourself fighting against the wind as it tries to push you back again.

What in the world is this power? Just the force of it is enough to send powerful gusts of air away from the fighting pair, causing you to lose your footing and fall on your rear. With one more calculated jab, All Might manages to blow Nomu backwards, causing it to fly back first into the trees.

All might immediately jumps after it, and the two begin fighting again as you watch in open mouthed shock. All Might manages to throw Nomu down from in the air, and the concrete breaks as the heavy villain is thrown full force into it. "Hey villain, have you ever heard these words? Go beyond.... PLUS... ULTRA!!!!!"
Throwing his arm back, All Might revs up for the final blow, punching Nomu into the air with enough force to propel it through the curved ceiling of the USJ.

Turning back towards the hand villain with a grin on his face, All Might balls his fists at his sides. "Now, villains... I'm sure we'd all like to end this as soon as possible."
Yes please oh goodness please end this now, All Might. You clutch at your chest as you wince at the gaping hole in the ceiling, eyes watering in awe of your idol's insane strength.

Hand villain scratches his neck erratically, causing you to wince further in revulsion. "If only I had Nomu... That guy would have been able to go against him without thinking about anything!" You grit your teeth at his shamelessness. What a coward, showing up to try killing the symbol of piece using his lackeys, when he can't even go against the man himself without turning into an itchy mess.

The warp gate demon whispers something in his ear, causing the man's hands to drop from his neck. You hear noises behind you, and turn around to see some of the weaker villains from earlier stirring awake. From in front of you, you hear Red talking to Bakugo. "All Might will do something about the main bad guys. Let's go help the others!"

Hand villain starts charging towards All Might, and you're about to get started on the weaker villains when Midoriya jumps up, aiming a punch straight at the warp demon.
"Get away from All Might...!!"

The hand villain swivels around, extending an arm through the warp demon's middle, causing his arm to reappear through a gate on the other side of its body. At the speed Midoriya's flying, he won't be able to change direction in time before his face collides with the villain's hand, causing it to disintegrate.
Good thing he has you on his side, though. Without wasting a millisecond, you shoot a lasso of water from your abdomen, wrapping it around his midsection and pulling the boy back before hand villain has a chance to touch him.

At the same second you pull Midoriya away, a shot rings out and you look up to see the hand villain has been hit by a bullet in the skin between his thumb and forefinger, causing him to recoil in pain.
Setting your classmate on his back so that he doesn't put any more strain on his broken legs, you turn to see a pro hero with a gun in his hands. He aims it to the side and shoots at another section of the USJ, at another villan you assume, and the pro hero Cementoss walks in behind him, carrying principal Nezu on his shoulder.

A horde of pro heroes enter through the door of the USJ, with none other than Iida in the front row. "I, Tenya Iida, class 1-A representative... Have now returned!!!!" Wow that dude really has a set of pipes on him. Even though you're multiple feet away, his yell still slightly hurts your ears...
The pro heroes make quick work of the weaker bad guys, and from the corner of your eye you can see hand villain backing up towards the warp demon.

"It's really game over now... Should we go home and try again later, Kurogir-" The man is cut off when the hero from earlier hits him with multiple shots at his arm and legs, before the warp demon shields him with a shadowy 'arm'. But he isn't safe for long, as Thirteen manages to use her quirk to pull him and the warp demon towards the stairs, though the two of them disappear through a gate in the warp demon's body before she can get them close enough.

Finally, the fight is over, and the pro heroes begin apprehending the passed out villains. You exhale in relief before finally allowing yourself to rest, sitting cross-legged as you watch the heroes round up the fallen bad guys. "If this many pro heroes have gathered here, then I assume they didn't attack the whole school." looking over your shoulder you see Todoroki standing a few feet away from you, an unreadable expression on his face as he talks to himself.

"Lucky us, then. I'd hate to have been in class instead.." You mutter sarcastically, glaring at the ground. "Why is it lucky? This was a very dangerous situation. I'd say being in class would have been much luckier." You turn around from your spot on the ground to look up at your classmate, raising an eyebrow at his literal interpretation of your words. "I, uh, didn't actually mean that.. That was me being sarcastic, Todoroki..." You fight the urge to laugh as he gives you a stern look, though whatever he was about to say is cut off when Red starts running towards you.

"Hey, they said to gather in front of the gate!" Groaning, you stretch your arms and get ready to stand up, blanching when Todoroki extends an arm out to help you. Holy shit, he's like, actually trying to help you stand up? That totally means something, right? Wait, do you take it? Or will he think you're cooler if you can stand up on your own? But then again, maybe he would feel offended if you ignored his offer??

Before you can allow yourself to dwell too much on the meaning behind the gesture, you grab your classmates hand firmly, using your other arm to lift yourself up. "Thank you!" Shit that was way too loud. He totally thinks you're weird now. And your face feels hot. You're totally blushing right now aren't you.
Todoroki doesn't seem to notice your inner turmoil, however, and he only nods curtly before walking off towards the exit.

Ughh, that was so not smooth.

.......

"Everyone! Morning homeroom is about to begin! Stop talking and get in your seats!!"
The entire class looks blank-faced at Iida as he stands at the teachers podium, clearly not realizing he's the only one out of his seat. "We're already in our seats, you're the only one who isn't..." You cover your mouth to stifle a laugh as Iida rushes to his seat, grumbling.

Yesterday, the detective that was outside the USJ when you all left said Mister Aizawa had multiple broken bones, so you briefly wonder who'll be teaching homeroom. That question is almost immediately answered though, as Mister Aizawa enters the classroom clad in a double sling and a face full of bandages. You're impressed at his determination to show up to class even when he's clearly injured, but he brushes off the class's concern, claiming that his well being doesn't matter.

"More importantly, the fight is not yet over." Huh? You stiffen and look out the window, half expecting the hand villain to emerge out of a warp gate and disintegrate U.A.'s entrance.
"The U.A. sports festival is drawing near." OH! With all the drama that had occurred within the last 24 hours, you had nearly forgotten about the sports festival completely!

From one of the front desks, a girl you recognize as Jiro speaks up, raising a hand as she addresses the teacher. "Is it really okay to have a sports festival so soon after villains snuck inside?"
Though you want to think U.A. has good enough security to prevent anything like that happening again, you can't help but agree with her.
"Apparently, they think of it as U.A. showing that our crisis management system is solid as a rock by holding this event."

'But it's not...' You frown unconsciously at your teacher's words. Their 'crisis management system' clearly wasn't 'rock solid' enough to prevent him from almost getting killed... does U.A. really care more about its reputation than the safety of those who work and study there?
"Above all, our sports festival is a huge chance." A huge chance of Nomu getting it's payback, maybe. "It's not an event to be cancelled because of new villains."

Mineta clearly shares your opinion, since he starts shaking in his seat before blurting out, "B-but that's a good reason, isn't it??! It's just a festival of sports!"
Well you wouldn't go 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 far, but similar idea anyways. Izuku turns back in his seat to face the shorter boy, a curious look on his face. "You've never seen the U.A. sports festival?" Mineta looks almost offended, leaning forward in his own seat. "Of course I have. That's not what I meant!"

Though you're worried about hand villain and shadow demon showing up again, to be honest you're REALLY excited for the sports festival. Your mom has shown you all her old matches, but now you finally have a chance to experience it for yourself. You smile softly, allowing the chatter of your classmates to pass you by as you imagine yourself in the arena, showing everyone what you can do.

Whatever the outcome, you're gonna do great. You can feel it in your nuggets.

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

"Izuku isn't eating with you guys today?" Stopping at Ochako and Iida's table with your tray in hand, you're surprised to see the green haired boy isn't there. "W-huh???!" Ochako's head snaps towards you, causing you to raise an eyebrow in confusion. "Was it something I said?" Ochako only gapes at you, the food on her tray forgotten as she stares at you like you just admitted to a crime.

Saving you from the clutches of confusion, Iida joins the conversation. "I think she is surprised at your calling Midoriya by his first name." Placing your tray on the table you cross your arms at the girl. "Really? You had me thinking I said something heinous!" Ochako shakes her head, seemingly over her prior shock.

"I mean, I was just a bit surprised is all. When you said you wanted to start calling me by 𝘮𝘺 first name this morning, I felt a bit special is all." The girl blushes, brown eyes fixated on her food. "Awwwww, Ochako! Just because I'm on a first-name basis with someone else doesn't make you any less special to me, y'know!

"Tsu, Izuku, Mineta and I were warped to the same place yesterday, so I guess you could say we all got a bit closer. Tsu seems comfortable with people calling her by her first name, and so after the whole ordeal I decided she should call me [FirstName] too! I think Izuku's still kinda hesitant to call us by our first names right now, but he said he was okay with me calling him by his so I've just been doing it since the whole USJ attack yesterday ended, hehe."

"You're still one of the first friends I made here though, so no matter how many other people I become friends with, you'll always be my favorite." You grin at her, and she smiles back, the blush finally leaving her cheeks as she looks at you. "Well are you gonna sit or what? You've just been standing there this whole time!"

You jump and pick up your tray, remembering why you had stopped by in the first place. "Oh! Sorry Ochako! I'm actually eating outside today, that's what I came here to say. Bye Iida! Bye Ochako!" You scurry off before they can say anything else, and make your way to the yard.

For the past few days, you've been seeing the cutest tuxedo cat lying in the yard during lunch. At first you would just watch her from afar before going back inside to eat with your friends, but you had decided you would try feeding her today. Good luck on the sports festival if she lets you, bad luck if she doesn't. Not the best thing to bet on, but you digress.

Placing your tray next to the small blanket you had brought to school (A girl needs to be prepared, okay?) and sitting on the soft material, you look to the side. This is the area you normally see her sunbathing in, so where could she be? You pout, about to stand up and go looking for her when you finally see the tiny paws of hope in your peripheral.

Turning forward to greet her, you're caught off guard by how 𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘦 she looks up close. Her tiny white paw steps on the corner of your blanket, and you almost die at the cuteness. She raises her head and meows at you, as if saying "I don't normally see you out here, what's your deal?"

Wait, no. Somebody actually 𝘥𝘪𝘥 just say that, and you freeze as you realize it is 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 not the cat. Looking behind you, you're met with a pair of sharp lilac eyes. "Oh cool, your hair matches your eyes!" Why the 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬 is that the first thing you think to say when you see a hot guy. "Uh, I mean I'm [Name]! I only came out here to feed the cat." You look at the lilac haired boy, noticing he's holding what looks like a tin of wet cat food.

"Did... you come here to feed the cat too?" The boy looks at you with an odd expression, before gesturing to your blanket. "You mind?" You scoot over, leaving enough space for him to sit next to you comfortably. The cat starts mewing as he opens the tin, and she begins eating from it the second he lowers the container onto the grass.

"So, uh, your name?" He looks at you with a blank expression, before seemingly realizing what you're asking. "Sorry, My name's Shinso. What was yours again?" You blanche at his brazenness, before shaking your head lightly and huffing out a laugh. "[Name]. I don't think we've met before, though. Are you in the hero course?"

Shinso shakes his head, a light frown tugging at his lips. "Nah, general ed. I do think I've seen you around though." He turns back towards you, and the playful smirk on his face makes yours hot. "You're the bubble girl, right?" That... Was not what you were expecting. "B...Bubble?? Where'd that come from?"

The boy grins, turning back towards the cat who's finishing up with her meal already. "During that emergency alarm the other day, when everyone was trying to evacuate the school. You had this bubble around you, and when it popped you almost drenched me in water."
You gape in horror at his words, remembering the way you had accidentally released your hold on the bubble and gotten the students around you wet. "...Oops?" You wince, but Shinso only laughs in response. "It's fine, didn't get on me anyways. So is that your quirk? Making bubbles that cover people in water when they burst?"

You groan in mock exasperation, dragging your hand down your face for dramatic effect. "If I start now, I swear you won't be able to get me to stop talking. Seriously. How about you tell me yours instead?" Shinso shakes his head, propping his chin on his fist as he looks at you.

"Nah, I wanna hear about yours first. Promise I won't stop you until the bell rings, kay?" That's enough to convince you to start going on a spiel about your quirk, and ever true to his word, Shinso doesn't interrupt you until the bell rings. So caught up in what you're saying, you completely forget that he never ended up telling you his.

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙯𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: 𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙙 𝙨𝙝𝙚'𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙣 𝙤𝙗𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩, 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙗𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙙. (𝙚.𝙜. 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙙𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚 '𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙤', 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙝𝙚'𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙢𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙤, 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙧 𝙙𝙪𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙢𝙚.)

Chapter Text

"That... Is a lot of people." As soon as Ochako opens 1-A's door to leave, she gapes at the dense amount of students gathered around the entrance.
"They're... not here to jump us, right?" Ochako's eyes widen, and she lightly punches your arm. [Name], don't say that! Now you're getting me scared."

Iida steps forward, addressing the horde of students outside the door. "What business do you have with class A?" From next to him Mineta starts babbling about how he can't get out, and you narrow your eyes at the quiet students outside. "They're just staring open-mouthed like they expect us to start doing tricks or something."

Bakugo breezily walks past you all, hands stuffed in his pockets as he makes his way to the door. "They're scouting out the enemy. We're the ones who made it out of the villan attack." He stops at the doorway, hands still in his pockets as he addresses the students outside. "There's no reason to do stuff like that. Get out of my way extras!"

Your classmates start complaining about Bakugo's attitude, but you actually agree with him. You're always one for extra attention, but it annoys you how they're all just standing at the door watching you all like you're something to be studied.

You're cut out of your thoughts, however, when a familiar voice rings out from the hallway. "I came here to see what the famous class A is like, but you seem pretty arrogant." You gape as you see Shinso pushing his way through the crowd, and mentally debate whether you should hide or say hi. You don't get a chance to make a choice though, as he pushes his way to the front of the crowd and looks directly at you.

His eyes narrow in confusion, before he shifts his gaze to Bakugo. "...Are all the students in the hero course like you? Seeing this makes me kinda disillusioned." His eyes flick to yours for another moment before fixing his gaze on a section of the wall behind you.
"Y'know, there are quite a few people who enrolled in general studies or other courses because they didn't make it to the hero course. Did you know that?" His gaze locks back on Bakugo, and the boy glowers at him as he continues. "The school has left those of us a chance. Depending on the results of the sports festival, they'll consider our transfer into the hero course."

All you're hearing is if Shinso does well in the sports festival, you'll have two hot guys in your class. Honestly, you're not opposed to it! "And it seems they my also transfer people out." Ohh, so that's the kicker. You frown at the idea of any of your classmates being transferred out of the hero course, but if it means someone with more potential can come in, you sort of get the reasoning.

"'Scouting out the enemy'? I for one came to say that even if you're in the hero course, if you get too carried away I'll sweep your feet out from under you. I come here, as a declaration of war." You aren't very intimidated by his speech, but the faces your classmates are making suggest that they are. Well, except for Bakugo of course. He simply pushes past Shinso, maneuvering through the crowd to get to lunch.
Shinso looks you in the eye one more time with an unreadable expression on his face, before turning back himself. Well, that was unexpected.

...

"Declaration of war, huh. I didn't peg you as the cynical type." Shinso looks up at you from his spot on the grass, and you take a seat next to him, opening your carton of milk for the cat sitting in his lap to drink from.
"You're here again?" He looks at you with narrowed eyes, causing you to pout in mock offense. "Why wouldn't I come back? Gotta make sure the kitty stays fed, y'know."

Shinso sighs and turns his body to face you, tense despite the smile you're giving him. "You didn't tell me you're one of the hero course students..." You turn to meet his gaze, frowning slightly. "And you didn't tell me you hate the hero course students."

He winces at that, seeming offended. "I don't hate the hero course students. I applied, obviously, but I didn't get in." "So it's jealousy, then?" Rolling his eyes, he opts to change the subject. "The cat's almost finished drinking. You plan on going back inside?" He smirks. "Or are you gonna stay out here with the hero course hater."

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

The next two weeks pass in a blur. You go to your morning classes, chat and feed the tuxedo cat with Shinso at lunch, do hero classes, and then go home to train in your backyard until nightfall.
Shinso still hasn't told you his quirk, and every time you bring it up he comes up with another impressive subject to switch to. You're starting to wonder if he doesn't have one at all, and decide asking about it might be insensitive.

The day of the sports festival comes before you know it, and you hug your parents as you get ready to leave for school. "Will you guys be there?" Your father sighs in mock exasperation, and your mom pats your arm. "We wouldn't miss it for the world, [Name]. Took time off work and everything." You grin at your fathers words, and stand on your toes to give him a kiss on the cheek.

"Record everything, okay? None of that shaky footage either. Actually, let mom record. You're horrible at it." You kiss your mom on the head, and slip on your shoes before rushing out the door. The last fifteen years of your life have all led up to this day, and with your parents there to cheer you on you know you won't fail.

---

"Midoriya." You look up from the jug of water you're drinking when you hear Todoroki's voice, raising an eyebrow at the overly serious expression on his face. The class of 1-A is relaxing in their waiting room before the start of the first round, and it was full of chatter before he spoke up, but now it's so quiet you can hear Ochaco's breathing next to you.

"Looking at things objectively, I think i'm stronger than you." You suppress a laugh, covering your mouth with your arm to refrain from snorting at his words.

Yes, Shoto. We all know you're the hottest and strongest in our class. Care to say something we don't know? "But.. All Might has his eye on you, doesn't he." Hmm. You 𝘩𝘢𝘥 noticed how close they seemed during the USJ attack, but you hadn't thought much of it. Maybe All Might favors him because of the similarity in their quirks?

You can't help
but feel a pang of jealousy at the idea of your idol favoring your friend over you, but you suppress it and continue to listen to their conversation. Not like you're eavesdropping anyways, since they're standing right in the middle of the room and the exchange isn't exactly quiet.

"I'm going to beat you." Todoroki looks at Izuku with a stoic expression on his face, and the boy just stands in front of him in shock, not even trying to stand up for himself. It kind of makes you feel bad for him.

"Sooo, I'm guessing this is the part where we all make our communiqués?" The eyes of your classmates all shift to you as you rest your chin on your fist, looking Todoroki in the eye despite your stuttering heart's protests. "In that case, I'll do my best to beat 𝘺𝘰𝘶, Todoroki. Despite how it may seem I've been training for years too, and I think my skills are pretty on par with yours."

The boy in question doesn't seem to be very intimidated by your declaration, and only nods in acknowledgement before sitting back down. Finished with your mini monologue, you turn your attention to the half filled jug of water in front of you, and eventually your classmates resume their chatter. With everyone's attention off the duo, nobody notices when Izuku tells Todoroki that he'll be giving it all he's got, too.

Walking next to Ochako, your eyes scan the packed bleachers for any sign of your parents. "Are you excited? I'm not sure I can do my best while being watched by so many people..." Ochako laments from beside you, causing you to grip her shaking hand firmly in yours. "Don't stress it! There's gonna be so many other people competing, you really won't have to worry about all eyes being on you until the one-on one battles anyways."

All the first year classes come to a halt at the front of the field, where your Art teacher Ms Midnight stands waiting at the top of a podium. "Time for the player pledge!" You gape at her skantilly clad outfit, sputtering in shock when your eyes land on the red flogger in her hand. "T-That's really an R rated hero, huh..."

"Quiet everyone!" Midnight waves her flogger, silencing the crowd of students. "Representing the students is Katsuki Bakugo from class 1-A!" You sigh, already knowing whatever he says will ruffle the feathers of all the students from the other classes.

Bakugo walks up the stairs to the podium with his hands in his pockets, ignoring the whispers of those around him. "I pledge... That i'll be number one." Cue the uproar of pissed off highschoolers. The students from the other classes immediately begin booing him off the podium, while you laugh behind your hand. You'd be lying if you said you didn't slightly admire his confidence.

Ignoring the protests of the students, Midnight slings her flogger over her shoulder, a wide smile on her face. "Now, lets get started on the first round!" You stand up straight as she explains the rules of the first game. An obstacle course race.

"All 11 classes will participate in this race. The course will be the outer circumference of this stadium- about four kilometers!" That's... not too bad. You've run further during training. With much difficulty, but you've still done it. "As long as you stay on course, it doesn't matter what you do! Now take your places, everyone!"
All the students rush to the entrance, and you squeeze in the middle of the crowd.

"START!"

As soon as you hear the word, you start sprinting through the tunnel that connects the inside of the stadium to the track outside. You hardly make it a few steps forward though, before you're caught up in the sea of students. You try to push past to no avail, and opt for shooting yourself over the crowd.

Releasing a beam of water from your feet you find yourself in the air, propelling your body forward with water from your back. You're suddenly very grateful you had decided to hydrate before the beginning of the round, because something tells you you're going to need your quirk a lot more throughout the course of the race.

As soon as you get to the end of the tunnel, a gust of cold air hits you and you look down to see that your shoes are stuck in ice. Looking up, you see none other than Todoroki breezing past the competition, sliding gracefully on the ice he created.

You huff out a laugh, melting the ice around and in front of your shoes before sprinting after him on the damp self-made path. A few others manage to get out of the ice and run after you, but you're still in the lead aside from Todoroki himself.

Turning the corner, you're surprised to see a small group of the robots from the entrance exam blocking your way. Just great. Looks like you'll be using a lot more water than expected.
Shooting yourself up onto the top of a robot, you jump from robot head to robot head until you finally get to the last one, jumping off and rolling into a landing.

Looks like you're in front of the competition for now, huh. Grinning, you look behind you, only to falter when all of the robots topple over, shaking the ground and leaving a cloud of smoke in it's wake. The cloud shifts, and you see none other than Todoroki running towards you, dual colored hair blowing in the wind. 'Holy hell that's hot...'

Oh... You're supposed to be in a race right now aren't you.
Getting ahold of yourself, you turn back around and start running again, your classmate hot on your tail. "You really think your skills are on par with mine?" You roll your eyes, focused on trying to get to the next section of the race before anyone else catches up.

"Well I might not have been able to oneshot them all, but I still passed the first hurdle before you." Seeing the next challenge in the distance, you look back at your classmate, grinning before shooting water from your back to move faster.

Okay... perhaps you overestimated yourself, just a bit. Stopping at the edge of the second challenge, you falter. Are you... supposed to walk on those flimsy looking ropes? Catching up to you, Todoroki wastes no time using his ice to slide across the ropes, leaving you in the dust.

Hmmmm. You 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 use subosition to turn the vapor in the air to ice, but with there being so little humidity it's likely you'll fall as soon as you try stepping on it...
Hearing the distant sound of explosions getting closer, you huff and decide to throw caution to the wind and just go for it.

Narrowing your eyes, you concentrate on identifying where exactly you want to freeze. Since you can't physically see the water you're trying to control, if you're not careful you'll just end up freezing all the vapor in the area, and that won't help at all. When you open your eyes fully, to your dismay you see a paper thin sheet of ice spreading throughout the open 'ground' of the pit.

You could have done better, but you're already feeling the fatigue take root in your body. There's no time for redos. If you play your cards right, you may still be able to win first place. But first, you need to get rid of any unnecessary weight. Sighing, you take off your shoes and socks, hoping one of the staff will be able to retrieve it for you after you're finished.

Covering your feet in water, you duck into a running stance, getting ready to sprint your way across the thin ice. Now that you're about to go through with it the plan seems kind of stupid, but taking risks is part of being a hero, right?
The sound of those explosions are getting closer, and if you don't do it now, you're sure the heat from Bakugo's quirk will be enough to melt all your hard work. Concentrating on making sure you don't release your hold on the ice, you exhale and start running.

This... Is going way better than you expected. As well as it 𝘤𝘢𝘯 go with the conditions, anyways. As soon as your foot touches the flimsy ice it falls, but because of the speed you're running at, you don't give the ice enough time to buckle under you before you're already in front of the crumbling piece. As soon as a part of the ice breaks, you release your hold on it.

With every step you take you're releasing your hold on more water, increasing your energy and in turn allowing you to run closer to your top speed. Before you know it you're on the other side, and you absorb the water covering your feet into your body as you exhale in exhaustion.

Turning around you see a group of students making their way towards the beginning of the hurdle, and you release the ice from your hold, turning it all back into invisible vapor just as a student tries to walk on it.

Yikes... That'll be a nasty fall. You hear the sound of Bakugo's explosions above you, and curse as you realize there are now two people ahead. That's okay though. Although you can tell you're starting to run out of water from your body to use, you still have most of your prior energy back now that you aren't using your quirk anymore. You start jogging up the stairs, wincing as the gravel digs into your soles.

Turning the corner you see Todoroki standing at the edge of what looks like a minefield, and President Mic's voice booms out as he explains that although the mines aren't powerful enough to hurt, they'll absolutely send you back a few feet. Though you're still in the lead, you know you can't afford to let any of the faux bombs stunt your progress.

Todoroki starts tiptoeing around the mock mines with impressive speed, while you opt for a quicker method. Putting your hand low in front of you, you keep a constant spray of water flowing out of it as you run across the damp path, freezing the water you step on as you sprint across the minefield.

The ice isn't quite thick enough to stop the mini explosions from going off when you step on them, but the low temperature is enough to nullify the blasts, allowing you to quickly catch up to your classmate. Before you can surpass him, however, you're blown off balance by a blast Bakugo sends your way, causing you to step on a mine and get blown backwards.

Thankfully you don't land on another one when you fall, but as the pink dust clears and you look up, you see Todoroki and Bakugo involved in what looks like a shoving match. Huffing in exasperation, you get back to your feet, opting to try and walk around the mines instead of your earlier method. It's not as quick, but at least you won't get caught off guard as easily.

Because of their fighting the two boys at the front aren't nearly as fast as they were before, and you manage to surpass the pair without them noticing. Grinning, you pick up the pace a bit, excited to cross the finish line and officially win first place for the first round.

But before you can celebrate too much, a loud explosion rings out behind you, causing you to stop in your tracks and turn your head. There's a large cloud of pink dust at the start of the field, and you gape in astonishment as Izuku flies over everyone's head with some sort of metal plate under him.

At the rate he's flying he'll surpass you in no time, and the two boys behind you have seemingly come to the same conclusion as they've stopped pushing each other and started racing again. That's more than enough to get 𝘺𝘰𝘶 moving, and you jump into the air, ejecting a blast of water from your back to propel forward and keep your feet off the ground.

You would have done this earlier, but with the amount of body water you used earlier in the race and your lack of extra on hand, you can tell you only really have enough to fly a few feet before your body physically won't let you eject any more.

Just as you suspected, the water cuts off when you're only a few feet away from the end of the minefield, and you prepare to walk the rest of the way when Izuku sets off another explosion with his metal plate thing, causing him to fly right past you and the minefield as a whole. Deciding you'll only waste time if you look back, you decide to say fuck all and just start running.

Narrowly avoiding an explosion, you manage to get past the minefield in a few seconds, though Izuku is already far in front of you. Guess you'll just have to settle for second. Sprinting as fast as you can, you make it through the tunnel just a few seconds after him, sighing as you see his face with the word 'WINNER' plastered below it on all the stadium screens.

Now that it's finally over, the adrenaline leaves your body in an instant and the fatigue as well as lack of water in your body hits you like a freight train, making you want to lie down now more than ever. You manage a smile for the few cameras focused on you, dragging your feet towards a hunched over Izuku before sitting down next to him. The tightness in your chest is because you're exhausted, not because you're jealous of him or anything like that.

"Good job, Izukun. You totally earned it."

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

The short break before the next round is long enough for you to drink another gallon of water and rest up a bit for the next challenge, but with your regained energy comes regained jitters.
You made the cutoff for the next round for sure, but you can't help worrying that you'll bomb it.

"...A cavalry battle?"

Midnight grins, continuing to address the students. “Let me explain. The participants can form teams of two to four people as they wish. It’s basically the same as a regular cavalry battle, but the one thing that’s different is… based on the results of the last game, each person has been assigned a point value. The points assigned go up by five starting from the bottom.

You frown. Since you got second place, that means you'll have a pretty big target on your back, huh. "So 42nd place gets five points, 41st gets ten points and so on. But the point value assigned to first place is… ten million!”

You can practically cut the tension with a knife. Everyone's heads turn to a trembling Izuku, who looks forward with a horrified look on his face... Yikes.

“That’s right. It’s the survival of the fittest, with a chance for those at the bottom to overthrow the top! During the game, it’ll be a cruel fight where you can use your quirks. But it is still a cavalry battle. You’ll get a red card for attacks that are trying to make people fall on purpose!" Midnight clasps her hands together, a bright smile on her face.
"Now, you have fifteen minutes to build your teams. Start!”

The students around you start searching for people to group up with, and you squeak as a small group of students you don't recognize start crowding around you. "Hey, you should join my team!" The student that just spoke is cut off when another butts in, insisting you join hers instead. You vaguely recognize a couple of faces from 1-A, but nobody you're actually familiar with is in the crowd. You gape as the small horde starts arguing with each other about who should be in your team, and slowly back away from the mob without them noticing.

You suppose it makes sense for the other students to want to be on your team since you made second place, but you don't even know any of their quirks! It's be best to get on a team with people from your class, huh.

Maintaining a good distance from the crowd that thankfully hasn't noticed your departure yet, you begin contemplating who exactly you should team up with.
You want to join a group with Ochako since you know her best, but if you want to make it to the individual battles it would likely be most benefitial to group up with people you know for sure will win... Especially since you can tell the break wasn't nearly long enough for you to get back to the amount of stored water you had prior to the first round... You should really stop trying to show off, huh.

Turning around, your eyes wander to Bakugo. He's already surrounded by his own horde of students vying for his attention, but maybe since you're in his class he'll be more likely to choose you? You feel like a groupie as you join the posse of students, but if you're gonna win this round you'll have to put your pride aside.

Looking over your shoulder you notice Ochako staring your way with a small frown on her face, and your heart clenches as you realize she probably thinks you don't want to team up with her. Smiling apologetically, you make a heart with your hands to reassure her it's nothing personal, and she nods in understanding before turning to look for someone else.

You prepare to turn around and ask Bakugo to join his group when a hand on your shoulder catches you off guard.

"You." Turning around, you're met with the sharp eyes of the boy you were planning to talk to, and looking behind him you see that the group has dispersed, save for a few students.
"If you’re trying to team up then get the hell over here already, guppy. I don’t have all day.”

"G-Guppy?!" You blanche at his forwardness, and the surprisingly cute nickname. Better than 'Dunce face', anyways. You had expected to have to convince him to let you join, but it seems he already wanted you on his team. "Uh- have you chosen anyone else yet?" The blonde shakes his head from in front of you, continuing to walk with his hands in his pockets as if the next member of his team is just going to fall into his lap.

“Hey! Todoroki chose his team already! Bakugo, team up with me too!” Kirishima jumps out in front of the blonde, a wide grin on his face.
“Shitty hair.” He deadpans.
“I’m Kirishima! At least try to remember!” The redhead sighs in exasperation, before turning defensive and pointing a finger at Bakugo. “My hair’s not that different from yours! Anyways… You’re gonna be the rider, right? Then who’ll be a front horse that can take your blasts?” Oh. Oh wow. His next member totally just fell into his lap.

“Someone with guts.” He answers plainly, not understanding what Kirishima's trying to say. You huff out a laugh, placing a hand on your hip as you observe the interaction between your two classmates.

"I think what Red means is with his hardening quirk, he'll be able to handle your blasts without taking any damage. That's what you meant, right Re- Er, Kirishima?"
“Exactly! And keep using Red! It sounds super manly." Kirishima shoots a toothy grin your way, before turning back to Bakugo. "I’ll be a horse that’ll never waiver! You’re gonna get it, right? The ten million?” He urges.
The competitive blonde takes the bait, a dark grin spreading across his face as he decides on the second person for his team.

-------

Bakugo eventually concludes the last member of his team should be a pink haired girl named Mina Ashido after she shows the three of you her acid quirk, and you gape in admiration as she uses the substance from her hands to melt a section of the ground. Now you have a well balanced team of four, and a quick glance Ochako's way confirms that your friend managed to find a solid group as well.
A loud alarm cuts through the stadium, causing all twelve teams to line up around the square in the middle of the field while Midnight counts down.

As soon as she says the word, all the teams start racing towards Izuku, who manages to soar over the groups pursuing him using what looks like a jetpack. You're confused on how he managed to get ahold of one, but you don't have time to dwell on it as Bakugo immediately steers your group towards his new location. While you're running you see a headband floating in the air, and realize it's tied around the invisible girl from your class's head.

Mumbling a quiet apology, you extend your arm out as you run, making a long thin stick with the water from your hand and using it to gently untie and lift the fabric off your classmate's head. Her team doesn't notice, and you quickly throw the headband up to a grinning Bakugo, who ties it around his neck.

After an attack from another team, Izuku and his group shoot up into the air once again, causing an annoyed Bakugo to propel himself into the air after the green haired boy, much to your horror.
His attack is deflected by a classmate you recognize as Tokoyami's dark shadow, and just as your teammate begins falling you lasso him back towards you, Ashido and you managing to catch the boy and get him back onto the horse, before Midnight gives the okay and your team continues the race to capture Izuku’s headband.

You feel Bakugo jerk unexpectedly from above you, and when you look up you see a blue eyed blonde you don't recognize pulling the band off from your classmate's head. “Class A is too simple-minded.” The student jibes, a mocking tone to his words.
“He got us!” Ashido squeals. “What’d you say, bastard?! Give that back! I’ll kill you!” Bakugo seethes, raising his hand angrily.

“Since Midnight said it was the first game, it wouldn’t make sense for them to cut a ton of people in the qualifier, right? Assuming they’d keep about forty people for the next stage, we just made sure we stayed within that number as we ran, observing from the back the quirks and personalities of those who would be our rivals.
There’s no point in being obsessive over winning in the prelims, right?” The blonde lays his plans out with a self-satisfied look on his face, leaving himself vulnerable as he gloats.

You silently catch Bakugo's attention, quietly urging him to keep the blonde talking. He raises an eyebrow in confusion but obeys, looking back at the student in front of him. "So... You did this as a class?” The student ties Bakugo's headband around his neck as you watch intently, waiting for your moment to strike.

“Well, it wasn’t a consensus, but it was a good idea, right?” As soon as his hands move from the fabric you discreetly extract water from inside of your palm, shaping it into a thin hand and reaching up to untie the fabric while he speaks, oblivious to your actions. You slowly absorb the aquatic arm back into your own hand, clasping the fabric in your fist as the blonde continues gloating.

“Hey, they’re coming.” One of the his teammates warn, and the student looks back before sending one last mocking smile Bakugo's way.
“It’s better than going after a temporary “top” like a horse with a carrot waving in front of its face. Oh, while I’m at it, you’re famous, aren’t you? As the victim of the sludge incident! Tell me about it sometime- About how it feels to be attacked by villains once a year.”

The opposing team runs off, and Bakugo looks down at you expectantly. "You can thank me later." You smirk while holding up the headband, to which your teammate snatches it from you. "Shaddup! I would've gotten it back myself. Only reason I didn't go after them was 'cause I saw you were already on it." He glares at you, and you stick your tongue out in response before urging your team to keep moving.

"You're amazing, [Name]! I think we should be good for now right? What's the plan?" Mina grins brightly at you, and you smile back as you await further instruction from Bakugo.
"The plan is to get that million point headband." Bakugo deadpanns, steering the group towards Izuku's team.

"We’re going to get an undisputed first place! Let’s go get that ten million!” It seems Todoroki's formed some sort of ice barrier around his and Izuku’s team, but that doesn't stop Bakugo from ordering the three of you to keep barreling towards it.

You grin as your group races forward, managing to pull off another two headbands from other groups with your quirk and throw them up to your team's leader as you run. Just as your team clears through the ice, Bakugo blasts off again. You fleetingly wonder how mad he would get if you just let him fall, but decide you wanna live.

“Damn Deku!” Bakugou scans Izuku for the ten million point headband, but finds no more than a bare forehead where it should be. “The ten million points are…?! Half and half bastard!”
The teams are within seconds of attacking each other when Present Mic interrupts the battle. “Time’s up!! That’s the end of the second round, the cavalry battle!” Bakugo falls face first onto the ground without you to pull him back, and you cover your mouth to stop from guffawing.

"Now, let’s take a look at the top four teams right away! In first place, team Todoroki! In second place, team Bakugo!”
The blonde in question begins throwing a tantrum from his spot on the ground, and your face turns red as you hold your breath to stop from laughing. “In third place, Tetsute- Huh? What, it’s team Shinso?! When did you come from behind?!" You turn your head to look for the lilac haired boy, squeaking in surprise when you realize he's already eyeing you from across the field. Face burning in mortification you quickly turn around, hoping he won't catch onto the fact that you were actively looking for him.

'In fourth place, team Midoriya! These four teams… will advance… to the final round! Now, we’ll take an hour break for lunch before we start the afternoon festivities! See ya!” Whew. All the teams begin making their exit, and you shake out your limbs as you get ready to eat and get some much needed rest.

It's been a while since you've burned yourself out like you did during the race, and you're glad the cavalry battle wasn't one you needed to throw around water for, or you may not have made it this far. Although you managed to hydrate enough after the first battle to use your quirk, if you had needed to blast around like during the race, you're sure you would have run out much faster than before.

You really need to stop trying to be flashy, dammit.

Chapter Text

It thankfully didn't take much more than a single apology for Ochako to get over you abandoning her during the cavalry race, but you're sure the free snacks you promised didn't hurt your chances at forgiveness at all.

After indulging in some pop up stand food with your new unlikely group of friends (sans Izuku, you still aren't sure where he ran off to), you're at the part where you drink an unnecessary amount of water to prepare for the battles ahead.

"[Name]... Are you sure you really need that much?" You're currently on your third gallon since settling into the break room, and the closer you get to the bottom of the bottle the wider her eyes open. It doesn't help that Kaminari is currently chanting "Chug, chug, chug!" as you drink, only fueling your competitive spirit.

As the last drop of water hits your tongue you slam your bottle onto the table, sparing a wink at the cheering blonde across from you before wiping the excess water from your mouth and finally settling into your seat.

Ochako only shakes her head in exasperation from next to you, sighing in mock distress as she mumbles. "That much water and you don't look bloated in the slightest, what I would give..."'

---

Ms Midnight announces that everyone will draw lots to determine the brackets for the individual battles, but before the first group can begin, your classmate with the tail raises his hand with a somber look on his face. "I would like to withdraw."

"I hardly remember anything from the cavalry battle before near the end.. I think it was that guy's quirk." Your heart jumps in your chest as you follow his line of sight to a stoic-faced Shinso, who turns his head away from the commotion without meeting your gaze.

"I know this is a great chance and it's foolish to waste it... But I can't be up there without everyone knowing what really happened."

You fiddle with the material of the yellow pom-poms you're holding, a frown creeping across your face. Ojiro has a pretty neat quirk... You still don't know what exactly Shinso's power is to have made him forget what he did during the game, but if he managed to make it to the finals, shouldn't that count for something?

The other students seem to mirror your stance, and your classmates try to convince him to think again. He doesn't budge though, insisting his pride won't let him continue knowing he didn't do anything. You really can't understand why he would give up such an opportunity, but decide to hold your tongue.

Despite your qualms about him dropping out, you can't deny it's pretty manly for Ojiro to speak out like that- Ugh, is Red rubbing off on you?
Another student from Shinso's cavalry group speaks up, claiming he'd like to drop out for the same reason as him, and as Midnight slashes her flogger in approval of their resignation you chance another look at Shinso out the corner of your eye.

You wonder just what kind of quirk could have multiple students dropping out of possibly the biggest event of their freshman year simply because they can't stand having been put under it's influence.

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

You'll find out soon enough. As you watch Izuku and Shinso walk towards the pitch, you can't help but worry.
"Even though he's done well, what's with that face? From the hero course, it's Izuku Midoriya!"

You angle forward in your seat as President Mic announces the first contestants of the final leg in the sports festival.

True to Mic's word, Izuku is walking onto the pitch with an expression akin to that of a constipated baby. It would have made you laugh if you weren't so worried about both your friends safety.

You still don't know Shinso's quirk, and that along with the worry that Izuku will break his fingers again makes you grip Ochako's hand tighter than you probably should. She doesn't seem to notice though, and she grips yours just as hard.

"The rules are simple: Force your opponent out of bounds, or immobilize them! You can also win by making your opponent cry uncle!"

President Mic finishes with his explanation, and you can tell Shinso is saying something to Izuku though you can't make out the words.
Whatever he's saying is clearly provoking your classmate though, because you can see how his face twists up in fury as he begins stomping towards Shinso.

The lilac haired boy doesn't seem to be phased by this though, and if anything looks amused as Izuku begins to yell at him... Before suddenly stopping in his tracks and staring blank-faced at his opponent.

Is this it? What's going on? You stand up and look over the railing, confused. Does Shinso's quirk paralyze people when he angers them? No... Izuku was angry before he spoke...
Shinso's quirk must paralyze people when they respond to him.

But if that's the case, how would he win the cavalry battle with his teammates paralyzed? It all just doesn't make sense. Ojiro stands up from his spot at the back of the bleachers, and you turn around to see a panicked look on his face. "I went through the trouble of warning him and everything!"

You turn back towards the arena just in time to see Izuku turning around and slowly walking away from Shinso.
How? Huh? Is it mind control then? Brainwashing? You rub your temple in confusion as President Mic booms "Midoriya is being so obedient!!" and lean on the railing to get a better look.

Holding your breath, you watch as Izuku gets closer and closer to the boundary line. The worried cries of his classmates don't seem to reach him, and you frown as you realize he's going to lose.

Sighing and backing away from the railing, you're caught off guard as a large gust of wind comes from the battlefield, eyes widening as you look back down and realize Izuku's managed to use his quirk to break free of Shinso's spell.

A chorus of cheers erupt from the stands, and you grimace as you see Shinso's horrified expression. You can't hear him from this far up, but you have a pretty good idea of what he might be saying.

Your classmate covers his mouth to stop from speaking, confirming your theory about the way Shinso's power works. Eughh, at moments like these you really wish you had a snazzy notebook like Izuku does to scribble notes on your classmates quirks.

Shinso continues trying to provoke Izuku, and you hear when he jibes, "Someone who's been blessed like you can't understand, can you?!" You frown at his words. You have a good idea of what Shinso's saying despite not hearing everything, and it's not true at all.

You haven't known Izuku for a long time, but you can tell he's had to work harder than almost everyone else in 1-A. He earned his spot. It can't be easy having to live with a quirk that destroys his body every time he uses it, but every day you see how heroic he is despite his glaringly obvious Achilles' heel.

"Someone like you who was born with the ideal quirk!! Someone who can reach your goal!!"
Shinso... absolutely has a lot of pent-up resentment towards the hero course students. You understand why, but you can't help selfishly wondering if that extends to you.

As was to be expected as soon as he broke free from the brainwashing, Izuku ends up winning the fight. Some time during the scuffle you end up sitting back down, but you hardly notice Ochako's hand resting on top of yours, or the cheers of your classmates as Izuku flips Shinso out of bounds.

The only thing you can think is... What if Shinso resents you too? What if he always did? You thought the two of you had managed to become friends over the last few weeks, but what if he never really felt that way about you?

"I was so nervouuss..." You're snapped out of your thoughts by a babbling Ochako, her hand tightly squeezing your bicep save for her pinkie. From the other side of her Iida sits back down, having stood to cheer when his friend won.

"Turning the tables at the last moment! As expected of Midoriya."
You sigh, gently slapping your face with your free hand to clear your negative thoughts. "Yeah... Izukun always manages to pull through, huh." 'No wonder All Might is so fond of him..'

. 。・゜✭・.・✫゜・。.. 。・゜✭・.・✫゜・。.. 。・゜✭・.・✫゜・。.. 。・゜✭・.・✫゜・。.. 。・゜✭・.・✫゜・。.

It's not very long before Izuku makes his way to the bleachers, and Ochako quickly alerts him to the seat she had saved him, eliciting a laugh from you.

"The wait is over!!" Present Mic's booming voice causes the audience to look towards the arena as he continues his narration. "Moving on, there they are! The cream of the crop, yet this guy is still as plain as they come, it's Hanta Sero of the hero course!"

"Versus... Taking third, and then first in the prelims, the strongest of the strong! It's Shoto Todoroki, also of the hero course!! And now for the second match of the finals... Start!!"

As soon as Mic finishes talking, Sero wraps Todoroki in his tape, swinging him around like a ragdoll. "A surprise attack to get his opponent out of bounds!!! Don't you think that was the best choice for this situation??!"

You lean forward in your seat, mentally taking notes. Mic's right. With a quirk like Todoroki's, the match could be done in an instant if you don't make the first move. Sero definitely had the right idea with his sneak attack. Now the only question is: Will it work?

As soon as you have that thought, the ice comes. You squeak in horror as a mountain of frozen H2O shoots up from the stage, blocking your half of the arena from seeing anything past your seats. You gape at the wall of ice, mirroring the shocked expressions of your classmates.

"Sero is immobilized! Todoroki makes it to the next round!!!" Well you would 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦 a titanic-sinking iceberg is enough to immobilize the dude, goodness.
After the shock wears off, those in the other sections of the bleachers erupt in a chorus of "Don't worry about it" to cheer up the frozen Sero, while Todoroki begins to melt the ice he created with his left side.

You sigh as you begin standing up, careful not to bump into the wall of ice that's currently inches away from you. "This looks like it's gonna take a while, does anyone want me to bring them sweets or snacks while I'm gone?" Ochako brightens at the idea of sweets, and you leave the bleachers with a laundry list of different mochi to bring back for your friend.

---

Slinging a bag full of snacks over your shoulder, you skip up the stairs to the bleachers with plenty of time to spare before your round. You're supposed to be going against a girl from 1-B, but since you don't know her quirk you decide finishing the battle before it starts is the best option for you.

"Y/N... Have I ever told you how much I love you?" Ochako is practically salivating at the sight of all the treats you got for her, and you drop the bag into your friends lap before taking a seat next to her, a self-satisfied smile on your face.

"You don't say it nearly enough in my opinion, but I'll never tell you to stop if you decide to include praising me in your daily ritual or anything." Pulling your phone out of your pocket to kill time, you tense at the realization that you seriously miscalculated how much time you had spent getting snacks.

You sigh, seeing that you only have a few minutes before you're scheduled for your round, and rise from your seat.

"Sorry guys, I've gotta get ready to go on now! Don't miss me too much, 'kay?" Ochako sends you a thumbs up in response as she already has a mouthful of mochi, while Iida and Izuku wish you good luck.

You make it to the tunnel with hardly a minute to spare, rubbing your hands together and bouncing on the balls of your feet to psych yourself up for the upcoming battle. Your heart is beating excitedly in your chest, and you cant help the near manic grin that splits across your face.

You are 𝘴𝘰 ready.

"The assassin from class B! From the hero course, it's Ibara Shiozaki!"
You exhale deeply as Mic finishes announcing your opponent, taking the first steps out into the open as he begins introducing you to the crowd.

"And from class A, she's won second place twice in a row! Will she strike gold this time, or is she doomed to triple silver? From the hero course, [Name]!"
Your jaw tightens at the not-so subtle jab, but you continue to walk with your head high, waving and winking at the cameras now focused on your face.

Before the battle can start, Shiozaki raises a hand tentatively, looking up towards the booth Mic is in. "Um... Please excuse the interruption." President Mic stops in the middle of whatever sentence he was yelling, and your opponent continues.

"What do you mean by 'assassin'? I have only come to find victory, not to take my opponents life." You snort at her words, masking it as a sneeze as you look up at Mic's booth, an amused grin on your face.

"Yeah, President Mic! Make me the assassin instead!" Mic blanches before profusely apologizing to Shiozaki, to which she continues her spiel. "In the first place, I wished to enter U.A. not for wicked reasons..." What the fuck is the sun shining a spotlight on her right now? "...But for the salvation of others."
"I said i'm sorry!! My bad, okay?"

You cough to mask the laugh that comes out at Mic's words, stretching your arms as you wait for the moralist to finish her speech and get onto the stage already.

Shiozaki eventually walks into the box, and you smile politely as you wait for the word.
"A-Anyways, Start!"

You immediately get into position to shoot a water beam, winking at the vine-haired girl in front of you. "Don't take it too personally when I beat you, okay?" Locking your knees, you shoot a focused blast of water from your hands, ready to blow her out of bounds in one hit.

Shiozaki seems to have anticipated your move though, and instead of trying to dodge she turns around, making some sort of shield with her hair. Your water gets absorbed into it, though thankfully for you it doesn't seem like water powers up her vines in any way.

Suddenly feeling a rumbling below you, you propel yourself up and out of the way just as Shiozaki's vines erupt from the ground below where you were just standing.

"Shio, nobody ever told you not to turn your back on your opponent?" Shiozaki lowers her shield and turns around to see where you've gone, but at that point it's already too late.

...

The girl spins around, only to see that the vines she had tried to use to capture you are literally frozen in place, and before she can send more you wave a hand in front of your face, thick tendrils of water sprouting from your fingertips.

"Smokescreen!" At your command the water vaporizes, effectively creating a thick curtain of mist to separate the two of you. Shiozaki can't see where you are anymore, and tries to use her vines to feel out the area behind the fog.

This is exactly what you had planned for though, and as soon as her hair passes the vapor, it hits a cold wall. "Release!" The vapor turns back into water, revealing a tall wall of ice behind the smokescreen. Before Shiozaki has a chance to move you soar over the wall, condensing it into what looks like a mallet nearly half your size.

Shiozaki doesn't have any chance to react before you slam the ice mallet onto the stage just inches in front of her, causing the floor under her to shake and vibrate dangerously. Your opponent is nearly blown out of bounds by the force of the attack, and when she looks up there's a near sadistic glint in your eyes.

"Now 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴..." The mallet has now turned into a long staff, which you swing at her before she can regain her footing. "...Is what I've been looking forward to all day!!" Shiozaki ducks under your attack, panicked. She grabs ahold of your staff using her vines, but as soon as they wrap around it the ice begins spreading to her hair, breaking off a chunk of her vines as she uses them to pull on the weapon.

One last floor-breaking slam of your staff is enough to blow Shiozaki across the line, and the second Mic shouts "Ibara Shiozaki is out of bounds!!!" it's like a switch has been flipped.

Gone is the sadistic grin on your face, and you seem to have forgotten about Shiozaki entirely as you bask in the attention of the cheering crowd.
You turn the staff in your grasp to water and absorb said water into your hand, but not before twirling it elaborately¹ and blowing a few too many kisses at the audience and cameras.

-------

"Sometimes you scare me when we're sparring."

You take a swig of your water bottle, turning your head slightly to look at a flushed Ruby. The two of you have just spent the better half of the last few hours training, and the girl looks like she might pass out.

"I scare you?" You laugh at the absurdity. "It must just be because of my insane power." Shrugging, you take another drink of water before laying down on the warm grass.
Ruby follows suit, resting her hand on top of yours as the sun beats on your sweaty faces.

"Maybe i'm just imagining it, but whenever we spar and you start to get really into it, it's like you change completely." Ruby closes her eyes, long lashes nearly grazing her cheeks as she thinks aloud.

"There's this face you always make when you're especially focused during our sparring sessions. You have this like... Kind of mocking smile on your face, and this beautiful but scary look in your eyes. Almost as if you're daring me to keep trying when we both know you're going to win the round anyways."

You sputter out a laugh, trying to imagine the look she's describing. "Well, I do really like sparring, but you're making it sound like i'm some sort of water demon with iron fists and a yearning for violence."

Ruby rolls her eyes and scoffs at your words, though there's no irritation behind it. "Do you still plan on applying to U.A.?" You pause for a moment, and if Ruby hadn't known you as well as she does she might have missed it.

"...Yeah. Getting accepted into U.A. is my dream. I know my dad's a bit paranoid, but he'll get over it once he sees how much I've improved." You smile, closing your eyes. "I'm sure mom'll be happy to know i'm following in her footsteps too."

Rolling onto her side to face you, Ruby opens her eyes. "What kind of hero do you want to be?" Opening your own eyes, you use your free hand to tap your chin thoughtfully. "That's easy. I want to be the kind of hero that citizens admire, and villains fear. I want to be idolized by millions across Japan- No, the world!"

A grin splits across your face, and Ruby doesn't have the heart to tell you that you have the same look in your eyes she was just talking about.

"I want villains across the world to know that [Name] is the name of the hero who'll bring them all to their knees. No villain will ever cross me." Your smile widens. "And if they're stupid enough to try, i'll make sure they regret it."

-------

As soon as you make your way back to the bleachers, Ochako tackles you in a bone-crushing hug. "You did so well, [Name]!! It's like you were a different person out there!!" You wheeze at her tight grip, causing her to squeak out a "Sorry!" before letting you go.

Shaking your head in amusement, you twirl a lock of hair around your finger. "I've been told I get a bit intense when i'm really into sparring, haha."

Red appears next to Ochako, catching you off guard. "That was more than intense! Did you even see the damage you did to the floor with those attacks?! That was super badass, I wish I had recorded it!"

You cover your cheeks to hide your coy blush, brushing off the compliment. "Thanks, Red. But to be fair, she ruined the stage first." You think back to the gaping crater Shiozaki's vines made in the floor, shivering.

"I didn't want to give Cementoss too much extra work so I was planning on just spamming water beam, but then she did that move with the vines and I guess I just stopped worrying about the damage.." You rub the back of your neck awkwardly, wincing at the thought of the dents in the stage Cementoss is surely going to have to fill in now.

From behind Ochako Iida pops up, doing his signature air chopping move as he addresses you.
"It is commendable that you initially prioritized minimizing damage to the area! In real-world battles, making sure you can defeat the adversary without causing damage to the structures around you is crucial!"

You're about to thank him, but before you can he continues his spiel, causing you to sweatdrop in exasperation. "...However, as a hero you must remember two wrongs do not make a right! If the villain in said real world situation damages a building during a fight, that is not permission for you, as a hero to mimic their actions and cause damage as well!"

He's... Still talking... "You must learn to effectively ensnare your opponent without causing damage to the infrastructure around you! This is only a battle between classmates, but the habits you pick up during training are sure to-"

Sick of his chattering, you slap a hand over Iida's mouth, effectively shutting him up. "Thank you, Iida. But isn't the next round yours? It's going to be starting soon, and i'm sure you don't want to miss your cue."

Forgetting the fact that you just completely cut him off, Iida tenses, looking back towards the stage below. "You are correct! It seems Cementoss is nearly finished fixing the stage. Everyone, sit down now! You wouldn't want to block those behind you from seeing the next round!"

Your classmate quickly makes his way out of the bleachers to go downstairs, and you shake your head in amusement, smiling fondly at the doorway he just exited from. You don't think you've ever been in a class this lively.

. 。・゜✭・.・✫゜・。.. 。・゜✭・.・✫゜・。.. 。・゜✭・.・✫゜・。.. 。・゜✭・.・✫゜・。.. 。・゜✭・.・✫゜・。.

𝙎𝙢𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙨𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙣- 𝙐𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙪𝙗𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙖 𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙤𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙖 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙛𝙤𝙜 (𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙖 𝙗𝙞𝙩 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧), 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙨𝙢𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙨𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙣𝙩.
𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙢𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙨𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙘𝙪𝙥 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙜.

Chapter Text

"Let's move onto the next round after a short break!"

The final match of the first round is complete, and you clench your fists on your lap as Ochako gets carried out on a stretcher. You can tell she put her all into her match against Bakugo, but it still wasn't enough to get the better of the explosive blonde.

More than that though, you hope she's okay. You're about to get up from your seat to visit her in Recovery Girl's office when Bakugo enters the bleachers, immediately getting the class's attention.

“Even if it was because of the match-up, you played an amazing villain, Bakugou.” Tsu compliments the seething blonde, though it sounds more back-handed than anything.

As you watch your classmate descending the stairs to his seat from the corner of your eye, the pang of sympathy you feel in your chest confuses you.
It's more than clear that Katsuki Bakugo is very skilled, and his round with your friend absolutely showed that. You wish you could dislike him for the ruthless way he fought Ochako, but hearing Tsu call him a villain upsets you more than you can put into words.

She likely doesn't really mean what she's saying, but you unconsciously frown at her comment anyways. Sure, he wasn't exactly gentle with her, but the fight was still fair. No doubt about that.

Clenching your fists tighter in your lap, you try to refrain from speaking out.
Bakugo wasn't fighting like a villain at all. You think back to the USJ attack, the way Hand villain didn't hesitate to try and use his quirk on you. The near paralyzing fear you felt as his hand got closer to your face, knowing if he managed to touch you you would be dead in an instant.

The way that villain all those years ago battered your mom so badly even surgery and the best healers couldn't save her from living the rest of her life paralyzed from the waist down. You feel kind of stupid getting so riled up over a offhanded comment, from one of your classmates no less, but hearing them belittle your friend and classmate fills you with a queasy feeling in your stomach you can't express.

“But man, I can’t believe you were able to aim such a huge blast at a frail girl. I couldn’t help but hold back.” You can practically feel a blood vessel in your head about to burst. 'Frail girl?' What an ass!

Swiveling around in your seat, you face the blonde that just spoke, and Kaminari pauses as he notices your glare. "You're lucky we didn't face off, lightswitch-for-brains."

You try to smirk playfully to hide how upset his joke made you, but you're sure it looks more like a grimace. "Because 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 girl would have absolutely blasted your ass to hell."

"That's so not cool, man..." You stand up from your seat, ignoring Kaminari's pouting in favor of picking up the bag of sweets Ochako left on her chair. You've had enough of class A's remarks for a day, and you release a breath you didn't notice you were holding as you exit the bleachers, making your way to the nurses office.

You open the door to find the office empty, save for the little old woman working at her computer, and Recovery Girl redirects you to the player waiting room with a smile on her face.
'Hmm, I guess she didn't want to interact with the class so soon after her defeat, I just hope she's okay.' You chew on the inside of your cheek nervously, making your way to the waiting room.

Wrapping your hand around the door handle, you jump in surprise as it swings open, causing you to trip inside. "[N-Name]! Are you okay?!" You lift your head up from the floor to see Ochako walking towards you, a panicked look on her face.

"[Name]! I-I'm sorry! Did you hurt yourself?" Standing up and dusting yourself off, you turn your head to face a worried Izuku. "Looks like you got to her first, huh." Shaking your head, you smile at the two of them. "I'm fine, the bag took most of the damage anyways... Your round is coming up, right Izuku?"

The boy in question stiffens, looking torn between staying with you and hurrying to his match. "I'm not hurt or anything, good luck against Todoroki!" You wave your friend off, and he rushes out after shooting one last smile towards the two of you.

Holding your hand out, you present the smushed bag of goodies to Ochako. "I had meant to bring these to you to cheer you up, but uh..." Ochako shakes her head, a smile on her face despite her loss. "It's fine, [Name]." She pulls you into a hug, and you drop the bag as you wrap your arms around hers.

"Don't be sad, Ochako. You did amazing."

-------

"She won her last round with an indisputable victory, but can she keep it up? From the hero course, it’s [Name]!!” Present Mic yells as you step out into the sunlight, raising your arms over your head to welcome the deafening cheers of the crowd.

From the opposite side of the arena Iida walks out, his expression set as Mic introduces him.

“Dashing through the competition with craazy speed, it’s Iida Tenya from the hero course!”
You stop on your side of the stage, and Iida smiles softly as the two of you lock eyes.
You already know your speed doesn't come close to his, so it's a good thing you have a plan. You feel slightly guilty about using your friend's weakness against him, but quickly shake your head at the thought.

Iida wouldn't want you to hold back, and you're sure he won't be going easy on you either. Angling your non-dominant leg in front of the other, you grin in anticipation for the round to start.

“Ready...BEGIN!”

You know he'll charge forward before you can hope to get an attack in, so as soon as Mic finishes saying 'Start', you're kneeling on the floor, dominant knee resting on the stage. Iida has hardly taken two large steps forward before your palm is on the ground, and the crowd gasps as a wall of ice rises from just in front of you, blocking your opponents path.

At Iida's speed he can't brake before he collides with the wall in front of you, and you wince at the audible crack you hear from the other side of the barrier.

"YYEEOOOWCH! Looks like Iida's caught a severe case of frostbite!" Rolling your eyes at Mic's attempt at humor, you rise over the wall, standing on top of the thick structure and looking down at your opponent.

Iida, for lack of a better example, looks like he just ran headfirst into a wall. Blood is gushing down his face and onto his shirt from his now crooked nose, and you fight the urge to grimace.

sitting on the wall and dangling your legs over the structure, you smile down at your opponent. "That looks pretty bad.. You should probably be heading to Recovery Girl's office right about now, huh."

Iida grimaces up at you, clutching his red nose. "I will not be going anywhere! My injuries will be tended to once you are defeated!" At least, that's what you think he's saying. His voice sounds slightly muffled and 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 nasally as he plugs his surely broken nose.

"Too bad, guess we'll be here a while." Ignoring the fresh wave of nausea building up, you refuse to release your hold on the wall of ice. Though Iida looks harmless right now, if you let your guard down he'll surely use his recipro burst to push you out of bounds.

Fighting the urge to toss your lunch, you focus on condensing the vapor behind him into visible water, shaping it as Iida watches you warily, still oblivious to what's going on behind him.
“Come down and face me like a proper adversary!” he calls, narrowing his eyes up at you. “You can’t stay up there forever!”

You keep your gaze fixed on your opponent, looking at your creation only through the corner of your eye so that Iida won't catch on to your plan.

As soon as you're satisfied with the size of it you release your hold on the ice wall, hopping backwards and off the structure as it melts.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

Seeing his chance, Iida is ready to start barreling towards you again, but is quickly stopped in his tracks when he feels something grab hold of the back of his shirt. He tries to spin around to face his attacker, but is lifted and hurled off the stage before he can.

“Tenya Iida has been thrown out of bounds! [Name] wins!”

...What?
The applause of the crowd sounds like static in Iida's ears, and he looks up from his spot on the ground in a daze.

His back is surely bruised by the force of his landing, but he hardly notices the pain. He gapes as he sees what looks like a large hand made completely of water in the air next to you, nearly double your size. Iida groans partially in pain, partially in irritation.

How did he not notice the massive appendage behind him? The aquatic hand in question is fixed in a peace sign mirroring your own as you stand confidently, albeit slightly off balance and a bit green in the face.

Iida allows himself to rest his eyes for a moment, sighing in defeat. When he opens them, he's met with your sheepish face, a (non-aquatic) hand extended towards him.
"Sorry, Iida. I didn't realize how hard I threw you. Let me take you to Recovery girl's office?" Huffing, Iida smiles up at you.

"Don't apologize. You were a formidable opponent, [Name]. I am very glad to have battled you." He accepts your hand and you lift him up, the two of you making your way to the exit.

Ignoring the pain in his back and face, Iida walks with his head high, pretending his nose isn't still freebleeding down his visage.

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

It's only after you've left a bruised Iida in Recovery Girl's office and begun walking back towards the bleachers that you notice him.

The lilac haired teenager seems as surprised to see you as you are him, and he quickly removes his bottle from the water fountain in front of him, turning to face you.

"...[Name]? Your match just ended, right?" You had been hoping you would have more time to gather your thoughts before facing the dreary eyed beauty, but sigh as you decide there's no time better than the present.

"Yeah, actually I was hoping for a chance to talk to you." You pause, and it looks like Shinso's gotten a bit tense.
"Is this about my quirk?" He looks away from you, voice hardly louder than a whisper though it still echoes through the empty corridor.

Tilting your head to the side, you pause. "Your quirk? Well I 𝘢𝘮 kind of curious about that as well, but I wanted to talk about what you said during your match with Izuku.." Shinso looks a bit confused at your words, and you're also a bit confused on his.

Shaking your head, you lean on the wall by the water fountain. "Shinso, are we friends?"
You can't think of another way to introduce the topic. He still looks a bit confused, but nods slowly.

"I'd like to think we are, not like I can get rid of you anyways." He huffs out a laugh, and you would have smiled if you weren't still so tense.

"So then... What you said to Izuku. Do you... feel that way about me too?" You feel increasingly stupid now that you're saying the words out loud, but they've already been said, and you're still curious anyways.

Shinso pauses, clearly confused, before he realizes what you're talking about and takes a short step backwards, running a hand down his face. "You... You heard all that?" He huffs. "I was just upset and trying to rile him up, [Name]. I'm sure you know by now, but my quirk only works if the person i'm trying to brainwash answers me."

Pausing for a moment to gauge your expression, he continues. "I don't really think you guys are undeserving or anything, least of all you. I watched your first match, you obviously put a lot of work into your powers to get to where you are right now. All of you."

Shinso frowns, looking back at you with an expression you might describe as vulnerable. "I'm just... A bit bitter. Not all of us get hero parents like Aquamarine, or offensive quirks like hydrokinesis." He closes his eyes.
"The rest of us... Just have to make do with what we have. We can't all be rattlesnakes¹, but you can't fault me for trying."

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

Shinso feels a bit embarrassed talking to you about this, especially after embarrassing himself during his round with Midoriya. But you don't seem at all hesitant to be around him, even after he explicitly told you how his quirk works.

Do you really just trust him that much? It's confusing, and kind of weird. Although he enjoys your company, he's sure you can tell he's been holding you at an arms length since the two of you met.

He wouldn't even be surprised if you had thought he was quirkless with how much he avoided the topic of his power. To be completely honest, he was kind of jealous that first time he met you. When you explained your quirk and all the uses it has, he was a bit bitter.

Looking back on it, he should have guessed you were in the hero course. With a power like hydrokinesis, there's no way you wouldn't get in. But it was only after that fateful day he declared war on class A that you admitted your mother is the retired pro hero Aquamarine.

He was a bit caught off guard, but not that surprised. Aquamarine was known for her rare power to manipulate water in all different forms, and though it wasn't exactly a secret she had a child, Shinso never would have guessed that daughter was the same age as him.

He's never been one to care much about celebs personal lives, but he still mentally slapped himself for not noticing the physical similarities between the two of you earlier. Perhaps it's because Aquamarine retired so long ago.
She's still known and loved after nearly a decade of being out of the hero business, but she's still just that. A 𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘥 hero.

Despite that, he'd be stupid to think you'd be just another run of the mill hero in training. Even if you didn't know how to wield your power the way you do, hydrokinesis is still a very strong quirk with tons of potential, and despite how much he may like you you're still an obstacle. Although it's been nice having a friend outside of general studies, the fact that you're a hero course student hasn't evaded his mind..

Hopefully he won't have to take your spot when he makes a place for himself in the hero course.

Shinso is snapped out of his thoughts when he feels warm arms snaking around his waist, and opens his eyes to see your damp cheek pressed against his chest.
Were... You just crying? He doesn't really know how to react to this kind of gesture, so he just stands there with his hands lifted stiff at his sides, water bottle long forgotten as you tighten your grip on the back of his shirt.

"You're so cool, Hitoshi." you hum, and Shinso stiffens further at the casual use of his first name, turning his head so you won't see how flush his face has become.

"Even though your quirk isn't one that's very offensive, you're still giving it your all. That's super heroic, and really admirable." You smile into his chest, and Shinso hopes it's not because you can feel how rapidly his heart is beating.

Finally, you release your hold on him, wiping your damp eyes with a wide smile on your face. "Sorry for getting your shirt wet, I just got way too emotional. I'll pay you back in snacks, but you have to remind me!"

Shinso hardly hears your words or retreating footsteps over the sound of his heart hammering behind his ribcage. Friends... Don't normally feel this way around each other, do they.

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

You're suddenly regretting not watching Todoroki's fight against Izuku. You already have a pretty good idea of your game plan, but it wouldn't hurt to have seen him in action once more before your round.

Patting your face gently, you banish the negative thoughts from your brain.

More than worried, you're relieved Shinso isn't upset with you like you initially thought. You still feel a bit embarrassed about crying on his shirt, but his chivalry paired with the relief that he 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 in fact still consider you a friend made you leak happy tears.

Stopping at your spot on the stage, you catch your opponent's eye as Mic introduces the two of you. Even from this distance you can feel his... WAY too beautiful irises boring into you, and you resist the urge to shiver as a familiar warmth spreads across your cheeks. No time for feelings, [Name]! Think of the hot guy as an enemy, not a snack!

"The first match of the semi-finals! With both of them from hero families, it's a battle of the elites!! From the hero course, it's [Name]!!!"

You put up a peace sign towards the crowd, lolling your tongue out childishly as you wink at the cameras focused on you. Wow, that one's zooming in close. Hopefully it didn't catch your shameless staring.
"Versus- Also from the hero course, Shoto Todoroki!!"

Locking your knees, you purse your lips in anticipation.
"STAART!!"

As soon as he hears the word, Todoroki sends a slew of ice your way. You grin, having hoped he would start with that move.

Not moving from your spot, you use subosition to turn the ice to water, blasting it Todoroki's way. He takes the attack in stride, making a barrier of ice behind him to stop from getting blown back. The water covers his body and you release it, turning it back to it's original form.

Now your opponent is covered from the neck down in ice, and you're about to celebrate along with the cheering crowd when a burst of flame erupts from his left side, quickly melting the solid covering his body.²

You blanche for a moment at the shock of finally seeing his flames in person, before shrugging. You knew this was a possibility, so you aren't too deterred.

Without wasting another moment, he sends another pillar of ice your way, which you use subosition on. This time you blast the water over his head and release it once it's off the stage.

Likely having seen what you did to Iida your last round, Todoroki immediately spins around, but relaxes when he sees the ice harmlessly away from the stage. No water appendages anywhere to be seen.

You use his brief moment of weakness to use his own attack against him, shooting a pillar of ice mirroring his own. Todoroki manages to evade at the last second, moving out of the way before he can get hit.

Licking your lips, you release the ice from your hold and shoot the water towards the ice offstage.

Todoroki sends yet another pillar your way, but instead of using subosition you use water from your feet to propel yourself above it, shooting water at your opponent as you float in the air.
He swiftly evades your attack, shooting another pillar of ice upwards to try and knock you down.

Having expected that move, you twist out of the way before lowering yourself to the ground, locking your knees and shooting a water beam as soon as your feet touch the stage.

Todoroki isn't able to evade such a large attack, and gets forcibly blown backwards by the force of the blast. Before he can get blown out of bounds though, he lifts another barrier behind him. Huffing, you dodge another ice pillar before enacting your plan.

His movements are starting to get slower, and you can tell if you keep up what you're doing you can beat him in a contest of endurance.

That's not how you want to win though. You're finished playing chase. It's time to end this.

Before Todoroki can send another round of attacks your way you pull the ice you stored behind your opponent towards him. "Smokescreen!" Within an instant his side of the stage is full of thick fog, and you only have a few moments to get into the air before a pillar of ice similar to the one he beat Sero with barrels your way.

This attack isn't nearly as big as the titanic sinker from earlier, but if you were still on the ground it surely would have gotten you out of bounds.

This is exactly what you were hoping for. To successfully enact your plan you knew you were going to have to make him resort to reckless attacks. Because he can't see and he doesn't know the fog is only on his side, he was likely banking on the idea that you were handicapped by your own smokescreen and wouldn't see his large scale attack coming.

That was his mistake.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

Todoroki had been watching your matches closely. When he saw you materializing a hand of water out of the vapor in the air during your match against Iida, he was impressed. he could tell you had lots of tricks up your sleeve, and so he knew he wouldn't have an easy win against you.

But even so, the attack that sent him out of bounds wasn't what he had expected at all. As soon as the fog filled the arena, he saw his chance. This fog was even thicker than it had been during your fight with the 1-B student, so he was sure you couldn't see either. And even if that weren't the case, he would just make sure his final attack was too quick for you to melt.

He concluded that the smokescreen was a way to throw him off, and you would use the fog to your advantage to attack him while his sight was impaired.

The reality, however, was nothing like he expected.

Instead of immediately shooting a ranged attack as soon as the fog clouded your vision, you 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 until he attacked first. The pillar of ice he sent at you wasn't nearly as big as the one he used to beat Sero, but he was sure that wouldn't matter.

But somehow, you 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 he would send a reckless attack like that. You 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 him to. Because after he sent his last attack, he was sure you would be pushed out of bounds. But instead, he found a liquidized form of his exact move coming towards 𝘩𝘪𝘮, and with his vision already completely clouded he didn't know what was happening until it was too late.³

As the water that just carried him out of bounds gets absorbed into his opponent's outstretched hand and President Mic screams alongside the crowd, Shoto Todoroki can only shake his head. You aren't just another hero in training. You might even be on his level.

Chapter Text

--It's been a while since I last read "Don't Toy with me, Miss Nagatoro", but it just popped into my head when I was thinking of a chapter name lols

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

"STAART!!"

The second you hear the word you lock your knees, wetting your lips in anticipation of Bakugo's first move. As usual, the fiery blonde wastes no time barreling towards you with an outstretched arm, and you wait for him to notice.

Your opponent swings at you with an open palm, and you duck under his attack as he falters slightly, a confused expression on his face. "What... The fuck did you do, Guppy?!"

Bakugo switches to another approach, quickly adapting to the change. You catch a fist on its way to your ribs before blasting him in the face with a focused stream of water, causing your opponent to shake his head before running back at you.

"I'll be honest-" You narrowly avoid another swipe. "I thought you would pause for longer. Guess I underestimated you, huh." You try to blast him again but Bakugo catches your arm, only to get blown back by a blast of water from your abdomen instead.

"I should probably explain." You swiftly jump over an attempted leg sweep, kicking Bakugo in the stomach and sending him stumbling back a foot. "I've been waiting until it came time to face you to use this move. I'm not very good at it, but I don't really have to be when all I need to focus on is your hands. Were you surprised?"

Bakugo aims another punch to your abdomen, which you narrowly avoid before blasting him in the face again.

"You should feel special, Kaatsuki." You croon his name, ignoring the dark glare he shoots your way as you focus on countering his relentless attacks.
"I could've used this move my last round, but I decided to save it just for you!"

You wink at your opponent before blasting him with a controlled water beam, making a shield behind him so that he isn't blown too far away.

"I'm actually not sure what I should call this one, actually..." You hum in mock thought as your opponent charges towards you again, quickly blocking his various attacks with the multiple tendrils of water extending from your upper body.

He's fast, you'll give him that. If it were a fight without quirks he surely would have beaten you by now, but with you preventing the sweat from exiting his palms, he's clearly handicapped.

"Stop... Fucking toying with me!" Bakugo tries a new approach, getting impossibly close before kneeing you in your abdomen. The small amount of space between you two means you're unable to dodge or block in time, and the attack hits 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥.

You stumble a bit and nearly lose your lunch from the impact, but the shield of water you raise in the new space between the two of you prevents him from getting any more hits in while you quickly regain your balance and swallow the bile in your throat.

Shooting water from your soles, you soar over him and to the other side of the stage before conjuring an aquatic pole from your palm.

Bakugo wastes no time running towards you, but you manage to block his first hit with the pole. If he feels the pain of faux metal hitting his knuckles, he doesn't let it show as he continues his barrage of attacks.

"Don't underestimate me Guppy!!!" The occasional kicks you have under control with the thick tendrils of water sprouted from your lower body, while you defend against his punches with the pole.

"You just don't give up, huh?" Briefly switching from defense to offense, you swing the pole at his thigh and he doesn't have a chance to move before the faux metal connects with his leg.

Bakugo doesn't give you much of a reaction, and you briefly wonder if he feels pain at all. He instead takes the opportunity while you're open to punch you in the nose, sending you stumbling backwards before pummeling you with rapid punches and kicks before you can regain your footing or lift a shield.

"I don't need my explosions to defeat you. Your shitty quirk is no match for me anyways!"
Bold statement from somebody who just seconds ago couldn't get a single hit in, but you digress. Lifting a shield before he can do any more damage, you look back and smirk as you realize what he's trying to do.

Katsuki Bakugo may talk a big game, but even he knows when he's outmatched. As soon as you changed your position on the field, he started attacking you again.

This time not to overpower you, but to push you backwards.

With the barrage of nonstop attacks, you didn't have any chance to look back and see that he was slowly but surely getting you closer to the boundary line.

"Well color me impressed!" You compliment, before getting rid of the shield and blasting your opponent in the abdomen.

You could keep this game of cat and mouse going for as long as you want, but decide now's the time to call it a day. You wonder how the gold medal will look hung above your bed.

The weak blast you just shot wasn't enough to get your opponent out of bounds, so you wait until Bakugo is almost close enough to attack you before blasting him again, this time with enough force to blow him off the stage completely.

---

You think it's safe to say Bakugo is 𝘯𝘰𝘵 happy about his loss. After basking in the glory of winning the sports festival you tried shaking the seething blonde's hand, to which he slapped yours and started barking something about you holding back and not taking him seriously.

To be honest you stopped listening after he slapped your hand, but the rage on his face made you think he'd just get angrier if you admitted to it.

Bakugo, Todoroki, Tokoyami and yourself were then ushered into some room underground where you were instructed to stand on the first place block, to which you gladly obliged.

And now, as the ceiling opens up and the podium is raised above the ground, you can't keep the cake-eating grin off your face.

The smoke clears and you can finally see the faces of all your classmates as well as the swarm of reporters and newscasters armed with cameras, to which you smile and wave enthusiastically. You find Ochako in the crowd of students, and she smiles at the kisses you blow her way.

"Now then, please present the medals starting with third place." Ms Midnight holds out a board with four medals on it towards the number one hero, and he takes them using the same care one might handle a newborn baby with.

You stand patiently as he places a medal over Tokoyami's head, then Todoroki's, then a frowning Bakugo's... Uuugh hurry up already!!!

Finally, All Might stops in front of the first-place podium, and you resist the urge to tackle the Symbol of Peace in a bear hug as he smiles down at you.

"Young [Surname]-" "Please sir call me [FirstName]!!" His smile somehow widens, and All Might nods before starting over. "Young [Name], you showed a great deal of strength during your rounds. You have sharp thinking, and impressive control over your quirk. I would expect no less from the daughter of the former number two hero."

You smile up at the man, and you're sure that's another round of happy tears threatening to blur your vision right now. "My advice would be to stop dragging your fights on for so long. If you hadn't looked back when you did, you may have lost against young Bakugo in your final match."

Your grin falters a bit, but you quickly recompose yourself. "You seem to be very sure of your abilities, and for good reason, but you can never be too confident." All Might finally raises the gold medal to lower over your head, and you nearly squeal in excitement, former criticism already forgotten.

The second the medal is placed around your neck you jump up, dangling from the pro hero's neck as you hug him. All Might laughs heartily, hugging you back for a moment before setting you down- and are those tears rolling down your face?

୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧

To be honest, when the three of you shared locations after leaving school yesterday you were surprised to see how close you live to your friends.

It only took a half hour train ride to get to Izuku's apartment from your own house, and you're currently squinting between your phone and the door in front of you as you wait for your freckled friend to appear.

"I totally got the wrong room huh..." You huff, narrowing your eyes at the closed door in front of you.

You're about to call Izuku to confirm his apartment number when you hear the faint sound of a lock clicking, and quickly look up from your phone to see the signature green curls of your friend appear in front of you. "Izukun! I knew I got the right room!"

You internally high five yourself, while Izuku stares at you incredulously.

...

"Too bad Ochako couldn't make it..." You shove another pastry in your mouth, humming in delight before continuing your thought. "She woddve uuved theese."

It was originally meant to be the five of you eating at the small cafe in Mustafu right now, but Iida never ended up responding to the offer extended over text, and Ochako just texted to apologize, explaining she won't be able to make it due to some last minute plans with family.

Pouting, you type out a response to Ochako's message in the 4/4 groupchat, noting Iida's continued silence since his early departure from yesterday's sports festival.

"Is... Is that-" Looking up, you're surprised to see an awed expression on the face of the freckled teen sitting across from you, stars in his eyes as he gestures towards your phone animatedly.

"Is that the 21XX limited edition Summer Fun All Might phone charm??!"

You blink. Then blink again. "...Huh?"

If Izuku notices how confused you are, he doesn't show it as he starts gushing about the so-called 'limited edition' phone charm in your possession.

"It was a pack of four seasonal All Might charms, each sold separately of course, featuring the Symbol of Peace dressed in seasonal attire!..." His face contorts into the serious one he makes when he's talking to himself, and he continues muttering in a low voice.

"I was never able to get any of them myself because they sold out in just a few days-" He looks up, and his intrigued smile nearly blinds you. "Do you have them all or just the summer charm?"

Pinching the floatie around the miniature All Might's waist, you barely suppress the urge to laugh at your friend's obvious fanboying over the Symbol of Peace. Was it actually a limited edition though? You had seen the set of cute themed phone charms online and bought them all on a whim, but you hadn't thought they were all that expensive personally.

...Or maybe being the sole daughter of a retired hero with way too much money on her hands has given you an incorrect idea of how much is a lot.

"I don't mind giving you a few if that's what you're asking." -Cue the stuttered protests. Izuku insists he'll just continue saving up until another round of the merch drops, and you smile at his sincerity. Huffing out a laugh, you set your phone down and grab hold of your friend's hands from across the table. "I'm serious, Izukun. I have more All Might merch than I know what to do with, and I only really ever use the summer charm anyways."

Izuku's face turns an unnatural shade of bright pink at the sudden contact, and for a few long moments there's only silence from your shared booth.

...Until there isn't.

"Omigosh, aren't you that girl who won the first-year sports festival yesterday??!" The two of you jump at the sudden noise, looking up to see a girl around your age gushing from next to your table.

"And you! You're the guy that was breaking his fingers, right?! That was 𝘴𝘰 badass!!" She squeals, before scrutinizing both of you. Her eyes land on the two pairs of hands still connected in the middle of the table, and her squealing starts up again. "Wait- Are you two dating??!"

Your face sets ablaze at the sudden accusation, while Izuku all but short-circuts from across you. His shaky hands fly up to his tomato-red face, and for a moment you wonder if he's had a heart attack.
"Nevermind that- Take a picture with me!"

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

"We're having a special hero informatics class today." Your stoic homeroom teacher stands at the front of the classroom, addressing class A as he rubs absentmindedly at the light scar on his face.

He's forgone the excessive bandages, but you cant help grimacing at the jagged outline under his eye.

"Code names. You'll be coming up with hero names." You perk up at the mention of hero aliases, already excited to reveal yours.

You've been contemplating your name for years, only recently settling on one you think suits your style.

Your homeroom teacher continues talking, but you're spaced out until you hear the faint click of a remote button. Looking up, you're met with "The results of those of you that got offers."

Oh! Oh wow. You had assumed you would get the most since you won first place, but your heart still swells at the amount of digits next to your name.

You can't wait to go home and tell your parents. You're sure they'll be proud and your mother will likely have some good recommendations to help you narrow down the selection.

"In other years it's been more spread out, but this year all the focus was on these three."
Mister Aizawa beckons towards the top three names, and that's when you realize the two with the most offers after you are Bakugo and Todoroki, in that order.

Allowing your eyes to drift down the list of names, you grin at the sight that both Ochako and Iida got a good amount of offers, only for your smile to fade when you realize Izuku doesn't have even one.

From a couple of seats in front of you the teen in question is getting shook by the shoulders by Mineta, with the purple haired boy rattling on about how the pros didn't send Izuku offers because of the way he fought.

Resting your chin in your palm, you allow your eyes to wander down to the plastic bag slung on your freckled friend's chair. You had ambushed him on his way to class to hand him a baggie full of All Might charms, and you smile at the sight of it still with him.

"Your hero names are still temporary but if you aren't serious about it..." Mister Aizawa pauses in his statement right as Ms Midnight busts through the door, clad in her hero outfit.

"...You'll have hell to pay later!!" Midnight finishes your homeroom teacher's sentence for him, strutting in the classroom with her arms behind her head. "Because a lot of hero names used by students get recognized by society, and they end up becoming professional hero names!"

You're already buzzing with excitement, so as soon as Mineta passes back your whiteboard and marker you get to writing.

---

"Okay, let's start presenting names starting with those that are ready!"
You beam in excitement, looking around at your classmates. You really want to be the first to present your hero name, but decide it'll make more of a lasting impact if you go last.

Aoyama ends up going first, stepping up to the front of the classroom with a confident gait. "Shining hero: I cannot stop twinkling!"

Well that's... a lot of words for one name. Midnight seems to agree, as she shortens it to "Can't stop twinkling" which in your opinion is still too many words.

Focusing your attention back on your whiteboard, you continue doodling around your hero name.

By the time you're finished drawing tiny smiley faces and stars around the board, nearly everyone has presented.

"You might be called that forever, you know." Looking up from your whiteboard, you see Izuku at the front of the classroom, "Deku" written in shaky kanji on his propped up whiteboard.

Red seems to be asking him to reconsider his choice, and you've got to agree. Although you stopped paying attention after hearing 'Murder Explosion', you're sure Bakugo didn't choose 'Kacchan' as his hero name. Isn't Deku supposed to be an insult?

Izuku doesn't seem very phased by the words of his wary classmates, looking at his board with a determined expression on his face. "I didn't like this name until now, but someone changed the meaning of it, and it had a huge impact on me."

Your eyes drift to Ochako, who looks as surprised as anyone. How cute! You can't help but smile at the idea that your friend was able to change somebody's outlook in such a way.

Back at the podium, Izuku seems firm in his decision despite the worried protests of his classmates. "...So this is my hero name!" You clap softly, nodding as he makes his way back to his seat.
"Okkayy, my turn now! Everyone else presented, right?"

Skipping up to the front of the classroom, you beam at your classmates before turning your whiteboard around.

"From now on, you guys will know me as the Chameleon hero, Inteleon! Like intel-ligent chame-leon. Get it?"

Thankfully, Midnight does get it. "Adorable! Inteleon it is!" Midnight snaps her flogger, and you skip back to your seat with an even bigger smile on your face.

Eventually lunchtime rolls around, and class A stays in the classroom to discuss internships.
Swinging your legs off the side of your desk, you listen as your friends start talking about what agencies they want to intern at.

"How about you, [Name]? You got the most offers so surely there's some you're interested in!" You laugh, shaking your head at Ochako.
"You wanna go through thousands of offers and pick one for me? Looking for an agency i'll like is soo much work!"

Sighing exaggeratedly, you lift the stapled papers in front of your face before lowering your arm back down to the desk you're sitting on.

"I'll likely just work with a water based hero. Can't really go wrong with your specialty, right Froppy?" You shift your attention to the rainy day hero, to which she croaks.

"I agree, ribbit. I'm hoping to intern somewhere near flooding myself." You nod towards your classmate, clicking your tongue in acknowledgement. "See?"

Lifting the arm in possession of the papers again, you skim through the names on the papers absentmindedly. "Oh! Actually, how about him? Our quirks are pretty similar, yeah?" You hop off your desk, positioning yourself so that Ochako can see what name you're pointing at.

"Huh, that sounds like a pretty safe choice." Ochako nods in agreement, a soft smile on her lips. "But don't just choose the first hero you recognize, [Name]! This is a super important decision!"

...You did, in fact end up choosing the first hero you recognized.

. 。・゜✭・.・✫゜・。.. 。・゜✭・.・✫゜・。.. 。・゜✭・.・✫゜・。.. 。・゜✭・.・✫゜・。.. 。・゜✭・.・✫゜・。.

𝙇𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝘿𝙚𝙬- 𝙐𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙚 𝙖𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙛𝙤𝙘𝙪𝙨, 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙥 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙣𝙩'𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙮. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙖𝙩, 𝙞𝙘𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙧 𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙮. 𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙮 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮, 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙡 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡. (This move is only really useful when it comes to quirks like Bakugo's or her own that can use fluid from the body)
𝙎𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙮 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙙 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙚𝙝𝙮𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢, 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙤𝙧 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩'𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙮.

Chapter Text

'Normal Hero: Manual'. His chosen hero name isn't very stand-offish at all, but it was the first one you recognized. Even now, you still remember all the times your mother would talk about him before her retirement. How "Mizushima is such a hard working young man, I should really visit his agency one of these days."

So when you had arrived home to tell your mom after making the hasty decision to intern with him, it's safe to say she was over the moon.

"Mizushima really sent you an offer? You'll have to tell him hi for me!"

You've never actually met the man or even seen any pictures of him, but your mother has all kinds of stories about how he was "Without a doubt, the hardest worker" at her agency before he eventually branched off to establish his own.

Now it's the morning that signals the official start of your internships, and you can hardly keep your eyes open. The first day jitters you had the night before your first day at U.A. hardly holds a candle to the unrest you experienced last night.

Manual had ties to your mother, so will he criticize you more harshly? Will he expect you to be at her level?
You shiver at the thought of a muscled man pelting you with water every time you make a mistake while training.

"Hey [Name]! You cold? Or are you just anxious." Snapping back to your thoughts, you register the spiky head of red hair next to you. Class A has finally arrived at the train station, and your jitters are only getting worse by the second.

Turning to face your sharp-toothed friend, you sigh. "The hero i'm working with used to work under my mom, so i'm more than a little worried he'll be disappointed with my skills." You admit, and Kirishima laughs heartily.

"Really? Don't stress it, man! If he sent you an offer, he's clearly already impressed!" You shake your head, exhaling. You can tell he's trying to reassure you, but he just doesn't get it.

You're about to thank him anyways when Mister Aizawa's voice cuts you off.
“Do you all have your hero costumes? Remember, you aren't allowed to wear them in public.”
“Yesssir!”

Your stoic homeroom teacher gives your classmate a tired glare. “It’s ‘yes, sir’, Ashido. Speak clearly. All of you, mind your behavior during your internships. I’ll see you in a week.”

The class begins to disperse, and it only takes a few seconds to figure out what direction you're meant to go in.

Huffing a quick good luck to Red, you jog to catch up with your other friends.
Iida's already started branching off to head to his train, and the pair of Ochako and Izuku look more than a bit worried.

"He still hasn't come around yet?" You frown, facing your two friends. Ochako sighs and shrugs, while Izuku continues watching the blue haired teen as he strides away.

"Uhm, Iida still hasn't told us what agency he's interning at, but it looks like you'll both be in Hosu..." Izuku trails off, fiddling with his costume case.

"This is a bit of a selfish request, but could you keep an eye on him?" He finally looks at you, and you can see the concern in his eyes. "I-I just can't help but worry."

Ruffling his unruly hair, you grin. "Are you serious?" You can't help shaking your head at the absurdity. "You don't even have to ask, Izukun. I care too, y'know." You shoot your friend a thumbs up before hugging Ochako. "Well, I'm off. Both of you text me!" Without waiting for a response you speed away, quickly catching up to Iida with your suitcase in tow.

+++

You could cut the tension with a knife. During the train ride to Hosu Iida wasn't exactly dismissive, per say, but you didn't need a professional to tell he was tense. When you attempted light conversation your friend replied normally enough, but it was more than clear he wasn't in a talking mood.

No skin off your back, though. The silence gave you a chance to get some much needed rest. But when the two of you got off at the same train station, and then got on the same bus, just to get off at the same stop again... It was clear Iida was getting irritated even though he tried hiding it.

"What, you didn't want a friend interning with you?" You try to tease, but the subtle tightening of his jaw makes it obvious that's exactly the case. Iida turns towards you, seemingly accepting the fact that the two of you will be stuck together for the next week.

"Please believe me, it is nothing personal." He smiles, but like every interaction since you got on the same train as him, it seems forced. "I was just hoping I'd get to intern alone. It has nothing to do with you specifically."

Understandable, you suppose. You shrug in response and wordlessly, the two of you continue walking the last few blocks towards Manual's agency building. If your friend notices the way you keep pausing to exhale and pat your face, he doesn't comment on it.

After a few more silent minutes of walking, the pair of you finally make it to Manual's agency. You hum, taking note of the man standing outside of the building. It looks like one of Manual's employees is already waiting for you.

Once the pair of you have gotten closer, you can place the man more clearly. He's dressed mostly in light blues, save for his yellow gloves and dark pants. Turning his head towards the sound of approaching footsteps, the stranger grins as he notices the two of you walking towards him.

"You must be [Name] and Iida, right? Welcome to my agency!" You blanche. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 guy's Manual? He looks like a ray of sunshine! Not at all the type to pelt a student with water.

You sigh in relief though Manual doesn't seem to notice as he continues chattering, ushering the pair of you inside.

"I'm sure the two of you are exhausted from the trip, so I'll give you some time to rest up and get acquainted with the place before our routine starts!"

Your new mentor cheerfully gives a short tour of the facility before eventually dropping the two of you off at your sleeping quarters for the week, where you promptly flop down onto your temporary bed.

Maybe your internship arc won't be so bad.

---

The next morning, you're woken up bright and early to begin your first day of interning.
Once you've changed into your hero costume, the three of you, Iida, and Manual head out.

"Normally we would be waiting for calls from clients right now, but as you guys probably know Hosu's been pretty hectic recently." Manual starts and you nod solemnly, chancing a look at your friend from the corner of your eye.

"So these street patrols become a way to suppress crime." Iida comments, to which Manual nods. "That's right. But man, I can't believe Ingenium's little brother and Aquamarine's daughter both decided to intern at my agency!"

He pauses to wave back at a pair of students across the street before elaborating. "I'm sure you guys got tons of offers from heroes far more capable than me." Reaching behind your raised hood to rub your neck, you smile sheepishly.

"Well if it makes you feel any better, you were the first person I thought of interning with when I saw my offers." You pause before continuing. "Uh- Also mom told me to send her regards."

Your mentor stops walking, and you almost bump into him because of the sudden pause.
"Aqua... Remembers me?" Manual turns around, and you're surprised to see your mentor with a wide grin on his face. "Really? I haven't had a chance to speak to her since I left her agency! Has she said anything about me..?"

You're taken aback by the sudden giddiness, but still huff out a laugh as your new mentor smiles gleefully. You guess that really is just the effect your mother has on people.

"Even before she retired, she told me all kinds of stories about you. Said you were the hardest worker at her agency and whatnot." The group of you continues walking, and you catch the sheepish blush that creeps onto the pro hero's face.

"Aqua's been there for me since I was still working under her all those years ago. She's really my biggest inspiration even now..." He trails off, and you feel a pang of pride bloom in your chest. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 the kind of hero you want to be. Someone that can have as much as an impact as your mother did and still does even after her retirement.

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

It's on the third day of your internship that Manual gets the call.

"What did you say? A villain's appeared?" You pry your eyes from the commotion in front of you to look at your mentor.

The man has a serious look on his face, and you don't miss the bead of sweat that rolls down it as he pauses. "All right. We'll head there right away!"

Manual quickly puts his phone into his pocket before turning to the two of you. "Let's go, kids. We've gotta run!"
Without any more warning he speeds off, and the pair of you follow close behind.

You don't question it when Iida slows to let you pass him, or register the sudden absence of his metal boots clanging until Manual slows to look behind him.

"Inteleon! Where is Tenya?!" Stiffening, you whip around to confirm that your friend has, in fact disappeared. "Fuck- I should've known he was plotting something." You raise your hood, and Manual reaches out as he realizes what you're about to do. "Wait, It's not saf-" You ignore his plea, already kicking up dust as you speed to retrace your steps.

He couldn't have gone too far, but you only hope you aren't too late.

+++

The raised heels of your boots slap against pavement as you run in the direction you came from, huffing as you try to locate your friend. Dammnit, you really should have brought your phone.

Pausing near an inconspicuous alleyway to catch your breath, your breathing halts when you hear a familiar voice.

"Midoriya, don't get involved!" Is that... Iida?
And Izuku? What in the world did Iida get himself roped into?! You ball your hands into fists and chance a peek into the alleyway, but what you see makes you gasp in shock.

Iida is lying on the ground, a puddle of dark blood pooling under his body while Izuku stands in a protective stance in front of him. Facing the pair, a man armed with sharp-bladed weapons stands just a few feet away.

Without thinking, you jump in. "What's happening here?! Iida, what the hell happened to you?" You angle yourself in front of your limp friend, standing shoulder to shoulder with Izuku.

"[Name]? There's no time to explain, but this villan paralyzed Iida, as well as that man over there." Your eyes land on another bloodied male hidden in the alleyway shadows, and you grit your teeth.

"[Name] too? This has nothing to do with you guys!" Iida yells from behind you, prompting you to ball your fists tighter.
"Just shut up and sit tight, Iida." You grunt, narrowing your eyes at the villan in front of you. "Izuku, what's the situation."

Izuku nods, speaking quickly as neither of you know when the villan is going to make a move. "That's the Hero Killer Stain." You bite down hard on your tongue. "I think his quirk has something to do with cutting, but I can't be sure. All I can say is don't let him pierce you, or you'll get paralyzed."

Nodding curtly, you bend your knees to get in your fighting stance. "So just don't let the bastard get close? You don't have to tell me twice."

From behind you Iida speaks up again. "I already told you! Get out of here, this isn't your fight!" You're ready to yell a slew of obscenities at your idiotic friend, but Izuku speaks before you can.

"I have a lot of things I need to say... But I'll say them later." He gets into his own fighting stance, a wobbly smile spreading across his face. "But it's like what All Might said. Meddling when you don't need to is the very essence of being a hero."

You nod, all your earlier irritation towards Iida redirecting to the threat in front of you. "That's right. I hesitated during the USJ attack... But I'll be damned if I 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 cower before the likes of you again." You sneer, the corner of your lips raising into a tight smile.

Izuku makes the first move, rushing toward the Hero Killer while you shift your stance, waiting for the man's reaction.

The moment your friend slides under the villain, you channel a tendril of water from your palm, aiming for his ankle. Instead of just tugging, you coil the water tightly around his leg and jerk downward, forcing Stain off balance before he can slash at Izuku.

"Five percent Detroit... Smash!" Izuku’s fist connects with Stain’s face, the sheer force of the attack cracking the ground beneath him.

Your friend lands smoothly, but you can tell something’s off when he suddenly stiffens in place. "I... I can't move!" His voice wavers, and your pulse quickens as the Hero Killer rises. His eyes flick between you and Izuku, like a predator trying to choose its next move.

Is it seriously that easy for him? You didn't even see his blade move!

Your instincts scream at you to retreat, but you force yourself to hold firm. Backing up too much will only limit your control over the battlefield even more, and you're going to stay true to your word. No way are you gonna hesitate when two of your friends are in danger.

"People who are all talk are a dime a dozen, but he's worth letting live," Stain starts, eyes locked onto Izuku. Then, he turns to you. Cold. Calculating. Hunting.
"You two, however..."

Your heart pounds as you assess your options. Being reckless right now will only endanger Iida and Izuku. And if you run away, you don't even want to 𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘦 what he'll do to Iida. Cornering yourself isn't an option.

But surrendering to this tool? Laughable.

You grit your teeth, fingers flexing as the air thickens with tension. "Like I have to prove myself to the likes of you. Kick rocks, shitstain."

A blast of water surges from your palm, sharp and direct—not just pushing him back, but forcing him to adjust his footing. The moment he steadies himself you manipulate the vapor around Izuku, forming a shield against any incoming attack as you take a step forward in order to distance yourself from the paralyzed Iida.

Stain glowers at you, immediately resetting his stance, blade poised to strike.
"[Name], you can't let him see your blood!" Izuku calls from his spot on the ground, causing you to shift your gaze towards the green haired boy. "I think he controls his opponents actions by ingesting their blood orally." Nodding, you look back towards the villain, who's already begun walking towards you. "That won't be an issue, thanks Izuku."

That’s it. His quirk relies on ingestion. Meaning proximity matters.

You extend your arm, forming a condensed water pole. Not just to block, but to redirect each of Stain’s relentless attacks. Each movement is precise, forcing him to react rather than control.

But this close? You’re at a total disadvantage. You know the only way you can hold Stain at bay at this point is by using subosition, but you're still not at a level where you'd be able to hold out until backup comes.

But still, there's no time to second guess yourself. This is a matter of life and death, so you need a decisive shift. Fast.
Spying an opening, you launch a water beam, deliberately forcing him backward. The instant he recoils you freeze the water clinging to his clothes. It's tight and constrictive, forcing his movements to lag.

And in that split second of hesitation you unleash another surge of water, forming an aquatic cocoon that encases his body. A trap. Not an attack, a restraint. The moment it solidifies into ice, nausea pokes at the edges of your senses. A cost for control.

But The Hero Killer is contained.
For now.

Hearing the pitter-patter of rapid footsteps behind you, you turn around to see Todoroki jogging towards the commotion.
"I came because of a cryptic message Midoriya sent me, but it looks like i'm late." His dual-colored eyes take in the scene, face stoic as ever as he registers the bloodied Iida and paralyzed Izuku.

"This is just perfect." Stain drawls, and you look over your shoulder to see the villain shivering, only his head spared from the thick blanket of ice.

“You three… Why… Just stop! I’ve inherited my brother’s name. I have to do it… That guy’s mine…!” Iida cries out in anguish, though he's still unable to move.

“You inherited it? That’s strange.” Todoroki replies, sharp gaze locked on the frozen Hero Killer. “The Ingenium I know of didn’t have that look on his face, though. You must have a lot going on behind the scenes in your family, too, huh?”

The sickness in your stomach is steadily increasing, and you huff out a breath as Izuku twitches from his spot on the ground. “I can move normally for some reason now!” Izuku jumps to his feet, confusion etched into his features.

“A time limit?” Todoroki mumbles. From the far section of they alley, the bloodied man from before speaks up. “No, that kid should’ve been the last one he got. I still can’t move yet.”

Turning away from your allies to face Stain, you purse your lips. "Guys, I'm not sure how much longer I can keep him frozen for. You two can both move, so please get Iida and the other man to safety."

Todoroki nods, already hoisting a protesting Iida onto his back while Izuku hesitates. "Are you sure you can hold him off alone?" You narrow your eyes at your friend, still fighting the growing urge to puke.

"Izuku, go 𝘯𝘰𝘸. While you're out there, you guys should try and get the police to come here as well. You're only losing time standing around!" Undoing your cloak, you toss it to your friend. "Try using this to stop the bloodflow. That dude's got a nasty wound."

“She's right, let’s move. We’ll come back as soon as we can find some help.” Todoroki agrees with you, already on his way out the alley with Iida on his back. Izuku finally nods, quickly making his way over to the wounded man as Todoroki waits for him. "Be careful, L/N." With those final encouraging words, Todoroki makes his way out of the alleyway with Izuku following close behind.

And now... You're alone... In a dark alley... With the Hero Killer himself.

. 。・゜✭・.・✫゜・。.. 。・゜✭・.・✫゜・。.. 。・゜✭・.・✫゜・。.. 。・゜✭・.・✫゜・。.. 。・゜✭・.・✫゜・。.

𝘾𝙤𝙘𝙤𝙤𝙣- 𝘼𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧, 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙗𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙖𝙥𝙨𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙞𝙘𝙚. 𝘼 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙪𝙥 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙚𝙣 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙚𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙪𝙥 𝙤𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙡 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙯𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧. (This is the case for any move she does using substitution, not only cocoon)

Chapter Text

It's only been six minutes since they left (you're counting), but it feels like an eternity has passed. The villan staring you down isn't doing you any favors, either.

The dark alleyway is eerily quiet, save for the shaky breathing of the man next to you. And his breathing is 𝘴𝘰 loud.

Maybe you should cut him some slack since he's literally stuck in a block of ice with minimal breathing space, but his labored breathing paired with the feeling of his eyes on you (he hasn't looked away once, you've checked) is driving you close to insanity.

Nevermind the fact that with every passing second you feel more and more like throwing up.

"...What's your deal anyways, Shitstain?" The villain's breathing pauses for a moment, but his gaze doesn't move from your face. If anything, now he's focusing even more intently.

You finally relent, angling your head to look up at the hero killer. Actually, you don't like the idea of this man looking down on you. Standing up from your spot crouched on the ground, you position yourself so that you're face to face with the villain.

Well... As much as you 𝘤𝘢𝘯 be considering the height difference, anyways. Crossing your arms, you look the man in the eye. "What's your motive, 'Hero Killer: Stain'?"

"I'm... Sure you can... guess." He drawls. Even stuck in a thick blanket of ice, face flushed and teeth chattering, his sharp gaze is still intimidating. Now you're kind of wishing you had frozen his head too.

"I aim to... cleanse the world... of false... heroes like you. Those who are just... in it for the 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘺... and 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘦." He says those last words with such venom, you can't help the instinctive raise of your eyebrow. "So... You're saying heroes shouldn't get recognized? Shouldn't get paid?" You scoff. "Just because you dress like you haven't touched a dollar since the 20th century doesn't mean those actively saving Japan shouldn't get a bag for their work either."

Stain doesn't speak any more, likely trying to conserve his energy, but you aren't done.

"And what's false about heroes that 𝘥𝘰 wanna get paid, huh?" You think of Ochako, how she's training to be a hero so that she can support her family financially.
By this asshat's definition she's supposedly a 'false' hero, but she's one of the most genuine in your book.

You grit your teeth, the prior nausea in your stomach replaced by burning hot rage. "You think all the doctors in the world would still wanna do their job if they weren't getting paid? The seamstresses and tailors that make your shitty clothes?" You roll your eyes. "What a joke."

"You're a working-age male in the 22nd century and you of all people are acting like the world is free. Like money grows on fucking trees."

Stain finally opens his mouth again, and you cross your arms in anticipation of his next words. "You may be... right in that... aspect. But the hope... those heroes give... is false." His dry lips raise into a smile, and you grimace at the creepiness of the simple action.

"Do you... really think those... are the type... of people who should... get recognized? Those 'heroes' that give... false hope to... their citizens...?"

"It's still hope."

Stain pauses, his smile straightening itself out as he narrows his eyes further. "...What?"
Your frown deepens. "It's still hope." You repeat.

"Regardless of their motivations, heroes exist to protect people. To 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 them that hope. If there were no heroes, or only the 'pure' heroes who do it solely out of the good in their heart existed, the world would be in chaos."

Stain doesn't say anything, and you take it as your cue to continue. "Whether or not there's heroes, there will 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 be villans. It's just a matter of whether or not there are people willing to stand against them, willing to give those who can't fend for themselves that hope you despise."

"You wanna know why 𝘪'𝘮 training to become a hero, Stain?" He looks at you expectantly. "I'm not trying to become a hero because I feel like I have to since my mother was one¹, or even because of the payment and fame you hate so much." You roll your eyes, a lazy smirk spreading across your face. "Though I do love the attention."

"What... is it then." Stain urges, and your smile smooths itself out. Ugh, who would've thought you'd be talking to a villain like him about this.

"I want to be a hero, because All Might gave me 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦." His eyes widen a bit at the mention of All Might, and you frown. "I don't care if you think the hope heroes give is false, or fake, because the Symbol of Peace saved my life."

"...And 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 hope? The hope that I could continue living and fighting because of that man? 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 why i'm here today in this badass costume." You twirl for dramatic effect, but the man doesn't look amused in the slightest. "Sucks for you though. 
Maybe if I had died that day, you wouldn't be freezing your balls off right now."

You lower yourself back into a crouch, ignoring the new unreadable look Stain is sending your way. How long has it been? Has to have been at least ten minutes by now, right?

A smile spreads across your face, and you trace circles on your forearm sleeves absentmindedly.

"Hey, Hero Killer." Stain is already looking at you when you angle your head upwards, but still hums in acknowledgement. "Thanks. You just made me realize something." The man raises an eyebrow, clearly confused. "Do you... finally agree with my ideology...?" He laughs hoarsely, and you wince slightly at his gravelly voice. "Or maybe... that's just... wishful thinking.. on my part."

Finally, the faint sound of a police siren rings out in the distance, and you shoot a grin at the villan as you rise to your feet.

"I guess now you'll never know now." You wink. "But don't worry. When I become a professional hero, i'll be sure to send my first official action figure straight to whatever cell you're locked up in."

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Things could have gone a lot worse. That much you're sure of as you sit at the corner of Iida's hospital bed, eyeing the bandages covering his arm.

Stain's arrest went fairly smooth, since he was already too numb from the neck down to run away when you released your hold on the ice covering him... Before promptly vomiting on the ground.

Even a day later you're still embarrassed that Todoroki of all people saw you emptying your guts onto the pavement, but he must not have been too disgusted, since he actually offered you a tissue to wipe your mouth with...

...Nevermind. That's even worse than if he hadn't offered help at all. Because his giving you something to clean yourself with means he absolutely saw the leftover bile on your bottom lip.

Aaand he's entering the room right now. If only someone had a quirk that would open up the (metaphorical) floor from under you so that you could brood uninterrupted...

"Were you able to sleep last night, Iida?" You're brought back to the hospital room from your thoughts when Todoroki suddenly speaks, feeling the bed under you shift as Iida sits up.

The three of you, Izuku, and now Todoroki came to visit Iida at the hospital first thing in the morning, and you're currently sharing his bed as Todoroki takes a seat in a chair across from you, with Izuku twiddling his thumbs as he leans on a wall nearby.

Now that you think of it, Iida's probably overwhelmed with all the people near him. You move to lower yourself off the bed as Iida confirms that he did not, in fact sleep well, and instinctively yawn as you make your way over to Izuku.

"Speaking of good rests, I hardly got a minute of sleep in last night." You cross your arms as you sit by the wall, already thinking of your next nap. "Manual gave me a good lecture when I got back to the agency. I did my best not to expose your little revenge mission, but I think he figured it out... Sorry."

You bite your cheek, averting your eyes from the blue haired teen in favor of inspecting a particularly interesting speck on the floor.

"...It is fine, L/N. He had already guessed my plan even before I went through with it." He pauses, and you instinctively look back up. "I wish I could say I regret confronting the Hero Killer, but I really am glad he was caught... Even if I wasn't the one to apprehend him."

"Speaking of which, I wanted to thank you. I wasn't very grateful yesterday, but I would have died if not for you. All of you." He beckons to the other two students in the room with his free arm.

Unexpectedly, Todoroki shakes his head. "We didn't really do anything. It was all L/N." You nearly choke at the unexpected praise, but he isn't finished. Turning his head to look at you, the dual-eyed beauty continues speaking, much to your... horror? Delight? You aren't sure whether to squeal because he's praising you or to pass out because he's looking at you with those unfairly beautiful eyes.

"You're pretty amazing to have held out that long with so much murderous intent focused on you... I'm sure the stress of that strained your quirk even more." He must see the confused look on your face, because he pauses for half a second before explaining.

"While we were taking the injured to safety, Midoriya mentioned that you're only able to hold the ice you make for a few minutes before throwing up. Being in such close proximity to him must have made that even worse, but you still stood firm until we came."

He nods at you slightly, and although his expression hasn't changed at all during his monologue you still feel as if he's... proud of you. The thought of someone like Todoroki feeling positively at all about you makes your face heat up though, and you quickly speak to get your mind off the impossible thought.

"Thank- ah, thank you, but that's actually the thing i'm confused about.... I mean you'd think..." Three pairs of eyes lock back onto you, and you swallow before continuing.
"After you guys left, me and Stain actually started talking-" "You 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵?!" Izuku squeaks from next to you, and you frown up at him from your spot on the floor.

"Relax Izukun, I promise i'll explain that part later. Just listen." You pause, looking up to make sure they're all listening before starting. "Before I started talking to him I was just trying my best not to lose my lunch, but then while we were debating it's like my irritation at his royally flawed ideology completely overridded the nausea I was feeling, if that makes sense. Of course I still ended up puking, but the nauseous feeling only came back once the conversation was over."

You look up at Izuku to gauge his reaction, and as expected he's already mentally jotting down notes. Iida and Todoroki don't look much different, with both of them seeming to be mulling over what you said.

Todoroki speaks first. "I'll be honest, I don't really know how the freezing part of your quirk works-" He begins, a thoughtful look on his face.
"-But maybe the sick feeling you experience isn't actually related to the freezing itself, and is moreso a side effect of your exertion...? I don't really have any theories as for why that happened, that's just the first idea that came to mind."

Sensing that Todoroki is pulling a blank, Iida continues for him. "I was thinking something similar. Maybe because your brain is normally focused on keeping the ice frozen, the nausea is pushed to the front of your senses..." He hums, seeming almost as interested as Izuku in this new development.

Speaking of which, Izuku hums as he bounces on the balls of his feet next to you. "It's like when you're working out!" He concludes, a smile on his face as he clasps his hands together. "When you're focused on running the length of a marathon, it's harder to manage because your legs get tired. But have some music playing in your ears, especially if you're already used to running, and it'll feel way easier! You still might not be able to run for an hour long just because of your body's natural protesting, but when you distract yourself, the pain can just... kind of fade into the background."

He might have a point there. You typically have your earbuds in when going on runs so you understand the analogy, but you've never actually tried doing something similar when it comes to subosition.

You kind of always just figured the pain was unavoidable. It's not like that part of your quirk came from your mother anyways. Your father was the one born with 'Phase transition'. He only really uses it to make ice cubes when he's too lazy to walk over to the ice maker, and it comes in handy when he needs to boil a small amount of water to make noodles.

Other than that though, he doesn't use his quirk to make walls of ice, or to freeze villains. You yourself are guilty of using subosition to make your morning tea, and when you do there's no nausea. You just assumed it was because the amount of water being manipulated was smaller, but maybe that really isn't all there is to it.

You'll definitely have to look into that later.

Not now though, because the door is currently opening. Much to your surprise, a little old man stands in the doorway, accompanied by none other than Manual. Well you were expecting Manual since he had come with you to the hospital, but the arrival of the unfamiliar other man catches you off guard. "Gran Torino!" You rise to your feet as Izuku calls out towards the man.

'Gran Torino' doesn't seem to share Izuku's enthusiasm, sauntering into the room with a stoic look on his face. "Don't 'Gran Torino' me, kid. You've got a visitor." As he says those words you suddenly hear the sound of footsteps, looking up to see Chief Tsuragamae enter the room next to Manual.

“So, you’re the U.A students who helped put a stop to the Hero Killer, right?" He asks as though the answer isn't obvious.

“The Hero Killer we arrested is currently undergoing treatment for his injuries,” Tsuragamae continues, though you don't miss the way his eyes briefly lock on you. “As heroes in training, i'm sure you already know that at the dawn of this extraordinary era, the police prioritized maintaining the status quo, and so they decided not to use Quirks as weapons. The profession of ‘hero’ rose to fill that gap, woof."

"Authorizing the use of powers that could easily kill was a heavily criticized decision at first, but it would soon garner public support.” What's up with these men and their monologuing?

"That being said, those who inflict harm without explicit authorization and instruction from the police, even if faced with someone such as the Hero Killer, are actively breaching the law, woof.”

You stand against the wall slack-mouthed as he continues his speech, your heart beating rapidly and thoughts running a mile a minute. You're the only one who really attacked the villain using your quirk. Izuku used his briefly, but you're sure you can easily vouch for him since you and Iida are the only ones that saw it.

He doesn't have to get in trouble. You, however... There's no lying about your part in apprehending him. The man was frozen stiff from the neck down, for goodness sake!
Oh gosh, you think you might throw up again.

"The four of you, and the pro heroes Endeavor, Manual, and Gran Torino must receive strict punishment." At those words, you're brought back to reality. "W-Wait, chief!" The officer turns his snout towards you, and you swallow before continuing.

"Those three.. Didn't do anything wrong." Izuku opens his mouth like he's planning on interjecting, but you continue before he has the chance to speak. "I'm serious! The Hero Killer attacked Iida, but he never used his quirk on him!" You take a couple of steps forward, trying to steady your voice as the chief of police stares you down.

"It's the same with Izukun and Todoroki too- Izuku never ended up using his quirk either and by the time Todoroki arrived on the scene I had already frozen Stain.." You release a shaky breath. "So if anyone's gonna get in trouble, it should be me. Because I'm the only one who broke the rules."

Out of the corner of your eye you see Todoroki rising from his seat, and you're surprised to see something that looks close to anger in his eyes as he steps in front of you.
"No need to take on the punishment yourself, [Name]. Don't be selfish." You gape as he crosses his arms across his chest, staring the officer down.

"This isn't fair." He starts. "If Iida hadn't gone onto the scene, Native would have been killed. If Midoriya hadn't come after that, they both would have been killed." A scowl is etched onto Todoroki's face, and you almost back up, even though his rage isn't directed towards you.

"And if [Name] hadn't frozen the Hero Killer when she did, 𝘢𝘭𝘭 of us would be much more injured than we are now. I'll admit I didn't use my quirk and I didn't come fast enough to see whether or not Iida and Midoriya used theirs, so I can't refute [Name]'s claim. But the fact remains that she saved multiple lives yesterday. Are you really saying she should have just looked away when she saw people in danger? Is that what you expect a hero to do?!"

Your eyes widen at the potent fury in his voice, but looking up towards the chief, it's evident that he isn't bothered in the slightest.

"Are you saying that as long as it turns out right, it's okay to bend the rules? This is why you are not a full-fledged hero yet." He sighs, shaking his head. "My goodness, what have Endeavor and U.A been teaching you, woof?" You didn't think Todoroki's expression could darken any further, but just like the rest of his actions since you've seen him today, his next one surprises you.

"You 𝘥𝘰𝘨." Balling his hands into fists, Todoroki begins stomping towards the chief. You would have found the sudden flare of temper on your usually stoic classmate hot, if not for the fact that it's the 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘧 he's raising his voice at.

"Just hang on a minute. Hear him out until the end." Gran Torino interjects before Todoroki does something he might regret, and the teen reluctantly stops in his tracks.

Placing a hand on his hip daintily, Tsuragamae begins to speak again. "That was the official opinion of the police." He starts, rubbing his snout. "And the punishment I speak of would only be necessary if your classmate's involvement was made public, woof."

You swallow at the implication of his words, while the chief continues speaking, unfazed by the tension in the room. "If this were to be made public, you would be applauded by civilians everywhere, though you wouldn't be able to escape punishment."

"On the other hand, Endeavor was in the area of the incident, so although this may be a bit underhanded, it wouldn't be too hard to convince the public he was the one to save you all from the attack. Thankfully, there were hardly any witnesses, so this violation could be resolved right now, woof. Which do you all prefer?"

Oh, yeah. Because the villan frozen from the neck down was definitely apprehended by the hero with a fire quirk. You fight the urge to roll your eyes, instead deciding to be grateful you won't be getting in trouble.

"Either way, we'll need to take responsibility for being negligent in out supervisory duties", Manual groans from next to the chief. You involuntarily wince, and Iida walks up to the man to properly apologize.

Izuku bows in his own apology to the chief himself, and Todoroki lowers in his own bow, opting to say "Please handle it." instead of "I'm sorry."
Realizing you're the only one that hasn't said anything, you hastily lower in your own apologetic bow. "Uh- Thanks for giving me a chance. Sorry again, chief."

Tsuragamae shakes his head lightly, rubbing his snout once more. "Thanks to the unfairness of adults, you won't be able to receive the praise you probably would have gotten." The chief lowers into a deep bow, and you stand slack-jawed as he continues speaking.

"But as someone who strives to protect the peace, I would like to say thank you. To all of you."
Never in your fifteen years did you think you would be getting thanked by the chief of police himself. To be honest, it feels kind of weird. Like a dog giving a human a treat instead of the other way around- Yeah, maybe that wasn't the best analogy.

Looking to the side, you manage to catch the guilty expression that flashes across Todoroki's face before he composes himself. "Just- Please start with that next time."

Chapter Text

Following the arrest of the Hero Killer, your week interning came to an uneventful ending. Although there were allegedly no witnesses, Tsuragamae still advised you especially to lay low. The rest of your internship week finished without a hitch though, and you like to think you and Iida got a bit closer as well.

And now, as you sit on a bench outside of the local mall, you can't help but reminisce. Your interaction with the Hero Killer isn't a happy memory by any means, but you still smile at the thought that you were able to save a pro hero AND keep your friends safe.

Maybe you aren't too far off from becoming a real hero, after all.

"[Name], what cute boy's got you grinning like that?" You're brought out of your thoughts by a voice so familiar you almost jump out of your seat. "Took you long enough, Ruby. I would have thought you'd be more excited to meet your best friend, but I suppose a lass as charismatic as you has already found a replacement for me..."

You grin at your childhood friend cheekily, barely avoiding the headlock she tries to put you in. The last time you saw her her hair was down to her waist, but she's undergone a huge transformation since middle school.

Her once straight white hair is now cropped to her shoulders and styled in loose waves¹, and you can't help oohing at the pale pink ends to match her wings. "Cuute, so you really ended up doing it!" The two of you skip into the mall, and Ruby doesn't seem to mind at all when you twirl a lock of her hair around your finger.

Speaking of which, even while folded in, you can tell her wings have gotten bigger since you last saw her too. Though you doubt they'll ever grow to be Hawks' size, they're still admittedly an impressive width.

"Don't look at me like that! I'm not the only one who's changed, miss sports festival winner." Ruby smiles at you, and you bite back a grin as you think back to that day. "I can't believe anyone still remembers that, I haven't even watched my own matches yet!"

Stopping abruptly, you look up at the taller girl with a gleeful expression on your face. "Oh wait, did you 𝘴𝘦𝘦 the photo they took of me while I was hugging All Might though??!" You squeal, already fishing your phone out of your pocket to show her.

"I even made it my wallpaper! Don't I look so cute?" Ruby, used to your usual excitement, steadies your hands so she can properly see the picture. A smile overtakes her features instantly.

"That 𝘪𝘴 cute! send it to me!" Ruby grins at you, taking your free hand to pull you along through the sparse crowd.

It's been a pretty fun day, if you do say so yourself. The two of you spent the better portion of your shopping trip exchanging stories of your new high school life, and you even confessed to Ruby about your small crush on Endeavor's son.

You should have expected it, but Ruby wasn't surprised at all. "I could tell through the screen, girl. You were literally blushing looking at him." She smirked. "You're really obvious."

Acting oblivious to your incoherent blabbering and blushing, Ruby only continued to drink her milkshake with a smile on her face. Chocolate, as always.

Though you itched to blab to your childhood friend about your capture of the Hero Killer, somehow you managed to keep your mouth closed about that specific event. Ruby would keep is a secret—she always has—but telling her would only put her in danger.

As expected, Ruby's made many new friends at her new school.

She's still getting exemplary grades as usual, though you can't help feeling bitter that the early college school she's attending doesn't leave much free time on her calendar for casual hangouts like this one.

"Don't worry, [Name]," She starts, holding both yours and her own shopping bags with the grace of an angel while you skip behind her.
"We won't be able to hang out as much, but we'll still text often, just as we have been." She pauses in her walking to allow you to catch up to her, before ruffling your hair affectionately.

"Just don't be too sad that you'll have to find a new sparring partner, m'kay?" The two of you make your way out the doors of the shopping mall, and Ruby hands you your bags before pulling you into a goodbye hug.

"What's the phrase again? 'This isn't goodbye, it's only until later..." She makes a face.
"Forget it. Just know we'll meet up again soon, okay? Call me when you get home!" Ruffling your hair once more, your childhood friend makes her way to the car she called, and you wait on a nearby bench for your dad to pick you up.

Highschool has been great so far, but you're glad you won't have to let go of your past anytime soon.

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You don't normally leave for school this early.

Typically, you'll wake up at 6:00am, stretch for a bit, and then begin your morning routine.
After taking a shower, it doesn't take more than a few seconds to dry yourself. Absorbing the leftover water is great for your skin anyways.

Once you've finished up in the bathroom you'll normally eat a light breakfast, before waiting on your father to finish getting ready himself.

Of course there's a few exceptions, like the day of the sports festival when you insisted on walking 40 minutes to school. But overall, you normally take advantage of the drop-off option.

But today was different. Your father had let you know yesterday afternoon that he wouldn't be able to drop you off, and it's not like your mother was in any condition to go driving.
You briefly considered just calling a cab, but the idea of being locked in a car with an unknown and potentially dangerous person for the entire 20 minute drive makes you uncomfortable.

So that's how you find yourself standing sandwiched between an old lady, and another U.A. student you don't recognize.
Or rather, you feel like you 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 recognize. He's a blue-eyed blonde, which is already pretty uncommon, but the permanent smile etched onto his face looks oddly familiar. It’s not just the uniform—you swear you’ve seen him before, somewhere. The feeling sits at the back of your mind, just out of reach, like a name you can't quite recall.

Maybe he's an upperclassman you saw at last year's sports festival or something. It's odd because although you don't know the person next to you, you have a feeling he's known.

..."Is there somethin' on my face?" You flinch at the sudden noise, quickly turning your head to face forward as if it'll undo the fact that he's already noticed you staring.

"Sorry, I just- Do I know you?" Tentatively looking back to your right, you're surprised to see that he doesn't look at all upset that you were gawking at him.

Quite the opposite, actually. The faint smile he had when he was looking down at his phone has increased tenfold, and he's looking at you like you're an old friend, not a stranger that he just happens to go to the same school as.

"Hummm..." He squints his wide eyes animatedly, leaning forward a bit to scrutinize you. Now you're wondering if there's something on 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 face. The familiarity nags at you again—there’s something about the way he moves, the energy in his expression. But the name still won’t come.

"Nope! I don't think we've met! Though it seems like we both go to U.A." He gestures towards his uniform, and you can't help smiling at his infectious enthusiasm.

The bus is cramped, so when you extend your arm to shake his hand it likely looks pretty awkward. "Well i'm [Name] [Surname], but you can call me [Name]! I'm a first year in class 1-A."
Seemingly amused by the action, the blonde extends his own hand towards yours and clasps it in a firm handshake.

"And i'm Mirio Togata!" He winks, a playful grin stretching across his face. "But you can call me Mirio."

+++

You're about five seconds from getting blown up.

And to be completely honest, you think this may be a pretty okay way to go. As soon as you entered the 1-A classroom, your eyes were locked onto the red-eyed blonde sitting near the front of the classroom.

You're not sure who styled his hair, but there's no way he did it himself. His once spiked up hair is now flattened down to his head, and the irritated expression he wears makes the already laughable scene even more hilarious.

"Holy shit, Flacchan! Who did your hair?" You wheeze, already doubling over with laughter. Bakugo isn't amused in the slightest, looking seconds away from blowing up the entire classroom.

"Don't fucking laugh at me! My hair's used to it, so it won't go back no matter how hard I try." The blonde grumbles, already seeming like he's ready to go home.

Next to you Kirishima and Kaminari are both choking on their own laughs, with the latter actually falling onto his rear while clutching his stomach.
"It's not fucking funny! I'll kill you!"

You wheeze out a final laugh, backing away in surrender lest you get yourself caught up in the inevitable scuffle. Wiping a stray tear from your eye, You finally walk over to your seat. Iida and Izuku are already standing around Todoroki's desk, and the second gives you an small but enthusiastic wave as you settle into your chair.

"How have you all been faring?" You start, beckoning to Iida. "You especially. Is everything healed?"

Iida nods curtly at you, flexing his previously injured arm instinctively. "The doctors said it could have been much worse. And that, I believe." He begins opening his mouth again, but you stand from your seat and gently place a hand on it before he can utter the same words he's been saying on repeat since he got back from the hospital.

"No problem, and I forgive you. Seriously, Iida, it's all no big deal." You smile at your friend, tentatively removing your hand from his face as he sighs. Although the rest of your work studies week was relatively stress-free, you can tell the Hero Killer encounter took a much greater toll on the class representative.

Just a day after the the three of you had come to visit him in the hospital Iida was discharged, and though he opened up a lot more, it was still obvious he felt he owed you. You told him some snacks would make it even in an attempt to get him to quit feeling like he needed to repay you, but even after blowing nearly four thousand Yen² on your favorite snacks it's clear he still feels guilty.

"No need to be so chivalrous all the time!" You tease, giving Iida a light noogie to try and rile him up. It works, and your friend squawks indignantly as he rapidly tries to smooth down his now messy hair.

So caught up in laughing to yourself, you almost miss Kaminari's words.

"-The most were probably you four, right?" You turn towards the source of the noise along with your three classmates, and Sero quickly fills you in on what the conversation was about with his exclaimed "Oh yeah, the Hero Killer!"

From next to him, Red smiles at the four of you. "I'm glad you guys even made it out of that alive! Seriously!"
The class of 1-A decides this is the perfect time to get curious, and within a few moments Todoroki's table is getting swarmed. You prepare to exit soundlessly through the sparse crowd, but Ochako hugs you from behind just as you're getting ready to turn around.

"Yeah! you texted me about what happened, but I didn't get any of the juicy details!" Resting a head on your shoulder so you can see her pout, Ochako huffs. "Endeavor's always on time, huh."

Relaxing your shoulders, you lean your head against hers. "Yup.... Endeavor."

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

UNKNOWN- Hey! Where are you?

You look down at your phone, visible confusion etched into your features. The number texting you isn't saved, and a quick swipe up tells you that you haven't texted the person before either.

YOU- Who?

Slipping your phone into your blazer pocket, you widen your strides to catch up with your friends. All your morning classes are finished, and now it's time for lunch. You haven't spoken to Shinso much since the sports festival, so you're excited to spend some time with him and the cat today.

Smiling to yourself, you bite your inner cheek. You wonder if he would be up to going somewhere with you this weekend. You realize you still haven't seen him outside of the U.A. uniform yet, and briefly wonder what type of clothes he wears regularly.

A vibration above your hip pulls you out of your wandering thoughts, and you reach into your pocket to see a dorky frowny face has been sent from the same unknown number.

UNKNOWN- :( It's Mirio! Togata? You gave me your number this morning?

You blanche at your phone, feeling your face heat up in embarrassment. You did give him your number, didn't you.

Once the awkward handshake and introduction was over, you found that Mirio is actually really fun to talk to. His witty responses to your dumb questions made you laugh every time, and you had continued the banter all the way up until you reached the U.A. gates and had to part ways.

You didn't think much of it when he asked for your number, and he assured you that he'd be texting you later with a grin on his face before speeding off to his homeroom class.

Though... You didn't realize by 'later' he meant during school hours.

YOU- oh gosh, i'm sorry!
YOU- im omw to the cafeteria right now, where are 𝘺𝘰𝘶?

Following a few steps behind Ochako and the rest of your small group, you quickly make it to the cafeteria. Still looking down at your phone in anticipation of his response, you don't register the person standing in front of you until you've already bumped into him.

"Riiight here!" Stiffening in surprise, you look up to see the blonde himself, standing with his hands on his hips and a bright smile on his face.

Wow, they 𝘢𝘳𝘦 as firm as they look, you can't help musing, mouth agape as you look at the sculpted man-cub in front of you.

"It's all the working out and protein shakes!" He chuckles in amusement, and you squeak at the realization that you did 𝘯𝘰𝘵 say that in your head.

"Ah- Mirio!" You smile, hoping to steer the conversation away from his firm muscles. "I wasn't expecting you to wait for me!" You pause. "Or- you 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 waiting for me, right? That's not just my ego talking?"

Mirio waves a hand in front of him animatedly, still as chipper as ever. "No, I was! I was actually hoping you would sit with us for lunch?" You tilt your head slightly, taking note of his wording.

"Us? You want me to meet your friends?" Mirio nods enthusiastically, and it's only then that you realize the two of you are still standing by the cafeteria entrance, with your friends having already made their way to their usual table.

Well, you don't really have any reason to say no... You shrug in silent agreement, and Mirio chipperly guides you to his table.

Mirio Togata seems like the type to have a large group of friends, so you're surprised to see that there are only two other people sitting at the booth.
But what you're even more surprised to see, is who exactly he's leading you towards.

Having been gently holding onto your arm, Mirio immediately notices when you stop walking. He turns around to face you, and you quickly cover your face with your free hand in a vain attempt to hide your shocked expression.

"Is..." You start, but your voice is higher than normal. Clearing your throat in an effort to return your voice back to it's regular pitch, you start again.

"Is that... Hado Nejire??!" You cover your mouth when the girl in question looks up, a curious expression on her face. "You know her? Well then that's great!" Mirio continues towards the booth, and your face burns even more when he takes a seat next to the other guy at the table, leaving the only free spot next to Hado.

"Hey hey! Who's this, Mirio?" Hado tilts her head curiously at you, and you try to avoid the beautiful girl's gaze as you sit down.

"[Name], meet Nejire and Tamaki!" Mirio grins as if he didn't just have you sit next to THE Hado Nejire, and you do your best to school your face into a 𝘯𝘰𝘵 awestruck expression as you regard the two.

"Well he just said it, but i'm [Name] [Surname]. You guys can call me [Name] though." You look at Hado from the corner of your eye, flushing at the small smile she's giving you.

"W-Well, only if you guys want to, of course." You babble on, feeling your face grow hotter with every word. "[Surname] is fine too, or you could give me a nickname? Or- Er- whatever you guys want is- ah, fine."

Your face is suddenly hotter than Endeavor's flames, and you hastily stand up from your seat, ignoring the confused looks the three are giving you.

"I- uh, need to go... powder my nose...?" Without waiting for a response you dart out of the cafeteria, leaving your blazer and your dignity on the chair.

About five minutes later, there's a knock at your stall door. " Hey hey! [Name] are ya in there?" Your heart jumps at the realization that it's Hado on the other side of the door, and you swing it open.

"H-Hado! Funny seeing you here...!" You smile awkwardly, leaning on the stall door.
The door opens further against your weight, and you stumble as it's pushed away from you.

Thankfully, (or maybe not thankfully since you can now smell her vanilla perfume... and is that mango scented lotion she's wearing? Oh gosh, she really is perfect) Hado catches you, and your face begins to burn even more.

"[Name], are you okay?" She steadies you onto your feet, and you wish you could drown yourself right now. Without thinking, the words release themselves from your throat. "Hado, I'm your biggest fan!"

"...Huh?" Hado tilts her head in confusion, and you gape at the way her perfectly styled hair moves gracefully with her head.

"Er- maybe i'm coming off a bit strong... But I really admire you, Hado! You're super cool and pretty and you have amazing hair and you have great boobs and maybe that was inappropriate- sorry, can I be your friend?" There. The words are out. If she's gonna laugh at you, she'd better do it now. Closing your eyes, you brace yourself for the mocking laugh she's absolutely about to send your way.

You frown at the thought of her pretty face contorting into a look of ridicule on the other side of your closed eyelids. But the sound of laughter doesn't come. Hado doesn't make a sound, and for a moment you wonder if she's left the bathroom.

But when you crack open an eye to check, she's still standing right where she was a second ago, her already beautiful eyes shimmering brightly.

"[Name], you're so sweet!"

"...Huh?" Any other person would probably be at least a little taken aback by sudden praise from a stranger, but Hado looks like you just gave her a winning lottery ticket. ...Are all of the third-years like that?

"I think you're pretty cool too!" She grins, leaning forward. "You won the first-year sports festival, right? I've been excited to meet you! Though i'm surprised you know me... Yeah, how 𝘥𝘰 you know me anyways?"

Hado tilts her head in question, but it doesn't look accusatory. In fact, she looks genuinely interested in your answer.

Rubbing the back of your neck awkwardly, you avert your eyes from the girl in front of you.
"Well, i've admired you since last year, really." You think back to the first time you saw the girl, during U.A.'s school festival.

"They were airing the beauty pageant on television." You start, a smile already making it's way onto your face at the memory. "You looked so beautiful in that dress you wore, and your performance was way cool!" You gush, thinking back to Hado's elaborate air dance.

"It really is a shame you only got second place. If I could've, I would vote for you a thousand times over!!" Balling your hands into fists, you nod. "I haven't really seen you outside of that, but just that one time was enough for me to remember you!"

From in front of you Hado laughs, and you're surprised to see a faint blush settling on her fair cheeks. "[Name], you really are a nice person. But there's no need to flatter me, I already really like you!" She smiles. "I'm sure if you participated in the pageant this year, you'd be a popular pick."

She nods slightly, scrutinizing your face. "You're really pretty, [Name]." Oh gosh. Of all the girls at U.A., you never would have predicted Hado Nejire of all people would call you pretty. In the shitty bathroom lighting, no less? You can die happy now.

"And you can call me Nejire!" She smiles warmly at you, and you feel your cheeks heat up. "Is that really okay?" You squeak, but Nejire only smiles wider. "Of course! Any friend of Mirio's is a friend of mine!"

She grabs your hand, lightly tugging you towards the door. "Now let's go, I'm starving!"

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Nejire's even nicer than you imagined. After leaving the bathroom she guides you to the front of the lunchroom to get food, shooting a bright smile at Lunch Rush as she compliments the cooking. Her contagious smile and enthusiasm sticks with you all the way up until you guys make it back to the booth, where Mirio looks like he's already halfway finished with his meal.

"Hey, they finally made it back!" He grins, nudging the teen next to him. You take your seat next to Nejire, and it's only then that you take notice of the person across from you.

Tanaka, you think Mirio said his name was? "Hey, what was your name again?" You ask, addressing the dark haired teen.

In your fifteen years of life, you've spoken to many people. And they've all had slightly varying reactions to your presence. But never, in all your interactions, has someone physically 𝘴𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘬 into their seat at the sound of your voice.

For a moment you wonder if it's a reaction to something else, but the anxious look on his face and the absence of literally anybody else in the area besides the four of you confirms that Tanaka does, in fact, not want to speak to you.

Pouting, you lean back into your own chair. "...Was it something I said?" Mirio gently nudges the boy next to him, and Tanaka straightens up, though not without a withering glance to the cheerful blonde.

"Don't worry about it, [Name]." Mirio grins. "Tamaki just gets a bit anxious around people. It's nothing personal."

Now that Tamaki (not Tanaka, idiot brain) has his head raised, you can't help gaping at his beauty. Are all of the third years this hot? Holy guacamole. His long yet neatly styled indigo locks highlight his sharp eyes, and his wobbly frown adds a layer of cuteness to his already ethereal beauty.

And... Are those elf ears? You don't realize you're leaning in until Tamaki slinks into his chair under your intense scrutiny. "Mirio..." Oh gosh, his voice too? Tamaki sweatdrops as he nudges at his friend. "Mirio, it's not working..."

You're not sure what he's talking about but Mirio seems to understand, reaching into his blazer pocket to discreetly pass his friend something under the table.³

Tamaki takes a look at whatever's in his hands, and sighs before clearing his throat. Wincing at the sound, he tries again gentler before speaking.

"...[N...Name]." Perking up at the sound of his smooth voice, you lean forward in your seat. "Ahuh?" Tamaki winces, and you avert your eyes in the hopes of making him feel more comfortable. It seems to work, and he exhales shortly before continuing.

"[Name], what... what's your... favorite snack?" Sensing that he feels more comfortable when you aren't looking directly at him, you focus on a spot above his head while answering.

"I like anything sweet, to be honest! Er- well I like salty snacks too. And sour candy also tastes good..." Pouting, you hum thoughtfully. "Well I can't in good conscious choose a favorite but I think chocolate is pretty yum."

From beside you Nejire shifts in her seat, and you look over to see her grinning. "I like chocolate too! Milk chocolate specifically. Dark and white are pretty good too though!" She nods enthusiastically. "I'll try anything twice!"

You smile at Nejire's enthusiasm, before looking in front of you. "What about you two? You can only choose one!" Raising a single finger, you glare playfully at the two third-years. Mirio laughs, while Tamaki shrinks back as if you just threatened him.

"Er- sorry, Tamaki."

+++

Nothing can ruin your day. You became friends with a third-year your admire, PLUS you got her number, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 you met a hottie with elf ears! Whose number you ALSO got! Well Mirio had to give it to you for him since Tamaki was too nervous to take your phone, but you got it nonetheless!

"So we'll have fun with a rescue training race!" See? Absolutely nothing can damper your mood. A lighthearted rescue training race? This day is gearing up to be one of your best at U.A. yet!

"This is field gamma! A dense area filled with factories laid out like an intricate labyrinth." Nevermind. You 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦 mazes.

Chapter Text

Tamaki Amajiki doesn’t think of himself as especially smart. Not in the way most people assume from his test scores, anyway. Sure, he ranks high, but that’s more a testament to his ability to memorize information than to any brilliance he might have. Conversations are harder than calculus. He’s not effortlessly charming like Mirio, or gracefully curious like Nejire. He’s quiet, reserved... invisible, if he can help it.

So when he sees you skipping towards him after lunch, it's safe to say he's more than a bit confused.
You shouldn’t be here—well, not here here. You should be walking with your friends or laughing at something someone said five tables over. Instead, you’re weaving through the sparse crowd of highschoolers, eyes locked on him, and Tamaki has about three seconds to brace for whatever it is you’re about to do before you’re standing directly in his orbit.

“Hey, Tamaki!” you chirp, and it’s terrifying how casual you sound. “Do you have a sec?”

He blinks. “...Me?”

Yes, obviously him. There’s nobody behind him. He even double-checked, just in case.

Your lips lift into a smile. “Mhm. I was wondering if you’d want to study together for finals.”
Aaand his brain just started buffering.

You’re supposed to be getting ready to leave the cafeteria with your friends in 1-A, laughing over something Uraraka did or arm-wrestling Kirishima over the last rice cracker. Not asking him, specifically and by name, to “study together.”
It feels like he's just been flung him into a different timeline entirely. One where people like you—bright, open, terrifyingly kind—approach people like him with casual familiarity and calm expectations. One where you say things like:

“You don't have to tutor me or anything, but it'd be nice to have someone who's already done the courses around. Just in case, y'know?” You hesitate for just a moment, your hand brushing the strap of your bag. “Especially if it's you.”

That last part. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 part.
It does something catastrophic to his heart.

He tells himself you didn’t mean anything by it. You’re friendly with everyone. It’s probably just something you say. But still. His heartbeat feels like it’s trying to dig its way up his throat for a better look at you.
You don’t even seem nervous, which makes it worse. You’re standing there, complimenting him like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

Ever since Mirio first invited you to the 'Big Three' table, you've taken to eating with Tamaki and his friends at least twice a week.
You're charismatic, almost to a fault, and you never seem to get impatient when he stutters or pauses during his pathetic attempts at conversing with you. You even make sure not to make direct eye contact when speaking to him, which he greatly appreciates.

But still. You're asking 𝘩𝘪𝘮 of all people?

"...And it doesn't hurt to have a study buddy- If you're interested, of course!" You’re still talking, filling the silence so easily while his brain short-circuits over your simple request.

He's thinking too much. He should respond, say something normal, act normal— Tamaki clears his throat, painfully aware of the cafeteria starting to thin out around him. “Uh… well… you have my number?”

Why did he phrase it like a question?! That wasn’t what he meant to say. It was supposed to be a simple affirmative. Not that. Not that.

Did his voice just crack?

He’s seconds away from merging with the floor, but you just light up, completely unfazed.. “Yeah, I do! I’ll call you tonight so we can plan?” You hitch your bag up higher on your shoulder, already prepped to leave.

"Uh, well i'd prefer it if you texted instead..." He starts, but by the time he's managed to get the words out you’re already halfway across the cafeteria, skirt swishing and smile still lingering like heat after lightning.

...The talking thing really isn't for him.

Tamaki sinks into a corner seat to gather himself, eyes flicking toward Mirio across the room. He's still mid-conversation, gesturing animatedly to Nejire and a few others from 3-A, laughter bubbling effortlessly from where the small group is still standing near a table.

...It’s so easy for him. Nejire too. They always know what to say. What to do.

If someone asked Mirio to study, he’d probably offer snacks, flashcards, and a PowerPoint presentation with transitions. Tamaki? He said “you have my number?” like he was negotiating a hostage exchange.

But still, your voice echoes in his head—"especially if it’s you"—and he can’t stop the half-smile that falls onto his lips. You asked him. Whether you meant it with intention or not, you chose him.

And maybe… maybe that means something.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Your hand shakes slightly as you navigate to the contacts list on your phone, scrolling down until you get to the contact named [TAMAKI].

It really shouldn't be this hard. You aren't sure whether it's because you're about to call one of your upperclassmen, or if it's because you're about to call Tamaki specifically, but you're suddenly struck with a wave of doubt. Tamaki's already really shy, what if he only accepted because he felt pressured? Now that you think about it, he never even really said yes! You just assumed he was okay with it! You were probably being too pushy for him to properly refuse...

Resisting the urge to bite your nails, you opt for chewing the inside of your cheek. You should call Shinso. He always has good advice.

It's significantly easier for you to make your way to Shinso's contact, and you don't hesitate before pressing the call button.

He picks up on the second ring.

"...[Name]?" You smile at the familiar voice on the other end of the line, relaxing in your bed as you put him on speaker and lie down.

"Hey Shins, I need advice." He pauses. "'Shins'? Are you serious?" You can hear his mild irritation through the screen, and you have to stop yourself from laughing at his exasperation lest he hang up on you like he did the last time you teased him on call. "You don't like it?" You pout in mock offense, knowing he can't see it. "I think it's cute!" Shinso sighs into the phone, and you decide not to test your luck.

"Okay, but on a serious note-" "When are you ever serious, [Name]." Choosing not to pout over his deadpans response, you continue. "As I was about to 𝘴𝘢𝘺, I need advice." From your end of the call you can hear him shifting in what you assume is his own bed, before he speaks up. "Yeah, yeah, you mentioned. Now what's the problem."

You chew on the inside of your cheek, holding back a smile as you start. “So. Remember Mirio? Bus guy. Big smile? Endless protein?”

He only hums in acknowledgment, but you know he's listening. "Okay, so since finals are coming up I thought it'd make sense to ask him to study with me, with him being a third-year and all." Shinso grunts, and you take that as your cue to continue. "But then he basically said he's not the person to ask when it comes to stuff like that, and recommended I ask his friend Tamaki instead, since he's ranked highest academically in their class."

Shinso pauses for a moment, and to your surprise, he speaks up. "Wait, you're talking about the elf?" You roll your eyes, briefly wishing he could see it. "Yes, Shinso. The cute guy with the elf ears."

Another grunt. Noted, and ignored.

"So I asked him after lunch today and I think he said yes, but now I’m spiraling. What if he didn’t actually want to? What if I pushed him into saying yes without realizing? What if—” Groaning in poorly concealed irritation, Shinso stops you before you can start rambling. "[Name], I 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦 you the dude isn't nearly as worried as you are. He’s fine. You’re overthinking it.” Shinso’s voice is as dry as sandpaper, but not unkind. “Just call him. Or text. Whatever’s easier.”

You sigh, smiling at your phone. "If it were you I probably wouldn’t feel weird. You always say yes.”
“If he bails, then study with me instead,” he says simply... And almost a little too quickly.

You pause, raising an eyebrow.

“…I’m serious,” he adds, softer this time. “I’m not Tamaki. But I’m 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦.”

---

There’s a pause. For a second he wonders if he said too much, but then without warning your laugh rings in his ear through the phone.

“You’re right, Hitoshi. I’m being ridiculous. Texting now! You’re the best.” You make an obnoxious kissy noise before hanging up, and Shinso sighs as he lowers his phone from his ear.

Of course you’d call him. Of course you’d trust him with this.
You always do. When you’re nervous, or excited, or just need someone to tell bad jokes to. You call him because he’s safe. You call because you know he’ll answer.

And the messed-up part? He kind of hates that it feels like enough.
Because you never realize what you’re doing to him.

You say his name all soft like it’s always belonged to you. Like it doesn’t sit heavy behind his ribs every time it passes through your lips. Like you don’t know it makes his heart stutter even when you’re calling for advice about someone else.

And Shinso can’t even be mad. Not really. Not when Tamaki’s just some skittish guy with weirdly pointy ears and a half-sentence vocabulary. He’s not the enemy. He’s just... the one whose house you're probably going to go to for that study session.

And Shinso’s just the guy on the other end of the line.

୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧

The bus ride to the Amajiki household feels longer than it should. Which is silly, because you know exactly where you're going. He texted you the address last night, complete with a polite “if you still want to come”—but your nerves aren’t listening to logic right now.

You've never even been to a boys house before... not like this, anyways.

You're only here to study. You have a tote bag stuffed with flashcards, worksheets, and one very aggressively color-coded syllabus to prove it. But still. You can’t help the way your pulse quickens as you ring the bell, then take a little half-step back like you're afraid of the door actually opening.

'This is where Tamaki lives', your brain helpfully supplies. 'He eats here. Sleeps here. Probably wears fuzzy socks inside and everything.' You're about to enter Tamaki's 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦, the place he likely spends most of his time outside of school... The place he 𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘴... That thought alone makes your cheeks warm.

You check your phone for the fifth time.

YOU- hey! i'm heading over now :)

No response yet. That’s fine. Tamaki doesn’t exactly send rapid-fire texts.
You chew your cheek and mentally debate whether it’s too late to just walk away and fake a Wi-Fi outage for the rest of the day. But before your brain can spiral into full retreat mode, the door creaks open.

And there he is.

Amajiki Tamaki himself, wearing fuzzy socks (you totally called it) in the entryway like he just realized his house has a front door and a guest.
His eyes travel down to your bag, then up to your face, then immediately off to a corner somewhere over your shoulder. His fingers twitch once, like he’s trying to rid himself of the awkward.

"Uh," he starts, then swallows. "...You're early."

You exhale a breath you didn’t realize you were holding, willing yourself to smile past the nerves. "Yeah. Is that okay?" The awkward silence stretches for half a beat too long before Tamaki clears his throat, stepping back slightly.

"...Um- Yeah of course... You can come in."

You do.

♬♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♪♩♬

Tamaki shifts uncomfortably in his seat, a thoroughly chewed pencil hovering in between his fingers. His eyes flicker from the English textbook in front of him to the bottom of the page, where the same question has glared up at him for the past five minutes like a personal insult. The edges of the eraser are a little worn now from absentminded rubbing.

“You okay over there?” you ask gently, turning your head just enough to catch his profile. Tamaki visibly jolts at the sound of your voice, jerking his head in a quick nod."You sure? You’ve been stuck on the same question for like... five minutes."

His ears twitch—okay, that’s adorable—and he lets out a quiet sigh before turning the book toward you. "I don’t get this one," he mutters, avoiding eye contact. "English is probably my worst subject right now."

You scoot closer, your thigh brushing his in the process. Tamaki goes ramrod straight at the contact, every muscle locking up like a startled cat. You pretend not to notice, giving him a moment to breathe while you glance at the page. "Oh, I've got it! The apostrophe is meant to go there." You tap the tip of your pencil where the mark is meant to go, watching as Tamaki leans in slightly to follow your explanation. His arm brushes yours, and this time you both freeze.

Pulling away feels like the obvious move, but something stops you.

Would that make things more awkward? Would he think you regretted the contact? Maybe it’s better to pretend nothing happened.

You clear your throat, willing the heat creeping up your neck to settle. "Uh—so, yeah. It would be mother-in-law', not mother-in-law's."
You smile softly at him, hoping to rid yourself of the sudden tension. "Because multiple mothers-in-law are involved, you've gotta use the possessive form."

Tamaki nods slowly, quietly circling the correctly punctuated sentence. He doesn’t look up, but his voice is sincere when he mumbles, “Thanks.”

You smile warmly. "that's what we're here for."

The minutes stretch and fade. The two of you work in companionable silence, rarely making a noise. Occasionally Tamaki will tap his pencil to signal another confusing sentence, and you’ll lean in with an answer or example. Occasionally you’ll glance at him mid-thought and find his eyes already on you—only for him to snap his gaze away like he’s been caught stealing.

The silence feels less awkward now, more shared. Like a small tent built between the two of you: warm and slightly crumpled, but still comfortable.

Eventually, your eyelids begin to feel heavy. You stretch your arms out with a quiet groan, and Tamaki glances at you just as your head dips down, resting on folded arms atop the table.
“Just resting my eyes,” you sigh, letting the rhythm of the afternoon lull you. He doesn’t respond, but you think you hear a small sound—something between a hum and a sigh.

♬♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♪♩♬

You wake up to the afternoon light beating softly on your eyelids.
Still groggy from the sudden awakening, you pull the blanket resting atop your shoulders closer... only to realize you don't remember ever leaving Tamaki's house.

At that realization your eyes snap open, taking in the scene before you.

You really hadn't gone home, huh?

You're still in the last position you remember, head resting on your folded arms as your upper body is held up by Tamaki's dining room table. Speaking of Tamaki, he's still right where you left him, if not a bit closer than before.
The papers from the morning's study session are still strewn about on the table, and Tamaki seems to be more at ease than earlier as he moves through his english questions with new vigor.

Your fingers tighten around the edge of the blanket, pulling it closer as realization sinks in. He definitely put this on you. Your eyes land on the boy next to you and you just barely hold back a smile.

He looks peaceful, for once. His loose t-shirt drapes over his lean frame, mid length indigo hair tied up lazily into a ponytail as he chews on his abused pencil. You watch him in shameless silence, chin tucked into the fleece he gifted you. You could live in this moment, honestly.

'His hair wasn't tied up like that before', you note as his hands hover over the textbook. He’s focused, completely unaware that you’re awake. The afternoon glow softens his features, dark lashes casting faint shadows against his cheek. You almost don’t want to disturb the moment, but your neck aches just enough to convince you otherwise.

You allow a soft yawn to leave your lips, and he stiffens at the sound. "How long have I been out?" You lift up your head, rubbing the back of your neck as you pull the blanket closer with your other hand. You're not ready to let go of it yet.

Tamaki hesitates, before tapping the screen of his phone. "Only a couple'a hours..." He mumbles, a light blush forming on his face when you wrap the blanket around yourself further.

You smile at his words, letting out a soft groan as you stretch out your back. "And you stayed." You declare, though it's less teasing and more an observation.
"You... looked comfortable. I didn't want to wake you or leave you alone in an unfamiliar place." He admits, eyes glued to his paper. Without thinking your hand reaches out to his, and you let it hover over his downturned palm in a silent question.

When Tamaki doesn't move his hand you take it as permission, allowing your own hand to gently rest atop his larger one. As expected Tamaki stills, his breath hitching at the contact.
He doesn't pull away though, and you rest your head on the table again.

"Thank you, Tamaki." He still doesn't dare to look at your face, eyes now locked onto your connected hands, but he doesn't make a move to pull away. His fingers twitch under yours briefly, but he allows his hand to relax by the slightest margin just as you close your eyes again.

Just one more short nap won't hurt. Especially when the blanket he gingerly placed on you is this warm.

Chapter Text

The coffee shop hums quietly around you. Finals are a week out, and your body has officially given up on pretending this is temporary. Late nights, scribbled notes, half-slept mornings... This is your life now. And somehow, Tamaki’s become part of that routine too. Study sessions every few days. Soft-spoken questions, shared margins of silence. A rhythm.

Today’s no different. You’re planning to stop by again, and on the way out the door, you figured why not pick up something warm for him? A thank-you in a cup.

You tap your fingers against the corner of the table, phone in hand, scrolling idly through texts and reminders as you wait. The barista is calling out a few names behind you, the espresso machine is hissing, there's someone walking towards you-

“Excuse me?”

The voice is gentle, almost pleasant. When you glance up, she’s standing there. A woman you don’t recognize, but something about her makes you pause.

At first glance, the woman in front of you could be a model. Long legs, and a slender waist accentuated by the tight shirt she has on. If not for the slight wrinkles etched into her face and the cellulite on her upper arms, you might've thought she was in her twenties.

There's a light sheen of sweat forming on her forehead, and the loose sweatpants paired with the high ponytail she's sporting tells you she likely just stopped by the shop in the middle of a jog. Makes sense, given the neighborhood.

But the woman's posture is stiff, too controlled. Like someone acting out “friendly stranger” from memory. Is that sweat on her forehead from overexertion, or is it because she's nervous? “I think you dropped this,” she starts, holding out a receipt with a polite smile. Her amber eyes study your face with an intensity that doesn’t match her casual tone.

You hesitate. It isn’t yours, but taking it seems easier than explaining that to her. “Okay, uh, thanks!”

Something about this woman is making your hair stand up on edge. You reach out, take it carefully, and slowly lower your eyes back to your phone. Hopefully that signals the end of—

“Funny. I almost didn’t say anything, but something told me you’d want it back.”

You look up.
She’s still watching you.

She doesn't seem angry or annoyed either. She's just... watching. Gaze locked to your face like she’s waiting for a reaction you haven’t given her yet

The awkward moment—well, on your end anyway; she looks delighted—stretches for just a beat too long before she smiles, steps back, and vanishes out the door with no drink in hand. You look down at the receipt again. Still not yours. Is it even from this establishment?

Your name is called. Tamaki’s drink is ready. You perk up, but the woman's voice still lingers in your ears. Quiet, calm, and entirely wrong.

♬♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♪♩♬

The three days of written exams passed in a blur. When he isn't second-guessing himself, Tamaki's actually a surprisingly good teacher. You were never all that worried about the written tests in the first place, but having him around to help with the areas you 𝘥𝘪𝘥 have trouble with definitely improved your confidence in passing.

Now it's the day of the practical exams... And there isn't a single robot in sight. You shift on your feet, eyes scanning the teachers lined up in front of you like some cursed boss selection screen.
“I expect that you’ve all gathered information ahead of time,” Aizawa deadpans, hands glued to the inside of his pockets like he’s just barely tolerating your collective existence. “And have an idea of what we’ll be doing.”

From the back row, Kaminari pumps his fist in the air as if he’s answering a game show buzzer. “Fighting robots like at the entrance exam, right?” You resist the urge to facepalm. There's literally no reason for Thirteen to be here if this is just going to be a metal-punching montage.

"Too bad!," squeaks a new voice before anyone can respond.
Everyone jumps as Nezu launches out from the folds of Aizawa’s scarf like a fuzzy jack-in-the-box with a master’s in psychological warfare. Your soul exits your body.

“For various reasons, the exam will be different this time!” he chirps, as if announcing free cake instead of probable bodily harm.
"From now on, we want to focus on person-to-person combat and hero work, and stress teaching that is closer to actual fighting. So..." You gulp. Something tells you you won't like his next words...

"We'll have you form teams of two to fight one teacher!" The collective groan echoes across Class 1-A is long and heartfelt. Someone in the back mutters something about “checking out Ketsubutsu’s application process,” and you briefly consider stealing their pen and co-signing. "Because of the odd amount of students there will be one group of three, but do be assured it won't make things much easier." Nezu continues smiling brightly as if he isn't hand delivering your class the death penalty.

You’re halfway into mentally drafting a resignation letter from U.A. (“Dear All Might, thank you for the lessons, however I’ll be joining a small yakitori shop in Hokkaido instead”) when your homeroom teacher speaks up.

“In addition, the pairs and who each pair will be up against have already been decided. These were determined at my discretion based on various factors, including fighting style, grades, and interpersonal relationships, so here they are:

You hold your breath. Every finger and toe is crossed. 'Pleasedon'tbeAizawaPleasedon'tbeAizawaPleasedon'tbe-'

"First, [Name] and Yaoyorozu are one team, and they’re fighting me." Your entire body deflates.

Aizawa smirks like he knows exactly what you were thinking. Honestly, he probably does. He’s been your homeroom teacher for long enough to read your microexpressions mid-blink.
Well, at least you have Yaoyorozu. She's pretty reliable you'd think. The girl probably has twenty escape routes already mapped on the inside of her sleeve.

"Midoriya, Todoroki and Bakugou are a team, and their opponent…” Aizawa trails off, allowing All Might to make his grand entrance by dropping out of nowhere—

“I… will do it! Work together to beat me, you three!”

Alright... Now what Nezu said makes a lot more sense.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Alrighty!” You call over your shoulder, breaking into a light jog as you scan for the familiar silhouette of your homeroom teacher. There’s no way this matchup wasn’t intentional. You against Eraserhead? It’s borderline cruel.

Without your Quirk, your odds drop considerably. It’s not like you're useless without it, at least you hope not, but even so, your Quirk is your anchor. Without it, everything feels just a little... off-balance.

Looking back, you see that Yaoyorozu is lagging behind, an unsure look on her face. "Hey," You stop, allowing her to catch up before you turn around. "Don't be worried. As long as one of us is always out of his line of sight, i'm pretty sure this round will be easily won." You grin, tugging her hand lightly as you continue walking.

Although you’ve never been particularly close with Yaoyorozu, you’ve observed enough to know she’s reliable, capable, and strategic. Honestly, you’re more concerned about yourself. Especially now. Your quirk is one you're confident could have helped you win easily enough, if only the person you were going against didn't have the power to erase it at a glance. Literally.

You shift the tiny shard of ice resting in your mouth, letting it rest under your tongue. The cold grounds you.

This is your signal, your early warning system. Not to be overconfident, but it's practically the key to this entire operation.
"Alrighty. I've got a plan, wanna hear it?" Yaoyorozu nods, and you continue walking at a brisk pace as you start to explain.

"Right now, i've got a small piece of ice in my mouth." She makes a noise of confusion, and you laugh softly before continuing. "I'm focusing on keeping it frozen right now, so whenever it melts, i'll know he's near." Yaoyorozu nods in affirmation, and you continue.

"Now I want you to make some sand, okay? Lots of it. Not too much to slow you down, but enough that once you get close you can easily throw it in his eyes. Once his vision is out, I freeze him and you put on the handcuffs!"

Without hesitation, Yaoyorozu begins manifesting. A sturdy pouch of sand forms in her hand, then another identical one she passes to you. You accept it with a nod. “I shouldn’t be surprised by your quick thinking,” she murmurs, tucking her own pouch into her costume.

"Huh?" You slow, noticing that the girl is still behind you.

"Just- You thought of a plan to take him down so quickly, I can't help feeling a bit..." She trails off, averting her eyes. You smile, shaking your head quickly. "It's really nothing! To be honest, i'm a bit worried myself," You admit, laughing nervously.

"I rely on my quirk when fighting so much, it's actually a bit disorienting thinking about going against someone without it to help me." You sigh. "Which is why I'm hoping we can finish this quickly without too much confrontation." Your partner slows again, and you turn back to see her frowning. "You aren't giving yourself enough credit." She starts, and you find yourself confused at the upset look she's giving you.

"As someone accepted to this school through recommendations, It is to be expected that i'd be at a much higher level than you." You recoil slightly at the jab, but she isn't finished. "But in terms of the practical skills a hero needs, I haven't done a single thing that stands out!"

You sweatdrop. "Well, your team won first place in the cavalry battle, didn't it? That's something to be proud of!" You try to smile reassuringly, but her frown only deepens.

"That win wasn't because of me at all." She grumbles. "You led your group through a shifting battlefield with confidence. Me? I just followed Todoroki’s lead and hoped for the best. I watched all the clips from the sports festival, and I saw the way you carried your team."
Yaoyorozu balls her hands into fists. "Every single headband Bakugo's team got, was because you took it yourself. And you weren't even the rider!" Her jaw tenses, and you frown.

"You won the entire sports festival, for goodness sake. To be honest, I can't think of any reason for them pairing me with you. I'm seriously considering the possibility that it was just to ridicule me." Yaoyorozu exhales in exasperation, and you place a hand on her shoulder tentatively.

“This might not be the best time,” you say, motioning to the rapidly approaching confrontation ahead, “but you really shouldn’t talk about yourself like that.”

She sighs as if she's already heard the words before, but you won't let up until you know your words have sunk in. “I know. But I mean it. When I heard I was paired with you, my first thought wasn’t, ‘Wow, I’m gonna get carried.’ It was, ‘Oh cool, someone reliable.’” She looks at you as if she doesn't see why that matters at all, so you continue.

“You carry yourself like someone who thinks. And I like that.”

Your partner looks away, clearly flustered as she begins to mumble. “That’s hard to believe when the only reason I'm here is because of my family.”
"Sometimes I wonder if I would have even gotten into U.A. if it weren't for my lineage. The only reason I was even accepted through recommendations was because my family is influential."

She pouts, but you don't have any time to try cheering her up because it's at that moment that the tiny pebble of ice under your tongue softens, before melting entirely.

Your breath catches, pulse stuttering for just a second before instinct takes over.

"He's here!" You exclaim, tugging her towards you as you look around. Your hand moves towards your waist where the bag of sand is located, and you smile as you notice Yaoyorozu doing the same out of the corner of your eye.

"Now that you've noticed, you have to start acting!" The noise is coming from above. The two of you look up in sync, just as Mister Aizawa drops to the ground in between you.

"In this case you should prioritize evasion, since i've already got the jump on you." Dammnit, the goggles! Yaoyorozu seems to realize the sand might not work at the same time as you, but there's no time to communicate an alternative plan as he springs into action.

"Run!" You gasp. You strike out blindly with your palm, aiming for his ribs, but you both know it's a distraction at best. He twists fluidly, dodging with ease before his scarves snap forward.

"Is that really the plan?" Mister Aizawa remarks mockingly, already maneuvering his scarves around your torso. You don't have any time to react before you’re yanked off your feet and into the air, breath knocked from your lungs as you dangle above the street, suspended by a telephone line and your homeroom teacher's scarves.

It seems Yaoyorozu has already started covering some ground running, but you know Aizawa won't have any trouble catching up with his speed.

"I'm not really out of commission, y'know." You start as Aizawa finishes tying his scarf to the telephone pole, hoping you can distract him long enough for Yaoyorozu to get to the escape gate. "I could get down in just one move, so i'd recommend you don't try chasing after her."

Seeming unfazed by your threat, Mister Aizawa reaches into his pocket and tosses a handful of sharp caltrops onto the ground below you.

"You can do whatever you want, just be sure to look before you land." With that he shoots his scarves out towards you again, the material constricting around the top half of your face and effectively cutting off your vision.

He must think he's so funny with that last remark.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The moment she hears your sharp gasp—"Run!"—Yaoyorozu doesn’t hesitate.

She pivots and bolts, boots scuffing against concrete as she channels everything into forward momentum. The pounding in her chest isn’t just adrenaline, it’s fear. Not of her teacher, but of failing. Of messing this up and confirming every doubt that’s been eating at her since the pairing was announced. She knows Eraserhead will pursue her. Of course he will. He’s fast, relentless, and already has the more competent of them restrained. But she still has a chance.

"Think," she whispers to herself. She was paired with you for a reason. Because together, there’s a chance. You trusted her with part of the plan. Now it’s her turn.

Yaoyorozu knows her homeroom teacher is running towards her from above, using the rooftops to maximize the distance between himself and her. If she continues running, he’ll strike first. If she stays still, he’ll find a way to control the fight. She needs to move, but on her own terms.

Her grip tightens around her pouch of sand, but she doesn’t use it yet. There’s another way to make him come down.

She needs a distraction.

The familiar pulse of creation sparks in her palm, and in less than a second metal takes shape in her hand. A small, compact smoke canister.

She hurls it upward.

The canister explodes near the edge of the rooftop, billowing thick smoke into the air around her homeroom teacher. Not enough to fully blind him, but enough to make staying up there undesirable.

He moves immediately, which is exactly what she wants.

The moment he descends in front of her, Yaoyorozu throws the sand directly at his face, a good amount getting inside the open spaces of his goggles. Aizawa flinches, tensing as he instinctively shifts his footing, his sight momentarily obstructed.

Predictably, Aizawa raises his scarves. But this time, Yaoyorozu isn't trying to run away. She lunges forward, surging past fear, past hesitation, past every voice in her head that ever told her she was second-best, and clamps the capture cuffs around his wrists with a sharp, resounding click.

Her opponent stills. His scarves freeze mid-air.

Yaoyorozu exhales, her grip firm thanks to the adrenaline still burning through her limbs. "You should always account for a backup plan, Sensei," she swallows, her voice steadier than she expected.

"Team [Name] and Yaoyorozu wins!!!"

In the distance, Yaoyorozu hears you let out a triumphant shout.

She won.
And this time, it was hers.

Chapter Text

The bar hums, low with the absence of conversation and the occasional clinking of glass. Tomura Shigaraki sits hunched as usual, his long fingers twitching against the counter. Stain’s name. Stain’s influence. Stain’s legacy. It drowns him, suffocates him like a vacuum-sealed garbage bag.

Meanwhile Giran leans forward, gesturing toward the newcomers with an easy smirk. "They have potential," he assures the man, motioning toward the young girl with his free hand as the other gets to work on lighting his cigarette.

Himiko Toga bounces forward, her eyes wide and eager. She talks about blood, about her desire to 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 Stain. Shigaraki barely spares her a glance.
Then comes the next recruit. He stands stiffly with his arms crossed, his tone clipped and dismissive. "Dabi," he introduces himself, his voice carrying no expectation nor interest in impressing anyone. Shigaraki scoffs, his fingers curling into his palm. Just another Stain follower. Another 𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘵 clinging to the Hero Killer’s ideology instead of his own.

"You’re all obsessed with him," he mutters. "I don’t need more worshipers of some guy that's already gotten himself locked up."

But then...

A slow sound. The soft scrape of a chair being pulled out.
The third recruit has already made her way from the doorway entrance to the bar counter, her long legs carrying her into the seat she's claimed as her own unhurriedly, as if the air itself moves to make room for her presence alone.

Wordlessly, the woman reaches over, sliding Shigaraki's drink over to her end of the counter. She dips a long, manicured nail into the glass, stirring in languid circles before opening her mouth. But the woman doesn't speak loudly or forcefully. No, she speaks with absolute certainty that she will be heard. Nobody in the room notices the transparent vapor that exits her blood-red lips as she parts them. It's nearly unplacable, just slightly too sweet.

"Then maybe what you need isn’t followers."

Silence follows. Not startled, but pulled into existence, as if the woman in the satin red dress has commanded the room itself to still.

Shigaraki’s fingers stop twitching. Kurogiri’s gaze flickers over the woman, assessing her. Giran smirks.
She leans back, studying Shigaraki with a gaze that isn’t demanding, but unshakable. "Fear is fleeting," she continues, her voice smooth and deliberate as her amber eyes sweep over the room.

"Destruction is loud, yes. But control? Control lingers. Control sits in the mind and grows. If you want to shape the world, you don’t just break it. You make them hesitate. You make them doubt. And then you make them yours." As soon as she's uttered that last word, her red lips curve up into a slow smile.

Shigaraki stills. His grip flexes against the counter, his breath uneven but quiet. He doesn’t scowl, doesn’t speak. Just watches as her words settle. And for the first time all night, his fingers don’t twitch at all.

Because she isn’t challenging him, isn’t rejecting him, isn’t pushing her own philosophy onto him.

This woman is offering him something too tempting to refuse.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"How does it look? Be honest." Twirling in front of the full-length mirror to get a good look at the bathing suit you're trying on, you steal a glance at Ochako from the corner of your eye. Most of the class is at the mall right now to hang out before the training camp starts, and it's safe to say you were one of—if not the—most enthusiastic to do some last-minute shopping.

"You look great in everything [Name], but are you sure you're going to need a bikini for camp?" She sweatdrops, twirling a brown loc of hair. "I doubt there's even going to be a pool..."

Satisfied with your choice, you close the curtain to the changing booth. "Don't be silly, Ochako. No matter where you're going, you always need to have a bathing suit on standby." As you finish that statement the curtain swishes open again, and you stand in front of your friend already dressed back into your original clothes.

“Plus, what if there’s a lake!” You continue. “Or a hot spring? Or a surprise water-based villain attack? A heroine must be prepared!”

Ochako tilts her head, pursing her lips as she squints in thought. “...Okay, I’ll give you the hot spring. But if we end up fighting a sludge monster and you’re in that, I’m not helping.” You both burst into laughter, the kind that shakes your shoulders and makes a few other customers glance over, not that either of you notice.

“Well either way, I’m buying it!” Ochako throws her hands up in surrender. “Of course you are.”

"Let it be known," you announce as you march toward the register, chin raised dramatically, "that no matter where we go, a good swimsuit is as essential as battle strategy and proper hydration."
"Wow," Ochako deadpans as she follows closely behind, “didn’t realize we were doing speeches now.”

“Oh, I’m full of surprises,” you smirk with a wink. “Just wait until we get to the accessories kiosk.”

The two of you make your way out of the store and immediately embrace the mall air, the smell of freshly-baked pretzels and name brand perfume clinging to your sleeves.

Just as you're scanning the area for the rest of the group though, Ochako audibly squeaks. "Oh, we totally ditched Deku!"

...Oops.

Originally it was the three of you in a group together, but then you suggested bikini shopping—and it’s safe to say Izuku was 𝘯𝘰𝘵 enthusiastic about the idea of helping you pick one out.
You can still picture the neon-red glow that painted his face the moment you suggested the idea.

You glance around. No green curls, no anxious muttering. Just the usual mall swirl. “Maybe he got distracted by a sale on…" You raise an eyebrow at one of the advertisement signs. "...Emotionally supportive running shoes? Should I text him?”

You're already reaching to pull out your phone, but Ochako waves you off. "It's alright. I think I have an idea on where he might be anyways. I'll find him."

“You sure?”

“Uhuh! Stay here. I’ll be like… seven minutes, tops. Try not to disappear into a discount bin while I’m gone.” You salute with mock solemnity. “No promises.” Ochako shoots you a quick wink and disappears into the crowd, her steps already brisk and determined.

୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧

You’re halfway through your slushie and about halfway through regretting not following Ochako when you hear it.

"Hey! There you are!"

You glance up to see Kirishima jogging toward you from across the crowd, a shopping bag in one hand and a lopsided grin on his face. His red hair is a little messier than usual, windswept like he ran the last bit just to catch you.

You blink, standing a bit straighter as he gets closer. "Red?"

“Yeah!” He slows to a stop in front of you, already breathless. “I spotted you from the food court. Thought maybe you got ditched.” He grins.
You give a half-shrug, glancing in the direction Ochako disappeared just a minute ago. “Not ditched, voluntarily abandoned. Ochako went to go find Izukun so now i'm just waiting here until they come back.”

Kirishima laughs, then tugs lightly at the hem of his top. “Well, lucky me, then. Guess I've just found myself a shopping partner.”
You raise an eyebrow. “Shopping for what exactly?”

He holds up the bag in his hand, revealing the logo of a fitness brand you absolutely do not recognize. “Tanks! The ones I've been wearing practically melted in the wash. I swear they’re smaller now, or my arms got bigger...Maybe both?”

“I vote both,” you say, sipping the last of your slushie with an exaggerated slurp as he laughs. “Wanna walk with me for a bit? I’ve got a few more places to stop at. Plus, hanging out with you sounds way cooler than shopping alone.”

It’s so simple the way he says it. So Kirishima.
You find yourself nodding before you even think. So much for staying where Ochako left you... “Sure, let’s go!”

You don’t know how it happens, but somehow you end up back in the store where you’d bought the bikini—not that you’re planning on buying another one (probably). You’re mostly here for moral support while Kirishima frowns at a row of sleeveless hoodies like he’s preparing for war.

“Would I look better in grey or red?” he asks, holding one up in each hand.
“I feel like that’s a loaded question.” He laughs and nods toward the fitting rooms. “Well c’mon. You helped Uraraka, now help me!”

You roll your eyes but follow him to the try-on area. A few minutes pass, filled with muffled shuffling and the distinct sound of Kirishima sighing at his reflection.
“I think I’m overthinking it,” he calls.

“You are absolutely overthinking it,” you reply, leaning against the wall. “You could wear a trash bag and still look pro-hero-ready.”
He laughs again, sounding almost shy this time. “That’s dangerously close to flattery, y’know.”

“Perfect. You deserve some.”

Another pause fills the room, before the curtain finally swishes open.

“So… thoughts?”

He’s wearing the red one, the fabric somehow hugging the width of his torso as if it were tailored just for him... And WOW, those arms. He rubs at the back of his neck sheepishly. “Is it too much? Be honest.”

You blink slowly. “I- uh. No. Not too much.” His eyes glint teasingly, and you raise your arm in a 'stop' motion before he can make a joke.

“Don’t let the flattery get to your head, Red Riot.”
He grins so wide it almost feels like a sunny day inside the store. “Okay, okay. Why don’t you try something on while we're here?” He shrugs. “You’ve got good taste, I trust your judgment. Besides,” His voice is mischievous now as he enters the changing booth again to change back. “I know I saw you come outta this store earlier with a bag.”

You freeze for half a second before your ears heat up.

“…Maybe,” you mutter, though judging by the way you hesitated before speaking, it’s likely not much of a secret.

He snorts. “That sounds like it may-be a yes. Let me guess. You bought an outfit just for the vibe, even though you don’t really need it?”
You huff. “You’re mocking my preparedness.”
“I’m 𝘢𝘥𝘮𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 your preparedness,” he corrects proudly, pulling open the booth curtain to reveal him back in his original outtfitt. “Come on, show me what you got.”

You’re already heading towards a dressing booth.

But by the time you've closed the curtain and pulled on the bikini again, the playfulness from before has started to feel… different. You weren't this nervous when you were trying it on to show Ochako, so what's the big deal now?

You check yourself in the mirror nice more. The fabric hugs your hips and bust almost perfectly, and the color shimmers slightly in the overhead light. It’s bold. Maybe a little too bold. You tug at your straps gently, suddenly feeling 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 self-conscious. You’re not sure if it’s the way the light hits your skin or the way your heart’s started skipping beats, but suddenly this feels less like a joke, and more like a risk.

But still, you step out slowly. “Hey Red?”

His head turns immediately. And then he stares. His jaw actually slackens briefly before he catches himself. “Whoa.” You squirm under his gaze, already feeling your ears heat up. “Too much?”

“No. No, you look—” He rubs the back of his neck, his cheeks brightening. “You look really, really good. Like, ‘stop-the-mall-traffic’ kind of good.”
You blink, nerves momentarily forgotten as you raise an eyebrow. “That’s… specific.”

“Well, so’s my heart rate right now,” he mutters under his breath, then quickly gestures towards you. “Wait, do a spin. I—I mean, only if you want. I just—”
You roll your eyes but twirl anyway, laughing. “You’re ridiculous.”

“And you’re glowing,” he smiles, just too low for you to hear.

A few minutes later, after Kirishima's made his final purchases and you've begun walking together toward the store exit, the redhead nudges you with his shoulder. “You know,” he starts casually, “I think today counts as a win.” You glance at him skeptically. “Because you found a muscle tank that doesn’t scream ‘I do five thousand crunches a day’?”

He huffs, placing a hand on your head. “Because I got to spend it with you.”
Your stomach flips in the best way possible, and Kirishima pauses for a moment before continuing. “…Could we hang out again like this sometime?” he smiles, hopeful. "...Just us two?"

You swallow, nodding just a bit too quickly. “Yeah. Definitely.”

Too bad all good things have to come to an end eventually.

At first, it’s subtle. You notice voices lowering, a distant crackle of something over the mall intercom. Then an employee brushes past you with her phone pressed to her ear, muttering something about “immediate protocol."

Kirishima glances at you, his brows furrowed. “You feel that?”
You nod. It’s not just the sound, it’s the stillness. Like a silence not yet acknowledged. Then the words come—broadcasted overhead, too calm to be comforting.

“𝘼𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨: 𝙋𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙣 𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙤𝙣. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙚𝙫𝙖𝙘𝙪𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣. 𝙈𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜. 𝘼𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣, 𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙢.”

Your heart skips and Kirishima instinctively shifts in front of you, his broad body angled like a shield. “That’s not routine, is it.”

“Not even close,” you breathe, already scanning the crowd. Parents are scooping up kids. Metal shutters begin sliding halfway down over a few storefronts.

Kirishima meets your eyes, his voice low but steady. “Stay close to me.” And just like that, the soft edges of the day curl inward. The pastel bags. The laughter. The hoodie. All still real, but now eclipsed by something darker.

Because Tomura Shigaraki is here. And this mall day has just turned into something else entirely.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

𝙀𝘼𝙍𝙇𝙄𝙀𝙍 𝙏𝙃𝘼𝙏 𝘿𝘼𝙔

In this moment, it feels like the bar is holding its breath.

Shigaraki doesn’t move. The condensation from his stolen drink trails down the glass like raindrops rolling down a window. Across from him, the woman’s posture remains effortless. One elbow rests on the counter, while the other lifts to casually twirl a strand of red hair around her finger.

“You speak like someone who's tired of being underestimated,” she sighs, tilting her head just slightly. “Tired of watching people gather scraps of fear and call it revolution.”
She taps a nail against the glass. Once. Twice.
“You want a world that kneels, not flinches. I can help you build that.”

From the corner of the room, Dabi watches without watching, his gaze resting somewhere just past her shoulder, as if not quite ready to acknowledge he’s interested. But he hasn’t moved since she first spoke. Since that unplaceable vapor silently filled the room and entered His lungs. His foot bounces slightly less, his silence louder now. Meanwhile, Toga has her chin propped on both hands, eyes wide and glittering. “She talks pretty,” the blonde hums.

Shigaraki narrows his eyes at the woman facing him. “And you?” She blinks slowly. “Me?”
“What do you want?”

Something flickers at the edge of her expression. Not surprise, but anticipation.
“I want to get back what’s rightfully mine,” she deadpans, without a second of hesitation.

That answer could’ve been about anything. Territory, wealth, power... But her tone says otherwise. It doesn’t sound like revenge, it sounds like something precious to her.
The woman leans in now. Not uncomfortably close, but close enough that Tomura can smell the sweetness on her breath even before she opens her mouth.

“I’ll help you carve out the world you want, Tomura,” she murmurs, voice velvet-thin. “And all I ask is that when the time comes… you stand aside.”
Her pupils catch the overhead light, flaring gold for half a second too long. Not threatening, but hungry. For what? Nobody can tell.

“My name,” she says, her lips curving upward, “is Sayomi Kanzaki.”
Then, with a tilt of her head and a smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes, she continues. “But if we’re using titles, call me Onna-bune¹.”

The name slides into the room like lacquered poison. Kurogiri stiffens nearly imperceptibly. Giran whistles, low and appreciative. Toga blinks, fascinated.
Sayomi slides the stolen drink across the counter like a deal, her nail tracing the rim before letting go.

“What do you say,” she murmurs, “to building something… permanent?”

The glass stops just short of his hand, but Shigaraki doesn’t flinch.
The twitch in his fingers returns, but it’s slower now.
He glances at Kurogiri, but the shadowy figure stays silent. Giran lights a second cigarette, watching the exchange with raised eyebrows and a satisfied puff of smoke.

Swallowing silently, Tomura lifts his glass. Not because he trusts her, but because something about her voice makes him want to see what happens if he does. And when he drinks?

She smiles like that was the answer she expected all along.

+++

The bar is mostly cleared out now.

Toga hums something tuneless with her feet dangling off the couch, swinging upside-down like she’s forgotten gravity exists. Giran hums along to a different rhythm entirely, a low whistle through his teeth as he counts crumpled bills with methodical fingers. Kurogiri moves behind the counter, polishing already-clean glasses in slow, meditative circles.

And Sayomi? Sayomi is gone. No one saw her leave.

Tomura doesn't notice it at first. His elbow shifts, brushing something foreign. The soft rustle of paper.

He looks down, seeing it's an envelope. Thin and unmarked, but coated with a smell so sweet it's almost unpleasant.
Tomura frowns. It wasn’t there a moment ago.

He flips it open though, curiosity winning over his suspicion.

Inside is a single photograph. A candid shot of a U.A. student with her eyes alert, and her stance poised. Still in her uniform. Still oblivious to what awaits her.

Below it, in careful red ink, one line:
𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪'𝙧𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥 𝙢𝙚 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠.

Chapter Text

The girls’ locker room is filled with noise.

Not chaos, just that special kind of energy that lets you know something fun is about to happen. One girl is humming off-key. Another is yelling about SPF ratios. Mina is half-dancing to a playlist blaring from her phone, and someone (probably Hagakure) is already giggling behind her towel.

Ochako tugs you along, dodging a rogue flip-flop midair. “I forgot how weird it gets when swimming’s on the schedule,” she smiles, pulling you closer to her.
You clutch your school-issued swimsuit in one hand, the other clasped in Ochako's surprisingly firm grip. “Honestly, this might be more dangerous than combat drills,” you laugh.
“It’s the SPF fumes,” she sighs with mock solemnity.

The two of you find a bench near the back, and you immediately begin eyeing your swimsuit like it might come alive. It’s navy, high-collared, built for mobility, regulation-approved, and unmistakably 𝘯𝘰𝘵 cute. The fabric feels like it was made to survive a Quirk explosion rather than impress classmates.

“Will I look like a drowned intern in this?” you pout, pinching the straps. Ochako barely gives you a once-over before shaking her head. “No! You'll look hot, I swear.”
You snort. It does help though.
Across the room, Tsuyu ties up her hair with surgical precision. Yaoyorozu offers Hagakure a spare waterproof pouch with the grace of a battlefield medic. Jirou is muttering something about waterproof earbuds, and the whole area smells faintly of chlorine.

You duck into a changing stall, wriggling into the suit carefully. It’s snug, breathable, and weirdly empowering once it settles into place. When you step out, Ochako grins at you like you've just stepped onto the red carpet. “Okay, yes. 10/10.”
“You’re wearing the exact same thing.”

“Exactly.” She grins. “We’re a power duo.”
You roll your eyes, but the smile on your face doesn't falter the slightest bit. The two of you check towels, grab sandals, and turn to the exit, just as Yaomomo sweeps over with a clipboard in hand.

“There’s a sign-in sheet,” she says, ever-dutiful. “Technically it’s for U.A. records, but Kaminari said he’s going to use it to track splash velocity.”

“He what?” Ochako blanches.
“He’s assigning cannonball ratings. I suggest ignoring him.”

The two of you scribble your names and turn toward the doors, your eyes briefly flicking to the sunlight already slanting in through the frosted windows.
Once you open the door, the heat hits like a wave. And outside, the pool waits for the chaos to begin.

—

The pool area is a mess of sound and motion by the time you and Ochako arrive. Half the class is already dripping wet, and a loud splash echoes across the area as Kaminari screams, “TWO POINT FIVE METERS! YOU CAN’T DENY THE DATA!”

You look around.
Mina is setting up a “voluntary cannonball rating panel” with whiteboards and glitter pens. Todoroki is standing by the deep end, already in the water, perfectly still except for the occasional faint ripples around him. You almost sigh in admiration, just to get cut off by Bakugo screaming at a floating kickboard. Sero has fashioned a towel into a makeshift bandana, and Yaoyorozu is gently asking Mineta to please stop pretending he’s a jet ski.

“You were right,” you hear Ochako laugh. “This might be more dangerous than combat training.”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing,” you reply, already nodding toward the pool. “Come on. I heard Aizawa’s technically supervising from the third floor window, so we’re in that beautiful gray area between oversight and plausible deniability.”

You toss your towel onto one of the benches, your slippers slapping against the warm concrete as you get closer to the others.

Mina quickly waves you over, a wide smile on her face. “You missed the warm-up cannonball round! But it’s fine, we’re just now getting into structured competition-slash-chaos.”
“Cannonball... competition?” you echo just as Sero bounces up beside you, holding two foam noodles like twin swords.

“She means training,” he grins. “Hydrodynamic impact training,” Kaminari adds, dead serious as he floats by on his back. “Totally educational.”

“This is combat conditioning,” Bakugo snarls from somewhere to your left, throwing a towel to the ground. “Anyone who doesn’t go full force gets 𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥.”
You glance at Ochako as she slows to a stop next to you, checking to make sure she heard the same thing you did. "Well you heard the chief, no use standing around," you grin, already kicking off your slippers.

Once you know she'll be caught off guard, you lower your stance slightly.
"Race you to the middle!” You call out, already padding towards the edge. Ochako blinks, not fully processing your words. “What?” But you've already jumped in, The water swallowing you whole.

Once you've made contact the world around you becomes soundless and sharp, every movement pushing against the weight of gravity itself. It’s peaceful down here, in the brief stretch between air and resistance. You sometimes forget how comforting swimming can be. No strategy or overthinking, just motion.

You break the surface with a gasp and a smile, flipping onto your back to see Ochako splashing toward you.
“I got ambushed by Mineta!” she cries, grabbing your arm for balance. “I didn’t know jet-ski mode was a thing!”

You burst into laughter, helping your friend towards a ladder. "Okay, okay. Take two!"

The second time, you dive in one fluid motion. No splash or wasted effort. It’s less like entering a pool and more like returning to something. Beneath the surface, your body moves with effortless control. Arms cutting, legs pulling, water bending around you with practiced grace. You barely feel resistance. The water moves with, not against you.¹

When you break the surface in the deep end, no one’s paying attention at first.
Then you hear Kaminari’s voice, far too loud to be casual. “Okay… did anyone else just see that? Like, just now? [Name] just casually swam like... like a mythical sea assassin!”

You blink water from your eyes and glance toward the edge where Kaminari’s standing ankle-deep, one hand shielding his eyes dramatically.
“Oh no,” you call back, smirking. “Was my stroke too aerodynamic? I hate when that happens.”

Kaminari grins. “You just dolphin-kicked across the pool like Poseidon owed you money.”
“That’s very specific,” you call back as he wades deeper into the water.

“I say what I feel,” he shrugs. “And I feel spiritually inadequate now.”

Mina, bobbing nearby on a foam noodle, pipes up. “He’s flirting, by the way.”
“I was not! I mean-” Kaminari waves his hands around. “Not 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 flirting. I’m also objectively impressed!”

Your laugh increases tenfold when he promptly trips backwards over a float. “I meant to do that,” he sputters, resurfacing. “It was part of the plan. Ambiance!”
You shake your head, grinning as you float backward. “Ten out of ten for comedic timing.”
“Two out of ten for grace,” Todoroki deadpans nearby without looking up from his water bottle.

Kaminari throws up his hands, pouting animatedly. “If I nearly died, would that make me more mysterious?”
“Only if you do it with style,” you nod solemnly.
He winks through a blinkful of chlorine. “Oh don’t worry. I’ve got plenty of embarrassing stunts left in me.”

Then a splash erupts beside you, and you inhale pool water mid-gasp. “Defense breach!” Sero crows, slapping the water like it personally offended him. You splutter, laughing, and retaliate with a wave to the face. He retaliates harder.
And now it’s war.

Within seconds, it escalates. Mina joins your side, declaring a “mutual defense treaty,” while Kaminari flips on everyone indiscriminately. Bakugou yells “COWARDS!” and launches an explosive ripple that sends Mineta careening across the shallows.

Izuku tries to remind everyone of the rules, but nobody listens. Even Iida gets pulled in when his attempt at moderating turns into him being hoisted into the water by collective vote.

It is, somehow, the most chaotic and unified the class has ever felt.

Eventually, after much flailing and failed Quirk-powered trickery, the games slow down. You drift toward the shallow end, your limbs tired but pleasantly heavy. A few feet away, Todoroki leans against the pool wall, hair plastered to one side of his face. His expression is as neutral as ever.

“Did you race anyone?” you ask, treading water beside him.
“No.”
“Did you want to?”
He looks at you. “Did you?”
You pause. “I think I just wanted the water.”

He nods once, slowly. “I understand that.”
You smile, pushing off before your brain can overanalyze the moment. He understands wanting the water? That means something. That definitely means something. You’re basically the embodiment of water. He wants you. Probably. Maybe.

You sigh, siphoning the water from your hair with your Quirk. Or maybe you're just reading too much into it. You tend to do that when someone's hot and emotionally ambiguous.

By the time you've hauled yourself out of the pool, your legs ache in the best way. You don't give your towel a second glance, the water clinging to your body and swimsuit evaporating within a moment.

Somewhere, Ashido is declaring herself “cannonball queen,” Sero is giving an impromptu award speech, and Kaminari is asking if “chlorine is technically flammable.”

You drop onto the edge of the pool beside Ochako, feet dangling in the water again. She’s leaned back on her elbows, watching the rest of the class spiral into another game of “throw Sero like a javelin.” You, on the other hand, are half-zoned out, eyes tracing the slow curve of ripples across the surface.

“Wanna bet someone tries to turn this into a regular thing?” she sighs, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
“We can always hide in the locker room.”
She laughs, raising an eyebrow at you playfully. “Please. That'd never work.”

You both fall quiet for a moment, feet making slow ripples across the surface of the water below.
Laughter echoes across the area with Kaminari shouting something incomprehensible, Sero launching himself off a float like it’s a trampoline, and Mina assigning glittery cannonball scores like it’s a full-time job.

You watch it all. The light, the noise, the spray of sun on water... and for a moment it feels surreal. The small, perfect absurdity of you heroes-in-training getting to be teens, just for an afternoon.

You're just about to get up, when the sun hits that perfect point in the sky where everything looks golden. Someone’s turned the music back on, changing it into a low, thumping beat that makes the whole pool feel like it's swaying.

Then a voice booms behind you, familiar and dangerously cheerful.
“Heads up, sunshine!”
You blink, just a moment too late. “Wait—Kiri, don’t you da—”
Too late.

Warm hands grab your sides, and in the next breath, you’re airborne. For a half second you’re weightless, a startled yelp caught in your throat, before the world erupts into bubbles and water.

You surface flailing and sputtering, your now wet hair plastered to your face. “That was a WAR CRIME!” Kirishima is already laughing, wading towards you like he didn’t just commit premeditated splash-based assault. “Still considering that mall trip?”

You splash him in the face.

Ashido cheers from the deck, Kaminari yells “Round two’s live!” and the pool breaks into chaos all over again.

You shake water from your face, wiping at your eyes as you tread water. Ochako grins at you from the steps, barely holding in her laughter. “You okay?”
You nod, breathless. “Yeah. I think I needed that, actually. Nothing like getting thrown in a pool to make your day.”

You haul yourself out of the pool, water streaming from your arms in rivulets, a strand of hair clinging stubbornly to your cheek. Your towel’s still hanging from the bench where you left it, somehow untouched by cannonball fallout, which feels like a small miracle although you won't be using it.

You quickly remove all the water from your body and hair, briefly considering aiming it at Kirishima as he climbs out the pool after you.
"You okay over there?" He grins, already getting to work on drying himself off with a towel. "You're so... ugh." You roll your eyes, arms firmly crossed as you drop onto a bench. “Menace.”

His grin widens. "Oh no. You'd better punish me. Maybe at the food court?"
But before you can weaponize a splash in retaliation, your breath catches in your throat as you realize he's suddenly 𝘸𝘢𝘺 closer than before.

"It was totally worth it though, right?" He murmurs in your ear, the action way hotter than he probably intended it to be. "You looked pretty happy."

“You’re dangerously good at that,” you flush, backing up by the slightest margain.
“At what?” The redhead blinks innocently and you huff. “At making almost-normal things feel like something else.”

You hear the others shouting again. Someone cannonballs, water erupts, and the group roars. But here in this stretch of shade, it’s just the two of you.

“But really," he mumbles. "You still up for that mall trip?”
You raise an eyebrow. “You keep bringing it up like I didn’t already say yes.”

His gaze holds yours for a second too long before he smiles.
“Good,” he says, voice barely above a whisper. “Because I’ve been thinking about it all day.”
Then, with maddening casualness, he steps back, tugging his shirt on one arm at a time, smiling as if he didn’t just rewrite your internal temperature settings.

Mina glances over from the pool and immediately launches into a gasp so dramatic it nearly bends the air around her.

“You two were within romantic lighting range,” she cries, pointing wildly between you. “I could 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 the 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘵! Don’t lie to me.” You mutter something incoherent and vanish behind a nearby towel as Kirishima just laughs in that way that's perfectly him.

“We’ll talk more later,” he says under his breath. “Promise.”
He walks off, leaving a trail of water footprints... and your heart doing cannonballs behind him.

Chapter Text

You are 𝘯𝘰𝘵 panicking. You are simply standing in front of your closet like a rational, not-at-all-flustered person. Who just so happens to have tried on three outfits in five minutes.

“Should I bring a jacket?” you ask, holding one up tentatively.
“It’s the middle of summer,” Mina calls from your bed, hanging upside down as she scrolls through something on her phone. “So obviously yes.”

Ochako, perched cross-legged on your desk chair, reaches for a hair tie. “She means an emotional support jacket.”
“I 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 fashion buffer,” Mina corrects. “If it’s cute enough, you won’t even need to be funny.”

You toss the jacket onto the bed and stamp your foot childishly. “This is why I didn’t want you two helping!”
“Liar,” Ochako grins. “You texted the words ‘I need assistance and possibly prayer.’”
You glare. “Context.”

Mina leans over from her spot on your bed. “This is the pre-date spiral. It’s traditional. You have to get at least five outfit rejections deep before something clicks.”

You decide not to correct her, instead tossing another shirt onto the growing pile of "absolutely nots". You're already debating just crawling into bed and forgetting the 'date' entirely when Mina points from the bed. “What about that one?”

You follow her gaze to the hanger in the back of your closet, already grimacing. Oh no. Absolutely not.

"I dunno,” you sigh, even as you begin to pull it out. “It feels too…”
“Super hot?” Mina offers, already smug. “Reckless?” Ochako adds with her chin in her hand. "Yeah, what Ochako said. This top is way too revealing." You flush, but Mina's already pulling you towards your bathroom holding jewelery, bottoms, and shoes in her free hand.

"Nuh uh! It's 𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳! If you wanna wear a top with half your chest out, that is EXACTLY what you'll do! There's no debating this, put it on."

The last thing you see before the door shuts is her smug expression.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

When you finally step out of the bathroom fully dressed, Mina lets out a gasp so loud it probably registers on some kind of radar, and Ochako puts a hand to her chest like she’s witnessing a shooting star.

“You’re gonna send him into a crisis,” Mina squeals. Ochako clasps her hands together and sighs solemnly, “May all your photo booth moments be candid and kind.”

You roll your eyes, but warmth stirs in your chest as you turn towards the mirror.

You look at yourself. You look fine. Then you check again. You still look fine. Then your phone buzzes. And you are NOT fine anymore. You might just throw up, actually.

RED- outside when you’re ready 😅
RED- promise I didn’t overdress (unless jeans count)

Ochako leans over your shoulder. “Awww. He’s trying so hard not to try too hard.”
“I hate how cute that is,” you mutter, already typing a reply.

Mina clasps her hands together like a wedding guest. “Now go forth and flirt, my sea-born menace. May your SPF be strong and your eye contact 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨.” You laugh, grab your purse, and head for the door before either of them can throw confetti. Which, knowing Mina, is definitely in her pocket.

From behind you she yells, “Hydrate, make eye contact, and if you kiss him, I want a full cinematic recap!”
Your bedroom door closes before you can throw your shoe at her.

Outside, the air is warm but breezy. Kirishima leans against the gate with his hands in his pockets. The sun hits his hair just right, making him almost too easy to look at. He looks up, and the moment he sees you his whole face brightens.

“Whoa,” he says, blinking. “You, uh… You look amazing.”
You almost trip over your own nerves, but somehow manage to speak without any of it showing in your voice. “Thanks. You don’t look too bad yourself.”

Kirishima rubs the back of his neck. “I tried not to overthink it. And then I changed shirts. Twice.”
You laugh. “This is a safe space for overthinking.”

The two of you fall into step together as you make your way toward the station. “So…” he starts. “Not that I was counting or anything, but this is, like, technically our first... outing? Together?” You raise an eyebrow. “You mean besides the class outing? And water-based warfare?”

He grins. “Okay, fair. But this time I didn’t throw you into a pool, so already an improvement.”
You nod, mock-considering. “Minimal violence. That's always a strong start.”
He laughs, and the sound settles in your stomach like warm broth. He walks just close enough that your arms almost brush, but neither of you make a move to widen the gap.

As the pair of you reach the station platform, you nudge his shoulder lightly. “So. Do you have a plan for this outing, or are we just gonna vibe our way through it?” Kirishima snorts. “I thought we’d start with snacks and then vibe accordingly. Unless you’re morally opposed to food booths.”

You feign solemnity, humming in thought. “Only if they upset me first.” Kirishima laughs, the sound loud and genuine. “Then this is gonna be fun.” And with that, the train pulls up.

You both step inside, already shoulder to shoulder, and instantly realize the car is 𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥.
Like, festival crowd meets Thursday rush hour packed. Kirishima glances over at you, apology already evident in his expression. “Uh. I didn’t think it’d be this bad…”

“It’s fine,” you say quickly, fingers tightening around your purse. “It’s just a little… close.” He rubs the back of his neck, laughing nervously. “I guess it’s a bonding experience?”

Someone bumps into you from behind causing you to stumble forward, and his hand immediately finds your elbow, steadying you.
“Sorry!” he says. “Here- hang on...”

He shifts just enough so you’re both tucked into the narrow corner by the door, his arm braced above your shoulder against the wall. His body curves away from yours, trying to give you space that doesn’t exist.

“Well,” he mutters, a smile tugging at his voice. “This is cozy.”
“Nyup.” Your voice is slightly higher than usual. “Totally standard commute behavior.”
You pretend to watch the stations blur by the window. But you can feel him, the heat radiating from his side, the faint smell of citrus in his hair.

And then, because life is cruel and gravity is crueler, the train takes a sharp turn.
You stumble, and his arm instinctively loops around your waist, pulling you upright before you can fully tilt.

You stare up at him, blinking. He stares back, slightly wide-eyed. Neither of you speak for a moment, but even your breathing feels too loud.

“You okay?” You nod, slowly. “Yeah. Just… surprised.”
“I thought this route was supposed to be less crowded,” he mutters, looking upward as someone tries to shuffle past.

You nod. “Maybe everyone else had a mall crisis too.” He smiles, but doesn’t laugh this time. “That makes us sound like trendsetters.” You glance up, regretting it immediately. His face is closer than you’d realized, his eyes already on you, red and bright and sincere in a way that makes your brain short-circuit.

You immediately look down. “I don’t know about trendsetters, but we’re definitely stuck in the ‘accidental proximity’ trope now.”

That gets him to laugh. “Wait, is that a thing?”
“You know,” you mumble, suddenly fixated on the ad for melon soda three feet to your left. “Like in shojo manga. Two people shoved together in tight quarters. Romantic tension. Awkward elbow brush.”

As if on cue, his elbow brushes yours. “...Like that?” he asks, a teasing lilt in his voice. You glance sideways. “That was suspiciously well-timed.”

“I swear it was unintentional,” he laughs. “Mostly.”
The train takes another sharp turn, and you tilt toward him without meaning to. He catches your wrist, gentle but firm, the kind of reflex that says 'I’ve got you' without needing to say anything at all.

His hand lingers longer than necessary. So does yours.
You both blink, startled out of it at the same time, and you pull back just a fraction.

“So,” he says after a moment. “What’s your favorite food court crime?” You blink. “My what now?”
“You know, food court crime. The one thing you do at malls that borders on mischief.” You laugh, grateful for the shift in topic but not the way his grin makes it impossible to regulate your nervous system. “I once pretended to be part of a birthday party to get free cake samples.”

He raises his eyebrows, clearly impressed. “That’s honestly elite. Did you commit to the bit?”
“I made up a cousin. Added a backstory. Gave him allergies.” Kirishima looks like he’s about to keel over. “You’re terrifying.”
“I prefer ‘resourceful.’”

A beat passes. He watches you, head tilted like he’s memorizing something.
“What?” you ask.
“You’re just… even more interesting than I initially thought.” You try not to squirm. “In a good way? Like you always thought I was interesting but I've officially broken the scale of interestingness?”
He smiles, even brighter this time. “Yeah. Exactly that.”

Your breath catches for a second, right as a fresh wave of passengers pushes through the doors behind you. Kirishima steps forward, instinctive again, shifting his arm until it’s not just braced behind you but curved protectively around your back. His body shields you from the push of people behind him, and suddenly there is no space between you at all.

“You okay?” You nod, voice a little strained. “Nyep. Great. Totally unbothered by spatial injustice.” He chuckles, but doesn’t move away. Not like he really can, anyways.

The announcements overhead blend into a background hum. The sway of the train becomes rhythmic. A lock of hair falls into your eyes, and before you can tuck it away, he reaches up and gently brushes it back himself.

Then the train jerks to a stop.
Kirishima stumbles just slightly, holding you closer as he shifts his weight. His chest nearly brushes yours, and you can feel the heat radiating between you.

You’re suddenly, dangerously aware of every breath. The doors open and few people file out, but neither of you move.

Until Kirishima shifts, steps back a hair, and smiles. “I think that was our stop.”

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

The mall doors hiss open, unleashing a rush of artificial chill and the sharp tang of overpriced popcorn.

Kirishima is already grinning like a kid set loose in a candy store. “Okay. Where to first?” You eye the directory. “That depends. How cliché are we willing to go?” He doesn’t waste a moment. “Maximum. I want the full teen experience.”

You don't hesitate before speaking. “Claw machine.”
Kirishima points at you like you've just offered him front-row tickets to a concert, a wide grin on his face. “Yes.”
You don’t so much walk to the arcade as you’re pulled by the gravitational chaos of neon signs and overlapping game sounds.

And there it is: the claw machine. Big, obnoxiously lit, and filled with squishy creatures of every persuasion. Some have sparkles. One looks vaguely like a dragon wearing a sunhat.

Kirishima digs in his pocket. “Three tries,” he says, feeding coins in. “One chance for glory. Or, y’know, mild public embarrassment.”

He steers the handle slowly, tongue poking out in concentration. You stand beside him, arms crossed, pretending not to hold your breath.

He presses the drop button.
The claw lowers.
Grabs something.
...And loses it immediately.

“Okay, that one didn’t count,” he says, shaking the machine. “It twitched.” “Don’t argue with the claw,” you huff solemnly. “That way lies hubris.”

“Second try. This one's for you, Sunshine.” He nudges the joystick like it personally wronged his ancestors.
Grab. Drag. Thump.

A pink, under-stuffed bunny flops into the prize chute and he turns to you, triumphant.
“See? Totally planned.” You bend down to retrieve the merchandise, laughing. “I’m naming it Denial.”

“Rude,” he says, but he’s laughing too.
You hold it up beside your face, puffing out your cheeks to imitate the stuffed animal. “But do you think it captures my essence?” He squints, giving you a once-over. “Maybe if it had a better sense of style.”

You throw the plushie at him and he catches it, dramatically cradling it like it’s made of porcelain. “Now I'll treasure this forever.”
Before you can roll your eyes, he inserts his final coin. “One more. For you.”

“Denial isn't mine?” You pout.
“This one’s for victory. C’mon, lucky plush karma!” You watch as he drops the claw again, this time over a round, teal octopus with uneven button eyes.

Grab. Drag.
And somehow, impossibly…
Thump. It lands.

He whirls around to face you, holding it up like he just landed a plane. “Two for three, baby.”
“Statistically improbable.”
“Spiritually meant to be.”

But before you can think of another quip to toss as the redhead, he grins at the octopus and pulls you into a hug. A 𝘩𝘶𝘨. Your 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 hug with him, you're just now realizing.

You freeze for a breath. Then lean into it.
Because this is what he does. He gives without hesitation, laughs like the world doesn’t bite, hugs like he means it. His chest is solid pressed against yours, and his heartbeat is fast. So is yours. But you say nothing. He says nothing.

And eventually, he pulls back just enough to look at you. “You okay?” he smiles, quieter than you think you've ever heard him.
You nod, gripping the octopus plush tighter. “Yeah. I’m good.”

♬♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♪♩♬

Back at your house, the living room is a battlefield of throw pillows, half-empty soda cans, and snack wrappers. The table is a shrine to your mom’s hospitality with bowls of popcorn, candied peanuts, and fruit slices fanned into weirdly elegant spirals.
She even made tea, which Mina promptly spiked with way too much sugar.

“Okay,” she says, sitting cross-legged on the floor like she’s about to summon something. “Ground rules. No actual spying. No unsolicited live updates. And no hexes.”
“I wasn’t going to hex him,” Jiro huffs, lounging against the couch. “Probably.”

Yaomomo, perched delicately in the armchair like royalty in sweats, lifts her cup. “Are we certain it’s a date?”

“It’s absolutely a date,” Mina says. “Did you see the top?”
“Dangerous Top Territory,” Ochako confirms, curled up with a blanked on her lap. “He’s not coming back the same.”

“Wait.” Hagakure leans in from the ottoman. “Are we taking bets or what?”
Mina grins like a shark. “Always.” She pulls out a notepad labeled 'Totally Ethical Friendship Wagers' and clicks her pen dramatically.

“Alright,” she huffs. “Categories. Number one: physical contact. What do we think. Hand brushing? Shoulder lean? Full hug?”

“Two hugs,” Ochako says immediately. “One awkward, one unintentional. Bonus points if she doesn’t let go first.”

“Bold,” Jiro nods. “I’ll bet five gummy bears they end up holding hands and pretending it’s because of ‘crowd logistics.’” Yaoyorozu blushes faintly, tucking a hair behind her ear. “I’m just hoping she doesn’t combust.”
“Oh she will,” Mina laughs. “But from like, cute internal screaming. Not actual Quirk mishaps.”

One girl passes the popcorn. Another squeals because the cat plush previously in your room is now wearing a hat made out of a cookie wrapper. “Okay, final round,” Ashido announces. “What’s the closing vibe? Confession? Near-confession? Deep eye contact with subtext?”

“Subtext and tragic eye contact,” Jiro smirks. “Possibly accompanied by a slow blink.”
Ochako grins, hugging the pillow closer. “Bet you anything she comes home holding something he won for her and pretends like it’s no big deal.”

They all pause.
Look at the snacks.
Look at each other.
Ashido grins. “This is gonna be so cute I might explode.”

୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧

The photo booth is somehow both aggressively neon and suspiciously sticky, like it’s been through six makeovers and not a single deep cleaning. It hums with a low mechanical buzz, like even it knows what’s about to go down.

Kirishima hesitates at the curtain, one hand holding it open, the other rubbing the back of his neck. “I mean... we don’t have to. But it could be fun.” You shrug, already sliding in. “Only if you promise not to pick any of the cursed filters.”

“No promises,” he says before grinning. “Okay, maybe just one.”
You step inside. The seat is barely wide enough for two. He follows, and you have never been more aware of how much space another person takes up.

Your shoulders brush. Then your thighs. Then your knees. Then you both freeze for a fraction of a second too long.

He laughs awkwardly. “This is... snug.” You huff out a laugh of your own. “It’s fine. If we pass out from close proximity, at least there’ll be photographic evidence.”
The touchscreen blinks to life.

"𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙋𝙝𝙤𝙩𝙤𝙨. 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜."
Photo One:
You both panic-pose. Peace signs. Wide smiles. The camera flashes just as he bumps his elbow into yours. “Sorry—”
“Your fault for having linebacker shoulders,” you shoot back, laughing.

Photo Two:

You use Denial to pantomime placing a crown on his head mid-countdown. He snorts, leaning closer to give you easier access.
The photo catches the two of you mid-laugh, both half-tilted towards one another.

Photo Three:

Kirishima shifts slightly toward you, just enough that his knee brushes yours again. “Hey,” he says, a smile on his lips. “This is nice.”
You try to nod. Instead, you breathe, “Yeah.”

Photo Four:

The countdown starts again, so quiet this time you almost forget it’s happening. There's no props, just the two of you way too close. You look at him—he’s already looking at you.
And somewhere between “should I smile” and “what are we doing,” something shifts.
Kirishima leans forward quickly... and presses a chaste kiss to your cheek.

Neither of you say anything as the machine spits out the print. The photos slide into the tray, and you both lean in. There you are: joy, chaos, unfiltered smiles, and then that moment printed in surprisingly vivid color.

He fidgets. “Sorry. That last one—I just—” You grab the strip and hold it to your chest without a word, avoiding his gaze like you owe it a million yen.

“Worth it,” you mumble, stuffing it into your bag before he can see your hands shake. You both step back into the light, but you swear the booth still remembers what just happened.
And so do you.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ashido scribbles something incomprehensible into her notepad, this one labeled 'Totally Normal Bet Tracking'. “Alright, Round Two. Flirting Scale. Are we thinking light teasing, ‘oops I spilled something,’ or full emotional whiplash?”

“Define emotional whiplash,” Jirou mutters, chewing on a licorice stick.
“Oh you know,” Ashido says, waving her pen. “Something like ‘I like you, but I’m afraid of what that means,’ followed by a slow zoom and tragic piano.”

“Twenty yen on accidental hand holding during a vending machine dispute, ribbit,” Tsuyu offers, raising a hand.

Yaoyorozu clears her throat gently. “Do we have a spreadsheet for this?”
“I do,” Ochako beams. “It’s color-coded!”
She flips her laptop around. There are tabs. With headers like 'Hug Duration Analysis' and 'Is This Eye Contact Charged or Friendly?'

Ashido gasps and leans dramatically across the snack table. “Ochako, this is a masterpiece.”
They laugh, snack, argue the emotional symbolism of arcade plushies, and eventually fall into a quiet rhythm with Yaoyorozu brushing crumbs off the blanket, Ashido humming softly, and Jirou tuning the strings of a guitar that wasn’t there five minutes ago.

But then Hagakure grabs another gummy worm and pipes up. “Okay but plot twist, what if he confesses first?”
Half the room squeals. The other half demands fresh popcorn.

Chapter Text

Kirishima frowns down at his order. “Okay, I think I panicked and got the wrong one.” You raise an eyebrow, sipping your own drink. “Panicked? You said you were excited to try matcha.”

He sighs. “I really did mean to order it, but then I saw the chocolate brown sugar thing and... yeah, regret.” You hum, glancing down at his drink before raising your cup. “Wanna trade?”
“Only if yours is good.”

You pass it over, and he takes a sip. “Okay,” he concedes, nodding slowly. “Yours is definitely good.” He hands it back and you try his, but you only manage half a sip before you have to wince, shooting him a disapproving look. “It tastes like double chocolate and motor oil.”

You stick out your tongue like a toddler being forced to eat celery and Kirishima sputters, nearly choking on his laughter. “That bad?” You gag and push it back toward him. “Enjoy your liquid regret, sugar man.”

The two of you eventually migrate from the booth and fall into step again, slowly weaving your way through the mall’s second level. Somewhere between stationary stores and indoor plants the silence begins to creep in, and you feel Kiri look at you twice before you finally glance back.

He takes another painful sip of his drink, taking a moment to swallow before he speaks. “Hey so… at the photo booth. The last photo… was that, uh…”
“Was I okay with it?” you offer, pretending to look at the sale signs in a store window. He makes a sound. Possibly a squeak. Definitely human-adjacent.

You smile. “It was cute. Kind of a sneak attack, but still very on brand for you.” His ears go pink, and he coughs. “Sneak attack, huh? I didn’t make you uncomfortable?”
You shake your head seriously and look at him, this time leaving no exit routes for your gaze. “No. I just… wasn’t expecting it.”

A beat passes.
Then quietly, he clears his throat. “...Would it have been okay if I’d done it on purpose?”

You blink.

Your straw hisses loudly as you finish the last of your drink, causing the two of you to dissolve into light laughter. The question lingers in the air, unanswered but not unheard.

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

The bench is tucked away at the edge of the second-floor balcony, half-shielded by a fake potted tree and a claw machine that looks like it's been out of order since 2109. It’s the kind of spot most people walk past without noticing, but once you do notice, you don’t really want to leave.

You both sit at the same time, drinks in hand, your knees brushing once, then once again.

The sun from the skylight above cuts across the floor in cute little golden shapes, and a square illuminates Kirishima's nose as he leans forward to set his drink on the floor between the two of you. “It’s quieter here,” he announces, like that explains why he stopped walking to sit down. Maybe it does. “Yeah,” you shrug. “Kinda nice.”

“I mean, It would be nicer if the boba didn't emotionally devastate me,” he huffs, and you nudge his leg with your shoe. “You 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 liquid regret.”
“Peer pressure,” he insists, and you laugh. “I didn’t pressure you.”

Kirishima looks you in the eye then, just long enough that you briefly forget how to breathe properly. “No,” he smiles. “You never do.”
Somewhere below, a kid shrieks at a vending machine. The floor vibrates slightly with the echo of a dropped shopping bag. But up here, everything feels like it’s holding its breath.

You look down at your cup, rolling it between your palms. “We’re going to talk about the photo booth, right?” He stiffens, but only slightly. He's probably been waiting for the right moment to properly bring it up, just as you have. “I mean, we could also 𝘯𝘰𝘵. I’m open to that as well.” You side-eye him, swallowing before finally saying what you've been thinking since it first happened.

“You kissed me.”

Kirishima's face turns a violent shade of red at that, like you saying it so directly makes the action 100 times more real. “Okay, but on the cheek! Like, barely! In a friendly, casual, completely non-life-altering kind of way!” You turn toward him, folding one leg up on the bench so you’re facing him fully. “You mean it wasn’t meant as anything else?”

His laugh is breathless and boyish, and he seems to calm down a bit as he says his next words. “I don’t know what I meant,” he admits. “It was just... you 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘥 at me, and I panicked, and next thing I knew I was doing something brave, and reckless, and very, very stupid.”

“You think it was stupid?”
He pauses, chewing on his lip for a moment before looking back at you under half-lidded eyes. “I think if I’d done it a second earlier, you might’ve kissed me back.”

You pause, and your drink makes a soft clack as you set it down.
He’s staring straight ahead now, refusing to look in your direction. “And if you’d done it a second later?” You prod, leaning forward by the slightest margin.

“I wouldn’t have had the guts.”

Another round of silence, but this one is heavier.
You shift slightly closer, cautiously. “Do you want a do-over?” You ask, internally wincing at the way your voice wavers.

“Are you offering one?” He swallows, his voice just above a whisper. Your hand is so close to his on the bench that the air between them feels electric, but of course you don't make any move to retract it. “I might be,” you breathe. Kirishima tilts his head just barely, eyes fixed on yours like he’s afraid to blink.

“If...,” he starts, his gaze shifting rapidly from your eyes to your lips. “If you lean any closer, I might do something reckless again.”

You smile. And lean back a half inch. “Well we can't be reckless, now can we?”

Kirishima groans at that, dramatically falling back against the bench, hands over his face and all. “Cruel. You're so cruel.”
But when he peeks through his fingers to look at you, he’s smiling like someone already planning that next second.

୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧

You step into the living room and freeze.
They’re all there. Like every single girl in 1-A. Which isn't really a lot of people, but you definitely did 𝘯𝘰𝘵 authorize such a large hangout in your house. Before you can comment on it though, Mina tackles you with a throw pillow.

“You guys kissed and you didn’t IMMEDIATELY tell us? I can see it in your eyes! There was 𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 a kiss.” When you don't immediately deny it, Yaoyorozu gasps. “So he 𝘥𝘪𝘥 kiss you? Or did 𝘺𝘰𝘶 kiss 𝘩𝘪𝘮??” From a few feet away, Tsuyu croaks, a glint of amusement in her eyes. "Was it on the lips, ribbit?"

You throw your arms up and huff in exasperation. “Can I at least change my clothes before you all interrogate me?!” They absolutely do not care. Ochako drags you to the couch like a witness about to testify, and Mina drapes a blanket over you like it’s a lie detector. “Okay. Breakdown. Now.”
You sigh. “...He kissed my cheek in the photo booth... briefly.”

Screams erupt.
“He TOUCHED YOUR FACE,” Mina yells, shaking the blanket like a victory flag, and the rest of the group leans towards you in almost scary sync. “Did you kiss him back?” Ochako whispers.
“I almost did.”

“A tragedy,” Jiro mutters. “A modern tragedy.” You pull out the photo strips and show them the final frame, biting your lip in slight embarrassment. Yaoyorozu covers her mouth. “You’re smiling. Like... earnestly.”
“I was caught off guard!”
“You’re glowing,” Mina corrects. “Like a shoujo heroine lit by divine mall skylight.”

You laugh into your hands, averting your eyes. “I think he wanted to say more before we left. But he didn’t.” They all freeze at that, and Hagakure’s voice drops to a whisper. “That means there’s a next time.”
Mina launches into the air. “GET ME A CORK BOARD, WE’RE BUILDING A TIMELINE.”

Mina is already halfway through act three of her dramatic reenactment of the photo booth scene. She’s wearing a throw blanket like a cape and holding Denial like it’s a doomed love interest. “I would,” she croons, mimicking your voice terribly. “But I’m emotionally constipated and the plot demands tension!”

“Not accurate,” you groan into a pillow.
“Oh really?” Jiro says from where she’s perched on the back of the couch. “Then explain the fact that you have 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 photo strips.”
“I was going to give him one back!”

“Was,” Yaoyorozu hums, dabbing at her cheeks with a tissue as if she’s just witnessed high cinema. “He trusted you. And you hoarded the memories.” Ochako gently pulls the blanket off Mina and wraps it around her shoulders instead, a cute smile on her face all the while. “We’re not mad. We’re just deeply invested in your emotional development.”

You groan, burying your face in the arm of the couch. “What if he regrets it tomorrow?”

Mina tosses a marshmallow into your lap, a grin on her pink face. “Then he’s a fool and we egg his house.”
“Second that,” Jiro mutters. “Motion carried,” Yaoyorozu says solemnly. Ochako just tugs you closer. “But he won’t. I saw the way he looked at you when you guys were leaving. This has been brewing for sure.”

“Like a tragic tea,” Hagakure adds, raising her cup of candied grapes. “Steeped in denial. Served over longing.” You start laughing. You just can’t help it.

Though you 𝘢𝘳𝘦 still confused about just which one of them invited all the girls to your house.

⋆˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡⋆

The first day of training camp comes faster than expected. The bus hums quietly as it twists up the mountainside, the air inside thick with anticipation and the faint scent of someone’s unwrapped protein bar. You press your forehead to the window, watching sunbeams flicker through the pine trees. A sharp curve nudges you sideways, but you don’t move an inch.

Next to you Izuku scribbles furiously in his notebook, murmuring something under his breath about endurance and strategic reinforcement. His brow stays furrowed like he’s trying to solve the entire camp before it happens. Aizawa sits curled at the front in his sleeping bag cocoon, dead to the world.

In the seat directly in front of you Kirishima cracks a joke loud enough to make the driver flinch, and you look up just in time to see Denki choke on his water and Mina wipe her eyes, laughing. Kirishima catches your eye as he turns around in his seat and grins like the sun’s out for him personally.

“You good?” he mouths.
You nod. Sort of. Your fingers fidget in your lap as the trees thicken. You don’t know what you’re worried about, but the feeling blooms in your chest, just beneath your ribs. You aren't nervous, exactly, just restless. Your leg bounces once. You stop it. It bounces again.

A soft voice cuts through the noise of noisy classmates, and you nearly jump out of your seat when you hear it. “Are you okay?”

You turn to see Izuku’s leaning slightly towards you, his notebook still open in his lap and his pencil stilled mid-word. “Huh?” you ask, blinking. He offers a small smile, then gestures towards your leg. “You’ve been looking restless for about… two pages of notes now.” You blink, then glance down like your body betrayed you while your brain was busy.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to be distracting.”
“No, you aren't distracting me,” he reassures you quickly with a laugh. “I was just a bit worried since you only really do that when you're stuck in your head.”

You blink again, this time for a very different reason.
“Oh. You notice that?"

Izuku's ears turn bright pink, but he nods. “Yeah. I guess I just… notice a lot about people.” He nods towards his notebook, a boyish smile on his lips. "Wanna see the page I wrote on you?" You don’t reply right away, instead raking a hand over your face and sighing.

“No, no that's fine... I think I’m just… waiting for something to go wrong. I don't know what's going on with me today.”

Izuku's quiet for a beat, then taps his pencil once against his knee. “Well,” he smiles, looking you in the eye. “If it does… I’ve got your back.” You smile instantly. “Same here, Izukun.”

The bus squeals to a stop on the edge of a cliffside road, framed by towering trees and mist-soaked boulders. You blink awake just as Aizawa stands, grumbling with his blanket draped on his shoulders like a prophecy of doom. He almost looks even more exhausted than usual.

“Out.”

Everyone groans.
You step into the sun, still bleary, stretching your arms to rid yourself of the tiredness. That nervous energy from earlier creeps back in though, making you more aware of your surroundings. You rub your eyes to clear away any lingering sleep, looking around. Something’s going to happen. You can 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 it

Then they appear.

Four heroes in coordinated costumes, flamboyant poses, beaming smiles, and way too much energy for this early in the day. The Wild, Wild Pussycats.
Pixie-Bob strikes a pose. “Welcome to training camp, kitties! Ready to push your Quirks to the limit?”
Somewhere behind you, someone yells, “I thought we were driving to the lodge!”

Mandalay grins. “Oh, you are. But it’s at the bottom of the forest. alllll the way over there.” She points. Down a cliff.
Everyone freezes. Then Pixie-Bob slams her hands into the dirt, and the mountain moves.

The ground rips open with a roar. Mud geysers upward. Someone screams as you all fall. Maybe it's you. It's definitely you.

Aizawa’s voice is barely audible over the chaos. “You’ve got three hours to reach camp. Good luck.”

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

The forest is loud.

Not with sound exactly, but with movement. Roots tear through the earth, trees rattle, beasts roar in frequencies that buzz in his molars. It’s chaotic, wild, and perfectly perfect. Amazingly amazing. Coolingly cool(?)

The point is, this is 𝘢𝘸𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦. Terrifying. But awesome. His heart’s already pumping. This is exactly the kind of challenge that gets him fired up. Kirishima slams a hardened fist into a beast’s chest with a roar of his own, laughter caught somewhere in his throat. Next to him, Sero flings a line of tape into a tree like it owes him money.

“You good?” A voice echoes in his ears. Your voice, of course.

Kiri whips around, mouth already fixed to say something clever. But you're not there. Instead he spots you five meters ahead, already moving. Dodging a flying tree root like you weren't half asleep a minute ago, spinning around to shout something at Midoriya.

Midoriya, who’s just close enough to grab your wrist and pull you toward safety. The entire exchange is strategic and swift. Like you guys are synced.
Kirishima’s body jolts forward instinctively. He starts to follow but stops, catching himself just as Sero barrels past, using a grapple line to swing directly into a monster's face. “You coming, man?!”

“Y-Yeah! Just... yeah!”
Kirishima charges after another beast and buries his arm in its ribcage, feeling the clay crunch around him. But his eyes, his traitorous eyes, keep flicking left.

He catches glimpses of you guys. Your silhouette half-shadowed by the branches. Midoriya just a pace ahead, eyes locked on his target like he knows you’ll cover his flank.

And you do. Over and over, the two of you move like clockwork. Like magnets set on a shared pulse. You guys fight like you’ve trained together. Like you really 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 each other.

And yeah, okay, Midoriya’s brilliant. Smart as hell. Quick-thinking. Tactical and kind and honest. He deserves every friendship he earns, every moment of trust. And it isn't exactly a secret that you've known him the longest either. But somewhere under the adrenaline, something weird settles in his chest.
Not jealousy, exactly. Just something dull and quiet whispering 'I wish she picked me'. If you had, then maybe you would have learned to sync with him too.

He grits his teeth. Slams another beast into splinters. Another beast, another fist, another swing so forceful his knuckles split a boulder he wasn’t even aiming for. He barely hears the crunch.

It's fine. They've all got a job to do. And he’s got a promise to keep. He’s promised himself—promised Bakugo, the team, even promised you in some small way he’ll never admit out loud—that he’d get strong enough that no one he cares about would ever have to feel scared. Even if the person he cares about chooses someone else to stand beside her.

Kirishima grits his teeth, dodges a branch, and dives toward another beast with a force so loud it rattles the trees. He doesn’t feel the bruise blooming on his shoulder. Doesn’t even register the ache in his knuckles. Not right now.

Because in this moment, for this mission? He doesn't need feelings, he needs fists.

And he’s always had those.

Chapter Text

The forest refuses to let up.

Every time you think the last mud beast is down, two more claw their way out in its place. Your legs are burning, you're incredibly thirsty, and your lungs are tight with the burning scent of moss and dirt.

You pivot just a bit too hard after knocking down yet another beast, causing your heel to slide on a slick patch of grass and the ground to shift under you. Time slows just long enough for panic to prickle at your spine.
Before you can fall though, a familiar hand latches firmly onto your forearm. “Careful,” Izuku says, focused as always. “Are you okay?”

You nod, swallowing your surprise. You could have sworn he’d been meters away just a second ago, but of course he was watching out for you. He always is. Although you haven't known the green haired boy for very long, you can confidently say he's become one of your closest friends since starting at U.A., and you're sure he feels the same. The friendship you two have is one built from mutual understanding and support, though you'd be lying if you said your shared o̶b̶s̶e̶s̶s̶i̶o̶n̶ ̶o̶v̶e̶r̶ love for All Might wasn't a big bonding point in your relationship.

Izuku doesn’t let go of your arm until you find your footing, and then it’s back to the rhythm again. He moves forward, you follow. You shout a warning, he redirects. He hurls a blast of air; you time a leap right through the shockwave to land on a beast’s back and slam it into the ground. It’s not choreographed, but it might as well be. You trust him with your timing, and he trusts you with the follow-through.

“Left!” he calls.
You pivot, roll, and jab your water-shrouded fist straight through a mound of sentient gravel, causing it to erupt in a groan of dust and stones.
Your eyes meet briefly, and Izuku grins. You blink, your lips curving up into a smile of your own before a laugh slips out. You two really do make a good team.

There’s shouting a few meters up ahead, and even from this distance you can tell it's Kirishima, his voice loud and concerned. He’s sprinting in your direction, tearing through the trees with Sero at his side, and slicing through monsters with wide sweeping arcs. he doesn't seem to have spotted the two of you yet though.

You raise your hand to wave him over, but at that moment another beast materializes, dragging vines behind it. Izuku yells your name.
He doesn't say "move" though, he just dives. His body moves on its own, if you will.

The impact from his tackle knocks the wind out of you both. You hit the dirt hard, shoulder to shoulder as the beast barrels past and crashes into a nearby tree, bark cracking under the force.
You groan. “And I just got that arm working again.” Izuku laughs from above you, though it sounds a bit startled. “Sorry,” he breathes, his face mere inches from yours. “I didn’t think... I just moved.”

You blink up at him. “No,” you laugh, placing your elbows on the ground to lift yourself up. “You did good.” He lets out a breath of something that sounds like relief, then scrambles to his feet with a lopsided grin and offers his hand.

You take it.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

Kirishima bursts through the trees, his blade-arm still hardened, ready for a fight.
But what he sees stops him cold. It isn't a beast or new threat. Just you and Midoriya, mud-streaked and breathless. Also way too close.

His eyes lock on your joined hands.
Your hand clasped in Midoriya’s.

Or maybe not even that. Maybe it’s the way he holds on. The way you don’t rush to pull away once you're firmly on your feet again. How you’re breathing hard like the world tried to swallow you whole and he was the anchor that kept you grounded. The battle’s over, and what he’s looking at now feels like the aftermath of something he wasn’t meant to witness.

Kirishima stops a few steps short. Just enough to be out of frame, but not out of reach. You’re safe. The two of you are safe. That should be all that matters.

The sun cuts in through the tree canopy, catching on Midoriya’s face as he nervously glances at you. There’s something in that look. Like he’s counting this moment as a win. Not the defeat of a beast. You.
And it makes Kirishima's stomach twist, just a little bit.

He forces a grin though, jogging up just as Kaminari yells something about seeing the lodge. Mud kicks up behind his shoes as he catches up to you.
“Hey!” he calls, a little too loud. “You guys made it!”

Midoriya lets go of your hand like it burned him.

You don't seem to notice though, instead turning to Kirishima with a smile on your face. You're tired and sun-drenched and beautiful in that way that makes his chest ache. There’s dirt on your cheek, and a mean bruise on your shoulder that's sure to turn purple by morning.

But all he sees is how your expression softens at the sight of him, like he’s someone important to you. Like maybe you're just as happy to see that he's still in one piece as he is you.

“Wouldn’t have made it without this guy,” you laugh, nudging Izuku's shoulder playfully. Kirishima huffs a laugh of his own, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah. Figures.”

He doesn’t say he wishes it had been him.
He just clenches his fists and keeps smiling.

The bathhouse smells like cedar and soap. The steam from the warm water rises into the air, almost thick enough to blur his thoughts.

Kirishima sinks low until the water sits comfortably at his shoulders, its warmth seeping into his sore muscles and bruised pride. It should feel peaceful, but the ache in his arms is nothing compared to the one behind his ribs.

Across the bath, Kaminari is reenacting his graceless tumble into the forest using Sero as a mud monster. Water splashes across the area, someone (probably Shoji) groans, and Midoriya starts laughing again. It's low and bright, the kind of laugh that makes people instinctively lean in.

Kirishima doesn’t.
He stays right where he is, draping his arms along the bath’s edge with his gaze fixed somewhere past the steam. His fingertips trail slow ripples across the surface like the water might give him answers, but all it offers is his reflection, his own tired eyes and the faintest ghost of a frown on his lips.
He hasn’t stopped thinking about it. That moment in the woods. The way your body moved in sync with Midoriya’s like it was muscle memory.

He's probably overreacting, and he knows that. You've always been the outgoing type, and it'd be weird for him to get upset over you bonding with a friend. You guys aren't even together (yet?), but even the thought of you simply holding another guys hand makes his chest hurt. He's never felt this way about someone before. Is it normal to feel this intensely when you have a crush?

Kirishima knows he's probably blowing an innocent moment out of proportion, but he knows he didn't imagine the look in your eyes either. Or the way you didn’t even flinch when Midoriya threw himself between you and danger. How you laughed right after, easy and bright despite the bruise blooming on your shoulder. Like he made you feel safe.

It’s not fair to call it jealousy. That word feels too bitter. What he's feeling is something heavy though, that's for sure.

Kirishima presses his palm flat to the wood beside him, groaning to himself.
He should be happy. Midoriya’s his friend. A great guy. A hero through and through. If you had to put your life in someone’s hands, there’s no better person.

So why does it still sting?

Why does he keep replaying the smile on your face after Midoriya pulled you out of the path of that beast? Why does he selfishly wish that smile was only reserved for him? And why does his chest tighten every time he catches one of you glancing at the other like something’s already started and no one told him.

Someone tosses a bottle of shampoo across the pool, the plastic smacking the surface near Kirishima’s shoulder with a sharp thwack. “Yo,” Sero calls, his eyebrow raised. “You look like you’re trying to solve quantum physics over there.”

Kirishima blinks. “What? No, man. I'm just spaced out.” Kaminari swims over with his signature grin. “He’s probably just sore! I think half the forest tried to eat him.”
Kirishima forces out a laugh, flexing one arm. “Good thing I’m crunchy.” That gets a laugh out of the group. Even Midoriya chuckles, brushing damp curls out of his eyes. And somehow, the sincerity of it makes the dull ache in his chest hurt even more.

Midoriya himself drifts over a moment later, rubbing the back of his neck. “Hey, uh... thanks for covering Sero back there. That one beast almost caught him by surprise. You totally saved him.”

Kirishima shrugs. “Well we’ve all got each other’s backs, right?”
“Still,” Midoriya smiles sincerely, looking him in the eye. “You were awesome. You always are!”

He means it, Kirishima can tell. But the warmth from the compliment only slides off his skin. “You too,” Kirishima nods, his voice lower now. “You and her... made a good team out there.”

Kirishima doesn't even have to say your name for Midoriya to perk up in recognition. He blinks, caught slightly off guard, before a soft, unmistakable smile blooms across his face. “Yeah,” he sighs. “She’s... amazing, isn’t she?”

“Yes.” Kirishima leans back, letting his body sink an inch deeper into the water. “She is.”
And that’s exactly the problem.

𖦹˚ 𓆝 ｡𖦹°‧.° ｡𖦹˚ 𓆝 ｡𖦹°‧.° ｡𖦹˚ 𓆝 ｡𖦹°‧.° ｡𖦹˚ 𓆝 ｡𖦹°‧.° ｡𖦹˚ 𓆝 ｡𖦹°‧.° ｡𖦹˚ 𓆝 ｡𖦹°‧.° ｡𖦹˚ 𓆝 ｡𖦹°‧

The dining hall is alive.

Not just with noise, but with relief. The kind that settles into your bones after a long day and makes even the clatter of trays and the scrape of chairs sound like music. You slide in between Mina and Jiro, your tray stacked and steaming. The curry’s rich and golden, the rice fluffy, and the grilled vegetables are charred just enough to taste like summer. You take a bite and nearly melt.

Across the table, Kaminari is full-on weeping into his bowl. “I’m not crying, you’re crying.”
“You 𝘢𝘳𝘦 crying,” Sero deadpans. “You’re seasoning the food with your emotions, bro.”
“Adds depth,” Kaminari sniffs.

Mina leans into your side, whispering. “I give it ten minutes before he proposes to the rice cooker.”
You shake your head at the pink girl, laughing heartily. A few chairs over, Yaoyorozu is explaining the nutritional breakdown of the meal to a very uninterested Hagakure while Shoji hovers nearby, quietly refilling everyone’s water glasses. Tokoyami is eating with the solemnity of a monk, and even Mineta is too tired to be gross, instead just hugging his bowl like it’s a long-lost lover.

You glance around.
Izuku’s seated a bit farther down the table, wedged between Iida and Ochako. His plate is already half-empty, and he’s gesturing animatedly as he talks. You'd be willing to bet money he's retelling one of this morning's battles with full notebook analysis and everything. There’s a spark in his eyes, the same familiar electricity that's always visible in his expression when he talks about his passions. He’s smiling, nodding along to something Ochako says.

Then, without any warning, he looks up. And for a breathless second, his eyes catch yours.

Just as your cheeks inexplicably start to heat though, a thump sounds across from you.
Kirishima drops into the seat directly across yours with a satisfied groan. His hair is still damp, cheeks flushed from the hot bath, and his plate is stacked like he’s trying to win an award for plate-stacking. Is that a thing?

The redhead exhales loudly, draping one arm across the back of his chair. “Okay,” he starts, pointing a chopstick at you with mock severity, “top three moments from today. Go.”

You blink. “Uh, surviving the forest?”
“Lame,” he grins. “That’s everyone’s number one.” You roll your eyes, but your heartbeat is already starting to even out. “Fine. The food. And... winning against all the mud monsters.”

Kirishima taps his chin with mock solemnity. “Both acceptable answers. Mine were: punching a rock beast in the face, this curry,” he dramatically shovels a mouthful into his mouth “...and you. Out there. You were awesome.”

You pause mid-chew, heartbeat accelerating yet again. Your eyes lift to meet his, and something about the sincerity in his voice makes your stomach twist in a very different way.

A sheepish smile spreads across your face. “You weren’t so bad yourself, sugar man.”

Kirishima beams, and for a moment, it’s easy to forget the ache in your legs and arms. You can't even remember why you were so worried on the bus ride over anymore.

But then, almost by instinct, your glance flickers back to the end of the table. Izuku’s laughing at something Ochako said, chopsticks clutched awkwardly in one hand. He looks even brighter now. But then in the short moment between you looking up and Ochako firing off another joke, his eyes slide toward you again.

Only this time, they don’t stay.
And for whatever reason, that hurts more than if he had never looked at all.

♬♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♩♪♩♬♩♪♩♪♩♬

The playlist turns off with a soft click, and the quiet that follows is quickly broken by Mina dramatically flopping into the middle of Yaomomo’s industrial-sized tent, wrapped haphazardly in her blanket. “Okay. It’s game time.”

Jiro raises an eyebrow as she takes a seat cautiously far from the pink-haired girl, shooting her a wary look. “Game?”

“Truth or Tease,” Mina announces with far too much excitement for the occasion. “No dares, just compromising questions and delicious peer pressure.” Jiro groans. “Why are you like this.”
“Because I care. Shut up and move in closer so we can make a circle.”

Eventually, everyone folds in. Yaomomo with a thermos, Hagakure with a snack stash, and even Ochako giggles her way into place next to you, already buzzing with anticipation.

Mina grins like a cat with a laser pointer. “Okay. First question, so let’s go easy. Which guy looked the coolest in the forest today?”

“Deku,” Ochako pipes up without missing a beat, her shoulder nudging yours as she waggles her eyebrows suggestively. “Those combos were insane! He was like 'woosh!' and you were like 'hup!' and then he was like "Now!" and then you pummeled that thing like it owed you cash!”
Jiro nods and looks at you. “Gotta admit, watching you guys move in sync was kinda cool. Like, anime duo level cool. Are you sure there's nothing going on there?”

You blink. “Wait, when did this become about me?”
Mina gasps theatrically. “She admits it’s about her!” You chuck a pillow at her face, and she catches it unfazed. “Moving on,” she decides with a grin.

“You’re faking a relationship for the paparazzi. Which classmate is your partner-in-PR?”
“Ooh, Todoroki,” Yaoyorozu says with surprising confidence, causing everyone to turn. “What?” she shrugs. “He’d treat me with dignity and definitely come up a detailed alibi.”

Laughter erupts around the tent, and Tsuyu points in your direction. "I'd say Ochako.”
“Me??”

“You’re adorable, you’d make great couple photos, and you could come up with an entire fake backstory on the fly, ribbit.” Tsuyu shrugs, and Mina double-finger-guns you. “Alright, Your turn. Who'd be your fake lover?”

You know exactly who your brain goes to first. The one who sat across from you, curry-stained and loyal, all barked laughter and clever quips. The one whose lips touched your cheek just days ago.

But then 'Are you sure there's nothing going on there' echoes in your brain, and for whatever reason your face starts to heat up. Now you're thinking of the freckled boy who reached for your arm before you even fell, the one who's always moved like he knew your rhythm. The guy you showed off to during U.A.'s entrance exam, the same one you immediately recognized outside 1-A's oversized door on your first day of class.

Your heart does something complicated.

“…pass.”

Mina clutches her chest. “A scandal! There is absolutely something going on there and you WILL be telling me later.” You huff, pulling your blanket higher and glaring at the pink fiend. "Why's it have to be truth or tease, huh? What if I want a dare!"

Mina shrugs, pulling an empty mug from who-knows where. “Then congrats, Truth or Dare is officially live!”
Without waiting for anybody to speak, she spins the mug like it’s a fate wheel. It lands on Jiro, who instantly scowls.

Mina grins. “Truth or dare, oh Emo Bard?” Jiro sighs. “Truth. But nothing romantic.”

“No promises,” Mina winks. “Okay… what song makes you cry but you still play it on repeat when you're alone?” Jiro pauses, then quietly mutters, “My Immortal.” You wince. Yaomomo laughs.

The next spin lands on Ochako, to which she quickly grins. "Dare!”
Mina taps her chin. “Okay, I dare you to text Iida and ask him if he believes in fate. But don’t explain it when he questions you.”

Ochako gasps like Mina just dared her to commit tax fraud, but she's already pulling out her phone. Hardly half a minute later, it starts buzzing with notifications.

IIDA- Fate in what context? Social, academic, or ethical?
IIDA- Is this for a class debate or matchmaking experiment?
IIDA- Uraraka please respond.

Next spin, the mug lands on Yaoyorozu.
“Truth,” she says calmly, to which Mina raises an eyebrow. “Alright: if you had to assign Class 1-A roles in a Jane Austen novel, who would be the leads?”

Yaoyorozu takes a sip of tea from her flask, looking entirely too ready for the question. “Kirishima would be the fiercely loyal best friend with quiet heartbreak. Todoroki is the emotionally repressed heir who stares longingly at rainstorms through windows. Mineta dies offscreen." She pauses, before smiling. "Trampled. By a disgruntled horse.”

Silence. Then uproarious agreement.
Jiro wheezes. “Can it be an off-screen pony death? Like karmic retribution?”
“Of course,” Yaoyorozu says smoothly. And then the cup spins again.

The circle’s still buzzing with leftover giggles when the mug slows, before landing on you.
"Alright now, are you choosing truth, or dare?" Mina leans forward on her elbows like you're about to read her future, and you huff indignantly before muttering, "Dare."

A decision you immediately regret when she points at you with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “I dare you to write am anonymous love letter. Three lines, no name. Then tomorrow after dinner, drop it near the lucky person's gear and walk away.”

You groan. “That’s not a dare, that’s a B-plot.”
“Exactly,” Mina hums. “We’re writing fanfic in real time!” Yaoyorozu sighs. “This feels wildly unethical.”

But the pink girl only grins mischievously. “Obviously.”

Next to you Ochako clutches her blanket, looking more worried than you are. “I’m scared... But I'm also super invested.” Mina hands you a folded square of paper and a pen that smells like mango. Where is she pulling these items from??

“Make it romantic,” she says. “Or angsty... Or both. But it has to be a love letter and it has to be true.”

You stare at the paper. Your fingers twitch. And slowly, you reach for the pen.

Chapter Text

The lake is so still it looks smug.

You eye the water like it personally offended you, which to be fair, it’s probably about to. You’ve been instructed by Mister Aizawa, very clearly you might add, to freeze as much of the lake as you can using subosition. No, not just the surface. All the way down to wherever the bottom of the body of water is. Then, you have to walk to the middle. The deep part. And stand still. While nauseous. For ten whole minutes.

Great. This is your dream vacation.

You roll your shoulders, crack your knuckles, and sigh. “I swear, if I throw up on this lake I'll never live it down.” Stepping towards the edge, you let your dominant hand hover over the water, pursing your lips as subosition flares in your fingertips. Ice quickly flowers across the lake, spiraling outward like some kind of winter mandala. The hiss of freezing water is loud, and somewhere in the distance, a bird squawks. You'd like to think it's shouting encouragement and not mockery, thank you very much.

Five meters, ten… Wow, is this taking a while.

By thirty meters, your vision’s going grainy and your breath feels like you’ve been inhaling snow. But still, you keep going. Eventually, all ten acres of the lake settle into a frozen block. If you weren't feeling so wheezy, you might have considered jumping for joy.

The first few steps are fine. But by step twelve you’re questioning your life choices, and by step thirty you’ve started humming aggressively just to fill the silence. By the time you reach the deep zone—the ominous darker patch of ice you definitely don’t want to fall through, you’re one step away from asking the fog for emotional support.

You plant your feet, straighten your spine, and exhale.
And then the nausea joins you.

Closing your eyes you try to center yourself, but this time it’s not music or off-tune humming or even Stain's voice that relives the tension in your stomach.
It’s memories. The smile on Yaomomo's face when you said she did well after your round against Mister Aizawa. Ochako's cheeky grin as she watched you leave to go on your 'date'. Iida's exasperated sigh as he dropped a small fortune on unnecessary gratitude/apology candy.

You’re still shaking, and still kinda dying inside. But at least you’re still standing.

One minute in... Who’s smug now, ice?

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

The room is dim.

Too dim for heavy makeup, and too dim for reading. But it's just right for Sayomi's morning ritual. The mirror stands tall, the surface spotless. Of course it is. She cleaned it this morning.
Again.

She always cleans it before she speaks to her. Before she speaks to you? But you and her are the same person, so Sayomi supposes she shouldn't get too worked up over the finer details. The world works in strange ways after all.

The only thing visible in the mirror is Sayomi's reflection, framed by red curls twisted into soft coils, her lips painted wine-dark.
She smiles at herself, the private smile she reserves for when she's speaking to her. You. Her. The private smile she reserves for when she's speaking to the mirror. Yeah, that sounds better.

But then again, referring to you as the mirror takes some of your humanity away, doesn't it? You, or her, it doesn't really matter. Sayomi needs to stop thinking so much. She's keeping her... you, waiting.

"You’ve waited long enough, haven’t you?" Sayomi finally speaks. Her tone is gentle and coaxing. Like a bedtime story spoken from mother to daughter. Her fingertips graze the edge of the mirror as she smiles.
"You were never meant to be there. That place, that role... it’s a costume they stitched over your skin. But skin remembers."

She nods listlessly as if confirming the validity of what she just said, but the mirror doesn't respond.

Sayomi tilts her head. Not to examine her appearance, but to study the second self in the glass. The one who listens without interruption. "You’re strong now. So strong. I saw you. You don’t even know how much of me is in the way you move. The way you freeze the world when you focus."

"All of this... was always meant to lead you back to me."

She laughs. Not cruelly, but with a kind of wistful admiration, as if recounting a trick the universe played in her favor. Then her gaze sharpens. She leans back just slightly, looking over her own reflection like it belongs to someone else. “They’ll never understand what I’m building. Not Tomura, not Giran. Not even the pretty boy with the fire fetish.”
There’s a glint of something, maybe humor, in her eyes. “But you do. You understand me, don't you?"

"It won’t be long." She leans forward now, her breath barely fogging the glass. "Keep pretending until I arrive, sweetheart. But once I do..."

Her fingers press into the surface of the mirror. She'll be sure to clean that spot tomorrow morning.
"...you won’t have to pretend anymore."

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

The lake is behind you now.

Well, technically it’s 𝘰𝘯 you. Your hair is dripping like a faulty pipe, your sleeves are clinging to your arms like seaweed, and your shoes squelch with every step. You drag yourself up the shore with your dignity in tatters and your entire body still shivering from the swim, muttering mostly to yourself. “Very c-cool. V-very heroic. Great t-t-training arc, 100/10, would fall int-to emotional symbolism ag-gain.”

"You're talking to yourself," comes a stoic voice above you, just as you're about to stand up.

You flinch.
Todoroki is crouched a few feet away, his arms folded like some kind of politely concerned gargoyle. “You fell in,” he states helpfully, because apparently that needed verbal confirmation. You blink at him, your teeth still chattering from the cold. The discomfort from being covered in cold pond water almost overrides the embarrassment of being seen covered in said pond water by your hot classmate. Almost. "I n-noticed?"
There's a pause. Todoroki shifts his gaze to the water, then back to you, then down, awkwardly holding out a towel.

“…Thanks.”
He nods, dropping his arms again. “You made it almost three minutes before you fell.”
You pause mid-wrap. He was watching? You glance up at him, but he’s already looking somewhere else, hands stiff by his sides as if he hadn't spoken at all.

"From where I was training, I had a pretty good view of the lake,” he clarifies. “I found it slightly humorous when you fell in." He finishes his statement with a slow blink, his face carrying no traces of the last comment being a joke.

Ah, now that makes more sense. You sigh, opting to hold the towel in one arm as you siphon water from your clothes with the other. You honestly couldn't imagine a world in which you had to manually dry your hair. The single hair dryer and two towels in the house belong to your father, with your mom and yourself opting for the easier option.

“I was going for maximum dramatic impact, obviously,” you mumble. “Gotta keep the audience engaged.”

Todoroki hums like he’s considering this. “It was unexpected. Probably unnecessary though.” You roll your eyes. “Thanks.”
A few seconds pass in companionable-ish silence. The towel warms you slightly, the cold air nipping a little less harshly at your skin now. Todoroki crouches next to you, which is mildly surprising. You sort of expected him to ice-slide away after delivering his quota of Todoroki-isms. Instead, he looks ahead. “I used to mess up a lot. During my training.”

You blink.

He doesn't look at you, but his voice is quieter now. “When I was first learning to balance both sides of my Quirk, I got the proportions wrong a lot. I'd release too much fire too quickly, or I’d freeze water but forget to reinforce the structure. It was… difficult.”
That last word hangs oddly in the air, like it’s been sanded smooth before leaving his mouth. You glance over at him, finding his expression unchanged but his ears a bit pink.

“…I didn’t think you ever messed up,” you admit. “I did,” he says simply. “And I still do. You just don’t see it.” There’s something grounding about him saying it so matter-of-factly. No dramatics or embellishment, just a small, truthful offering.

Eventually after a few moments of shared silence, you shuffle to your feet. “Well… in that case, I hope you enjoyed the show. Glad to carry on the tradition.” He nods at you. “I did. We should go now though. You’re going to smell like a pond if you don’t change soon.” You shrug. Touché.

The lake fades away behind you as you and Todoroki make your way back toward camp. The towel's still slung around your shoulders, shoes squelching way less than before, and your hands have finally stopped shaking from the cold. Mostly.
Todoroki walks beside you in even strides, not speaking, but not leaving either. And that's more than you could have asked for, really.

Up ahead, voices buzz like a hive in full swing.
You round the final bend to see the rest of the class gathered by the tables, eyes locked onto Pixie-Bob who stands dramatically near a crate of potatoes. “There 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 be no dinner,” she declares.

Everyone stares.

“Unless you make it.”
There is a collective collapse of morale. "What does that mean?" Kaminari blurts, picking up a carrot with genuine panic in his voice. “Are we being punished?”

"No," Mandalay sighs. “This is your team-building dinner simulation.”
"And your reward," Pixie-Bob adds cheerfully, kicking a potato sack down like a game show prize. “Chop chop!”
Iida recovers first, going on a spiel about this being some sort of preparation for "filling the stomachs and spirits of those exhausted during a disaster." You hardly hear a word he's saying though, preoccupied with the low grumbling in your stomach.

“Okay, okay, this is fine. We got this, right?! Bakugo can make fire!” Kirishima pipes up with his natural enthusiasm, but Bakugo looks more than offended. “I’m not your fuckin' stove, Shitty Hair.” Sero’s already chasing Mineta away from the onions, Ochako is stuck trying to figure out how many liters are in a gram, and Hagakure stands motionless, staring at a raw egg like it’s a timed explosive.

"Did… did we ever decide if curry counts as a survival skill?” You turn your head slightly towards the stoic teen next to you, frowning. Todoroki’s reply is flat. “Not if we cook it.”
“Not if 𝘺𝘰𝘶 cook it, maybe,” you mutter, before stopping yourself. “Wait. Oh no. Did you ever learn how—”
He’s already walking away.

Ten minutes later, Todoroki is holding a knife like it’s a live mic, Bakugo is glaring at a pot, and Iida is trying to assign roles like this is a Michelin-rated disaster drill. You have a feeling he's just trying to make up for the fact that he nearly shaved his finger off while peeling a potato.

Kirishima joins your side, ruffling your hair with a look of grave sincerity. “We’re gonna need your water powers if we want to soak the rice properly.”

“Great. I’m back from freezing in a lake and 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 is what my Quirk gets used for.” He gives you a toothy grin. “Hey, control under pressure, right?” You groan but take the pot anyway.
As chaos brews in the firepit, and the smell of nearly-burning rice begins to mingle with the evening air, you find yourself smiling.

Maybe not a bad arc after all.

୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧・・・・୨୧

The firepit's embers glow lower now, muted coals pulsing softly as the camp begins to wind down. Mina’s laughter still rings faintly from somewhere behind you, and someone else’s shoes squeak in the distance as water buckets are dragged back toward the supply shack.
You’re not listening though. Not really.

"𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴, 𝘯𝘰 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘳, 𝘥𝘳𝘰𝘱 𝘪𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘺 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯'𝘴 𝘨𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺.”

Dinner is over now, which means you have to fulfill the dare.

Well you don’t actually 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 to, but you’re way too prideful to chicken out of a dare as simple as this. There’s no way he’ll even be able to trace it back to you, right?

The letter is tucked in your palm, folded twice, and sealed with nothing but hesitation and a stubborn heart. Your fingers have curled around it so tightly that the edges are slightly crumpled now.
You shouldn’t care this much. It’s just a dare. A piece of paper that only one person will ever see. But you do care. Because somehow, it feels like telling a confession without saying anything at all.

You spot him near a bench, his back turned, fumbling with one of his analysis notebooks. The first thing you notice is his hair, already wild from today’s training. He mumbles something to himself, probably cataloging techniques or jotting mental notes you’ll never hear aloud.

Izuku Midoriya. Hero nerd. Class tactician. The boy who thanked you way too earnestly the other day just for handing him one of his own pencils.
And you? You’re walking toward him on legs that feel like they belong to someone braver. The walk feels longer than it should. Like the pine needles are stretching beneath your steps, asking "Are you sure? Are you really doing this?"

You don’t answer.

When you reach the bag, he’s still not looking. He doesn’t notice you, his focus still entirely on whatever he's writing.
So you do it.

You hold your breath, then kneel slightly and slip the letter just below the loose All Might charm you gifted him and the flap of another one of his notebooks. Not hidden, but not obvious either. Something he’ll find when he least expects it.
You straighten too fast, and start to turn. But that’s when his head lifts.

“Ah—hey!” Your breath stutters, and you rush to respond with the cheerfulness of someone who did *not* just put a love letter in his bag. “Hi!” No. Nope. Way too chipper.

His face lights up in that perfectly bashful, slightly startled way, like your presence pleasantly surprised him. “Um… good work during training today,” he blurts out. “That lake thing.. that was, uh, really brave! Even if you, um…”
“Fell in like a cartoon character?” He laughs sheepishly. “No! I mean yes. But! The commitment was, um. Inspiring?”

“You don’t sound sure.”
“I am!” He insists, a little breathless. “It’s just—you were really cool. Until, you know, the splash.” You laugh under your breath. “Thanks, I think.”

There’s a pause then, but it's not uncomfortable. And in that moment, you realize this is the softest you’ve felt all day. Not because you’re dry, or because dinner’s over. But because one of your closest friends is here, smiling like he’s happy just to have spoken to you. Even if he has no idea you just dropped a fragment of your heart into his backpack.

“Hey,” he starts, awkward again. “If you ever wanna, um... go over strategies for holding subosition, I took notes. You had good form.”

Your lips curve up before you can stop them. “You took notes on me falling in the water?” He turns tomato-red. “N-no! I mean, yes! But also before that!”
You bite back a grin. “Only you could take notes on someone's form standing on a block of ice. You’re kind of incredible, really.”

Izuku blushes at your words, and you realize he doesn’t hear that enough to know you mean it. Not yet, at least. But maybe he will soon. You lift a hand in half-salute. “G'night, Deku.”

His ears pinken more at the nickname. “Good…Goodnight!”

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

Morning breaks gently, spilling filtered gold through the tree canopy. Koda's feeding the birds, Yaoyorozu is already reviewing her schedule, and Kaminari's arguing with his pillow while still asleep, as if he just lost a court case in his dreams.

Izuku yawns into his wrist.

His curls are a mess, his shirt is wrinkled, and he’s still blinking through mental flashcards as he kneels beside his bag, mumbling about Tiger's sparring technique and ideas for how to improve his reaction time. He flips the flap open, ready to grab his notebook, and freezes.
There’s a paper tucked inside.

No name or crease lines from his usual folding style, just faintly rumpled edges. Izuku frowns, slightly confused, lifting it out with the care of someone handling rare evidence.
The paper is warm from sitting near his gear. Almost like it’s been waiting to be found.

He glances around, confirms no one’s looking, and unfolds it cautiously.

𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙨𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙮 𝙞𝙣.
𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙨𝙖𝙛𝙚𝙩𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚'𝙨 𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙚.
𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙄𝙛 𝙄 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙚, 𝙄 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙨.

Izuku reads the letter again. Then he blinks. He reads it over once more, before blinking a second time. It takes him an embarrassing about of rereads for his brain to catch up with his eyes, but once he realizes exactly what he’s looking at, Izuku’s brain empties. Just completely short circuits.

All thoughts of training plans, breakfast rations, and hydration reminders vanish into the treeline. His mouth opens slightly, then closes again. His hand curls tighter around the paper.
And his knees just... give.

He sits down right there next to his bag. Like staying crouched would insult the weight of what he just read. Because someone wrote that. To him. About him.

And now his ears are turning pink. His face, too. Possibly his soul. He folds the letter once, then once more. Then he holds it carefully in both palms, as if he's afraid the ink might disappear if he looks away.

He stays like that until Uraraka calls his name for breakfast, which prompts him to startle upright like she just caught him doing something dirty.

Izuku pockets the letter carefully. And smiles the kind of wobbly smile that says 'someone saw me. And I don’t even know how to breathe right now.'

Chapter Text

The field stretches wide under the bright sun, wet dew still clinging to the edges of grass blades. Your shoes press into the soft earth, grounding you as you arch into a stretch, holding both arms high above your head.

Somewhere just within your line of sight, Izuku is sitting with one leg drawn up and his notebook balanced carefully on his knee. You try not to look. You try 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 hard not to notice the way he keeps flipping the pages open and shut again, his fingertips skating across the margins like they’re chasing the meaning of graphite. He’s angled just enough to be visible yet just far enough to make pretending you aren't staring feel like an actual sport. His elbows are tucked in tight, like whatever he’s writing needs shielding from the forest... or from you.

He’s been staring at the same paragraph for nearly five minutes, which means yeah. He probably found it.

You tilt your head toward the sky in what you hope reads as thoughtful serenity. The clouds are doing their thing, puffy and slow, just as uninteresting as clouds are meant to be. You count birds. You adjust your stretch. You pretend like you weren’t rehearsing this exact moment in your head last night, while you were folding the note in quiet panic before slipping it in his bag. Your shoulders relax, lowering from above your head as you pretend to focus on the grass instead of the boy five meters away.

Then you feel someone's gaze on you. It's bright and unhidden, shot straight across the grass like a gossip radar.

Minas, of course.

She’s crouched beside Jiro, tugging at the laces on her boot with all the subtlety of someone performing a monologue under stage lighting. Her mouth curls into a grin as her eyes catch yours, and she mouths the words: 'Did. He. Find. It?'

You blink once.

Mina’s eyebrows practically fly off her face, lifted so high they nearly disappear behind her bangs. Her eyes widen, and her whole posture springs like she’s physically restraining herself from bursting into confetti. You give her the faintest nod, and her reaction is immediate.

Her hands fly to her mouth, muffling a squeal that’s audible in spirit if not sound. Jiro sighs, clearly unamused, but she doesn't say anything. This isn’t the first time Mina has nearly combusted over romantic drama.

Speaking of, Mina mouths again, wide-eyed. 'What did he do?'

You shrug, risking a glance back toward Izuku to find him hunched deeper over his notebook now, his head tipped forward and his hand moving furiously. His face is the kind of red that would send Recovery Girl over just to check his blood pressure.

Meanwhile, Mina stares at him like she’s watching the series finale of a slow-burn romance she’s been bingeing for months. She mimes a little heart explosion over her chest, then winks at you before turning back to her laces with the kind of suspicious innocence only she can pull off.

Izuku misses the entire exchange. Or maybe he doesn’t.
It’s hard to tell now, with the way his brows are furrowed in deep concentration. Not tactical or battle concentration, but the kind that only shows up when he’s overthinking.

And you know him well enough to read that.

He’s been off all morning. Half a beat late during his sparring against Tiger, pausing halfway through writing a word just to stare into the distance, starting warm-ups and then forgetting where he left off. A few times he looked directly at you and then immediately looked away like his brain had reset under the pressure.

Which means: he’s thinking too much.
Which means: he’s feeling too much.
And that means the note wasn’t for nothing.

Training ramps up again.

You make your way to the lake, the familiar chill of cold air clinging to the surface. This time you last a full five minutes atop the frozen pool before falling. Todoroki’s waiting near the edge when you climb out same as yesterday, a towel already in hand. His words are cordial and soft, a casual exchange like last time, but your mind barely registers them.

Because your gaze keeps falling toward Izuku.

He’s not training. He’s just… standing.
His wrist guards are half-fastened, and his hands are hovering like he forgot what they were supposed to be doing. His gaze is fixed on you.

But not in the tactical way. Not in the 'wow, great technique' way. In a quiet, folded-note way. Like he’s still trying to make sense of the three lines that changed his morning. And that thought makes your heart hiccup.

You dry off slowly, your footsteps squelching in the muddy edge of the lake. Your arms are still trembling. From the cold, sure, but also from the weight of being 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘯. Because no matter how tactical Izuku can be, no matter how calculated his movements or how sharp his focus, the way he's looking at you now isn’t part of a strategy.

This is personal.

Three lines scrawled on a scrap of notebook paper. Nothing flowery or dramatic, just honest. Painfully honest. Honestly, you didn't even know you had those words in you until last night, but they're already rewriting the way he looks at you and the way the air between you feels like it might break if either of you speak too loud.

But it’s too late now. You can’t take your words back.
Not when he’s already holding them.

⋆˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡⋆

The sun dips low behind the trees, casting long shadows across the clearing as the Wild Wild Pussycats rally you all for the evening’s activity. Pixie-Bob claps her hands, her voice bright and mischievous. “Time for the Test of Courage!”

Cheers ripple through the group, followed by a few groans and one very loud “Let’s gooo!” from Kaminari. You stand next to Ochako, both of you slick with sweat and adrenaline from the final sparring rotations. Her cheeks are flushed, her hair sliding messily over one shoulder, and she’s sipping something fizzy from a juice pouch like she didn’t just go full takedown mode fifteen minutes ago. Her eyes sparkle. And not in the restful night sky kind of way.

You narrow your eyes at her, watching as she looks at the clipboard before Mandalay even gets to it with something that looks suspiciously like scheming in her gaze.

“You’ll be walking in pairs,” Mandalay says brightly. “Class 1-B will be stationed throughout the forest to scare you. Try not to scream too loud…” She grins. “Or do. It’s more fun that way.”

You glance toward the edge of the clearing, where the forest looms like a curtain waiting to be pulled back. Somewhere in the distance, an owl hoots just as Pixie-bob appears holding a small wooden box like it contains the secrets of the universe. “Come pick your partner!”

The line forms, and each student takes a slip. Jiro reads hers with a small sigh, while Hagakure squeals like she’s won a prize. Shoji and Tokoyami pair off without words. The pairings unfold naturally, like the universe is drawing constellations in human form.

Finally, you step forward and reach into the box. You wait until you've made your way back to the bench before opening your slip, and what you see written inside makes you grin.

“Uraraka.”
Ochako leans over your shoulder. “Oooh, me!”

You laugh. “Looks like we’re partners.”
The brunette nods. “Yup! Totally. Except…” She leans in now, her voice low. “I think someone else might need this walk more than me.”

You blink. “What do you mean?” But she doesn’t answer. Instead, she casually strolls over to Mandalay, chattering about something you can't hear from the distance you're at. You watch her hand slip toward the now empty box, a sign that she’s 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 up to something.

Before you can ask though, she spins around and heads straight for Izuku. You catch the flash of pink on his cheeks even from where you’re standing.
“Hey, Deku,” she starts cheerfully, handing him a folded slip. “Want to switch?”
He blinks. “Wait—huh?”

She gestures toward you, a cheerful smile on her face. “Great! You’re walking with her now. I’m gonna steal your partner for this round. I got permission. Just now.”

Izuku stares at the paper as she skips away and you take that as your cue to walk over, trying not to look too happy about the turn of events. “Well, it looks like we’re partners?”

He nods, his cheeks getting pinker by the second. “Y-Yeah. Cool. That’s... cool.”
Ochako winks at you from behind Mandalay’s shoulder, then turns and jogs off toward the forest with Tsu as if she didn’t just rearrange the emotional architecture of the entire evening.

⋆˚꩜｡˚꩜｡˚꩜｡

The clearing buzzes with anticipation. The waiting students mill around in loose clusters, some with flashlights in hand, masking their nerves with bravado and banter. The sun has dipped low enough to cast long shadows across the grass, and the forest looms like a stage behind velvet curtains.
You sit on a log near the edge with your legs stretched out, curling your fingers around the flashlight in your palm. Izuku’s beside you, close but not 𝘵𝘰𝘰 close, his posture stiff with the kind of tension that doesn’t come from fear of ghosts.

He's been unusually quiet since the lot switch.
Not awkward, just… careful. Like he’s making sure he doesn’t cross an invisible line.

You sneak a glance at him to see he’s fiddling with the hem of his shirt, rolling the fabric between his fingers like it might unravel the answers he's looking for. His eyes flit toward the forest, then toward you, then back to his lap. His notebook is nowhere in sight, which is suspicious in itself. You clear your throat. “Are you okay?”

His head snaps up like you shook him out of a thought spiral. “Yeah! Just—uh, mentally preparing. For the walk. And the scares. And the fog. And—”
You lift an eyebrow and he deflates slightly, a puff of laughter escaping before he rubs the back of his neck. “Okay, maybe not just that.”

You smile, soft and crooked. “You’re not scared of the forest, are you.”
“No,” he says quickly. Then hesitates. “Not the forest.”

You don’t ask what he is scared of.
You think you already know.

He shifts beside you again, fingers tapping against his thigh in a rhythm that doesn’t match the background chatter. Like a countdown only he can hear. You wonder if he’s working up the courage to bring up the note. If he’s waiting for the right moment.
You wonder if you are too.

♬♩♪♩♬

The forest eats sound.

The moment your boots press onto the trail the chatter behind you dulls to a murmur, then vanishes altogether. The fog is denser now, curling around tree trunks and wrapping itself around your ankles like it wants to pull you under the soil.

Lanterns strung along the path flicker like they’re second-guessing their job. Shadows stretch long and thin across the dirt, broken only by your bouncing flashlight beams.

Izuku walks close beside you. His shoulder doesn’t touch yours, but it flirts with the possibility every few steps.

Unlike Izuku, you are 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 afraid of the forest. Not in a 'what was that noise' kind of way, but in a 'I know something is wrong' kind of way. Every snapped twig makes your hair stand on end. Every rustle feels personal. And the unavoidable conversation ahead isn’t helping your nerves in the slightest.

Izuku clears his throat softly. “I’ve been meaning to ask you something.”
You glance toward him, trying to keep your voice from pitching higher with anticipation. “Yeah?”

He hesitates, then clears his throat again. You can almost hear the gears turning in his head.

“About a note I got this morning...”
Your breath catches, but you keep walking. If the pinkness deepening across his face is anything to go by though, he definitely noticed your reaction.

“I think I know it was you,” he swallows. “But I didn’t want to assume. I just—”
He stops. And you stop too.

The beam of your flashlight catches on a patch of moss, illuminating the curve of his jaw and the furrow in his brow, the way his eyes flick toward you cautiously like he’s afraid of what he’ll find in your expression. Of being wrong. Or maybe of being right.

“I read it a dozen times,” he breathes. “Maybe more. I kept thinking… if it was you, then maybe—”

Then it hits.
A sharp pulse in your head, like a thought that isn’t yours.
'𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚, 𝙬𝙚'𝙧𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙖𝙩 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙬𝙤 𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙮 𝙗𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚. 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚, 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙖𝙢𝙥 𝙞𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮!'

Izuku freezes. You do too.

Then the forest explodes with motion. You can hear shouts in the distance, a burst of flame somewhere far off, the crack of branches breaking. The unease you felt on the bus ride over has increased tenfold. Your skin prickles, and your stomach lurches. You think you might actually throw up.

Izuku grabs your wrist, bringing you back to the present. “We have to get back.” You nod, already summoning your quirk. You draw water from the damp earth, watching as it rises like a tide around your feet before swirling up your calves, forming armor where none existed before. The mist in front of the two of you follows suit, parting to clear your vision.

But Izuku doesn’t move. Not yet.

He’s still holding your wrist, looking at you like there’s more he wants to say. Like the words are trying to claw their way out even now, even 𝘯𝘰𝘸.

“I think Kota’s still out there,” he says finally. “I have to find him.”
You stare at him. There’s no protest in your chest, only worry. You nod again, slower this time, pulling your hand back hesitantly. “I know.”

He hesitates.
Then runs.

You watch his silhouette disappear into the trees, the beam of his flashlight bobbing in the dark.
You stand there for half a second longer, your heart still echoing with the moment he said “𝘐𝘧 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶…”

Then you run too.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

The bar breathes as if it's alive.

The walls pulse with low vibrations. The sound of distant screams, the crackle of fire, the static hum of comms feeding back through half-broken speakers. The air smells like scorched copper and damp concrete, like blood and burnt wires.

Sayomi sits on the edge of a table with one leg crossed over the other, her posture immaculate. Her dress is pristine and her heels are clean. She looks like she doesn’t belong here, yet she’s the one who orchestrated the whole thing.

Meanwhile outside, the League moves around strategically. Dabi’s voice crackles through the comms, Spinner mutters something about movement near the lake, and Toga’s feed flickers in and out, her camera bouncing with each enthusiastic step through the trees. Sayomi watches it all like a conductor listening to her orchestra. Next to her, Tomura slouches in a chair that’s more rust than metal, his fingers twitching against the armrest. He’s watching her the way a cat might watch a bird: Curious and amused, but not quite hungry.

“You’re very calm,” he drawls, his voice dry.
Sayomi doesn’t even look at him. Her eyes are fixed on the monitor, where the forest glows in patches of flame. Students scatter like ants. Pro heroes scramble. And somewhere in the chaos, 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 running with your eyes wide and your heart pounding rapidly.

“I'm calm because it’s working,” Sayomi replies stoically. Right now she's really glad she bought those expensive body cams for the league to wear during this mission.

The footage is grainy, sure. That's only to be expected with all the running the league members are doing, but she doesn't mind. After all, right this second she's getting a good view of you as you jog off the beaten path, your breath ragged and the small scrapes on your arms red with blood.

Toga is doing a good job keeping her presence hidden, so all Sayomi has to do now is speak the signal into the girl's earpiece and you'll be as good as caught.

Tomura tilts his head slightly. “And you’re sure she’s alone?”
Sayomi taps the edge of the table once. “Midoriya left her to find the boy. Just like I said he would.” She doesn’t say his name with disdain, she says it like a solved equation. Like a variable she’s already accounted for. “He’s predictable,” she continues. “She’s vulnerable. And the League is closing in.”

Tomura chuckles, shaking his head. “You really know them.”
“I study what I want,” she says simply. “And I want her.”

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

The fog thickens.

You were running. You 𝘢𝘳𝘦 running. But now the path is gone, swallowed by mist and panic and the snap of a twig that sounded too close to be a squirrel.
Your shoes skid against damp leaves as you pivot, the beam of your flashlight slicing through the dark like a blade. The trees crowd in, branches clawing mercilessly at your arms, and your breath comes fast and shallow.

You were supposed to stay on the trail.
You were supposed to regroup. You were supposed to be 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦.

But the sound pulled you sideways, and now you’re knee-deep in underbrush with no idea which direction leads back to the clearing. The lanterns are gone. The markers are gone. Even the distant voices seem to have vanished completely.

You can feel your pulse in your fingertips, in your throat, oh you really might throw up now. Your quirk pulses beneath your skin, water condensing on your arms, mist curling around your ankles. You reach out, trying to sense anything familiar in the air. But there’s nothing. Just the echo of your own heartbeat.

You turn in a slow circle, your flashlight flickering once, then again. The beam catches on a patch of moss, then a smear of something dark on tree bark. You 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 don’t want to know what it is.

“Izukun?” you call, your voice nearly a whisper.
There's no answer.

You chew on the inside of your cheek nervously. He said he had to find Kota. He said he’d be back. But the forest is full of chaos now, and you’re not sure if 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 is where they’re supposed to be.

Another twig snaps, way too close for comfort.
You turn toward the sound, water rising instinctively around your hands, ready to freeze or strike, to do 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 besides run aimlessly. But there’s no one there. Just a shadow. Just the feeling that you’re being watched. Just—

The fog shifts.
You feel it against your neck, cold and damp, and you swear something moved just beyond the reach of your flashlight.

"Hi!"
She steps into view like she’s been waiting for you.
Blonde hair in messy pigtails, her bangs ending just above wide eyes, her smile too sharp to be safe. Her schoolgirl uniform is stained and rumpled, but she wears it like a costume. Like a joke only she understands.

She tilts her head, hands clasped behind her back like she’s greeting a friend at a picnic.
“I'm Himiko Toga,” she introduces sweetly, her fangs visible as she parts her lips in a smile.

Your quirk flares in your fingers. Water surges up from the damp earth, the pure liquid thickening around your fists. But you don’t move. You don’t speak either.

She steps closer. “You’re even prettier up close,” she grins. “Onna-Bune was right.”

Your heart stutters.
“W-Who—?”

Toga giggles. It’s light and girlish and so very 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨. Like laughter in a morgue.
“Oh, she didn’t tell you? That’s rude. She’s been watching you for a 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦.”

You take a step back. Toga takes one forward.
“Don’t worry,” she starts. “I’m not here to kill you. I’m just here to collect you." She pouts. "Onna-Bune said I couldn't do any stabbing unless it's necessary, but I'm sure we'll still have lots of fun together!”

You don’t know what hits harder, her words or the way she says them. Like she’s talking about a sleepover. Like this is all a game. Like you’re not real to her, just a prize. Some cargo to be collected. But regardless, that's all you needed to hear. Water snaps upward, forming a wall between the two of you, droplets freezing midair like glass shards. The mist thickens, obscuring her vision.

“Ooooh, dramatic!", she squeals. "I 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 that.”

You don’t speak. You don’t blink. You just run.

...

...

...............

You’re not sure how you got this high.

Your fingers sting, and you have to actively fight the urge to take your burning hands off the tree bark, your palms scraped raw from the climb. The branch you're currently sitting on creaks faintly beneath you, swaying just enough to remind you how far you are from the ground.

Meanwhile, Toga is still searching from below. Her footsteps are light, almost cheerful, crunching leaves like she’s skipping through a playground. You catch glimpses of her through the mist, but she doesn’t look up.

Your heart thuds against your ribs loud enough you’re sure she can hear it, a worry that only increases tenfold when the blonde pauses next to your tree.
You don’t move.

Toga tilts her head, sniffing the air like she’s caught your scent. Her smile widens, but she doesn’t stop. She keeps walking past your hiding spot, deeper into the woods, her voice fading into the fog.
“Come out, come out, wherever you are…”

You don’t dare to breathe until she’s gone.

Truthfully, you know you're being cowardly, sitting in this tree instead of fighting the girl head-on. Izuku hardly hesitated to go find Kota, despite knowing there would be strength in numbers. Ochako is probably giving it all she's got aswell, and for a short, fleeting second, you selfishly wish she were here with you right now.

Maybe then you wouldn't feel so afraid. Maybe you wouldn't have hesitated so much when faced with danger.

You lean your head back against the trunk, squeezing your eyes shut as if doing so will allow you to go back in time. Where would you go if that were possible? Maybe you'd go back to last night, where you slept with a smile on your face, unaware of the villains plotting.

What was that you said before your fight against the Hero Killer? The details are fuzzy now, but you know you said something about how you'd 'never hesitate before the likes of him again'. What a joke that turned out to be. Toga's hardly more dangerous than a grown man wielding a katana, but here you are, trembling like a leaf in the wind.

Your arms are scraped. Your legs are trembling. You’re not sure how long you can stay up here, or what direction leads back to camp. Everything feels twisted. But coward or not, as least you’re safe.

Or you 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦. Because the forest has gone quiet again.
Not the kind of quiet that comes after danger, but the kind that comes before it.

There’s no wind, no birds, and no distant shouting.
Until a smooth voice rings out in your ears.

“Impressive.”

You nearly scream. You actually open your mouth to do just that, but the sheer unbridled 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳 in your chest stops you.

Because the voice doesn’t come from below.

It comes from behind you.

Chapter Text

You twist around, nearly slipping off the branch in the process, but when you turn around there he is.

One leg is crossed over the other, with a gloved hand resting on his knee and his top hat tilted just enough to cast a shadow over his mask. The mask in question gleams in the dim light, polished and pristine as if he’s dressed for a stage instead of a manhunt.

“I must say,” the man speaks, his voice smooth as silk, “you have quite the survival instincts. Most don’t make it past Toga.”

Your quirk sparks in your fingertips, moisture gathering around your fist as a warning. But he doesn’t flinch or even reach for a weapon. He just watches you with his head tilted, like you’re a puzzle he’s halfway through solving.

“Hydrokinesis, isn’t it?” he muses. “Such a quirk is rare, how beautiful. It can be dangerous as well, if wielded correctly.”
You swallow hard, your throat dry despite the mist. “And yet,” he continues, leaning forward slightly, “you hide.” His tone isn’t mocking but curious. As if he’s studying a rare artifact, not a student clinging to a tree.

“Why is that?” he asks. “Fear? Strategy? Or is it something more… poetic?”

You don’t answer, because you can tell what this is. Every word he's saying, every gesture he's making... It's all intentional. He’s not here to kill you, for whataver reason he's trying to *decode* you.
“You know,” he says, standing with impossible grace, “I could end this now at a flick of the wrist. A snap of the fingers.”

He lifts his hand, and for a moment you see the glint of a marble between his fingers before he lowers it again.

“But where’s the artistry in that?”
He steps closer. Somehow the branch he's on doesn’t creak, the fog doesn’t stir.

“Tell me,” he whispers, his voice low and intimate, “what story do you want to tell?”

You're at a clear disadvantage here. He already knows how your quirk works, while all you've seen of his is a marble. He seems more than comfortable getting up close and personal with you, so you have no doubt he can counter your attacks. But even so, what kind of hero would you be if you didn't at least *try* to hold your own?

You grimace and tighten your fist, ready to strike despite your glaringly obvious lack of confidence.
The man smiles beneath the mask.

“Ah. A fighter, then.”

Without wasting a moment you lunge forward, vaulting from your branch to his and aiming for his chest, but he’s already moving. His hand lifts, fingers flicking with practiced ease, and before your attack even lands—

-click-

A slight pulse of pressure... and then there's nothing.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟
You're still spinning inside the marble.

Not physically, of course. Physically, you're compressed into a perfect sphere. Smooth, blue, compact, and humming faintly with residual energy. But Compress knows what it feels like inside. The disorientation, the weightlessness... He’s seen it in their eyes when they’re released.

They always blink too fast, catching their breath with fear in their eyes before they even register the fact that the scenery around them has changed. They look at him like he’s rewritten the laws of reality. Every, single, time. But unfortunately, Compress won't be able to relish in his capture for too long. He won't get to see your pitiful expression when you're released. No, Sayomi will be the one to enjoy that.

“A clean capture,” Compress murmurs, turning the marble between his fingers. “This one was far too easy.”
He slips the sphere into his pocket with practiced grace, the motion fluid and final. The tree above him sways gently, its branch empty now. Compress tips his hat toward the plant, before finally tapping his earpiece and clearing his throat into the compact microphone.

“She climbed well,” he says softly. “But the stage was mine.”

Compress walks slowly through the forest, his boots crunching against damp leaves, the chaos of battle echoing faintly in the distance. It's all part of the backdrop, part of the show.
But this capture was surely the highlight.

He passes a scorched tree, its bark still smoking. A trail of tape hangs from a branch like a forgotten ribbon. He steps over a broken branch and simply keeps walking.

“Hydrokinesis,” he muses aloud. “Rare and beautiful. It's difficult to contain, but not impossible.”
He pats the pocket where the marble rests.
“She’ll be a fine addition.”

Compress finally reaches the clearing where Sayomi waits, her posture still and composed. Her dress looks out of place in this setting, still somehow untouched by ash or blood. She doesn’t look up when he arrives, only waits patiently until he steps into view and holds out the marble.

“Here we are.” He grins.
Sayomi takes it without ceremony, her fingers curling around it like it’s fragile. She doesn’t speak, she just watches it.

Compress tilts his head.
“You know,” he says, his voice light, “I’ve captured many. Civilians, students, even a few low-rank pros. But this one… I can tell she’s special to you.”

Sayomi’s eyes flick toward him, her gaze sharp and unreadable.
“That's because she’s *mine*,” she bites.
Compress only smiles beneath the mask.
“Of course.”

He steps back, letting the woman have her moment. Because for him, the performance is over.
But for Sayomi, for you... It’s just beginning.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

Izuku's legs are shaking.

From fear, from pain... just from *everything*.
The fight with Muscular left him bruised and barely standing. His arms feel like lead and his ribs ache with every breath, but Kota is safe. That’s what matters.
He sent the boy toward Mandalay’s signal, watched him disappear into the fog, and then turned back toward the clearing.

The clearing you were supposed to meet him at.

But it's empty.

Izuku’s breath catches in his throat. His gaze bounces from tree to tree, registering mist and smoke and absolutely nothing that looks like you. He calls your name once, then again. But there's no answer.

Izuku's heart starts to race, and he struggles to compose himself.
“I'm just overthinking things. She’s strong,” he mutters. “She’s smart, she’s...”

But the words don’t help. Because you’re not here.
And so he starts running.

The fog thickens as he moves, curling around his ankles and swallowing sound. His shoes slam against the dirt and his arms ache with every swing, but he doesn’t stop. He *can’t* stop.

He retraces his steps. Past the scorched trees, past the place where you split off, past the broken branches and the claw marks and the places where the forest just feels *wrong*.

He remembers the way you looked at him before you left, the hesitance in your eyes... He remembers the note. The three lines that rewrote his morning.

'If it was you…'

He never got a clear answer to his question. You never confirmed his hopes... his worries? He isn't sure how he feels about the letter, in all honestly. He isn't even completely sure how he feels about *you*. All these unfamiliar feelings are swirling around in his chest, and Izuku isn't quite sure how much more he can take before his heart explodes.

But if there's one thing he knows for sure, it's that he can't lose you.

Izuku stops running. He finally stands still.
And in that moment, somehow he knows.

You’re not just lost, you’ve been *taken*.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

The forest is chaos.

Smoke curls through the trees. The ground is torn up in places, while scorched in others. Screams echo from somewhere deeper in the woods, and Ochako’s heart is pounding so hard she can barely hear herself think.

She ducks behind a fallen log, her fingers trembling as she resets the grip on her gear. Tsuyu is somewhere nearby, but everything’s scattered now. Everyone’s scattered.

Still, Ochako’s not panicking. Because she’s trained for this.

The fog thickens as she pushes forward, her shoes crunching against damp leaves. Her quirk pulses in her fingertips, ready to lift debris, deflect attacks, do *anything*. But for whatever reason, the forest feels off. Like it’s holding its breath, waiting for her to unlock a crucial piece of information.

She reaches the edge of the clearing and stops.
There are no footprints, no trail. Not even any sign of a fight.

Just silence.
And—

“Deku?”
Ochako perks up when she sees him.

He’s standing in the middle of the path, hunched slightly, his flashlight long forgotten. His hands are clenched so tight they're shaking, despite both of them already being obviously broken. His face is pale, and his eyes are wide.

Ochako’s breath catches and she quickly runs over to where the boy is.

“Deku, hey—are you okay?”
He doesn’t answer right away. He just turns toward her, slow and stiff, like he’s trying to hold himself together.

“She’s gone,” he says finally.

And that’s when it hits her. The crucial piece of information she was missing.

Ochako stumbles forward, grabbing his shirt. “[Name]…? Wait—what do you mean gone? She was with you. You said—”

“She was,” he says, his voice cracking. “She was supposed to meet me. But she didn’t. And there’s no trail. No proof of her having made it there in the first place either. Nothing.”

He looks at her then, really looks at her, and she sees it.
The heartbreak, the guilt... The *knowing*. Izuku isn't just overreacting. He's too methodical for that. His every move is planned, and he wouldn't dare say something so final if he wasn't sure. You... You're really gone.

Ochako’s chest tightens, but she doesn’t cry yet.

But something sharp settles in her ribs all the same.

“She’s not here,” Ochako whispers.

And somehow, she knows.
You’ve been taken.