Chapter 60: Hifumi Toga
As Himiko was preparing for her free period, they heard Present Mic's phone buzz. Their teacher took a moment to look at his phone before he lifted his head.
"Midoriya!" Mic raised a finger and pointed it at Himiko. "The principal wants to see you!"
"M-me?" Himiko asked in shock.
"Yeah you! Boss Man has a surprise for our listener."
Nervously, Himiko packed her homework back into her bag before she stood up. She saw the questioning glances her friends threw at her and she could only respond with a shrug. "Your guess is as good as mine."
Without another word, she left the classroom and made her way to the principal's office. As she approached, she saw Nezu standing outside the office. He gave her a small wave. "Ah, Midoriya, good to see you!"
"Is everything ok?" Himiko asked nervously.
"It is! Sorry if this came as a surprise, but I hope this will be a pleasant one. You actually have a guest who wished to speak to you."
"A guest?" Himiko wracked her brain to try and figure out who could possibly want to speak to her and had to do so through the school, but she couldn't think of anyone.
"Please, follow me," Nezu gestured for her to follow before he began walking, and Himiko dutifully fell in step behind him. He led her further down the hallway to the Teacher's Lounge and opened the door, and when Himiko saw the girl that was sitting there, she gasped.
"Hi-Hifumi?!"
There, sitting on the couch, was Hifumi Toga. Seeing her sister for the first time in years, she stood up and ran a hand through her ash-blonde hair to sweep it all behind her back before she folded her hands in front of her, looking at her nervously. "H-Hello Himiko. It's been a while, hasn't it?"
Himiko was so distracted she had forgotten that Nezu was still there until he was placing a tray with a teapot and two cups on a table. "It seems you two have some catching up to do," He turned to look at Himiko. "If you need me, I'll be in my office."
"T-thank you sir," Himiko said as both girls watched the bearlike creature leave, closing the door behind him. The lock sounded deafeningly loud in Himiko's ears, before she turned toward her younger sister.
"I know this is probably a shock-"
"Did the Togas send you?" Himiko blurted out.
"What? No!" Hifumi insisted. "T-they don't even know I'm here," Her voice was barely a whisper as she looked at the ground.
Himiko felt something stirring in her heart. She hadn't seen her sister in years, and even though she had an easier time of it, she was just as much a victim of her biological parents as Himiko was. Despite that, her first thought was to think she was here on their behalf-
She suddenly didn't feel like she was a good sister, let alone a future upcoming hero.
"I'm sorry Fumi," Himiko walked over to her sister. "Just after everything that happened-"
"I know Himi," Hifumi looked up at her. "Mom and dad have done everything they can do to remove your existence from our life. Other than the monthly therapy sessions serving as a reminder, Himiko Toga may as well have never existed."
"It's better that way," Himiko said quietly. "Himiko Toga died almost three years ago, and I'd rather she stay dead."
"Himiko Toga may be dead, but my sister isn't!" Hifumi suddenly blurted out. "I never thought you of all people would actually agree with our parents on anything!"
"Fumi-" Himiko looked like she had been slapped. "-they aren't my parents. Not anymore. They may have brought me into this world, but Inko Midoriya is my only parent now."
"Does that mean we're not sisters anymore?" Hifumi looked like she was about to cry.
"No!" Himiko finally regained her composure and stepped toward her sister, the heroic instincts she had trained into her taking over and washing away her doubt and hesitation. She placed her hands on her sister's shoulders. "You were the only bright light I had growing up. Before-"
"Before Himiko Toga died."
Himiko nodded, biting her lip. "Even though she's dead- how would you like to meet Himiko Midoriya?"
"That's why I came here," Hifumi wiped her eyes as she gave her sister a smile. "I wanted to meet the hero my sister has become."
Hifumi raised her eyebrow questioningly, and Himiko nodded subtly before her sister raised her arms and stepped forward to hug her sister. Himiko wrapped her arms around the girl, holding her in a warm embrace. It was only then that she noticed how much she towered over the younger girl. "When did you get so short?"
"When did you get so tall?" Hifumi asked back.
Himiko smiled. "Turns out fixing my diet did wonders for me."
"I'm glad," Hifumi pulled away and sat down. "One of the first things the lawyers explained to us was how malnourished you were and how you were mistreated by our-"
"-by your," Himiko corrected her as she sat down across from her sister.
Hifumi corrected herself. "By my parents. It explained so much about how you acted. Mom and dad used it to justify their behavior, despite the therapy. But I-" Hifumi looked down. "I'm sorry Himi. If I had known I would have done more. I'd have given you my blood, if that's what it took."
"They'd have punished you too," Himiko said softly. Unable to face the younger girl, he busied herself by pouring them both a cup of tea. "Do you still take half a cup of sugar?"
"No," Hifumi giggled. "I still would like three scoops though."
"Ugh, because that's so much better," Himiko said sarcastically as she prepared the tea and handed her sister the cup.
"I don't care if my parents would have punished me. You-" Hifumi paused as she fiddled with the cup in her hands. "They called you a demon and a monster. How was I supposed to reconcile that with the sickly girl that they kept locked up, like some animal."
"You weren't. Because the Togas were wrong about me," Himiko said before taking a long sip of tea.
"I know," Hifumi looked at her sister with excitement in her eyes. "Do you want to know how I found you?"
"Of course!"
"I was walking home from school and saw a news interview, where you were part of the raid as Ryukyu's intern. When I saw you on the screen, I wasn't even sure it was you. You looked so- so- healthy! You looked better than you ever did at home! And your green hair…" She pointed at Himiko's eyes. "But your eyes and your fangs- I was shocked to see how animated you were when you talked, how open you were about your fangs. I wanted to believe it was you."
"Fumi-" Himiko said in awe.
"So I went home and started looking up everything I could about Carmilla. It took some time, but eventually I found the proof I needed," She gave her sister a fond smile. "I was actually shocked to see you using your quirk on national television during last year's sports festival. But it told me everything. My sister - the sickly, caged bird, was finally free, and she was soaring."
Himiko didn't say anything. As she felt the tears threatening to fall, she put down her cup and walked around to the other side of the couch, before she wrapped herself around the younger girl. Then the crying began.
"Fumi- you don't know the half of it. Mom- Izu- they saved me. I- I don't know what would have happened if I didn't collapse in front of Izu- my brother."
"I know," Hifumi said. "I may have started looking up everything about you once I discovered that. And I made the connection because of Hosu."
"Of course you did," Himiko said, giving her sister a wet smile. "You always were a smart one.
"So you were adopted by the same people who found you on the streets?"
"Yeah," Himiko had a fond smile on her face. "I don't think I could have found anyone more perfect to collapse in front of." She giggled.
"I guess, after the crappy hand you were dealt, you were due some good luck?"
"Yep!"
"Well I'm glad, they must be special."
"They are!"
"Tell me about them?" Hifumi asked. "What happened in the past three years to turn you from a sickly girl to one of the most promising students of the prestigious UA High School?"
Himiko wiped her eyes as she separated from her sister. "It all started at the hospital itself…"
Hifumi sat there and listened to Himiko tell her story. From her recovery and finding genuine friends in middle school, to her decision to become a hero, and her first year at UA.
"...and then well, you saw me on TV." Himiko finished.
"Wow…" Hifumi was in awe. "You've come so far!"
"Yep!" Himiko chirped.
"I'm a little jealous," Hifumi admitted. "Your quirk is so cool!"
"It is!" Himiko smiled happily. "It will certainly help with my plans."
"What're those?"
Himiko pointed to herself. "I don't want anyone to suffer through what I did. What would have happened if I wasn't found? Could I have become a villain?" Himiko had a look of disgust on her face. "I- children shouldn't be punished because their quirk requires blood, or could be used for 'villainous' reasons. I want to show the world that I have as much of a place in it as someone like All Might or Endeavor."
"Well, you're already off to a good start!" Hifumi reached into her bag and pulled out her phone. Opening it, she showed Himiko a social media page.
"What's this?"
"I may have gone overboard and created a Carmilla fan page for you?" Hifumi blushed as she admitted it. "But look at how much interest it has already!"
Himiko took the phone and scrolled. Her eyes went wide as she read the messages. There were only fifteen followers so far, but almost all of them either had a blood-based quirk, or knew someone with a blood-based quirk. "Fumi-"
"That's not all," Hifumi admitted as she pulled out a notebook. "I may have started a scrapbook?"
Himiko giggled, feeling euphoric from her sister's attention. "You'd better hope that your parents don't find that, then you'll be in trouble."
"Oh please, did you forget what my quirk is? I've got several of these hidden away."
"Sneaky!" Himiko gave her sister a wide grin. "I'm glad you're not letting them control you."
"The therapist helped a lot," Hifumi admitted. "I never really saw it until we started going to him. And then I started scheduling extra sessions. Mom and dad didn't see the point, but they knew better than to stop me from going to them."
"I almost wish they did," Himiko grumbled.
"Himi," Hifumi gently chided her. "It was for the best, really. Talking with the therapist without them around, it really opened my eyes. Things aren't great, but they are still better. And I'll be applying to high schools soon- I just have to find one far enough away that they have to let me move out."
"Are you thinking of applying to UA?" Himiko asked curiously.
"That's actually why I'm here!" Hifumi got a mischievous look on her face. "Today was a holiday so I got permission to visit a bunch of high schools in Shizuoka. After visiting a couple others in the morning I saved UA for last."
"I'm surprised your parents even let you consider UA, considering its focus."
"It's still a prestigious school. Even if it is renowned for its Hero Course, the alumni who go through the general studies and business tracks have an almost one-hundred percent success rate in enrolling into universities and going on to have successful careers."
"You know if they ever discover I'm going here…"
"Oh please, do you think they'll ever notice?"
"You're right," Himiko gave her sister a serious look. "I'm just- I don't want you to get in trouble because of me."
"Himi, remember when we were kids and I always snuck things on your laptop?"
"Yeah, I do," Himiko admitted fondly.
"I don't regret the risk then, and I'm not going to regret it now," Hifumi said defiantly. "I- I already lost you once. I don't want to lose you again."
"Fumi-" Himiko suddenly felt herself wracked with guilt. "You won't lose me again. I promise."
"I hope not, I've kind of grown attached to the idea that my sister's going to be a really cool hero someday!"
"One of the best!" Himiko proudly proclaimed. "Izu and Emmy think I have what it takes to be in the top ten!"
"Even better!" Hifumi squealed, before sighing. "I'm so happy for you."
"Well, hopefully you can get into UA next year!"
"I hope so too," Hifumi agreed.
After spending most of the afternoon session with her sister, Hifumi noticed the time. "Oh no, I need to head to the train station!"
"I'm surprised that Nezu let me stay here this long," Himiko admitted as she started gathering up the teacups. "Normally he's all about diligence."
"Whatever the reason, I appreciate it," Hifumi shoved her scrapbook bag in her bag as she stood up. "Can you escort me out?"
"Of course!"
Himiko stood up and opened the door, letting her sister walk through before she followed her out. Hifumi fell behind her as she led her to the front gate. Once they were outside, they turned to face each other.
"Don't be a stranger, ok?"
"Are you sure it's ok for me to message you?"
"Of course!" Hifumi gave her sister a sly smile. "Thanks to you I've gained a few freedoms. I know my emails and phone are safe. Worst case I'll tell them it's for my fan page."
That elicited a laugh from both girls. "I'm not sure what would be worse, honestly." As they calmed down, the two stepped toward each other and embraced, pulling each other into a deep hug. "I'm sorry Fumi, I didn't know how much I missed you."
"It's ok Himi," Hifumi assured her as she pulled away from her sister. "For what it's worth, I really like Himiko Midoriya."
"Good!" Himiko chirped. "I like her too."
Reluctantly, Hifumi removed her lanyard containing her guest pass and handed it to Himiko. "Hopefully I'll find another excuse to come visit you soon, and it won't take me three years to see you again."
"I'd like that. Next time maybe you can meet Izu and my friends!"
"I like the sound of that," Hifumi agreed before diving toward her sister, pulling her into one last hug. "See you soon Himi."
"See you soon Fumi," Himiko said as she ruffled her sister's hair.
Hifumi finally pulled away before she took off, running to catch her train. Himiko watched her sister disappear down the street, before she finally walked back through the gate, only to see Nezu standing off to the side.
"Did you arrange this?"
"No. It was her request, but when I saw it I decided to honor it."
Himiko couldn't help but smile at the principal as she offered him the guest pass. "Thank you for letting me have the afternoon off."
"I expect you to work hard to make up for the missed classes," Nezu said as he took the lanyard back.
"Of course!" Himiko said, before sparing a glance through the gate. "Are you going to make sure she gets into UA next year?"
"That isn't up to me," Nezu pointed out. "It is up to her to pass the written exam, the same as any other student."
"I think she will," Himiko said definitively, before she began walking toward the school.
When the three arrived home after school, Himiko wasted no time taking off her shoes before she bolted into the living room to find Inko. "Mom! You won't believe what happened today."
"What is it dear?"
"Hifumi visited me!"
Inko was glad she wasn't holding anything as she whipped around to face her daughter. She tried to form words but they couldn't come out, as worst case scenarios flashed through her eyes. "Your little sister?"
"Yes!"
"Little sister?" Ochako asked awkwardly as she and Izuku entered the living room.
Inko turned toward the brown-haired girl, with a concerned look on her face. "Hifumi Toga is Himiko's biological younger sister. We haven't had contact with her ever since- well, it's been almost three years." She turned toward her daughter. "Did her parents send her?"
"No mom," Himiko shook her head vigorously. "She actually came by herself, she wanted to see me!"
"Why?"
"She found out I am going to be a hero!" Himiko said.
"Himi seems really excited by this," Izuku pointed out. "Don't you think she'd be more upset if there was something to worry about?"
"You're right," Inko said, letting some of the concern seep out of her. "Just- knowing what those two put you through, I can't help but worry."
"I know mom," Himiko said as she closed the gap to hug her mother. "I had some doubts as well. But talking to her- Fumi's parents didn't know she was visiting me today. They thought she was visiting schools before signing up for entrance exams."
"Did Nezu know?" Izuku asked.
"He did," Himiko confirmed. "He actually walked me down to meet her."
"He was probably concerned that something may have been wrong," Inko said.
"Probably," Himiko agreed. "But it worked out! We spent so much time catching up! More like she wanted to hear about my life ever since…" Her voice trailed off.
Inko examined her daughter's face. "You miss her, don't you?"
A look of guilt washed over Himiko. "If you asked me this morning, I would've said no. I- I actually almost forgot about her. You and Izu are my family now. That will never change. But Fumi - she may have been the one good thing that came from the Togas."
"One of two things," Inko corrected her.
"...One of two things," Himiko agreed. "She wants to move to Mustafu next year and attend high school here. I was thinking - she has some freedom now, but I want to help her! And-" She bit her lip. "If she moves to Mustafu, I want to protect her. To make sure that the Togas never touch her again. Just like they can't touch me."
"Himi," Inko gave her daughter a determined look. "If you want to protect your sister, who am I to stop you? Just. Please be careful? I don't want the Togas to find a way to hurt you through her."
"If they do, I'll tear them apart," Himiko said darkly.
"Himi," Izuku put a hand on her shoulder. "That's what they would want."
"I know," Himiko groaned in frustration. "But it's true! If they hurt her to get to me-"
"We'll take care of it, but we'll do it the right way," Inko promised, the steel in her voice reassuring her daughter.
"You're right," Himiko conceded. "I just-"
"You care about her a lot," Ochako pointed out, unsure if she should be intruding in the family's personal moment.
"Yeah, I do."
"Well, if something happens, we'll all help you!" Ochako tried to encourage the older girl.
Seeing Izuku nodding furiously in agreement and her mom's look of determination, Himiko felt herself smiling. "Thank you! You're the best!"
Chapter 61: Two Todorokis
"Midoriya," Shoto said as he sat down for lunch.
"Hey Todoroki," Izuku said as he slid down to make room for his fellow student.
"I finally finished the first Fantasy Age game." Shoto began as he sat down and pulled apart his chopsticks.
"How did you like it?"
"I enjoyed it, but the fight after the final boss was confusing. If the guide character that was mentoring me the entire game was that powerful the entire time, why didn't he help us fight the ancient evil? Why did he just sit there and watch as my characters struggled?"
Izuku laughed nervously. "It's a bonus fight to actually challenge people who completed all the quests. I bet you were so strong that the final boss was easy to fight. They made that fight to give you something to actually challenge you."
Shoto seemed to contemplate that. "I see. So like my father and All Might. While there is a large gap between him and the number three hero, there is a similarly large gap between himself and All Might, proving to be the ultimate challenge for him to overcome."
Izuku rubbed the back of his head. "I guess that's one way to look at that."
"What're you two talking about?" Ochako asked as she placed her tray down next to Izuku.
"Shoto is finding life lessons in video games, kero." Tsuyu said.
"There is a lot to learn, if you know what to look for," Shoto agreed as he hooked his index finger on his chin. "I'll have to think further on this."
"As long as you don't fall behind on your studies!" Tenya insisted as he sat his tray down across from Izuku. "In middle school, one of my classmates failed to learn that lesson and his grades began to plummet. It was an absolutely shameful display!"
"I don't think Todoroki is someone who would do that," Izuku said, trying to defend his friend.
"No," Shoto shook his head. "I still have a strict schedule of training and homework. These games have just given me a new way to fill my free time in the evenings. Previously it was filled with reading and watching videos on yap!Tube."
"Excellent! In that case, I would be interested in hearing your findings once you have completed your research."
Izuku laughed nervously and looked to Ochako for support, but she simply shrugged and mouthed the words 'good luck,' before tearing into her lunch.
After lunch, the group walked together to their Heroics class. The friends split up as they entered their respective locker rooms and changed before they made their way to the training fields. As they all began pairing off for the afternoon, Izuku was about to ask Ochako when Shoto called out to him. "Midoriya, will you pair up with me?"
"S-sure!" Izuku responded, before looking at Ochako. "Sorry."
"It's ok Deku!" Ochako said, giving him a thumb's up in her attempt to reassure him. "I'll pair with Momo instead!"
The choice surprised Izuku, but he felt relieved that she didn't seem offended. "Thanks." He then turned towards Shoto. "What did you have in mind?"
"I'd like to spar with you," Shoto admitted. "And talk."
"Something on your mind?"
"My dad. I've been thinking about… certain events, and wanted your opinion," Shoto admitted.
"Sure, let's go."
Izuku followed Shoto to one of the sparring circles and they both took up positions. "Quirks or quirkless?"
Shoto seemed to ponder this question for a moment. "Quirkless."
With a quick nod, Izuku dropped into a fighting stance. As he watched, Shoto assumed a rudimentary stance. Since most of his life he had just been training his quirk, most of his technique was based on the few lessons UA had provided them. From a glance, Izuku knew it wouldn't be a fair fight, and made a mental note to show Shoto a few ways to improve his technique afterward.
"So what's on your mind?" Izuku asked as he fell into a loose stance.
"Have you been following the news about my father?" Shoto asked.
"How Stain caused reporters to start digging into your family history?"
"Yes," Shoto said before he began charging Izuku, throwing a wild punch that Izuku easily dodged. "Our house has had reporters camping out trying to talk to us every time one of us leaves."
"I'm sorry," Izuku said reflexively as he threw a quick elbow jab that Todoroki blocked, before he brought up his knee, knocking Shoto aside. "I can't imagine how hard that must be."
"We're used to it," Shoto admitted as he recovered and reset his stance. "Being the child of the number two hero always came with a certain lack of privacy." Much to Izuku's surprise, Shoto frowned. "But this time is different, they are asking about my older brother."
"Why would they be interested in Natsuo?" Izuku asked curiously.
"Not him. Touya," Shoto explained, before charging Izuku again. Izuku was too surprised by the revelation that he didn't react in time. Once he recovered enough to realize what was going on he tried to bring his arm up to block but it was already too late, and Shoto landed a punch squarely in his chest, causing him to stumble back.
"Didn't Touya die in a training accident?" Izuku asked, dropping all pretenses of fighting as he tried to dredge up the information. Of course, he had spent time looking into Endeavor and remembered seeing the article about his eldest son's tragic death, but the details were distressingly scarce.
"Yes," Shoto relaxed his posture as he straightened out. "His death hit my mother and father hard. They have never been the same since."
Izuku understood what he was saying. "And now you have people opening those old wounds again? I'm sorry, that must be difficult."
Shoto shook his head. "It's not me that I'm worried about. It's my parents."
"You're worried about Endeavor?" Izuku was shocked. Then again, after his last conversation, the Flame Hero didn't exactly leave him with a good impression.
"He hides it well, but Touya's death hurts him. Almost as much as it hurt my mother," Shoto admitted out loud for the first time. "After we discovered what happened, he changed. He's never been the same since."
Izuku didn't know how to respond. He simply stood there and waited for the other boy to continue.
"But… ever since the sports festival, things have been changing. Slowly. I don't know if it's because I've been visiting my mother or… But the attitude at home started to feel different."
"Until the reporters started asking questions?"
Shoto nodded. "It's back to the way things were before. I…" He paused as if trying to find the right words. "I don't like it."
Izuku understood what he meant. He thought back to his own experiences before his family took in Himiko, and he would dread returning to those days. While the details are different, he understood where Shoto is coming from. "Have you talked to Endeavor about this?"
That seemed to surprise Shoto. "No, I haven't. He refuses to talk about it, and we gave up trying years ago."
Izuku sighed. He knew that wasn't healthy, but there wasn't anything he could do to help. "You may want to talk to Hound Dog."
That surprised Shoto. "Our sessions have been helpful, but how would he help with my father?"
"I don't know," Izuku admitted. "But maybe Hound Dog could help you figure out how to talk to your father about this?"
Shoto hooked his index finger around his chin as he stood in contemplation, before nodding once. "I'll bring it up tomorrow when I see him, it couldn't hurt."
"That's the spirit!" Izuku pumped a fist in the air, before dropping back into his combat stance. "Are you ready to continue?"
"Yes, I believe I am up one point to your zero," Shoto said with the faintest hint of a smile as he dropped back into his combat stance.
Izuku dropped low to the ground and charged.
Shoto approached the door to the dojo that his father kept inside their estate. Standing in front of the door, he prepared to knock, but froze. Doubt began to creep into his mind, causing him to review his conversation with Hound Dog earlier that day. The counselor had helped him work through his emotions, and his arguments were enough to strengthen his resolve.
He knocked on the door. "Father, may I come in?"
"Yes!" He heard Enji's booming voice from inside. Shoto silently slid the door open and saw his father sitting there, cross-legged, on the floor in front of the training dummies. "Is there something you need?"
"I wanted to talk," Shoto came in and sat down next to his father. "About Touya."
"Shoto-" Enji said darkly.
"I know what you're going to say, father. But something has felt different ever since those reporters started asking about him. The house has felt colder."
The silence was heavy as Shoto waited for his father to lash out, but nothing happened. He turned to face his father and saw him staring ahead, stone-faced as usual. However, upon further examination, he realized his father's knuckles were turning white as he clenched his fists.
"I was too young to remember everything about the accident, but whatever happened-"
"Touya is my greatest failure," Endeavor finally said, before looking at Shoto. "His blue fire- it was spectacular. But it hurt him to use it." He suddenly punched the floor in front of him. "If I were a better teacher-"
"What happened on that mountain?" Shoto asked.
"Touya was, in many ways, like me. He had been training for months to improve his flames," Endeavor said. "Despite the wishes of myself and-" He seemed to hesitate for a moment. "-Fuyumi. He denied it, of course, but his body told us a different story. As time passed, the burn scars spread and grew, revealing the truth about what he was doing on that mountain." He clenched his fist. "If only I were stronger. Perhaps I could have-" He sighed. "After months, he finally invited me one day. He wanted to show me something."
"That was the day the fire happened."
"Yes," Endeavor looked at his son. "That day, I vowed that I wouldn't let you follow in his footsteps. Your mother and siblings - they have suffered more than enough for my weakness."
"And what about you?" Shoto asked.
Endeavor seemed surprised by the question, reeling back. "Me?"
"Yes," Shoto crossed his arms. "You keep speaking in terms of everyone else, but not yourself. How do you feel about Touya's death?"
He was met with silence as Endeavor sat there staring at the training equipment.
"So how are you settling in?" Tomura turned to ask the man known as Dabi.
"I'm impressed," Dabi said as he sat down. "You've got quite the place here. I never took you for the whole 'secret base' kind of guy."
"You have Sensei to thank for that," Tomura admitted. "He made sure to prepare the base camp and social hub for us. Now if we only had more party members," Tomura sighed as he slammed his glass down. "We still don't have enough for a full party!"
"That's because of your message," Dabi said as he casually took a drink. "It sucks."
"What's that say about you?" Tomura said as he glared at his companion.
"It says I've got a personal grudge against Endeavor," Dabi admitted. "Stain's got a point, but he didn't go far enough. You're not gonna solve the problem by killing a few heroes here and there."
"Exactly!" Tomura agreed.
"But the man had conviction," Dabi reached across the counter and grabbed a bottle of whiskey. Forgoing the glass, he started drinking straight from the bottle. "Something you seem to be lacking."
"What are you saying?" Tomura asked darkly.
Without stopping, Dabi held up his other hand and used his quirk, blue flame springing to life. Eventually, he sat the bottle down and lazily turned toward his companion. "Did you know that this fire is so hot, I burn myself every time I use it?"
"How?" Tomura asked in disbelief. "Shouldn't you be safe from your own quirk?"
"An accident of genetics, as it were. I got all this heat, and no secondary mutations to protect myself from it."
"What a useless character build!"
Dabi glared at his companion. "But I refuse to let it stop me. I'll keep going until I achieve my goals. Only then will I let my fire consume me."
"And what's your goal, exactly?"
"Well, if I stick around you'll find out eventually," Dabi gave a smug grin as he extinguished his flame.
"Sensei was saying the same thing," Tomura mused.
"Your sensei sounds smart," Dabi agreed before he took another drink from the bottle. "If you want people to follow you, you need a rallying cry. Either something to fight for… or fight against. Nobody's gonna follow the guy who spends his free time holed up in his room playing video games unless you convince them that you can give them what they want."
Tomura sat in silent contemplation.
What did he want?
Tomura wracked his brain, trying to think of the answer. It felt like a pivotal moment in a game, and here he was, staring at the prompt, unable to answer the question properly.
He hated All Might, and wanted to grab him, to watch him disintegrate.
But then what?
When he defeated the end boss, he was supposed to get his ending cutscene.
What was he expecting from that cutscene?
He tried to grab at the threads at the edge of his mind, to pull away the curtain and reveal the cutscene, but they evaded him, slipping through his grasp and mocking him.
With a frustrated sigh, he jumped out of his chair and walked to the coat rack. He grabbed his black hoodie with the logo for Fantasy Age emblazoned on the back and pulled it over his head.
"Where are you going?" Dabi asked.
"I can't think clearly here," Tomura admitted. "I'm going to take a walk."
As he watched him leave, Dabi felt a smile creeping up his lip. "I know that look, he's just gotta figure it out himself."
Suddenly the terminal on one side of the bar lit up, with the words 'Audio Only' appearing on the screen. "So you've seen it too?"
"And who might you be?" Dabi asked.
"You can call me Sensei."
"Ah, so you're the sensei Shigaraki keeps going on about. So why do you want to talk to me all of a sudden?"
"I want to thank you," The voice said. "I have been monitoring his growth. And it appears that with your influence, he is close to realizing his ultimate desire."
"And what is that, exactly?" Dabi asked lazily.
"Why, the total destruction of society."
"If you have that much faith in your pupil, then I guess I was right to stick around," Dabi agreed as he finished off the bottle of whiskey. "Now let's see if you're right about him."
As Izuku got off the train, he saw Ochako was already on the platform waiting for him. When she saw him, she gave him a bright smile as she waved.
Smiling back, Izuku walked over to meet her. "Hey, Ochako. Hope I didn't keep you waiting long?"
"Nope!" Ochako reassured him. "Thanks for coming with me. I don't really like shopping alone."
"Anytime. Although wouldn't Tsu or Himi have been better?"
"Maybe," Ochako quickly tucked her hands behind her back, her fingers fidgeting nervously. "But I'd rather spend the afternoon with you."
And if I did ask them they would have probably conspired against me anyways. She mentally added.
"Oh," Izuku felt his neck heating up. "I see."
"I hope that's ok! I just- after our walks we have been talking about doing other things-"
"No, you're right," Izuku tried to give her a reassuring smile. "I just don't know how much help I'll be."
"Pfft," Ochako giggled, her hand snapping up to her mouth. "You have a sister. You can't tell me you haven't learned anything just from living with her."
"I guess that's true," Izuku conceded as he rubbed the back of his head. "Shall we get going?"
"Yep! Let's go!" Ochako grabbed Izuku's wrist and began pulling him toward the exit.
Chapter 62: Mall Encounter
It only took the pair a couple of minutes to reach the mall. As they entered, they were immediately greeted by the sight of Hero Wear, a store specializing in hero-themed attire.
Izuku heard Ochako giggling next to him as he realized he was staring at the store.
"Do you want to go there, Deku?"
"Yeah," Izuku admitted sheepishly. "I was going to grab a couple more shirts for the summer."
Ochako rolled her eyes playfully. "How many All Might shirts do you really need?"
"Well…" Izuku said as he rubbed the back of his head.
"I'm kidding!" Ochako assured him. "It's ok! We can go there if you want."
"Are you sure? We could always stop there when we're about to leave."
"I don't mind. It's right here after all."
Izuku gave Ochako a small smile. "Thanks."
The two entered the store and with practiced precision Izuku separated from Ochako as he went to the racks and racks of All Might apparel. Quickly sifting through the designs, he found three new shirts for himself.
Holding his shirts triumphantly, he realized his mistake when he didn't see Ochako nearby. He was filled with a brief moment of panic as he searched across the store before he found her in the back corner. As he hurried over, he saw her looking at a rack containing random shirts until she cried out in triumph and pulled a shirt off.
"You found something?"
"Yep!" Ochako announced properly as she held up her prize. A black T-shirt covered in stars, with Thirteen's logo on the upper left corner of the shirt.
"That really suits you," Izuku said as he examined it. "Were there any other designs that caught your eye?"
Ochako's eyes darted to the rack and back at Izuku before she shook her head. "There were, but they weren't on sale. Maybe next time?"
"Okay," Izuku said before he held up his finds. "I'm done too, so ready whenever you are."
The pair paid for their clothes before leaving the store, and then Izuku let Ochako guide him to a department store. Once there, he held her bag while she darted from rack to rack, comparing prices and picking out various pieces before she turned to him.
"How does it look?" Ochako asked, holding a pink top and a pair of black shorts in front of her.
"It looks good Ochako," Izuku said. Admittedly, he can't imagine an outfit that she wouldn't look good in, but he wasn't about to say that out loud.
"Great! I'm glad you like it," Ochako said with a warm smile on her face. Throwing the clothes around her arm, she continued looking.
As she continued through the store, Izuku found himself surprised by how much she valued his opinion on her outfits. After all, he wasn't exactly the most fashionable person, to begin with. Ochako, however, didn't seem to mind at all, treating his opinion at the same level he would treat Himiko's or her friends when it came to the topic.
It made him feel warm.
Izuku lost track of the time as Ochako worked through the department store, piecing together several summer outfits. Finally, after placing her current selection of clothes in the basket, she turned to face Izuku. "I think that's everything! Thanks for all your help!"
"Anytime."
"Are you hungry?" Izuku asked as they were leaving the department store. "We could grab something from the food court?"
Ochako shook her head. "I'm ok! I promise! Besides those places are overpriced, we can just get something on the way home."
"That sounds good," Izuku agreed.
"So where do you want to go next?"
"How about-"
Suddenly, Izuku froze as he felt a cold, clammy hand around his neck.
"Fancy meeting you here," Tomura Shigaraki said in a soft, menacing voice.
"It's you," Izuku said as he recognized the face. He had only caught glimpses of the man through his mask during their brief encounter at the USJ. But, mask or no mask, he would recognize that face anywhere.
"D-Deku?" Ochako asked nervously.
"I'm only going to say this once. If either of you tries anything, he dies," Tomura said, wiggling his index finger so Ochako can see it. "You know how five-point contact quirks work, don't you?"
"O-of course," Ochako swallowed nervously as she looked at Izuku. She saw the panic in his eyes, despite his best efforts to maintain a calm facade.
"Ocha-" Izuku started. "-listen to him. You aren't in any position to help right now." Izuku swallowed the lump in his throat. "And neither am I."
"I'm glad you understand. I knew you'd be smart enough to figure it out quickly."
"S-so what do you want from us?" Izuku asked.
Tomura's demeanor seemed to shift immediately, giving a fake smile as he looked at Izuku. "I want to catch up with an old friend!" He said with a fake cheer in his voice.
"Why don't we find someplace quiet to sit," Izuku said, his eyes scanning the crowd to see if anyone would notice. He saw what Tomura's quirk could do back at the USJ, and without Aizawa's Erase to stop it…
"What a great idea!" Tomura agreed.
He led the pair to a bench in a quieter part of the mall where he sat down with Izuku. Ochako hesitated for only a second before she sat down on Izuku's other side, and grabbed his free hand. She could feel it trembling as she began gently rubbing circles into the back of his hand, a silent reminder that she was there.
"Why?" Tomura finally asked.
"Why what?"
"Why do it? Why be a hero?"
Despite the severity of the situation, Izuku gave Tomura an incredulous look. "Because people need help."
"Really? That's your reason?"
"What's wrong with it?" Ochako asked defensively. "There are people out there who need saving. Who can't help themselves! What's wrong with wanting to help them?"
Tenko grimaced and Izuku felt the pressure on his neck increasing. He felt his heart speeding up until he realized that despite his anger, he was still careful enough to not shift his index finger any closer. "What a foolish idea. It's not like you can save everyone! You save one person, and another person fails to be saved."
"What are you suggesting?" Izuku asked cautiously. "Are you saying we shouldn't try and save people?"
"Exactly. What good are people who don't rely on their own strength to save themselves? To rely on others to save them?" He gestured with his free hand at the mall. "Look at them. People blissfully going about their day. Happily ignoring the problems around them, because a hero–" Izuku could hear the sneer in his voice. "-will deal with the problem."
"You're right," Izuku admitted. "The system isn't perfect."
That caught Tomura off guard. "You can't mean that."
"I do," Izuku turned his neck slowly, careful to not startle Tomura as he turned to face him. "There are too many people in this world who are forgotten, just because they're born different. Mutants, quirkless, people with so-called villainous quirks-"
Seeing an opening, Ochako shoved her hand into her pocket and blindly fumbled with her phone. While she couldn't do anything to help Izuku directly, perhaps there was something she could do.
"If you agree with me, then why? Why help them? Why support the system?"
"Because I want to change it. And the best way to do that is to rise to the top. To inspire people - just like All Might did."
Tomura laughed. "You're delusional!"
"Am I? All Might ushered in the Era of Peace, and for almost forty years his presence alone lowered the crime rates in Japan-"
"And that so-called Era of Peace is the root of the very problem we are facing! Do you seriously think you won't cause new problems?" Suddenly, Tomura realized that he knew the answer to his question. "It's so simple! Why didn't I think of it sooner?"
"Didn't think of what?" Ochako asked cautiously.
"The answer. What I want to do!" Tomura looked at the pair with a strange excitement in his eyes. "You're right! The system needs to change! It needs to be burned to the ground, to pave the way for a new system. A New Era!"
"You can't be serious," Izuku said in disbelief. "All of those people-"
"The system already encourages strength. The strong are elevated above the others and seen as saviors. Look at your precious All Might. Look at Endeavor, and the rest of those fools in the top ten. People look at them and see how strong they are. They wish they could be that strong. To have the strength to bend society to their will. Without the hero system in place, things would just be more honest."
"But all of those people who need help-"
"Would either grow strong themselves or be trampled," Tenko said gleefully.
"That's horrible!" Ochako exclaimed.
"You're wrong," Izuku said firmly. "People wouldn't stand for that kind of system."
"Oh? And what makes you say that?"
"People are fundamentally good," Izuku stated firmly, a fire in his eyes. "And when it really matters they will find the strength to help one another. During the Era of Peace, some people may have forgotten, but they just need to be reminded of that!"
Tomura laughed. "What a good joke. People helping one another. People expect heroes to help those in need. Except the heroes are too busy fighting so-called villains to care. So who's left?"
"People like Deku," Ochako stated firmly.
"What, him?" Tomura looked at Izuku. "Seriously?"
"My sister," Izuku stated. "Himi- Himiko. When we found her she collapsed in an alleyway, covered in blood."
"So one person," Tomura said, seemingly upset by this. "There's thousands of alleyways in Japan, are you seriously going to check every single one, looking for the next kid? The next stray to pick up?"
"No," Izuku said calmly. "That wouldn't be practical. But you can't tell me your way would be better."
"Deku's right. Hero, civilian, it doesn't matter! We need to help each other."
Izuku felt the pressure on his neck increasing again and involuntarily squeezed Ochako's hand, wondering if they went too far, only for the pressure to suddenly ease up. "I see. It's a matter of philosophy." Tomura got a faraway look on his face as he seemed to be contemplating something. "You believe that people are fundamentally good, and I believe they are fundamentally selfish. You think if tragedy were to strike, or if people were "inspired" people would help each other. I disagree. I think some people may try to help, but they will only be pulled down by those weaker than them. Those who will try to use them for their own selfish ends."
"Some people will always be selfish," Izuku admitted. "But that isn't a reason to give up on everyone! Sure, it will be hard, and I may not be able to accomplish it on my own, but that doesn't mean it's worth pursuing!"
Tomura looked at the determination on Izuku's face, and a smile began to form. "I see now. You're the Rival!" He turned to face Ochako. "That makes you one of the Rival's party members!"
"The Rival?" Ochako asked in confusion.
"Don't you play video games?!" Tomura exclaimed. "The Rival and his party are someone you meet early in the game." Tomura seemed stunned as he realized something. "The USJ! The signs were there and I just never saw them! It all makes sense now!"
"What makes sense?"
"The protagonist and his rival grow together. But it's not even growth. The rival always appears to be one step ahead of you - he challenges you and tests your resolve. But!" Tomura turned to them with a wide grin. "In the end, they are destined to fall, proving the protagonist's superiority!"
"T-that means you can't kill me, right?" Izuku asked cautiously.
"Of course not! If I did that, I would stunt my own growth. No," Tomura gave him a sinister look. "I want you to continue growing. To become a hero. And then, when the fateful day comes. Then we will see who was right and who was wrong."
Izuku suddenly felt Tomura release his grip on his neck and jump up. He instinctively used his free hand to grab his neck, beginning to rub it.
"You'd better not follow me!" Tomura flexed his fingers menacingly. "While you're safe, the same can't be said for the others in the mall. Think about how many people I can kill before you stop me. If you can stop me, that is." With a wicked smile on his face, he spun around and walked into a crowd of people.
"Deku, are you ok?" Ochako asked, tightening her grip on Izuku's hand.
Izuku nodded as he tried to follow Tomura's path through the crowds. "I-yeah." Giving up he turned toward Ochako and forced a smile on his face. "I'm ok."
"You don't have to hide it," Ochako said, her own tears starting to form. "I was scared too."
Izuku felt his own tears building as he punched the bench in frustration. "And we can't do anything. He's right. There's too many people."
"Hey," Ochako said. "We can't do anything, but maybe someone else can."
She pulled her phone out and he saw it. The spelling was mangled, but it was a message to the group chat calling for help.
Izuku's eyes went wide. "When did you send that?"
"A few minutes ago," Ochako admitted. "I- It was risky, but I had to do something!"
Izuku nodded, the tears he was trying to hold back finally spilling out. "Thank you."
Ochako didn't have any more words to say as she crashed into him, her tears of relief staining his shoulder as she held onto him, afraid he would disappear. She felt his arms wrap around her, and the two simply held each other, grateful to be alive.
Before long, the activity surrounding the mall began to change as officers began appearing to direct people. Izuku and Ochako finally stirred from their position, standing up, only to see a familiar figure, clad in black and crimson, racing toward them.
"Izu!"
Himiko crashed into the pair, wrapping herself around them.
"Hey Himi," Izuku said, his voice soft as he freed his arm in a futile attempt to dry his eyes.
"My message got through!" Ochako said in relief.
"Of course!" Himiko said as she pulled back, her hand never leaving Izuku's arm. "I called Nejire-chan and she brought her friends! They're working with the police." Himiko pointed upward, and the pair saw Nejire floating above the central fountain, looking around intently for any signs of Tomura. "And what about you two? What happened? Are you hurt? Did he use his quirk on you?"
"No, thankfully," Izuku shook his head. "If he did…" He didn't want to finish that sentence. "He was threatening me, but it was a five-point activation quirk. I'm probably going to have a bruise around my neck tomorrow though."
"Izu…" Himiko took her hand and gently traced her fingers along his neck. Izuku winced a bit, realizing his neck was already tender from Tomura's grip, but he tried his best to stay perfectly still and let his sister finish her examination. Satisfied, she gave him a serious look. "What happened? How did you let him get the drop on you?"
"We just came out of the department store," Izuku gestured to a shop further down. "And we were talking about what to do next when I suddenly felt a hand on my neck. At that point, it was too late."
"I wanted to stop him," Ochako insisted. "But Deku was a hostage. I-" She swallowed. "He said he wanted to talk, and so he led us here. I kept trying to think of a way to help, but it was too risky." She balled her fists in frustration. "All I could do was send you that message."
"That was more than enough," Izuku tried to reassure her. "Just having you there helped. I don't know what I would have done if I were alone."
"Probably something stupid," Himiko said.
"Ehehe," Izuku rubbed the back of his head. "Maybe?"
Himiko sighed in exasperation as she grabbed Izuku and Ochako's arms. "Come on, let's get you to the police. They're going to want to question you before I take you home."
Chapter 63: Morning Dawn
The interview with Detective Tsukauchi felt longer than it was, as Izuku and Ochako felt the last drops of adrenaline leaving their system, leaving them mentally and emotionally drained. But they obliged and answered everything they could, recounting the conversation in full before they were finally released into Nejire's custody because Himiko didn't have a license yet.
With Nejire's help, Himiko dragged the pair home, refusing to let go of either of their arms the entire way. Izuku had never seen his sister so tense before. It was almost scary, seeing the anger and fear clouding her eyes, despite the stoic mask she wore.
As they reached their apartment, Himiko opened the door and practically threw the pair inside, staying back to talk to Nejire - and to avoid getting in the way of Inko. Izuku and Ochako barely had time to catch their balance before Inko wrapped herself around both of them, her tears already soaking their shirts.
"Izu- Chako- I'm so glad you two are safe!"
Hours of talking, crying, and take-out later, Ochako felt her eyelids growing heavy as she sat on the couch, her head resting on Izuku's shoulder as one of her arms was wrapped around his.
"Himi, can you get Chako some clothes to sleep in? I don't think she's going home tonight," Inko softly asked her daughter on the other side of the couch.
"Sure!"
Izuku and Ochako both stirred as they felt Inko and Himiko standing up, the couch shifting from the sudden loss of their weight.
"Ochako, are you ok staying here tonight?" Izuku asked, a worried look on his face.
"I wasn't planning on leaving," Ochako admitted, her permanent blush growing slightly.
Himiko returned a few minutes later and threw a t-shirt and pair of shorts at Ochako, which she deftly caught. "You can sleep in my bed tonight if you want," Her eyes quickly darted between Izuku and Ochako. "Unless you'd prefer to sleep in his bed?" She asked, a teasing hint in her voice.
Ochako felt her face heating up as she twisted the clothes in her hands. "N-no! But where are you going to sleep?"
"Izu and I are sleeping here," Himiko pointed to a closet. "We have a futon for when we had slumber parties in the living room."
"Slumber parties?"
"Whenever Himi had nightmares," Izuku explained. "She liked sleeping with mom or me."
Ochako looked at the other girl in confusion. She knew Himiko was adopted and her past wasn't great, but that was the first time she heard about that. Seeing that Himiko wasn't in the mood to talk about it, she simply nodded, accepting the explanation. "I guess it's good that we went shopping, huh? I can wear one of my new outfits in the morning!"
"Yeah!" Izuku forced a smile to his face as he agreed with her.
Izuku grabbed the long-forgotten bags from the corner where they had dropped them and guided Ochako to Himiko's room. Not that Ochako needed the direction - she's been visiting the apartment for months, after all. But having Izuku close by for a few seconds longer helped ease her nerves, knowing that he was ok.
"Well, you know where the bathroom is," Izuku said nervously as he stood at the doorway.
"Mhm," Ochako said, her hands still twisting the clothes in her hands. "And the kitchen if I get thirsty!"
"If you need anything, don't worry about waking me up, ok?"
Ochako gave him a warm smile. "I think I'll manage."
"See you in the morning, Ochako," Izuku said.
"Deku-" Before Izuku could step away, Ochako dropped the clothes and crossed the gap, pulling him into a hug. "I- please don't go anywhere, ok?"
"I promise–" Izuku said softly as she felt his hands wrap around her back. "-I'll be here when you wake up."
"Good!"
Ochako held him until a yawn forced its way out of her lips, causing Izuku to laugh nervously as he let her go. "Goodnight, Ochako."
"Goodnight, Dek-" Ochako shook her head. "No, goodnight Izuku."
She saw something flicker across Izuku's face before he quietly left the room, closing the door behind him. Ochako immediately felt the difference and felt herself shiver. With a heavy sigh, she retrieved the clothes and changed, before she gently removed Himiko's stuffed animals from her bed.
All but one.
She saw a well-loved green rabbit sitting prominently on the bed, and she knew what it meant. It may have been selfish of her, but she left that stuffed animal on the bed, hoping that maybe she could feel like Izuku was nearby. She didn't dare touch it - that was a line she didn't feel right crossing. But maybe its presence would be enough.
Finally, she crawled into bed, hoping that her exhaustion would quickly pull her into a deep sleep.
"Deku!" Ochako smiled as she waved at her friend.
"Ocha-" Izuku's voice was cut off as she saw that pale hand wrap itself around his throat.
Ochako bolted upright, panting heavily as her hand came up to grip her chest. Looking around, she confirmed she was in Himiko's room, sighing in relief.
It was just a bad dream.
The terrible image still lingered though, and Ochako decided that it wouldn't be a problem if she just slipped into the living room and checked on Izuku, and made sure he was ok. She carefully slid out of the bed, trying to minimize the noise she made as she opened the door and made her way down the short hallway.
There, sleeping peacefully on the futon, was Izuku. But Himiko wasn't with him. She sat at the table, the glow of her laptop illuminating her. She spotted Ochako immediately and motioned for her to sit down.
"You can't sleep either?" Ochako asked.
"I could if I wanted to, but I wasn't planning on it." she gestured to the mug filled with coffee. "This's going to sound silly, but I feel like if I close my eyes I could lose Izu."
"I wish it was that simple," Ochako grumbled. "When I closed my eyes I just saw Deku sitting there with that creepy guy's hand around his neck." Ochako shuddered. "I don't want to see how that dream ends."
"I'm going to kill him," Himiko said darkly.
Ochako looked over at Himiko, a questioning look in her eyes. Not that she didn't share the same sentiment, but…
"Izu never really told you all the details of how we met, did he?"
Ochako shook her head. "Just that he found you in an alley and you needed help."
Himiko turned away from Ochako, a distant look on her face. "I was abused as a child. I didn't know what to call it at the time, but that's what it was. And my parents were rich enough to get my quirk counselor in on it. A little over two years ago, something just broke inside of me." She gave a warm look over to her brother. "If it wasn't for Izu and mom I…" She closed her mouth and Ochako could see one of her fangs digging into her lip before she worked up the courage to continue. "I would've either ended up dead in an alleyway somewhere or, if I somehow survived long enough, became a villain."
Ochako reached out and gingerly touched Himiko's arm. "I know it's not worth much, but I'm sorry you went through that."
Himiko looked toward the futon and warmth filled her face. "In the end, it was worth it. I found the best family I could've asked for. Even if my younger brother is a selfless idiot sometimes."
"At least he has a big sister who watches out for him."
Himiko's face whipped around to look at Ochako, her jaw hanging open momentarily before she closed it, a smile on her lips. "And now he has friends of his own, thanks to UA. Speaking of - when are you going to tell him?"
Ochako felt the heat rising on the back of her neck. "Tell him wha- Ow!" Ochako realized too late what was going on as Himiko scratched her arm, watching in horror as she grinned and licked the drop of blood off of her nail.
"Hi, Deku! I've been crushing on you for months but I'm too scared to tell you! And I know you'll never make the first move either, so I'm going to have to do it!"
Ochako sputtered and her face turned red. Seeing her face with Himiko's huge smile and hearing that in her voice was too much. "That's not fair!"
"What's not fair?" Himiko asked innocently.
"You! Your quirk is the absolute worst," Ochako grumbled. She then looked fondly at Izuku sleeping on the futon. "He's trying so hard to be a hero, we all are. I just… I can't… It would be too distracting!"
"What, like you're not distracted enough having to lie to yourself every time you see him?"
Ochako put her head down and sulked. "It's not fair, I shouldn't have to hear this in my own voice."
Himiko shrugged. "It's working though, isn't it?"
"Unfortunately," she grumbled. "How do you and Song do it?"
Himiko dropped her transformation, a playful look on her face. "Besides the part where we don't care what people at school think?"
"Yes!" Ochako squeaked out, having seen the two girls in the hallways more than once, where one of them was pressed against the wall as they were kissing. "Besides that!"
"We make time for each other," Himiko stated simply. "You two are lucky - you're here every day. You could just stick around after dinner if you wanted to."
"I-" Ochako sighed as she tried to wrestle with her insecurities. "And it doesn't hold either of you back?"
"You've met Emmy, right?"
"I- you're right," Ochako admitted, before looking at Izuku. "I just- what if it doesn't work out?"
"Do you seriously think Izu's the kind of person who would make things awkward if it turns out you two aren't right for each other?"
"No, he'd probably be going out of his way to make sure that I'm comfortable, no matter how he felt."
"Exactly." Himiko looked at Izuku fondly. "For what it's worth, I think you two deserve each other."
"Really?"
"Do you seriously think I'd let you anywhere near Izu if I didn't?"
"No," Ochako giggled. "I guess I never thought of it like that."
"Because you were too busy thinking Emmy was interested in him."
Ochako sputtered and blushed before she managed to recover and glared at the other girl, who simply responded with a fanged grin.
"I-" Ochako sighed as she looked at Izuku. "You're right. I'll do it."
"That's the spirit!" Himiko quietly cheered.
Without anything else to say, Himiko returned to her laptop and a comfortable silence fell between the girls. Ochako couldn't help but sit there, propping her head up with her arm as she refused to take her eyes off of Izuku, hoping to chase away the images that were hiding in her dreams.
Eventually, she felt her eyelids getting heavy as she let out a long yawn. She heard Himiko close the laptop and stand up, and squeaked in surprise when she felt the other girl grab her arm and pull her up. "Ok, time to try sleeping again."
"I… don't want to leave Deku though," Ochako admitted.
"Who said anything about leaving?" Ochako was scared when she saw Himiko flash her predatory grin. She pulled Ochako over to the futon and pointed down to the side Izuku was facing.
Ochako's face turned bright red as she whispered. "You are trying to literally murder me tonight. First, you bully me, and now this?"
"Oh please. It's not like anything is going to happen when I'm right here."
Ochako sighed in resignation and crawled onto the futon, facing Izuku. She saw Himiko crawl into bed on the other side of Izuku and lean over him to look at Ochako. "I'm pretty sure Izu wouldn't mind if you join us in our little sleepover."
Ochako deadpanned. "If I'm dead in the morning I'm haunting you forever." To which Himiko's only reply was sticking out her tongue before laying down, and Ochako saw her snuggle into Izuku's back with jealousy. But she had to admit, the sight of Izuku's sleeping form centimeters away from her and the heat radiating off of him had a calming effect on her. The last thing she saw before she fell asleep was his sleeping face.
Thankfully her dreams were not filled with nightmares of a pale hand around his neck.
Ochako woke up hours later and found herself trapped and unable to move. Searching frantically with her eyes, she discovered that at some point, Izuku wrapped his arms around her and pulled her even closer to him. As she looked at his sleeping face, close enough she could kiss it, she felt her face heating up. Taking a soft breath, she gathered her courage and began to speak, her voice barely a whisper.
"Deku, I know we've only known each other for a few months, but every day you inspire me to be a better person. I- I thought it was just a schoolgirl crush, that it would just fade in time, but every day I've spent with you, it has only deepened. I really like you and I want to see what we can accomplish… together. I just-" Ochako took a deep breath. "-need the courage to tell you when you are awake."
Mustering the last of her bravery before it went up in a puff of smoke, she leaned her head forward, closing the gap between their faces as she gently pressed her lips to his cheek. It lasted only a second, but it was enough for her.
Feeling content she leaned into Izuku, letting his warmth wrap around her like a blanket before she fell back asleep.
Izuku awoke from the most pleasant dream. Ochako had confessed to him! And she even kissed him on the cheek!
After the day he had yesterday, it was exactly the kind of dream he needed to lift his spirits.
As he opened his eyes, he realized the warmth he was feeling against his chest wasn't Himiko like he was expecting, but Ochako, and he froze.
Wait, I thought she was in Himi's room? Does that mean it wasn't a dream?
He saw her brown hair concealing her face as she was nestled in his shoulder, and he felt his face heating up. "O-Ocha-"
"Five more minutes," She grumbled before she adjusted herself. Realization seemed to set in as she suddenly pulled back. "D-Deku! I'm so sorry I just-"
Izuku gave her a reassuring look. "We can stay here for five more minutes if you'd like?"
"Yes," Ochako admitted with a smile on her face. "I'd like that."
Ochako pressed against his chest again and he wrapped his arms around her, gently stroking her back. As he lay there, he came to a decision.
If that wasn't a dream…
After breakfast, Izuku steeled himself. You can do this! It's just Ochako. Even if you're wrong, she wouldn't hold it against you.
"Ochako, do you want to go for a walk?"
"Hrm?" Ochako asked curiously, looking up from her phone.
"I um," Izuku rubbed the back of his head, "I didn't get my morning jog in today and am feeling restless so wanted to go for a walk." He said lamely. "And I wanted to know if you wanted to come with me?"
"Sure! That sounds nice."
Himiko looked pointedly at the pair before she grabbed her phone. "You two have fun! I'm gonna call Nejire and see if she has any leads about yesterday!"
Both blushed as Himiko darted out of the living room, leaving the two alone. "W-well, should we get going?"
"Y-yeah."
The two quietly put on their shoes and left the apartment, and Izuku set the pace as they began the casual stroll to the beach. Ochako must have sensed his nervousness as she began speaking shortly after they left the parking lot.
"Are you ok Deku?"
"Y-yeah! Just- nervous is all," Izuku admitted.
"I understand," Ochako said, as she quietly took his hand in her own. "Yesterday was rough, wasn't it? Even if we know we're safe now…"
"Yeah," Izuku replied.
It was just like her to do this. Even though she was the true source of his nervousness, she was the one to reach out to him, to try and calm him down.
It was one of the many qualities he admired in her.
They walked in a comfortable silence the rest of the way to the beach. At his silent urging, the two removed their shoes and continued to walk out onto the morning sand. Looking around, Izuku didn't see anyone around.
Perfect.
Taking a deep breath, he looked at Ochako, quietly examining her as she looked out at the morning waves. "Umm, Ochako?"
"Hrm? What is it, Deku?"
Izuku rubbed the back of his head nervously. "Umm, I don't know how to put this but, well, I had a dream last night. That you confessed to me."
Ochako stared at him in silence, but her permanent blush rapidly expanding to turn her entire face red was all the confirmation he needed. "Deku I-"
"It's ok!" Izuku insisted, raising his hands in front of him. "The thing is - I really liked that dream." He turned away from her to face the ocean. "The truth is, I-" He swallowed the lump in his throat nervously. "-I never thought someone could feel that way about me. Especially not someone as amazing as you, Ochako."
He turned to give her a warm smile, and Ochako felt herself melting inside at the gaze.
She never wanted him to stop looking at her that way.
"It wasn't a dream," Ochako said, balling her fists. "I'm just a coward. I- for months now- and I just couldn't bring myself to say it. I don't know if it will even work! We're both trying to be heroes, after all! And then yesterday showed us both how dangerous our jobs can be. I- I thought if I buried those feelings they would just go away. But yesterday I realized I was wrong. And I-I would never forgive myself if I didn't tell you!"
"Ochako-" Izuku stared in awe at the girl. He tried to stare at her, but she was blinding in her radiance. "I feel the same way."
"Huh?" Ochako looked surprised at Izuku's easy admission of that simple fact.
Izuku closed the gap and wrapped his hand around her fist. "You're an amazing person, Ochako! You're always there, ready to support us - to support me. Whenever I'm feeling down, you've been there to lift me up. Literally, since the beginning, you have been there to catch me when I fall. "He felt Ochako begin to unclench her fist as their fingers intertwined. "I don't know what's going to happen but with you next to me it feels like I can face anything. Even situations like yesterday!"
"Izuku…" Ochako slipped out of his grip, her hands shifting as she slowly wrapped her arms around him. Izuku responded by placing his hand on the back of her head, his fingers weaving through her hair.
Soft.
If he had to pick one word to describe her hair. It would be soft. Just like her skin - just like her. But he knew that wasn't the whole story. He knew, underneath the surface, there was a fiery core of determination. Her desire to be a hero, to help others, those who can't help themselves.
It was inspiring.
And wrapped around that was her soft, gentle exterior. Perfect for reassuring others, and helping to lift them up.
Much like she lifts him up.
As his eyes examined her face, they stopped on her lips, and he couldn't help but wonder if they were just as soft as the rest of her.
Slowly, Izuku began leaning down, seeking out her lips. He felt her shifting slightly, pushing up on her toes as she sought to meet him in their middle. As their lips found each other a warmth began to fill them, a knowledge that the other person felt the same way that they do.
"So does this mean we are?"
Ochako rolled her eyes and giggled. "Yes, Izuku. This means I am your girlfriend. And you are my boyfriend." She then pulled him close and kissed him again, this time their lips locked in fervent passion as they told each other how they felt through their actions.
When they finally pulled back Izuku was a blushing mess. "I'm kind of glad I heard your confession in my sleep."
Ochako giggled. "I'm glad too."
"So um, are you ready to go face my family?"
Ochako sighed fondly and leaned into him. "I'm pretty sure next to you I would be willing to take on a whole pack of those Nomu!"
"Yeah, but Himi is scarier."
Ochako laughed at that. "Good thing I know her crippling Deku weakness. I'll just throw you at her and handle your mom then."
"Hey, no fair!" Izuku whined as they began to walk back to his family's apartment hand-in-hand, ready to face whatever comes next.