Chapter Text
The Harumi District gas pipeline explosion had taken over every local news channel.
Ochako flipped back and forth between stations, trying to get as much information as possible. She hoped maybe she would be able to catch a glimpse of Deku or any of his friends. Even Iida since he was a police officer. They usually held conferences when something disastrous like this happened.
Her group chat with the girls continued to buzz with messages from Mina and Toru asking about Deku and his status.
From: Mina
Have you heard from Midori, Ochako? Is he okay?
From: Toru
Gosh, the news makes it look bad! I hope everyone is okay! Let us know when you hear back from Midoriya!!
She assured them she would let them know as soon as she heard something.
But for now, Ochako was left waiting.
The anticipation was eating her alive. Every time her phone vibrated, she was disappointed it wasn’t Deku. Was he okay? Was he hurt? Were they able to save everyone? Did they contain the fire? Was everyone safe?
Ochako thought of Iida, Todoroki, Shinso, Kirishima, Kaminari, Sero, Kendo, TestuTetsu, Monoma, and even that Bakugo.
Were they all working hard to ensure everyone’s safety right now?
Were Kirishima, Kaminari, TetsuTetsu, and Sero providing first aid on scene? Transporting victims to the hospital? Were they setting up triage areas in the area?
Did Iida, Kendo, and Monoma set up perimeters around the explosion area? Did they start investigating the cause already? Were they helping guide people away from areas of instability?
As for Deku, Bakugo, Todoroki, and Shinso… did they run straight into the flames? Did they formulate a plan before heading into danger? Ensure structural integrity so they didn’t just run straight into a fiery death? Were they able to pull people out? Able to contain the fire?
Too many questions, not enough answers.
Ochako sighed in defeat.
Though tomorrow was Sunday, Aizawa sir had already sent her and Hatsume their new portfolio from the program director’s above. They would be shifting their focus from satellite systems to something new.
She wanted to peek at the folder and start putting notes together. Ochako knew Hatsume was most likely already halfway through the information at this point. She didn’t want to fall behind or hold Hatsume back.
But sleep was hard to come by when her mind was focused on a certain green-haired firefighter.
Ochako eventually found her way to bed. Her bedtime routine was plagued with concerned thoughts for Deku, still checking her phone persistently. As she crawled under the covers and plugged her phone in, Ochako checked the local news page once more.
“We are here on scene with first responders as they continue to fight the blaze that is burning behind us! Local stations from around the area are here in collected efforts to extinguish the fire and prevent the spread.”
“Police officers have closed off local areas around the Harumi District while first responders continue to fight the blaze. EMT and paramedics have continued to transport victims of the explosion to local hospitals. If you have a loved one involved in the explosion, please check with the Tokyo Police Department for more information.”
The information wasn’t anything new and Ochako sighed in frustration.
It was reasonable that Deku didn’t get back to her for some time. He had explained to her 24-hour calls and how some lasted hours longer than others. But watching the scene unfold on live television…
Deciding there was nothing she could do but just trust in Deku and his friends, Ochako resigned herself to sleep.
When her alarm went off in the morning, she rolled over with a groan in her pillow. Her eyes bleary, she rubbed at them. She knew she didn’t rest well when she could feel the beginnings of a headache.
But the events of yesterday woke her right up and she jumped straight to her phone.
There was a voicemail waiting for her in her inbox.
Missed Call: Deku – 347AM
1 unread Voicemail
Ochako’s breath hitched and she pressed play.
“Hey, Uraraka…” Deku’s voice trailed off. “Sorry for calling you so late in the evening. I figured you’d be asleep but… I just – I just wanted to let you know that I’m okay. We just had our first break since we arrived on scene.”
There were sirens in the background. Some shouting off and on. And the sound of crackling fire was loud in her ear.
“It’s been… it’s been crazy out here. We’re doing our best but...” His voice trailed off, sounding defeated. Ochako wanted to hug him.
“Anyway, I’m sorry for running out of lunch with your friends. I did have a good time. Your friends are really great! I knew you were worried. But there was nothing to be worried about.”
“Deku! Who the hell are you on the God damn phone with?! All Might needs us, you nerd!”
Bakugo’s voice cut through the back and Ochako could tell the toll of the day ate at him too. His voice cracked, losing that snarl that sat in the back of his throat.
“Coming, Kaachan! Okay, Uraraka. I have to get back now. We’re still on for another 10 hours.”
He sighed, but Ochako could picture him stealing his resolve.
“I’ll text you as soon as I get a chance… Okay bye.”
It sounded like Deku had something else he wanted to say. But decided against it. She clenched the phone tightly in her hand as the voicemail ended.
She sighed in relief. Ochako knew that she was right to trust in the boys.
To: Deku
Good morning! I just listened to your voicemail. Thanks for keeping me updated. I hope you’re hanging in there okay!
If there’s anything I can do… please feel free to ask.
Ochako felt like there was something missing in the message after she pressed sent. She stared at it for a moment but decided that it was fine for now. Knowing there wasn’t anything else she could do, the aerospace engineer decided to get started on her day.
She texted the girls to confirm he was safe.
From: Mina
Remember what I said Ochako! Give that boy a big ol’ kiss when you see him again! ;D
Her lips twitched as she shook her head, half amused, half annoyed. Choosing to ignore the message, she put her phone down and opened her laptop. Before opening the email Aizawa sir sent her and Hatsume Friday, she clicked on the updates for the Harumi District.
Breaking News: Harumi District casualty rises to 10 as first responders continue to pull victims from the wreckage. More than a dozen survivors have been sent to local hospitals in the surrounding areas.
Police urge loved ones to contact the Tokyo Police Department if you have family involved in the explosion. The Tokyo Fire Department have worked all night to contain the flames seen behind us. While more than 80% contained, crews are still working diligently to ensure 100% containment.
The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry held a press conference earlier this morning assuring they would hold those accountable that failed to upkeep proper regulations and allowed this tragedy to occur.
We were joined earlier this morning by Captain Yagi Toshinori of Unit 1-A from the Tokyo Fire Department.
Ochako’s eyes went wide, recognizing the name of Deku’s captain.
She didn’t get a chance to meet him as Deku explained he was at the Commissioner’s office that day for a city-wide meeting. But seeing the man on screen, Ochako was surprised by the relief she felt.
He was a tall man, burly with confident, gleaming blue eyes. His shoulders were large, square and strong. His blonde hair was covered by their firefighter helmet, soot covering his face. But, just looking at him relieved the unease in her heart.
Reporter: Captain Yagi, thank you for joining us. I know your crew, along with countless others, have been battling the flames all night. What can you tell us about the explosion?
Captain Yagi: It’s not just my crew that has been here. All first responders: police and EMT/paramedics have worked tirelessly through the nice to ensure the safety of our citizens! We must acknowledge all that have played their part in rescue efforts.
Reporter: Of course! We would be nowhere without their sacrifice and willingness to put their lives on the line!
Captain Yagi: As for what we know… currently nothing. Our job is to contain the flames. We are currently at 65% containment. We will let the METI handle their investigations into the explosion. Our priority has and will always be the great citizens of Japan.
Reporter: Thank you, Captain Yagi! For everything you and your crews have done to aid those in need!
The blond-haired man gave a thumbs up at the camera, his smile wide, radiant. Despite the carnage that laid behind him, he brough security to those watching. Ochako felt like everything was going to be okay hearing him speak, so proud and grounded.
That interview happened at 5am this morning. It was now closer to 830. They had made significant process in just a couple hours. Ochako sighed as she looked at her phone. She hoped that Deku would get a reprieve soon enough. 24 hours is a long time to be wrapped in tragedy.
Ochako turned her focus back to her work and opened the folder Aizawa sir had sent her and Hatsume. Her jaw slipped open as she saw the bold letters across the screen.
Lunar Aero Exploration Project
Was this – was this for real?!
Her eyes widened as the three words stared blankly at her. Ochako couldn’t believe her eyes, shocked by the contents of the email.
From: Shota Aizawa
To: Uraraka Ochako, Hatsume Mei
Subject: L.E. A.P.
Uraraka. Hatsume.
You’ve more than proved yourself. This next task will be more challenging than anything you’ve ever done. Prepare yourselves.
But also, good job.
You both deserve it.
- Aizawa
Ochako fell back against her chair in complete disbelief.
This was everything she had ever dreamed of; everything she had ever worked for. The past three years at JAXA had been arduous. She was pushed constantly to the brink of exhaustion. Countless hours at the lab felt like the amounted to nothing most of the time.
But finally, finally, she had earned the opportunity to do what she always wanted to do: contribute to space exploration.
Tears welled in her eyes as she chocked back a sob. Laughter filled the emptiness of her apartment as she palmed her eyes, wiping away the tears. Her smile, wide across her face, turned into a full-on squeal as she jumped from the couch.
“I can’t believe it! I can’t – Finally! Finally!”
She immediately reached for her phone, searching for Deku’s contact. She couldn’t wait to tell him!
The thought caught her off guard, eyes widening as the thought unfolded and hit deeply. Ochako wanted to tell him. Not her parents, not her friends – him. He was the first person she wanted to tell, the one she wanted to share a piece of her joy with.
And that simple truth made her heart stumble.
Sitting back down on her couch, Ochako reached for her heart. She gripped her shirt, biting down on her lip as an attempt to ease the fluttering ache in her chest.
Her mind grappled with a single question:
When did Deku become so important to her?
Ochako drew her knees to her chest. Her cheeks flared red as she bit her lip, burying her face into her arms.
Oh.
I see.
.
Ochako settled with calling her parents first.
It had been a little while since she last spoke with them. She needed to catch up with them regardless.
“Wait, I’m confused, kiddo. I thought yer were already sendin’ stuff up to space?”
Her dad asked and she giggled.
“Well, technically, yes. But now I get to design projects to send further out! Like the moon, mars, and other planets!” It was the simplest way she could explain for her parents to understand.
“Wow, honey! That’s sure amazin’! We’re so proud of yer!” Her mom praised, the water running in the background.
“My little girl… all grown up. Damn. Yer sure know how to make yer pops proud, my little ‘Chako.”
She could hear the emotion in his voice and Ochako couldn’t help the tears that pricked her own eyes. Her dad didn’t get emotional often. He was a strong man who believed in hard work. He wasn’t one to shy away from feelings, but he also wasn’t one to show them so loosely.
“Thanks, Dad.” She said in earnest. “Anyway! How are you guys? Were you guys able to secure that contract you were tellin’ me about?”
“You neva let us celebrate ya too long, kiddo. Sheesh, straight to business with ya, huh?” Her dad chuckled on the other side of the phone. “Yeah, we start first thing at the start of the month!”
“I wonder where she got that from, hmm, Daichi?”
Ochako giggled as her dad scoffed, saying something inaudible to her mom.
“That’s great! That should help a bunch with the payload, right?”
“Now, honey. That isn’t anythin’ for yer to worry ‘bout. Yer focus on your new project, ya hear?” Her mother chastised. Ochako rolled her eyes affectionally with a shake of her head.
“You know I’ll always worry, though.”
Her dad laughed. “Yer mom and I got it handled, kid. Don’tcha worry about a thing.”
That’s what they always said growing up. But Ochako remembered all those late nights they would stay up, figuring out ways to keep the lights on. They huddled over stacks of bills and spoke in hushed tones. Her parents never realized she overhead most conversations.
Being able to give back to them now, Ochako was grateful she could provide some sense of relief in their lives.
Their phone call didn’t last too much longer after that. Ochako had to get going and her parents were getting their affairs ready for the week. Turning back to her laptop, she skimmed through the file Aizawa had sent.
There lots of projects and some really tight deadlines.
But between her and Hatsume, Ochako was confident it would get done.
Speaking of Hatsume…
The girls didn’t speak often outside of work. Ochako offered every so often to bring her coffee in the morning, but Hatsume lived off the trucker’s coffee in the lab. They exchanged numbers for the sake of having them.
But Ochako wanted to celebrate this accomplishment with her partner.
To: Hatsume
I just read Aizawa sir’s email! I hope you’re ready to grind!
Ochako went wide eyed at the speed of her reply.
From: Hatsume
Already ahead of you, Gravity Girl. Working on my next baby AS WE SPEAK.
The chestnut-haired woman couldn’t help the snort as she rolled her eyes.
To: Hatsume
Of course! Can’t wait to see what you bring to the lab tomorrow!!
Hatsume replied to her text with a thumbs up and Ochako took that as a sign for a break. As she walked over to the fridge for a quick snack, her eyes went to her balcony. The river glistened against the reflection of the clear door.
She thought of Deku again, as she always did when she was out there.
Ochako hadn’t heard from him since that voicemail late last night. He hadn’t read her message either. It was only noon, and it took him a while to get back to her last night too. The last time she checked the news, the fire had been contained. But crews were still on scene for rescue response.
Excessively worrying over him and his friends wasn’t going to make her feel any better. So, Ochako continued to just trust in him.
But as she sat on that thought, Ochako realized something agonizingly brutal.
Pursuing a relationship with Midoriya Izuku meant that all his calls we’re going to be spent with her constantly worrying about him. That was the reality of being with a first responder. He was always going to be putting his life on the line to help others.
And for her to be sitting at home awaiting a text…
Was it something she was willing to do?
Something she was willing to endure?
It honestly surprised her.
How quickly the answer came to her.
To her… Deku – no, Midoriya Izuku, was, without question, worth it.
To: Deku
I know that you’re still out there, doing what you do best. Saving lives and making a difference!
But… well, I just wanted to say that you’re incredible! And I’m so inspired by your drive and resolve and –
Well, I’m just proud of you.
Anyway, no rush to get back to me. Just – just wanted you to know that!
Ochako’s face flushed as she sent the barrage of texts, hiding her face in her hands. She attempted to cool down the heat by waving her hands. But nothing stopped the rush of emotions that she felt so viscerally.
She felt pathetic getting this torn up over someone she had only known for several months.
But it wasn’t pathetic.
What she felt for Deku.
It was real. And honest. And raw.
Her phone vibrated next to her, and she nearly jumped to the roof. Looking down, the flush on her face deepened as Deku’s name flashed across her screen.
Her mouth went dry, suddenly feeling embarrassed by the text messages she sent his way. Biting her lip, she hit the green button and put the phone to her ear.
“… hello?”
“Uraraka, hey!”
Who knew hearing his voice would sweep away all her anxiety so quickly? Her lips tugged upwards effortlessly.
“Hey yourself.”
“Sorry it’s taken me so long to get back to you! It’s been a mess out here. This fire has been a pain to put out… But we finally got it! Thank goodness.” Deku sounded relieved, but she could hear the exhaustion in his voice.
“I knew you guys would! Great work!” She tried to sound cheery, hoping it would lift his spirits.
“Heh, thanks…” His voice trailed off and the line went quiet for a moment.
“Deku? You still there?”
“Huh! Oh yeah! Sorry – actually, Uraraka! I – uh – ” He stumbled on his words, Ochako raising a brow. “Geeze, Izuku. Get it together.”
She couldn’t help but laugh.
“I just wanted to say thank you! For your kind words!” He finally said, his voice squeaking slightly there. “It was nice. To check my phone and see your words of encouragement.”
Her cheeks flared.
“I – I mean, my mom always tells me to be careful, you know? Which, duh, she’s my mom. And all the guys – Kaachan, Todoroki, Shinso… we always make sure each other is taken care of.”
His voice softened. “But to hear that from you… we’ll – it just… it really meant a lot to me.”
“So, thank you. For lifting me up. And believing in me. It’s nice to know that I have someone thinking of me.”
Ochako could feel the sincerity in Deku’s words, the warmth threading through her until they sunk into her very bones. Her heart ached with the simple, overwhelming need to hold him.
Twirling a loose strand of hair around her finger, she smiled as she put the phone closer to her ear.
“You know, Deku. You really don’t give yourself enough credit, you dummy.” She muttered; her blush creeping down her neck. “You got me thinkin’ about you way too much, I think.”
His side of the phone went quiet to where Ochako thought the connection was lost.
But then she heard a hitch in his voice and Deku laughed breathlessly.
“Uraraka… I think you would think I’m a pervert if you knew – if you knew how much I thought about you.”
Ochako snorted, and fell to her side on the couch, shaking her head as she laughed.
“I could never think that!”
“Oh, thank god.” He sighed in relief and the two sat on opposite ends of the phone, laughing together like they were school kids.
Once the laughter died down and she wiped her eyes from the tears in her eyes, she sat back up on the couch.
“Anyway, I’m happy to hear from you. Is everyone hanging in there?”
“Shinso got some smoke inhalation but thankfully Kirishima was close by. He took Shinso to get checked. He’s okay, thank goodness. Togata Senpai took over his role and Todoroki, Kaachan and I were still able to get our work done.”
Ochako frowned.
She thought about Aizawa sir and Eri.
“And uh – well…”
She could hear the hesitancy in his voice, her brows lifting at his stammering. He sounded nervous. Which wasn’t necessarily uncommon for Deku. But in this context? It had Ochako concerned.
“… is everything okay?” She asked carefully.
“Y – yeah!” He said a little too quickly. “Well, mostly.”
“And what exactly does that mean?”
Deku sighed heavily on the other side of the phone.
“I may or may not have sprained my ankle after almost falling through splintered flooring.”
For a heartbeat, Ochako couldn’t breathe. But then, her heart dropped the moment her mind registered the words. The steady hum of her apartment turned into silence as her chest tightened. Images flickered in her mind. Of Deku, determined and moving without hesitation, falling into a blaze of flickering flames.
“But! I’m okay! Thankfully Kaachan was there to grab me before I could fall! And, really, that ankle has been giving me trouble for a while now! I hurt it a few months ago and sometimes, it just gives out! So, I really pushed it this time. But again! I’m okay.”
He reiterated as he rambled on, trying to reassure her.
Her mouth had gone dry, Ochako knowing that this was part of the dangers of his profession. That he ran headfirst into danger, risks and all.
But it didn’t make hearing it any easier.
“… Uraraka?”
He said her name so soft, Ochako felt the words wrap around her heart.
“Yeah, yeah. I’m here. I just – you’re okay?” She asked again, despite him already telling her.
“Yes, I promise. I’m okay.”
Gone was the tremble in his voice. The nerves were replaced by calm steadiness. His tone was sure, reassuring. His words carried with a subtle confidence she could almost hear smiling through.
“Kaachan and Todoroki helped me over to the triage tent. Fortunately, Kaminari and Sero were there and patched me up. They put me in a boot, and I am now officially grounded.”
Ochako released a breath she hadn’t realize she had been holding.
“I didn’t want to scare you. But then you sent me that message and I just – I don’t know. It was a hard night, but when I read that message, it helped so much. And I knew that hearing your voice would make it better. I didn’t want to ruin it by telling you I was hurt. But I also didn’t want to lie to you.”
“Deku.”
With one word, his voice faltered, and she stopped his rambling thoughts.
“I’m glad you’re okay. And thank you. For telling me. Even if it scares the hell out of me.” Ochako could hear him suck in a breath on the other side of the phone. “I would rather you tell me these things than hide them from me. So, thank you, for being honest.”
“And I’m glad I was able to help, even just a little.”
His side of line remained quiet, but she could hear his steady breathing.
“Deku?”
“How did I get so lucky? I keep asking myself that, Uraraka. Since I’ve met you, it’s honestly unbelievable.” He laughed and Ochako felt like all the gravity in the world left her. A visceral swoop in her stomach made her feel so light, like she could float away.
“I – Uraraka – I – ”
His words failed him, but Ochako knew what he was trying to say. Because she felt it too.
“Why don’t we save this conversation for the next time we see each other in person?” She offered, “It just – it feels too important to have over the phone.”
Deku sighed.
“Right. Absolutely.”
He laughed and finally, some levity in the heaviness of their conversation.
“So, you’re officially benched now?”
“Yeah, for now. I have an appointment with our on-site doc first thing tomorrow morning!”
“And how’s it feel now?”
Deku made a small noise, “Eh, not great. But like I said! Not the first I’ve injured this ankle. So, nothing I can’t tolerate.”
She imagined him smiling on the other side of the phone, playing it off like her normally did. He was always so positive and looked at the bright side of things. Even when things looked bleak, he found the silver lining every time.
“You’ll let me know if there’s anything I can do?”
“Oh! Yeah, of course!”
Ochako doubted that but she still wanted to ask.
Her email pinged on her laptop, Hatsume’s name appearing on the corner of her screen. She clicked on the attachment, her eyes quickly scanning some of the documents Hatsume already began working on.
She wanted to tell him. Share the good news.
But somehow, it felt inappropriate.
And Ochako knew that it was silly. Because Deku would be thrilled for her. He was always so enthusiastic about her work. Even if he didn’t understand it, he gave her his undivided attention.
There was no doubt Deku would be nothing but excited for her.
Telling him now though felt like undermining his injury and putting the attention on herself. So, Ochako decided to wait until a later time when things weren’t so chaotic.
“Oh, hey Uraraka. Looks like I gotta go. Captain Toshi is calling for a debrief.”
Her eyes widened. She didn’t realize Deku was still at work
“Oh! Yeah, sure.”
They were both quiet, the weight of their conversation still hanging over them.
“I’ll text you later, then? Once I get out of here?”
He sounded hesitant, and Ochako wanted to erase his doubts.
“Yeah, Deku. Sounds good! Get home safe, okay?”
A sigh of relief on the other side and she swore she felt him smiling over the phone.
“Yeah, absolutely! I’ll shoot you a text!”
When they hung up, Ochako saw that their phone call lasted around 35 minutes. It sure didn’t feel like it, everything feeling it happened so fast. Leaning her head back against the couch, the brunette stared up at her ceiling.
Ochako’s grew up questioning most things in her life. She was a curious kid who asked one too many questions. And that remained true into adulthood.
Hell. Her profession was all about the uncertainty of an environment and testing all variables until one was correct. Nothing was certain. Everything was a calculated risk. Any given moment, things could change.
But there was one thing that was certain.
Uraraka Ochako liked Midoriya Izuku.
That she could count on.