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Everything was perfect – or, at least, as perfect as things could be in a hole in the wall place that they called home.
Himiko had spent the past month planning this one night, using her quirk to slip through the public unknown to gather all the appropriate items. She even pleaded with Mister to help her cook, although he hadn’t needed much convincing. Spinner was used to instant meals and takeout while she was positive Dabi purposely burnt everything so he wouldn’t have to cook, and she couldn’t have that. This night had to be flawless or it would never work. She knew that she was on thin ice, but she also knew a connection when she felt one – and she felt one with Ochako.
Contrary to what the others might think, even Ochako herself, Himiko knew that she wasn’t besties with the other girl, no matter how hard she tried. On her good days, the would-be hero was friendly, sometimes even warm, but on most days, she simply tolerated Himiko. It would’ve hurt her feelings if she wasn’t so used to things like that. She was still nicer than Dabi, who was a total grinch with everyone. On bad days, Ochako would snap at her, shove her away, and do her best to avoid her. She couldn’t lie: it hurt, but she also knew that the other girl was used to keeping everyone at an arm’s length.
Himiko stood in the doorway of the room and let out a breath. She smiled as she examined the set-up. It really was perfect. Jin had been kind enough to help her as well. After all, it wasn’t every day that she was able to spend uninterrupted time with her favorite girl in the world, and she really wanted to show Ochako that she was important to her. Sure, some days she didn’t know if she wanted to be with her or actually be her (a possibility with a quirk like hers), but Ochako meant something.
“Toga?” a familiar lovely voice called out. “This better be important. I had to make up a story about my mother being sick so I could leave school.”
After smoothing down her skirt – a new one that she’d snagged for this very occasion – Himiko spun on her heels and hopped down the hallway. “It is!”
She found Ochako in the main room wearing casual clothes, just jeans and a jacket, a far difference from the fancy clothes that Himiko was currently wearing. A confused look crossed Ochako’s face, but there was a hint of curiosity in her beautiful brown eyes too. If only one thing could be said about Himiko, it was that she was never boring. Whether that was a good or bad thing was left to be determined by the other people in her presence.
“C’mon!” Himiko exclaimed, latching onto Ochako’s wrist and pulling her toward the room before she could argue.
“Hey!” Ochako nearly fell in her attempt to keep up, but she managed to catch herself when Himiko slowed down. Patience. She had to be at least a little patient. She didn’t want to ruin this. “What’s going on?”
Still holding onto Ochako’s wrist with one hand, Himiko threw the door open to reveal a full-on candlelit dinner with a complete spread of delicious food on the table and sparkling juice. She’d thought about getting some actual sake, but Ochako would’ve probably turned down alcohol in case it messed with her capabilities. She was so thoughtful and responsible like that, but then again, as the mole in UA and hero society, she had to be careful.
Ochako froze, staring in shock. “What in the…?”
“Happy birthday!” Himiko cheered.
“But–”
“I know your birthday was a few days ago, but you couldn’t come back here to celebrate,” Himiko explained, pulling Ochako into the room. “I thought it was so sad, and I know Tomura was moody about it too. You couldn’t celebrate it last year either, so I wanted to do something special for you.”
“With the others?” Ochako asked. “There are only two seats at the table.”
Himiko giggled into her hand. “Well, I might’ve been a little selfish for the first part.”
“So...it’s just us?”
“Mmhm, although Mister helped me cook and Jin helped me set this up,” Himiko said. She finally let go of Ochako’s wrist, the phantom feeling of her pulse lingering in Himiko’s fingertips. Walking toward the table, she gestured at the food, drinks, and candle. “I wanted this to be really special so you’d know how important you are to me. I know you don’t always like me.” Ochako opened her mouth, perhaps to argue, but Himiko continued, “It’s okay! I’m a little much sometimes. I get it.”
Ochako’s face burned pink even in the candlelight. “That’s a little...embarrassing.”
“No, no, don’t be embarrassed!” Himiko insisted. “I don’t mind.”
“That I don’t like you all the time?”
Himiko stepped closer to Ochako, reaching for her hand again. “You don’t have to like me all the time to love me.”
“I–” Ochako closed her eyes and sighed deeply, but there was a hint of a smile on her face that gave Himiko a spark of hope. “You really are something.”
“And so are you!” Himiko said, pulling Ochako all the way into the room. She let out a little squeak, opening her eyes in shock and catching herself with a hand on Himiko’s shoulder, and then allowed herself to pushed down to sit on a cushion at the table. Instead of sitting across from her like normal, Himiko nudged the second pillow closer so she could sit down right next to her.
Ochako eyed the food and then Himiko with a level of suspicion, her brows narrowed slowly. “So, uh, you aren’t…”
Himiko rolled her eyes. “I’m not trying to poison you, silly.”
“No, that’s not–” Ochako cleared her throat. “That’s not your MO.”
It definitely was not, and she was glad that Ochako knew better than to assume it was. Himiko did operate on deceipt and stealth, but she wasn’t fond of such poistoning. It was too indirect. If she was going to kill someone, she’d rather do it herself, up close and personal. Plus, the idea of contaminating someone’s blood just felt like such a crime . What a waste.
“I was, uh, gonna make a joke about you feeding me too,” Ochako finished.
Himiko plucked a pair of chopsticks off the table in excitement. “I could!”
But Ochako held up a hand. “That’s not necessary.”
“Okay, but if you change your mind…” Himiko clacked the chopsticks together and giggled. Even Ochako smiled slightly. It was a little strained – Himiko wasn’t blindly in love – but it seemed more of embarrassment than her usual displeasure. She simply wasn’t sure how to react to this sort of attention.
After looking at the spread of food on the table while Himiko fixed a plate, Ochako managed, “Thanks. This is– This is really nice of you.”
“I meant what I said,” Himiko told her seriously. “You’re really special to me.”
Ochako’s eyes flickered to hers briefly before she looked away and bit her lip. It was hard to say what she was thinking. She made it her job of pretending to wear her heart on her sleeve that it must’ve been difficult for her to be genuine. Himiko could understand that, what with how much she played pretend at being other people. She didn’t talk about her feelings. Tomura talked about his feelings more. Sure, there wasn’t much besides hating everything, but he still talked about it. Gosh, Dabi might talk about his feelings more than her. It wasn’t healthy.
“Hey,” Himiko piped up, laying a hand overtop Ochako’s, which were resting in her lap. “You know you can tell me anything, right?”
“And you’ll keep it a secret?” Ochako asked, a touch wry.
Himiko winked. “Us girls have to stick together, after all.”
“Hm, I suppose you’re right,” Ochako hummed thoughtfully.
After squeezing Ochako’s hands, Himiko pulled hers away and turned her focus back on her food. “I know it’s been a while, but still, after Big Sis Magne…” She took a deep breath. “I don’t want to lose you too – to anything. I want to be here for you in every way.”
Ochako gulped and said in a rather nervous tone, “Sounds serious.”
“Mm, for you, I’d do anything.”
“Anything, hm?” Ochako shook her head and picked up a plate, piling food onto it. Ah, yes, she had to pretend to be super poor while at school, so she likely didn’t eat as much as she wanted. Especially since her quirk had evolved into full-on gravity manipulation, she burned through more energy than before. Himiko paid attention to the little things, hence why she’d made a lot of food. “You’re a really sweet girl.”
Himiko perked up. “You think?”
Ochako tossed her a grin. “Maybe too sweet.” Himiko tilted her head. “But lucky for you, I’ve got a sweet tooth, so I don’t mind.”
Sensing Ochako’s openness and good mood, Himiko took advantage of it and leaned her head against her shoulder, basking in the other girl’s warmth. She didn’t get to do this very often without Ochako tensing up or even pushing her away, so she had to get it while she could. Hopefully, this night could be a bridge to other nights, and they could finally become close like Himiko dreamed. She was willing to open up if Ochako was, but she knew it was hard. She’d been raised to keep secrets. Himiko could understand that too, but she didn’t want to hide anymore.
“Besides,” Ochako added, “I know you’re sharp when it matters.”
Himiko laughed lightly and picked up a knife, candlelight reflecting on the metal. “Of course.”
“I like that,” Ochako said softly, and Himiko blushed. She liked that too.