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Arita Yumiko was not having a great start to her day, newly moved into Musutafu, her alarm clock had malfunctioned and she was already running late. On her first day! The worst part was in the commotion of getting out the house she forgot her gloves.
Wearing gloves was a necessity for her in her day to day life. And she had the strange quirk she possessed to thank for that. Limbic emphasis, a mutation completely dissimilar to any quirk her parents held. The quirk itself was activated by ten finger contact, hence the gloves, avoiding accidental activation.
Her quirk affected the limbic system in the brain, the system responsible for emotions of all types. All it required was those ten fingers, and whoever was on the receiving end would feel all forms of emotion on a exponentially larger scale for any range between 24-72 hours. This seems on the surface like it would be a bother, but easy to hide in the back of one’s mind. The problem was, these emotions are too strong to hide, leaving their victim prone to outbursts of feelings much more intense than normal.
Even without the gloves, she just needed to retouch the person and she could deactivate instantly, so she wasn’t too worried, just keeping her hands in her pockets.
That was until the unfamiliar layout of the train station had her tripping on a step she failed to see, her face watching the ground approach at rapid speeds.
Reaching out her hands to grace for impact, she closed her eyes. Only reopening as the fall came to a… stop? Feeling her hands firmly gripping the arms of somebody, she was lifted to standing, face to face with a young boy with wild green hair. Smiling as he let go of her.
“Sorry about that, I just didn’t want you to fall. Oh, my trains here, have a good day!”
Huh, he was friendly. Wait… TEN FINGER CONTACT!
She spun on her heels ready to call after the young man, but he was nowhere to be seen, with a train shooting off in the opposite direction. Argh! This is exactly what I didn’t want.
She was running late already, no idea who the boy was or where he was headed. She gave up. Sorry young man, but you’re just going to have to deal with it. Good luck!
The train was racing from the station nearest his moms house back to heights alliance. It was a much needed weekend breather, getting to see his mom again, even for a couple of days made him feel lighter in general. He was looking forward to getting back to the dorms though, all his friends were there after all.
The carriage was busy today, that was quite a regular occurrence, but it didn’t mean it wouldn’t get on his nerves. Izuku had given up his seat to an elderly woman already, and now stood holding onto the pole in front of him for support. An older man, probably in his late 40’s was in the same situation, awkwardly bumping into the back of Izuku whenever the train swung slightly.
It was a pain, sure, but it was normal. Although he couldn’t help but feel his anger growing more and more at the man as he continued to brush against his back, knocking him off balance. I guess I’m just irritable today.
A sharp right turn, another collision with the man behind him. He let out a sigh. I wish this guy would get the FUCK off me!
He hadn’t even said it out loud, but that didn’t stop him slapping his hands to his mouth in shock, getting some funny looks from other passengers. Why did I think that? I basically lashed out at that guy! I need to get to the dorms and relax ASAP.
The train doors swung open at his stop, taking a step out of the carriage he let his shoulders relax slightly, happy to be away from that carnage. The relief washed over him in massive amounts, making him feel like he’d just survived a near death experience. It took him a moment, then he realised why that was odd. I just stepped off a train, why do I feel so happy about it?
That was a question for another day. The dorms weren’t far off now, so he headed towards the entrance of U.A. Looking up past the U.A barrier at the schools large logo being shown off to all who came, he felt a large sense of pride. He was a student at the top hero school in the country! Training to be a hero! He should be proud.
Following the thin path to the entrance of heights alliance, Izuku spotted a familiar head of brown hair, next to a similarly familiar green haired woman. They had numerous bags in their hands, just been shopping?
He stepped forwards to greet his friends, have a chat, catch up, anything like that. He hadn’t seen them for two days after all.
“Deku!” She kept that permanent positive attitude as she greeted him, her hair in a pony tail, wearing what he presumed was a new outfit from their trip. She looked good. Scratch that, she looked amazing.
He quickly shook the thoughts out his head and smiled back at the two girls. “Uraraka! Tsuyu! Good morning. Been shopping?”
“We have, figured we’d go in the morning with less people there, kero.” Izuku got that, after his experience on the train this morning he could sympathise with wanting to avoid strangers.
“Yeah, I had to buy some new outfits. I think my others started to look tacky and worn out. What’d ya think?” Ochaco twirled in the new skirt she’d bought, having it spin around her as she smiled gazing into his eyes. She was unnaturally beautiful, and his heart just couldn’t take it.
“I think you look amazing in anything you wear, Uraraka.” Holy shit did I just say that?! And it was so smooth!
“E-eh?” She was equally lost for words, a pink hue forming on her cheeks as she averted her eyes from his. Tsuyu simply put her finger to her mouth, as if she was analysing him.
“I-I, uh, n-nothing! I’m gonna go lie down, tired you know haha. Long trip, uhhh, bye!” He briskly walked past the two girls who were still in a stunned silence.
Izuku had never felt so embarrassed, it wasn’t even the worst thing he’d done! He felt like he needed to get into his bed and hide under the covers for eternity. Pushing the door open with speed, he motioned toward the stairs.
Only to be stopped by his friends voice.
“Hey Midoriya! Good trip?” Kaminari’s head was poking over the back of the couch, waving to him. He felt so touched to have friends who cared like they did, he’d already forgotten his embarrassment, feeling a swell of happiness and gratitude in its place.
“It was amazing! Thanks Kaminari, you’re such a cool guy!” He smiled warmly at Kaminari, who paused before hopping the couch and shooting towards him. Wrapping him in a classic Kaminari ‘bro hug’, at least that’s what he’d named them.
“Dude! You’re cool too!” Izuku had no idea what was going on today, but this was nice at least. “See Jiro, at least someone appreciates me!”
“Oh sit down you idiot!” She didn’t even bother looking when she yelled at him, and he still readily obliged. Those two are so funny! Right, I still need to go lie down.
Hearing a smack from the kitchen area diverted his attention from the stairs, pulling his focus before he could leave. “DEKU! You better be ready for me to beat your useless ass in combat training this week. I’ve been waiting to take out the trash.” Oh for god sake, kacchan. I can’t be bothered with this right now!
“Fuck off Kacchan.”
It seemed everyone in the vicinity had stopped what they were doing. 5 different sets of eyes burning holes in the back of his head in complete shock. This is it. This is how I die.
Panic. It’s all he could feel, his vision was almost clouded by it. In fact, he could feel a dull pain in his skull, but it was almost like it was communicating? DODGE.
Izuku ducked and a can from the kitchen propelled by Kacchan’s explosions sailed over his head.
“Wha-? How the HELL did you do that, nerd?” Izuku didn’t bother trying to answer, activating full cowl, he shot up the stairs towards his room. Lock myself away, maybe nap, stay alive. That sounded like a plan, at least for now.
Safety. Sinking into the all might themed covers of his bed Izuku let out a deep sigh. He had no idea what had got into him today! First he’d said Uraraka looked amazing, and while it was true, he had no idea where he’d developed the courage to do so. Then the Kacchan incident. He was lucky to be alive, and still afraid of seeing him again later. But in his bed, he could relax now. Still very early afternoon, no responsibilities, just melting into his mattress.
A buzz of his phone startled him from his state of zen, reaching over he saw the message notification. All Might.
[ALL MIGHT] – Young Midoriya, care to join me for tea later this evening? A simple catch up is all!
How did my life get this good! He shone a smile at his phone screen and tapped out his reply.
[IZUKU] - I’d love to! See you then!
Hm, another notification. Expanding the tab he saw a message from Uraraka. Oh god, she’s probably gonna be angry at me for earlier or something.
[OCHACO] – Hey Deku!! Just checking in! You seemed a bit off earlier, just wanted to see if everything’s okay! <3
God, what did he do to deserve friends like this.
[IZUKU] – Hi Uraraka! Everything’s fine, just a tad tired from my trip is all. Xx
And send! Wait… AGAIN?! What is going on with him right now? Two kisses?! He’d never even sent one before!
He closed the messaging app as quickly as he could, making the conscious decision to not check it again for at least a few hours. He needed his mind off whatever is affecting him today. Hero news! Of course! He loved to browse it in his off time anyway, and there’s no better time than now.
The green haired boy began idly scrolling through the news of the past couple days. Some All Might praise, deserved of course. Some Endeavour slander, deserved of course. Some more info on Mt. Lady and Kamui Woods ‘relationship’, that’s pretty normal at this point.
And next… a photo shoot? Mandalay of the wild wild pussycats teams with Uwabami to advertise their new underwear line!
Interesting… a sense of morbid curiosity had Izuku clicking on the link, the curiosity instantly replaced by shock. And then an unfamiliar feeling, it just felt like… He couldn’t even describe it fully, but that sensation spread to all parts of his body, and he felt he needed to act. What would I most closely associate with this feeling?
He tapped back onto the chat with Uraraka, seeing she still hadn’t replied, typed his message out.
[IZUKU] - Hey
[IZUKU] - Wanna come over to my room? 😉
Sent. Good. He laid back onto his bed. Feeling all too happy with himself. He expected she’d… WHAT THE HELL DID I JUST DO?!
He scrambled for him phone with a speed he hadn’t seen before, she’d read the message. Oh god. Maybe I can still save it a bit at least.
[IZUKU] - 😁***
[IZUKU] – Wrong emoji! Sorry! My fingers slipped haha! Sorry again.
[IZUKU] - I’d just heard you talking about the English homework, figured you’d like to team up? Sorry.
His life was over, gone, hero career ended before it began. He could see the news feeds already, promising U.A student arrested for being a pervert. God he was so dumb! The faint buzz of his phone pulled him away from derailing.
[OCHACO] - Don’t worry about it! Happens to the best of us haha! And yes I’ll come over, for the homework I mean. I’ll be there in 5! <3
He was the greatest hero ever, ultimate ladies man, smooth talker, expert liar. Wait, no, none of those were positives in this scenario! Except the hero thing, but that’s besides the point! It’s fine, just be normal, she’s probably just a expecting to study as we always do.
Ochaco’s Room
Ochaco was dying, she’d thought him sending her two kisses was gonna make her implode, but then Deku, her best friend, her crush, asked her to his room with a winky face. What on earth is going on?!
Releasing herself from her quirk after realising she’d unintentionally made her way to the ceiling, she grabbed her phone again, seeing the corrections her friend had made. Oh thank god! Wait, or not, I kinda wanted- NOPE!!
Slapping her hands to her cheeks to regain composure, Ochaco typed out her reply, then set about getting her English stuff together to do the homework. Oh, and not forgetting Izuku’s shirt! He’d forgotten it in the laundry room earlier in the week, and she was meant to give it back. She just hadn’t had the time, not like she’d tried it on or anything!
She plucked up the courage and left her room, making her way to the boys side of the dorms, a short trip later and she stood before Deku’s room, a mix of apprehension, excitement and thrill coursing through her veins. Just studying Ochaco, get a grip!
She firmly knocked on his door, chuckling as she heard him crash inside, probably from hopping off his bed too fast. The door swung open to see him before her, his classic unkempt green hair, his big inviting eyes, that friendly warm smile. This was a mistake.
“Uraraka! Come in! Thanks for stopping by, I-uh sorry about earlier. I’ve had a strange day.” Understatement.
“It’s okay Deku, really. We’ve all had days like that. What kinda friend would I be if I’d have said no to this anyway!”
She’s just so amazing, and beautiful, and- hey is that my shirt?
Ochaco followed his eyes to the shirt in her hands, her cheeks growing slightly red after forgetting she had it.
“O-oh, this is yours! You forgot it a couple days ago in the laundry room! I figured i’d hang onto it ‘till you got back.” She thrust the shirt into his midriff, probably too fast. He took it from her hands with a reassuring smile, which seemed to settle all her nerves like the flick of a switch.
“Of course! Thank you, you coulda just kept it though, you’d probably look better in it that I do.” Reign it in Izuku, REIGN IT IN!
“I can… keep it?” Okay maybe I did more than just wear it, it was soo comfy to sleep in, and the warmth and smell made me feel like he was there with me, arms wrapped around me as I drifted off.
“…raraka? Uraraka? You there? Everything okay?”
“O-oh sorry Deku, yeah I’m fine.”
“Okay, good. And yeah you can keep it if you want. I honestly didn’t wear it that often anyway.”
Score! “Yeah sure, whatever you want.”
They stood there awkwardly for a second, before he stepped to him bed and flopped down dramatically, stretching out and looking up at his best friend. “So… English homework?”
“Oh yeah! It isn’t that difficult, I figured we could fly through it in thirty mins or so.” That was both good and bad, he wanted her to stay longer.
“Okay but once we’re done we need to watch a movie or something! I don’t want you coming here for so short a time and just leaving like that!” Who am I? When did I get so bold?
When did he get so bold? “Y-yeah, sounds good! U-uh, let’s get started then.”
Uraraka wasn’t lying either, the homework was super easy, and they were done in twenty five minutes. He packed up all his work stuff and threw hers onto the desk, turning on his laptop and sitting on the bed, tapping it behind him for her to sit comfortably where the pillows where.
Ochaco swallowed with a gulp, then smiled and made her way over, she sat with her back to his headboard while he sat a bit in front of her outstretched legs, setting up the movie on his laptop. “So… what are we watching?”
He took a moment, then with an exaggerated click started up his choice on the screen. “Uhh, this is that new movie Yaoyorozu suggested to us the other day.” The romance?!
“Sounds good… you gonna come sit up here next to me? I’ve saved you a spot.” He chuckled at her then quickly turned his head as the screen lit up, showing a man and a woman hugging each other tight, crying about missing each other or something along those lines.
Izuku took one look at the screen and felt his emotions twisting inside of him again. He wanted so badly what they had, to be held, loved by another, after a moment he leaned back slightly, resting his arms either side of Uraraka’s legs and placing his head near the bottom of her stomach, feeling her instantly tense. What on earth am I doing?
What the hell is going on? “Uhh, Deku?”
“Can we cuddle please? I just really want to be held right now.” Okay now I definitely need to go to recovery girl because I had no intention of saying that!
“I… uh, s-sure. I’m here for you Deku, you can rely on me. That’s what friends are for right?” He sighed at her answer, annoyed? She brushed it aside, because right now she was living a dream. He had his hand near the bottom of her leg, tracing circles in the skin with his thumb. She moved her hand down and relaxed slightly, moving her attention back to the movie, putting her hand in his hair and stroking the top of his head lightly. It really is as soft as it looks.
Izuku had no idea where the confidence came from or why it came in such a large bundle, but he didn’t care at this point, the situation he had found himself in was nothing short of amazing. Her fingers felt so good through his hair, her skin so soft under his, it was natural, like they should’ve- RING RING RING.
They both jumped at the sudden noise, as Izuku grabbed his phone and looked at the screen, seeing Kirishima face timing him.
I definitely shouldn’t answer, imagine the questions we’d get right now! He looked again at the ringing phone, the picture of Kirishima on the screen. A variety of strong emotions flowing through him. He’s such a great friend, so inspiring and uplifting, how could I say no to him ringing! He couldn’t call himself a true friend if he didn’t. He lifted the phone and motioned to the accept button.
Ochaco, pulling out of her dazed state, noticed him about to accept. “Wait, Deku!” Too late.
“Midoriya, bro! How’s is going?”
“It’s going great Kirishima! How’s my bro doing today?”
“Bro! I’m even better now!”
“You know your my bro right? Bro’s for life!”
“Bro! You too bro!”
Ochaco couldn’t hold in her laugh, as she removed one hand from Izukus hair to shield her mouth. Letting slip some slight noise as she lost control. When did Deku start speaking like that? And why is it so funny?
“Midoriya, bro, is someone there?” Oh god, please don’t show me Deku, please please please.
“Huh? Oh yeah Uraraka’s here, say hi Uraraka!” He moved the camera up to show her with his head in her lap, with one hand in his hair, and a huge blush on her face.
“H-hi Kirishima! W-what’s up?”
“Wha- Midoriya! I didn’t know you had it in you bro!” This was not happening right now, he was gonna tell Mina, then it’d be the end for her, she needed to fix this now.
“I-it’s not like that Kirishima! Really, it’s nothing like that!”
Izuku slumped slightly, an all too familiar feeling washing over him, of course it isn’t like that. She’d never want it to be!
“She’s right Kirishima, why would it be? It’s just plain old looking me, the ‘hero’ who can’t save anyone, the ‘useless’ Deku.”
“Midoriya!” “Deku!” Both of his friends shouted at him in unison, making him flick his eyes up, startled. Ochaco was the first to speak up.
“Never say that stuff about yourself again! You are a true hero! You’ve saved me more times than I can count! And Deku doesn’t mean useless remember? It means ‘you can do it!” She had a determined shine in her eyes, with tears glistening in the corners.
“She’s right bro! And you’re a hit with the ladies! Don’t sell yourself short!”
He managed a wobbly smile, aimed back at his two friends. “Thanks guys, really. I’m happy you’re all my friends, but you don’t have to sugarcoat things. I know I’m not very good looking. But thanks again anyway Kirishima, I’ll see you later.” Kirishima looked like he was going to say more, but Izuku ended the call, cutting him off.
“Deku!” She paused briefly, building up the courage. “Why are you being so down on yourself! You know that’s not true either, you’re… cute!”
“Cute?”
“Yeah! Cute! So don’t tell yourself any different.” As had been happening all day, he felt one emotion fade away and be instantly replaced by another, equally strong. He sat up and hugged his friend tight, showing his gratitude.
“Thank you Ochaco, you’re the best friend I’ve ever had.” She ignored the burning in her cheeks and the shock of hearing him say her first name, instead just returning his hug with equal passion.
“No problem, now shall we finish the movie?”
“Yeah, let’s.” He turned his attention back to the laptop and hit play, before settling back into his friends lap. The time passed, and the mix of the gentle background noise and the fingers running through his hair he felt the most comfortable he’d ever been. Losing his grip on his consciousness as he fell into a calm and deep sleep.
Izuku slowly opened his eyes, feeling more well rested than he ever had. Taking a moment to look out his curtains, he noticed the sun was on its way down, making way for the evening. His head shifted on its pillow, before realising what was missing, or who was missing.
The feeling of her fingers in his hair still lingered, the delightful smell of strawberries she seemed to always carry ever present. He sighed to himself, I have no idea how that came to pass, but I want it to happen again.
Glancing at his phone as he opened it, a few select notifications caught his eye. A message from Kirishima, I’ll have to explain hanging up on him later. A message from Mina? I am so very afraid of what that will say. And a message from Uraraka. Already having made up his mind on which to choose, he opened the chat between himself and his best friend.
[Uraraka] – Hey Deku. Sorry for vanishing like that, I went to get something to eat. I’ll see you later! <3
Izuku smiled fondly at his phone, some of the embarrassment of earlier being replaced with fondness and joy. Speaking of, All Might!
He got out of his bed and grabbed his bright red shoes, making for downstairs in the dorms to leave. Passing silently and quickly down the stairs and through the common room, he reached the door, swinging it open.
“Hey! Where do you think you’re going mister! We need to have a talk!” The easily recognisable voice of Mina Ashido called after him. And it instantly filled him with fear. I need to avoid that at all costs.
The green haired boy practically ran out the door and down the path, heading towards the main part of U.A’s campus. Slowing to a walk once he deemed it safe, he stepped into the halls where All Mights office resided, pausing to catch his breath and knocked.
The huge form of his favourite hero stood before him, stepping to the side slightly and gesturing for his successor to enter.
“Young Midoriya! Welcome, good to see you.” Shutting and locking the door behind him he deflated to his skeletal form, repressing the urge to cough up blood.
“Hey All Might! You wanted to catch up?”
“Yes, yes come sit down my boy.” The two moved over to the sofas and sat down, with all might passing a cup of tea over to Izuku. The two began talking, with All Might questioning him on his life, growth with his quirk, and fears or concerns about the league. It was natural, and free flowing, and made Izuku feel a familiarity and ease around his fathe-TEACHER!
Before he could even begin to question his mind All Might spoke up again, “How are you feeling young man? You seem a bit… out of it.” You have no idea.
“I’ve had a very weird day. It’s like my brain is working overtime, every-time I’ve felt an emotion it’s been so strong I can’t contain it. I’ve said some strange things to a lot of people.” All Might stared at his and stoked his chin in thought.
“Strong emotions, speaking weirdly to people huh. Does this per chance have anything to do with young Uraraka?”
Izuku’s face flushed a deep red as he spat out his answer. “W-well, uh, that is to say… Ugh, yes. Part of it at least. I just don’t get why these feelings are so strong.”
“Hmm, well it seems you’re pretty deep here young man. These feelings aren’t anything to be ashamed of, quite the opposite in fact! I never gave myself any time for feelings of that variety, so I’d be remised to tell you not to. Follow your heart young man, I’m sure you’ll piece it together.”
Izuku pondered that for a brief moment, he certainly didn’t want to give up his friends in his quest to the top, to give up Uraraka, and for All Might himself to lay it out as he did, he felt more confident in how he felt he should proceed.
“I think you’re right, and I think I know what I should do.” He stood up swiftly and got ready to head out, “Thanks dad.” He continued out the room with no knowledge of what he’d just said, leaving All Might in his wake.
The blonde man had simply sat there, mouth agape in shock after briefly choking on his tea. I’ll let him figure that one out on his own.
After a reassuring talk with his mentor, Izuku reached the doors of heights alliance again. The sky overcast in a brilliant array of dark orange and slight pink in the distance, making him feel like it was for him as he re entered his current home.
He was calm and content, at peace with the world and happy now knowing the words and support of All Might backed him up no matter what. He didn’t, however, expect that serenity to shatter the second he opened the door.
One step was all the small groups needed before he was wrapped in tape around his waist and hoisted to the seat of one of the sofas in the living area. Face to face with, Sero, Mina, Jiro, Kaminari, Kirishima, Todoroki and Toru. This doesn’t look good.
“W-what’s going on? Are you gonna kill me? Oh god I’m gonna die.” Kirishima snickered and poked him with a hardened finger, snapping him out of it.
“Of course not bro, it’s more like… an intervention.”
“Eh?” Was all he could muster.
“You’ve been weird today, and kinda emotional.” He couldn’t see Toru, but he imagined she’d sent a knowing look his way.
“He is like this quite often though.” Yes, thank you Todoroki.
“I think it’s best we hear from him. So, Midori, anything you wanna tell us? About Uraraka maybe?” She wiggled her eyebrows at him with a devious grin. Jiro went to intervene instantly.
“I don’t think he’s just gonna-“
“I’m hopelessly in love with her.” WHAT?!
There was a short stunned silence in the room, before he was mobbed by the celebratory squealing of mainly Mina and Toru. Each shouting questions at him faster than he can comprehend.
“Guys! Guys! He’s not gonna say anything if you attack him.” He thanked kaminari in his mind, currently unable to speak trying to comprehend why the hell he just said that.
“Sorry Midori. So… what you gonna do about it?” She and the rest of the group leaned in waiting for his answer.
How do I tell them I don’t want to do anything to mess up our friendship, get in the way of our careers?
“Fuck all.”
“Midoriya!” Came the collective shout of about 4 different people.
“I didn’t even know he could swear!”
“It sounded so weird.”
“Unnatural even.”
“And what do you mean, nothing?”
“I’m not gonna do anything. I care about her too much to lose her because of a stupid crush. She deserves better than me anyway.”
“You’re so dumb dude.” Sero didn’t even bother sugar coating it, because Midoriya needed to know.
“Thanks?”
“No really, first of all, do you think she wouldn’t wanna be your friend even if she said no?”
“N-no, I guess.”
“And what makes you say she deserves better?” Kirishima was as invested as the others, but they didn’t know what went down earlier, he did.
“A lot of reasons, pretty clear ones if you ask me.” Kirishima looked confused, time to use the info I guess.
“Really? What about earlier? Would you say that’s something a friend who has no romantic interest would do?”
“Wait, woah woah, Kiri, Tell. Me. What. Happened.” Izuku’s Brain was in panic mode at this point, moving to defensive stations.
“N-nothing happened! We just watched a movie, really.” Only a half lie.
“Don’t sell yourself short bro, you were smooth as hell! And also a little bit hard on yourself.” Maybe true. He did call himself unattractive a few times.
“Kiri. If you don’t give me details I’m going to melt you into the buildings foundations.”
“Okay! They cuddled on his bed while they watched the movie. She was stroking his hair and everything!” What happened to being my bro Kirishima?!
Toru clapped her hands together excitedly, “O.M.G! How was it Midoriya, was it romantic? Everything you wanted”
God I really don’t wanna answer that, because she’s basically right. “It was so good I fell asleep, I can still feel her fingers running through my hair.” Okay there’s clearly some external influences to this, because All For One himself couldn’t have pulled that information from me.
“Dude! You have to tell her, I’m getting all emotional just hearing you say it! Right Jiro?” Denki slung his arm over Jiro’s shoulder, snapping right back as she jammed her earphone jack into his side.
“Kaminari creepiness aside, he’s right. I’ve never heard you that happy.” Izuku fiddled with his fingers nervously, they were all right, but he just needed to find the courage. All these emotions he’d been dealing with today, where was his superhuman courage when he needed it?
“Look guys, I agree with you all, I do! But I’m gonna need to do this on my own. Thanks though.” He got up and waddled away to the staircase, ready to go and lie in his own self pity again.
Both All Might and his classmates had said similar things now, and he knew they were right. But whenever he felt the doubt creeping in it washed over him like a tidal wave, making him lose his drive. He just needs to move on to tomorrow, lose himself in heroics class and forget this all happened.
“I AM HERE TOTELLYOUTOHEADTOTHETRAININGAREA!!”
All might came flying in and out in what seemed like one smooth motion, leaving his students to grab their gym gear and head to the lockers, readying themselves for heroics.
Izuku was glad for this class more than he’d ever been. It was his favourite after all, and he desperately needed the distraction. He’d hoped initially that sleeping would make these super strong reactions wear off. But the first thing he thought of when he woke up was Uraraka, and he had to fight the urge to call her beautiful the second he saw her in the common room.
Stepping out to a newly designed area, Ground Epsilon. He looked on in awe when he first took in the area. Before him lay 10 different long lines, the sides lined with buildings like the ones from the fake cities, with masses of rubble, obstacles and pipes spread out randomly along the middle of the ‘roads’.
“TODAY, IS A 2 PERSON COMBAT/RESCUE RACE!” The students began to murmur amongst themselves and get excited. Especially at the notion of a race.
“SPLIT INTO YOUR RANDOMLY CHOSEN PAIRS, YOU’LL WORK TO MAKE IT TO THE END OF THE ROAD AND REACH THE CIVILIAN. THE CATCH, HOWEVER, EVERY HUNDRED METRES OR SO OF OBSTACLE, THERE SHALL BE A MINI BOSS TO DEFEAT.”
The students glanced at the screen as it showed a large robot, reminiscent of the zero pointer from the entrance exam.
“DEFEAT ALL FIVE AND REACH THE CIVILIAN FIRST TO WIN! I SHALL NOW SELECT YOUR TEAMS!”
The lots began to be pulled, and around the 5th ball his name was drawn. And I’m with… Uraraka. Shit.
“We’ve got this Deku! Let’s do our best!”
“Y-yeah!” How does she look good in everything she wears?
“ON YOUR MARKS, GET SET, GO!”
They’d worked together countless times before, so they didn’t even need to communicate as they seamlessly acted. Uraraka removing their gravity and holding into Deku as he launched himself forward and used black whip to manoeuvre mid air. Dropping on the first ‘villain’ they combined efficiently to destroy it. Though Izuku lamented the damage to property around them as the crushed debris flew.
The third villain was the first to pose a problem, as the plan they were utilising waned as Uraraka’s quirk began to affect her too much, and the grip on the robot slipped, turning to the large machine swinging down its arm to crush Uraraka.
Izuku quickly pulled her out of the line of fire with blackwhip, pulling her close to his chest as he shot a powerful bullet of air at the revealed weak spot of wires and pipes at the base of the robots neck, piercing it and separating its head from its body. Izukus pride of landing the shot was quickly overtaken by embarrassment as Uraraka pointed out that he could let go of her now. Which he totally did not want to do.
The fifth villain was the second and last to cause any issues, as destroying it resulted in debris flying towards Izuku’s head from a blind spot, with Uraraka diving and tackling him out of the way. Resulting in yet another awkward position. This time they managed to laugh it off with a joke though.
“We can’t stop saving each other huh?”
“You can say that again.”
Rushing up the staircase to a dummy civilian, they slapped the button on the stand to indicate they’d finished, and in first place nonetheless.
“First place? Deku, we won!” She pumped a fist in the air with that same heart piercing smile and the blush on her cheeks that drove him crazy.
“We did! We make such a great team, as always.”
“Damn right we do! Uravity and Deku, the hero partners who cannot be defeated!”
All he could do was smile fondly at her, watching the excitement and happiness pouring out of her just filled his heart with joy and love. She turned back to him as he just stared, frowning at her best friend.
“Deku? Everything okay?” She’s so kind, it’s heartwarming. Hey I can feel that confidence for once! Wait, oh god.
“Of course, you’re just very beautiful is all.”
“I-uh, t-thanks Deku! You’re uh… you are too! Not beautiful I mean, uh, handsome- you know. Like a boys beautiful, I guess. Sorry.”
“No need to apologise, I find it funny when you get all flushed like that. It’s one of the things I love about you.” Oh fuck.
“L-love?” Well, too late now.
He stepped forwards towards her, grabbing her hands in his, seeing her cheeks redden as he drew closer.
“Uraraka, look. I don’t know what’s been going on with me these last couple days, my feelings are all weird and extreme and I can’t even begin to explain some of the stuff I’ve said. But one thing I can count on being real is my feelings for you.”
“Deku…”
“I’ve had some time to think and gotten some advice recently. The times I’ve doubted whether I’m good enough or whether I’m deserving of love are behind me, I don’t care what the answer is, I just know I love you Uraraka. And no weird feeling is gonna change that.”
He stared into her eyes for what felt like eternity as she didn’t say anything back, with every passing second the feeling of fear building within the pit of his stomach. Afraid he’d just ruined their friendship, ruined everything they had.
He was pulled from his train of thought as the woman he loved pulled his face in closer and locked their lips together. The explosion of love and desire in his heart had him deepening their kiss, putting on a display of passion as they stood there, relishing in each other’s presence. Only pulling away a minute later as they gasped for breath.
“Of course you’re deserving, your heart is bigger than anyone else’s I know, your passion, drive, kindness, they’re some of the reasons I love you too.”
“You… me?”
She nodded her head in reply, with a wobbly tear filled smile. He could implode right here, but oddly enough the feelings running through him were not nearly as strong as they had been. But he knew what he wanted now, with no room for doubt.
“W-would you like to go out with me sometime? F-for a date then? As my girlfriend?”
“I’d like nothing more.”
He hugged her tight, burying his face in the sweet strawberry scented brown hair he’d grown to love. He felt love, and happiness, a bit of nervousness. But none to the crazy levels he’d been accustomed to the last 24 hours.
While it had been weird. Those strange outbursts of feeling he’d been experiencing, he was thankful he was back to normal again. A day after getting on that train.
He now got to experience the love of his girlfriend in what felt like a much more real way, and he’d never felt happier