Work Text:
Ochaco Uraraka walked cautiously through an abandoned alleyway with her black hoodie pulled low, covering most of her face. The city buzz could be heard from the distance, a stark contrast to the eerie silence surrounding her. She kept her head low, making glances over her shoulder to ensure no one had followed her. If anyone had followed her to see who she was meeting with it would have meant saying goodbye to her hero career. The career she had worked so hard to build and yet, here she was meeting up with her villain girlfriend to her hideout. She has never visited it before no matter how many times Himiko invited her. It was stupid and reckless she once thought but over time her heart won over her sense of heroism, leading her straight into the arms society deemed dangerous.
She spotted Himiko Toga on the outskirts of an abandoned building, she had a huge smile on her face and was waving frantically as soon as she spotted her, clearly excited to see her girlfriend. “Ochacoooo!!” She called out before running towards Ochaco and throwing herself into a desperate but overly affectionate hug. “You are late!” whilst giving a dramatic pout, tightening her grip on Ochaco. “I started thinking you were not coming at all,” Toga whined.
Ochaco hesitated before slowly relaxing into her embrace, still not used to Toga’s abundance of affection. “ I’m sorry Himi, I just had to be extra careful getting here, you know?” Ochaco muttered, giving her girlfriend a reassuring smile. “You know I would never do that.” She gave an apologetic kiss on Himiko’s cheek.
Toga reacted immediately, causing her to blush profusely and hold Ochaco even tighter.
After a lingering moment in each other's arms, savouring the rare time together after not seeing each other in person in weeks, Toga finally steps back and clasped her hands behind her back, fidgeting nervously on her heels. There was a certain giddy but nervous energy radiating from her. “I have a surprise for you today!” Toga announced her golden eyes gleaming from anticipation, like she couldn’t hold it in any longer.
Ochaco blinked. “What kind of surprise?” she asked, tilting her head in curiosity.
“Since you finally decided to meet me here, I want you to meet my parents!”
Ochako stared, that was not the answer she was expecting. Toga could have told her she was gifting a stranger's blood to her and that would be more believable. “I don’t want to bring up any bad memories but I thought your parents were awful to you.” Ochaco was being careful with her words, not wanting to upset her excited girlfriend.
Toga however, was not phased by the mention of her past life, in fact, she started giggling over it. “They were! But I never said we were meeting my biological parents silly!”
Ochaco felt a wave of relief over her light-hearted response.
“Do you remember me telling you about Jin and Mister?” Toga asked eagerly.
Ochako seemed to recall. Twice and Mr. Compress, are infamous villains part of the League of Villains. Toga always spoke fondly of them, clearly they were very important to her. Ochaco nodded in realisation.
“I really want you to meet them Ochaco,” Toga said as she was bouncing on her feet. “Nothing would make me happier than seeing my favourite people together!”
Ochaco hesitated, unsure if this was a good idea. “Is it really okay for me to meet them, I mean… I don’t think they’d want a hero in training hanging around them.”
Toga gave her best puppy dog face, pouting in the adorable but exaggerated way that was impossible to resist. “Pleaaaaaaasssee Ochaco? They are really nice, I promise!”
Ochaco felt her hesitation completely melt away by Toga's hopeful expression. There was no winning against that look. “Okay, fine.” Before she could think over her agreement, Toga had already grabbed her hand as she squealed with delight, dragging her deeper into the building.
They entered a room that was surprisingly cosy for a villain’s hideout. It was small but lived in, with a worn out couch, an old TV, and a hallway leading to a kitchenette. The scent smelled vaguely of cigarette smoke but also has a surprising hint of sweetness. Like if someone had attempted baking earlier. Jin was seen lounging on the couch, gesturing animatedly as he retold a story to Atsuhiro, who was curled around him and listening intently with a dreamy expression. Hanging onto every word coming from Jin’s mouth. The moment the two men noticed Toga and Uraraka, their conversation halted and the room fell silent.
Toga cut straight to the point, ignoring any greetings. “Jin, Mister! This is my girlfriend, Ochaco Uraraka!” Announcing proudly.
Jin was the first to react, already on his feet as bounced over to them. “Toga’s girlfriend?!” He exclaimed, eyes wide with excitement. “I am finally meeting the girl Toga has nonstop obsessing over - heh classic Toga. This is amazing. Awful. No sorry, I definitely mean amazing!” With a wide grin, Jin thrusts out his hand towards Ochaco for a handshake. “ Welcome to the family!”
Ochaco hesitantly replied to the skittish man, slowly reaching out to shake his hand back. “Uh, hi” The overwhelming greeting was a little much as shyness slowly crept up on her. A more calming voice followed behind Jin.
“Jin, be kind.” Atsuhiro chided gently, placing a hand on his partner’s shoulder in an attempt to calm him. Then he turned his attention towards Ochaco with a polite nod. “It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Uraraka, I’m Atsuhiro though I assume you know me better by my other name.”
His introduction was more refined, something about it that seemed to slightly calm Ochaco’s nerves. Still, Ochaco recalled him as the villain who kidnapped Bakuguo at the summer training camp. But here he was dressed without his signature mask, seemingly carrying a less intimidating aura from when she first saw him. He didn’t seem like the same villain that once intimidated her. However, she still remained cautious.
Jin sat back on the couch, enthusiastically patting the spot beside him. “Come on, sit down! We have so much to talk about! Like how did you fall for Toga of all people? Was it her smile? Her cute face? Wait, her bloodlust? That's actually terrifying. Probably not that. Definitely that, it's kind of charming!”
He continued his nervous rambling until Atsuhiro gently steadied him again. “Jin dear,” placing a hand on his knee with a knowing smile. “What did we say about pacing ourselves?”
Jin tried to calm himself before throwing his hands up dramatically. “Right right. I’m just so excited. I mean Toga’s got a girlfriend.” Jin let out an exaggerated woe. “Our girl is all grown up.”
Atsuhiro sighed, used to his partner's antics.
Toga was entertained, laughing at Jin’s dramatics, as she grabbed Ochaco’s hand and tugged her towards the couch to sit together. “Aren't they great?” She whispered in her girlfriend's ear, looking at her with her usual affection.
Ochaco glances at the two men. Great wasn't exactly the word Ochaco would use, but there was a certain chaotic but endearing charm to them. She found herself relaxing, even just a little.
Later, Atsuhiro placed a tray of steaming hot tea before progressing to other conversational topics. He took a seat next to Jin before turning his gaze towards Ochaco “So dear Uraraka tell us more about yourself, preferably about outside of hero work” he mused, his tone polite but with a light tease. “Unless you already trust us enough with that information.” There was a glint in his eye as he passed a cup of hot tea towards her.
Ochaco was hesitant to answer, fingers wrapped around the ceramic warm mug trying to think of the right words to say. She took a glance towards Toga, silently asking for her help.
Toga instead just giggled, finding her girlfriend’s shyness both adorable and amusing. “Ochacooo, how are you supposed to be a hero when you are this shy around villains.”
She was not entirely wrong. Ochaco was nervous but not for the reasons Toga assumed. She has come face to face with lots of villains in her life and had arrested plenty of others as well but this was different. They were not just some of Japan’s most dangerous criminals but these people were important to Toga, people Toga considered family and their opinion of her meant more than anything right now, and she wanted to make a good first impression.
Jin sensing the tension, spoke up but his tone turned deep, his usual playful grin gone. “So a hero dating a villain huh?” Tapping his chin, as if deep in thought. “Sounds to me like you are not far from taking that final step into villainy yourself.”
Ochaco immediately flusters at his words, as she waves her hands nervously. “No– no I mean– that’s not my intention!”
Atsuhiro chuckles, setting his teacup down with a soft click. “Relax dear, Jin is only teasing,... mostly.”
Toga, who was thoroughly entertained by the conversation, cuddled closer into Ochaco. Wrapping her arms around her, she was being clingy. “You would be so cute as a villain,” She cooed. “We could be a villain power couple!”
Jin turned excited again, completely on board with the idea and started clapping his hands in excitement. “Ooooh, what would your villain name be? Anti-gravity? Moonbreaker?”
Ochaco groaned, holding her face in her hands. “I am not becoming a villain.”
Atsuhiro took another sip of his tea before placing it down on the coffee table again. “And yet you are here, engaging in conversation with villains over tea. How strange.” his tone turned slightly more authoritarian.
Ochaco was not naive, she knew this conversation was more than a playful tease, deep down she knew it wasn't a joke. She was being tested. Despite the light-hearted tones, she could feel the weight behind their words. The men were as skeptical of her as she was of them. She understood completely. Ochaco can see how much they cared for her almost like a parent with their daughter. This made Ochaco’s presence as a hero more significant to them. With their already disdain for heroes, this was just inevitable. However, there was something inside her that made her happy. Toga found people who didn’t see her as the monster the world sees her as, treating her like a normal girl for once. No wonder Toga held them in such high regard, they were more than just comrades. There was care and protectiveness. They had every reason to distrust Ochaco. They didn’t want to see Toga heartbroken, betrayed, or used by a hero to help society.
Ochaco gave them a thoughtful, serious expression, taking a deep breath. She needed to choose her next words carefully. They needed answers. “It's more than just tea,” She said, her voice calm. “I’m here because of Himiko.” Ochaco gave a glance towards her girlfriend, her face softening as she looked into those golden eyes. “I care about her more than anything.” Then, she looked up at their other villain’s gazes, meeting Jin’s expectant eyes and Atsuhiro’s unreadable expression. “I know I am risking everything by being here,” she admitted. Her words were heavy on her tongue but she didn’t falter. “If anyone were to find out, I would lose my future as a hero. Everything I worked so hard for, would be gone. I know that.” She glanced back towards Toga again, she saw tears brimming in her eyes. “But if being a hero means turning my back on someone who needs me, someone I love. What kind of hero can I call myself then?”
Toga’s tears were now streaming down her face but her face was lit up with happiness, a smile that Ochaco loved so much. Her once teasing expression turned into something more vulnerable.
Toga’s smile gave Ochaco the confidence to continue. “Toga has spent her whole life being told she’s a monster. By society, by the heroes who were supposed to save her. Even by her so-called family.” Her voice grew stronger. “I was taught that heroes save people, even the ones who appear too far gone and out of reach. But Himiko was never given that chance.” Ochaco turns fully towards Toga, taking her hand into hers. “But I see you Himi. The girl who gets excited over cute things, the girl with the cutest smile in the world, the girl who was never taught how to love. And yet you taught me to love openly, without fear. You taught me what it means to truly care about someone. I saw someone who needed saving, no matter what the world thinks.” Ochaco swallowed, preparing to finish her speech. “And this is why I am here. For her.” She took a shaky breath, getting emotional. “And I promise to love, care for and cherish her, the way she deserves.”
When Ochaco finished her speech, the room went into a heavy silence. Her nerves crept back in as she looked at Jin and Atsuhiro, waiting for their response. Then in perfect union, both men let out dramatic woes over Ochaco’s speech. Jin was fanning his face as if holding back tears and Atsihiro was wiping a fake tear from his face with a sigh. “Oh damn, that was beautiful.” Jin sniffed exaggeratingly before burying his face into his partner's shoulder. “Toga, your girlfriend is incredible.”
Toga beamed in delight as she gave Ochaco a big tight hug, her cheeks pressed against her girlfriends. “I know right, she is the best!” she gushed.
Atsuhiro exhaled as his facial expression softened, amusingly shaking his head in defeat. “You make quite a compelling argument, Miss Uraraka.” He admits, with a slight tone of respect.
Once the tension from the serious conversation passed, Ochaco found herself relaxed but more importantly relieved. Toga’s tears never seemed to dry, Ochaco knew they were from happiness and that proved to her that this evening was more than worth the risk. And to her surprise, Ochaco also found herself enjoying Jin and Atsuhiro’s company more than she expected.
Jin’s ramblings were more entertaining rather than overwhelming and Atsuhiro’s charm and humour were a much-needed balance with the chaos. What also seemed to surprise Ochaco was that she could tell that they were warming up to her too, the earlier tension being more like a distant memory replaced with something gentle, something like acceptance. And honestly, their dynamic was oddly adorable as well.
As the night stretched on, Ochaco was becoming more aware of how late it was getting. She had school the following morning as much as she wanted to stay longer. Reality was still a thing, unfortunately.
Toga was in her arms refusing to let go, making it hard for Ochaco to leave. Her smile was so bright, that Ochaco felt her heartache at the thought of leaving. “You’re really the best Ochaco.”
Jin let out an aw at how cute they were being, clasping his hands in delight. “I’m so happy for you Toga, you found someone who understands you! It's what you deserve!” His playful tone carried truth.
Atsuhiro looked at the girls with a fond smile. Like Jin, he is also happy Toga has found someone to call her hers, much like with him and Jin. His soft expression soon turned serious as he wanted to address something to Ochaco. “Miss Uraraka.” The weight in his voice as he called her name made her look up from Toga. “I must admit that I was skeptical of you.”
Ochaco nodded, not surprised at all. She understood completely. “I know.”
Atsuhiro’s lips twitched slightly as if to suppress a smirk. “But I have never seen young Toga this happy before, and as much as it pains me to admit, it comforts me.”
Ochaco gave him a sweet smile, appreciating his words. Before she could respond Toga perks up.
“Wow, you made Mister go all soft. You must have really won them over, Ochaco.” she teased, her tears finally dried up.
Jin gave an over the top gasp, placing a hand over his heart. “Excuse me, Toga! Uraraka actually won me over the moment I first saw her!”
Toga giggled, grabbing Ochaco’s hand to pull her into a spinning, playful hug. “I knew they’d love you Ochaco!” She pressed a flurry of quick kisses across Ochaco’s face, causing Ochaco’s cheeks to burn bright red. Toga is feeling very giddy from the success of the meeting.
Atsuhiro let out an exaggerated sigh. “Love is a strong word, Toga.”
Jin however, already had his arms wrapped around both of the girls, pulling them into a tight group hug. “Pfft babe that's nonsense! You love this! The more family, the better.”
Ochaco found herself laughing, warmth spreading through her chest as she melted in the embrace. Yep definitely worth the risk.
Ochaco was finally ready to leave and Toga eagerly offered to walk her back to UA. The moonlight filtered through the cracked windows of the hideout, casting a silvery glow as goodbyes were exchanged.
Jin was frantically waving, shouting out contradictions of “Come back soon!” and “Never come back” while Atsuhiro instead gave a polite bow with his mask back in place, wishing for their safe travels, with an unmistakable warmth to his voice.
Ochaco gave one last wave before slipping her hoodie back over her head with her and Toga’s hands joined together as they disappeared into the shadows of the alleyway.
“You did great!” Toga beamed, looping her arm through Ochaco’s. “Thank you for doing this.”
Ochaco smiled, feeling warmth through her chest at seeing her girlfriend so happy. “Anything for you Himi.” The softness in her tone caused Toga to squeal before Ochaco shushed her to not draw any attention towards them whilst trying not to laugh.
By the time they made it to a safe distance from UA without Toga being detected by the security, the walk back grew quiet, both of them lost in their thoughts. Toga eventually let out a dramatic sigh. “I wish I could come with you!” She whined with a pout. “I'm going to miss you!”
Ochaco laughed softly even though her heart ached at leaving her adorable girlfriend. Ochaco takes Toga’s hand, squeezing it before having to part ways.“You know why we can’t do that.”
Toga huffed but didn’t argue.
“I promise to text you as soon as I am back in my dorm room,” Ochaco reassured her. “Just be safe walking back okay?”
Toga looked at Ochaco’s bright reassuring smile and couldn’t help but to mirror it. She was so beautiful.
Ochaco thought the same thing. Seeing that smile, that beautiful bright smile, she couldn’t help but press her lips to Toga’s in a kiss that was full of unspoken love. Soft and sweet just like her.
Toga kissed back with enthusiasm, her arms wrapping around Ochaco’s neck, deepening the kiss. Like she never wanted to let go.
When they finally pulled apart, both were breathless and their cheeks were flushed. Both looked at each other like they were the most beautiful person in the world. Confessions of ‘I love you’s’ were exchanged soon after.
Toga smirked but her eyes were still soft. “Ok you better get inside before I change my mind and kidnap you” she teased.
Ochaco giggled, giving one last peck to Toga’s lips. “Goodnight, Himi.”
“Goodnight Ochaco.”
With one final reluctant glance, they parted ways.
Meanwhile, at the hideout, Jin and Atsuhiro were relaxing in their shared private quarters. Jin was nestled against Atsuhiro's side, his usual excitement slowly dimming as the day's events settled in. “You think she’s good for Toga?” Jin asked, his voice quieter than usual.
Atsuhiro ran a hand through his partner's hair, letting out a satisfied sigh. “Without a doubt,” he replied.
Jin hummed in agreement, sinking further into the embrace. “It’s nice seeing her happy like that, isn’t it?”
Atsuhiro pressed a soft kiss to Jin’s forehead. “Yes, it is.” For a moment they simply enjoyed the silence but then as expected Jin was hit with a burst of energy as he thought of an idea. He sat up abruptly.
“Let's go on a double date! It will be fun! A disaster!”
Atsuhiro chuckled, shaking his head fondly. “Of course, you would suggest something like that, Jin.” he teased before placing a sweet kiss on Jin’s lips, cutting off any further ramblings.
Jin melted into the kiss but pulled back for a moment of sincerity. “But seriously…, I’m really happy for Toga and that she doesn’t have to live life like I did back then.”
Atsuhiro softened, and he wrapped his arms a little tighter around Jin, Atsuhiro had always loved how caring Jin was towards Toga. “We will never let that happen,” he promised, pressing his forehead against Jin’s.
Jin gave a steady nod against Atsuhiro’s forehead. “Uraraka knows what she's getting into. Did you see her back there? She’s all in, just like you are with me.” He curled his fingers around Atsuhiro’s hand, squeezing gently.
Atsuhiro felt his chest tighten from Jin’s words, he can be surprisingly mature when it mattered.
His mind wandered back to Ochaco again, remembering the way she spoke with such conviction, her holding onto Toga’s hand like a lifeline. He has seen few heroes speak with such sincerity, such selflessness as her. And that thought gave him hope. He pressed another gentle kiss to Jin's temple, “You are right.” Jin grinned. “Good because they remind me of us, you know.” Atsuhiro couldn’t deny that. Jin's genuineness had shattered the well-built walls he built around himself. Cracking him out of his mask, teaching him to be vulnerable just like how Toga did for Ochaco and that realisation caused him to smile.
Everything was going to be alright.
And with that, the two of them sat in comfortable silence, reminiscing about a time when they, too, had found love in the unlikeliest of places.