The largest party he'd ever been to was a birthday party where his whole class had joined in on. He wore a T-shirt that said 'shirt' to that one. This was on another level of magnitude.
Everything was white, red, gold, or black. Red curtains reached the base of the vaulted glass ceiling that let in the dark night sky. Chandeliers that looked like stars frozen in place dangled far above the main floor that was so well waxed that it could easily double as a mirror, basking everything in a warm glow. A carnival of dishes rested on a pure white table cloth that lined the walls only breaking for hallways and curtains before ending at a large empty stage right next to a live band.
Even the people were a sight to behold, all the women were in dresses that cost more than his apartment, and chances are most of the men had on a watch that was more expensive than his suit was.
It all felt so very rich, and he felt out of place. Where was the punch bowl?
A giant banner spanned the entrance proclaiming "Okumura Foundation" to all those that entered. Which was helpful because neither he nor Nejire knew where they were going outside that it was a charity ball. But the Okumura Foundation was one of those giant charity foundations assisted youths with everything from housing to college tuitions.
In the years since its conception, the charity had quickly become one of the largest and most trusted in the country. Publically, he endorsed them, privately he read a Wikipedia page on them - he knew Shoto and Momo endorsed them as well so they had to be trustworthy - five minutes before an interview once he reached the top ten.
Was it bad form? Yes, yes it was. But they were on the same side, both heroes and charities saved people, just in different ways. Besides he was too nervous trying to wrap his head around the fact that he had a technically not technically a date that was a date but also wasn't really a date-date with Nejire who looked so good in her purple dress that it was like he was going through puberty again and remembering that hey, he liked girls.
How had he gone from thinking that Nejire had a crush on him, to having a crush on her?
The entire trip over here, from the first steps down her stairs to the long elevator ride to the ballroom had been filled with a sense of wonder that led his ears humming and his heart pumping. It was just like in high school, where the sensation made it almost impossible to speak to most girls. But he wasn't the same person he was then.
By the end of the night, he was going to ask her out. Formally! Probably. Maybe. Hopefully. Or maybe he should just wait until-
"Wow!" Nejire spun around on the balls of her feet so that her skirt fluttered briefly, taking in every single sight in one go. Her smile growing with every step and twist. She stopped in front of him, leaning forward so that her chest fell against his - soft - and she grabbed his hands looking up at him with sparkling "Izuku! Are you seeing this? It's so big! And flashy! Wait what are we supposed to do here?"
Her smile made it easy to ignore the odd looks they were getting from a few of the older guests. Then it all came coming down once his mind finally finished processing Nejire's smile. "What?" He whispered holding her hands up, eyes wide. "I thought you knew what to do?"
"I don't know, I read online but I don't know what special guests are supposed to do! It sounded fun!" She did not pick up that he was trying to keep things lowered, that or her enthusiasm kept her constantly excited and ready to burst if she lowered her volume even the slightest bit. "But as cute as you are nervous, remember you're the number four pro hero! A couple of charity people shouldn't be that big of a deal right?"
Technically she was right. But, the room was also filled with so many people that could crush him with their bank accounts, political influence, even other pro heroes of note. He could deal with them. Probably. It was like the whole room was just trying to send him to that punch bowl.
A tall slender man with hair that was half white, half red stood directly in his vision, the same scar that he had in high school still looked like a fresh burn from an open flame. The Pro Hero with the hottest flames and coldest Ice currently number three top hero; Shoto Todoroki, and also one of his closest friends.
"As a top pro hero, you're largely here to socialize and show that you support the charity." Shoto nodded towards them, a small smile that was the most people could get out of him. He gave a small polite bow, showing off his white shirt and red tie. But something else caught his eye. A ring on Shoto's ring finger. "It's good to see you here Izuku, it has been a while."
"Far too long Shoto," He took a step forward grabbing his friends hand and shaking it firmly. "You look great. I never expected to see you in a place like this."
"Momo insisted that I start coming." That might explain the ring. Shoto looked over his shoulder to Nejire his one good eyebrow-raising ever so slightly. "And you're here with Nejire?"
"Yep! He's my date!" Nejire hopped over grabbing onto his arm smiling up a storm. "You're the Number Three top Hero! Shoto right? Are you going to tell me how you got that scar? And what about that ring? Are you married? Is it to Momo?"
Shoto blinked twice in Nejire's direction before turning back to him. "I see she hasn't changed since U.A." He turned, nodding towards a crowd of people. "I will say this, I am engaged to Momo, your address is still the same correct?"
Well that certainly explained the ring. "Yep, same apartment."
"Momo will be mailing the invitations once we have a date set," Shoto nodded once again, "Again, it was nice to see you Izuku." A pause. "Nejire, but I'm needed elsewhere."
"Oh," Shoto turned back to him, a half vacant look on his face that could snap into a ferocious scowl at a moments notice. "I'd like to ask you to be my best man."
"Me? Not your brother?" Or anybody else? "I mean I'm honored but isn't there someone else you should pick."
A soft smile graced Shoto's face and he nodded. "If It wasn't for you I wouldn't be who I am today."
"Oh, well if you're sure, I'd be happy to accept." He extended his hand once more.
After a nod and a handshake, Shoto made a beeline for Momo who was surrounded by a number of guests, her long black hair falling behind her back so that her red dress that hugged her figure all the way to the floor popped.
"Wow," Nejire snorted, elbowing him in the side. "He scored. He doesn't seem like the type to propose though, do you think she did?"
Honestly, he had no idea, Shoto's and Momo's relationship had always been something of an enigma to just about everybody but them. "I'm sure I'll find out at their wedding."
Would it be too much to ask her to come with him? Was that too much if they weren't in a relationship? But, what if they were in a relationship by the time the wedding started. He bit his lip and found his worries vanish when he looked at Nejire looking up at him in a way that made his heart race. Her smiled brightened and she closed her eyes tilting her head slightly and pulling on his arm again, urging him forward.
"If I have a plus one, would you like to go with me? It might be fun." Why did that last bit sound like he was begging?
"Yea! As if I'd miss a chance to see you in a suit!" She flicked his bowtie, her hand grazing around the smooth freshly shaven skin of his neck. Now that was one hell of a sensation. It was like his skin was hypersensitive to her touch sending jolts to his spine that left it tingling with excitement. "You really do look good in a suit. Can we make it your hero costume?"
Okay, so he could probably check off complimenting his looks, and physically touching him off the list of reasons that Nejire might actually like him. And she agreed to go to a wedding with him, that meant something too. Not to mention how much she smiled at him.
Which lead him to the conclusion that Nejire had romantic feelings for him. Probably.
"I uh, well," He scratched the back of his head, the heat of his face forcing him to turn away before he overdosed on cuteness. He swallowed looking around the room for anything that could give him all of five seconds to gather his nerves so he could properly ask her out and talk to her.
Movement on the stage and the numerous tables were being filled with guests. "Why don't you go get our seats and I'll uh, go get us some drinks?"
She hummed at him, her eyes sparkling with just the right amount of mischief to make his hands shake. She knew, she knew everything. Why didn't she say anything? Why wasn't she going first? Was she enjoying teasing him? People did say he was fun to tease. She dropped his arm, still smiling. "Fine. But I don't want to have to rescue you from the punchbowl so hurry back!"
The absence of her presence left him feeling alone as he navigated a sea of a thousand tables towards the nearest punch bowl. He should have asked her if she wanted anything to eat. Or wait, they might not have enough time for that it looked like the speaker was about to start.
"Woah, Izuku?" A voice he hadn't heard in a long time called from behind him as he poured Nejire's drink. He turned, looking up at the tall lanky man that he hadn't seen since graduation. It was Hanata Sero, he was easy to recognize with his usual almost bowl-cut hair and a weird obsession with the color orange. "I didn't expect to see you here."
"Likewise, it's good to see you again Hanata," He bowed awkwardly holding a drink in each hand. "I'd shake your hand but,"
"You drinking for two or are you here with someone," Hanata grinned, bouncing his eyebrows up and down, still as interested in girls as always. Without missing a beat, he poured himself two cups. "I'm here with Itsuka, she still refuses to lose to Momo."
"Oh, umm, I'm here with Nejire,"
"Nejire? Nejire Hado Nejire? Number seven pro hero Nejire?" He nearly spilled the drink his head whipped around so fast, mouth wide open. It only got worse when he nodded. "Like as a date?"
"Technically, but we're not a couple; yet." Why did he say yet? Why, why, why? That was just him hoping! He didn't know how big of a gossip Hanata was but the guy could barely keep a secret especially when it came to women. What if he spoke to Nejire and tried to help! He could mess everything up!
"Huh," He shook his head with a smile that was anything but happy. "I didn't think she'd be dating anytime soon after what happened."
A chill went down his spine and the whole room went silent, the lights fading into the background as he found Nejire sitting there at their table, staring up at the stage. He stared at her, would it be too much to find out from Hanata? Could he just ask her? Was it wrong to-
"You can't blame her from dropping out of the spotlight after her ex posted all those photos of her," Hanata continued.
"Photos?" He asked, still locked onto Nejire.
"Yea, I don't know a lot about it," Hanata stood next to him, a cup in each hand sloshing as he shrugged. "But after they broke up like two years ago he posted a bunch of photos online." Hanata shrugged like it was no big deal and waded into the tables. "I'll see you later Izuku, Itsuka gets annoyed if I take to long."
It all made sense now. Why she didn't have facebook, why she didn't like her picture taken anymore, why she hadn't been to any major public event until now, that was the reason. But, what happened now that he knew. Nejire turned, looking towards him with her brilliant smile and waved towards him.
No, nothing really changed, she was still Nejire, and he was still going to ask her out before the night was over.
He nodded towards her, finding a smile on his face as he once more navigated the sea of tables. If she ever wanted to tell him it would be her choice and he would be there for her if need be. Besides, she was the number seven pro hero, she was not that weak.
"Took you long enough," She half whispered as the lights continued to dim. She took a sip of her drink and perked up, her whole body shaking. "Oooh, that's good!"
"Yea, sorry ran into someone else I knew." He sat down next to her and scooted just the slightest bit closer to her. Would this be the time for it? They were alone in a sea of people and she was looking at him with so much joy in her eyes. "Hey, Nejire I was-"
"Attention please!" The mic buzzed to life and a woman with fluffy cinnamon colored hair stood on the stage, Momo and Shoto were to her right amidst several other people that were probably important. "I would like to thank you all for attending this event, your support means more than you could ever know, I truly believe that no good deed should go unthanked, and I would especially like to thank the two heroes that risked their lives to save not only myself but those of my employees. So please, give a special round of applause for the pro heroes, Deku and Stardust."
The light directly above them clicked on, bathing them in light mid-sip of his drink. He scrambled to place his drink down, feeling his face burning, he shrunk down as a storm of applauds cascaded down around them. Flashes went off all around them. Cameras? Well, it was a public event after all so it was to be expected.
Nejire!
Shoulder's slumped, head down, smile nowhere to be seen. A bit of warning would have been nice! He squeezed her hand under the table - when did he do that? - and pulled her towards his smile. "It's okay Nejire."
Her eyes went wide and she smiled right back at him. She still kept her head down, but her shoulders were straight. She squeezed his hand back. "Thank you."
"Now without further adieu, we have a few speakers lined up for tonight, so please, give them your attention, and after that feel free to enjoy the entertainment and remember to have fun!"
XXXX
"I don't think...charity balls are all that fun." Nejire laughed, shoes in her hands despite the fact that her feet were off the ground. "I'm glad you came though, I would have been so bored and lost. Actually, I probably wouldn't have gone if you hadn't agreed to go."
She hummed spinning in the air, orbiting him as they slowly made their way to her apartment. "I probably would have stayed at home and watched Netflix all night by myself." She pulled some of her hair over her shoulder, running her fingers along its length and smiled right at him. "Or maybe I'd be out patrolling with you?"
"Well, it's about when we normally end our patrols, so we'd probably be walking to your place again." Dammit, how could he be such a coward! The night was almost over and he still hadn't asked Nejire out! Seriously, they were all but at her apartment. It wasn't a big deal if he didn't actually- No! He was going to do it tonight.
"Hmmm, you're probably right, but still with something like a charity ball I expected it to be a bit more exciting than a bunch of rich people talking, a decent band, and an auction. The food was good though, but I just wished that I could have danced! It was called a ball after all! There's supposed to be dancing."
He should ask her to go dancing! She was practically begging for him to say something. But he didn't know how to dance at all. Wait didn't she say something about dancing classes before? Could that be a date?
"Well," he coughed, her door was in view. This was it, he had to do this now! "Umm, if you want, we could umm try to take dancing classes or something."
Her eyes glittered in the starlight as she floated in front of him, lips pursed into a smile that knew all of his secrets and sapped his confidence. He could fight giant monsters, stare down villains, and run into danger without a second thought, so why was asking a girl that liked him out so hard?
"You know, like a date?" He closed his eyes wincing for a blow that would never come. "A real one, because, I umm, kind of think, that I like you. Well I know I do, and I don't mean like a friend, I mean like something more than a friend. And I think that you feel the same way or at least I hope you do." This wasn't working! It wasn't working at all! He just needed to scream it out! "What I'm trying to say is..."
Somehow, he stood tall, somehow, he had his head held high, somehow, he looked her in the eyes, somehow, he found the courage to let it all out. "Nejire! Will you go out with me?"
He stared at her, her feet touching the ground as she looked him in the eyes, a giant smile on her face. "About time! Seriously how many hints did I have to drop? I was starting to worry I was going to have to ask you out!"
"Sorry, I took so long." He bowed. Then he actually processed what she said. It was yes! Yes! She said yes! Wait, did she? It sounded like a yes. It was a yes! "So umm, I guess we should set up a date or something."
"Nah," She floated over to him, barely an inch off the ground. "I mean, we spend a lot of time with each other, and we eat out like every day before and after patrols so we've basically been dating for the past few weeks right?"
"I guess you could think of it that way?" But he wasn't nervous during those, like his first few dates with Ochako left him feeling like he was going to pass out. "But shouldn't we do something different?"
"We should!" She grabbed onto his hands, her shoes falling to the ground. "Which is why we're going to do one of my favorite things!"
"Which is?"
She pulled him back, leading him to her door. "You should know! We did it when Eri was here. Watching movies and cuddling! Except, this time I want you to put your arm around me okay? Oh, I should warn you, I love cuddling so if you're going to date me get used to lots of that! Oh! But we should totally do that dance class thing! It sounds like so much fun!"
"Uhh, oh, uhh okay." He followed her with no resistance. Shouldn't he change out of his suit first though? Was he really thinking about that right now? What about her dress? Why was he worried about all this?
"Hey, so umm how come you didn't ask me out first?"
"Because it was fun to tease you." She twisted, turning to push him down on the couch, she was a spirit of the air, effortlessly floating there like a wingless angel. "Here, you pick something good to watch, and I'll go change into something more comfortable."
His mind told him more comfortable was just pajamas, but other parts of him replayed those scenes where the girl would say that and show up in skimpy lingerie or less. Chances are by the end of the night he was going to have a heart attack.
AN: Sorry for the lateness! I tried to post some Original Fiction on Fiction Press but it uhh hasn't got the attention I'm used to so I got in a bit of a funk. And then Tales of Vesperia came out so I dove into that. But anyways! Here it is! And hey look! They're a couple! For some reason chapter seven is always when they get together.
In the original draft of this chapter Hanata had a whole scene with Izuku, and there was a dancing scene where Izuku asked Nejire out. Even Momo had a few lines. But it just kind of didn't work out that way. But I like this way better. It feels more Natural. Also, why am I not getting as many reviews as before :( Did I do something wrong?
