Disclaimer: I don't own Boku no Hero Academia.
"Vampire," Toga had said from her position against the wall. "This is boring. Teach me to do somethin' else,"
"What else do you wanna learn?" Chiyo questioned, scrunching her nose slightly. "You can barely do a handstand without using the wall for support. How do ya expect to do anything else?"
Toga bristled at that, before falling face forward. Chiyo immediately went to steady her.
"Be careful," Chiyo gritted out, her eyes shifting across the room. "Ya can't be getting hurt outside of testing. They won't-"
"I wouldn't have gotten hurt," Toga replied bitterly, her bangs covering her eyes.
"So you call falling face forward like a dumb ass, not getting hurt," Chiyo countered, before scoffing and putting the girl down. "Who knows, maybe if your nose was broken you'd look better-"
Toga aimed a sloppy punch towards Chiyo's face, which the tinier girl dodged easily enough. She felt her lips twitch upwards slightly.
"Oh? The crybaby wants to go?" Chiyo said mockingly, putting her hands up into a guard position. "I'm not some weakling, like the other kids you go up against. If you really think you can match me, then bring it on,"
Toga narrowed her eyes, as she began her assault. The other children watched on, as Chiyo weaved out of the way, and performed a back flip away from the girl.
"C'mon crybaby," Chiyo drawled. "I'm disappointed-"
Someone grabbed the back of Chiyo's head roughly, causing the girl to cry out in pain. She could see Hanami covering her mouth out of the corner of her eye, which automatically raised red flags for Chiyo.
(Didn't Pinky have testing today-)
"Chiyo-chan," A familiar voice drawled, causing Chiyo's ears to perk up. "You know better than this. Fighting? How childish,"
Chiyo found she couldn't speak. Her eyes met Toga's, and she could see that the blonde girl was frozen at first. Chiyo shook her head. Alerting the girl to keep her mouth shut.
(He won't kill me. He won't put me out of my misery-)
With shaky steps, however, the girl moved forward.
"I started the fight," Toga informed, her voice breaking as she looked up at Adachi. The man pushed his glasses up his nose, as he let go of Chiyo. Hanami immediately rushed to her side.
Rubbing the back of her head tenderly, Chiyo watched on, lips parted as Adachi advance towards Toga.
(No-Don't-)
"A crybaby and a liar? Honestly, Himiko I'm impressed," Chiyo drawled, standing up tenderly. She stuck her chin out, and looked up at Adachi defiantly. "I started the fight. She wouldn't shut up, so I thought I should shut her mouth for her,"
Adachi's eyes gleamed, as he let out a cold laugh.
"Is that so?" he replied, moving forward to ruffle Chiyo's hair. "How astute of you Chiyo-chan!"
Chiyo just nodded her head, but braced herself. Pain greeted her once more, as the man wrapped his hand around her neck and brought her to eye level.
"You know I don't condone fighting," The man had whispered, as Chiyo struggled to breathe. "But… you've never cared much for rules have you?"
Chiyo just glared at the man. Hoping she could convey her feeling towards him in one single gaze.
(IhateyouIhateyouIhateyou-)
"We're going to have great fun Chiyo-chan," He said softly, as a few of the guards went to escort her out of the room. She rubbed at her neck, and looked back before she exited. She could see slight tears start to squeeze out of Toga's eyes.
With a sigh, and a slight smile, Chiyo mouthed the words 'Crybaby' to the girl. Toga's eyes widened as she hurriedly wiped at her eyes. Chiyo snorted softly at the sight.
I'll be fine.
(She couldn't remember what happened after. Or What Adachi had forced her to do. She couldn't remember why Toga had started that fight, or why she herself had egged her on. All she could remember was not being able to sleep that night due to the pain-)
Chiyo groaned, as she looked over the multiple offers given to her. She eventually put the papers off to the side.
"I don't know who to pick," She informed Kirishima, who had already chosen his pro hero. "There's too many,"
Kirishima snorted, but placed the papers back into Chiyo's hand.
"You poor child," The boy drawled. "It must suck being so talented,"
Chiyo rolled her eyes, before looking over the pamphlet. Her eyes widened, as they came across a rather familiar name.
(She had remembered glaring at them. Those pro heroes who thought they were all so high and mighty. When in actuality, they couldn't save a damn thing. The heroes who had been picked to go search the lab.
She had been laying her head against Kino's shoulder as she looked over all of them. Red eyes had met her own, causing Chiyo to jump slightly as she met the girl's gaze head on.
She had been younger than the other inhabitants of the group, Chiyo had noticed. Her bunny ears making her quite noticeable. With an easy grin, she had waved at Chiyo.
Chiyo had just scowled at the sight, however, digging her face into Kino's shoulder.
How dare she? How dare she smile at her as if they were friends? What could a hero wannabe like her possibly know-)
"Chiyo?" Kirishima questioned, poking Chiyo's cheek. "You alright?"
Chiyo just nodded her head, as she looked over the name once more.
Miruko.
"She's in the top ten now, isn't she?" Chiyo mumbled, as she traced over the name, much to Kirishima's confusion.
(I doubt she even remembers me-)
"Miruko," Chiyo called out, looking towards Kirishima as she put the paper down. "She'd be a good choice,"
Kirishima looked at her for a moment, before nodding slowly.
"I mean yeah," He stated before looking over her paper. "But what about Gang Orca? Your quirks are kinda similar-"
Chiyo shook her head, as she circled Miruko's name.
(Present Mic could help with the auditory part of her quirk at any time. She needed to face this-)
"Miruko," Chiyo whispered, as she folded the paper neatly. "I think it has to be her,"
(I want to apologize. I need to ask her-)
Chiyo smiled at Kirishima, as she nudged him with her wing.
"Sides, if she's in the top ten then I'm sure she's very manly,"
"I thought girls couldn't be manly?"
"Well, sometimes it's okay,"
"You're going with Miruko, Chiyo-chan?" Tooru questioned, as they walked to their table. Chiyo nodded her head slowly.
"She's in the top ten. She has to have some talent," Chiyo informed as they both took a seat. She could imagine the invisible girl rolling her eyes at that.
"Well, yeah! I just didn't think she'd be your type. She's really feisty!" Tooru replied, pumping an invisible fist. Chiyo frowned at that, and fiddled with her piercings.
"Why wouldn't that be my type?" Chiyo questioned, as she slurped her noodles. Jirou waved an earphone jack at the girl, as Yao patted her mouth delicately with a napkin.
"I think Hagakure-san means that you seem like you'd go for someone more serious. Miruko is very strong, but also a bit ruthless. Not unlike Bakugou-san," Yao replied, tapping her chin in realization. Mina and Jirou shuddered at the comparison.
"I don't even wanna think about what Bakugou's gonna be like as a pro," Mina stated, putting her drink down on the table. Jirou snorted at the thought of it, as she wrapped an earphone jack around her finger.
"I wonder what all of us would be like as pros," Jirou wondered aloud. She grinned slightly, as her ear jacks straightened. "Are any of us gonna make it into the top ten?'
Chiyo fiddled with her piercings, and grinned.
"It's obvious, isn't it? Yao's a shoo-in for the number one spot," Chiyo declared, as the raven haired girl blushed slightly. Mina laughed at that, and patted Yao's back.
"Yaomomo for the win!" The pinkette cheered, as Chiyo smoothed out her headband.
"I guess I'll settle for the number two spot," Chiyo stated, somewhat disappointedly. "If Yao's number one, then it can't be helped,"
Beaming from the praise, Yaoyorozu just shook her head.
"You're selling yourself short, Mori-chan. You got more offers than I did-"
"That's just cause all the pros are blind," Chiyo insisted, furrowing her brow. "If they can't see your talent, they're dumb asses. You should have gotten the most offers,"
Yaoyorozu blinked at her momentarily, as Chiyo downed her drink. A careful smile made its way onto the taller girl's face.
"You're too kind, Mori-chan," Chiyo snorted, and shook her head.
"Oh hush. I'm just honest,"
"Miruko? She's stationed in… Kyushu, isn't she?" Hiroto questioned from his place at the stove. "That's a good couple hours from here isn't it?"
Chiyo nodded her head, as she blew on her food.
"Yeah. I think it's for the best," Chiyo replied, as she shoveled food into her mouth. The TV played in the back, as Chiyo watched it halfheartedly. Her ears perked up at the mention of the 'Hero Killer'.
"Hiroto," Chiyo stated,as she went to turn the volume up. "How long has this psycho been at large?"
Hiroto's brow furrowed, as he turned towards the TV. He hummed in recognition, once he saw the subject of Chiyo's question.
"Stendhal," The man informed. "He used to be a vigilante, last time I heard. No idea how long he's been using the name 'Stain'," He scoffed, as he turned back to the stove. "It's idiotic what he's doing. Planning to 'purge' corrupt heroes. He's just as bad as those he claims to hate,"
Chiyo nodded as she continued to watch the TV. Her mouth parted slightly, as she watched the picture they had captured of the man. Her thoughts strayed to Masago for a moment, as she turned the volume down. The raven haired girl had chosen to do her internship at news station. Deeming it to be her calling.
("Don't you remember Chiyo-chan? If it hadn't been for the News, even more people would have been taken-")
She'd have to remember to ask the girl what she knew.
"You're right," Chiyo mused, as she thought of the slightly defeated expression Iida had contained on his face in school that day. Or the pain he had caused the multiple families of his victims.
"You're right," Chiyo repeated, as she turned the TV off. She smiled softly, as she stared down at her food. "But… I get where he's coming from," Hiroto froze from his place at the stove, as he turned towards Chiyo.
"Chiyo-"
"Don't get me wrong," Chiyo interrupted, rolling her eyes. "I don't plan to go on a killing spree. I just… I understand why he's lost faith in some heroes,"
Her cheeks warmed, as she looked back down at her food.
"It's why… It's why I want to be a hero people can have faith in," Chiyo informed, slightly flustered. "I don't want to give people a reason to hate someone meant to protect them,"
Hiroto stared at her for a few moments more, before letting out a loud laugh. He moved forward to ruffle her hair.
"I'll hold you to that," He said between his laughter. He grinned down at her.
"I look forward to seeing the type of hero you become, Sonic,"
Chiyo rested her head on the counter, as she finished dealing with yet another customer. She groaned, as the toll of the bell alerted her that she would once more have to get to work.
She placed a careful smile on her face, as she turned towards the door.
"Welcome to Sinful Temptations. How may I help you-"
"Whoa, Koumori is that you? I didn't know you worked here," A very cheerful voice broke through. It contained a slightly cheeky undertone to it, and Chiyo rolled her eyes at the sound of it. "Can I get a discount?"
"When Hell freezes over," Chiyo replied immediately, massaging her temple. Mirio let out a booming laugh, as his companion looked between the two curiously. She patted Mirio's arm.
"Hey, hey, Togata. Who's this?" The girl questioned. Before Mirio could answer, the girl gasped and grabbed Chiyo's cheeks.
"You're a first year aren't you?" The bubbly girl questioned. "Man you have a lot of piercings! Yuyu has a lot too. They look really cool!"
Chiyo stared at the girl blankly, as the upperclassmen continued to pull at her cheeks. She gave Mirio a look that quite frankly told him to get his friend.
With a nervous laugh, Mirio pulled the girl off of Chiyo. Chiyo rubbed her cheeks, as Mirio gave her an apologetic grin.
"This is Nejire Hado," Mirio introduced, as the blue haired girl pouted slightly. Chiyo nodded her head, and bowed slightly towards the elder girl.
"Chiyo Koumori. A pleasure to make your acquaintance Senpai," Chiyo replied, pasting a structured smile onto her face. She gave Mirio a look out of the corner of her eye.
"Did Maki-senpai finally grow tired of you?" Chiyo questioned, as she looked over the register. "Can't say I blame him," The blonde just let out another laugh.
"Man, you're cold," Mirio said, as he rubbed at his nose. "Tamaki just had business to take care of. Nejire was free, and she said she always wanted to come here-"
"I heard your chocolate cakes are to die for!" The blue haired girl broke through, leaning into the display case. "How much is one?"
Chiyo pointed to the price, and the two upperclassman gawked at the sight of it.
"Umm… that's a little pricey, don't ya think?" Mirio brought forth, rubbing the back of his head. With a sigh, Chiyo brought forth the samples and placed it in front of them.
"Try it for yourself, and tell me it isn't worth the price," Chiyo informed, fiddling with her piercings. "At Sinful Temptations, we're known for our chocolate-"
Mirio barely concealed a chuckle, as Chiyo's brow twitched slightly.
"Something funny Rio-senpai?" Chiyo questioned, placing a carefree smile onto her face.
"You sounded like a spokesperson," The blonde informed, in between giggles. Chiyo rolled her eyes, and whacked him with her wing.
"If you're not here to buy anything, then you can-"
"I'll take three," Mirio brought forth, bringing out his wallet. Chiyo's eyes bugged out of her head, as Nejire tugged at the blonde's jacket.
"Hey, hey, are you sure Togata? It tastes good, but buying three-"
Chiyo automatically placed three dark chocolate cakes into a bag, and pushed them forward. She gave Mirio a bright grin.
"You won't regret it senpai!" Chiyo prattled. "The rich texture in our cakes, is something you won't find anywhere else-"
"It still seems too expensive to me," Nejire pouted, as she leaned on the counter. "It all looks so good too. Is there anything else?"
"Are you sure you wouldn't like to buy some Neji-senpai?" Chiyo questioned, batting her eyelashes for extra effect. "I know it looks a bit pricey… but happiness can never be too expensive,"
Nejire pursed her lips together for a few moments. Eventually she sighed, and brought her wallet out as well.
"You drive a hard bargain, Chiyo-chan," The girl muttered, as Chiyo grinned and packed up a chocolate cake for her as well.
"You won't regret it! Next time you visit, you're eligible for a free discount," Chiyo replied, giving the two upperclassmen their receipts. "Visit again soon!"
With a wave, the two of them made to leave the bakery. Mirio stopped as soon as he had one foot out of the door, however.
"I watched your Sports Festival," He stated, as he turned to give the shorter girl a grin. "Not as good as me, but you did pretty well,"
Chiyo rolled her eyes, as she leaned on the counter.
"'Not as good as you'?" She questioned, the corners of her lips turning upwards. "A bit cocky aren't ya? Tell me, how many times did your clothes fall off during the tournament?"
"Five times," Nejire supplied, sticking her head in through the doorway. She raised five fingers for extra effect. The tips of Mirio's ears turned slightly red, as he turned to Nejire in betrayal.
"Hado-"
"Five times?" Chiyo questioned, before letting out a whistle. "Not bad senpai. I have a reason to watch the third years festival now,"
With a blank look towards Chiyo, Mirio took his cakes and slowly walked out of the bakery. Nejire waved excitedly at Chiyo as they exited the store.
Chiyo just nodded her head, as she fiddled with her piercings once more.
She placed her head on the counter, as she waited for the next customers to make their appearance.
She stared at the mirror for a few moments, continuously fidgeting with her clothes. She undid her tie, only to retie it in the same exact way moments later.
A knock on the door startled her out of her rather obsessive behavior.
"Ashido-kun's at the door," Hiroto grumbled, sounding a bit grouchy. "Hurry up before she breaks the door bell,"
Chiyo rolled her eyes, but went to pick up her belongings. She sent one last blazing look towards the mirror.
Red eyes gazed back at her challengingly as she walked out of the room.
Ignoring his mumbling, Chiyo squeezed Hiroto with a hug.
"Try not to be too depressed with me gone," Chiyo replied cheekily. "I know you can't live without me,"
The man just snorted, and proceeded to mess up the hair that Chiyo had spent quite some time meticulously combing.
"Whatever helps you sleep at night, brat," the man replied, as he walked to the bathroom. He froze, as he put one step through the door. "Knock em dead, alright?"
Chiyo's eyes widened, as she placed her sunglasses over her face hurriedly. With a grin that was all teeth, she sent him a thumbs up.
"Keep your eye on the news, ok? I wouldn't want you to miss Sonic's debut," Chiyo replied as she walked down the stairs. She stuck her chin out. "I know you're getting older and all-"
"You're gonna go there?' The man questioned incredulously. "I could kick your ass any day of the week,"
"Whatever helps you sleep at night," Chiyo mimicked. She tilted her head down, as a genuine smile made its way onto her face. "But… keep me in your thoughts. I'll need all the help I can get,"
"The hell happened to all that confidence you just had?" The man questioned. "You think too much sometimes. While that's important, it can hold ya back. There are times in the field when you won't have time to think. You just act,"
Chiyo gripped the strap of her bag, and nodded. Blue eyes softened slightly, as he went to ruffle her hair once more.
"Sides, we're all rooting for ya. That's not gonna change," He replied as he finally walked into the bathroom. "That's something that doesn't even need to be said,"
Chiyo clenched her fist, as she looked down at her shoes.
(You have so many people in your corner-)
With one last grin, Chiyo rushed out of the door.
Mina and Chiyo walked side by side, with the pinkette talking Chiyo's ear off.
"Isn't this exciting?" Mina prattled, practically bouncing as she walked. "This is so cool-"
"Mina-chin," Chiyo interrupted, poking the taller girl's cheek. "Slow down. We're not even at the internships yet," Mina just pouted, and gave her a look.
"You're not the least bit excited?" Mina questioned accusingly. Chiyo looked off to the side hurriedly, as her cheeks warmed slightly.
(Admit it. Just admit it-)
"I guess," Chiyo mumbled as she fiddled with her piercings. With a squeal, Mina gathered the girl in a hug.
"You're lucky too," Mina replied, happily, much to Chiyo's confusion. "C'mon, guess why!"
"Mina-chin-"
"Ochako's going to Miruko's place too!" The pinkette exclaimed, causing Chiyo's eyes to widen. "You won't be lonely,"
Chiyo remained silent for a moment, before forcing a smile.
"That's great!" She replied, somewhat cheerfully. "Absolutely amazing,"
Mina smiled at that, as she linked arms with Chiyo.
Chiyo clenched her fists, as she mulled over the new information.
(She was going there to talk to Miruko about her past. Nobody else was supposed to be there-)
Chiyo breathed in and out, as she pushed the events out of her mind.
(Don't worry about it. Push it from your mind-)
It wasn't as if her and Ochako would be joined at the hip for their internship, Chiyo realized eventually. It was an inconvenience, but an inconvenience she could deal with.
The moment the rest of her class came into view, Mina waved at them excitedly.
Kaminari placed her in a headlock, the moment she joined them, however.
"You left me on read yesterday," He accused, causing Han-chan to laugh slightly. "Rude,"
Chiyo just gave him a look.
"Yesterday? Kami-sama, you texted me at two in the morning. I dunno about you, but I actually enjoy my sleep," Chiyo informed, rolling her eyes. "It was about something stupid too-"
"It was not stupid-"
"Did he text you, asking "If people on Mars solved problems differently?"," Han-chan questioned, laughing even more when Chiyo nodded from her position in the headlock. "Hate to break it to ya buddy, but that was pretty stupid,"
Kaminari pouted, as Kirishima struggled to hold in a laugh as well. He placed a hand on the blonde's shoulder.
"We all have moments like that," Kirishima said solemnly, as the blonde nodded his head. A cheeky grin took over his features. "You just more than others,"
Kaminari scowled, as the three of them laughed raucously at his antics.
"Quiet," Aizawa ordered, as they all got into line. Chiyo stood up straight, as his dark eyes washed over every single one of them
"For the next week, you'll be visiting agencies all around the country," the man informed. "Take this experience, and make sure you learn from it. Remember to mind your manners, and not to wear your hero costume in public unless given express permission,"
Chiyo nodded her head, as she fiddled with her piercings once more.
His eyes softened slightly, as he turned away from the class.
"You're dismissed. Take care of yourselves," The man stated, as the class dispersed. Chiyo let out a deep breath, as she felt someone tap on her shoulder.
Ochako gave her a slightly nervous smile.
"Chiyo-chan, you're going to Miruko-san's place too?" She questioned somewhat hopefully. With a soft smile, Chiyo nodded her head.
"Yeah. it's like a five hour ride, so we're gonna have to make ourselves comfy," Chiyo replied, patting her bag. "I got snacks,"
The brunette just continue to smile nervously, as she fidgeted with her case. Chiyo gave her a slightly worried look as they made their way to their train.
"You alright, Chako-chin?" Chiyo questioned poking her cheek. "You seem… tense,"
The girl let out a sigh, as she looked off to the side.
"It's just… Miruko-san's in the top ten, and she's really strong and talented, and Idon'tknowwhyshewouldwantme-"
Chiyo's eyes widened as she looked at the taller girl. She nudged the girl with her wing.
"Hey, you're plenty strong," She informed firmly. "Your fight against Baku was amazing. You shocked all of us,"
The girl smiled slightly, as Chiyo linked arms with the girl.
"Sides, by that logic I shouldn't have gotten any offers," Chiyo stated, as she fiddled with her piercings." Ochako looked towards Chiyo hurriedly, as the girl placed another grin onto her face.
"I guess we just have to prove ourselves," Chiyo realized. "Show the bunny that she didn't waste her time in choosing us,"
Ochako's eyes widened for a moment, before she smiled softly.
"Yeah, I guess you're right," She replied as they boarded the train.
Author's Note: Here's Meraki chapter 21! I didn't say anything last chapter, but I'm really happy this story was able to make it past 20 chapters. Hopefully I can keep up with it and continue to complete more milestones. One day we'll hopefully be at Meraki chapter 50. Or Meraki chapter 100(That might be pushing it, but you get the gist). Chiyo is interning with Miruko, and she's not alone. The reason I made Ochako intern with Miruko as well, is because I thought someone like Miruko would be good for Ochako's development(Not that she's poorly developed in the original story, I just wanted to try something different). I want to thank all of you that favorited, followed and reviewed last chapter. Last chapter we got over 20 reviews, which is the highest number of reviews I've gotten for a single chapter. Thank you guys so much!
Things you Guys said:
assAaaAAAAA oh my GLOB! Finally, Chiyo is making peace with Todoroki, and her mum finally said her name! And her super hero name! Adorable, this is definitely one of the most feel good chapters in this fic so far. Thank you for reading! I'll try my best to add in more feel good chapters when I can.(But I will warn you that along with the feel good chapters, there will also be very angst filled ones. Be prepared).
Will you pick the pairing to be the one with the majority of votes? Yes. If there ends up being a tie, then I'll pick one from the top two.
Did her eye injury cause permanent damage? No it didn't. But if she keeps on injuring her eyes, then it will.
First, I ship her with Katsuki and the ship name could be SonicBoom! I really like that!
Dammit. First of all I just want to say I love the story so far but my problem is I was shipping Chiyo with Shinsou and then here comes Todoroki being adorable and now I just can't choose. You're just too good. I try my best. Thanks for being a faithful reader!
I ship her with the Shinsou for many reasons but mostly for being cute together although he is a bit distant and for the possibility of them having a son who approaches the idea of a vampire. Imagine a mix of quirk bat and vocal control. A brat who is insomniac and terribly charismatic and who loves to troll his colleagues drinking some reddish drink to see the reaction of the people around. Yes, I would like to read this kind of omake. XD Shiyo is really growing in popularity. In the beginning of the story, I hadn't even planned for them to be friends, so this is pretty surprising.
For that she is now my favorite character in MHA. Sonic the Hedgehog is number 1. That's why Chiyo chose him as her superhero name.
So is Chiyo and Shouto going to have a slow friendship? Not slow necessarily, but they won't be spilling any of their major secrets to one another anytime soon. They can sort of sense that the other hasn't had the best life, and can understand each other on that level. Eventually, they'll be both be more open, and become kindred spirits of a sense.
I personally found issue in how Chiyo conveyed her past to Shinsou. It felt... weird. I could kind of tell what you were trying to go for, but it really didn't seem to fit. The delivery was strange and dragged on for too long, especially with the sort of 'fairytale' theme you we're trying to implement. The circumstances for her spilling her guts made sense, but the actual scene setup felt forced. These are just things to take into consideration, especially for crucial points during the story involving immense character or relationship development. Thank you for the constructive criticism, I greatly appreciate it. The reason the delivery was a bit forced, and OOC, was because Chiyo had just taken medicine to help with her eyes, so she wasn't in the best state. I tried to showcase that Chiyo was starting to feel weaker and weaker as she told the story. I went for a fairytale esque theme, because It was easier for Chiyo as a character to tell it that way. But I will admit that I could've done better in terms of delivery. I'll definitely take this into account for future interactions.
I have the ultimate pair for you. It's ChiyoxChiyo! Chiyo learns to love herself! It'd be called YoYo! YoYo is actually the main pairing in this story. Everything else comes second.
Questions I have for you guys:
What do you think of Chiyo interning with Miruko? Of Ochako joining her?
Do you guys have any questions for me?
P.S. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter.
P.P.S. I love reading your reviews, so please don't forget to leave one!