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wow, i wasn't expecting so many reviews and DMs.
(´ ω ` ) ❤
i'm incredibly thankful, and so very happy that so many are enjoying this story. i'm so grateful to be able to share my writing with you all! it's my most favorite thing to do!
unfortunately if i respond to you all right here, this author's note will so insanely long! perhaps i'll start replying via DM! and even more unfortunately, i'm uploading this chapter between my many assignments so i don't have any time to spare. my professors are giving 5x more assignments than they did in person... it's frustrating, ahh. trying not to stress too much and go with the flow. i don't want to keep you guys waiting any longer, though! i'm already a bit late, aha.
but, i read all of your reviews and they all made me happy! i notice you all, even those of you who aren't enjoying this story as much as others, i'm thankful you have taken the time to read, review, etc. ❤ i love hearing everyone's thoughts and take them all into consideration!
i'm staying safe and healthy, and being extra careful when i have to venture outside for essential things. i hope you all are, too. ❤ the weather is warming up, the flowering trees look so pretty, and a wasp already tried to kill me (ノ_<。)
anyways, i hope you all enjoy this chapter!
take care of yourselves.
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Hotaru Aihara
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It's a quenching rain that makes the temperature drop. It's a grand rain that washes away impurities. It plunges from the overcast sky. Each drop reflects the world like a mirror, and each one from a different perspective. The watery globes soak into her attire and slip down her dark strands of hair. They drip onto the ground, coating her lashes as she stares at the sky.
They created an updraft. They created a storm—his cold and her heat. Lightning decorates the sky and the rain comes down with more force. A gust of wind blows and she lowers her hand that was extended. This extraordinary occurrence makes her feel like she's trapped in a reverie.
Just like Hotaru, Shoto didn't think something like this was possible. It's surreal. They created this. This storm is theirs. A perfectly blue sky morphed into one of numerous silver hues in a matter of seconds. He turns his attention away from the sky to gaze into a silver brighter than any above.
She's looking right at him with a rather deliberate expression. Her hair is already soaked and sticking to her face. Her lips twitch upwards suddenly, and her eyes narrow with a frisky glint. Clasping her hands together behind her back, she takes a step forward. That's the only step she takes.
Instantly, he becomes guarded. He shifts into a defensive stance with his right side angled towards her. How her hands that can hurl lightning strikes are behind her is just as alarming as her impish stare. She's planning something and he needs to be ready to counter whatever that is, if only he could.
That single step she took placed her foot in one of the many growing puddles strewn about. She glances down at the puddle, making it ripple by dragging her foot through it. That simple action was a hint, and it makes his breath hitch.
Lightning generates from her foot, expanding across the ground coated with water and into the puddle he's standing in. It happens in an instant and more quickly than he can discern. A scorching pain engulfs him as her lightning flows into him. His muscles contract and his teeth grit. In that moment, she closes in on him.
She runs towards him with swift moments, making the water beneath her feet spatter. Like a flash, she's before him. Twisting her body and raising her leg, she rams her sparking foot into his side and sends him flying aside. He gasps in pain, grunting when he slams into his sloppily created wall of ice to prevent him from crossing the boundary line.
The moment he looks up, a lightning strike is launching towards him. He creates a shield of ice to block it in the nick of time, and just when he catches sight of something bright from the outer corner of his eye. She's right there. She's fast. Already, she closed the gap she created.
Her sparking hand reaches towards him and he acts immediately. Glacial crystals spring from the ground beneath his right foot, ceasing her arm. The heat she's generating is already melting it, but it holds her captive long enough for him to get away from the boundary line and maneuver behind her.
Just like that, the tables have turned and now she's the one closest to the edge. She looks over her shoulder to see his icy fist rapidly approaching her, unrelenting and determined. How unfortunate for him. It almost feels like she's about to steal candy from a toddler.
Lightning discharges from every inch of her body, thawing the ice around her arm and stopping Shoto's movements with a shock. A misty steam surges and she reaches towards him again. Her fingertips are a mere centimeters away from his face.
A sense of panic swells within him. Her speed is overwhelming along with her attacks. The way she's moving is much different than her previous matches. As of right now it's a one-sided battle. She's leaving him with no time to think or do anything. Like in the clouds above him, she's the lightning while he's just the frozen raindrops inciting her.
He's on the path of losing and that doesn't sit well in his stomach. It frustrates him, especially how quickly she took control once again. He needs to put some distance between them, because if he doesn't, surely her impending touch will end things right here and now. That can't happen. Despite his frustration, he can't help feeling a bit fulfilled at what just transpired.
Hotaru lets out a silent gasp of surprise when he withdraws his fist. He uses his ice to propel himself backwards to the center of the stage and out of her reach. She blinks a few times in bewilderment. Thunder rumbles over their heads as she faces him.
"Running…?" She whispers beneath her breath, her voice getting lost amidst the downpour. The expression he wears makes her head tilt. "And… conceited? Why?"
The last bit of her words was spoken loud enough so it can just barely be picked up by his ears. She begins taking steps closer to him, her hand raising to take aim at him with her fingers.
"Just now," Shoto states. "I landed a hit."
The bet they made comes rushing back at her. She completely forgot about it. She lowers her hand slightly and stares at her arm. After that, she looks over her shoulder and at the melting ice that once held it captive. Does he mean that? She turns her attention back over to him with a small smile.
"That wasn't a hit. It was a Quirk."
"You didn't specify what kind of hit." He argues, and her shoulders quake as she lets out a short laugh.
"Fair enough. I guess I'll let that third-rank attack count." She brushes her soaked hair back, coming to a stop a few feet away from him. "It's disappointing, though. I've landed a genuine hit on you, but you can't land a single one on me."
His face scrunches up in annoyance at her words. A droplet of rain glides down his forehead and down the bridge of his nose. It's cold. He lets out a breath that escapes in a clouded puff. She's talking as if it's so simple to land a hit. Even though it's not simple, it's possible. He just needs to plan carefully.
Hotaru draws in a breath and lowers her eyelids briefly. The sky brightens with a flash the moment their eyes meet once more. This is it. The air that's filled with moisture contorts.
"Aihara-san." Shoto starts, a flicker of red shimmering from his left. "This is my revenge."
"Right." She whispers, a jagged blue materializing around her form. "And, this is my remedy, Todoroki-san."
For a fleeting moment, time slows. Raindrops sparkle with reds and blues, a few lingering near them vaporizing into nothing. The atmosphere holds the weight of their languishing emotions. Anger and remorse, sadness and fear, together with obscure emotions yet to be perceived. Holding back and hesitation, that's no longer part of their vocabulary.
"Hey, hey, hey…" Kirishima sweat-drops, feeling edgy. "What's with this tension?"
"They look like…" Yaoyorozu whispers to herself in unease. "...Completely different people."
Hotaru slides her foot forward and Shoto's eyes narrow. She lowers herself just enough so her fingertips brush against the ground. Static embellishes her and she takes off into a quick sprint. For each step she takes, her sparks spread across the watery ground. Before those sparks can touch him, Shoto rises off of the ground with his ice, surfing towards her.
Her lips purse. Well, it's true that she can't shock him through the water if he's no longer standing in it. He's smart, she'll give him that. However, it isn't enough. The current terrain is ideal for her to let loose all of her tricks. This rainwater is full of ions. She may as well be on her favorite playground.
"W-Wow!" Present Mic suddenly yells, sounding as if he just escaped from a daze. The audience is in the same stunned state. "The ground is covered in electricity! And Todoroki is evading it with a wall of ice!"
Shoto's teeth grit. She's generating lightning across the ground as he circles around. He curses beneath his breath. If he touches the ground, he'll be shocked. Not only that, her lightning is melting his ice. This is bad. What can he—?
"Running again? That's so unlike you."
He looks over with a gasp, seeing Hotaru skating across the ground alongside him with her lightning. That's new. He's never seen her do this before. How many more tricks has she been hiding up her sleeve?
She extends her hand suddenly and shoots lightning at the ice beneath his feet. His polar shards shatter and he tumbles downwards. The electrified ground is approaching quickly, but she approaches him even quicker.
Her knee rams into his stomach. The force behind it makes him gag, and the lightning that discharged from it makes him blinded with pain. Amidst his pain, she jumps and nails him with a spinning kick that sends him flying backwards.
He barely manages to create a barrier of ice that catches him not so gently. Cracks form in its structure and his nostrils flare angrily as he over up at her. She's closing in on him again. The ice that's nestling him is melting, but not from her lightning.
A flicker of red ignites before it grows into something more blazing. Like a volcano erupting, red spurts outwards along with a scorching heat. Hotaru's eyes widen and she jumps backwards quickly, wincing when her skin is mildly seared.
"There it is!" Present Mic yells, and the audience cheers. "The flames are back!"
"Shotoooo!" Endeavor roars with a grin.
Once Hotaru's feet touch the ground, she stares ahead and into the massive flames. They cloak Shoto's entire form before gradually dying down. The ground surrounding him has dehydrated from the sudden heat, and the entire left side of his torso is exposed. His jacket and undershirt have withered away.
Her jaw locks. She knew his flames would appear sooner or later. Those flames are his trump card in this fight. Things aren't so one-sided anymore. In fact, this is about to get extremely difficult.
Even though she's put some distance between them, she can still feel the incredible heat. It feels as if she's right by it—wait. Another source of red makes her look over. Her sleeve is on fire. She quickly discards her jacket and tosses it aside. It lands in a puddle and the flames diminish.
Shoto breaths are heavy as he stares her down. He's covered in scratches and bruises. She really roughed him up whereas she's unscratched. Even though some of his fire touched her, the only detectable damage is the burning of her jacket. She has a natural resistance for heat, but only for so long. Now, it's his turn.
He throws his arm forward, spiraling flames propelling towards her. The heated red illuminates the stadium, reflecting in her silver orbs as they grow near. Any falling droplets in its path evaporate. Hotaru acts quickly.
She maneuvers out of the fiery path and raises her hand, shooting lightning in his direction. Thunder claps loudly and before the strike hits, ice bursts from the ground and stops it in its tracks. Hotaru lowers her hand with a huff. Yes, things are definitely getting difficult.
Shoto begins running towards her, his flames still flickering. His eyes are focused and waiting for the opportune moment. There's one thing he's waiting for her to do. Once she does that, she'll fall into his trap.
Hotaru takes a backwards step, her teeth baring slightly. She can't let him get close. The heat from his flames is essentially doubling the heat her lightning already generates. Whether it's forcing him back or falling back herself, she needs to keep him away.
She can't shock him through the terrain anymore, and he can utilize both his ice and fire simultaneously. The cold rain isn't as effective anymore when it comes to keeping her body temperature low. If she shoots lightning head on, he'll block it with his ice. She needs to move over to his left. She generates lightning at the soles of her feet and begins skating across the saturated portion of the stage.
That's what he was waiting for.
Shoto's flames abruptly grow in size. The temperature rises and the water on the ground evaporates. Her conductor is gone instantly and the sudden change in her terrain makes her stumble on her feet. His flames diminish and ice bombards towards her. Her eyes widen in panic and she tries jumping back. She doesn't jump far enough.
His ice captures her foot and she falls backwards onto her bottom with a yelp. She pulls her foot loose by abandoning her shoe. When she starts to sit up, she notices Shoto's icy fist soaring towards her. She rolls out of the way and hops onto her feet. He grabs her arm despite the blue sparks coating her.
"W-What…?!" She bites out when she's yanked forward with great force.
The bruising grip he has on her arm tightens, and his arm snakes around her midsection. His fingers grip at her waist and he turns. He strategically offsets her balance and pulls. Suddenly, her feet are no longer on the ground. She's flung over his shoulder and thrown ruthlessly onto the ground.
Upon impact, the air is knocked from her lungs. His knee presses against her back and he twists her arm that is still within his grasp. Her teeth gnash together to block out a pathetic whimper. That bastard. Is he seriously trying to break her arm?
"I figured it out." He suddenly speaks, making her freeze. "I thought it was weird that you were constantly generating lightning since you'd do yourself in. But, you were using the terrain this whole time. There was no need for you to use your own body as a conductor. So, I didn't need to worry about getting shocked upon touching you."
"So, you know some Jujitsu—" She begins to say, ignoring his words until he twists her arm further. Tears threaten to spill. "S-Shit...!"
He's smarter than she thought. What he's implying is that she's not accomplishing this speed of hers how she normally would on a terrain that doesn't conduct electricity. However, she is still channeling lightning within her, but it's a low voltage that won't harm her as quickly, also a bluff that merely makes it appear that touching her will be lethal.
"Todoroki has Aihara restrained!" Present Mic screams hysterically along with the audience.
"A-Alright, so you figured me out." Hotaru begins again through the pain. "But, I figured you out too." She turns her head slightly, gazing up at him from over her shoulder. His fire is still flickering and it's not just rainwater gliding down his face. "Your flames, you can't control them quite well, can you? Not only that..."
Her leg bends and hooks around his. She twists expeditiously, and suddenly, she's the one on top of him. He blinks in surprise at that catlike move. Her face is over his, and her hands are holding both of his down above his head. Their legs are tangled together. A smirk graces her features and Mineta's distant whine of jealousy sounds out.
"You underestimate me." She states, and the audience roars.
"Aihara turns the tables!" Present Mic yells. However, his yell slowly dies down when Shoto pries his hands from her grip easily. "Huh?!"
Heat builds up in Hotaru's cheeks which results in them turning a bright pink. Her grip strength admittedly still isn't very impressive. Shoto's lips twitch upwards in amusement and he raises his left hand toward her face. She finds herself staring at his flaming palm.
"What's there to underestimate?" He questions, his tone more airy than before.
"Lots of things." She answers, her eyes glowing cyan as they glare. "Go ahead and try to fry me. Just know that I'll fry you up first."
"I doubt that."
"Really? Let's find out then."
Hotaru grins viciously while Shoto's teeth gnash together. Flames and sparks flare up relentlessly. The intense brightness makes everyone squint while the heat makes them shrink back. Fog hovers near the ground as any water coating it vaporizes.
His flames consume her and her sparks stun him. The heat is eating away at them both. Her lightning is definitely hotter than his fire. Unfortunately for her though, he has a way to counter the heat. That's why Hotaru finds herself caving first.
Despite the fact that moving his body is near impossible, he's still able to utilize his Quirk. With much difficulty, he utilizes his right. Ice bursts from the ground and rams into her, taking the place of his fire.
She cries out when she's sent backwards, her white shirt now seared and ripped. Sweat mixes with the rainwater drenching her. As she falls, she stares up at the stormy sky. The clouds are dwindling, just like her. He beat her at her own game.
Her body's slowing down and approaching its limit. She was genuinely trying to finish Shoto off, but he's just too strong. His flames are hot. On top of that, he can regulate his body temperature by using his right which makes it especially hard for her to knock him unconscious. He's using his ice to cool himself down right now.
Ice comes charging at her again and she shoots a sloppy strike at it to counter. She wobbles on her feet and her vision blurs in and out. She can just barely make out Shoto's approaching form. This isn't good. She can't let some stupid limit get the better of her. Right now, she's going to push herself beyond it.
Plus Ultra.
Her form grows brightly when she generates lightning through her muscles. She ducks under Shoto's fist. Surprise crosses his features. She's panting and her complexion is growing pale despite her feverish cheeks. It's obvious she's at her limit. Then again, so is he.
His head is spinning as the heat from her lightning still tortures him. He can feel the bruises she gave him. Although he's using his ice, his exhaustion is hindering their capability. Even if he wasn't tired, he drove his body temperature up too high to cool down quickly. His flames were supposed to finish her off, but she's still hanging on. She tries to punch him but he scarcely evades it. Her face twists in frustration.
"Looks like I won." He says, referring to their "frying" game.
Hotaru's eyes widen at their sudden close proximity, and gags when he lands a solid hit in her abdomen. She staggers backwards and wraps her arms around her midsection, crying out when his ice slams into her for what feels like the hundredth time.
Her body crashes onto the damp and hard ground. Tiny stars whirl across her vision and she gasps desperately for breath. Her teeth grind together when she rolls onto her hands and knees. More slowly than she would like, she rises onto her feet.
She's weakening quickly. It almost feels too quick. However, it makes sense. She just got done receiving a face full of fire and she's been using her Quirk all day long. A month ago, she couldn't even have dreamed of lasting as long as she has. She looks over.
Shoto's standing before her. Frigid crystals are forming in his palm, the coldness of it contrasting with the warm air and causing steam to rise. He's not moving to attack, merely waiting for her to drop. She's not the only one who looks like they are about to drop. He's in the same exhausted condition. She sighs heavily.
As if she's going to let herself pass out pathetically like this. If she's going to pass out, she's going to do it in a striking way. She's going to make sure everyone watching knows her name. She's going to engrave her existence into everyone's memory. If she's going down, she's taking him down with her.
"What are you doing…?" She breathes out. "I'm not done yet. In fact," The temperature rises and she gradually smirks. "I'm far from it."
Her hand raises towards the dark sky. The ground beneath her feet cracks and lightning gathers into her palm. Blue sparks coil around her like a snake. Loud thunder roars. The sudden pressure makes the stadium feel like it's shaking. That familiar stance makes Shoto's jaw lock.
She's going to use her billion-volt strike.
She lowers her hand and takes aim at him, her fingers perfectly mimicking a gun. If she's going to use her most powerful attack, he has no choice but to use his as well. He just hopes he can hold out. Losing to her isn't an option. He stares at her for a single second before releasing both his ice and flames. The air around them surges and Present Mic screams.
"These guys are crazy!"
Crazy doesn't do justice in describing them. They are both fervently stubborn. They are impassioned to the point they may be insane, brimming with countless emotions. However, little by little, those emotions are pouring out.
"Shoto," Hotaru begins with a smile. "Don't let this kill you. If you die, I'll cry."
Shoto can't help shaking his head lightly. His lips curve upwards and his mismatched eyes seem to shine. It makes her feel even more breathless than she currently is. Finally, he's smiling genuinely, and that smile is for her.
"Since when were you the cry baby?" He asks, and she shrugs.
"Since when were you the tough one? Seriously," She laughs a bit, her eyelids lowering. "You must've stolen all my fortitude away."
"Taru."
"Hm?" She hums tiredly, cracking her eyes open to stare at him through the chaos.
"You're amazing."
Her sparks dwindle slightly in her astonished state. There's a jolt in her chest and her silver orbs soften like the clouds are beginning to overhead. Her smile grows in size, showing her pearly teeth as her sparks flare up much stronger than before.
"I know." She beams joyously before all hell breaks loose.
A large wave of ice crystals shoots towards her along with extensive flames. She releases her vigorous strike. The moment their attacks collide, a violent wind breaks out along with a deafening blast.
Debris catapults in all directions, and Midnight is blown off of her platform. Everyone brings their hands up to shield their face and ducks to dodge falling pebbles. The stage is covered in dense dust and hidden from sight. When the dust fades, everyone gasps and Endeavor freezes.
Both Hotaru and Shoto are on the ground. Before Shoto was blown out of bounds, he caught himself with his ice which could be considered just a stroke of luck. Hotaru is near the boundary line of the opposite side of the stage, although it appears a chunk of the stage acted as a wall and saved her from falling off—another run of luck. They both are motionless, covered in scratches and bruises, their clothing tattered and scorched.
Midnight slowly stands up, rubbing the back of her head with a wince. She looks between the two motionless contestants. After that powerful attack, it's only natural they would fall unconscious like this. She's happy to end this fight. Even though she wasn't fighting herself she's exhausted. She raises her hand to call for a draw until she catches sight of movement.
Hotaru's fingers twitch, and her silver eyes crack open the tiniest bit. With an inaudible whimper, she pushes herself off of the concrete block. Her body is on fire and her muscles are cramping. By some miracle, she manages to stand up onto her unsteady feet. The audience cheers loudly and the heel of her hand presses against her throbbing head. She squints ahead and curses.
"...Y-You gotta be kidding me." She gurgles out as Shoto begins to stand.
He rises onto his feet slowly with obvious pain. His whole shirt has been burnt away, while hers is still halfway intact and showing parts of her sports bra. A soft drizzle from above falls down onto them as they stare at each other through their labored breaths.
Hotaru hunches forward slightly as she lets out a frail sigh. So, that's how it is. This is as far as she can go. But, she's satisfied. She straightens up with a tiny smile. A slither of blue makes her look up and leads her to a beautiful sight.
Stretched across the sky and over the stadium is a vivid rainbow. Never has she seen one so clear. The gently falling rain makes it sparkle. Her eyes then fall back down to take in her surroundings. They completely wrecked the stage and so many awestruck eyes are on her. She turns to Shoto with a smile still on her face
"Congratulations, Shoto." She speaks softly. "This is all because of you."
Confusion washes over him, and he's too short of breath to speak. What does she mean that this is all because of him? The destruction around them and the dying storm above wouldn't have been possible without her.
"What are you saying?" He forces out.
"This is all because of you." She repeats. "Your requests… is it okay if I fulfill one of them now?"
He continues to stare at her with a confused expression. She starts taking small and teetering steps towards him. She's halfway to him when she pauses and grits her teeth in pain. Her hands fall onto her knees as she bends over, her head ducking. The world of unconsciousness is trying to swallow her whole. She doesn't let it. Not yet.
Her head snaps back up, and the remainder of Shoto's breath is stolen away. Tears fill her eyes and stick to her dark lashes. Using the very last bit of her energy, she runs towards him with a pleasant smile. She jumps into him and he staggers backwards at her forceful embrace. What is she—?
"Thank you." She whispers against him, holding onto him tightly. All he can do is stare down at her wide-eyed. "Thank you for talking to me back then. Thank you for being my very first friend. You showed me an entirely different world, a world that I didn't think I could ever be a part of. That's what I mean when I say this is all because of you."
"Taru…?" Shoto utters, taken aback. She peeks up at him with happy tears staining her cheeks.
"I'm here because of you!" She grins from ear to ear. "You helped me decide who I want to become. Those words you spoke to me, this dream of mine, it's all because I met you. You saved me. Sho," She leans into him with a happy laugh. "You're my hero!"
Raindrops slither down his flesh and her breath tickles his bare chest. The sun peeks through the breaking away storm clouds, and the puddles scattered across the ground mirror the sightly sky that's so profound. Her words have rendered him speechless and in a daze. They replay over and over in his head like a broken record. His eyes shut.
"Stupid," Shoto whispers, taking her into his arms. Her grip around his midsection starts to weaken as she starts to slip away from consciousness. His hands press against her back and between her shoulder blades, strongly holding her against him. "You were the only hero back then."
"...W-Whatever you say..." She mumbles languidly, her eyelids lowering. "...Shoroki."
A ray of sunlight shines onto them and the rain comes to a halt. Her legs go limp as her body shuts down. He carefully lowers her onto the ground, sitting himself next to her when staying upright is suddenly far too difficult. It turns out he was awfully wrong. Her thank you—he didn't expect it to be that extensive and associate with those distant days. A tender feeling engulfs him. She's hopeless.
"So much youth!" Midnight squeals loudly, her cheeks a bright pink and sentimental tears in her eyes. Hearts swirl around her form as she slashes her whip with a dramatic twirl. "Aihara is out of commission! Todoroki advances to the finals!"
The audience stares silently with agape mouths. From beginning to end, this match wasn't like anything they predicted. It was fierce and capable of tugging at their heartstrings, a performance just as much as it was a fight. That girl, what's her name again?
"Hotaru Aihara!" Present Mic yells, and everyone erupts in applause, her name being repeated like a song alongside Shoto's.
"Well done." Aizawa commends in a low tone, moving to clap his hands only to remember that he can't. He walks off with a scowl.
Endeavor stares down at those two with shrunken irises and slackened jaw. It was an extraordinary battle. Although Shoto won, he can't bring himself to feel excitement. That peaceful expression on his face is something he's never seen before. His narrowing turquoise eyes zone in on the unconscious girl.
"Hotaru Aihara…" The Flame Hero whispers to himself, his lips firmly pressing together. While he says her name aloud, somewhere in the slums of Japan,
A TV explodes with the sound of thunder.
•○●○•
Shoto wonders where it all began. Until he fought Midoriya, he didn't even think of thinking back to the day his mother was driven mentally ill. He didn't think about how she dumped that boiling water on his face. The hatred he harbored made him blind to such things. It's like she no longer existed. He had forgotten all the good things. He hasn't seen her in so long, and suddenly he's yearning to visit her. Would she be happy to see him, or disgusted?
He also wonders when he began to miss Hotaru. Was it when they spent the evening carrying out their detention together? Was it even earlier than that? Her words are still fresh in his mind. Even though she's far away from him now, he can still feel her embrace. He stares at his hand, curling his fingers into a fist.
She wanted to say that thank you for a long while, but he made doing so difficult. Did she say it after the battle because she didn't think she would get another chance to do so? That reminds him, she hasn't forgiven him yet. He hasn't apologized to his mother yet, either. There are many things he wants and needs to say to them, but he's hesitant.
The door to his waiting room is slammed open, making him look over. Bakugo is standing there with a confounded expression. He blinks a few times.
"Huh?" He drags out, pointing an accusing finger at him. "Hey, why are you here? It's waiting room..." He trails off, catching sight of the sign. "...Oh. This is room two? Damn it!"
Shoto looks away from him, figuring Bakugo will leave after his blunder. That only serves to make him more irritated than before. Just as Shoto begins to contemplate how to truly make amends to his friend and mother, Bakugo comes stomping in.
"I may have gotten the room wrong, but what's with that attitude against your opponent in the final?! Hey, hey, hey…!" Bakugo slams his exploding fist onto the table. "Where are you looking, Half-and-Half Bastard?!"
Startled, at his words rather than actions, Shoto stares off into space with wide eyes. Midoriya said the exact same thing to him. Where is he looking? If he's being honest, he's not even sure anymore. His original goal to prove his old man wrong is gone. Now, he's wallowing in his own feelings and regrets.
"That's…" Shoto begins quietly.
"Huh?" Bakugo makes a wry face.
"...what Midoriya told me, too." Shoto finishes, raising his left hand in front of him. "That guy acted recklessly and came to destroy all the problems I'd been carrying. You guys are childhood friends, right? Was Midoriya like that when you were young, too? Taru…" His eyelids lower slightly. "She did something similar when we were young, too."
Anger fills Bakugo at the mention of Midoriya, and it spreads quickly through his veins. The muscles in his arms tighten and bulge at his forming fists and his teeth gnash together. Why is that damn nerd so popular?
"Who cares about him?!" He growls, kicking the table over. Shoto's hands hover awkwardly where the table once was, and he stares at the now broken structure with his mouth forming the perfect "o" shape. "And who cares about that Lightning Bug Bastard?! Seriously, who the hell cares?!"
Something weighty fills the air just when Shoto began to think he has escaped this negativity. He slowly meets Bakugo's glaring eyes with his stunned ones. He's more raging than normal and it makes him on guard.
"Your family circumstances, your stupid friendship, and your feelings…" Bakugo murmurs piercingly, resulting in Shoto's jaw locking. "I don't care about that stuff! Just use the flames on your left on me, too! I will hold them down from above!"
Bakugo stomps out of the room, slamming the door shut behind him. Shoto stares after him only for a brief moment before redirecting his gaze to the ground with a sad glint in his eyes. Somehow, he's even more unsure than before. His mother and Hotaru, and even his old man. Their faces flash before him.
This uncertainty he feels results in his defeat in the finals.
•○●○•
"Why did you put your damn flames out?!"
"Calm down!"
"Hey, listen to Recovery Girl you jerk. Trying to beat up an unconscious person is beyond low. Oh man, I can't imagine how torturous it is to get first place. My condolences."
"Shut up, Lightning Bug! Move out of the damn way!"
Those are the voices Shoto hears when he stirs from his slumber. He was knocked unconscious during his final fight and his head is still pounding, the loud voices making it worse. His eyes slowly open to a chaotic scene.
Recovery Girl is desperately trying to calm Bakugo down, and it's proving to be futile. He's covered in bandages and seething, trying to advance towards him. He's more pissed than he was during their fight. The only thing stopping him from closing the gap is Hotaru who's standing in front of Shoto's bed. Shoto slowly sits up and that fuels Bakugo's anger.
"About time you woke up!" He growls, attempting to push past Hotaru. His hand comes down roughly onto her shoulder to move her aside. "What did I fucking tell you—?!"
"Lightning bug...?" Hotaru suddenly repeats, and a villainous aura fills the room.
Bakugo pauses and looks over at her, and Recovery Girl proceeds to call for help. Her silver eyes are shrunken and a shadow is over her face. Sparks flare around her and her own hand slams down onto Bakugo's shoulder. Shoto tries to fall back unconscious to escape this mess. To do that, lies back down and shuts his eyes.
"Don't call me that." She bites out.
"I'll call you whatever the hell I want." Bakugo sneers, satisfied with how he obviously struck a deep chord. "Now, move out of the way—!"
His livid voice is cut short when he's forced to draw back due to an abrupt jolt. She shocked him. He stares at her in disbelief before grinning viciously in challenge. Explosions emit from his palms and he begins stomping towards her.
"You wanna go?" He asserts, and Hotaru scoffs.
"It wouldn't be much of a fight."
"Huh?!"
There's a loud blast and Hotaru yelps. Shoto sits up once again due to the sudden rising of his mattress. Hotaru has fallen backwards onto it. She's dumbfounded and her lips are parted slightly as she comprehends what just happened. That jerk blasted her. Her arms are now covered in soot and scratches.
"Bakugo—" Shoto frowns deeply at him, and Hotaru lets out an atrocious laugh that overpowers his voice. It's like he's not even here right now. She moves, standing up on the bed and making a finger gun that's directed towards Bakugo.
"Do that again and I'll turn you into a pile of ashes." She says, glaring down at him.
"Aihara—" Shoto tries, reaching towards her angry form hesitantly.
"Bring it on…" Bakugo taunts with a smirk. "Lightning Bug."
"What are you waiting for…" Hotaru smirks herself. "Chain Chomp."
"I'm going to fucking kill you!" Bakugo roars with a popping vein, and Shoto quickly brings his hand over his mouth to muffle an amused sound. What is even happening right now?
The door slams open and Hotaru lowers her hand instantly. Bakugo isn't fazed by the interruption and kicks the bed which makes it jerk. She tumbles backwards with a squeak and crashes onto the ground.
"Taru!" Shoto instinctively moves to help her up.
He leans over the side of his bed and grabs onto her upper arm. With his help, she manages to sit up while her hand presses against her head that rattled upon falling.
"Are you alright?" He asks, and she avoids his eyes with a dejected frown. She doesn't answer him, and his brows furrow just as a loud howl sounds out.
"What is going on?!"
The two of them look ahead to see Hound Dog snarling in the doorway with Recovery Girl hovering behind him with a worried expression. Bakugo faces the dog-like man who's stomping towards him with a scowl.
"Who the hell are you—? Hey! Let go of me!" Bakugo yells when Hound Dog grabs onto him. A dust-cloud brawl instantly breaks out.
A giant one.
Hotaru slowly rises onto her feet and takes backwards steps, and Shoto stands up and does the exact same thing to avoid any crossfire. They move so they are standing in the far back corner of the room, watching with agape mouths at the preposterous scene. Bakugo yells echo along with Hound Dog's barks. Aizawa appears in the doorway along with Tokoyami. They are staring at the scene speechlessly just like they are.
The brawl is over almost as quickly as it started. Once the cloud of dust clears, Hotaru brings her hand towards her mouth to bite down on her thumb, preventing a laugh from escaping. Bakugo is chained up and muzzled, living up to the nickname she just gave him. He squirms on the ground with muffled curses.
"A maniac…" Tokoyami mutters, giving Bakugo a startled glance.
Bakugo's eyes are glaring bitterly at Shoto, making him look down at his feet with an ashamed frown. He couldn't bring himself to use his flames like Bakugo wanted him to do. Before today, he hasn't thought so heavily about his past and the things that truly mattered.
These new feelings are hindering him. In order to truly move on and become the hero he wants to be, there are things he needs to set right. He needs to come to terms with himself, and talk to them.
"I guess the situation has been handled." Aizawa drowsily states as Hound Dog begins to drag Bakugo off. "Anyways, let's go. The Award Ceremony is about to start."
"Goodness…" Recovery Girl sighs, relieved that the Sports Festival is coming to an end.
Hotaru quickly moves away from Shoto, her hair flowing behind her at her fast movements. His mismatched eyes are naturally drawn to her. She makes a beeline towards Aizawa. Once she's near, she grabs onto his sleeve. Shoto follows behind them as they start walking down the hall.
"Aihara-san—" Shoto tries.
"Aizawa-sensei!" Hotaru suddenly speaks over him. "Did you know that there is a fish that can digest wood?"
"No. Now, let go of me."
"Nope~!"
Shoto stares at the back of Hotaru's head with raised brows. He knows he spoke loud enough for her to hear him, and what she said sounds like something she thought of from the top of her head. Realization dawns on him. She's ignoring him.
But, why?
•○●○•
Fireworks erupt and signal the start of the award ceremony. Bakugo thrashes around in a futile attempt to escape the chains shackling him, ferociously glaring at Shoto as he does. Shoto regretfully avoids his eyes and Tokoyami stares at the blonde, completely appalled. Hotaru's head nods and she sways slightly in her drowsy state from her spot next to Tokoyami. They both are standing atop the third-place podium.
A sudden wave of fatigue hit her due to not resting long enough after her fight thanks to Bakugo. She was sleeping peacefully and recovering from her injuries when he went on a crazy rampage.
The sun shines through her closed eyelids when their podiums rise into the open. The audience cheers excitedly, and confetti rains down. Her eyes crack open the tiniest bit and at a slow pace at Tokoyami's voice.
"He is like a man-eating fiend."
She looks over at Bakugo who's wiggling violently like a fish out of water. Just looking at him makes her annoyed. How he interrupted her sleep, tried to beat up an unconscious Shoto, refused to listen to Recover Girl, called her the nickname her father often calls her… how disgraceful. But, look at him now. Perhaps everything he did was worth it.
"Like Chain Chomp, right?" She asks, and Tokoyami nods. Bakugo's glaring eyes move to her.
Just as she starts to look away from him, her gaze involuntarily locks with Shoto's. She freezes from head to toe. Wistful eyes and a thoughtful frown as he stares right back at her. Quickly, she turns away from him while bringing her arms around herself. The tips of her ears turn a hot pink along with her face.
"Now, we will award the medals!" Midnight's voice sounds out. "The presentation of the medals will, of course, be by this man!"
On cue, All Might's laughter echoes. He appears at the very top of the stadium and the audience grows even more excited. He leaps, his form passing over the shining sun. Hotaru watches in awe as he spins and lands before them all in a way that's just as graceful as it is powerful. After that, she's suddenly wide awake. She can't stop herself from smiling, especially when he takes the medals from Midnight. He starts with Tokoyami.
"Young Tokoyami, congratulations." All Might grins, placing a bronze medal around his neck. "You sure are strong."
"You are too kind." Tokoyami straightens up. His eyes widen in surprise when All Might suddenly hugs him.
"However, in order to fight well against different types, you must not only rely on your Quirk." All Might advises kindly. "If you train your own strength more, then you'll have more options when you fight."
"Yes, sir." Tokoyami nods, holding up his medal in front of him.
As All Might moves to grab the other bronze medal, Hotaru's heart races in her rib-cage. That's her medal. Her hand moves over her chest. The last couple months flash before her. It took her awhile, but she made it.
She learned so much and grew so much. She abandoned and gained things. She made countless mistakes, but she worked really hard. It was the most challenging path and she couldn't have reached this milestone without the wonderful people she has met. This is only the beginning to something much greater. She can't wait to go even further.
The world around her has never shined brighter.
"Young Aihara." All Might beams, standing before her. "Congratulations."
"Thank you, All Might." Hotaru smiles brightly, lowering her head so he can bring her medal around her neck. He moves to hug her, but she beats him to it. She jumps into him happily and embraces him tightly. He lets out a laugh, giving her a squeeze.
"Be confident, Young Aihara." All Might begins. "Once you do that, there will be so many more things you can do. Look at where you're standing. Look at this medal you gained. If you feel yourself hitting up against your limit, remember for what cause you clench your fists. Remember why you started down this path, and let that memory carry you beyond your limit!"
Breathing is suddenly a mystery to her. They pull away from each other. Her glistening eyes are wide. Forming any words is hard. Her hands move to hold onto her polished medal. Why she chose this path. She glances at Shoto before staring back down at her medal, running her fingers over it.
"Right." She whispers.
"Young Todoroki," All Might moves over to Shoto next, a silver medal already in his hands. He puts it around Shoto's neck. "Congratulations. I assume there is a reason you did not use your left side in the final?"
"I had an opportunity during my match with Midoriya, but then I became unsure of myself. I think I understand a little of why you are interested in him." Shoto answers, staring at the ground. "During my match with Aihara, I started to become aware of the important things I've been neglecting, and even my mistakes."
Hotaru looks over at him with parted lips of surprise. A crease forms in her brow. He spares her a soft look before turning his attention back over to All Might with a resolved expression.
"I wanted to become a hero like you. But, I didn't think it would be right for me to be the only one to break away. There is still something I must settle." Shoto finishes.
"The look on your face is completely different than before." All Might states. He peeks at Hotaru from the outer corner of his eye who's now staring at her feet as he gives Shoto a hug. "I won't ask the details. I'm sure that you will be able to do what you need to do."
"Yes." Shoto whispers.
While All Might proceeds to give Bakugo his medal even though he keeps refusing it, Shoto and Hotaru stare at the ground. A cool and refreshing breeze blows by, making their hair and attire ruffle. They glance at each other simultaneously, pure innocence and uncertainty hovering between them. She looks away from him first and his lips purse.
This is their new beginning.
•○●○•
There's no school tomorrow or the day after that. They are given a whole two days off to rest and recover from the Sports Festival. When they return, they will find out whether or not any Pro Heroes recruited them. Apparently, it's referred to as The Draft. Either way, Hotaru couldn't be more glad—mostly about her days off.
She steps out and beneath the twilight sky, bringing her hand over her mouth as she yawns. Class was just dismissed and she wasted no time to leave the building. In fact, she was the first to leave the classroom. Nothing sounds better than sleeping right now.
Adjusting her bag over her shoulder, she starts to walk off. The cool breeze caresses her as crickets start to sing their songs. She finds herself staring at the sky. It's beautiful. She wishes she had her phone to take a picture of it, but Aizawa-sensei refuses to give her phone back. Actually, he told her she'll never get it back.
Within the upcoming days she's going to receive a new phone with a new number. Aizawa-sensei already called Daichi and informed him of what transpired regarding her parents. He told her she doesn't need to worry about them anymore, and he told her he'll inform Endeavor in her stead. She smiles. She's grateful—
"Aihara-san." A voice speaks up from behind her, making her eyes bulge. She almost trips on air. It's an all too familiar voice. The sound of his approaching footsteps grow closer.
The entirety of their fight reruns in her head, the end of it being more prominent. His warmth and strong hold, how the raindrops coating them merged together at their touch, her indebted thank you… damn it. What has she done?
She starts walking faster with skittish sweat forming on her temple. He starts walking faster too. Her cheeks flush in utmost embarrassment. He reaches towards her, his fingers nearly brushing against her arm until she suddenly takes off into a desperate run.
Shoto slowly lowers his hand, now rooted in the same spot. It happened again. She really is avoiding him. He stares after her, watching as she uses her Quirk to glide down the metal railing of the stairwell to heighten her escape. His lips downturn.
"Rejected." Mineta suddenly appears beside him with a smug smirk. "How many times do I have to tell you that she's mine? I understand she may have gotten your hopes up with that hug and lovely smile… but it meant nothing! Got it?! I bet she was thinking of me when she did it—!"
"Rejected? I don't think so." Kaminari walks up from behind them with a raised brow. "I think she's just embarrassed."
"Embarrassed?" Shoto repeats, and the blonde lets out a sigh.
"Man, you don't know a thing about girls, do you?"
"Neither do you." Jiro suddenly walks past them, making Kaminari blanch.
Mineta suddenly smirks with an ominous aura surrounding him. Although he warned this guy countless times, he just won't leave his Taru-chan alone. What can he do to make him give it up? Perhaps he can trick him into doing something that'll make Taru-chan angry. Something she hates… flowers. She burned every single flower he has gifted her.
"Look here, Todoroki." Mineta deceptively begins. "If you're really desperate for her love, I'll tell you how to patch things up with her—"
"I already know what I have to do." Shoto callously cuts him off, taking retreating steps as Mineta wails in anger.
•○●○•
"I knew you were strong, but I didn't know you were that strong! You were literally so amazing! I know I'm your legal guardian, and you're basically my little sister, but it feels like you're my guardian!"
Hotaru laughs at Daichi's gushing, her cheeks rosy in her grateful state. She looks over at him with sparkling eyes, bringing her feet up onto the cozy couch. He's so dumb. She's no guardian at all.
"Thank you, but you're the only guardian here." She begins, tossing a pillow at him. "You're the one who took me in. You helped me get to where I am. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't even have gotten into U.A."
"I know, I know." He waves his hand through the air, tossing the pillow back at her. "But, you get what I'm saying."
"I get it." She admits, sending the cushion back his way. "Stupidhead."
"Meanie." He pouts, throwing the pillow a little too high. She tries to catch it but it goes way over her head. They both stare at the pillow that's now so far away. "...Are you going to get that?"
"You threw it."
"But, you failed to catch it."
"Rock, paper, scissors." She holds up her fist. He accepts her challenge,
And she loses.
With a huff, she slides off of the couch and moves over to pick up the pillow. He watches her with sparkles of accomplishment surrounding him. She plops back down next to him, hugging the pillow tightly against her chest with puffed out cheeks.
"Anyways," He reaches over and ruffles up her hair. "I talked to your homeroom teacher over the phone." He frowns slightly. "Are you doing okay?"
She peers at him through her lashes, her pout being replaced with a small smile. It is quite obvious what he's referring to when he asks that. It's about her parents. He tried contacting her throughout the day, but all of his texts and calls were buried by her parents.
"I've never been better." She answers honestly.
The sincerity she's displaying is visible and pure. It makes relief flood into him and his lips curve upwards. Despite the struggles of today, she's growing happier as the days go by without a doubt, often showing the Hotaru Aihara he knew her as.
"I'm glad." He says with a smile. "It looks like you and Todoroki are learning to get along like old times, too."
"...I don't know what you're talking about."
"Huh?"
Daichi blinks when Hotaru suddenly turns away from him with tinted cheeks. She buries her face into the pillow she still clutches. His index finger grazes against his chin, and a question mark appears over his head.
"The truth is, I can't remember a thing that happened during our fight."
"Really?"
"Y-Yeah. I lost some of my memory when I fell unconscious."
"..." His expression dulls. "Okay, that was a pretty obvious lie."
"I don't remember! Who are we even talking about?" She suddenly stands up. "I'm sleepy. So, I'm going to go to bed. Goodnight."
"Wait!" Daichi throws the pillow she left behind. It hits her back which makes her turn around with a feeble glare. "There's something important I need to tell you."
"What is it?"
She looks at him curiously and he grins widely. Her head tilts slightly when he pulls out his phone. He plays a voicemail out loud. When it's over, her eyes glisten like stars in the night sky. She clasps her hands together in excitement, cheering.
"Your fish store has been renovated?!"
~ Next Chapter Sneak Peek:
❤•○●○•❤
Unspoken Words
❤•○●○•❤
Velvety petals rain down from above and shadows dance across their forms. Their hair and attire becomes ruffled as a morning breeze blows. A singing bird lands on one of the branches over their heads, and the nearby pond ripples from the swimming koi. Hotaru rises onto her feet slowly, facing Shoto with pursed lips.
"What are you doing here?" She whispers in question.
"I want to talk." He answers, and her eyes narrow. "You don't have to say anything. Instead, just listen to me... please."
