"Everyone! Thank you for accepting me into your humble abode!"

"Uh, you're welcome Mina, but... what's with the salute?"

The following day, everybody was assembled in the Midoriya house. Mina, being accepted into the harem, was invited to come over, of course. She was standing ramrod straight with her arm raised to her forehead in salute to the bewilderment of everybody else.

"I have to show my appreciation in full, Izuku! By being ultra respectful of everybody who has been in this relationship longer than I have."

"Pass," Kyoka waved her off in exasperation. "You've never been the type to watch what you say, why are you starting now?"

Mina began fumbling around for an answer as she tapped her pointer fingers together nervously. "Well, that's uncalled for! Look who's calling the kettle black. I mean I just thought... since I never thought I'd get the chance to be with Izuku..."

"Stop the buttering up, girl, it's cool." Rumi slung her prosthetic arm around Mina's shoulders nonchalantly. "If Izuku wants you to be with him, that's fine by us."

Ochaco interjected. "What Usagiyama is trying to say is that being formal about this is, um... what's the phrase?"

"Defeats the purpose?" Momo offered.

"Yeah, that's it! So just consider yourself right at home, Mina. We've known each other long enough to be past this sort of thing."

"Y-yeah!" Mina said, nodding excitedly.

"So big sis Mina is a part of the group too, now?" Eri asked, bouncing up and down in excitement. "That's so cool! Can Toru and Tsuyu join too, please? Pleeeease?"

"At this rate, that might be a prophecy that comes true," Kyoka remarked.

"Haha, let's pump the brakes on that kind of suggestion for now," Izuku said nervously. "Anyway, we've got Kyoka fully moved in now, at least, and Mina's just joined. I don't know how to explain it, but it feels like we've hit a milestone here."

"Yeah, I feel you," Itsuka said. "But considering, um. You know. Everything else, maybe that's what's making you feel that way."

Her words cast a shadow over the room. Itsuka quickly began apologizing.

"Sorry for bringing the mood down, haha..."

"No, I think you hit the nail on the head," Rumi said. "Things could get very dangerous now."

Eri tugged at Izuku's jeans. "Deku, what's going on?"

"Grown up talk, sweetie."

"Awwwww, that's just an excuse you make! You don't think I can handle that adult talk!"

"You definitely can't," Ochaco said. She picked her up and began bringing her over to the kitchen. "Come on Eri, why don't you tell me about your sleepover?"

"I'm eleven years old, don't treat me like a little kid!"

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry... but still, I'd like to hear about it!"

"Expert Mom move from Ochaco," Mina said. "So, yeah. There's a big, Nomu-sized elephant in the room."

"It's a shadow hanging over the country," Rumi growled. "That bastard. Thinks he can toy with us even at the bottom of Tartarus... we'll show him."

"The best thing we can do right now is not let him get to us," Izuku pointed out. "His greatest weapon is fear. We can acknowledge his bid to take the country again, but we can't accept it. No matter what."

"I agree," Momo said, a hand placed over her chest. "So Izuku. What's the plan?"

"Tsukauchi is in charge of coordinating the whole thing. Top 500 heroes get the full details and corresponding heads of different agencies will get a condensed report. Hero patrols will be reshuffled a little, but not in a way that anybody would notice."

"I see," Kyoka said, snapping her fingers. "We're cracking down on looking for old PLF stuff."

"That and generally looking out for any Nomu," Izuku said. "If there was one lurking in the subway, I'm wondering how many more have remained undetected. And how long ago they were sent out. Can't imagine they'd be able to stay hidden for two years unless they actually weren't active."

"There's probably another Nomu factory in that case," Momo said. "Maybe more."

"More?" Mina shuddered. "Knowing that one is a likely possibility already gives me the creeps."

"Well, that's where the actual patrolling comes in," Izuku said. "Kacchan is gonna be alternating with me when it comes to leading the bigger raids. Can't have one of us indisposed. And..."

Izuku turned toward Momo. "I've been in contact with Todoroki. I informed him of the situation personally. He's stopping his tour through China ASAP and heading back here."

"Hm. Well, it was always a matter of time. But you don't have to be worried, Izuku. We're both adults. It won't be awkward."

The others exchanged glances at this. "Are you sure?" Mina ventured.

"Huh? Whatever do you guys mean?"

"You're, uh..." Itsuka struggled to find the words.

"You're kind of naïve, Momo." Kyoka said bluntly. "Maybe you won't find it awkward but be wary of not placing that burden on Todoroki. Boys hide their true feelings just as much as girls do."

"Wha- I would never!" Momo said indignantly.

"Sheesh, what's with the schoolgirl attitude?" Rumi grimaced. "I don't know the whole story but try not to kill him with kindness. You seem the type to do that."

"I—" Momo shut her mouth, thinking better of it. "I... feel like what you're all saying might be true."

"Just be careful, is all," Mina added on as Ochaco came back with Eri.

"Adult talk is over?"

"Yeah," Izuku said.

"Good. There's one other thing that we need to get out of the way then."

"Ah. That."

"I'm glad you guys told me this before I moved in," Kyoka said. "Might've brought too much of my stuff over otherwise."

"Huh?"

"Usagiyama, I'm sure you've noticed that our bed is kind of crowded these days."

"Hm? Oh yeah, that. Can't solve that with a bigger bed?"

"Nice joke. I mean, we will be getting a new mattress and have to inform Hatsume accordingly, but we were thinking of being a little bit more ambitious," Ochaco said. "It's time to renovate a bit."

"It should only take a few days," Izuku said. "We never thought we'd get to this point, so we were kind of holding off, but this place is getting crowded now. I've already placed the order for the materials. The guys are gonna be helping me."

"Wait, you're doing it yourself!?"

"Ooooh, impressive as always!"

"It's not like I'm doing it alone," Izuku said in response to Itsuka and Mina, to which Rumi began pinching at his cheek.

"Ow!"

"I hate that false modesty of yours. Learn to accept your accomplishments and goals as your own, okay?"

"Is Deku in trouble?" Eri asked.

"Aw, Rumi is just teasing him," Momo said, patting her head.

Izuku rubbed where Rumi had pinched once she let go. "Right... But anyhow, I'm gonna have to ask you guys to stay at your own places for as long as we're working on it. Sorry. You can come over once it's all finished by the end of next week. I'll get people to install plumbing and electricity in just a day."

The girls sighed.

"It is what it is," Mina said.

"Well in that case, we'll be helping out too," Itsuka said.

"Hm?"

"As long as we keep this all a secret, it's still fine," Itsuka said. "Right, guys?"

Everybody nodded in assent. "I was going to help the whole time anyway, so we'd appreciate it," Ochaco said.

It was Izuku's turn to sigh. "Well, I guess it's fine. Just be careful."

"Roger!"

"DIIIIIE!"

BOOM!

"Kacchan, why do you look so happy to be destroying my house!?"

"It's the place you live in, dweeb! I've dreamed of wrecking your home my whole life, especially now that you've got your happy ending with Ochaco!"

"You're a literal homewrecker!"

"You wanna die too!?"

Ochaco pumped her fists as she watched her boyfriend and Katsuki trade barbs from the side. "The fated battle between men!"

"She's always been way too into their whole rivalry," Kyoka said in exasperation as she marked up some wood.

"Nah, I totally get why she's into it," Kirishima said. "It's manly!"

"Well, you're one of a kind, so..."

It was day two of the renovations. Many old faces had turned up to help and now the second half of the house had been opened up, and much of the roof had been taken off as well. Katsuki had just blown away another part quite efficiently, reducing it to cinders. Izuku, understandably, was not pleased with his rash behavior, as he tried to chastise him for it. Katsuki, predictably, was ignoring it and continuing about his business.

"This is a great project!" roared Tetsutetsu as he stomped by. "It's like we're constructing the dreams of our friends into reality!"

"You said it, buddy!" Kirishima gave Tetsutetsu a thumbs up.

"Two of a kind, actually," Kyoka muttered as she watched.

"We must complete our work before the perilous darkness of the night swallows this idyllic field whole," said Tokoyami, rising up from the ground. Tsuyu hopped up after him, depositing some tools she had wrapped up in her tongue.

"Have you ever considered writing poetry, Tokoyami?"

The entire process went like that, with everybody chattering like old friends. Monoma, his hair now in a sharp crew cut, was chuckling maniacally by the side.

"My, my! Who would've suspected that Midoriya and Uraraka were the types to be greedy enough to make a full-on mansion? Their house was already big enough, but they've exposed their truly greedy selves by asking for more! What other devilish impulses lay hidden inside such fiends who dare parade around as gallant heroes! Why, I- GAK!"

An enlarged fist flattened him where he stood. Itsuka was grinding her knuckles into his back, furious. "Are you still mad about that stupid match in high school!? Quite frankly, I don't know why Izuku even wanted your help in the first place since we all know this is how you'd act! Mostly you've just been muttering to yourself off to the side. Use your quirk to copy somebody and make yourself useful."

"Uncle, uncle, uncle!"

Itsuka shrunk her hand, letting him stand up. Monoma dusted himself off. "Exceedingly violent. Just as you'd expect of a rampaging gorilla. How unfortunate your good looks are wasted on such a disturbing personality..."

Monoma found himself punched into the dirt a second time. "Mercy, I beg you!"

"Monomaaaaaaa!"

Almost everybody they had known had come over to help. Many members of what had once been classes 1A and 1B had appeared, with a few other helpful hands on the scene.

"Make way, kids," Rumi shouted as she carried a bunch of lumber into the house with Iida. Sato was in the kitchen busy making lunch for everybody, Koda had enlisted a flock of birds to help carry items. Sero was hammering in the framing for what would be an extended hallway. They had finished half the framing already and were well on their way to finishing ahead of schedule.

"Honestly, dude, this is kinda fun," Denki said, sitting down for a short break as Izuku finished pulling up a finished frame. They had lined up chairs by the shade of the trees. "Wouldn't be opposed to building houses more often."

"I'd have to charge you a fee if you want my help, though," Kyoka said, sitting down next to him.

"Seriously!? You wouldn't do it for free considering it's me?"

"Lemme think... Maybe."

"Maybe? With you, I'll take what I can get."

"Actually, I changed my mind. Back to charging a rate."

"You're heartless!"

"Now, now," Momo said, walking over with a plate of Sato's sandwiches.

"This is ambitious, Midoriya," Shoji said, folding his webbed arms. "Why did you decide to expand the place?"

"Like we said, we just wanted more space," Izuku said as he sat down next to Ochaco. "It's not like we're encroaching on anyone out here."

Setsuna, pulling her jeans up her well-defined posterior, sat down alongside them. "True. And I guess you wouldn't want anybody bothering you guys..."

"Huh?"

"Sorry, that was a strange thing to say, Midoriya."

Izuku looked at her a little uneasily, thinking back to when they had met last time. She seemed to be pointedly avoiding his gaze, familiar smug grin on her face. Her quirk was very good for spying on people, now that he really thought about it, so maybe...

No! No, she couldn't have eavesdropped on their conversation with Mina. Right?

Setsuna gave him a cheeky glance to which Izuku nervously looked in the opposite direction. He saw Ibara looking at him quite intently, to which he then focused on what was perhaps the most innocent sight in the world: Kinoko and Pony happily munching on their food.

"It's sooooo good! Thanks for the mushrooms, Sato!" Kinoko was overjoyed.

"This special cut of smoked meat! It's like I'm holding a slice of America!" Pony was similarly pleased. Sato blushed at the praise.

"Anytime!"

Yui, who was eating hers quietly, gave him a thumbs up. Considering her normally emotionless attitude, that was the equivalent of a rave review.

"I'm glad we can all enjoy time like this, even if it is through more work," Izuku said.

"That's a good attitude to have," Toru said. She nudged Ojiro in the ribs beside her. "Wouldn't you say?"

"It is a nice way of looking at things," Ojiro mused.

Sweat began trickling down Izuku's brow as Rumi sidled up next to him. Ochaco narrowed her eyes, the two women engaging in a stare down with Izuku caught in the middle. He quietly sipped his water. He supposed that, at this point, it would be out of character for Rumi to not make a pass at him. He could see Itsuka, Kyoka, Momo and Mina staring deadpan at the unfolding situation.

"Here we go," Katsuki groaned.

"This is a battle among women," Awase said.

"The fated battle, you could say!" Kirishima nodded.

"When Ochaco says it, it's cute. When you say it, it's stupid," Kyoka said.

"Hey!"

Lunch proved a riotous affair, with everybody engaging in their familiar routine. Despite the shadow that had been cast with the threat of Shigaraki's return, they didn't let it daunt them. Once again, Izuku found himself unable to put into words how thankful he was.

The day ended much like the previous had for them. Short goodbyes, promises to help out again tomorrow, explanations for why they couldn't come and so on. Soon there were only a few stragglers left.

"Tsuyu? Toru?" Izuku asked as the women in question came up to him.

"Me and Tsuyu have been thinking that we want to be in on the next PLF base raid," Toru explained.

"Uh, sure. I'll be sure to let you guys in on the operation. But we don't know when we'll find it, so it might be a while. Might be tomorrow. Either way, just be ready."

"We know, ribbit." Tsuyu placed a finger on her chin. "We just want to be there for something important. It feels like we're obligated to do that at this point."

"Exactly!" Toru said. "I mean, when you're working on something like this, it also makes you think about what we're trying to protect. It's like this has fired me up even more!"

Izuku smiled softly at their gung-ho attitudes. "Thanks, guys. Really."

"I mean, it's not just for you," Tsuyu croaked. "But I can't deny that working on this has inspired me as well. But speaking of..."

She gestured to the house, which had now begun properly resembling the mansion. "This seems like a lot, if I'm being blunt."

"Bluntness is what I know you best for, As—I mean, Tsu."

"How many times are you going to get tripped up on that, Midoriya?"

"I mean, you still call me by my surname..."

"Oh? Is that a problem?"

"Not at all, it's just... it's weird for me sometimes."

Tsuyu took a second to recollect herself. She breathed in a large gulp of air and sighed. She looked at him with a blank expression he couldn't quite place. "Of course. Well, I'll see you tomorrow, Midoriya."

"O-oh, right. Bye!"

She walked away with Izuku looking a little puzzled. Toru giggled. "She was a little weird there at the end, huh?"

"Huh? Oh, I, um... well, yeah, it did seem she reacted weirdly."

"Mmm..." They both looked at Tsuyu as she walked back to her car. Izuku couldn't help but notice that, much like Setsuna, her hips had flared out into quite prominent curves. The results were nothing short of astounding as her large butt fought pressed against her pants with every stride.

Oblivious to Izuku's staring, Toru said, "I wonder what it could be..."

Izuku was shaken out of his reverie. "Hagakure?"

"Oh! Sorry for drifting off there, Midoriya. I also wanted to tell you that, unfortunately, I can't come over tomorrow."

"Oh, that's fine. Honenuki and Shishida are coming over tomorrow, so don't feel obligated."

"Right! And um, another thing... Thank you for the other day. I was really freaked out when you told me about the Nomu situation, but you were ready to calm me down in an instant. You're probably the most reliable guy I've ever met, Midoriya!"

"You flatter me too much," Izuku said, not helping the blush that rose to his cheeks.

"Seriously, Ochaco has all the luck! Snagged you up right out of high school before the rest of us could have a chance!" While he couldn't see her face, Izuku had a feeling Toru was pouting as she said that.

"I don't know if I'm that much of a catch..." She leaned into him real close as he said that.

"I say you are! And don't you forget it. Later!"

She flounced away, to which Izuku realized his heart had begun beating what felt like a thousand miles per minute. He took a deep breath to calm himself but came face to face with Ibara who was looking at him with the coldest eyes imaginable.

"Whoa!" He instinctively stumbled back. Ibara continued staring at him.

"Monoma told me something very funny today. Itsuka ended up calling you Izuku instead of Midoriya. Why is that?"

Cursing Monoma in his head, Izuku struggled to come up with an answer. "Uh..."

"And then there's this big project, which seems largely out of character for you and Uraraka."

"We just wanted some extra space, is all."

"It's a mansion that we're making. That's more than just some extra space."

"It's a matter of perspective," Izuku countered lamely.

"And then there was the subway incident. Something between her, you, Ochaco and Ashido. The way I see it, she's been acting awfully suspicious around you this past little while."

"It's just your imagination, Shiozaki. I don't know what else to tell you." He shrank back a little as she got into his personal space, continuing to stare him down.

"I have my eye on you, Midoriya. Something is going on between you two, and I'm going to make sure you don't hurt her.

Growing slightly miffed, Izuku straightened himself out and stared right back. "I would never do that. Ever."

"And I find it odd that Mirko, of all people, is also here helping. I understand her infatuation with you quite well, but her being here is a little odd to me when it was just us high school friends."

"She wanted to help. Simple as that."

"Hmph. The fact of the matter is that, if you are doing what I think you're doing, then it's the opposite of God's teachings."

"And that is?"

"Philandering, adultery. Polygamy is condemned by the Catholic Church, I'll have you know. Any assorted acts that go with it are similarly frowned upon."

"I'm aware of that," Izuku droned.

"Itsuka can live her life how she wants, but I won't accept any man tempting her down a path of sin."

"This is still pretty controlling of her," Izuku said. "There's nothing going on between us. Like I said, it's your imagination. And besides, she lives her life how she wants. With all due respect, I don't think she'd appreciate you acting like this."

"I know that," Ibara spat at him. Izuku realized he'd never seen Ibara this genuinely angry outside of the war ever. "I don't intend to stop her. I'm just warning you that I don't care if you're the number one hero. I wouldn't care if you were next in line for becoming Emperor. If you hurt her, there won't be a God of any kind you can pray to for help. What you're doing goes against His teachings. Keep that in mind."

With that, she turned around and strode away, long vine hair swaying in the breeze. Itsuka walked over to him once she had begun driving away.

"What was that about?"

Izuku explained the situation to her, making her roll her head back. "I'm so sorry about that! She's about as Old Testament as they come."

"It's fine," Izuku said. "Ultimately, it proves how much she cares for you. I think you're lucky to have her as a friend."

Itsuka giggled. "Never lose that optimism, Izuku. I'll try not to lead her by the nose too hard as I misdirect her, but no promises. She's a big girl, so worst comes to worst she'll just have to accept our situation if it comes down to it."

"I also noticed you were talking to Tetsutetsu earlier," Izuku said. "Everything still okay between you guys?"

"Oh, a hundred percent. He's a blockhead, but it's hard to find a better friend."

"Good!"

As there was nobody else around, Itsuka was able to head inside along with the other girls before heading out. They all assembled in the kitchen, Ochaco having brought Eri back about an hour before.

"Quite a day," Ochaco said. "I'll start dinner."

"Thanks, darling," Izuku said, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

"We've gotten so much done over a couple days! We'll be finished early tomorrow!" Mina had taken to cheering ecstatically, face scrunched up in a big smile. "And we get to hang out the whole time!"

"I thought it was pretty back breaking work myself, but that's a nice way of looking at it," Kyoka said.

"You guys are so awesome," Eri said, jumping up and down. "I wanna be like all of you one day! Like, kick, kick, pow! Kablam! And then being strong enough to build my own house."

"Is that right?" Momo pulled Eri up into her lap, hugging her tight. "Well, I'm sure you're going to get there, sweetie."

"Say, when's the house gonna be completely finished?" Rumi asked as she held her beer. "I can't believe I got beaten to the punch by Kyoka moving into this place. I wanna take that next step already."

"Th-then I want to as well!" Momo said.

"It's a challenge, then," Itsuka smirked. "I'll be set up in here before any of you girls have even packed up your first box."

"Oh, it's on," Mina grinned mischievously. Before Izuku knew it, all four women were in an intense face off. He could almost see the threatening aura being emitted from them.

"I-it's not a race..."

"Aw, let them have their fun," Ochaco said. "Come over here, I want you to throw out the potato skins for me."

"Sure thing..."

As Izuku walked over, he felt his phone buzz. Instinctively pulling it out, he looked at the text message that appeared on his home screen. It was from Tsukauchi.

He wants to talk tomorrow, it read.

The world seemed to freeze for Izuku. He stared at the text, trying to absorb the simple message. The others noticed he had grown still.

"Deku?" Eri had jumped off the couch and stood by his side, tugging at his jeans like a couple nights previously. He hugged her close to his side.

"Ah, it's nothing you need to worry about. I've just gotta do that one part of my job I like the least. I'll be gone tomorrow. You guys will have to continue working on the place without me. I apologize for that."

While the other girls continued to look at Izuku with concern, Ochaco kept preparing dinner. "Him?"

"... Yes."

"I see. Just be careful."

The night proceeded pleasantly enough, but Izuku could feel each of the worried glances the girls would shoot him. Especially when they said goodbye for the evening. Having moved their bed to the lower floor, Izuku went to sleep with Ochaco and Eri curled up by his side. He hugged them both close, needing their strength for the following day.

"Just you wait, Shigaraki. I'm gonna make you slip up no matter what. For the sake of their futures, I'm not letting you win again. Not now, not ever."

Izuku eased himself into an uneasy sleep, anxious over how their next meeting would go. But first, he would need to pay a visit to another old adversary of his. One he was trying to convert into an ally. He knew Himiko wouldn't mind him coming to her for advice in probing Shigaraki so long as he took the time to talk to her. At least, he hoped so.

Harem List:

Ochaco Uraraka

Momo Yaoyorozu

Itsuka Kendo

Kyoka Jiro

Rumi Usagiyama

Mina Ashido

She Who Shall Smite All Sinners List:

Ibara Shiozaki

BONUS: Homewrecker List:

Katsuki Bakugo

Whew! Pretty long chapter, but I loved including so many of the characters in it. MHA is a series that does character interactions and relationships so phenomenally well that I've wanted to capture that in my work. Sorry for no smut, but I hope the humor and plot development made up for that. And now we're at the point in the story where Izuku and Shigaraki are having their first meeting again! But not before we get a little chat with Himiko, of course. Look forward to that next week.

Harem order: Ochaco, Momo, Itsuka, Kyoka, Rumi (Mirko), Mina, Toru, Mei, Tomoko, Tsuyu, Nejire, Nemuri (Midnight), Ibara, Ryuko (Pixie-bob), Kaoruko (Bubble Girl), Melissa, Yui, Camie, Shino (Mandalay), Setsuna, Moe (Burnin'), Ryuko (Ryukyuu), Pony, Yuyu, Reiko, Kinoko, Himiko.

Thank you all so much for reading and I hope you're staying safe. Don't forget to leave kudos if you enjoyed this and if you want to stay more up to date on my work, be sure to follow me on Twitter at MilHypotheses. Until next time!