Hi, everyone! I've been working very hard on this story and finally managed to write this piece. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did while writing it. Please feel free to review, I would love to hear your thoughts.

Disclaimer: I don't own My Hero Academia or any of its characters. Mizuki, however, is my own creation.

Let's start with the story, shall we?*

Chapter 9

The walk back home was painfully long for both Katsuki and Mizuki. They walked in silence, Mizuki knowing that her brother was biting back what he wanted to say. She, on the other hand, didn't have any commentary to spare.

What could she say? The best friend she thought she knew felt like a complete stranger. He had a quirk and she didn't know if it was a new development and if it was until recently that his Quirkless status changed.

"That bastard!" Katsuki snapped, explosions erupting in the palm of his hands. "How dare he deceive us! That piece of shit had a flashy Quirk all of the sudden?! He's dead when I see him again!" Mizuki glanced at her raging brother.

"You see what happens when you put your trust in someone like him? You stood up for him and fought for him and he used you all along," Katsuki said, his words hitting Mizuki in her chest and the pain causing her to press her lips together.

He was only making her feel worse. Katsuki's way to get her to snap out of her somber state was not working. She knew he wanted her to be angry. He wanted her to yell out and get rid of her negative emotions but she couldn't find a way.

The truth was, Izuku wasn't like that to deceive her. Every tear, every smile, every surprise and every other emotion he showed was real. He wore his heart upon his sleeve. He didn't lie and even if he did, he was quickly found out. He was a good person and Mizuki knew it.

Then why?

"I hope the hag cooked us a decent meal. I'm hungry!" Katsuki said, expecting Mizuki to scold him for calling their mother a hag. Yet, she didn't say anything. She merely nodded next to him, his chest giving a painful squeeze and his anger growing.

That lowlife Deku did this. He's going to pay dearly for deceiving Mizuki. When I'm done with him, he won't ever stand in our way anymore. Katsuki thought darkly as he stopped by the door of the house and opened the door.

"Welcome back, our heroes!" Mitsuki greeted her two children that stared blankly at the scene in front of them. Their parents grinned from ear to ear and let out a snap of confetti that fell over them.

"What the hell?"

"Is that any way to greet your parents after coming back from school!" Mitsuki had Katsuki in a headlock, as she scolded him. "After all the effort we put in to surprise you! We even cooked your favourite - curry!"

Masaru laughed lightly at his wife's behavior, Katsuki growling at his mother as she fought against him. "They must be tired after their first day. They had a lot to take in, right?" He calmly stated and Mitsuki blinked a few times. She let go of her son and put her hands on her hips.

"That is if they took in a lot. Either way I'm glad that you're home. How was your first day of school? How does it feel to be one step closer to adulthood?" Mitsuki asked with a smirk, teasing her children slightly.

"It was fine. Can we eat? I'm hungry," Katsuki said as he took off his shoes. He walked past his parents as they gave him a raised brow. That was it? They looked back at Mizuki who was awfully quiet, worrying them.

"Mizuki, Sweetie, are you alright? Did you have a bad first day?" Masaru asked, his brows furrowing and a frown coming onto his lips. Katsuki turned to look at his sister as she stood there, her eyes glaring at the ground.

"I… I… I need to go for a run. Eat without me," she forced out and tossed her bag to the ground before she stormed out of the house. Her parents called to her from behind but it didn't stop her from running.

"Mizuki! Wait!" Mitsuki called but it was no use, Mizuki had already ran off with her U.A. uniform still on her person. "What is going on here? Katsuki, what happened to your sister?" She asked her son.

Katsuki stared at the open door where Mizuki stormed out. He frowned deeply, his red eyes narrowing. It was best to leave her to get all of her emotions out. He knew that and still he wanted to run after her to make sure that she didn't do anything stupid.

"She'll come back sooner or later," Katsuki replied, his answer not satisfying his parents at all. He sighed and pocketed his hands. "She finally realized the truth about who she can trust." His statement had his parents look at his with wide eyes.

Wait, what?

Katsuki turned his back to his parents and then walked off. He was angry, livid even as he thought about the face Mizuki had made. Mizuki never made a pathetic face like that. She never got overly upset about something and cried. Never.

Except now

Meanwhile…

Mizuki's lungs burned, her mouth gasping for air and dried out. She could feel her legs complain from the strain she put them under. Her heart was beating heavily in her throat and in her ears as it yearned for her to stop.

Her phone had blown up a few times as people tried to contact her. One of which was her mother. She sent a bunch of texts asking if she was alright and that she needed to come home. They would listen and try to help.

The other messages were from Rinako and Akira, asking about how her first day was. They were talking on their group chat, but didn't receive any reply from Mizuki. She wasn't going to reply in this pathetic state either.

Mizuki stopped running, hunching over as her hands rested on her knees. She gasped for air, sweat trailing down the side of her face. She stared at the ground, the image blurred in front of her and gritted her teeth.

She was crying. Not because of sadness. Not because she was upset. She was crying out of frustration. She was crying because she felt helpless. She was crying because she felt betrayed. It was a terrible mixture of feelings.

She tried to run out the emotions that overwhelmed her. She never felt like this before, everything new to her. She got angry. She got upset. She did, just never to an extend where she wanted to actually cry.

She needed to get to the bottom of this. She needed to know the truth. She needed to know why Izuku didn't tell her about his quirk. She needed to know if everything was a lie. She needed to know now.

Mizuki looked up, her eyes staring at the large complex in front of her. She ran all the way from her house to where Izuku stayed. She wanted answers before the next day. She didn't want to have another moment of unanswered questions.

At this stage, she didn't care that she still wore her school uniform. She didn't care that it was untidy or that that it clung to her because of the run. She didn't care about her appearance. She only wanted one thing.

Mizuki stopped in front of a green door, the colour making her heart drop into her stomach. Now that she stood in front of their door, she felt uncertain. What if it was true? What if he played her the entire time? What then?

Get a grip, Mizuki! You're a Bakugou for damn sake! You're not afraid of anything! She told herself and gave herself a harsh slap through the face to wake herself up. She wasn't a coward! She took a breath and then knocked on the door.

"Izuku? Is that you? Oh, dear, don't tell me you forgot your keys this morning. I thought I saw you take…Oh, Mizuki," Midoriya Inko answered the door, her eyes wide. "What a surprise to see you here!" She smiled warmly, Mizuki's heart giving a tight squeeze.

The short, green haired female gave her a familiar warm and welcoming smile. Over the years, she had gained weight but her hair was always the same, kept in a ponytail. She wore her usual green skirt, white shirt, salmon coloured jersey and a white apron with little stains.

Midoriya Inko
Age: 41
Quirk: Attraction of Small Objects

"Sorry for the disturbance, Midoriya-san. I wanted to hear if Izu-kun was here?" Mizuki asked, her heart sinking into her stomach when Inko shook her head. Mizuki's eyes averted towards the ground. Of course, he wasn't here.

"He hasn't come home yet, but your welcome to come in. It's always good to see you," Inko offered the young female, her eyes softening. She could see that there was something that bothered her. After all, it was clear that she had run all the way here in her uniform and her eyes were red.

"I'll make something hot for you to drink," Inko cut off Mizuki before she could object. She stood by the door as Inko moved inside. "You're probably very thirsty after running all the way here in your school uniform. I'll get you something dry."

Mizuki's eyes widened at Inko's words. She saw the kind smile on the female's face and vaguely nodded. She came inside, closing the door behind her and took off her shoes. She could smell the faint scent of vanilla mixed with the sweet aroma of pork cutlet.

Izuku's favourite.

"Here you go." Inko brought her out of her thoughts and handed her a pair of clothing. "You can toss your clothing in the washer and take a shower too while you're at it," Inko told her and Mizuki's brows furrowed.

"It's okay. I don't want to be too much of a burden. I should head home-""You won't even be a burden, Mizuki. Besides, you can't go home with those red eyes of yours. You'll get sick after running so far and not taking a shower. I'll let your mother know you're safe and sound," Inko intercepted.

Mizuki stared at the woman and nodded without another complaint. Inko nodded with a smile and walked off to make a warm cup of cocoa. Mizuki used the guest bathroom to take a warm shower, her tension half washed away by the water.

Inko was always this kind. She always invited her in and convinced her to wait a while before returning home. After all, Mizuki had brought Izuku home a bunch of times after he was caught up in fights with Katsuki. She would come over for play dates and birthdays… Where did it all go wrong?

The ash blonde girl sighed as she changed into the pair of clothing that Inko brought out for her. Loosely fitting jeans and a peach coloured t-shirt. Mizuki smiled faintly. Inko knew her too well.

Her hair popped dry with a small explosion and her feet found a pair of fluffy sandals as she walked out towards the living room. The smell of hot cocoa hit her nose as she entered.

"I made your favourite. Hot Cocoa with a little bit of chilli sprinkles and marshmallows on the side," Inko spoke up as she sat the cup down on the table, Mizuki sitting down. "I let Mitsuki know you're safe and sound. She was worried since you just stormed out of the house."

The teenager took the hot cocoa and stared at the small marshmallows swirling in the warm substance. Inko sat opposite of the young female, and gave her a worried look. She put down her drink in front of her.

"Mizuki, mind telling me what's going on? You haven't visited in a long time, though I'm very glad to see you. But you've never done this before. Did something happen between you and Izuku?" Inko asked and Mizuki took a sip of her hot drink, needing something to warm her up.

"Izuku…has a Quirk." Inko's eyes widened at Mizuki's words. "Today, at school, he used it and I saw it for the first time. I was, no, am still shocked. I didn't know what to think. I didn't know what to do…" she trailed off.

"That's why you came here to confront him about it," Inko finished and Mizuki nodded. Inko let out a sigh, her eyes softening. "I was shocked too. It had happened all of the sudden and before I knew it, he applied to U.A. and got in. He said that it suddenly manifested and I was overcome with joy."

Mizuki's eyes were wide at her words. "All those years ago, I told him I was sorry. Those were the wrong choice of words. I should've motivated him and kept believing in him like you did." Her statement had Mizuki realize that Inko had her own baggage of guilt feelings.

"I don't know why Izuku didn't tell you beforehand but I do know that you were his inspiration to push on. Maybe showing you today rather than telling you was his way of saying, 'Look at me, Mi-chan. I finally made it'," Inko's words at the end had Mizuki hear Izuku's voice.

Was that it? This entire time she felt torn because he didn't tell her. Yet, he didn't want to tell her. He wanted to show her. He wanted to show her that he was alright and, on his way to become a hero.

Mizuki let her head fall onto her hands and let out a groan. "I made a complete fool of myself, didn't I? I made everyone worry about me for nothing. Pathetic." She wanted the earth to swallow her whole, shame and all.

"Not at all." Mizuki glanced up. "You showed that you deeply care about your relationship with Izuku. You were bothered because he didn't tell you. You went as far as running here to sort things out. I would say that it was very brave of you and that you see your friendship as very valuable."

A blush crept onto Mizuki's face and she tried to hide it with her hands. She still the urge to run away from her embarrassment but stayed put. The negative emotions were washed away and replaced with relief.

"Thank you, Midoriya-san. I feel a lot better now. I'll be sure to keep myself in check. I need to know the truth before overreacting. Otherwise, I'll let too many people worry about me. That's not cool at all, is it?" Mizuki said with a smile.

Inko blinked in surprise and then laughed softly. "Yeah, do your best, Mizuki. I know that you'll become a great hero. Keep an eye out for Izuku, will you?" Inko asked and Mizuki could hear the faint plead.

"I'll be sure to keep a close eye on him, Midoriya-san. I'll give him a good piece of my mind if he makes you worry too much," Mizuki replied and Inko gave her a grateful smile. She knew she could count on her.

There was a knock on the door followed by a familiar freckled face boy who stepped inside his house. "I'm home, Mom! Sorry for being-EH?! M-M-Michan?!" Izuku stuttered, his hands swinging around in shock at the scene in front of him.

Mizuki sat opposite of Inko while wearing older clothing of his mother, the peach coloured shirt familiar to him. They looked like they were conversing freely, each having a cup of hot cocoa in front of them.

"Welcome home, Izuku. Mizuki came by to see you and we ended up catching up," Inko spoke up with a warm smile. Izuku let his arms drop to his sides as he nodded in reply. He felt the heated gaze from his best friend and swallowed thickly. He had a feeling why she was here.

"Midoriya-san, would you mind if I talk to him outside?" She asked as she stood up, Inko shaking her head in reply. Mizuki took the last sip of her hot cocoa and placed the cup back down on the table.

"You two go ahead. I'll finish up with dinner," Inko said as she stood up and walked towards the small kitchen. Mizuki grunted and faced Izuku who flinched. She walked towards him and grabbed his collar, pulling him out of the small apartment.

"M-Mi-chan! C-Can't breathe!" Izuku rasped out and Mizuki released him as she closed the door behind him. Izuku paled at the female's glaring red eyes, his mouth running dry. "U-Um, s-so, w-what do you want to t-talk about? D-Did y-you have a-a nice day?" He stuttered.

Mizuki's hand shot forward and he flinched, expecting a hit, only to have a finger pointed straight towards him. "I'll be watching you from now on. You better be prepared," she said and Izuku's eyes widened.

No hit? No scolding? No fuming?

Mizuki let put her hands on her hips. "I'm still upset that you didn't tell me about your new revelation. I'm not letting you go that easily." Izuku paled. "Even so, I'm still supporting you. Just remember, next time you want to keep something to yourself, don't," Mizuki told him.

A gleam of guilt flashed in his green eyes as he pressed his lips together. He wanted to tell her the truth. He had the urge to tell her everything. She was his best friend! He knew he couldn't, even though he never wanted to hide anything from her.

"Mi-chan… I'm sorry! I'm sorry I didn't tell you! It's just… I… I didn't know how to. It happened kind of sudden," Izuku murmured and Mizuki's brows twitched. He was hiding something and it was eating at him. Something was up.

"Next time, just tell me, idiot-zuku." Mizuki gave him a bonk on his head. "I can see that you've got a lot you want to say. For some reason you're keeping it to yourself. I'm not going to push you. When you're ready, you can tell me. We're best friends. Don't forget that."

"I won't! I promise!" Izuku declared and she grunted. He smiled, tears in the corner of his eyes. He was once again reminded how amazing she was. She wasn't forcing him and she wasn't abandoning him. He was lucky to have her.

"Good, now go in there and give your mother a hug. She missed you and even made your favourite food. She's an angel and if you make her worry too much, I'll blow you up," Mizuki threatened and he sweat bullets.

"Y-Yes!" He replied, saluting as he did so and made Mizuki snort in amusement, soon followed by laughter. He blushed in embarrassment and brought his hand down. He eyed the girl, the redness and tiredness in her eyes clearly visible but less noticeable than her relief.

"Mi-chan," Izuku started as Mizuki's laughter died down. "Are you going to join us for dinner? I-I mean you don't have to if you don't want to!" Mizuki watched as he waved his hands in front of him and raised an eyebrow.

"Why?"

Izuku sweat dropped at her statement. "Why? Well, I thought that maybe you haven't eaten yet. I mean, our house isn't that close to yours and I take it you showered because you smell like vanilla," Izuku replied and Mizuki gave him a smug look.

"How would you know I smelled like vanilla?" His entire face reddened drastically, steam coming out of his head as Mizuki made a horror-filled expression. "Izuku! You perv! You smelled me?!" She exclaimed dramatically and he basically exploded.

"No! I just-! I didn't-! I mean you-! It's not like that!" He stuttered, cutting off each sentence that he wanted to say. Mizuki burst out laughing at the male's awkwardness and Izuku wanted to bury himself.

"Teasing you is always the best." He pouted, his cheeks still flushed and Mizuki smirked. "Mom made us curry at home tonight so I won't be joining you for dinner," Mizuki replied and watched as his face fell.

"Though, my uniform is in the washing…" Her smirk widened when she saw his face lit up, eyes widening with expectation. "I'll stay until it's done," she said and he gave her a big, innocent and happy grin.

Inko opened the door next and made the duo glance at her. "Sorry if I'm disturbing you. Dinner's ready. Izuku, you can go wash up before we eat," Inko said and Izuku nodded. Mizuki put her hands on her hips and gave him a smug look.

"Use the vanilla flavour, nah?" She teased and made the male flush deep crimson once again. He protected with an exclaim while Mizuki chuckled in amusement. Inko watched the interaction with a small smile and walked inside, the duo left outside.

It's so nice to be young.

Later that night…

After Mizuki returned home she received a heavy lecturing session from her mother, her father also adding a few things. They were concerned about her out of character acting and her actions when she ran off.

Mizuki wasn't like that. Moreover, Katsuki didn't give them any details, merely telling them that she would come back sooner or later. He made it worse but Mizuki was glad that he stopped them from following her.

Mizuki listened to everything her mother and father said, both of them not holding back with their scolding. Though, it was less threatening and filled with relief that she was alright. Mizuki couldn't help but smile and pulled both in an embrace.

"I'm sorry I made you worry like that. I'll be sure to keep myself in check to not let you worry. Thanks for waiting up and thanks for making our favourite meal. Love you guys," she said and caused both her parents to stare at her with surprised expressions. Mizuki was alright.

Katsuki locked himself in his room, which didn't last long because she too had a key. She unlocked it and peeked inside to see him already lying in bed. The light switch was off, the only light coming in that of the moon that peeked behind the curtain from his balcony door.

"Go away. I want to sleep."

Mizuki chuckled and closed the door behind her, the room filled with darkness once again. "I know…mind if I stay here for a while?" Katsuki eyed her, not able to see her face in the dark. He rolled his eyes and let out a grunt.

Mizuki went to lay next to him, their backs touching as they lay on the bed. She didn't know what to tell him exactly. She knew that he was upset about the whole situation and that she made it worse. Though, she was grateful that he was there.

"You're an idiot for trusting him," Katsuki snapped underneath his breath. Mizuki could feel the simmering anger, but the calmness within her was enough to put her at ease, Katsuki feeling it as well. Mizuki smiled softly and closed her eyes.

"I know. Sorry to make you worry."

"HAH?! Like hell I was worried! You made the old man and the hag freak out and I had to deal with it! I couldn't care less if you ran away!" He snapped and Mizuki merely chuckled at her brother's reaction.

"Love you too."

"Shut up."

After that, everything was silent in the room. Mizuki, due to exhaustion, had fallen asleep almost instantly. The day's events had worn her out and running all the way to Izuku in an emotional hurricane didn't help.

Katsuki, on the other hand, was still awake. He glared at nothing in particular, his eyes looking beyond the light that shone in his room. He could hear Mizuki's soft breathing and her warm back against his chest calmed his raging temper.

He didn't know what happened between her and Izuku, but her behavior told him enough. They were still friends. Stupid, Mizuki. Izuku fooled her and she fell for it, again. When was she going to learn that Izuku was a good for nothing?

He wouldn't be that naïve. He had a real flashy Quirk all along. He was stupid enough to fall for his trickery, Mizuki as well. Katsuki wasn't going to let it happen again. Izuku was going to pay for upsetting his sister and he was going to back off.

Even if Katsuki had to make him.

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