Chapter Five: Calm Before the Storm
The hours of practice were exhausting but worth it. Tomorrow was the big day, after all.
"Deku, the bath is ready," Ochaco smiled from the door. Sighing as he melted into the water, she controlled her laughter. "Remember our first bath? You were so tense."
"I got used to it," he admitted. "But my heart still beats like crazy."
"Is that so?" Ochaco asked, knees peeking out.
"That's because I'm… naked, with a girl," he whispered, neither meeting a red face.
"Hard to believe it's been a week since we started living together, huh?"
"I know. I'm really nervous about tomorrow, though," Izuku said.
"Right? I'd be a wreck just thinking about all those eyes on us."
"I think of it as part of being a hero, never knowing who's watching."
The blonde villainess came to mind as they dried off and headed downstairs.
"Oh, great, you guys are here," Mina said. "We were just talking about interesting times in the last week, and you won't believe-"
"Mina, no," Toru whined.
"She was hugging Ojiro's tail."
"I thought it was my plushie."
"So, was the shower warm enough, you two?" Mina asked with a wicked smile.
"Answer the question, Midoriya," Mineta said, arms around his neck. "And don't try to deny it. The proof is right here," he spoke, pulling at his hair.
"What's going on in here?" Mr. Aizawa asked, accompanied by Eri. "She wants to walk around town, but only if someone goes with you, Midoriya."
"I'm sure Ochaco wouldn't mind," Mina spoke, keeping her friend from floating away.
"S-Sure, let's go," she said, racing out the door.
"What's that?" Eri asked, peering through a paw-printed window.
A chorus of meows converged at the chime. As Eri hid behind them, Ochaco snatched a spotted cat with a big bow.
"This little girl is so sweet," she gushed.
"Which one is your favorite?" Izuku asked, smiling from the grass-like floor, Eri stroking the tabby that rested in his lap.
"I-I can't choose a favorite, Deku. This one's a little ball of fluff," she spoke before picking another, a bell on the collar. "And this one looks like you." He blinked with the cat, the whiskers mirroring his freckles.
"So, Eri, what did you think of the cats?" Izuku asked.
"I liked them. The eyes reminded me of Mom."
The teens froze.
"Really? That's great. What do you remember?" Ochaco asked.
"She's pretty."
"Well, if she's anything like you, I'm sure she is."
"She's also a… bad girl?" Eri spoke, tilting her head.
"I'm sure she's not that bad," Ochaco giggled, Izuku laughing with her, more quiet and awkward. "You okay, Deku?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just didn't think cats could wear me out this much."
"Why don't you get some sleep while Eri and I wait for Mr. Aizawa?"
Climbing in bed, Izuku melted into the pillow but lifted the blanket. A mess of blonde hair, a golden eye peeking. He ran a slow hand through her hair until she drifted back to sleep, no response to the soft purr as she scooted closer.
"Why are you here?" Izuku asked.
"You were taking forever to come back, so I fell asleep," Himiko said, tying her hair.
"What if I walked in with Uraraka, or it had been a teacher?"
"I would've handled it," she dismissed. "And "Uraraka'? You still can't call her Ochaco?"
Izuku swallowed with heated cheeks. "What did you want to talk about?"
"Straight to the point, just like a true hero," Himiko swooned. "I'm sure you know I won't hurt Eri, but don't know why I'm interested in her, right? I'll admit, I was on board with the plan to take her."
The air became thick as Himiko shivered. She was in danger, and she loved it.
"Though that was on Tomura's orders, and some payback on Overhaul," she admitted. "As for why, I don't know. She reminds me of me."
"Eri is nothing like you," Izuku hissed.
"Really, now?" Himiko asked, narrow slits meeting crackling lighting.
"Eri is kind, loving, and gentle."
"And what am I?"
"You're-"
"Cruel? Hateful? Brutal?" she filled, closing the distance. Izuku gave, grateful for the space she gave him. "Anyways, there's rumor of talk between U.A. and the Hero Commission."
"Do you have a plan, then?" Izuku asked, startled when she skipped to him.
"We run away," Himiko said with a face-splitting smile, her expression dropping. "If we don't do something, something will happen. It's all on us."
Izuku watched her disappear. He hadn't saved her yet.
"Are you alright, Gentle?" the young woman asked. "You haven't had a tea break all week."
"This route we'll be taking is the first step towards our dream."
"Wait, isn't that… a cafe?"
"Don't you think it's fitting for the grand caper we're about to pull off?" he winked. "And because of the owner's advanced age, it opens early."
"This is way more research than you usually do," she noted.
"Because I am betting my mustache and soul on this scheme," he vowed, turning to his partner. "And, to honor your feelings."
"Oh, stop, Gentle. Anything you need," the woman swooned in circles. "You know I love you," she said, stopped by the hand on her head.
"I truly have the most wonderful partner imaginable. My dear, I'm forever grateful to have you at my side," he spoke, unfazed when she leaped at him with tears.
They would turn the festival into a grand spectacle.
"How much longer?" a man groaned.
"Not until tomorrow. Be patient, Rappa," his partner spoke.
"Soon, the world will know the yakuza ain't done, and we let no injustice go unpunished."
They would turn the festival into a horror show.
Thank you so much to everyone who read this chapter!
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Reviews from Chapter 4
AJ: "As much as I like this story... I find it hard to believe he didn't notify the school about the whole... incident... Seriously! She is a member of the league of villains for crying out loud! Though I can understand the reasons, Deku is still being irresponsible..."
Even if it is irresponsible, I think it's clear that Eri has an effect on him. When asked if he liked Toga, he replied without thinking.