Chapter Eleven: Dinner (Original)

Izuku stared at the ceiling of his childhood bedroom. Another restless night. Ever since he'd been told about the man he had killed, sleep had eluded him. Not that I mind. Recently, the small amount of sleep he managed to get had brought only nightmares. Compared to the images his unconscious mind could conjure, fatigue didn't seem so bad. He sighed.

It sure is lonely, though. As usual, his unoccupied mind drifted to her. Ochako. God, I miss you. Izuku had always pinned after her, sweet longings filling his quiet moments, but it seemed even worse now that he actually had her. Now that he had experienced her warmth, every moment spent apart seemed that much colder. He smiled as her visage drifted through his mind. Even if it was imaginary, her smile was infectious. Although he normally would just picture her beautiful face, smiling brightly, tonight was different. Two shining faces beamed up at him. Four eyes, two brown, two red, glittered like stars.

It was hard to picture Ochako without also thinking of Eri. My daughter. Our daughter. Izuku's chest burned as he let his love for them wash over him. My family. I have a... family. While the concept was still surreal, he no longer felt complete without it. They were his pillar, the only thing that could cut through life's anxieties to bring him clarity. He didn't know what he had done to deserve them, but he knew one thing.

I'm never letting go.

Izuku's eyes squinted as the first rays of morning light broke through his window. Sitting up, he looked to the clock on the wall. 6:15. It would only be a little while longer before his mother would wake up. He stood, feet padding across the floor softly as he made his way to the kitchen. His mother had done so much for him. She had supported him, taken on his pain, his hurt. Izuku remembered how he had cried himself to sleep in her arms the previous night. The least I can do is make her something.

Izuku hummed absentmindedly as he moved around the kitchen, preparing breakfast. He had only been cooking for a few minutes when he heard footsteps behind him. "Mmm... Izu? What are you doing?" It appeared that he had woken her, as she still seemed dazed.

"Morning mom!" He tried to sound as chipper as possible. He wanted to raise her spirits, as a thank you for last night. But that wasn't all. Izuku was determined to show the woman standing in front of him exactly how much she meant to him, and how much she had helped. He quickly crossed the distance of the room, pulling her into a tight hug. "I love you."

"I love you too, son." His mother smiled, interpreting his intentions. Pulling himself away, Izuku returned to the food. He usually only cooked for his mother on her birthday, and it was always the same. Inko Midoriya was a simple woman, a creature of habit. He would always make her chocolate chip pancakes, and she would always laugh at the various shapes he'd manage to create. Cats, birds, clouds, and once, even a (rough) portrait of her. He liked to experiment with the shapes as much as possible, but today's design was an easy choice.

Laying several heart-shaped pancakes in front of her, Izuku stepped back, smiling. Pride swelled in his chest as he saw tears glistening as the corners of his mother's eyes. Giving her shoulder a quick squeeze, he took a plate, and sat. As he toyed with his own food, his mind wandered back to Ochako. I wonder if she's awake yet... I still haven't heard from her. Looking up, he caught his mother's eye. The green eyes he had inherited sparkled with a womanly intuition.

"Thinking about Ochako?" A teasing grin rose to her mouth.

"A-ah, Mom!" Izuku didn't know why he was so embarrassed. It was clear to anyone with a pulse that they had feelings for each other. Just days prior, they had even officially started dating. But he hadn't managed to broach the subject with his mother yet. It wasn't that he didn't want to tell her, he just didn't know how to. Even now, I can't help but feel like a child around her. Seeing the panic in his eyes, his mother took pity on him, waving him off with a laugh. Izuku's face began to cool as she returned to her breakfast. Still feeling defensive, he rose, and returned to the safety of his room. Another lonely day.

Time blurred together as his eyes traced the familiar lines on the ceiling. A million thoughts flew through his muddied mind. After what seemed like seconds, he heard a soft knock at his door. Turning his head, he felt the stiffness in his neck, and looked to the clock instead. 13:15... what? Izuku's body screamed in protest as he moved for the first time in almost seven hours. Hobbling to his door on two still-sleeping legs, he opened it, coming face to face with his mother once more.

"Izu, you have a visitor!" He could tell her eyes were hiding something, and he strained to discern what it was.

A visitor?

He drifted towards his front door as if in a dream. Maybe All Might came to check up on me... or maybe it's Iida with the notes from the classes I missed? Finally reaching the door, he paused momentarily. Focusing on his ears, he could hear the softest sounds of excited whispering on the other side. Taking one last steadying breath, he pulled the door open, and was instantly lost in the most beautiful shade of brown he had ever seen.

Ochako checked her watch as she tugged Eri along, Izuku's apartment complex coming into view. 13:10. Good, we won't be late. Her face was painted with a nervous smile as she let the young girl's excited wave of words wash over her. God, I hope she likes me. Despite the knot of anxiety forming in her stomach, she couldn't help but grin with anticipation. After recent events, it just felt so refreshing to be able to feel like a normal girl, if only for a while. At least for today, she didn't have to worry about villians, her future, or Izuku being hurt. Just for today, she could focus on making a good first impression to her boyfriend's mother.

Feeding off of her mother's energy, Eri was a ball of nervous excitement. The girl was spouting endlessly, wondering how Izuku was, what his home was like, and if her grandmother would like her. Upon hearing the last question, Ochako snapped back into reality. Scooping the small girl up into her arms, she planted a wet kiss on her cheek, eliciting a giggle. "Sweetie, she is going to adore you." Ochako couldn't believe it, but Eri's face managed to somehow get even brighter. Mimicking her mother's usual move, she shot her fist into the air, letting out a small cheer. Hugging the girl close to her chest, Ochako felt some of her anxiety melt away. If Inko was anything like Izuku, there was nothing to worry about.

Ochako stared up at the nameplate on the apartment door. Midoriya. She glanced down at Eri, appraising her new outfit with pride. When the girls of class 1-A had heard about the visit to meet Mrs. Midoriya, they had banded together to help the two prepare. At first, Ochako had welcomed the help, but the outing had quickly devolved into chaos. Between the girls fawning over the hundred different outfits they had forced Eri into, and Mina's constant whispered barbs about 'impressing her future mother in law', it was a miracle that they had managed to pick something out. After a series of dresses and gowns, the group had agreed that dinner at the Midoriya household called for a more casual outfit. For Eri, they had settled on a new white shirt, blue overalls, and black leggings. In Ochako's opinion, she looked perfect. On the other hand, Ochako felt slightly underdressed, sporting a teal tee shirt and grayish-brown capris. A few fresh tendrils of anxiety wormed their way through her chest. Will they think I'm not taking this dinner seriously enough? Or will they think I couldn't afford something better?

Likely sensing her mother's panic, Eri grabbed Ochako's hand, giving it a small squeeze, the older girl's mind snapped back to their plan. As the two girls locked eyes, their faces broke into identical mischievous smiles. Kneeling down so that their faces were level, Ochako quickly kissed her horn. "Ready, sweetie?" Giggling as the small girl saluted, she gave her a slight push, sending her running down the hall. Whipping around the corner, Eri stopped at the edge and crouched, partially obscured from view. Okay, here we go. Surprise number one! Taking a final breath to calm herself, she knocked on the door. After a few still moments she saw Eri moving slightly. She couldn't help but laugh at the girl's eagerness. "Not yet, hun! I'll let you know when to come!" Reminded of the plan, she nodded, new determination set in her eyes. Giggling softly at how seriously Eri was taking their 'plan', Ochako's head turned back to the door quickly as she saw the knob turn. As the door opened, the plan was instantly forgotten. Any thoughts that had previously been in Ochako's mind quickly disappeared as she drowned in green.

Oh. Oh my. Although it had been less than 24 hours since she had seen him, Ochako found herself staring at Izuku as if she was trying to burn the sight of him into her mind. After a stunned pause, she smiled as she realized he'd had a similar reaction to seeing her. Gazing deeper into his love-struck eyes, she quickly realized looking wasn't going to be good enough. A quick detour from the plan can't hurt. Grabbing the front of his shirt with all the urgency she could muster, she pulled herself into him. Their lips met, and her pulse quickened as he grabbed her with equal fervor. As their kiss deepened, her arms found their way around his neck. With a low hum, she felt his mouth twist into a smile, and his arms snaked down around her waist. Breaking apart for the slightest of moments to get air, they crashed back together. Ochako felt her senses becoming overwhelmed as she drank in his presence. Breaking away once more, her mouth found the crook of his neck. Giggling at his small groan of approval, she finished with one last peck to his cheek, and locked eyes once more.

God, he looks so beau- Ochako jumped back as Mrs. Midoriya rounded the corner, her face burning. She hoped that the woman hadn't known what was happening, but judging by the look on her face, Ochako's hopes were in vain. "I-I... uh..." Her face grew even hotter, and her mind went blank. Shit shit shit shit! Great first impression Ochako! She hoped her internal panic wasn't visible on her face. What do I... wait! The plan! With renewed confidence, she turned, beckoning towards the corner. In a flash, Eri flew down the hall. Before the surprised joy could fully register on Izuku's face, she threw herself into him.

"Daddy!"

"DADDY?!" Mrs. Midoriya cried out in shock, tears already making their way down her face. Yes! Eri distraction successful! As Izuku pulled the small girl close, whispering in her ear, Ochako grinned sheepishly as his mother. While the woman appeared to be sobbing, having now collapsed to her knees, Ochako had spent enough time with Izuku to know this was a positive reaction. She beamed down at the woman on the floor, basking in her reaction to the scene unfolding before them. Izuku had finished talking to Eri, and lightly kissed her horn before pulling her into his arms, and standing. Placing her down in front of his mother, he laid his hands on Eri's shoulders to steady her. Ochako drew herself alongside him, wrapping one arm around his waist as they watched the interaction before them.

Ochako felt tears forming in her eyes as Eri gazed up at Inko. Both of them seemed too stunned to speak, and their eyes widened slightly as they appraised each other. A soft chuckle escaped from Izuku as he took it upon himself to kick-start the introduction. "Mom, this is Eri. She's my... daughter. I've adopted her." She could feel him tense as he spoke. He's nervous that this won't go well. Idiot. Ochako loved Izuku with everything she had, but he could be so clueless sometimes. It had only taken a second after he finished before his mother's face broke into a tearful smile.

"Hello, Eri." Inko pulled the small girl into her arms. "I'm your grandma." Any ability Ochako had to hold her tears at bay vanished instantly. Locking eyes with Izuku, she saw that he had tear-streaked cheeks to match her own. Staring into his eyes, her mind could only manage to produce a single thought. I love you. The threat of becoming enraptured in his gaze quickly grew, but Eri's cries turned her attention back to the floor. Eri had collapsed into her grandmother's chest, crying out as her tears stained the woman's shirt. Unable to resist the scene any longer, Izuku lowered himself to the floor, and wrapped his arms around them. Ochako stood back, a smile playing on her lips as tears dripped down her face. I think Eri and I are going to fit in just fine as Midoriyas.

After another 15 minutes, they had all managed to calm down enough to actually talk about their plans for the day. By Inko's suggestion, the group found themselves out shopping for things to make dinner with. She had wanted to give her guests a say in what to eat, and Ochako had been touched by the gesture. However, no matter what she had wanted to eat, one look at Izuku's expression when he had suggested Katsudon had settled it. Her hand drifted into his as they browsed a small grocery store. Eri and Inko had elected to wait outside together, which allowed Ochako to enjoy Izuku's company, if only for a moment. As they walked around the store, grabbing the supplies they needed, the pair settled into a comfortable silence. Besides the occasional touch, or a fleeting glance, they both were satisfied with simply existing together. So this is what it could feel like. Ochako gazed at his face as he led her through the aisles, to the front of the store. After paying for the food, they exited, rejoining Eri and Inko at a fountain across the street. Eri played along the edge of the fountain, giggling as she walking around it, while Inko watched from a bench.

Approaching Inko, the pair set down their groceries. As he went to greet his mother, Ochako noticed Izuku's shoulders tense. Oh. So it's time, then. She knew that he had felt the same thing in that store. The same warmth, akin to sitting in front of a hearth on a cold winter morning. A window into our future. "Mom." His voice was firm. His mother looked up to him, and by the look on her face, she already knew what was coming. "I'm in love with Ochako." Both women gasped in unison. Ochako felt her face heating up. I thought he'd just say we were dating... Izuku's mother and girlfriend both stared up at his face, twisted up in anticipation of Inko's reaction. In an instant, they both started laughing. This boy is so ridiculously adorable. As the tension eased from his body, he grinned nervously, rubbing the back of his head. He opened his mouth to speak, but before any words could escape, a cry cut through the air. Three heads whipped towards the fountain as the small girl on the rim lost her balance.

"Eri!" Ochako moved to catch her, but Izuku was faster. In a flash of green lightning, he had crossed the distance. Although he managed to curl her into his arms before she hit the water, he hadn't planned his own landing. Ochako couldn't help but laugh as father and daughter alike crashed into the fountain. After they remained submerged for several seconds worry began blossoming in her chest, but it, along with any other thought, was swept away as Izuku rose from the fountain, sputtering. Damn. The moisture had rendered his already-thin shirt virtually nonexistent, and every inch of his torso's definition was beautifully outlined. Ochako stared, transfixed on the sight before her, until Eri's laughs brought her back to reality. She once again made for the fountain, stripping off her jacket as she approached. Wrapping it around the now-shivering girl, she lightly kissed her hair. "Are you alright, sweetie?"

"Yep!" Eri seemed unconcerned with her situation. Most likely because she was too distracted with laughing at her father. "Daddy somehow managed to fall in the fountain as well!"

"Well, I was trying to save you." Izuku managed to pout for several seconds, before a wide grin broke across his face. Lifting his daughter into the air, he hugged tight to her chest before disappearing in a flash of green. His voice caught in the air as the tangled form of the pair quickly shrank. "NOW LETS DRY YOU OOOOOFFF!" Ochako laughed, returned to the bench as she awaited their return. Hearing a small sniffle, she turned her head to her left. Inko sat, wiping tears from her eyes. Ochako shot her a puzzled look, but the older woman only returned a wet smile and a squeeze of her hand. Soon, the echoes of Eri's breathless laughter rang out, and the pair returned. Ochako doubled over with renewed laughter as she saw how the wind had menaced their wet hair. Her mirth quickly infected Izuku, then Eri, and shortly after, they all had dissolved into a fit of joy.

After the group had finally recovered from their unintended detour, they made their way back to the Midoriya homestead. Returning through the front door, Inko disappeared into the kitchen, while Izuku took Eri off to find them both a change of clothes. For a moment, Ochako stood alone. Pacing around their living room, she appraised the family pictures on the mantle. She quickly noticed a trend among all of them. It's just the two of them. No father, no friends. Just mother and son. She remembered that Izuku had mentioned his father's work situation, and his general lack of childhood friends, but the reality of the situation hadn't been fully impressed upon her until she had seen this visual family history laid out before her. They've always only had each other. For a short moment, her heart broke at the idea of how lonely the two of them must have been, but she quickly recovered. I'm here now, and so is Eri. They'll never be alone again. Not if I can help it. Resolve pumping through her chest, she joined Inko in the kitchen. "Inko? Is there anything I can do to help?" The woman went to wave her off, but Ochako insisted. "Please, I'd love to help! I need to learn how to make Katsudon eventually, anyways." She blushed slightly at the implication of her sentence, but any embarrassment quickly disappeared as she saw the joy blossom on the older woman's face.

"Dear, you are a treasure." Inko directed her to a pan to prepare the rice, as she returned to frying the pork. They worked in silence for several minutes, their backs to each other. Just as Ochako settled into the rhythm of cooking, the older woman spoke. "I didn't want to say anything in front of Izu, you know how shy he can be, even around me." The woman's voice caught in her throat momentarily. "But... you two make such a lovely couple. It's easy to see how much you love each other." Ochako turned, surprised at Inko's sentiment, and saw that she had paused her work to approach. As she slowly wrapped her arms around Ochako, she spoke, her voice quivering slightly. "Thank you so, so much. For loving my Izu." Ochako hugged back with all her strength. Her eyes widened in even more surprise as Inko lightly kissed her hair. "In my eyes, you're already family." Seemingly finished, she returned to the cooking, and Ochako followed suit. After a few more minutes of comfortable silence, Izuku's voice finally rang down the hall.

"So..." Ochako recognized the sound of Izuku trying to hold back an excited surprise. Bracing herself, she wiped her hands, and turned in the direction of his room. In the corner of her eye, she noticed that Inko had done the same. Izuku edged into the kitchen, very obviously obstructing something behind him from view. "So... I needed to replace our wet clothes, and I didn't have anything of Eri's here in the apartment..." A wide smile was doing everything it could to explode across his face. "But... I managed to find this!" With a showy hop, he moved to the side, gesturing behind him. Instantaneously, Ochako and Inko erupted with matching coos of delight. Before them, Eri bashfully gazed up, embarrassed at her outfit, while also clearly delighted at the reaction she was receiving. As she tugged on the hood of Izuku's old 'All Might' onesie, her eyes shot to the floor, but she couldn't conceal the wide smile on her face. In a heartbeat, Ochako crossed the room, and scooped the small girl into her arms.

"OH MY GOD!" She felt completely overwhelmed with how adorable this girl could be. "MY BABY IS SO CUTE!" Eri cried out laughing as Ochako began littering her face with motherly kisses. After a moment to observe the scene, Izuku approached, embracing Ochako and Eri alike. As the family held there in a single perfectly frozen moment, Inko moved the now finished food to the table.

"Dinner's ready!"

Izuku found himself once again studying the lines in his ceiling. He turned his head to the clock for what felt like the hundredth time that hour. 2:15...fuck. After dinner, they had settled into watching a movie. Within 20 minutes, everyone besides Izuku had been dozing off, so he had turned it off, sending everyone to bed. Eri was currently snoring softly on an air mattress on his bedroom floor, while Ochako had made a bed on their living room couch. He had made an attempt to sleep, but a short nightmare had banished any realistic possibility of rest tonight. He sighed. He didn't know how a house full of people he loved could manage to feel so lonely. Of course, none of them truly had to experience it. I love how much they want to help, and I'm thankful none of them have to really feel this way, but... He was slightly ashamed of the thought, but no mental straining could escape it. I still feel so...alone. At least at night, I have no one. The sound of his door creaking reached his ear. Before he could muster the energy to turn his head, his blanket lifted, and warmth spread across his left side. Finally looking away from the ceiling, his eyes met two glowing brown orbs. Ochako gazed up at him, a small smile playing on her lips. He opened his mouth to speak, to wonder why she was awake, but she cut him off, pressing a finger to his mouth. Placing her hands on his chest, she leaned up, and kissed his jaw. Tilting his head down to align better with hers, their lips met in a sweet kiss. She sighed into him, draping a leg across his waist, and broke away. Settling her head onto his chest, she murmured a single sentence. "I thought you might have trouble sleeping." Tears sprung to his eyes, and he instantly cursed his previous lack of faith. You idiot... He let the warmth of her presence spread over him. You're never alone. Moments later, his eyes felt strangely the first time in what felt like years, Izuku found himself drifting away peacefully, lulled to sleep by the feeling of a heartbeat lightly thudding against his own.