Midori's Harem
Chapter: Pageant 3
Izumi wiped the blood and dirt from her face and checked for any further scratches or marks. She was grateful the outfits she was wearing for both the concert and the pageant were long sleeved or she'd have a lot more explaining to do to her friends. She didn't want to worry any of them by saying she'd gotten into a fight with a Villain while she'd been out on an errand.
Gentle Criminal and La Brava…
She felt sorry for the man with broken dreams and his young friend who had just wanted to help. She knew all too well what it felt like to have a dream you wanted so much, but no one seemed to really believe in you. Gentle hadn't been nearly as strong or frightening as the other villains she'd battled with… but in terms of challenging her moral compass, it had been the most difficult fight of her career.
"Midoriya hurry up! We're about to start!" Mineta shouted at her from behind the door. "Light a fire under your butt and let's go!"
"Coming!" She called out and pulled her jacket on. That was enough dismal thinking. Her goal now was to make both the concert and her beauty pageant performance a success, so that she could pay back the support she'd received from her friends, and watch a little girl smile for the very first time.. She lay a nervous hand on her stomach and put on a smile of her own. "Show time!"
~The concert hall~
"Ah! There she is! You ready, ma cherie?" Aoyama took her hand and gave it a little kiss. "I leave my sparkling self in your capable hands."
"Yes," she blushed a little at the kiss but waved it off as a friendly and foreign gesture. "Leave it to me, Aoyama-kun."
"You're late you damn nerd!" Bakugou scolded, pushing the annoying blonde fruitcake away from her. He raised a brow at the disheveled mess of her hair and gave one of the strands a teasing tug, in an old familiar gesture that made Izumi blush more. "Don't you own a brush?"
"Ah, sorry I didn't have time. Is it that bad?" She lifted a hand to it, fussing.
"Ponytail," Bakugou grunted at Yaoyorozu. "Make a scrunchy so she can put that mess up. This is the one time I'll allow it."
"You'll allow it, huh?" Izumi's brow gave an irritated twitch while Yaoyorozu quickly brushed her hair and pulled it up into a fluffy tail.
"This performance battle has to be beyond perfect. I refuse to give those other classes any leeway to ridicule us." He jerked his thumb across his neck. "We'll kill them with sound and our performance. Got it?"
"Mmm…" Izumi smiled at him. He may have his own motives, but she knew Bakugou was determined in his own way to make the concert a success. "Yes."
"Places everyone!" Iida called out, "The curtain is rising in ten seconds."
Izumi scampered to her spot, smiling at Uraraka when she clasped her hand for support. They shared a long deep breath as the let free seconds counted down.
"It's so dark…" Eri clung to Mirio nervously.
"Don't worry, soon this place will be full of light, just watch." He assured her. The buzzer sounded for the performance to start and the restless audience went quiet.
"Let's do this!" Bakugou shouted. "We're gonna murder these U.A students with our sound!" He exclaimed and spund just exploded as he lay down the beginning rift of drums with his band members joining in. Lights flashed on revealing the dancers and Jirou who was lead singer.
"Thanks for coming out!"
~Post concert~
"Midori-chan!" Mirio waved at Izumi when she re-entered the concert hall. All Might and Hound Dog had pulled her aside to scold her about her previous actions, but didn't want to hold her up any more than they had to.
"Senpai, Eri-chan!" Izumi crouched down, folding her skirt over her legs. "Did you enjoy the concert, Eri?"
"Uh huh!" The beaming smile on her face made Izumi want to weep for joy. The little sprite of a girl started to explain excitedly all that she'd seen and felt in those few minutes during the concert. "It was amazing!"
"I'm so happy you enjoyed yourself." She said tearily and brushed it away.
"Mr. Togata says that you're gonna be in a beauty pageant. I don't know what that is, but I'm really excited to see it." Eri giggled.
"I'll do my best for- GAH! The Pageant!" Izumi checked the time. "Oh crap, oh crap, I need to be getting ready!"
"Izumi-san!" Momo ran over with a garment bag. "I have your dress. Let's hurry and get you changed. Todoroki-san, Bakugou-san!" Momo turned towards the two that were in the process of melting down the ice. "As soon as your done come straight to the dressing room. I have your costumes prepared as well."
"Ha? What costumes?!"
"For the skit, remember?" Ashido reminded them, using her acid to melt away another layer of ice. Momo didn't stand around to argue, but instead escorted Izumi off to get ready. "It's what we decided to do for Midoriya's presentation."
"What happened to the whole tumbling idea?"
"That's part of the skit… don't tell me you completely ignored the group message I sent out!" Ashido glared.
"We never practiced for anything like that! What part exactly am I playing?"
"Relax, it's easy… and right up your alley." Ashido whispered to him, his eyebrow twitching irritably.
"You gotta be fucking kidding me."
~The Pageant~
Kendo from class 1B unleashed a powerful attack that broke apart all the wooden plants in one blow. The crowd seemed to really enjoy the mix of beauty and brawn she was displaying.
"Wha, so strong…" Izumi wished she had her notebook so she could jot down the new quirks she was seeing. "I wonder if Kendo would like to spar with me one day."
"Focus, Midori." Uraraka turned her shoulders as Momo did the last finishing touches on her hair. The curls were more tame now, and framed her cute freckled face that she'd dusted with a natural style of make-up to bring out her big green eyes and pouty lips. The ears on her head were cinched down by pins and blended perfectly into the curls so they almost looked real. "Do you remember everything you're supposed to do?"
"Yes, for the most part…" She wriggled a bit, looking nervous. "Still I don't see why we had to make it this elaborate performance. The tumble idea would have been good enough to show off my quirk."
"It's not just your quirk you're showing off, Izumi. You're showing off who you are, remember?" Uraraka yelped as Kenranzaki, the 3rd year from the support course, raced through on her big elaborate machine. Her dance and skill all flash and pizzazz. Somehow Izumi was starting to think that everyone from the support course was exactly the same. "Your quirk is great, but it's only one facet to who you are as a hero."
"Eh?" Izumi blinked in surprise.
"You're strong, but you're also determined, smart, and brave." Momo came around to take her hands in hers. "Most of all, Izumi-san, you're kind, and caring. Those I think are your best qualities, and they should be shown at their best."
Izumi looked down at their joined hands and then to Uraraka who gave her a thumbs up. The noise of the crowd gathered their attention again, and they looked out to see Hado's performance, her fairy-like dance in the sky a breathtaking spectacle. The waves she admitted spiraled out forming a rose shape and earned the applause and praise of the awed audience.
"I see it now…" Izumi smiled and closed her gloved hands together in a small prayer. "I just, need to be myself."
"Exactly!" Uraraka rubbed her shoulders encouragingly.
"That was so fun!" Hado exclaimed as she floated down.
"You were amazing, Hado-senpai! You looked so beautiful and elegant!" Izumi praised her senior classmen.
"Thanks!" She went to Izumi and lay a supportive hand on her shoulder.. "Good luck to you, Izumi-chan. I'll be rooting for you!"
"Thank you, senpai. I'm gonna do my best!" Izumi took a deep breath and turned out towards the stage. It was her turn next.
"Next up we have a first year, from the hero course Izumi Midoriya!" The announcer introduced her, and Izumi stepped out on stage, stiff and nervous. She didn't realize from back stage just how many people were watching this. When she'd done the concert she'd been able to focus on the dance moves and being around her friends… but now she was all alone, and all eyes were on her.
The dress the girls had chosen for her was an elegant white lolita style, with lacey gloves, knee high boots and thigh highs, and big billowy sleeves. Momo had added a little extra flair but added green ribbons to embellish it, and even a bunny tail sewed into the back of the skirt.
"Whoa, cosplay? Kinky." A few guys snickered and sent catcalls to her. Izumi flushed a bit, but continued to walk quietly down the runway to the stage.
"Why did class 1A choose this girl? Yaoyorozu is way hotter!"
"Totally! Get off the stage, ugly, and give us Yaoyorozu!"
Izumi flinched, lowering her head a little as the crowd was a mix of jeers and laughter. She stood in the center of the platform, taking another deep breath to calm herself. She didn't care if she wasn't their first pick, or their favorite. Her friends trusted this position to her, and she'd do her best to draw in the crowd and show them what she was made of.
"This adorable little bunny girl will be performing a-" the announcer started to introduce Izumi but was cut off by Bakugou's gruff and annoyed voice.
"Damn it, I'm hungry!" Bakugou leapt up on the stage, followed closely behind Todoroki. "I want some meat!"
"Yes, meat is good." Todoroki agreed in his usual stoic expression. He didn't really understand his part, and just decided to let Bakugou take the lead in this.
"Uh-Oh…" Fully immersive into the skit, the announcer played his part. "It looks like a hungry looking wolf and a sly fox have entered the stage area! This could mean trouble for our adorable bunny girl."
Bakugou slowly turned his head towards Izumi, the look he gave her was one of pure predator. Momo had done a great job with their costumes. Shoto looked something out of an asian fairytail in his elegant obi, and dual colored fox ears, and tail. Bakugou in the meantime was like something out of an angst teenage romance book, all edgy, menacing, and overall sexy. She could hear the squeals of female delight and her own heart beat rapidly at being the center of these two handsome men's attention.
"Well now, lookie what we have here, Todoroki. A little lost rabbit…" he shifted his stance, his knuckles cracking. "I've got a home for yah, Usagi. Right in my belly."
"Wait…" Todoroki grabbed Bakugou's shoulder. "I would like to eat her as well. She looks more appetizing than soba."
"No way, get your own!" Bakugou shoved him off, but Todoroki stood firm. The two locking hands and squaring off.
"Please don't fight over me! I do not wish to be eaten. There must be another way to satisfy your hunger." She pleaded, but was met with deaf ears. She sighed and lifted her head up. She wanted to laugh a little when she saw the big bird in the sky, painstakingly painted to almost look like Endeavor. Shoto didn't often show it, but he did have his own idea of humor. "There! That big bird there looks big enough to satisfy both of you."
"Shut up, you damn rabbit!" Bakugou pointed. "That's too much of a pain, I'd rather eat you!"
"It is a good idea, but neither of us can fly, and the bird is out of our reach."
"Maybe not alone.. .but if we work together we can do it." She offered a gentle smile and extended her hand. "Please...I want to help you."
"Ha? How can a helpless little rabbit like you help us?!" Bakugou said his line, though it pained him to do so as it brought back bad memories of the past. Still the look in Izumi's eyes, the determination and kindness in them, made his heart stir.
"Just trust me… if I can't do it, then I promise not to fight or run. One way or the other, I will feed you. Deal?"
"Bakugou and Todoroki look at each other and shrug.
"Fine, it beats starving. What's your plan, yah damn rabbit?"
"Oh, oh what's this? It looks like our little rabbit hero is planning to work together with her predators. What is she planning?" The announcer called out, keeping the story rolling as the three of them got into their places.
"You ready!?" Izumi waved her hand to the two boys.
"Hurry up before the damn bird flies away!" Bakugou shouted back at her, keeping in character. "I haven't got all day you useless rabbit!"
"Rabbits aren't useless… we may be small, and weaker than most, but that doesn't mean we can't help other animals in need!" Izumi let One for All activate, her hair and skirts floating a little in reaction to the energy she was emitting. Using the runway, she sprinted down it and went into the series of tumbles she'd practiced.
Bakugou and Todoroki both crouched down, hands cupped and ready. In perfect synchronicity they moved as one, lifting Izumi high up into the air, her quirk pushing her even further than that until she flew up and suspended in the sky.
"SMASH!" Izumi unleashed a powerful kick that popped the large balloon, unleashing a series of smaller balloons.
"AIR FORCE!" She took aim with her fingers, unleashing a small series of air bullets that popped the remaining balloons. The crowd roared with excitement as the balloons all popped one by one unleashing clouds of confetti into the audience. Eri, all smiles and giggles, caught the ribbons of gold, and white confetti in her hands as if it were falling snow.
"She did it!" Mirio laughed and bounced Eri up and down excitedly. "Isn't she amazing?"
"That tumbling move was so cool!" One audience member shouted.
"Yeah! Did you see the height she got on that jump? It's like she's flying."
"It was pretty cool. It's such a shame she's not all that cute. I don't see her competing with-"
"Kya!" Izumi squeaked as the wind picked up while she made her descent. The sound instantly attracted every male in the audience and turned their attention to Her. Izumi's skirts were flowing up past her knees and she had to keep her hands pressed on her lap to keep herself from being exposed.
"WHOA!" Mineta blew smoke from his nose, wiping drool from his lips. "Accidental panty shot! Damn I should have gotten that on film!"
Izumi landed a little unsteady back on the platform. Wobbling a bit she went to her knees, her eyes damp as the embarrassment of the moment hit her hard. One of her bunny ears had flopped down, her hair was disheveled and her body she quickly covered her face whimpering.
"How embarrassing."
The entire audience went silent, the image of this adorable bunny girl now stuck in their head. The big wide screen above the stage focused on her, giving those in the back a good look at the expression on her face.
Every single man in the audience had the exact same reaction.
"SO CUTE!"
"Eh?" Izumi lifted her head as applauds and shouts of male approval echoed out around her. She slowly got to her feet, and gave a shy smile and bowed.
"Thank you." She turned around to finish her line, but she jolted when she saw Bakugou and Todoroki were both lying on the ground. "Kacchan? Shoto? What's wrong?"
"So cute…" Todoroki held his flushed face, and wished there wasn't a huge audience to witness his reaction.
"Why the fuck do you have to be so damn cute?" Bakugou, thoroughly embarrassed by his own reaction, kept his head bowed and he slammed his fists on the ground.
"Amazing!" The announcer exclaimed. "Our young rabbit hero, Izumi Midoriya, has charmed the savage beasts! Let's hear it for her."
The audience applauded her, but Izumi was still fretful as she attempted to pick Bakugou and Shoto up off the stage so that the next contestant could perform. Meanwhile out in the audience, Midoriya's other suitors were all having their own problems dealing with their reactions to Izumi's performance.
"Midoriya's light shines far too brightly…" Tokoyami lay a hand over his face, his heart galloping in his chest. "It's blinding."
"I know what you mean…" Kaminari had to agree, thinking of the blinding white panties he'd seen before she'd had the tact to cover herself. "She just radiates purity."
"I think that performance really gave Midoriya a shot to win, don't you?" Kirishima slapped his fists together in excitement.
"I'll admit that girl has some unexpected charm," Monoma flicked his hair. "However she cannot beat the raw beauty of our Kendo!"
"How did I not know just how much a babe Midoriya is! She's got the perfect body and face to pull off any manner of slutty cosplay. Bunny girl, maid cafe, kimonos, BDSM! GAH!" Mineta collapsed as Tsuyu swiped him across the face with her tongue then motioned Sero to drag him away.
"We gotta make sure to do our part and vote for Izumi!" Hagakure bounced with excitement.
"Absolutely!" Ashido agreed.
"Hey guys, once we vote, wanna go check out Class 1Cs haunted house?"
"No way man, let's go check out the obstacle course."
"Crepes, crepes, CREPES!"
~Meanwhile~
"Whew thank goodness it's over!" Izumi, feeling more like herself again now that she was back in her uniform, let out a sigh of relief. She didn't bother removing the make up as she didn't know if she needed some kind of special remover. She'd have to ask Momo on how to both apply and remove it properly so that she could do so in the future.
"Midoriya…" Shoto's voice brought her out of her thoughts and she turned to see him waiting for her just down the hall.
"Oh Shoto, I thought you'd be done and looking around at the festival by now."
"Bakugou got dragged off by Kirishima and Kaminari to go try the obstacle course, and everyone else has already gone and split up. I wanted to wait and make sure you wouldn't be by yourself." He explained with a gentle smile. "Would you like to walk around with me?"
"Sure, though I'm a little surprised Kacchan isn't waiting here with you. You know how he doesn't like when the two of us are alone." She walked side by side with him.
"With good reason, I guess. I'm not particularly thrilled when the two of your go off on your own."
"Is that the real reason you came to get me the other day?" She raised a brow.
"Partially…" He admitted. "Can you blame me?"
"This has to stop, Todoroki-kun." She paused her walk, and took his hand. "This fighting between the two of you is pointless, and unproductive. I mean look how well the two of you work together when you put the effort into it… and when the three of us work together… well it just feels… right, yah know? Why can't we be more like that?"
"I'm willing to try… if it means I can stay close to you." Shoto lay a hand on her cheek. "I'd hate to think our animosity for each other is what drives you away in the end."
"So long as you both put in the effort… then I won't be so hard pressed to leave." She smiled and gently pulled his hand away. "At any rate… the two of you did stir my heart earlier. I really felt like I was gonna be eaten."
"Truth be told…" He bent his head down and whispered in her ear. "I really wanted to."
"EEEP!" Izumi jolted and slapped at him, rubbing her ear. "Don't do that!" She briskly started walking away. "Come on, there's a lot I wanna see before I'm due back on stage."
Todoroki covered his mouth with the back of his hand to hide a small laugh, then followed her out towards the crowds and stalls.
~Later~
There'd been so much to see and do, Izumi was sad she wouldn't be able to see all the festival had to offer. After meeting up with their other friends she managed to enjoy as much as possible. She went through the haunted house with Tokoyami, clinging to his arm as he'd requested her to do whenever something jumped out and frightened her. Shinsou gave her a fright coming out of the ceiling, and she praised him for it later once they'd finished their walk through.
She did the obstacle course with Kirishima who had run through it for the third time. He praised her for her general athleticism, and she praised him for his manly gusto which made him laugh.
Kacchan snagged soon afterwards to walk around the support course fair to check out all the gadgets and gear they'd cooked up for the event. He didn't say much, but instead let her completely nerd out, and quietly smiled to himself as she did so.
Finally, Mirio, and Eri took her to browse the food stands, trying all manner of delicacies and treats. The smile on her face just got bigger and bigger as the day went on, and it made Izumi extremely happy.
"Hey, it's about time for them to announce the winner right?" Mirio looked at his watch and Izumi nodded.
"Yeah, I'd better go join the others. Thanks for the takoyaki, Senpai."
"Don't mention it, and good luck! We're rooting for you!"
"I hope you win, Usagi-san!" Eri waved excitedly, and took Mirio's hand as they joined the rest of the audience. Izumi joined the rest of the girls on stage, standing between Kendo and Hado. Her stomach did a little tumble as the announcer brought the crowd in to view the reading of the results.
"Good luck to all our contestants! May the best girl win!"
"I always do!" Kenranzaki laughed, flipping her curls.
"Good luck, Izumi-chan." Hado smiled at her.
"You too, Senpai." Izumi nodded and looked at Kendo. "You as well, Kendo-san."
"Thanks." She offered a polite smile, but then went serious as the announcer opened the envelope.
"In third place…" The announcer read the name, and nearly bowled over in shock. "My word, Kenranzaki Bibimi-san!"
"I knew… wait what? Third place? How can this be?!" Kenranzaki looked on in complete shock. The audience was also bemused.
"Wasn't Kenranzaki the favorite to win?" some whispered.
"Guess being the favorite isn't always a guarantee."
"In second place… is … Nejire Hado!" The announcer shifted towards Nejire who pouted at being called second, but quickly went back to a smile as she was handed the runner-up bouquet.
"Whoa, whoa, seriously? Both of last year's first place and runner ups were beaten by underclassmen?"
"Which one though?"
"Kendo, Kendo, Kendo…" Monoma rubbed his palms together looking intensely as he prayed with fervor.
"Finally, our winner and new champion is…" He waved the microphone around and did a little pirouette before pointing directly at Izumi. "IZUMI MIDORIYA!"
"Eh?" Izumi blinked in surprise.
"EH!?" Kenranzaki and Hado looked at Izumi shocked as well.
"EEHHHHHHH?!" All of Class 1A looked on in shock as Izumi was handed the large bouquet and the crown was set atop her head.
"Whoa, seriously! I mean I really wanted this to happen, but I never expected Midoriya to actually win over Hado-senpai." Kirishima laughed and applauded. "Way to go, Midoriya!"
"Wooo Midoriya-chan!" Mirio lifted eri up high so they both could wave.
"I-I-I don't get it. I mean don't get me wrong, I'm happy, but-" Izumi looked at Nejire.
"This isn't right. This crown should be yours, Hado-senpai. Your performance was truly one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen."
"It's okay, Izumi-chan. It's just a competition, after all, no biggie." She giggled. "I'm happy I beat Kenranzaki at least, and besides your skit was so funny, and original, and it showed everyone just how cute and kind you are. I really enjoyed it." Hado beamed at her. "So if I had to be beaten by someone, I'm glad it was you."
"Senpai…" Izumi blushed and smiled, hugging the flowers to her chest. She waved to the audience as she was told to do, pictures of her being taken left and right.
"Wow, I can't believe she really won." Kaminari applauded politely and looked to Bakugou. "Right, Bakugou?"
"Tch, don't be stupid. Of course she won." Bakugou crossed his arms, lifting his chin up to watch Izumi's face change expression. "It's a friggin beauty pageant… and I don't know a single person who's more beautiful on the inside than that damn rabbit."
~Ask Briry~
Bri: I debated back and forth whether I wanted Izumi to come in first, or second, and ultimately I went with the win because I thought it would round out the chapter better. I hope you enjoyed it.
Next Chapter: Secret Crush